Issue 2, Volume 117-- September 1, 2021

THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS’ STUDENT NEWSPAPER

SINGLE COPY PAID FOR BY STUDENT PUBLICATION FEE

WEDNESDAY

Volume 117 — Issue 2

ucanews.live TODAY’S FORECAST CONWAY

CampusLife:

Sports:

Entertainment:

Wipeout: Minority Mentorship Program hosts field day social.

Sports feature: Mathias Bendiksen has soccer in his DNA.

New Release: Lil Tecca is back like he never left for third album.

page 5

page 3

page 7

Student Health Center prepares for booster shot rollout

Mostly Sunny

92/67

BY MADISON OGLE

THE NEWSDESK FROM THE ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Afghans hide from Taliban

Many Afghans have gone into hiding since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan.

Employees of the collapsed government are fearful that they will have to endure negative consequences from the Taliban because of their former job positions. Afghan women are also fearful that there will be a decline in women’s rights in the future.

Many Afghans are hoping that they will be granted asylum somewhere else.

N AT I O N A L

Pfizer officially FDA approved

We don’t charge them. Even if they schedule and don’t show up,”Pastor said.

Entertainment Editor & Cartoonist

of students being back on campus, Pastor said that the clinic experienced a high number of students coming in,

Pending the FDA’s approval, UCA’s Student Health Center (SHC) will be offering students and faculty sometime “Absolutely, once it’s approved, we will give the third dose,” Dr. Randy Pastor, the Medical Director of UCA said.

Houston Davis, President of employees” had been vaccinated.

The vaccination rate among students is still being assessed by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) and the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH).

While the SHC only

prepared to give the third dose According to Pastor, the SHC had already ordered another the FDA’s approval. At the time of this interview, the shipment was expected to arrive either

are essentially the same, both being messenger RNA. The only difference is patients can become fully vaccinated with

Though the FDA has yet an approval is imminent. “We want to get enough onboard because we know that it’s going to be approved. The White House came out with that, [the] CDC recommended it,” Pastor said. “The FDA has not given

The Federal Drug Administration approved

still working through a little bit of red tape.”

Pastor believes the FDA’s

vaccine. The FDA approval of the vaccine may raise inoculation rates across the country. The approval of the vaccine will likely lead to vaccine mandates by employers and

deciding how many months patients should wait before Germany and England are using six months. The CDC and the White House recommended at eight months after your second

photo courtesy of ucanews.com

the FDA is just doing their due diligence, looking at these other countries, looking at data and deciding is eight months the magical timeframe, or do we move it up to seven?”

For receiving the shot, Pastor says that students would be able to both make an appointment over the phone

or schedule an appointment through the UCA’s online patient portal.

The clinic also accepts encourage it due to wait times being long and unpredictable for those who have not made an appointment. “We don’t want people here waiting an hour,”

in and wants a vaccine, we’re not going to turn them away, but it’s far better if we can plan so [that] patients have a good experience.”

Even for those who fail to show up at their scheduled time,

Schools switch to

virtual learning

BY

SARAH SMYTHE

SYMPHONY

risk, and the campus will follow normal business and operational patterns, according to the UCA

Opinion Editor

switched to online or hybrid learning due to the increasing numbers

warning system would be implemented on campus to follow the CDC’s recommendations of community transmission risk of

UCA announced to students

The

S TAT E

Unemployment benefits continue

that people would be denied Legislators

worried

their jobs for not getting the vaccine. The Director of the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, Charisse Childers, assured legislators that decisions about will not be based on if the employee was vaccinated.

WHAT’S AHEAD IN OUR NEXT ISSUE Can UCA build parking garages? Find out.

UCA

President’s

alert campus of the community transmission status.

“The system was created to tell campus what actions faculty, staff and students should take each week regarding masking,” said Fredricka Sharkey, director of media relations. Sharkey works in the UCA President’s This system contains red, yellow, and green status that coordinates with the recommendation from the CDC. week,” Sharkey said, “Status alerts are sent to faculty, staff, and students on Sunday afternoons based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Level of Transmission map.”

At red status, the CDC has stated that this region of Arkansas is at a substantial or high risk of community transmission, according to the

Students Say

The university updates the status on campus every Sunday by email. This update can also be found on the UCA homepage. of the President worked in Provost, University Marketing and Communications, the Pandemic Planning Committee and Dr. Randy Pastor on the system.

Work was started to create the system for campus on August “Several universities have implemented systems such as this one to communicate with their campuses,” Sharkey said.

be available at no cost to all UCA students and employees at the Student Health Clinic.

As the majority of students and teachers have returned to campus for the fall semester, concerns regarding the Delta surfaced amid the color coded system.

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra offers Moreno violinist position

BY DELANEY VAN WILPE Editor-in-Chief

Graduate student Juan Mario Moreno was offered a position as a professional violinist with the

When the university is at red status, masks are required on campus in all indoor spaces.

For the past two weeks and since school started, the campus has been set to red status, requiring students and faculty to wear masks at all times.

At yellow status, the CDC has listed the region at moderate risk, and UCA will encourage the use of masks by all students and teachers in all indoor spaces.

The university recommends wearing a mask even if you are already vaccinated against

Social distancing can be done in many classes, along

the Arkansas symphony is one of the best,” Plate said.

At green status, the CDC has listed the region as low

and antibacterial wipes in each classroom.

the UCA community to join the

Contact Us: 4

photo courtesy of ucanews.com

continues to email students to remind them that masks are available in all university

the pandemic, the university has implemented a concrete mask requirement for students and teachers.

Sharkey said that this system wasn’t necessary last semester because masks were required all year on campus.

Apart from weekly updates, students should take precautionary measures on campus to avoid the possible

Index: Police Beat 2 People of UCA 4

severely immunocompromised, Pastor says that the SHC is fully prepared to distribute the

Color-coded mask system addresses spread and masks

A growing number of U.S. schools have stopped

for at least one school in many states. Some schools have sent home certain grade levels of students or have asked around half of their students to adapt to hybrid schedules.

estimated third doses given to

hour, we’re ready to get it. We’re set up and we’re expecting it.”

CO LO R CO D E continue to rise across the country.

they’re equal personally. The molecule is almost identical.

My personal opinion is they’re interchangeable,“ Pastor said.

“The rest of them [vaccines] are all more of your standard, older technology, like the Johnson and Johnson and the AstraZeneca.”

6 Opinion Entertainment 7 5, 8 Sports

after an open, blind audition will join them in Sept. for their Chair of the Department of Music Stephen Plate said that in America, which are ranked by

said, “We have a number of UCA students who serve as occasional substitute musicians, but it’s an uncommon feat for contracted position while still a student, especially with all the professional violinists from the region vying for just one or two open spots a year.”

According to uca.edu, Moreno will continue to attend UCA and pursue a Master of Music in music performance and perform with the Conway associate

concertmaster,

is expected to graduate in

Social:

is and what your desire is that propels you forward or not and so, you know he has gotten to the point where he can win an audition even before graduating, and that’s stupendous,” Plate said.

The rigorous preparation for an orchestral audition rivals “getting ready for the would practice for hours and hours in the summer to achieve his goal. at UCA, my violin professor coordinated workshops exclusively to study orchestral excerpts required by orchestras See Symphony - page 2

Inside: Opinion:

E-mail:ucaechoeditor@gmail.com @ucaecho The Echo ucaecho © 2020 The Echo, Printed by The Courier, Russellville, Arkansas.

