Marc 21, 2024

OLIVIA GILLIAND FOR THE POST

Ohio University renames LGBT Center to Pride Center

Ohio University’s LGBT Center renamed itself the Pride Center Monday in an effort to use more inclusive and inviting language. The renaming, which the OU Student Senate unanimously passed in October 2023, was recognized by a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday.

Following criticism that the term LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) was not inclusive of all queer and intersecting identities, administrative staff and Student Senate members opted to rebrand the program. Dr. Micah McCarey, director of the former LGBT, now Pride Center, said he and Pride Center staff considered several names, drawing inspiration from other institutions and requesting feedback from students before deciding on the new name.

“Since starting as LGBT Center director in 2019, I've heard inquiries from visitors, students, alumni and others asking why we are missing letters from the name LGBT Center,” McCarey said. “We hope that anyone who connects with our Pride Center can cultivate a sense of pride in their advocacy, whether that's as an ally or as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.”

The ribbon-cutting event was attended by around 50 students and faculty members at Baker University Center, located at 1 Park Place, in room 348, and was also attended virtually via Microsoft Teams. The ceremony began at 5 p.m. and dedicated the Pride Center to its core mission of education, connection, celebration and support, according to a university press release.

Among these attendees were students such as Student Senate LGBTQIA+ Commissioner Willow Downard and Pride Center student staffer and drag queen Rayley Saphron. Members of the administration, such as President Lori Stewart Gonzalez and Interim Vice President for the Division of Diversity and Inclusion Russell Morrow, were also in attendance.

“The Pride Center has a decade's long history of advocacy, celebration, education and community in support of gender identity and sexual orientation,” Morrow said in his address. “Over the years the location has changed. The logo has changed. The leaders have changed, but the commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, healthy and successful community has never wavered. Now arguably more than ever, that commitment is crucial.”

McCarey, along with other members of the Pride Center staff, recognizes the limitations the program faces using an acronym

for its name and is committed to providing students, faculty and the community with access and representation. The Pride Center ultimately became the initiative's most popular name recommendation because of the term’s long-standing history as an anthem for LGBTQIA+ rights.

Still, McCarey emphasized there have been challenges, as in any renaming process, and that a percentage of people will always have differing opinions.

“Ultimately, an acronym approach to naming the Center was going to provide ongoing limitations,” McCarey said. “Language is always evolving. We know that there will continue to be shifts in LGBTQ terminology, so this just happens to be where we've landed right now in 2024.”

The Center was originally opened as the GLBT Center in 1998, which was renamed the LGBT Center a year later. For more than 25 years, the Center has provided people with educational opportunities, supplemental resources and meaningful connections and has urged people to get involved in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on campus and in the community.

“Sometimes people assume that diversity, equity and inclusion efforts are only for peo-

ple of color or underrepresented students, when in fact, it's really important to understand that the work of DEI is everyone's,” McCarey said. “We all have a role to play in making our communities safer and more inclusive.”

Daisy Ramos, a sophomore studying film, echoes these sentiments.

“I think that Pride (as a name for the Center) does help a little bit more because it fits in with everybody that's under that (LGBTQIA+) umbrella,” Ramos said. “We all were fighting for our rights and we should have pride for that.”

McCarey said a large reason for renaming the Center was to be inclusive of intersectional identities. As a Latin-Caribbean, pansexual and polyamorous student Ramos said she agrees.

“I was surprised (by the name change) but at the same time, I'm not opposed to it,” she said. “I like the idea of community in every sense of the word and I am very comfortable in the Pride Center.”

McCarey said he believes renaming the Center will provide more people with a sense of community and belonging, ultimately making it more inviting. Although the Pride Center is located on Ohio University’s cam-

pus, Assistant Director Sarah Doherty said the Center has found success outside the university as well.

“We are incredibly proud of the … knowledge, friendship, mentorship, leadership and … engagement with the Center,” Doherty said per a university press release. “We are also tremendously appreciative of the faculty, staff, alumni, community members and supporters without whom the Center’s work would be impossible.”

Stewart Gonzalez said she is incredibly proud to be an ally and to have allies all over campus and is proud of the Pride Center, which she called a “perfect gift” in her speech. She said it is the university’s mission to make people of any background or characteristic comfortable on campus.

“One thing I think about OU is we’re students first and we are a community,” Stewart Gonzalez said. “Once people walk across the bricks, they begin to feel at home and I want that to be true for every student regardless of your interest, regardless of your sexual orientation, your background or your religion.”

@OLIVIAGGILLIAND OG953622@OHIO.EDU

OU President Lori Stewart Gonzalez cuts ribbon Wednesday at the Pride Center rededication. (OLIVIA GILLIAND | FOR THE POST)

UAOU await university recognition for unionization

MAGGIE AMACHER FOR THE POST

The United Academics of Ohio University, or UAOU, delivered a letter to OU President Lori Stewart Gonzalez March 5 during a rally it hosted on College Green, requesting the university respect its wishes to unionize and agree to remain neutral.

UAOU received a response March 7 from OU’s Senior Associate General Counsel and Director of Employee and Labor Relations, Michael Courtney, on behalf of Stewart Gonzalez.

However, Courtney said UAOU’s current request does not meet the minimum requirements outlined in the Ohio Revised Code, section ORC 4117.05, for seeking voluntary recognition of UAOU, American Federation of Teachers, or AFL-CIO, and American Association of University Professors, or AAUP, as the exclusive representatives for OU faculty.

Specifically, the formal filing with the Ohio State Employment Relations Board, or SERB, lacked sufficient information, such as evidence of majority support and a detailed description of the positions to be recognized. The file’s omission of information prevents university leadership

from thoroughly reviewing the request for voluntary recognition of the proposed exclusive representative.

Kyle Butler, vice president of OU-AAUP and an associate professor of instruction in the Ohio program of intensive English, said UAOU had spoken to over 90% of faculty across all of OU’s campuses and had roughly two-thirds support from faculty.

March 8, UAOU faculty and AFT-AAUP staff delivered over 550 signed authorization cards and a Petition for Representation Election to the SERB Office in Columbus. Following SERB instructions, a duplicate copy and a letter were emailed to Courtney.

Samantha Pelham, a university spokesperson, said because the process of UAOU filing with the board is a complicated multistep process, it would be premature for the university to comment any further.

Courtney said OU leadership greatly values and respects all university employees and believes they are vital for the success of the university. He also mentioned the development of a Dynamic Strategy to support the university’s employees.

The Ohio Revised Code sets a specific amount of time, longer than the current demand of the UAOU, for responding to the voluntary recognition of an exclusive

representative upon a filing with SERB, Courtney said.

Additionally, given the quick turnaround, OU leadership was not given adequate time to form a position or opinion on the matter, he said.

Tuesday morning, the university administration posted a notice to employees from SERB. The notice informed OU employees that UAOU filed a petition for a representation election seeking to be the exclusive representative for collective bargaining purposes.

The proposed unit includes all full-time faculty at all campuses, with exclusions such as visiting faculty, managerial employees and supervisory employees. Any organization wishing to intervene must file a motion by April 2.

John O’Keefe, the director of communications for UAOU and associate professor of history at Ohio University-Chillicothe, discussed the next steps of the unionization process.

Once UAOU submits the authorization cards and SERB reviews and certifies it, it will negotiate with the university regarding the members of the bargaining unit and the contract itself.

According to the SERB Representation Guide, after the approval of the bargaining

CAMPUS EVENTS March 21st - April 8th

Friday, March 22

Friday’s LIVE

Season 52 E04

hosted by Grayson Newbourn

8:00 pm

Studio C (RTV 515)

NPPAOU Podcasting Wkshp

6:30-7:30 pm

Schoonover Center

Saturday, March 23

OU Meteorology Symposium

9:00 - 3:30 pm

Walter Hall 245

Wednesday, March 27

Photowalk at Strouds Run

5:30 -8:00 pm

Strouds Run State Park

*details on Bobcat Connect

Thursday, March 28

Kaiwa Time

Practice Speaking Japanese w/learners & native speakers

7:00 - 8:00 pm

Gordy 209

Thursday, March 28

Taylor Swift DJ Night

6:30-9:30 pm Baker Ballroom

Saturday, March 30

Wolf Facts vs Myths

Humane Coexistence Methods

12:00-1:00 pm

Schoonover 145

African Heros Night

6:00 - 9:00 pm

Baker Ballroom

$5 admission

Bobcat Tabletop all day gaming

10:00 - 10:00 pm

Living Learning Center

unit, SERB will direct an election.

“I really want to emphasize that our voice is collective,” O’Keefe said. “The more active faculty are in this process, the more our contract will reflect the views of all faculty.”

In an announcement, UAOU wrote that it wants a swift process that leads to a representation election in Fall 2024. It encouraged ongoing support from all parties involved.

Butler said UAOU is continuing to hold regular meetings, contact faculty regularly with updates on the unionization effort and organize a button campaign to increase awareness.

“I’m hopeful that the university is ready to work with us,” Butler said. “We all want the same thing. We want to support our students, we want to see this university thrive. We look forward to the opportunity to be able to work directly and negotiate with the administration to make that happen.”

Courtney said the university will respond per the Ohio Revised Code upon formally filing a complete request for recognition.

@MAGGIE.AMACHER

MA657122@OHIO.EDU *

Friday, April 5

Friday’s LIVE Season 52 E05 hosted by Dasia Dewberry & Larissa Strong 8:00 pm

Studio C (RTV 515)

ECLIPSE

WATCH PARTY PAWPRINT PARK

APRIL 8TH 2:00 - 4:00 PM

Stolen computers from Schoonover, a man on a cruiser at O’Bleness

KENDALL WRIGHT FOR THE POST

Honestly … it’s tempting

A theft in Schoonover Center was reported to the Ohio University Police Department.

OUPD reported multiple computer items were taken from Schoonover.

Tripped a wire?

An alarm drop on Mcgur Road, Guysville, was reported to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

Once deputies arrived, they met with a man who was doing maintenance on the home.

The man informed deputies he had been there the entire day and did not hear any alarms.

Moo Moo Meadows

An animal complaint on Lemaster Road in The Plains was reported to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

Upon arrival, officers saw a cow walking along the road. According to deputies, the cow “moooved” off the road and back into the field.

Back off

The Athens County Sheriff's Office received a call-in report of a threat over the phone.

The caller told deputies she had been receiving threats via telephone.

Officers contacted the suspect who had been making the threats and told her not to contact the initial caller anymore or she would be charged with telecommunication harassment.

New whip

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office took a walk-in report of a stolen John Deere riding

lawn mower.

The victim said his lawn mower was stolen from his yard Wednesday evening.

LAAAAAMEEEEE

Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies reported to Baker Street in Coolville to look into a trespassing complaint.

Once deputies were on the scene, they spoke with the complainant and noticed several children were playing basketball in the street.

