VOL. 70 NO. 6 | OCTOBER 6, 2021
THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO, SINCE 1950
UB student coorganizes Buffalo Women’s March
PAGE 2
UBSPECTRUM
UB’s all-conference linebackers are the gel that keeps the Bulls’ defense together
UB Bees empowers ambitious students to pursue their beekeeping dreams
PAGE 4
PAGE 5
UB holds in-person commencement ceremony for Class of 2020 UB honors its commitment to seniors, grad students who graduated at the height of the pandemic DAN EASTMAN JULIE FREY
ductions by their respective deans. President Satish Tripathi announced their degree conferrals after each dean and then the graduates were recognized one by one as they walked across the stage. Davila Tarakinikini, who earned degrees in philosophy and English, says she was “happy to come back and graduate in per-
son.” Tarakinikini, who was a multimedia editor for The Spectrum in 2019, was born in the Fiji Islands and has since lived around the world. She wore a salusalu, a traditional flower necklace worn when Fijians accomplish something great, to the ceremony. Alexandra Kouptsova, who graduated
with a degree in public health, says she was happy UB recognized the graduates virtually in 2020, but was disappointed with the scope of the ceremony. “I was happy there was some sort of acknowledgement of graduates in 2020 but SEE COMMENCEMENT PAGE 2
ASST. MANAGING EDITOR ASST. NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR
Roughly 800 students — approximately 8.2% of the graduating Class of 2020 — walked the Alumni Arena stage Friday for UB’s first in-person commencement ceremony since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The university hosted the Class of 2020 for a belated commencement ceremony last week, roughly 16 months after their intended graduation. Just under 9,400 undergraduate and graduate students graduated in 2020, but only 250 undergrads and 520 grads returned to walk the stage during Homecoming Weekend. The undergraduate commencement ceremony combined each individual department. The graduate commencement ceremony added the School of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Education, School of Law and the School of Social Work. In a typical year, commencement ceremonies take place individually by school or college, but this year, they were all consolidated. Both ceremonies featured student intro-
Sabrina Akter-Nabi / The Spectrum David Hooper walked the stage with his nine-month-old on Friday.
UB begins $28 UB will move Student Health Services million overhaul center to Maple Road single-story of Crosby Hall Temporary site is expected to open in
University officials expect the project to be completed by the fall of 2023 KYLE NGUYEN STAFF WRITER
A $28 million renovation of Crosby Hall commenced on Sept. 22, according to a UBNow story. The project will restore the historical architecture of the building while improving student learning facilities and advancing UB’s sustainability initiatives, the university says. It is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2023. Crosby Hall presently houses the School of Architecture and Planning. Architecture students displaced by the renovations have been temporarily moved to designated “surge” spaces in Acheson Annex, Hayes Annexes B and C and Parker Hall, according to the architecture school’s website. Andrew Berman, the principal architect of the project, will be overseeing the restoration of the exterior’s 1931 NeoGeorgian architecture. But restoration will not be the entire focus of the project, the university says. Berman is also tasked with reimagining the interior with a more open design, intuitive navigation and economical usage of space. According to new layouts produced by Berman and his team, the ground floor will feature exhibits, galleries and student lounges. There will also be two classrooms that can seat over 50 students, as well as a computer lab and faculty office spaces. The second and third floors will feature the revamped student studios, with space SEE CROSBY HALL PAGE 2
mid-spring JUSTIN WEISS
MANAGING EDITOR
UB is temporarily moving its Student Health Services center to a single-story building near North Campus, the university announced in a UBNow story last week. Student Health Services is currently working out of South Campus’ Michael Hall and the Farber Hall Annex, but officials say these locations no longer have sufficient space to handle the roughly 24,000 patients who visit the location annually. So, the university plans to lease an under-construction building owned by Benderson Developments LLC on Maple Road for Student Health Services starting this spring. “Students have wanted something like this for a number of years and the pandemic really drove home that need,” Brian Hamluk, UB’s new vice president for student life, said. “Students want a better patient experience and that’s what we’re going to give them.” Hamluk cited the building’s proximity to North Campus — located on 4350 Maple Road, the new venue is a 1.5-mile drive from the Student Union — and its “modern facility” as reasons for the switch. “Maple Road is in close proximity to the North Campus, it will be a more modern facility and it will give us more space to provide a higher quality of health care while we work toward building a state-ofthe-art wellness and recreation center on campus,” Hamluk said. The new facility has 13,000-sq. ft. of space, and has a target opening of midspring. UB will lease the building for Student Health Services for an anticipated
five years, at which time the university hopes to conclude construction of a fourstory wellness and recreation center on the site of the North Campus bookstore. UB hopes to begin design work for the wellness and recreation center by January, after its initial plans were stalled by the pandemic. Renderings from CannonDesign last year revealed a site that would house Health Services, Counseling Services and Health Promotion, as well as a pool, basketball courts, multiple fitness centers and an elevated running track. UB is eyeing a 2026 completion date for that project, according to the UBNow article. The Maple Road building will feature an in-house pharmacy, while Counseling Services, Health Promotion and chiropractic services will remain in their respective buildings on North and South Campus. UB will provide transportation to the new Health and Wellness center from
North and South Campus. “The space on Maple Road is larger and more sufficient for patient flow,” Susan Snyder, director of health services, said. “It will allow us to seperate the sick visits from well visits, a protective measure now that we are dealing with COVID-19, and that will also serve the community well in the years ahead.” Hamluk has made health and recreation a priority since coming to UB from the University of Pittsburgh in May. Hamluk says he wants to take a “more holistic approach” to student health, echoing calls from students on campus who urge campus leaders to take an upstream approach to student health problems. “These next few years are the beginning of a dramatic change in how we meet the health and wellness needs of our students,” Hamluk said. Email: justin.weiss@ubspectrum.com
Courtesy of Benderson Development LLC. A rendering of 4350 Maple Road, the new site of Student Health Services.
2 | Wednesday, October 6 2021
NEWS
ubspectrum.com
UB student co-organizes Buffalo Women’s March Protesters march to City Hall; India Walton among speakers GRANT ASHLEY SENIOR NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR
Before Saturday, the biggest event Saumya Gilra had ever planned was a bake sale for her high school’s Key Club. One restrictive Texas abortion law later, the junior political science major found herself co-organizing one of the hundreds of Women’s Marches happening across the country last weekend. The event drew hundreds of protestors — most carried homemade signs, some pushed strollers, a few spoke at City Hall and at least two wore red robes reminiscent of those from “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Democratic nominee for mayor of Buffalo India Walton addressed protestors at Prospect Park before leading the march down Niagara Street to Buffalo City Hall. The demonstration garnered media attention from Buffalo TV stations WIVB-4 and WKBW-7. Gilra never expected to lead something so big when she signed up to be a “circle host” for the Buffalo chapter of the Women’s March Network. “My circle [chapter] was five members,” Gilra said. “That’s it. And I was very happy with that. I was like, ‘This is a small group. This is good.’ ...And then it became six, but it just stayed that way for a year.” Gilra’s responsibilities as a circle host included updating her circle on local policy developments, getting involved in local campaign efforts and hosting occasional meetings, all work that Gilra described as
“very casual.” But halfway through the spring 2021 semester, Gilra had to return to her home country of India due to “immigration issues.” Gilra, occupied with 3 a.m. Zoom classes and the U.S. immigration system, disengaged from American news and her role with WMN. When she returned to the U.S. shortly before the beginning of the fall semester, she discovered that 70 people had joined her circle. That number would soon climb to over 120. “I was like, ‘What’s happening?’” Gilra said. “‘Why are so many people signed up? ...What’s going on?’ And then I saw the news.” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had signed a restrictive abortion bill into law that May. The law, which went into effect on Sept. 1, bans all abortions after six weeks of preg-
SEE WOMEN’S MARCH PAGE 5
Jack Porcari / The Spectrum Protesters gather in support of abortion rights in Niagara Square on Oct. 2.
