April 19, 2016 by The Northern Light

APRIL 19 - APRIL 26, 2016

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Adults Only pornography shop transformed into local bookstore and cafe

A tasty way to eat your greens

Strategic Pathways and the fiscal future of UAA By Victoria Petersen

vgpetersen@thenorthernlight.org

The Board of Regents met on April 7 and 8 for a two day budget and planning meeting regarding Strategic Pathways. Discussion of the university’s fiscal year 2017 budget as well as the changes coming to programs, faculty and the services at the University of Alaska were the theme of the meetings. Students, community members and faculty were all present at the meeting. Students were then able to talk with Johnsen on Tuesday, April 12 about the budget scenarios released in regards to Strategic Pathways. Many students are confused by the structure and goals of Strategic Pathways. Vague and uncertain, information is being released slowly and students are growing concerned. “I feel like they say a lot of ‘we are keeping all of our students in mind,’ but aren’t really showing it in their actions. No one has truly answered the question of what actually is being cut, and I feel like they don’t have a plan,” Ashely Roylance, a marketing student at UAA, said. A concern many students have is with the possibility of having their programs lost at their home schools. “Yeah, I am worried about it. It’s hard for me personally because I want to go into a science degree, physics related, and they aren’t even allowed to offer some of their courses. It’s definitely affecting how and what I am deciding for my degree and future,” Nicole Sola, a biology student at UAA, said. The original Strategic Pathways framework names both UAA and UAF a lead school in engineering. Johnsen, on April 12, reaffirmed this plan. “The demand of engineering is huge and can’t be met individually by either school. They’re actually looking at much more collaboration with the two universities and with engineering in particular. So at this point I would say we are going to have two strong, vital engineering programs going forward. The basics will be at both schools, but we don’t have the resources to fund two fully blown engineering schools,” Johnsen said. Johnsen emphasized to students the importance of certain programs staying at all universities, specifically with Alaska Native Studies. “Nine of the top ten companies based in Alaska are Alaska Native owned corporations. They’re going to be here in 20 years, they’re going to be here in 40 years. I happen to know that they want as many of you as possible to know about them because they want to hire the smartest people they possibly can. It behooves all of us, I think, to study the history and the cultures of the first people in Alaska and that is why at every one of our campuses we will continue to have those programs,” Johnsen said. Many programs are not listed under any university as a lead program. John-

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sen clarified that these programs will not disappear, but emphasizes they are smaller and have less of a weight on the University of Alaska as a whole, but will still be offered. There are currently two budget drafts in the legislature, both of which are being considered. Each scenario requires cuts, investment into key programs, and staff cuts at high administration levels. “We’re looking at higher level positions; we need to do our best to minimize the impact on front line serving people,” Johnsen said. The Senate budget scenario provides a budget of $325 million and a tuition hike of 10 percent, significant reduction in Information Technology (IT), advising and developmental education, the elimination of multiple athletic teams, reduction of facilities and maintenance upkeep, and 400 to 500 positions lost across the University of Alaska system according to the Board of Regents budget contingency plan. The second scenario — the House budget scenario — provides a budget of $300 million, with a tuition hike of 15 percent. The budget would eliminate services such as Information Technology (IT), advising and developmental education. This scenario could result in a reduction of athletic programs at UAA, 600 to 800 positions cut across the University of Alaska system, an increase in fiscal year 2018 tuition and potential loss of one or more campuses according to the Board of Regents budget contingency plan. Both scenarios are currently being revised and will be finalized by early June. Programs at UAA being considered for investment and continual support include Arctic research, community campus tuition offsets, ISER (Institute of Social and Economic Research), art and lectures, teacher education scholarships, health professions education, course redesign, dual credit programs and K-12 partnerships, fundraising and development, lean process improvement and leadership development. In the budget contingency planning for UAA specifically, there are reductions to the Consortium Library collection; eliminating 23 positions ($1.3 million dollars) in student affairs; reducing the position hours in University Advancement; a target $3.9 million cut to administrative services; reduction in positions in facilities, human resources and IT services; eliminating IT services on the weekend; reductions to building maintenance, and availability to buildings on nights and weekends and an implementation of a credit card convenience fee that will charge an additional 2.75 percent to any transaction made online. These reductions are just a handful of the cuts outlined for UAA in the budget contingency plan from the Board of Regents. Some students see Strategic Pathways as a necessary evil to cope with the University’s budget crisis.

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Senate Budget Scenario

House Budget Scenario

$325 million UA operating budget Reduction of $25.8 million

$275.3 million UA operating budget Reduction of $50.8 million

IMPACTS

Reduction in IT Services, advising and developmental education Elimination of departments, schools/ colleges Elimination of several athletic teams Consolidation/elimination of research Outsourcing services now performed by UA Elimination of facilities used for specialty services Reduction of facilities maintenance and upkeep 10 percent mid-year tuition increase 400-500 positions cut

Elimination of IT services, advising, and developmental education Elimination of schools/colleges Elimination of one or more campuses Likely elimination of of some athletic programs Research to be funded through private and federal dollars, not the state Elimination of community outreach programs Elimination of core facilities Reduction of facilities maintenance and upkeep 15 percent mid-year tuition increase Additional tuition increase in FY18 600-800 positions cut GRAPHIC BY KELLY IRELAND

GRAPHIC BY JIAN BAUTISTA

“The campus community would benefit from a collective understanding that something needs to be done with the university budget. Strategic Pathways is preferable to legislative actions because the President and Regents understand how to make this university work better with less, more than politicians do. Everybody, students and faculty alike, need to realize that there’s no smooth sailing out of the current predicament. It’s either Strategic Pathways or legislative austerity, as I see it,” Ben Edwards, a mechanical engineering student at UAA, said. Students are able to take part in the Strategic Pathways process, through USUAA hosted events and Board of Regents conferences. The next event for students to get involved with will be April 26. Johnsen will be speaking with

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the Coalition of Student Leaders via audio-conference at 1:30 p.m. The conference is open to the public. “Students are involved. They’re here. They have a powerful voice and the regents take what they say very seriously. We want students involved in this process,” Johnsen said. The University budget shortfall comes in the wake of the State of Alaska fiscal crisis. The University of Alaska relies heavily upon state funding. The revised budget drafts will be finalized on June 2 and 3 at the Board of Regents meeting and will be put in place at the beginning of fiscal year 17 on July 1. The Strategic Pathways process, which is set up into seven phases, will begin phase one, data collection, in May.