UCA’s current COVID-19 procedures are irresponsible.

see page 6

2/September 1, 2021

NEWS

Police Beat

The following information is compiled from UCAPD incident reports

by Assistant News Editor Sydney Cyr

Men found living Student harassed underneath stadium online for money

UCAPD found Jarod Stinson and Kollin Jordan living in Estes Stadium while checking the stadium

Stinson told UCAPD he had stayed overnight in Estes Stadium three or four times in the past week, and Jordan said he had stayed overnight in Estes Stadium almost every night in August. UCAPD told Stinson and Jordan somewhere else to stay since they had not received to stay in the building.

A UCA student reported that he was being harassed

by Florence Kath, a woman from Alabama that the student met through student exchanged explicit photos online for a few days. Shortly after, Kath told the student that she required a payment of screenshots of his nude friend list. The student was After receiving this money, Kath stopped contact.

Student passes out in front of Old Main UCAPD observed Felicity

about to pass out. UCAPD medical assistance arrived to check on her and run some tests. The reason for not be determined at the scene, so they transported her to Conway Regional for further evaluation.

ucanews.live

Honors college unveils plaque to honor late UCA President Farris BY

BENNETT TINNERMON

Campus Life Editor

The UCA Honors Council unveiled the Schedler/ Farris plaque Tuesday, lobby to commemorate the relationship between President Farris and the Honors College.

The plaque features a photo of Dr. Norbert Schedler and Dr. Jefferson Farris with their two wives in front of Farris Hall. Below the photo is the seal/logo of the Honors College and information about the beginnings of the Honors College and some of its history since then.

Farris’s daughter, Rebecca Mills, spoke at the event about the relationship between Schedler and Farris.

Mills described the two men as two different people who found common ground in their commitment to the university. many opportunities for big conversations with people, and conversations, and at least one colleague that you care for deeply and that you work with to make a difference in the world,” Mills

said, encouraging students to make relationships similar to that of Schedler and Farris.

The plaque provides further information about the beginnings of the Honors

connected to our history,” said Patricia Smith, dean of the Honors College.

The Honors College has ways they continue to celebrate Schedler and Farris through the Schedler Scholar in Residence lecture series and the Farris Honors Lecture Series. the Honors College would like to start a Founder’s Day to share more of their history. Smith said this would hopefully involve a documentary about the Honors College to be shown on the Founder’s Day. college to have an Honors College in the state, Smith said there are some things that set their program apart from other colleges’ honors programs. “There’s very few honors colleges in the nation that have their own faculty,” said Smith about

the six faculty members Honors College. Smith said these faculty members know the needs of their honors students and are prepared to work with them.

Having visited groups of Honors College alumni in different parts of the country, Smith said alumni who come from different generations always have a noticeable connection because of their time at the Honors College and sharing the history of the program.

Hannah Malone and Ricole Warren, who unveiled and read the plaque during the Greta Hacker, who helped design the plaque with the Honors College before the pandemic as a way to show the relationship of the Honors College and Farris to future generations.

Smith has been the dean of the Honors College for two years now after having been the interim dean for three More information about the UCA Honors College can be found online.

STUDENT CENTER

Ronnie Williams honored by Student Center name change BY

EDMUND BURKE

Staff Writer

Ronnie Williams honored for decades of service to UCA campus Ronnie Williams, former vice president for UCA Student Services and soon have his namesake become a permanent part of campus with the renaming of the student center as the Ronnie Williams Student Center.

The UCA Board of Trustees voted unanimously

graphic by Mia Waddell

HONORS COLLEGE

had the opportunity to serve our students as their chief

rightful place in our world,” Williams added.

Williams’ more than three decades career with UCA served as the Assistant Dean After a brief departure from UCA, Williams returned Director of Minority Affairs

the student center in honor

Assistant to the President

spanning service to students and the UCA campus community.

“For President Houston Davis and members of our Board of Trustees to

for Student Services and served in the role through

decades on this campus have distinguished me in a way that my name to become UCA building is humbling,” Ronnie Williams said.

Diversity until he retired in May. “Throughout Ronnie’s career at UCA, he was part of some of the university’s most celebrated occasions from the construction of new

buildings to the expansion of our campus health care,” President Houston Davis said.

Williams’ distinguished recognitions, according to President Davis. “But the true measure of his work is the thousands of students he impacted,” Davis said.

Williams acknowledged the work of the Division of a personal and professional and women who make up the Division of Student Services. thank them for their support, would not have received this special recognition were it not for them,” Williams said.

Later this year, the campus will celebrate the reveal of the name change on the Student Center building.

“Renaming the Student Center to the Ronnie Williams Student Center is a Davis said.

M A S K S TAT U S

photo by Sadie Clark

Symphony:

Practice makes perfect.

Continued from page 1 around the world, and we even

about myself in advance, and since it able to have intense hours of practice guided by Dr. Linda Hsu [UCA’s violin professor] that got Moreno to the place where he is today.

“You work for your whole life to master your craft, and then you work for hours every day for weeks to prepare for panel is behind a curtain, so they can’t see you and judge you only on your music. And one mistake can cost you the whole thing—they are looking for someone who won’t crack any other profession has a

harder ‘job interview’ than orchestral musicians.”

The core sound of a symphony orchestra is the strings, so that proves the magnitude of Moreno’s skill. come from around the world, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, many South Americans from Bolivia, they have come [to UCA] because of the quality of the program, the quality of the string instruction, the quality of the Conway symphony orchestra. But, this isn’t about us, this is about [Moreno]. He’s done this because he’s worked hard,” Plate said.

Moreno, originally from San José de Chiquitos, Bolivia, has shown characteristics as a humble leader and keeping his composure under the spotlight.

“He used to be the head

of a music school that had gave that all up for a chance to come to UCA and take his been a quiet star here at school orchestra.”

Before deciding to pursue his master’s at UCA, Moreno originally came baccalaureate program in “We’re so proud of his accomplishments, we’re so proud of all of our students’ accomplishments and their artistry and their diligence and their practice. Many people are born with an innate talent for music, but it’s what you do with it.” Plate said.

Graphic by Mia Waddell

Campus Life

3

September 1, 2021

Around Campus:

Libary Hours Torreyson Library returned to normal hours Aug. 29. The library will now be open each

National Student Exchange Informational At 11 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Sept.

in studying abroad. There will be a short presentation on Photo by Madison Ogle

CubConnect.

UCA Living Unleashed Meeting During X-period on Sept. 2, in Harrin Hall - Room 117, UCA Living Unleashed will hold the year. There will be a short presentation on how to get involved.

A MMP mentor participates in games in the Wipeout Field Day 2021 at the HPER Recreational Field. The event had games, snacks, drinks and more for students. The Minority Mentorship Program pairs mentors with incoming freshmen to guide them through their arrival on campus and to make a lasting impact.

Minority Mentorship Program welcomes freshmen BY

ASHLEY SAVAGE

The Minority Mentorship Program (MMP) hosted a wipeout-style competition on Tuesday, Aug. 24, at the HPER

to be eligible to hold events.

This meeting will include best practices, public updated

anybody when you arrive on campus. The MPP helps you transition while also providing

prepared several games, snacks,

registered clubs on campus. It

like ours are so important because being a minority at a predominantly white institution

among students that will carry throughout the semester. experienced much diversity.

the University’s minority student population.”

