Volume 39, Issue 30 - April 19, 2017

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The Student Voice of MSU Denver

Volume 39, Issue 30

April 19, 2017

Students turned storm chasers at MSU Denver

Continued on PAGE 8 >>

Photo Courtesy of Sam Ng • sng1@msudenver.edu

Met Vistazo Met

PAGES 9-11 >>

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sta estatua de la Virgen de Guadalupe adorna la entrada de la iglesia del mismo nombre en el

hispana.

Foto de Janis Carrasquel-Hernández • jcarris6@msudenver.edu

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Opinion

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Transplants in Colorado are here to stay

vecindario Highland en Denver. Adentro, historias de la Pasqua en la communidad

News

Higher Learning Commission visits MSU Denver

Met

Living in Colorado provides many opportunities to see weather in action. A special few take this experience to the next level, buckle up for the bumpy ride and chase down said weather for the sake of learning and research. MSU Denver’s Meteorology department has many programs for those who seek a career in weather and climate. It also provides a class every summer to give students a chance to experience severe weather in the field. Under the close supervision of professionals these students become apart of a unique experience..

Sam Ng and Scott Landolt both teach Observations of Severe Weather. They have over 40 years of combined field experience.

Over the past five years, Ng and Landolt have helped their students understand the more severe characteristics of our atmosphere.

Met

kholumw@msudenver.edu

“This field course helps to connect theories learned in a textbook/class to observations that contributed to shaping those theories,” Ng said.

From the class to the field, Ng and Landolt prepare their students to ensure that every future stormchaser, knows what they’re doing. Ng added that looking at exciting weather in an up-close environment is a one of a kind experience.

“This course is not just all about fun. The students must write a final report after the class is over,” Ng said.

The final report is an important part of the course because it lets both professors know that their students have indeed learned valuable information about storm chasing. The course wouldn’t be quite as well-known if not for the stunning visuals that the department uses in attracting students to their program.

Features

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Grilled cheese for all... or not?

Met

By Kelli Holum

Sports

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Jake Thurston leads Runners on and off field

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Mile Review Break High Events April 19, 18, 2017 Met Sports Features Insight

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April 19, 2017

News Briefs University accreditation campus visit MSU Denver >> Presidential Cabinet meeting wraps up The MSU Denver President’s Cabinet meeting wrapped up April 17, unveiling several new policies.

New Information Technology Services security policies were introduced to the Cabinet by Megan Jones. These new security policies focus on two main points: Classifying data and letting people do their jobs securely.

Also, Team DELTA’s recent policy revision shifts day-to-day responsibility to Team DELTA rather than depending on every decision to go through the Board of Trustees.

>>Attempted arson on Auraria Campus A timely notice was sent out Tuesday April 11, 2017 following reports of the Bear Creek Building break-in surfaced. According to the Auraria Campus Police, a suspect forced entry into the building and placed flammable materials near an ignition source. The suspect has been identified as a male between 5’10 and 6’ and was wearing a long, dark coat. Auraria Campus Police Department urges all inhabitants to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior and for the given profile of the suspect.

Denver >>Colorado Republicans kill school discipline reform Colorado Republicans have officially terminated the school discipline reform proposal. The bill would allow for out-of-school suspensions and expulsions for kindergarteners, second graders and preschoolers in state-funded programs. The measure was mainly aimed at children who endanger others on school grounds, represent a safety threat or if school staff had exhausted all disciplinary options.

Sponsors of the bill said they were disappointed at the decision but vowed to bring the legislation back in 2018.

By Jamel Jones jjone273@msudenver.edu As the 2016-2017 school year comes to a close, MSU Denver looks to its future by going through the accreditation process for the next academic cycle.

The accreditation of a university is renewed annually, based on the completion of criteria set by the Higher Learning Commission. Five HLC reviewers are sent to visit different institutions within their given region to determine if the separate universities qualify for reaccreditation.

The HLC is one of six institutional accreditors in the United States, serving degree-granting, post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region. The HLC’s mission statement is: serving the common good by assuring and advancing the quality of higher learning.

With this process currently underway for MSU Denver, the HLC made their open forum site visits to the Auraria Campus on April 10-11. These visits are followed with an examination of a comprehensive criteria that decides whether an institution is deserving of reaccreditation.

Each institution has HLC committee members and work group leaders within

their staff that help move the processes of eligibility. The criterial standards from one through five are as follows: institutional mission, ethical and responsible conduct, teaching and learning. These include the values of quality, resources, support, assessment, evaluation, improvement, planning and institutional effectiveness.

MSU Denver is currently undergoing the Standard Pathway reaffirmation of accreditation. The Standard Pathway seeks to reduce the reporting burdens on institutions by utilizing as much information and data as possible from existing institutional processes and accumulating them in electronic form.

Subsequently, the standard pathway looks to enhance the rigor of the process by checking institutional data annually and conducting comprehensive evaluations twice in the 10-year cycle. Lastly, this method is made to integrate as many HLC operations as possible to ensure that accreditation is viable in future years. Faculty, office staff, chairs, directors and administrators were encouraged to attend at least one of these meetings.

Ultimately, an institution being accredited serves as assurance to both students and the community that the university is maintaining stability all the while growing its resources. The procedure determines whether an institution is able

to “provide a high-quality, accessible, enriching education that prepares students for successful careers postgraduate education and lifelong learning in a multicultural, global and technological society.”

The HLC’s decision will be anounced pending review.

C

Community

A

Access

D

Community

R

Respect

E

Entrepreneurship

According to Early Bird, each letter of the CADRE acronym reminds us of a shared, core value. Together, they represent the fundamental tenets of MSU Denver and what it means to be part of the university’s community. The acronym and mission statement were chosen ahead of the accreditation.

Colorado gubernatorial race

Candidates

George Brauchler

Victor Mitchell

Ed Perlmutter

Noel Ginsburg

Cary Kennedy

Voted for Donald Trump.

Voted for third party candidate Evan McMullin.

Has not released information at this time.

Has not released information at this time.

Has not released information at this time.

Education

Education is one of Brauchler’s main agendas, he attributes his military and public safety experience as qualifications for the job.

Mitchell helped to defeat the 2011 ballot measure to increase taxes to boost education spending. He has also served on several education committees.

Perlmutter supports The Every Child Succeeds Act allowing schools to set their own standards and create their own plans. He is also working to push flexible funding and grant programs.

Ginsburg has heavily supported the Denver Public Schools and was previously the president of the Colorado I Have a Dream Foundation that helps disadvantaged youth achieve academic success.

Kennedy backed some major educations initiatives, including Amendment 23 campaign that increased classroom funding and the Building Excellent School Today program.

Healthcare

Brauchler has expressed interest in charging residents who are on Medicaid with a co-pay as well as reducing the eligibility limits.

Mitchell is promoting patient-centered health care which is about uncovering what patients want from their healthcare providers and creating a healthy relationship between doctors and patients.

Perlmutter is a supporter of the Affordable Health Care Act put into place

by Barack Obama. This plan provides millions of Americans with health insurance regardless of pre-existing illness.

Ginsburg has not released any information at this time about his stance on health care.

Kennedy worked on developing the TABOR bill that did provide money for healthcare, public education and transportation.

DA for the Aurora shooting, prosecuted the Columbine High School shooting and serves in the Colorado National Guard.

Serves on the Kiwanis International and Douglas County Senior Foundation and Ready to Work Strive programs.

Serves as a committee member for House Committee on Financial Services and Terrorism and Illicit Finance.

Founded CareerWise Colorado and serves on Mile High United Way and Denver Public Schools Foundation.

Helped found Building Excellent Schools Today

Presidential backing

Activities

R-District Attorney, 18th Judicial District

R-Former State Lawmaker

D -7th Congressional District

D -Entrepreneur and Intertech Plastics CEO

D -Former Colorado State Treasurer

Images from Wikimedia and Facebook By Lindsey Milburn • lmilburn@msudenver.edu

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April 19, 2017 Met News

Counseling center overwhelmed as demand increases

By Jonson Kuhn jkuhn2@msudenver.edu

MSU Denver Counseling Center Executive Director Gail Bruce-Sanford in her office in the Tivoli on April 18. Photo by Lauren Cordova • scordo22@msudenver.edu

Although Bruce-Sanford said that the problem was driven by a larger acceptance of counseling than in years past, the problem had reached an overwhelming level at MSU Denver.

