The Arbiter 08.26.19 Vol. 31 Issue 2 by The Arbiter at Boise State University

August 27, 2019

Vol. 32 Issue 2

I N D EPEN DE NT

S T UDE NT

V O I CE

O F

B O I SE

STAT E

S I N C E

1 9 3 3

MEET THE PRESIDENT Boise State welcomes Marlene Tromp and the beginning of a new era on campus

10 NEWS

New proposal would mandate that Medicaid expansion be funded by counties across the state

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OPINION

Boise State students should be following these three presidential candidates for the 2020 election arbiteronline.com

CULTURE

Students can expect a world museum and ample work space in the Center for Visual Arts @arbiteronline

SPORTS & REC Going into the season unranked, Broncos are ready to take on Florida State in first game

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@boisestatearbiter

Editor-In-Chief Logan Potter editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Online Editor Emma Freitas onlineeditor@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Editor Celina Van Hyning news@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Reporter Taylor Rico-Pekerol news@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Editor Will Meyer culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Reporter Michelle Johnson culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Editor Delaney Brassil sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Reporter Autum Robertson sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Copy Editor Megan Mary Social Media Coordinator Trisha Kangas Digital Content Manager Taylor Humby digitalcontent@stumedia.boisestate.edu Digital Content Producer Mackenzie Hudson Graphic Design Manager Maddie Ceglecki design@stumedia.boisestate.edu Graphic Designer Kacie Fromhart Illustrator Wyatt Wurtenberger Distributed Tuesdays during the academic school year The Arbiter is the official independent student newspaper of Boise State University, where student editors make all content decisions and bear responsibility for those decisions. The Arbiter’s budget consists of fees paid by the student body and advertising sales. The first copy is free. Additional copies can be purchased for $1 a piece at The Arbiter offices.

Boise State’s incoming freshman class gathered on move-in day for the annual B on the Blue. Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter

ON THE COVER:

President Marlene Tromp is Boise State’s first female president, and her arrival signals a new era for the universit y af ter Dr. Bob Kustra’s 15 year run in the position. Cover design by Wyatt Wur tenberger.

HOW TO REACH US: CONTACT US: editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu 208.426.6302 PHYSICAL LOCATION: Located on first floor of Lincoln Avenue Garage Suites MAILING ADDRESS: Student Media MS 1340 1910 W Universit y Dr. Boise, ID 83725 -1340

MEET AND GREET ON THE STREET! Interested in getting involved with The Arbiter and University Pulse Radio? Come and connect with us! Whether you are wanting to learn more about the student-run media outlets, volunteer or you’re just looking for a fun way to spend your afternoon, we’ll be here!

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PHOTO BOOTH

GAMES

MEET US OUTSIDE OUR OFFICE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29TH 2 - 4 pm

Located in front of the Lincoln Garage across from the SUB

NEWS

AUGUST 27, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

PRESIDENT TROMP DELIVERS STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY ADDRESS

Boise State’s first female president spoke hopefully about the future of the university Celina Van Hyning | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

undreds of Boise State students, faculty and community members gathered at the Morrison Center to witness President Marlene Tromp give her first State of the University address on Aug. 21. The event was opened by the Boise State Trombone Choir. Led by conductor Sarah Paris, the group performed two selections before turning the floor over to President Tromp. Tromp began her address by speaking about the ambiance of the world today, which she considers to be inconsistent. “It is a politically volatile moment characterized by ideological divisiveness and polarization,” Tromp said. “It is a moment in which it is a sign of bravery even to speak.” Tromp expanded this idea by saying that she hoped to honor the bravery exhibited by the Boise State community and people in all Idaho regions by speaking from the heart. “This seems especially important to me because you and the State Board of Education gave me the honor of leading this path-breaking university,” Tromp said. “And I thank you for that.”

“This seems especially important to me because you and the State Board of Education gave me the honor of leading this path-breaking university.” President Marlene Tromp As a former faculty member of the University of California Santa Cruz, Tromp

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President Tromp discussed Boise State’s leading research and innovation. Taylor Humby | The Arbiter recognizes the impact that public universities have on higher education. “Public universities have a special and vital mission to educate the people of the state,” Tromp said. “Public higher education was built for the expressed purpose of transforming people’s lives.” With this ideology in mind, Tromp alluded that being Boise State’s president is an incredibly honorific mission, and that she intends to maintain Boise State as a

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place where difficult yet intelligent conversations will take place. “In this vexing political climate, public universities must remain spaces where complex discussions can take place, where difficult issues can be explored, where conflicting ideas and opinions can be heard, considered and respected, where the smallest groups can be seen and where underrepresented ideas can be spoken,” Tromp said. “I believe that Boise State University

can become a national leader in meaningful problem solving across political divides.” This statement caused joyous applause from the audience, suggesting that audience members were offering their support to Tromp’s initiatives to encourage conversation at the university level, despite the undetermined future. “Universities are closing and failing across the country,” Tromp said. “Of the approximately 4,300 universities and colleges in the nation, 800 are at risk of closing and 80 have faced consolidation from other institutions in just the last few years. 50% of those that have been consolidated in the publics.” Boise State has never documented a possibility of closing its doors. While university affairs are seemingly in order, audience members couldn’t help but wonder how President Tromp aims to ensure this public university does not become part of that number. Despite the shocking statistics, Tromp remained hopeful that Boise State would not contribute to the data by ensuring that all ideas on how to maintain a successful university are heard and considered. “Surely, this is the very foundation of our mission,” Tromp said. “As a university, if we aren’t engaging openly in and fostering important dialogue, striving for what is just and right and good, we may cause irreparable harm to the things that matter the most to us. The world, my colleagues, is changing.” Regardless of the changing world, Tromp believes the role of higher education has the same goal. “We have so many responsibilities as a university to be sure, and we do them all so well,” Tromp said. “But if universities aren’t meant to be bringers of light, then who is?”

NEWS

EVOLUTION OF MOVE-IN MEANS LESS STRESS FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

Housing and Residence Life streamlines process for residents on the often hectic day Taylor Rico-Pekerol | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

or students moving across the state or even from a different country, moving into the dorms is an exciting and nerve-wracking day for freshmen and their parents. Housing and Residence Life has worked hard over the years to make the process as smooth and streamlined as possible. With over 700 volunteers amongst staff, faculty and students, the process of move-in has evolved into a straightforward one, where troubleshooting problems is an easy fix. All students have a move-in time specific to their dorm building and floor. They begin at the first station in the Rec Center, where they are given their keys and shown where their room assignment is. This movement through “stations” works to familiarize incoming students with the campus and to give them the tools to ask questions if the need arises. Kenzie Coe is a freshman psychology major and moved from Southern California to come to Boise State. She is living in the Honors College Hall and relied on the RAs to help when her key was lost. “I have loved every second of (move-in) so far,” Coe said. “The RAs made me feel comfortable when I found out they lost my keys; I didn’t feel worried about it at all. I have felt very welcomed.” Amanda Khampha-Rockrohr is an assistant director (AD) and aids as a guide to the Resident Directors (RD), who are charged with leading the different residential communities on campus. By having the first station contained in the Rec Center for the past few years, the move-in process has become easier, according to Khampha-Rockrohr. This year, Housing and Residence Life made another check-in area at Towers Hall in order to pull some of the traffic to that part of campus. “It also helps us set up a vibrant and exciting entrance for a new chapter in students’ lives with balloons, music, and smiling faces,” Khampha-Rockrohr wrote in an email.

