Congratulations students,
Here’s to the future.
A reflection of the UNC Community DEC 12, 2014
COVER BY SETH HALLER
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December 12, 2014
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A LETTER FROM PRESIDENT KAY NORTON Dear Graduates: Congratulations. I'm very proud of the accomplishments of the University of Northern Colorado Class of Fall 2014, and you should be proud as well. Earning a college degree is an important milestone in your journey as a learner for life. Your degree represents your academic credentials and the dedication, sacrifice and hard work that went into reaching this milestone. It speaks both to your achievements and to your potential. There's a reason we call this celebration Commencement: today you start a new chapter in your life. What you've learned, the work you've done, the connections you've made and all that you've experienced along the way have prepared you to succeed. Success is defined in different ways. When you leave UNC, you get to choose how to define it. I hope you define it in a way that makes your individual journey as fulfi lling and meaningful as it can be — in a way that honors what you value and puts to use all you have learned. You are prepared for whatever new challenges lie ahead. That's doesn’t mean that your journey will always follow a smooth path. In fact, I hope you’ll seek out the bumpy paths with unexpected twists and turns. Don't be afraid to take risks. Be willing to make mistakes and learn from them. Look for opportunities to be successful. That's what your UNC education has prepared you to do. You now join the thousands of UNC graduates who are making a positive difference throughout the world in the lives of those around them. But you will also remain part of the fabric of our campus — of who we are at UNC — and it will remain a part of who you are. As a member of our UNC community, you will forever be welcome on campus. We hope you will stay in touch, because hearing of the individual successes of our graduates makes the work we do here rewarding. I wish you the very best. Sincerely, Kay Norton
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OPINION
December 12, 2014
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THE ROAD UNKNOWN IS ONE TO EXPECT By Chelsea Hinspeter Most people hardly ever end up graduating with what they went to college for in first place. For the few who do not change their majors half way through their freshmen year – if they are lucky enough to realize that they want to change it that early – most still end up with a career that is completely unrelated to their degree. But life is a journey. This journey is made up of endless experiences and all of those experiences are related. Even the most seemingly insignificant aspects of life or mistakes that a person may regret end up tying together. Everything is connected. I spent two years of my college experience as an English major. Halfway through the second semester of my sophomore year, I came to the realization that I was miserable. I felt stuck and I was not happy with the direction that my life appeared to be going. Against the better judgment of my family and friends, I decided to make a change. After spending two years of my life in college
and acquiring an ample amount of debt, I chose to forsake my higher education and dropped out of college with the intent of not returning. I wanted my life to mean something and wanted to be the vessel for a change that I saw as very necessary. After begrudgingly moving back in with my mother and working full-time, I drove myself to Kansas for a week-long animal abuse and cruelty investigation training course. And once again, my path seemed to hit a brick wall. Animal control would not only be emotionally draining and strenuous, but the laws are written in a manner that would not be impactful for change. I felt like I had made a mistake and was groundless in deciding how to change my course. With the influence of trusted friends and strong authoritative figures in my life, I found my way back to the university. Writing has always been a singular talent that seemed to be connected to my purpose as a human being. Journalism seemed like a natural conclusion to implement both my talent and my passion to influence change in the world.
Despite setting myself back by taking a hiatus from school and changing my major, I would never have realized what I believe to be my calling if I did not make the decisions I had. Everything is connected and nothing is a mistake. People will be forced to make decisions and mistakes that they can’t possibly know the outcome of long after they graduate. But that is the beauty of life. Life is a journey and that journey will continue well past graduation.
— Chelsea Hinspeter is a junior journalism and mass communications major and news editor for The Mirror. She can be reached at editor@ uncmirror.com.
WORDS OF WISDOM FROM A DEPARTING SENIOR I always knew I would go to college. In the way that some people know from a young age that they were meant to be dancers or basketball players, I knew I was destined to spend my days taking meticulous, color-coded notes and my nights writing research papers at the library. My problem is that I never imagined what would happen after I actually made it to the university of my choice. To be honest, I never even seriously considered what I would study until my senior year of high school. And now that I’m graduating with a degree in journalism and an interest in seemingly everything, I’m faced with a new dilemma. What now? In an effort to do what we college students do best (read:
procrastinate), I’m going to hold off looking into the crystal ball of my future for now. I’m not quite ready for that, and I’m seriously questioning if I ever will be. Instead, I’m going to share with you the best nuggets of wisdom I’ve managed to glean in my time as a Bear at the University of Northern Colorado.
#1 — The best lessons are learned outside of the classroom. Whether it was interning at The Greeley Tribune or comforting my best friend as she drunkenly cried into my arms about her jerk ex-boyfriend, the most important things I’ve learned about life while in college didn’t take place in a classroom. For a self-proclaimed bookworm, this was both surprising and important to my development. Living life is the best way to learn about it.
Editor-in-Chief Katarina Velazquez editor@uncmirror.com Production Manager Manuel Perez adproduction@uncmirror.com News Editor Chelsea Hinspeter news@uncmirror.com A&C Editor La’Asianee Brown arts@uncmirror.com Sports Editor Jacob Scott sports@uncmirror.com
The Mirror Reflections are the opinion of the editorial board: Katarina Velazquez, Chelsea Hinspeter, La’Asianee Brown, Jacob Scott, Cassius Vasquez and Erick Pirayesh.
By Alexandria Adair Vasquez
THE MIRROR STAFF 2014-15
#2 — Energy is real. Don’t let the negativity of others weigh on you. If a person or a situation is constantly making you question your self-worth, it’s time to let go. It took me years of being in an emotionally abusive relationship with an entire group of people before realizing that I wasn’t the problem. Stick to the positive side of life, and surround yourself with the kind of energy that gives you life rather than detracts from it. #3 — Speak the truth, even when your voice shakes. There will be times when it seems like you’re the only one who thinks a wrong decision is being made or an injustice has taken place. Don’t let the opinions of others keep you from expressing yourself — you never know who might agree with you. Sometimes all it takes is being
brave enough to be the first to say something.
