Story by Chloe Waskey
Photo by Allie Seibel
THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN
FOCO EVENTS TOP STORIES
NEWS: ASCSU Open House connects students with its representatives, work PAGE 4
LIFE: Global Village Museum honors global New Year’s traditions PAGE 6
SPORTS: CSU swim and dive celebrates 6 graduating athletes PAGE 11
SCIENCE: CSU’s fermentation sciences program brews future industry leaders PAGE 14
ARTS: Fort Collins’ Art in Public Places program celebrates 30th anniversary PAGE 17
OPINION: Anti-fat medical professionals perpetuate inadequate care, distrust PAGE 20
MEDIA: CSU’s bug museum preserves Rocky Mountain critters PAGES 12-13
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CORRECTIONS
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The Slaps at The Coast 7 p.m. Jan. 31
Bonsai Class at Bath Garden Center 10-11 a.m. Feb. 1
Ginger and Baker Valentine’s Market 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 2
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
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EDITORIAL STAFF
Aubree Miller | News Editor news@collegian.com
Sam Hutton | News Editor news@collegian.com
Christian Arndt | L&C Editor life@collegian.com
Katie Fisher | Science Editor science@collegian.com
Ruby Secrest | A&E Editor entertainment@collegian.com
Michael Hovey | Sports Editor sports@collegian.com
Sophie Webb | Sports Editor sports@collegian.com
Dominique Lopez | Opinion Editor letters@collegian.com
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Cait Mckinzie | Photo Director photo@collegian.com
Gigi Young | Digital & Social Director social@collegian.com
Isabella Trinchero | Social Media Coordinator social@collegian.com
The Nokhu Crags sits visible in a snowstorm along the Poudre Canyon Road in Larimer County Jan. 25.
PHOTO BY GARRETT MOGEL THE COLLEGIAN
Lory Student Center, Suite 118 Fort Collins, CO
Food delivery robots roll out on CSU’s campus
By Chloe Waskey @csucollegian
As of Monday, Jan. 27, Colorado State University students and faculty can have meals delivered by autonomous robots, thanks to a new partnership with Starship Technologies and Grubhub.
The robots can deliver up to 100 pounds of hot or cold food within 30 to 60 minutes, according to the Starship website. The service comes with a $3.49 delivery fee that goes to Grubhub and Starship, which was started by Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis.
“We’ve had so many orders that our robots are completely backed up,” said Lucas Miller, director of residential dining services on day one of the initiative.
“Everybody seems really excited.”
Although delivery robots are new to Colorado, Starship operates on over 55 college campuses across the country. Miller said getting the delivery robots to CSU had been in the works for around four years.
“There’s a bit of a learning curve in how they navigate sidewalks and what the impacts are to pedestrian traffic and bicycle traffic and understanding the different city codes and ordinances,” Miller said.
Starship hired Tevis Parent, a CSU student studying computer science, as a robot engineer.
“My favorite part is performing upgrades so the robots have the most
updated hardware,” Parent said in an email. “There’s just something satisfying about a diagnostic readout coming back as successful after an upgrade.”
Parent recalled the time he realized the robots can do more than just deliver food. In fact, they can interact with customers and play music when requested.
“While I was preparing one of the bots for launch, another bot plugged into the charger started playing ‘Dancing Queen’ by ABBA,” Parent said. “That’s when I learned that the bots will speak to customers and play music upon completion of delivery.”
Parent is just one of many students who will work with the robots on a daily basis. By integrating more technology into campus life, Miller hopes this initiative will give students a unique hands-on learning experience.
“We have students that are working with the robots in each one of the restaurants on campus,” Miller said.
“It’s giving experiential learning opportunities to a lot of students for kind of a totally different technology that they probably wouldn’t get exposed to otherwise.”
The robots are equipped with sensors, 360-degree cameras, artificial intelligence and machine learning software to navigate campus through a variety of conditions. However, it may take the robots a few weeks to collect enough campus data to achieve maximum capabilities.
“(Starship) described to us, like, the first few weeks you’re probably going to see robots that maybe look a little confused or maybe aren’t moving super smooth,” Miller said. “That’s normal at the beginning.”
Grubhub provides CSU and Starship with the data needed to make assessments on the success of the delivery bots, including the volume of orders, pattern of deliveries and impact on dining operations. Because the majority of operations are owned and overseen by Starship — including the robots themselves — the overall cost of the project is relatively low for CSU.
“The only cost to the university was that we had to modify a storage area for the robots to store at night and to charge and to be cleaned and to be in for maintenance,” Miller said.
According to a CSU SOURCE article, the robots also come at a low cost to the environment, acting as a zero-emissions alternative to traditional delivery options.
“The robots are battery operated and can go nearly a single day on a full charge,” Parent said. “This not only reduces congestion on roads but also reduces CO2 emissions.”
As the new robots continue to upgrade and integrate into dining services, CSU will continue to assess data and monitor feedback to determine the long-term role of autonomous delivery on campus.
Reach Chloe Waskey at news @collegian.com.
“We have students that are working with the robots in each one of the restaurants on campus. It’s giving experiential learning opportunities to a lot of students for kind of a totally different technology that they probably wouldn’t get exposed to otherwise.”
LUCAS MILLER RESIDENTIAL DINING SERVICES DIRECTOR
A Starship Technologies food delivery robot powers on and makes its way down a ramp outside the Lory Student Center Jan. 27
PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN
ASCSU Open House connects students with its representatives, work
By Laila Shekarchian @csucollegian
The Associated Students of Colorado State University opened its doors Friday, Jan. 24, for an Open House event to connect the student body with its representatives and provide insight into their operations.
Held from 12-5 p.m. in the ASCSU offices, the event provided students the opportunity to meet with executive staff members and learn about ASCSU operations and how the organization impacts their life on campus.
Jakye Nunley, ASCSU chief of staff, emphasized the event’s purpose: to engage with students and spread awareness about the organization’s role on campus.
“I think it is important for ASCSU to host events like this because oftentimes students do not know what we do,” Nunley said. “Students don’t know that their student fees cover literally everything and every operation that happens within or outside of ASCSU in some way, and I think that making sure that students know we are their
representatives and that we advocate for them and plan things on behalf of them is important.”
The open house introduced students to the roles and responsibilities of the organization and the people behind its initiatives.
Nunley also highlighted the importance of putting a face to the organization and familiarizing students with representatives.
During the event, students had the chance to ask questions and discuss how ASCSU represents them.
“I think the most important thing students should know about ASCSU is who is in ASCSU, like, who their representatives are,” Nunley said. “If they have a question or if they need something done or need advocacy in any sense, they should know who to communicate that to.”
For some students, the open house was their first encounter with ASCSU. After the event, they walked away with a better understanding of what the organization does and how to connect with them.
“I think it’s cool that they hosted an event like this,” said Hailey Veazie, a CSU student. “I am a sophomore, and I literally had no idea what ASCSU did until now, so this was really helpful.”
The open house also marked the beginning of a new chapter for new ASCSU staff. Kayla McIlroy, executive assistant to the chief of staff, expressed her excitement to join the team and the welcoming environment.
“I just started (at ASCSU) this week, and one big thing that has drawn me in and has made me already love working here is the people,” McIlroy said. “Everyone is super nice. I have felt very welcome, especially from my boss, which is Chief Nunley. I feel like I am going to have a really fun time.”
The event provided a casual setting for students to interact with ASCSU members and learn about opportunities for future involvement.
Representatives from ASCSU said they hope that, by opening their doors, students will feel encouraged to connect with student government and advocate for their needs.
“I think it’s really great to have something like this on campus to help us get more involved at
and learn about the resources
Reach Laila Shekarchian at news@collegian.com.
“I think it’s really great to have something like this on campus to help us get more involved at CSU and learn about the resources we have.”
HAILEY VEAZIE STUDENT
CSU
we have,” Veazie said.
The Associated Students of Colorado State University hosts an open house in its senate chamber and offices at the Lory Student Center Jan. 24. The event allowed students to speak to and ask questions of their elected representatives PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN
CSU parents, students respond to new commencement format
By Sam Hutton @sam_hut14
Nearly a year on from Colorado State University’s announcement of major changes to the existing commencement format, community reactions to the changes have been mixed.
“After investing a staggering $100,000 in our daughter’s education at this institution, I am absolutely outraged to learn that she will not be given the chance to experience a traditional, onecommencement ceremony. This is unbelievably upsetting, and frankly, it’s just wrong.”
ALI MOFFITT CSU PARENT
The new format will feature one campuswide commencement ceremony in Canvas Stadium annually beginning in 2025 and is intended to
bring CSU on par with other major four-year colleges. Commencement has historically been organized by the university’s individual colleges, with graduates convening in Moby Arena at the end every semester.