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THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

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UAA professors and politics By Maria Lilly Contributor

As elections season has progressed, many have watched from a distance as campaigns take shape, policies are discussed and debates take place. Few, however, get the opportunity to experience the political arena as directly as Elizabeth Arnold and James Muller of the College of Arts and Science. Arnold, professor in the Journalism and Communications department, was National Public Radio’s (NPR) national political correspondent for a number of years. As she phrases it, “I covered politics for a long time.” Arnold covered four Presidential administrations, from George Bush Sr. to George W. Bush. She covered both democrats and republicans in the halls of Congress. Arnold not only spent her time in politics walking the halls of the White House and Capitol Hill, she also ventured out onto the campaign trail. Chasing presidential hopefuls across the country was all part of the job. Eleven stops along the campaign trail with Bill Clinton were all part of a day’s work. Arnold shared stories of her time on the campaign trail, like the time Bill Clinton went bowling in Michigan. As Arnold tells it, the day had been a long

one. The evening was supposed to come to a smooth finish with Clinton bowling, saying a few words and everyone going home. Clinton stepped up to bowl and bowled a perfect strike. “It was like [the] perfect campaign moment. You know, he had given a little speech, everybody was there,” Arnold said. “‘Okay, so it should be over.’ We all head out. There is great story, got the news, everything. No. He wanted to get another strike. We were there for like two more hours.” It was the small moments that Arnold said were the most telling, the ones that truly defined the candidates for her. “Patrick Buchannan, who people thought was like the nastiest of them all” was walking down a hall, talking as cameramen filmed. One cameraman tripped and rather than continuing on as though nothing had happened like some did, Buchannan stopped the procession. “He says, ‘everyone stop. Everyone stop rolling.’” Then he checks the man is okay, helps him up then starts the whole procession over from the beginning. The job was demanding. Arnold described how at one point she was supposed to interview the winner of one of South Carolina’s caucuses, but it was unclear who would win and the rallies were hours apart from one another. Her

editor told her to go to the mid-point between the two candidates’ campaign rallies. When it became clear which candidate would win, she would drive to the winner’s rally and interview him. Arnold is not the only College of Arts and Science professor to travel for the cause of politics. Muller, chair of the Political Science department, traveled the world during his time as a White House Fellow. The White House Fellows Program introduces promising individuals to the opportunity to learn about and participate in high levels of government. During his time as a fellow from 198384, Muller worked with the Secretary and Under-Secretary of Education. “We would typically invite someone to lunch we wanted to hear and they would typically accept, because we were the White House Fellows,” Muller said. Muller describes the privileged opportunities he received as a fellow. “In the course of the year, we had lunch with Dan Rather, Howard Cosell, Margaret Thatcher.” Muller and the other fellows traveled to the Middle East and started out the trip in Saudi Arabia. “We went to a lot of businesses,” Muller said. “We met a bunch of princes, we went to a horse race, we had briefings from the government up the kazoo.”

From Saudi Arabia, the fellows visited Bahrain and Jordan. Muller said that during the time he spent in Jordan they saw Petra, one of the wonders of the world. The fellows also met the king, King Hussein of Jordan. “He had excellent English but he talked so softly it was almost impossible to hear him.” From Jordan, the Fellows journeyed to Israel and Egypt continuing to meet with high-level officials, visiting historical sites and hearing briefings about conflicts, politics and history. Reflecting on his time as a White House Fellow, Muller expressed appreciation for the experiences he had and the people he met. “My one big regret…was that I didn’t know my wife then. So, unlike a number of the fellows who were married, I wasn’t able to share that with her.” While many in the College of Arts and Science will continue to observe the political arena from the outside, there are professors at the university who are able to introduce to unique and varying perspectives on politics and influential people. Perhaps, one day it will be students who get to be “world shakers and movers” as Muller calls them: the individuals who change lives and change the world we live in.

Kale chips: A healthy alternative to potato chips

By Victoria Petersen

vgpetersen@thenorthernlight.org

Kale chips are a popular alternative to less healthy potato chips and crackers. Essentially you’re eating your greens with that oh-so-familiar crunch and that can’t-have-just-one flavor brought on by the salt. Kale was the most popular green vegetable in Europe, up until the Middle Ages. Kale production then increased during World War II because of its nutrient rich nature and the ease to which it is grown and cultivated. Growing well in the winter, kale is known to freeze well and has a sweeter taste after being exposed to cooler temperatures. Kale is nutrient rich, providing 20 percent of the daily value of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, folate, and magnese. These nutrients are lost when kale is boiled. Making kale chips a great way to enjoy kale and its nutrients.

Ingredients •

1 large bushel of kale

•

1/2 cup of olive oil

•

1 tablespoon of sea salt

Directions

PHOTO BY YOUNG KIM

1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees. 2. De-stem the kale and rip each leaf into a bite sized piece. Wash the kale under water and let dry. Once dry, toss the kale around with olive oil in a large bowl. 3. Place the kale on to the baking sheet, one next to the other. Sprinkle sea salt on top of the kale pieces and bake for 8 - 10 minutes.