The caller requested the deputies ask the children to stop coming into their yard to get the basketball. Deputies then asked the children to stop doing this as much as possible.

Dolla dolla bills come get her

Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to The Plains on a complaint of a fake $100 bill.

As of Saturday, the case is under investigation.

Easter came early

A suspicious person around parked vehicles at night in Jacksonville was reported to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

After investigating, deputies found a woman had been attempting to egg a resident’s vehicle.

No damages were done to the vehicle, and the woman was issued a citation for disorderly conduct.

He saw the opportunity and took it

Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies were inside O’Bleness Hospital when a nurse told officers there was a man outside on top of the Sheriff’s vehicle.

Deputies proceeded to ask the man to get off the cruiser several times. The man was then charged with persistent disorderly con-

duct and resisting arrest.

Wiring issues

A possible burglary/trespassing issue at a residence in Ames Township was reported to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

Upon arrival, deputies met with the homeowner who told deputies they had seen a light on at their home and it later turned off.

Deputies checked the home and surrounding area but did not locate anyone.

Aw, gee whiz

An individual in The Plains called the Sheriff’s Office and requested a vehicle unlock because they accidentally locked themselves out of their running vehicle.

Officers responded and unlocked the vehicle once they were available.

@KENDALLKWRIGHT

Athens City police officer Nathan Braglin conducts a traffic stop near Ohio University Feb. 24, 2024 (JUSTIN DELGADO | FOR THE POST)

Ohio University to divest buildings for COFA project

MAGGIE AMACHER FOR THE POST

Ohio University plans to divest Kantner Hall, located on North Green, and Central Classroom Building, located on College Green, to reduce utility and maintenance expenses, reallocating funds toward the College of Fine Arts Capital Project.

Chief Strategy, Operations and Facilities Officer in the College of Fine Arts Cimmeron O’Connor said the university plans for the Central Classroom Building and Kantner Hall to remain occupied and maintained by the university through 2026.

During the next few years, University Design/Construction and Planning will assess the future of the facilities and how they may be used to better serve the university’s needs, O’Connor said.

According to a previous Post report, the College of Fine Arts renewal strategy is a project to renovate, relocate and reconstruct buildings within the college to revitalize arts

education across campus and the Athens community.

The renewal strategy is anticipated to be completed by the 2026 Fall Semester, providing four new and refurbished buildings for its six schools — Art and Design, Film, Music, Theater, Dance and Interdisciplinary Art. These renovations aim to enhance arts education and provide collaborative opportunities, O’Connor said.

“The future of the arts is fundamentally interdisciplinary, and so, not only will future OHIO students work, create and rehearse in cutting-edge arts spaces, but because of the unique interdisciplinary design, they will benefit from the many ‘creative collisions’ that connected spaces can provide,” Matthew Shaftel, dean of the College of Fine Arts, wrote in an email.

With an estimated cost of $94 million, the renewal project is funded from $36 million in capital improvement planning funds, specifically for deferred maintenance, fundraising efforts and a $50 million donation from

alumna Violet Patton. The project is currently 92% funded.

O’Connor said the renewal strategy consolidates operational costs by utilizing fewer buildings, which creates significant savings in maintenance and utility expenses while providing modern facilities and classrooms.

“With the incredible growth and acclaim of our arts programs, it is time to ensure that our facilities match not only our current excellence but also are prepared to meet the students of tomorrow,” Shaftel wrote in an email.

Approved by the Board of Trustees in June, the resolution involved the comprehensive renovation of Seigfred Hall, transforming the five-story building into a multifaceted facility to house the six schools.

The renovations also include a new building, the Patton Arts Center. The center will feature a 400-seat theater and a large performance and rehearsal area connecting to the outdoors.

Siegfried Hall, which has yet to undergo

any significant upgrades since its construction in 1962, will receive updated infrastructure and interior enhancements, including lighting, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, according to the university’s six-year Capital Improvement Plan.

O’Connor said the Central Classroom Building, which houses the Anthropology Lab, College of Fine Arts Film and other general-use classrooms, is set to move to Siegfried Hall once the building’s renovations are completed.

The College of Fine Arts’ School of Dance, School of Film and School of Theater, which are currently housed in Kantner Hall, will move to Putnam Hall in addition to the new Patton Arts Center. It will be shared between all six schools in the College of Fine Arts as it is built to accommodate a variety of disciplines, O’Connor said.

Director of the School of Theater Merri Biechler discussed the opportunities of a new theater location.

Biechler emphasized her excitement about having new, state-of-theart spaces free from the outdated workarounds in a 60-year-old building. She said she hopes these spaces enhance the learning experience for production design and technology students, allowing them to become familiar with cutting-edge software, hardware and instruments.

While exciting, Biechler said the move will present challenges. She said theaters are complex structures requiring state-of-the-art acoustics, and figuring out how to make the new complex theater spaces and equipment work can be challenging.

“This (project) happens once in a lifetime for a School of Theater, for a College of Fine Arts,” Biechler said. “We are hopeful that we’re all going to be able to contribute in a way that is meaningful to our students because the students’ learning is absolutely at the top of everyone’s list.”

@MAGGIE.AMACHER MA657122@OHIO.EDU

The front of Kantner Hall, which houses space for classes for the College of Fine Arts and two theaters for productions, March 20, 2024, in Athens. (MEGAN VANVLACK | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

SCRIPPS IN D.C. SEMESTER

The ‘Talk Show Hosts’ combines college rock, party music for Athens audiences

JACKSON MCCOY FOR THE POST

The cherished tradition that is college rock started in another city named Athens over 500 miles from Ohio University’s campus — Athens, Georgia. The phenomenon that later became a genre took off in the ‘80s and ‘90s, with bands like R.E.M. and Pixies leading the movement.

Athens is home to many bands that fall into college rock’s modern form — Roman Candle, Uncouth and The Fibonacci Fellas are all popular examples. The approaching Milliron Fest brings another group for Bobcats to enjoy: The Talk Show Hosts.

The Talk Show Hosts formed last spring and have performed a number of house shows since, said rhythm guitarist and junior studying music production David Seymour. Seymour said the band’s formation was a very natural occurrence.

“It (the band) initially started out really just as a group of friends,” Seymour said. “We just all got together because we just all really like playing music together.”

Lead guitarist Zach Baker, a senior studying music production and contemporary musical and digital instruments, also emphasized that the band is a great creative outlet for him. He was previously in a band in high school and wanted to continue performing when he got to college.

The group’s name is a unique feature of the band and was picked just as naturally as the band was formed, vocalist and sophomore studying music education Molly Brannigan said.

“We all brainstormed and we just wrote (name ideas) all on a board,” Brannigan said. “Everybody was kind of just like, ‘OK, that has a nice ring to it.’”

The name has also led to creative concepts beyond just the band’s music. Members don black dress attire when performing, and they are even planning on incorporating their name into new elements of their stage show.

“We're thinking of having a little bit where we bring up some audience members and having a little mock talk show where we can sit there and talk with them and sort of engage with that as a little sort of fun thing,” Seymour said.

Members of the band take inspiration from musicians across the genre of rock ‘n’ roll. These inspirations can be

seen in The Talk Show Hosts’ performances and original songs, Seymour and Brannigan said. Seymour cited influences like Mick Mars, Eddie Van Halen and Metallica, while Brannigan pointed to alternative rock influences.

Baker cited similar rock influences like Van Halen, but also instrumental and jazz guitarists.

“I’m always looking for new guitarists to steal from,” Baker said. “People like Wes Montgomery (and) Joe Pass are amazing guitarists and make great music.”

Previous performing experience has been incredibly helpful for each of the individual members. Many of them are in OU’s Marching 110 and can play on stage more comfortably, Barrigan said.

“We're very expressive and very out there and stuff like that,” she said. “We’re kind of used to doing very big, flashy things. So that's really funny, and it's really fun to see people's reactions.”

Instrumentation is a major part of the band’s music during their performances, the members agreed. Although it has a heavier sound, they still want you to dance and have fun while listening to their music.

“We want to play butt-shaking music … we want people to dance with people,” Seymour said. “We want people to really enjoy the music that they're hearing and be able to just have a good time with it. It's not so much we want to stick to a specific genre or anything. We just want to play good music that people enjoy to hear and we also enjoy playing.”

While the trials and tribulations of a college band may not be as extreme as Fleetwood Mac’s or Guns N’ Roses’s backstage drama, there are still conflicts. However, The Talk Show Hosts always maintain their bond.

“We're just a bunch of friends just making music together, and I think that's really important,” Barrigan said. “I think that recently, we've had to kind of come back to that as our roots are. The bottom line is no matter what, we are just a bunch of friends making music together.”

The Talk Show Hosts will be performing Friday at 10 Milliron St., Apartment 2B, starting at 7 p.m.

Members of The Talk Show Hosts pose for a photograph. From left to right: Will Ruff, David Seymour, Jayce Yutzy, Molly Brannigan, Dawsoan Buchwald and Zach Baker Photographer: Henry Pausch. Provided by The Talk Show Hosts

Tony’s Tavern offers a place for all

Tucked away from the hustle and chaos of Court Street at 7 W. State St. lies Tony’s Tavern, a local dive bar that has been owned and operated by Tony Sylvester since 1982. Inside, the roar of laughter and casual conversation fills the dimly lit room, an atmosphere that serves as the backbone of the bar.

Tony’s is known not only for its inviting environment, but also its staunch support of the LGBTQIA+ community, as seen immediately by the transgender flag hanging outside the establishment.

“Since it’s one of – if not the most – inclusive bar on campus, there’s a wide range of diverse folks that like to hang out there, (which) makes it a really friendly and kind environment,” said Mitch Sisky, a former bouncer at Tony’s.

Sylvester himself emphasizes his commitment to inclusivity, wanting everyone who walks in the door to have a good time and feel at home.

According to Sylvester, the average age of

patrons ranges from 32-62, but college students still frequent Tony’s as well.

One regular of Tony’s is Orhan Kocataş, a Ph.D. student studying instructional technology. When Kocataş first came to Athens in 2016, Tony’s immediately attracted him due to its laid-back environment. Being an international student from Türkiye, formerly known as Turkey, he wanted a place where he could practice his English with native speakers, and Tony’s was a great place to do so.

“I feel everyone is welcome there, as an intern student from a different country, different ethnicity, a different appearance, physical appearance,” he said. “They're very welcoming people, bartenders, owners, regulars.”

Now, Kocataş said he’s acquainted with almost everyone who goes there, even Sylvester himself, who he describes as a great person.

Most other regulars know Sylvester too, and when he goes into the bar, he’s greeted with smiles and waves. Subsequently, the bar’s motto – “Tony’s: Where everybody calls you names” – checks out, as the friendliness of the bar is marked with amicable teasing among regulars.

