Tuesday | December 5, 2023 | Volume 97 | Issue 60 Cover Photo By: Anna Kuglar | The Signpost
Weber State University
YSDA
2 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | December 5, 2023
DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEWS? 1.
By BRISA ODENTHAL Section Editor
Which streaming service is laying off 17% of its workforce?
A. Pandora B. Netflix C. Spotify D. Hulu
2.
Which U.S. representative was expelled from Congress last week?
A. George Santos
3.
What is the name of the airline bringing back passenger flights to the Ogden-Hinckley airport? A. United Airways
B. Burgess Owens
B. Breeze Airways
C. Mike Johnson
C. Delta Airlines
D. Katherine Clark
4.
A new contagious respiratory illness is affecting which kind of household pet?
A. Parakeets B. Cats C. Bunnies D. Dogs
D. Western Air
ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS ON PAGE 15 CORRECTION: A story about the Alumni Association in the Graduation issue Nov. 28 provided outdated information. he association no lon er has a e ershi ro ra so the enefits listed are not a aila le. he association instead provides all new graduates with a license plate frame.
DONATE PLASMA. GET REWARDED. New plasma donors can receive up to $400 for your first 4 donations. Grifols Biomat USA locations 3073 Harrison Boulevard, Ogden (801) 392-2296 LEARN MORE
1951 West 5400 South, Roy (801) 825-0111
grifolsplasma.com ©2023 Grifols. All rights reserved. 9148 (05/23)
POWER UP FROM ANYWHERE M150 Portable Power Station From Duracell, the #1 trusted battery brand, the M150 Portable Power Station enables you to work and have fun from anywhere.
ONLY $199
portablepower.info/offer42
Give the gift of portable power to friends and family this holiday season!*
Laptop
Phone
Tablet
1 Charge
6 Charges
3 Charges
*Order by December 15th for Christmas delivery. Battery purchase does not include phone.
By PARHAM KERMANI Reporter
The Weber State University Student Association met on Nov. 27 and heard new legislation proposals that would amend the WSUSA constitution if passed. Some of the proposals include eligibility of transfer students to take certain seats in the senate. Currently, the WSU constitution states, “Said students are only eligible candidates for W offices in the Legislative and udicial branches.” They are not eligible for executive positions. Another proposal would allow part-time students to be eligible for legislative office, including the benefits, such as tuition aivers. The proposal includes that the compensation would be partial depending on the number of academic credit hours. Other proposals include removing specified e em tions outlined in the constitution and allowing all students to request an exemption by Student Aid Report discretion as outlined by the by-laws. WSUSA will meet next week to continue discussing Supreme Court revisions. Another item in the senate meeting was a funding request by Sen. William Taintor for the College of Science. The $200 request would be used to buy food to give to students during finals eek. enators ill vote on the request next week. Copies of the current constitution, by-laws and other government documents can be found on the WSUSA page: https://weber. edu/StudentInvolvement/WSUSA.html.
ANNA KUGLAR | The Signpost
4 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | December 5, 2023
Audience members reading along with the shared document being discussed at the Senate Meeting.
Veterans, you have a dedicated space at WSU Davis!
VETERANS STUDY LOUNGE &
NONTRADITIONAL STUDENT CENTER We are here to help meet the needs of students who are over 25, have a spouse or committed partner, are divorced/widowed, and/or are a parent.
we offer
nontraditional
STUDENTS
Study, print for free, get a snack, and get tutoring and academic support.
· · · ·
D2 231 weber.edu/vetsupwardbound
WSU DAVIS D2 307 WSU OGDEN SU 322
V E T E R A N S
U P W A R D
B O U N D
Affordable Hourly Child Care Appointments with Peer Mentors Computer labs, kitchen, and study space Scholarships and paid leadership opportunities
weber.edu/nontrad
December 5, 2023 | thesignpostwsu.com | NEWS | 5
By PARHAM KERMANI Reporter
President Brad Mortensen. After Andrews resigned from her position at WSU, Mortensen contacted Martinez to serve as the university’s Interim Vice President of EDI. Martinez has not decided whether she will apply for the permanent role. “I have not made a choice whether I will be putting my name in the ring,” Martinez said. “I’m kind of just really committed to the idea of supporting in the interim position and then we’ll kind of take it from there.” Martinez’s role at the Utah Higher System of Education will resume when the interim role ends at Weber State. “I will say that I will go where it feels right, where it feels reciprocal, where it feels like a good fit, not only for me, but for the cam us community,” Martinez said. According to Martinez, the timeline given for her decision is a few weeks before they begin the selection process. Candidates will go through a rigorous interviewing process, including with the
departments that fall under the role of vice president of EDI, such as the Center of Belonging and Cultural Engagement, the LGBTQ Resource Center and the Hispanic Serving Initiative, hich ill lay a significant role in the selection process. Brandon Flores, WSU’s executive director for belonging, shared the qualities he seeks in a VP of EDI. “Somebody who can understand how systems policy works, how to create change — someone who’s demonstrated that in their past, I think is good and valuable,” Flores said.