#4 — Listen to your body. I think it’s part of the culture in college to push yourself to the absolute limits, and I will be the first to admit I’ve been guilty of this. I have, on several occasions, partied until 3 a.m. and then gotten up three hours later to do community service in Denver all day. Here’s the thing, though: We are not invincible. We are human beings, and the way we treat our bodies now will effect us for the rest of our lives.
Photo Editor Cassius Vasquez photo@uncmirror.com Web Editor Erick Pirayesh web@uncmirror.com Copy Editor Suzanne Evans Graphic Designers Seth Haller & Elleanna Kantz Advertising Manager Hannah Crowley ads@uncmirror.com Marketing Managers Tory Orozco & Amanda Mulnix marketing@uncmirror.com General Manager Matt Lubich mlubich@uncmirror.com MISSION STATEMENT
The Mirror’s mission is to educate, inform and entertain the students, staff and faculty of the UNC community and to train the staff on the business of journalism in a college-newspaper environment.
ABOUT US
#5 — Moms are always right. Do not question this. Just…don’t. — Alexandria Adair Vasquez is a graduating journalism and mass communications student and former editor in chief for The Mirror. She can be reached at editor@uncmirror.com.
The Mirror produces a print newspaper every Monday during the academic year as well as maintains a current Web page. The student-operated newspaper is advised by the non-profit Student Media Corporation and is printed by Signature Offset.
2014 UNC FALL GRADUATION
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December 12, 2014
CAREER SERVICES ENGAGED IN HELPING STUDENTS By Andrew Swanson news@uncmirror.com According to the US Department of Education, there is a 4.1 percent unemployment rate for adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher, while those with a high school diploma or less hold a 26.6 percent unemployment rate. Based on this year’s response, UNC’s graduates of 2013 averaged 4.8 months of unemployment. Over previous years, the rate of unemployment has averaged around 3.5 months. “Sure [it’s scary], but we are coming out of the recession,” said Renee Welch, director of career services at the University of Northern Colorado. Welch said many students are unaware of the assistance that is available on college campuses. Career Services at UNC explore career options with students during and after their college careers. ing a job after college because it may not necessarily be the exact job I want,” said Sebastian Diaz, a sophomore engineering
physics major. walk-ins from 12-3 p.m. every day that classes are in session. Appointments made outside of walk-ins are 50-minute, one-on-one conversations, for their future career. “We work with students from the moment they get on campus through their alumni years,” Welch said. “We will pick up with a student wherever they are.” Career Services offers a variety of events that allows students to explore different careers while also gathering experiences that relate to their ultimate goals. Bearscareerconnection.com is an employment source for students that lists available jobs. “Success Looks Like Me” is also one of the many educational events that the organization implements. The event is composed of alumni with diverse identities, and has the purpose of building connections between current students and employers who are UNC alumni. Finding a job after college isn’t easy. It can be challenging to make the transition
Breelyn Bowe | The Mirror
Junior psychology major Britney Delcarpio and Catherine Harris, a graduate assistant in Career Services and the HESAL program, work the Career Services desk in the UC. from college life to a professional career after acquiring a hard-earned degree. But not everyone endures the same hor-
ror story of unemployment, and with the can have a successful career, Welch said.
December 12, 2014
2014 UNC FALL GRADUATION
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COLORADO 11TH BEST STATE FOR STUDENT DEBT By Monique Becker news@uncmirror.com Applying to colleges during senior year of high school is usually challenging enough, but add the pressure of ensuring having the resources to pay for a higher education and that becomes a recipe for exhausting anxiety. WalletHub is a leading social media website specifically designed to help users with financial decisions. In a study that researched the best and worst states for student debt in 2014 by WalletHub, Utah was ranked the best state for student debt while Rhode Island was ranked as the worst state. Colorado was ranked the 11th best state for college debt in the United States. “I think that sounds about right,” said Emily Czapenski, a sophomore sports and exercise science major at the University of Northern Colorado. “I actually had to take another loan this semester to pay my tuition.” The ranking of the states was decided by seven categories: average student debt, proportion of students with debt, the unemployment rate for people between the
Breelyn Bowe | The Mirror
Erin Finnell, a sophomore special education major, celebrates UNC’s standings in student debt rates. Colorado was ranked the 11th best state for student debt. ages of 25 and 34, percent of student loan regarding student debt. borrowers in past-due or default status, UNC financial aid counselor Justin percent of student loan borrowers over 50 Davis said that in some ways it makes years old and the percentage of students sense that Colorado is the 11th best state with debt collectors. for college debt because the universities While looking at these factors of stuare less expensive, and Colorado is one of dent debt, researchers also asked experts the worst states when it comes to funding for insight to assist current and potential higher education because of tax laws and loan recipients as well as key questions the TABOR Act.
Instead of being a list of rights, the TABOR Act – the Taxpayer Bill of Rights - enforces the required increases in overall tax revenue to be linked to inflation and population increases, unless larger increases are approved by voters. Those who take out student loans in states that have a combination of high incomes, strong economies and lower levels of college related debt are more likely to have success after college, according to WalletHub’s study. “I think the information is available but I don’t think it is easily accessible for students and for universities to provide students with,” Davis said. Davis suggests that students who are graduating contact their loan services sooner than 6 months after graduation because lack of knowledge could potentially cause students to end up with a late status on the first payment of their student loans. “I know very little about the loans I have taken out so far. So either I am not looking hard enough or the information isn’t there,” Czapenski said. “I think parents should get more information about the loans as well. My dad still doesn’t understand how financial aid works.”