Joking aside, Kocataş also reaffirmed the friendly atmosphere of Tony’s and said the feeling is that everyone is welcome there regardless of their ethnicity or appearance.

Another key component of Tony’s is the camaraderie that exists between staff members.

Sisky describes it as a “very community-driven environment,” with fellow employees always willing to take others’ shifts and even occasionally bringing small unexpected gifts to each other.

Sylvester also takes pride in his staff, specifically shouting out Chandra Trembly, who’s been the manager of Tony’s for over a decade.

“I’m very proud of the fact that my bartenders can make a living bartending (here),” Sylvester said.

The origins of Tony’s famous Hot Nut shot, which is a mixture of coffee, hazelnut flavoring and liquor, come from a former bartender of the establishment.

“We decided we needed to get rid of (some drinks). We just started mixing stuff and the coffee and hazelnut took off,” Sylvester said. “(Now), every OU alumni event in

the country has a Hot Nut.”

Despite some believing there’s a special ingredient in Hot Nuts, Sylvester confirms there is not.

“Our secret is there is no secret,” he said, laughing.

What sets Tony’s apart from other bars is not just its Hot Nuts, but also its bartenders, its inclusive environment and the dedication Sylvester has to the bar.

Throughout the decades, Sylvester has remained humble and appreciative of the ones around him who have helped Tony’s thrive.

“I’m not the kind of guy that believes that I’m the only reason (Tony’s) is successful,” he said. “My ability to put people in a position to be successful makes it even more successful.”

Sylvester also added he feels blessed he has a career he genuinely enjoys because not everyone gets that opportunity.

“42 years later, I’m still happy,” he said. "That’s how I know I’m supposed to be doing (this), and I wish that for everybody.” @GOODENOWALYSSA

ALYSSA GOODENOW FOR THE POST

Outside of Tony’s Tavern located on State Street in Athens, Feb. 16, 2024. (JENNA SLYMAN | FOR THE POST)

Athens voted top college town in the Midwest

ABBY JENKINS ASST CULTURE EDITOR

“RentCafe” recently ranked the top 10 college towns in the Midwest. The list was based on several factors, such as characteristics that influence quality of life and a strong connection to arts and culture. Athens topped the ranking, snagging the No. 1 spot.

Locals and students said it was no surprise.

“It sounds about right to me,” Christopher Koon, an Athens local, said. “Of course, I have two degrees from here, so I might be a bit prejudiced. But it is.”

Koon has been around Athens his entire life and went to Ohio University as part of the graduating class of 1987. He said his memories are too many to count.

Even with powerhouse schools, such as The University of Michigan and Indiana University Bloomington making the list, they couldn’t touch what Athens has due to a lack of arts, recreation and entertainment spaces.

“It’s just a gorgeous campus,” Koon said. “I also went to Indiana and some people try to compare the two but the architecture is different. IU has a very nice, beautiful campus, but ours is nice and beautiful too.”

RentCafe’s ranking of all college towns across the U.S. in 2024 still had Athens sitting high at the No. 11 spot. The criteria was based on a point system and out of 100, Athens scored 90.82. Bozeman, Montana, home to Montana State University sat in the top spot with a perfect score. The data considered for the scores included affordability, livability and education.

Factors for the list varied from tuition and cost of living to air quality index and its population of young adults. Many of the factors from both lists were catered to Generation Z and its desire to be in communities with “like-minded individuals.”

Caleigh LaVelle, a senior studying accounting, believes Athens meets the exact criteria of the list. The financial assistance OU provided her has allowed her to further her education at a school she loves. According to the criteria, 96% of students receive financial aid.

“They’re very generous with scholarships and stuff like that,” she said. “I think this is a great place to live … I’m not a big city person. So this campus, I feel like it does a really great job of creating a good community.”

LaVelle recommends that any Athens newcomers try Court Street Coffee, located at 67 S. Court St., and also grab a bite at Bagel Street Deli, located at 27 S. Court St.

According to the list, the younger population is additionally looking for natural beauty, minimal pollution and closeness to nature when searching for colleges. Another factor in their search had a lot to do with creative endeavors and self-expression. Athens has a surplus of green spaces as well as places for art and entertainment.

Julia Martin, an undecided freshman, heard about Athens from her father, an OU alum. She believes a good college town requires a strong sense of community.

“I felt like everyone that I met here was always very nice,” she said. “If I’m going to go to college somewhere, I want it to be very inviting. I loved the little town, Athens especially. It’s very homey.”

Despite being her first year, Martin has made many memories and is looking forward to the many more she will make.

“(My favorite things include) exploring the town of Athens, going to all the different coffee shops and just finding where I like to go the most and my favorite study spots and everything,” Martin said. “There’s so many different places to go and (I) just really enjoyed exploring the new area.”

When reminiscing about his days as a student, Koon said his mind goes to the concerts he and his band played in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. He also has many memories in the old Lucky’s Tavern, before it was moved across the street to 11 N. Court St.

Athens is home to Bobcats and locals who share one thing in common: their love for this town. Athens has been No. 1 in Bobcats’ hearts and now, it’s official.

“I think (Athens) is deserving of it,” Martin said. “But from when I’ve been here so far, I’ve really enjoyed it and I have been to a few other colleges and I would say that Athens is at the top for me.”

DJs work to ensure fun nights at Athens bars, restaurants

DISHA HOQUE FOR THE POST

Along the entirety of Court Street on a Friday night, music blares from numerous bars and restaurants, and establishments are full of students and locals dancing and socializing.

Behind these loud, colorful and crowded nights uptown are Athens DJs and event planners. Ranging from locals showcasing their passions for music and college students, Uptown DJs work to ensure Athens partiers enjoy their time uptown.

For Michael Bart, also known as DJ Barticus, Athens holds an energy different from other places.

“I see in other cities it takes way longer to start dancing — they will enter the venue, go to the bar, have two drinks then feel confident enough to go to the dance floor,” Bart said. “I see the opposite happens here, where people will come pay the cover at the door (and) go straight to the dance floor.”

Bart frequently does shows at Casa Nueva, on 6 W. State St, and The Union Bar, 18 W. Union St., along with a biannual ABBA dance party at the Smiling Skull Saloon, located at 108 W. Union St.

“I like seeing the mix of people in the crowd,” said Bart. “My 80s nights at Casa Nueva has a good mix of younger college people and people that are 10, 20 years older than me that still come out.”

Along with Athens shows, Bart also expanded his business to include Twitch livestreams during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s really fun trying to find a way to bring the virtual

world and the Athens world together,” Bart said. “There’s some people that are like ‘Oh, I was sick so I couldn’t make it out, but I’m having a dance party by myself.’”

Also seen working evenings in Athens, Brandon Thomspon, also known as DJ B-Funk, felt his passion for music and DJing spark early. Born and raised in Athens, he began his career DJing for his high school’s prom.

“We had a radio station that used to DJ our dances, and I really did not like their music, so I asked them if I could DJ,” said Thompson. “Then I just kind of fell in love with it from there, and then went to OU and just kept doing it.”

Along with working a full-time job, Thompson now DJs monthly Trust Me Dance Parties at Casa Nueva and DJs at weddings, birthday parties and private events.

The typical day in the life of an Athens DJ begins long before doors open at local bars and restaurants for the evenings.

“I always try to be well rested and not have too many daytime commitments. I wake up, I pick out one of my jumpsuits,” said Bart. “(I) try to get a nice healthy or large breakfast, and I’m thinking (during) the week leading up to the show of songs.”

Oftentimes, putting together a successful show occurs days before the event and includes considering the event’s audience.

“Something about my party is it’s not an older or younger party, it’s kind of for everybody,” Thompson said. “A lot of people my age want to hear stuff from the 90s, and that’s cool, but the majority of my crowd are college kids who are in their 20s, the 90s are like ancient to them. I try and thread

that needle of playing music that hits both.”

Along with transporting, setting up equipment and curating a video reel for his shows, much of Thompson’s planning includes ensuring that his music selection satisfies his diverse audience.

“I really try and program that properly, so I don’t lose people,” Thompson said. “I want the older people to stay longer than they normally would, but I also want younger people to get exposed to something new.”

Despite years of music shows and working in the Athens and Ohio University area, community building and music have not grown old or tedious for these performers.

“One of the things that never gets old is the back and forth between hearing the audience scream in shock or delight when I play a certain song they maybe weren’t expecting, and then I can mix another song or vocal on top of it,” said Bart. “Just when I’m mixing song after song and I’m getting that screaming reaction again and again, that’s one of the things that keeps me going here.”

Thompson holds a similar perspective.

“It’s a lot of planning because we want to make it look effortless and fun, we want to make sure people who show up are having a good time because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about,” Thompson said.

Along with well-known local DJs, Uptown is also inhabited by several DJs who are students at OU. Vince Debeljack, a sophomore studying music production and recording, can be seen working at bars like Red Brick Tavern and Pawpurr’s Bar.

Debeljack, known as Doublejack, also began his DJing career long before stepping foot on College Green.

“When I was in eighth grade I went to a middle school dance and I heard the DJ do some really cool transition,” Debeljack said. “I was blown away by it. That’s what made me want to do it.”

After that initial introduction to the creative possibilities of being a DJ, Debeljack began remixing songs and learning more about music production.

Along with working at Uptown bars, Debeljack is also the CEO of Brick Life Entertainment, the largest premier party promotion company in Athens. He works to schedule Brick Life’s events and organize where and when affiliated DJs are playing, including weddings and private events.

“It’s really hard to balance all that kind of work when you’re a full-time student and also running your own business,” Debeljack said. “But I’ve found time and ways to reorganize and restructure my business model in order to enable me to focus on school and focus on work an equal amount of time.”

Despite the long hours of preparation and work dedicated to putting on events and music shows, these DJs find positives in their work.

“(I) also get to make a new little tight-knit community with all the bar owners and people (I) see around,” Debeljack said. “Having friends and making connections for school, it’s a perfect way to do those types of things.”

For Thompson, music has always been at the center of his passion for DJing.

“I just want to share the music that I love with other people I love,” Thompson said.

Despite the long hours and hard work, these DJs still hold love for their work.

“I love what I do and I wouldn’t want to do anything else,” said Debeljack. “In order to be in this type of position for this kind of job, you have to be really dedicated and really passionate about what you do.”

Michael Bart, known as DJ Barticus, poses for a portrait outside of the Athens County Courthouse, March 16, 2024, in Athens. (ABBIE KINNEY | ART DIRECTOR)

Trio of wrestlers gear up for national championships

MARC GOLDSTEIN FOR THE POST

Months of training, grueling matches and exhaustion all culminate in one weekend. While the majority of the country will set its focus on the beginning of March Madness, there is another national tournament happening in Kansas City, Missouri: the NCAA Wrestling Championships.