University administration hopes the new format will allow CSU graduates to build connections and create additional shared experiences with their fellow Rams, especially those outside of their chosen field of study. Project managers said they hope that by orienting the ceremony around a shared CSU heritage, a new student tradition will be forged.
Though initial community reactions to the new format were hopeful, ensuing reactions from across the CSU community have not been entirely positive.
The Collegian received a concerned email from CSU parent Ali Moffitt detailing her reservations with the changes and her dissatisfaction with CSU administration’s decision. Moffitt claimed those most affected by changes to the commencement format were not consulted by administration and said she believes it does a disservice to upcoming graduates.
“After investing a staggering $100,000 in our daughter’s education at this institution, I am absolutely outraged to learn that she will not be given the chance to experience a traditional, onecommencement ceremony,” Moffitt said. “This is unbelievably upsetting, and frankly, it’s just wrong.”
On Jan. 21, CSU finalized the updated commencement format, with changes intended to serve as a compromise between the existing and new formats. In addition to a universitywide ceremony in Canvas Stadium, graduates will also be organized by academic units for smaller recognition ceremonies, allowing students to
celebrate with both their academic peers and fellow Rams at large.
“During these events, graduates will be recognized by name, cross the stage and receive their diploma covers,” the university statement reads.
While this proposal appears to bridge the gap between the existing and new formats, Moffitt said she still believes the new format will not adequately honor graduates, speaking directly to CSU administration.
“Let’s not forget — this generation, these COVID kids have already had their graduation experience stolen from them once,” Moffitt said. “They deserve to have the ceremony they earned. This was the year to make things right. How could you fail to consider that?”
Recent graduate and former Associated Students of CSU Vice President and Senator Elijah Sandoval is open to the idea of a universitywide ceremony but still made efforts to graduate in the fall semester to
avoid the new format. Sandoval, like Moffitt, said she believes the new format will not grant graduates with the same recognition or gratification as the existing college-specific ceremony.
“Students work so hard for that moment,” Sandoval said. “But it’s more than that. For firstgeneration students, it’s a moment that is shared with the entire family and community. You can’t get that special moment with a universitywide graduation.”
Sandoval also expressed accessibility concerns posed by the switch to a Canvas Stadium-based ceremony, in addition to scheduling conflicts that might restrict students from attending each others’ college recognition ceremonies.
“Having a universitywide graduation means that those who cannot be in large groups of people will either have to suffer or not show up altogether,” Sandoval said. “That means those students will miss out on this momentous occasion.”
Reach Sam Hutton at news@collegian.com.
Global Village Museum honors international New Year’s traditions
By Riley Paling @rileypaling
An array of customs commences as the world rings in the New Year. From front door rituals to champagne glasses, each culture has unique traditions, but all hold the similar idea of a fresh start. The Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures held an exhibit Dec. 6, 2024, to Jan. 25, called Ringing in the New Year: New Year’s Traditions Around the World that showcased various New Year’s traditions of cultures from around
“Human beings have come to understand that (New Year’s is) the beginning of rebirth and new happenings, new beginnings,” said Barbara Schoenberger, the director of the museum. “It’s kind of fun to see how every culture on Earth celebrates it, but they do it in such different and fun ways.”
Different people from around the globe decorate their doors or engage in unique practices to ring in the new year. In Denmark, breaking dishware on doorsteps signals good luck, and at midnight, people leap off chairs or tables in unison. This symbolic act is believed to banish evil spirits and invite good fortune; it’s considered bad luck if you forget to participate.
Thailand’s New Year’s festival, Songkran, is celebrated in mid-April and includes a friendly water fight. During this time, people pour water on each other as a symbolic gesture to wash away misfortunes and welcome a fresh start while also paying their respects to elders and Buddha statues. Thai people widely adhere to Buddhist traditions, in which water represents purity and starting anew.
“It was the most fun I’ve ever had,” said Sarah Russell, who was in Thailand for the New Year’s celebration last April.
“Everything is closed the whole day. Everything shuts down, and everyone had water guns and hoses. They run around with buckets of water and drive in their cars. It’s like a huge nationwide water fight.”
Across several cultures, a common practice is thoroughly cleaning one’s house before the New Year begins. Whether it’s in Italy, Scotland or South America, this ritual symbolizes sweeping away the old and clearing space for new opportunities.
Turkey — it is customary to match the color of one’s underwear to one’s wishes for the New Year. Street vendors often sell specific colors for this purpose, with each hue carrying its own meaning.
Red symbolizes love; yellow symbolizes wealth; and white symbolizes peace, just to name a few.
In Scotland, Hogmanay is celebrated with the “first-footer” tradition — the first person to enter a home after midnight. This person is believed to bring good luck and prosperity, often carrying symbolic gifts such as coal, shortbread or a bottle of scotch.
New Year’s Eve is also a time for predicting what lies ahead through symbolic rituals.
“Everyone does something for New Year’s, even if it’s silly, and it (can) be a way to bring us all together. It’s supposed to be lighthearted and kind of fun to show the fun, celebratory things that people do across the world and across religion.”
KAT BERTRAM
GLOBAL VILLAGE MUSEUM OF ARTS AND CULTURES COLLECTIONS MANAGER.
The Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures showcased various cultures’ ways of celebrating the new year, showing that even though people may celebrate in different ways and at different times, most everyone celebrates a new beginning.
“Everyone does something for New Year’s, even if its silly, and it (can) be a way to bring us all together,” said Kat Bertram, collections manager at the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures. “It’s supposed to be lighthearted and kind of fun to show the fun, celebratory things that people do across the world and across religion.”
In some Latin American countries, including Colombia, Ecuador and Panama, a particularly lively tradition takes place at midnight. Families grab their suitcases and walk around the block to symbolize a year of travel and adventure. The tradition holds that the more walking and exploring there is, the more prosperous the year will be.
In many Hispanic and Latin American countries — as well as in
In El Salvador, people crack a raw egg into a glass of water and leave it overnight. The shapes formed by the egg whites the following morning are believed to reveal insights into the future, whether it be prosperity or potential challenges.
In Russia, people write their wishes on a piece of paper, burn it and drop the ashes into a glass of champagne. The mixture is then consumed at midnight, symbolizing the fulfillment of their desires in the coming year.
A worldwide tradition is to ring in the New Year with noise, as various countries use sound to celebrate and ward off evil spirits. From fireworks to bells, the clamor of celebration fills the night sky in countries like China, where loud noises are especially prevalent. During the Lunar New Year, mandarin oranges symbolize good fortune, while red envelopes containing money are exchanged as tokens of luck and happiness.
While each tradition varies, one thing remains clear: New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations share the same messages of renewal, hope and celebration. From breaking dishware in Denmark to carrying suitcases in Latin America, these rituals reveal how people around the globe seek good fortune and happiness in the coming year.
Reach Riley Paling at life @collegian.com.
A table full of detailed items such as decorated eggs and flowers highlight traditions of the Persian New Year Nowruz Jan. 24. This was one display at Ringing in the New Year: New Year’s Traditions Around the World, an exhibit at Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures.
PHOTO BY SOFIA RAIKOW THE COLLEGIAN
A wall densely covered in handwritten notes as part of the New Year’s resolutions display and interactive activity at the Ringing in the New Year: New Year’s Traditions Around the World, an exhibit at the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures Jan.24.
PHOTO BY SOFIA RAIKOW THE COLLEGIAN
A table with celebratory items and party poppers make up the display that provides information and context for understanding the origins of cultural New Year’s traditions Jan. 24. This is display could be found at Ringing in the New Year: New Year’s Traditions Around the World, an exhibit at the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures in Fort Collins.
Photo by Sofia Raikow The Collegian
The Ringing in the New Year: New Year’s Traditions Around the World exhibit sign sits in the entrance to the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures in Old Town Jan. 24.
Photo by Sofia Raikow The Collegian
Intramural leagues cultivate unique community building among students
By Ella Dorpinghaus @csucollegian
With over 36,000 participants annually, intramural sports at Colorado State University provide students with an opportunity to find community, engage in healthy activity and, for participants in tube water polo, get a little silly. Offering both a competitive and recreational league, tube water polo follows the same rules as traditional water polo, only with one exception: All the players wear inner tubes during the games. The league is one of many intramural sports that is open to students in the spring semester, along with basketball, kickball and pickleball. For students like Cece Houseweart, who learned about the sport from an advertisement at the
Student Rec Center, tube water polo and other intramural sports provide an opportunity for a little fun and exercise without the pressure and commitment of a more competitive sports team.
“I really love the idea of water polo, but treading water sounds terrible, so adding the inner tube element makes it way more fun and less intimidating,” Houseweart said.
At CSU, there are two leagues for tube water polo: recreational and competitive. The recreational league makes this sport even more accessible for students at CSU by offering a community entirely centered on fun instead of competition. The league also offers both early and late slots on most weekdays, allowing students to cram a little fun into their already busy schedules.