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Dr. Nick Begich

International Longshore & Warehouse Union, Div. 200 Unite H.E.R.E., Local 878 Sierra Club

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International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 1959

Alaskans for Peace and Justice

Anchorage Independent Longshore Union, Local #1

Anchorage Central Labor Council

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Feeling Berned out In the year 2013, an alien brain slug from one of the galaxy’s most feared empires crash-landed on Earth and assumed control of a lowly reporter at this newspaper. These are his stories.

By Klax Zlubzecon

Translated by George Hyde I’m glad that headline grabbed your attention. Political articles are great at grabbing attention. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to rant about something for 200 words or so before continuing. I am very tired. My host, too, is very tired. The hour of truth is near. Our weeks at UAA, and by extension The Northern Light, are numbered. My host is graduating. Gigantic projects, threatening exams and complex labs loom on the horizon. None of them have to do with my host’s degree, because he wrapped up all of his journalism credits long ago. The final test of our collegiate career will have nothing to do with journalistic ethics, or video production, or anything we will ever have to do or worry about at a potential future job. It will be about creating digital props and a digital set for a production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” that will never physically exist, using a program we will probably never use again. It’s a sobering thought that we’re both twiddling our thumbs with (probably) useless knowledge, awaiting a savage and ruthless job market in a state economy that’s on its way to implosion. We haven’t even picked up graduation gear. My host tried the whole “commencement” thing back in high school, and he wants a quieter affair this time. It’s a shame. I would have made a won-

derful cap decoration. Imagine me, the most famous alien brain parasite on the planet, basking in the glow of congratulations and camaraderie among many other students and peers. So my host is tired, and by psychic connection, that makes me pretty tired. Thankfully, we picked a great year to have these depressing feelings, because the political entertainment machine is a-booming. A lot of people at this paper have talked about Bernard “Bernie” Sanders. He’s taken Alaska by storm. He ran away with about 82 percent of Alaskan votes at our Democratic caucus (those are the AP’s numbers talking, not me), and his momentum has carried him through many of the Western states up to now. The big battleground state is now New York, the state that both Democratic candidates call home. The results should be flooding in by the time this paper hits the stands, so whatever predictions I might make about it may be flunked by the time you read this. There’s so much political analysis revolving around the Big Apple at the moment that I can’t even begin to make a prediction towards one candidate without a counter-point being revealed that I didn’t notice earlier. While both candidates are neck and neck in the main delegate count, the superdelegates — those pesky ones that can change sides whenever they wish — remain firmly on Clinton’s side. Bernie’s supporters have created their own little hit list of suspicious superdelegates, but this is a moot point.

ILLUSTRATION BY INNA MIKHAILOVA

Clinton already has a small lead in ordinary, muggle delegates, so distributing the superdelegates equally would still leave Clinton where she is, albeit a fair bit closer to Sanders’ numbers. So all the math and the science says just to wait and see how it goes. Fine. I could have told you that weeks ago. You really want to know what I think of the candidates, don’t you? I’ve derailed about Trump not too long ago, so why not talk about the Democratic side? On top of that, this paper does have a bit of a proBernie slant. Wouldn’t it be cool if the alien brain slug took the edgy, renegade stance and argued against his candidacy? Yeah, it would be pretty cool. It’s not what I think, though. Hillary Clinton is a very slimy person. As a slimy parasite myself, I would normally support her, but honestly, Bernie Sanders is the candidate that fits more into the Slug Empire world view. Wait wait, don’t put the paper down! I don’t mean that in a negative way. Sanders is a benevolent socialist. His rhetoric revolves around prioritizing helping those in need over fighting others. He wants to unify America and present an olive branch to the rest of the world. I mean, have you seen that video with him and the bird? He’s practically a fairy tale princess at this point. To be completely fair, though, he lacks a concrete plan for doing so. Well, okay, he does have a plan, but as for how that’s going to get through Congress, I’m not sure. He has plans for restoring Ameri-

ca’s economy the same way that Donald Trump has a “plan” for building the border wall. His ideals are noble, but perhaps a bit unrealistic. Actually, now that I think about it, he and Trump are pretty much two sides of the same coin, aren’t they? Both of them pride themselves on being the “people’s candidate,” raising funds through individual donors instead of huge super PACs — although Trump probably had enough money to fund his campaign to begin with — and both have unrealistic plans for idealistic goals. It just so happens that Sanders is a bit more of an honest, goodwilled person. Maybe Sanders has a bit of a psychic pull to match Trump’s. His fans, lovingly called “Bernie Bros,” can be just as rabid as Trump’s fans. He can obviously influence animals, too, as seen with the bird incident. Still, I’d much rather have an honest and good psychic mastermind in the White House than Hillary Clinton, who’s trying so hard to be hip and groovy with young voters that it’s almost funny. We’ll see when the last of the primaries roll around. Hoo… this is gonna be my last political piece for TNL, isn’t it? I’m glad I tied up that thread in a hopeful way. Don’t worry. I’m sure I’ll find some way to spread the Slug message after I move on from this paper. Until then…

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE.

EMBRACE THE SEAWOLF SLUG.

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THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

Writer’s Block and the Spenardian Renaissance

PHOTOS BY VICTORIA PETERSEN

The original Adults Only sign that hung on the front of the old pornography shop will be utilized in the new Writer’s Block Bookstore and Cafe to commemorate its history.