The three-day event, taking place March 21-23, will cap off a season to remember for Ohio. The trio of Peyten Kellar, Garrett Thompson and Jordan Greer, all of whom have taken different paths to this point, will represent Ohio.

Although it ultimately fell short of a Mid-American Conference team title two weeks ago, Ohio still has hopes of securing its first top 8 individual finish at the NCAA Championships since 2016 when current Ohio Assistant Coach Cody Walters placed 7th. Kellar is the No. 7 seed in the 157-pound class, Thompson is the No. 12 seed in the 165-pound class and Greer is the No. 33 seed in the 285-pound class.

Kellar has been on one of the most dominant runs in Ohio history. He went 22-2 this season, winning his last 14 matches en route to a MAC title, the first for Ohio since 2017. Additionally, he won Co-MAC Wrestler of the Year. His first match is against a familiar foe: Central Michigan’s No. 26, Johnny Lovett.

The two have faced off this season with Kellar winning 6-0. Despite being the lower seed, Lovett does have the advantage of being a four-time national qualifier. The head-tohead history is something that Ohio Head Coach Joel Greenlee wants to draw upon to exploit some advantages for Kellar.

“We have the last (dual) win against (Lovett),” Greenlee said. “That’s a mental thing. (Kellar) just has to go out there and wrestle in the same way he did last time. (They) have kind of conflicting styles. (Kellar) is really good on the mat, (Lovett) is not as good on the mat. (Lovett) is probably a little better on his feet, but (Kellar) is really good defensively on his feet.”

Greenlee said he just wants Kellar to go out there and wrestle hard for seven minutes no matter who is on the other side of the mat or the seedings and records.

That sentiment goes for all of his wrestlers, including Thompson. After cruising through a season that saw little peril for him in his first year as a full-time starter, Thompson was upset in the MAC Championships 1st-place match.

Nonetheless, Thompson enters his first career match in the NCAA Championships as the favorite in terms of seeding. For the second time this season, Thompson will face Michigan State’s No. 21 Caleb Fish. The two squared off in East Lansing with Fish winning a 7-1 decision.

Thompson said he views his opponent no different than any other and looks to avenge his loss on the biggest stage.

“I’m so excited to get a chance to get that one back,” Thompson said. “I just watched the match a few times

with my coaches, broke it down, saw where I could do better and hope that I’ll get him this time.”

One of the things that Greenlee points out about this match is the overall trend of the two wrestlers. Fish is coming off a forgettable Big Ten Championship appearance, failing to place despite being the No. 4 seed in the conference. However, Thompson has not lost a dual outside of the MAC Championships since his loss to Fish.

“In (Thompson’s) case, (Fish) hasn’t had a great second half of the year,” Greenlee said. “I think he is going downward and (Thompson) is going up.”

Then, there is Jordan Greer. Greer is Ohio’s biggest surprise this season as he has only gotten stronger as the season has progressed. The senior captured the third and final auto bid allocated to the MAC heavyweight class. Greer will make his first trip to the NCAA Championships. His seed, No. 33, is the lowest in the bracket.

He will face Indiana’s No. 32 Nick Willham, also making his first appearance in the NCAA Championships. The two will wrestle in the pigtail matches with the winner facing Penn State’s No. 1 Greg Kerkvliet.

For Greer, it does not matter who awaits as he simply wants the chance to wrestle against the nation’s best.

“I have nothing to lose,” Greer said. “I’m the last seed, but I kind of like that because, like I said, I have nothing to lose and just get to have fun. I don’t focus on where I’m at, because upsets happen every single year. That’s the mindset you have to have.”

Greer said he wants to be the aggressor in every bout and will wrestle to win instead of not to lose. He thinks that strategy helped him immensely in the MAC Championships. Facing Willham, Greer hopes to bring that same strategy to the match.

“I’ve watched a lot of him so far,” Greer said. “He’s a little

more of a defensive wrestler. He used to be a 197-pounder like I was a couple of years ago, so it’ll be really fun. Just being aggressive, that’s the biggest thing.”

With the enhanced attention being given to the entire weekend of wrestling, some of the lights can be blinding and cause some wrestlers to freeze in the moment. Greer, like his teammates going to Kansas City, is excited for the opportunity to compete in front of a sold-out arena.

“I’m the type of guy that when the lights are brighter … I think that I do better because it’s exciting,” Greer said. “The opportunity to actually compete in front of a ton of people is awesome. I feel like I’ll feed off the energy so that atmosphere is probably the thing I’m looking forward to the most.”

Ohio will send three wrestlers to the pinnacle of college wrestling in Kansas City with the hopes of sending even more in the coming years.

Having the ability to demonstrate the overall strength of the program for the entire country is the perfect launchpad for a team that looks to become the next mid-major dynasty in the Midwest.

@MBGOLDSTEIN1107

MG126321@OHIO.EDU

Peyten Kellar: No. 7 seed in 157-pound class, 22-2 this season

Garrett Thompson:

No. 12 seed in 165-pound class, 26-6 this season

Jordan Greer:

No. 33 seed in 285-pound class, 14-8 this season

Ohio wrestler Peyten Kellar wrestling in the 157 pound weight class during the Bobcats’ match against Buffalo, Feb. 24, 2024, in The Convo. (JACK TATHAM | FOR THE POST)

Ohio prepares for big test against Miami

MARC GOLDSTEIN FOR THE POST

In its biggest rivalry of the season, Ohio will face arguably the toughest test of its campaign. The team will travel to Oxford for the latest edition of the Battle of the Bricks against Miami.

Ohio salvaged a win in its final game against Ball State during its first series of Mid-American Conference play, but the early part of its conference slate will not ease up. Ohio will also be looking to avenge a 2023 loss in the MAC tournament at the hands of Miami.

Series Information:

Opponent: Miami

Location: Miami Softball Stadium (Oxford)

Dates and times: Game 1 is on Friday, March 22 at 5 p.m., Game 2 is on Saturday, March 23 at 1 p.m. and Game 3 will start 30 minutes after the conclusion of Game 2.

Live stats for all of the games can be found online on the Miami Redhawks softball page.

Scouting Miami

Head Coach: Kirin Kumar (fourth season)

Individual statistical leaders

Batting Average: Jenna Golembiewski (.506)

Hits: Golembiewski (40)

Runs: Golembiewski and Karli Spaid (35)

Home Runs: Golembiewski and Spaid (18)

RBI: Golembiewski (46)

On-base Percentage: Golembiewski (.565)

Innings Pitched: Addy Jarvis (62.2)

Strikeouts: Madilyn Reeves (42)

ERA: Reeves (3.77)

Notes:

Miami has hit 70 home runs this season, the most out of any team in the nation; they have also scored the most runs per game with 9.12 and have the highest team slugging percentage with .752. Those numbers are just the tip of the iceberg of the team standings on a national level.

Individually, Miami boasts the two players with the most home runs in the country, Golembiewski and Spaid.

Miami has played four teams currently ranked in the USA Today top 25. Miami nearly knocked off No. 1 Oklahoma, which was on a winning streak of over 75 games at the time.

For as good as Miami’s offense is, its pitching is not quite as impressive. The pitching staff has, in many ways, forced its offense to rise to the occasion as Miami has been engaged in multiple high-scoring games. When Miami has lost games, it has given up more than six runs in each. The ace of the staff is undefined, as three pitchers have gotten into games and each of them has thrown a considerable number of innings.

Up and down play for Ohio:

Although Ohio salvaged one win against Ball State, it still needs to get back on track. The team’s one win in three games against the Cardinals indicates that it is still capable

of returning to the dominant form from earlier in the season. The high-powered Miami offense will challenge Ohio ace Skipp Miller to keep the ball in the park.

Additionally, Ohio will need to clean up some of its defensive issues. Making the right plays and clean plays will not only help keep Miami off the scoreboard, but it will also minimize pitch counts for pitchers, allowing them to go deeper into games and establish a rhythm.

@MBGOLDSTEIN1107

MG126321@OHIO.EDU

Sophomore Skipp Miller (19) goes to throw the ball at the game against Toledo at Ohio Softball Stadium on April 25, 2023, in Athens. (MEGAN VANVLACK | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

ALYSSA CRUZ CULTURE EDITOR

“Coeds” excel at OU

According to Ohio University’s Diversity Dashboard, 62.2% of its students are women. Out of the 27,308 students on the Athens campus, around 17,000 of them are women. These 17,000 people walk to class every day, sit on College Green and grab a bite surrounded by the names of women who came before them. Voigt Hall, Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium and Boyd Dining Hall are just a few of the buildings that were named in honor of exemplary women that have passed through the university.

However, when do building names simply not suffice? Does history get buried underneath the erected stone? Although the population of OU now has a female majority, this was not always the case. In fact, OU had remained strictly all-men for 64 years until the arrival of Margaret Boyd in 1868.

Among her peers, she remained the only woman at OU until 1870. When she graduated in 1873 with a Bachelor of Arts, there were eight other women enrolled.

Although her name is familiar among Bobcats, her story may not be. Known as Maggie, Boyd was the youngest of nine children, born and educated in Athens County. She grew up working and living on a farm in Coolville, the daughter of Northern Ireland and Scottish immigrants.

When she first came to the university in 1868, Boyd appeared in the student catalog merely as “M. Boyd” to avoid controversy. It was not until two years later that faculty members suggested to the Board of Trustees that women should be admitted to the university.

Thanks to the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, a look into Boyd’s everyday life is provided through the pock-

etbook diary she kept during 1873. A gift from her sister Kate, the diary enabled Boyd to record all sorts of details about her life. Many entries are a mere transcription of what she did that day while others showcase the social climate present during her time.

One entry provides insight into microag gressions as a woman when she wrote “what a sad thing it is to be a girl” in reference to the Latin on her diploma having masculine endings.

After Boyd, female enrollment at OU con tinued to grow. According to the OU Histor ical Fact Book Archives and Special Collec tions, 1909 was the first year the number of women surpassed the number of men with 334 women and 317 men. After that, 1943 witnessed the lowest male enrollment with only 236 men and 1070 women. This was due to the more than 16 million American men who served in World War II.

History was made again in 1913 when OU hired its first Dean of Women, Irma Voigt. Voigt served in the position until 1949, and she became a fixture on campus, mentoring thousands of young women. According to the archives, Voigt would use her home at 35 Park Place to host fireside chats. She also organized weekly 5-to-10-mile hikes on Sat urdays that she led around Athens.

Her relationship with her mentees was close, with her referring to female students as “my girls.” In return, letters addressed to her from students often opened with greet

ther. Ellis proposed she find a room at the home economics cottage where three of the teachers lived.

“This was my first day on the campus at Ohio University,” Voigt wrote. “No other person who was to occupy the cottage appeared before the next day. Unfortunately for me, it was my birthday. I had never been away from home before on my birthday. I didn’t know a soul in Athens, and I wasn’t too sure what the future held. Needless to say, I was blue and homesick.”