Share this story at thesignpostwsu.com
Norlito Ranchez | The Signpost
Weber State University
Laís Martinez has been appointed as the interim vice president of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. She is replacing Adrienne Andrews, who resigned from the role in October. The role shift came at an uncertain time. Over the course of this semester, WSU had several incidents on campus, including anti- emitic graffiti and racial slurs. tudents, faculty and community members found
these alarming. Martinez served for seven years in the Utah System of Higher Education as an inaugural assistant commissioner for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. In that role, Martinez convened all of the college s chief diversity officers, including the Dream Center Directors and LGBTQ advocates, and led efforts across the state. Through her ork ith chief diversity officers, Martinez worked with Andrews and WSU
Vice President of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Adrienne Andrews, hugging a graduating student.
The Black Cultural Center is located in Shephard Union - Rm 231.
CYNTHA BAUTISTA | The Signpost
6 | CULTURE | thesignpostwsu.com | December 5, 2023
Outside dining area of Two-Bit Street Cafe on 25th street. By GRACIE STEPHENSON Reporter
Get Academic Help Find free academic resources: weber.edu/studentlife
on first ste ing into T o- it treet afe on Historic th treet, one may think that the best thing about the restaurant is the charming historical atmos here, or the delectable food served inside. While both of these as ects certainly add to the onderful e erience of dining there, the best thing about the cafe is the eo le that ork there. s ecially the cafe s o ner enny llred- ayley. llred- ayley is, for the most art, a selftaught chef. he took a fe cooking classes in ngland, but other than those classes, the rest she taught herself. ve been cooking since as old enough to get u to the stove, llred- ayley said. Her dishes are rimarily made from a variety of family reci es, reci es learned through her travels and reci es she made u on her o n. llred- ayley doesn t rite do n the majority of her reci es. he kee s each one committed to memory. mostly do not rite do n reci es, don t need to, llred- ayley said. t s all u here,
it s all in the brain matter. have an arsenal no of about sou s and don t think have one of them that ve ritten do n. ndre horts and ylee redrickson, both servers for T o- it treet afe, love orking ith llred- ayley. enny is the definition of authenticity, horts said. side from her talented cooking, another im ressive thing about llred- ayley is the genuine love, care and a reciation she has for each one of her customers. t s far from unusual to alk into the cafe and see her sitting at a table talking ith customers. llred- ayley recalls many individuals she s had the rivilege of atching gro u through the years, and she holds each one of them near to her heart. t s never been about the money. t s been more of a ay to connect to the community and a ay for me to give back to eo le, llred- ayley said. llred- ayley never ceases to go above and beyond for her customers. n several occasions a customer has come to her ith food s ecifications like being gluten free, vegetarian or vegan. When timing allo s,
she ill go to the kitchen and make u a reci e on the s ot that is accommodating to the customers s ecific needs. llred- ayley describes her years of o ning T o- it treet afe as a labor of love. lthough o ning a restaurant is demanding, time consuming and draining at times, llred- ayley believes that her time at the cafe has been one of the most re arding e eriences of her life. Throughout much of llred- ayley s life she s had many eo le telling her to o en a restaurant. he al ays said no for fear that it ould take the enjoyment out of cooking once it became her job, but no that it is her job, llred- ayley s only regret is that she didn t do it sooner. We go through our lives and e re never sure here it s going to lead us, but that s life. ou re not al ays in control and you can t be, llred- ayley said. ou just do the best you can and try the best you can and al ays do your best. ut in your best effort. ll that matters is if you can take ride in hat you do.