Sophomore Samantha Lopez-

they have somebody. Having this mentorship design allows

to see our upperclassmen and their willingness to guide them in their time on campus.” She

transition week events.

RSO Training the Recongized Student Organization will be hosting two trainings in the Student

According to the group’s

Photo Editor

students sported t-shirts that read ‘mentor’ across the back as they competed with incoming members. kickball, Senior Dontai Woods,

reaching your goals while you’re in school.” paired with an upperclassmen mentor initially in an attempt to guide them as they arrive on campus. However, the group aims to have a larger impact that its transition week.

at all. I wanted to join a group where diversity was important.

I think it’s good to have that

mentor as somebody who will check in with them.”

the campus social media pages involved.”

The MMP is located in

an event like this.”

The group hopes the

campus in 1991 and aims to create a space where students can thrive academically each semester while enjoying a sense

wipeout-themed experience will generate new relationships

many students probably aren’t

out on campus or via uca.edu/ diversitycommunity.

GALLERY

to remain in good standing.

Go Greek Night Ida Waldren Auditorium, the National Pan-Hellenic Council meeting on how to join greek

attending.

Cecilia Lopez Presentation and Concert Artist in Residence, Cecilia Lopez, will be hosting various events concerning diversity and inclusion in the arts. Each event CubConnect.

Mock Interview Discussion During X-Period on Sept. 7, and honor society is hosting an event to student wanting to improve their interview skills.

This meeting will be a chance to learn proper responses to potential employer interview held in COB 206.

Diversity: Freedom of Speech Discussion

Speech, Diversity, Inclusion and Cancel Culture in order to raise awareness to our campus diversity. Charlotte Stickland and Dr. Lesley Graybeal will be discussing how to have these hard conversations concerning event go to CubConnect and

Photo by Madison Ogle

Lane Peden and Micah White look at “Creighton in Drawing II,” by Jason McCann in Baum Gallery at the “Baum at 25” showcase event on Aug. 26. The “Baum at 25” showcase will be on display until Oct. 15 with all of the work made by UCA alumni to celebrate the gallery’s 25-year anniversary.

‘Baum at 25’ showcases artwork from UCA alumni

BY ADDI FREEMAN

Associate Editor

Baum Gallery, UCA’s

alumni.

The showcase opened on Thursday, Aug. 26,

Baum, primarily, is to inspire our students, especially art students,” said Brian I did was I solicited… the department to suggest names

sits around, or I’ve had it in

show.”

Young, along with Sue Bennett who co-curated the show, wanted the exhibition media that are taught at UCA. This created a collection printmaking, graphic design, paintings and sculptures. semester, was given an entire room in the gallery to exhibit her work.

Several galleries around the world have shown

take it apart or turn it into something else or completely strip it down to whatever its raw materials.”

And that started to disappoint me a little bit in the creative process.”

many long-term expectations

‘Playntings’ collection.

This collection isn’t

expect that in art anymore,” she said.

When describing how she began to learn what

medium; it combines them in materials and objects to

continents and over 20 U.S. states,” she said. began her art studies as a

recycles her work. art, and it might sit around

make is going to be around

it tastes really good… sometimes you just eat it because you needed some

UCA. never knows how things will turn out. things are going to look like interaction,” she said. she never truly knows when a piece is complete. that has the color changing I shipped it to Brian. I had it done...it needed to

alumni’s

works

will

be

Sports

5

September 1, 2021

Upcoming Games

Volleyball 6p.m. Sept. 2 vs Little Rock Trojans Women’s Socer 7 p.m. Sept. 2 vs Tulsa Men’s Soccer 4 p.m. Sept. 3 vs Elon Women’s & Men’s Cross Country Sept. 4 at Memphis Twilight Football 6 p.m. Sept. 4 at ASU

Editor’s Take

Photo courtesy of ucasports.com Photo courtesy of flickr.com

Wide receiver for Dallas Cowboys,

Fantasy Football player picks BY

ANDREW MCMAHAN

Assistant Sports Editor

Fantasy football season is upon us once again.

Friendships will be made and broken during the ultracompetitive fantasy season.

Here are a few fantasy picks straight from the editor to help get you a leg up over the competition this fall.

The first recommended pick is for those who have an early first-round pick, as they will not be available later on in the draft. CeeDee Lamb, the second-year wide receiver out of Oklahoma, looks to build on a fantastic rookie season for the Cowboys. Last season, Lamb had 74 receptions for 935 yards receiving and five touchdowns. Lamb will be a sure-fire production guy that will be a solid first-round pick.

If Lamb is around past the first round, he will be a steal.

The second recommended pick will be tight end Kyle Pitts, a stud rookie out of Florida.

Pitts was drafted fourth overall by the Atlanta Falcons, which is somewhere tight ends have done well in the past. Pitts, even without playing a year at the professional level yet, is someone that it is easy to have confidence in. In just eight games during the shortened COVID-19 season, Pitts accounted for 43 catches for 770 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns. At 6-foot-6-inch and 245 pounds, Pitts is a fullgrown man entering the NFL, and they better watch out.

Pitts should breakout early even as a rookie and will be a good late second- or thirdround pick.

For the final pick, this guy could be a real sleeper. We look at another guy coming into his rookie season, Najee Harris. Harris is another fully grown man coming from the SEC, but this time, Alabama.

At Alabama, Harris was a load. Harris rushed for nearly 4,000 rushing yards during his three years of playing time at Alabama. He also adds the ability to catch out the backfield, which is special considering Harris is 6-foot2-inches and 230 pounds.

Harris was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, and with longtime Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the last year or two of his career, the running back position will be used heavily to take the weight of Roethlisberger. This means Harris could become a real workhorse and see a lot of production. Harris could be a real sleeper pick in rounds two through four.

Bears lose six-year winning streak against Monroe Warhawks

BY LINDZIE LUNSFORD

Staff Writer

With a score of 1-0, the Bears lost their 6-year winning streak against the University of Louisiana at Monroe Warhawks Friday, Aug. 27 at Brown Stadium in Louisiana.

“They were so unfortunate not to score some goals...sometimes soccer can go either way and tonight was one of those,” Head Coach Jeremy Bishop said.

The two teams were tied until the Warhawks scored their winning goal in the second half with forty minutes left on the clock.

“I thought tonight was a battle; I thought that Sydney Brough said.

The Bears had four shots, four saves and two fouls seven shots, two saves, two corner kicks and two had seven shots, two saves, one corner kick, four fouls and one goal.

“I felt like we had the ball most of the game,”

In the overall game, the Bears made two more saves and two more corner kicks than the Warhawks. The than the Warhawks.

Bishop said that the Bears “played well, gave a good effort, played really hard, did some really good things [and] created some good chances.”

Two of the players that really shined, Bishop

winning balls.” position is a winger. Brough said that her most memorable moment was during the last 15-minutes of the game when she “was pushing hardest and all [she] wanted to do was score and at least tie the game.” was kind of like a scramble.” The Bears, however, lost, and Brough said that the team “felt defeated.”

“I thought we deserved to win that game, but we said.

At the end of the game, Brough said that defender speech. Hair, who is a senior at UCA, told them to “take [their] mistakes and move on instead of letting it dictate the next game.”

“Our little huddle after the game was really turn this around,” Brough said. Bishop said the Bears have a “long season ahead...we just keep working in practice tomorrow and try to get better.”

In order to accomplish this, Bishop plans to “review the game on video” and have the team train hard. against the Trojans. She said that the team will “work really hard day in and day out…[and] win on Sunday, I think.”

