OCTOBER 22 - OCTOBER 28, 2019
FEATURES
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE
OPINION
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Haunted Halloween Fun Night brings entertainment for the whole family.
THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG
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Is this NBA season LeBron James’ last viable shot at MVP?
Administration/Humanities Building reopens after electrical fire By Christina Swayney features2@thenorthernlight.org
After a two-week closure of the Administration/Humanities Building due to a fire, the building is now reopened as of Oct. 14. The Sept. 29 fire started due to electrical malfunctions in the building’s main distribution switchboard. The sprinkler system was triggered by the fire, but there was little water damage to the building and its equipment, according to Deputy Director of Facilities and Campus Services, Ryan Buchholdt. The cause behind the switchboard malfunction is under investigation. Buchholdt speculated that the age of the equipment may have contributed to the cause of the fire. “The fire was contained within the main distribution switchboard, resulting in a total power outage until repairs could be completed,” Buchholdt said. The utility service is connected to the building by the switchboard, which is designed specifically for the Administration/Humanities Building. Replacement parts for the switchboard are not readily available, Buchholdt said, so new parts had to be engineered and others ordered, which took several weeks. The fire started on a Sunday afternoon, so there was little time to reschedule classes in the building, Buchholdt said. All classes the following Monday, Sept. 30, were canceled by University Leadership. They were relocated to various buildings around campus throughout the rest of the week. “Fifty-six class sections and approximately 70 faculty and staff had to be temporarily relocated to other places on campus
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PHOTO COURTESY OF RYAN BUCHHOLDT
Anchorage Fire Department personnel responds to the Sept. 29 fire that began in the building’s main distribution switchboard.
PHOTO BY JASON HERR
The Administration/Humanities Building reopened on Oct. 14, allowing students and staff to return to their classrooms and offices.
until the building could be reopened,” Buchholdt said. The relocation was organized by the Office of the Registrar.
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The Alaska Middle College classes also held in the building were relocated to the UAA/APU Consortium Library.
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Lindsey Chadwell, the University Registrar of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services, communicated the incident to as
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many people as possible through social media. “We worked jointly on messaging with the Office of University Advancement, which sent out broad communications via email, social media and the UAA website alerting the campus community to the building’s closure,” Chadwell said. In addition to the 56 classes, the offices of the Chancellor, Provost, Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services and some members of University Advancement are also located in the Administration/Humanities Building. These offices were relocated to the University Lake Building by Facilities and Campus Services. Smaller units were relocated to the UAA/APU Consortium Library and Professional Studies Building. Staff in the building were also given the opportunity to work from home via computer if they were able to do so. All main electrical equipment that is similar in age to the switchboard will be inspected by Facilities and Campus Services. Regular inspections will also continue, Buchholdt said. “In addition to steps that can prevent this sort of incident in the future, our Incident Management Team, which includes representatives from University Police, Facilities and Campus Services, Dean of Students Office and University Advancement, will evaluate the overall response to find ways to improve our emergency practices,” Buchholdt said. For more information on the Administration/Humanities Building fire and equipment inspections, contact Facilities and Campus Services through its page on the UAA website.
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FEATURES
THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2019
Haunted Halloween Fun Night to be filled with fright and delight By Christina Swayney features2@thenorthernlight.org
Students and their families, as well as members of the Anchorage community, can partake in a variety of Halloweenthemed events at UAA’s Haunted Halloween Fun Night on Oct. 26. The event, hosted by UAA’s Club Council, and Student Clubs and Greek Life, is open to all ages. The annual event features a variety of carnival-like activities, such as Monster Cornhole with the UAA Accounting Club, a monster hunt provided by Sigma Alpha Epsilon and face painting. Halloween costumes are highly encouraged. New to the festivities this year is DJ Cory Allen, who will spin three hours of family-
friendly dance music during the first half of the event. This year marks the 26th celebration of the event. In 2016, around 3,000 visitors attended the event, according to Rose Kruger, former vice-chair of Club Council. Haunted Halloween Fun Night is the largest indoor trick or treating event in Anchorage and also the largest fundraising event for UAA clubs, according to Jordan. This year, 25% of the proceeds will go to Children’s Lunchbox of Anchorage, a program through Bean’s Cafe that aims to provide lunches and snacks to children 18 years and younger who may be in need of food. The remaining funds raised at the event help support the participating clubs. The annual event is highly
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GRAPHIC COURTESY OF THE UAA EVENTS CALENDAR
UAA’s Haunted Halloween Fun Night is the largest indoor trick-or-treating event in Anchorage, with nearly 3,000 in attendance in 2016.