“I think what counseling centers have generally done over the years is to try to be preventive and to participate in different kinds of programing so that students will have some tools to help themselves before problems reach a crisis

The 6th Annual Undergraduate Reasearch Conference Friday, April 21st 8 am to 5 pm North Classroom Friday, April 21, 2017 8:00 am to 5:00 pm North Classroom Come support your fellow students by checking out their research projects!

level,” Bruce-Sanford said. Currently, there is no indication that the trend will slow. UCD’s Counseling Center Director Franklin Kim agreed that the issue goes beyond simply providing clinical services.

Attention needs to be paid especially to early detection of problems with a focus on prevention.

“Like most college counseling centers across the nation, we have seen increases in demand from one year to the next,” Kim

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Overwhelmed by demand, counseling centers on Auraria are struggling to provide mental health services to students who seek it.

The tri-institutional center is part of a nationwide trend showing a surge in the number of college students seeking help from campus counseling centers.

According to a recent study released by the Center for Collegiate Health, there has been a rapid increase in college students using mental health services. The increased demand is leaving many schools overwhelmed and understaffed. Last year, a survey was released by the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors that revealed many directors are increasingly concerned over the lack of access to services provided to students.

They noted that the shortage of counselors often results in implementing triage systems that place students on waiting lists before they are able to receive treatment.

“I think there has been a decrease in stigma about seeking help. That used to be a problem many years ago where people would be more afraid to seek help.” said Gail Bruce-Sanford, executive director for MSU Denver’s Counseling Center. “More and more people are comfortable with being open now in identifying their needs and looking for additional help.”

said. “There is also a trend to see more acuity in condition, presenting problem.

But we believe that to provide effective, culturally competent mental health services, attention needs to be paid to an assessment of community needs and development of community-informed interventions.”

UCD Counseling Center extends its services to what are considered community clients, like CCD students.

Because CCD does not currently have a counseling office of their own, students often take advantage of the opportunity to be seen by UCD counselors. However, as CCD care case manager Heilit Biehl said, there is a process involved.

“Not all CCD students are eligible to be seen by CU Denver’s counseling services. CCD students do fall under community clients, but also must pass a screening at intake to determine eligibility and then students who are accepted as clients must pay out of pocket for services,” Biehl said. Biehl added that as of this coming fall, CCD will be introducing counseling services of their own. All costs will be covered under student fees.

Kim mentioned that UCD does see CCD students, but questioned whether it’s a contributing factor to the increase in their overall workload.

“We do see CCD students at our center.

The general percentage is not large, however.

In most cases, I would say that it does not overburden our services,” Kim said.

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April 19, 2017 Met News

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How the Post won the Pulitzer: Aurora theater coverage

By Madison Lauterbach mlauter1@msudenver.edu The Denver Press Club added another accolade to its wall of fame after reporters from the Denver Post presented their Pulitzer to the club on April 13. The Denver Post won the Pulitzer for their print and pioneering digital coverage of the mass shooting that took place in an Aurora theater in 2013.

Former and current Post writers Dana Coffield, Jordan Steffen, Jennifer Brown and John Ingold spoke about their experiences covering the tragedy. The panel of four looked back at their investigative practices during the aftermath of the Aurora shooting, reflecting on why they won the Pulitzer. Much of it was attributed to their use of digital and print media, which set a precedent for how similar events should be covered afterward. The team was also one of the only media outlets in the state that never reported the wrong body count.

“I had people who write sports writing obituaries,” Coffield said. It took all handson-deck at the Post in order to provide the best coverage of the shooting. Interns selfdispatched. In the hours after the shooting, information flooded into the newsroom. After the end of four days, there were over 300 pages of tweets about the shooting that had been used to gather or spread information.

With the potential to get so many facts wrong, the team at the Post waited for the correct information. They often published after their competitors.

From left, Dana Coffield, John Ingold, Carol Mckinley, Jordan Steffen, and Jennifer Brown talk in a panel duscussion about the coverage for the 2012 Aurora movie theater shooting at the Denver Press Club on April 13. Photo by Karson Hallaway • cgonza88@msudenver.edu

“There’s responsibility in being the primary news outlet and some of that is making sure people feel as safe as they can while providing accurate, consistent information,” Coffield said.

Coffield added that the reporters were motivated by not just high journalistic standards, but also a sense of responsibility to their fellow Coloradans.

“We understood our community had gone through this before,” said Lee Ann Colacioppo, current editor-in-chief of the

Denver Post.

When the theater shooting happened in 2012, social media was still rising in prominence. Although platforms like Twitter and Facebook were popular, the Post pioneered the use of others like live blogging. The Pulitzer award cited their use of storytelling, which set the model for how other papers across the country would cover Aurora and other breaking news. Five years later, breaking news is dependent on the use of social media.

“You get spokespeople that say ‘we’re just going to put something out on Twitter or Facebook,’ instead of responding to questions in person. It changes how information is distributed,” Ingold said. This redistribution directly affects local papers, which have lost funding and resources significantly in the last five years.

The reliance on social media has had other effects as well.

“I think it has the potential for more inaccuracies and you really have to question not only what you’re putting out there, but what you’re taking in,” Steffen said. Not only are rumors about breaking news events dispersed quickly, they’re more permanent with social media. It has become easier for information to be amplified because it is recycled by different outlets.

“It creates a duality of false narratives. It gives these things a life even after they’ve been debunked because they’re just being showed in that little viral ecosystem,” Ingold said.

In the past five years, people more frequently share photos, videos and information directly from their phones during breaking news events. The dynamic between journalists and social media has changed significantly in the last five years.

Breaking news reporters have the power to perpetuate misinformation or provide accurate details.

“Part of reporting is clarifying and synthesizing, and finding ways to translate what can be really complicated information,” Steffen said.

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Based on a true story.

Nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture

Tuesday, April 25th at 7:00pm Sie Film Center 2510 East Colfax Avenue FREE ADMISSION

GRATEFUL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion and English Department Program in Cinema Studies

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April 19, 2017

It’s time for CO natives to accept transplants

By Matt Miller mmil237@msudenver.edu Everybody hates you. That is a growing sentiment among Colorado natives and longtime residents towards newcomers.

You’ve probably seen memes on Facebook, been a part of the conversation over a beer, or spotted one of the bumper stickers that say “Go home,” “No vacancy” or some other clever notion that proudly states your pride in living here and your resentment toward anyone else that wants to.

To be fair to longtime residents of Colorado, we just aren’t used to this. Displacement and gentrification seem to be the biggest reasons that residents and natives are angry about newcomers. Transplants are completely ignorant of the passive aggressive manner in which they are moving here and subtly letting others know that if they can’t afford to live here,

then they should move on.

The demographics of Denver and its surrounding suburbs are changing at a fast pace. Lodo has always been known for seedy parks and its homeless population. As condos go up, housing authorities push poverty further away from their own affected population, specifically the ones that have enough money to buy property downtown. As a result, the Denver Police Department enforces politically-backed homeless sweeps.

Once the immediate downtown area is too saturated with people and expensive property, the outer neighborhoods start gentrifying and pushing out natives as well. The Highlands or Denver North, Five Points and Berkley are a few examples of historic and diverse neighborhoods that are changing to expensive and predominately white. The difference this time is that it isn’t just the poor that are affected, it’s Colorado’s lower-middle class residents as well.

Surely these people can’t be that bad though, right? These newbies must want the same things that we have enjoyed for so long. Sunny days, great summers, snow days in the mountains. Oh, and beer. And

new tech jobs of course. And weed. They definitely want to be here for the weed. Was it merely a correlation between the timing of legalization and the increase in population, or is it something more than that? Surely, not that many hundreds of thousands of people are moving here just to get high.

Well there’s really no accurate way to calculate that, but every time we blame the population increase on marijuana we are taking credit away from everything else the state has to offer. What about the countless magazines and Buzzfeed type lists that rank cities like Boulder and Fort Collins as the best places to live in the nation? Why aren’t you instead threatening these list writers instead of shaking your fists at the Texans on I-70?

Vauhini Vara writes about being a transplant to Colorado in the New Yorker with only one minor mention of marijuana’s influence. What she does credit as another major factor is the startup industry. Before the boom, Denver had relatively affordable real estate, which made it an affordable pitch for finding people to work at your new company. Colorado also has numerous universities which churn out educated

workers for these new startups.

San Francisco and other surrounding cities have become so saturated with tech influence that it makes it an unaffordable place for a new tech company to survive so they’re coming here.