The Bears played the Little Rock Trojans in Little Showdown and won 2-0. Their next game will be Thursday, Sept. 2 against the University of Tulsa Hurricanes at UCA’s Bill Stephens Track/Soccer Complex.

SOCCER

Photo courtesy of Jaden Powell

Mathias Bendisken finds community with teammates BY

OLYVIA GONZALEZ

Assistant Online Editor

From the moment senior Mathias Bendiksen could thing you notice about this soccer player is how big his heart is.

The victory that the team acquired was pushed with a feeling of support and love for their fellow teammate Jose As a gesture of love for his teammate, Bendiksen held up his jersey to a camera crew and the crowd.

Bendiksen gene pool. With a professional soccer player in the family, the stakes are high, but Bendiksen lives up to the standard.

“My dad [Yngvar Bendiksen] played soccer professionally in Norway,” Bendiksen said, “so me and my two other siblings grew up playing soccer every day,

and me and my brother still play. So, I would say it is a big part of my family still.”

Aside from soccer, Bendiksen admitted to his love for teaching. He intended to work within a school, but his major is not conducive to the desire.

“I actually wanted to study to become a teacher when I

lot of friends so that has helped me feel more at home and made it easier to be away from home.”

Bendiksen has made the transition to living in Arkansas well, but anticipates the day his family will be able to step foot in purple bear territory.

a substitute teacher for a few years in Norway, but I was not able to use the degree in Norway, so I went with my second option, which was a business major.”

Bendiksen said that teaching is not something he has forgotten about and plans to continue his graduate degree in education in Norway.

the last four years.

“My grandfather is my hero, he has always been there for me and has taught me so many things, and I am lucky to be able to still learn from him. When I moved to Arkansas, I had to teach him how to use Facetime so we could still talk to each other every week,” Bendiksen said.

for someone so family-oriented has been troubling.

However, this UCA Forward has found a love, not only for the game but for the team.

“Some days it is hard to be away from home,” Bendiksen said. “Especially since Conway is so far away from where my family lives back home in Norway, but I have gotten a second family here at UCA with the soccer team and a

he enjoys playing Disc golf or going hiking.

“I expect a great year and a fresh start with a new head coach,” Bendiksen said. “Everybody has been working really hard so far, and it paid off in the season opener, so we have to make sure we continue putting in our maximum effort and continuing to play well.”

4/ September 1, 2021

CAMPUS LIFE

ucanews.live

STUDENTS SAY What class are you “ most excited for this semester? ”

Photos by Madison Ogle

Story by Courtney Shepherd and photos by Bennett Tinnermon

Lily Kuonen (left) describing her creative process at the ‘Baum at 25’ event in Baum Gallery Aug. 26. Jim Stovall’s cast iron “Class Ring” (right) displayed at the gallery. All the art on display was created by UCA alumni and will be on display until Oct. 15.

UCA Welcome Back Coffee Night hosts art

BY BENNETT TINNERMON Campus Life Editor

two artists sold their work, which raised $500. After compensation for T.H.I.N.K. Coffee’s baristas, the proceeds will go directly to the UCA community in order to help fund more art events in the future.

One artist, Keri Smith, a junior at UCA, had a digital self portrait on display that used black lines resembling a pen to layer the drawing of her face overlapped with itself to create a chaotic look. “My self portrait is a representation of how I feel in my head,” Smith said in her artist’s statement.

“Before, I thought there was no way they were good enough to be accepted over the dozens of other incredibly talented artists here at UCA, but now I will submit my art in shows every chance I get because I’ve seen that it is possible,”

UCA Students for the Arts hosted T.H.I.N.K. Coffee, music and local art at UCA Downtown to raise money Aug. 26.

All of the proceeds of the event went back to the UCA community. Art pieces ranged in prices from $30 to $500.

There were a range of mediums used in the art.

Viewers could see digital art, oil paintings, sculptures and more.

Executive President of Students for the Arts Avery Rudolph, said that around 16 of the 25 accepted submissions were displayed at the exhibition.

The event was a way to bring students together to socialize and support local art and business. Rudolph said that

Smith said. Along with her self portrait, she also had a pastel piece titled “Passion” on display.

Rudolph said Joining the Students for the Arts can offer internship and networking opportunities.

“Students need to understand that even if they do not consider themselves artists, the notion of creativity is integrated into our daily lives,” Rudolph said. Rudolph added that this applies across every major, even nursing or business, and how Students for the Arts pushes this idea. Joining the RSO can show students that it is possible to integrate creativity into their

piano in the front of the building near the art display.

Hacker has been traditionally trained in piano for 14 years.

Students for the Arts is the UCA branch of the Arkansans for the Arts organization.

Students for the Arts aims to expand the creative economy and advocate for legislation that supports the use of arts in non-

T.H.I.N.K. Coffee was at the event to provide refreshments while Greta Hacker, a graduate student at UCA, played the

More information can be found on CubConnect or on the group’s Instagram @ucastudents4thearts.

UCA Students for the Arts is working with the Film Club and the Conway Arts Alliance on bringing back the Conway Film Festival in October. They are accepting

Junior Presley Sayakhoummane “I am looking forward to Principles of Marketing, because I’m a Marketing major and I’m just now like taking actual classes for my major.”

Sophmore Hayden Curry “Probably Anatomical Kinesiology. It’s just really cool to see like how the body moves and all that good stuff.”

QUIZ ANSWERS

WELCOME WEEK

RHA welcomes freshman with ‘Rock the Lawn’ event

BY ASHLEY SAVAGE Photo Editor

been pushed back home, regardless

The Resident Housing Association hosted the annual “Rock the Lawn” Welcome Week event on Tuesday, Aug. 24.

Rock the Lawn was originally scheduled for Aug. 18, but was moved to the following week due to weather complications.The event welcomed all students to come down to the lawn in front of Arkansas Hall and meet other students on campus.

Popsicles, music and various tables scattered the lawn as students arrived. Students had the option to television as they walked around the event.

“I came to ‘Rock the Lawn’ as a freshman and it was really nice being able to mingle with other students that were new to campus,” senior Brittany Cresswell said. “Obviously, with the pandemic, we’ve all kind-of

craving being on campus and making the most of the semester as safely as possible.”

Many organizations on campus are seeking to host events as safely as possible so that students have the opportunity to get out there and get involved.

“At the end of the day, being in college is a small home-away-fromhome and it’s always nice to be able to come to events like these and meet new people,” Cresswell said.

As the university continues to push COVID regulations and protocols, many opportunities for students to remain involved are unfolding as the semester progresses.

For more information on ways to get involved on campus, visit @ucastudentlife or @uca_sab on Instagram or visit CubConnect to see listed events and registered student organizations.

Fifth-year Jake Hutson

Junior Jasmine Diaz

“Most looking forward to Recreation and Tourism because it’s interesting and the head of Geography Department, Dr. O’Connell, is the professor for it, and he’s my favorite professor.”

“Probably Constitutional Law, because it’s what I want to do, so it’s really interesting.”

Senior Madison Treat

Freshman Reese Aldy

“I am looking forward to Social Media Management with Dr. Brown and I’m excited about it because a lot of my classmates, I had classes with them last semester, but it was online.”

“I think I’m most excited for my Intro to Writing Class, because I really like the professor, she’s really nice. It’s Professor Allen.”

