The Lumberjack -- April 29, 2022 by The Lumberjack

Northern Arizona University’s student voice since 1914 Vol. 113 Issue 14 | April 28, 2022 — May 4, 2022

Tunnel Fire evacuees receive updates, reentry information Brian Klimowski, the Flagstaff representative for the National Weather Service, Editor’s note: As of Sunday April 24, those evacuated due to the Tunnel Fire have been given the “all clear” to return to their properties. This article was originally explained weather conditions have changed for the better, in terms of fighting the Tunnel Fire. In the following week, winds were not expected to reach speeds higher published online Friday April 23. than 20 mph. However, Klimowski said more smoke will likely begin filtering into the Doney Park area due to the direction of the winds. CAMILLE SIPPLE “You’re certainly going to feel it tonight,” Klimowski said. “With the oconino County officials held a second community briefing regarding the Tunnel Fire April 23 at Sinagua Middle School. The updates on the fire temperatures falling and the winds becoming light tonight, we are going to start as well as the reentry process were met with a mixture of responses from seeing smoke filtering into the Doney Park area. So just because you smell smoke tonight doesn’t mean the fire is any closer.” community members. Despite this reprieve in the weather, Klimowski warned of strong winds Patrice Horstman, the county board supervisor for District 1 and chair of the board, began the briefing with remarks on community support and commended returning April 26 through April 28 of the upcoming week, with speeds up to 35 mph. the patience of those affected. Continue reading at JackCentral.org Reentry process and concerns Both Incident Management Commander Randy Johnson and Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll told community members that crews in the Doney Park area are working to ensure a safe return for all evacuated residents. Driscoll stressed the importance of an orderly and safe return process for residents. In order to avoid any harm to either returning residents or pets, Driscoll advised taking the reentry process slow and following all guidelines as laid out by first responders and the incident management teams. Once residents are informed that the area is open for reentry, the process will require residents to provide proper identification to confirm residency; residents will also be given ribbons to attach to their vehicles for identification purposes, Driscoll said. “We are keeping the area closed to other people,” Driscoll said. “Whether it’s people who just want to come out and look, the media or others who don’t have a need to be there immediately we’re going to hold off for several hours.” Highway 89 North will also remain closed for several hours, following the initial reentry announcements, as residents make their way back to their properties. Driscoll advised that upon reentry, residents remain in a “SET” status and be A man holds his head while officials update citizens on the impact of fire ready to leave again, should conditions change. suppression operations against the Tunnel Fire, April 20. As of the meeting, the Tunnel Fire had grown to over 19,000 acres northeast of Flagstaff. Current and upcoming weather conditions Brian Burke | The Lumberjack

5K for a cause BRISA KAROW group of students and community members came together April 23 to raise awareness about sexual assault, an issue that has become a topic of many conversations at NAU in recent years. The Student Health Advocacy Committee (SHAC) collaborated with Northern Arizona Care and Services After Assault (NACASA) to organize the Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month 5K Walk/Run. The event provided a chance for participants to exercise in the sunshine while learning about the services NACASA provides. Beginning at Lumberjack Stadium, the racecourse took participants along a north and central campus loop. Individuals took the opportunity to improve

Sexual assault awareness run endorses community resources

their running time — achieving personal bests on the course. Others walked or jogged while holding conversations with those around them. While the focus of the 5K was on a serious cause, the participants created a cheerful atmosphere and raised over $2,800 for NACASA. The event allowed individuals to share their experiences and support for sexual assault awareness. Brooke Davis, the financial officer at SHAC and a member of the 5K initiative, said joining the club opened her eyes to how common sexual assault is in rural communities. Davis explained that NACASA does outreach programs with People of Color who are at higher risk for sexual violence. Native Americans in particular are twice as likely to be assaulted than all

other racial groups. However, on campus, sexual assault is becoming increasingly prevalent, Davis said. “Over the past few years, [NAU] has definitely had an elevated number of sexual assault cases on campus,” Davis said. “And even this past year, a lot of it was significantly underreported, and we’re just trying to bring more awareness this month.” SHAC collaborated with various organizations across Flagstaff, including NAUPD, FPD, Victim Witness Services and North Country Health Care to provide resources to students, Davis said.

Left: Participants run on Skydome Drive. Brisa Karow | The Lumberjack Right: Runners hype each other up as they get closer to the finish line at the SHAC 5K, April 22. Jonah Graham | The Lumberjack

See RUN continued on page 10

FROM THE EDITOR

o The Lumberjack Photography department, No matter the story or subject, a photograph is an opportunity to freeze a moment that will never happen again. As photographers we are trusted by our colleagues and our subjects to capture that moment honestly and creatively to the best of our ability. You have all improved immensely this past semester and I look forward to the images you all create. To continue this progression I encourage you to seek out as many opportunities to practice your photography as possible. As the adage goes, practice makes perfect. Now there may be no such thing as a perfect photograph but I encourage you to aim for that goal.

BRIAN BURKE

To become the photographer I know you all can be, I encourage you to keep your camera on you and continue your education outside the classroom. Search for photographers you appreciate and are interested in and try to learn those techniques that make their work so powerful.

The power of photography is the ability to share how you experience the world. Photography is a powerful tool DIRECTOR OF for affecting change, both in your personal life and in the outside world. As I leave you to create your own PHOTOGRAPHY style for The Lumberjack, I ask that you be true to yourself and take the opportunities granted to you and train your eye to see the world through your lens. Go and practice techniques, using different settings and angles to build core foundational skills. A strong foundation will give you confidence to expand your creativity and grow into the photographer you want to be. With a strong foundation you will have more freedom in crafting your own vision. Stay true to yourself and you’ll create the photos you’ve been searching for.

ONLINE AT JACKCENTRAL.ORG

Mountain Line on reduced weekday schedule due to staffing shortages Continue reading at JackCentral.org

VOL. 113 ISSUE 14

EXECUTIVE BOARD Camille Sipple, Editor-in-Chief Brenden Martin, Managing Editor Emily Gerdes, Director of Digital Content Marley Green, Copy Editor Lian Muneno, Director of Print Design Lydia Nelson, Director of Marketing

EDITORIAL STAFF Daisy Johnston, News Editor Sophia Swainson, Assistant News Editor Jorja Heinkel, Online News Editor Xavier Juarez, Assistant Online News Editor William Combs III, Senior Reporter Jessie McCann, Opinion Editor Maria Rodriguez, Assistant Opinion Editor Hannah Elsmore, Features Editor Brisa Karow, Assistant Features Editor Emily Rehling, Culture Editor Emma Long Assistant Culture Editor Evan McNelia, Sports Editor Noah Butler Assistant Sports Editor Amirah Rogers, Director of Social Media

Phone: (928) 523-4921 Fax: (928) 523-9313 Lumberjack@nau.edu P.O. Box 6000 Flagstaff, AZ 86011

VISUALS Jonah Graham, Director of Photography Rainee Favela, Director of Illustration Luke McGowan, Director of Multimedia Taylor McCormick, Assistant Director of Photography Jacob Handley, Senior Photographer Octavia Freeland, Senior Photographer

FACULTY ADVISERS David Harpster, Faculty Adviser Rory Faust, Sports Adviser

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS The Lumberjack is committed to factual correctness and accuracy. If you find an error in our publication, please email Camille Sipple at ces475@nau.edu. APRIL 28, 2022 — MAY 4, 2022

EVENTS CALENDAR APRIL Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday 1

2 Global Game Day @ the International Pavilion

Spring Has Sprung NAU Global Cabaret Virtual Art Exhibit @ Hozhoni Art Gallery

10 Moonshine Bandits on Bucked Up tour @ The Museum Club

17 Theatrikos “Steel Magnolias”

11 OhGeesy World Tour @ Orpheum Theater

NAU School of Art Faculty Exhibition @ NAU Art Museums

19 CAL/SBS Film Series: “Into the Wild”

Built to Spill @ Orpheum Theater

25 Spring Has Sprung Virtual Art Exhibit @ Hozhoni Art Gallery

Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival @ Orpheum Theater

NAU Jazz Combos Concert @ Kitt Recital Hall

Prochnow Movie Night: “The 355”

Prochnow Movie Night: “A Journal for Jordan”

“Our Town” @ Clifford E. White Theater

Big Sky Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championship begins

Anger Management Comedy Show @ Orpheum Theater

Big Sky Women’s Between Two Edges: Golf Championship Intersecting Cultural ends Identities Art Exhibit Display

27 AXE Out Stress @ Union Pedway

Between Two Edges: NAU Undergraduate Intersecting Cultural Expo Identities Art Exhibit Display

NAU Undergraduate Expo

Sarah Shook and the Disarmers concert @ Orpheum Theater

NAU School of Art Faculty Exhibition @ NAU Art Museums

Big Sky Women’s Golf Championship begins

Saturday

NAU 2022 Film Festival @ Orpheum Theater

The Zookeepers Live @ The Museum Club

16 ZoSo: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience @ Orpheum Theater 23 NAU Undergraduate Expo

30 Big Sky Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championship ends

SOCIAL MEDIA

Scan the code below to follow us!

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

NEWS March 10 At 6:16 p.m., a student reported three April 18 Facility for trespassing, disrupting an vehicles stuck in the snow near the At 9:04 a.m., a student reported a educational institution and remaining dog left in a vehicle in parking lot 62B. Skydome unlawfully.Practice Fields. NAUPD March 7 responded and the dog was responded and assistance was providNAUPD At 8:56 a.m., a student ed. Facility contacted to located in good health. requested At 9:28 Services p.m., thewas Reilly Hall RHD assistance outside McKay Village after plow the roads and put on the reported on behalf of cinders a resident an falling on ice. NAUPD, Flagstaff Fire hill. At 1:11 p.m., a Gabaldon Hall incident which occurred in Phoenix Department (FFD) and Guardian resident walked into NAUPD approximately three years ago. Medical Transport (GMT) responded. 10:53 p.m., an Allenand Hall RA requesting an officer to stand by as they At NAUPD responded, information The student transported Flagreported a damaged ceiling moved out was of their room. to NAUPD was provided. The caller was tile. referred to staff Medical Center (FMC). NAUPD responded and took a report. responded and assistance was provided. the Phoenix Police Department. COMPILED BY MARK FABERY

At 12:54 p.m., p.m., a RA reported “McAt 4:57 a staff amember Connell sign had been taken. reportedHall” a juvenile in parking lot 2 in NAUPD responded and later deneed of assistance. NAUPD responded termined thethe signjuvenile had already and found was been related found. to a criminal damage call for FPD.

Assistance was provided. March 7 At 8:56 a.m., a student April 19requested assistance Village after At 6:03outside p.m., McKay a student reported falling on ice. NAUPD, Flagstaff Fire a verbal disturbance near Hilltop Department and responded Guardian and Townhomes.(FFD) NAUPD Medical Transport (GMT) no criminal activity was responded. witnessed. The student was transported to FlagResidents were advised of the noise staff Medical Center (FMC). issue. At 12:54 p.m.,p.m., a RAareported “McAt 9:44 student areported Connell Hall” sign had beenD. taken. suspicious activity at John Haeger NAUPD responded and later deHealth and Learning Center. NAUPD termined sign had already beenwas respondedthe and information found. provided. At 10:27 p.m., a subject reported a At 10:15 p.m., a Reilly Hall resident Reilly Hall (RA) resident making suicidal assistant reported suspicious statements. NAUPD responded, activity. NAUPD responded lo-and cated the student in good health and information was provided. provided the student with a public assist ride to The Guidance Center. April 20 At 12:12 a.m., a passerby reported a March broken8water pipe outside the Institute At p.m., NAUPD receivedNAUPD mulfor6:03 Human Development. tiple fire alarm notifications coming responded and upon arrival determined from Mountain View Hall. NAUPD a malfunctioning sprinkler head was and FFD responded, the area the cause. Facility Services was was notified. searched and determined the alarm wasAt caused by a mechanical 2:17 p.m., a Drury Innfailure & Suites from a dryer. Fire Life Safety was noemployee requested a welfare check on tified. a non-student. NAUPD responded and

one non-student was identified and left March 9 the area. At 12:20 p.m., an employee reported finding drugsp.m., in thean University Union. At 10:54 Allen Hall staff NAUPD responded and entered the member reported a damaged room found drugs intoresponded evidence.and A report sign. NAUPD took a was taken for information only. report. At 7:02 p.m., a Campus April 21 Heights staff member reported At 11:17 a.m., having a ClineconstipaLibrary staff tion. NAUPD, FFD and GMT re- on member requested a welfare check sponded and the staff member was a non-student. NAUPD responded transported to FMC. and one non-student was booked into Coconino County Detention

March 11 April 22 At 8:29 p.m., a Drury Inn & Suites At 12:14 a.m., a student reported staff member reported a male hearing someone screaming in the area non-student for clothing. Offiof parking lotasking 3C. NAUPD responded, cers responded no criminal activbut no criminal and activity was witnessed. ity was witnessed.

Student Maura Johnson poses for photographer Ashlynd Anderson in front of Old Main, Apr. 24. Omar Noah Gonzalez | The Lumberjack

NAU to hold first in-person spring graduation since 2019

XAVIER JUAREZ At 8:12 a.m., an employee reported March 12 a non-injury traffic collision. NAUPD AU will hold its first in-person spring graduation since the start of the At 12:04 a.m., faculty member reresponded andatook a report. pandemic this May. The commencement ceremonies will be held on quested a welfare check on a previous May 6 and May 7. student. NAUPD was unable to conAt 10:20 p.m., NAUPD reported Taylor Rice, an events manager for the university, said the events will return to tact the subject the requesting checking on a and student lying on the how they used to be carried out before spring 2020. party was ground innotified. front of Adel Mathematics. “It’ll be like how it was before the pandemic,” Rice said. “We’re so excited to have The student was in good health. students back in the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome and to be able to do a spring March 13 graduation like we used to. So, this means that we’re allowing and encouraging At 11:11 a.m., NAUPD April 23reported students to bring guests and family to the ceremony. We want things to feel as observing a vehicle off camAt 10:57 a.m., aviolation Liberal Arts staff natural as possible.” pus. A citation was issued for driving member reported the theft of their Rice said students are allowed to bring up to eight guests with them to the without valid license, no valid bicycle. aNAUPD responded andregtook ceremony; guests will not be required to purchase tickets. istration a report. and proof of insurance. The In addition, NAU will host a ceremony for those who did not have the vehicle was towed for a mandatory opportunity to attend an in-person graduation as a result of the pandemic. All 20-day impound. At 3:01 p.m., a Rolle Activity Center graduates from spring 2020 through spring 2021 were sent an email on Feb. 7 staff member requested assistance with March 14 NAUPD responded and with information about the celebration. a lock-out. The event will be held at a later date, May 14, to avoid interfering with At 6:58 p.m., student reported a susassistance wasaprovided. regular commencements as stated by Kim Ott, the associate vice president of picious person in the area of lot 3C. communications, in an email. NAUPD responded no contact At 8:22 p.m., abut subject reported Depending on attendance, graduates may be able to bring more guests to the was made. a non-student in need of medical May 14 ceremony. Rice said the celebration currently has over 900 individuals assistance. NAUPD, Flagstaff Fire signed up, and is shaping up to be different from any ceremony NAU has done March 15 Department and Guardian Medical before. At 4:26 p.m., a staff member reportTransport responded, but the non“It’s not exactly a graduation, seeing as these students have already received ed graffiti on a blue lighttransport. phone near student refused medical Knoles and McConnell DrivesAt 4:44 their degrees,” Rice said. “It’s a celebration that we’re doing for them because they didn’t get a regular graduation.” April 24 Along with the virtual graduate celebration, the campus bookstore will have At 10:55 a.m., a student reported tassels and stoles for each class in stock so the graduates can show off their class having heard someone screaming pride. outside Ernest Calderón Learning Community about 20 minutes earlier. More information regarding the commencements can be found at the NAU NAUPD responded and no criminal Commencements website. activity was witnessed.