COMMENCEMENT
CROSBY HALL
FROM PAGE 1
it was kind of disappointing,” Kouptsova said. “I felt the school gave off the idea it was going to be really grand (in a virtual sense) so a lot of people planned to watch it with their families. It was awkward to see it was just a couple of YouTube video links and PowerPoint slides. “I didn’t attend [the in-person] commencement because I never got an email about it, I just found out the other day [Oct. 3],” Kouptsova said. “I think it was responsible [to host commencement] but maybe the timing wasn’t the best as it can be jumbled up with Homecoming and weekend activities.” Students who earned their Ph.D. in 2020 received more recognition, with their theses titles read aloud as they walked across the stage. Elisabeth Davis, a Ph.D. recipient in history, and Erika Ruhl, a Ph.D. recipient in anthropology, agreed that commencement gave them closure to their educational journeys. “I was one of the last two defenses [in person] in my department, just before the pandemic,” Davis said. “And I was one of the first handful that had to defend via Zoom,” Ruhl said.
nancy (before many women know they’re pregnant) and allows all private citizens to sue abortion providers or anyone who helps a woman obtain an abortion. “The country is moving backwards, it feels like,” Gilra said. “We had abortion [in Texas], and now we’re going backwards.” Stewing in frustration over the new Texas law, Gilra received an email at the start of the fall semester from WMN asking if she would host a march in Buffalo. “I thought it would be like a small thing, so I agreed to it,” Gilra said. “People started signing up online. I started putting stuff out on social media. And then Planned Parenthood sent me an email saying that they wanted to collaborate. I was rereading the email. I was like, ‘This is ac-
FROM PAGE 1
“But [the commencement ceremony] gave us closure,” Davis added. Courtney Way, a J.D. recipient, thought commencement was well executed. “Honestly, I think they did as best as they could 16 months ago when we had to do it remotely,” Way said of the May 2020 commencement. “But I think that this was a really cool opportunity to bring us in and I appreciated that we mixed all of the graduate schools together. It was really cool to see people with different interests and hear what they wrote their thesis on. I thought it was fantastic.” The 2020 commencement was moved to an online format after the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the remainder of the spring 2020 semester. “History will always remember the Class of 2020 for graduating at the height of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. For our part, UB will remember this historic class for demonstrating exceptional innovation, resilience and adaptability during an exceptionally trying time,” UB president Satish Tripathi said in a statement announcing the ceremony. Email: danielson.eastman@ubspectrum.com Email: julie.frey@ubspectrum.com
Sabrina Akter-Nabi / The Spectrum The university hosted the Class of 2020 for a belated commencement ceremony Friday, roughly 16 months after their intended graduation.
for about 120 studio positions each. Increases in the number of workspaces are attributed to the replacement of traditional drafting boards — typically five to six feet wide — with smaller desks just large enough to support a computer. In this scheme, each student is allotted 80 sq. ft. of studio space to work with. Korydon Smith, professor and chair of the architecture department, and head of the renovation’s faculty design committee, says the new interior layout will transform the student experience in Crosby Hall. “It will be much more social on the ground floor, and the upper floors will offer greater flexibility — accommodating everything from individual design work, to digital collaboration, to team-based learning and full-scale construction,” Smith said. Students will also have more access to digital technology, according to Associate Dean Bruce Majkowski. The new classrooms, studios, labs and lounges will all receive more power with an enhanced electrical service, while expanded wireless coverage will allow all students to use the Wi-Fi throughout the building and outdoors. Crosby Hall is also set to be comprehen-
What students should know about voting at UB
The registration deadline for the upcoming general election is on Friday GRANT ASHLEY JACK PORCARI SENIOR NEWS/FEATURES EDITORS
UB students will head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 2 to cast their vote for mayor of Buffalo and other local races. Incumbent Byron Brown (I) is running a write-in campaign against Democratic nominee India Walton (D) in a showdown the city won’t soon forget. Eligible voters have until Oct. 8 to register in person at their local Board of Elections or DMV if they want to vote in the general election, according to the NYS BoE Website. Mail-in registration forms must be postmarked by Oct. 8 and received by Oct. 13. Registered voters have until Oct. 13 to notify their county BoE of address changes. UB’s Student Engagement office has resources available to help students who need to register to vote, according to Phyllis Floro, director of Student Engagement. The Student Engagement office, located at Student Union 150, will continue to hand out voter registration forms through the end of the voter registration period. The office will have a table in the SU Lobby on Oct. 12 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 19 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Oct. 27 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., where they will remind students to vote, give them research tools and help them make a voting plan. UB will not serve as a polling place this year, but the university will provide transportation to polling locations on Election Day, Floro says. Students registered to vote with an address on North Campus can vote at Sweet Home High School on Sweet Home Road, and students registered on South Campus can do so at the Gloria J. Parks Community Center. More voter registration and absentee ballot resources are available on the NYS BoE’s website. Email: jack.porcari@ubspectrum.com Email: grant.ashley@ubspectrum.com
sively refitted with “state-of-the-art energy efficient equipment.” Targeting a 50% reduction in energy consumption and a 25% carbon reduction, the building is on course to receive the LEED Gold certification and fulfill the SUNY chancellor’s directive to work toward net zero carbon in all system buildings. The project’s system upgrades on energy usage and carbon emissions also follow UB’s Climate Action Plan, which sets a goal for zero emissions by 2030 and 100% clean energy for electricity by 2025. Following its construction in 1931 by architects E.G. Green and Sons, the 90-yearold South Campus building has undergone just one major transformation when its original occupants, the School of Management, made way for the School of Architecture in 1985. The School of Architecture and Planning has since eyed renovations for both its main facilities, Crosby Hall and Hayes Hall. Renovations for the latter were completed in 2016, and the school’s administrators are enthusiastic about finishing off the other half of the project. “We have been talking about this for over 30 years,” Majkowski said. “We can now say it’s finally happening. And it’s going to be great.” Email: news@ubspectrum.com
Sabrina Akter-Nabi / The Spectrum A $28 million renovation of Crosby Hall commenced on Sept. 22 and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2023.
ubspectrum.com
OPINION
Wednesday, September 29 2021 | 3
How to put your happiness first To anyone reading this, live your life for you. Unapologetically.
SOPHIE MCNALLY STAFF WRITER
In late August, I arrived at Buffalo Niagara International Airport with three luggagefilled bags and loads of anticipation. But, just three hours after landing from the U.K. as an international student, I found that I couldn’t stop myself from crying. As my chest heaved and my eyes reddened, all I could think about was just how pathetic I was. My big Mrs. Worldwide adventure to the US of A felt so wrong. I laid on the floor — my half-opened suitcases strewn across my apartment — and just felt empty. All week, my family and friends had been hyping me up and helping me every way they could. My parents wouldn’t stop say-
ing, “Buffalo won’t know what’s hit it!” as my Grandad would chime in, “Our Soph’s gonna make it big!” They couldn’t have been more wonderful, but all I could do was feign a smile. Because here’s the thing: I was genuinely excited to come to the states. I really was. Eight-year-old me didn’t belt Miley’s “Party in the USA” for nothing. This was my main character moment, and I couldn’t be more excited to smash it out the park and live my reverse Poppy Moore fantasy. But none of that seemed to matter. My Mum was a whole world away when she called me that night. My words stitched themselves together and fell back apart, as my racing mind and shaky breath tried to articulate any of what I was feeling to her. We put the world to rights in just 40 minutes, before my screen and I glared at each other: “U.K. time: 3:20 a.m.” I couldn’t keep her up any longer; I’d already done enough damage. “Night night, I love you,” we both said, before the phone clicked off. I tried my best to sleep, but just couldn’t seem to fight the knot I had in my stomach. You’re selfish. The words ricocheted across my skull. My head spun over and over until I felt motion sick.