Graphic by Delaney Van Wilpe

RSO

Conway Daze hosts RSOs and Conway businesses

BY OLIVIA SNELSON Staff Writer

Conway Daze allowed new students to be introduced to various student organizations and Conway businesses in front of the Student Center Aug. 25.

Conway Daze is a Welcome Week event done every year on UCA’s campus hosted by the Department of New Student Programs.

Conway Daze is a fair for students with booths set up from over 100 local businesses and organizations, as well as recognized student organizations on campus, located in the Student Center courtyard.

Lilly Moritz, a freshman

at UCA, found the fair to be very informative and helpful.

“It’s so nice that UCA and the community provides an opportunity like this for freshmen to become more involved. Some of us are far away from home and it can be really hard to adjust to a new area,” Moritz said.

The fair allows for students to fully immerse themselves in it. “Finding a place to get a haircut, shopping for groceries, grabbing a bite to eat, or getting an oil change are just a few of the adjustments to a new community. Many students are also looking for a job. Conway Daze is an opportunity for local businesses and organizations to reach new students during

provide them with information about the resources and services they offer,” according the new student programs website.

Local businesses such as Newk’s Eatery, Plato’s Closet, First Security Bank and Andy’s were some of the businesses in attendance.

An important resource at Conway Daze was the local hospital, Conway Regional.

Abby Herring, a member of UCA’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry, said that their booth had a pretty good turn out at this year’s fair. “I feel like we had quite a lot of people come up to our table, as nearly everyone loves candy! And then when people ask what we are doing

there we can tell them about our ministry mission,” Herring said.

Because of their booth at Conway Daze, BCM had about meeting of the semester.

“I had no idea that there were so many organizations on UCA’s campus to get involved in. At almost every booth I went to, I felt so comfortable and I really felt like they were trying to help me become more involved. I feel like I wouldn’t have known most of these organizations existed if it weren’t for the fair. This was my favorite Welcome Week event,” Moritz said.

More information about other student organizations can be found on CubConnect under the events and organizations tabs.

People of UCA: J’Tiya Thomas

BY MEGAN HOLDER Online Editor

“I really just wanted a home away from home. I was a little

Senior J’Tiya Thomas, also known as JT, is a girl who transforms her challenges into opportunities and success.

She was born in a small town, Clarendon, Arkansas, but has a future bigger than some could imagine.

Thomas has been playing

UCA was a big school and they didn’t really care about students’ success,” Thomas said.

Thomas researched UCA and decided to give it a shot. She said in high school she never thought she would be a UCA student but the change was probably the best decision she has ever made.

She has been and is a part of many organizations, such as Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Order of Omega, Student Government Association, President’s Leadership Fellows, UCA’s First-Generation Students, National Honor Society, Merit Fellow, Women of Excellence, Minority Mentorship Program and the NAACP. Outside of maintaining her

was a walk-on at Arkansas Tech University and made the team.

Thomas faced major injuries that altered her plans, but she refused to accept defeat. She had her mind set on going to college and discovering the person she was meant to be.

She realized that ATU was not the place for her after her basketball career was cut short.

educational responsibilities, Thomas has other skills to keep herself entertained.

“I cook just about everything.

I love to read. I draw here and there, and I like to color. It’s childish, but it’s therapeutic. I doing it. I like to exercise, any form of physical activity is for me,” Thomas said. One of her favorite meals to cook is chicken spaghetti.

Thomas is majoring in Health Promotions.

“Whatever I do when I graduate, I know I’ll be helping people. As of now, I plan to become a Physical Therapist, preferably for an athletic team,” she said.

“My athletic dreams were kind of crushed after I had my ACL injuries,” Thomas said.

Thomas said she wants to be able to help athletes get through their toughest times and injuries like her therapists did for her.

“A torn ACL is one of the worst injuries you can have as an athlete, so I’ve been there,” she said.

Thomas’ words of encouragement to the world are to “just be yourself and be different. Go after anything that you want. Set high expectations for yourself. Don’t have a closed

She said, “with me being in a sorority, I tell people that all the time. I’m the same JT I was before I pledged. Don’t let when you become a part of something change who you are. Be true to who you are.”

Photo courtesy of J’Tiya Thomas

J’Tiya Thomas representing the white and blue colors of her sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Opinion

6

ucaechoeditor@gmail.com

September 1, 2021

The Voice

C omb at i n g t h e b ore d om t h at c om e s w it h s i m i l ar c ou r s e s There is nothing more boring than having one teacher multiple times a day for similar courses.

I go through this every semester and I bet it will happen next semester and the one after that. There is no way to avoid it as you get closer to your graduation year.

Having multiple classes with the same professor becomes repetitive immediately and usually stays that way for the entire semester.

I have had so many classes where the same PowerPoint is used, the same documentary is shown, and the same assignments are given.

UCA’s current COVID-19 procedures are irresponsible Delaney Van Wilpe Editor-in-Chief Addison Freeman Associate Editor Mia Waddell News Editor Sydney Cyr Assistant News Editor Bennett Tinnermon Campus Life Editor Olyvia Gonzalez Assistant Campus Life Editor Sarah Smythe Opinion Editor Madison Ogle Entertainment Editor/Cartoonist Emilee Hagewood Sports Editor Andrew McMahan Assistant Sports Editor Megan Holder Online Editor Ashley Savage Photography Editor

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UCA’s COVID-19 procedures have changed in I have also heard many rumors about students many ways compared to last year. being exposed to COVID-19 or testing positive for Full capacity, face-to-face classes have resumed, COVID-19 and deciding not to tell the university and on-campus events and parties are being regulated about it so they can continue to go to classes and much less strictly than last year. engage in campus activities.

Overall, it was very irresponsible of the university The public’s overall attitude about the pandemic to resume in-person activities when COVID-19 has been changing, but this seems completely case numbers are just as high as last semester. unwarranted due to the fact that there have The Delta variant of COVID-19 is been thousands of new COVID-19 cases currently the predominant strain of the virus in Arkansas each day for the past couple of in the United States. weeks.

According to the CDC, the Delta It seems disrespectful to all of the variant is two times as contagious as people who have been permanently affected previous COVID-19 variants.

by COVID-19 for us to go along with Studies in Canada and Scotland normal activities even though the state showed that people infected with of Arkansas is still dealing with a the Delta variant were more likely COVID-19 crisis. to be hospitalized than people The university’s push to resume infected with other strains of all in-person activities on campus COVID-19, and fully vaccinated people who are infected with the has set a poor example, especially Delta variant can still spread the when people have been dying all virus to others. over the state from COVID-19.

The university should The university is now using have started the semester a three-color system to alert with online classes in order students and faculty each to prevent the spread of week about COVID-19 Sydney Cyr COVID-19 after students transmission risk levels Assistant News Editor have come from all over the and mask requirements on country and even the world campus. to start the fall semester.

Personally, I think this President Davis has communicated to students system is completely unnecessary. that online classes may need to be implemented later Masks and social distancing should be required in the semester. until COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have It seems strange to me that the university plans to decreased dramatically. wait to implement online classes until the effects from There is no need for us to change procedures COVID-19 get much worse instead of being more week by week. proactive and safe from the beginning.

President Davis also acknowledged that the There are no longer any ICU beds available in pandemic is something that we will likely have to deal Arkansas, and COVID-19 cases are not showing any with for years to come. sort of steady decline.