At 5:36 p.m., a subject reported suspicious activity in parking lot 42. NAUPD responded and no criminal activity was witnessed. At 11:23 p.m., McConnell Hall staff reported personal property damage. NAUPD responded and the case remains open pending an investigation.

John Pomery III smiles for Zachary Langley against a tree in Old Main, April 24. Omar Noah Gonzalez | The Lumberjack

APRIL 28, 2022 — MAY 4, 2022

Rep. Tom O’Halleran visits NAU for climate town hall Editor’s Note: The Climate Action Campaign’s live or Navajo County or Hopi Reservation, if a veteran audio streaming on Facebook was cut off at certain points wants to have healthcare from a specialist, five hours one way, five hours again on the way back. They can’t of the Q&A. afford to stay in Phoenix or Albuquerque or Tucson and neither can other people. So the telemedicine COMPILED BY DAISY JOHNSTON that’s going to come from that, and we’re working on telemedicine very hard, is to develop that. rganized by the Climate Action Campaign, And there’s not one child in this country that Rep. Tom O’Halleran visited NAU on April should be having the ability to have better technology 20 to answer questions from students about than any other child or education. And that’s what the environment. The climate town hall was held the whole issue is with broadband access. Now are at the Raul H. Castro building and livestreamed on they going to have it day one? Yeah, they have it now. Facebook. But by the end of two years from now, fiber optics Before he began addressing questions, Rep. is going to be throughout Arizona. That’s because O’Halleran thanked the audience for being there and the American Rescue Plan, this state is using about said he believes climate change cannot wait. $480 million right now in that plan to be able to get it up by Interstate 17 and Interstate 40 and then Audience: How are you working to revitalize finally in the major state roads. And then the next communities of color, Indigenous communities, bill, the Infrastructure Bill, this state is going to get an that have been hit hardest by climate change? initial $100 million, and then on top of that, about $600 million more to distribute it to communities O’Halleran: I’m on the Disparities Working Group. I throughout rural Arizona, and use it to help people work on those issues and I have been for a long time. in urban areas that can’t afford at all. And it’ll bring One of the things we’ve been doing is to make sure the cost down too because there’s a reason why it’s not that almost every issue we have put through Congress out here now, nobody could afford to build it, nobody right now has an element there that directs money could afford to pay for it. towards those communities that need, that for too We’ve tried to address both of those issues. Just the long of a time, have not gotten what they need. So, educational side of that, and your ability to reach out we’ve brought this up as an example, it’s probably one and help other people, and get people to understand of the easier examples, whether you’re in a city and you the critical nature of certain issues like climate change, can’t afford to drop in or whether you’re in tribal lands is gonna be tremendous. I just had a meeting with or whether you’re in rural Arizona or rural America, doctors today and we were talking specifically about that money is being spent here. It’s not being spent telemedicine and what that means. For the education somewhere else. It’s being spent in areas of power and of children throughout Congressional District 1, it’s an municipal acts. imperative. I want them to be able to live where they I would like to see the highest speed as possible want to live, right now they can’t even live with their in metropolitan America, after we get what we need. families for long because they have to go somewhere And that’s the intent of Congress. That’s where the where there are good paying jobs. And we have to structure of the bill comes in. You’re trying to address maintain our agriculture industry. the issues of poverty throughout this country. The House Committee on Agriculture, the Supplemental I have a question, a two-part question. I assume Nutrition Assistance Program, and other programs like you’ve read the latest IPCC report. that, we have directed that money to make it easier to expand those programs, to get the formula to a level I’ve read part of it, I only have a certain amount of where people get enough food, to have the ability to time. have a nutritious life, make sure their children go to school and learn better, be able to identify the longer Right, OK. One of the kind of takeaway points is term consequences of how malnutrition impacts we, the United States, have three years to get off people, or address our food deserts throughout the rest fossil fuels and start bringing that curve down. And of Arizona and throughout the world map, or even in yet we have a president who is releasing national the middle of an urban environment. reserves to bring the price of gas down but will put You know I live, well, I live at The Capitol. The more carbon in the air, and who is approving more Capitol is two miles away from an area in Washington drilling on national lands for oil. It seems like, if D.C. that has hardly any doctors, no hospitals, a couple we’ve got three years to turn things around, we of clinics, and they have hundreds of thousands of don’t know who the next president is going to be, people within that area that have to travel. This district we don’t know who the next Congress is going to has, whether it’s veterans or people that are sick, and be, but there’s a kind of urgency to this whole thing happen to choose to live in Show Low or Saint Johns that I don’t see anyone really talking about.

Rep. Tom O’Halleran answers freshman Christian Wilton’s question regarding the Colorado River at the Climate Town Hall Q&A in SBS 111, April 20. Taylor McCormick | The Lumberjack

What are you going to do, what can Congress do in the next year, if you get reelected the next three years, to make this the central issue of our time? Well, it should have been the central issue 15 years ago. And if we had 50 years — But right now we’ve got three years. Right, we just came through a pandemic. We spent over $7 trillion on that. We just had a Build Back Better Bill, that if it had gotten through, would have given us $600 billion to address this specific issue. And I voted for it. The president put it together. We wanted to get it done. This is from the Northern Arizona Climate Change Alliance. They ask, why is the federal government still issuing permits for fossil fuel projects? How can you potentially help to stop this? Well, they’re issuing, mostly right now for, there’s 9,000 of them right now out there already. And what, the president has set aside the rest of federal agents to not issue anymore permits, those 9,000 were issued before. It’s 11 million acres, counting those that are in the ocean or those that are on federal lands; 11 million acres. They already have enough, they don’t need any new permits. The natural gas permits that are out there, and that are being affected, we would probably have to go through seven years, to eight years, 10 years in court to address that issue. Versus, trying to work through, pushing our objectives and the issues into developing solar panels, wind, other sources and technology to address this issue. And chewing up money left and right and not being productive and overcoming the problem. So we’re not issuing any more, and those natural gas the ones that have been issued, those have been out there. They haven’t been issued by this administration. The administration has allowed them to occur, and a lot of that has occurred this year because we need to develop something to get Europe off of Russian oil, off Russian gas, and look to the West for a cleaner resource that furnished a whole generation with oil. So it’s a trade off, there’s no doubt about it. But this natural gas, is it a carbon element? Yes. Is it something that is less than coal? Yes. But we’re much better off than doing what we’re doing. We are seeing a whole new generation pay this bill in America. There’s two hundred and some of them that are going to be gone within 10 years. I mean gone. Coal mines. Continue reading at JackCentral.org

Audience members listen to Rep. Tom O’Halleran discuss climate change and environmental plans at the Climate Town Hall Q&A in SBS 111, April 20. Taylor McCormick | The Lumberjack

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

The Tunnel Fire: A timeline REPORTED BY MARK FABERY, JOSHUA OSTBY, CAMILLE SIPPLE & DAISY JOHNSTON TIMELINE COMPILED BY DAISY JOHNSTON

Tunnel Fire first reported Sunday April 17 The Tunnel Fire was reported along U.S. Highway 89 at 4:22 p.m., approximately 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff according to InciWeb, a website used to track wildfires. At the time it was reported, the fire was at 3% containment.

A U.S. Forest Service sign warns of high fire danger while smoke rises in the background from the Tunnel Fire north of Flagstaff, April 19. Jacob Handley | The Lumberjack

Photo courtesy of Ed Moss

Saturday April 23 Coconino County officials held a second community briefing regarding the Tunnel Fire at Sinagua Middle School. The updates on the fire as well as the reentry process were met with a mixture of responses from community members. Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll told community members that crews in the Doney Park area were beginning work to ensure a safe return for all evacuated residents. Residents were informed they would be required to provide proper identification to confirm residency to access evacuated areas. Residents will also be given ribbons to attach to their vehicles for identification purposes, Driscoll said. “We are keeping the area closed to other people,” Driscoll said. “Whether it’s people who just want to come out and look, the media — or others who don’t have a need to be there immediately — we’re going to hold off for several hours.”

Flagstaff District Ranger for the Coconino National Forest, Matt McGrath, answers concerns from the public due to the severity of the Tunnel Fire, April 23. Brian Burke | The Lumberjack

APRIL 28, 2022 — MAY 8, 2022

Monday April 18 The fire had burned over 100 acres and was at 0% containment. The fire was rapidly spreading in a northeast direction due to high winds. Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) issued a “SET” evacuation notification for the Hutchinson Acres and Wupatki Trails neighborhoods. The United States Forest Service (USFS) asked residents to make preparations for evacuation if ordered by CCSO. Moreover, while closure orders had not yet been issued, the public was asked to avoid the northern portion of Highway 89 from Elden Springs Road to the forest boundary for their own safety.

Photo courtesy of Coconino National Forest

Tuesday April 19 A meeting was held Tuesday night April 19 to brief residents and media on the progression of the Tunnel Fire. At 0% containment, the fire had continued to spread northeast propelled by strong winds. According to Coconino National Forest, via Twitter, the fire had grown to 16,625 acres overnight. Evacuations were ordered for several areas along Highway 89 including the Timberline Estates, Wupatki Trails and the Fernwood neighborhood. The county began work to get residents back into their homes as soon as possible. In the meantime, locals were asked to respect evacuation orders. Flagstaff District Fire Management Officer True Brown gave an operational update on the fire. “We did have aviation resources ordered and on scene earlier today, very early as this fire was moving, but had to set those resources down due to the pretty much unprecedented winds that we were experiencing out here on the fire,” Brown said.

Residents affected by the Tunnel Fire listen as Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll explains when they will be notified about their homes and the safety of their livestock, April 19. Jacob Handley | The Lumberjack

Sunday April 24 Residents who had been evacuated due to the Tunnel Fire were officially given notice that they could reenter their properties. According to a media release from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, the Tunnel Fire Incident Management Team stated the fire was no longer an imminent threat to residential areas along Highway 89. The reentry process required residents to check in at the Silver Saddle Trading Post, located off of Highway 89.

Photo courtesy of Rachel Gibbons | Arizona Daily Sun

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

NEWS

Women’s Health Committee brings free tampons to campus

MADELINE HOLLMANN

AU’s Women’s Health Committee (WHC) is working with ASNAU to provide free menstrual products in bathrooms around campus. Currently, there are 14 dispensers located in the University Union and du Bois Center’s gender neutral and female restrooms. These dispensers are completely free. WHC is working with Go Aunt Flow — an organization that sells menstrual products to schools and businesses — to provide students with free tampons and menstrual pads whenever they are in need. According to its website, Go Aunt Flow’s mission is to make pads and tampons free in more public restrooms. Their products are made with 100% organic cotton and are biodegradable. Now, WHC is bringing free tampons and pads to NAU. As of now, there are only two buildings on campus with dispensers. Next year, WHC is planning on expanding them to residence halls. Kinsey Kavanagh, ASNAU Vice President of Student Affairs, founded WHC with the goal of making free menstrual product dispensers all across campus. She said she believes menstrual products are a basic necessity no student should have to stress over. “The hope is that it takes off one less financial burden for students, especially coming back from a pandemic,” Kavanagh said. “Period products are not necessarily accessible on campus. The goal is that they will be free in all restrooms. If you need more than that one emergency tampon or pad, you can press the button as many times as you need to.” Kavanagh said students are encouraged to take as many tampons or pads as they need. With all the stresses of college, Kavanagh said this will hopefully take one less stress off of students. Having free menstrual products in restrooms is not standard in most places. Dispensers in public restrooms often require people to pay for their menstrual products. When someone unexpectedly needs a period product, they don’t always have the means to purchase it. Senior Ryley Bates said she wishes this program started earlier. Having more access to menstrual products on campus would have helped her during her time at NAU. “This will help so many students, because period products are so expensive,” Bates said. “It will make it a lot more convenient for people who need them when they don’t have any on them.” Moreover, Bates said in the same way toilet paper is provided for free because it is a necessity, menstrual products are essential too. “I just find it a bit convenient that the products that men need are provided for free, but the products that just women need are not,” Bates said. “It is really annoying, and it makes it harder for women. I just don’t think it is fair that the things that are basic needs for everyone are met, but period products are basic needs too.” Period poverty is a term used for people without access to menstrual products and proper sanitation facilities. According to a study conducted by the Alliance for Period Supplies, around 38% of low-income women report missing work, school or similar events due to lack of access to period supplies. “There was one day at work where I had to clock out for a 30-minute unpaid break because I got my period and I couldn’t find a tampon,” Bates said. “I was working on south campus, and I had to walk all the way back to my apartment because there was nowhere I could even buy a tampon if I wanted to and no one had an extra on them.” Through plans to expand the dispensers to residence halls in the near future, students can worry less about their period affecting their work or education. WHC will be working with the NAU Office of the President to expand the dispensers to residence halls next school year. “We wanted to expand this program to other parts of campus, but we only had enough funding from ASNAU to put the menstrual product dispensers in the University Union and [du Bois Center],” Kavanagh said. “We reached out to the university to ask for more funding, and they are more than happy to be working with us to make this happen in residence halls.”

Best of Police Beat: Spring 2022 COMPILED BY MARK FABERY Jan. 13 At 7:44 p.m., a student reported a bus driving over the speed limit near San Francisco Street and University Drive. NAUPD took the information and passed it along to the appropriate department on campus.

Feb. 27 At 4:48 a.m., a Hilltop Townhomes resident reported another student knocking on a door. NAUPD responded, and found the student had been locked out of their apartment. Staff was contacted, and assistance was provided.

Jan. 17 March 9 At 2:29 p.m., a student called to At 7:02 p.m., a Campus Heights staff report multiple suspects tampering with a vehicle in Pine Ridge Village. NAUPD member reported having constipation. responded and found the individual was NAUPD, Flagstaff Fire Department (FFD) and Guardian Medical Transport the owner of the vehicle. responded and the staff member was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center. Jan. 24 At 8:47 a.m., a ROTC staff member March 24 reported the theft of gasoline from a At 3:31 p.m., a non-student reported vehicle. NAUPD responded and took a misplacing his vehicle. NAUPD report. responded and the vehicle was located At 10:53 p.m., University Safety off campus. Aides (USAs) reported issuing a parking warning to an improperly parked vehicle in the Skydome parking lot.

April 2 At 2:15 a.m., a concerned citizen reported two subjects carrying a sign near San Francisco Street and Franklin Jan. 26 At 9:06 p.m., an Allen Hall resident Avenue. NAUPD responded and two assistant (RA) reported the theft of a students were deferred for theft and soap dispenser. NAUPD responded and they returned the sign. took a report. April 6 At 5:32 p.m., a subject reported Feb. 8 At 11:34 a.m., a communications being stuck inside a locked room in the staff member reported the theft of virtual du Bois Center. NAUPD responded reality goggles. NAUPD responded and and the subject was freed. Work Control was advised about the broken door. took a report. Feb. 9 At 2:36 p.m., a Drury Inn & Suites staff member found a gun magazine while cleaning. An Operational Firearms Commander responded to collect the property.

April 11 At 12:22 p.m., a Gabaldon Hall resident reported the odor of gas from an oven. NAUPD and FFD responded and found the appliance was an electric stove.

Feb. 18 At 4:20 p.m., an employee reported empty shell casings in lot 3. NAUPD responded, but no criminal activity was witnessed. The property was taken to NAUPD for safekeeping.

April 15 At 7:49 p.m., a student reported that persons in a vehicle had shot them with an airsoft gun near South San Francisco Street and Mountain View Drive. NAUPD responded and took a report.

