DU Clarion Volume 123 Issue 1

Voice of the University of Denver Pioneers since 1899

duclarion.com

VOL. 123, ISSUE 1

J A N U A RY 1 3 , 2 0 1 6

HOW TO BEAT THE POST-STUDY ABROAD BLUES

Time to have the best quarter ever, after that other best quarter ever

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SEE EXCLUSIVE ONLINE CONTENT AT DUCLARION.COM WINTER BREAK DU F.I.L.M. AIMS SPORTS UPDATE FOR THE STARS 13

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CRIME UPDATE: DU NEIGHBORHOOD

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: HELLO, 2016

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JANUARY 13,2016

Sigma Alpha Epsilon suspended CONNOR W. DAVIS

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

n Dec. 11, the Colorado Zeta chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) was suspended from DU Fraternity and Sorority Life until fall quarter of 2017 at the very soonest. To find out why this happened and what will happen moving forward, the Clarion spoke with Megan Pendley Pickett, director of student engagement, Carl Johnson, executive director of campus life and Lauren Utley, assistant director of student engagement. All three interviewees wrote the following answers together via email.

What led to SAE’s suspension?

The decision to suspend University recognition of the Colorado Zeta chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was made after reviewing the chapter’s conduct record over the last five years, the conduct record of current individual members, and the “review of membership” conducted by the national organization and university this past quarter. Much deliberation with national and local Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) leadership went into making this difficult decision.

Are any individual students seeing punishment?

Student Conduct information regarding individual students is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and thus we cannot share this information.

Where will the students previously living in the SAE building be relocating to?

Student Life worked closely with members living in the property to present them with their living options, which included either applying for a residence hall space or being released from on-campus housing requirement.

All men living in the chapter facility chose to live off campus.

Advisory Board that is approved by the University.

Commitment that the chapter has a faculty/staff advisor who will work to support the undergraduate members of the Chapter.

Dedication by the national fraternity to provide an Educational Leadership Consultant for no less than 10 weeks on campus to assist with recruitment efforts and the subsequent new-member period.

What will happen to the SAE building?

The University is in the process of determining how the building will be utilized best. We can confirm that the building will remain intact. No decision has been made at this time for what the use will be.

When was the last time a fraternity was in this type of situation at DU? The Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity was closed in fall 2012.

What does the future look like for SAE? This is not a permanent ban, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon will be allowed back at DU in the future.

No sooner than Fall quarter 2017, Sigma Alpha Epsilon will be eligible to petition for re-colonization at the University of Denver, for a start date no sooner than Winter quarter 2018. Petitions will be granted based on the current climate of the University community, as well as the petition provided by Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

Petition information will include but may not be limited to: Submission of a fully completed colonization packet for approval.

Assurance that the chapter has a strong and supportive House Corporation Board and Alumni

How will this affect the greek life system at DU? It is always disappointing to see a chapter leave campus for any period of time, and a decision that is not made quickly or easily.

Many current and prospective members of the fraternity and sorority community, as well as faculty and staff members at DU, are saddened by the loss of recognition for Sigma Alpha Epsilon. However, as fraternity and sorority members, we take oaths to uphold the values upon which our organizations are founded, and we need to hold one another accountable to our commitments.

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Sigma Alpha Epsilon will be allowed to petition for re-colonization at DU no sooner than fall quarter 2017.

Business Staff

Editorial Staff

Contributors

JOHN POE

CONNOR W. DAVIS

CAROLYN ANGIOLLO

ANDREW MATRANGA

MEG MCINTYRE

JOCELYN ROCKHOLD

Digital Staff

JOHN POE

RUTH HOLLENBACK

GUSTO KUBIAK

JILLIAN QUERI

NIKKI FRICK

ADRIAN BOGART O PIN IO N S E D ITO R

C O N TRIBU TIN G W RITE R

C O N TRIBU TIN G W RITE R

MADELINE ZANN

KELLSIE BRANNEN

RYAN NINESLING

RACHEL REIDENBAUGH

Cartoonists

A S S IS TAN T L IF E S TY LE S E D ITO R

JUSTIN CYGAN

SASHA KANDRACH

S TAF F C ARTO O N IS T

E N TE RTAIN M E N T E D ITO R

B U S IN E S S M AN AG E R F AC U LTY A D VIS O R

P HO TO E D ITO R

C O -S O C IAL M E D IA D IRE C TO R C O -S O C IAL M E D IA D IRE C TO R

EVAN HICKS

TONY BOREK

E D ITO R - IN -C HIE F

E X E C U TIVE E D ITO R N E WS E D ITO R

S PO RTS E D ITO R

L IF E S TY LE S E D ITO R

CHLOE BARRETT

MADELINE ZANN

MONICA MCFADDEN

S TAF F C ARTO O N IS T

A S S IS TAN T E N TE RTAIN M E N T E D ITO R

ARTEMIS KATSARIS

GINNY STOUSE

C O N TRIBU TIN G C ARTO O N IS T

C O PY E D ITO R

JACK FOERSTERLING C O PY E D ITO R

S TAF F W RITE R S TAF F W RITE R S TAF F W RITE R

ABBIE RANDALL

C O N TRIBU TIN G W RITE R

JAKE MURPHY

C O N TRIBU TIN G W RITE R C O N TRIBU TIN G W RITE R

DAZONG CHEN

C O N TRIBU TIN G P HO TO G RAPHE R

TAMARRA NELSON C O N TRIBU TIN G W RITE R

TARYN ALLEN

C O N TRIBU TIN G W RITE R C O N TRIBU TIN G W RITE R

OLIVIA HYDE

C O N TRIBU TIN G P HO TO G RAPHE R

DU CLARION

JANUARY 13,2016

NEWS | 3

Safety concerns arrive with new quarter

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NIKKI FRICK

SOCIAL MEDIA CO-DIRECTOR

n Jan. 3, Campus Safety reported six incidents of crime, including three instances of drug and/or alcohol abuse and an armed robbery.

Sgt. James Johnston, community partnerships and training coordinator for Campus Safety, provided some insight into the slight jump in crime, starting with the armed robbery which occurred on South Williams Sreet, for which students received a DU Alert notification.

“That incident is being investigated entirely by DPD. We’re not helping their investigation because it occurred off campus, but we’re providing support to the victims through the university and we’re trying to review some camera footage. Denver Police Department is looking into those individuals possibly being linked to other robberies in the city,” said Johnston.

The incident is still under investigation. According to Johnston, all four victims were students and there is no ongoing threat for the DU community.

“Robberies have been occurring and increasing in Denver,” said Johnston, about the recent trend.

The DU campus is no exception from that, especially considering that District Three (the district in which DU resides) reported 150 robberies in 2015, not including December. However, he reported that DU typically experiences one armed robbery per year, the exception being Nov. 2014, when repeated robberies occurred on campus. DPD is currently attempting to reduce armed robbery occurrences across the city.

“People may have also noted the delay in the DU artemis katsaris | clarion Alert. Because this Six criminal incidents were reported on Jan. 3. incident occurred Typically, Campus Safety sends off campus, it was out an alert immediately after a reported to DPD and not to us, so the potential threat to the DU community responsibility falls on DPD to notify us. As soon as they did reach us, it had before sending details in a second already been an hour, so we took the message. Johnston reported that time—half an hour—to craft a good Campus Safety made the decision to go directly to the second step given the message,” said Johnston.

delay in information and the knowledge that the perpetrators had already left campus.

Aside from the armed robbery, there was also a fire alarm activation, a theft that occurred sometime during winter break and three instances of drug and/or alcohol abuse reported on Jan. 3.

“We see a little uptick in [drug and/or alcohol abuse] in winter quarter when everyone first comes back because, especially with first-year students, when they come back from winter break, they have their friends.

Classes haven’t started yet. So, they use that time to socialize,” said Johnston. He reported that no students had been taken off of campus on Jan. 3 for alcohol or drug abuse. January also has the highest reports for possession of drug paraphernalia, which also coincides with the weather and the likelihood of students leaving dorms to consume marijuana. However, DU has experienced an 80 percent decrease in drug use on campus from 2014 to 2015 (not including December), according to Johnston.

For more information about Campus Safety and Safety Education resources, visit the Campus Safety website or follow them via Twitter or Facebook.

Campus Safety reports student rape near DU campus JOHN POE

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Any suspicious activity should be reported to Campus Safety at 303-871-3000.

ABOUT US

The Clarion is the official student newspaper of the University of Denver, serving as the “Voice of the Pioneers.” Founded in 1899, it covers campus and local stories with the highest level of journalistic integrity possible. 1000 copies are distributed each Wednesday afternoon (throughout the academic year) across the DU campus, and every article is also published at duclarion.com.

The Clarion does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the faculty, staff and/or administration of DU, and the opinions expressed by columnists and contributing writers do not necessarily reflect those of the Clarion. Reproduction of The Clarion in whole or part in any form written, broadcast or electronic without written permission of The Clarion is prohibited. The Clarion reserves the right to reject advertising, stories, columns or letters to the editor that it deems graphic, obscene or that discriminate on the basis of race, culture, gender or sexual orientation.