Everyone is ready to go back to “normal life,” but If COVID-19 cases are not showing a steady it isn’t time for that yet. decline, then why are we declining our practice of There is too much pressure to move on from the safety measures? pandemic, and we are moving on much faster than Some of my teachers and classmates have not been COVID-19 case numbers indicate that we should. wearing masks properly during in-person classes.

In-person learning is better than virtual learning In what has seemed like an endless struggle with friends and relationships that last a lifetime.

COVID-19 some light has begun to reveal itself.

I was blessed to experience college before the Vaccines are becoming more popular every pandemic, which is something I will never forget. day and restrictions have been cut back, especially I cannot imagine being a part of the two freshman at UCA. We now have regular size classes without classes that only know a college experience inundated social distancing rules. with COVID-19.

However, masks are still required. With that This virtual shift during COVID-19 may expedite being said, masks do not limit students in any way, how much the internet is used in the future, even therefore masks should not be an issue. without COVID-19 present.

After nearly two years of my life being Let’s not forget the students that need an taken away by COVID-19, it feels like we are in-person learning experience to do well and grasping onto normality again. ultimately thrive.

College sports venues will be full of Students are not all the same. loud fans again, something I have missed tremendously.

While we may have some students that I am a sports junkie and sports have add to virtual learning without skipping a greatly suffered in the experience of beat, this is not always the case. the pandemic.

I have had conversations with Overall, the true college other students who sounded like experience is becoming real they were drowning in the virtual again. classroom and not gaining a real I did not expect that connection with the course, to happen a year ago when professor and other students. the virus was still raging Thankfully, I have uncontrollably.

The academic experience personally gained a strong of college has also suffered grasp of how to do well in Andrew McMahan from students being limited to most of my online courses.

Assistant Sports Editor learning mostly virtually.

That also means I do Parents and students not fully understand other have shared concerns about students struggling with if virtual education should be the same price as the online classroom. traditional learning.

We are now to the point where we have the The social aspect of college may be overlooked by pandemic and you’re in much better control and have others, but not myself. more knowledge of the situation.

The classes may not be fun all the time, but the The bottom line is that I feel that UCA made the camaraderie shown in the classroom outweighs any right decision to allow full capacity, in-person classes. negatives.

I feel like this semester was the right time to take I know countless students that oppose the that step back to normality on campus. classroom in disgust, but this is where I stand.

I am sure this decision has been favored by The value of the college experience is rooted in countless students. the social aspect.

I know I will not be looking back.

Online classes do not allow all students to make

to this problem, but something needs to be done to cure the boredom that comes with having the same professor.

I don’t think it stems from laziness from the professor, but more so that repetitive.

I can promise you that if I took a course in 2020 by one professor and was currently enrolled in a different course with that same teacher today, I would more than likely not notice the similarity in assignments or PowerPoints they used.

Let me tell you, though, when I have to sit through two or even three consecutive courses with the same professor, I almost leave the classroom because what’s the point other than the attendance requirement?

I understand that courses in the same from other courses, but there has to be some kind of separation between the actual information being taught to students.

There is honestly no excuse for showing the exact same documentary to multiple classes on the same day.

Again, I don’t think this stems from laziness in teachers. lack of creativity or desire to differentiate the courses that I have seen in the past.

It always surprises me that the same information is taught in courses of different grade levels too.

In the past, I have been in classes in both the 2000s and the 3000s at the same time and have been shown the same PowerPoint in both courses taught by the same professor.

Other than almost dying of boredom through the repetitiveness of the second course, typically, I manage.

I like to go back through the notes and add more information to them.

When I do this, I try to use a different color pen so I can see the information taken from each class that uses the same sources.

Having the same professor multiple times a day can be tricky, but it can also a semester.

This professor has to see you multiple something to keep in mind.

Other than doubling down on the information given multiple times, there is really no way to combat the boredom that comes with this situation.

I will just count myself lucky that I get to learn something twice because that must make it twice as important.

That’s what I have been telling myself this semester.

Have an opinion? Everyone does.

Write a letter to the editor at ucaechoeditor@gmail.com Letters to the editor don’t just have to be about Echo content.

If you’ve noticed something on campus that’s positive or negative, we want to hear about it.

The Echo is printed weekly by The Courier. Decisions about content are made by the student editors.

The views published are not necessarily those of the University of Central Arkansas. All material is subject to respective copyrights.

Entertainment

7

September 1, 2021

New This Week

‘The Lunar Chronicles:’ a fantasy book series worth binging BY

Movies

EMILEE HAGEWOOD

Sports Editor

The Lunar Chronicles series, written by Marissa Sep. 3 — Shang-Chi and the Meyer, was one of the most Legend of the Ten Rings spectacular series I have (PG-13), directed by Destin Daniel ever read.

Cretton, starring Simu Liu, Tony Meyer takes four Leung and Awkwafina. classic fairy tales and adds each, creating a series that is impossible to put down.

Each time I read a book, I feel as though I’ve been transported to another world.

This series took me to another galaxy and Oct. 1 — Hotel Transylvania: absolutely blew my mind.

Transformania (PG), directed by The series takes place Derek Drymon and Jenifer Kluska, after the fourth world war. starring Brian Hull, Selena Gomez The moon, called Luna in the series, is inhabitable and Andy Samberg and ruled by an evil queen.

Although the series is

Sep. 3 — Cinderella (PG), directed by Nia DaCosta, starring Camila Cabello, Nicholas Galitzine and Billy Porter

Music Sep. 3 — Mercury - Act 1 — Imagine Dragons

Sep. 10 — Thank You — Diana Ross

Sep. 10 — Star Crossed —Kacey Musgraves

Oct. 1 — Liberté— Doobie Brothers

witchcraft involved, only science.

Lunars, the citizens of the moon, are born with special powers that allow them to manipulate bioelectricity.

Lunars with a strong gift can manipulate people into seeing, doing and feeling whatever they want.

Sep. 2 — Q-FORCE, created by Sean Hayes and Michael Schur, starring Patti Harrison, Gabe Liedman and Matt Rogers

ROB DAVIS

Lil Tecca is back like he never left on his third studio album, “We Love You Tecca 2”, a sequel to his highly successful debut album that peaked at number four on the Billboard Top 200.

“We Love You Tecca 2” was released Aug. 27, 2021, and features artists such as Gunna, Trippie Redd and Lil Yachty.

The album also features a robust tracklist, capping out at 20 songs and about a Lil Tecca initially gained

music industry after his hit single “Ran$om” peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 back in May of 2019 Sep. 2 — Afterlife of the Party, and, since then, he has been directed by Stephen Herek, starring able to carve out his own lane in the melodic rap game by Victoria Justice, Adam Garcia and dropping music that always Midori Francis

Sep. 15 — Nightbooks, directed

by David Yarovesky, starring Krysten Ritter, Lidya Jewett and Winslow Fegley

Sep. 22 — Confessions of an Invisible Girl, directed by Bruno Garotti, starring Júlia Rabello, Stepan Nercessian and Rosane Gofman and Alcemar Vieira

Sep. 29 — No One Gets Out Alive, directed by Santiago Menghini, starring Clint Howard, Brian Gallagher and Chris Ready

Top 5 Essential Dorm Purchases List compiled by Mia Waddell News Editor

The first book in the series follows the life of Cinder, an orphaned cyborg with a wicked stepmother living in new Beijing.

Once Cinder discovered she was not only born on Luna but also the rightful heir to the Lunar throne, her

life completely changed.