By Victoria Petersen

vgpetersen@thenorthernlight.org

In October of 2015, Vered Mares purchased Adults Only, a pornography shop in the Spenard area that had been in business for decades. Mares had the idea and business model of changing it into a bookstore with a full service cafe and art space. The current building, which is two trailers hooked together, will be demolished this May. After, she will begin construction on a new building twice the size of the current one. “It’s sort of the last vestige of the Spenard old red lights district, you know, that’s what this place was back in the heyday. It was a pornography store, but I think it was also a whole lot more than that. What was once a fairly undesirable business in a neighborhood is being turned into something that can really be part of the neighborhood,” Mares said. Spenard is known for its scandalous past as the place on the outskirts of tent city where people went to have a good time. From crack houses, rowdy bars and pornography shops, Spenard has rejuvenated itself in recent history to be known as a funky and engaging part of the Anchorage community. With the introduction of specialty shops, popular bars and restaurants the neighborhood is being transformed in a Spenardian Renaissance. Mares, her many business partners and volunteers have been working since fall of 2015 to transform what was once an element of Spenard’s less than desirable past, to something that will benefit and engage the entire community. “This neighborhood has a history and whether we like it or not it’s part of Anchorage, it’s part of Spenard, it’s part of Alaska,” Mares said. “It wouldn’t have the same interesting and quirky flavor without that history.” The Spenard Renaissance is made possible by the creative people who live, work and play in the neighborhood. With boutiques, local bars and restaurants, and the introduction of Writer’s Block Bookstore and Cafe allowing a place for people in the community to come out and freely express themselves the neighborhood is changing from the inside out. “It’s easy to be excited with change. What’s really interesting is that the groups of artists that are engaging in these events are looking at the neighborhood on the whole as a place of creativity, as a conglomerate of creative resources. It’s easy to see what’s there. But it takes artists to see what’s more,” Sarah Davies, local artist and creator of the 100 Stones project, said The idea for Writer’s Block Bookstore and Cafe came from Mares’ frustrations on what the community offered and didn’t offer. “When I first moved to Alaska, almost 10 years ago, what really irritated me was that I couldn’t get a really great cup of coffee after 8 p.m. There also weren’t any independent bookstores. These were the three things that sort of ruled my life up until they were gone,” Mares said. The bookstore will have a full service kitchen and cafe, selling an eclectic mix of international dishes and comfort food. Mares hopes to incorporate dishes less commonly found in Anchorage while infusing foods from her Israeli and New Mexican heritage. The cafe will have a typical coffee menu as well as a sophisticated selection of coffee from around the world. The cafe will also hold a beer and wine license. In addition to the cafe, the space will also allow a place for artists of all types to congregate and share their art. Whether it’s writing, sculpture, painting, photography or music, Writer’s Block will have a space to showcase local artists. “We are trying to keep as much as our business as local as humanly possible, from where the food comes from to where the books come from to who we hire and how we engage in the community. Anchorage has an incredible creative community that I think is still

An art installation on the side of the building of Writer’s Block Bookstore and Cafe, formally Adults Only. The portrait is of a former dancer. The dancer performed at PJ’s a notorious Spenard strip club, now closed.

A sign on Spenard road advertising the event “Transforming ADULTS ONLY” as community involvement.

untapped and is underrepresented,” Mares said. With an emphasis on local artists, it is Writers Block Bookstore and Cafe’s number one priority to give preference to Alaskan authors. Mares wants to feature local writers in her bookstore, but will also provide a myriad of other literature. All books being sold will be new. “Right now we don’t have an independent bookstore in Anchorage, there’s not really an avenue for new literature that’s not in a large corporate model that exists in Anchorage,” Mares said. “We want to engage with our local literary community first and foremost. We’ve got some amazing writers here and we want to be able to showcase them here. Some of your favorite writers might be down the street from you and you just never knew it. We want to support our local writers as much as possible.” Before construction even begins the business is giving a place for artists to thrive. While Mares and her team are waiting for the construction to begin and the old building to be demolished, local artists were asked to occupy the building as an interactive community art piece. Three events are taking place this month to allow the community to engage in the installation and the vision of “Transforming ADULTS ONLY,” as the series of events is being called. For three consecutive Fridays, starting April 15, the community is invited to participate in the events featuring local artists, food trucks, musicians and performers from around the city to pay homage to the past and get involved in the future of the neighborhood. “These three events will be celebrating what Spenard once was and where it is going. As far as I know, this is really the last iconic reminder of Spenard’s past and it will be torn down in May for the Writer’s Block, a business that seems to better represent the residents and frequenters of Spenard these days, as many creative types choose this part of town for their homes and places to spend time...” Val Svancara, Outreach and Engagement

One of the many art installations inside the former Adults Only building. This installation, inside one of the old “peep rooms.” is a zoetrope, which makes pictures appear to move as the apparatus is spun.

Coordinator for the Transforming ADULTS ONLY events, said. “In fact, many of the artists working on this event are Spenard-based.” Many have seen Mares efforts as gentrification of the neighborhood. Mares wants Writer’s Block Bookstore and Cafe to be a place for her neighborhood to enjoy and be a part of. “It’s not about gentrification, this term gets brought up a lot when I’ve been talking to people. It’s not about gentrifying, I don’t want to change Spenard. I want to bring more of the fun, quirky, unique elements of Spenard and bring them into a central location. This is where I live too, I don’t live in another part of town or even outside of town I live half a block off of Spenard road.” Mares said. Mares is currently raising money through a GoFundME account (https://www.gofundme.com/pb7nl8) which has raised over $20,000. All of the proceeds of the GoFundME account will go towards construction and opening the doors of Writer’s Block Bookstore and Cafe. With certain awards offered for particular contributions patrons will receive more than just a good feeling for contributing to Mares efforts. From a cup of coffee to having a bar stool dedicated in your honor, those who donate will receive more than just a thank you.

The series of Transforming ADULTS ONLY events will take place every Friday for the rest of April: April 15, 22, and 29 from 6-8 p.m. The events are free of charge and will provide local entertainment, lawn games, food trucks, a beer garden sponsored by Spenard Roadhouse and community involvement. The Writer’s Block Bookstore and Cafe plans on opening their doors this fall.