December 5, 2023 | thesignpostwsu.com | CULTURE | 7
Traductor
POR GRACIE STEPHENSON Reportero
Al entrar al Two-Bit Street Café de la histórica calle 25, uno puede pensar que lo mejor del restaurante es el encantador ambiente histórico, o la deliciosa comida que sirven. Si bien ambos aspectos sin duda suman a la maravillosa experiencia de comer allí, lo mejor del café es la gente que trabaja allí. Especialmente la dueña del café, Penny Allred-Dayley. Allred-Dayley es, en su mayor parte, una chef autodidacta. Tomó algunas clases de cocina en Inglaterra, pero aparte de estas, el resto lo aprendió por sí misma. “He cocinado desde que tenía edad suficiente ara onerme en la cocina , dijo Allred-Dayley. Sus platos principalmente vienen de una variedad de recetas familiares, recetas aprendidas durante sus viajes y recetas que ella creó por su cuenta. Allred-Dayley no escribe la mayoría de sus recetas. Mantiene cada una en su memoria. “La mayoría de veces no escribo las recetas, no lo necesito , dijo llred- ayley. Todo est aquí, en la masa cerebral. Tengo un arsenal ahora de unas 80 sopas y creo que no tengo ni una ue haya escrito . A Andrew Shorts y Rylee Fredrickson, ambos meseros de Two-Bit Street Café, les encanta trabajar con Allred-Dayley. enny es la definici n de autenticidad , dijo Shorts. Aparte de ser una chef talentosa, otra cosa impresionante de Allred-Dayley es el amor, cuidado y aprecio genuino que tiene por cada uno de sus clientes. No es nada extraño entrar al café y verla
sentada en una mesa hablando con los clientes. Allred-Dayley recuerda a muchas personas que ha tenido el privilegio de ver crecer con el paso de los años, y mantiene a cada una de ellas cerca de su corazón. unca ha sido or el dinero. Ha sido m s bien una forma de conectar con la comunidad y de devolverle algo a la gente , dijo Allred-Dayley. llred- ayley nunca deja de ir m s all ara sus clientes. En varias ocasiones clientes han venido a ella con es ecificaciones como comida sin gluten, vegetariana o vegana. Cuando el tiempo lo permite, va a la cocina y crea una receta en el momento que se ajusta a las necesidades es ec ficas de los clientes. Allred-Dayley describe sus 20 años al mando de Two-Bit Street Café como un “trabajo de amor . Aunque ser propietaria de un restaurante es exigente, requiere mucho tiempo y a veces es agotador, Allred-Dayley cree que su tiempo en el caf ha sido una de las e eriencias m s gratificantes de su vida. Durante gran parte de su vida, Allred-Dayley ha tenido a muchas personas que le han dicho que abra un restaurante. Siempre decía que no por miedo a dejar de disfrutar de la cocina al convertirse en su trabajo, pero ahora que lo es, Allred-Dayley solo se arrepiente de no haberlo abierto antes. “Vivimos nuestras vidas y nunca estamos seguros de dónde nos va a llevar, pero así es la vida. No siempre tienes el control y no uedes tenerlo, dijo llred- ayley. olo lo haces lo mejor posible y lo intentas lo mejor ue uedes y siem re das lo m imo. sfu rzate al m imo. Todo lo ue im orta es oder estar orgullosos de lo ue hacen.
CYNTHA BAUTISTA | The Signpost
POR MARIANO MARTINEZ MARTINEZ
Sidewalk view of Two-Bit Street Cafe on 25th street.
Visit our esports lab! Want to play video games solo or with other students? All students are welcome to visit, play, and relax at the esports computer labs! We have all the gear you need and a spectacular area for those who want to watch!
@WeberEsports Learn More @ weber.edu/esports
8 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | December 5, 2023
Reporter
In March 2021, the Young Democratic Socialists of America at Weber State University concluded that late tuition payment fees were among WSU students’ biggest problems. YDSA created a petition to cancel late fees, which students can sign and share their experiences on the subject. The petition now has over 400 signatures and 90 student experiences. After reading through the students’ experiences, Brexton Olesky-Lee, coordinating chair for YDSA, came to the conclusion that the fees are a barrier to students’ ability to complete their education. “You’re reading through them, and you’re seeing students — multiple students are skipping meals or feeling guilty for eating,” Lee said. “We — Weber State — we have this slogan to ‘Be brilliant,’ but how can you expect students to be brilliant and reach their academic potential when they’re skipping meals?” One anonymous student wrote, “I pay out of pocket every semester because I don’t get offered grants or loans due to my parents’ income. I work a lot throughout a semester to save and make one big payment at the end only to end up owing like $300 more than normal due to late fees.” Another anonymous student said, “I’m a full-time student and work two jobs to afford my rent and other expenses, and having a late fee on top of tuition I already struggle to pay makes it so much harder to get an education.” Following their petition, YDSA turned to the Weber State University Student Association. In January 2023, WSUSA’s senate unanimously passed a resolution to cancel late fees on tuition payments. Following the resolution’s passing, YDSA wrote a letter to university President Brad Mortensen and handed it to him, asking him to honor it. According to Lee, it has been months since Mortensen received the letter, and they have not heard back. “Something really incredible happened last year,” Lee said. “Students said they cared about each other and got involved in the democratic process, and that’s supposed to get our voices heard. We passed a resolution that, by definition, is the voice of the student body. When that is ignored, what does that teach them when they graduate? They will look at the political process and the horrible climate we are in right now, and that creates apathy.”
YDSA treasurer Seth Taintor was not old enough to participate in the 2020 election, and ne t year ill be the first time he can vote in a presidential election. “We as a club have lots of students who have to try and get our voices heard, and when the student senate passes a resolution that’s not honored, it kind of makes you feel like the actions you do as an activist … aren’t heard.” Taintor said. “They don’t make a difference, and that can carry into the rest of your life as you participate in the democratic process. Thinking, ‘Is what I’m doing really making a difference here?’” Taintor believes students should feel like their voices matter and can be heard. This will help them become participating members in their communities in the future. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released a report in September warning con-
sumers of the risks of college payment plans. The report reviewed tuition payment plans across 450 colleges. They found instances where borrowers were automatically enrolled in the tuition payment plan due to federal student loan funds not covering the entire amount of their tuition. According to the , this leads to student fees and financial difficulties. The re ort found that the average amount of late fees is $30. “In some cases, late fees can be over $100 per missed payment, and in other cases, some colleges may charge late and returned payment fees on the same transaction,” the report stated. “The CFPB also observed terms that may allow colleges to convert no-interest payment plans into interest-bearing loans when payments are missed. These practices can lead to a high cost for late payment on tuition payment plans.”
According to WSU’s website, a $40 late fee is charged to all students who “have not paid their tuition and fee balance in full, signed up for a University approved Monthly Payment Plan, have pending Financial Aid, or have their third-party voucher submitted to Cashiers by the payment deadline.” A 12% annual rate is billed on unpaid balances 30 days after the beginning of the semester. The interest on the balances is in addition to the late/collection payment fees. “We’re going to keep late fees at Weber State like most institutions do because it’s important for us to be able to collect tuition revenue to pay for the faculty and the staff that provide the student experience,” Mortensen said. According to Mortensen, after benchmarking bills against other schools, student leaders felt that WSU was complementary in
YDSA
By PARHAM KERMANI
The Young Democratic Socialists of America at a speaker event that featured the Ogden-Weber Regional Director from the Utah Education Association, Barb Whitman.
these chairs, along with Dr. Jessica Oyler, vice president of Student Access and Success, two times this fall semester, talking about what we’re doing and what our plans are, and how we’re trying to make it,” Mortensen said. “We do not want late fees to be a burden or an impediment to students getting their education or getting their degree by any means.”
Share this story at thesignpostwsu.com
A YDSA sticker sitting out for students to take.
Kennedy Camarena | The Signpost
comparison. “No student should ever have to pay a late fee,” Mortensen said. “If it’s on the university, which sometimes happens … we’ll work with those students to ensure they’re not getting impacted adversely through late fees if a legitimate third party is involved and they’re slow. We don’t want that to impact either.” In November, WSU launched a website intended to streamline the process of paying for college. Pay For School offers everything students need to make it easier for them to access information on tuition, resources on funding, scholarships and a direct link to payment plan options, tuition assistance programs and waivers. You can access the website at https://weber.edu/pay-for-school. “The fact that we’re having this conversation, the fact that I’ve talked with leaders of WSUSA, and the executive vice president and student body president, we’ve sat here around
Kennedy Camarena | The Signpost
December 5, 2023 | thesignpostwsu.com | NEWS | 9
From left to right, YDSA member Ira Cox-Berry and Treasurer Nathaniel Holland stand at their YDSA booth, in the Shepherd Union building.
10 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | December 5, 2023
Reportero
POR NELLY HERNANDEZ TEJADA Traductor
En Marzo de 2021, los Jóvenes Socialistas Democráticos de América (Young Democratic Socialists of America) de la universidad de Weber State concluyeron que pagar la matrícula con retraso fue uno de los problemas más grandes entre los estudiantes en WSU. YDSA creó una petición para cancelar los cargos or retraso, ue ueden firmar los estudiantes y compartir su experiencia sobre el tema. La etici n tiene m s de firmas y experiencias de estudiantes. Después de leer las experiencias, Brexton Olesky-Lee, coordinador de YDSA, llegó a la conclusión que los cargos por retraso impiden la habilidad de los estudiantes para completar su educación. “Los estas leyendo, y estás viendo estudiantes – bastantes estudiantes que no comen o tienen pena comer,” dice Lee. “Nosotros – Weber State – tenemos una consigna de ‘Ser brillante,’ pero cómo esperas que los estudiantes sean brillantes y alcanzar su potencial académico cuando no quieren comer?” Un estudiante anónimo escribió, “Yo pago de mi bolsillo cada semestre porque no me ofrecen subvenciones o préstamos debido a los ingresos de mis padres. Yo trabajo bastante en un semestre para ahorrar y hacer un ago grande y al final debo como m s de lo normal por los cargos por retraso.” Otro estudiante anónimo dice, “Yo soy un estudiante de tiempo completo y tengo dos trabajos para pagar mi renta y otros gastos, y teniendo cargos por retraso encima de la matrícula y yo ya estoy luchando para pagar la renta y se me hace más difícil tener una educación.” Siguiendo su petición, YDSA giró su atención a la Asociación de Estudiantes de la Universidad de Weber State (Weber State University Student Association). En Enero , el senado de W or unanimidad aprobó una resolución para cancelar cargos por retraso de pagos de matrícula. Después de aprobar la resolución, YDSA escribió una carta al Presidente de la universidad Brad Mortensen y se lo dieron, pidiéndole que lo honre. Según Lee, han sido meses desde que Mortensen recibio la carta, y no han escuchado nada de regreso.
“Algo increíble pasó el año pasado,” dice Lee. “Estudiantes dicen que ellos se tenían cariño y se involucraron en el proceso democratico, y eso hace que nuestras voces sean escuchadas. Aprobamos una resolución, que or definici n, es la voz de los estudiantes. Cuando eso es ignorado, que les enseña cuando se gradúan? Van a ver el proceso político y el clima horrible que tenemos hoy día, y eso crea apatía.” YDSA tesorero Seth Taintor no tenía edad para participar en la elección de 2020, y el próximo año va ser la primera vez que el pueda votar en una elección presidencial. “Nosotros como club tenemos bastantes estudiantes que han tratado de tener sus voces escuchadas, y cuando el senado estudiantil aprueba una resolución que no está honrado, da el sentido que las acciones que hace uno de activista… no son escuchados,”
dice Taintor. “No hacen una diferencia, y eso se lleva por el resto de su vida cuando uno participa en el proceso democratico. Pensando, ‘Lo que estoy haciendo realmente estara haciendo una diferencia aqui?’” Taintor cree que las voces de los estudiantes merecen ser escuchados y que sus voces importan. Esto les ayuda a que ellos se conviertan en miembros participantes en su comunidad en el futuro. La ficina de rotecci n inanciera del onsumidor onsumer inancial ureau publicó un informe en Septiembre advirtiendo de los riesgos de planes de pago de la universidad. El informe vio planes de pago de la matrícula sobre 450 universidades. Ellos encontraron que cuando los que pidieron préstamos fueron puestos en un plan de pago de matrícula automáticamente porque tenían fondos federales de préstamos estudi-
antiles que no cubre todo el tamaño del costo de matr cula. eg n el , esto crea cuotas ara los estudiantes y roblemas financieros. El informe encontró que el tamaño medio de las cuotas es . “En algunos casos, cargos por retraso ueden ser or cada ago ue no pasa, y algunas veces, algunas universidades pueden cobrar por cargos por retraso y tarifas de pago devueltas en el mismo transacción,” seg n el re orte. l tambi n observ términos que pueden permitir a las universidades convertir los planes de pago sin intereses en préstamos con interés cuando se pierden los pagos. Estas prácticas pueden llevar a un alto costo por el pago atrasado en los planes de pago de la matrícula.” Según la página web de WSU, un cargo or retraso de esta cobrado a todos los estudiantes que “no han pagado el costo de
YDSA
POR PARHAM KERMANI
Members of the Young Democratic Socialists of America delivering petition signatures and student letters asking for the cancellation of late fees at the office of President Mortensen.
est involucrado y son lentos. Tam oco ueremos afectar eso.” n oviembre, W lanz una gina eb nueva para ayudar con el proceso de pagar por la universidad. Pay For School le ofrece a los estudiantes todo lo ue necesitan ara acceder a información de la matrícula, recursos en financiaci n, becas y una l nea directa para hacer planes de pago, asistencia con la matr cula de rogramas y e enciones. uede ver la gina eb en htt s eber.edu ayfor-school. l hecho de ue estemos teniendo esta conversaci n, el hecho de ue he hablado con l deres de W , y el vice residente ejecutivo y el presidente del cuerpo estudiantil, todos nos hemos sentados a u en estas sillas, con Dr. Jessica Oyler, vicepresidente de tudent ccess and uccess, dos veces este semestre, hablando de lo ue vamos a hacer y ue son nuestros lanes, y c mo lo vamos a hacer, dice Mortensen. osotros no ueremos ue los cargos or retraso ue im idan los estudiantes en su educación o de obtener su título.”
YDSA pamphlets and papers laid out on a table in the Shepherd Union building.
YDSA
matrícula en total, registrado por un plan de pago aprobado por la universidad, tienen ayuda financiera, o tienen ue resentar su comprobante de terceros a los cajeros antes de la fecha límite de pago.” Se factura una tasa anual de 12% sobre los saldos pendientes de pago 30 días después del comienzo del semestre. El interés en la balanza es en adición de los cargos por retraso. amos a uedarnos con los cargos or retraso en Weber State como otras instituciones or ue es im ortante oder coleccionar los ingresos de matrícula para pagar por los emleados y facultad ue dan la e eriencia estudiantil,” dice Mortensen. Según Mortensen, después de comparar los proyectos de ley con otras escuelas, los l deres estudiantiles sintieron ue W era complementaria en comparación. “Ningún estudiante debe de pagar un cargo por retraso,” dice Mortensen. “Si es por la universidad, ue a veces asa nosotros trabajaremos con estudiantes ara asegurar ue no sean afectados negativamente a través de los cargos por retraso si un tercero legítimo
Kennedy Camarena | The Signpost
December 5, 2023 | thesignpostwsu.com | NEWS | 11
The Young Democratic Socialists of America posing next to their table located in Shepard Union.
12 | CULTURE | thesignpostwsu.com | December 5, 2023
Reporter
Weber State University’s Holiday Market was held in the Shepherd Union Atrium on Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This market event brought independent businesses from Ogden residents and Weber State’s student body to campus to sell the products they create Molly Ward, the director of the Shepherd Union building, explained where the idea for a Holiday Market came from. “We wanted to create something on campus that could become a traditional event but that also bridges campus and community,” Ward said.
This is the first Holiday Market that has come to campus, but Ward hopes to see it become an annual event on campus. The Holiday Market focused on finding local and student businesses to vendor the event. “We especially wanted to work with faculty and staff that may have a side business or creative venture to share,” Ward said. Heidi Wheatley, the administrative assistant in WSU’s nursing department, was one of the vendors at the market. Wheatley showcased rocks and plants she had collected, polished and turned into art for customers to purchase. This creative outlet first started last year for Wheatley. This is her first time bringing her art to campus. Wheatley said she feels an event like this is important to campus. “It’s a good display of entrepreneurship, being your own boss and is a creative outlet,” Wheatley said. Weber State reached out to anyone who had previously rented a vendor table in the Shepherd Union Building and Ogden Farmers Market vendors. They also brought the event to the attention of faculty and staff. The goods at this recent market ranged anywhere from soaps, jewelry, clothing and baked goods. This gives passersby a wide variety of different vendors and businesses to check out and buy merchandise from, as well as experience some of the cultures that varying vendors bring to campus with their art and goods. Ward explains that she would love to see more markets take place on campus, not just one during the holiday season. Logan Kurtz, a first-year criminal justice major, purchased some baked goods at the market. “An event like this brings me closer to the campus,” Kurtz said. The notion of supporting faculty and staff in creative endeavors and allowing them to show off their work is Ward’s favorite aspect of the market. “Our hope is that this brings the community together around food and art, and makes holiday shopping a bit more fun,” Ward said.
Ward said an event like this matters to businesses and students. “Having a storefront is expensive but there are a lot of awesome artists and creators in our community that don’t always have the means to share their work and their passion,” Ward said. “I love the idea of a market for this rea-
son. It helps ensure that our students have access to a variety of goods and services and feel integrated into the community as well.” Share this story at thesignpostwsu.com COOPER HATSIS | The Signpost
By COOPER HATSIS
A decorated Christmas tree covered in ornaments in Shepherd Union.
December 5, 2023 | thesignpostwsu.com | CULTURE | 13
Section Editor
The Patti O’Neal Dance Scholarship memorializes a professor’s love of art, her compassion for her students and her fighting s irit, hich she used to bring im ortant to ics surrounding racial injustice onto center stage. atti enise eal brought a breath of fresh air to the halls of the ro ning enter upon her arrival to Weber State University in the s ring of . Gloria Wurst, a fellow faculty member at the time and who would become a dear friend, remembers her for her fighting s irit. he as an incredibly energetic and enthusiastic social reformer, Wurst said. he had a very strong conviction about hat she as believing in. eal as a visiting rofessor in the dance rogram of the Lind uist ollege of rts Humanities at W . he brought ith her a cohesive energy to create change ith her art and hel bring attention to issues of racism and omen s rights. Eric Stern, a professor of dance at Weber tate niversity, met eal brie y during an event at Weber State prior to his employment ith the niversity. tern later returned as a rofessor shortly after atti eal s de arture. “[She] used dance for social awareness and social action, and to push the boundaries,” tern said. he clearly left an im ression. heray eal, atti eal s daughter, said
she comes from a long line of artists and that her mom had been dancing since she as years old. heray eal said she remembers her mom by her laughter, her s eet nature and her o erful energy. “If she walked in a room, you would know it, heray eal said. n addition to her teaching, atti eal also choreogra hed multi le dances about racial injustice, one iece she choreogra hed as about the odney King beating in , which was one of the earliest instances of police brutality being caught on video. The hardest struggle is not ith its eo le, but with a system that promotes oppression on the basis of race, class, and gender. atti eal said in a intervie ith The ignost, W s student-run ne s a er. n ug. , , t o years after leaving Weber State, Patti O’Neal died after a battle ith breast cancer, ith hich she as diagnosed during her time at W . n an archived edition of The ign ost, Wurst wrote about Patti O’Neal in a letter to the editor, stating that she as a remarkable, com assionate and generous oman. atti as dedicated to im roving the orld through education e ho ere her students in a multitude of settings need to continue that work for her now,” Wurst wrote in her letter. Wurst then began the rocess to found the dance scholarship in Patti O’Neal’s name to honor her.
ince being established in , the atti O’Neal Memorial Scholarship has awarded , to students studying dance at W according to the university. In an article from the Standard Examiner
follo ing her death, atti eal as uoted saying, rt should stimulate, not acify. f all an artwork does is entertain, it’s missed the oint of hat art should be all about. CHERAY O’NEAL
By STAR NEIL
A photo of Patti O’Neal and her daughter, Cheray O’Neal
MASTER OF SCIENCE Computer Science Computer Engineering Data Science Electrical Engineering Systems Engineering (Online) Engineering, Applied Science & Technology
14 | SPORTS | thesignpostwsu.com | December 5, 2023
Section Editor
In a highly anticipated match at the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament, Weber State University’s women’s volleyball team, for the third time in school history, faced off against Brigham Young University. Despite a valiant effort, the Wildcats fell to BYU in three sets, with scores of 16–25, 16–26 and 25–27. From the outset, BYU established dominance, initiating an early 5–0 run that set the
POR DANIELA IMBRETT Traductor
POR COLLYN COWLES Editor de Sección
En un partido muy esperado del torneo de la NCAA, el equipo de voleibol femenino de la Universidad Estatal de Weber, por tercera vez en la historia de la escuela, se enfrentó a BYU. A pesar de un valiente esfuerzo, los Wildcats cayeron ante BYU en tres sets, con puntuaciones de 16-25, 16-26 y 25-27. Desde el principio, BYU estableció el dominio, iniciando una racha temprana de 5-0 que marcó la pauta para el primer set. A pesar del esfuerzo admirable de Weber State, que incluyó remates impactantes por Ashley Gneiting. BYU amplió su ventaja a 16-9, el set concluyó con BYU asegurando una victoria por 25-16. La dinámica de BYU se prolongó hasta el segundo set, donde mantuvieron el control y finalmente consiguieron otra victoria decisiva
tone for the first set. es ite a commendable effort by Weber State, which included impactful kills by Ashley Gneiting. BYU extended its lead to 16–9, the set concluded with BYU securing a 25–16 victory. BYU’s momentum carried into the second set, where they maintained control, ultimately clinching another decisive victory with a score of 16–25. Facing elimination, Weber State entered the third set with determination. The Wildcats demonstrated resilience by establishing an early 12–7 lead, putting pressure on BYU. Throughout the set, Weber State
remained competitive, keeping the score either tied or within a few points. Tied at 19–19, a crucial kill by Kate tandifird gave Weber tate a lead. oth teams fiercely battled, exchanging points, until they reached a tense 25–25 tie. In the end, BYU secured the third set with a 27–25 victory, capitalizing on critical attack errors by the Wildcats. Despite the overall outcome, the third set showcased Weber State’s offensive prowess, recording 11 kills from 36 attacks with a .167 hitting percentage. Leading the charge for Weber State was Dani Richins, who delivered an impressive
performance with 11 kills. Gneiting contributed significantly ith four service aces, while Saane Katoa made her presence known ith five blocks. Although the match concluded with a loss for the Wildcats, the team’s spirited performance and individual stand out efforts re ect their tenacity and skill on the tournament stage. The Wildcats may not have secured victory, but their journey in the tournament left a lasting impression.