“I may not be able to do it because my weekends are really
full with work and my internship,” Houseweart said. “I have trouble squeezing it into my schedule.”
Students said they recognized the importance of finding ways to get moving along with the valuable opportunities that intramural sports provide. Joining the climbing team at CSU — just one of many competitive teams with a spring season — is another way to engage with a physically active community. Climbing team members Liam Cornish and Finn Phillips cited self-improvement as one of the main reasons for participating in intramural sports.
“It keeps you motivated to keep going and training,” Cornish said.
Cornish hopes to continue to improve his climbing skills throughout college, pointing to the power of routine in helping him achieve his goals. For busy students,
a routine can often be the difference between making it to the gym or not.
Even in a more competitive sport like climbing, the value of fun and community is not lost on its participants. At a college with over 32,000 students, it can be hard to find community within the vast crowd at CSU. Sports provide a unique opportunity for students to bond outside of class and meet others with similar interests.
“I get to know people I wouldn’t have known before,” Phillips said.
Students interested in joining the tube water polo team this semester must register before the deadline Feb. 26. With 24 teams confirmed for the spring 2025 season, tube water polo promises to challenge and entertain students at CSU.
Reach Ella Dorpinghaus at life @collegian.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMPUS RECREATION INTRAMURAL SPORTS
Check these 4 things off your FoCo to-do list this winter
By Christian Arndt @csucollegian
Another year brings another cold winter here in Fort Collins. Some students may be accustomed to the area, while others may be experiencing their first snowy winter.
Regardless of the circumstance, it may be hard to figure out what to do over the winter, as many outdoor events are being cancelled due to the weather. Here are some recommendations for activities to do in the cold weather.
Winter Farmers Market
The Fort Collins Winter Farmers Market is a great way to try out both fresh food and packaged food from local vendors. With over 90 vendors to purchase from, there’s no
shortage of coffee, tea, honey, cookies or vegetables.
Located in the Foothills Mall, the Winter Farmers Market is the only winter market currently operating in Northern Colorado.
The market doesn’t only sell foodrelated items; they also have vendors who sell crafts. From jewelry to crocheted goods, there are plenty of thoughtfully created items to browse.
If you have a few dollars to spare and are looking for something to add to your kitchen, why not support local vendors and treat yourself to a sweet treat or crafted item?
Snowshoeing
With the snow comes new opportunities for people to experience things they may have never even considered. Why not pick up on a new hobby and try out snowshoeing?
There are plenty of locations offering snowshoe rentals that are not hard to
come by. JAX Fort Collins Outdoor Gear offers a rental pair for $15 for a 24 hour period. Additionally, the Colorado State University Student Rec Center offers snowshoes to students looking to rent.
In Fort Collins, there is no shortage of places to snowshoe. Popular locations include Horsetooth Reservoir and Lory State Park, which both feature unique trails to follow and sights to see.
Hot coffee, tea
Being in the snow and cold is not for everyone. Sometimes it’s nice to separate yourself from the outdoors and warm up with a cup of hot coffee.
Fort Collins is home to plenty of cafes with various flavors of coffee to satisfy diverse pallets. If coffee isn’t to someone’s taste, there are also plenty of tea options.
Alleycat Coffee House is a popular option among locals and CSU students because of its cozy atmosphere, making it a hot spot for studying. Another
popular coffee shop is Just Love Coffee Cafe. Paired with breakfast eats and a well-lit interior, a cup of Joe at Just Love Coffee Cafe makes for a traditional cafe experience.
There’s plenty of coffee around Fort Collins, so it’s worth exploring to discover your favorite cafe.
Sledding
Sledding is the tried-and-true activity during the winter time. There are plenty of locations around Fort Collins that offer great hills to sled on. Some of these locations include Edora Park and Fossil Creek Park.
Countless hours can be spent lapping the hill, and if someone is feeling extra adventurous, why not build some small jumps in the snow?
No one is ever too old to sled, especially when trying to kill time or to do something fun with friends.
Reach Christian Arndt at life @collegian.com.
Midseason analysis: Collegian roundtable discusses CSU men’s basketball
By Collegian Sports Desk @rmcollegianspts
Editor’s Note: All opinion content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.
As the Colorado State men’s basketball team has passed the halfway point in the 2024-25 season, it’s time to analyze the level of play thus far and predict how it will progress.
Michael Hovey, Sophie Webb and Devin Imsirpasic of The Collegian’s sports desk graded the team’s performance so far and predicted their final regular season record.
Midseason analysis
Hovey: A-
CSU deserved a C+ by the end of the nonconference schedule. The team was about where most people thought they’d be — considering the adjustments to the roster — and possibly in a slightly better position. Now, it’s easy to see how the Rams have outperformed their seventh-place Mountain West preseason projection.
The one thing holding this team together is Nique Clifford.Sure,players like Kyan Evans,Rashaan Mbemba and even Nikola Djapa have been pleasant surprises, but everyone knows what Clifford has done for this team. He hasn’t exactly replaced Isaiah Stevens in terms of play style,
but the impact he has on each and every game is undeniable. As long as he’s healthy, the Rams have a good shot at winning most 50-50 matchups.
Mbemba, on the other hand, hasn’t been as resilient this season as injuries continue to plague him. The team has shown they can plug someone else into the downlow, physical role, but he’s a guy the Rams will definitely appreciate down the stretch.
Evans is undoubtedly the best 3-point shooter on the team, but he still seems a bit hesitant to pull from beyond the arc at times.
The passing and cohesion of the team have definitely improved with in-game reps, but one thing really stood out against Boise State in particular: winning a close 50-50 game. That one probably wouldn’t have fallen in the Rams’ favor early in the season, but they managed to just barely close out.
This team has clearly surpassed preseason expectations. Webb: B
It was hard to tell how CSU would rank in conference after finishing the nonconference season 7-5, but it has done well for itself, only losing to San Diego State and New Mexico.
Currently, CSU has a solid streak of wins. Hopefully a good game against Air Force can prepare the team to take on UNM again.
Imsirpasic: B+
The Rams have found their stride at the perfect time. They have won eight out of their last 10 games, cruising through their conference schedule thus far. CSU is 13-7 as of right now and stood at 15-5 last season at this time, which is impressive when considering the
found a spark in a solidified nightly rotation that allows them to hang around with any opponent on any given night.
Prediction
Hovey: 19-12, 13-7
Though the season has been successful thus far, the worst is yet to come. Utah State and UNM seem to be on a slightly higher level than CSU, but SDSU, BSU and UNLV could be anyone’s game.
Assuming things generally stay the same, those games will go as expected. If Lake can take the next step and become a legitimate 3-point volume threat and if the defense can start to hold strong the entirety of the game, then who’s to say the Rams can’t tack on a couple more wins?
Webb: 21-10, 15-5
If CSU loses to SDSU again, it could threaten the team’s current third-place ranking in MW standings.
If key players like Clifford and Lake help lead and set that fire early on in games, CSU has a good chance of ranking high within the conference and going far in the MW championship.
Imsirpasic: 20-11, 14-6
The Rams have their work cut out for them for the remainder of their Mountain West schedule. With matchups looming against UNM, Utah State and SDSU — all top-end MW teams — the Rams should be glad they have already taken care of some easier matchups so far.
CSU has done a great job of internally replacing some areas of need this season, including the rise of guards Jalen Lake and Evans as well as an NBA-ready leap from Clifford.
The Rams took some tough losses in the earlier portion of the season, but they seem to have
Boasting a current 7-2 conference record, they have gotten their early taste of this season’s conference matchups but have lost to UNM and SDSU, two tougher opponents. With eight remaining games against teams currently above .500, I expect the Rams to dip a little from this hot start in their remaining conference games while maintaining pace near the top of the Mountain West through their complete roster and current momentum.
Reach The Collegian Sports Desk at sports@collegian.com.
Colorado State University’s Ethan Morton (25) dodges a Loyola Marymount University player during their game in Moby Arena Dec. 4, 2024. CSU won 83-54. PHOTO BY LAUREN MASCARDO THE COLLEGIAN
Fans sit in a sold-out Moby Arena for Colorado State University’s men’s basketball orange out game Feb. 4, 2022. CSU won 58-57. PHOTO BY MILO GLADSTEIN THE COLLEGIAN
‘Fight Like A Ram’ returns: CSU women’s basketball takes on Air Force
By Michael Hovey @michaelfhovey
Colorado State women’s basketball doesn’t just play for a championship; it plays for the community, too.
This week’s conference bout against Air Force Saturday, Feb. 1, features the sixth installment of Fight Like A Ram, an annual partnership between UCHealth and CSU to honor local community members impacted by cancer. Traditionally, each of the Rams sport the last name of an affected individual on the back of their jersey in place of their own. With something more to play for, the Rams look for their third-straight conference win with home court advantage.