The Clarion welcomes letters to the editor. Those who submit letters must limit them to 500 words. Some letters may not be published because of space limitations, overly-libelous content or similarity to past submissions. Please submit letters to duclarioneditor@gmail.com.

NEWS EDITOR

n Jan. 4, the Department of Campus Safety (DCS) emailed a Campus Safety Alert to the DU community about a report that a student was raped. According to the alert, the crime took place in the evening of Jan. 2.

“Today, Campus Safety received a report that a student was raped and that the crime involved date-rape drugs,” read the alert. “The crime occurred at an off-campus location near DU. The Denver Police Department along with the University of Denver are investigating the crime.”

DCS reminded the community in the alert that sexual assault is never the victim’s fault.

“Perpetrators choose victims for

their vulnerability, not their sexiness or how they look or act. Rape is not a crime of sexual desire. It is a crime of hostility and violence toward the victim,” noted the alert. “People often engage in victim blaming. It is a way to preserve the false belief that they will be safe from sexual assault ‘if only’ they do not do what the victim did. However, rape is not the victim’s fault. Only the perpetrator chooses to commit sexual assault.”

The alert urged anyone with details regarding this specific case to contact the Denver Police Department sex crimes unit at 720-9136040 or DU’s Title IX Office at 303871-7436.

For information on any other incident, students are urged to contact DPD at 720-913-2000, the DU Anonymous Tip Line at 303-871-3130 or DU Crime Prevention and Community Outreach at 303-871-3132.

HOW TO JOIN

The Clarion is open to contributors of all years and majors at DU, including both undergraduate and graduate students. There’s no application necessary; all you have to do is show up to one of our weekly meetings, which are held every Monday at 6 p.m. (during the academic year) in the Driscoll Underground. Can’t make it to a meeting? Send an email to duclarioneditor@gmail.com and we’ll do everything we can to get you published.

SPORTS DU CLARION

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JANUARY 13,2016

No. 14 Denver hockey reflects on Winter Break

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Denver players skate their way around two Michigan State Spartans during a 2015 fall matchup in Magness Arena. Denver is currently ranked No. 14 by USA Hockey.

The Pioneers fell in both games with a score of 5-2 on Dec. 11 and CAROLYN ANGIOLLO 6-2 on Dec. 12. On Dec. 11, the PioSTAFF WRITER neers started early with goals from freshmen Dylan Gambrell (Bonney Lake, Washington) and Troy Terry ow that DU has entered (Denver). A Denver defensive winter quarter, Denver breakdown would lead to five unanhockey will be faced swered St. Cloud goals. The two with a vital part of their goals on Dec. 12 came from Arnold season. Three series occurred over and senior Gabe Levin (Marina del the six-week winter break, leaving Rey, California). the Pioneers with a record of 0-4-2 After returning from winter in the six games played and an over- break, the Pioneers welcomed the all record of 7-7-4. With the NCAA New Year at Magness Arena by hostplayoffs approaching, the remain- ing the University of Notre Dame. der of the season is crucial for the The game on Jan. 1 would end in a Pioneers.

1-1 tie with the lone goal for the PioIn the first series of winter neers coming off the stick of junior break, the Pioneers traveled to Trevor Moore (Thousand Oaks, Grand Forks, North Dakota to battle California). No goals were scored the conference-leading University in overtime, formally ending the of North Dakota on Dec. 4 and 5. On game in a tie, despite Notre Dame Dec. 4, senior captain Grant Arnold winning the shootout. On Jan. 2, it (Centennial, Colorado) scored the seemed as if the night before was only goal for the Pioneers in the 5-1 repeating itself. Gambrell would loss. On Dec. 5, the Pioneers were score two goals for the Pioneers, but scoreless and ended up losing 4-0. it was not enough to avoid a second The following weekend was night of overtime. This time the Pionot much better as the Pioneers neers won the shootout, but due to returned home to Magness Arena NCAA rules, the game only counted to battle St. Cloud State University. as a tie.

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After a four-game losing streak, tying the series with No. 15 Notre Dame was quite the success.

“We were happy with our process and the way we played. It gave us confidence that when we do prepare well we are an elite college hockey team. We were coming off a three-week break, so the results will come when we play more games,” said Head Coach Jim Montgomery.

The Pioneers have been struggling with capitalizing on power play opportunities as was especially evident at the Jan. 1 game versus the University of Notre Dame. Notre Dame suffered a two minute penalty followed by a five minute major and DU was unable to score during the 7 minute advantage. While Denver has an impressive penalty kill defense, increasing the efficiency of the power play offense is a necessity.

At this point, it is all about moving forward for Pioneer hockey. In the beginning of the season, goaltending was split between sophomore Tanner Jaillet (Red Deer, Alberta) and junior Evan Cowley (Evergreen, Colorado). Coach Montgomery has declared that he plans to stick with

Jaillet exclusively.

Denver freshman Dylan Gambrell is currently leading the team with 19 points.

“Dylan has exceeded expectations,” said Coach Montgomery.

“I’ve coached him in the past and we expected him to be an impactful freshman, but we didn’t expect him to be the leader. Now we just need our other guys to step up as Dylan has.”

The weekend of Jan. 9 and 10 saw the Pioneers sweep the No. 9 ranked University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks with final scores of 3-0 and 4-3 respectively.

This huge series moved the Pioneers from No. 17 to No. 14 in the NCAA rankings.

The Pioneers look to be hitting their stride at the perfect time. The locker room is overflowing with optimism as the hugely important series against the University of Western Michigan (NCHC No. 6) and the University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCHC No. 3) approach.

The next home game in Magness Arena is scheduled for Jan. 15 at 7:36 p.m. against the University of Western Michigan.

Paige Bradley banks 1,000th career point SASHA KANDRACH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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enver women’s basketball senior starter, Paige Bradley (The Woodlands, Texas), reached an impressive milestone in her collegiate career against the University of South Dakota Coyotes on Friday Jan. 1. The point-guard recorded a teamhigh 18 points during the match, including a half-court shot within the last seconds of the second quarter, six assists and tallied her 1000th career point.

The Pios fell short to the Coyotes, 85-60, but Bradley walked away as the 23rd player in program history to hit the thousand-point mark.

“It was very cool, I know it’s not something everyone gets to

have so I feel really lucky to have achieved that in my career,” said Bradley.

The finance major hopes it will inspire other people to reach that goal as well, as her remaining time with the program is numbered.

“Ideally, the ultimate goal is to win a conference championship which will get us a spot in the NCAA tournament,” said Bradley.

With the Pios currently 3-13, Denver has suffered a large amount of injuries in the season so far, hurting the depth of their bench with players fit enough to play.

In Denver’s last homestand match for the month of January, they defeated Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne 64-53. Bradley recorded a careerhigh 31 points during the match.

Thus far in 2016, Bradley has increased her percentage behind

the arc from 40 percent to 69.2 percent (9-of-13) three-pointers.

The senior continues to put in the hard work in hopes of attaining the conference title.

“A big thing that motivates me is the people I am surrounded by. My coaches and teammates make me want to get better for them,” she said.

With the first half of her senior campaign already in the books, Bradley tries to salvage and cherish these last few moments as a student-athlete.

“It’s been a great learning experience, there’s definitely been challenges over the past four years, but it’s been fun.”

Come out and support the sole senior, Paige Bradley, and the rest of the women’s basketball team when they return to Magness Arena on Friday Feb. 5 in a rematch against the University of South Dakota Coyotes. guSto kubiak | clarioN DU senior, Paige Bradley.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

JANUARY 13,2016

DU CLARION

SPORTS | 5

Denver basketball searches for consistency

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Freshman forward C.J. Bobbitt dribbles his way past two Oral Roberts University defenders on Jan. 6 in Hamilton Gymnasium. Denver defeated Oral Roberts 78-75.

JAKE MURPHY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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he Pioneers men’s basketball team started off the new year with four games in ten days to open the Summit League season.

The team went 8-5 in the preseason, including multiple road games.

To kick off conference play, the team traveled to the Dakotas to play two tough games against South Dakota State University and North Dakota State University.

Turnovers cost the Pioneers the league opener against South Dakota State. The final scoreboard read 68-59, which pushed the Jackrabbits’ home winning streak to 22. Denver redshirt senior Marcus Byrd (Highlands Ranch, Colorado) provided 16 points, but the Pios could never recover from the lowest scoring first half of their season thus far.

After leaving South Dakota, the team headed north to North Dakota, where they played the Bisons at another tough road venue. The squad was bested by North Dakota State 75-49, who extended their home-winning streak to 31. North Dakota State shot the ball lights out, going 61.7 percent from the field and 66.7 percent from the three-point line.