con un marcador de 16-25. De cara a la eliminación, Weber State entró en el tercer set con determinación. Los Wildcats demostraron resiliencia al establecer una ventaja temprana de 12 a 7, ejerciendo presión sobre BYU. A lo largo del set, Weber State se mantuvo competitivo, manteniendo el marcador empatado o a unos pocos puntos. Empatado en 19-19, un remate de Kate tandifird le dio a Weber State una ventaja de 20-19. Ambos equipos lucharon ferozmente, intercambiando puntos, hasta llegar a un tenso empate 25-25. l final, asegur el tercer set con una victoria por 27-25, aprovechando los errores críticos de ataque de los Wildcats. A pesar del resultado general, el tercer set mostró la destreza ofensiva de Weber State, registrando 11 remates en 36 ataques con un porcentaje de hits de .167. Liderando la carga de Weber State estaba Dani Richins, quien realizó una actuación impresionante con 11 remates. Gneiting contribuy significativamente con cuatro servicios de saque, mientras que Saane Katoa hizo
notar su presencia con cinco bloqueos. Aunque el partido concluyó con una derrota para los Wildcats, el desempeño enérgico del equipo y sus destacados esfuerzos individuales re ejan su tenacidad y habilidad
en el escenario del torneo de la NCAA. Puede que los Wildcats no hayan conseguido la victoria, pero su trayectoria en el torneo dejó una impresión duradera. Weber State Athletics Volleyball
By COLLYN COWLES
Weber State University Volleyball players Ashley Gneiting (10) and Liana Woodley (14), celebrating on the Volleyball court in the game against Brigham Young University.
December 5, 2023 | thesignpostwsu.com | NEWS | 15
DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEWS? 1.
The answer is C, Spotify. According to AP News, the major music streaming service has laid off 17% of its workforce, or about 1,500 people, in the company’s third set of layoffs in the year. This is the biggest set of layoffs this year after a 6% total layoff in January and a 2% total layoff in June. The company has allegedly lost about $500 million between January and September.
2.
3.
4.
QUIZ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 2
The answer is A, George Santos. According to The Standard, the United States House of Representatives voted to expel Rep. Santos in a 311–114 vote on Dec. 1. The Senator is currently under investigation for multiple charges, including misuse of campaign funds, and has been caught in numerous lies about his personal history.
The answer is B, Breeze Airways. According to The Standard, the budget-friendly airline that already serves Provo, will be making its way to the Ogden-Hinckley airport. This comes after the Ogden City Council voted to give the airline a $250,000 incentive to come to the airport in a 4–2 vote. The airline will provide flights from Ogden to John Wayne County Airport in Orange County, California, four times a week.
The answer is D, Dogs. According to NBC News, there is a respiratory illness hitting dogs nationwide. Veterinarians and scientists still aren’t positive what is causing this outbreak, how widespread it is, or how many dogs have died from this mysterious illness.
THE SIGNPOST TEAM Editor-in-Chief Kennedy Camarena kennedycamarena@mail.weber.edu Managing Editor Marianna Lopez-Luritta mlopezluritta@mail.weber.edu Design & Graphics Editor Star Neil starneil@mail.weber.edu
Chief Copy Editor Justin Steed justinsteed@mail.weber.edu
Culture Editor Lexie Andrew lexieandrew@mail.weber.edu
News Editor Brisa Odenthal brisaodenthal@mail.weber.edu
Asst. Culture Editor Megan Swann meganswann@mail.weber.edu
Asst. News Editor Sky Mundell skylarmundell@mail.weber.edu
Asst. Design & Graphics Editor Emilie Hart emiliehart@mail.weber.edu
Sports Editor Collyn Cowles collyncowles@mail.weber.edu
Photo Editor Anna Kuglar briannakuglar@mail.weber.edu
Culture Editor Adam Montgomery adammontgomery1@mail.weber.edu
Asst. Photo Editor Norlito Ranchez norlitoranchezjr@mail.weber.edu
Translation/Culture Editor Nathaneal Stout nathanaelstout@mail.weber.edu Advisor Jean Norman jeannorman@weber.edu Business Manager Rob Steedley robertsteedley@weber.edu
The Signpost is a student publication, written, edited and drafted by Weber State University students. Student fees fund the printing of this publication. Opinions or positions voiced are not necessarily endorsed by the university. The Signpost reserves the right to edit for reasons of space and libel and to refuse to print any letters. Letters should be submitted online to thesignpost@weber.edu and read letter to the Editor in the subject box. Letters should not exceed 350 words.