Air Force has cooled off significantly since its 10-2 start to the season. While the Falcons have gone 1-7 so far in conference play, two potential problems still present themselves: Milahnie Perry and Madison Smith.
The No. 3 scoring duo in the Mountain West currently average a combined 29.5 points per game and make up the main offensive firepower for the Falcons. Luckily, neither player has been much of an issue from beyond the arc, and the Rams were successful in shutting down Wyoming’s Allyson Fertig — one of the best players in the conference — in their most recent matchup.
Ultimately, though, a battle down low could decide the victor.
Jayda McNabb has been a force on the offensive glass with 4.1 offensive rebounds per game. Consequently, Air Force has not lost a bout in any of its four games with a stronger rebounding presence.
In CSU’s latest game against the Cowgirls, size and strength mismatches posed a threat early on before several steals led to a profitable run. With a better matchup against the
Falcons, it may come down to disciplined defense all the way through to the rebound.
On the offensive side, the Rams should be wary of committing turnovers — something Air Force excels in creating. The Falcons rank No. 1 in turnovers forced per game, turnover margin and steals per game. Smith leads the team with 50 steals while Jo Huntimer averages 2.2 steals per game.
Although daunting, CSU generally plays cleaner than its opponents, with 194 turnovers on the season compared to its opponents’ 274. Joseana Vaz and blossoming first-year Kloe Froebe remain the most polished of the current key players, and Marta Leimane leads in turnovers with only 1.6 per game.
In order to optimize kept possessions, the Rams could look to Hannah Ronsiek, who currently stands as the most efficient scorer. Her sister Emma Ronsiek, of course, tops every other major scoring category as the focal point for the offense and should also see the typical heavy volume.
CSU’s 3-point shooting has seen consistent improvement throughout the season, thanks to the efforts of Hannah Ronsiek and Hannah Simental, who both boast 40% or higher beyond the arc. Thus far, the Rams have noticeably outperformed Air Force in long-range shots, and that trend could continue.
Based on this season’s tendencies, the Rams should aim to play a disciplined — if even unspectacular — contest to mitigate the Falcons’ strengths. Winning on the glass should always be a priority, but it could prove even more valuable in preventing second-chance points.
A victory against Air Force would mean another week sitting at second in the Mountain West for CSU and another step closer to championship hopes. Should that happen, Saturday could warrant double the celebration.
Reach Michael Hovey at sports @collegian.com.
“Thus far, the Rams have noticeably outperformed Air Force in long-range shots, and that trend could continue.”
COLLEGIAN FILE PHOTO
SENIOR SEASON
CSU swim and dive celebrates 6 graduating athletes
By Sophie Webb @sophgwebb
The Colorado State swimming and diving team celebrated seniors Maisy Barbosa, Emily Chorpening, Skyler Lyon, Katie Flynn, Rylee O’Neil and Maya White in the team’s final conference meet.
Maisy Barbosa
Since the 2010-11 season, Barbosa has been fine-tuning her craft, all leading up to the moment she would hit the Moby Pool.
Once immersed in the water, Barbosa took off. In her first year, she made two top-five program times and had multiple placings at the Mountain West championships. That same year, she swam a 4:20.90 in the 400 individual medley at the Phill Hansel Invite, ranking her fourth at the time at CSU. That same time now ranks her sixth.
Barbosa’s talent at the Phill Hansel Invite was the gift that kept on giving, and she is now ranked ninth overall at CSU for swimming the 200 IM.
After coming back from an injury her sophomore year, Barbosa placed in two events in the MW championship, and
placing alive.
Emily Chorpening
Chorpening has one of the most consistent careers this graduating class has seen. In high school, she was a six-time state placer and, through her club, placed top 10 in the nation in the 1,000 freestyle. She was also in the top 10 in Florida for the 1,650, 1,000 and 500 freestyle.
Chorpening’s achievements continued in the green and gold, making two top-10 times for CSU, yet these are not the only times she broke in 2022. She now ranks third in CSU history for the 1,650 free, swimming a 16:37.58 time, fourth in the 500 free at 4:52.14 and fourth in the 1,000 free at 10:03.40.
Although Chorpening placed in at least one of her categories in past MW championships, she placed in all three of them in 2024, including the 1,650 freestyle, 500 freestyle and 400 IM.
Skyler Lyon
Hailing from Utah, Lyon started her swimming journey in 2016. Despite not being in the sport for as long as other
athletes, Lyons has integrated herself well, making her a valuable member of the team.
Just last November, Lyon unlocked her best time for the 50 free at 24.39 and also recently swam her best time in the 100 free at 54.42 and 500 free at 5:19.91. She competed in the Western Athletic Conference Championships in 2024, placing fifth for the 100 breast at 1:02.23.
She ended the conference season on a positive note, winning in a relay alongside seniors Barbosa and White.
Katie Flynn
From being named most valuable on her team in 2020 to placing in five events over the past few seasons at the MW championships, Flynn has excelled as a swimmer. In her first two seasons at CSU, Flynn placed multiple times throughout the season and even created an opportunity for herself to achieve new personal bests in her breaststroke events and the 200 IM. Luckily for the team, the MW championships are fast approaching,
personal records have hailed from these tournaments, including the 100 breast at 1:03.52, 200 breast at 2:19.57 and 200 IM at 2:04.68.
Because of her aforementioned 100 breast, Flynn now ranks eighth among past and present CSU swimmers for this event, having unlocked this time in 2023.
Rylee O’Neil
Fort Collins has been near and dear to O’Neil since she graduated from Fossil Ridge High School, where her team won the 5A state championship in 2021. O’Neil placed seventh in the 100 butterfly and 100 breaststroke and competed for state champion in the 200 medley and 400 free relay teams. Following high school, she began her collegiate career at the University of Missouri.
O’Neil achieved her personal bests at Mizzou in the 200 back at a time of 2:03.05, the 100 butterfly at 56.72 and the 200 IM at 2:03.04.
After becoming a Ram, O’Neil scored in every event throughout her junior
season, placing in the team’s top three for both butterfly events and the 200 IM. Her best performances at CSU led her to place eighth in program history in the 200 IM at 2:03.63 and 10th in the 200 fly at 2:02.24.
Maya White
White is one of the most decorated players on the team, which is wellearned, as she has been training since 2012.
Within her first year at CSU, she made the team’s top times in the 500, 1,000 and 1,650 frees. She hit an NCAA B cut time in both her first and second year, the former qualifying her for the National Invitational Championships.
In her junior year, she earned AllMountain West honors for all three swims and now ranks second in CSU history for the 1,000 and 1,650 free, third for the 500 free and fifth for the 400 IM.
In her final home event of the season, White won first place in the 200 fly and is expected to reach great heights as she competes in her final MW tournament in February.
Reach Sophie Webb at sports @collegian.com.
Katie Flynn swims the 200-yard breaststroke during Colorado State University’s meet against Washington State University at Moby Pool Oct. 18, 2024. WSU won the meet 141.5-120.5.
PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN
1. Vials of aquatic insects are stored in the C.P. Gillette Museum of Arthropod Diversity Jan. 24. 2. Moths collected from a UV trap are frozen until they can be set and preserved. 3. A small moth species is preserved at the C.P. Gillette Museum. 4. One case holding about 54 moths out of the C.P. Gillette Museum’s 197,000 moths and butterflies sits
Monday through Friday and is located in the Hartshorn Building on Colorado State University’s campus. 5. A full case of a large moth species is stored in the C.P. Gillette Museum. 6. A colorful moth species is preserved at the C.P. Gillette Museum. 7. Chuck Harp, the collections manager at the C.P. Gillette Museum, pulls a case of beetles from their 4 million pinned bugs in the museum. 8. Two species of cicadas from Malaysia are placed next to a penny for size comparison. 9. A case of green June beetles from Arizona sits in the C.P. Gillette Museum. The museum has insects from Niger to Mexico, but most of their selection is from Alberta to Northern Mexico. 10. CSU student AJ Thomas pins a moth after photographing it for documentation at the C.P. Gillette Museum. Thomas works as a volunteer at the museum, where any student is welcome to volunteer.
CSU’s fermentation sciences program brews future industry leaders
“We love what we do — this is a labor of love. You don’t get into brewing to get rich. ... I hope that comes across to our students. They kind of see our passion, and that helps make them enthusiastic about what they’re doing because they see how excited we are for it.”
CHARLIE HOXMEIER CHIEF BREWING OFFICER
By Katie Fisher @csucollegian
In its 12th year of operation, Colorado State University’s fermentation and food sciences major is serving up much more than beer and sourdough bread. With a rigid science foundation and a host of industry connections, students gain unmatched knowledge and experience in the program.