SPECIAL EDUCATION MAJOR ACCIDENTALLY FINDS CALLING By Samantha Lee news@uncmirror.com
Austin Thorne will be walking across the stage on Saturday morning to receive his diploma from UNC. After what he says was an accident, Thorne will be receiving his degree in special education. “I hadn’t ever considered special education. Initially I wanted to be history; However, I had heard it was hard to find a job. So I decided to pick up special education as a minor,” Thorne said. With abundant support and encouragement from people around him, special education quickly became Thorne’s ultimate passion. “I fell in love with what I was doing and the opportunities I would have, but mostly the people I met. The professors and the
students I got to work with are so genuinely good and they want nothing more than to help you succeed,” he said. Thorne is student teaching at Ignacio High School in Durango. Thorne said the transition from the classrooms to teaching was more difficult than he had anticipated. Thorne said the initial experience was an extreme reality check to what classes had initially taught him. “I’ve learned it’s hard work to be a teacher. I have worked manual jobs all throughout my life, like electrical construction and plumbing. And nothing compares to the effort that I have put in working with these children,” Thorne said. With long hours dedicated to each lesson plan, Thorne said that at times it is stressful to construct and ensure that each lesson plan will make a lasting impact on his students.
But Thorne said that the hard work has been nothing but rewarding. “Despite the hard work and late nights that I am sure every education major has had to put in, I have never felt so blessed and appreciated,” Thorne said. Thorne said he believes that he has found his purpose in life and has seen many examples of why that is. “Throughout the years I have learned how much ability these students have, if given the proper chance. And now I can be a part of how much they achieve,” Thorne said. The recognition of this desire and people he encountered in college is what Thorne said helped him push through the late nights and all the hard work. “As cliché as it sounds, I can honestly say that the people I’ve met in my time at UNC will never be forgotten,” Thorne said.
Photo courtesy of Austin Thorne’s Facebook
Austin Thorne, a special education major, said he feels like he found his purpose in life by teaching.
2014 UNC FALL GRADUATION
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December 8, 2014
BECCA SAYS “LEARN FOR THE SAKE OF LEARNING” By Chelsea Hinspeter news@uncmirror.com
Breelyn Bowe | The Mirror
Rebecca Hoy said that involvement and a positive perspective goes a long way in having a memorable college experience.
“I have this really strong passion for education,” said Rebecca Hoy, a UNC student getting her math degree with an emphasis in secondary education. At the age of 22, Hoy–– also known as “Becca” –– has been heavily involved with the university’s community and has a promising future in academics after her graduation from the University of Northern Colorado on Saturday. Although she just finished student teaching at Valley High School, Hoy already has a job lined up as a full-time 7th grade math teacher at Union Colony Charter School. She will also be teaching two sections of an algebra class.
Hoy said that she has a passion for teaching and being an ongoing learner. During her senior year of high school, Hoy said that she had a teacher who taught her to learn for the sake of learning. “That is a gift that I want to give to every single one of my students,” she said. While she originally wanted to be physical therapist, Hoy said she realized teaching math was her true passion during her freshmen year of college. Hoy explained that there is a lot of controversy in teaching because of the evident need for improvement, and she said she is more than ready to take on that challenge in the real world. Hoy has been involved in UNC’s student senate and Greek life’s Panhellenic council. She also served as an orienta-
tion leader, was associated with the President’s Leadership Program and many other organizations as well. The President’s Leadership Program greatly influenced her college experience and inspired her to get involved on campus, Hoy said. “The more that you get involved, the more that you will enjoy your experience,” she explained. Hoy said that she was able to serve her community for two years by serving as the Panhellenic president for a year and also as the director of internal affairs for Greek life. She explained that the community of about 320 women helped her with her own accountability and inspired her to be a better person. See involvement on page 16
ARTIST EXPRESSES HIMSELF THROUGH UNIQUE CERAMICS By La’Asianee Brown arts@uncmirror At the UNC Student Art Show, hosted at the former Book Stop in the rear of The Blue Mug @ Margie’s Cafe, Teddy-Jacob Asuncion stands next to a table filled with his ceramic works. Along the table are various bowls and vases each with different textures, different colors and different stories. Vases that he also created line the room, two of which were painted and the rest still in the original color of the ceramic he created them with. Asuncion first came to the University of Northern Colorado in the fall of 2010. Asuncion is native from Oahu, Hawaii, and found himself in Colorado simply to go to college. Unlike many people who move to Colorado from more stable-weathered parts of the world, Asuncion said he had little trouble adjusting to the weather because he traveled before even attending college. Asuncion is graduating from UNC with a degree in fine arts and a concentration in ceramics. He attributes his home of Hawaii to being a contributor to the look of his art. The waviness in his ceramics reflects the oceans that surround Hawaii, he said. During his college career, Asuncion has sold his fair share of ceramics.
He said that he sold all of the art he has ever wanted to sell in his time at UNC. “They don’t buy the crappy part of me,” he said. He said being an artist is something that has not only brought him out of his introverted shell, but has also allowed to him to understand and appreciate what his art can do for the community. “For me and for all artists, we are successful in our art when we can touch other people who don’t necessarily know art or know anything about it,” he said. “Indirectly, we are like pioneers. We don’t know if scientists will come in contact with any of our art and apply it to their research,” Asuncion said. Asuncion isn’t leaving Greeley right away, but he does plan on leaving eventually. Through the art program, Asuncion said he has also learned about managing an art gallery. Asuncion couldn’t pin-point one professor who contributed to his time at UNC, but instead gave credit to the entire Art and Design college. “The school of art and design professors and staff are actually the people who pushed me a lot,” he said. Besides his knowledge of art, Asuncion said that he is leaving UNC with a better understanding of himself. Cassius Vasquez | The Mirror “Don’t be closed off and have a set routine for yourself,” he said. “You should open up and discover new things because Teddy-Jacob Asuncion has allowed UNC to be more than a university but a place for personal growth. college is a safe environment for you to experience new things.”
2014 UNC FALL GRADUATION
December 12, 2014
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FASHIONISTA LEAVES HER PERMANENT MARK ON UNC By La’Asianee Brown arts@uncmirror.com Graduating student Alexandria Vasquez has a few different plans in mind following her departure from UNC. After living in Greeley for 10 years, Vasquez said she is ready to begin the next chapter of her life in Jacksonville, Fla. “I want to be a filmmaker. I want to found my own magazine. I want to be a fashion stylist and I want to open my own boutique,” she said. Vasquez said her career path is a reflection of how she spent her time at the
University of Northern Colorado. She is graduating with a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications with a minor in film studies. While at UNC, Vasquez produced a full-length documentary titled “America's Day Dream.” Her film minor further developed her love for movies, she said. Vasquez also served as editor in chief for a semester at UNC's student-run newspaper, The Mirror. In that one semester, Vasquez contributed to a complete redesign of the paper, which included a brand new cover and the inclusion of social media.
Cassius Vasquez | The Mirror
Alexandria Adair Vasquez is a graduating journalism and mass communications student. She was editor in chief for The Mirror this semester as well. After interning at The before leaving UNC. Greeley Tribune, she said “Coming into it, I knew I she wanted The Mirror to would only have a semesbe something that she was ter, so I had to be really able to leave her mark on strategic in what I wanted
to accomplish,” Vasquez said. “I do feel like I've met all of my goals and I feel like we have turned the paper into something that more people want to engage with and notice. And that's what I wanted.” In fall of 2012, after becoming extremely ill and being forced to do a complete withdrawal of her college courses, Vasquez started a fashion blog “Glitterbrains” as a means to occupy her recovery time. Her passion for writing was recognized by her professors in the journalism department when she was nominated for the Damon Runyon Scholarship Award for being the best student
story-teller in the state of Colorado. Even though Vasquez did not win this award, she said it was gratifying just to be nominated. “That was really an honor. It was so great to know that my professors think that I'm a valuable writer,” she said. While Vasquez did not take the traditional route through college, her completed journey is something that she said she knows shaped her into the woman she is today. “My first senior year, I was 21 and I wasn't ready and I didn't know what I wanted,” she said. “Now I can say I am more ready.”
UNC FOOTBALL PLAYER EYES FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE By Danielle Ross sports@uncmirror.com After graduation, defensive lineman Lexington Smith is setting his sights on the professionals: the NFL. At this point, Smith said what happens in the future is really up to himself. He said a few scouts have approached him, and that his coaches have indicated that a couple of teams are interested in him, but nothing is for sure until May of next year. He said he’s gotten positive feedback and suggestions, and he takes both seriously. “I’m just ready to train and get my body in the best shape it’s ever been,” Smith said. “I’m going to give it all I’ve got in the coming days, and I’ll have a shot to be on a roster next year.” The 6’3, 300-pound defensive tackle was the only Bear named to the first level Big Sky All-Conference team this year. He has played in every UNC game since 2011, and has recorded more tackles with every season: 31 in 2011, 41 in 2012, 55 in 2013 and 72 this season. He is an anchor of the defensive line. Smith said that after his junior year of high school, there were many colleges that wanted to recruit him, including Arizona State University, the University of Tennessee and the University of Nebraska. Unfortunately, Smith was injured in the very first game of his senior year
of high school, which kept him from playing for much of the season. At that point, he said, “many of the offers went out the window,” but UNC did not rescind its offer, so he decided to commit to UNC. “I came here, and it turned out to be a good decision on my part,” he said. The first time he put on a UNC Bears uniform, Smith said it was the most nerve-wracking thing he’d ever done. He said his heart was racing after the first play of his first game. “I knew I had some potential, and I knew I could make plays and stuff like that, but it was just the fact that I’d never played in a college game,” he said. “Pretty much, after the first play of the game is when you feel it the most.” He said he started to get in a groove around halftime and overcame his nerves. As instinct took over, he became more comfortable. Smith got his degree in communications with a sociology minor in May, graduating with a 3.0 GPA. After five years at UNC, Smith said he’s observed changes in the football team. He said strong leadership in the team this year set the course for the team. Team unity is also an important aspect of the team, Smith said. The team and coaching staff are tight-knit groups, and in the future, he said they should be focused on coming together. Photo by Dean Popejoy “They’ll figure it out,” he said. “I think it will come Lexington Smith graduated in May with a 3.0 GPA and 199 See football on page 16 career tackles.
December 12, 2014
2014 UNC FALL GRADUATION
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UNDERGRADUATES-2014 FALL GRADUATION Aanestad, Samuel "CPV "ZBDIF 3FNB t Acherkan, Mariya Adam, Cameron Addaj, Souhair Aho, James Albertson, Robyn Albrandt, Lance Alexander, Morgan Alexis, Mikayla Alibolandi, Marzieh Aljafar, Jafar Allerheiligen, Michael Allinder, Molly Almanie, Mosab AlMonef, Hossin AlMunyif, Mansour Almutairi, Abdulaziz Alsaif, Abdulmohsen Alsaif, Sultan Amstein, Danielle Anderle, Joseph "OEFSTPO -BVSFO t Anderson, Matthew Anello, Felicity Aragon, Kalyssa Armani-Munn, Alexander Armstrong, Halley Arriaga, Keila Aspromonte, Janelle ‡ Ast, Brandon Asuncion, Teddy-Jacob Atencio, Milana Augustine, Kaylee Austin, Valerie † Ayeboua-Yoyo, Elom Bailey, Samantha Baisley, Johnathan Ball, Megan Banuelos, Anahi
#BSLFS $BNFSPO t Barnes, Renee Barreras, Joshua Bateman, Kathryn ‡ Batt, Richelle ‡ Battin, Dorothy Bazemore, Daniel Beardsley, Alex Beaton, Alex Becker, Andrew Becker, Kristin Bedwell, Margaret Beek, Tori Bellender, Matthew Berggren, Jarod Berglund, Eric Bernard, Sheri Best, Rachel Betts, Donell Betts, Donna Bin Dhuwayhi, Abdullah Bird, Anna Bjorklund, Hanna Bland, Lauren Blevins, Katelyn Bobbitt, Trenton Boehm, Kathryn Bomgaars, Kayla † Borgmann, Tara † Bottoms, Shalese Boufadize, Mohammed #PXLFS #SFBOOB t Bradley, Sarah #SBOETNB ,FJUI t Brath, Thomas Breedlove, Hope Brevik, Jessica Brinckerhoff, Kristin Brink, Amber Britton, Sydney
Bronzi, Amy Brough, Anne Browder, Keegan Brown, Brittany Brown, Casey Brown-Dewaele, Holly ‡ Bruce, Hayden Brunelle, Cody Bruni, Michelle Brus, Cate Bryant, Kelsey Buck, Jake Buder, Blake Bugarin Correa, Arturo Bullard, Trisha ‡ Byster, Brittany Campbell, Meghan Campbell, Tamir Cantor, Jonah ‡ Carpenter, Kelsey, ‡ Carpenter, Kirsten Carson, Ryan Carstens, Jake Carter, Josie Carter, Phillip Carter, Tara ‡ Caudillo-Vega, Ana Causby, Danielle Ceroni, Melissa Chavez, Alfonso Christie, Gabriel Chritz, Michelle ‡ Cira, Lindsey $MBSL $IFTOFZ t Clark, Ellen Clark, Rebecca Clifford, Buck Coats, Dakota Coffman, Andrew Colburn, Corey
Cole, Allison $PMMFUU +FTTF t Combs, Kori Cook, Tawni Cook, Tyler Coote, Jessica † Coronado, Sully Corrick, Lucas Costello, Stephanie Coufal, Stephanie Coyle, Dillon Cozzi, Daryl Cranwell, Erich Crown, Whitney Crutchfield, Charles Cruz, Randy Cunico, Kathleen Cupo, Brooke Curran, Vanessa Currington, Thomas Curtis, Rachel Danecki, Benjamin D’Angelo, Jennifer Darpino, Nicholas Daubert, Zachary Davis, Jace Davis, Jaime Davis, Justin Dawson, Kevin Daymil, Francesca † De Herrera, Jamie De La Torre, Yessenia ‡ DeCarlo, Samantha Dehn, Caitlyn DesRoches, Christian Dettling II, John Diaz, Gabriela Diaz, Geovanny Dillaman, Elizabeth Dirks, Septiari
t $VN -BVEF p .BHOB $VN -BVEF q 4VNNB $VN -BVEF § 1SFTJEFOU T -FBEFSTIJQ 1SPHSBN )POPST 1SPHSBN
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2014! AND OUR GRADUATING STAFF FROM THE MIRROR! *ALEX VASQUEZ *TORY OROZCO *SAWYER MONSON
December 12, 2014 Dittus, Jennifer Dixon, Kimberly Dorsey, Elliott Dreitz, Christine Duong, Tin Dworkin, Jessica ‡ Eardley, Morgan Edstrom, Sarah Egland, John Ehart, Jason † Eidson, Elisa Elcock, Donne Elder, Dylan Emmons, Julia ‡ Engel, Brent Engels, Charlotte Entingh, Nathan &SIBSU #PCCJ t Esser, Linda Essig, Kate Fadase, Paul Fager, Erik Faus, Kelly Fedak, Angelica Feder, Jessica ‡ Feicht, Elizabeth Fernandez, Iris Fernandez, Mariana Fiebig, Emily Fiesthumel, Kristen ‡ Figueroa, Ellen Finch, Sarah Fink, Rachel Finkbeiner, Rachel Fiore, Gina Fischer, Travis 'JTDIJFUUP "TIMFZ t Fisher, Frances, ‡ Floyd, Mackenzie Fontane, Fraser Forbes-Harlan, Ian Forsythe, Veronica Foy, Lindsey Frank, Kristah Frantz, Kayla Frazier, Eric French, David Friedman, Chelsea † Fryar, Amber Fuhrman, Madison Fulkerson, Julie Fusco, Nathan Gaillardetz, Jeannine Galindo, Jessica Gallaher, Jaycee Gann, Kimberly ‡ (BSDJB +PMFFO t
2014 UNC FALL GRADUATION Garrett, Trevor Garske, Katie Gast, Kyle Gastineau, Tyler (FBSIBSU -FTMJF t Gehle, Kira Gessesse, Bethlehem Getting, Janel Giunta, Jennifer † Gliva, Naomi ‡ Goc, Kelsie † Gomez, Sarah Gonzales, Emily Gonzales, Lillian Gonzalez, Ruben Gonzalez, Vanessa Goodrich, Chrystal (PSEPO $BJUMJO t Graham, Nicholas Grapes, Natalie Gren, Brianna Griggs, Emma Gross, Sarah Grove, Alyssa Habig, Joshua Hale, Corey Hall, Matthew Hamilton, Tara Hammond, Alexis Hamner, Becky Hampson, Abigail Hang, Pangnha Hanlon, Amanda )BOO )BOOB t Hansen, Mariko Harris, Clarence Harris, Morgen Hartman, Brittany ‡ Havens, Lorren ‡ Hayes, Amanda ‡ Heath, Rebecca Hehn, Lindi Heintzelman, Shelly Helfer, Natasha Helme, Emily ‡ )FNNJOHFS 1BJTMFZ t Herman, Heidi Hernandez, Julie Hernden, Sara Hickey, Afton Hicks, Michael Higel, Taylor ‡ Hill, Blake Hill, Christopher Hill, Taylor Hirsh, Bradley † Hodgson, Lauren
Hoffman, Jeff Holland, Jacob )PMMBOE .BDLFO[JF t Holm, Jeffrey Holmes, Casey Hopkins, Rebecca ‡ Hoy, Rebecca Huard, Kenneth Hubbard, Morgan ‡ Huber, Sean Hudgen, Andrew Huebner, Abigail Huerta, Micaela Huizar, Sarah Hurd, Logan Intavimolsri, Somrak Iwasaki, Cody Jackson, Taylor Jacobson, Kaitlin Jaffe, Jessica Jeannoutot, Bryce Jenkins, Michelle Jensen, Angela Jessup, Faith † Johnson, Cody Johnson, Kelley ‡ Jones, Kali † Jordan, Patrick Jorgenson, Dana Judd, Ian Jung, Nicolas Kaiser, Allison ‡ Kalmon, Jennifer † Kapple, Kendall Kawamoto, Aaron Kearl, Kathryn ‡ Keating, Amanda Keen, Robin Kendrick, Rachel Khantichotiboriboon, Aritsara Kimball, Katie † Kinlund, Shelby ‡ Klawiter, Cameron Kloos, Adam Knapp, Catherine ‡ Kolb, Joshua Kosky, Maria Kozlik, Shannah Krause, Mackenzie † Krohn, Jonathan Krook, Nicole Kurtzer, Kaleb Kusmik, Kyle Lacy, John Lamb, Joshua Langford, Kathryn Ledesma, Alison †
Page 9 Levalley, Tori Levandoski, Jordan ‡ Libretti, Maria Liddiard, Amber Lindeman, Jonathon Lindstrom, Brielle ‡ Lobato, Chelsea LoCascio, Salvatore Lock, Amanda ‡ Loranger, Kevin Love, Alexis Love, Stephanie Lovell, Lisa Lowell, Zachary Lucio, Blake Luebbers, Kent Luengwattanachod, Natchuda Lundeby, Kaitlyn Lundeen, Sean Mabrey, Penny MacDonald, Samantha Magee, Claire .BNEV %BOFB t Mandujano, Julio Marin, Adrian Mark, Sarah Maron, Kathryn ‡
Page 10 Martinez, Joshua Martinez, Tasiah Maxfield, Nicole Maxum, Kelsey Mazza, Alyssa McCarthy, John .D$VMMFZ &SJO t McCully, Savannah McDonald, Susan McElroy, Kerianne McGill, Erin McGuire, Alexander McHenry, Molly McKenzie, Elizabeth ‥ McPherson, Sara ‥ McReynolds, Jannessa †.FSDVSF ,BUIMFFO t Merrill, Kellie Metcalfe, Sarah Metoyer, Brittany Millard, Jennifer Miller, Eric Miller, Jenna Miller, Sara †Mills, Taylor Mocanu, Ion Mock, James
2014 UNC FALL GRADUATION Mock, Kyle Mogensen, Andrea Moll, Thomas Monahan, Elizabeth Monroe, John Monson, Megan †Mooney, Samantha Mora, Maria Mowrey, Christopher Moya, Michael .VFMMFS )BOOBI t Muir, Rebecca Muncy, Trisha †Muns, Andrew Murphy, Jami Murray, Geoffrey Myers, Andrew Myers, Marissa Nagy, Carla Najera, Desiree Nash, Zachary Nath, Christina Nelson, Alicia Nelson, Chelsey Nelson, Kayla Nelson, Melissa Netzel, Benjamin
Neufeld, Evan Nguyen, Trang Niccoli, Cody Nichols, Liberty ‥ Nielsen, Emily Nieto, Adriana Nilles, Mitchell Nishimoto, Lucas Noad, Anita Noonan, Angela Novak, Frances Novaria, Meagan Oakley, Jennifer Oberto, Alex Ochoa, Christopher Offen, Walter †Olson, Evan Olson, Joshua Olson, Nathan Ophaug, Casey Orose, Whitney Orozco, Tory Oster, Stacey Owens, Emily Padilla, Martha Palacios, Iliana 1BSLFS .FMJTTB t Parlato, Susan Parsons, Katrina Parsons, Nathan Payan, Stephanie Pearse, Carrie Pendleton, Tracy ‥ Peoples, Marcell Perkins, Titus Perry, Katherine Perry, Simone Phan, Mercy Philpot, Kaci Pierce, Dillon Pierce, Kayla Pimple, Kyle Pizarro, Javiera Pizzolatto, Marie Pocrnick, Sara Pohl, Lindsay †Pomeroy, Brook †Post, Stacy Powell, Ashley Powell, Jackson Prewitt, Jenna Prosek, Allison Raimer, Lorenzo Rajala, Justin Ramirez, Cecilia Ramirez-Navarro, Erik Ramos, Rodney
December 12, 2014 Ranglos, Timothy Rarden, Krista Reichert, Kelsey Reid, Rebekah Retta, Lori †Reynolds, Brian Rhoads, Deanna †Rickard, Amalia Rickels, Daniel †Ring, Alexis Rios, David Riss, Ashley Ritter, Daniel Roat, Eric Roberts, Owen Robinson, Kelley Robinson, Shanelle 3PCJTPO 1FCMFZ $ISJTUB t Rodd, Lyndsay Rollag, Brian Romero, Estrella Roquet, Kaycee Ross, Caitlin Ross, Kimberly ‥ Roth, Travis Rothrock, Alyssa Rowe, Kelsey Roybal, William Ruiz, Janette Rutherford, Heather ‥ Ryan, Emily Salo, Jessica ‥ Samuel, Bailey Sanchez, James ‥ Sandoval, BreAnn Sankal, Jared Sankey, Kasie Sansone, Emma Schaeffer, Caroline Schauvliege, Kristen †Schick, Erica ‥ Schievelbein, Sara Schindwolf, Jason Schmeckpeper-Cook, Kelly Schmidt, Brinkley Schmidtbauer, Michael Schoenherr, Hannah Schroeder, Christine †Schroeder, Everett Schubert, Shannon Schwartz, Chelsie ‥ Schwartz, Jeremiah †Scibelli, Kimberley Scott, Theresa Seely, Rebekah Seichter, Brooke ‥ 4FJGFSU +FTIVB t
December 12, 2014 Seitenbach, Shelby Selgren, Michelle Serio, Elizabeth Shaffer, Dana Shea, Carissa ‡ Shepard, April Sherman, Stephanie Shields, Khalie Shinault, Shawna Silva, Maria Silverstein, Michelle Simler, Danielle Skarbowski, Anna Skolnick, Amy Slocum, Erin ‡ Smith, Elizabeth Smith, Erin 4NJUI (SBOU t Smith, Jessica Smith, Matthew Smith, Shelby Smith, Tyler Smith, Tyler Smits, Ronnie Snatchko, Allison Snow, Ryland 4PMBOP .FHIBO t Soros, Alexandria, ‡ Spezzano, Suzanne Spires, Theresa Spurrier, Harry ‡ Stanecek, Taylor
2014 UNC FALL GRADUATION Starrett, Kyle Steele, Katherine Steiner, Cody Steketee, Joy Stockburger, Julie ‡ Strain, Jade Strong, Brianna Stumpf, Caitlin Stuper, Thomas Sullivan, Audrey Swanson, Sydney Swick, Joshua Takata, Satoshi Tamayo, Celeste Tanner, Alexandria Tappan, Erin Tate, Ajani Taylor, Colton Thero, Paden Thomas, Elizabeth Thomas, Maurice Thomas, Simms Thompson, Vanessa ‡ Thorne, Austin Thornton, Brooke Tiscareno, Karen Tobin, Jamie Todd, Kyle Tolentino, Kathryn Tombleson, Shelly Tomlin, Anna Torres, Carlos
Toyama, James Treat, Jennifer Trube, Heidi ‡ Trujillo, Dennis Tubbs, Naomi Tuck, Alexander Tucker, Tasha Tunseth, Andrew Uresti, Angela Vadnais, Michelle Valdez, Adriann Valdez, Maria Valovcin, Michael Valusek, Elizabeth ‡ VanBaale, Whitney Vasco, Alison Vasquez, Alexandria Veilleux, Tim Vialpando, Veronica Walker, Jaime Walsh, Kathleen † Walters, Ashley Walters, Justin Walters, Mason 8BSE -FBI t Warkentin, Kelsey Warren, Rodd Washburn, Alexis Weaver, Hope Weber, Lauren Weed, Kevin Weil, Hannah
Page 11 Welder, Nick Weseloh, Christina Wesselink, Erika Whitaker, Kayla White, Cameron Wilcox, Robin † Wilcox, Tyler Wiles, Carolee Will, Katelyn ‡ Williams, Christine Williams, Marlon Williams, Shelby 8JMMJBNT ;BDIBSZ t Wilson, Catherine Wilson, Travis Winter, Ashley Wisdom, Tyler Wisehart, Michelle Witt, Frank, † Wolfe, Ashley ‡ Wright, Brian Wright, Jena-Lee ‡ Wyckoff, Taylor Yasumura, Alex Yinger, Kyle Yoder, Kaela Zayac, Krysta Zicker, Jeffrey ;JHMFS $BJUMJO t Zimny, Jonathan Zivojinovic, Tori ‡
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2014 UNC FALL GRADUATION
December 12, 2014
GRADUATE STUDENTS-2014 FALL GRADUATION Alnafisah, Yasser Yockim, Lori Floren, Michael Harding, Justin Laidlaw, Emily Resch, Robert Crawford, Jennifer Lawrence, Devon Meier, Elise Owens, Heather Hammer, Kenneth Sazhnev, Vera Hoskins, Sean Anderson, Molly Darby, Donna DeTurk, Benjamin Joy, Kelly Schry, Erin Simmons, Tiffany Mallett, Bradley Mostashiry, Nikkita Purdum, Joshua Tedford, Kinsey
Whaley, Julee Young, Kara Allen, Katy Brooks, Allison Rangel, Breanna Ryan, Emilie Shaw, Ashley Shearholdt, Cassandra Tessler, Benjamin Washburn, Kory Stise, Robert Chenoweth, Jessica Levas-Luckman, Diana Samaniego Estrada, Karina Suk-Erb, Wipanee Forbes, Lisa Johns, R. David Etterer, Victoria Oates, Jeffrey Carr, Shawn Oddie, Alison Appelhans, Lauren Codrey, Michael
Gentert, Kaitlyn Johnson, Corey Medberry, Jessica Field, Katherine Hickman, Rachel Koehn, Britney Lopez, Nicole Mertz, Meghan St John, Lyndsey Andrews, Jessica Conry, Samantha Drabczyk, Jessica Hinzmann, Lesley Keefer, Emily Labelle, Laura Mueller, Kathy Neumann, Devon Salazar, Anthony Sano, Nicole Swanson, Leah Alqarni, Abeer Dilka, Krystal Donahue, Erika Hillman, Dawn Othman, Alwaleed Watson, Linnea Buchtel, Jennifer Coursin, LuAnne Francis, Autumn Hansen, Peder Hartman, Meagan Hehn, Matthew James, Fareedah Kiel, Jessica Lauman, Francine Loera, Lydia Mestas, Melissa Pelletier, Valerie Petliski, Brian Pillivant, Jennifer Pople, Adam
Potts, Laney Pritchett, Christine Quinn, Ellen Sirio, Stephanie Smith, Jennifer Sterling, Brooke Walker, Holly Young, Julie Alsadi, Awatif Alsubaie, Mohammed Rohrbacher, Anna Romero-Perry, Larissa Copeland, Jim Hemje, Kyle Nagasa, Keno Aldarweesh, Nooralhuda Algarni, Mosleh Alqahtani, Nasser Bucko, Sarah Hamad, Bebak Ryan, Sean Lorenz, Bettie Powers, Roxanne Braun, Christine Dillon, John Henry, LaTanya Wyscaver, Sarah Jimenez, Victor Poppie, Amy Cavanagh, Kimberly Rogers, Christopher Alhafez, Alia Hicks, Nikole Phillips, Lynn Witt, Catherine Saunders, Kelsey Kingsley, Robin Warwick, Angela Mayer, Katelyn Wagner, Kristin Crowder, Shanda Share your moment on Instagram: THEMIRRORUNCO
™
December 12, 2014 Egloff, Anik Sanchez, Daniel Fraychineaud, Joy Alfurayh, Hana Carmichael, Catherine Hagen, Camila Krosnowski, Nicole Lee, Sondra Leedom, Christina Mason, Jessica Alajlan, Mohammed Alhasiany, Fawwz Alsayed, Fatemah Alsuwayl, Ayman Brosal, Aubrey Call, Stefani Crockett-Hernandez, Melissa
2014 UNC FALL GRADUATION Diller, Jay Erickson, Benjamin Hay, Laurel Hill, Chelsea Johnson, Blythe King, Kayla Knowles, Darren Lock, Deidre Lodal, Christine Mulligan-Micek, Charleen Purkett, Elizabeth Smith, Lisa Van Korlaar, Larry Van Oppen, Magdalena Walsh, Megan Varvel, Honey Fisher, Jillian
Romero, Andrea Trapp, Laura Fosen, Laurie Jackson, Bryant McIntyre, Kari Mitrakos, Tiffany Packard, Emily Alzayer, Rehab Andrade, Supattra Beebe, Corey Gackle, Matthew Pierotti, Chelsea Boarman, Bryce Dingledine, Anthony Guenter, Alexis Kappelmann, Matthew Keffel, Christian
Page 13 Stafford, Ashley Stipes, Dakota Vizcarra, Rene Schultz, Jessica Bachkora, Gregory Stolba, Hannah Blasko, Marla Farner, Judd Louden, Martha Miller, Charles Miller, James Miller, Jessamyn Rose, Samantha Schneider, Zachary Stephan, John Warnken, Elizabeth Younts, Caroline