New students stormed Boise State this semester, many of whom became campus residents. Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter Resident Assistants (RA) from every community are at the Rec on move-in day to help answer any questions and direct students to their correct dorm halls. An RA is assigned to every floor of a dorm hall, and they act as a mentor to make sure all residents are safe. Dele Ogunrinola is a senior biochemistry major and is a third-year RA. During his first year, he was an RA for the Honors College Sawtooth Hall, but the past two years has been an RA for the fourth floor in Keiser Hall. “I immediately go for humor (with students),” Ogunrinola said. “That’s the thing that I go for (sic) is, ‘Welcome to the floor, I am your glorified hall monitor. You went from one parent to another,’” Ogunrinola said. Another new addition this year is having the room condition reports online for every student moving in to fill out. RAs go into the rooms ahead of time and fill them

out; afterward, students simply need to agree with the report or leave a comment on what is incorrect. “Meeting people, giving them information, remembering names. That’s really important,” Ogunrinola said. “Names are just very important to people’s lives, so I make it a job to remember.” A lot of information is given to a freshman student on move-in day, and it can be overwhelming at times. To aid in easing the amount of information students receive, they give the information layer-by-layer throughout the day. “It can easily become white noise for our students, and (they will) miss the really important information,” Khampha-Rockrohr wrote. “We also want to make move-in a memorable and fun day, so any extra stress can be tough on a family that has moved their students hundreds of miles away.” Although thousands of students come

to Boise State each year, faculty, staff and other students make it a point to help freshmen feel welcomed. “My RA recognized me from my orientation when I met him, and that was cool,” Coe said. “I was surprised I am more than a number here.”

“My RA recognized me from my orientation when I met him... I was surprised I am more than a number here.” Kenzie Coe, freshman psychology major

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NEWS

PROPOSAL WOULD REQUIRE COUNTIES TO FUND MEDICAID EXPANSION Idaho lawmakers have begun the long and difficult process of determining how to fund Medicaid

Celina Van Hyning | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

ince Proposition 2, an initiative that requires the Department of Health and Welfare to amend its Medicaid plan to provide health insurance to certain people, passed in November 2018, Idaho lawmakers have struggled to determine how the expansion will be funded. On August 9, Rep. Megan Blanksma drafted a proposal stating that lawmakers are considering eliminating county indigent health care funds, and instead dipping into money collected from court fees or tapping cash from a tobacco settlement reached nearly two decades ago. According to Rep. Mat Erpelding, the state has funded medical care for the working poor through a fund that is shared by the state and the counties called the Catastrophic Health Care Fund. This funding is designed to cover the cost of those who are medically bankrupt and undergo a severe incident or emergency illness. The health care fund is currently being sponsored by property taxes, which is concerning to Rep. Erpelding. “If we don’t step up to the plate and take responsibility, no matter what we do we’re shifting from one program to another,” Erpelding said. The Idaho House of Representatives recently formed the Equitable Assessment of Costs Related to Medicaid Expansion interim committee. This committee is responsible for brainstorming cost-effective ideas on how to fund Medicaid expansion. On this interim committee is Representative Brooke Green, who said she is there to represent her district, as well as Ada County. “Our role there is to work with other colleagues to formulate some sort of plan to figure out how to fund Medicaid,” Green said. “We’re looking at the best interest in county, but also looking at the best interest of the districts.” Like the other members of the interim committee, Green is aware that figuring out how to find the $42 million necessary

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to fund Medicaid is in its earliest stages. “A lot of what we’re doing is premature,” Green said. “That bill was supposed to be only for discussing, not a concrete bill in its entirety. It is very clear to me that it was there to generate discussion.” As a member of the committee, Green has her own ideas about how Medicaid could be funded. “We have a funding source and a millennium fund — tobacco settlement funds,” Green said. “I’d like to see a portion go to tobacco cessation programs and a portion go to Medicaid. Vaping tobacco is not taxed and I’d like to see that explored as an option to fund Medicaid.” As with all ideas, the millennium fund idea is very premature and requires much more investigation. Erpelding, however, believes there are other ways to fund Medicaid without taking funding for another program.

“I can’t see how using the millennium fund accomplishes our goals without us saying we pay for health care, but will no longer have the resources to do opioid prevention, cigarette and tobacco prevention and now vaping, which is a rapidly increasing problem,” Erpelding said. “Essentially, you’re robbing Peter to pay Paul for an end result that is sick people.” Erpelding said that it is important for lawmakers to step up and take responsibility rather than taking money from one

program to pay for another. “The most efficient way (to fund Medicaid) would be to use a portion of the medically indigent fund and use some general fund dollars, including offsets from mental health programs,” Erpelding said. “Whatever remaining dollars are needed, we should have a discussion about how to go and get that revenue.” Many lawmakers have mixed opinions about how Medicaid expansion should be funded. However, some, such as Rep. Christy Zito, do not have any suggestions to offer. “I didn’t support Medicaid expansion to able-bodied adults in part because Idahoans were not told the truth about the costs of expansion,” Zito wrote in an email. “They were told that savings from the indigent fund and the Catastrophic Healthcare Cost Program (CAT) fund would largely cover the costs. The obligation to fund Medicaid is NOT on the opponents but on the proponents. I therefore don’t believe I should suggest a funding mechanism at all.”

Medicaid expansion was only recently enacted, but the initiative has yet to be funded. (Information via Medicaid.gov) Kacie Fromhart | The Arbiter

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LIBERAL ARTS DEGREES CAN TAKE STUDENTS ABOVE AND BEYOND

NEWS

Boise State students show that a liberal arts degree can offer a variety of career options Taylor Rico-Pekerol | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Liberal arts leaves potential for students to enter a number of different career fields, such as becoming a fighter pilot.