Voigt would continue to make the most of her time and discuss the fluctuation of enrollment numbers. She witnessed both World Wars and saw the effects the draft had on the presence of women on campus.

“In fact, during these two periods, the women were the real sustaining factor of university life and activity,” she wrote.

A little more than four decades after Boyd graduated, and during Voigt’s tenure, Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn became the first Black woman to graduate from OU in 1916. She received a Bachelor of Science in education with majors in English and literature and a minor in home economics.

After graduation, she worked as the head of the Home Economics Department at Wil-

OU class of 1873, the first class with a female graduate, Margaret Boyd.

The 1964-1965 copy of "You, the Coed" that has 76 pages, compared to its male counterpart that only has 29.

MemAud was built in 1928 thanks to small gifts from more than 3,100 alum. In 1999, it was rededicated as Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium in honor of John Templeton, the first Black graduate, and Blackburn.

As more women enrolled, OU began to adapt to the presence of women, but the college experience was still not equitable between genders. The first residence hall to house women was known as Women’s Hall which was rented first then bought by OU in 1908 and renamed Howard Hall. Boyd Hall was built to house women enrolling during the 1900s; however, the original hall was demolished in 1966 to make room for Alden Library.

In 1917, Lindley Hall was built to house 120 female students. At this point, the number of

to become involved and enjoy college life, disparities still existed between men and women. For example, women were required to wear skirts and were forced to abide by a curfew.

In 1964, Beverly Jones arrived on campus to pursue a degree in journalism. Although excited to be on her own, she was surprised by the rules she was required to follow. On weeknights, she had to be back in her dorm by 10 p.m. To attend dinner on Sunday, nylon stockings and high heels were a must. Smoking was allowed for women, but only if the lady was sitting.

“There were many, many ways that women didn’t have full empowerment, whether they were working or they were students,” Jones said.

students housed at the university reached 380. In 1949, Bryan Hall became the first residence hall to have an elevator and was dedicated as an all-female hall. In 1966, Bromley Hall became OU’s first coed residence hall. It was managed by a third-party company called The Bromley Group and OU would not purchase it until 2001.

For many students, their experience living in residence halls was vital to their college careers. The Student Resident Counselors program began in the Office of the Dean of Women in 1950 to facilitate spirits of community and belonging.

In Voigt Hall’s handbook from 1957-1958, a brief description was provided for incoming students on what to expect to gain from living in the hall.

“If a motion picture could be included you could view our library of pleasure reading books, and the latest magazine, the laundry rooms with the coed wash woman busy in her leisure time, a Voigt gal entertaining her date listening to our Magnavox recorder, or the frequent gatherings around the piano in our music room,” it said.

There was also royalty among the resident halls and sororities, with each one voting for the Athena Queen. The winner of the 1956 Athena Queen competition was Janet Shaw from Bryan Hall. The judge was Hugh Hefner, editor-publisher of Playboy Magazine.

Although there were many opportunities

Four years later, Jones was wrapping up her bachelor's degree when she was assigned an honors project in literature. She elected to write a thesis on how women in literature are existential beings in the sense female characters have always had greater self-awareness than male characters in works such as Jane Austen’s early novels.

Jones’ English professor did not approve of her topic and claimed women are not existential.

“Philosophers believe that woman is other, meaning woman is put on earth to support men so that men can become fully developed human beings,” she said. “I said, ‘I'm not going to change this project,’ and then he said, ‘Then I’ll flunk you,’ and then I said, ‘I don’t care.’”

Jones said she did not need the hours the class provided, so she was indifferent. However, because it was an honors course, it was not an option to receive an “F” but rather only an “incomplete.”

When she applied to graduate, she was denied because of the “incomplete” on her transcript.

“The professor said ‘I’m not going to get rid of the incomplete unless you agree not to do that, and you’re going to have to do something else,’” she said. “I said, ‘I don’t want to graduate from a university that doesn’t believe I can be a fully developed human being.’”

Jones stood her ground and did not receive her diploma. Instead, she got a job at Cutler Hall.

“They didn’t realize I hadn’t graduated,” she said, laughing.

While working as a secretary in the office of the Executive Vice President, the dean of the College of Business approached her about enrolling in the MBA program.

“I said, ‘There are no women in the MBA program,’ and he said, ‘You’re right, and most people associated with the program don’t want women, but it’s time to change that, and somebody has to be the first one,’” she said. “You can demonstrate it’s possible.”

Jones said she did inform the dean she had not graduated, but he simply took care of it and she promptly received her diploma

in the mail soon after.

Jones said there was a mutual understanding that bad grades were simply not an option. If she wanted to be the first woman in the program, she had to exceed.

“I think that was the loneliest experience I’ve ever had,” she said. “The business goal was very conservative and had a lot of local people who were coming back because they were in business and they wanted their MBA and they basically shunned me. So that was no fun.”

Jones said she can now recognize their behavior for what it was.

“I think in retrospect, they were afraid of me,” she said. “I was speaking, and they just thought I was some kind of freak.”

She knew she still wanted to make a

change and do something meaningful. Jones said that was when she made a promise to herself to continue to fight for equal rights.

“I thought, ‘Every day I’m in Athens, Ohio, I’m going to do something in support of the proposition that women should have equal rights and equal opportunities,’” she said. “And I did that.”

Jones was aware of her position and made a point to make a statement with her appearance. She said she was often invited by a variety of men’s groups to come speak.

“I think they generally invited me to make fun of me,” she said.

That did not dissuade her one bit, and she decided to attend but make sure people knew who she was.

“The first time, I had this little blue dress with a white Peter Pan collar and bow, and I put pink barrettes in my hair, and I just tried to look as girly as I could,” Jones said. “I showed up, and they were expecting, I don’t know, this terrifying hulk of a person.”

She said her tactic worked, and she began to develop a relatively high profile on campus.

“I learned that it doesn’t matter if 1,000 people really hate you,” Jones said. “If you’ve

got 10 people who are supportive and active and care about you personally, the 1000 people who hate you you don’t know, so what difference does it make?”

In 1971, OU President Sowle approached Jones to “put her money where her mouth is.” Jones was working at WOUB at the time while earning her MBA part-time. His proposition was for her to write a report that proved what she was saying and backed up the claims she was making regarding there being gender inequality on campus.

Jones took this opportunity very seriously and sought to interview as many women as she could from all over the campus to get their perspectives. Hence, the “Report on the Status of Women at Ohio University” was created. The report was a 47-page proposal – not counting the lengthy appendices that made it 97 pages – that detailed 21 proposals that should be implemented at OU.

Jones said she was sure President Sowle was surprised by the thoroughness and detail she had dedicated to creating the proposal.

Among the recommendations was for women to be allowed to join the Marching 110 as well as for more money given to female athletics. According to the Schedule of Income and Expenditure-Intercollegiate Athletics during the 1969-1970 school year, only $913 was spent on women’s athletics out of the $1,011,306 spent on total expenditures.

Sowle accepted 18 of Jones’ suggestions, including more funding for female athletics. She said this led OU to become ahead of the curve, given it was right before Title IX was passed in 1972.

As Women’s History Month wraps up, it is important to remember the thousands of women who have paved the way, making OU what it is today. Bobcats today are bearing witness to history being made once again with the first female university president, Dr. Lori Gonzalez.

Gonzalez said she is honored to stand among historic women at OU, all of whom she considers trailblazers.

“This month serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience, courage and contributions of women in shaping our world,” Gonzalez said. “It is a time to amplify women's voices, acknowledge their invaluable roles in every facet of society, and reaffirm our commitment to creating a future where every woman can thrive.”

Beverly Jones on campus.

Irma Voigt, OU Dean of Women, reads to students during a fireside chat at her home at 35 Park Place in 1948.

Photos from the Ohio University Archives

Ohio’s season was a positive step forward

BOBBY GORBETT SPORTS EDITOR

For the vast majority of the 351 Division I college basketball teams, the season will end in defeat. While none of these endings are ideal, Ohio’s was particularly bitter.

After seeing a 10-point halftime lead go by the wayside against No. 2 Akron, the MAC semifinal game was a bit of a missed opportunity for Ohio. While there was no guarantee that Ohio would prevail over No. 8 seed Kent State in the championship game, Ohio was as close to the MAC title as it has been since it won in 2021.

Close to the NCAA tournament didn’t get the Bobcats into postseason play but it did signify a positive step for the program.

After a rocky finish in its nonconference schedule and an injury to star player AJ Brown, it didn’t seem certain that Ohio would play in the MAC tournament, let alone have a chance to win it. Ohio’s start to MAC play was worrisome, with three single-digit losses in its first four games.

The Bobcats stayed on the right path and bounced back by winning six of seven games. A close road loss to Toledo proved Ohio could

play with the conference’s toughest competition, and 11 days later, the team proved it could beat the toughest competition when it defeated Akron 74-67.

Ohio was not complacent with its win over Akron and won its last three games of the MAC tournament. Ohio looked dominant in its first-round game against Western Michigan before its devastating season-ending loss.

Even as a preseason favorite in the MAC coaches poll, the Bobcats had plenty of questions. For starters, Ohio was fielding a relatively young and exceedingly small frontcourt. By the end of the season, the question of how Ohio’s frontcourt would play was more than answered.

Forward AJ Clayton continued his development as a shooter with 73 made 3-point jumpers, by far the most on the team, shooting at a very efficient 40.1% clip. Clayton became a formidable rim protector. Clayton’s 58 blocks in the 2023-24 season were the second most in the conference and only two behind MAC Player of the Year Enrique Freeman.

Ohio saw substantial improvements from sophomores Aidan Hadaway and Ajay Shel-

don, who more than doubled their scoring outputs from their freshmen seasons.

Hadaway stepped into a starting role after AJ Brown’s injury and did so, scoring double digits 10 times throughout the season and 20 points twice.

Ohio’s experienced backcourt, featuring players like Shereef Mitchell and Jaylin Hunter, was as reliable as one would expect. Mitchell and Hunter led Ohio with over 13 points a game, while Hunter led the entire conference with five assists per game.

Ohio will dearly miss Mitchell and Hunter, as the two seniors are likely to depart for graduation, but it will also hope to get healthier seasons out of guards Brown and Elmore James. As upperclassmen, Brown and James will expect to take leaps to become star players. Even with their improvement, don’t be surprised to see Ohio look for a primary ball-handler in the transfer portal to go alongside James and Brown.

The biggest source of improvement for Ohio was its defense. In its first three losses in MAC play, the team gave up 86 points, 83 points and 81 points. By the end of the season, Ohio ranked second in points per game allowed.

The uneven second-half performance in the MAC semifinals from Ohio will be one that will linger with many of those involved but shouldn’t ruin what was a very positive step forward for a program on the rise.