At 7:59 p.m., a student reported a non-student had broken a glass door on a display case in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences West building. NAUPD responded, and the non-student was cited and released for criminal damage. Feb. 23 At 4:41 p.m., a subject reported multiple people sledding down the roof of the Skydome. Officers responded, but no contact was made.

At 8:35 p.m., a Pine Ridge Village RA reported two students with BB guns in their room. NAUPD responded and two students were referred for a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. April 17 At 1:09 p.m., a Pine Ridge Village resident reported the odor of gas. NAUPD and FFD responded, and found the odor was from a battery that was charging.

At 5:46 p.m., a subject reported April 20 a person sledding down the roof of At 12:12 a.m., a passerby reported a McDonald Hall. NAUPD responded broken water pipe outside the Institute and advised the subject to stop. for Human Development. NAUPD At 10:03 p.m., a student reported responded and upon arrival determined multiple subjects throwing snowballs a malfunctioning sprinkler head was at passing vehicles in the San Francisco the cause. Facility Services was notified. Members of the Women’s Health Committee pose for a photo in the ASNAU office, April 15. Megan Ford-Fyffe | The Lumberjack

APRIL 28, 2022 — MAY 8, 2022

Parking Garage. NAUPD responded, but no contact was made.

CULTURE

HRM café serves up an entertaining open mic night

Photos Courtesy of HRM Cafe

MONTRELL GANTT

Performers at the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management’s first open mic night speak on what made the event worthwhile and the potential of what it can become.

he art of performance was on full display April 21 when NAU’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) hosted its first open mic night. The evening was filled with performances that ranged from poetry to acoustic renditions of 1980s metal hits. The event was co-promoted with the school’s in-house coffee shop, Cult Café. The setting for the open mic night was minimal: One microphone, one speaker and the smell of coffee and tea coming from the back, where Cult Café was serving attendees. For Kevin Coachman, a sophomore communications major, performing in a smaller setting provides multiple advantages. “I like the intimacy, for one thing. I feel closer to the crowd,” Coachman said. “I feel the most comfortable, to be honest, I can look at someone [in the audience] and know that they’re listening to me – I’d say that’s the best part about playing smaller [settings].” Coachman performed acoustic renditions of three originally composed songs. He also said why, as an artist, he enjoys miniscule settings over bigger venues and crowds.

“With smaller [places] you can experiment a little more. One of the songs I played, I had written like, two weeks ago and it’s the first time I’ve played it for anybody,” Coachman said. Allen Reich, a Hotel and Restaurant Management professor as well as an Isbell Hospitality Ethics professor, performed solos akin to the styles of Memphis, Texas and delta blues. He later gave a second performance, playing a more soul inspired cover of a blues classic, B.B. King’s “The Thrill is Gone.” Reich said he hopes the school’s open mics turn into something that encourages those who once were artistic and maybe want to get back into performing. He also said he wants it to be a place for students to come out of their shells and express themselves through art. Before the open mic night, Reich said he had not performed for a crowd since 1975. This performance served as a reminder as to what made playing so fun for him. “My favorite part [of performing] is when you get into the music, and you stop thinking about it and you just do it, and you become one with the music or whatever the metaphysical term is,” Reich said. Mark Molinaro is a senior lecturer in the school of Hotel and Restaurant Management who is credited with bringing the open mic format to the school. The idea came from faculty and students’s common love for music. “Most of us [students and faculty] love music, and we work in venues that have some music component with it, and we’re trying to cross boundaries a little bit and invite different parts of the community of NAU and outside of NAU to create an experience,” Molinaro said. Molinaro also performed. He played a cover of the Leonard Cohen classic “Hallelujah” alongside his daughter, who was on vocals while he played guitar. Molinaro also said that there are plans to open a performing arts center within a multipurpose facility, courtesy of the ideas of a restaurant design class. The purpose of the facility is to intertwine NAU and the community around it. The idea behind the facility, Molinaro said, came from NAU president José Luis Cruz Rivera’s challenge to instructors and school organizations to think big and outside the norm when it comes to what can be attained. Molinaro also explained there are plans to host three open mic events in the fall 2022 semester and three more in spring 2023. He said he encourages all students and faculty who have hidden or well-known talents to come out and show out.

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

OPINION

Your first step into adulthood: Getting a pet EMILY REHLING he time students spend in college is a stage in life that some might call a trial period of adulthood. For many, the moment you move your belongings out of that childhood bedroom and into your freshman dorm room is the first time you can say you are truly on your own — at least as “on your own” as you can be in college, of course. Independence is a scale that varies for every student. There is a lot to be said, though, about the changes students go

T Our partners reflect our parents

rom the day we are born, our parents are our very first role models. They are the first form of love that we see. We look up to them and, of course, their relationship with each other. This often leads to people repeating behaviors they have seen growing up. Whether their relationships are good or bad, they affect the ones we enter. This manifests itself as a desire for a healthy, strong relationship or a EMMY BINING subconscious inclination toward a toxic one. OPINION WRITER We see how our parents give and receive love from each other. If they are constantly arguing and hardly ever showing affection, it will deceive adolescents who grow up around them. This could distort their idea of love and foster a fear of getting into relationships. Children raised in volatile marriages have extreme difficulties trying to manage emotions, according to a study published in Psychology Today. It is no surprise this would lead a child to be confused about their emotions if they are constantly in a hostile environment created by their parental figures. Anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances and many other serious issues can occur at a young age when parents argue in front of them. Why would someone want to get into a relationship when they remember the traumatic emotions they experienced after witnessing their parents’ unhealthy one? It’s the same concept with divorces; it can be difficult for a child to comprehend their parents separating, more so if they lose contact with either of them. Sometimes, this includes only one parent being present while the other is absent. This can cause a desire to be alone with a preference for distance, rather than having to fear abandonment from a loved one. Furthermore, it prevents one from opening themselves up to finding the love they deserve. If someone didn’t get the love they desired and needed, they may not know what they’re looking for in a relationship and a partner which could lead to thoughts of confusion. Many individuals may have experienced unpleasant memories from their childhood, but it’s important to not demonstrate the same behavioral issues in your relationship. It could be one or both parents’ fault for why someone is the way they are, or why they are hurt. Not everyone experiences trauma the same way. At the same time, it doesn’t mean it won’t affect their relationships, and it can be a hard but necessary learning process to heal from it.

APRIL 28, 2022 — MAY 4, 2022

through after experiencing that shift from dependence to self-sufficiency. It’s been my observation that many students handle it in different ways. Being away from home can give you the confidence to take up something that you never thought you would. For many students, that new experience would be becoming a pet owner. It’s a bold step that requires a lot of dedication, discipline and responsibility. Consequently, those qualities are just what many students need at this time in their lives. They are valuable tools in academic settings and strong building blocks for later in life. The need for responsible and loving pet owners in the world is apparent. Animal shelters worldwide take in approximately 6.5 million animals every year, with about 1.5 million of those being euthanized. From 2020 to 2021, Coconino Humane Association reported an intake of 2,150 animals, while High Country Humane reported 2,944. There are thousands of animals available that would benefit from having a home. Admittedly, getting a pet is not for every student. Animals need to be fed, provided with comfortable shelter, walked, socialized and loved. There are plenty of reasons why college students should avoid becoming pet owners until absolutely ready. However, that does not mean it should be ruled out immediately. It almost goes without saying how helpful pets can be for students. Pets are proven to be great stress reducers as well as sources of companionship. They improve mood by increasing exercise, boosting confidence and adding daily structure. NAU has even offered “PAWS Your Stress” events in the past, making use of the calming effects animals can have on anxious students. But the reward of pet ownership goes much deeper. Pets can help you form a bond you might never encounter otherwise. Taking on the immense responsibility of caring for a living being is an experience that can teach you

brand-new corners of life: Your parenting and teaching styles, discipline and routine. That is not to say anyone who does well at raising a pet should consider that to be their green light to becoming an actual parent. It may be a valid method of evaluating your skills as a parent, but raising children and animals are not comparable. The former is a life decision of massive proportions, and the latter should be treated with much more value than just a test run. I also do not intend to suggest pet ownership is some sort of pipeline to parenthood.

ILLUSTRATION BY DAISY CASTANEDA Pet ownership and parenthood can be mutually exclusive, and pet ownership does not exist to serve as a replacement for raising a child. You can adopt an animal without it having to be a precursor or an alternative to having kids. Whether or not you want to become a parent, understanding that perspective is undoubtedly invaluable. Being able to fathom that mindset can connect you to adulthood like no other. College is a challenging period; transitioning into adulthood presents an unexpected reckoning that not many are prepared for. I have concluded after countless conversations with peers who testify to the same experience that most students reach a point where everything changes — not just in an “I don’t know how to do taxes” way, but in a way that’s very raw and real. It’s not sudden — it slowly becomes apparent that your life will never be as it once was. It’s complex and incredibly difficult to navigate on top of managing academic and social lives, but most students have to learn that lesson somehow. Getting a pet can teach you the same lessons while reducing the confusion and anxiety of it all. I would imagine it can even make that realization more apparent, a fact of life that comes with your responsibility. We can clearly learn a lot from our pets and the time and energy that goes into raising them. There’s a strong sense of growth that can be gained by taking in a pet. While it’s important to reflect on how they impact us, it’s even more important to understand how we impact them. Pets need loving homes with responsible, dedicated owners. If you are open and able to do so, adopting a pet could be your next best step toward becoming an adult.

Everyday objects should not be gendered NAZREEN ALI or generations, objects have been gendered. Pink is for girls and blue is for boys, but this stereotype won’t be debunked until a new expectation is set for gender norms. Gender is a spectrum, but traditional gender norms only allow so much freedom. Being non-binary, I have been struggling with my gender identity from a young age. I always adhered to the societal expectations of being a girl. I wore dresses every day and acted ladylike, but over time, I realized I was not happy following the cookie-cutter format given to children. Societal gender norms not only push appearance, but behavioral characteristics as well. I was told not to act a certain way because I was perceived as female all of my life. My friends and family always pushed ideals of femininity. It was detrimental to my mental health. I began to think that no one appreciated the real me, but I slowly learned that it was because they never saw anyone break free from gender norms. Previous generations pushed traditional values to preserve the nuclear family expectation. The media began to make breakthroughs in gender identification, with more representation from the entire gender spectrum. Providing resources for children to counter any traditional thoughts, the media also helped instill a gender-inclusive environment. In a study about the effects of gendering inanimate objects, researchers asked randomly selected people to assign a gender to various items that are far removed from the gender spectrum.

Placing a gender onto everyday objects also leaves out any person that doesn’t identify as one of the two traditional binaries. As I read this article, I felt hopeless. Growing up in a small town with small-minded people, I felt like no one around me truly understood my gender expression and identity, which is frustrating. Some people are blind to the norms they were forced to abide by and refuse to think outside their own perceptions. Participants in the study denied the confirmation of gender stereotypes in their answers. For example, the researchers asked a group to label a butterfly as one of the multiple genders. As many had said that the butterfly was a woman, they also countered with saying that they do not believe in gendered stereotypes. The study concluded gender researchers have a point in their so-called gibberish. The participants’ answers conveyed that they were influenced by the world they grew up in. Placing a firm gender on objects in everyday life led the participants to revert to the world they grew up in. Items like buildings were perceived as stronger and more independentlike and classified as masculine, while softer, more gentle items like candles were defined as feminine. It is clear when examining the results how prevalent brainwashing has been for generations. Following the same traditional views restricts the amount of people who are willing to reconstruct their definition of gender. It was sickening to hear the participants had completely rejected the idea of gender norms and stereotypes, but still labeled a binary on the items. This limits possibilities for individuals that

don’t identify within the two main binaries. People don’t realize that they are sending their peers into a downward spiral. People say they are reinventing the future in terms of gender, yet still give in to the endless cycle of viewing the world in two binaries. Individuals that identify outside of the two binaries have been documented since the beginning of history, Jessica Davis, a writer and blogger wrote in an article from Greatist. “Social permission to exist publicly in any form other than along rigid binary lines has been granted only infrequently,” Davis wrote. Davis also wrote that as an increase of visibility attempts to take over the media, the acceptance of everyday items and its advertising are still lagging behind. Clothes, personal care items and more should be enjoyed by anyone; advertisements for those products will still cater to a certain gender binary. “[Businesses] often make it clear that deviating from rigid binary rules is unacceptable and can be challenging, demoralizing and dangerous for nongender binary individuals,” Davis said. When objects and products are given a gender, it pushes society farther away from gender neutralization. There is no reason someone cannot enjoy a product, or even a word they want to use in their life. It’s sad to see that younger generations are trying to transform worldviews, but are too brainwashed to truly care. Completely deconstructing gender normalities in our everyday lives may not be an easy process, but it is necessary for progression.

ILLUSTRATION BY TONESHA YAZZIE

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

FEATURES

Her takeaway from the 5K was knowing that her participation helped spread awareness. She said it's hard to contribute financially to the cause on a college Brooke Fulton, NACASA’s program manager, spoke before the race began — student budget, but she helped NACASA raise money by running. educating the event’s participants about NACASA’s services and explaining the “Helping in small doses makes me feel good,” Smith said. purpose of the 5K. “It’s a gorgeous day," Fulton said. "We’re here to get some exercise, to socialize a “IF YOU HEAR ABOUT A FRIEND OR A CLASSMATE OR little bit, but we’re also here to raise awareness." A COLLEAGUE OR AN ACQUAINTANCE WHO’S BEEN A She gave a brief introduction of what NACASA does. The program provides VICTIM OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE, BE ABLE TO GIVE THAT medical forensic exams to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in REFERRAL [TO NACASA].” Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties. NACASA creates a safe place for assault victims — adults and adolescents — – Brooke Fulton while outlining the next steps they can take. NACASA examiners provide medical care for victims and can offer forensic testimony in court, if necessary. These exams Kelly Sherf, a registered nurse in the Flagstaff area, offered advice about running are time-sensitive and must be administered within five days of the assault, Fulton alone and safety tips for other runners. She said she joined the 5K to get more into said. social running and avoid running by herself all the time. NACASA is the sole provider in northern Arizona of these critical services, so it She does not run at night because of the danger it poses, Sherf said. She cited the is important to get the word out, Fulton said. lack of streetlights and the presence of reckless cars as risk factors for night running. “[Sexual violence] is a hugely pervasive problem on every college campus across “Make sure you have some kind of cell phone — something on you — just in the U.S.,” Fulton said. “One in five college women are sexually assaulted during case something happens,” Sherf said. their college career, but annually we see 25 to 30 NAU students.” She mentioned that carrying mace to protect against other people and animals Fulton pointed out that — while women are statistically the most common can help runners feel safer. victims — people of all genders experience assault. Junior Morgan Smith participated to have fun while promoting awareness about So, the number of individuals NACASA treats each year should be proportionally sexual assault. Her friend encouraged her to sign up, and Smith thought it would higher based on NAU’s demographics, Fulton said. be a great running challenge. Because of this data disparity, Fulton recognized that not enough people know “Even though I’m not running my fastest or getting first place, I’m still here,” about NACASA’s services. Smith said. “I’m still showing up [and] trying to support in any way that I can, and Fulton encouraged the 5K participants to remember NACASA and what it does. I just hope to have a good time.” “Keep us in mind,” Fulton said. “If you hear about a friend or a classmate or a She spoke about what she believes Flagstaff can do to improve its sexual violence colleague or an acquaintance who’s been a victim of sexual violence, be able to give support. The community needs to offer a safer atmosphere, because its college town that referral [to NACASA].” environment can be scary for people new to the area, Smith said. While the participants were there for various personal reasons, Fulton said she “I think creating a safer space where people can feel more protected and [know] hoped they would all spread awarenss about NACASA’s support resources. they have a safe space to talk about what happened to them or someone else and not Nolan Vest, a visitor from Long Island, New York, searched for a running group feel like there’s going to be anything attached [is important],” Smith said. to join during his time in Flagstaff and signed up for the 5K because he thought it The 5K represented NACASA to encourage awareness of the program’s supportive was for a good cause. resources available in crises, Fulton said. “If I could ask a favor of you, remember who we are — remember what we do,” “I’m hoping to gain a little information on just the topic in general and find out more ways I can contribute [to promoting sexual assault awareness],” Vest said. Fulton said. “Every single person here today has been affected by sexual assault, He said he offers support by showing up and listening to people who have whether you realize it or not.” encountered an assault experience. Individuals with those experiences have a better Fulton emphasized that statistically speaking, there were likely many survivors idea of how to raise awareness and should be heard, Vest said. in the 5K crowd and thanked everyone for attending. Raegan Smith, a sophomore majoring in elementary and special education, has Resources like the Blue Light System, Counseling Services, NAU Safe Walk, firsthand experience of the fear a potential assault can generate. Smith participated Coconino County Victim Witness Services, Northland Family Health Center, in the 5K to show her support for others because she knows what it feels like to be Flagstaff Medical Center and NACASA are available to students looking for sexual sexually harrassed. violence support. “I hate that other people go through that,” Smith said. RUN continued from FRONT