The Pioneers could not match those totals; shooting a measly 20 percent from downtown. Denver freshman Joe Rosga (St. Paul, Minnesota) lead the Pioneers in scoring with 16, while 11 players played and seven got double-digit minutes in this early Summit League showdown.

As the Pioneers returned to Denver for their home opener against Oral Roberts University on Jan. 6, head coach Joe Scott preached fortitude and resilience to his players.

“We’re trying to build on success early and gather some con-

sistency from the players that get time on the court,” said Scott.

The team broke a four game losing streak defeating the Golden Eagles 78-75. A late rally made the game interesting, but the Pioneers held out for the victory on their home court. It is apparent the team is already learning from the early season lessons.

This season’s team is much younger than last year, but Scott sees the challenges and potential with the new additions.

“The challenge with such a young team is the consistency.

We were lucky to start well. Our team has to learn to progress week in and week out. Getting better in January will prepare us to do well in February. We’ll do well in March by improving in February,” said Scott.

The Pioneers hosted the Mastodons of IPFW in Magness Arena on Jan. 9. The Mastodons held the lead until Denver senior Nate Engesser (Colorado Springs) hit a

three-pointer to put the Pioneers up 58-56 with 3:55 to go in the second half. The following minutes saw back to back buckets and nail-biting free throws. Unfortunately the Pioneers fell 65-64, but the team showed determination in the second half comeback.

Coach Scott sees major differences in comparing last year’s team to this year.

“When talking with fans and followers of the team, they say ‘You guys look like something’. It is blatantly evident we have improved from last year, but we still need good fortune. We need outcomes to go our way,” said Scott.

Obviously the outcomes have yet to always go in favor of the Pioneers, but it is apparent that the team is taking the necessary steps to reach its full potential.

With a four game homestand beginning against Nebraska-Omaha on Jan. 21, the squad looks to bring their “A” game week in and week out.

Pioneer swimming and diving hopeful for success SASHA KANDRACH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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ollowing a few weeks off for winter break, Denver’s swimming and diving team is eager to compete in the remaining stretch of their season.

With the conference championship during the middle of February in Indianapolis and the NCAA Championship in Atlanta, beginning March 17 for women and March 24 for men, the Pios are focused on amplifying their trainings to produce qualifying and winning times.

Denver redshirt junior, Kyle Robrock (Savage, Minnesota), comments, “The hard part of the season is over. [We] have trained through the fall with very few meets, so staying focused on training in the pool and the weight room is the key to [our] success as a team. [We] are currently undefeated, so I expect great things from [our] team.”

Denver is hopeful to carry momentum from their last competition at the Hawkeye Invitational (Iowa City, Iowa) on Dec. 4-6, where the Pios logged an astonishing 13 new school records.

Among these records, sophomore Ray Bornman (Mackay, Queensland) broke his previous school record in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 43.17.

Junior Amanda Sanders (Superior, Colorado), initially set a school record during the preliminary rounds of the 200 breaststroke. She continued on to place first, beating her prior time with a 2:08.76 finish and a NCAA qualifying swim.

“It’s an exciting experience [setting a school record], to know that you have swam faster than any other swimmer before you is exciting because it means that your name will go up on the record board in the pool,” said Sanders.

Sanders hopes that her time will inspire other athletes to strive to beat her record in the future.

“The sport continues to get faster every year and I believe that it

has yet to reach its peak,” she said.

Over the past weekend, Denver defeated the University of Wyoming in the first meet of the new year.

The men topped the Cowboys 164-136 and the women won 157141 over the Cowgirls. Sanders continued to finish on top in the

200 yard breaststroke with a swim time of 2:17.08.

The Pios return to El Pomar Natatorium on Friday, Jan. 15 to host the University of Minnesota and Brigham Young University.

Diving is scheduled to begin at 4:45 p.m. and men’s and women’s swimming will follow at 5:30 p.m.

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Denver swimming and diving host their next meet at El Pomar Natatorium on Jan. 15.

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DU CLARION

| SPORTS

JANUARY 13,2016

ESSAY

Remembering the time a Clarion editor picked DU’s starting goalie ANDY CLAYTON CLARION ALUMNUS

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courtesy of new york daily news

DU and Clarion alumnus, Andy Clayton.

he hand on the shoulder was the first sign this wouldn’t be a normal postgame press conference.

The question was simple enough. It was the answer that made this Q&A session something I’ll always remember.

“Who are you going to start in goal tomorrow night?” I asked DU hockey coach Frank Serratore.

It was then that the fiery coach of the Pioneers focused his intimidating gaze on me and put his hand on my shoulder.

“Well, Andy,” Serratore said.

“What do you think?”

Here’s the back story.

I was sports editor of the Clarion in my senior year at DU and the Pioneers entered the new campaign with an unknown Finnish goalie, Sinuhe Wallinheimo. The week before the first home series of the season vs. St. Cloud State, I quizzed Serratore about his plan for his goalies.

Serratore told me at a midweek practice at the old DU Arena that he was pretty firm on rotating his goalies that weekend.

Wallinheimo got the Friday night nod and was a sensation in net for the Pioneers. He was overflowing with personality and the Pioneer faithful loved his on-ice antics. He even spiked the puck after big saves.

Given his performance that night, it seemed fair to quiz the coach to see if he might have a change of heart.

Post-game interviews in those days took place in the players’ lounge attached to the locker room. The handful of media members were watched by a group of hockey boosters who used the lounge as a post-game gathering spot.

Now with the coach’s hand on my shoulder and all eyes in the room on me, I blurted out: “I would keep Wallinheimo in there, coach.”

Serratore then looked around the room and shouted: “Everybody hear that? Andy says we are going with Wallinheimo tomorrow.”

He then looked back at me and said: “OK, now go in the

locker room and tell Chris Burns he isn’t starting.”

Plenty embarrassed at that point, I managed to say with a bright Crimson face: “Um, coach, I think that’s your job.”

“Chicken,” Serratore laughed and the rest of the room joined in.

I tried my best to forget the awkward scene until the next night when I was approached in the press box by the long-time beat writer for the St. Cloud Times.

“If tonight’s game is lousy, I’m writing a feature story about you,” he joked.

He told me that he had been covering college hockey for two decades and had never picked a starting goalie. Here I was, new to the job, and already had it on my resume.

What a way to start my DU sports editor career!

Andy Clayton, who graduated from DU with a degree in mass communications in 1994, is a former sports reporter and editor for the Clarion. He is currently the deputy managing editor of digital sports for the New York Daily News.

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Pio men’s soccer won the Summit League Championship in 2015, along with going undefeated. The team also made it to the NCAA tournament, where they fell in the second round.

Winter break wraps up Denver fall sports CAROLYN ANGIOLLO STAFF WRITER

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hile most DU students spent their winter breaks traveling, skiing or catching up on Netflix, some student-athletes were in full force at the end of their seasons.

Before entering the post-season, the DU men’s soccer team was the only undefeated team remaining in the NCAA. In the Summit League Championship game against Oral Roberts University, Denver won 2-0, securing their third consecutive conference title.

Their undefeated record also secured Denver a first-round bye into the NCAA tournament. In the

second round of the NCAA tournament, however, Denver fell to Southern Methodist University 1-0 in overtime.

Denver’s women’s soccer program ended their season with a 4-0 loss to Oral Roberts, finishing fifth in the Summit League rankings.

Men’s tennis had a successful showing in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) National Indoor Championship. Senior Henry Craig (Murrieta, California) and junior Alex Gasson (Alton, United Kingdom) finished 2-1 in their doubles matches.

The regular season will begin on Jan. 23 with the ITA kickoff in South Carolina. In the Summit League’s preseason poll, Denver is projected to win the Summit League Championship title.

The women’s tennis team also had a very successful end to their fall season at the Dartmouth College Big Green Invite. Junior Mau-

reen Slattery (Newport, Virginia) and sophomore Julia O’Loughlin (Highland Beach, Florida) defeated the Dartmouth College ITA Northeast Regional Champions in one of their doubles matches. Freshman Bianca Mok (Boise, Idaho) also had a good showing for the Pioneers, winning two of her singles matches. The spring season for the women’s team will begin on Jan. 15 with the Long Beach Invitational.

In men’s golf, the team traveled to Hawaii for the Mauna Lani Resort Hawaii State Open. Senior Adam Ruben (Lake Oswego, Oregon) earned a tied 16th place finish after finishing +2 after three rounds. The men resume their season on Jan. 28 at the Arizona Intercollegiate in Tucson.

Women’s golf sophomore, Jessica Dreesbeimdieke (Windhoek, Namibia), earned a 47th place finish at the Dixie Amateur for the Pioneers on Dec. 19. On day one,

Dreesbeimdieke finished -1 and on day three she finished -2 after scoring a hole-in-one on a par 3 hole. The women resume play on Valentine’s Day weekend at the Stanford Peg Barnard Invitational in Palo Alto, California.

Women’s volleyball finished their regular season with a 27-7 record after earning the Summit League Championship, their second consecutive conference championship title. They defeated the University of Nebraska-Omaha 3-2. The Pioneers faced the No. 5 University of Washington in the first round of the NCAA tournament and lost 3-0.