Ohio makes strides in a promising 2023-24 season

LOGAN ADAMS FOR THE POST

Ahead of the season debut for Ohio, there were few expectations for success. The Bobcats were coming off a six-win season where they finished tied for last in the Mid-American Conference, and the lack of success was felt even further when leading-scorer Yaya Felder entered the transfer portal.

Entering the new season, the Bobcats looked at almost a completely new team, filled with transfers, first-years and players returning from injury.

A promising 2-2 start was followed by nine losses in Ohio’s next eleven games. Minor injuries throughout the season kept the potential of this team under wraps but also gave a spotlight to the players who would emerge as pillars of Ohio’s future.

Freshmen Monica Williams, Laylay Fantroy and Bailey Tabeling earned large roles with the team early on, with Williams even being a starter in every one of the Bobcats’ games this season. Each player brought their unique brand of excitement and eventually helped garner wins for the team when it mattered most.

Williams fluctuated between primary and

secondary ball-handler, growing in confidence and production as the season went on; Tabeling dazzled as one of the NCAA’s better perimeter shooters, earning her a spot on the MAC All-Freshman team; and Fantroy showcased an all-around game highlighted by her activity on defense and athleticism in transition.

Sophomore guard Jaya McClure and junior forward Kennedi Watkins were also bright spots for the team, despite dealing with injuries throughout the season. Both were named All-MAC Honorable Mention selectees and took on large roles offensively for this young Bobcats team cobbled together with new pieces.

The start of conference play was slow for Ohio. Following a win against Akron to propel its record to 4-7, it would win just three more games in the first half of conference play, all consecutively against Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and Miami, the bottom-three finishers in the MAC at season’s end.

Conference play was broken up by a final nonconference game against Texas State. The Bobcats would need to turn it around in a big way to make the MAC tournament, and they did just that.

Perhaps the biggest turning point of the season came in Ohio’s matchup against third-seeded Kent State.

Behind heroic performances from McClure and Dennis, in which both players scored career highs, and a game-sealing charge from Peyton Guice, the Bobcats were able to secure the win, building momentum throughout the remainder of the season.

Ohio went 3-2 to finish the season, winning crucial games against teams both slightly ahead and below them in the MAC standings. As the conference seeding was finalizing; however, Ohio fell to Miami in its final game of the season, dropping the team from sixth to seventh.

This would prove to be crucial, as it would be the difference between playing Ball State, a powerhouse contending for an at-large NCAA tournament bid, or Kent State which Ohio had previously beaten.

Regardless, the Bobcats traveled to Cleveland to compete in the MAC tournament, a huge step forward from the season prior. Ohio would fall to Ball State 77-53, finishing its season.

Next season’s result will depend on the changes to the Bobcats’ roster, but this season has shown signs of a bright future for

the Bobcats. As for the bevy of freshmen and sophomores who have provided in large roles, that will only grow in the future, and with the experience the members of this team now have, growth will occur.

Ohio guard Bengisu Alper (33) huddles with her teammates during a break against Ball State in the MAC Women’s Basketball Tournament at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio, Mar. 13, 2024. Alper scored 3 points for the Bobcats, but they fell to the Cardinals 53-77.

The Bobcats huddle before taking on the Zips in the MAC Men’s Basketball Semifinals at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio, March 15, 2024.

UConn will win back-to-back national championships

March Madness is the most exhilarating three-week period in any sport. Packed full of incredible basketball and compelling stories there isn’t a more exciting time for college basketball fans. 68 teams are competing for the men’s college basketball National Championship.

However, it is unfortunate for 67 teams because they will not be handed the sport’s top prize. After winning the 2023 title, UConn is poised to win its second consecutive (and sixth overall).

Last year’s tournament run was impres-

sive. The Huskies won all six of their tournament games by at least 13 points and held an average margin of victory of 20 points. This type of utter dominance doesn’t happen. A run like last year’s is rare; in fact, the last time a team won every game by 13 or more was Indiana in 1981 (and the Hoosiers only won five games, not six).

Last year’s run was just a precursor to what the Huskies became this year. During the 2022-23 season, UConn lost eight games, including seven to Big East opponents finishing fourth in the conference.

This year, UConn only lost three total games and finished 18-2 and first in the Big East, all on its way to the first conference tournament title since the 2016 season when it won the American conference title.

UConn was the No. 1 team in the nation this year according to KenPom’s Adjusted Efficiency Rating and is one of only three teams that rank in the top 15 in both adjusted offense and defense alongside Auburn and Arizona.

The Huskies are led by graduate student Tristen Newton who earned both the Associated Press Big East Player of the Year award and a nod from the AP first-team All-Amer-

ica.

Newton is by far UConn’s top asset and has been a big reason for the improvement from last season. But he isn’t the only reason for the Huskies’ stellar season. Four other players averaged double-digit scoring in the regular season. Plus, Hassan Diarra, who averages 6 points per game, was awarded the conference’s Sixth Man award. It is a UConn team that has plenty of eye-popping talent, while also possessing depth that will be pivotal for another deep run into April.

Maybe what gives me the most confidence about a Husky repeat champions story is the way they finished the season. After narrowly defeating St. John’s in the Big East Tournament semifinals, their title game performance was one to remember.

Taking on the No. 3 seed, Marquette, UConn dismantled the Golden Eagles 73-57. Combined with other results, like Houston losing to Iowa State, the UConn win propelled them back into the No. 1 overall seed for the NCAA tournament (its first in program history).

Interestingly enough, the Huskies were dealt a rather difficult hand for the impending tournament. UConn shares a cluttered

‘Third Places’ are still important

My headphones are a daily necessity for me. I wake up to them on my desk, and they are either in my hand or in my backpack when they aren’t in my ears. I don’t think I’ve gone a day without them since I came to campus, and they’re with me regardless of where I’m going.

Although part of this habit is because I love the music I listen to, another less poetic reason I am so attached to my headphones is because of the social cues it offers as I go about my daily tasks like going to class or the dining hall. I’m not alone in this notion, either. When walking through campus, spot-

ting a handful of students with headphones on would hardly be a challenge.

Technological advances and normalizations, like having headphones on in public, have changed how we interact with the world outside our jobs and schools, and with that, our methods of human connection have drastically changed. Many of our habits, like scrolling on our phones when alone in public or keeping our headphones in, increase our isolation and contribute to diminishing our practical need for third places — a sociological term defined as a social environment different from the home or the workplace.

Third places offer socialization and cohabitation with others in spaces like coffee shops, parks, bookstores, art studios and recreation centers. Third places offer a middle space to relax and find others with similar interests. Although many towns across the U.S. still have access to an array of third places, the relevance placed on them by society has changed with the development of technology.

Third places were originally coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg. According to Oldenburg, third places are essential for neighborhoods to thrive.

Instead of visiting typical “third places,”

people now access the internet as a metaphorical third place and a platform to escape home and work stressors, resulting in third places being less utilized than they once were decades prior. A lot of friendships are now sprouted through social media and the digital world through actions as simple as commenting on Instagram posts or reacting to a story post. Our need for connecting with others in real life feels much less important with those new norms.

The subtle methods of socializing that third places frequently rely on, such as waiting in line or forced small talk, are now avoidable with new forms of technology. With these quicker solutions now available, like ordering online or saving a spot in line via an app, streamlining and avoiding third places altogether is much more convenient when aiming for productivity or efficiency. However, this comes at the cost of human interaction.

This development has led to more difficulties when attempting to form strong connections outside of school or the workplace. That difficulty can be seen in the 7.1% of adults with social anxiety disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. With technology now hindering

East Region with a handful of challenging teams. San Diego State and Florida Atlantic, final four teams from last year, sit at the No. 5 and 8 seeds, respectively.

The East Region is also full of other conference champion heavyweights. Auburn and Iowa State are both coming off statement tournament wins in the Southeast Conference and Big 12, while Illinois had a strong performance in the Big Ten.

Even though the Huskies will be tested in their own region, they have proven time and time again throughout the past two years that they are more than capable of taking care of business and doing what they do best: winning.

Andrew Bowlby is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to share your thoughts about the column? Let Andrew know by tweeting him @andrew_bowlby.

interactions previously considered normal, bonding with someone at a bookstore over a shared favorite book or meeting a new friend at a yoga class is much less common. Instead, much of our social life is now rooted in productivity levels and careers with emphasized pressure on making friends with coworkers or classmates.

The era of making friends through shared spaces and activities is arguably over, and the streamlining and absence of third places in our daily lives is a huge contributor to this.

The development of technology is having a significant effect on our third space usage, which in turn is weakening our ability to make real connections with people outside of work. Our era of connecting through these spaces may be over, but remembering to occasionally take off my headphones when grabbing coffee or walking to class could potentially lead to new connections and experiences.

Disha Hoque is a freshman studying journalism. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Disha know by tweeting her @dishahoque05

Andrew Bowlby

Disha Hoque

Outdoor industry still lacks inclusion

I would say I am a pretty outdoorsy person. I worked in a bike shop in a national park for two years, I am an outdoor recreation minor and I spend more time outside than I do in. But a big part of what allows me to pursue this passion is access. Presenting as an able-bodied white man and coming from a middle-class upbringing has made me the archetype of outdoor marketing. But for many, that access to the outdoors is not there.

While the outdoor industry has tried to make improvements in broadening the accessibility and inclusivity of those in marginalized groups, progress is far from complete.

The group most directly affected by accessibility specifically, in the outdoors, is those with physical disabilities. Consider somebody who uses a wheelchair; going on a trail with roots, rocks, inclines and declines becomes extremely difficult if not nearly impossible. While the decision of how to make a trail or outdoor space more accessible comes down to what institution manages the land and not the industry, the lack of accessibility can turn people away from the outdoors.

Another key demographic that traditionally does not have access to the outdoors is people of color. Instead of the physical limitations, the issue leans more toward proximity to outdoor spaces and represen-

therefore less justifiable. While some cities like Cleveland or Chicago are near national parks, most do not have that luxury.

On the topic of luxury, clothing and gear marketed toward people looking to get outside is a large reason why many may avoid outdoor spaces. While these expensive items are not necessarily needed, the overwhelming presence of high price tags can be a turnoff. At REI, one of the nation's largest outdoor retailers, hiking boots can range anywhere from $120 to upward of $300. For many, that is simply not a feasible cost.

Marketing by retailers such as REI, Patagonia and Columbia tend to target people like me: middle-class, able-bodied white men. For communities of color, women or those with physical disabilities, the lack of representation can make it seem as though these spaces are not a welcoming place for them.

According to the National Health Foundation, “close to 70% of people who visit national forests, national wildlife refuges, and national parks are white, while Black people remain the most dramatically underrepresented group in these spaces.”

Groups and organizations such as Outdoorist Oath, All Bodies on Bikes, Outdoor Afro and more work to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the outdoors, but it takes more than just them. It takes land management agencies, companies and those who have the privilege of access to make outdoor spaces available to as many people as possible.