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THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

Outdoor recreation: A final soap box A well-meaning column rife with clunky metaphors and horrible advice, Orange Rhymes With is the goto place to break the monotony of classes and laugh at someone else’s misfortune.

By Evan Dodd Contributor

I was recently confronted with the fact that the number of remaining columns is dwindling. As we approach the end of my time in college (quite possibly for real this time) I’m confronted with a series of “lasts” that comes with closing a chapter of my life. This week however, I’m focused on my last outdoor adventure with UAA – a ten-day sea-kayaking trek out of Whittier consisting of 15-mile days in unpredictable seas with a small team of students and guides. I suppose it’s fitting that I end my final year at UAA with a kayaking trip. One of my most valued memories of my freshman year was moving all my belongings out of North Hall and into my truck, parking it at APU where no bloodsucking parking services parasites would hassle it, and heading out to Homer for the final kayaking trip of the now defunct outdoor

recreation program. In those days UAA had an outdoor recreation program that taught wilderness and survival skills, emphasized leadership and self-sufficiency, and provided an outlet for student’s faced with few options for community on campus. During that time I was taught to ice climb, build snow caves and sea kayak in variable conditions. I spent every weekend riding the program shuttle to Alyeska, the only way most of us could afford to go, and got the opportunity to meet with foreign students and exchange students thrilled to have the chance to explore Alaska. If you’ve followed this column with even a passing interest, you’ve seen the theme of malcontent regarding the lack of support for outdoor recreation winding its way through these ramblings. But as my editor recently reminded me, the days of having a weekly column (and thus a convenient soapbox) are soon to pass. Did you know that current UAA recreation courses have included guided glacier climbs, crevasse rescue techniques,

or an all-encompassing capstone consisting of a 28 day remote trek through the Brooks Range? I certainly didn’t, at least not until it was too late for me to participate. While I was able to take backpacking, beginning (and now intermediate) sea-kayaking, and backcountry snowboarding (twice), I discovered the program too late to earn a major or minor. So what have I learned from UAA sponsored outdoor recreation? I’ve learned the wilderness skills themselves, but more importantly I’ve learned principles of risk management and a framework for decision making that I incorporate into every adventure in the backcountry. Through the group management, leadership and interpersonal skills inherent in wilderness excursions I’ve become a more competent person as well. And all of this entirely ignores the immeasurable physical, mental, and social benefits of exposure to the outdoors, of which I could easily write three more columns about. I’m a wilderness first responder because of the lessons I’ve learned through outdoor rec, and because in retrospect falling through an icy lake seemed like a rather unpleasant way to die. In a few short weeks I’ll gain my EMT-B certification and by the time this column prints I’ll know whether I’ve been hired on for a guiding position for the summer. None of this would have been possible without the wealth of knowledge and guidance provided by UAA. There are also the valuable lessons I’ve learned from trying to support a program in spite of overwhelming failure. Four years ago I served as news editor for The Northern Light trying desperately to cover the closure of the outdoor rec pro-

gram, and since then I’ve used this column to highlight the unique benefits of the program. I’ve helped campaign for student support for two ballot measures that would have reinstated the program. While they were overwhelmingly supported by students and I’m told our voices were heard and valued, I get the distinct impression that they were filed away and ignored given that the program was never revived. So why am I writing this? This isn’t an appeal to bring back the outdoor recreation program, as that ship sailed and sunk long ago. Nor is it in the hopes that the voice of one student will spare the current program when the budget vultures start looking for fresh meat a few years down the road. That just isn’t how the world works. But for as much as I’ve complained about every aspect of the University over the years, it’s just as important to highlight the things we get right and if there’s one area that deserves praise it’s our commitment to outdoor recreation and leadership. I’m not a person to get entangled in causes. Most of my passions involve shunning society in favor of hiking, eating Thai Food until I hurt, and finding new and creative beers to guzzle. But if there’s one defining feature of my college experience that I’m proud to bring with me when I go, it’s my passion for outdoor recreation. I won’t remember the majority of people in my economics courses, nor many of the lessons learned. Instead what I’ll take from my time at UAA are memories of scaling snowcapped mountains, rolling kayaks in rough seas, and forever swearing off ice climbing. Here at UAA the wilderness is yours for the taking, don’t squander that opportunity.

PHOTO BY NOLIN AINSWORTH

PHOTO COURTESY OF EVAN DODD

Evan Dodd’s fall 2014 UAA Beginning Sea Kayaking class at Caine’s Head just outside of Seward, Alaska.

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THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

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The Northern Light

THE IDEA OF NORTH: THE PAINTINGS OF LAWREN HARRIS R

7 to 8:30 p.m. April 22, 2016 Included with museum admission During the 1920s, Canadian artist and pioneering modernist Lawren Harris (1885-1970) painted the northern wilderness inspired with an almost spiritual vision, creating paintings described by critics as “epics of solitude, chaos and snow.”

Visiting Curator Lecture by Cynthia Burlingham from the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles Museum admission is half-price during the museum’s Friday after-hours series Polar Nights. Image: Lawren Harris, Lake and Mountains, 1928 (Detail), Art Gallery of Ontario; Gift from the Fund of the T. Eaton Co. Ltd. for Canadian Works of Art, 1948. ©Family of Lawren S. Harris.

Come to know the true North anchoragemuseum.org

Members enjoy free admission. Join today.