anticipated by the community, according to Brandon Jordan, the business manager for Club Council and the lead for the event. “Every year, there are booths with fun activities and candy is given out. It is something the community looks forward to,” Jordan said. Jordan emphasizes the importance of families and kids attending the event. “We want to have a warm,
fun and safe environment for students and their families. We want to make it as fun as possible,” Jordan said. Over 100 clubs have signed up to participate in this year’s event, according to Jordan. Interested clubs can still register by contacting Club Council at uaa_clubcouncil@alaska.edu. Haunted Halloween Fun Night will take place on Oct. 26 from 1-6 p.m. in the Student Union. The event is free to at-
tend and open to the public. Fifty-cent tickets for the activity booths can be purchased in advance at UAAtix.com or on the day of at the entrance of the event. There is also complimentary parking available for those in attendance. For more information on the event, visit uaa.campuslabs. com.
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THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2019
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Seawolf hockey team home games return to campus in the newly-renamed Seawolf Sports Complex By John Novotny arts@thenorthernlight.org
After the expiration of a 16-year naming agreement between the University of Alaska Anchorage and Wells Fargo, the Wells Fargo Sports Complex has been renamed the Seawolf Sports Complex. The agreement expired on June 30 after Wells Fargo declined to renew it, according to UAA’s public relations and marketing manager Kirsten Olmstead. “As we reassess our corporate brand strategy, we are determining how we can put our marketing dollars and resources to the best use to build and enhance relationships with our diverse customers and communities,” David Kennedy, the Pacific Northwest Regional communications officer for Wells Fargo, said in an email. Wells Fargo also contributed funds to Seawolf Athletics throughout the span of the agreement, Greg Myford, director of athletics, said. “Wells Fargo was contributing $68,000 annually to Seawolf Athletics through the naming rights sponsorship and an advertising agreement through Seawolf Sports Properties,” Myford said in an email. Despite the loss of Wells Fargo’s annual contributions, Seawolf Athletics hopes to increase its total funding, according to Myford.
“Now that [the university’s reduced budget] is in place and we know what we’re working with moving forward, we can turn our attention back to [continuing] to raise money for athletics and [supporting] our teams,” Myford said. Athletics has begun talking to potential new sponsors that are community and education focused, Myford said. “There are a few very solid companies that we’ve had conversations with and continue [to do so]. What everyone can count on is that those companies are going to be long-term partners. Our values are going to align with what UAA is looking to accomplish and what [the company is] looking to accomplish as a community business,” Myford said. “We look forward to progressing those conversations and before too long, being able to announce a partner.” In the past, the Seawolf hockey team held home games at the Sullivan Arena. For the first time in over 30 years, the team’s home games will take place at the Seawolf Sports Complex, starting on Oct. 25. There is a major difference in the seating capacity between the Sullivan Arena and the Seawolf Sports Complex. The Sullivan Arena has a seating capacity of 6,290 for ice hockey, while the Seawolf Sports Complex can only seat 750. “That difference is intended to be temporary,”
Myford said. “What we’ll need to do is expand the Seawolf Sports Complex.” Myford hopes that the smaller seating capacity will enhance the atmosphere of Seawolf hockey games. “I hope… the students get better [and] easier access to the games having them right here on campus,” Myford said. “I think it’s going to be a much better atmosphere for our players to come out and have a full arena with all of the seats very close to the ice and a loud atmosphere.” Tickets for the 20192020 hockey season are already completely sold out, according to Myford. There are 80 free tickets allotted to students per game. How students obtain those tickets is also changing. “We’ll be distributing all student tickets on the day of the game right at the Seawolf Sports Complex,” Myford said. “Any UAA student who is taking six credits or more [will just need to] provide their Wolfcard and we will hand them their ticket right there on the concourse of the [Seawolf] Sports Complex.” In addition to home games, the Seawolf hockey team also practices at the Seawolf Sports Complex. “It’s where they practice… get their sports medicine attention [and] where the coaches’ offices are. So the Seawolf Sports Complex is already home for them,” Myford said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE UAA ATHLETICS RECREATION WEBPAGE
Multiple exterior and interior signs had to be replaced as a result of the end of the naming agreement with Wells Fargo, according to Greg Myford.
PHOTO BY JASON HERR
Seawolf hockey is entering its 40th year in the 2019-2020 season.
“Being able to play their games there should definitely be an additional advantage.” To get the word out about the new name of the Seawolf Sports Complex and home game location change, UAA Athletics plans to make announcements on UAA hockey’s
social media pages. “What we want to do is make sure we get [the] word out to everyone. How easy it is [to pick up tickets] and most importantly, to come out and support the team,” Myford said. The first Seawolf hockey home games of the sea-
son against the University of Alaska Fairbanks take place on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. at the Seawolf Sports Complex. Student tickets are available at the complex 60 minutes before the start of each game.