Tennis and golf will continue into the spring season along with hockey, basketball, and swimming and diving.

For more information about scheduling and news about all sports, check out the DU Athletics website.

OPINIONS DU CLARION

JANUARY 13,2016

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

The Clarion enters its 117th year CONNOR W. DAVIS

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

oyal readers,

After an absolutely incredible 2015 full of progress and good times, the Clarion is back at it and ready to take on its 117th year of production. This quarter is a big one for me, as it’s my last as Editorin-Chief (where on earth did the time go?). And as usual, we will be electing a new Editor-in-Chief to take my place as well as a new Executive Editor to replace Meg McIntyre. So these next 10 weeks will be interesting to say the least as we pump out quality content while trying to make transitions as smooth as possible. Here’s a glimpse of what we have in store for you all: Now that we’ve got a new office, a new website and a new paper, we’re finally in a position to start exploring other, new projects and seeing what else we can do to improve our brand.

The first major project in store

is a newsletter. This newsletter will feature our top five stories every week, delivered right to your inbox. To sign up, simply go to duclarion.com and fill out the pop-up window.

The second big project at hand is a comprehensive event calendar that will live on our new website. Up until this point, DU has unfortunately not had a very good resource to find out what’s happening on campus. So to fill that need, we are aiming to be the go-to place for all things DU. Sports games? They’ll be on the calendar. Funky disco dance parties in J-Mac? They’ll be on the calendar. We want everyone to reach out to us about their events so we can help spread the word and make this campus the best it can be. Stay tuned for updates on both the newsletter and calendar.

On top of these bigger projects, we’re continuously refining every other aspect of the Clarion in a never-ending battle to keep up with the times. Whether it’s the way we find stories, the way we tell stories or just the way we inhale burritos on production

nights, you can expect us to be doing it all better than ever in 2016.

Thanks for reading, thanks for appreciating the work we do and, as always, go Pios.

All the best,

Connor W. Davis Editor-in-Chief duclarioneditor@gmail.com

adrian bogart | clarion Editor-in-Chief Connor W. Davis conquers each production night one burrito at a time.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

An unofficial letter on DU’s ‘racial climate’

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ear University Community, On November 13th, much of the Western world became French.

That night, 130 people were killed in attacks throughout France. The University of Denver issued multiple emails to update its community on the status of 29 students studying in Europe. One of the first emails from November 13th seeks to let us know that “the University’s Office of Internationalization is working to confirm the status of DU community members in Paris.” Another from November 14th states: “Our hearts go out to all in Paris who have suffered from the tragedy that unfolded yesterday,” noting that all 29 students are safe, but “one of the risks of sending students abroad is that they may find themselves in harm’s way.”

While these emails appear neutral, they do two things: first, they note a necessary condemnation of the loss of (white) life; second, they situate the spaces in which people of color have lost their lives, like Baghdad, as not necessary (or deserving) of response.

Three days after condemning the Paris attacks, DU finally released an email that vaguely alludes to harms suffered by nonwhite people in Beirut, Syria, and Baghdad. Yet, even this email’s concerns lie with Paris: “Life in Paris…is starting to go back to normal…” There is

no concern with life returning to “normal” when “terrorists” attack Muslims.

Ironically, the end of 2015 saw a few emails from DU’s administration about the campus’s “racial climate.” One of the most recent on December 21st reassures the university’s Muslim community that DU will strive to be inclusively excellent and encourage “openness to new ideas, challenges to the status quo and compassion when discussing challenging topics.”

It is our opinion that, despite these emails, DU participates in making its “marginalized communities” feel unwelcomed because of an implicit bias toward white life not extended to the lives of nonwhite people.

Our discussion of Paris is not meant to ignore the loss of life there, but to point out the valorization of white life assumed

by DU. Whether it is a lack of acknowledgement of hurricanes in Mexico, or mass murder in Kenya, or Muslims killed in Baghdad, the assumption is that DU is most impacted by events that occur in Western countries.

The assumption is that “our” students are not in, or from, Mexico, Kenya, Baltimore, Palestine, or Baghdad.

Put differently, if “we” are “all” French now, this is clearly not meant to apply to DU’s Muslims. If a risk of study abroad is students finding “themselves in

harm’s way,” what concern does DU have for its Muslim population (and all its people of color) here? If DU’s handling of racialized issues in 2015 is a hint, the answer to this question is none.

Two examples stick out: (1) In response to anti-black racism faced at the University of Missouri, a group of largely students of color in the Fall painted the wall near Driscoll with the words: “DU Stands in Solidarity with Mizzou.” No less than a day later, the wall was defaced with the words: “Pi Kappa Phi, DU’s #1 online fraternity.” While the fraternity denies painting the wall, DU’s email response is a simplistic colorblind argument: “Over the last two days, there have been community conversations about the experiences of people of color, particularly students, at the University of Denver. And while it may make us uncomfortable to admit it, the stories that students have shared highlight the prejudices we all carry and the inequalities we perpetuate…” Who are those uncomfortable with admitting racism exists on campus? Who is this “we” that perpetuate prejudice and inequality? It is clearly not DU’s people of color.

(2) In relation to the nationwide campaign, “We’re a Culture, Not a Costume,” many DU students of color made posters of themselves holding stereotypically racist pictures of Hallow-

een costumes. “We’re a Culture, Not a Costume” is a serious endeavor to get white students to think before dressing as an Asian, black, or Latinx character.

However, many white students’ responses on social media were far from serious. One Latinx student reportedly received pictures from white students dressed in Dia de Los Muertos makeup, with the caption “When people judge you for supposedly judging them–or rather, become a victim of their own delusions.”

This same Latinx student was later demeaned by white classmates and a professor in class for speaking out about the pictures. Here, racism is her burden alone, because DU says nothing.

Sincerely, Armond R. Towns Assistant Professor University of Denver Department of Communication Studies Raisa Alvarado Graduate Student University of Denver Department of Communication Studies Jamie Guzmán Graduate Student University of Denver Department of Communication Studies

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| OPINIONS

DU CLARION

JANUARY 13,2016

Strict gun control contributes to safer campus ABBIE RANDALL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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he issue and debate surrounding gun control in America is not a new or highly revolutionary concept. However, it is a discussion that has received a great deal of attention in the past week as President Obama began truly campaigning for change in the sphere of gun control. As presidential candidates lend their voices to the debate, it is important that college students pay attention to and participate in this conversation. Student contribution is important, not only because of the upcoming election but also due to student safety concerns on the DU campus.

President Obama’s recent efforts surrounding gun control have been highly publicized, from his speech last Tuesday, to a self-written article in the New York Times, to the Town Hall meeting moderated by CNN last Thursday evening. A lack

of compromise and progress within Congress informed his declaration of executive action concerning gun control during his speech. Outcry was heard immediately from citizens and politicians alike; however, the President’s actions are the first steps towards creating and implementing the changes to gun control needed by our nation.

Widespread agreement can be found in saying that something needs to change, and quickly. The goal could be of a society where mass shootings and deaths from guns are rare events instead of numbing commonalities. Tighter gun control, while still allowing responsible citizens to be gun owners, needs to be the compromise and change we implement and allow to flourish. The idea isn’t to revoke gun ownership or make it difficult for lawful citizens to have a gun; however, if stricter measures make it harder for criminals to buy and sell guns, then they are measures that need to be taken. Though guns may not seem like a prevalent problem every day, especially on DU campus, college

students should be considering the implications of these weapons and threats to personal safety. Mass shootings, both on and off campus, are a harsh and tragic reality of current society; an area where gun control could have a positive effect. Concealed carry weapons are not allowed on DU campus, yet four people were recently robbed at gunpoint about a block away from campus. This is an instance in which tighter gun control might have made a difference in the situation, if the criminal didn’t have access to a gun in the first place.

Of course, this isn’t to say that gun control can immediately solve crime and mass shootings, or stop criminals from getting guns, but it is an option that should be explored for the potential positive effects and safety it could support.

College students as voters are vital in supporting alteration and creating this future, not only for ourselves, but also for the world future generations will know as a reality. Whether citizens agree or disagree President Obama’s measures, it should be noted that

whichever candidate is elected into office within the next year could have the power to either support Obama’s declarations or have them repealed. Perspectives on the issue are very clearly divided between the Democratic and Republican parties. Democratic candidates actively support Obama and the actions for gun control, arguing for stricter policies including expanded background checks and closing loopholes. On the other hand, Republican candidates including Donald Trump, Ben Carson, Marco Rubio, Chris Christie, Jeb Bush and Ted Cruz are in apparent opposition, declaring that any further constriction would impinge upon citizens’ rights under the Second Amendment.

The future of changing gun control, or lack thereof, hangs in the balance of the debates happening now and the leader that will be elected into office this year.

Students need to stay informed on the issue, in consideration for their own safety, on and off campus, as well as for the what the future should hold.