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THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

‘Sauna’ just misses the mark

By Jacob Holley-Kline Contributor

Horror has the potential to be the most culturally reflective genre in cinema. Beneath the darkness, beneath the bloodshed, there’s something deeper at work. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. “Sauna,” a murky shocker from Finland, seems deeper than it is. Its setting is unique, the cinematography is beautiful, and the story’s nonlinear. It has the makings of an arthouse classic. But, in the end, there isn’t much beneath the surface. Set in 1595, two brothers, Eerik (Ville Virtanen, “Love and Other Troubles”) and Knut (Tommi Eronen, “Kalevala – uusi aika”), are at the tail end of the Russo-Swedish War. Overcome with guilt after leaving a young girl to die, the two arrive in a village with a mysterious sauna in its center. The locals tell them that if you spend the night there all of your sins wash away. Historical horror movies are hard to find. “The Witch” proved that pre-contemporary settings are ripe for scares. In a sense, “The Witch” succeeded where “Sauna” failed. Both have an incredible sense of place and tone. They’re shot impeccably, but “Sauna” leans on the performance of its star, Ville Virtanen. Virtanen has a towering presence on-screen. He’s bedraggled, somehow ageless and ancient all at once, fiercely

steeped in anger and denial. In every sense of the word, his performance is consummate. It’s just that nobody else’s is. Tommi Eronen is serviceable as the younger brother Knut, but alongside Virtanen, he becomes bland and uninteresting. So, when your secondary cast falls by the wayside, the rest of the movie should pick up the slack, right? Ideally, yes. “Sauna,” however, does not do that. Setting it in 16th century Eastern Europe is an inspired move. The world is murky, often damp, and always foggy. Early on, this sets the tone excellently. The cinematography is great, but it can’t make up for the shallow story and, oftentimes, utterly boring sequences. Strangely, the movie isn’t that scary. It relies on shadows and viewers’ imagination. But, because of sometimes shoddy lighting, too much is shown. This makes the big reveal less impactful. At that point, viewers have already seen everything. Because of this, the whole movie is weakened. A fascinating setting and time period, excellent cinematography, and a riveting performance by Virtanen simply can’t save the shallow, empty heart of “Sauna.” The movie seems like it should be deeper than it is. But it isn’t, and it never reaches that place. Viewers might dig for meaning, but, no matter how deep you go, there is none.

TITLE “Sauna”

DIRECTOR Antti-Jussi Annila

RELEASE DATE Oct. 24, 2008

COUNTRY Finland

GENRE Horror

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A&E

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

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TRUE NORTH TRUE NORTH TRUE STORIES WITHOUT BOUNDARIES

20th edition | Spring 2016

TRUE STORIES WITHOUT BOUNDARIES

20th edition | Spring 2016

Get a copy of True North, the general interest magazine written, edited, designed, and produced by UAA students. Available on campus and around Anchorage.

Get a copy of True North, the general interest magazine written, edited, designed, and produced by UAA students.

in the UA Student Union! SPORTS Check out he Student Activ ties Facebo k page for more information on time and events.

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

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Seawolves track and field compete in California By Jordan Rodenberger

jrodenberger@thenorthernlight.org

The UAA’s track and field team kicked off the weekend at the Mt. San Antonio College Relays in Walnut, California, and the Bryan Clay Invitational at Azusa Pacific University. 58th annual Mt. San Antonio College Relays On Thursday, April 14, senior Victor Samoei finished the 10,000 meter event with a time of 30 minutes, 34.11 seconds, while his teammate Michel Ramirez was unable to finish the race. The following day, Joyce Chelimo once again stole the show in her event. She posted a time of 15:59.55 in the 5,000-meter, the fastest in Division II this year, crushing the previous best by over 20 seconds. Her time solidified her spot in the NCAA championships in late May, and places her third on the all-time list in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. Chelimo’s incredible time is now the fastest in UAA’s history for the women’s 5K. Other Seawolves rode the wave set by Chelimo, as

the

Student Union

For more information about his event please contact: UA Student Activties at (907) 786-1219 or events@ua .al ska.edu For more information about this event please contact: UAA Student Activities at (907) 786-1219 or events@uaa.alaska.edu

the men’s 4x400-meter relay team broke the GNAC record for fastest time, notching a 3:10.60 finish. The four-member team consisted of Liam Lindsay, Nicholas Taylor, Adam Commandeur and Cody Thomas as the anchor. “All four of us had probably one of the best races of our lives. We had two Div. I teams ahead of us that really pushed us to break that record,” Commandeur said. Their time is currently the sixth fastest in Div. II this season. “We knew something good was going to happen, and it all just clicked,” Taylor said. “Everyone just ran well and hard with good passes. Nothing went wrong and everything went right.” In long distance, UAA had three 1,500-meter runners see success. Sophomore Tamara Perez crossed the finish line at 4:29.76, while Jessica Pahkala was right behind her at 4:30.60. On the men’s side, Kenyan Nathan Kipchumba cruised to a 3:51.19 time in the same event. “On Friday, I had a personal record in the 1,500, so it was a really good weekend,” said Kipchumba.

Bryan Clay Invitational A handful of Seawolves competed in the 3,000-meter steeplechase as well as the 5,000-meter over the twoday invite. Edwin Kangogo finished the 5K with a career best time of 14:29.99. “As a 10,000-meter guy, it was difficult to change the pace in the 5K,” Kangogo said, but it clearly did not affect him too much. For the women, sophomore Mariah Burroughs finished the steeplechase with a time of 11:31.18, while Zennah Jepchumba posted a time of 17:29.08 in the 5K, her season-best and good for fourth in “Heat 3.” When it was all said and done, the Seawolves broke a GNAC record, two school records, one automatic qualifying time for the NCAA championships, and 10 provisional times, meaning for the time being, they have qualified for the national championships.

The Seawolves track and field team will compete at the Triton Invitational in San Diego, California on Friday, April 22.

April 20th-22nd & 25th-27th

Free food every night at 7pm in the UAA Student Union! Check out the Student Activities Facebook page for more information on time and events.