The plus side is that Colorado’s economy and industry is stronger than it has ever been. Nobody is going to complain about the amount of choices you have when picking a brewery, a restaurant or a dispensary to go to. Competition breeds high quality products and we should feel lucky that there are so many good establishments that this growth has brought to our state.

Unfortunately, Colorado’s population will only keep increasing, just as the world’s will. That increase may slow as time goes on, but we’re in full swing right now. We as residents will choose how to adjust to the influx, whether that means staying here and living in a smaller home, moving further away from downtown Denver or even out of state. For some it may be the ultimate cathartic experience to transplant themselves into a different city, but I wonder if New Yorkers or Angeleno’s don’t also bicker about who is a native and who isn’t.

Why buy when you can grow?

By Rita DeCamilli rdecamil@msudenver.edu Forget the homework, the daily domestic drudge, personal grooming and healthcare.

Spring is here and it’s time to play in the dirt and inventory seeds for summer gardening.

You don’t have to have a piece of land or a yard to grow vegetables. All you need are some pots, dirt, fertilizer and water. I recommend tomatoes for the first-time gardener.

Try to start your veggies from seed, it will save you some money. If you like organic vegetables, get your seeds from the vegetables

you buy from Whole Foods, Sprouts or any other trusted organic grocer.

There is no reason to buy seeds from a package. Use the veggies purchased at the store and dry the seeds inside a paper towel exposed to air for a few days. Get some dirt, find some plastic cups, plant the seeds and only water when they need it.

Leave the planted cups in a sunny window indoors with a piece of plastic wrap on top to collect moisture for germination. And don’t forget to label the cups with what was planted.

Plant one to two seedlings in a container outside after Mother’s Day to avoid the danger of frost.

Routinely use fertilizer after two weeks.

Seedlings need time to acclimate to their new surroundings. It doesn’t matter what type of plant food is used, it needs to be done for a successful crop of container veggies.

There aren’t any limitations with what you can grow. Lettuce and carrots can thrive in

rows in a square plastic storage box. Snap peas can dangle from flower boxes. Watermelons and pumpkins also have a shot if you have somewhere for the vines to run. Be creative.

Once planted for the outdoors, proper drainage is required for the pots. Poke holes at the bottom of each container for excess water to drain. Too much water can rot a plant from the roots. Be sure to water only when the soil is dry.

Since we do live a mile closer to the sun, potted plants can wilt from excess heat and rapid nitrogen depletion. That is why it is important to fertilize on a weekly basis for nutrients. If the wilting continues after proper care, move the plant to a partial shady space for it to perk back up.

It’s that simple. Friends will be amazed when you invite them over to try the fresh food you grew. What are you waiting for? Spring is here and it’s time to dig in the dirt.

We’re looking for student submissions!

Share your opinion at:themetonline@gmail.com or Managing Editor Esteban Fernandez at eferna14@msudenver.edu

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MetStaff Editor-in-Chief Joella Baumann • jbauma17@msudenver.edu Managing Editor Esteban Fernandez • eferna14@msudenver.edu News Editor Madison Lauterbach • mlauter1@msudenver.edu Assistant News Editor Jamel Jones • jjone273@msudenver.edu Features Editor Met Media Staff Assistant Features Editor Erika Foster • efoste12@msudenver.edu Sports Editor David Schaut • dschaut@msudenver.edu Photo Editor Lauren Cordova • scordo22@msudenver.edu Assistant Photo Editor Lindsey Milburn • lmilburn@msudenver.edu Lead Copy Editor Andrew Crosthwaite • acrosthw@msudenver.edu Director of Met Media Steve Haigh • shaigh@msudenver.edu Assistant Director of Met Media Ronan O’Shea • roshea3@msudenver.edu Production Manager of Met Media Kathleen Jewby • kjewby@msudenver.edu Office Manager Elizabeth Norberg • enorbert@msudenver.edu Sales and Marketing sales@mymetmedia.com marketing@mymetmedia.com Preston Morse • pmorse3@msudenver.edu Caitlin Monaghan • cmonagh12@msudenver.edu

What we do The Metropolitan accepts submissions in the form of topic-driven columns and letters to the editor. Column article concepts must be submitted by 1 p.m. Thursdays and the deadline for columns is 9 p.m. Sundays. Columns range from 500 to 600 words. Letters to the editor must be submitted by 5 p.m. Mondays to be printed in that week’s edition. There is a 500-word limit for letters to the editor. The Metropolitan reserves the right to edit letters for formatting and style. All submissions should be sent by email to themetonline@gmail.com.

The Metropolitan is produced by and for the students of Metropolitan State University of Denver and serves the Auraria Campus.

The Metropolitan is supported by advertising revenue and student fees and is published every Wednesday during the academic year and monthly during the summer semester. Opinions expressed within do not necessarily reflect those of MSU Denver or Met Media’s advertisers.

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April 19, 2017

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Gooey goodness escapes cheese lovers grasps

By Maria Muller mmuller4@msudenver.edu Grilled cheese, beer and supporting a good cause. It sounds like the recipe for the perfect Denver evening. What could possibly go wrong?

Denver’s first Grilled Cheese Festival started smoothly Wednesday evening on April 12 at the McNichols Civic Center Building.

Vendors planted themselves evenly throughout the building’s two f loors and by 6:30 p.m. the building was sufficiently packed with people excited to taste some grilled cheese goodness and be a part of a good cause.

The event was hosted by the Imagination Library of Denver, an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s program that originally launched in 1995.

The program came to Denver in 2015.

The program’s director, Sara Randall, seemed to be everywhere at once throughout

the evening, talking to both guests and vendors while also giving direction to volunteers.

“It’s a free book program started 20 years ago by Dolly in Tennessee,” Randall said.

“We mail one book a month to a child. We’re trying to foster a love of reading.”

Randall said she convinced a group of friends to help her take on the endeavor of raising money for the program a couple of years ago. When they first began to plan the festival, they thought around 200 people might show up.

Clearly, Colorado folks like grilled cheese and good beer a lot more than anticipated.

Tickets sold fast and the number of attendees ballooned to 1,200.

Lines for food and drink stretched across the rooms.

People like Katherine Boucher waited up to 45 minutes for two bites of cheese and bread.

“I was expecting a little more grilled cheese and a little less line,” Boucher said, who heard about the

Grilled cheese was prepared assembly line style to get the gooey goodness out to irate event attendees at the Grilled Cheese Festival.

Attendees at the Grilled Cheese Festival sample savory sandwhiches in the VIP room at the McNichols Civic Center Building on April 12.

The VIP section featured gourmet dishes and alcohol. Photos by Esteban Fernandez • eferna14@msudenver.edu

event on Facebook and was all for it. “It’s really nice to do something where you get grilled cheese and you’re helping people. If it was better executed I’d definitely say I’d do it again.”

Max Epshteyn from Pug Ryan’s Brewery poured tasters of beer for an endless line of thirsty guests.

“I will say that I hope next year they have more food vendors,” Epshteyn said. “It seems like it’s more beer and other alcohol, when I think people’s main intention was to come here and try some grilled cheese.”

He added that everyone still seemed to be having a good time. Charla Jestic and Kate Jenkis said they had come with the notion there would be more grilled cheese, too.

“There is so much beer and I wanted more food,” Jestic said.

Both of them said they were enthused about an event that had more to it than drinking and being local.

“What’s a better cause than giving back to kids,” Jenkis said. “It has great potential.

People should stick with it after some of the logistics have been figured out.”

Disappointed guests could be heard complaining

about the lack of food and organization as the evening grew later. Even the appearance of Dolly Parton failed to fix it. Perhaps not the real Dolly Parton, but look alike Sandy Anderson, who arrived wearing a clinging low cut fringed outfit and sporting tall platinum hair, was the next best thing. A small crowd snapped pictures with their phones and waited to have selfies taken with her.

“I love these events,” Anderson said about the festival. “Imagination Library is my favorite because it’s something that’s accomplishing something good.”

Anderson played the part well, talking with fans in a friendly southern accent and posing for pictures. For others, her appearance failed to make up for lack of food vendors.

Mead St. Station was one of two food vendors that did make an appearance on Wednesday.

Volunteer Ethan Bair said the restaurant felt their grilled cheese game was pretty strong and the festival proved a good public relations opportunity.

“I think some of the grilled cheese vendors dropped out at the last minute,” Bair said. “It wasn’t something these guys can help.”

Gary Arnold had purchased tickets in the VIP section of the festival that had access to grilled cheese and beer, minus the lines.