OPINION
THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2019
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2020 NBA awards predictions: LeBron’s last viable shot at MVP? Zion not a lock for Rookie of the Year? PHOTO COURTESY OF JONATHAN BACHMAN/GETTY IMAGES
Zion Williamson (left) and Lonzo Ball (right) look to thrive with their new team.
By Joey Carreon events@thenorthernlight.org
It’s that time of year again folks, the 2019-20 NBA season is officially here. Although, we could say the NBA never left, thanks to a historically eventful preseason that saw the United States National Team embarrassing themselves at the FIBA Basketball World Cup and Kawhi Leonard shift the entire league’s power dynamic in Thanos-esque fashion. MVP - LeBron James (27.4 points per game, 8.5 rebounds per game, 8.3 assists last season) I know LeBron had health issues last year and played a career-low 55 games while surrounded by a rag-tag group of young Lakers with no true identity. However, things are different this year. LeBron just teamed up with Anthony Davis, a transcendent star with limitless potential when he’s able to stay healthy for an entire season. Furthermore, with the departure of young guns Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and Brandon Ingram in the offseason, LeBron has surrounded himself with notable vets such as Rajon Rondo, Demarcus Cousins, Avery Brad-
ley and Danny Green. It doesn’t take a genius to know LeBron performs best around battletested vets (shoutout to Miami and Cleveland). LeBron is also 34 years old, and factoring in all the strings he pulled to assemble a roster that looks like the Justice League (or a retirement home, depending on who you ask), he has a sense of urgency. With his few elite years left in the tank, LeBron James will be gunning hard for his fifth MVP and his first championship since leading Cleveland to the promised land in 2016. Rookie of the Year — Zion Williamson (22.6 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 2.1 apg at Duke) I’ll admit, I was a skeptic at first. However, after seeing how dominant Zion Williamson was during this year’s preseason, I’m now a believer. The biggest knock to Zion’s game is that he only scores in the paint — but if he’s scoring 20 points a game at a 70% clip, why change it? He scored 26 points on reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert during the preseason; I have nothing to complain about. Zion joins an entertaining, up-tempo offense anchored by Lonzo Ball’s fantastic court vi-
sion. Look for Zion to get easy buckets off Zo’s outlet passes. Furthermore, with shooters like JJ Redick on the wing, Zion has a failsafe if he gets caught in the paint. The Pelicans are young, so they will have no qualms running Zion if he stays healthy — and if he does, he’s looking like a lock for Rookie of the Year. Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert (15.9 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.3 blocks per game last season) I think Rudy Gobert will be the first player since Dwight Howard to win three consecutive DPOYs. Getting past the voter’s fatigue and winning three straight will be tough — but despite not leading the league in total blocks or blocks per game, the “Stifle Tower” was at the top of nearly all advanced defensive stats, like plus-minus and defensive win shares. Just look at him, he’s a 7-foot1-inch goliath who absorbs everything in the lane. Plus, with the Utah Jazz’s improved roster, thanks to additions like Mike Conley and Bojan Bogdanovic, Gobert will be going all out — especially after his ridiculous All-Star Game snub last season.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP / GETTY IMAGES
After missing the playoffs last season for the first time since 2005, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the new-look Lakers hope to make a run at a championship this season.
Look for Rudy to be on a revenge tour all season. Sixth Man of the Year: Lou Williams (20.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 5.4 apg last season) They really ought to change the name of the award to the “Lou Williams Award.” Sweet Lou averaged an absurd 20 points off the bench last season, and with a Clippers team that just became the favorite to win the NBA Championship, Williams will have his work cut out for him. Look for Lou Will to anchor the second unit’s offense when Kawhi and Paul George are on the bench. Most Improved Player: Lonzo Ball (9.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 5.4 apg last season) A heralded recruit coming out of high school and college, Lonzo Ball has always been under the spotlight. In Los Angeles, Ball was subject to immense amounts of pressure for a kid that young — no thanks to his father, Lavar, and Magic Johnson. Ball has been quoted saying confidence has been an issue for him, and now that Ball is free from unrealistic expectations in LA, he’s sure to thrive.