JANUARY 13,2016

DU CLARION

L I F E ST Y L E S

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Five ways to hack a New Year’s resolution CHLOE BARRETT

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ASSISTANT EDITOR

he humble New Year’s resolution: the reason it’s next to impossible to find a vacant stair-stepper at the Ritchie Center, everyone’s 10 minutes early to your 8 a.m. and the line at Fat Shack isn’t out the door. So easy to make, yet so hard to keep—often by the second week of the new year, your intention to cut out all carbs and sugar or

learn Mandarin becomes nothing but a distant dream. The first step towards making a resolution reality is choosing something doable and simple as opposed to vague and unrealistic. After that, these hacks will help you stick to your goals throughout the new year.

The resolution: get in shape The hack: schedule your workout like you would a class—but don’t think of it in the same way.

By designating a specific time to get your exercise in and giving

attendance the same priority you would a lecture-heavy class, you’ll be more likely to stick to it. Conversely, don’t stress out about hitting the gym in the same way you would about trekking to Sturm; remember, working out can and should be a positive addition to your life, not just another commitment to suck up all of your free time.

The resolution: ditch class less The hack: reward yourself every time you resist skipping. This doesn’t mean treat yourself for every class you actually attend— reserve rewards for when it’s snowing but you still walked all the way to the Mass Communications building for your 8 a.m. or stayed up an extra hour studying so you would get a better score on your calculus quiz. Celebrate your victories and eventually you’ll break your addiction to class-ditching.

The resolution: get more sleep

Hack your way towards more productive study sessions.

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The hack: treat your bed as a sacred space strictly for sleep.

Resist the inclination to do schoolwork or watch Netflix and soon your brain will associate your bed solely with sleep so you can fall asleep faster. Naps are also a co-ed’s best friend—just avoid taking them after 3 p.m. and for

more than an hour, otherwise you’ll keep yourself up at night.

The resolution: procrastinating

stop

The hack: schedule study time in a productive environment.

Find a quiet spot in the Anderson Commons (avoid studying in your room altogether) and create a to-do list just for the scheduled time, do not open Instagram and then don’t stop working until the time is finished. Having an end point will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and if you do this often enough, you’ll never have to worry about a last minute 10-page essay or elaborate project again.

The resolution: save more money The hack: make a budget, check it twice. A dinner out here, a nightclub cover charge there, another book you have to buy for class thrown into the equation and all your spending money vanishes in a cloud of confusion.

Start by tracking how much you spend each month witha tracker like mint.com and then figure out where you can cut back.

Using these hacks, you can stick to even your most ambitious resolutions and make 2016 your best year yet.

The 55th year of a Pioneer favorite : Winter Carnival RUTH HOLLENBACK STAFF WRITER

Definitive of DU’s student life for what will now be 55 years is Winter Carnival: a guaranteed-unforgettable week on campus and weekend off campus packed with uniquely Coloradan events that only this university and state can successfully pull off. Fresh powder. Iconic trivia.

Ski-themed movie. Humansized snow globe. Breakfast burritos. Ice skating. Tubing.

Music. Community. An entire week whose intention is simply to take advantage of Colorado’s strikingly beautiful winters and to give the DU Pioneer family one more reason to be overwhelmingly proud of their school.

DU Programming Board (DUPB) is hosting the festive event at Keystone Resort, just an hour and a half drive from campus, from Feb. 1 to Feb. 7.

According to DUPB’s schedule for both on campus and off campus events, the week will consist of ice skating on Driscoll Green, a massive study session accompanied by free PB&J sandwiches, skiing, boarding, tubing, a concert with DJ Bohdi and many more exciting events that you will not want to miss.

DU partners with Keystone Resort to achieve the best discounted lift ticket prices for undergraduate students, graduate students, staff, faculty and alumni. All discounted prices are available online on DUPB’s website. In addition, DU will provide bus transportation for just $10 for undergraduates and $25 for graduate students, faculty, and staff, leaving on Friday, Feb. 5 at both 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and returning on Sunday, Feb. 7 at noon. Lodging information can also be found online at DUPB’s website—all hotels and condos at Keystone are also available at majorly discounted prices thanks to DU’s partnership with them.

“At almost no other point in your life and at almost no other school can you spend the weekend shredding the slopes, hot tubbing and partying with not only your friends, but your whole community,” said Katie Bring, a senior from Fort Collins double-majoring in biology and psychology. “That’s pretty special. And it’s definitely rare.

You’re guaranteed to have stories from Winter Carnival.”

Take advantage of this potentially pivotal opportunity in your college career by buying tickets for early bird prices before Friday, Jan. 15 at mid-

night. Info for registration can be found on the Facebook event page (DUPB Winter Carnival) or at go.du.edu/WinterCarnival.

This is undoubtedly one of DU’s best, if not the best, tradition that students will be able to participate in the entire year.

coNNor W. daviS | clarioN Students unite at Winter Carnival for skiing, snowboarding and other snow activities.

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DU CLARION

| LIFESTYLES

JANUARY 13,2016

How to cope with the ‘Post-Abroad Blues’ KELLSIE BRANNEN LIFESTYLES EDITOR

As anyone who has studied abroad knows, re-entry into normal American life after four months (or more) of fun, adventure, new places and new faces can be a bit jarring to say the least. After all, if you’re anything like me, study abroad is something you’ve thought about since freshman year, and once you get home it’s just sort of...over. What is there to look forward to now?

Being a real adult? If adulthood doesn’t come with real Belgian chocolate eaten in Belgium or sushi prepared by a chef in Japan, then count me out. While we can’t help you avoid impending adulthood, the Clarion does have you covered with tips on how to re-adjust and cope with those all too real post-abroad blues.

food was in Chile, your friends do know your favorite restaurant to eat at around DU. Going back to school and business-asusual in the U.S. is strange after being in such a radically different environment for so long, but being around your friends and remembering all of the reasons you love DU and Colorado will help you to get back in the swing of things. So get a group together and make a homecoming at Illegal Pete’s (if you’re not completely broke, that is) and try to get excited about the fun you’ll have now that you’re back on your home turf.

and even start saving up for it.

You could even start making plans to travel to a state that you’ve never been to, perhaps to visit a friend you met while abroad. You can volunteer to teach English to those for whom it isn’t a first language and, in exchange, get to learn

about another culture. You could commit to learning another language, or trying food from a new culture every month and so on.

There are so many great things that travel awakens in a person, so put them to action and never quell your love for other places and people.

3) Do more than talk about your experience While plenty of people have probably asked about your time abroad, and nothing that you say probably feels like it even comes close to conveying what it was like, sometimes simply giving people the standard spiel doesn’t feel like it’s bringing you or them any closer to your experience. Try cooking a meal from your abroad country or, even better, get some other friends who studied abroad to bring dishes from their countries and have an international potluck. Food is such a strong and genuine aspect of a culture, it’s a great way to show others an important part of your country’s culture while also giving you a little taste of your home away from home. You can also do small things like decorate your room with mementos that you picked up abroad or listen to music that reminds you of your experience.

1) Keep in touch with your abroad friends These are not only the people that you laughed and cried with for the time you were abroad, they are also the only people who know exactly what you’re going through. Whenever you miss going to that one club on Mondays or think about how much you want a coffee from the best cafe in your abroad city, message your friends so you can all sympathize with each other’s pain. Re-adjusting back to life in America is hard for nearly everyone, and having people who you can talk to about it and reminisce on the good times will offer moral support and a little taste of abroad to help you ease back in. Besides, these people can be your lifelong friends, so don’t neglect them once you 4) Take action Don’t let this newfound love return home. of travel and appreciation for 2) Spend time with your different cultures disappear as your reverse culture shock wears friends at DU While they may not under- off. Make a goal to travel to stand exactly how good the another country in the long term

evan hicks | clarion

photo courtesy of drew hultgrem

Junior Drew Hultgrem with an elephant in South Africa during her abroad experience.

photo courtesy of grace fierle

Junior Grace Fierle in front of the Taj Majal during her time abroad in India.

Junior Kerry Nelson at the Pantheon in Rome, Italy.

photo courtesy of kerry nelson

DU CLARION

JJULY A N U23, A R2015 Y 13,2016

THE GRIND COLUMN

Reviewing Denver’s many restaurants, bars, breweries, food trucks, coffeeshops and everything in between

Carbon Beverage Cafe: 4.5 / 5.0 stars

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COLUMN

diDUknow?

Bringing awareness to happenings at and around DU

El Niño in Colorado CHLOE BARRETT ASSISTANT EDITOR

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icknamed “Bruce Lee” by weather forecasters, warmer-than-typical water in the tropical Pacific has created a weather/ocean circulation pattern known as “El Niño” that is affecting the Centennial State. So far, projections from weather experts that it will be strong, perhaps even record-breaking, have proven true with Denver snowfall slightly above average.