“It was probably easier to get a grilled cheese sandwich in the VIP than the general admission,” Arnold said, “but at the end of the day that’s not why we’re here.

Right? I had a chance to meet Sara Randall and she explained how it was all benefitting Imagination Library.”

The festival did succeed in raising a lot of money for books. Randall was pleased with the turnout, but felt the backlash of many disgruntled people who sent emails the next day.

“We’re working to make it right,” Randall said. “We can’t do this without the community. It’s important to me that we learn from this event. It just makes me want to work harder. This program and ultimately access to books, is the most important take away.”

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April 19, 2017 Met Features

Students strap in for a bumpy ride chasing storms >> Continued from cover “We try to catch people walking by with giant posters of glaciers and tornadoes, as well as a collage of photos and a monitor showing current weather,” said Keah Schuenemann, of the Meteorology department. She also added that she thinks the main reason a lot of different students join this course is because of severe weather and all of its different aspects.

Chasing large supercell thunderstorms that produce tornadoes is fascinating and exciting to these students, and they want to be a part of the action.

One of the main ideas that Ng and Landolt make sure their students understand is safety. Safety is of the utmost importance to them and they lay down the law to their students before they embark on their journey.

“I give a lecture on the do’s and don’ts of field observation in a severe storm environment,” Ng said. “Obeying traffic laws, parking the van properly when encountering a storm, look both ways before crossing the

road to view a storm, etc.”

It’s no laughing matter for Ng. Maturity for this course is a must, considering the possible danger one could fall into if the proper safety guidelines aren’t followed. Sometimes, the severity of the storms that day might not be what is expected, so caution is paramount.

Observations of Severe Weather is only a two-week long course, but Ng stated that a possible break would be taken if the weather is quiet on the day class takes place. But when exhilarating weather happens elsewhere, Ng, Landolt and their students pack up and hit the road. Their journeys have taken them even beyond state lines.

“We have gone anywhere from Montana to North Dakota down to Texas and west to New Mexico. We go wherever the weather takes us.” Ng said.

The professors and students never really know what state they’ll stay in for the night, but then again, most storm chasers don’t, making this a unique part of the thrilling experience.

Storm chasing isn’t just about getting in a van and driving after these storm

Associate Professor of Meteorology Sam Ng and his students chase storms. Photo Courtesy of Sam Ng • sng1@msudenver.edu

systems. The crucial part is setting probes and collecting data on the storms. Ng and Landolt help their students understand the importance of probes and data, but also stress the key element of photography.

“The course requires students to take measurements

and pictures out in the field for their final report. The students must be able to identify features and associate them with in-field measurements,” Ng said.

In completing these tasks in a storm chase, these students can make way for a pretty killer report.

While MSU Denver has many hidden gems, not many compare to the Hollywood-like experiences of the storm chase that occur in this hands on severe weather course.

Those who are silenced find a voice through others

By Johnson Kuhn jkuhn2@msudenver.edu

On April 13, the Denver Project for Humanistic Inquiry and the MSU Denver Philosophy Club hosted an event aimed at examining when it is acceptable to speak for individuals who have been silenced and what moral dilemmas may present themselves as a result.

Guests gathered in the Multicultural Lounge where speakers, including filmmakers, poets and author R. Alan Brooks, were present. An assortment of topics all focused on advocating for the voiceless and the oppressed.

“It’s the question of advocacy.

It’s not just the times it’s acceptable but also what is the central aspect of speaking for others. So then of course, there are a lot of moral questions just because that’s the nature of speaking for other people,” said DPHI Program Coordinator Gabriel Grinsteiner.

Grinsteiner, who also serves on the MSU Denver Philosophy Club, went on to say the event came about partially from his own observations.

Associate Professor Matthew Makley, who serves on the advisory board for DPHI, said he feels it’s important to establish what the reciprocal relationship between the university and the community may be.

“One of my interests in being involved in this event in particular was that I saw it as an opportunity to make sure that our university, which is becoming before our eyes a world class institution, is constantly outward facing, so that we’re doing what a good public institution should do which is engaging the local community,” Makley said.

Filmmaker Alan Dominguez shared clips from his film, entitled Photos of Angie. The film focuses around the murder of transgender Greeley teen Angie Zapata. Dominguez feels a good

Alan Brooks speaks at Voice and the Voiceless: The Question of Advocacy in Mutlicultural Lounge on April 13. He created the comic, “Mother F**cker in a Cape,” to explore LGBTQ culture in the comic book world.

Photo by Lindsey Milburn • lmilburn@msudenver.edu

documentary isn’t so much the idea of speaking for someone as it is creating a platform for someone to share their story who otherwise could not.

“In order to help someone speak for themselves, the best thing to do

is “pass the mic”,” Dominguez said.

“It’s best for folks like me to not think of themselves as the saviors, but rather be true to the voices that have been silenced.”

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El recorrido de sangre, sudor y lágrimas de Jesús, recreado en las calles de Thornton.

Adentro, explora como la communidad hispana celebra la Pasqua.

Photo by Andrea Herrera • aherre38@msudenver.edu

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Semana Santa une a la comunidad hispana

By Janis Carrasquel-Hernández jcarras6@msudenver.edu El murmullo de los cantos de la congregación se escucha a una cuadra de distancia. Un pesado portón de madera se entreabre para recibir a las personas con un golpe de humos de incienso y mirra.

Los bancos del recinto están a reventar. No cabe ni un alma más en los asientos. Por eso, algunos de los feligreses atentos escuchan al padre de pie, apoyándose en las frías paredes de mármol blanco y gris.

El reverberar de los cantos colectivos suma al ambiente místico que proveen las velas, las cruces, las estatuas de santos y las imágenes de la Virgen Morena como mirando hacia los feligreses.

Esta escena que viven millones de católicos hispanos cada Semana Santa, se reprodujo en la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en el vecindario de Highland en Denver el sábado de la Vigilia Pascual el 15 de abril.

Pero aquí en Estados Unidos a la experiencia religiosa se le suma un ingrediente. La nostalgia por conexión con el origen y con las costumbres que muchos inmigrantes dejaron atrás en sus tierras natales.

“Al estar lejos de nuestros países, de nuestras familias, Dios nos hace reflexionar y a acercarnos más a él”, dijo la señora Ala Vargas. “Este es el día más felíz de mi vida porque Dios me premió [hoy] con recibir mi bautismo y confirmación”.

Ella es una inmigrante mexicana residente de Denver.

Vargas dijo haber pasado por problemas personales recientemente. Esto la impulsó

Diácono William Martínez se prepara par dar la comunión en la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe el Jueves Santo, 13 de abril.

Foto de Esteban Fernandez • eferna144@msudenver.edu

a convertirse formalmente en miembro de esta comunidad en el día en que los los católicos reviven la muerte y resurrección de Jesús de Nazareth. Para ella esto es también un renacer.

Inmigrantes como Vargas, consiguen en las iglesias un segundo hogar en tierras extrañas. Allí los sonidos, olores e imágenes familiares dan alivio a las tensiones que implica ser

un inmigrante junto a otros que comparten la misma experiencia.

En 1936 una congregación de sacerdotes Teatinos fundó esta iglesia en el área de Northside que hoy conocemos como Highlands. Este era uno de los epicentros de la vida de los latinos de Denver Allí comenzaron a atender las necesidades religiosas de la población inmigrante hispana, en

su mayoría de origen mexicano.

Hoy sigue siendo un primordial punto de referencia de la identidad religiosa y comunitaria de los hispanos de distintas partes de latinoamérica.

“Es algo muy especial para el inmigrante”, dijo José Fraire, originario de Zacatecas, México.

En cuanto se mudó a Denver hace 22 años se hizo parte de esta histórica parroquia.

“Es muy especial para mi”, dijo Freire. “Aquí comencé con muchos hermanos míos. Me han tendido la mano, he platicado con ellos, espiritualmente me han tendido la mano”.

Jorge Moreno es de Pachuca, Hidalgo y tiene 30 años viniendo a esta iglesia. Durante el servicio se dedicó a pasar un recipiente entre los asistentes para recolectar donaciones.

“Yo antes sólo venía y me sentaba, pero ahora estoy ayudando” dijo Moreno. “Es que es bonito venir y hacer servicio”.

Moreno habla de una costumbre común heredada de España pero que en cada país toma matices distintos. Feligreses activos se unen en cofradías o grupos de oración y realizan distintas tareas en una parroquia.

En Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, algunos ayudan a los presentes a conseguir asientos disponibles, otros asisten a los sacerdotes en la ceremonia, mientras que otros como la señora Rosita Lucero cuidan de las imágenes en el templo.

“Yo soy del grupo de oración nocturna, de los adoradores”, dijo Lucero. “Nosotros hacemos guardia y oración ante Jesús Sacramentado”, que es la ostia o pan sin levadura que los sacerdotes bendicen y que los católicos creen contiene el

cuerpo y la sangre del mesías.

Lucero nació y creció en Colorado y tiene 35 años en esta comunidad. Como parte de este grupo ella y el resto de su cofradía llevan en el cuello una cinta roja con una medalla que las identifican ante el resto de los asistentes.

Aunque en Latinoamérica no hay una cultura monolítica, la religión católica es junto al idioma castellano un unificador. Es un elemento de experiencia común a las mayorías. Y la música, el baile y la cultura popular están teñidas de imaginario católico.

No es extraño entonces que muchos inmigrantes conviertan su apego a estas costumbres en un asidero a sus recuerdos y a su herencia cultural.

Algunos sociólogos que estudian los fenómenos de asimilación de inmigrantes a una nueva cultura han estudiado estos hechos sociales. David Matsumoto y Linda Juang lo llaman el “efecto de reafirmación cultural” en su libro “Cultura y Psicología”.

Básicamente, quienes hacen una vida en un país nuevo tienden a observar sus costumbres y tradiciones con más apego que los paisanos que aún viven en los países de origen.

Migrar es un proceso complejo que mueve los cimientos de la identidad personal. En el proceso de asimilación a una nueva cultura, guardar tradiciones puede ser para muchos un salvavidas en medio de la tormenta del miedo a perderse a sí mismo.

Esa es una cruz que muchos inmigrantes cargan.

Pero en estas comunidades consiguen una hermandad que posiblemente les ayuda a hacerla más llevadera.

De camino a El Calvario

By Andrea Herrera aherre38@msudenver.edu

Un feligrés de la Iglesia Holy Cross en Thornton, lleva a cabo el papel de Jesús Cristo en el Vía Crucis, 7 de abril. Foto de Andrea Herrera • aherre38@msudenver.edu

Un evento organizado por una parroquia local dejó a muchos encantados con que este año los niños fueron los protagonistas del tradicional Vía Crucis. Fue el 8 de abril en la iglesia Holy Cross en Thornton, Colo.

Allí los pequeños recrearon el recorrido de sangre, sudor y lágrimas de Jesús cargando la cruz hasta El Calvario. Este es el día más anticipado en la última semana de la cuaresma.

Grandes y chicos estuvieron presentes durante esta ocasión. Unas 70 personas empezaron el recorrido dentro de

la iglesia el en salón Ave María y terminaron en el estacionamiento, donde tres cruces esperaron a quienes encarnaron a Jesús Cristo, Dimas “El buen ladrón” y Gestas “El mal ladrón” para ser crucificados.

La comunidad caminó las 15 estaciones mientras Jesús cargó su cruz y cayó tres veces antes de llegar al fin. La Señora Gladys Herrera, organizadora del grupo de padres voluntarios y del Vía Crucis, estuvo a la cabeza de la procesión dirigiendo el coro de oraciones. Mientras el resto de los padres siguieron la ruta llorando al paso de El Señor, para añadir dramatismo a la escena.

11 Desde el siglo III el domingo de resurrección se celebra el domingo que sigue a la primera luna llena después del equinoccio de primavera.

La Semana Santa rememora los hechos que según la biblia ocurrieron a Jesús de Nazaret en Jerusalén antes de su muerte y resurrección.

Ocho Días de Cultura y Encuentros Domingo de Ramos Conmemora escenas de la entrada de Jesús a Jerusalén cabalgando un burro. La historia cuenta que sus seguidores en masa le recibieron con ramas y hojas de palmas. Por eso en muchos países latinoamericanos, los devotos llevan cruces de hojas de palmas a la iglesia para que los sacerdotes las bendigan. En Venezuela una cofradía llamada Los Palmeros de Chacao, proveen a la ciudad de Caracas con las palmas desde hace 200 años.

Lunes Santo Marca el día en el que Jesús expulsa a los mercaderes del templo.

En Cuzco, Perú hacen una popular procesión del Cristo Mestizo, Señor de Los Temblores, donde las familias despliegan tapetes de colores brillantes a su paso.

Rocío Delgado, coordinadora litúrgica en la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, inicia la misa del Jueves Santo el 13 de abril. Foto de Esteban Fernandez • eferna14@msudenver.edu

Martes Santo Los católicos celebran el día en que Jesús se enfrentó a las autoridades religiosas de su tiempo.

Según reportes de Diana Manzo en Oaxaca, México, allí la gente acude a los cementerios a rezar por los difuntos y encienden incienso de copal.

Miercoles Santo En Quito, Ecuador realizan un acto llamado el arrastre de las caudas. Un grupo de encapuchados vestidos de negro se arrastran por el suelo mientras un obispo pasa sobre ellos una bandera con una cruz roja que simboliza la sangre de Jesús Cristo que vence sobre la muerte.

Jueves Santo Día de la Última Cena y la traición de Judas con un beso en el Monte de los Olivos. Los clérigos demuestran humildad lavando los pies de desfavorecidos. En España y latinoamérica los devotos recorren siete iglesias para recordar los pasos de la pasión de Jesús.

El Diácono William Martínez lava los pies de miembros de un niño vestido como uno de los 12 disciplos de Jesús.

Foto de Esteban Fernandez • eferna14@msudenver.edu

Aunque la iglesia tradicionalmente hacía misas en español ahora realiza ceremonias bilingües.

Foto de Esteban Fernandez • eferna14@msudenver.edu

Viernes Santo Un rito extendido en el mundo católico hispano es la celebración del Vía Crucis. Es una representación dramática de Jesús al cargar la cruz.

En algunos países devotos realizan penitencias durante el recorrido, como caminar descalzos o de rodillas. En San Luis de Potosí, México se Celebra la Procesión del Silencio, donde los devotos recorren las calles sin pronunciar palabra. Solo se escucha el sonido de tambores de marcha.

Vigilia Pascual La noche del sábado en espera al Domingo de Resurrección es un día de luto. Se realizan bautismos y confirmaciones de nuevos miembros de la iglesia. Se enciende el cirio Pascual que representa a la luz eterna de Cristo como principio y fin. En una región de Chile, los pobladores construyen un monigote de Judas. Escriben en papel los pecados que quieren que Jesús les perdone y los queman junto al muñeco.

Domingo de Pascua Es la cúspide de la celebración de la Semana Santa y la fiesta más importante del calendario católico. Se celebra en familia la resurrección de Jesús con fiestas y banquetes. En regiones de España, México y Venezuela se queman monigotes que representan a Judas.

El momento de la comunión conmemora la celebración de la última cena de Jesús, 7 de abril.

Foto de Esteban Fernandez • eferna14@msudenver.edu

Compilado por Janis Carrasquel-Hernández

XX 12

Mile Review Break High Events April 19, 18, 2017 2017 Met Sports Features Insight

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En Auraria todo cambia.

Siempre hay cosas nuevas que ver y hacer.

Por eso los viernes a las 10:30 a.m. te informamos todo lo que tienes que saber sobre lo que pasa en nuestro campus, nuestra ciudad y mas allá de nuestras fronteras.

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La Voz Estudantil de MSU Denver.

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Watch for Campus News, National News, Entertainment, Weather and Sports.

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April 19, 2017

Theater Corner: The Drowning Girls

By Avery Anderson aande133@msudenver.edu The sound of dripping water, a cold lifeless clawfoot bath tub and three worn out wedding dresses lay on stage. These eerie, unsettling sights are what audiences are first introduced to at “The Drowning Girls” now playing at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities.

“The Drowning Girls” follows the story of the Brides of the Bath murders from the early 20th century. The story is told from the perspective of the brides in the afterlife.

Each bride, Bessie, Alice and Margaret, have their own bridal story about how they met and lived with the man who would eventually go on to kill all three of them.

The Canadian team of playwrights that bring this world to life have created a true masterpiece. Beth Graham, Charlie Tomlinson and Daniela Vlaskalic have created a dark comedy that is rare in modern theater. The show features an all female cast. “The Drowning Girls” is about women taking back their life or perception of life.

This amazing cast acts out the life of their murderer and how along the way they face their identities of being

unmarried women and how the need and desire to be married cost them their lives in the long run.