Raegan Smith, sophomore, poses for a quick photo at the SHAC 5K, April 22. Jonah Graham | The Lumberjack

APRIL 28, 2022 — MAY 4, 2022

Top: Megan Gavin, Carl Dindo and Erica Kragness run on the long stretch to the HLC building, April 22. Bottom: SHAC holds an annual run for the purpose of raising money for Northern Arizona Care and Service After Assault at Northern Country Healthcare, April 22. Jonah Graham | The Lumberjack

Return of the Undergraduate Expo and Symposium

Visitors gather at High Country Conference Center to learn about the various types of undergraduate research NAU students have conducted this semester, Friday morning, April 22. Octavia Freeland | The Lumberjack

HUNTER LAUNIUS-SOCHA oices rang across the High Country

Conference Center at the 14th Annual Undergraduate Expo and Symposium as students showcased a variety of research projects at NAU under categories spanning from humanities and arts to science and engineering. The annual symposium celebrated students' achievements, allowing them the opportunity to not only share their work, but potentially move further in their careers by speaking with experts in their respective fields. By presenting research projects, students aimed to spread awareness on topics such as sustainability issues within the community. These interactive sessions focused on topics such as immigrant equity, climate action and rural food security. Lara Dickson, the program assistant manager of the symposium, said the goal was to showcase students' scholarly and creative work. “We hope that the students get a chance to share those results and also get feedback from people,” Dickson said. “They have a chance to get experience talking to people who are experts or outside their field.” The symposium allowed students to practice networking and organization — professional skills necessary for their future careers — by presenting to students and faculty members who have supported them throughout the research process. Dickson said NAU is known for its high participation rate in undergraduate research, but she is hoping to continue to grow those numbers and include more participation from smaller-sized colleges, such as education and more art-based colleges. The expo included events like the experimental archaeology fair, collegiate band concert and a variety of environmental booths spreading awareness about sustainability. Shantine DeMasse said her art pieces are based on women’s rights, female empowerment and self-identity. Like many art pieces, DeMasse’s work is subjective

because it is open to interpretation. Each person experiences different emotions and forms their own understanding of art pieces. “It could mean something different for you than it does for me,” DeMasse said. “I really want women to feel empowered by the artwork, especially Black women because that’s what I depict.” Student artists have creative freedom which allows for pieces that may be more personal or abstract. “I do want people to feel inspired to share a message or even just therapeutically get into the creative arts because I think it’s helpful,” DeMasse said. “It can help you get whatever is on your mind off of it… for me personally it helped me identify myself and what I care about, what I stand for, and who I am.” DeMasse is just one among hundreds of students at NAU that work to change the mindsets of others through their work. Max Bennington, president of the anthropology club, said the best way to learn is by doing. “I think now more than ever it’s important to learn and understand what it means to be human and what connects all of us and our similarities instead of our differences,” Bennington said. Bennington said he believes that throughout history, the largest similarity among people is that everybody has compassion, curiosity and a hunger for learning new information. “History tends to focus on an event, and anthropology attempts to explain why and how that event happened,” Bennington said. “We can talk about the War of 1812 all day, but if you don’t understand violence or understand what value means, how are you going to understand it?” By studying anthropology, a person is able to see what humans were like in the past and the similarities still present today, Bennington said. “I think anthropology puts a lot of things in focus,” Bennington said. “You can study engineering all day, or a language, or math, or something like that, but if you don’t understand what it means to be human, then how does that matter?”

Next semester, students will be able to pursue a degree in geography, environment and society. Mark Manone is a planning and recreation assistant professor of practice. He said the program’s biggest takeaways are redesigns to be more inclusive, embracing sustainability and environmental issues in society with more focus on urban rather than geographic science. The students in the current geography program displayed an example of the work a geography student does: Tracking changes within major roadways and seeing how local communities are affected. Claire Simchuk, junior and GIS lab technician, said the work they do in the geography program isn’t always flashy, but is important to update different data that is utilized by many in the community. Simchuk spoke about her first independent research opportunity dealing with battery theft in Phoenix with Cox Communications. “I was analyzing the density and finding those hot spots and using predictive analysis to determine where they should be putting their efforts,” Simchuk said. Simchuk is working with Cline Library to show the alignments on Route 66 by their commission and decommissioning dates. She said the most important aspect of this project is the development of how humans interact with the land, and how to solve problems that stem from those interactions. “Planning is needed more than ever with the issues with climate change popping up. We need to be more sustainable, we need to change how we’re doing it,” Simchuk said. The expo is also an opportunity for artists to share their work. Each student artist has their own idea of what is important to be portrayed artistically. The Undergraduate Expo and Symposium provides an opportunity for students to come together to display their research and advance their professional skills. By building connections and presenting their cumulative research, students finalized their undergraduate experience.

Left: Sophomore Denver Seaton presents about how traditional and cultural teachings can help with one’s health, drawing research from Navajo culture, April 22. Middle: Junior Shantine DeMasse showcases her art which is about women rights, self expression, finding your voice, and self identity. Through art Demasse is able to express her personal experiences and inner thoughts when words fail, April 22. Right: Lumberjack Motorsports, NAU’s Society of Automotive Engineers Baja Club, showcases their team’s frame and drivetrain along with their suspension. These parts are used to build a miniature vehicle that participates in a competition, April 22. Octavia Freeland | The Lumberjack

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

FEATURES

Coconino Humane Association

Many pets look out of their temporary kennel at the Coconino Humane Society, April 20. After the start of the Tunnel Fire, many Flagstaff residents have fled their homes and needed to take their animals someplace safe, Coconino Humane Association has provided kennels and space for the pets of Flagstaff residents who needed to temporarily leave their homes. Madison Easton | The Lumberjack

APRIL 28, 2022 — MAY 4, 2022

A beastly beauty

CAMILLE SIPPLE

ll alone. A room made of gold Shimmering from wall to wall. Sparkling with lies. Shining with deceit. Glowing with betrayal. Their fear thickens as the room gets smaller, The walls closing in around them — or so it seems. The room demands the truth. One must come clean. But who is the liar? Is it you or is it me? What don’t I know? And what haven’t I told you? The lies look so pretty at first. Until the walls come caving in and the chandeliers come crashing down. A million mirrored shards litter the floor around us. Our frightened expressions and anxious eyes reflected in their broken beauty. A beauty and a beast stare at each other’s reflections, Suddenly unsure who is who. Or are they both? A beastly beauty. A beauteous beast. Aren’t we all? We all have the beastly sides that we hide in the dark, too afraid to show the world who we really are. We assume that others are exactly as they seem, all bright and shiny without any ghosts beneath. But we really only show what we want you to see. And often it’s the beauty who lies like a beast.

READ MORE ON JACKCENTRAL.ORG THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

FEATURES

STORY COMPILED BY JOHN CHAFFEU

AU student musicians strive to reach their audiences by sharing their own creativi entertaining a crowd of thousands at a football game, musicians look to inspire wi

Logan Warren Senior Communication Studies Favorite genre: R&B and Soul Vocals and Guitar “Being on stage and playing music for people, I love that — especially when I see that people are jamming to the music, that's like the coolest thing ever,” Warren said. “I've had to teach myself how to sing over the past couple of years; it definitely takes so much more effort and focus than I originally thought. I think it really comes together to create something special. “I never thought when I started making music, I would make something that people would actually want to listen to and enjoy, and looking at like a crowd of people and seeing everybody moshing, dancing, smiling, laughing, makes me really happy. I want to be able to impact people in a positive way."

Ethan Bertrand Junior Political Science Favorite genre: Funk Drums “For me, while I am playing the drums, I think I'm very left brain,” Bertrand said. “I'm a very analytical type of thinker, and the drums are kind of like that perfect medium between musicality and math. The rhythm of it is really the only proven form of time that we know of. Trying to work through that and work with that is just something that's always a challenge to me, but such a fun challenge. “There's playing and then there's really just putting your soul into it. The more you play, the more you can tell the difference between the two. “[While playing in a band] I'm able to tell what everyone is doing, when they're going to do something different, what the degree of technicality they're going to do, what they're doing is, it's really weird, but it's really cool."

Jason Smith Sophomore Strategic Communications Favorite genre: Technical Death Metal Guitar “I've been playing for about six and a half years now,” Smith said. “I grew up listening to my parents' music, which was a lot of classic rock, and my dad got a guitar one day — a few years later when I really became drawn to playing because I had started getting into my own [style] and more genres of music. “I had started listening to guitar-based music. It really just led me to actually wanting to pick it up, and here I am — all these years later, and I am just absolutely in love with it."

APRIL 28, 2022 — MAY 4, 2022

UR | PHOTOS BY MADISON EASTON

ity and art forms. Whether it be performing in a band in front of a live audience or ith their creativity and passion.

Charlie Herman Junior Computer Engineering Favorite genre: Rock Electric Bass Guitar “When you're in a band situation where everyone is of the same mindset, you can really build off of what everyone's doing,” Herman said. “One of my favorite parts about being in a band and music in general is all the dense structures and complex sounds you can make. “It feels great to perform, I am seriously impressed by the people around me. We can do some stuff that I didn't really think was even possible in my own ability. “Before I played bass, I did my own music production — hip hop and different instrumentals — just experimenting with the different sounds and the sampling of old music."

Cheyenne Sullivan Sophomore Anthropology Favorite Genre: Emo Guitar, Bass and Keyboard “There's so much out there with so much variety, and when it comes to writing your own stuff, it's a bit intimidating to find a route that other people will enjoy,” Sullivan said. “It's kind of easy to get caught up in that, in the sense of wanting to create something that other people will want to enjoy. “It's really freeing in the sense that you can create, and what you create and having that kind of connection to yourself with the music you make. “Putting it [my emotion] through music has just been something that's been a reserve and something that makes me feel safe."

Sierra Bryan Senior Environmental Science Favorite Genre: Indie Folk Rock Guitar, Vocals and Piano “I have had a really lovely relationship with music my whole life,” Bryan said. “I grew up in Austin, Texas — which is a very music-filled area — with multiple music festivals I went to in high school, and when I was a toddler, my dad liked to bring me to the shows with headphones on my head and he would carry me on his shoulders. I grew up playing and listening to whatever my dad was playing in the car, like Queens of the Stone Age, Coldplay, The Beatles, and me and my sister were just singing along in the back. “Late in March, I released a new song about depression, and I had a lot of people who were saying, ‘Hey, I felt that really hard,’ and that's something that you generally do not get to talk about in a social setting. “That's what my favorite artists had done for me. I love getting to do that for other people. That sharing, and the experiences relating to it [sharing emotions through music] and it feels you are being listened to.”

Photo courtesy of Dawson Peters.

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

FEATURES Senior Goodbyes: A final farewell from Lumberjack staffers

Joshua Ostby If I can be honest here for just a moment — while you skim these pages waiting for something to catch your eye — I never took much of anything in my life seriously. It's more fun to laugh at everything and so it's easy to disregard most things with a "that doesn't matter anyways" attitude. I wouldn't call it nihilism or apathy, but more so doubt in the idea that any correct move I make is any less futile than a wrong move I make. The queen and the pawn end up in the same box at the end of the game blah blah blah. But that doubt in the world inevitably leads me to have a lot of doubt in myself and my abilities and my worth. Which stinks. I'll be the first to say it — not trying to ruffle any feathers with this next statement but — it really sucks not believing in yourself. But OK! Enough, like, depressing stuff. My bad, my bad. Because, as hard as it is for me to believe in myself and be confident in my writing or my investigation skills, I truly owe the time I spent with The Lumberjack for showing me moments of pride in my efforts. I wrote stories I actually liked to write and was satisfied with the outcome. I tried to diligently communicate with my team and I felt like I was part of something when I would, and was happy when we could accomplish breaking the news and informing the mostly student population who reads our rag. Now, I wasn't with the newspaper for very long. I was too distracted and unfocused in my early college years to take on any real responsibility. The idea of being held accountable and having people rely on me like how they do in the newsroom was daunting, to say the least. I joined it during my senior year existentially. The realization that I would be graduating soon really just got to me. The fact that I hadn't done any "real" journalism or had any credits to my name was disappointing. The award I won in high school for "superior reporting" was losing its glimmer and I needed something to prove to myself that I fit into my degree plan. Joining the LJ, first as an op-ed writer and then as the online news editor, showed me a community of driven intellectuals that pushed me to be a better version of myself. Of course we are all naive to what comes next but it was fun to be around like minded people who wanted to do what I wanted to do: investigate and report. (I know there are other jobs other than writers and I love you all, but I didn't want to clunk up the sentence like I tend to.) I wouldn't say that I am fully confident in who I am now even after everything that I have done with the paper, but it has allowed me to realize that I have more to offer than nothing at all. For that, to The Lumberjack, I am eternally grateful. Grateful to the people I met and grateful for what I was able to be a part of. I’m grateful that I was shown that some things do matter, Finally, I just want to thank David Harpster for believing in me and showing me that it was remotely possible to believe in myself. Have a great summer.

