The Beacon THE STUDENT VOICE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND SINCE 1935 March 24, 2016 • Volume 118 • Issue 22 • upbeacon.com
Close call in Brussels for UP student
Photo cour tesy of Camille Ilusorio.
Junior Camille Ilusorio is safe in Brussels, Belgium after the terrorist attacks Tuesday morning. ISIS hit the EU capital city with two separate bombings in prominent locations. Camille Ilusorio was visiting Brussels, Belgium on a solo trip when the terrorist attacks hit Tuesday Camille Ilusorio morning. Junior She is still in Brussels, but confirmed that she is safe. The junior nursing major is studying abroad in London with a program coordinated by University of Oregon’s global education office. Through email correspondence, Ilusorio told The Beacon about the experience. When and how did you find out about the attacks? Where were you at the time? I was actually on my way to Berlin and was heading to the airport to catch my flight. While I was walking, my phone got a notification from BBC News about how there was just an explosion that went off at the same airport I was going to fly out of. I was already close to the subway station, but once I got the notification, I was thinking, “Oh yeah, better not head that way.” So I turned
around and walked back to the place I was staying at. Once I got back, the subway station attack occurred and the line I was supposed to go on was the same one on which the explosion happened. It’s still crazy for me to think that I was about to get on a subway towards the direction of the explosion if I didn’t get that notification. For the rest of the day, I stayed inside and kept myself updated on what was going on. Are you traveling with any friends? No, I was traveling solo for this part of the break. I understand that the second attack occurred in a downtown metro station near some EU offices — can you tell me any more about this location and the significance of it occurring there? I don’t know much, but I know the stop is where a lot of European Union and parliamentary buildings are located. And the bomb went off during prime rush hour time on a really busy line, also. How long did it take you to
get in touch with your study abroad coordinators and friends and family back in the states to tell them you were safe? Well, it was more difficult than usual because I just so happened to have gotten a new phone before the break started and didn’t have any numbers saved from my old phone. So I partly used my phone and Facebook to tell people I was OK. But I was able to get in contact with everyone within a few hours after the explosions!
uplifting impression on me and undoubtedly on the people of Belgium. Everyone was there to support each other, despite being from different countries, and it was honestly such a beautiful thing to see and be surrounded by. I haven’t been paying as much attention to the support on social media, but what I’ve been seeing in person has been amazing. One of the signs that stood out to me was written in French and said (translated to English), “United Against Hate.”
What is the environment like in Brussels right now? The city center was full of soldiers patrolling and police cars driving around. I was there before the events happened so I definitely saw a difference in the amount of military present. There aren’t as many people walking about, but there was quite a heavy presence of young, adolescent Belgians that I hadn’t seen prior that were out supporting. The environment was a little tense, understandably, but there was a sense of unity and togetherness. With the chalk messages, flowers, signs and candles that were left, the singing and hugging, it left a positive and
I know it’s still fresh, but does this change your perspective at all on terrorism and the increasing threats over the past several months? My view on terrorism hasn’t changed, really. I still believe no country should be facing it and no innocent lives should be lost. But I also think it’s important not to deal with terrorism with hate. Channeling hatred because we’re afraid does not mend terrorism, it only hurts those who are mislabeled because of their religion.
Clare Duffy • THE BEACON
The West Coast woke up Tuesday to news and social media buzzing about terrorist attacks that occurred early that morning in Brussels, Belgium. Two bombs went off around 8 a.m. at the main Brussels airport. About an hour later, another blast hit the Maelbeek subway station in downtown Brussels, not far from many of the European Union institutions. The New York Times reports that the death toll is 31 dead, along with three suicide bombers. 300 were injured. Immediately after the attacks, the terror threat level in Belgium was raised to a level four. Flights in and out of Brussels remain canceled, and public transportation within the city is still limited. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attacks, and two of the bombers have been identified as brothers and a third suspect is being sought. The New York Times reports that they have connections to some of the Paris attackers.
THE BEACON • MAR. 24, 2016 • UPBEACON.COM
NEWS
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ASUP Election ends in runoff for top positions By Rachel Rippetoe THE BEACON Today’s ASUP election for Executive Board and Senate ended in a runoff for the president and vice president positions. The runoff election will be next Tuesday and Wednesday. The finalists for president and vice president are Brandon Rivera and Tsikata Apenyo and Krizchelle Magtoto and Anthony Ng.
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This is like the third election in a month and I feel bad for the student body. Brandon Rivera ASUP presidential candidate
Clare Duffy • THE BEACON
Top: Apenyo and Rivera, Bottom: Ng and Magtoto. A runoff election for ASUP President and VP will be held next week.
With a total number of 1207 votes in the election - a turnout of only 34.06 percent of undergraduates, Rivera and Apenyo came in the lead with 536 votes (15.12 percent of expected votes, 44.7 percent of received votes), while Magtoto and Ng followed with 342 votes (9.65 percent of expected,
28.52 percent of received). The position of communications director will also be voted on in the runoff election. Stephanie Tucker came in the lead with 547 votes, while Andrew Simon followed with 308 votes. Magtoto and Ng plan to continue their campaign through Easter Break. Ng said the pair is working on a second campaign video showing more student voices. “It’s just a way that students on the weekend can see who we are,” said Ng. “While they’re resting, we’ll be hard at work campaigning. It’s changing our Easter plans a little bit.” For Rivera and Apenyo, Easter Break will be a time to recharge after a hard week of campaigning. Rivera said that the toughest part of campaigning was actually making sure everyone in the student body knew there was an election. Rivera and Apenyo put out 72 fliers across campus
and even spoke with students from a Bon Appetit food cart Wednesday. While it seems to Rivera and Apenyo that their hard work has paid off, they recognize that multiple elections in a short amount of time are not just draining for them, but for all of the student body. “This is like the third election in (a little more than) a month and I feel bad for the student body that they have to do this all over again,” Rivera said. “I wish we had just won this election right here, but we have to grab our group and tell them, ‘Hey, we have to keep pushing through.’”
Contact Staff Writer Rachel Rippetoe at rippetoe18@up.edu.