This need is where the show garnishes its power. Because of the social environment that they are living in, the need for them to get married creates a dilemma. They either must marry this man under poor circumstances or be socially outcasted. Kate Gleason (Margaret), Jessica Robblee (Bessie) and Emily Van Fleet (Alice) all show that emotion and distress through their portrayal of these characters.

The true stand out of the three actors was Robblee. Her portrayal of Bessie was engaging and entertaining the entire way through. Robblee pulled off a sensational scottish accent and switched around to others when the story called for it.

Half of the thrill came from the creative team. Brian Mallgrave used the Black Box space in unique ways by adding a pool of water in the stage with the three iconic clawfoot tubs. Jon Olson’s lighting design shimmered off the pool of water and immersed the audience.

The addition of working shower heads above tub almost made the water into another character. As a representation of their husband, the shower heads were able to pour water, oppressing the brides when they felt too

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Emily Van Fleet, Kate Gleason and Jessica Robblee in an iconic clawfoot tub. In “The Drowning Girls.” Courtesy of Matthew Gale Photography

much joy and being an antagonist for the brides to battle throughout the show.

This regional premiere has enough heart, life and plenty of water to satisfy any audience.

If you go Now playing at the Arvada Center 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. through May 21.

For tickets visit arvadacenter.org

DAMN. - Kendrick Lamar did it again

By James Burky jburky@msudenver.edu In 2012, rapper Kendrick Lamar released his breakthrough album good kid M.A.A.D city, a concept album about a young Kendrick growing up in the streets of Compton. He followed the album with 2015s To Pimp a Butterfly, an album that Dan Weiss of SPIN Magazine described as the “Great American Hip Hop Album.”

Now Kendrick has released DAMN., as TPAB’s follow up album and though it doesn’t reach the heights that the former did, it comes pretty close and is proof that the rapper is one of, if not, the best lyricists around.

DAMN. continues Kendrick’s style of introspective lyrics focused, but not restricted to a singular theme. Where TPAB focused on racial issues and religion, DAMN. continues to explore his faith, specifically redemption and sin.

Kendrick shows this theme with the title and placement of some of the tracks. He has two tracks named after the seven deadly sins, “PRIDE.” and “LUST.” and

acknowledging the idea of being God fearing, having the tracks “FEAR.” and “GOD.” back-to-back.

The album kicks off with the track “BLOOD.” Where he tells a story of himself, the narrator, helping a blind woman find something she has lost. Though she ends up shooting him, echoing the question the track starts with “Is it wickedness? Or weakness?”

The track then finishes with a clip of Fox News’ Geraldo Rivera discussing the rapper’s performance of the song Alright at the 2016 Grammy Awards. The segment was stating that hip hop incites more violence than racism and condemned the song.

Kendrick uses this misguided belief to fuel his enchanting fourth studio album. Meaning, where the narrator was trying to help the old woman, an action that would represent a more perfect society, she misinterprets this and takes his life. The song Alright was used as an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement, but many, such as Rivera misunderstood the song believing it to have negative intentions, perhaps through

willful ignorance.

DNA, the second track, boasts more so than others on the album, and Kendrick’s ferocious delivery makes for a well deserved single and arguably the most powerful track on the record, “I don’t contemplate, I meditate then off your f--- head.”

It’s beat is seemingly simple, but really quite complex. The lyrics, as is the case with the rest of the album, are unapologetically vicious.

Kendrick samples more of the Fox News segment where Rivera can be heard saying “This is why I say that hip hop has done more damage to young African Americans than racism in recent years.”

“LUST.” is the ninth track on the album and is the most reminiscent to TPAB musically.

“LUST.” is a spell conjured up

by Kendrick and its enchanting, distorted guitar intro hooks the listener, ensuring that for the next six minutes, their attention will be given only to the song. The guitar is almost seductive and can be compared to TPAB’s These Walls a similar song where Kendrick deals with sex. The song features a number of narratives, however.

game. One great album is nice, The narrator is describing the having a second consecutive one stereotypical “ideal” day for a man, is impressive, but a third straight “Watch you a comedy, take a s---, classic album is unprecedented for then roll some weed up / Go hit a musician this young. Do whatever you a lick, go f--- on a b---, don’t you can to listen to this album. go to work today,” a description Once finished, listen to it again, that draws upon another of the and a third time and a fourth. It’s deadly sins, sloth. He then drops a quintessential album for anyone a reference to his feelings on who appreciates music, regardless Donald Trump, likely an echo of genre. to the feelings of others, “We all It’s time to bow down to woke up, tryna tune to the daily Kendrick Lamar, the king of rap. news / Lookin’ for confirmation, Long live the king. hopin’ election wasn’t true / All of us worried, all of us buried, and our feeling’s deep / None of us married to his proposal, make us feel cheap” he then acknowledges the ensuing Women’s March, but boldly questions the treatment of the issue as a social trend, “Bet they agree, parade the streets with your voice proudly / Time passin’, things change / Revertin’ back to our daily programs, stuck in our ways; Lust.”

DAMN. shows that while other rappers are entertainers, Kendrick Lamar is an artist. Another album that can be considered a classic Photo from wikimedia.org from a man who has solidified himself as the best rapper in the

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April 19, 2017

Roadrunner News

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Jake Thurston: The epitome of a student-athlete

By Richard Allen

» Tennis teams win

rallen57@msudenver.edu

regular season RMAC title

Jake Thurston, only 5-foot-8, is often still the tallest person in the room.

With 12 regular season games and a possible Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament run left in his career, the senior shortstop doesn’t care about his high .300 batting average or the fact that he’ll more than likely break into the top 10 all time in at bats in MSU Denver school history.

“I used to be a little more intense,” he said. “This year it’s been a big calling that being more relaxed and enjoying the games, I mean only a few people get to do it.”

Thurston has been a mainstay in the Roadrunner lineup for almost his entire college career, dating back to 2013 when he started in 10 games his freshman year despite missing time with a broken nose. He’s now made over 120 starts, providing stability and consistent production at a premium position for head coach Jerrid Oates.

“The offensive side of it has definitely clicked,” Oates said.

“In years past he was in for his defensive glove and whatever we got offensively from him was a plus. This year, he put in his work and his time and he’s really become an all around frontline player for us.”

Thurston has blossomed into a .370 hitter with solid power to pair with his defensive work. But to him, the success is simply an added bonus. He came to MSU Denver because he would be able

The Roadrunners’ men’s and women’s tennis team has finished the 2017 season as the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference regular season champions. MSU Denver will now host the 2017 RMAC tournament championships. The men went 5-1 in the RMAC en route to a 10-7 record.

The women were a perfect 6-0 in the RMAC and 11-5 overall. The RMAC tournament will take place from April 22-23 at the Regency Athletic Complex.

» MSU Denver to host 4 NCAA championships MSU Denver is set to host the 2019, 2021 and 2022 NCAA Division II Softball College World Series. They also have been selected to be the hosts of the 2019 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship as well as the 2018 and 2020 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Regionals. MSU Denver recently hosted the 2016 NCAA Division II Softball College World Series, and according to MSU Denver Associate Athletic Director John Kietzmann, was a big factor in MSU Denver winning the additional championships.

Jake Thurston runs off the field during the game against UCCS on April 8 at the Regency Athletics Complex. Thurston reached base three times to propel the Roadrunners to a 4-2 victory. Photos by Kenny Martinez • kmart143@msudenver.edu

to contribute right away and just play the game, even with his older brother Tyler, another stocky middle infielder, suiting up for RMAC rival Adams State, spawning an intense subplot when the two teams met.

“The first time we played each other, we both hit a homerun in the same inning,” the younger Thurston said. “It was a fun experience to get to do that with my brother and have my family be there to watch. It was really cool to say ‘If he does good, I won’t mind it but I still want to win this game.’ It’s going to be something I cherish forever.”

The two are just the latest in a family of baseball players, whose

» Men’s basketball close to finding coach The MSU Denver Athletics Department confirmed on April 18 that they have compiled their pool of candidates for the men’s basketball head coaching position. This means that the position is closed. The next step in the process is to set up Skype interviews with each one of the candidates. Those lucky enough to move on to the next step of the process will be invited to Denver for an on-campus interview with athletic department personnel.

Jake Thurston connects with a single up the middle during the game against UCCS.

roots’ in the sport run deep. Their sister Stephanie played softball at Bethany College and their father Bill played at Trinidad Junior College.