ILLUSTRATION BY TONESHA YAZZIE

APRIL 28, 2022 — MAY 4, 2022

Katelyn Rodriguez The MIC has helped shape who I am during the three years I have worked for The Lumberjack. I thought saying goodbye would be easy, but this is one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in college. As a freshman — and first generation college student — I remember walking through the halls of the Communication building my first day right before my 8 a.m. lecture. I was not only tired, but nervous and excited due to the fact I was starting college, which is something I had dreamed of since I was a child. Freshman year was chaotic and oftentimes extremely lonely, but things started looking up my sophomore year, also known as the year I joined The Lumberjack staff as a writer. This was one of the best decisions I could have made because it helped solidify my love of journalism and allowed me to meet new people. I began my journey at the paper as a features writer during fall 2019 before moving to the culture section that spring. My editors in both sections guided me and taught me how to properly use AP Style, while also giving me weekly advice about how I could improve my writing. This made me feel more confident in my abilities as a writer, but also allowed me to grow immensely. I was excited to apply for an editorial board position for the fall because I loved the closeness the staff had, but nobody expected spring semester to be cut short by COVID-19. I somehow managed to finish the semester with a positive attitude and I still applied for edboard. One Zoom interview later and I learned I got the role I wanted: Assistant culture editor. The semester was frustrating due to everything being on Zoom, but somehow Nayomi, the main culture editor, and I made it through. That fall I moved up to being culture editor and have been in the position ever since I have come to think of the culture section as my baby. It has taught me so much about my love for covering entertainment, as well as how to manage and teach upcoming journalism students like my editors did for me. During my three years at The Lumberjack I have made so many amazing memories and friends. I don’t know what I would have done without it being a part of my college experience. To the current staff of The Lumberjack and our fearless leader David Harpster, I love our little family and will miss you all immensely. Thank you for an amazing senior year and for your constant encouragement and support. To my support system over the last four years, you know who you are, thank you for all the nights out, car rides, Dunkin’ and Starbucks runs before capstone, movie nights and endless love and support. You all mean so much to me. Finally, to the next culture editor, I hope you love this section as much as I do. Your job will be stressful and frustrating at times, but, overall, it will be rewarding. If you need anything, feel free to reach out. While this chapter in my life is coming to an end, I am extremely grateful to all my friends, family and professors. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me. ILLUSTRATION BY DAISY CASTANEDA

Haylee Sorensen Here we are, the last issue we seniors get to be a part of. I truly did not think this day would come. Saying goodbye to these people, this program and the university is one I have not yet processed. So instead, here is a reflection on my time. I would like to take a quick second and brag about myself. I have learned a lot in my three years of college, yes, only three. I look back at photos from August 2019 and do not recognize the girl in the selfies. Over the past three years, I have completed membership in my sorority, studied abroad in Athens, Greece, became a global ambassador, got married and of course, have written and edited in The Lumberjack newspaper. I have not been with The Lumberjack for as long as I would have hoped. I interviewed for a position while I was abroad, and simply thought it was a requirement I had to check off to graduate. What I did not know was the lifelong friends I would make and the lessons I would apply to all aspects of my life. Being the assistant culture editor has allowed me to grow in many ways. I have discovered my love for editing and reporting on culturally significant events and topics. Not only did I get to work under an amazing editor (shoutout to Katelyn), but I got to work with some talented writers and watch them sprout. Overall, this experience has been one I will truly miss. From long zoom meetings to many hours laughing at the MIC, I have gotten to be part of an incredible community. First, I would like to give a shout-out to Dutch Bros. Your pink flamingo rebel with kick me mix got me through most things, including very early ed-board meetings. I would also like to recognize all the people who have supported me through this journey. To my favorite people on ed-board, I will miss you all dearly and thank you for all the memories. I would also like to thank The Lumberjack itself for helping me discover not only my passions but myself overall. Plus, I am very appreciative of this experience because it made me realize my proud distaste for the oxford comma and the word “that.” So to the next writers who may participate in this class or editors who take the reins, I implore you to enjoy it because college moves faster than you think. ILLUSTRATION BY BRITTANI POEPEEL

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

FEATURES Mark Fabery When I began my freshman year of college back in 2018, I had no idea what I wanted to have for lunch, let alone what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I spent my first year as a creative media and film major with no idea what I was doing or what I was going to use my degree on. My life started to change for the better when one of my roommates sophomore year, who used to work for The Lumberjack told me to take the leap into journalism. That first week of my sophomore year I walked into my advisor's office and changed my major and conversely joined the paper. I remember my first day at the paper, I was so scared, I did not know what to expect. I spoke to Scout Ehrler, the news editor at the time and she recruited me into the news section. Just two years later, here I am saying goodbye to the paper I grew to love as the news editor. Over the course of my time at the paper, I served as senior reporter and gained invaluable experience as the news editor for the last two semesters. During my time at the newspaper I found a second family and a sense of purpose with this incredible group of editors. As I say goodbye, I’m handing off the torch to my assistant, Daisy Johnston who, without being asked, will tell you an illustrious retelling of how we first met. She will even tell you that I am the newspaper's resident expert on all things Zaxby’s and mayonnaise. I know the news section will be in good hands, and I cannot wait to see what her imagination will bring to transforming the section into something she will be proud of most. This newspaper has shaped me into the person I am today, and I’m excited to start my career in the Valley. Although I will be stepping away from journalism for a career in marketing and communications, I will forever be grateful for the lessons that I have learned in large part to the people that make sure to produce some of the best content every week in northern Arizona. ILLUSTRATION BY BRITTANI POEPEEL

Lauren Gomez Is this real? Am I actually writing my senior goodbye right now? Wow, time has flown by. The past three and a half years at NAU have been some of the best and the most challenging years of my life. As a freshman, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life after college. I chose biomedical sciences as my major thinking it would be easy and enjoyable; I was very wrong. I pushed through my second semester and decided to take the summer to rethink about what I wanted to major in. After looking through the degrees NAU offered for quite some time, I stumbled upon the journalism degree. I had heard the words “journalist” and “journalism” a lot, but if I am being honest, I hardly knew what journalism even entailed. So what did I do? I chose it as my major. Yet It might just have been the best decision I ever made. If you were to ask me (and many people have) how I decided to join The Lumberjack, I would tell you it is a little complicated. When I changed my major to journalism, I decided to sign up for my classes myself rather than having my adviser assist me. Normally I would advise you not to do this, however it might just have gotten me to where I am today. I signed up for a class associated with The Lumberjack and enrolled in the page layout and design section. Soon after, I received an email from David Harpster informing me that the class was not supposed to be open for anyone to take and was merely for students who worked for the paper already. Though he informed me that if I was interested in working on The Lumberjack that I could assist the current Director of Print Design. I became the Assistant Director of Print Design for two semesters until deciding to jump out of my comfort zone and apply for the Director of Print Design exec position. Working on The Lumberjack over the past year has been such an amazing experience. I have learned what I am good at and what I am not so good at, both which have helped me decide what path to take after graduation. I do not know what I would have done without this program. From pushing through school during a global pandemic, changing my major a year into college and living nearly 1,000 miles away from home, I am beyond proud of myself. I am so excited to move back home to the Pacific North West to be closer to friends, family and begin my career in the magazine industry. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to where I am today. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2022! ILLUSTRATION BY DIANA ORTEGA

APRIL 28, 2022 — MAY 4, 2022

Brian Burke As my time at The Lumberjack comes to an end, I would like to thank everyone I have worked with over the past three years. My time at The Lumberjack has been the most rewarding experience of my time at NAU. A special thanks to Taylor Mahoney for your guidance and honesty in the beginning of my career at The Lumberjack and to David Harpster for your leadership and to Stayson Isobe at NAU Athletics for entrusting me to photograph the NAU athletes during their competitions. I started out as a staff photographer, then moved to senior photographer then assistant director of photography and to my current position as director of photography. I have grown from a shy and timid photographer who sat in the back of the meeting to the Director of Photography where I have led meetings and taken on the most challenging photographic assignments. To Jonah and Taylor, I have treasured this opportunity to lead the photography team and I am proud to say I look forward to the work the staff of next semester will create. I am proud to leave The Lumberjack knowing the photography department is in good hands with you two. I hope I have made a good impression on the photo team over the past semester and I would like to thank the entire team for their creativity and tenacity in covering each and every issue. To all who have helped me along my journey at NAU, I thank you for your support. I am grateful for the life I have been provided here and I thank each and every one of you for showing me a new perspective. Thank you. Brian

ILLUSTRATION BY KAELEY COLLINS

Mackenzie Brower After four years with The Lumberjack, I am looking forward to the opportunities ahead of me, but I am forever grateful for the leadership, editing, writing, visual and communication skills I have developed during my time here. I have moved up from assistant and director of photography to Editor-in-Chief this semester after working as a breaking news intern for The Arizona Republic last fall. We have accomplished great things, from redesigning the page layout, to creating a new logo for a banner, posters, and merch, to enrolling as a True Blue Connect club. I would not have been able to reach my goal of expanding our presence and engagement with students on campus without my excellent team of editors. Thank you all for the hard work and dedication to producing valuable content for the student body. I am excited to watch my successor Camille Sipple and others continue to grow the legacy of our organization. Since working on my high school yearbook, I have somehow always known I wanted to go into journalism. I was drawn to it for what I know now is my intrinsic love and empathy for humanity and my justice-oriented mindset. The last few years were pivotal in the realization of who I am and what I want to do with my life. With Trump’s reelection, the worldwide pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality, acceleration of climate change, and my time studying abroad, it has become clear to me that I am part of a revolutionary generation that must protect our planet. In the last six months alone, I have gained tremendous confidence and initiative and I am determined to make a positive impact on the world. My next goal is to move to the East coast and work my way into a top news organization like the Associated Press. I am thrilled to start the next chapter and truly live a life outside of the classroom. ILLUSTRATION BY BRITTANI POEPEEL

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

CULTURE ‘The Book of Broken Hearts’ will make you appreciate love

f you are looking for a good book to make you ugly-cry about loss and love, “The Book of Broken Hearts” by Sarah Ockler is for you. This beautifully written novel was published in 2013, and to this day represents what many people hold dear: Family. The story, set in Blackfeather, Colorado during the summer, is about a young woman named Jude Hernandez. The real tear-jerker readers will encounter during this novel is when Jude finds out her father was recently diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. The PAIGE author’s descriptions detail the pain and trials her SPRINGSTEAD family endures because of the disease. As a strategy to help regain his memory from the WRITER “El Demonio” — the family’s name for Alzheimer’s — Jude and her father work on restoring his 1961 Panhead Duo-Glide motorcycle. They hire a mechanic to help restore the bike, which is where the love interest is introduced into the story. There’s a catch, though, which involves a pact that she and her three older sisters made long ago about staying away from a particular group of boys. This group happens to include the mechanic, Emilio Vargas. Their work together all summer leads to a romance they can’t deny, except when her older sisters come to town. Between navigating her summer love and watching as her father’s disease progressively worsens, Jude is in for a rough but beautiful ride full of memories she’ll never forget. The imagery within the novel makes readers want to visit Colorado with all its beautiful scenery. This witty, cultural, sentimental and adventurous book is something I always read when I need a pick-me-up. It shows the importance of family and the thrills of a new romance one may wish to experience at least once in our lives. This story ties together love in all aspects, including, family, friends and relationships. Despite how hard life is for the main character, the book’s theme is that no matter where she goes, she will always be led home, and she shouldn’t take life for granted. All readers should have the chance to interpret “A Book of Broken Hearts” themselves, because the book ties together what everyone strives for. Love is one of the most powerful things on the planet, and this novel depicts it perfectly. Rating: 10/10

Hometown Spotlight: Salinas, CA

KATELYN RODRIGUEZ

nown as the “salad bowl of America,” my hometown of Salinas, California is not only rich in agriculture, but rich in heritage. From the annual California Rodeo in July to the California Airshow, Salinas has lots to offer both residents and visitors. It is also the hometown of esteemed author John Steinbeck. Growing up, I always resented how small my hometown seemed to be and always wanted to spend time in Monterey, which is where I was born. However, while I still love visiting Monterey, I now look forward to going home to Salinas during breaks from school. When I’m home, there are multiple activities I look forward to: Getting pan dulce at La Plaza Bakery and burritos from El Charrito, walking around downtown and visiting my old high school. If I am home over the summer, going to the rodeo and its kick-off concert are always fun activities, and they usually draw a huge crowd of both residents and tourists. While it is usually foggy due to its proximity to the ocean, Salinas has days of sun and sometimes intense heat, especially during summer months. Rain is something of a rare occurrence for almost all of California, but when it rains it is much appreciated, especially by the miles of fields surrounding the town. If one was to go to their local grocery store and see produce from Taylor Farms or Dole Fresh Vegetables Co., it is most likely from Salinas. Everytime I see something from my hometown, whether it be strawberries, lettuce, broccoli or cauliflower, to name a few, I always make sure to buy it. Being from the salad bowl has given me an immense amount of appreciation for the farmworkers who pick the produce in the fields on a daily basis, oftentimes before the sun rises. Salinas also has a variety of cultures interwoven in its population. This has allowed me to interact with a mix of people from different cultures, including my own, as I am a mixed-race woman. Despite its location along California’s Central Coast, there is plenty to do in the areas surrounding Salinas. For example, Monterey has its aquarium, Cannery Row and the wharf. Carmel has a wide range of shops and dining opportunities. Additionally, the San Juan Bautista Mission is only 20 minutes away and Pinnacles National Park is roughly 50 minutes away. If one is looking to experience a larger city after visiting Salinas, San Jose is an hour away, San Francisco is roughly two hours away and Los Angeles is a five- to six-hour drive. Most of these places are easy day trips that I have taken tons of times since they are so close to home. Overall, being from Salinas has not only taught me more about my own culture, but has also helped me grow as a person due to everything I have experienced while growing up there. I don’t think I would be the person I am today if I didn’t grow up there and I can’t wait to be back there for a while after I graduate.

One of the many views of downtown Salinas, which is home to the Fox Theater and the John Steinbeck Museum, April 15. Katelyn Rodriguez | The Lumberjack

APRIL 28, 2022 — MAY 4, 2022

Andrew Callaghan holds Q&A in Flagstaff Independent journalist of Channel 5 YouTube show Andrew Callaghan spoke at Flagstaff Elks Lodge #499 on April 22. Callaghan answered questions from the audience before heading downtown with fans.

DAISY JOHNSTON

ndependent journalist and Channel 5 producer Andrew Callaghan came to Flagstaff Elks Lodge #499 April 22 for a Q&A. Hosted by Greenhouse Productions, Callaghan answered questions about journalism, comedy, peanut butter and death. Originally planned to be held at Firecreek Coffee Company, Greenhouse Productions wrote on the company Instagram it had moved venues to fit a larger crowd. Greenhouse Productions owner Matt Ziegler said it was the first event the company has hosted at Flagstaff Elks Lodge #499. Callaghan first became popular in 2019 for his independent video coverage of niche American subcultures such as a NASCAR race at Talladega Superspeedway and a flat earth conference. Originally working on a YouTube channel he created called All Gas No Brakes, Callaghan left the show to begin Channel 5. In many of his videos, Callaghan conducts interviews in an awkwardly fit oversized tan suit. The outfit has since become an unofficial uniform for the show. Sophomore Griffin Rogers said when he heard Callaghan was coming to Flagstaff, he thrifted an oversized suit of his own to wear at the Q&A on Friday. “Yes, he has that humor value in most of his videos, but I like how he has those serious videos, too, to show that he’s really here to be a journalist,” Rogers said. Rogers has been a fan of Callaghan since he began putting out videos in

2019. While Rogers said he still watches old All Gas No Brakes clips for nostalgia, he prefers Callaghan’s videos on Channel 5. “His journalism is super raw,” Rogers said. “Just let the people talk and say what they have to say. And super unbiased, he just wants to hear the truth.” One of Rogers’ favorite Channel 5 videos is “The Peoples Convoy,” which covered the convoy in protest of vaccine mandates. Following the caravan in his RV, Callaghan drove across the United States at 50 mph, listened to conspiracies and sat in on rallies with truckers to provide independent coverage of the protest. After Callaghan received his

YouTube citizen journalist Andrew Callaghan speaks on his experience and personal journey as a content creator and journalist during his Southwest Speaking Tour in the Elks Lodge, April 22. Maddie Easton | The Lumberjack Ziegler led the first half of questions before turning the forum over to audience members. When asked how his time spent covering such a wide variety of events

“THINK ABOUT 2020. LIKE WHAT REALLY MATTERED, THE GEORGE FLOYD VIDEO. THAT WAS JUST SOMETHING SOMEONE RECORDED ON THEIR PHONE. NO PROGRAM ON ANY CABLE NEWS NETWORK COULD EVER HAVE THE IMPACT OF THAT.”

– Andrew Callaghan passport, the Channel 5 production crew published a video from Ukraine on April 13. In Ukraine, Callaghan interviewed refugees in the city of Lviv amid air raid sirens. One refugee said she tells her daughter the sirens are loud fireworks. Upon his return to the U.S., the 24-year-old journalist made stops in Albuquerque, Tucson and Flagstaff to answer questions from the community.