UP hiring new staff for mental health By Jacob Fuhrer THE BEACON UP is in the process of hiring two new staff members to improve mental health care on The Bluff after a series of suicides led students to express concern to administration. In an email to students last week, University President Fr. Mark Poorman detailed the new positions, which include a new Health Center counselor as well as an Early Alert Program coordinator. It’s all part of a broader effort to understand and improve mental health for UP students. In November, Poorman convened a panel of staff members to gather information and suggest improvements. The eight-person panel, headed by political science professor Gary Malecha, expects to give its final report of recommendations to Poorman in the next three weeks. “The administration is dedicated to providing
assistance and support to students,” Malecha said. “We’ve come up with some ideas in terms of what we might want to do.” Exactly what those ideas are won’t be revealed until the final report is delivered to Poorman. Representatives from the Health Center met with the panel to suggest improvements, which include changing the name of Health Center to the Health and Counseling Center. “It’s a way of destigmatizing what it is instead of hiding counseling underneath an umbrella of health,” said Will Meek, assistant director for counseling at the Health Center. Meek also suggested practical improvements, like redesigning the lobby of the Health Center to make it more inviting. He called for more education around sexual consent as well as an effort to make the community more inclusive to diverse student populations. Meek added that after
an extensive search for an additional mental health counselor, a decision should be announced by the end of April. Student mental health advocacy group Active Minds also met with the panel to discuss student well-being. “They’ve given us a number of ideas in terms of trying to create a culture of caring,” Malecha said. Some of these improvements include holding sessions in dorms to help make it easier for students to seek out support. Malecha says some improvements have already been made, including decreasing wait times at the Health Center and increasing overall awareness on campus. “One of the things we need to keep in mind is this is an issue that hits all universities,” Malecha said. “I was very much aware of it and I think it’s an important issue.” Contact Staff Writer Jacob Fuhrer at fuhrer17@up.edu. Twitter: @jacobfuhrer
THE BEACON
UP is working to make improvements to mental health services on campus, led by a panel of staff members advising Fr. Poorman. Poorman announced a plan to hire two new Health Center positions in an email last week.
CRIME LOG March 18, 1:44 p.m. Student came into Public Safety to report that all their political signs had been removed and thrown about through campus. Officers made a report and the case remains under investigation. March 18, 2:08 p.m. Student came into Public Safety to report that her bike had been stolen from the Kenna Hall bike rack. The bike was secured. Officers made a report and the student was also referred to Portland Police Bureau. The case remains under investigation. March 19, 2:53 p.m. A student reported a theft of personal property from the Pilot House. The property was recovered, but the incident remains under investigation.
FOR THE FULL REPORT upbeacon.com > News > UP Crime & Fire Log
ON CAMPUS Easter Break
Easter Vigil Mass
No class. Begins Thursday, March 24 at 4 p.m.
Saturday, March 26 at 8:30 p.m. at Chapel of Christ the Teacher.
Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Women’s Soccer
Thursday, March 24 at 4:30 p.m. at Chapel of Christ the Teacher.
Saturday, March 26 at 7 p.m. at Merlo Field. The women’s soccer team faces the Washington State University.
Good Friday Liturgy
Men’s Baseball
Friday, March 25 at 3 p.m. at Chapel of Christ the Teacher.
Saturday, March 26, at 1 p.m. at Etzel Stadium. They will play Cal State Northridge.
THE BEACON • MAR. 24, 2016 • UPBEACON.COM
NEWS
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Racial inclusion discussion pulls large crowd
Hannah Baade • THE BEACON
UP community members discuss where the University is falling short in terms of racial inclusion. Nearly 200 people attended the event Tuesday night. By Hannah Sievert and Clare Duffy THE BEACON Nearly 200 people — students, faculty and staff — packed Mehling Ballroom Tuesday night to discuss racial inclusion, an often uncomfortable topic at a university where one percent of the student body and zero percent of the upperadministration is AfricanAmerican. The event, hosted by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Inclusion (PACOI), left many participants encouraged by attendance, yet confused and disappointed that all of the event’s featured speakers were white. In small groups, participants were asked to grapple with three questions: What are things that UP as a community is doing well around racial inclusion? What are things that UP as a community could improve around racial inclusion? What are action steps that UP as a community can take to be more inclusive? “To be honest, this is the first thing I’ve seen while
I’ve been here that is racial inclusion-specified,” junior Nina Sackett said. While small groups mentioned several areas of success in terms of racial inclusion such as conversations prompted through Beacon articles and certain professors including cultural competency in their courses, the majority of discussion centered around what the UP community can be doing better. Participants in the small groups made suggestions ranging from adding cultural competency sessions to orientation and having spaces for diverse religious practices. But there were two common themes in most of the conversations: First, going beyond “inclusion” to actually diversifying the community both in terms of hiring for faculty, staff and administration and recruiting students from a wider variety of backgrounds. “I would really like to have faculty that’s not majority white,” Christian Wells, a black sophomore sociology major, said. “There’s no black faculty that I can go to for
advice in my field, especially when I do research, there’s no black faculty.” And second, adding a class devoted to cultural understanding and competency to the University’s core requirements. “I think (a core class) needs to be mandatory. Especially in this day and age. It would only be beneficial,” Sackett said. “I think especially at a predominately white school, since the majority hasn’t been necessarily exposed to the experiences of people in different races, it would be beneficial to let them be exposed to that,” sophomore Sabrina Bernaldo-Olmedo said. The event’s featured speakers shared times when they felt they either combated racism or perpetuated it — and what they’ve learned since. But there was an almost palpable question hanging in the air throughout the room: At an event intended to address diversity, why were all the featured speakers white? “I can’t think of a professor who isn’t white off the top of my head,” junior sociology major Zeke Pralle said. “I
think only hearing white voices talking to us, up on stage, is echoing what we hear in the classroom.” But co-chair of the event and student member of the PACOI Khalid Osman closed the event by assuring the crowd that this was an intentional choice. “Students of color have been speaking out about this to each other, and I hear from students of color all the time,” Osman said. “What we wanted to know is, the people not speaking, the usual suspects to say, ‘Hey, I made a mistake,’ or, ‘Hey, I did something right’ … We want to create momentum. We want more of these conversations to happen. We want this to be just the start.” Many participants expressed hope that the event, an effort coordinated by various groups across campus — Presidential Advisory Committee on Inclusion, Black Student Union, Black Lives Matter, the Student Association of Social Workers and the Office of Student Activities — would be just a stepping stone in improving racial inclusion on
campus. “Basically tonight has the potential to take Armstrongsize steps on a journey that will not be completed in our time at the University of Portland. That is a fact,” sophomore Henry Hark, one of the event’s featured speakers, said. University President Fr. Mark Poorman attended and gave the event his stamp of approval. “Scripture says we should be treating each other as if no one were strangers, as if everyone were welcome,” Poorman said. According to co-chair of the PACOI Fr. Gerry Olinger, the committee will compile participants’ notes from the event into a spreadsheet to use in its discussions. “The feedback will help inform the work of the PACOI in future years,” Olinger said. “We’ll have an opportunity to start analyzing that information over the summer. It will really, I think, become a guiding document.” Contact Staff Writer Hannah Sievert at sievert19@up.edu and News Editor Clare Duffy at duffy17@up.edu.
Black Lives Matter panel discusses police and race relations By Melissa Aguilar THE BEACON What would have been an ordinary trip to 7-Eleven with her mother, became one of freshman Carolina SanchezMartinez’s lasting memories of interactions with police and race. When she was still a child growing up in Florida, Sanchez-Martinez and her mother, both Cuban immigrants, stopped by the convenience store. In her mother’s haste, she left Sanchez-Martinez at the store. When her mom realized her mistake and tried to retrieve her daughter from police officers, they did not believe the two were related because of their differing skin tones. To discuss personal experiences with police and learn about public policy, UP’s
branch of Black Lives Matter hosted the panel “Getting Started: A Conversation on Race and Community” on March 15. Senior civil engineering major Khalid Osman moderated questions to the panel, which consisted of Sanchez-Martinez, sociology professor Bryan Rookey and Deanna Wesson-Mitchell, police policy director for Portland Mayor Charlie Hales’ office. Rookey noted that the level of public attention police involvement is receiving is at an all-time high, but it is not a new issue. “Racial hatred is now becoming more socially acceptable,” Rookey said. “It may be bringing us together, but it’s not bringing all of us together.” Rookey also gave a presentation explaining the
disparities in the incarceration of people of color and whites. Over the course of the presentation and audience question and answer portion, panelists expressed anger at how communities of color have been systematically treated unfairly, while also looking toward the future. Wesson-Mitchell offered insight into the bureaucracy of police reporting and disciplinary action. She recommended that everyone file a report with the Independent Police Review so officers can get feedback — good or bad — and improve their work. She also encouraged the University to hire more staff of color and recruit at more diverse local high schools. Sanchez-Martinez shared the difficulties she has faced coming from Roosevelt High School, one of the most diverse
Kristen Garcia • THE BEACON
Black Lives Matter brought together UP students and resources from UP and greater Portland to discuss race relations. high schools in Portland, to a predominantly white university. “Coming to UP is a culture shock,” Sanchez-Martinez said. “You don’t want to say the wrong thing.” She is also a commuter student and has worked several jobs, leading to her often
THE FORECAST:
CORRECTIONS
54º
53º
63º
55º
Monday
Sunday
Saturday
Friday
54º
Tuesday
63º
Contact copy editor Melissa Aguilar at aguilarm16@up.edu
THE TIP LINE
There are no corrections this week. Today
considering dropping out. Smiling, Wesson-Mitchell touched her hand and offered words of encouragement, telling her to continue speaking the truth of her experiences. “Don’t be quiet. Be loud,” Wesson-Mitchell said.
Wednesday
68º
Weather cour tesy of weather.com
The Beacon wants story ideas from its readers. If you see something that should be covered, email News Editor Clare Duffy at upbeacon@gmail.com
THE BEACON • MAR. 24, 2016 • UPBEACON.COM
NEWS
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UP Alumni Survey reveals post-grad job rates GRADUATES WITH A PLAN AS GRADUATION APPROACHES, SENIORS ARE POLISHING THEIR RESUMES AND WONDERING HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE THEM TO GET A JOB. THEY MIGHT FIND A CLUE IN DATA UP CAREER SERVICES COLLECTED FROM LAST YEAR’S SENIORS IN THREE SURVEYS (DEC. 2014, MAY AND AUGUST 2015). ACCORDING TO RESPONSES FROM 95 PERCENT OF THE CLASS, 60 PERCENT ARE EMPLOYED FULL-TIME, 9 PERCENT ARE IN GRADUATE SCHOOL AND 8 PERCENT HAVE PART-TIME JOBS. Molly Vincent and Rebekah Markillie
85.5% OUT OF 805 GRADUATES, 688 LEFT UP WITH A PLAN.
*60%
EMPLOYED FULL-TIME
8%
EMPLOYED PART-TIME
9%
ENROLLED IN GRADUATE STUDIES
1%
NOT SEEKING EMPLOYMENT OR CONTINUING EDUCATION AT THIS TIME
2%
PARTICIPATING IN A VOLUNTEER OR SERVICE PROGRAM
2%
PLANNING TO CONTINUE EDUCATION BUT NOT YET ENROLLED
14%
SEEKING EMPLOYMENT
3%
SERVING IN THE MILITARY
*values are rounded estimates
CHECK OUT OUR EXCLUSIVE ONLINE CONTENT UPBEACON.COM Luau Photo Gallery // Living
Kristen Garcia • THE BEACON
New hire in administration // News
Photo cour tesy of UP Marketing.
Video from racial inclusion event // News
Hannah Baade • THE BEACON
Follow @upbeacon on Twitter
Living
MAR. 24, 2016 • UPBEACON.COM
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Karen Garcia Living Editor garciaka17@up.edu
Silver Wings Club shares World War II veteran stories By Luke Loranger THE BEACON
When senior Mackenna Krohn initially heard Dale Bowlin give a speech to the Silver Wings Club, it lingered in her mind. This speech became the inspiration behind the Greatest Generation Project, which records discussions with soldiers who fought in World War II. Though the project initially started with an interview with Bowlin, those behind the Greatest Generation Project are looking to expand and allow others to conduct interviews with those who were a part of World War II before it is too late.
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It is really important for our generation to see what (World War II veterans) lived through.
Mackenna Krohn Senior
Krohn founded the UP chapter of Silver Wings when she was a freshman, and has been involved every year since. The club promotes community service and professional development for those associated with the Air Force ROTC and the Arnold Air Society. When the idea was initially launched in the E-Scholars program, it
won the $100K Challenge, meaning that the business school donated $2,500 to help create 500 pamphlets that are being distributed for the interviews. It also won the National Service Focus award at a meeting of all Silver Wings clubs last year, and is up again this year as the potential focus for all branches. The Greatest Generation Project records discussions with former soldiers and those who helped aid the war effort by keeping records of the discussions. These records are posted to social media in the form of a photo following a caption, similar to Humans of New York. “You can get thousands of long interviews, but there is nothing geared for our generation,” Krohn said. “We can share these impactful stories with people our age. (This format is) accessible.” Krohn is drawn to World War II veterans because of how few of them remain, and because of the unique place they hold in modern society. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, more than 420 World War II veterans die every day. “It is really important for our generation to see what they lived through,” Krohn said. “We are talking about people,
Photo courtesy of Mackenna Krohn
Veteran Dale Bowlin, holding a picture of himself when he enlisted in World War II. who before they graduated high school, went across seas and fought (and then) came home and went to college.”
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(Veteran stories need) to be shared through individual stories, not just the history that you get in a book.
Nick Ost Senior
Krohn emphasizes that the project is for everyone who was involved in World War II,
including wives and those who helped in war efforts at home. Senior Nick Ost, who is a vice president of the Greatest Generation Project, considered the moment he helped interview Dale Bowlin “lifechanging.” “The moral character that Dale exemplifies is pretty typical of everybody we have interviewed,” Ost said. “It is an example that needs to be shared through individual
stories, and not just the history that you get in a book.”
Contact Staff Writer Luke Loranger at loranger18@up.edu. Twitter: @Loranger18
Entertain me: AlunaGeorge & Bleachers
rock the bluff preview Natasa Kvesic • THE BEACON Graphic courtesy of Campus Program Board
Well, the lineup for this year’s Rock the Bluff is finally out and you’re either practically shaking in your shoes with excitement or you’re just really confused. Who is AlunaGeorge? Why is that name so weird? Who are Bleachers? Are we really going to have people playing on bleachers? Wait … is this code for STOMP? Is STOMP coming to perform? Even though it would be cool to have the booming percussion sounds and slick dance moves of STOMP, you are all wrong. Lucky for you, I am here to introduce you to these two groups and let you know which songs to listen to in order to become a seasoned fan of each. AlunaGeorge An electronic duo from England, comprised of Aluna Francis and George Reid, AlunaGeorge have been making music since
2012. Recently, they gained popularity with a DJ Snake remix of their song “You Know You Like It,” which they actually released in 2012 as a digital download. They’re masters of smooth, electronic beats and even funky, disco tunes that get you dancing. “Supernatural” A disco trip into space where planets are full of happiness and dancing feet, this song is out of this world. Aluna’s voice is like an angelic whisper over a playful beat and synths. Imagine you’re in a spaceship with Matt Damon — without the whole being stranded on Mars thing — and your mission is to spread disco inspired beats to all the inhabitants of space. “Kaleidoscope Love” This makes me think of an actual kaleidoscope. But like a kaleidoscope of euphoric beats and scenes of wildflowers just floating around me. It is so magical and a total dance tune.
“You Know You Like It” Last summer, this was THE SONG. I remember driving around my slightly uncool, desert oasis town of Richland, Washington late at night blasting this song with my friends because what else could we do? Not only is the beat infectious, but the remix by DJ Snake is a total banger. If none of the songs make you get up on your feet, this one will surely rock your socks off. Bleachers Started by fun. guitarist Jack Antonoff, their debut album “Strange Desire” came out in 2014 and produced an instant summer anthem. One of the hit singles off the album was “I Wanna Get Better,” which became the meaning of life for all Tumblr alt-rockers. Not going to lie, this was the only album I wanted to listen to whenever I came to visit Portland because I was one of those Tumblr alt-rockers.
Overall, they are the cutest band around right now, in my opinion. “Wake Me” A more low key song on their debut album, it’s laced with deep guitar chords that you can find in any Johnny Cash tune and a slow crescendo which leads to a screaming Antonoff, almost pleading in the song. If you pay attention to the lyrics then you’ll immediately fall in love with the message and pure poetry. If they play this at Rock the Bluff then grab the person next to you and hug them even if they’re a complete stranger, or if you’re in a relationship then just slow dance and enjoy the love! “Who I Want You to Love” This song reminds me so much of Lord Huron. The background vocals are in perfect harmony and almost lull me into a completely peaceful state of mind. Again, there is the slow crescendo
of drums and static guitar sounds that lead to a Broken Bells-esque beat. It is possibly one of the coolest things I have ever heard. There aren’t that many words in this song since the ending is completely instrumental, but it is beautiful nonetheless. “Rollercoaster” I can’t even begin to describe how special this song is. On a personal note, this was the song that made me feel a very strong connection to this campus. I drove here in the summer of 2014 and this was my main song of the season. Right when I rolled up to the entrance of the school, this song came on and I pretty much cried. It is beautiful. Upbeat, powerful, guitar driven and just a good time. Hopefully you make your own connection to this gem and don’t see me break down in tears at the concert.
THE BEACON • MAR. 24, 2016 • UPBEACON.COM
LIVING
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Hawaii Club celebrates lū’au’s 40t By Alana Laanui THE BEACON Hawaii Club’s annual lū’au is one of the oldest traditions on campus, and it celebrated its 40th anniversary last Saturday. The event showcases just a few aspects of Hawaii’s culture, and its evolution and growth year by year has been made possible by the hard work of members from the UP community. Lū’au was first brought to campus in 1976, when Fr. Cornelius A. Hooyboer had a conversation with the then-governor of Hawaii. Coincidentally, the governor’s sister was a UP alumna, and Fr. Cornelius was interested in bringing some of Hawaii to UP. Hawaii Club was created that year and they hosted the first annual lū’au.
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Parents back in Hawaii play a major part in lū’au. They donate monetary gifts, items for the country store and plants for the stage.
Today, Hawaii Club continues to put on lū’au with the help of other members in the UP community. Preparation for the event starts in fall semester and performers start practicing right after winter break. Junior Marisa Tottori served as this year’s lū’au chair, working with UP faculty, parents back home and community organizations to put together this year’s event. “It’s definitely a cooperative mission,” Tottori said. “Without everyone, lū’au definitely wouldn’t be what it is today.” Parents back in Hawaii play a major part in lū’au. They donate monetary gifts, items for the country store and plants for the stage. Some parents even fly up every year to help put the event together and support their children who are performing. Aida Gazmen is the mother of junior Junna Gazmen a junior at UP; she has helped at various lū’aus. “I love helping with (the) set up,” Gazmen said. “We have always helped (Aida) with performances because we are always here to support her.” This year’s lū’au kicked off with traditional Hawaiian games like Ulu Maika, which is similar to bowling, and Konane, which is similar to checkers. There was also a pre-show this year that featured performances from members of other clubs. Guam Club performed a hybrid of both hula and Tahitian dance, while Filipino Club performed a traditional dance known as Tinikling. Guests were then offered some delicious Hawaiian food such as lomilomi salmon, chicken long rice, kalua pig and poi. After dinner came the night’s big show, which included traditional hula dancing as well as other Polynesian dances, such as Tahitian.
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The lu’au makes me feel like I am home, (and it is) an authentic way for students from Hawaii to educate others about the culture.
Anthony Ng Junior
These performances are often the highlight of lū’au and showcase a unique aspect of UP. A significant population of students are from Hawaii ,and they often see lū’au as a way to share a piece of home with the rest of the school. The event is also very inclusive — many of the performers have never danced before and some are not even from Hawaii. Darlene Dumlao is a sophomore at UP and this was her second year performing in lū’au. “I really like the practices leading up to it and seeing how all of the dances come together by the actual day of lū’au,” Dumlao said. Dances range from modern styles of hula, known as auana, to more traditional dances like kahiko. Hula kahiko was used in ancient times for ritual aspects and is usually danced with a chant. On the other hand, hula auana is more popular today and is characterized by its grace. Other dances such as the fire dance, Tahitian and the haka come from other Polynesian islands. For a few hours in the Chiles Center, students from Hawaii get to share their culture and what they consider home. After 40 years, lū’au continues to grow and spread the aloha. The event remains a tradition because of UP students and their willingness to learn about Hawaiian culture. Student body president Anthony Ng, who is from Hawaii, has helped out in past lū’aus and notes its importance. “For me it’s like you are transported back to Hawaii for a night,” Ng said. “The lūau makes me feel like I am home, (and) is an authentic way for students from Hawaii to educate others about the culture.” Contact Staff Writer Alana Laanui at laanui18@up.edu. All photos by Kristen Garcia • THE BEACON
LIVING
THE BEACON • MAR. 24, 2016 • UPBEACON.COM
th anniversary
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Your how-to guide for: hammocking
Looking for a way to relax more, get outside and maybe meet some interesting people along the way? Hammocking has grown in popularity in recent years and allows users to get a little more R&R in their lives. The Beacon spoke with freshman business major and hammock aficionado Andy Quackenbush about how to create the perfect hammock session. Melissa Aguilar • THE BEACON
Franz Quad Schoenfeldt by SLUG Shipstad Quad
Design by Hannah Baade • THE BEACON
Best places to set up Shipstad quad When the sun’s out, people often choose this quad to play sports or pass a Frisbee or even just to lounge with their philosophy book nearby. Quackenbush recommends this place for a more social atmosphere.
Schoenfeldt by SLUG
With views of the St. Johns Bridge and Forest Park, this secluded spot is great for a quieter, more pensive mood.
Franz quad
Everyone from professors and students, to the occasional dog walker passes by Franz regularly. Who knows who you’ll meet while reclining here?
Hammocking essentials Straps
For easy set up and to avoid damaging the trees, get some straps.
Blanket
Especially in the early spring months, it can get a little chilly.
Snacks
Stop by Mack’s beforehand so you don’t have to leave the fun to refuel.
Book
Now’s the perfect time to catch up on reading that’s not on a syllabus.
LIVING
THE BEACON • MAR. 24, 2016 • UPBEACON.COM
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faith &
fellowship Experiencing the Easter Triduum at UP We make the Triduum really special here at UP. First of all, our Chapel of Christ the Anthony Paz Teacher Campus Ministry is a magnificent space for worship. I know how easy it is to take our chapel for granted. But, the fact is that our chapel is architecturally unique. With its warm wooden walls, dramatic doors and intimate interior, it captures the spirit of the Pacific Northwest beautifully. Our presider today, Holy Thursday, at 4:30 p.m. is Fr. Mark Poorman, a man who holds a Ph.D. in moral theology, who just happens to be the president of this university. He is a tremendous preacher, one who unites humor, morality, storytelling and life experience into a thoughtful reflection for the congregation. After Fr. Poorman helps us to think more deeply about the love Jesus showed his followers at the Last Supper, he will imitate that love by washing the feet of 12 members of our community. It is one thing to hear the stories of Jesus performing this act of service for his followers, it is another to watch our own leader do it in
person. After Communion, an altar server stokes the incense, adding just enough haze to the sanctuary to make it feel — and smell — otherworldly. It is through this haze that we witness Fr. Poorman bring the Eucharist to a special place of prayer, to remind us of Christ’s withdrawal to the Garden of Gethsemane. Knowing that our own fears and pains are not foreign to our God, we have the opportunity to pray before the Eucharist throughout the night tonight. On Good Friday, we do not have this opportunity. When we come to the 3 p.m. Communion service — there is no Mass on this day — we see a stark chapel. The cloth is removed from our stone altar. The candles are gone. The water has been drained from the font. Recognizing our own loss and suffering is essential to our growth in faith. Good Friday services communicate loss to all our senses. But one thing we do not lose is hope. We all know suffering, and in Jesus we can be sure that our God knows it too. On Saturday at 8:30 p.m., as the last daylight fades away, we begin our Easter vigil with a blazing fire at the base of the belltower. Here, we are reminded of fresh beginnings: of the light mixing with the dark at the dawn of creation, of the sun rising on that first
Easter morning, even of the belltower ceremony from Freshman Orientation. We light one candle from this fire and follow it into the chapel, which is totally dark. As we make our way to our seats, the light from the Easter candle is spread to smaller candles we each hold. That light of Christ, which quietly took its leave from the tomb after Good Friday, is slowly spread to each individual around the chapel. Before the Gospel reading we turn all the lights up and extravagantly
proclaim Alleluia for the first time since Lent started. The highlight for me of all of this is the amazing opportunity to witness eight individuals join the Catholic Church. Each one has a unique story that has led her or him to the experience of being baptized, confirmed and receiving first Eucharist. Each one approaches this night with contagious joy, and maybe a little anxiety. As they commit themselves to growing in relationship with God as Catholics, the rest of us feel equally committed
Photo courtesy of Anthony Paz
to supporting them in that relationship. We experience the ups and downs of the Triduum in all of our senses and feel God’s love and commitment to us deep in our bones. If you are around UP this weekend, I hope you will join us for this sacred time.
Anthony Paz is Campus Ministry’s Assistant Director for Liturgy and Catechesis. He can be reached at paz@up.edu.
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MAR. 24, 2016 • UPBEACON.COM
The F-word No, I’m not talking about the four-letter word. I’m talking about feminism. UnforMariah Wildgen tunately, Senior though, some regard feminism with the same disdain grandmas everywhere have when they hear their grandchild say f*** for the first time. Last week I stumbled upon a blog post in The Odyssey titled “I Am Not A Feminist, And That Is Okay.” The author, pictured smiling while baking cookies and flanked by women who are presumably close relatives, addresses right off the bat that while she understands the definition of feminism, she still doesn’t identify with it. The author goes on to say how she supports causes like equal pay, but rebukes “fourthwave feminism” that questions why women are considered more domestic or nurturing. She resents being told what to think or how to act.
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When you believe in gender equality, that opens the door to the new way in which we define gender.
I agree. I don’t like being told by others what it means to be a woman. But that is exactly the point of feminism. As Beyoncé taught us in her brilliant and self-titled album, a feminist is “someone who believes in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes.” Of course equality covers employment, wages, and other critical issues, but it’s broader than that. When you believe in gender equality, that opens the door to the way in which we define gender. People look down upon the female CEO because she’s perceived as cold, calculating and bossy. Others look down upon the homemaker because
See FEMINISM page 10
Lydia Laythe Opinion Editor laythe16@up.edu
Let’s Talk: Seeking peace
FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD
TheDon’t Portland Paradox let Portland’s progressive reputation make you complacent
We live in a city of striking contractions. Despite having carved out a reputation for itself as a sort of liberal utopia on the West Coast — a place where sustainability, leftleaning political tendencies, alternative culture and that ubiquitous weirdness is the norm — Portland has a bleak history of racial exclusivity, the consequences of which can still be seen and felt today. Tuesday evening, the Community Engagement on Racial Inclusion event took place in the Mehling Ballroom. Students and faculty were encouraged to attend and share personal experiences related to race and ethnicity on campus with the hope that in doing so, a message could be sent: There are people at UP who are wanting and willing to have a conversation about race and take steps to address how it affects the lives of students. It’s important for people to be informed and honest about their knowledge — or lack of knowledge about the topic of race and racial inclusion in Portland. After all, part of the reason that UP isn’t very racially diverse is because Portland isn’t. Although the worst of overt racial discrimination is often attributed to the South, for decades Oregon was a northern haven for the strongest of these racial philosophies. Black people weren’t allowed to move to the state until 1926, after which housing laws and employment discrimination prevented black, Latino and Asian people from purchasing homes. Up until the 1960s, it was common for some public spaces and businesses to be segregated or simply limit their services to “whites only.” Obviously, many things have changed over time — but the legacy remains, if in a subversive form. In 2009, The Oregonian reported that while people of color make up 40 percent of the metro area’s population,
Nathan DeVaughn • THE BEACON
Portland’s population remains predominantly — 78 percent, to be exact — non-Hispanic white, making it the whitest city on the West Coast. This has implications for public policy, as only a handful of public policy makers are people of color. Portland was the fasting gentrifying city in the U.S. according to a 2015 study from Governing. Gentrification is the controversial city planning technique that, through increasing property values, pushes out lower-income businesses and families. In a rapidly growing city, this means older and less dense homes (and food cart pods) are torn down to make space for high density apartment buildings and businesses. The results of gentrification are exemplified in North Portland’s shifting demographics. As home values in the neighborhoods of Irvington, King-Sabin, Humboldt, Boise and Woodlawn have quadrupled over the past 20 years, communities of color have dispersed. On average, black communities make less money than white communities: The United States Census Bureau reported that in 2014, the median income of nonHispanic, white households was $60,256, whereas the median income of black households was $35,398. This reality is unsettling — and rightfully so. Do not become so
comfortable in Portland’s “progressiveness” that you grow complacent. In recent years, the topic of race and ethnicity in the United States has perhaps become illuminated thanks to the internet and the advent of social media, but it has always been an integral part of the country’s history, for better or for worse. Issues related to racial and ethnic diversity aren’t trendy hashtags or blips in the cultural consciousness — they represent the day-today experiences of millions of people, whose existences are real and valuable. So stay informed. Racial inclusion is just one of the many forms of inclusion that should be addressed in Portland. You don’t have to know everything about a subject, because no one does. The willingness to engage in conversations that challenge how we see our environment and the privileges we may or may not have in it can bolster action, and this is true whether you call Portland home just for now, or forever. By noting the differences between the Portland that is and the Portland we want it to be, we can steer the city in a better direction — leaving behind a rain-soaked path, of course. The Beacon invites readers to use the Opinion section as a platform to share personal stories and opinions on this issue further. Submit pieces to beacon@up.edu.
SUBMISSION POLICY Letters and commentaries from readers are encouraged. All contributions must include the writer’s address and phone number for verification purposes. The Beacon does not accept submissions written by a group, although pieces written by an individual on behalf of a group are acceptable. Letters to the editor must not exceed 250 words. Those with longer opinions are encouraged to submit guest columns. The Beacon reserves the right to edit any contributions for length and style, and/or reject them without notification. University students must include their major and year in school. Non-students must include their affiliation to the University of Portland, if any. Please send submission to beacon@up.edu.
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It’s early Saturday morning and the world is still asleep. I’ve been up for three hours because I forgot to Olivia Sanchez close my Sophomore window and the garbage truck was loud and once I was up I just couldn’t seem to quiet my mind. Now I’m sipping burnt espresso with wet hair, clicking away at my computer that is covered in stickers. You probably just walked past me. I am writing to you from the intersection of depression and PTSD. I can’t stomach the broken muffin that is sitting on the table in front of me. I’ve been trying and trying to write this but I haven’t been able to. I think this is because I have been desperately trying to write you a story of resolution but that story isn’t mine. I could have typed up a neat and tidy account of my brief and bloody battle with depression, from which I instantly recovered when I made some good friends and started allowing myself a creative outlet. But that’s just not true. My battle was not brief and although I finally have a strong support system, other people aren’t medicine. I am a work in progress. I have known the desolation of depression since I was 14 years old and experienced the trauma that prompted an 800 mile move last May. The thing about episodic mental health conditions is that they don’t suck all the time. When they do, when you are in the midst of an episode, it is unfathomable that you will ever again know peace of any sort. Mine are characteristically lonely in a way that I did not know possible. I miss the me I know I am outside the confines of illness. I have felt like a foreigner in my own body. I ruined relationships. I hurt people. I
See PEACE page 10
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THE BEACON • MAR. 24, 2016 • UPBEACON.COM
OPINION
10
Feminism: Get informed Peace: ‘The good days on what feminism means have been so good’ Continued from page 9
Continued from page 9 they believe she’s submitting to her husband’s will. True feminists look down on neither. They support females no matter how each individual chooses to perform the role of woman. This philosophy means that the nurturing nature and femininity that the blogger mentions are not only acceptable by feminist standards, they are to be celebrated. Feminism and femininity are in no way incompatible. Recently, actress and comedian Melissa McCarthy talked about the issue of feminism and people, like the author, who may hold incorrect definitions of the word.
Regarding women who don’t consider themselves feminists, McCarthy said, “I always think, ‘Oh, that sounds so dumb.’ And I don’t mean that in a hateful way. It just sounds so ill-informed. Do you think women should be paid less? You don’t believe in equality for women? I think
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So let’s stop making feminism such a dirty word.
people have worked hard to put a negative spin on the word.” McCarthy puts it best. Many people who don’t identify as feminists are truly ill-informed on what feminism means. This misinformation is
connected to the negative spin that feminism has encountered for decades. Feminism expands opportunity for all types of people, women and men alike, allowing individuals to choose who they want to be regardless of gender. Women should be encouraged to be professional athletes as much as men are. Men should be encouraged to become kindergarten teachers as much woman are. Gender norms confine everyone, and feminism sets out to break the barriers for all. So let’s stop making feminism such a dirty word. Mariah Wildgen is a senior political science major. She can be reached at wildgen16@up.edu.
hurt myself. I ate and I didn’t eat. I slept and I didn’t sleep. I cried often. I didn’t let people hug me. When I originally drafted this piece, I wrote, “I am writing to you on a day that every cell in my body feels exhausted from being so sad and scared for so long. I feel haunted but also numb.” But during the blessed days and months that I have been free from the haunting, I have experienced myself and my life in a way that is more beautiful and more satisfying than I ever hoped for. I have laughed and cried and loved and loved and loved. I know now how and when to ask for help. I know how to let people be there for me. I know how to listen and be empathetic without
monopolizing the conversation and drowning people in my problems. The good days have been so good and even when they haven’t been, to be free of the haunting is enough. I would never wish the torment of trauma or darkness of depression on anyone. But I really believe that I would not be as grateful for the good days if I hadn’t endured the bad ones. I understand that the rest of my life will likely be a trajectory of highs and lows but the peace I have experienced is something I cherish and seek out, endlessly. And I hope you will, too. We all struggle, let’s struggle together. Olivia Sanchez is a sophomore psychology major. Sje can be reached at sancheol18@up.edu.
FACES ON THE BLUFF David DiLoreto • THE BEACON
What’s your favorite Easter tradition?
Max Robinson Senior, Computer science
Catie Pennie Junior, Nursing
Pokii Wong Senior, Accounting
Tokin Kubo Senior, Civil engineer
Alexis Hempworth Senior, Civil engineer
“Easter egg hunt.”
“Looking for my Easter basket.”
“Getting fat on chocolate.”
“Going to church early morning, outside, back home in Hawaii.”
“Waking up early with my brother to search for Easter eggs and our Easter baskets.”
THE BEACON • MAR. 24, 2016 • UPBEACON.COM
SPORTS
11
Pilots show improvement in loss to OSU
Parker Shoaff • THE BEACON
Michael Forgione prepares for the play to begin. Forgione said he is proud of the progress his team has made this season. By Hunter Jacobson THE BEACON The No. 3 Oregon State Beavers braved the rain and took Joe Etzel Field by storm on Tuesday night, cruising to an easy 13-6 win over the Pilots. With the win, the Beavers, led by University of Portland alumnus Pat Casey, increase their winning streak over Portland to 23 games.
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We don’t like to talk about last year. We just focus on the team that we have this year and what they’re capable of.
Geoff Loomis Head Coach
The loss drops the Pilots to 11-9 on the year while the Beavers improved to 16-2. A win on Tuesday night would have been the Pilots 12th of the season, which would have tied their win total from last year. Despite the loss, the Pilots showed massive improvements
from their last game against Oregon State on May 13, 2015, where the Pilots didn’t score a single run and lost 20-0. Their other two outings against Oregon State during the 2015 season didn’t end much better. The Pilots dropped
those games by scores of 14-2 and 12-3. Still, Portland head coach Geoff Loomis said that the Pilots’ strategy has been looking forward. “We don’t talk a lot about last year,” Loomis said, “We just focus on the team that we have this year and what they’re capable of. I think that’s what’s worked for us so far.” After four and a half innings of play on Tuesday night, the Pilots found themselves in a 10-1 hole, seemingly headed for another lopsided loss at the hands of the Beavers. Their only run up to that point came when Michael Forgione scored from third when a ball scooted by the Oregon State catcher and made its way to the
backstop. But the Pilots fought back, scoring two runs in the 5th on a two-run homerun from center fielder Caleb Whalen. Forgione drove in two runs of his own in the following inning. The Pilots put three total runs on the board in the 6th.
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We need more guys to buy in. And when we all buy in — and it’s gonna happen soon — we’ll be pretty deadly in this conference.
Michael Forgione Sophomore
The Oregon State bats were just too dominant for the Pilots to come all the way back. They put runs on the board in six of the nine innings, totaling 13 runs on 14 hits. Michael Forgione said while his team expected The Beavers to perform well, the
Pilots were proud of the improvements they have made and their performance. “We’re off to a pretty good start this year, and I think
our mentality has changed,” Forgione said. “We’re walking around with a little more swag.” Forgione sees the new coaching staff as a huge component in the team’s early successes because they bring tremendous knowledge of the game to every series. “We have so much information at our disposal with these four (coaches),” he said. “We are really wellprepared for each weekend and I think that’s a huge step forward in this program.” Forgione said that the team respects that the coaches and players are putting forth equal effort toward becoming a top tier West Coast Conference team. “They know that we’re here a lot of hours,” said Loomis. “They know that we’re here working and grinding just like they are.” The Pilots are in the middle of one of the toughest stretches of their season. They will face off against Cal State
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Go ! Pilots
The Pilots play the first of of a double-header against CSUN today at 3 p.m. They will face off again at 6 p.m.
Although they’re facing a tough stretch at this point in the season Forgione and the Pilots are confident that they can begin to build a winning tradition.
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We’re off to a pretty good start this year, and I think our mentality has changed. We’re walking around with a little more swag.
Michael Forgione Sophomore
“We need more guys to buy in,” Forgione said. “And when we all buy in — and it’s gonna happen soon — we’ll be pretty deadly in this conference.” Contact Sports Writer Hunter Jacobson at jacobsoh19@up.edu. Twitter: @huntre23
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Northridge on Thursday who is currently riding a 13-game winning streak. The following weekend the Pilots will host BYU who sits at No. 23 in
Men’s and Women’s Track and Field
The Pilots are set to compete in the Willamette Invitational on Saturday, March 26.
SCOREBOARD Men’s Soccer
The Pilots fell to the Timbers 2 on March 18 on Merlo Field by a score of 2-1.
Sports
MAR. 24, 2016 • UPBEACON.COM Malika Andrews Sports Editor andrewsm17@up.edu
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teasers here!
Tennis player finds an escape in cultural dance By Ben Arthur THE BEACON
Michail Pervolarakis was named Play It Forward college athlete of the month in February in recognition of his volunteer work at Oregon schools. Photo Cour tesy of Michail Pervolarakis
It’s a Sunday afternoon in the gymnasium at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Northeast Portland and a group of 20 middle schoolers are linked together in a circle learning Syrtos Xaniotikos, a traditional Cretan dance. University of Portland tennis player Michail Pervolarakis and the other dance instructors are guiding the kids through the basics. The small details are key to success in the dance. One boy takes the lead position and his confidence vanishes. He forgot the movements he rehearsed. Pervolarakis takes him to the side and the two work in private. They start from beginning, going through the basic steps over and until it is firmly imprinted in his mind. Other instructors had tried to help the boy for months to no avail. Pervolarakis’ instructions hit home in a few minutes. The boy had a pep in his step when he rejoined the group. Pervolarakis’ work with the boy and other youth in the Holy Trinity Greek Dance program has not gone without recognition. The Oregon Sports Awards named him the Play It Forward college athlete of the month for February. The award recognizes studentathletes who are committed to helping kids in Oregon stay physically active. Pervolarakis enjoyed sharing his knowledge of traditional Greek dance and is eager to do it again next year. “Being at UP, we don’t always get to do something,” Pervolarakis said. “We’re always here. Going one day a week to the church to do something I like is definitely an escape.” Pervolarakis has thrived at the No. 1 singles position for the Pilots tennis team. The sophomore was named October’s U.S. Bank student-athlete of the month following an impressive outing against some of the nation’s elite at the USTA/ITA Northwest Regional Championships. He snagged WCC player of the week honors for the week of Feb. 9. Pervolarakis’ prowess on the tennis court stems from his superstitious preparation. He always sleeps eight to nine hours the night before a match. He wakes up two hours before he is scheduled to play and gulfs down a bowl of cereal for breakfast before warming up with teammates. Cheerios are his favorite. He was four years old when his parents introduced him to tennis. They were playing for fun one day when they asked if he wanted to give it a try. A native of Limassol, Cyprus, Pervolarakis spent much of his childhood outdoors enjoying the beach. He stayed active with spearfishing, racquetball and soccer. Pervolarakis hasn’t looked back since the first day he picked up a racket. He competed on the Cyprus junior national team and ranked as a high as the No. 3 player in his home country. University of Portland men’s tennis head coach Aaron Gross said that he recognized Pervolarakis’ talent from his strong performances in international tournaments before arriving at The Bluff. He uncrossed and smiled when he spoke of Pervolarakis’ work ethic. “(Mike’s) strength is that he doesn’t have obvious weaknesses,” Gross said. “I feel like two years from now he’ll be at that place where he can try and earn money playing the sport.” A calm disposition sweeps over Pervolarakis on the court. When frustration creeps in, he remains patient. He waits for the opponent’s slightest hint of relaxation and makes his strike with a lob or netpost. Pervolarakis is laser focused in the heat of a match. His attentiveness to detail has been nurtured through his immersion in Cretan Folk Dance. Pervolarakis’ father, a Greek native, began teaching him the dance when he was 14 years old. Panos Stratis, a dance instructor at the Greek Orthodox church, caught wind of Pervolarakis at a Greek Festival last October. He was so impressed that he asked him to be a volunteer teacher for middle school kids in their dance program. From November through February, Pervolarakis would head to the church most Sundays to help instruct the kids. But there was no joking around. For two hours, he had their undivided attention. He was vocal and hands-on in teaching the different dance variations. Stratis says that the kids were best behaved when he was around. “Mike embodies the spirit of the folk dance,” Stratis said. “I sensed it from the moment I met him. He doesn’t kid around.” Pervolarakis’ “serious” style comes from appreciation of the history behind the dance. “You can have fun and enjoy what you’re doing, but at the same time you have to respect the tradition,” Pervolarakis said. Back on the tennis court, Pervolarakis is locked into his regimen. His ritualistic approach carries into the match. Win a point? Grab the same ball for the next rally. A particular shirt that he is victorious in? Wash it and toss it back on for the match the next day. Pervolarakis is dialed in, just as he would be performing his favorite traditional Cretan Dance: Syrtos Xaniotikos. A dance that he is eager to teach the kids when the Holy Trinity Dance program starts up again in the coming months.