Their uncle Danny Jackson was a 15 year MLB veteran, winning two World Series and finishing second in the 1988 American League Cy Young Award. But even in a family that has seen success at high levels, Thurston is making a name for himself as one of the most important players in Roadrunners history.

Thurston’s work ethic, which has earned him an all-RMAC honor roll and two Athletic Director’s honor rolls off the field, profile and play all invoke images of a young Dustin

Pedroia or Jose Altuve. Despite not having the same leverage in his body as his 6-foot and higher teammates, his training has given him a strong throwing arm, ballet-like footwork and a swing with power to all fields.

“I don’t really have the size so I think the strength part is really important,” Thurston said of his offseason work. “I really gotta pound it out in the summer because I know I am going to lose it in the fall.”

Currently, Thurston stands at 473 at bats in his MSU Denver career, putting him less than 30 away from a milestone 500. In a collegiate atmosphere where a season is just shy of 50 games and roster turnover is as sure as death and taxes, nearly three full seasons of contribution is proving to be a historic achievement.

“It’s pretty amazing to see someone have that leadership quality four years straight,” senior pitcher and outfielder Derek Stimpson said.

“He’s a persistent, hard worker, he’s always there, always has a smile on his face and he’s ready to work when the time comes. You just know that he’s going to show up and want to play and have fun and do his best.”

Thurston’s best has led the Runners to a thrilling conclusion in his final season. As he wraps his playing career up and begins to look toward a life in sport management, he’s come to treat baseball as the game that it is, enjoying every at bat and teammate. He’s learned to maintain his competitive edge and drive while still understanding it for what it is.

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April 19, 2017 Met Sports

The Denver Nuggets season review

Nationwide News » Thomas scores 33 day after sister’s death Boston Celtics’ guard Isaiah Thomas’ sister Chyna was killed in a car crash in Washington state one day before the Celtics first game of the NBA playoffs.

Thomas decided to play in honor of her and scored 33 points, dished out six assists and grabbed five rebounds in the Celitcs’ game one 106-102 loss to the Chicago Bulls.

» Talib avoids NFL sanctions for gunshot

The Denver Nuggets finished the 2016-17 season with the best record they’ve recorded since the George Karl era at 40-42. Head coach Mike Malone improved the team’s win total by seven games this season. Photo from Michael Tipton on Flickr

By David Schaut dschaut@msudenver.edu The Denver Nuggets 2016-17 season came to an unfortunate end on April 12 when they won their final game of the year to finish the season with 40 wins.

The Nuggets just barely failed to qualify for the playoffs for the fourth straight season. This season is the closest they’ve come to the playoffs since the last time they made the postseason in the 2012-13 season.

While missing the playoffs may cause disappointment for some fans, there are many reasons to look back and consider this a successful season.

The Nuggets improved their win total by seven over the previous season. Head coach Michael Malone is in his second year, and this young team seems to actually believe that they can win, an attitude the teams under Brian Shaw never gained. If Malone continues his trend of improvement, the Nuggets will definitely be in the playoffs next year.

Another reason that Nuggets fans should look back and be proud is the emergence of young potential superstars. The argument against the Nuggets since forward Carmelo Anthony was traded has been that they don’t have any superstars to take them to the next level. This

season, we saw the maturation of young center Nikola Jokic, and we saw rookie guard Jamal Murray explode onto the scene with his great three-point shooting and relentless motor on the court. He just may be the Nuggets’ quickest and most athletic player.

If one breaks down Jokic’s numbers, undoubtedly, they will be impressed. However, Jokic’s regular season stats are misleading. It’s the stats from the second half of the season that should be analyzed, because Jokic was without a doubt one of the best players in the NBA in the second half of the season.

Post all-star break, Jokic averaged 17.7 points per game on top of 6.1 assists, 11.6 rebounds and one steal, just four assists shy of averaging a triple-double like that MVP candidate one state over. He had six triple-doubles on the season and all came in March or later. If Jokic played the whole season like he played in March and April, he would be in the conversation for MVP. Murray had a standout year in his own right. He was sixth among rookies in scoring with 9.9 points per game, but like Jokic, didn’t really break out until later in the season. After the all-star break, Murray took off. He averaged 12.1 points per game, nearly doubled his assist rate and shot more than 42 percent from the field. He was an efficient monster on

the f loor. Murray scored his career high in points on April 7 against the Pelicans when he scored 30 for the first time in his career. Murray could prove to be one of the best shooting guards in the NBA. Shooting guard Gary Harris had the best season of his short career. He had his highest scoring average of his three-year career at 14.9, his best threepoint shooting year at 42 percent and he had more assists than he’s ever had in one season at 164 and he turned the ball over at the lowest rate of his career. Harris was a spark for the Nuggets that was consistent every night, and could blow up and score 30 on any particular night.

Now that we’ve recounted the good things about the season, let’s look at some of the negatives. Emmanuel Mudiay, who just a year ago was considered the future of the franchise, did not develop how the front office had hoped he would. After starting about the first quarter of the season, Mudiay was benched in favor of Jameer Nelson after the Nuggets hung around in playoff contention. Nelson simply gave the team the best possible chance to win. During the stretch when he didn’t start, there were games when Mudiay was healthy and didn’t even play. This means that the front office will have to make a decision this offseason. There will still be some teams with some interest right now, but if

they sit on Mudiay for another year, they may not be able to get anything in return for the first-round draft pick.

The Nuggets also sent Jusuf Nurkic to the Portland Trailblazers for Mason Plumlee. They are expected to re-sign Plumlee, but Nurkic is doing much more for the Trailblazers than Plumlee is doing for the Nuggets. Does this mean the Trailblazers won the trade? Sure, but Nurkic and Jokic could not play together, so at least GM Tim Connelly got something for Nurkic.

Now, we look forward to the 2017-18 season. It’s unlikely that Danilo Gallinari will be back for the Nuggets as he’s likely to opt out of his player option and pursue a maxcontract with another team.

The Nuggets have plenty of money to throw around in the offseason. The team has three of the best young players in the NBA and have a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA draft.

If the Nuggets don’t start next season as slow as they have for the past two seasons, the Nuggets will, without a doubt, be in the playoffs.

The Nuggets have a 0.6 percent chance of landing the top overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. They are set at the center and shooting guard positions, so point guard and small forward will be the focus for the team.

As things stand, the Nuggets will likely pick between the 12th and 14th.

Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib has escaped punishment for an incident during the 2016 offseason in which he shot himself in the leg inside a night club.

According to ESPN, the NFL informed Talib on Monday that he won’t face any suspension or fine from the league for the incident. As part of the decision, Talib is to provide the NFL with a complete inventory of all his legally owned firearms and provide proof of completion of a firearm safety course.

» NBA playoffs underway The NBA playoffs began on April 15 with the best 16 teams from the regular season advancing to the tournament.

The Western Conference matchups include the No. 1 seed Golden State Warriors up 1-0 in their seven-game series with the No. 8 seed Portland Trailblazers, the No. 2 seed San Antonio Spurs lead their series with the Memphis Grizzlies 2-0, the No. 3 seed Houston Rockets lead the No. 6 Oklahoma City Thunder 1-0 and the No. 5 Utah Jazz are up 1-0 in their series with the No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers.

In the east, the Boston Celtics surprised the league by beating out the Cleveland Cavaliers for the No. 1 seed and they are down 1-0 in their series with the No. 8 Chicago Bulls. The No. 2 Cleveland Cavaliers lead their series with the No. 7 Indiana Pacers 1-0, the No. 6 Milwaukee Bucks lead the No. 3 Toronto Raptors 1-0 and the No. 4 Washington Wizards lead the No. 5 Atlanta Hawks 1-0.

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Mile Review Break High Events April 19, 18, 2017 Met Sports Features Insight

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Events

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Auraria Events 04.19

Spring Fling Open to everyone.

Location Price Time 04.20

Location Price Time 04.21

Auraria Campus Free 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

MSU Denver Jazz Combos Open to everyone.

King Center $5 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Third Friday Artwalk Open to everyone.

Location Price Time 04.22

Center for Visual Art Free 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

The American Clock

Arthur Miller Location Price Time

King Center Free 7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Catch Rewind, MSU Denver's weekly show dedicated to covering what Student Government Assembly is up to on campus. Fridays at 10 a.m. at MyMetMedia.com.

Other News >>Trending • Starbucks is hopping on the unicorn-craze with a new limited edition “unicorn frappucino.” The colorful drink will be available April 19 through April 23.