Photo courtesy of Greenhouse Productions.

has affected his worldview, Callaghan said it has made a significant impact. “I’m a happy person on the day to day, but it does weigh on you talking to misinformed, furious people, like, every single day of your life,” Callaghan said. While Callaghan said he believes the 24-hour news cycle is based on outrage, he also thinks news has returned to a kind of normalcy. During his extensive coverage over the past two years, Callaghan said he has observed less of a divide between Americans. Moreover, Callaghan said he believes many news outlets cover stories not to gain perspective but to make viewers scared and afraid so they will continue to consume their content. With resources like YouTube and Instagram, more citizen journalists have been able to publish independent news coverage. “Think about 2020,” Callaghan said. “Like what really mattered, the George Floyd video. That was just something someone recorded on their phone. No program on any cable news network could ever have the impact of that.” When asked by Callaghan if any members of the audience still watched CNN or Fox News, the majority said no. In another question Ziegler asked Callaghan if he ever feared for his life while recording. Callaghan said some of his interviews have been scary, but when the camera is running, most people do not want to look bad. Once, Callaghan was threatened at a Border Security Expo.

“I was messing with them, asking if I could run into the wall or anything like that to test it out,” Callaghan said. “This guy was like ‘Are you with The Daily Show? If this is on The Daily Show, I’m gonna find you, and I’m gonna kill you.’ I was like ‘Holy s**t, aren’t you the guy that runs the convention?’” Furthermore, Callaghan said with the growth of his curly hair, he receives more anti-Semitic comments every day, despite not being Jewish. During less than three days in Arizona, someone had already said something offensive to him, he added. Later during the Q&A an audience member wished Callaghan a happy Passover, to which Callaghan said, “Thank you, but I’m not Jewish.” After Ziegler finished asking questions, audience members who wanted to speak were asked to form a line next to the stage — the line spanned across the width of the room. Around 9 p.m., Callaghan said he could only take a few more questions but ended up staying later than planned to speak with every fan. One fan thanked Callaghan for helping to change their mother’s perspective. They said Callaghan’s videos helped her to view Black Lives Matter protesters as humans. After showing their mother a video Callaghan filmed about COVID-19 during spring break, they said she kept asking to watch more. The last audience member to speak asked Callaghan if she could buy him a beer at Cornish Pasty Co after the Q&A. “We have the opportunity to shut down any bar of our choosing after this,” Callaghan said. “What spot are we going?” Callaghan finished the Q&A by telling all the audience to meet him at Cornish Pasty Co. After the event, audience members waited outside to take pictures with Callaghan and coordinated rides to Cornish Pasty Co.

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

CULTURE

Earth Jam provides entertainment on Earth Day

Maria Merritt paints a tree at her booth at Earth Jam, April 22. Merritt sold stickers and prints of her artwork at Earth Jam, and shared the booth with other students who sold fruit jewelry and other artwork. Jacob Handley | The Lumberjack

Hosted by NAU Green Fund, Earth Jam introduced students to vegan food, provided tote bags to paint and allowed students to learn about green organizations on campus. EMILY GERDES

attract those who are looking for unique and handmade products influenced by the environment. “So, I paint paintings with oil and acrylic, and then I take pictures of them and I turn them into stickers that people can put on water bottles or laptops, or their cars,” Merritt said. “And then we also have handmade, real fruit earrings that are dehydrated and put in resin so people can wear jewelry made from the earth.” This passion project allows Merritt to share her gift with the community. She said since nature is composed of so many beautiful things, it is nice to be able to draw inspiration from the earth and then combine it with her imagination. In the past, Earth Jam has hosted a variety of intriguing activities, including a bicycle-powered concert. A vegan- and vegetarian-accessible food truck was this year’s new addition. Strickland explained how the plant-based food truck option became a reality. “This is our second pilot run of this vegan and vegetarian menu,” Strickland said. “There’s been a move in dining … to make campus dining more sustainable and doing that through the food truck too. The first pilot run of this vegan/ vegetarian menu was at the Open Air Market two weeks ago, and it was a huge hit.” Sophomores Audrey Sattler and Kristen Carver were first-time attendees of Earth Jam. The free vegan and vegetarian food was one perk they took part in with

n any weather-permitting day in Flagstaff, one can find students playing volleyball, hammocking, slacklining and generally enjoying the environment of Central Quad. On April 23, Earth Jam took over the quad in honor of Earth Day 2022. Earth Jam was first held in 2014, allowing those who had a shared passion for the environment to come together. Paige Strickland, senior and co-chair of the Green Fund said 2018 was the last year Earth Jam took place due to a cancellation in 2020 because of COVID-19. Despite the few gap years, the atmosphere and turnout at this event did not disappoint. Music echoed against Central Quad buildings, some stood in line for free vegan and vegetarian food and green clubs and organizations across campus and Flagstaff came out to increase their awareness. Event attendees could participate in decorating tote bags, making beaded bracelets, painting on terracotta pots and learning about their ecological footprint. “Our target audience is everybody,” Strickland said. “Faculty, students, staff alike. We want it to just be a celebration that everyone feels comfortable coming to and feels welcome at.” Green Fund co-chair and senior Julia Totty helped organize this year’s Earth Day celebration. Totty described the overall ambiance at Earth Jam including all the activities present. “We have yoga right now going on [on top of the hill],” Totty explained. “We have a big canvas that you can paint anything on. Some of the clubs have cool activities going on, I think [the Geology Club is] selling or giving away rocks… There are other groups from the city of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and then a water conservation group.” The turnout from both attendees and organizations was one aspect Totty said she was proud of, especially given the weather. A cold front brought high winds and snow flurries to the mountain town, making the fully outdoor event a little uncomfortable. One of the booths at Earth Jam was that of sophomore Maria Merritt. Merritt came to the event to sell homemade jewelry and paintings inspired by nature. She Noah Humphrey, a graduate student studying climate science and solutions, has been attending weekly Open Air Markets hosted on the pedway, which is how paints on a communal banner at Earth Jam, April 22. she learned about getting a booth at Earth Jam. Merritt said her art style tends to Jacob Handley | The Lumberjack

APRIL 28, 2022 — MAY 4 2022

great enthusiasm, along with many other attendees indicated by the line of people waiting to order. “I really liked the avocado-lime thing and the rice [also known as the green gain bowl],” Sattler said. “That was probably my favorite. I tried beets for the first time; I liked it, it was good.” Carver said these types of foods are not normal in their lives, so the event allowed them to explore outside of their comfort zone. Carver also added since they enjoyed the vegan/vegetarian food so much, it showed there was a possibility a plant-based diet could be possible in their lives. For a class last semester, Sattler said she became vegetarian for three months. However, during that time, nothing she tried tasted anything like the food at Earth Jam. Sattler also emphasized she would attend next year and would recommend the event to a friend. Along with the food, one activity individuals could participate in was potting free plants from Lumberjack Activities Board (LAB). LAB Events Coordinator and junior Joy Johnson said LAB and Earth Jam decided to collaborate and combine their independently planned Earth Day events into one. LAB provided both house plants and succulents as options for individuals to pot themselves and then take home. “People are really excited,” Johnson said. “We always get lines right before it starts and we had a line of about 40 people today, so that was pretty good.” Johnson said last year LAB worked with the Botany Club and the enthusiastic response from students both now and then encouraged them to keep the event

going. As a biology major herself, Johnson said environmental awareness is one of her personal passions. “[We love] doing it because we always do this event on Earth Day,” Johnson said. First-year Kaiya Mahieu learned about the event for the first time through Instagram. Mahieu said she is vegan and explained how she appreciated the accessible food options Earth Jam provided. Mahieu grew up in California and said finding vegan options and restaurants was not difficult at home. However, when living in Flagstaff and on campus, those options become much more limited. “I feel like on campus, it’s really hard for me to find options that I can eat that are vegan,” Mahieu said. “It’s nice that they have that today.” Mahieu said an interest in plants, thrifting, painting and coffee are personality traits she saw present at this event and ones she self-identifies with. The original lineup for Earth Jam included live music from local artists, but temperamental Flagstaff weather altered those plans. This is not the last time the Green Fund plans to host this event, and Strickland said NAU is now picking up momentum regarding climate action and sustainability. In the future, Strickland said they hope for increased student participation and a stronger culture of environmental awareness.

Top: Sophmores Corinna Haines and Isa Gilbert pose for a picture with their free food and plants at Earth Jam, April 22. Bottom left: Hannah Rupp leads a group in yoga at Earth Jam, April 22. Bottom right: Allison Parker, president of Thrift Jacks and sustainability chair of ASNAU, shows students free clothes provided by Thrift Jacks at Earth Jam, April 22. Jacob Handley | The Lumberjack

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

CULTURE

How the Climate Sciences and Solutions program is helping students achieve their climate solution goals

Photo courtesy of Deborah Huntzinger. LAUREN GOMEZ

AU’s Climate Sciences and Solutions (CSS) Master’s program is providing students the opportunity to learn the skills necessary for them to succeed in the growing climate science industry. Deborah Huntzinger, current professor and former director of the Climate Sciences and Solutions program at NAU, said most students involved in the CSS program are mainly interested in the solutions side of the degree. “As an undergraduate earning a bachelor’s degree, students learn a lot about the fundamentals and science behind things — particularly in our environmental sciences program,” Huntzinger said. “In the master’s degree, there is some advanced training that occurs to build those skills they need to be marketable in finding a job or place in the industry to make effective change.” According to the School of Earth and Sustainability website, the CSS program is 18 months long and is non-thesis-based — completing and presenting an internship rather than completing a thesis paper. Huntzinger said the program consists of students who have a wide variety of interests and is open to any undergraduate who is interested in climate science and solutions. “The program is focused toward students who do not have as much of an interest in research or those who want to go into a Ph.D. program, but rather to those who are interested in gaining additional skills to increase their marketability for climate-related jobs,” Huntzinger said. According to its website, the program does not require a particular field in an undergraduate degree for admission. However, it does recommend basic coursework in math and areas of science such as biology, physics and chemistry. For Heather Aaron, CSS program alumni and current Global business Solutions Director for ENGIE Impact, it was her professors who encouraged her to apply to the program. While completing her undergraduate degree, Aaron said she was interested in helping businesses meet their sustainability goals — something that could be achieved through learning the skills taught in the CSS program. “I knew I did not want to go into academia, I knew I did not want to research, so a traditional master’s program was not going to be the direction I wanted to go in,” Aaron said. “When I found out it was a professional science master [program], it sealed the deal for me.” Aaron also said the program requirements fit right into what she wanted to do with continuing her career. Alongside the general requirements for the program, Huntzinger said students can also decide to earn a certificate in Greenhouse Gas Accounting. The Greenhouse Gas Accounting certificate — which Huntzinger proposed to NAU — is an accelerated, online-based program that was built around working

APRIL 28, 2022 — MAY 4, 2022

with real-world data and examples, Huntzinger said. “The four courses required for the Greenhouse Gas Accounting certificate look at the fundamentals and carbon footprint information provided by a business or a company,” Huntzinger said. “We look at how we can use that information to help guide their greenhouse gas management and solutions moving forward.” Hailey Baker, a current student and coordinator for the CSS program, said the four classes required for the certificate build on each other and are to be taken in order. The material one learns in each previous class applies to the material one will learn in their current class, Baker said. “You get a background in topics that are taught in other classes but you also get hands-on experience,” Baker said. “The classes and certificate are more specific to greenhouse gas accounting on a company level.” Baker said she is currently involved in a greenhouse gas accounting internship working as a company’s first inventory. This requires Baker and a peer to take a first-time look at the company’s emissions and sources and write a report for the company based on that information. “It has been really interesting and definitely a learning experience,” Baker said. “You go through trying to decide what questions to ask and when to follow up, but also how to stay professional.” Baker said she enjoys this type of work and thinks consulting is a good fit for her. Although the website says most students finish the program in 18 months, students may be able to finish sooner with the 4+1 program. The 4+1 program is an accelerated learning program that allows students to enroll in the classes required for earning an MS in CSS while simultaneously earning a bachelor’s degree. Huntzinger said the 4+1 program is geared toward students who are pursuing a bachelor’s in environmental sciences and want to finish their masters in a year. “We like when NAU students apply [to the CSS program] because the background and programs are connected to the same people so it is interesting to get a combination of people from NAU and people who are not,” Baker said. “That is something we are trying to highlight as students near their senior year.” Baker said if current NAU students want to participate in the 4+1 program, they are encouraged to apply in their junior year. The CSS program has application deadlines; if someone wants to email the program regarding these deadlines, the program is happy to work with and support all situations, Baker said. The application deadline for the fall semester is June 15. For more information regarding the CSS program and Greenhouse Gas Accounting certificate, visit the program’s website.

REVIEW

Our Town: A metatheatrical masterpiece LUMBERJACK STAFF REPORT t the opening of the NAU Department of Theatre’s production of “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder, directed by Kathleen McGeever, chair of the department, the Clifford E. White stage flooded with the warmth of a singular light as the crackly voice of a man crept in. In mere seconds, the Stage Manager, played by junior Alexander Furash, transported the audience from 1901 to 1913 in Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. Given there was minimal scenery and the props were pantomimed, Furash set up the scene by providing everyone with a map of the town and statistics about Grover’s Corners. “Our Town” is centered on the love story of Emily Webb and George Gibbs. It consists of three acts: First, the daily life, then love and marriage, then an unnamed third act that the Stage Manager prefaced by saying, “I’m sure you can guess what it is.” The stunning, period-accurate costumes took the audience’s breath away as soon as the mothers — Mrs. Gibbs, played by junior Aurora Howard, and Mrs. Webb, played by junior Chaiah Durst — stepped on stage. Beyond the intriguing set and dazzling costumes, the spiritual side of the show was most gripping. Sophomore and Production Assistant Stage Manager Cassie Freedman said the most spiritually touching experience during the production of the show was seeing the actors unravel their emotions during the show and observing their reactions. “For example, there’s one part in the show where Emily Webb [senior Kelsey Brown] is saying goodbye, and her character mom and dad are backstage waving to her as she does that,” Freedman said. “It just creates this moment that the audience doesn’t get to see. It’s just so special, and I love it.” Perhaps the two most iconic scenes from the show were on the ladders where young Emily Webb and George Gibbs [sophomore Casey Young] spoke to each other from their imaginary windows. The second was the scene between George and Emily in the soda shop, where they first discovered they loved each other. After the soda shop scene, the young couple got married, and the show took an abrupt turn. The wedding guests were forced into slow motion movement. They individually picked up chairs and

Xandar Furash (The Stage Manager) narrates the story of Our Town during a dress rehearsal in the Clifford E. White Theatre, April 19. Megan Ford-Fyffe | The Lumberjack

placed them on risers to symbolize their gravestones on a hill. Among the graves were Farmer McCarty, played by sophomore Isaac Wilson, Emily’s younger brother Wally Webb, played by sophomore Tyler Dean and Mrs. Soames, played by junior Emma Gasior, alongside others. It was revealed that nine years post-marriage and having given birth to one child, Emily died in childbirth with her second born. Her family, along with various members of the town, gathered at her grave and sang her favorite song, “Blessed Be the Tie That Binds” by John Fawcett, while laying her casket at her gravesite. Emily’s spirit left, still wearing her wedding gown to symbolize her youth, and was confused by her new state of being. Upon further discussion with her mother-in-law, Mrs. Gibbs, and the Stage Manager, she decided to revisit her memory of her 12th birthday. She discovered how ignorant she was in life and how precious it was, reflecting back on all the small objects she forgot about while living. She repeated that living people don’t understand how important these matters are, and decided to return to her grave after giving a tearful farewell to her favorite parts of life, like

warm baths and food along with the living world. The moral of the story is that we, as humans, should take a moment to realize how fortunate we are to be alive, as tomorrow is never guaranteed. “It’s an aspect of humanity that a lot of us lost throughout the process of COVID-19 and seeing this whole group get together reinstates that we always have someone to rely on and be there for us,” Assistant Director Brett Puppilo said. By the end of the show, there wasn’t a dry eye in the theater. Some audience members said they felt sunken into their seats, unsure of what to do next. This was the first show since March 2020 in which the actors did not wear masks onstage — a remarkable milestone for the department. Additionally, it’s been 84 years since “Our Town” was published, a noteworthy aspect of this production. It was a performance about the innocence of young love and the blissful ignorance of living one’s everyday life. Ultimately, “Our Town” was a lovely show. It touched the hearts of every person on and off the stage.