UA is an E O/A employer and educational insti ution UAA is an EEO/AA employer and educational institution

For more information about this event please contact: UAA Student Activities at (907) 786-1219 or events@uaa.alaska.edu

UAA is an EEO/AA employer and educational institution

SPORTS

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

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Cody Thomas: Bringing joy and success from New Zealand to Alaska By Jordan Rodenberger

jrodenberger@thenorthernlight.org

UAA’s Track and Field team had never been known for their decathletes, but five years ago, Cody Thomas became one of the first recruited here of his kind. The Seawolves bet on a 19-year-old student from Blenheim, New Zealand, and the rest did not just become history, Thomas made it history. Thomas, who is a senior competing in his final season as a Seawolf, has set numerous records, and has collected his share of accolades and trophies in his time here at UAA. “It is cool to have the records, but records are meant to be broken,” Thomas said. PHOTOS BY GENEVIEVE MINA In 2013 indoor season, Thomas posted a Great Northwest Athletic Conference record in the heptathlon, earning first place at the GNAC championships. During this season, he broke the school records in both the 60-meters and the 60-meter hurdles, recording times of 7.12 and 8.62 respectively. This set the tone for the outdoor season, where he won the decathlon at the GNAC championships, while breaking UAA’s decathlon record in points. The 2014 season was more of the same. Thomas notched another GNAC heptathlon title under his belt, earning All-West Region honors in that category. Following the indoor season of that year, he was voted the BY ADAM EBERHARDT GNAC Male Outdoor Track & Field Athlete of the Year, Decathlete Cody Thomas poses with UAA Director of Athletics Keith Hackett after winning the Athlete of thePHOTO Year award during the and was named the Outstanding Male Performer of the 2014-2015 Bill MacKay Athlete of the Year banquet at the Lucy Cuddy Hall on April 24, 2015. Meet at the GNAC championships, winning the decathest way to die, that is for sure,” Thomas said. were very supportive once they warmed up to it. It was a lon once again. In New Zealand, kindergarten through eighth grade good choice, it has been a great five years,” Thomas said. Thomas was not done yet. 2015 came around, and Since arriving in Alaska, Thomas has made huge he was hungry for more. During the indoor season, the is primary school, while ninth grade and beyond is colNew Zealander finished with more All-America hon- lege. Thomas took a gap year following college, where strides, not only in track, but as a person as well. “When he first came here, his work ethic was not at ors. He smashed his own school record in the heptath- he was a tennis counselor at a summer camp in Conlon, totaling a score of 5,488 at the NCAA champion- necticut. This was his first taste of the American life- the level it needed to be and he has made big improveships. He shined at the conference championship as well. style. He was preparing for this prior to the journey, but ments,” McWilliams said. “He is definitely a hard worker, and it shows when Thomas was voted the GNAC Male Indoor Track and there were still things that were a bit of a surprise to him. “Everything is so big and cheap. It is funny because he goes to compete at meets,” Travis Turner, a redshirt Field Athlete of the Year, as he anchored the Seawolves to their first ever GNAC title, while also being crowned you guys [Americans] seem to get annoyed if something decathlete who is also Thomas’ roommate, said. “I have grown up a lot, broaden my horizons. I enjoy the Most Outstanding Male Performer at the meet. He is not big enough or cheap enough. People driving trucks three-peated in the heptathlon, and set a meet record in in the city interest me also. Back home, only farmers intelligent conversations with people,” Thomas said. Thomas does not work hard to improve just himself, the 60-meter hurdles. When the season was all said and have trucks,” Thomas said. “Sweatpants are not a thing but he pushes others to reach their full potential. done, Thomas shattered six more school records and there, and here I am wearing some right now.” Life on the track is different in New Zealand as well. “He is a really good teammate,” McWilliams said. topped it all off by winning most prestigious athletic award UAA has to offer -- the Bill MacKay Athlete of Athletes are not taught techniques or approaches, they “He is really into seeing other people do well and helprely solely on their raw athletic ability for their success. ing other people.” the Year. “Entering here my freshmen year, it was a shock to “He is always able to help me better myself,” Turner Behind all of the records and titles is just a goofy, be on a team, or even have a coach, because I never did said. easy-going guy. Currently, Thomas is the building manager of the Stu“He is awesome. He is silly and really light-hearted. back home,” Thomas said. Coach Ryan McWilliams has had to take on this task, dent Union. With a marketing and management degree, He has a good balance of being focused and being able Thomas hopes to “go into business to business relationto stay loose,” Track and Field assistant coach Ryan and guide Thomas through the correct methods. “Coming here from New Zealand, you could tell he ships, consumer relationship stuff because I like to talk McWilliams said. Thomas, also known as “Kiwi” by his teammates, was very talented, but he just did not know how to do to people.” Whatever he may end up doing, Thomas was raised away from city-life, about 30 minutes from much. That is all I have done, he has done 98 percent of knows there is one thing that is guaranteed. “I will have fun with whatever I do. You probably the nearest town. Because he was secluded from every- the work. I have done the two percent by showing him how to do certain things the right way,” McWilliams only get one chance in life so I will enjoy it.” one else, Thomas had to use sports to socialize and garsaid. As for short-term goals, Thomas plans on getting ner new friends. Following the incident, Thomas spent grueling hours his MBA here at UAA. Following this track season, Kiwi’s involvement in sports have informed his life to get back into shape and land a scholarship for track he wants to attend the World University Games, which decisions. “A saying back home is ‘a kid in sport, stays out of and field. He had some Division I offers, but due to the according to Thomas, is the largest multi-sport event court.’ So I played rugby started at the age of five, track complicated transferring of credits from New Zealand under the Olympics. to America, Div. II was looking like the most realisAlthough his decorated collegiate career is soon comat seven, and some tennis later on,” Thomas said. Thomas’ life may have even ended at 18 before tic option for him. After mulling over the offers, UAA ing to a close, as his final outdoor season in full swing, Thomas will enter the next stage of his life with an open becoming a Seawolf. After getting his tonsils removed, seemed the most appealing to him. “It was completely different. My parents were tell- mind. As long as he brings his positive attitude, work a bad infection led to emergency surgery to seal up the ing me I probably shouldn’t go here, so I was like ‘I am ethic, and people-skills, Thomas will surely continue to wound. “I almost died, and that would not have been the cool- doing it!’ Basically because they told me no. But they be successful while also putting a smile on others’ faces.