Why was I abandoning the people that gave everything to me? Why was I putting my needs before theirs? The 3,400 miles isn’t going to make it easy on any of them, Sophie, you know that. Suddenly, everything I’d ever done felt intrinsically self-absorbed. My parents and family have given their all for me and my sister, and my friends have been an unshakeable support network of laughs and hugs all the way back to the first time I grazed my knee in the playground. I felt helpless and torn. All of a sudden, going after everything I’d worked so hard for, and having what could be one of the best experiences of my life at UB, felt criminal. My lungs filled all the way up as I held my breath and hovered over the “Return Flight” button. Even as I’m writing this I can feel that same feeling bubbling up in my chest. I’d always dealt with feelings like this. The guilt feels like a guest at a hotel, checking in every now and then. I felt that way when I decided to transfer universities because I was really unhappy, but the guilt of leaving my friends almost made me stay. Or when I tried to keep a friendship that ran its course, because I didn’t want anyone to get hurt. The bottom line is, nobody’s going to chase your dreams for you. You can’t accommodate other people at the expense of yourself, and if you do, you wouldn’t even have your full self to give to them anymore. This
is your life! And there’s never any shame in prioritizing you. Think about it this way: would you ever tell your friend to not go after that dream job? Or be angry when your sister told you she’d finally made her big break and wants to move to the big city? Be patient with yourself, and know that putting yourself first doesn’t devalue how much you care for those around you. I’ve now been in America for six weeks, and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve found my stride and it’s only going to keep going up from here. For the first time, I can actually smile at the fact that I’ve chosen myself. If I hadn’t, I would never have met my amazing new friends or made memories that will always make me smile. I would have given up what’s making out to be one of the best years of my life. So how can you put your happiness first? Catch that train to a new city. Apply for that internship you’ve always wanted. Leave that relationship that’s been bringing you down. Grab coffee with that girl you smiled at on the street. Do whatever you damn-well want. Oh, and never forget to dance your heart out while you do it. Email: opinion@ubspectrum.com
Hispanic Heritage Month was never to blame On holding myself accountable by addressing my own internalized racism
KAYLA ESTRADA STAFF WRITER
In the fall of eighth grade, Friday nights meant eating too much popcorn, attempting new makeup looks and secretly watching Mean Girls in my best friend’s basement. My friends and I talked for hours about boys who didn’t know we existed, discussed Halloween costume ideas and stalked celebrities on social media accounts our parents didn’t know we had. It was my turn to receive a makeover, and all was well — until one girl scrolled onto a post about National Hispanic Heritage Month. “Are you going to celebrate, Kayla?” she asked. Before I could answer, the room erupted into laughter. “Of course she’s not, she’s not even that Mexican,” one of them replied. “She’s actually really pretty. She could even model if her nose wasn’t so huge.” The group all nodded in agreement before changing the subject. After a few short moments, I excused
myself. I went to the bathroom, panic stricken. I paced around the room, scared to glance in the mirror. Eventually, my curiosity subdued me, and I looked. My reflection only confirmed their piercing words. The gross fluorescent lighting made my brown skin appear greenish. Great, I thought to myself. I look as sick as I feel. My large nose stared back at me, taking up nearly half of my face. I had never felt so ugly. And the feeling only got worse when I began to cry. Staring at myself, glitter painted eyelids and my face covered in foundation three shades too light, I began to wonder how it all came to this; sobbing in front of my best friend’s dirty bathroom mirror, with only a hideous beast looking back to keep me company. After a few minutes of contemplation, I eventually decided that my friends were innocent in the matter. Hispanic Heritage Month just sucks, I thought. What could there possibly be to celebrate? From that point on, Hispanic Heritage Month was no friend of mine, and Mexican culture remains a distant stranger to this day. I quickly learned to play the assimilation game. Pale powder constantly masked my brown face. My skin begged to enjoy the last bit of summer sun, only to be met with the whitening shade of the nearest umbrella. Yet there was no umbrella large enough to shield the abundance of racial slurs that followed me down my middle school’s halls. Every time I walked past a Spanish classroom, guilt struck me, my absence from the class consumed me. Still, people laughed and called me Dora—in
reality she was far more talented. Although I never learned Spanish, I remain fluent in hate as my second language. I lost touch with all aspects of my culture in an attempt to gain white validation, but in the end, I was left with nothing. Whitewashed with none of the privilege. To my dismay, my grandparents forced me to attend Latin Fest with the rest of my family during my sophomore year. I watched as my cousins excitedly ran through the streets, scoping out the best places for activities. I trudged along, my lack of enthusiasm clearly upsetting my Abuela. How could they be enjoying this? I thought. It’s like they want to get picked on. Each time they ate a taco too enthusiastically, or spoke Spanish a little too loudly, I caught myself wincing, dreadfully anticipating a sea of mockery and racial slurs. But they never came. Instead, wide smiles painted each of their faces, their cheeks red from dancing and laughter. Eating tasty food, listening to vibrant music and talking amongst each other in their native tongue. My Abuela had never seemed so at peace. She had managed to find a little patch of heaven, a sanctuary that shielded her culture from assimilation. And she did all this while disregarding my mockery. As I watched my family be shamelessly Mexican, a sudden wave of jealousy hit me. While I should’ve been busy admiring the beauty of the moment, envy swarmed my brain. This should’ve been me. After the festival finished, we all made our way back to my Abuela’s house. Aunts and uncles swarmed me, so thrilled that I EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 6, 2021 VOLUME 70 NUMBER 6 CIRCULATION: 3,000
Do you have an interest in journalism, graphic design, photography, social media, advertising, cartoons or copy editing? The Spectrum is always looking for enthusiastic students who want to be part of our team. Join our 45-time award winning independent student newspaper for hands-on, realworld experience in your field. Anyone interested in joining The Spectrum’s editorial staff can email Reilly Mullen at: eic@ubspectrum.com. Anyone interested in joining The Spectrum’s professional staff or advertising team can email Alek Ogadzhanov at: aio@ubspectrum.com.
The views expressed – both written and graphic – in the Opinion section of The Spectrum do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board. Submit contributions for these pages to The Spectrum office at Suite 132 Student Union or news@ubspectrum.com. The Spectrum reserves the right to edit these pieces for style and length. If a letter is not meant for publication, please mark it as such. All submissions must include the author’s name, daytime phone number, and email address. For information on adverstising with The Spectrum: VISIT: www.ubspectrum.com/advertising EMAIL US: spectrum@buffalo.edu The Spectrum offices are located in 132 Student Union, UB North Campus, Buffalo, NY 14260-2100
Reilly Mullen
would be the first of the Estrada family to attend college. I didn’t deserve their admiration. So after a few short moments, I excused myself and headed for the bathroom. Staring at myself, with a puffy nose and tears rolling down my face, I began to wonder how it all came to this. Hiding in the bathroom at a family celebration, knowing I didn’t deserve to be a part of this amazing community. I stared in the mirror, with the same hideous beast staring back. How disappointed my grandparents must be. To immigrate to a new country, leaving everything behind. All to give your future grandchild a better life, only to have her judge you for being a maid and a construction worker. They sacrificed everything in order for me to be privileged enough to write this column. A spoiled first generation American with internalized racism doesn’t deserve to celebrate anything. I learned about my race and my culture through broken pieces of shattered glass. So, it was no surprise to anyone, that after years of staring in that distorted mirror, I hated myself. And it was all my fault. Now a college freshman, I still don’t know much about my culture. I still don’t speak Spanish, I still don’t celebrate Mexican holidays and I still feel out of place at family reunions. I remain unsure of what the next steps are in retrieving pieces of my identity. Other than replacing judgment with open mindedness. I don’t know what the future holds for my relationship with Mexican culture. But I do know Hispanic Heritage Month was never to blame. Email: opinion@ubspectrum.com
SPORTS EDITORS Anthony DeCicco, Sr. Hunter Skoczylas, Asst.
MANAGING EDITORS Justin Weiss Dan Eastman, Asst.
MULTIMEDIA EDITORS Sabrina Akter-Nabi, Sr. Sai Krishna Seethala, Sr.
NEWS EDITORS ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Grant Ashley, Sr. Jack Porcari, Sr. Natalie Doller, Asst. Julie Frey, Asst. ARTS EDITORS Alex Falter, Sr. Kara Anderson, Asst.
Jenna Quinn, Sr. CREATIVE DIRECTOR Paolo Blanchi, Sr. Jiayi Zhang, Asst.