To paraphrase something a professor of mine recently said, “Social movements start from just a few individuals, and as they grow, they envelop more and more people.”

Ethan Herx is a freshman studying media arts production at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want

Ethan Herx

Fest Season is one of the most anticipated times of the year. As classes wrap up and exam season inches closer, spending the weekend with a drink in hand and nothing to focus on except restraining oneself from petting the police horses and not getting a public urination charge is a welcome break from the whirlwind that is the end of the semester.

With Fest Season’s kickoff coming up this weekend with Milliron Fest on Friday and Mill Fest on Saturday, it is important to remember that there are a lot of things that can absolutely ruin the fest experience. To ensure the utmost enjoyment, it is important to understand how to stay safe and what your rights are when something goes wrong.

The core idea of Fest Season is to spend the day outside, wandering around and drinking — often heavily — with friends. Although drinks are often spread throughout the day, most participants will still consume enough drinks for it to be considered binge drinking. For men, this is drinking more than five alcoholic beverages, and for women, more than four.

When drinking heavily, it is important to eat enough beforehand and keep water nearby throughout the day. Those who brag about not eating prior to a Fest end up ac-

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Please fest responsibly

complishing nothing and have to go home early, potentially making a scene in the process, whether it be by falling down, throwing up in public or just generally being belligerent.

Alcohol and marijuana are both frequently consumed during Fest Season. Drinking before consuming weed via any method often increases the high as alcohol allows for weed’s psychoactive ingredient to be absorbed more easily. Although Healthline explains the two can typically mix without causing any major medical events to occur, it is important for those less experienced with mixing the two to understand that there is always a chance that unfortunate side effects can occur when too much marijuana is ingested, especially in warmer temperatures that may lead to dehydration.

Although consuming too much marijuana will not do much damage, it is an incredibly uncomfortable experience, characterized by light-headedness, nausea, dizziness and vomiting. When this happens, it is important to stay calm and let friends know that something feels off. Drink some water, get something to eat, find a quiet place to sit or lie down and ultimately remember that it will pass pretty quickly, even if it seems like it will never end.

It is important to remember that although recreational marijuana has been legalized in Ohio, smoking weed in public remains illegal and people still must be 21 to have weed in their possession.

On the topic of technical legalities, it is important for students to understand their rights if they are detained during a Fest. The police cannot force one to answer any questions beyond identifying themselves if they witnessed a felony or are suspected of a crime. According to the Ohio State Bar Association, one can ask the police if they are being detained, and if the police say no, the police cannot force one to stay. If one is de tained, they should tell the police that they intend to remain silent and then do so.

It is also important to never give an officer a fake I.D., as this will simply be tacked onto your underage drinking charge, only making the situation worse. In the same vein, BORGs are considered open containers, which are also illegal to have in public.

Although arrests have been down in re cent years, those that do occur are typical ly the result of fights or assaults, according to a previous Post report. The best way to combat this is to travel in groups and stick around friends to avoid conflict that one is not seeking out. This also ensures that no

one who may be more intoxicated ends up on their own and is even more vulnerable to bad situations.

Beyond that, do not urinate in public, do not pet the police horses, stay safe and have a good Fest Season.

Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post’s executive editors: Editor-in-Chief Katie Millard, Managing Editor Emma Erion and Equity Director Alesha Davis, and opinion editors: Opinion Editor Tate Raub and Assistant Opinion Editor Meg Die-

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NYLA GILBERT FOR THE POST

What are permanent cosmetics?

Numerous cosmetic trends have left the public eye as quickly as they appeared. Subcultures and microtrends have introduced rapidly changing forms of expression and bred creative ways for people to mold their looks.

Face augmentation has always existed. Plastic surgery has been a major field since its inception and rhinoplasties have consistently grown in popularity. However, as cosmetic procedures have evolved, the average consumer desires fewer invasive procedures to achieve their ideal looks.

In 2019, micro-pigmentation and semipermanent cosmetics held over 70% of the market share.

according to GITNUX marketdata research

What are Permanent Cosmetics? Who should get Permanent Cosmetics?

Permanent makeup, also known as permanent cosmetics, is a popular technique that uses tattoos to produce results resembling makeup. These forms of semi-permanent makeup can last years and there are various forms to indulge in.

Microblading

Microblading uses thin, fine needles to deposit pigment under the skin, giving the impression of fuller yet natural-looking eyebrows. This semi-permanent treatment typically lasts one to three years.

Generally, people with smaller pores and less oily skin see the best results, as oil in the skin can cause the tattoo to expand and blur. However, everyone’s skin is different, and results will vary from person to person.

Many choose to get microblading to shorten their makeup routine and avoid dealing with thin, patchy or uneven brows. In 2024, the price of the procedure can range from $172-$650 but exceed that in some locations.

Lip blushing

Lip blushing is another rising trend in the cosmetic tattoo industry. Cosmetic tattoo artist Gabrielle Rainbow popularized the technique with her partner, Erick Holguin. Their technique prioritizes giving the customer a defined shape and a youthful lip tint.

Sejal Shah, a cosmetic dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology, told Allure that one should be careful with the shade they pick.

“The final color depends on the underlying color of the lips and you may not always get the color you expect ...

While lip blushing may not be permanent, it can last years and even still may not fully disappear,” Shah said. “If you aren’t happy with the color, you may be stuck with it or have to do laser removal.”

Lip blushing is not a cheap procedure. Individual sessions can cost $1,500.

Permanent Eyeliner

While photos can make the procedure look like something from a “Saw” movie, many consider permanent eyeliner a worthy investment. Applied above the lash line, permanent eyeliner is a tattoo of the customer’s preferred eyeliner shape.

The two-to-three-hour process is meant to help those who typically wear eyeliner daily. With this procedure, clients can avoid the constant battle of pencils or liquid eyeliner for up to three years. It can cost anywhere from $400$1,000 or more.

These are just some of the many procedures that have gained popularity in recent years. Several other trends have emerged in the last decade, including faux freckles, which were widely popular during the 2010s.

Why are people getting these procedures?

Makeup is extremely time-consuming. Even with surgical

precision, the worry of one wrong swipe or missing a step can throw off an entire look. This can be extremely pressing, especially in time-sensitive situations.

Permanent makeup removes the worry about time. Waking up with the perfect eyeliner, eyebrows, lipstick and lashes makes makeup a nonexistent worry. It is especially appealing to people who have on-the-go lifestyles.

Not only does it remove the daily concern for makeup, but it also potentially lasts for years. This has made certain parts of makeup routines obsolete, with the only maintenance being routine touchups. Giving people their desired look with professionals enhancing and correcting their looks according to their features.

It can also be a lifesaver for people who have suffered medical issues. People who have suffered strokes and struggle with applying traditional makeup can get permanent and long-lasting alternatives. Scar camouflage is a method of tattooing used to lighten scars to make them invisible or at least barely noticeable.

Self-confidence and self-esteem can also be improved by making a person’s eyes bolder or their lips look vibrant. This gives a permanent look that people want without the struggle of makeup.

What are the risks of Permanent Cosmetics?

It’s permanent and expensive. Plus, when a person gets unflattering results, removal can be painful and take multiple sessions, resulting in a bill that can be even larger than the initial procedure.

There are also the risks of infections, keloids, or a thick raised scar, and other scarring. According to FDA spokesperson Dr. Stanely Milstein, these reactions aren’t always immediate.

“Anytime you implant a foreign body into the skin, it has the potential for results not anticipated,” Milstein said. “The reaction could occur years later as a rash or an immune system allergic reaction.”

Is it worth it?

The value of these procedures is up to the person. Some can significantly reduce the time spent on their daily routines, giving them time to complete other interests or responsibilities.

On the other hand, these are expensive and painful procedures, and your desired outcome isn’t guaranteed. Many factors determine the results of these procedures, so someone who is not keen on spending money without guaranteed results may not invest in them.

Research the procedure and the artist or salon you go to thoroughly. Make sure they have experience with your skin type and skin color. The results should be worth your time, money and effort.

ABBIE KINNEY | ART DIRECTOR

Coming of age shows pop culture can’t seem to shake

GRACE KOENNECKE ASST. THE BEAT EDITOR

Coming-of-age adaptations like “Normal People” and “Insecure” have become a pop culture staple in recent years for their interesting character dynamics and plotlines. Shows and films, such as “One Day” and “Past Lives,” that mix themes of friendship, love and loss have fans fixated worldwide.

But which projects execute these themes the best, and which ones miss the mark? Why are certain series more popular than others and more lasting in pop culture? Let’s find out:

“One Day”

The newly released Netflix series is based on the novel of the same name by David Nicholls. With a previous film adaptation from 2011 starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess, the Netflix series reimagined these roles by enlisting newcomers Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall. The series is currently ranked 8.2 out of 10 on IMDb and received a score of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.

This series chronicles Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew’s relationship from the time they met in 1988. The two fall in and out of romance while overcoming struggles with self-identity, career aspirations and addiction. This series captures intimate moments, platonic or romantic, incredibly well; the two actors’ chemistry nearly jumps off the screen.

However, its critique lies more in not giving Emma a happy ending, which her character deserves after years of neglect from Dexter. While this stays true to the novel and original film, it also feels wrong to many viewers. Yet, Mod believes the ending of their “One Day” adaptation is more hopeful.

In an interview with Netflix, Mod said, “I think that’s what’s heartbreaking about the book — it’s this juxtaposition of these two wide-eyed students and the dreams they have for their future, and then how things actually turn out.”

She also said the montage scene in the final episode “encapsulates what that moment is trying to do and what the book does so well. It’s very hopeful and beautiful. It really took my breath away.”

Mod’s acting is also the most memorable of the series, and it would’ve been nice to see even more scenes with her on her own rather than with a love interest.

“Normal People”

Released in 2020, Sally Rooney’s mini-series follows a similar format to “One Day” and quickly became a pandemic sensation. Starring Paul Mescal as Connell and Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne, the show follows the lives of the two high school students after their first meeting.

The show takes viewers to the point where

Connell and Marianne graduate college. It is known for exploring toxic masculinity, mental health struggles in men and other serious topics like domestic abuse. Mescal and Edgar-Jones perfectly match each other while exploring emotions like sadness and frustration, but their individual performances equally left an impact on viewers.

With a predominantly white cast, “Normal People” is another love story that only focuses on the struggles of white individuals, which is why it isn’t the most relatable TV show. It also leaves viewers on a major cliffhanger, which Rooney intended, but many fans were left confused and shocked.

Since the show’s release, its cultural impact has been significant. Following the series’ success, director Lenny Abrahamson adapted Rooney’s second novel, “Conversation with Friends,” for Hulu. While the show didn’t receive as much praise as “Normal People,” it did help launch Rooney into stardom. It also allowed Mescal and Edgar-Jones to achieve their own fame, both since landing roles in major films like “Aftersun” and “Where the Crawdads Sing.”