• Hillary Clinton called Barack Obama to apologize for losing the election. She said she felt like she let Obama down.

April 19, 2017

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Concerts 04.19 Location Price Time

420 Eve on the Rocks Red Rocks $45-$150 4:15 p.m.

04.20 Location Price Time

Gucci Mane Ogden Theatre $65 8 p.m.

04.21 Location Price Time

Diamond Rio Grizzly Rose $20 8 p.m.

04.19 Location Price Time

Bleached Summit Music Hall $25 7 p.m.

04.20 Location Price Time

Maddy O’Neal Gothic Theater $20 9 p.m.

04.21 Location Price Time

Madeon The Church $20 9 p.m.

04.19 Location Price Time

New Found Glory Marquis Theater $25-$29 7 p.m.

04.20 Location Price Time

Tribal Theory Boulder Theater $20-$65 8:30 p.m.

04.21 Location Price Time

Louis Futon Fox Theater $10-$15 9 p.m.

04.19 Location Price Time

The Railsplitters Fox Theater $12-$14 8:30 p.m.

04.20 Location Price Time

The Underachievers Aggie Theater $22-$25 9 p.m.

04.21 Location Price Time

Beats Antique Aggie Theater $28-$32 9 p.m.

04.19 Location Price Time

Blackout!

3 Kings Tavern Free 10 p.m.

04.20 Location Price Time

The Odd Hour Tracks Free-$10 9 p.m.

04.21 Location Price Time

Kinda Burtal Lion’s Lair $6 9 p.m.

Other News

Met Sports

• Britain is holding a special June election as they plan to leave the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May believes it’s essential to secure strong and stable leadership in the wake of Brexit.

Baseball

• Six mummies were discovered in an ancient tomb near Luxor, Egypt. All had colorful wooden caskets and more than 1,000 funeral statues. The tomb is believed to be over 3,500 years old.

Pro Sports

• According to rumors, the iPhone 8 will give Samsung serious competition. The phone is said to have a bigger display and no home button. This design is very similar to the new Samsung Galaxy S8.

04.21 Location Price Time

Women’s Tennis vs. UCCS Colorado Springs Varies 3 p.m.

04.22 Location Price Time

vs. CSU Pueblo Pueblo Varies 8 a.m.

04.19 Location Price Time

Rockies vs. Dodgers Away Varies 8:10 p.m.

04.22 Location Price Time

Outlaws vs. Hounds Away Varies 5:30 p.m.

04.22 Location Price Time

Mammoth vs. Vancouver 04.23 Location Away Price $19.95-$59.95 Time 7 p.m.

Rapids vs. Minn. United

Away Varies 4 p.m.

Met

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April 19, 2017

Horoscopes

Overheard this week

Capricorn

Aquarius

You woke up feeling happy and enthusiastic, Aquarius. Your intuition tells you that you will achieve whatever you set your mind to. Today is finally the day you find that vein.

flirted with me - consciously or unconsciously. That's to be expected."

Even though you're slaving away at work, your mind is very much on romance. Passion is running high, especially yours, Cancer! Too bad you'll never find anyone to share it with. Buy ice cream in bulk.

If you had to score your life right now, it would be a perfect ten. Your career is going well, and your domestic life is harmonious. Could there be anything more to life? Possibly, but you're too bland to find it.

Virgo

the losers is how a person reacts to each new twist of fate.”

Aries

Today you may receive a communication from your loved one that makes you yearn for this person's company. Unfortunately, it will be a message to another person from your significant other.

are the ones you don't make.”

Success and good fortune are strongly indicated today, Aries, along with a sense of optimism. You accept the change in plans with your usual good humor. You're a winner!

by how much you undertake but by

Money matters are highlighted today, Taurus.

You can expect to spend a lot of time with the calculator as you balance your checkbook or begin to work on your budget. Didn't see this one coming!

1. ASAP kin 4. Winner 9. Confiscate 14. Debt acknowledgment 15. Hard-hit baseball 16. Bee product 17. Title character who wrestled reptiles 20. Product label abbr.

21. Have a feeling 22. “Since __ You Baby”: 1956 hit 23. Use a hypodermic 26. Alfred E. Neuman’s magazine 29. USSR successor 30. Score after deuce 31. Throw down the gauntlet 32. Enjoyed immensely 33. Menial servant 35. Caribbean Sea group 38. Marshal Dillon’s portrayer 39. Flirt 40. “Peanuts” expletive 41. Bird bills 42. Promise 45. E-I connection 46. 2004 Kentucky Derby winner __ Jones 48. Antitoxins 49. Numskull 51. Intangible qualities 52. Tool with V-shaped serrated jaws 57. Gush forth 58. Granddaddy of digital computers

Scorpio

You may be privy to some information today that will ultimately result in financial gain, Scorpio.

Unfortunately, this also means the drug lord you stole from is now on his way to your family's house.

Sagittarius

59. __ Miss 60. It’s a good thing 61. Dupe 62. Actor Beatty

“Barefoot in the kitchen.”

— Lauren "Scordo" Cordova “On the bridge of my own starship.”

— Esteban Fernandez “Yelling at a new batch of writers.”

— Madison "Loudmouth" Lauterbach “Making prison toilet wine with my cat.”

—James Burky “Living in an attic and fighting crime with a batman costume.”

– Jamel Jones

November 22 - December 21

May 21 - June 20 An unexpected financial windfall could come your way today, Gemini. You may stand there with an open envelope in your hand, unable to speak. In fact, it may be better if you don't open your mouth at all. Ever. The world needs less hot air.

— David Schaut

October 23 -November 21

Gemini

York – we need global warming!

Across

There's a lot of work to be done today, and much of it centers on finances. Whether you're working on budgets or investments, you will easily finish the task.

Probably cause you're homeless and it's in your head.

April 20 - May 20

“It’s freezing and snowing in New

Hear or see something that makes you laugh?

Shake your head? Roll your eyes or say WTF? Tweet it to @themetonline with the hashtag #overheardoncampus

September 23 - October 22

Taurus

“In the end, you're measured not

“Your mom's bedroom.”

Libra

March 21 -April 19

“Sometimes your best investments

— Joella Baumann

August 23 - September 22

February 19 - March 20 Whether you spend today with your feet on the ground or in an airplane, you're eager and enthusiastic about your life direction. Unfortunately, life laughs at the best laid plans.

“Not here, I hope.”

Leo

July 23 - August 22

Pisces

“What separates the winners from

Where do you see yourself in five years?

June 21 - July 22

January 20 - February 18

"All of the women on The Apprentice

@themetonline

Met Picks: Cancer

December 22 - January 19 Your optimistic nature has served you well. Th is quality makes you a great manager since you can motivate and inspire co-workers. Or so you think, mostly you are just mocked behind your back.

what you finally accomplish.”

f: themetropolitan

Expect to receive some great news today, Sagittarius. Answer your phone and check email all day, because you never know when it will come.

Nothing will stand in the way of that inheritence now!

Down 1. Outdoor outing with a basket 2. Scale opening 3. Repeats verbatim 4. Coagulate 5. Went underground 6. “Wheel of Fortune” request 7. Blanc or Brooks

8. Like some car radio stations 9. Surgical bypass tube 10. Many millennia 11. Quite popular 12. New York’s Tappan __ Bridge 13. Needle hole 18. 100 lbs.

19. Yr.-end month 23. Brainstorms 24. Sentence element 25. Largest planet 27. Sacred chests 28. Susan of “The Partridge Family” 30. 24/7 bank devices, briefly 31. Certain buggy’s milieu 32. Affirmative votes 33. Like good pie crusts 34. Highland girl 35. Rugged rock 36. Mounds made by a colony 37. Usher’s find 38. Canine comment 41. Pitch hitter 42. Mount __ 43. Delphic medium 44. Got the dirt off 46. 13-Down function 47. Extinct kiwi relative 48. Take to court 50. Gambling cubes 51. Sacramento’s __ Arena 52. Dr. J’s first league 53. “__ Misérables” 54. Loneliest number 55. Tear Source: http://www.onlinecrosswords.net

Sudoku

Difficulty: Medium

Difficulty: Hard

Answers:

18

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April 18, 2017 Met Sports Break Events Review Features Insight April 19, 2017

HOURS MONDAY–FRIDAY: 10 A.M.–10 P.M.

20% Discount

SATURDAY: 11 A.M.–10 P.M. SUNDAY: 11 A.M.–8 P.M.

for students and faculty.

Not valid on alcohol.

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XX 19