According to the Weather Service’s climate prediction center, the impacts of Bruce Lee on temperature and precipitation will likely intensify and continue into the early Spring. For Colorado powder The cozy interior of Carbon Beverage Cafe.

JUSTIN CYGAN

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CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ocated in the trendy Lower Highlands neighborhood (LoHi), Carbon Beverage Cafe sprouts from where the longstanding and very loved Paris on the Platte formerly stood. The quite popular cafe and bar billed itself as the first real coffee shop in Denver and since its opening in 1986 had served the community with care and love. However, with its closing a year ago, the LoHi neighborhood was left with a hole in its community fabric.

Carbon aspires to fill that hole the loss of “Paris” left. The new cafe serves multiple purposes, shifting throughout the day from a lunch spot, to a coffee hangout and eventually an evening watering hole.

Along with the rest of the buildings on hip Platte Street, Carbon follows through wholeheartedly with the “hipster” aesthetic. The inside is trimmed with bright, industrial-style lighting, exposed pipes and frequent colorful table plants.

Wood and chrome bar accents, including a “Mod-Bar” style espresso machine are prominently featured. The industrial theme compliments the simple and perfectly delicious food and drink, well displayed throughout the venue.

Carbon’s drink menu radiates innovation. For coffee, they have the typical espresso-based drinks you can find anywhere, but if you’re hankering for something new and different,

junkies, this is a very exciting prospect for good spring skiing and snowboarding conditions.

“I’m hoping El Niño delivers big snow in the spring,” said second year marketing student, Kylee Skall. “Nothing beats spring skiing.”

For students too busy to hit the slopes every weekend, there’s plenty of other ways to enjoy all the cold and snow El Niño has to offer right here in Denver. Check out the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park, where you can rent skates for just $2 or bring your own and skate for free. If you really want to immerse yourself in the cold, Red Rocks Park & Ampitheatre will be holding its annual Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks on Jan. 29. General admission tickets are being sold for $52.80 and this year the iconic show will feature Adventure Club and Big Grams.

Photo courtESy of JuStiN cygaN

there are multiple options to choose from. For example, there is the “Working Man”, a doppio espresso shot poured over housemade chocolate-vanilla syrup and finished off with chilled milk ($3). Or you could have an “E.T.”, a drink made by pouring espresso over ice and lemon syrup, topped with tonic water ($3). Also on the menu are homemade syrup-based sodas ($3) and creative cocktails for the over-21 crowd.

Served on wooden Colorado flag trays, the food at Carbon includes breakfast options such as “Green Eggs and Hash” ($10) and “Almond Waffles and Bacon” ($6.50). Along with the breakfast entrees, there are modern takes on Classic TV dinners, such as “Monday Meatloaf” ($9.99) and delectable, novel sandwiches such as the “Cubano”, a brioche bun toting sandwich layered with house-cured ham, slow-roasted pork, house-brined pickles, swiss, red hook whiskey mustard and butter ($10). Included with the sandwiches, and available for individual order, are “Wu-Tang Tots”— light and buttery brioche tater-tots that go well with any entree.

This Grinder had a “Working Ma n” and a “Chic Fillet” sandwich composed of devil-fried chicken butter lettuce, housebrined pickles, citrus mayo and a brioche bun ($8). The sandwich was well worth the price and quite competitive with similarly and even more expensive options, and the included tots were a nice treat on the side. The coffee was smooth and sweet, but the high price point ($3) for such a small (7 oz) drink seemed

The (not so) little El Niño is generating storms all over the state.

a little steep.

Only time will tell if Carbon will live up to its predecessor’s reputation, but the modern spot has got a lot of good going for it. With its urban and detailed styling, as well as a fresh take on

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decades-old dishes and newly-introduced coffee drinks, Carbon sets itself up as the new go-to place for a light lunch or mid-afternoon pick-me-up for those who find themselves in the LoHi neighborhood.

Photo courtESy of JuStiN cygaN

A delicious “Chic Fillet” sandwich with tots and a “Working Man” coffee.

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DU CLARION

| LIFESTYLES

JANUARY 13,2016

DU VIEW: 1. A view of the empty campus during Winter Break—Connor W. Davis 2. A view of the slopes at Breckenridge Resort—Connor W.

Davis 3. The DU Dance Team at a basketball game—Brittany Medler 4. A sly raccoon peers into the Mass Communications building—Chloe Barrett 5. Members of DU sorority life paint “wall of awesome” for fall recruitment­—Chloe Barrett 6. Juniors Grace Fierle and Natalie Acheatel pose in traditional Indian attire during thier time abroad—Grace Fierle 7. The Sahara Desert in Morocco—Kerry Nelson 8. A bird’s-eye view of downtown Denver—Meg McIntyre 9. A skier at Breckenridge—Connor W. Davis 10. The beach in South Africa—Drew Hultgren.

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JANUARY 13,2016

DU CLARION

ENTERTAINMENT

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Genuine movie, genuine students pay off in F.I.L.M.

photo courtesy of sheila schroeder

The DU F.I.L.M. crew, (left to right) Michael Hughes, Roma Sur, Angela Forster, Jeremy Dehn, Aiden McCarthy and Frazer Lockhart, filming outside of the Black Forest Restaurant in Nederland, Colorado.

RUTH HOLLENBACK

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STAFF WRITER

was in the military for a long time…I’ve noticed that there’s a very real parallel between the instant feeling of family I got with my comrades and the instant feeling of family I got with the people on set,” said Stefan Wisnoski, a graduate student in the media, film and journalism studies department (MFJS) at DU, describing his experience thus far working on Project DU F.I.L.M.’s current undertaking.

F.I.L.M. is an acronym: Filmmaking Initiative Linking Mentors. Frazer Lockhart, director of photography for the film, describes that the goal of the project is “half to be a program of mentorship allowing current students to work with experienced MFJS alumni and half to just make a really good film.”

“Happy F#ing Valentines Day,” their current undertaking, has so far been a complete success, not only because it is the product of an unparalleled opportunity that not many other universities provide, but it is also a clever story illustrated by a motivated cast, a tongue-incheek script and an authentically human inspiration.

This film grew out of an idea that Sheila Schroeder, an MFJS faculty member, and her partner, Kate Burns, had last year on Valentine’s Day. They were in the mountains, out to breakfast at Sundance Cafe in Nederland, mourning recent deaths in their family. To raise the spirits of their holiday, they had the idea to anonymously buy breakfast for an older couple at the restaurant.

“It sounds altruistic, but we really just wanted to raise our spirits,” Schroeder explained.

They went for a walk that afternoon and began talking about what might have happened after the couple received their anonymous gift and an hour later had the entire outline for the story they wanted to tell. Schroeder has been at DU for 19 years, and her goal has always been to make a collaborative, film-making community among the students and alumni.

The opportunity was finally presenting itself.

“Happy F#ing Valentine’s Day” is a comedic story about a waitress whose husband just left her. She becomes unreasonably annoyed at all the happy couples around her restaurant on this beloved holiday.

One of these couples, based off of Schroeder and her partner, buy lunch for an elderly couple who

ironically turn out to be criminals who rob the restaurant. In the end, everyone is in their underwear and the viewers of the film learn to stop making preconceived judgments about people—in its simplest terms, to not judge a book by its cover.

Schroeder sought out students and graduates that she knew were the leaders she wanted involved in the production of what would soon be an utterly great film. The crew was assembled—seven cast members, 11 alumni and eight students; they no longer had to live in the abstract. In addition to a great crew, they found the perfect setting as well: the Black Forest Restaurant in Nederland, Colorado, owned by Bill Lorenz.

“He and his staff couldn’t have been more hospitable,” said Schroeder, explaining that they allowed them to use a whole space in the back of the restaurant, contingent only on their eating lunch there every day during the week of filming in early December.

“This is a professional crew.

This is not a student crew,” said Lockhart on the last day of filming, just one week after all the students involved with the project began doing what they were doing for the very first time.

Proof of this claim is found in the leadership of graduate student

Teri Andony, who stepped up as assistant director of the film immediately after the original, more experienced AD got sick. Lockhart credits the uncanny success of Project DU F.I.L.M.’s first short film to everyone’s passionate willingness to learn, much like Andony’s impressive example. DU students were able to be genuine, contributing members of the crew, moving lights around, acting, logging audio and footage, setting up mics, possessing creative control of the picture and everything else having to do with making a story truly come to life.

The film is currently in the post-production stage, soon to be entered into various Colorado film festivals, women’s film festivals and comedy film festivals.

In the spring, there will also be a screening of the movie on the DU campus, accompanied by Hidden Woods Media’s documentary of the behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the film, made by alumni Patrick Gillespie and Dave Stewart. After the completion of “Happy F#ing Valentine’s Day,” Schroeder intends for Project DU F.I.L.M. to continue to provide this collaborative approach to filmmaking for years to come, giving opportunities to all students, regardless of gender, race or experience.