“(Fermentation is) when you’re using microbes to metabolically interact with
the food product, resulting in a different food product, typically for preservation reasons but also increased health,” said Jeffrey Callaway, program director.
The practice has existed since the earliest human civilizations inhabited Earth when they needed to preserve food over the winters. Today it is used in many modern agricultural offerings, including cheese, kombucha, yogurt and beer.
Founded in 2013, the program shifted from fermentation science and technology to fermentation and food sciences in Fall 2024 — a decision made to encapsulate the role of fermentation as a branch of food science.
“Food science is a really amazing topic to study because you can really dive really deep into the specific areas of it that you’re interested in,”
Assistant Professor Charlene Van Buiten said. “But you still get to learn about the other things that surround it.”
Students select from two concentrations: fermentation science and technology or food science. Regardless of their path, all students are educated on the scientific building blocks necessary to operate a successful brewery or manufacture food.
“We don’t just brew beer and sit around and drink it,” said Charlie Hoxmeier, chief brewing officer and assistant professor. “So you have to take physics, microbiology, biochemistry, organic chemistry — you have to take all of the really basic sciences and have that understanding because what we do here is apply them.”
This basic understanding of foundational sciences allows students to succeed in a rapidly shifting and demanding industry.
“Fifty years ago, people just wanted safe food,” Callaway said.
“Now we want it to be convenient as well as safe, but now we also want things to be healthy, so we’re scrutinizing the ingredients and all those sorts of things.”
Beginning their third year, fermentation science students gain hands-on experience through courses that focus on the brewing processes, alcohol beverage control and management, all of which use learning spaces on campus.
From the Lory Student Center’s Ramskeller Pub & Grub, where students’ custom beers are available for public consumption, to the fully
automated New Belgium Brewing Fermentation Science and Technology Laboratory, students are able to familiarize themselves with industrystandard equipment and procedures.
“Everything we do in (the laboratory) is done to a world-class standard, so it mimics what you’re going to see at New Belgium or Anheuser-Busch in terms of the level of skill and focus,” Callaway said.
This includes familiarizing students with the automation of a full-fledged brewery.
“We do a lot of teaching around statistical process control and how to automate consistent beer, which is not an easy thing to do because (we are) working with things that change (with) the season,” said Jeff Biegert, brewmaster and brewing instructor.
These creative endeavors culminate in a senior seminar in which students are connected with industry professionals across Fort Collins who advise them on their capstone projects and professional advancement into the industry.
“All the little breweries around here, they come in, and they give guest lectures in class,” Hoxmeier said. “They offer internships to our students. A lot of the breweries, especially New Belgium, have basically built a pipeline to hire our students.”
Biegert said this partnership has led over 30 program alumni to be hired by New Belgium, a statistic contributing to over 95% of students graduating into a full-time position.
As one cohort of students bleeds into another through the cycle of enrollment and graduation, the tireless dedication of the instructors never ceases.
“We love what we do — this is a labor of love,” Hoxmeier said. “You don’t get into brewing to get rich. ... I hope that comes across to our students. They kind of see our passion, and that helps make them enthusiastic about what they’re doing because they see how excited we are for it.”
This burning dedication reflects onto graduates as they progress through their professional careers and continue to advance an ever-changing industry.
“We need more bright minds to make food safe, healthy, convenient, interesting and tasty to people,” Callaway said.
“That’s something that’s just going to be changing forever.”
Reach Katie Fisher at science@collegian.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY.
PHOTO COURTESY OF COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY.
ARTHROPOD ANTHOLOGY
CSU’s bug museum preserves Rocky Mountain critters
By Hayley Bisant @csucollegian
No matter how many buildings a student has had to traverse to attend classes, there remain parts of campus that have never been explored. Colorado State University hosts a number of hidden gems throughout its grounds, including the C.P. Gillette Museum of Arthropod Diversity.
Commonly referred to as the “bug museum” by students, the establishment is open every weekday, showcasing a variety of preserved arthropod specimens. Visitors have the option to simply admire the display room, which presents some of the most unique insects from Colorado and various international locations, or they can dive in deeper with a guided tour of the facility presented by museum Director Marek Borowiec.
Though it attracts many curious guests, the museum’s purpose extends far beyond providing an interesting experience for the Fort Collins and CSU communities. Housed inside the museum’s walls is an extraordinary collection of biological, agricultural and environmental information, all rich in history.
“The museum was started in the 1890s when Dr. Clarence Preston Gillette arrived at what was then called the Colorado Agricultural College to teach entomology,” Borowiec said.
While the insect collection was created by Gillette for his research, it also served as a resource for students at the time.
Now the establishment is dedicated to the promotion of arthropod diversity through a variety of initiatives as stated in its strategic plan. Collections Manager Chuck Harp said the museum’s contents have continued to expand as CSU has developed, with 4.7 million arthropod specimens and a variety of diverse collections today.
“The museum is a vibrant place to learn about what’s around. It’s important to know what used to be here and what’s here now. This is a great repository to see what the history looked like over the last 140 years.”
CHUCK HARP COLLECTIONS MANAGER
The museum’s content is divided into four main categories, the largest being the pinned collection, housing approximately 85% of the preserved insects. There is also the wet collection, comprised of aquatic insects preserved in alcohol; the Bruner Family Library, housing entomology research and literature; and a para-collection encompassing photo albums, maps, field notes and other historical documents.
“The more you work around museum collections, the more you start to realize the importance of all the data that those museums are taking care of,” CSU entomology Instructor Crystal Cooke said. “When you boil it down, science is data.”
This diversity provides a valuable resource for researchers across the globe due to the museum’s contents, which are available for loan, free of charge. Over the past two years, the museum’s materials have been utilized in over 75 taxonomic revisions.
“Our specimens are good for DNA since we keep the collection dry and cool,” Harp said. “It’s able to be sent out and have DNA tested for identifications and genetic work.”
Borowiec said many opportunities are available for students to gain entomological experience through paid internships or volunteering. There is also the option to complete an independent study project, in which students receive credit in exchange for completing a research project.
Harp said the establishment’s current main projects include digitizing their bee specimens — of which 57,000 have been digitized so far — and processing moths collected in Montana last year. He said two new species were discovered in the latter venture, creating opportunities to increase student involvement.
“The museum is a vibrant place to learn about what’s around,” Harp said.
“It’s important to know what used to be here and what’s here now. This is a great repository to see what the history looked like over the last 140 years.”
Reach Hayley Bisant at science@collegian.com.
One case holding about 54 moths out of the C.P. Gillette Museum’s 197,000 moths and butterflies sits in a drawer. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located in the Hartshorn Building on Colorado State University’s campus. PHOTO BY LAUREN MASCARDO THE COLLEGIAN
ILLUMINATING MATTER
LaserNetUS, CSU’s Advanced Beam Laboratory fuel research collaboration
By Cait Mckinzie @csucollegian
Just a short distance outside of Fort Collins on the Colorado State University Foothills Campus sits one of the most powerful lasers in the world.
Directed by professors and run by graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, the Advanced Beam Laboratory studies interactions between high-intensity laser beams and matter. CSU doesn’t limit their facility to only local researchers, however.
The Advanced Beam Laboratory is a part of LaserNetUS, an organization funded by the United States Department of Energy. They are dedicated to enabling collaboration between high-intensity laser labs across the country.
Thanks to LaserNetUS, for a few weeks spanning late October and early November 2024, the lab looked into ion acceleration, specifically the properties and creation of proton beams. Griffin Glenn, a Ph.D. candidate at Stanford University working out of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, was the principal investigator for the project.
“We’re interested in studying the physics that accelerates that beam of protons,” Glenn said. “There’s one (acceleration mechanism) that’s very well understood. It happens all the time, and we want to push past that one into a different regime where we might get protons that go faster, that have more energy.”
When a thin, solid target is hit with a shortpulse, high-intensity laser, the interaction creates a beam of particles. The target is destroyed by the laser, and the particles of that target, like protons, come from it in the beam that follows. The destruction of the target poses a problem for high-repetition-
rate lasers like CSU’s, as the laser would have to be stopped in order for the target to be replaced before it could fire again.
“The laser can shoot every two seconds, but every time it destroys the target,” Glenn said. “Our solution is that we have a liquid sheet of water that we can shoot; it’s destroyed, but then the water keeps flowing, so we can shoot it again in the same spot two seconds later. Every time you shoot, you get a beam of protons, so we’re going to generate these high-rep-rate proton beams.”
Each of the laser facilities connected by LaserNetUS has its own specialized traits that make it useful for different types of experiments. The Advanced Beam Lab’s laser is perfect for producing the type of proton beams Glenn is looking for.