4 | Wednesday, October 6 2021
FEATURES
IN THE CASE OF
JAMES
AND
ubspectrum.com
KADOFI
OPPOSITES ATTRACT UB’s all-conference linebackers are keeping the Bulls’ defense together
ames Patterson and Kadofi Wright were destined to become a premier linebacker duo long before they ever met. Both from the Washington metropolitan area — Patterson from Maryland and Wright from Virginia — the two were coached by UB football alumni Justin Winters and Willie Moseley in high school. Winters, who coached Patterson at Saint Vincent Pallotti High School in Laurel, MD, was teammates at UB with Moseley, who coached Wright at Henrico High School in Richmond, VA, from 2008 to 2010. Winters and Moseley blazed a path at UB and beyond, and Wright and Patterson have since followed in their footsteps. Patterson, an even-keeled freshman who arrived at UB with his brother, Jaret, in fall 2018, roomed with Wright, an extroverted prankster who was entering his sophomore season that training camp. Constantly ribbing teammates and cracking jokes in practice, Wright quickly earned the reputation as one of the most exuberant personalities on the Bulls’ roster. He made an interesting first impression on Patterson, who described the Richmond native as “mature, but very silly.” On the other hand, Wright immediately noticed the seriousness in Patterson’s approach to the game. A no-nonsense player with a calm intensity and aura that follows him, Patterson isn’t always in the mood for jokes. The pair had unique first impressions of each other. “When I first met him I could tell he was a different breed in the way he worked on and off the field,” Wright said of Patterson. “Being in class, sprinting off the field and doing all the extra work behind the scenes. I knew he was going to be a special player.” The dynamic between the two became more evident throughout the 2018 season, and by 2019, Patterson and Wright’s bond was clear not just off the field, but on it as well. Patterson recorded 40 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and an interception during the 2019 season while Wright racked up 31 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries en route to All-MAC second-team honors. That momentum carried into the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, when Patterson was a first-team All-MAC selection and recorded a team-high 63 tackles in seven games. Wright showcased his skills in the open field with seven pass breakups, which were also good for first on the team. Their personalities are different, and so are their play styles. Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Joe Cauthen says the duo’s differences are “obvious on film,” with Patter-
son excelling at tackling and Wright showing out in pass coverage. “They’re different sizes. Where Kadofi brings really good athletic ability, James brings physical toughness,” Cauthen said. “That’s not to say that James is not a good athlete, they’re just different in that aspect of the game.” Wright also understands the pair’s stylistic differences. But instead of taking an analytical approach, he prefers to address it in terms of playful, back-handed compliments to his contemporary. “James is a very sturdy guy when it comes to tackling,” Wright said. “I get the job done, but I give it to him. James can hit harder than me. But when it comes to the open field, James has got a little bit of [a] slow step. So I like to let James do all of the blitzing and I can cover the running backs.” While different, Patterson and Wright have learned to lean on one another, something that’s well on display in 2021. The two lead the team in tackles (Patterson with 50 and Wright with 28) and showcased their full potential as complementary playmakers in Week 4’s 35-34 win over Old Dominion. Patterson recorded eight tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and an interception while Wright racked up 11 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a pass breakup against the Monarchs. Patterson and Wright trust each other to make plays in key situations, and that trust is helping them lead UB’s defense. “If he sees something he’ll tell me, and if I see something I’ll tell him,” Patterson said. “It’s just that relationship we’ve developed over the years. It took time, but now, if he sees something, I just know
ANTHONY DECICCO
SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR
Moaz Elazzazi / The Spectrum UB linebackers James Patterson (8) and Kadofi Wright (2) have different personalities and playing styles, but they are both forces on the field for the Bulls.
what to do immediately without even saying anything sometimes.” Wright says that trust factor is crucial for him as a playmaker. “It’s definitely a blessing because trust is a big key, especially on defense because you’re trusting 10 other players to do their job at the same time,” Wright said. “So having James beside me is a benefit because I know for a fact he’s gonna do his job and when the play comes to me I’m always gonna be there to make it.” The two describe themselves as “brothers” on- and off-the-field, but there’s an added layer to that statement. After Patterson and Wright suffered “stingers” — nerve injuries of the neck and shoulder — Wright convinced Patterson to wear a protective neck roll, which inspired him to call the duo the “neck roll brothers.” A piece of equipment typically associated with grit and tenacity during the ’80s and ’90s, neck rolls decreased in popularity over the years and have taken on a personality of their own. They are often used to symbolize the toughest players on the team but also provide players with a much-needed added cushion to their neck and shoulder areas. Patterson was originally skeptical of the idea but eventually gave in. “I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m never gonna wear that,’ and then he put the neck roll curse on me,” Patterson said. “My 2019 year I hurt my neck and I started wearing it. He was like, ‘Yeah, we’re gonna be neck roll brothers!’ Every time you ask Dof [Kadofi], he’s
Moaz Elazzazi / The Spectrum UB linebackers James Patterson (8) and Kadofi Wright (2) currently lead the Bulls in tackles.
like, ‘Yeah, we’re the neck roll brothers!’” Wright, never one to shy away from the camera, is happy to take credit for being the “trendsetter” in the linebacking corps. “I definitely caught some stingers back in the day, but when it comes to swag, everybody looks up to me,” Wright said. “When I started looking crazy on the field everybody wanted to follow the trend.” Now three years into their relationship, Wright and Patterson know what it takes to not only coexist but thrive in each other’s presence. They go about things differently onand off-the-field, and that’s a good thing. Wright, in particular, embraces their unusual bond. “It’s definitely a balance. I like to say that he’s the good angel and I’m the bad devil on your shoulder,” Wright said. “We have fun with it, he seems serious, but at the same time, you can’t be serious all the time. I like to bring all the jokes and stuff to the room.” Their friendship highlights one of the most interesting dynamics on the team. Even though the two are polar opposites in both personality and play style, they have developed an inseparable bond by playing alongside each other for three seasons. “They understand each other. James understands Kadofi a lot more than I do, so I have to go to James to ask him what he’s thinking,” Cauthen said with a laugh. “But they’re both fine young men.” Email: anthony.decicco@ubspectrum.com Twitter: @DeCicco42
ubspectrum.com
FEATURES
Wednesday, October 6 2021 | 5
UB Bees gives students a nature-filled escape The club empowers ambitious students to pursue their beekeeping dreams JACK PORCARI SENIOR NEWS EDITOR
In the winter of 2019, Noah Wichlacz was on a mission. Wichlacz, then a freshman, was tending to his first-ever beehive, a hobby born from his fascination with the science of beekeeping and his desire to try something new. But, as the temperatures dropped to their seasonally cold lows, Wichlacz experienced the tragic loss of his entire hive, amidst the harsh Eden weather. He says the experience motivated him to come back stronger the next winter, and taught him a number of lessons about beekeeping and life. “The biggest thing that I have learned over my years is that the community behind beekeeping is much larger than I would have expected it to be, and most people are really nice and honestly just looking for advice on how to successfully manage colonies,” Wichlacz said in an interview with The Spectrum. Wichlacz isn’t the only UB student with a fascination for his buzzing friends. UB Bees, a club dedicated to educating stu-
dents about sustainability and science through beekeeping lectures, workshops and activities, started caring for hives in 2019. The organization was able to secure a $5,000 Honors College Research and Creativity Grant Fund for the project. UB Sustainability also supplied $1,000 in start-up funding and found a location for the hives by North Campus’ Crofts Hall. Today, UB Bees has 15 beekeeping suits and six hives to tend to. “We are excited to see Jack Porcari / The Spectrum UB Bees continue to UB Bees director David Hoekstra says putting resources toward sustainable practices like beekeeping is well worth the investment. grow,” UB Sustainability insect biomass in the past 30 years,” Hoek- find out there’s so much you need to do,” engagement coordinator Derek Nichols said. “With their place- stra said, as he explained the environmen- Wichlacz said. “There’s so much research going on and there’s a pretty cool industry ment next to the campus garden, we want tal benefits of beekeeping. The student response has been “tre- behind it that I don’t think most people to solidify this area of campus as a minimendous” so far, Hoekstra says. Hoekstra realize.” demonstration food system.” UB Bees hosted a honey bottling event says prior to the pandemic, he would make UB Bees director David Hoekstra says putting resources toward sustainable prac- weekly trips to the hive for winterizing, last Wednesday in collaboration with UB’s tices like beekeeping is well worth the in- processing and upkeep. Now that there Office of Student Engagement. Roughly are more opportunities for students to get 20 students were in attendance to write vestment. “On average, around 40% of honey bee engaged in person, he is optimistic that the uplifting notes and package and bottle the honey for donation. The club donathives do not survive the winter, and it is club will pick up steam. ed over one hundred bottles of honey to “To be honest, I wasn’t sure whether estimated that we’ve lost around 75% of holding hundreds or thousands of bees Blue Table, UB’s virtual food pantry serwould help students de-stress,” Hoekstra vice. Hoekstra says the event “worked so said. “Yet everyone that has come out and efficiently that we were also able to bottle left the hives feels rejuvenated and much 100 additional jars of honey for sale to the more relaxed than when they enter, which community later on this fall.” UB Bees is busy coming up with new is funny since having bees fly around you ideas: new research projects, environmencan BEE stressful.” “I think students benefit tremendously tal awareness workshops and beeswax lip from getting out into a semi-wilderness balm are all on the horizon. Hoekstra even area, experiencing nature/wildlife, and plans on teaching a one credit module that completely changing their mind and focus focuses on pollinator biology next fall. As for the bees? to handling bees (instead of the upcoming “The vision is to find long-term fundtests and papers), which is why it has been ing from UB to support us,” Hoekstra so helpful for so many students.” Wichlacz says the act of beekeeping ex- said. “We hope to one day supply campus tends far beyond just extracting the honey. dining services with a healthy supply of “Once you get into bees, it’s almost like honey to be used around campus.” opening up a can of worms because you
Jack Porcari / The Spectrum Senior Noah Wichlacz says the act of beekeeping extends far beyond just extracting the honey.