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| ENTERTAINMENT

DU CLARION

JANUARY 13,2016

‘Jessica Jones’ has Marvel’s most terrifying villain

photo courtesy of thepandorasociety.com

“Jessica Jones” portrays a abusive relationship between its titular character (Kyrsten Ritter) and villan Kilgrave (David Tennant).

TAMARRA NELSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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etflix’s “Marvel’s Jessica Jones” shines a light on the lesser-known comic book hero of the same name, played by Krysten Ritter (“Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23”). In the same vein as Marvel’s other Netflix series, “Daredevil,” “Jessica Jones” gets dark and gritty, unafraid of using mature themes like violence and sex. However, the new series takes it one step further, using it’s TV-MA rating to tackle an important issue realistically. The show is not just the typical super-

hero narrative, where Jones saves the city from total destruction, but an important representation of what it’s like to be a victim of an abusive relationship.

The series begins by showing Jones in the present day, a private eye with exceptional strength and a strong dislike for other people.

As the show progresses, it is revealed she has recently escaped a highly abusive relationship with a man who calls himself “Kilgrave,” played by David Tennant (“Doctor Who”). Kilgrave possesses the power of mind control, allowing him to force others to do whatever he wants them to with just the sound of his voice. He

used this power to manipulate Jones into being his girlfriend, forcing her to do things she would never have done if she had free will. After inexplicably freeing herself from his influence, Jones goes into hiding, isolating herself, feeling guilty for the things Kilgrave made her do.

Kilgrave inevitably returns, terrorizing and manipulating the citizens of Hell’s Kitchen. Unlike other villains, such as Ultron from “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Kilgrave has no desire for world domination or universal destruction. He has one desire and one desire only: Jessica. And though he says again and again his behaviour is out of

love, the show makes it clear this is a deeply harmful relationship, with several characters explicitly labeling it as abusive. This culminates in a confrontation between Jones and Kilgrave, where she says, “Not only did you physically rape me, but you violated every cell in my body and every thought in my goddamn head.”

The best part about “Jessica Jones” is it leaves little room for sympathy for Kilgrave and the victim blaming rhetoric so often seen in media. Rather than using the characters as mouthpieces to lament how Kilgrave “didn’t know any better,” the series instead explicitly shuts this idea down and focuses on how the relationship affected Jones. It shows how she is triggered when Kilgrave returns, even discussing her PTSD resulting from the relationship. She is very obviously the victim in this situation, rather than a woman who “should have known better.”

He stalks her, threatens her loved ones and forces her to use her powers to benefit him. He’s a textbook abuser, and this is what makes him so terrifying. He could be anyone. While humans don’t have the power of mind control, abusive relationships are a real and prevalent issue. According to The National Domestic Service Hotline, “24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States.”

“Jessica Jones” takes the issue of abuse and handles it with care, giving it the uncensored platform of discussion it needs.

Those who feel they are victims of an abusive relationship can call The National Domestic Service Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Season 1 of “Marvel’s Jessica Jones” is now on Netflix.

Denver concert season offers exciting sounds JOCELYN ROCKHOLD

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STAFF WRITER

he Clarion watched some fantastics artists last year, including folk/blues rocker Anderson East, electronic group Clean Bandit and local bands like The Velveteers.

2016 is shaping up to be one of the best years for concerts in Denver in a long time—take a look at some of the best upcoming shows of 2016.

The Northern Empty, Lost Lake Lounge: Jan. 14 DU band The Northern Empty released its debut album this December, landing at the 25 spot on the iTunes singer-songwriter charts. To celebrate the release, the band will be playing its hometown album release show with fellow DU band Specific Ocean at the Lost Lake Lounge.

Diane Coffee, Lost Lake Lounge: Feb. 16

Fetty Wap and Post Malone, The Fillmore Auditorium: Feb. 24

Psych-influenced rocker Fetty Wap, the artist behind Diane Coffee is going to fill Lost Lake Lounge with vibrant vocals wildly popular “Trap Queen,” and hanging, groovy guitar riffs. is taking over the Fillmore in Diane Coffee is made up of Shaun February along with hip-hop Fleming, who also drums for performer Post Malone. Be prethe well-admired band Foxygen, pared to jump around and feel accompanied by a backing b a n d .

Fleming has a huge amount of performing experience, so expect an entertaining and technically amazing s h o w .

Bonus: local band Flaural is photo courtesy latimes.com opening. Fetty Wap has taken the hip-hop world by storm with his hit “Trap Queen.”

completely exhausted the day after—there will not be a quiet moment at this show.

Wavves and Best Coast, Bluebird Theater: Feb. 27 Surf rock band Wavves is teaming up with Californian pop artist Best Coast on the Summer is Forever ll Tour to bring the beach straight to Denver. For $40 a ticket, the price isn’t bad when you get to see two great artists in one show.

Father John Misty, Ellie Caulkins Opera House: April 9 Singer-songwriter Father John Misty is hitting the Ellie Caulkins Opera House this April, a venue that is oddly fitting for the mishmash of genres that he performs. Joshua Tillman, the man behind Father John Misty, knows exactly how to command the stage with eccentric dancing and even more eccentric jokes.

DU CLARION

JJULY A N U23, A R2015 Y 13,2016

ENTERTAINMENT | 1 5

Golden N.E.W. offers students oppurtunity to shine Globes charm RACHEL REIDENBAUGH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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he 73rd annual Golden Globe Awards were held Jan. 10 and they came with their fair share of laughs, upsets and surprises. Fourth time’s the charm for recurring host Ricky Gervais (“The Invention of Lying”), who surprised no one with his signature crass humor.

The controversial comedian set the tone for the show when he opened the awards by exclaiming “Shut up, you disgusting, pill-popping, sexual deviant, scum.” With a beer never too far from reach, Gervais was quick to poke fun at the high-profile celebrities. From Caitlyn Jenner to gender equality to the integrity of the Golden Globes themselves, no person or topic was too taboo to tackle.

Despite Gervais’ insistence that the awards carry absolutely no significance in the grand scheme of Hollywood, as he has three of his own, the show featured several exciting wins and uncomfortable encounters. Audiences swooned over the transparent friendship between two dynamite hollywood women, Amy Schumer (“Inside Amy Schumer”) and Jennifer Lawrence (“Joy”), as they presented together. Lawrence won Best Actress in a Comedy for “Joy,” and the hilarious duo caught a lot of attention as rumors buzzed over the potential of them co-hosting the awards next year.

Tom Hanks (“Forrest Gump”) presented Denzel Washington (“Training Day”) with the Cecil B. DeMille Award, honoring his extraordinary contributions to the entertainment world. Gervais displayed blatant distaste for Mel Gibson as he whispered something in the “Braveheart” actor’s ear that clearly irked him. Successful movie composer, Ennio Morricone (“Inglorious Basterds”) took home a Globe for the score of “The Hateful Eight,” making his fans hopeful to soon see him win his first Oscar honoring a single movie.

“The Revenant” took home the top three awards of the night, including Best Director, Best Drama Motion Picture and Best Actor in a Drama award for Leonardo Di Caprio. Di Caprio’s former “Titanic” co-star Kate Winslet received the Best Supporting Actress award for “Steve Jobs.”

Aaron Sorkin (“Social Network”) also snagged a Best Screenplay award for the film. “The Martian” took home the other Best Movie award of the night, as well as a Best Actor in a Comedy award for the star of the film, Matt Damon.

Brie Larson won for Best Actress in a Drama for the film adaptation of popular novel, “Room.” Following the final season of “Mad Men,” lead actor Jon Hamm received his first Golden Globe since the show’s premiere season. Lady Gaga left with her first Globe for her recent work in “American Horror Story: Hotel.” Oscar Isaac (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”) also received his first Golden Globe for his work in the HBO mini-series “Show Me A Hero.” Followed by wins of countless other actors, movie and crew, such as Sylvester Stallone (“Rocky”) and Pixar’s “Inside Out,” the Globes were an exciting beginning to 2016’s award show season.

Keep an eye out for the Oscars, airing Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. MT.

photo courtesy of du theatre department

The DU Drama Ensemble puts on New and Emerging Works as a way for students to showcase their directing, writing and acting abilities.

TARYN ALLEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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ach year, the DU Drama Ensemble (D.U.D.E.) provides a unique opportunity for DU students to showcase their talents. This opportunity is called New and Emerging Works (N.E.W.), and it features student-written, student-directed and student-acted plays. N.E.W. not only gives students the chance to get involved in theatre, but also allows people the experience of receiving feedback and workshopping to create a performance-ready production.

In the past, students have put on plays regarding anything from romance, murder and relationships to Juicy Fruit, art heists and Dungeons and Dragons. Some productions begin in N.E.W. and continue on to larger venues. For example, DU student Lexie Robbins wrote a play called “Beth.” The show was workshopped and performed for N.E.W. and was later presented as a DU Theatre Department main stage show in the winter of 2015, directed by professor Rick Barbour and starring a local professional actor. Another successful play is “Un-Speakable,” a show written

by DU’s own H. E. Young. The

play began as part of N.E.W., but it was later performed at The Bakery, a local venue in Denver. The student involvement continued through the show’s production, as the show was grant supported and performed by PartyHAT Productions, a professional theatre company comprised of DU alumni and students.