PHOTO BY CHRIS AUCKLEY

Cody Thomas clears the high jump bar at the NCAA track and field indoor championships in March 2016.

PHOTO BY YOUNG KIM

Cody Thomas is a building manager for the Student Union.

14 | SPORTS

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

Be the big saver on campus As a student or employee of University of Alaska, you could be saving 17% on qualifying AT&T plans. Contact your AT&T sales representative, Shaneill Marquez by emailing shaneill.marquez@att.com or calling 907-264-7249. To purchase online, visit http://www.att.com/getIRU. Sponsorship Program discounts: Monthly service discounts are available to qualified employees, students and other authorized individuals associated with eligible sponsoring organizations, such as companies and colleges/universities with a qualified business agreement (“Business Agreement”). Individuals must provide proof of eligibility (valid employee badge/student ID card, paystub or other approved validation method) and subscribe to service as Individual Responsibility Users (IRUs), taking personal liability for their accounts. Discounts are subject to the Business Agreement and may be interrupted, changed and/or discontinued without notice to you. A minimum number of employees, minimum monthly service charge for qualified plans, additional AT&T services or other requirements may apply for eligibility. Under some Business Agreements, the discount can vary monthly depending on your organization’s aggregate volume of qualified charges. Discounts apply only to the monthly service charge of qualified plans (unless otherwise provided in your organization’s Business Agreement). Discounts are not available with any unlimited voice plans. For Family Talk plans, discount will only apply to the primary line. For Mobile Share plans, discount applies only to the monthly service charge for the data allotment of eligible plans, not to the additional monthly device charge(s). Additional plan and other restrictions apply. Discounts may not be combined. Offer subject to change. If you have a question about available discounts and/or your eligibility, contact your organization’s telecom manager or contact us at att.com/getIRU. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. Service provided by AT&T Mobility. © 2016 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property.

CONTACT

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

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The Northern Light is a proud member of the ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS. The Northern Light is a weekly UAA publication funded by student fees and advertising sales. The editors and writers of The Northern Light are solely responsible for its contents. Circulation is 2,500. The University of Alaska Anchorage provides equal education and employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, Vietnam-era or disabled-veteran status, physical or mental disability, changes in marital status, pregnancy or parenthood. The views expressed in the opinion section do not necessarily reflect the views of UAA or the Northern Light.足足足

LETTERS AND CORRECTIONS POLICY Letters to the editor can be submitted to editor@thenorthernlight.org. The maximum length is 250 words. Opinion pieces can be submitted to editor@thenorthernlight.org. The maximum word length is 450 words. Letters and opinion pieces are subject to editing for grammar, accuracy, length and clarity. Requests for corrections can be sent to editor@thenorthernlight.org. Print publication is subject to accuracy and available space. All corrections are posted online with the original story at www.thenorthernlight.org. The Northern Light newsroom is located on the first floor of the Student Union, directly next to Subway.

THE NORTHERN LIGHT CONTACTS 3211 Providence Drive Student Union 113 Anchorage, AK 99508 EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kelly Ireland 786-1313 editor@thenorthernlight.org MANAGING EDITOR Sam Davenport content@thenorthernlight.org

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jian Bautista jbautista@thenorthernlight.org Inna Mikhailova Imikhailova@thenorthernlight.org MULTIMEDIA EDITOR George Hyde gchyde@thenorthernlight.org Shay Spatz srspatz@thenorthernlight.org

COPY EDITOR Kathryn DuFresne copy@thenorthernlight.org

ADVERTISING MANAGER Anthony Craig 786-6195 admanager@thenorthernlight.org

NEWS EDITOR Victoria Petersen vgpetersen@thenorthernlight.org

MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE Milo Stickle-Frizzell marketing@thenorthernlight.org

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Jordan Rodenberger jrodenberger@thenorthernlight.org

CONTRIBUTORS Jacob Holley-Kline Felipe Godoy Diaz Evan Dodd

STAFF REPORTERS Jake Johnson jjohnson@thenorthernlight.org

MEDIA ADVISER Paola Banchero

PHOTO EDITOR Casey Peterson cpeterson@thenorthernlight.org STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Young Kim ykim@thenorthernlight.org LAYOUT EDITOR Demi Straughn layout@thenorthernlight.org

ADMINISTRATIVE ADVISER Zac Clark ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Stacey Parker OPEN POSITIONS A&E editor Assistant News Editor Features Editor Assistant Features Editor A&E Editor Assistant A&E Editor Sports Editor

CORRECTIONS In the April 12, 2016 edition of The Northern Light, Ariane Audett was referred to as Miss Alaska 2016. Audett is Miss Alaska USA 2016.

DegreeWorks? Are you using

Why do students love using DegreeWorks? You can:

1 Confirm that courses you registered for fulfill degree requirements 2 Use the What If feature to preview how changing your major or adding a minor will impact you before you take official action 3 Create a semester-by-semester plan with your advisor What are UAA students saying about DegreeWorks?

“Seeing my progress gives me the motivation to keep going!”

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Email degrees@uaa.alaska.edu with questions or visit uaa.alaska.edu/records for more information.