New Orleans is just a better fit for him. Lonzo has Jrue Holiday to alleviate some of the offensive pressure, he has JJ Redick to kick the ball out to, he has a transcendently athletic rim-runner in Zion and he still has his pals Josh Hart and Brandon Ingram. Look for Zo and the younggun Pelicans to make some noise. Coach of the Year - Quin Snyder (50-32 record with the Jazz last season) The Utah Jazz quietly had one of the best offseasons this year. Sure, they didn’t just add a transcendent player like the Rockets, the Clippers and the Lakers, but the Jazz was already great — they just got even better. The Jazz added Mike Conley, Bojan Bogdanovic, Ed Davis, Jeff Green and Emmanuel Mudiay to their roster for the upcoming season. The addition of a former alldefensive vet in Conley is huge for the Jazz —especially having him alongside Donovan Mitchell. Plus, with added scoring from Bogdanovic and Green, the Jazz are poised to have an even better season than last year.
Take a break and add some color to a Seawolf Halloween
GRAPHIC BY MICHAELINE COLLINS
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STAFF CONTACTS
A S S O C I AT E D CO L L E G I AT E P R ES S
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Managing Editor Mary Ryan content@thenorthernlight.org Layout Editor Jason Herr layout@thenorthernlight.org Arts & Entertainment Editor John Novotny arts@thenorthernlight.org
Graphic Designer Michaeline Collins media@thenorthernlight.org Marketing Representative Krizelle Solidum marketing@thenorthernlight.org Media Adviser Paola Banchero Administrative Adviser Zac Clark
Sports Editor Lauren Cuddihy sports@thenorthernlight.org Features Reporter Christina Swayney features2@thenorthernlight.org
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EVENTS
THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2019
Get off the couch! By Jason Herr layout@thenorthernlight.org
UAA On-Campus Events: “Made of Stone” What: An art exhibition presented by artists Alanna DeRocchi and Jonathan S. Green, who share an interest in the climate crisis and its effects on the planet. “Made of Stone” speaks of materiality and how to think toward the future. When: Oct. 23-25, open 8 a.m-5 p.m. Where: The ARC gallery in the UAA/APU Consortium Library Cost: Free. Parking enforcement by UAA Parking Services still applies. Career Table: Alaska Army National Guard What: Speak with representatives from the Alaska Army National Guard about future opportunities. When: Oct. 22-23 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
and the largest fundraising event for UAA clubs. There will be assorted carnival-like activities and fun for the whole family. Costumes are encouraged. When: Oct. 26 from 1-6 p.m. Where: Student Union Cost: Attendance is free. Tickets for the activity booths can be purchased on UAAtix.com or at the entrance of the event.
Where: First-floor lobby of Rasmuson Hall Cost: Free. Parking enforcement by UAA Parking Services still applies. Museums: Power; Access; and Community Series, II What: Aisha Barnes, UAA Writing Department faculty and Hollis Mickey, Anchorage Museum director of Learning and Engagement, are hosting three presentations and discussions centered around the role and responsibilities of museums in communities. When: Oct. 22 from 4-6 p.m. Where: UAA/APU Consortium Library, room 307 Cost: Free. Parking enforcement by UAA Parking Services still applies. Student Recitals What: UAA students can show their support for UAA music majors as they practice for a live audience. Genres range from opera to jazz.
GRAPHIC BY LEVI BROWN
When: Oct. 25 from 3-5 p.m. Where: UAA Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Building Cost: Free parking at the Fine Arts Building and free admission. Sinfonia What: UAA’s Sinfonia is ready to transport listeners with an evening of orchestral works. Join in supporting emerging artists as they fill the UAA Recital Hall with timeless
classical arrangements. When: Oct. 26 from 7:309:30 p.m. Where: UAA Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Building Cost: Ticket prices vary. Student: $9.99, military and seniors (60+): $14.99 and adult: $19.99. Haunted Halloween Fun Night What: Haunted Halloween Fun Night is the largest indoor trick-or-treating event in Anchorage,
Bookstore Reopening What: The UAA Bookstore will reopen in its new location in the Alaska Airlines Center. When: Oct. 28 at 8 a.m. Where: Alaska Airlines Center. Textbook Kiosk at room 131 and Spirit Shop at room 160, for UAA clothing and merchandise, school supplies and general books. Cost: Free. Parking enforcement by UAA Parking Services still applies. Seawolf Athletics: Volleyball What: UAA Seawolves vs. UAF Nanooks When: Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.
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Where: Alaska Airlines Center Cost: UAA students taking six or more credits on the Anchorage campus can attend all regularseason games for free with the presentation of a valid Wolfcard. Additionally, each student can bring up to two guests with them to all regular-season matches/games for $5 each. General admission is $10. Parking enforcement by UAA Parking Services still applies. Hockey What: First home games of the season: UAA Seawolves vs. UAF Nanooks When: Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. Where: Seawolf Sports Complex Cost: UAA students taking six or more credits on the Anchorage campus can attend all regularseason games for free with the presentation of a valid Wolfcard. Capacity at the Seawolf Sports Complex ice rink will be limited, so be sure to arrive early.