WOMEN’S MARCH FROM PAGE 2
tually them?’ And it was.” With Planned Parenthood’s connections, Gilra recruited Walton, a representative from the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women and a Planned Parenthood representative as speakers. “It just exploded when they signed up to collaborate with us,” Gilra said. “And then a few local groups [like the Workers World Party of Buffalo] also wanted to [collaborate] because they were also going to do their own march, and then they realized that Buffalo already had one. So, we all just kind of joined together.” As Gilra’s role grew, so did her contact with the general public. Community members Gilra had never met sent her emails detailing their experiences of sexual assault. “It’s a lot,” Gilra said. “I don’t give them ‘go to the police or talk to someone’ advice because I’m sure they’ve gotten that from many, many people. ...[I’m] not saying that it’s a bad thing to report [sexual assault]. I just think that there’s so many people telling you to report it that sometimes you just need someone to listen, right? All I say is that... I understand, and we have meetings. We can always talk, stuff like that.” Not all the contact was positive, though. Gilra received several hate messages over Facebook and email, especially in the days preceding the march. “I would get these emails, and I didn’t know which ones were good and which ones were bad,” she said. “It was a lot.” That, plus the burgeoning responsibilities of fundraising, coordinating speakers and working with several organizations, led Gilra to recruit her friend and sophomore business administration major Chelsea Derrick to help. Derrick helped contact media outlets, organize the march’s security and shop for poster supplies.
Email: jack.porcari@ubspectrum.com
Nevertheless, the pressure of organizing something so large still terrified Gilra. “I was freaking out,” Gilra said. “I thought I had nothing together. I cried [the] night [before], I cried [the] morning [of]. I called my brother [again]. He told me to shut up. He was done with me [freaking out over and over]. ...I usually cry when I’m anxious because I don’t know what else to do.” Gilra and Derrick Jack Porcari / The Spectrum worked right up until Chants and honking horns filled the streets as protesters marched down Niagara Street from Prospect Park. the start of the march, cause that shows me that the environment a freshman political science major who atmaking signs, answering protestors’ queswas comfortable enough [that people] tended the march, said. “And I think just tions and greeting their guest speakers, having these protests [as] shows of soliwant[ed] to do it on the spot,” Gilra said. including Walton, whom Gilra was exhilaGilra herself was scheduled to speak, darity really gets people in a more comrated to meet. fortable state.” but she decided against it. “She shook my hand,” Gilra said. “I For other students, the demonstration “I couldn’t do it,” she said. “Maybe anhave a picture with India Walton! Very, was an assertion of reproductive rights, as other time.” very cool. I still can’t believe I have that, Regardless, the march went better than well as a chance to connect with the peoI still can’t believe she spoke at something ple of Buffalo. Gilra had expected. that I was a part of. ...That’s something I’m “We are here as a community to show “Strangely, I think it all went OK, and always going to remember.” that’s the most surprising part,” she said. how important women’s rights [are], and Gilra and the other organizers led the “I did not think it would be like that. ...I also to show the importance of just being march to City Hall, taking turns leading together, being a community and supportwas so happy.” chants with a megaphone. Speakers, rangSince the passage of Texas’ restrictive ing each other,” Maya Richardson, a senior ing from a mom with twins to a Planned abortion law, reproductive and women’s political science and English major who Parenthood representative, addressed the rights have been hotly debated topics attended the march, said. crowd from the McKinley Monument outGilra still doesn’t know what issues she’s at UB and college campuses across the side City Hall. They covered topics as varcountry. As a result, several UB students going to tackle next, but she has a few ied as the difference between the right to felt compelled to come to the protest, ideas. abortion and access to abortion, why crisis “I don’t like UB’s counseling policy,” even though the law doesn’t directly affect pregnancy centers aren’t healthcare and Gilra said. “You can [only] go to counselthem. their personal experiences with abortion. “[Since] Texas passed that bill, a lot ing every other week for 40 minutes. ...I Eventually, organizers invited protesters of people are having anxiety now about know because I’ve been there, ...and that’s to give impromptu speeches — several health care and whether they have ac- one thing that I really don’t like.” took up the offer. cess to things like abortion,” Eesh Jaggi, “I was very, very happy with that beEmail: grant.ashley@ubspectrum.com
FEATURES
6 | Wednesday, October 6 2021
ubspectrum.com
Things to do after college other than getting an office job Because none of us look good in pant suits under fluorescent lights NATALIE DOLLER ASST. NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR
As we all inch closer to graduation, the prospect of working for corporate America becomes less and less appealing. To help with that harrowing thought, here are eight alternatives to burnt-breakroom coffee and 7 a.m. commutes: Teach English abroad Want to take advantage of a teacher’s schedule and spend your free time in a foreign country? Why not teach English as a foreign language? Teaching abroad is surprisingly doable with a bachelor’s degree and a 120-hour Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification. Once you complete the training specific to the country you want to travel to, you just need to find a job. While the average $300 course isn’t cheap, it takes far less time and money than getting a teaching certification in New York. To learn more about the requirements to teach in the country you’re most interested in, visit the TEFL certification’s website. Be a nanny or caretaker A website like aupair.com may seem like a front for human trafficking, but it’s actually an agency that conects nannies to families all over the world. If you have an interest in watching children or caring for elderly people, why not use it as an opportunity to travel the world and have all your living expenses taken care of ? Qualifications are often minimal; typically all you need is a high school diploma and a fluency in English. Most families prefer English-speaking au pairs as a way to expose their children to the language at home. And depending on what au pair agency you use, some even offer cultural and language courses so you can meet other au pairs and learn more about the country you are living in.
Volunteer with AmeriCorps If you have a passion for volunteering and want to stay stateside, AmeriCorps is the perfect organization for you. AmeriCorps connects volunteers with nonprofits across the U.S. to tackle the nation’s “most pressing challenges” by filling gaps in government social safety nets. For longterm volunteering, Americorps offers the City Year program. As the name suggests, you live in a city for 11 months while earning a living stipend in exchange for volunteer service at a local nonprofit. Volunteer with the Peace Corps Similar to Americorps, the Peace Corps is a U.S. government-funded volunteer network that runs programs across six continents. Once you fill out the general application, a recruiter will contact you to see which opportunity — from teaching to agriculture and commerce — and which country is right for you. The experience is rewarding because it gives volunteers an opportunity to fully immerse themselves into a particular community and culture. Service opportunities can last for just a few months to up to two years depending on the volunteer opening. Work for an airline Working as a flight attendant is another great travel opportunity that keeps you away from a desk job. Though some may see flying around in a pressurized tube for a living as something far worse than working in an office, flight attendants get paid to travel — and may even end up fulfilling their dreams of marrying a pilot. The job requirements are things almost every college student already has: a high school diploma and previous experience in customer service or sales.