Cinder sets out on an epic journey to find out more about her past and to put a stop to her evil aunt’s reign.

The evil queen Levana sees Cinder as a threat to her crown and tries to have her killed. With help from her allies, Cinder narrowly

and relatable.

Reading this series gave me happiness and made me think quite seriously about honing my creative writing skills.

I have always wanted to write a book, but I never really knew what I wanted it to be about or what genre to start with.

After reading the Lunar Chronicles Series, those answers became a lot clearer.

Taking notes from Meyer, I could see myself writing science fiction, as it is one of my favorite genres to read.

I enjoyed the style of her books so much, each one flowing together perfectly, and I hope to emulate that style in my own writing.

I’ve always been a fast reader, and with each of these books ranging from would be surprised at how I devoured the whole series in two weeks.

That just goes to show how incredible of a series it is, and although that may sound like an impossible task to some, the time spent reading these books is certainly worth it.

NEW SINGLE

No skip-worthy songs on ‘We Love You Tecca 2’ Staff Writer

Netflix

being “Cinder and “Winter” being the last.

ALBUM RELEASE

BY

Oct. 1 — Love For Sale — Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett

Photo courtesy of www.vk.com

escapes capture and death on multiple occasions, finding new strength and wisdom through every battle.

Each chapter is eloquently worded; there was never a time while I was reading that I ever got bored or frustrated with the writing.

Meyer draws inspiration from The Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Snow White for the remaining three books in the series.

Through vivid and impressive storytelling, Meyer brings all four characters together seamlessly. Each one contributes to the overall plot and brings a new set of expertise to help Cinder reach her goal.

As teenagers, Cinder and her cohorts face all the trials that come with emerging into adulthood, which adds relatability to the story.

Each main character has a love interest, and like all relationships, they have their ups and downs.

While reading, I found myself rooting for each pairing, as Meyer makes them all equally lovable

latest album is no different.

One of my favorite songs on the album comes midway through the project with the song “Choppa Shoot the Loudest,” which features rappers Trippie Redd and Chicago legend Chief Keef.

The track features a

with opposites, we don’t f*** with antonyms” and “ride with a bunny rabbit made me feel like Eminem.”

Are they kind of corny?

Maybe, but that’s all good with me because I think it’s hilarious and hard at the same time.

This album doesn’t have any songs that are ended up happening was the against the more polished and complete tracks, which was disappointing.

I also understand, though, that in our era of music streaming, longer albums like this one are how artists can maximize their streaming potential, and I’m always for people getting their bags.

Photo courtesy of www.xxlmag.com

beat that has been growing in popularity the past year in rap music, and I couldn’t

Lil Tecca released “We Love You Tecca 2” two years after his debut abum.

entranced by the synths and the pounding drums.

Trippie Redd’s unique voice and knack for having a catchy hook were also on full display.

Lil Tecca provided a

While “We Love You Tecca 2” isn’t anything groundbreaking musically or lyrically, Lil Tecca does provide listeners with a solid album full of songs for just about any vibe.

talked his talk, which isn’t a regular occurrence with his pretty innocent image but was a pleasant surprise.

Chief Keef was the real star of this track, though, as his vocal performance was strong like the others’ performances, but there were also so many quotable lines like “We don’t f***

tracks could have been left off the album, but overall, the project was enjoyable to listen to all the way through and provided me with a nice escape from the world around me for a little bit.

It can be streamed on Spotify and Apple Music.

Photo courtesy of www.justjared.com

Shawn Mendes releases “Summer of Love” with Tainy Aug. 20, 2021. The song was intended to be a summer hit but ended up being unimpressive and late to the summer season.

‘Summer of Love’ sounds tired

BY ANDRAEA AGUILERA

Staff Writer

Despite nearing the end of the summer, pop star Shawn Mendes released his new single “Summer Of Love” on Aug. 20. The song, which is just over three minutes long, features producer and songwriter, Tainy. I’ve personally never heard of Tainy, but he’s produced songs for artists such as Cardi B and Bad Bunny, so he’s credible enough.

The song itself is lighthearted and upbeat, much like all of today’s hits. It’s

charts with his new releases, but I noticed that on day one of “Summer Of Love” being released, it only reached the ninth spot on the charts. It remained that way for another day. It only seems to be declining from there. Mendes advertised the song in early August, with

stations, almost as if there is no real substance to the song at all.

Mendes normally tops the

account. I’m sure his fans loved these.

The cover of this single displays an up close and personal shot of Mendes’ face.

The song title and artist names are barely visible.

I’m sure superfans are thrilled to see a steamier photo of his face, but I think the text needs to be bigger and more noticeable. To me, it lacks creativity overall.

I will give Mendes credit for one thing, though. In the song, there’s a line that goes “meditation and tequila, calling you my señorita.”

I see this as a sort of nod to the song he and girlfriend Camilla Cabello released together in 2019, which was called “Señorita.” I can only imagine that the pop sensation

music rather than what he started out releasing between listen, I found it catchy.

The more I listened to it, though, I grew tired of it. It sounds too much like any other song you hear on the radio these instrumental part thrown in there. It seems like it is meant

was partly inspired by his own girlfriend in writing the song.

According to an article with Rolling Stone Magazine, Mendes said, “I hope this song makes people feel free, free from the weight of life, even if just for a moment.” I could picture a group of friends riding around town on a warm summer night with their windows rolled down as they blare this song, so I see what he means in his statement. immediate connection to the summer vibes.

I only wonder why Mendes waited to release the song toward the end of August when kids and teens go back to school and have much less free time.

Overall, “Summer Of Love” wasn’t the most disappointing song as of late, but it’s not a favorite of mine, either. I’m not surprised that I don’t love it, considering that I haven’t enjoyed much of Mendes’ music in recent years. I might give this song an occasional listen, but I won’t be adding it to my August playlist.

“Summer of Love” is streaming on Apple Music and Spotify.

1. Snacks

2. Ambient Lighting

3. Plants

4. Bar Cart

5. Sleeping Mask

I cannot tell you how many times I fretted going to the dining hall, hungry, hoping I’d get there while it was still open, or just hoping the food wasn’t awful. In my time as a freshman, I visited the dining hall a grand total of 2 times.

I had been cooped up in my house for months because of quarantine, I was socially awkward, and felt extremely out of place. Then came the snacks! Oatmeal, frozen meals and produce were some of my favorites. I used to carry a 30 oz (1.87 lb) box

The lighting in the dorms is

Moving away from home is hard. Arkansas has the highest dog ownership rate in the country, so more than likely you’re missing a furry friend. The drive to care for something is innate in us. It relaxes us, gives us structure and makes even the most unproductive days feel accomplishing. I began propagating golden pothos in my windowsill, grew lavender

Technically the one I bought

My lovely dorm room was located directly across the student center patio area. If you were wondering, those lamps around the picnic tables stay on all night. 24/7.

Constantly. I could not get a lick of sleep. I invested in a BlueTooth sleep mask with tiny speakers that can play anything you’d like while you

case.

you out, irritate your eyes and can make you feel like you’re in a prison cell. Ambient, have for your dorm room. I hung a small strand of string lights on the wall next to my bed so I could easily turn it off and on. Diffusers, night lights and Christmas lights make great additions. Friendly tip: use that awful dorm lighting to your advantage when you Trust me, you won’t fall asleep.

Tips for growing plants in your dorm: choose your plant based on how much light your window receives and fertilize, fertilize, fertilize.

cart,” but... same difference. keeping things organized in a tight space. I stored books, snacks, chargers, and even my plants on the very top rack.