Aurora Howard (Mrs. Gibbs) and Jack Skummer (Dr. Gibbs) perform as a married couple during a dress rehearsal of Our Town in the Clifford E. White Theatre, April 19. Aurora Howard (Mrs. Gibbs) and Jack Skummer (Dr. Gibbs) perform as a married couple during a dress rehearsal of Our Town in the Clifford E. White Theatre, April 19. Megan Ford-Fyffe | The Lumberjack

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

SPORTS

ROTC Cadet places third in Winter Triathlon World Championship

KRISTEN CHANCELLOR illiam Head, an MS3 Cadet Staff Sergeant, has made a name for himself beyond the NAU Army Reserve Officer Training Corps. Cadet Head placed third in the World Triathlon Winter Championship in Spain. fter the onset of the Head is a graduate student studying pandemic, the dance team environmental science at NAU who left Florida was no longer considered and Texas after working as a civil engineer to an official NAU Athletics team and enlist in the army. became a club team for the school. It After infantry and airborne training, Head became a student-run team organizing qualified to be stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. its schedules and funding itself, While there, Head got involved with training according to a previous interview for for the triathlon which consists of running, The Lumberjack with dancers Lexie mountain biking and cross-country skiing to get Curry, Montana Hamlin and Skylar more acclimated with winter sports. Since he Lehman. had experience with biking and running, Head’s LAUREN The dancers performed for many main priority was to train for skiing. SUTHERS athletic games but still felt they were With only a few months of training, Head not receiving the recognition they headed into the triathlon in January 2021, WRITER thought they deserved. According placing first in his age group. After placing first, to NAU’s Instagram, NAU Dance Head got an email that stated he had qualified came back to Flagstaff as Division I for Team USA to compete in the International National Champions, taking first in the Hip Hop division in late Triathlon. February. The team was featured on the university’s Instagram While the World Championship was not account, but was not posted on the NAU Athletics page. until February 2022, Head took time to settle in At an NAU basketball game, NAU Dance entertained the at his new home. audience in the middle of a game on a wet court. Dancers, family “I moved to Flagstaff and started working members and supporters posted comments to an NAU Athletics on my graduate degree while also training with Instagram post featuring the NAU teams that won national titles. ROTC,” Head said. “I knew this event was “NAU Athletics, I’m tired,” Hamlin said in a comment on coming up, so I hit the same training cycle.” Instagram. “I’m tired of doing so much for this school and getting nothing in return. Today, you made us dance on a wet floor but rushed the basketball team off the floor in case of injuries. What about us?” Curry also agreed with Hamlin. “We put just as much energy and time as what other people would consider a real sport,” Curry said. The team practices at least nine hours a week, and members stay late filling the roles of coaches. NAU Athletics needs to do better and recognize NAU Dance as official athletes for the university. On National Student-Athlete Day, NAU Athletics recognized its athletes by posting a photo of all of the national athletes of NAU that are officially a part of NAU Athletics on Instagram. Dance team supporters commented on the post. “I know you don’t like to add Spirit athletes to your posts,” Instagram user @billhamlin5 wrote. “But seriously, when [is] the last time you did a back tuck full or an aerial or spun on one foot 15 times. Seriously, these posts are so ridiculous when you have a National Champion Dance Team and an awesome cheer squad! ... #NAUdobetter!” Not much is known of certain rumours about the dance team as well as other teams dropped from NAU Athletics. Social media may help NAU Dance supporters feel heard, but the next step is for the teams to talk to NAU Athletics themselves, outside of social media. Photo courtesy of William Head

NAU Dance fights for spotlight

RECENT GAME SCORES:

Head is dedicated beyond training; he said he is also passionate about academics and ROTC. With ROTC, Head is constantly training and pushing toward the future. Not only does he excel in athletic ability, he also does well in the classroom. Senior Military Instructor Nathan Hoepner, Head’s instructor who oversees the thirdyear cadets, has seen the skill and drive in his triathlon-winning member. “He is highly motivated and highly skilled,” Hopener said. “He has good practical experience from his time in the infantry in Alaska. He has a sense of humor that sometimes gets away from him. But he is a good student and one of my best cadets.” Being in ROTC doesn’t mean the same at the university level as it does in high school. Some students decide to take ROTC as an elective to see if it is something they want to pursue. However, in college, this means members are focusing on enlisting to serve the country. NAU ROTC members can take one or two classes before getting more involved in signing up to work in the military after completing college. “We train officers for the army,” Hopener said. “We are the biggest producer of officers for the army.” Head’s journey to the championships was not like many others. The other competitors had been training and had double the experience that Head had. He described it as shocking, as he had

Follow The Lumberjack sports reporters for live tweets and game updates! MIC Sports: @NAU_MICsports

Men’s Tennis (4/23) NAU 4 - Idaho State 3

Sports Editor: Evan McNelia @evanmcnelia

Asst. Sports Editor: Noah Butler @NoahButlerLJ

This week’s writers: Kristen Chancellor Brenden Martin @Kristen_SportsJ @BrendenMartin_ APRIL 28, 2022 — MAY 4, 2022

Lauren Suthers @lsuthersnau

Photo courtesy of William Head cross-country skied less than them. The process began in February 2022, when Head traveled to Andorra in the Pyrenees Mountains to compete. The winter triathlon is all legs rather than a fullbody physical test. Added to that physical toll, Andorra was having what is known as a snow shortage — competitors skied on imported snow. Head went into the championship thinking it would be similar to the snow in Alaska but it ended up being the most technical course, and full of ice. “It went from me being, ‘Oh wow, I’m just going to have fun with no concern,’ to full worry mounting by the hour,” Head said. “Luckily there were no toxic competitors and we were sharing tactics to stay on the ice and control so you don’t slide off the mountain.” Competing in biking, cross country skiing and running was an adventure and opportunity that he is grateful for. While this has been a great opportunity for Head, it does come with some struggles that are beyond physical exhaustion. The mental tolls of competing can bring athletes doubt and fear, but maintaining a positive mindset can help them persevere. “The biggest mental toll is doubting yourself and thinking you don’t believe with these higher athletes,” Head said. “I still think that to this day which makes me laugh.” He said he was in shock and awe to even have placed after falling while skiing and cutting up his leg. Having faced tough competition and being new to the triathlon world, Head said he got to experience a new environment. It was full of

fun, new experiences, exploring other cities and more. However, the most rewarding part was relishing the moment after finding out he placed third. “I’m laughing, I’m just laughing at myself,” Head said. “Because the two guys who beat me were extremely, extremely talented athletes. They train at this continuously, and have been cross country skiing their entire life, and here’s me who’s literally been cross country skiing less than 10 times. So I’m just laughing at myself, but also thinking this is just a wonderful experience. I feel like I am going to be the most improved player.” The experience as a whole encouraged Head to continue to focus on training for the next competition while also continuing his studies. Head’s accomplishment may help encourage people within ROTC to pursue different goals. Lieutenant Colonel James Battle, a professor of military science, has observed Head’s accomplishments and the recognition he has brought to the program. “It does help to highlight the talent and fortitude of future leaders we like to bring into our program,” Battle said. Head is looking forward to next February, as he qualified again for the next Winter Triathlon World Championships. With a more refined training regime, Head is looking to improve on his third-place finish.

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

SPORTS

The return of NAU Football’s annual Spring Game

EVAN MCNELIA

AU football played its Blue vs. White spring football game April 22, closing out its 2022 spring practice run with an intrasquad competition. Team captains selected players for their teams and some position groups played both ways. The Blue team featured quarterbacks RJ Martinez and Niko Haen; running backs George Robinson and Draycen Hall; wide receivers Hendrix Johnson, Elijah Taylor, Ethen Cluff, and David Haen; tight end Isaiah Gerena; defensive linemen Eloi Kwete, Richard Kwete, Jaxon Richards and Alani Ma’afu; linebackers Heston Lameta and Keontae Strother; defensive backs Kamdan Hightower and Jakobe Walton and kicker Clay Gross. The White team featured quarterbacks PJ London and Angel Flores; running back Kevin Daniels; wide receivers Jamal Glaspie, Caiaphas Ardoin, Keison Evans and Jorim Powell; tight ends Xander Werner and Dawson McPeak; defensive lineman Mark Ho Ching and Warren-Stevens Tayou; linebacker Jhasi Wilson; defensive backs Morgan Vest, Kieran Clark, Dy’Vine Wallace, Colby Humphrey, Malachai Williams, Dupree Williams and Sean Haymon, and kicker Collin Robbins. Playing both ways were offensive linemen Connor DePrez, Angel Flores, Adam Verbalatis, Caiden Miles, PJ Poutasi, Maxwell Flores, Eriq Williams, Seth Smith and Noah Nelson; long snapper Sean Farfan and punter Eemil Herranen. In one 10-minute and two 15-minute quarters, the Blue team beat the White team 29-6.

“We got pretty much everything we wanted to get done in the 14 practices and we got out of there injuryfree tonight, and that was the main thing,” NAU head coach Chris Ball said. “We mixed the teams up to have some fun tonight and I think that RJ [Martinez] looked good out there. I thought Draycen [Hall] looked good out there. I thought our backs looked really good. I thought we played well in the secondary, and we were just glad to get out of there injury-free.” NAU’s running game dazzled in the spring game, perhaps providing a look into what the Lumberjack backfield will provide for the offense during the regular season. Sophomore running backs Draycen Hall and Kevin Daniels and junior running back George Robinson all had solid games showing some electric runs with the way paved by their blockers up front. “I can’t do it without my O-line and teammates,” Robinson said. “My coaches having trust in me to even make these types of plays, you know, [I’m] just thankful to my coaches for putting me in a position to make these plays.” Robinson had three rushing touchdowns, twice showing good power with carries inside the 10-yard line and he had a good show of speed outrunning the defense on a 25-yard touchdown run. Hall had two rushing touchdowns of more than 25 yards and had a handful of catches, showing his versatility out of the backfield. Hall also proved to be very effective when used in motion and seems to be able to make a play with the ball in his hands in every situation.

“It’s dangerous,” Hall said of the Lumberjacks rushing attack, “obviously, we can’t do it without our offensive lineman upfront and coach [Aaron] Pflugrad calling those plays, but we have some dangerous backs. Kevin [Daniels], George [Robinson], me, we even have Tyson [Grubbs]” Ball referred to the group as “the Three Horsemen.” For extra points, the special teams unit did not have to worry about an offensive line or defensive rush, but they were backed up to about the 35-yard line and struggled to make their kicks consistently throughout the game. Each kicker showed solid leg power, but accuracy will be a focus during the buildup to next fall. The defensive pass-rush and secondary looked strong. It got to the quarterbacks on both sides on multiple occasions and limited big plays deep downfield in the passing game. Ball said after the game the defense came out ready to hit and pads were popping all three quarters, and the team made it out of the contest with no injuries. Incoming freshman quarterback Angel Flores saw his first action and showed off his scrambling ability, getting the White team its only touchdown on an 8-yard run. Sophomore quarterback RJ Martinez looked his usual self, moving the offense effectively on the ground and through the air. As NAU wraps up the school year, players will have a four-week break before returning for the start of NAU football’s summer conditioning program.

Top: Junior running back George Robinson (2) rushes toward the line of scrimmage, April 22. Brian Burke | NAU Athletics Bottom: NAU football huddles up to hear a last minute pep talk before the end of the scrimmage at Walkup Skydome, April 22. Jonah Graham | The Lumberjack

APRIL 28, 2022 — MAY 4, 2022

NAU men’s basketball looks to rebuild as transfers depart

NAU’s bench cheers on the team against Montana State at the Walkup Skydome, Jan. 20. Jonah Graham | The Lumberjack

BRENDEN MARTIN

AU men’s basketball is going to look different next season — a lot different. After a season where the team’s two best players, guards Cameron Shelton and Luke Avdalovic, both transferred to schools in the West Coast Conference in their home state of California, the question loomed at the end of the 2021-22 season if players would leave again after this season. The Lumberjacks, who finished the season with a 9-23 overall record and a 5-15 conference record, ended on an eight-game losing streak that culminated with a first-round loss to Eastern Washington in the Big Sky Tournament. Finishing last in the Big Sky Conference standings, NAU head coach Shane Burcar faced the potential of players transferring from the program last year. “I told you about the starters,” Burcar said after the loss to Eastern Washington. “Right now I’m thinking here talking to you that everybody is coming back. If not, we’ll have that conversation probably after spring break when all the emotion is out of it.” Burcar specifically cited sophomore Jalen Cone, redshirt freshman Carson Towt, redshirt sophomore forward Keith Haymon and redshirt junior forward Nik Mains as players that will return. In Mains’ case, he deliberately did not walk on Senior Day because he wanted to use his remaining year of eligibility when he could have walked away. “Sitting here last year I wouldn’t have anticipated what happened [with transfers],” Burcar said after being eliminated from the tournament. “This year I’d anticipate our guys, for the most part, staying together,” Burcar said. Unfortunately for Burcar, he didn’t anticipate the mass exodus of both young and experienced talent from his team. Off all the players that saw court time last season, six Lumberjacks have entered the transfer portal. As of now, none of the players who have entered the portal have officially committed to another school. Freshman guard Carter Mahaney originally entered the portal at the beginning of last season before returning to the team to score a total of four points in 68 minutes across eight games. He re-entered the portal the same day that former NAU junior guard Mason Stark did. The Lafayette, California native committed to Division II Chico State on April 26, allowing him to return to Northern California. The departure of NAU players started days after the Big Sky Tournament’s conclusion. On March 14, sophomore forward Ajang Aguek was the first Lumberjack to enter the transfer portal, according to Verbal Commits. The 6-foot-8 Glendale native out of Ironwood High School averaged 2.3 points a game in his third and final season at NAU where he averaged 7.6 minutes per game, down exactly five minutes from

the year prior. Aguek cited playing time as a reason for looking elsewhere. “We didn’t get that many opportunities on the court,” Aguek said. Aguek listed some Division II schools he considered when deciding to transfer, such as Northwest Nazarene University, Western New Mexico and St. Martin’s. He also mentioned Arizona Christian University, a school in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Aguek also posted a photo on his Instagram story on April 20 of him in a Lander University uniform. Lander University is a Division II school located in Greenwood, South Carolina and plays in the Peach Belt Conference. There is no official word if Aguek is transferring there as of yet, but it looks to be the most likely landing spot for him at this point. As Aguek said, he had been in communication with mostly Division II and NAIA schools, which is likely where most of this year’s NAU transfer will go if they want notable playing time. Former NAU junior guard Mason Stark is a player who transferred from Division II Northern State to return to Arizona, where he played in high school, at Marcos De Niza. Stark had connections with people at NAU that made the transition to Division I manageable, but it never stuck as he entered the portal once again on March 22, per Verbal Commits, less than one year since he announced his transfer to NAU. When he first arrived in Flagstaff, Stark told The Lumberjack that he didn’t think there was a difference between Division I and Division II. In his one season at NAU, Stark averaged five points per game, down from his 16.9 points per game average in his final season at Northern State. After starting last year with four double-digit scoring performances before the new year, Stark only had one more game of at least 10 points after that, coming when he scored 12 in the tournament loss to Eastern Washington. After regularly playing close to 20 minutes at the beginning of the season, his playing time fell drastically. Before playing 27 minutes and being a key contributor in the tournament game, Stark hadn’t played 20 minutes since Jan. 29 against Portland State. Stark enters the portal as a graduate transfer as he is looking to complete his master’s degree in human relations. Sophomore guard Isaiah Lewis was the fifth player to hit the transfer portal. Lewis totaled eight starts in 31 games played, averaging 2.2 points per game. While he played a career-best 451 total minutes last season, that was still down from his per game average the season prior. In the 2020-21 season, Lewis played 18.4 minutes per game as opposed to 2021-22 when he played 14.5 minutes per game.