Joel Moysuh / Unsplash Mail carriers get paid time off, health insurance and a pension.
looming threat, sustainable farming practices have never been more important. If you have an interest in sustainable food consumption and aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty, then World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is a great fit for you. For the past 50 years, the organization has been connecting volunteers with organic farmers around the world so they can participate in both a cultural and agricultural exchange as they live alongside each other. After you become a member of the WWOOF community through their website, you can begin to contact hosts in your desired region and plan your stay on your own terms. Specific requirements may vary depending on the host farmer.
Work as a mail carrier I often wonder why I’m getting a fouryear degree when I know I would be content with a career as a mail carrier. You get to stay active as you deliver mail on foot, and the perks — listening to a podcast, meeting some nice dogs and occasionally receiving a homemade cake during holiday season, as my mom bakes for our mailperson — are awfully rewarding. And you can do all of this while getting paid time off and health insurance, with an average starting salary of $17/hour. And that’s before the pension. Become a park ranger Do you want to work outside for a living while earning a government pension? Do you want to interact with nature more than people? If you answered yes to those questions, then becoming a seasonal park ranger is the way to go. This career path is perfect at keeping you on your feet and away from the doomed corporate world. The path to becoming a park ranger is straightforward if you are a U.S. citizen; all you need is a bachelor’s degree in any field with at least 24 credit hours in certain subjects like the natural sciences, history, law enforcement or social sciences and take a basic police training course. After that, you can begin applying to different parks across the country.
Travel on a birthright visa Several countries around the globe offer birthright travel programs that allow you to stay in a country for free if you can prove you have ancestorship. These programs are typically structured so you are paired with a host family to stay with, but some cover airfare costs as well. While Birthright Israel is arguably the most wellknown program, other initiatives include Heritage Greece, ReConnect Hungary, Birthright Macedonia, Birthright Armenia and CubaOne. So get your parents on the phone and figure out if your long lost cousin’s citizenship can get you a [almost] free trip abroad.
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) In a world where the climate crisis is a
Email: natalie.doller@ubspectrum.com
HELP WANTED - PART TIME JOB START ALMOST IMMEDIATELY
Taylor Wilcox / Unsplash Seasonal park rangers get to interact with nature and earn a government pension.
- I am looking for a UB North Campus student who wants a part time job this Oct-Nov-Dec and possibly longer. The ideal candidate can live at home and commute to UB or live on campus. The ideal candidate needs to own or has full-time access to a car. - I have a small warehouse close (but NOT walking distance) to the UB North Campus. The job involves DRIVING to the warehouse, picking and packaging plaqued sports posters, then shipping the packaged posters by US Post Office to customers who have bought a plaqued sports poster online. Once you pick and pack, you also then need to drive them to the nearby US Post Office and mail them from inside the Post Office (they are too big to be put in a mailbox - they need to be brought inside the Post Office). - My expectation is that we will need to ship between 1500 and 3500 posters over the 3 month period Oct-Dec, and I would pay you $3.00 per piece for your help. I cover all costs - gas, tape, packaging materials, postage. You also need access to a printer because each piece we ship needs you to print the delivery label and adhere to the package - I will cover all printing costs (ie paper and ink). - Ideally the picking and packing would be done every day Mon- Sat, but at times you could skip a day. My guess is that we will be shipping 25-100 pieces every day, and that will take a bit of time to pick, package and mail (ie this will require a good couple hours almost every day). - The ideal candidate has their own car, knows the Amherst area at least a little bit and isn't afraid of some hard work and getting their hands dirty. Email will be an important method of communication, so if you do not use email on a regular basis, I'm afraid this job isn't for you. Please contact me by email if you are interested. Scott Sillcox - Toronto, Ontario Email: ssillcox@rogers.com Cell: 416-315-4736
ADVERTISEMENT
ubspectrum.com
Wednesday, October 6 2021 | 7
Now earn points for ®
Join in the app
Program available only at participating McDonald’s in the local area. Excludes delivery. McD app download and registration required. ©2021 McDonald’s Printed in the United States of America.
Order on:
3400 Sheridan Drive
Corner of Sweet Home & Sheridan
1385 Niagara Falls Blvd *McDelivery At participating McDonald’s. Prices may be higher than at restaurants. Delivery/ service fees apply. Mobile Order and Pay at participating McDonald’s.
FEATURES
8 | Wednesday, October 6 2021
Running, coffee, concerts, and other activities to do on campus
ubspectrum.com
Campus Fun
SPECTRUM STAFF
Oh, college life. After six weeks of grueling classes, some students are understandably burnt out. Lucky for them, the staff of The Spectrum has a number of recommendations for things to do on campus:
vorite places to set up my pack include the trees directly behind Governors Complex and Baird Point, but I also love the woods across the street from Ellicott, the trees near Creekside, some of the quads on South Campus and any two trees con-
veniently spaced 10-14 feet apart around campus. From the comfort of a hammock, you can enjoy a good book, some music, a nap, the company of your friends or one of Buffalo’s striking sunsets. If you go during the colder months, just make
Running on the bike path
Running is painful, agonizing and challenging; it’s also peaceful, rewarding and empowering. There are few better places to run in Buffalo — certainly in Amherst — than the Ellicott Creek Bike Path, which weaves roughly seven miles through the tranquil suburb and UB’s North Campus. Here, students will find friendly pedestrians, ample wildlife (deer, turkeys and even beavers roam the path) and lush forests as they get in a good workout or even train for a race. I spent hours on the bike path each week in preparation for my marathon, and I can assuredly say it helped prepare me for my big day. Oh, and it’s no problem if you’re a biker or a walker; the bike path is for everyone.
If you’ve spent any time at the northeast corner of North Campus in the past two years, you may have passed a desert wasteland. Barren poles planted in over-watered grass situated in one of the least active areas on campus next to a dead-end service road and roughly 100 yards away from a cemetery? I know what you’re thinking: it’s haunted. And for the juniors, sophomores and freshmen who’ve never experienced a full UB spring semester, that’s a reasonable conclusion. But long ago, this dreary field used to be home to UB’s Oozefest tournament. Oozefest is an annual mudvolleyball tournament — one of the largest in the U.S. Oozefest began in 1984 as a way for students to “de-stress” before finals week, but has since opened up for students, faculty, alumni and the general public. The event has garnered lots of attention over the years for its competition, comradery and, of course, its legendary costume competition. SA has not confirmed whether the tradition will continue this May, but if it does, Oozefest is one of the most quintessential UB activities to partake in with your friends! Pro tip: make sure to wear clothes you won’t mind throwing out!
Moaz Elazzazi / The Spectrum UB Stadium hosts the Bulls’ football, women’s soccer and track and field teams, and is a fun place to watch a game.
Baird Point might be the most eccentric spot on North Campus, second only to the goose mural in CFA. The columns, once part of the Federal Reserve Bank in downtown Buffalo, stand in stark contrast to the rest of North Campus’ brick buildings. It’s the ideal spot for hanging out on warmer days, chilling with friends, kicking a ball around, or doing some homework. Baird Point is also the best destination for a late-night walk. It has a perfect view of the lit-up campus as it reflects on the lake. I love to grab breakfast and head over to the columns in the morning, as campus comes to life. The next time you’re looking to hang out with friends or get some air, head over to Baird Point.
Getting coffee with friends
Whether you’re going to Starbucks or Tim Hortons, grabbing some type of caffeinated beverage during the day is a great way to energize yourself and take a break from the humdrum of classes and studying. Even better, if your friends have class breaks that line up with yours, getting coffee with them is the perfect opportunity for a little socialization. It’s always important to keep a healthy balance between school and social life, and a quick 20-30 minute coffee run does more than you’d think to suffice that craving for something fun and relaxing during the weekday. So, take a break, drink a latte, and sit down and chat for a few minutes. Pro tip: If you want to beat the lines (which can pile up fast), Starbucks enables mobile ordering!
Watching movies in lounges
Alexander Brown / The Spectrum There are few better places to spend time outside in Buffalo — certainly in Amherst — than the Ellicott Creek Bike Path.
One of my favorite late-night activities in the dorms was movie nights. The COVID-19 pandemic closed so many things and Campus Living’s rules barred us from visiting each other in our rooms, so watching movies on the big TV in Ellicott’s Evans Hall became my group’s go-to activity. We watched everything from cult classics like “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” to thrillers like “The Belko Experiment” during that pandemic-filled year. On weekends, we ate dinner over a show, ordering Cheesecake Factory takeout to make ourselves feel classy, as we sat inches apart from each other on the lounge couches in our finest sweatshirts and sweatpants. So, if you’re looking for a fun night with friends from the comfort of your dorm building, find an HDMI cord, a residence hall lounge and a friend who doesn’t mind subjecting their laptop to viruses from bootleg-movie websites. Or just stick to the legal streaming services, I guess.
Jack Li / The Spectrum Oozefest, UB’s annual mud volleyball tournament, was created in 1984 as a way to help students bond and de-stress before exams.
NATALIE DOLLER
Free shows and concerts The Center for the Arts and Slee Hall offer a number of shows and concerts that are free to UB students. Here’s a list of a couple of October events:
Visiting Artist Speaking Series Every Monday in October at 6:30 p.m. in the CFA Screening Room Distinguished Speaker Series: Winston Duke Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.
Catching a game at UB Stadium or Alumni Arena
Art In The Open Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the CFA Atrium
One of my favorite freshman-year activities was heading to Alumni Arena for a basketball game or to UB Stadium for a football game. The two venues host free events that are perfect for students looking to enjoy the atmosphere and excitement of Division 1 sports with their friends. Pre-game tailgates have also become a popular activity this semester, with the feeling of normalcy returning to campus amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and there’s no better feeling than grilling some burgers or hot dogs and going to a college football game for free.
Faculty Recital Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m. in Baird Recital Hall in Baird Hall The speaker series and string quartets are free, and can help you de-stress or recharge for the following week. DAN EASTMAN
Hammocking
When they’re not coated with a foot of snow, North and South Campus are home to some great hammocking spots. My fa-
Baird Point
KARA ANDERSON
REILLY MULLEN
The Belcea String Quartet Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall
GRANT ASHLEY
JULIE FREY
JUSTIN WEISS
Oozefest
sure to bring a comfortable jacket and a warm blanket!
Chris Palmer / The Spectrum Grabbing some type of caffeinated beverage during the day is a great way to energize yourself and take a break from the humdrum of classes and studying.
HUNTER SKOCZYLAS
ubspectrum.com
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday, October 6 2021 | 9
The five most anticipated films of fall 2021 From superheroes to the Royal Family, the fall offers movies for anyone’s niche KARA ANDERSON ASST. ARTS EDITOR
The new season means cold nights, bitter winds and rainy days. But as students take refuge inside from the chilling weather, another season rolls in — the fall film season. With new movies releasing every week, here are five stand-outs for students’ viewing pleasures:
leneuve and stars Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya, has been hotly anticipated since COVID-19 restrictions delayed its original set release in 2020. A sci-fi epic in content and runtime (at 2 hours and 35 minutes, this is no quick watch), the film promises to indulge its audience with an intricate world of desert planets, life-extending drugs and perilous destinies. After several failed attempts of adapting “Dune” to the silver screen, viewers can only hope that Villeneuve’s take on the scifi novel of the same name is the one to stick the landing.
Last Night in Soho Oct. 29
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures “Dune” has been hotly anticipated since COVID-19 restrictions delayed its original set release in 2020.
Dune Oct. 22
“Dune,” which is directed by Denis Vil-
Directed by Edgar Wright, this British psychological horror film promises a disturbing trip into the past, as modern-day fashion designer Eloise, played by Thomasin McKenzie, develops the ability to travel to the 1960s in her dreams. With the backdrop of neon lights and Mod fashion, Wright’s version of the swinging sixties does not just deliver dazzle and glam, but creates a story rife with murder and nightmares come true. Hitting the silver screen just two days before Halloween, this movie looks like it is the perfect compliment for viewers’ spooky season needs, without feeling overly seasonal. It also doesn’t hurt that Anya Taylor-Joy, of “The Queen’s Gambit” fame, plays opposite McKenzie, sporting a soon-to-be iconic look of striking platinum blonde hair and a hot-pink nightgown.
Eternals Nov. 5
Marvel movies always create a buzz. A
Marvel movie directed by Best Picture winner, Chloé Zhao, and featuring the star-studded cast of “Eternals,” is something to make a roar about. With performances by the likes of Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Kit Harington and others, the film is likely to deliver strong acting performances while extending the MCU into the realm of the titular ancient immortals native to Earth. More than furthering the storyline from “Avengers: Endgame,” “Eternals” also offers many firsts for the MCU, including the first deaf superhero (played by deaf actress, Lauren Ridloff) and first openly gay couple.
featured in its trailer, the film promises an experience of delight and extraordinariness. The second animated Disney film to follow a Latin American family, after “Coco,” “Encanto” follows the story of a Colombian girl and her journey as the only family member without magical powers in a time when their magic is in danger. With songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and the voice of “Brooklyn NineNine’s” Stephanie Beatriz, “Encanto” is certain to be an exciting dive into magicalrealism, a genre with strong roots in Latin American culture. Email:kara.anderson@ubspectrum.com
Spencer Nov. 5
A stark departure from her “Twilight” origins, Kristen Stewart stars in this biopic, as the titular Diana Spencer, better known as Diana, Princess of Wales. The film, which explores Princess Diana’s decision to divorce Prince Charles, comes at a time of steep criticism against Britain’s Royal Family, particularly following Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s interview with Oprah in March 2021. With a story as deeply rooted in controversy as Princess Diana’s, from mistreatment by the Royal Family to her ex-husband’s infamous affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, this film by director Pablo Larrain is sure to provide insight into the so-called People’s Princess.
Encanto Nov. 24
Disney never seems to disappoint in its animated features, and “Encanto” appears to be no exception. Just judging from its vividly colored artwork and catchy tunes,
Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios The second animated Disney film to follow a Latin American family, “Encanto” follows the story of a Colombian girl as she navigates life without magical powers.
‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!’ is the name of the game on ‘Expensive Pain’ Philadelphia’s favorite rapper returns with his first full-length project in nearly three years ALEX FALTER SENIOR ARTS EDITOR
Album: Expensive Pain Artist: Meek Mill Label: Atlantic Records-Maybach Music Group Release Date: Oct. 1 Rating: 7.8/10 Few artists fly as successfully under-theradar as Meek Mill. Even with anthems like “Dreams and Nightmares” still bringing clubgoers to their feet nearly a decade later, Meek has always been somewhat overshadowed by industry pioneers like Drake and Kendrick Lamar. But with a dedicated legion of stans, Meek seems unbothered by his rivals, returning as confidently and comfortably as ever on his latest album, “Expensive Pain.” Meek has owned the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality, which is immediately apparent on “Intro (Hate On Me),” where he spits against a hype beat from MCs Johnny Juliano, Yung Exclusive and Cardo that feels like a stripped down version of previously released track “On the Regular.” As energetic as ever, the Philadelphia native is quick to remind listeners of his not-to-be-trifled-with persona, presenting flows as fast and lyrics as cocky as ever. Like most of his projects, Meek takes some time to reflect on his intense lifestyle, best seen in “On My Soul,” where a slow, piano-backed beat provides the backdrop for a somber rap on the price of success: “Yeah, I’m gettin’ everything / Bulletproof the Range Rove’, donut the Durango Crazy all the s--t that I obtain, I feel the same dose / My young n---a died in the streets lettin’ his flame go / And I think
about it every night ‘fore I sleep, it make ----s so we never get equal.” my brain go / Got me cuddlin’ with my Toward the album’s finale, Meek gives glock when I sleep, can’t let my flame go.” fans “Angels (RIP Lil Snupe),” a beautiful As always, Meek brings about a selective rap dedicated to Lil Snupe, Meek’s former list of features, employing a variety of tal- protégé who was shot and killed in 2013 at ent ranging from Kehlani to Moneybagg the age of 18. Diving deeper into his perYo. But the album’s guest of honor comes sonal life, the song shows just how much in the form of A$AP Ferg, who raps one weight Snupe’s death had on Meek’s life, of his most fast-paced earworm-inducing reminding listeners just how painful loss verses in years on “Me (FWM):” can be and to hold their loved ones tight “We been stressed, huh, pull up with a while they’re still here: mink, look like I am Chewbacca / Blocka“Sometimes I need to be alone or go to blocka, turned to shottas if them coppers an island and clear my mind up / And you try to pop us / Then go sit at John and can’t cry ‘bout that street shit once you Vinny’s, have some pasta with some mob- sign up / My homie called me ‘bout some sters / Swervin’ through Philly, I’m hangin’ cash, it fucked my mind up / N----s was with Billies and nobody really can stop us.” bitin’ down my back, it f---ed my spine up One of the LP’s highlights is easily “Love / You ain’t even tell me that them n----s Train,” a ballad on toxicity and the heartbreaking betrayals that accompany the road to fame. Meek’s emotionality meshes with the beat across a somberly reflective beat to form a track that very well may leave listeners finding themselves in their own “heartbreak hotel.” “I tried to give you all my blessings, but you couldn’t receive it / ‘Cause you was listenin’ to people that was listenin’ to people / I had to get up and leave you ‘cause you couldn’t even see it / All this fame, turned into a monster, shit like Resident Evil / And once the love turn toxic, think it’s better I don’t see you / ‘Cause I’ve been runnin’ up my millions, s--t been revving my ego / I put my money ‘fore my b- Chris Sikich / Wiki Commons Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill delights the crowd
during a
2015 concert.