iberal arts carries a stigma that obtaining a degree in the field will leave students with limited career options. However, the options are far from limited. Captain Annaleise Satz, a 2011 Boise State graduate with a bachelor’s degree in linguistics and a 2013 graduate with a bachelor’s in political science, recently became the first female pilot of the combat jet F-35B. Satz’s training took four years to complete and allowed her to travel all over the United States. While not everyone can become a fighter pilot, a liberal arts degree has a diverse reach in different career fields. “At each of my training schools I did my best,” said Satz in a statement for the Marines. “I truly believe that showing up prepared and working diligently are two major keys to success.” During her State of the University address on Aug. 21, President Marlene Tromp referenced the importance of a

liberal arts education and the diverse analytical skill set it teaches people, such as writing and communicating well. “An English degree, as President Tromp stated in her address, can prepare you for any job, from fighter pilot to university president,” wrote Mac Test, English department chair, in an email. “There is no ‘normal’ career for an English major.” After receiving his English degree, Test became a computer programmer and moved on to become a mate and medic for a large factory trawler, where he spent 13 years fishing the Bering Sea. “English and the humanities prepare students to be kind, generous, understanding and open citizens,” Test wrote. “Democracy counts on an electorate that can think critically about issues, analyze both sides, seek out evidence, make sound arguments and sound decisions.” Different career options for liberal arts degrees present themselves within Boise

Wyatt Wurtenberger | The Arbiter

State students. Going into a more hands-on career field, like Test, can be an option for students, but careers in the humanities are still on the table. Hailey Scott, a senior linguistics major, is aiming to receive her master’s in speech pathology. “The main reason that people with linguistic majors go into speech language pathology is because they really like phonetics entomology, which is parts of speech, the sounds of speech and the contrast of sounds of speech,” Scott said. Her passion is to help children overcome and correct their speech impediments. She believes her degree in linguistics will aid in understanding the language better. “I think it really does make you think about the world in a different way than you did before being educated on the mistakes (of language), because it makes you evaluate all of your language,” Scott said. “And language really is the basis for the

lens in which you view the world.” Sam Heidelberg, a junior English education major, wants to pursue a career in stage management and a nontraditional teaching career. She wants to make Shakespeare theatre more accessible and understandable to younger students. “I’m learning how to think critically. I’m learning how to communicate clearly and talk about complex ideas in a concrete way. You can do a lot of different things with that,” Heidelberg said. The sky’s the limit, both literally and figuratively, for liberal arts degree-seeking students. According to Scott, with a background in human connection and critical thinking, anything is possible. “For my degree, I think English really lends itself to non-traditional paths in a way that people don’t always see,” Heidelberg said. “And being able to take big ideas and explain them clearly and succinctly is something you need. It’s so important.”

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OPINION AUGUST 27, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

TRUMP IS USING GREENLAND TO DISTRACT FROM U.S. PROBLEMS Purchasing a territory could mean disaster for the United States Emma Freitas | Online Editor | onlineeditor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

or as little as Trump knows about other countries’ cultures, he sure does seem to love an unnecessary business opportunity. The Trump administration last week toyed with the idea of purchasing Greenland — yes, an entire country — from Denmark. Trump paid no mind to the thoughts and feelings of any other country involved, and decided to inform the American public that it’s likely going to happen. Trump’s boastful claims about Greenland are another unsurprising highlight of his third year in office. What this tells the United States and the rest of the world is that he is not interested in making firm international relations, but is instead an entitled toddler who doesn’t understand the concept of playing nice. Greenland is an autonomous country amongst the Kingdom of Denmark, but is strategic to Trump because of its rich resources. The country is not green, however; it’s 80% covered in ice, which means large scale mining operations are not likely to make a large return investment in the near future. There’s no apparent sign that Trump has any plans to complete the purchase of the island of Greenland, which tells us that this is an impulsive diplomatic move. In short, Trump should have known better. Trump’s colonialist undertones are the key indicator that, if the U.S. was to purchase Greenland successfully, there would be no way to assimilate the territory into the American economy, and potentially could crumble Denmark’s.

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Trump is treating this real estate endeavor like the Louisiana Purchase, as if it’s going to be groundbreaking for the United States. Earlier this month, the CPH Post, a UK-

U.S. is the most vital to Denmark with NATO. The visit has since been postponed by Trump. There was an established relationship before Trump dropped the ball that he wanted to snatch up

Trump’s desire to buy Greenland reflects deeper signs of entitlement. Wyatt Wurtenberger | The Arbiter

based news organization, reported Danish Prime Minister (PM) Mette Frederiksen stating that she looks forward to Trump’s visit because the

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Greenland. Now, the PM is calling Trump’s remarks “absurd,” and it’s clear that he did not run his real estate plans by anyone before announcing it to the world.

The figure Trump placed on the debt that Greenland is causing Denmark is about $700 million, which shouldn’t be any concern of his. What he is doing in this situation, rather, is ignore all of the potential consequences of taking on a whole island. It would need to be accustomed with a whole new set of languages, cultural values, policies and people. Trump hardly pays attention to Puerto Rico, leaving nothing to indicate he would pay any attention to Greenland other than mining its resources. I don’t think Trump will actually go through with his plan to purchase Greenland, but I do think this is a distraction for the predictions that the U.S. is going into an economic recession. The trade war in China has been a pressing issue for U.S. businesses, and some are already looking for alternative areas to make money outside of China. There’s no timeline or guarantee that the U.S. will go into a recession, but Trump has certainly created a temporary distraction. In a more interesting turn of events, maybe Greenland should counteroffer and purchase the U.S.

HAVE A COMMENT OR REBUTTAL? EMAIL US AT: OPINION@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU

OPINION

THREE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES ALL STUDENTS SHOULD BE FOLLOWING Some candidates are more appealing to college students than others Zach Hill | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Sanders is running in his second campaign, with a similar platform.

Yang’s UBI promise is appealing to students with loan debt.

This is Warren’s first presidential run.

Photo: Star Tribune

Photo: Al Diaz/Miami Herald/TNS

Photo: Jennifer King/Miami Herald/TNS

e’re just a few short months away from 2020, meaning our next presidential election is almost here. The astounding number of Democratic candidates vying for their party’s nomination is unprecedented, and even with Jay Inslee dropping out on Wednesday night, the field is still packed. The next Democratic debate takes place on Sept. 12, and in order to track what’s going on, it’s important to know who some of the faces are. Let’s take a look at three candidates that all college students should be paying attention to. The first candidate is probably one of the obvious choices: Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. Sanders runs on the promises of college and healthcare for all, ideas that have shot to the forefront of the country’s debates on government spending. Sanders is especially important for college students to follow because his ideas impact us directly, which may change how likely students are to vote for him. From impassioned rebuttals at the debates (“I wrote the damn bill!”) to a massive grassroots movement that has carried over from his 2016 run for office, Sanders is a candidate that appeals to a significant amount of people. Every election cycle, RealClearPolitics puts out an aggregate score, gathering data from major polls across the country to determine who leads in certain runoffs. In a potential national election between Sanders and Trump, Sanders is projected to win by 10.4% of the vote, demonstrating his appeal across demographics and generations. The second candidate who should be on the student radar is Andrew Yang. Yang is an interesting candidate, with the main promise of his campaign being a universal basic income (UBI). His proposed UBI would cover $1,000 per month, and is likely an appealing policy for broke college students. While his debate performances have been less than stellar, Yang is a strong interviewer and has created a larger-than-

life social media presence for himself, in which he discusses the prowess of the New York Mets, his choice of breakfast food and, of course, the potential of his policies. An entrepreneur, Yang has no prior political experience, but managed to pull together one of the most comprehensive platforms of any Democratic candidate. In the last week, Yang qualified for the September debates, making him a crucial candidate to follow as the campaign trail gets closer to 2020. Elizabeth Warren makes the list as the final candidate to watch in the Democratic primary. Senator Warren is a fan favorite among young progressives and, like Sanders, is projected early on to beat Trump in the general election, if chosen as the Democratic nominee. While Warren is running on similar campaign promises as Sanders, such as healthcare for all, Warren’s platform is focused on issues of justice and democracy. Warren is calling on the powerful and elite in Washington to level the playing field in our judicial system, something that millennials and Gen Z voters overwhelmingly support. Warren is also in favor of strong unions, and wage negotiation is a huge deal for college students preparing to graduate and enter the workforce. Warren easily qualified for the September debates, and is likely to remain a front-runner deep into the race. The 2020 election is certainly going to be a wild ride. Before we get there, we need to know about who is running, what their policies are and how they impact us. As college students, there will naturally be candidates who fulfill more policy positions we look for, and following these three candidates will shed some light into where policy impacting college students is likely to go.

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F E AT U R E

PRESIDENT MARLENE TROMP PROVIDES A GLIMPSE INTO HER 2020 VISION LOGAN POTTER | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITOR@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU As Marlene Tromp grew up in the 1970s in Green River, Wyo., a town with a population of just over 4,000, Richard Nixon was the President of the United States, and it was rare to conceive of the idea that a woman could take his place. That would all change for Tromp as a young girl when her father told her that she, too, could be the president one day. “For him to say that to me, made me feel like I didn’t have to have a ceiling over my head,” Tromp said. “But there were all sorts of options that I could pursue and things that I could do. And that was an incredible gift to me.” Although not exactly the commander-in-chief, Tromp is dedicated to passing that same sentiment down to the thousands of students she is serving as Boise State’s first female president.

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Building a community Although she meets dozens of new individuals in any given day, Tromp appears to place all of her energy and attention into the present moment. Whether speaking with a reporter or a member of the Boise community, Tromp dives into conversation with alertness and concern, and her focus does not go unnoticed by those who work with her. “I think she’s a very honest person, but I think she’s also very upfront with wanting to get to know people and understanding what community is and how to bring it together,” said ASBSU President Kaleb Smith. “She has a gift in doing that. She’s a really easy person to talk to. She seems to really listen and not just hear you, and try to understand what it’s like to be in your shoes and really look for diverse perspectives to bring into her decision making.” This pointed way of making connec-

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tions and decisions may be a result of her self-described devotion to community. Coming from humble beginnings, Dr. Tromp considers being at Boise State much like a homecoming, and intends to serve the university and surrounding community similarly to how she would serve her own at home. “I really care about the community that I inhabit, the people I work with the community that I serve, because I really think a presidency is a servant leadership position,” Tromp said. “I’m serving students, faculty and staff at the university to advance the university, which is to advance the state and the people in the state. So, I really think it’s a servant leadership position. And that’s humbling.” Combating divisiveness with innovation Communication is among Tromp’s top

priorities, particularly when it comes to creating and fostering healthy discourse in the university setting. During her State of the University address, Tromp expressed her concern regarding the divisiveness of the time in which we live, but explained that having diverse narratives that span across political divides could be the next step for the university’s pursuit of “meaningful problem solving.” “I think Boise State is a place that’s open to figuring out how to do things in new ways. And that means there’s a kind of flexibility in the organization,” Tromp said. “Like people are often asking the question, is there a way we can do this better? Is there a way we can be more creative? Is there something that we can do to help the organization thrive, or to help the students thrive or the faculty thrive? So, that openness and that willingness feels incredible to me; some places are more cynical. In some places, people wouldn’t even bother talking to each other. And that is an amazing thing. Because when people are willing to talk to each other, that’s when you can get things accomplished.”

Taylor Humby | The Arbiter Innovation is becoming synonymous to Boise State, as the U.S. News and World Report ranked the university at #45 in the top 50 most innovative universities across the nation. The definition of innovative is subjective, but Tromp is not alone in believing there is room to strike when it comes to making strides in tough campus conversations. Leslie Webb, vice president of student affairs, shares the idea that the university could set the standard for diverse and inclusive communication within the Boise State community. “We could be a national model for how to do this work in these troubling times — where we foster an environment to uplift voices that aren’t being heard — and this includes folks who are scared to bring their voices to the surface for fear of being shut down, where we invite the dissonance, we name the messiness and we embrace the discomfort,” Webb wrote in an email. “We can do this without causing harm if we carefully and thoughtfully create the conditions.” Rather than allow these political divides to engulf students and faculty who work at Boise State, Webb believes that Tromp’s leadership

could create a broader sense of community across those lines that exist in the status quo. “She cares about students and their experiences - in and out of the classroom,” Webb said. “She is acutely aware of the pressures and challenges of today, and holds a conviction that we, Boise State, can be a leader in bringing students together to discuss — and even find community within — the difficult ideological, political, cultural issues that continue to divide us. If not us, then who and when?” Defining inclusivity Tromp’s ability to find that community has already been challenged in her first weeks of presidency, beginning with a letter addressed to her by 28 Republican lawmakers in the Idaho legislature. The letter, written in early July, urged Tromp to roll back diversity and inclusion initiatives originally outlined in an email sent to the Boise State community by Interim President Martin Schimpf. Schimpf’s email included such initiatives as Black and Rainbow Graduation, the annual Powwow and graduate school prepara-

tion courses for marginalized and underrepresented students. Tromp, although not the primary driver of these initiatives, said she remains committed to serving all students, especially after better understanding the letter authors’ points of contention. “I care so much about making sure that every single student feels like their voice can be heard on campus. And that means that I don’t want any student to be silenced,” Tromp said. “When I met with some of the legislators who had signed on to the letter, what some of them told me was they were afraid that what had happened was that there were still some groups were being silenced. And that there was an unfair distribution of benefit in programming.” Rather than an unfair distribution, there may have been confusion surrounding what question Schimpf ’s email was addressing. Because it was internal communication with the Boise State community, it may have looked to those on the outside as though there were no programs to benefit the students not directly impacted by diversity initiatives, according to Tromp. These programs, although created for

underrepresented students, are designed to benefit the university in its entirety. Francisco Salinas, director of student diversity and inclusion, discussed the importance of recognizing that equity benefits faculty and the student body as a whole. “One of the things that she mentioned is how we have a responsibility to serve all students; all students really means all students, all kinds of students,” Salinas said. “And that means we have to figure out which kinds of students may not be being served in an equitable fashion. And when that’s a problem, that’s a problem for our service to all students.” Although diversity and inclusion is just one piece of Tromp’s packed Boise State agenda, she wants to ensure that students know her dedication lies in the right places to encourage widespread success. “I want to make sure those students know that I care,” Tromp said. “And that I’m committed to making sure that they’re able to have access — full access — to their education.”

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C U LT U R E AUGUST 27, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE CENTER FOR VISUAL ARTS World museum and updated workspaces mean innovation for students and the arts David Collie | Guest Writer | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

The center is designed to create presentation and work space for students in art programs.

ore than two years after the ground-breaking ceremony was held, the Center for Visual Arts will be opening its doors to students and classes with the beginning of the Fall 2019 semester. Although the formal ribbon cutting will not be held until October 3, the soft opening will bring a number of benefits to students and art programs on campus with more to come throughout the year. Though the outside of the building has been visible at the forefront of Boise State’s campus, Kathleen Keys, interim director for the School of the Arts and associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, gave an idea of what students can expect from the inside of the $48 million project. “Students studying art, design or other visual studies such as the history of art

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and visual culture, or art education can expect to learn, create and study in a safe, state-of-the-art facility that was specifically designed with learning in and about the visual arts in mind,” Keys wrote in an email. “There is ample room for the creation of artwork, storing in-process projects, presenting and critiquing completed work and separate spaces for the myriad artistic processes necessary to each studio discipline.” In addition to an updated facility, the building will also provide a centralized location for the arts across campus. MFA illustration student Melissa Maxey, who has taken art classes in five buildings, talked about the ways this centralization might impact convenience for students, as well as offering more opportunities for collaboration. “What’s really going to be great is, I’ll be able to see all the professors in one

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Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter

place,” Maxey said. “I won’t have to travel all over the place to talk to them about collaboration on something or asking them a question. I can drop in without having to trek across campus.” Maxey also explained that the disparate locations of the art disciplines has led to a kind of isolation for students where they don’t always have easy access to those outside of their field. With this new proximity, Maxey hopes that this might improve the level of community experienced by students in the arts. Beyond art students, however, the new building — and the Keith and Catherine Stein World Museum in particular — will provide opportunities to all students on campus, and even those in the broader Boise community. University Art Curator and Collections Manager Fonda Portales

has worked on the World Museum for the last three years and discussed what students can expect from its opening sometime early in the Spring 2020 semester. “The world museum is going to be an interactive, immersive space that introduces people through virtual reality, through augmented reality, through touch capacity projection (and) introduces people to art from around the world, including art and cultural sites that students have captured,” Portales said. Portales explained that she was initially skeptical of virtual reality and authenticity of it as a medium for viewing art, but her work on the project has fundamentally shifted that view. “It doesn’t detract from the experience of that original piece, it’s just a different way of experiencing it,” Portales said. “So virtual reality is just another way to experience something out of its original context, and once I started to think of it that way, then technology was just, you know, another vehicle than I have experienced before.” The art pieces and cultural sites were captured by a collaboration of photography students and computer science students with the intention of bringing parts of the world and various cultures back to Boise State. One such example, as Portales described, was a Bosnian prayer house surrounded by a river and overlooked by a cliff side. Beyond just capturing these beautiful places and works, though, Portales hopes that the space will provide an accessible way for people to experience and grow through art. Although the world museum’s opening is still some time away, the opening of the building is sure to mark a noteworthy step in the history of the university and its support of the arts.

C U LT U R E

SHAPING THE PATH TO SUCCESS FOR FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS

TRIO and First Forward provide support and community for students coming to Boise State Michelle Johnson | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

here are numerous programs at Boise State University that seek to help college students navigate their time here. Each program is tailored to fit students of different backgrounds and needs. For first-generation students — first in the family to attend and graduate college — options are available. The First Forward program is geared toward first-generation students, as well as students of color. This program is intended to be both a support and community system. Sarah Keeton, the coordinator of the First Forward program, seeks to ensure students in this program get the support they need. “We are trying to get more awareness out to students about the program (by) trying to talk to them at orientations and shifting the dialogue,” Keeton said. Keeton wants to make first-generation students feel proud of who they are. First-generation students may feel out of place on campus or feel they don’t fit into any campus community. “We want them to think of it as an asset instead of a deficit,” Keeton said. “Trying to hone in on the fact that it’s super awesome that they are the first in their family

Illustration by Wyatt Wurtenberger

“The major benefit that our students have is mentoring and having a supportive community,” Stoyanova said. “We provide opportunities for them to learn from mentors, each other and others in the field. We make sure that students can connect with the larger community and have the resources they need.” Maranda Paz, a sophomore dual majoring in elementary and special education, is a part of the TRIO Rising Scholars program. “This program has helped me feel more apart of the Boise State community,” Paz said. “They host activities during the year, such as pumpkin carving and hosting a Thanksgiving dinner. It helps you feel connected within the TRIO community and the campus community.” The TRIO program also sets each student up with a personal advisor, meeting

once a month. The meetings are fully-centered around the students and whatever they may need to discuss that month. “My favorite part about this program is having another advisor,” Paz said. “My TRIO advisor helps me so much more in other ways than academics. He helps me with anything I need.” Both programs are working towards becoming more known and easily accessible to the students who could benefit from being apart of First Forward or TRIO. First generation students don’t have to figure out everything alone. With programs such as First Forward and TRIO, these students can get the resources they need to successfully earn a college degree.

to go to college and that there are barriers that are at no fault of their own and how to create a better system to serve them.” Each first-generation student may face different challenges, and the students may not fit under the umbrella of “one-size-fits-all.” One of the more common challenges these students may face is impostor syndrome. “It’s this idea that they don’t actually belong on campus,” Keeton said. “It can really affect how they navigate classes, how they interact with professors and how they reach out for opportunities.” Fortunately, there is more than one campus program to help students defeat impostor syndrome and ease their path to college life. TRIO involves multiple programs that help first-generation students on a lower income scale. Some of those programs featured here at Boise State include Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound, and Rising Scholars. Petya Stoyanova is the director of the TRIO Educational Talent Search program, who explained the multiple benefits the program can provide for first-gen students across campus. AUGUST 27, 2019

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C U LT U R E

GIVING THE UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE A NEW WORLD VIEW International students prepare for their first semester at Boise State Will Meyer | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Wyatt Wurtenberger | The Arbiter

n the Bishop Barnwell Room of the Student Union Building (SUB), groups gather around tables labeled with various majors. Although there are many student-centered events happening in the SUB each day, this group is unique: this is the International Student Orientation. Though the staff is easily recognizable, all wearing orange or blue polo shirts, the other occupants are dressed in street attire, most with their laptops flipped open to register for classes. This group is completely new to Boise, most of them have never set foot downtown — until their tour later in the day. Luan Teed, a senior illustration major, is in her first year with International Student Services as an orientation leader. Teed believes that, based on her experience, having a separate orientation for international students coming to Boise State is vital to them being successful on campus. “Their needs are much different than the regular students,” Teed said. “The needs of international students rely on, say,

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their immigration status, or their visas. There’s more to consider in that way.” Teed explained that international students face the challenge of moving from a different country on top of all of the other aspects that American students face. The International Student Orientation is designed to help these students adapt to campus culture as seamlessly as possible, so that they can enjoy what Boise State has to offer. Each of these students ended up at the university for very different reasons, some on scholarships, others studying abroad for a short time in the middle of their overall university experience. While mingling with one another after registering for classes, a few of them explained how they got to where they are. Gontzal Martin, a graduate student studying industrial engineering, explained that opportunity knocked in his home country of Spain, leading him to Boise State for a career boost and new experiences. “My university gave me the opportunity to come here,” Martin said.“I think it was the perfect moment to improve my CV, and my possibilities in the future.” Martin said he hopes that, with the experience and education he gains from Boise State, he will be able to get an internship and, eventually, a job in his field. Although he is interested in an internship in the U.S., Martin hopes to find a job back home in Spain. Anna Conde, a freshman sociology major, also found her way to the university from Spain. While the array of academic possibilities may be the focus for some, Conde came to Boise to focus on sports while in school. “I’m here on a tennis scholarship,” Conde said. “I had some options around the U.S., but I preferred this one because I

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thought Boise was a very cool city. I liked that it was more calm and peaceful. I really loved my contact with the tennis coaches, Beck and Maria. I also really love the girls on the team.” Conde said that Boise State’s achievements in academics also factored into her decision to come to the university. Junior engineering and kinesiology major Jaume Amengual, also from Spain, was in the United States prior to enrolling at Boise State. Hailing from California, Amengual wanted a change of pace from his previous school. “I was at a junior college in San Diego, and I wanted to move to a Division 1 school, and Boise State had the best scholarship,” Amengual said. Amengual played college basketball until last year when he badly injured his knee,

consequently ending his career. Each of the students were very curious to learn more about what Boise was like. Without a car, most of them had yet to experience anything outside going to Walmart in an Uber. While Amengual said he was most interested to find out how and where people party in Boise, Martin said he wanted to figure out what the best way is to buy groceries when you don’t have a car. The International Students Orientation educates new international students on as many facets as possible. Though there are certain elements they will have to figure out on their own, the students have kickstarted their semester, and are better prepared to take on the challenge of university life in a new country.

RELIEVING FOUR-YEAR STRESS

Finish in Four program seeks to alleviate graduation pressure Michelle Johnson | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

he pressure to graduate college ‘on time’ can weigh heavy on students. From declaring their major, signing up for classes and earning between 120-140 credits to obtain their degree, students have a lot on their plates. Featured on many college campuses, Boise State University included, the Finish in Four program aims to help students create their college path and ensure they graduate with a degree of their choice in four years or less. The Finish in Four program was enacted at Boise State in the fall of 2008 with just 45 students, whereas today, in the fall of 2019, there are now 869 students actively enrolled. Tim Squires, an advising systems coordinator, talks about the requirements and benefits of the program. “The only requirements for starting in Finish in Four are (to) be a first-time college (non-transfer) student majoring in one of the 88 participating majors,” Squires wrote in an email. Along with having the ease of a full four-year plan, Squires explained the numerous benefits that accompany the Finish in Four program, including financial savings and early enrollment. One of the major benefits of being apart of Finish in Four is being able to save a considerable amount of money when compared to students that spend more than four years in college. “The second and most popular benefit is that participating students who are making satisfactory progress receive early enrollment, which means they get to register at the same time as seniors. This could be as much as three weeks before their peers,” Squires wrote. Tianna Johnson, a senior majoring in media arts, explained how the Finish in Four program has helped her succeed in her college life. When Johnson first

heard about the program, there were multiple reasons the program appealed to her. “I have never been the best in school, so this program would help to keep me on track and organized for all of my classes,” Johnson said. “I am also paying for college all by myself, so being able to graduate for sure in four years helps to save me money.” This program may seem like it pushes students to graduate on a strict timeline, but Johnson explained that her experience hasn’t created that sense of pressure. “I wouldn’t say I feel pressure from this program; I feel more at ease every year,” Johnson said. “Being in Finish in Four keeps me motivated in my classes, and I like knowing that I have my semester classes already planned out in the future.” Daniel Springer, a junior majoring in construction management, is also actively enrolled in the Finish in Four program. The program has reassured him that he can get his degree in four years. “This program appealed to me because it was easy to enroll in, I can pick my classes early, assuring I’ll get into them and I know I’ll graduate in the time I want, too,” Springer said. Easily accessible, students are able to join their freshman year. This program poses no penalties for students who wish to withdraw at any time. If a student cannot complete the program, it can still serve as a benefit to the rest of their time in college. Those interested in the program should speak with their academic advisor in the spring semester of their freshman year. Although college can be a stressful time in a students life, programs such as the Finish in Four can help students create a timely plan to graduate.

C U LT U R E

JUST A THOUGHT What lies at the intersection of politics and pop culture? Logan Potter | Editor-in-Chief | editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

e are more politically divided than ever before, and that’s practically a non-negotiable statement. Social media is home to one of the most popular and diverse conversational platforms in existence right now, and Twitter wears the badge proudly. From heated pop culture discussions to tough topics regarding the current administration, 280 characters feels long enough to author a short story about our world views. What happens, though, when political and pop culture trends intersect? Most commonly in the status quo, the answer is cancel culture. As college students, our phones rarely leave our hands. Whether we are tweeting or using the Google machine in class, we have access to an entire world of news at our fingertips. This also means we are privy to a variety of past knowledge, and that often comes back to bite those in positions of power in our society. Old tweets, past soundbites and historic photos paint a picture for the general population and, for some celebrities, it is too shameful to come back from. “Canceling” someone occurs typically when

a celebrity or other figure of significance says something that the Twitterverse deems problematic — i.e. racism, sexism or homophobia. One of the most prominent examples in recent years is Jeffree Star, a beauty YouTuber who came under fire for using racial slurs and appearing in blackface in several of his videos. The Internet fought back and, while Star still has a notable number of fans and a very successful cosmetics line, many still consider the make-up artist canceled. This example, however, does pose a question about just how effective cancel culture is. Another prominent figure in the media was Melanie Martinez, a singer-songwriter known for her doll-like image. Martinez was accused of sexual assault by a close friend, Timothy Heller, back in 2017, putting her reputation and career in jeopardy. Many believed her friend, while others waited for a response from Martinez. Not long after the accusation, Martinez responded by claiming the friend never said no, claiming falsehoods in Heller’s story. Although the accusations were daunting and believing victims is crucial, Martinez has made her return with a new album and tour in 2019. Hot Topic, a popular teen clothing retailer, is one of many promoters. The problem does not lie in the fact that these two were “called out” on their problematic nature, but rather that so many still flock to support them. Yes, people can change. But unless that change is demonstrated in such a way that rehabilitation is possible, there is no way to gauge the outcome. Cancel culture can be toxic but, often, its results are necessary. Rather than blindly follow those you look up to on social media, consider the consequences of a lack of accountability — just a thought.

AUGUST 27, 2019

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SPORTS & REC AUGUST 27, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

BRONCOS GO INTO SEASON UNRANKED, READY TO FACE BIG ACC OPPONENT

Boise State looks ahead to exciting match-up against Florida State Autum Robertson | Sports Reporter | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

n just under two weeks, teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the Mountain West (MW), both recently in search of their starting quarterback, will face-off in the daunting Doak Campbell Stadium. Boise State has appeared in at least one of the Top 25 polls for the last 17 seasons, but this year is different. In the wake of not being featured in any polls this season, Boise State football has been quite literally turning up the heat for a few of their practices. The Broncos have conducted a few practices in the Caven Williams Sports Complex with higher heat and damp turf in order to simulate the weather conditions they will experience when they take on Florida State University (FSU) on Aug. 31. This game stands out, but not only because of the intense weather. FSU was bowl-eligible for 36 consecutive seasons prior to 2018, when they went 5-7. FSU has faced MW opponents four times, coming out on top every time. The Broncos hold a 2-2 record when facing ACC schools. The FSU game will be broadcast on national television, adding yet another pressure point to a game that already comes with so many. The Broncos, however, are not overthinking this. “I think all of us really like the opportunity to play (FSU), but we try and treat every game like a big stage game, a big opportunity game, so that when we go out there, we are not surprised about anything,” said redshirt junior offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland. The Broncos will be facing a defensive line in FSU that boasts bigger, heavier linemen than linemen in the MW. This is due in part to the ACC’s tendency to get top recruits. “I would say they’re all decently heavy. Most guys in the Mountain West are really

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The Boise State Broncos are unranked this season, but are prepared to push back to the top. not heavy,” Cleveland said. “Looking at Florida, most of them are 260 and above, and it’s just going to be a tough job.” Getting the opportunity to play a school as decorated and recognized as Florida State is a dream that a lot of athletes have, and it’s something the Broncos are excited about. “It’s exciting. I mean, when we started fall camp, we were kinda just focusing on ourselves and getting better within the core, but it’s almost here and we’re going to be ready,” said senior defensive tackle Chase Hatada. “We’re really excited right now... If you can’t get excited for this game, you shouldn’t be playing football.” The Broncos have never gone head-tohead against FSU, but the players have faced teams with similar offensives, such as Utah State, who the Broncos routed 33-24 last November.

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“...it’s almost here and

we’re going to be ready... If you can’t get excited for this game, you shouldn’t be playing football.” Chase Hatada, senior defensive tackle

“They’re a really good football team to start, but they’re tempo and Utah State was tempo, and we had our ways to prepare for that,” Hatada said. “But we gotta be ready and, you know, those guys are different

Taylor Humby | The Arbiter

football players. We got to go out and prepare for tempo and for speed. That’s what we’re going to be ready for.” Florida State is slated to be a statement game for the Broncos, who go into the season unranked for the first time in 17 years. The Broncos will enter a game like this with a chip on their shoulders, ready to prove themselves on national television. “It’s incredible, it really is. As a kid, you play the NCAA video games, and hear that (FSU) fight song and you know exactly who it is, so I’m very honored to be able to go play there,” said redshirt junior linebacker Bruno Derose. “So, at the end of the day, we’ve got to go out and play how we know how. You don’t have to be Superman, just do your job and that’s what it comes down to.”

SPORTS & REC

VOLLEYBALL SENIORS TURN EARLY CAREER EXPERIENCE INTO INSPIRATION Christensen, Simon and Walley reflect on personal challenges and goals for their final season Delaney Brassil | Sports Editor | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

n 2016, their freshman year, volleyball players Celine Christensen, Cassedi Simon and Janell Walley were a part of something that many collegiate athletes have only dreamed about. For the first time in program history, Boise State attended the NCAA tournament in Stanford, Calif. after winning their first ever Mountain West (MW) title. They split 1-1, wiping out Western Kentucky University 3-0, then falling to No. 9 Stanford 0-3. Now, as the only remaining active Broncos who have reached that tournament, these seniors are looking to lead Boise State back to the national stage while leaving a lasting impression on their young team. For a season bound to

be full of finishing each others’ sentences and utilizing their complementary leadership styles, Christensen, Simon and Walley are eager to begin. “Everyone in this group is really competitive. We all want to win, we

all want to start,” Christensen said. “This group gets along the best out of all the years we’ve been together.” From Walley’s competitive, vocal style to Christensen’s encouraging, “team mom” presence, the seniors create a balance of support for a group made up almost entirely of underclassmen. Among the 16 players are 12 underclassmen, giving the team leaders the chance to leave a promising legacy behind. “They’ve certainly done a lot for the program in their time...they set a good example,” said head coach Shawn Garus. “That’s probably their most valuable leadership quality, leading by example.” Christensen, a middle blocker, noted that her experience as a Boise State volleyball player pushed her mentally, physically and emotionally, teaching her to stay positive and keep up with the daily grind. She would advise her younger self to play out of aggression and willingness to get better, and never be afraid of making mistakes. “Celine has played a position that we’ve been really, really talented in over the years. She had the opportunity to redshirt early in her career,” Garus said. “I think she has continued to get better every season. She’s probably playing the best volleyball of her career during this senior fall campaign.” Walley, an outside hitter, and Simon, a setter, were both true freshmen in 2016, a year the program will never forget. Though they are proud to have been on the record-breaking team, they recalled their senior leaders being “a little rough” on them. From that point on, they wanted to make sure they made all newcomers feel welcome and valued, a goal that has ultimately created a more “family” environment. “The way we felt as freshmen, a lot of us

weren’t happy with it. So we always talked about how, when a new class came in, that we were going to treat them with respect and include them in everything,” Walley said. “I think we’ve done a really good job of that, and that’s helped build our team chemistry.” Despite the countless heart-warming memories and unforgettable games, the last four years have not been an easy ride for these athletes. While they are still overcoming nagging injuries and self-doubts, these three are entering their final season with thick skins. “Personally, I’ve had a hard time finding what type of player I wanted to be. In the beginning, I was like a roller coaster,” Simon said. “I went through some hard times with confidence and how I wanted to be the main setter, but couldn’t get there quite yet. I still had a lot of learning to do. (Now) I’m trying to lead the team into becoming another conference champion… I know I’m where I need to be right now.” Walley has started almost every match she has played, all while battling multiple injuries throughout her career. Though she was not always feeling 100 percent, Walley has been a productive player and, if ever on the sidelines, would use her experience to continue leading her on-court teammates. Boise State was picked to finish fourth in the 2019 MW Preseason Poll behind Colorado State, Wyoming and UNLV. The Broncos, who tied for fifth place last season, garnered one first-place vote. With a chip on their shoulders and one last chance to regain their MW title, Christensen, Simon and Walley are excited to dive in. “(The seniors) have only known winning. Our records have been very positive in their three years here,” Garus said. “They’ve been great at just walking the line… they’ve already kind of set the standard that I want to see moving forward.”

The seniors plan to use their years of experience to become well-rounded team leaders. Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter AUGUST 27, 2019

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SPORTS & REC

REDSHIRT JUNIOR DEANDRE PIERCE THRILLED TO BE BACK ON THE BLUE

After sustaining a season-ending injury, Pierce talks goals and future Autum Robertson | Sports Reporter | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

he return of Boise State football this year also brings the much-anticipated return of a cornerback-turned-safety whose hard hits have been missed. After spending last season on the sidelines, redshirt junior DeAndre Pierce is fired up to return to the game that has helped shape him into the man he is today. Talent, hard work and dedication are qualities that brought Pierce to Boise State as a true freshman; it might just be his passion for football that makes him one of the most dominant athletes at Boise State. Pierce was named to the 2017 All-Mountain West Honorable Mention list, is a two-time Academic All-Mountain West member (2016-17) and was the team’s leading tackler (23) in 2018 before succumbing to an injury. Pierce came to Boise from Long Beach, Calif. where he was raised with his siblings and parents in a house that shared his passion for football. His father, Antonio Pierce, is an NFL Pro Bowler and became a Super Bowl champion with his team, the New York Giants. While Pierce’s father found such professional success in football, Pierce ultimately calls his little brothers his “biggest inspiration,” saying he would do anything for them. When Pierce isn’t busy with football, one of his hobbies originally helped him choose his major at Boise State: video games. About three years ago, Pierce committed to play football at Boise and declared his major as Gaming Interactive and Mobile Media (GIMM). After football, he planned to design video games. But, because football requires extensive hours of work every week, Pierce decided to change his major to communication. Pierce did, however, participate in an internship over the summer working at former Boise State athlete Jason Robinson’s company, Playbook, which combines virtual reality (VR) and football. This gave Pierce the opportunity to do what he origi-

AUGUST 27, 2019

Pierce, who suffered a season-ending injury in 2018, is ready to cause chaos. nally planned to after college football. Pierce sustained a rare season-ending football injury during the 2018 season. He left the Sept. 29 win at Wyoming with a spleen laceration, which turned out to be the result of sickle cell trait, an inherited blood disorder. Pierce will have to closely monitor his condition for the rest of his football career, especially when playing in high altitude. “When we played at that high of an altitude...at 7,200 feet.. my blood thins out,” Pierce said. “So, my spleen was losing oxygen, and over the course of the game, it just got weaker and weaker, and then it busted.” Following the injury, Pierce was redshirted during his junior year, and watched from the sidelines as his teammates continued to do what he loved. He did see some action in the spring, but was very limited. With an unusual injury comes an unusual recovery. Pierce was completely

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Photo courtesy of Boise State Photo Services

cut-off from any physical activity. He used those months of recovery to improve his football knowledge by watching films. Pierce also spent a lot of time talking to his family and focusing on his schoolwork. “I couldn’t do anything for three months,” Pierce said. “October 1 to January 15, I was just sitting on my butt. I couldn’t do a push-up, I couldn’t jog, I couldn’t do sit-ups. I couldn’t do anything… I couldn’t do anything physical, but mentally I was just always watching film, always keeping myself busy. I wanted to stay positive.” Losing Pierce last year was a big blow for the Broncos’ defense. His return to The Blue this season is just as exciting for Pierce’s teammates as it is for him. “When he lines up, he makes me something better,” said sophomore wide receiver Khalil Shakir. “Every time I get to go up against him, it’s a great opportunity to get

better. He’s awesome and it’s great to have him back.” The 2019 college football season kickoff is less than a month away, and Pierce has many personal goals to strive for upon his return. “Tackles are good; I want more turnovers, more interceptions, more forced fumbles, more sacks...I want to create a lot of chaos,” Pierce said. Pierce is coming back stronger, bigger and more confident. Pierce has gained weight since last year, going from 173 pounds to 185 pounds, and is lifting more than he did even before sustaining his injury. His passion for football is strong, Pierce explained that he looks forward to “hitting people” the most after being out for months. When asked who gives him a challenge at practice, he replied, “I don’t think like that.”

LIBRA

SEPT 23 - OCT 22

This week is peak time for you get out into nature and enjoy what the earth has to offer, Libra. During the rest of the year, you may feel stressed by decisions and perhaps limited in your world occasionally, but right now is not the time for that.

SCORPIO

OCT 23- NOV 21 Lately, you may have felt stretched a bit thin, Scorpio. As a result, it’s time for you to focus on your own needs. At the very least, take moments this week to acknowledge, understand, and cater to your emotions to the best of your ability.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 22

Jupiter is guiding you toward good fortune at the moment, Sag. Take risks this week and enjoy a little bit of adventure as summer turns into fall. Don’t be afraid to wholly jump in and show your full potential. If you’re aching for a bit of a getaway, now is also a great time for some fun.

AU G

S 3

CAPRICORN

DEC 22 - JAN 20

With Saturn in retrograde for you, right now may feel like a challenging time. You might be hesitating to take action in order to resolve a problem and that resulting weight be exhausting. Take some time to assess all obstacles in front of you, Cap, and evaluate multiple courses of action.

AQUARIUS Now is a great time to take action in your life. With Mars guiding you, you’ll have a lot of drive to accomplish tasks this week and to confront anything that might be bothering you at the moment. Just remember to pace yourself; otherwise, you’ll find yourself running on empty.

JAN 20 - FEB 17 Helping others is a passion of yours, Aquarius, but currently you might be feeling like you’re without a cause to fight for. Try and connect more intimately with those closest to you this week to see where others could use a helping hand.

PISCES

FEB 18 - MARCH 20

It’s possible your sense of self feels waning as of late, Pisces. With Neptune in retrograde for you, be diligent about spending time with yourself this week to realign with your personal morals, belief systems, and reestablish your confidence.

ARIES

MARCH 20 - APR 20

You’re likely addressing some potentially significant issues in your life, but don’t let yourself become discouraged. Use your Aries fire to dig deep for your strength this week. At the end of this challenge, you’ll discover something wonderful.

TAURUS

APR 20 - MAY 21

You may be feeling hesitant to instigate a notable change in your life right now. Allow yourself to be more spontaneous than usual. Uranus is on your side, so rest assured knowing anything drastic that happens will end favorably for you.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUN 21 You might be feeling a bit underwhelmed, uninspired or just bored right now. Take some action this week and, if you have the room, think about meeting some new people or joining an exciting initiative to get some positive feelings flowing.

CANCER

JUN 21 - JULY 23 It’s possible that you’re not feeling adequately challenged. You’ll need to make moves to reach out to others for invigorating conversations and maybe even a little friendly debate. If you’re up for it, now is also a great time to meet new people.

LEO

JUL 23 - AUG 23

As Leo season winds down, it’s time to reanalyze and recenter yourself. Mars and Venus are leaving you for now, but Mercury is with you this week, which means it’s a great time to focus on profound, meaningful communication.

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YOUR CAMPUS. YOUR CLASSMATES. YOUR VOICE.