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2014 UNC FALL GRADUATION
December 12, 2014
FUN & GAMES
Page 15
Congratulations to the fall graduating class of 2014 from all of us12-12 at The Mirror! We hope you have enjoyed your time at UNC, and we wish you the best for your upcoming years as a college graduate. And don’t forget: once a Bear, always a Bear!
i o e t a s d n e i o i e n r
r a s t o n r r e b c e a g d
s r l e a o d a d l i o t i s
e n p p s i a e b b s c k e e
JOKES OF THE WEEK What did one snowman say to the other snowman? ‘Do you smell carrots?’
What do you call a former celebrity who now collects trash cans? A has-bin!
CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED:
Justine’s Pizza. Pizza Cook & Topper and Waiting staff. Must work at least one weekend night. Call Troy @ 970-302-0401.
FOR RENT:
Room Available for Rent: Private bedroom, Large backyard, preferably UNC student, references required. Call Jim Dill for more information at (970) 353-0085.
How does a cactus do his math homework? He uses a cacti-lator!
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December 12, 2014
Page 16
2014 UNC FALL GRADUATION
December 12, 2014
SMITH SIZES UP FOR PROS PERSPECTIVE IS EVERYTHING
Football from page 7
with communication between players and coaches, and once they do that, they’ll be unbeatable.” Smith said he looked to various other players for support. He said his roommate, Filipo Mose, became a large part of the offensive line throughout the season. Senior Kyle Griffin was supportive in leadership as well, according to Smith. “We’ve sat down and had many talks about the future of this team,” Smith said about Griffin. For newer players, Smith recommends hard work and focus. In college, the season may be only a few months, but Smith said players can’t forget about football in the off-season. What players do year-round affects their performance on the field; Whether the effects are positive or negative is up to the players, he said. “The more I work a drill, it turns into a skill,” Smith said. “Go out there and do the work. It actually makes you better.”
Though his size and reputation can be intimidating, Smith isn’t really interested in taunting his opponents on the field. He said he’s more concerned about his own team and making sure they have their heads in the game. “I yell at our team a lot, but I don’t really spend too much time talking to the guys on the other teams,” he said. With a pleasant, respectful demeanor and degree in communications, Smith said his life outside of football is definitely a positive effect on his athletic future. He’s improved at public speaking, interviews and communicating with his team. Beyond a professional career, Smith said he hopes to do leadership training for inner-city kids. He said that as much as his degree will help him be qualified to do that, a strong background in football will be just as helpful for credibility. “I want to help them pave a way for their future,” he said. “If I didn’t have people like that in my life, I don’t know if I would be here.”
Involvement from page 6
Hoy has also worked for the Student Activities office. “That office is filled with excellent leadership, people who really support the student body and who helped challenge me to finish my college experience and really love it,” she said. Hoy said she learned to dial down her commitments to focus her passions on what would positively affect the most amount of people. “Being really passionate about a few things will go a lot further than being involved in 5,000 things.” Hoy attributed her biggest accomplishment to finding her independence and becoming her own person. She explained that the university taught her to value her perspective and remain true to herself even when the world challenges her. “I’m taking away a lot from UNC, I love this place,” Hoy said.
Hoy said she may try to move up to an administrative level someday or possibly a guidance counselor position because she interested in what makes a school successful, and she would like to positively impact as many students as she can. But Hoy said she is comfortable with the position she currently has. “Eventually, I’d like to go to Denver or a different direction. But right now, I’m as happy as I can be in Greeley and I’m looking forward to staying here,” she said Overall, Hoy said she learned a lot from her college experience and attributes much of her growth and accomplishment to her plethora of involvement in the campus community of UNC. “No matter what situation you’re in, it will be what you make it,” Hoy said. “If you have a really awesome perspective about things, no matter what life challenges you to do, you will be successful at it in so many different ways and be able to touch someone and vice versa.”