N.E.W. is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of, whether that includes submitting a play, running the event or simply coming to support DU comrades. The 2016 New and Emerging Works performance, free of charge and open to all, is Saturday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Byron Theatre at the Newman Center.

2016 full of rising artists to watch JOCELYN ROCKHOLD

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STAFF WRITER

he year of 2015 was full of big moments for music— Adele released “Hello,” we all danced like Drake when “Hotline Bling” dropped and The Beatles discography finally made it on to Spotify. Many new and old artists made the year great, but which artists will reign in 2016?

Check out the list below for just a few up-and-coming artists.

Transviolet

Pop has had a bad rap in the past, but 2016 may just be the year when the genre gains the respect it deserves. Electro-pop bands like Californian group Transviolet will help do just that.

With highly successful single “Girls Your Age” receiving over 1 million plays on Spotify in 2015, Transviolet will return this year with some dark but dance-inducing tunes.

Space Suits for Indians

Born in the hot summer of 2014, local band Space Suits for Indians is set to do some spectacular things in the Denver music scene this year. Following a well-received album release and a short stint playing shows out west, the indie rock band has a show this month opening for Car Seat Headrest on Jan. 15.

singer songwriter Sufjan Stevens on “Blue Bucket of Gold,” which was released on Jan 6. It’s obvious that Gallant has been up to some incredible endeavors and that 2016 will be his year.

The Japanese House

Some automatically think of club beats and wild synths when the word “electronic” is even mentioned, Gallant but the hauntingGallant is ly beautiful music made of sultry voof The Japanese cals, commandHouse is anything ing beats and but club music. photo courtesy of bandcamp.com synths that blend “Space Suits” is making waves locally.

The group’s eerie together to create dark electronic will some of the best fill Red Rocks this new R&B out there. Last year, spring when The Japanese House the artist partnered with Zane opens for The 1975 in May. The Lowe, one of the most influen- opening slot will attract thoutial DJs in the world, to release sands of new fans, so it’s safe to “Weight In Gold.” More recent- say 2016 will be a successful year ly, Gallant has teamed up with for The Japanese House.

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| ENTERTAINMENT

DU CLARION

JANUARY 13,2016

TOP MOVIES OF 2015 SPAN ALL GENRES RYAN NINESLING

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CONTRIBUTING WRITER

n cinema, 2015 was a dynamite year as both independent and mainstream studios churned out some truly spectacular and unforgettable films. Women soared in an industry usually dominated by men, the world’s best performers and filmmakers put in some of their finest work to date and after years of mundane sequels and remakes, some old franchises come roaring back to life. It was definitely one for the books.

While it’s difficult to give every single great film that came out this year the recognition they deserve, these films are simply the best of the best.

10) “The Martian” Director: Ridley Scott

The story of Mark Watney (Matt Damon, “The Bourne Identity”), an astronaut who is accidentally left behind by his crew on Mars and subsequently struggles to survive, is a striking testament to the power of science as well as the human spirit.

Unlike many modern science-fiction films, it respects its audience, never holding back in its presentation of complex problems and trusting viewers to come along for the ride.

It celebrates humanity’s ability to overcome and get to work, all the while being extremely fun to watch.

It’s one of the most refreshing and realistic science-fiction adventures to come out in years.

9) “It Follows” Director: David Robert Mitchell

After a disturbing sexual encounter, young Jay (Maika Monroe, “The Guest”) is relentlessly followed by an unseen entity that will kill her if it ever touches her.

The premise alone made this one of the most interesting and provocative horror films in recent memory.

No one could have ever guessed that its impeccably haunting imagery, retro music and powerful acting would make it a classic in a genre so desperately in need of a return to form. This one will crawl under the skins of audiences for a long time.

8) “The Revenant” Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu

Director Alejandro González Iñárritu’s follow-up to last year’s Best Picture Oscar winner “Birdman,” “The Revenant” is based on the true events involving Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Wolf of Wall Street”), a fur trapper mauled by a bear and left for dead by his hunting party. The film is a shocking and grim tale of survival and revenge that skillfully ponders on both the kindness and cruelty of man. Beautifully shot, masterfully acted and gripping from start to finish, this film elevates the survival picture to profound art.

photo courtesy of screenranty.com

“Star Wars: The Foce Awakens,” the seventh “Star Wars” movie, broke box office records and pleased fans and newcomers alike.

of the absolute best characters the franchise has ever seen. The film calls back to its roots while not being A naïve programmer (Domn- afraid to take some big risks. The hall Gleeson, “The Revenant”) is acting, especially from newcomer invited out to the mountain estate and complete revelation Daisy of his reclusive boss (Oscar Isaac, Ridley, is what truly makes this “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”) journey special. This one has got it to perform a task beyond his where it counts, kid. wildest dreams: test the humanity of an artificial intelligence named Ava (Alicia Vikander, “The Danish Girl”). This delectably 4) “Sicario” twisty mind-game makes an abso- Director: Denis lute star out of Vikander, all the Villeneuve while painting a grimly stunning A dark and violent tale set at portrait of the frivolousness that the breaking point of the War on is men trying to play God. It’s a Drugs, “Sicario” follows FBI agent gorgeous and haunting film that Kate Mercer (Emily Blunt, “Edge of will leave viewers looking over Tomorrow”) as she tries to navigate their shoulders at the increasingly a disturbing web of lies and secrets computerized world. while working with a shady-at -best mercenary group assigned to bring in one of Mexico’s most powerful drug lords. The film serves as a formidable 6) “Steve Jobs” showcase for the talents of its skilled Director: Danny Boyle actors while simultaneously presentAn unconventional biopic set ing stunning commentary on the at three pivotal Apple product grim world of drug trafficking. Highlaunches, “Steve Jobs” paints a lighted further by superb set pieces complex portrait of the man it is and imagery, this cat-and-mouse named for (Michael Fassbender, game leads viewers into the heart of “Macbeth”) with dizzying and darkness and leaves them there to commanding grace. The film wonder if the War on Drugs is really undoubtedly has one of the, if not a just cause at all. the, best scripts of the year, firing out some of the most intelligent and witty dialogue the biopic genre has ever seen. Fassbender is more 3) “Mad Max: Fury Road” than up to the task, turning in the Director: George Miller best performance of his career and The newest installment in the making this relentlessly excellent legend of Australian wasteland hero film a must-see.

Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy, “The Revenant”), “Fury Road” follows Max as he helps a group of sex slaves led by a tough as nails warrior named Furi5) “Star Wars: The osa (Charlize Theron, “Prometheus”) Force Awakens” escape a powerful masochist warlord Director: J.J. Abrams and his insane army of terminally ill Set three decades after the origi- minions. The film is about 10 times nal trilogy, this new adventure in the more insane than it sounds. A pure, “Star Wars” saga serves as a bridge unadulterated adrenaline rush from between a new generation of char- the second the engines start roaring, acters and the assortment of heroes “Fury Road” is not only the most and villains that millions upon mil- ambitious and exciting action film in lions of viewers cheered for in cin- decades, it’s a powerful feminist film emas so many years ago. Released that never forces its women to hold to an unprecedented amount of back and provides the best female hype but also doubt, Abrams and action protagonist ever put to the the incredible cast more than lived screen. Strap in and prepare to be up to expectations by creating some blown away.

7) “Ex Machina” Director: Alex Garland

2) “Carol” Director: Todd Haynes

Set in 1950s New York, “Carol” spins an utterly captivating tale of forbidden love between two complex women (Cate Blanchett, “The Lord of the Rings,” Rooney Mara, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and the effects their romance has not only on their lives, but on their very being. Lovingly crafted and perfectly acted, “Carol” is frankly one of the best romance pictures ever made. Every single moment of the film is dazzling, and no other cinematic drama about a lesbian relationship has respected and adored its characters as much as this one. It’s the most moving film of the year.

1) “Spotlight” Director: Tom McCarthy

The true story of the Boston Globe reporters (Michael Keaton, “Birdman,” Mark Ruffalo, “The Avengers,” Rachel McAdams, “Sherlock Holmes”) who exposed the systemic cover-up of child molestation within the Catholic Church, “Spotlight” is a terrific film about the importance of journalistic work and all the good its reporters do for the world.

An old-school procedural that expertly captures the day-to-day grind of being a journalist while respectfully exploring one of the biggest scandals in modern history, this film feels as real and raw as a film possibly can be.

The acting is phenomenal, the script is intelligent and flawlessly researched and the direction is always mindful of telling the story right. Most importantly, the message is significant, as it should be for the best film. When a system continues to destroy lives and no one will stop it, it takes everyday people who aren’t afraid to stand up for what is right and fair to expose why that system is wrong.

That seems like a fitting message for a year and a time where things can seem so dark, and no other film could have portrayed that this perfectly. Bravo.