The fandom is alive and well today; many fans still make countless TikTok edits about the show and continue to support both actors online.

“Past Lives”

The Oscar-nominated film “Past Lives” was released last year and features incredible acting from Greta Lee and Teo Yoo. Lee

and Yoo play the roles of Nora and Hae Sung, two best friends who are separated after she moves from South Korea to Canada. When the two reconnect while Nora is in college, they form a budding friendship that hints at the potential of a romantic relationship.

However, when Nora and Hae Sung realize their lives are moving in two different directions, much like their childhood, the chance of being more than just friends fades. Eventually, the pair reunites a few years later in New York City, examining their friendship and wondering if they could’ve been lovers in another life.

This film has received praise for its writing from director Celine Song and its accessible viewing experience as a bilingual film. While incorporating themes of love and heartbreak, it also explores the problems many Asian Americans face regularly, especially after immigrating.

“Insecure”

Issa Rae’s “Insecure” is an incredibly underrated comedy television show. Airing from 2016 to 2021 and integrating similar humor found in the likes of “Fleabag” and “Girls,” the show centers around Issa Dee, played by Rae. It is a somewhat autobiographical perspective of Rae’s rise to fame while living in California alongside her best friend Molly Carter, played by Yvonne Orji. The two work together throughout the show to overcome the obstacles they face as Black women in entertainment and law.

The actress wrote the show to provide more representation in television and comedy. Rae said, “Eventually, I had to suck up the fear and decide, could I live with someone else, possibly making this idea that I had? Or could I be brave and put myself out there, and let myself face this criticism in a show that was flattering and that could possibly change my life?”

Throughout its runtime, “Insecure” received 14 Primetime Emmy nominations, including one win in 2020 for Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series. Rae also received a Satellite Award for Best Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical in 2019 for her role.

Rae’s writing shines in this series, especially as she makes extremely uncomfortable situations educational and compelling by adding touches of humor. The show doesn’t conform to the stereotypical coming-of-age love story, instead documenting Issa and Molly’s journey toward self-acceptance and achievement. While there are many love tropes and discussions of dating and marriage, “Insecure” is more about friendship and acceptance. @GRACE_KOE GK011320@OHIO.EDU

EMMA MCADAMS | ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR

Bleachers’ fourth album is no rock, all roll

pray that I’ll meet God / Under the worry of my thoughts.”

The American rock band Bleachers released its fourth studio album March 8. The self-titled project was produced under Bleachers Band Recordings and Dirty Hit Records after the group departed from its former label, RCA Records, last August.

On this album, Grammy Award-winning producer Jack Antonoff produced heavily inspired, unpromising tracks that roll together as one.

The album contains heavy inspiration from past collaborators of Antonoff, such as The National, Bruce Springsteen and The 1975. Similar aspects have been emulated in other works by the Bleachers, so this album feels more like a continuation of their usual sound rather than something entirely transformative.

The album’s opener, “I Am Right On Time,” highlights The National-inspired sound with its baritone vocals, punctuated guitar and percussion backing. The earlier-released single “Modern Girl” showed potential with its strong Springsteen and Billy Joel qualities. As the album’s clear standout track, it contains the most rock ‘n’ roll elements.

It has undeniable sing-along qualities, with a saxophone draw-in and “Dancing In the Dark” evocative chorus. It’s followed by an infectious bridge of “Ohs” that demand a crowd. As the most upbeat track on the album, the song fittingly describes an ideal Friday night out.

It would not be a Bleachers album without the saxophone, which goes back to Antonoff’s admiration of Springsteen. From upbeat to melancholic songs, Antonoff always knows how to use that woodwind instrument to his advantage.

The track “Me Before You” is reminiscent of Springsteen’s “Secret Garden.” It also resembles another Antonoff-produced track, “About You,” by The 1975, with its similar saxophone backing.

“Call Me After Midnight” could easily be a lost track from The 1975’s latest album. It’s a soulful R&B track with a generous climax of Antonoff repeating, “They don’t want you, they want your faith.”

Another consistent feature of the album is autotune. Side B’s “We’re Gonna Know Each Other Forever” utilizes it the most, but the use narrowly crosses the line, making the song clunky.

“Alma Mater,” which features frequent collaborator Lana Del Rey, was also released as an early single. Rey opens the track with, “Maybe you’d like some of Jack’s newer stuff.” With the uncertain “maybe,” the statement is profoundly astute to one’s judgment about the album.

“Alma Mater” has a romantic nature and a steady pop culture tone. It romanticizes a significant other as a hometown, or for Antonoff, New Jersey. Other love-related songs on the album consist of “Isimo” and “Ordinary Heaven.”

Track three, “Jesus Is Dead,” invokes themes of faith and religious uncertainty. The first verse opens with, “Each night I

“Woke Up Today” focuses on Antonoff’s journey through faith, specifically during a period of dealing with a loss. It’s personal to Antonoff, having lost his younger sister to brain cancer. This moving anecdote is portrayed heavily throughout other Bleachers albums, too. The song starts with “Woke up today and I knew God,” but then ends with “Woke up today and I lost God.”

Other than faith, Antonoff persistently makes the same references in many of his songs, which serve redundancy. Several lyrics consist of metaphors about “wires” or “mirrors,” both of which typically symbolize risk and self-reflection. Both are even used together in a chorus, written, “The tired on a wire / The born, strange, desired / The angel in the mirror.”

While the metaphorical lyrics help convey necessary meaning for numerous tracks, other lyrics are concerningly questionable to the listener. For instance, within Antonoff’s many pop culture references, he decides to rhyme “The day that Kobe fell from the sky” with “The day Kendall Pepsi-smiled” in “Self Respect.”

With a clear, soft rock ’n’ roll admiration, the Bleachers’ self-titled album is somewhat coherent, with a theme of self-redeeming faith and dedication to love. Beyond that, the album lacks individuality and audible excitement. It is less rock and more roll, as the songs distinctly roll through one another without any break during their run.

LOGAN HUMPHREY FOR THE POST

ABBIE KINNEY | ART DIRECTOR

From Disney Channel star to Space CEO: The many lives of Bridgit Mendler

CAMI SEYMORE FOR THE POST

Generation Z grew up with Bridgit Mendler, a Disney Channel alum who starred in “Good Luck Charlie” and “Lemonade Mouth.” In adulthood, Mendler has paused her acting endeavors to focus on other academic and professional goals.

As a prominent child actor, Mendler balanced her life in the spotlight with being a normal kid. Mendler was born in D.C. but moved to San Francisco when she was 8. After moving to the West Coast, Mendler immersed herself in the acting scene by performing in local plays and musicals.

The same year, Mendler became the youngest performer at the San Francisco Fringe Festival. When she turned 13, she made her television debut as a guest star in General Hospital.

However, Mendler’s expansive career took off in 2007 with her film debut as Pamela in “Alice Upside Down.” She co-starred alongside Alyson Stoner and Lucas Grabeel, who both later appeared on Disney Channel. She also appeared in “The Clique” (2008) and “Labor Pains” (2009) alongside Lindsay Lohan.

Mendler’s real rise to fame was when she signed with Disney Channel in 2009, landing a recurring role on the hit show “Wizards of Waverly Place” alongside Selena Gomez. Mendler played Juliet Van Heusen, a vampire and love interest of Justin Russo, portrayed by David Henrie. She appeared in the show until its end in 2012.

In 2010, Mendler starred in “Good Luck Charlie,” in which she played Teddy, a teenage girl who made videos for her younger sister, Charlie, to watch when she was older. The series premiered to 4.7 million viewers, breaking the record for the highest-rated series premiere for a Disney Channel Original Series.

As the show’s popularity grew, Disney Channel released “Good luck Charlie: It’s Christmas!” a spin-off movie where Teddy and Amy (Leigh Allyn Baker) get separated from the rest of the family on Christmas vacation.

While “Good Luck Charlie” was on air, rumors of romance sparked between Mendler and her on-screen boyfriend, played by Shane Harper. In 2012, Harper confirmed in an interview with Officially the Hottest that the pair were officially dating. The couple dated for three years before going their separate ways.

That same year, Mendler starred in Lemonade Mouth, an original Disney Channel movie about five high school students who form a music group and compete in a rock

competition. Songs from the movie, like “Somebody” and “Determinate” both made it to the Billboard Hot 100, bringing attention to Mendler’s acting and singing abilities.

After “Lemonade Mouth” showcased Mendler’s vocal chops, she released her debut album the following year titled, “Hello My Name is….” Her lead singles “Ready or Not” and “Hurricane” topped the charts, and the album peaked at No. 30 on the Billboard 200. Mendler embarked on two tours, “Bridgit Mendler: Live in Concert” and the “Summer Tour” from 2013-14, where she played at state fairs and music festivals.

After the massive success of her first album, Mendler released another single, “Atlantis,” featuring Kaiydo, in 2016. Later that year, she released a follow-up single, “Do You Miss Me at All.”

During her time with Disney, Mendler also pursued a degree in anthropology at the University of Southern California, but she dropped out in 2016. Throughout her career, Mendler maintained jobs in the entertainment industry while working toward higher education.

“My plan right now is just to do one class at a time and see how that goes,” Mendler said in an interview with USA Today. “I’m just going to study something that will be interesting and doable down the road and just take care of my general education courses for now. I want to know something outside of what I do.”

Ultimately, Mendler took a break from the spotlight to focus on her education and her personal life. In 2018, she led a graduate course at MIT on improving social media and attended Harvard Law School in 2019. In 2020, she completed her Master of Science in media arts and sciences at MIT and continued her studies, working on a Ph.D.

In 2019, Mendler announced in an Instagram post that she had married Griffin Cleverly, whom she had been dating since 2017. At the ceremony, her “Lemonade Mouth” costar, Naomi Scott, served as one of Mendler’s bridesmaids.

Recently, Mendler has been back in the headlines, but not for singing, acting or academics.

Mendler announced Feb. 19 that she is the

CEO of Northwood Space, a tech and space startup based in El Segundo, California, that specializes in sending and receiving data between satellites and the Earth and expanding access to space.

Mendler and her husband co-founded the company alongside Shaurya Luthra. Cleverly serves as chief of technology, and Luthra as chief of software.

That same day, Mendler dropped more news in a second post on X, formerly known as Twitter, announcing that she is a mom: “The other news I wanted to share is I’m a mama to a sweet 4yo boy,” Mendler wrote.

“Started fostering in 2021 adopted near Christmas 2022. I’m so lucky — being a parent is the biggest gift and most defining experience there is.”

Between being a mom, CEO, scientist, singer, songwriter and actor, Mendler is a multifaceted addition to any project she is involved in — whether in the entertainment industry or her professional pursuits.

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