“This laser really is a unique set of capabilities in the country, and they do a lot of good work,” Glenn said. “It’s relatively high power while also being high-rep-rate, and that’s really the key thing. There are other people who have lasers that are this size, but they can only shoot once a minute or once an hour, but this laser can shoot — if you want it to — every couple seconds.”
This idea didn’t completely start with Glenn, and he was not the first researcher from SLAC to visit to the lab. Franziska Treffert, now a postdoctoral researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, began looking into neutron generation as a part of her Ph.D..
“Now (Glenn) is taking this platform further than what I was able to do during my Ph.D.,” Treffert said. “I’ve come in to help a little bit because we used to come here for experiments.”
Treffert’s work was focused on neutron generation with heavy water — water made of deuterium and oxygen rather than hydrogen and oxygen — as a target. Glenn’s project builds on the knowledge base and durable setup Treffert established during her time as a graduate student working at SLAC.
“We needed to adapt the whole setup for the jet to form in a way that we knew it would survive conditions here in the lab,” Treffert said. “I did the first iteration of building the whole system for the experiment here at CSU that I did in 2021, and then from there, you can take it in different avenues because it’s a pretty flexible platform.”
By the beginning of November, the team was getting ready to take their first shot.
“Right now, we’re on this crucial threshold,” Treffert said. “We’re basically done with our setup, (and) now we’re trying to transition into that data collection period, and that involves a lot of really important tasks. We’re in a critical time period where we want to put as much energy in and make sure that we get to a point where we can go collect data.”
Glenn and his team had four weeks at CSU to conduct their experiments before their allotted time was up. They had a lot of experience traveling between different labs and knew how prioritize efficiency.
“We have to develop all of our stuff in advance, and then we pack it all into shipping containers, send it to the facility, build it, do the experiment, tear it down and ship it home,” Glenn said. “It’s a pretty intense four weeks because if we get to the end of that time and we don’t have any data — tough.”
Luckily, the Advanced Beam Lab is full of staff scientists who assist in streamlining experiments just like Glenn’s. Their knowledge of the equipment helps keep projects on track.
“At some other places where I worked — including some national-type facilities — they just don’t have as many people whose job is to support the people working on doing experiments,” Glenn said. “We have a lot of CSU staff here helping us out, and that really makes a big difference.”
One of CSU’s researchers, Ghassan Zeraouli, has spent time providing support to
the team. After receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Salamanca in Spain, he became a staff scientist at the lab, helping researchers who are conducting their experiments.
“The success of the experiment is our priority,” Zeraouli said. “We stay with them (and) help them operate until we turn off the laser.”
Because researchers bring their own equipment most of the time, staff scientists are responsible for determining if their materials are safe to operate within the facility. They also use their broad knowledge to give opinions to researchers on what to do in the event that they get stuck at a particular stage in an experiment.
“We have different backgrounds, but when we come together, we are able to run these experiments,” Zeraouli said. “You need knowledge from different domains.”
Through LaserNetUS, CSU can assist with and take part in hands-on scientific research done not just by other universities but national labs. SLAC and Lawrence Livermore are only two of many collaborators in a vast pool of scientific knowledge and inquiry.
“The national labs are really a special part of science in the U.S. because they do big projects that you can’t (normally) do, not just in physics but in biology and chemistry,” Glenn said. “There are a lot of people working on really big problems, and it’s a way into science careers that isn’t just being a professor and doesn’t necessarily require a Ph.D..”
Despite being a university facility, the Advanced Beam Lab is an important place for collaboration throughout the nation.
“We have one of the most powerful lasers in the world,” Zeraouli said. “It’s very weird to hear it, but this is a very important facility in the U.S. and also in the world.”
Reach Cait Mckinzie at science @collegian.com.
The interior of a vacuum-sealed chamber where the high-powered laser is fired during experiments at Colorado State University’s Laboratory for Advanced Lasers and Extreme Photonics Oct. 29, 2024. Centered in the chamber sits the pin, a thin piece of metal with a thread of copper only 25 microns thick glued to it. The pin is a tool Griffin Glenn and his team use to ensure all of their diagnostic tools are focused on the same point in space down to the exact micron. “If it was the size of your finger, that’s all the precision you can get in where your diagnostics are looking,” Glenn said. “But if you’re looking at the same place within 25 microns, then you’re in better shape, and you know you can actually find exactly the point where everything is coming from.”
CAIT MCKINZIE
BY
PHOTO
THE COLLEGIAN
Ghassan Zeraouli, a postdoctoral staff scientist at Colorado State University’s Laboratory for Advanced Lasers and Extreme Photonics, points out different stages in the laser bay Oct. 29, 2024. Each stage the laser passes through in the bay amplifies and shapes it with a different combination of mirrors and crystals, helping it reach its ideal power and precision. “When you start, you start with a very tiny beam and a smaller crystal,” Zeraouli said. “You are taking the beam and making it bigger in space so that you disperse energy (and) so you can amplify the energy more without breaking the crystal. … Then it goes from a little surface area to a bigger surface area, from smaller crystals to a larger crystal.” PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN
COMMUNITY CREATIVITY
Fort Collins’ Art in Public Places program celebrates 30th anniversary
By Quinlan Kelleher @csucollegian
Walking along the streets of Old Town in Fort Collins, one may notice a number of painted scenes covering what would usually be plain electrical transformers, bus stops or even storm drains.
Since 1995, the City of Fort Collins has invited artists every year to design public art pieces with a mission to “encourage and enhance artistic expression and appreciation and to add value to the Fort Collins community through acquiring, exhibiting and maintaining public art.”
“ Without a means for accessible art outside a gallery environment, the entire community suffers. Supporting local art through commissioned programs, paid events and ongoing patronage enables creatives to survive in a city with ever-growing expenses (and prevents) Fort Collins from becoming a sterile shell reliant on larger cities for cultural growth.”
AERICA RAVEN COLORADO-BASED ARTIST
Many cities in Colorado implemented similar programs around the same time Art in Public Places was introduced in Fort Collins.
“(Art in Public Places) was started because it was recognized that art is vitally important to the quality of life and an economic driver in the community,” said Ellen Martin, head of the APP program and visual arts administrator of Fort Collins. “The goals of the program are to enrich the public environment for residents and visitors through the visual art.”
Among these initiatives is the Pianos About Town project, a collaboration between the APP program, the Bohemian Foundation and the Downtown Development Authority. The project aims to provide functioning pianos throughout Fort Collins, each decorated by an artist from the program.
Pianos are painted from May to October in Old Town Square. During
this time, the public can interact with artists as they paint the pianos. Some pianos are also painted during the winter months in public indoor locations. The pianos, once completed, are rotated between various locations in Fort Collins where the public can view the artwork and play the piano.
Partnering with Stormwater Utility, the APP program paints storm drains around Fort Collins, often featuring art meant to inform the public about the importance of protecting local watersheds, streams, rivers and lakes.
The APP program has consistently held strong ties to Fort Collins and its residents, heavily relying on community involvement and public reception.
“We were the first nationally to create a Transformer Cabinet Mural Program as a graffiti abatement project,” Martin said. “This project is a great opportunity for us to feature and support our local artists, which is another way the program gives back to our community.”
Local artist Aerica Raven, who has painted multiple murals for the program, said she feels that public art is immensely beneficial to a city and its inhabitants.
“Without a means for accessible art outside a gallery environment, the entire community suffers,” Raven said. “Supporting local art through commissioned programs, paid events and ongoing patronage enables creatives to survive in a city with ever-growing expenses (and prevents) Fort Collins from becoming a sterile shell reliant on larger cities for cultural growth.”
Last year, Raven installed her third transformer cabinet mural, assisted with a Fort Collins pedestrian mural with local artist Jess Bean and participated in a live painting event through The Lincoln Center Art Gallery.
Not only are public art initiatives like these beneficial to the community, but they also benefit local artists and creatives.
“It is such a fun experience,” said Amy Heyse, local artist and participant of the APP program. “Painting outside in the open, making small talk with people passing by in Old Town Square and feeling like the art you’re making will be appreciated by the people who drive by it or the people who play the piano you worked on is a pretty cool feeling.”
At a time when art is rapidly changing with technological innovations such as artificial intelligence, human-made art is becoming an increasingly important part of the civic tapestry in local communities.
“It’s a strange time to be an artist right now, especially with the rise of AI-generated art, so it’s important to appreciate and support creatives who create by hand,” Heyse said.
Reach Quinlan Kelleher at entertainment@collegian.com.
Visit Fort Collins Welcome Center’s recently completed mural, which was designed and painted by Chris Bates, sits in Old Town Square Sept. 6, 2024. Fort Collins has hundreds of colorful public art pieces on display around the city, ranging from sculptures and murals to painted pianos and transformer boxes. PHOTO BY ARIA PAUL THE COLLEGIAN
A MIND UNBOUND
From Mulholland to Lumberton: Looking back on David Lynch’s mystifying work
By Claire Vogl @clairecvogl
Finding the words to reflect on and celebrate the life David Lynch is like attempting to shoot down a mourning dove: futile and unnecessary. Lynch was a visionary of his time because he understood that words only carry a story so far.
The void Lynch leaves in Hollywood’s artistic tapestry was not a missing piece he filled; it was one he forged. His transcendental understanding of human nature surpassed what the mind typically seeks in beauty, horror and love, and he executed these visions in the most florid of surreal ways.
Remembering a man like Lynch is no easy feat. His die-hard enthusiasts already know the ins and outs of his filmography, and those unfamiliar with him may not even know where to start. Born in Missoula, Montana, Lynch began pioneering his creative path as a painting student in the late 1960s.
Desiring to paint a moving image, Lynch catapulted himself into the art of motion pictures. He depicted the best and worst of humanity, balancing warped evil against gratifying innocence, often in the most mundane of environments.
Lynch debuted his cult sensation and cinematic odyssey “Eraserhead” in 1977, turning heads with intentionally shot black and white film and Jack Nance’s stoic yet brilliant portrayal of Henry Spencer.
This body horror movie follows Henry, a well-mannered and timid man, who is driven into insanity following the discovery of his infant son. Unafraid to depict the disturbing — and even the appalling — Lynch’s breakout film is widely regarded as one of the most avant-garde, visceral mystery-horrors of its time.
Nearly a decade later came “Blue Velvet,” which took home four awards from the National Society of Film Critics in 1987. The sultry suburban masterpiece explores the troubled psyche of Dorothy Vallens and the hero bearing a severed ear at her door, Jeffrey Beaumont, played by Lynch’s longtime creative partner, Kyle MacLachlan.
Jeffrey finds himself willingly descending into the volatile world skulking just beneath Lumberton, North Carolina, a Midwestern town characterized by its beguiling façade. Both “Eraserhead” and “Blue Velvet” illustrate Lynch’s distinctive style of perturbed juxtapositions and the unsettling ambiguity born from dissonance.
At the turn of the century, “Mulholland Drive” broke out onto the scene in true Lynchian fashion, with mystifyingly dreamlike scenes of Los Angeles and intentionally enigmatic plotlines that, still, have yet to be explained.
A clever play on Hollywood as a dream catalyst and crusher, “Mulholland Drive” is believed to depict the all-too real delusions
of budding actors whose spirits are perpetually shattered by the entertainment industry. Of course, that is just one interpretation; Lynch likely would have advised viewers to watch the film without digesting others’ theories.
Lynch did just about everything except please the masses with his repertoire. He created art to invoke the deepest of questions about
humanity — the ones that make people shudder, pause and take a deep breath.
Although a void in cinematography formed when he died Jan. 15, the smell of cherry pie and echoes of cosmic murmurs from above remind us that dreamers like Lynch are never truly gone.
Reach Claire Vogl entertainment @collegian.com.
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY MADELYN HENDRICKS THE COLLEGIAN
UNREALISTIC INTENTIONS
Why your New Year’s resolutions don’t stick
By Emma Souza @_emmasouza
Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.
The product of my New Year’s resolutions — and likely yours — is a girl I do not recognize. She is ambitious in the same way I was Dec. 31, with a laundry list of goals and affirmations, but she does not carry the laziness and doubt that prevented 2024 me from completing them. She listens before she speaks; she does weight training and cardio; she holds the door open for everyone, even men in poly sci; and bakes pies between classes on her lunch break.
She sounds delightful, but she isn’t real. At least, not in this year or in this time frame. I wanted to become her so badly, but my goals were no more realistic than Icarus.
Maybe you’re like me and this story sounds familiar to you. It’s a pretty popular one, but only about 25% of
people commit to their New Year’s resolutions for longer than a month.
For most Americans, selfimprovement sounds great in theory but stings in practice. This collective inability to accomplish our resolutions fuels embarrassment and a Debbie Downer, woe is me attitude.
But guess what? You don’t have to hate yourself — you just need to learn how to set attainable goals.
It becomes increasingly clear to me that some people were never forced to make SMART goals as a kid in middle school. Not to say that you can’t succeed without goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely, but you’re much more likely to give up without a distinct, exact plan, and that’s the purpose of SMART goals.
When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, people think that a “new year, new me” mindset will be enough motivation to change their lifestyle habits in huge ways. While improvement can be made, faith, trust and a little pixie dust will not grow your glutes tenfold in two months.
People always jump to the result they want when making resolutions,
whether it’s saving money, building a body or improving a lifestyle, but that’s an almost guaranteed way to abandon a goal. Rather than changing habits at an attainable rate, people expect to go from zero to 100 without experiencing any burnout. This is close to impossible, especially for 12 months straight.
So you’re not weak, lazy, stupid, unmotivated or whatever your go-to insult is when you fail. You simply aren’t being patient enough with yourself when setting goals. It’s not too late to reevaluate what you want and how you will achieve it.
And besides, our growth doesn’t always appear in tangible or measurable ways. You’re likely a different person than you were 10 or 15 years ago, and that change happened gradually along the way. I bet you don’t remember how many calories you ate in a day or what your workout split was back then.
Be patient and kind with yourself because the best changes don’t happen overnight — or, in this case, within the first three weeks of January.
Reach Emma Souza at letters @collegian.com.
“So you’re not weak, lazy, stupid, unmotivated or whatever your go-to inusit is when you fail. You simply aren’t being patient enough with yourself when setting goals. It’s not too late to reevaluate what you want and how you will achieve it.”
Anti-fat medical professionals perpetuate inadequate care, distrust
By Audrey Weishaar @csucollegian
Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.
I have heard all sorts of anti-fat rhetoric in my life: “Just lose weight;” “Try this diet;” and “Work out more.” The list goes on and on. And in recent months, I have heard so many people talking about Ozempic and the weight loss associated with it. Bariatric surgery is another big one I’ve heard tossed around.
These medical weight loss options are pitched as miracles. I do not see them as such. Ozempic is not a weight loss drug — it is for diabetes. Bariatric surgery has a whole host of issues, including chronic nausea and hernias.
Besides, I do not want to lose weight. I like my body. It does everything I need it to do, and it looks good doing it. And no one else has any business commenting on it.
The only person I would maybe give that pass to is a medical professional, but perhaps medical professionals aren’t as good at treating fat patients as one might want to believe.
I haven’t always had positive experiences at doctor visits. I’m already an anxious person at any medical office. The most obvious anti-fat experience I had was as a teenager. This doctor took one look at my body mass index and told me I needed to diet. The BMI indicates nothing. I’m a short, fat girl, which therefore qualifies me as obese. I personally don’t think height and weight have anything to do with each other, but that’s an argument for a different article.
This doctor asked nothing about my current diet, but I had to cut out sugary drinks and junk food and eat more fruits and vegetables. I am a vegetarian — most of my food is soy protein and vegetables. I rarely ate junk food. My favorite snack for a while has been freeze-dried fruit. The most sugary drink I drank was iced tea. Unless this doctor was telepathic, she had no way of knowing this because she did not ask. She looked at
my body and told me I needed to fix it without knowing anything about my dietary habits.
Luckily for me, this is the worst of my experiences as a fat person — others are not as lucky. Author Aubrey Gordon said in an NPR interview that certain blood pressure cuffs can give fat people “artificially high” readings. In her book “‘You Just Need to Lose Weight’: And 19 Other Myths About Fat People,” she said fat people tend to receive shorter visits and fewer personal interactions with doctors and face misdiagnoses that chalk most problems up to weight.
Vogue writer Emma Specter said she felt shame after a gynecologist all-too-casually mentioned the virtue of a daily walk — without being prompted. These things tend to lead to a general distrust of medical practitioners.
This anti-fat bias in doctor’s offices is not specific to a handful of anecdotes. This bias has made itself known in multiple studies. In one study from 2019, it was found 69 out of 77 nursing students hold more bias against fat people than they realized. An unconscious bias like
this is dangerous, as it leads people to think less critically about their beliefs. Bias like this is very likely to cause inadequate care.
A separate study from 2015 found that providers were more likely to call visits with fat patients a waste of time and spent 28% less time with fat patients compared to averageweight patients. This same study also found fat people were more likely to avoid treatment, leading to more complicated issues.
If 35% of adults are obese, then it should not be so stigmatized, especially not in medical offices. Fatness is not a disease. It is not something that needs to be fixed. Medical practitioners need to do better. More people need to explore their own biases, even if it makes them uncomfortable.
Reach Audrey Weishaar at letters @collegian.com.
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY CADEN PROULX THE COLLEGIAN
A24 paves way for independent films, is future of cinema
By Gigi Young & Christian Arndt @csucollegian
Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.
“The Brutalist” winning a Golden Globe award for the best motion picture in a drama category serves as yet another award in A24’s dense filmography.
With so many awards and movies that fans consider masterpieces, it really begs the question: How did a small, independent film studio go from making indie movies to becoming one of the most celebrated film companies of all time?
Founded in August 2012 by Daniel Katz, David Fenkel and John Hodges, A24 emerged as a scrappy, independent film distributor, focusing on stories that traditional studios might have deemed too risky or unconventional.
Traditionally, production companies have stayed in the background, their logos flashing briefly before a movie begins but few ever becoming household names. A24, however, flipped the script, evolving into a cultural phenomenon
with a devoted fanbase that eagerly anticipates each new release — not just for the film itself but because it’s an A24 film.
The studio has become a launchpad for emerging directors, championing fresh voices and unique storytelling. Ari Aster, who directed “Hereditary” and “Midsommar,” redefined the horror genre with emotionally charged, psychologically complex narratives, while Robert Eggers, who led “The Witch” and “The Lighthouse,” carved out a unique niche with atmospheric, historically accurate filmmaking. Greta Gerwig, who gave the world “Lady Bird,” delivered a deeply personal and heartfelt coming-of-age story, solidifying her position as one of Hollywood’s leading writer-directors. By nurturing and offering a platform to these directors, A24 has not only disrupted the film industry but redefined the future of independent filmmaking.
Amid COVID-19 limitations in 2020, movie theaters closed, and streaming platforms like Hulu, Netflix and Disney+ became lifelines for new releases. Even after theaters reopened, watching a newly released movie from the comfort a couch or bed stuck around.
Blockbusters like “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Avatar: The Way of Water” proved that audiences would still flock to theaters for grand
experiences while smaller, mid-budget and indie films struggled to compete. This shift in viewing habits presented an opportunity for A24 to further cement its role in the film industry by capitalizing on the growing demand for high-quality streaming content.
With streaming services becoming the go-to for many movie lovers, A24’s commitment to unique, wellcrafted films made it the perfect studio to fill the void. Movies like “Minari” and “The Green Knight” focused on storytelling and emotional depth, offering something different from the usual.
The studio not only reshaped what independent filmmaking looks like in the streaming era but also proved that indie films can thrive — even in a world dominated by bigger mainstream productions. A24 is living proof that there’s still room for films that challenge expectations and deliver something truly special, even when the market is flooded with the same old thing.
Instead of going down the usual and predictable approach to advertising, A24 chose to keep things lowkey and let the movies speak for themselves. From merchandise like the googly eyes found in “Everything Everywhere All At Once” to themed quarterly magazines, they create buzz before a movie is even released.
A24 has turned movie watching into more than just sitting in front
of a screen; they’ve created a space in which fans feel like they’re a part of something bigger: a community that appreciates the artistry and boldness of a film.
It’s not just about watching a movie; it’s about collaborative conversations, shared excitement and memes. A24 has made every release an event that feels personal and inclusive, making the audience feel like they’re not only watching but experiencing the film.
A24 has a massive catalogue of films, plenty of them exploring themes that are not typically present in traditional Hollywood films.
For example, look at films such as “Tusk” and “Enemy.” Both films explore very surreal and mysterious circumstances that ultimately serve as the drive of the plot. With the creative freedom provided by A24, these films found success with specific fans of the horror and thriller genres.
Although “Tusk” and “Enemy” are fairly experimental, A24 has distributed some of the most heartwrenching and sophisticated movies in modern cinema.
The creators of films distributed by A24 have fewer restrictions. This allows for complete creative control and the opportunity to explore themes not often explored in cinema, including mental health, race, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation and grief.
Films such as “Queer” and “Moonlight” dive into themes of same-sex attraction in environments that are hostile to queer identities. This is especially seen in taboo situations that A24 is known to portray. “Queer” follows a man in Mexico during the 1950s who attempts to find true love while navigating his own addictions and insecurities. Meanwhile, “Moonlight” follows a man exploring his sexuality in a hostile environment wherein he is consistently persecuted and bullied.
Each film beautifully depicts the tragic experience of every character and how they grow into themselves.
Movies like “Past Lives” and “Aftersun” explore themes of loss and the human experience. Both films provide an overwhelming sense of emptiness and beauty while showing how important human connection is between loved ones and acquaintances. But most importantly, they depict the concept of loss.
Independent films like these greatly impact modern cinema, with each A24 release garnering more followers. With more A24 movies scheduled to release soon, such as “Warfare” and “Opus,” there is no better time to explore A24’s bountiful catalog of beloved and critically acclaimed films.
Reach Gigi Young and Christian Arndt at letters @collegian.com.
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY ROBBIE HAYNES THE COLLEGIAN
Sudoku
WEEKLY HOROSCOPE
By Sophia Masia
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (01/30/25)
ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)
With Uranus direct in your financial sector, it’s time to revisit money moves you shelved during the summer. Don’t shy away from unconventional strategies around saving, budgeting or making money. The new moon invites you to embrace your social butterfly this week; maybe you’ll find inspiration in your peers, Aries.
TAURUS (APRIL 20 - MAY 20)
After spending time hiding away at the beginning of January, the new moon is nudging you to step out of your comfort zone and connect with new people. With Uranus direct in your sign, you’ll begin to feel more secure, intuitive and confident. Growth happens when you’re open, Taurus.
GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 20)
If you’ve been struggling to own any difficult emotions popping up, this is the week to lean into practices or beliefs that feel aligned, even if they’re unconventional. Release your energy and emotions through crafts, music, art, exercise, etc. Whatever you do, do it with your heart, Gemini.
CANCER (JUNE 21 - JULY 22)
The Aquarius new moon is your sign to refresh your self-care
relationships may take a surprising turn this week. Whatever happens, the new moon calls you to slow down and focus on your home base. Whether you stress clean your bedroom or just spend time with your roommates, grounding yourself is key. Take it easy, Scorpio.
game — think new skincare rituals, a different haircut or even just more rest. Uranus direct brings surprises through friends or community ties, so you need all the pampering you can get. Pay attention to who’s showing up for you, Cancer.
LEO (JULY 23 - AUG. 22)
The spotlight shifts to partnerships this week, with the new moon highlighting your need for connection. This isn’t always social or romantic, though, as Uranus direct in your career zone could bring unexpected breakthroughs at work. Teamwork makes the dream work, Leo.
VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEPT. 22)
The new moon sparks inspiration to fine-tune your routines or try something new in your wellness practice. This could manifest as the urge to get your life together at 3 a.m., or it could be the impact of a simple TikTok that shifts your outlook on feng shui. Follow the breadcrumbs of curiosity, Virgo.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23 - OCT. 22)
Syllabus week is over, and you might be extra susceptible to the stress. Take time to channel your frustrations into fun. The Aquarius new moon is perfect for a fresh start in your hobbies or love life while Uranus direct stirs up transformative energy in your intimacy zone. The more nourished and grounded you feel, the more capable you are of productively pushing the envelope, Libra.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)
With Uranus direct in your partnership sector,
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)
This week’s new moon fires up your communication skills while Uranus direct brings shifts in your daily routine. Flexibility will keep you grounded as you explore new opportunities, so send that text, write that paper or upload that podcast. Don’t resist change, Sag.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)
Life isn’t all work; the new moon is bringing clarity around what makes you feel secure. This could be physical things like money, but it is more likely your ego and emotions. Whatever it’s about for you, revisiting a hobby or passion you’ve pushed aside might help. Loosen up, Capricorn.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)
Happy solar return! This entire season — and especially the new moon — in your sign is all about fresh starts. It’s time to dream big and set intentions for your next chapter. With Uranus going direct in your home sector, expect shifts in your personal life or living situation that you began in the summer. Trust the process, Aquarius. Change is your best friend.
PISCES (FEB. 19 - MARCH 20) Your third eye is wide open; your mind is alive; and now with Uranus direct, you’re able to share your ideas more smoothly. Reflect and recharge over the new moon before debuting your new social media personality or firing off that work email. Proceed gently, Pisces.
Last edition’s crossword solution
Last edition’s sudoku solution
OVERHEARD AROUND CAMPUS
“I’m so fucking sick of dead, old white dudes talking in ancient Greece.”
“Is Joe Rogan our Socrates?”
“Stay tuned for the sexualities tornado.”
“How does right of way work with robots?”
“The CEO of potatoes is God, so that might be tricky.”
“I’m always an advocate for public humiliation.”
Have you overheard something funny on campus? Put your eavesdropping to good use. Tweet us @CSUCollegian and your submissions could be featured in our next paper!
Robots that do human jobs
Bang Energy
Black mold
Freezing pipes
Overbearing police presence
CAM’s Lobby Shop
The LGBTQIA+ community
Ultra Strawberry Dreams
Monster Energy
Cancelled classes Doctorates