said they tryna rob us, you tryna slime us” With a barrage of bars about great success positioned alongside lyrics discussing how lonely one can become in the heat of said success, “Expensive Pain” is one of the most fitting album titles in recent memory, revealing the hell an individual can experience privately while still seeming to have it all. The album is far from anything new for the industry veteran, but as any longtime fan will tell you, that’s hardly a bad thing; Meek’s consistent flow and production continue to become more refined each year, as the artist maintains a savory versatility as he showcases songs for all types of listeners. Email: alex.falter@ubspectrum.com
10 | Wednesday, October 6 2021
SPORTS
ubspectrum.com
Four takeaways from UB’s 24-17 loss to Western Michigan Bulls plagued by secondhalf woes in back-to-back games HUNTER SKOCZYLAS SPORTS EDITOR
After nearly falling to Old Dominion last week to close out non-conference play, UB football (2-3, 0-1 MAC) fell to MidAmerican Conference foe Western Michigan (4-1, 1-0 MAC), 24-17, at UB Stadium Saturday. Despite heading into the fourth quarter with a 10-7 lead in their Homecoming Game, the Bulls’ defense allowed 17 unanswered points and found themselves down 24-10 with less than three minutes to go. An aggressive yet successful final drive decreased the deficit to seven points but the Bulls were unable to recover the onside kick with less than a minute left. UB was dominated in the time of possession battle, as the Bulls held onto the football for 13:21, as opposed to Western Michigan’s 40:06. The Bulls went threeand-out on four straight drives coming out of the half and garnered only 12 total yards on offense. Head coach Maurice Linguist credited the Broncos for their strong efforts to shut down the Bulls’ offense. “In the second half, we made an emphasis on trying to get a couple things established that Western Michigan was taking away from us,” Linguist said in the postgame press conference. “But, we’ve got to be ready to respond to the next series of plays and things we need to do to move the ball effectively.” This is the second straight game UB’s offense has failed to move the ball down the field in the second half, leaving its defense out on the field for far too long. The drastic difference in possession time proved to be the deciding factor as the Bulls’ defense experienced late-game fatigue. Here are four takeaways from UB’s first conference loss to Western Michigan:
Quian Williams is one of the few bright spots on UB’s offense
Graduate student wide receiver Quian Williams followed up an impressive performance against Old Dominion (nine catches for 134 yards and one touchdown) with a positive effort against Western Michigan. Williams caught 6-of-8 targets for 119 yards, including two catches of over 35 yards that changed the momentum into the Bulls’ favor. The Oklahoma City native was responsible for 119 of 151 total passing yards from senior quarterback Kyle Vantrease. The pair’s relationship has steadily progressed into something special and their chemistry becomes stronger each week. UB’s offense lacks playmakers, and Vantrease says he is grateful to have a reliable target like Williams on the outside. “He’s [Quian] a good leader, a great, hard worker, and he’s going to make plays,” Vantrease said regarding Williams. “I’m really proud of everything he’s done and it’s just really nice to be able to have that kind of athlete, that kind of player out there on the field, because it opens up everything else.” It seems Williams knows his way around an opposing defense and is able to pull down the contested 50/50 balls, something the Bulls’ offense has lacked the past few seasons. For an offense that seemingly disappeared in the second half two straight weeks, Williams has certainly made his presence known.
Since the Bulls’ offense wasn’t able to sustain drives in the second half, the defense was on the field for far too long, leading to mistakes. The Broncos converted on 3-of-5 third down conversions and on 1-of-2 fourth downs in the second half. Western Michigan was able to tie the game at 10 early in the fourth quarter. With less than 10 minutes remaining, the Broncos started on their own 21-yard line after a 50-yard punt from junior punter Jackson Baltar. UB redshirt fifth-year linebacker Kadofi Wright deflected a pass on the first play of the drive and nearly intercepted a pass from Eleby. Instead of moving on, Wright spiked the ball out of frustration and was called for a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. The very next play was a 64-yard bomb to WMU sophomore wide receiver Skyy Moore for a touchdown. Despite the offense’s inability to hold onto the ball for longer than three plays, the defense must be better and more disciplined to prevent big plays and gamechanging moments.
mance. His season-high for rushing yards is only 85, which came against Big Ten opponent Nebraska in Week 2. Last season, the big-bodied rusher averaged nearly 6.6 yards per carry and 106 rushing yards per game. Now the first option, Marks is only averaging 3.6 yards per carry and roughly 58 yards per game. UB dominated opponents with its ground-and-pound offense last season, but Marks has been unable to replicate his 2020 production. Junior running backs Dylan McDuffie and Cook Jr. have both
taken a step up; Marks hasn’t. The Bulls found success running the ball under former head coach Lance Leipold, but they’re not going to come anywhere near the postseason unless they rediscover their identity on offense. That starts and ends with Marks. The Bulls will travel to Kent, OH to face the Kent State Golden Flashes on Saturday at 7 p.m. The game will be aired on ESPNU. Email: hunter.skoczylas@ubspectrum.com Twitter: @HunterSkoczylas
The offense needs to unlock a passing game
Through five games, Vantrease sits at just 943 passing yards and two touchdown passes. His season-high for yards came in the season opener against Wagner, when he threw for 231 yards and one touchdown on only 19 attempts. While UB possesses a run-first offensive mentality, things aren’t working as smoothly without Jaret Patterson leading the charge. Junior running back Ron Cook Jr.’s 55-yard touchdown run in the first quarter was the only reason the Bulls surpassed 100 rushing yards against WMU. Linguist and his coaching staff must consider tailoring the offense more toward the air in order to compete for a MAC Championship this season and keep up with conference foes. Vantrease should be throwing more than 20 times per game, and other playmakers besides Quian Williams — Dominic Johnson or Jovany Ruiz, maybe — need to step up. “I like winning, so I’m going to do whatever it takes to win,” Vantrease said. “I don’t care if the ball’s on the ground 60 times or the ball’s in the air 60 times, it doesn’t matter to me. We just have to execute.”
Moaz Elazzazi / The Spectrum UB head coach Maurice Linguist shouts instructions from the sidelines during UB’s 24-17 loss to Western Michigan Saturday.
Moaz Elazzazi / The Spectrum Western Michigan defeated UB 24-17
at
UB Stadium on Saturday.
Kevin Marks Jr. has yet to get on track
Following an impressive junior season that saw him rush for 741 yards and seven touchdowns as the second option on the depth chart behind Jaret Patterson, senior running back Kevin Marks Jr. has yet to find his footing through five games this season. The Norfolk, VA native rushed for just 34 yards on 3.1 yards per carry and zero touchdowns in another surprising perfor-
Moaz Elazzazi / The Spectrum James Patterson (8) and Kadofi Wright (2) stand in the huddle during UB’s 24-17 loss to Western Michigan Saturday.
UB’s defense must perform better in late-game situations
The drastic difference in possession time weighed on UB’s defense late in the game, when fatigue set in. Western Michigan’s nifty redshirt sophomore quarterback Kaleb Eleby was able to extend plays by rolling out of the pocket and managed to sustain drives by using his legs. Moaz Elazzazi / The Spectrum Senior linebacker James Patterson (8) makes a tackle during a 24-14 loss to Western Michigan Saturday.