You can easily move it from place to place as needed, and when you move out, you can use it as a makeshift luggage cart. These carry over well into apartment living once you graduate from the dorms. cart will be a valuable and versatile organizational tool.

roommate will have a different schedule than you, or maybe, you want to take a catnap in the middle of the day. Either have. Just make sure you wash it.

ucanews.live

SPORTS

8 / September 1, 2021

UCA SCHEDULE SPORT

OPPONENT

DATE

HOME/AWAY

Volleyball

Little Rock

Sept. 2

Away

Football

Arkansas State

Sept. 4

Away

Men’s soccer

Elon

Sept. 4

Home

Women’s Soccer

Tulsa

Sept. 2

Home

Memphis Twilight

Sept. 4

Away

Women’s & Men’s Cross Country Photo courtesy of ucasports.com

FOOTBALL

Summer hires bring in fresh Bears football join ASUN leadership to UCA’s athletics Conference for new season BY

BY

MIA WADDELL

News Editor

The athletic department has added new coaching staff for softball, basketball and baseball.

Over the summer break, the athletic department’s faculty and staff kept busy with additions to the athletic faculty. The Sugar Bears, UCA’s women’s basketball team, announced the addition of two coaches to their coaching team.

Allie Banks and Tiffany Phillips were added to the team in July. Both women have an impressive record of wins, conferences and awards.

Notably, Banks led her team at the University of ArkansasAmerican Conference. Phillips was awarded the Central Region coaching at the Southwestern Banks’ father played football and baseball for UCA, and many of her family members attended the university. Being part of the Sugar Bears couldn’t have been better timing, according to Banks. “My family has always bled purple,” Banks said.

Joining the Sugar Bears was a homecoming of sorts for Phillips as well, who served as an assistant for the Sugar Bears from 2006-

2011. “I am so excited to be at UCA,” Phillips said, “This is a blessing for me to be here.”

UCA’s baseball team has a

announced the new head coach, Nick Harlan, a promotion from his previous role as associate head coach.

Harlan has been with the baseball team since 2013 and has served as the associate head coach and pitching coach. His promotion means leadership from a familiar face for the bears.

“Coach Harlan is the perfect person to take over the program,” said Brad Teague, UCA director of athletics, “Nick is a great person and will be a great head coach.”

Harlan brings with him a record of successes from his time as the Bear’s pitching coach. Four of his pitchers have been taken in the MLB draft, and others have signed as free agents. Harlan previously coached at York College, where championships and was ranked eighth nationally. track record behind. Since becoming head coach, 11 of his players have been drafted into the MLB. The Bears won the

2013 Southland Conference championship, and many since have received awards at the SLC conference.

Jenny Parsons, previously the associate head coach of UCA’s softball team, will take over the program after the resignation of head coach David Kuhn. Kuhn resigned to Community College in his home state.

Parsons has served as the associate head coach since 2012 and has been with UCA since 2011. Previously Parsons was a pitching coach at East Carolina University, where she broke records with her team.

Parsons said that no big changes will be made to the team as she acclimates to her head coach position. Previous staff will be retained, and the team will continue moving forward.

In the future, Parsons plans on recruiting more talent and continuing to develop the athletes already in her program.

Since Parsons joined UCA, the team’s winning average has gone up to 31 per season, signifying that her current strategy is working.

“We’re going in the right direction, and I’m looking forward to keeping it moving,” Parsons said.

KATHRYN THORNEBERRY

Staff Writer

The UCA Bears’ football team is eager to begin their season in a new conference -- the ASUN Conference.

Arkansas State University at Jonesboro, the Bears will begin their season in a stronger conference than what the team is usually up against.

“I think we are just excited about the change. When there is something new, it always gives you renewed energy and excitement. I think the ASUN Conference has the potential to be one of the best FCS conferences in the country. We are very excited to be a part of it,” UCA’s head football coach Nathan Brown said.

Junior and wide receiver Lujuan Winningham also believes the new conference is something to be excited about.

“I think everyone’s excited.

Seeing the same faces and jerseys you used to every year gets boring sometimes. We’re going out to prove we’re the team we say we are despite who’s across from us,” Winningham

said.

“I

football team gets to play after a shortened football schedule in the previous season due to team will be returning to a full crowd of fans in normal fashion but with masks included.

“It’s always fun playing in front of a bigger crowd; the atmosphere kind of gets me going. But after the purple and gray scrimmage we had, you can year,” Winningham said.

Brown expects the crowd to be a huge factor moving forward this year as well. “As far as I know, most venues will be full capacity, and that excites fans.

A lot of people have gone over a year without being at a live event, so I would expect a lot of excitement and energy from not only our crowd and fans, but the opposing teams we play,” Brown said.

Though some of the opposing teams may have just as much energy from the crowd, players—including quarterback and sixth-year senior Breylin Smith.

have

always

had

special player with some of the best QB skill sets I have ever been around. I think the world of Breylin and how he leads our team. I am excited for him to have a huge year on and off the in the team. His expectations for the offense, led by himself, sophomore and wide receiver Tyler Hudson, and quarterback Breylin Smith, are set high.

“The expectations going into this year are the highest they’ve ever been for us. We feel like this is our year in a sense, but we just have to go out there and do what we’ve always done and deliver,” Winningham said.

Players are relieved to be back to a full 12-game schedule, after last season was cut short.

“It’s relieving that we’re able to get back into a routine.

We still managed to play nine games last year, so it won’t be that much of a getting used to period towards the end. But it back to normal,” Winningham said.

SOCCER

Photo courtesy of ucasports.com

Bears carry lead against Vaqueros BY

ROB DAVIS

Staff Writer

The UCA Bears men’s soccer team came out and put on a show for the home crowd during the season opener on Thursday night, Aug. 26, with a highscoring match, securing a victory over the University of Texas Rio “I wanted to live up to the great things that Coach Duncan had done, but I also wanted to increase what we expect from each other and what our standards are when we train and when we play,” Head Coach Frank Kohlenstein said,“When

program.

Coach Kohlenstein and the Bears started the game off hot, applying pressure against th with the Bear’s physical play and assertive offense.

The high level of intensity that the Bears came out with half as they were able to score

of play from their two veteran defenders, seniors Alberto respond quickly though as junior forward Reshaun Walkes broke through the tough Bears’ defense and scored, effectively stopping

need to try and put them away because it was a lot closer than it needed to be.”

The UCA Bears opened up regular season play on Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Bill Stephens Complex as the Bears looked

2-1, Bears.

Things appeared to be quickly spiraling out of control

new season. They took on the

of the second half, making the

appointed head coach Frank

up his second goal of the night

regular-season win with the

were able to secure another two

From that point forward, it appeared that the Bears had taken their foot off the gas pedal too to quickly turn things around, scoring two goals in two minutes midway through the second half.

What appeared to be a blowout of time for the game to slip away from them.

Luckily for the Bears, they tightened things up on the defensive side of the ball and played keep-away long enough to secure themselves the victory, “We came away with the win, which is what we wanted, that we were still losing focus, and since we’ve got some new players, we’ve still gotta get that chemistry down and keep moving forward,” Sophomore Defender Masood Porsa said.

The UCA Bears look to add some more victories to their win column this season as they travel to Birmingham, Alabama, to play in the UAB Tournament, where they will face Elon on Sept. 3 and UABB on Sept. 5.