Burcar was disappointed with the number of transfers leaving his team, but said he believes the Lumberjacks are still set to succeed. “I say this with kind intentions; it doesn’t hurt us,” Burcar said. “Sometimes with the transfer portal here in 2022, it gives a guy another opportunity to go play somewhere else, and in our case not one of them has ended on a better note. I root for those guys next year wherever they play. I will look at their box scores, root for them and stay in touch with them, no different than I have for the past several years. I don’t think it’s tough. I think it’s the reality of college basketball right now.” Burcar sang his players’ praises, both new and old, and feels that those who decided to stay at NAU are dedicated to putting the team on the college basketball map. One more NAU transfer followed Burcar’s comments, arguably one of the team’s most notable prospects, freshman forward Wynton Brown. Coming in as a 2-star prospect out of St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California, Brown was seen as a piece that could help lead the rebuild of a team that hadn’t won a tournament game since 2015 before the 2021 season. Unlike other departing Lumberjacks, Brown’s playing time did increase last season compared to his first season in 2020-21. Brown averaged 10.6 minutes per game last year, two more than his first season. Much like with Aguek and Stark, Brown’s playing time declined as the season progressed. After playing double-digit minutes in nine of his first 11 appearances last season, he fell to just four games with double-digit minutes in his final 11 games. Brown also rode the bench for some time as well, not playing in nine of the team’s games whether due to COVID protocols or not being in the rotation. His scoring did marginally increase as well, averaging 2.4 points per game. The transfer portal has taken a lot from NAU from a quantitative standpoint, but just like last year, the Lumberjacks have been able to flip their fortune into talent coming to them from the transfer portal. Burcar sees the portal as a two-way street that can be beneficial to both teams and players who look for quick fixes to a roster and their situation. Just like last year when NAU acquired Cone and Stark from the portal, NAU has added two new players to the team from other schools and has a slew of recruits slated to join the program next season. With the offseason still young and nearly 1,500 men’s basketball players having put their names in the portal at some point, NAU could still be in the mix to pick up a big-name transfer, just as it did when it added Cone last year, who could have gone to Power 5 schools like Oklahoma State, Indiana, Penn State, Nebraska and Iowa State.

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

SPORTS

NAU holds “ribbon cutting” ceremony for S

NAU’s Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Mike Marlow, introduces the next speaker after President José Luis Cruz Rivera at the grand opening ceremony, April 22. Jonah Graham | The Lumberjack

BRENDEN MARTIN

AU Athletics held its ribbon cutting ceremony for the Student-Athlete High Performance Center April 22 to officially ring in the new facility and showcase it to alumni and media. Well, ribbon-cutting would be selling it short. “When they open buildings in Arizona State in Tempe they cut pretty yellow ribbons,” Mike Marlow, vice president of Intercollegiate Athletics said. “When they open facilities at the UofA they cut bright red bows. When we open a building at NAU in Flagstaff, Arizona, we saw logs!” In true Lumberjack fashion, a chainsaw was taken to a log that cut off a piece of wood, an act that was met with sparklers and the cheers of the crowd. This grand opening comes months after NAU athletes have had full access to the building and its features, which include the Moran Family Student-Athlete Lounge, the Jennifer Marie Wilson Strength and Conditioning Center, the Franci and Scott Free Lumberjack Academic Center, the Wiseman Fueling Station, the Michael E. Nesbitt Athletic Training Center and a handful of other rooms and services. As soon as the “wood cutting” festivities concluded, Marlow welcomed everyone to see his program’s magnum opus. “Come on in everybody, come on in!” Marlow said as people began to file into the front entrance. As soon as one walks in, they will be greeted by The Grand Hall and the NAU Hall of Fame. The Grand Hall houses NAU’s most prestigious awards, such as the 2021 NCAA Cross Country National Championship trophy that NAU won in November. Other trophies like the Grand Canyon Trophy, awarded to the winner of what was once the annual football game between NAU and Southern Utah, were also on display for everyone to see. The opening ceremony was specifically held to coincide with the NAU spring football game, which took place later in the evening. NAU golf also celebrated its first Big Sky Championship in seven years the morning before the opening. The victory was NAU’s 192nd all-time conference or national title. Every time a team adds to that tally, the number is updated for people to see in The Grand Hall. Visitors to the new building were given a Student-Athlete High Performance Center Passport that they could hand to a worker at specific checkpoints. The worker would stamp the passport for each room a person entered with the goal being to find all 10 stamp stations across the building’s three floors. Despite a Flagstaff day that saw rain, hail and blistering winds, the weather held up just enough for an opening ceremony that included speeches from NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera, Marlow and former NAU head athletic trainer Michael Nesbitt.

APRIL 28, 2022 — MAY 4, 2022

“I have been reading about this project for over a year now, even before I had the opportunity to come and join the Lumberjack community,” Cruz Rivera said. “I’m very impressed with not only the process that took place in order to make this a reality, but once I got a chance to walk the space, how thoughtful the design was and how state-of-the-art the equipment is. It is such a great reflection of how this university values the talent and the investment of student-athletes put in to not only meeting their full potential, but elevating our university’s reputation.” The grand opening also saw a surprise guest appearance by Big Sky Commissioner Tom Wistrcill. His son, Jack, has committed to NAU to play men’s basketball starting in the fall. On the bridge leading up to the entrance to the new building, Marlow began the ceremony with an opening statement. “This building is going to change our trajectory forever,” Marlow said. Marlow turned the podium over to Nesbitt, who was NAU’s head athletic trainer from 1970 to 2006. Nesbitt used his time to reminisce on his days at NAU and give some history on how far NAU Athletics has gone since he first began working as an athletic trainer. Nesbitt outlined nine major impact events that he believed led to the creation of a new facility to take athletes to a new level. His first event was NAU’s admittance into the Big Sky Conference in July 1970, one month before Nesbit arrived at NAU as the athletic program’s only athletic trainer. Other schools that joined the conference when it was founded in 1963 have had opportunities to upgrade and create brand new facilities to support their sport. The University of Idaho just completed construction of its brand new basketball arena, Idaho Central Credit Union Arena, in fall 2021 and played its first basketball game in the facility on Nov. 10, 2021, against Long Beach State. The University of Montana also got into the student-space game. The Grizzlies opened the Washington-Grizzly Champions Center in 2017, a 51,000 square foot building that included training rooms, nutrition stations, and meeting rooms all at the cost of $14 million. As direct competitors worked on improving their facilities, NAU needed to avoid falling too far behind. “We knew we also had to catch up,” Nesbitt said. The Student-Athlete High Performance Center trounces that in components and cost. The facility took a total of $47 million — with $9 million coming from alumni and former school athletes. Marlow said he believes the price tag is worth putting NAU at the top of the conference from a facilities standpoint. “From a training perspective, we’ve leapfrogged everybody,” Marlow said. “NAU has, hands down, the best multipurpose student-athlete performance facility in the Big Sky Conference, if not, in America at the FCS level.” When Marlow joined NAU in 2017, there had already been ideas for a new

Student-Athlete High Performance Center

athletic building, whether it be an arena or a training facility. In 2018, NAU Athletics entered a feasibility study with Nations Group, a project management strategy group that has specialized in building athletic facilities across the country. The organization has been involved with the creation of athletic facilities such as student-athlete centers, arenas and stadiums for schools such as Ole Miss, Oregon State, Purdue, Utah State, Loyola Marymount, Fresno State and Southern Utah. Having a figure like the High Performance Center that symbolizes the commitment the athletic department has to its players is something that certainly won’t go unnoticed by potential recruits. A central theme surrounding the High Performance Center is recruiting and how the new facility can generate more interest from potential recruits, something both Cruz Rivera and Marlow emphasized. “Literally before we even opened this building, potential recruits would visit campus,” Cruz Rivera said. “They would see this still under construction, but know what it would look like in the end, it was a big starting point because people want to be at a place that recognizes their values, their talent and puts the support behind them.” As for the long term in regards to the High Performance Center, both Marlow and Cruz Rivera said they believed that a facility like this could open new avenues for the program and help it dip into new experiences and possibly new sports that aren’t currently offered. When asked about the potential of a sport like baseball making a return to NAU, Marlow stated that this facility could be a launching point for the future. “We’re going to have to look at that at some point down the road,” Marlow said. “This really gives us an opportunity to build each program that we have in place, but yes, we’re going to evaluate down the road what else we could add.” Cruz Rivera put a lot of emphasis on the evaluation process of what the athletic program looks like with the High Performance Center being a regular aspect of it. “There will be plans to think through the portfolio of programs that we have and how this facility can help us be strategic about where we go.” The Student-Athlete High Performance Center has been a long time coming. Thanks to a shared vision between coaches, athletes, donors and the administrations of both former NAU President Rita Cheng and current President Cruz Rivera, Michael E. Nesbitt was an athletic trainer from 1970 to 2006 for NAU. He gave a building that was years in the making now stands tall right across from the J. a speech noting the many achievements and thanks that came before the Student Lawrence Walkup Skydome. Athlete High Performance Center, April 22. Jonah Graham | The Lumberjack

As the ceremony concludes, NAU Athletics officially open the High Performance center with the tradition of a sawed log, April 22. Jonah Graham | The Lumberjack

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

SPORTS

Kenji Jackson brings new defensive mindset to NAU

EVAN MCNELIA enji Jackson will serve as NAU’s safeties and nickelbacks coach in 2022 after being hired in March before the start of the spring practice season. Jackson brings 10 years of coaching experience and high-level player relation skills to the table at NAU. “He had great knowledge and knew the game really well,” NAU head coach Chris Ball said. “But the thing that attracted us to him was that he wanted to make a difference in kids’ lives through this great game of football. His character, his work ethic, his ownership and him being present all the time; he represents ‘C.H.O.P’ really, really well.” “C.H.O.P.” is NAU football’s mantra that stands for character, hard work, ownership and present. Jackson takes leadership responsibility for a group that features a sizable number of returning playmakers. Redshirt freshman Kamdan Hightower, sophomore Brady Shough, redshirt junior Anthony Sweeney and redshirt seniors Dy’Vine Wallace and Morgan Vest all return with solid playing experience. “It’s just a fun group to be around, it’s been awesome,” Jackson said. “Those guys challenge me and I challenge them, they answer the call every day. It’s been fun, we have been getting better, just having a great time out here learning.” Though some are coming off of injury, the group has a combined 11 career interceptions and looks to make a large difference in the turnover department in 2022. Vest recorded five of those interceptions last season. He also recorded 106 tackles on the year, fourth-most in the Big Sky Conference and 21st in FCS. “It’s been a blast, man,” Vest said. “We’re having so much fun. He’s been a great coach and a great influence to us, we’re just having a lot of fun, just plain and simple. Don’t get me wrong, we work every day, but we’re having fun with it.” Coming out of high school, Jackson was the No. 12 ranked safety in the country, according to ESPN. Jackson attended and played for the University of Missouri from 2008 to 2011 while it was in the Big 12 Conference. Jackson saw solid playing time every season and started in his final two years. He was named an All-Big 12 honorable mention as a senior. “I’m a Kansas City guy, so I am partial to Mizzou a little bit,” defensive coordinator Jerry Partridge said.

“He was a great player at Mizzou. I talked to him and just really liked him. I felt like he had the technological skills, he had the schematic knowledge. He’s a very good person, and I think he’s going to relate to our kids really well.” Jackson graduated with a degree in communication from Missouri and returned as a graduate assistant in 2012 after he had brief stints in NFL training camps with the Cardinals and Buccaneers. In 2014 Jackson served as a graduate assistant at Northwestern, where he received his Master’s in sports psychology. “I’m kind of a nerd when it comes to that stuff,” Jackson said. “Knowing and understanding how people think and the ‘why’ behind the things that they do. It’s everything because once you understand that I think you can get them to do what you need them to do, but it takes the want and willingness to want to know. If I don’t care about these guys and how they think then my approach is going to be just generalistic and whatever I say, there’s only going to be one message and it may not stick with each guy, so I think the psychological aspect it helps me want to know how each individual learns.” Jackson went on to coach at Missouri State University and spent five seasons as a safeties coach for the Bears. He consistently improved the position group at Missouri State and the unit was able to produce good numbers his entire stint with the team. Jackson was a part of the Missouri State staff in two games against NAU in 2018 and 2019. In the first of the two games, Missouri State won 40-8 at home. The next season in Flagstaff for the season opener, and in Ball’s first game at NAU, the Lumberjacks were able to get the win at 37-23. Now, Jackson is on the other side of the matchup. “I kinda knew what this place was like,” Jackson said. “I had been here before, and I knew that this was a tough and physical team. Coach Ball was the head coach back then and I knew what these guys were about, and that’s something I wanted to be a part of.” Jackson served the last two seasons as a defensive analyst at the University of Arkansas in an off-field position. He said he is looking forward to getting back to an on-field coaching role. NAU had coaching connections at Missouri State and Arkansas that suggested Jackson as a potential hire. One individual who vouched for Jackson said he was

one of the favorite people he had ever worked with. “Those experiences really just taught me,” Jackson said. “As a player coming out of college, I thought I really knew the game. Once I transitioned into a coaching role I truly learned a lot more and I think that is what has really helped me grow and develop as a coach.” As the game has evolved since his time as a player, Jackson said he has needed to evolve too. “Just understanding how in this day and age young guys learn, and how can you get them to go and do what you ask them to do,” Jackson said. Jesse Thompson was responsible for coaching the safeties as well as corners last season. Sammy Lawanson, who was the outside linebackers’ coach, was responsible for the nickelbacks, but Lawanson accepted the outside linebackers coaching position at Bowling Green State University in Ohio this offseason. Combining the nickel and safeties group with Jackson made the most sense for NAU as the position responsibilities are similar. Now with only corners in his position group, Thompson can take a more specialized focus with his unit. “I’m glad we hired him,” Thompson said. “He’s fun, we think alike and believe in the same thing philosophically. It’s fun when you work with someone in the office and go hang out with them outside the office, and that’s what it’s about. One of my core beliefs is that before you can win together you have to be able to work together, and he and I work really well together.” NAU gave up the most passing yards per game in the Big Sky in 2021. However, it had the fourth-most interceptions in the conference. The Lumberjacks will be looking to lower some of their opponent’s passing production next season. The arrival of a defensive mind as experienced as Jackson, and returning players from injury, should give NAU all the tools it need to show solid improvement in 2022. “You don’t always want to be out there hitting the same guys every practice, every scrimmage,” Vest said. “But I do really enjoy working on the little stuff, getting to work on the little details to fine-tune my game and make me a better player and that’s something coach Kenji has really instilled and really brought out of us.”

NAU safeties and nickelbacks coach Kenji Jackson gives guidance during a huddle before the defense goes back on the field, April 22. Jonah Graham | The Lumberjack

APRIL 28, 2022 — MAY 4, 2022

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG