The Index Vol. 114 Issue 8

New restaurant serving El Salvadoran cuisine now open page 7

‘Puss

Committee evaluating Symposium, Self and Society

GRACE POTTER Staff Writer

GENEVIEVE TLUSTOS Editor-in-Chief

Truman State University has developed a new cannabis and natural medicinals major, which they will offer beginning fall 2023, said Tim Walston, dean of science and mathematics.

The biology department would administer the new major, but it would technically fall into the interdisciplinary category, combining mostly preexisting classes from the

New app allows online food orders

SETH JARVIS Staff Writer

John Stewart, director of dining services, said the application is still early in its usage at the University, with it only becoming available to students this semester. Dining services are still fixing bugs and preparing to add additional features, such as the ability to use both dining dollars and meal swipes to pay for food. Currently, students can only use credit cards, debit cards, dining dollars or bonus bucks.

Stewart said Sodexo provides the app. Other universities and colleges have implemented the app across the country.

sociology, psychology, business, biology, chemistry and agriculture departments, Walston said.

Walston said there will be four main tracks, including analytical science, society and philosophy, cultivation, and business and entrepreneurship.

“We were looking at how we could grow enrollment at Truman and what would be some new majors that we could develop that could attract students to the University,” Walston said.

Truman State University’s Self and Society and Symposium courses are currently being reevaluated. Since fall 2019, the two classes have been a graduation requirement for every Truman student regardless of their major.

All Self and Society classes are three credit courses intended to cultivate the habits of curiosity, good scholarship, ethical consideration and community engagement. They are essentially dissecting how one fits into society through the lenses of nursing, biology, theater, storytelling and many others available in the Truman catalog.

All Symposium courses are one credit hour, with classes every Monday at 4:30 p.m. Symposium courses are meant to ask the “big questions.” Students will try to find answers to such questions through small group discussions and related digital literacy assignments. Both of these classes are only offered during the fall semester.

Amanda Langendoerfer, dean of interdisciplinary studies and creative inquiry, said, “These classes are fairly new. I would say about three to four years they’ve been offered.”

With classes so young, Langendoerfer acknowledges there may be some tweaks in order to improve these courses.

Dave Leaton, co-chair of the first year experience committee, said the courses are transitional, designed to help facilitate the transition from high school to college.

He said he thinks since students are moving on to new school material and a new lifestyle, it is important to take classes that assist in making a four year plan, scheduling and studying strategies.

Environmental Fee Committee still seeking project proposals

OLIVIA MANN Staff Writer

The Committee receives many proposals for sustainability every year from students and organizations of all backgrounds. Chairman of the Committee, Drew Arends, said the ESFAC projects are funded entirely by the five-dollar student fee paid every semester.

“ESFAC only relies on that fee,” Arends said. “There is the sustainability office on campus — that organization and some other environmental clubs are provided funding by the University itself. But these projects are funded solely by the ESFAC fee.”

Arends said past approved proposals include the solar panels at the University farm, bee houses for the native bees at the University farm, water bottle filling stations around campus and the new recycling bins in the Student Union Building.

ESFAC uses specific criteria to decide whether to approve a proposal. Arends said criteria includes environmental benefit, visibility to students, cost-effectiveness, the project’s effect on Truman’s image, feasibility, student impact, time sensitivity and student opinion.

Junior Caleb Templar works in the Sustainability Office. The ESFAC is accepting proposals for sustainability projects.

The Committee is composed of student-at-large representatives, Student Government representatives and other representatives from environmental organizations on campus. The group will rate every proposal based on the specific criteria used by ESFAC.

Students at Truman State University can now order food from Einstein’s Bagels and Starbucks by downloading the Everyday App. Additionally, students can schedule their orders and choose a pickup time for them.

The Environmental Student Fee Accountability Committee is accepting sustainability project proposals for their 2022-23 Project Slate. The committee is seeking proposals from anyone in the Truman State University community who has an idea for improving the sustainability of Truman’s campus.

Photo by Emily Collins

The University farm grows hemp. Truman State University will begin offering a new cannabis and natural medicinals major in the fall.

See MAJOR page 5 See EVALUATION page 3

See

Activities fair fun

Students play chess at the activities fair. The activities fair occurred Feb. 1 from 12-6 p.m. Photos by Rahul Chaudhari

Above: A student speaks with a volunteer at the Pre-PA Club table. The activities fair was in the Student Union Building.

Left: Organization members table. Each group could have two people tabling at a time.

Above: Students gather at the Momentum table. The activities fair was on both the upper and middle levels of the SUB.

Left: Students talk at the Namaste Nepal table. The event is a chance for students to speak with members of various student clubs and organizations.

The CCF table was on the upper level of the SUB. The fair is held at the beginning of each semester.

PROPOSALS | ESFAC allocates money for small campus projects and change in the community

Continued from page 1

“The Project Slate passed by Student Government is an accumulative list of all those proposals, and when they pass that as well, the proposals can be funded,” Arends said. ESFAC also allocated some of the money from the student fees to longterm projects carried out over many years, such as the solar panels at the University farm. Arends said ESFAC received a total of about $34,000 from student fees this year to use toward the proposed sustainability projects.

ESFAC not only allocates money for small campus projects but also uses it toward active change in the community, Arends said. Previously, ESFAC has funded speakers for sustainability month and earth week, as well as an environmental class that was held last semester.

“It spans everything — from curriculum to outdoors to energy,” Arends said. “There is no real limit to what the sustainability component includes.”

The student input for the ESFAC process makes it unique. Arends said while other universities in Missouri have faculty or sustainability departments to decide which proposals to implement for

the students, the students lead the cause at Truman State University.

ESFAC has impacted many sustainable and environmental clubs in the past, including the Save The Bees Club. Gabbi Woods, former club president, shared her experience with receiving funds from the ESFAC 2021-22 Project Slate.

The purpose of the Save The Bees Club is to promote habitats for the native bees in the area.

The club sent in a proposal for new bee houses for the native bees and for a small pond to minimize the distance the bees have to travel for water, Woods said.

“We have a space at the Truman farm where we have honeybees and native plants we bought and planted,” Woods said. “Without ESFAC, we would have never gotten the solar panels and the club would have

“I think the most important thing that I’d like people to know is that this fee is for them – it is funded by students, a selection of students chooses it, and really has the power to be driven by not just students, but community members of Truman.”

-Drew Arends, chairman of ESFAC

EVALUATION | Committee welcomes student input

Continued from page 1

“There’s so much going on,” Leaton said. “The first semester, you have to think about learning campus and living in college — treat that like another three credit hour course.”

The first year experience committee is made up of various Truman professors working to better every Bulldog’s freshman year. They are responsible for Self and Society, Symposium courses and Truman week. The committee is currently working to improve these classes but may need some student input as to what they can do better.

Leaton said, “Absolutely, they [students] can email me. The First Year Experience doesn’t have an email, but certainly, they could message me or Don Krause.”

Freshman Joey McBrayer said, “I had the Symposium INNOVATE, which was mostly focusing on the economy of Northeast Missouri. We would come up with solutions for the disconnect between Kirksville and Truman … It was fine since it was super easy group work, so it wasn’t too bad. It definitely could have been more annoying, but as it was, it was fine.”

He would only give criticism by changing the S&S classes to Tuesdays and Thursdays only.

Campus hosts Black History Month events

never gotten the bee houses or the pond membrane.”

Arends is finishing his two-year term as chairman of the Committee and has high hopes for the future of ESFAC and sustainability on Truman’s campus.

“These are the kind of efforts oncampus students can be involved with and feel like they’re making a difference,” Arends said.

There have already been many proposals submitted. Any student can be involved. There are student representatives that can be a part of the committee and vote, if you want to take the next step in being a part of the decision making process, Arends said.

The previous deadline for submitting project proposals of Jan. 31 has been extended to Friday, Feb. 10.

Arends expressed his desire for those on campus and in the community to take part of the advantages ESFAC gives Truman State University.

“I think the most important thing that I’d like people to know is that this fee is for them, it is funded by students, a selection of students chooses it, and really has the power to be driven by not just students, but community members of Truman,” Arends said. “It’s a great opportunity for studentchosen sustainability projects.”

first year experience committee oversees:

Self and Society courses Symposium courses

Truman week

Students table for the Environmental Campus Organization at the activities fair. ESFAC is currently receiving proposals for small campus sustainability projects. Photo by Emily Collins

Connection

Join SAB to plan and execute campus events

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The Student Activities Board is one of the three fee-based student organizations on Truman State University’s campus. SAB is unique because it provides students with the opportunity to plan large-scale campus events.

SAB has been responsible in the past for planning events like Hot Air Balloons, comedians Josh Peck and Trevor Wallace, concerts such as Noah Cyrus, Dram and Fetty Wap, and much more.

SAB is composed of five committees: communications and development, productions, special events, comedians and films and concerts. Communications and development handles all event publicity and social media accounts. Productions plans crafty events and student-led ones such as Stuff-a-Plush, Talent Show and Harvest Fest. Special events bring ex -

ternal vendors to campus such as Tree Climbing, Plate Smashing and Escape Rooms. Comedians and films show fun movies as well as bring comedians to campus. Concerts brings various artists to campus and also works on big events such as Truman Week Afterparty, Oktoberfest and Big Concert.

Membership requirements include attending board meetings at 6 p.m. every Thursday, working one office hour per week and attending one committee meeting per week. Members have a direct vote in how we use our funding — received from the Student Activities Fee.

Be one of the 33-38 students on SAB who plans and executes all major campus events by applying at sab.truman. edu/apply. Applications are due at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16.

NORAH KOVAC Vice President

In this week’s issue, Grace Potter wrote a story about Truman State University’s current reevaluation of the freshman Self and Society and Symposium courses.

Currently, the courses can be timeconsuming and do not provide enough reward for the effort students put in. Because of this, we, the Index editorial board, believe Truman should make significant changes to them.

The Self and Society classes are three credit hours and address a variety of subjects. The Symposium courses have a very large number of students in each class, causing professors to seem overwhelmed with the amount of coordination and work needed on their part and their preceptors.

The Symposium often seems more focused on assignments rather than introducing the students to the community they have become a part of, which is its goal. We believe the Symposium courses would be more beneficial to incoming students if there was more focus on informing students about the Kirksville community. Instead of requiring students to take a photo out in nature, it could be more helpful to show photos and information on different ways to get outside. These courses should be focused on building connections and directing students to the organizations they are interested in.

We believe part of the reason the Symposium course is not effective in its goal to introduce students to the community is that it is disorganized and attempts to fit too much into a

one credit hour class. Students have weekly meetings in their specific class, which has an admirable goal of positively impacting the students, campus or community. About once a month, all freshmen gather for a monthly event, usually intended to help them get to know Truman and Kirksville better. The ambitious amount of goals for this one credit course causes it to be difficult to fully achieve any of them.

The majority of the editorial board took these classes and did not find that they greatly improved our experiences as freshmen. They seemed disorganized, with too many objectives and confusing tasks. The member who did not take the class does not feel her freshman experience was lessened in any way and does not wish she had taken the classes.

We do believe in the idea of an introductory course for new students but think they could be changed to more effectively improve the new student experience. These courses can be helpful, but they need to be more focused on building connections, not misguided busy work. While we think Truman has admirable goals with these classes, the execution needs improvement. Additionally, instead of requiring two courses, we believe one course focused on introducing freshmen to the Kirksville community and the opportunities it offers would suffice.

We hope the committee reevaluating the courses will take these opinions into consideration as they make their decisions.

any organizational leader, and the Editor, knows. Events rarely succeed when only one person cares about its success. When individual problems arise with a department, campus service or class, it can seem like struggling is futile. Fortunately, Truman State University is filled with professional staff members committed to providing the best possible experience for students on all levels – academically, socially and physically.

The University’s size creates drawbacks that can not be avoided — think budgets. It also means the person with the solution or answer to any problem is close by. My dear Editor, people at this institution are willing to help if asked — students just need to start asking. This means at the Business Office, at the Student Recreation Center and in the U&I Office at the Student Union Building. If there is something you need help with or think needs to be changed, let someone know. Suggestion boxes are all around campus — outside the Starbucks for the Library, in the lower level of the SUB for Student Government and at the Member Services Desk in the Rec, to name a few. Alternatively, walking into an office with a question works too. In short, if students try to make themselves heard, they will be.

Non-seniors likely have little experience with the Truman Portfolio. It is an electronic folder to which all graduating seniors must submit a few items, including a piece of writing demonstrating critical thinking, the most satisfying work done during their college experience, etc.

The Portfolio recently underwent a slight change: a required submission titled “Letter to Truman” is no longer required for students graduating after December 2022.

According to Portfolio Director Brian Kubin via email, “Many students offer constructive feedback about their experience whereas others use it simply as a parting shot.”

All the letters submitted in the past were read in full, no matter their content.

But Kubin said “[The change is part of] an effort … to help students better understand how they might go about effecting positive change while they are still here and to more clearly understand who they should approach for help in various situations.”

Effecting positive change is not an easy task. It is not an individual task either, as

Truman is an experience. Classes are tough, but academics are only a part of the story. I often hear people complain about the community, saying there is nothing to do, and classes take too much time. But I push back on these assertions. If Truman students are as smart as the University would have us believe, we must realize we have the power to solve our problems with just a bit of help. Perfectionists, myself included, must not only point out imperfections but take responsibility for finding solutions to social and academic problems with the help of Truman staff.

OWEN SMITH Truman State University senior

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Reevaluation of mandatory freshman courses is necessary

MAJOR | New cannabis and natural medicinals major to be interdisciplinary

Continued from page 1

The degree program could be attractive to students that previously wouldn’t have considered Truman, Walston said.

Nationwide, Walston said, programs focusing on cannabis and plant medicinal biology or chemistry are growing rapidly. From the summer to now, the number of programs in that area has doubled. This major would put Truman at the forefront of a rapidly growing industry.

The program will look at cannabis and natural medicinals from many different perspectives, including business, advertising, religion, ethics and education, Walston said.

“The number of programs that could contribute to this degree almost spans the entire University,” Walston said.

Walston said he thought there had been some concern on campus that the major would endorse cannabis as a recreational product. With mental health concerns on campus, those with concerns wanted to ensure the program would not encourage the misuse of cannabis.

He said he thought it would be better to educate students about cannabis and the drawbacks of its misuse.

“Take the approach of let’s create educated citizens rather than uninformed citizens because we want to protect them from something,” Walston said. “Let’s create educated citizens that can use their education to make the right decisions.”

Amendment 3, allowing for the recreational use of marijuana in Missouri, did not influence the decision to create the major, Walston said. It does show there is momentum and support for the use of cannabis, however.

Walston said he also heard concerns, mainly in an Undergraduate Council meeting, about the size of the major and the fact that the word “cannabis” is in the degree ti-

tle. Walston said most related programs in the country had the word in their titles. With this title, students looking for a degree related to cannabis can easily find Truman’s program.

Alexis Cook, secretary of Student Government said she supported the major. Student Government passed a resolution during December to support the major, with 11 in support, one abstaining and two opposing.

Cook said she supported the resolution because the cannabis industry is rapidly growing, especially with the legalization of recreational marijuana use in Missouri.

“A lot of the conversation revolved around why it’s necessary at Truman, is this a major that we should support … in terms of how much business does the cannabis industry currently have,” Cook said. “The debate didn’t really center around the ethics of it, like whether we should morally have a cannabis and natural medicinals major, and that was surprising for me because I feel like a lot of people have certain preconceptions about cannabis.”

Cook said most of the discussion centered around logistics, such as how many professors the University would have to hire and program costs. She hopes the new major will help begin to lessen negative misconceptions of cannabis in society, Cook said. She liked that it was interdisciplinary, which set Truman’s program apart.

“I think that Truman needs any leverage we can get. We need specific programs that attract students. We need specific facilities or just resources or something that’s going to increase enrollment at Truman,” Cook said. “While I don’t think that this one major is going to have a drastic impact on enrollment rates, I think that it does set us apart

Four tracks of the major

• analytical science

• society and philosophy

• cultivation

• business and entrepreneurship

from other universities, and it could help attract more students.”

Alexa Kolesiak, voting senator in Student Government, said she voted against the resolution. She said a business major would give students the education they need to work in the cannabis industry. She thought the major was too specific and would limit students who may want to work in a non-cannabis-related field in the future. Most people could be trained in the specifics of the job.

She also said it could help enrollment, or it could negatively affect people’s perception of Truman and cause them to see it as a more liberal institution.

The major would create the potential for a partnership between Truman and A.T. Still University, which has a holistic approach to medicine, including the use of natural medicinals. The campus has a natural medicinal garden on their campus, Walston said.

The number of potential career paths with this major would be huge, Walston said. These include working at a grow facility and cultivating marijuana or growing medicinal plants for the pharmaceutical industry, working in cannabis-related areas of the law or being a lobbyist.

“There’s lots of opportunities,” Walston said. “We designed the degree to be very broad with multiple tracks to allow students to really pursue a wide range of opportunities.”

“We’re mostly drawing off of courses that were already present at Truman, which is something that was part of my charge to the faculty as we develop new courses,” Walston said. “We didn’t want to develop a new major that we had to hire five new faculty to be able to offer, and so we developed a major that has really four core courses that are new courses but all the rest of it are courses that we already offer here at Truman.”

One faculty member will go on a sabbatical to do training to teach the new courses. The department is also hiring someone for a plant biology position who would help as well, Walston said.

Walston said a person wouldn’t necessarily have to have a degree to work in those fields, but it would be helpful to enter the management level.

“[They] maybe don’t need a full degree in it, but from talking to people in the industry, if somebody came with a full degree, it would

APP| Staff still working on integrating online orders and inperson orders

Continued from page 1

Staff piloted the app last semester, with it being tested before becoming open to full use this semester. Stewart said they are still working on integrating online orders with in-person orders to ensure the smooth conduction of business.

“Along with the ability to order online, it also has a view-only page for residence dining halls,” Stewart said. “You can go into it to see the day’s menu along

make them highly employable,” Walston said.

The process of developing the degree started about three years ago after the provost’s office encouraged the dean’s offices to develop new degree programs in response to declining enrollment. Walston wanted to create something that wouldn’t require hiring many new faculty.

At the time they started developing the program only one school in the country had a similar degree program, Walston said. Now several colleges in Missouri have certificate programs in cannabis offered by a third-party vendor, but none of them have a full undergraduate degree.

Several faculty members visited two facilities in Missouri, a cannabis growth facility and a cannabis extraction facility, Walston said. Both facilities said there was a high need for the major in Missouri. The facilities reached out to their partners in the state, who sent letters in support of the major to Truman.

“With the places that we visited and with other people that we’ve been in touch with, we’re developing a network of places that have offered that they’ll provide internships for our students, that they can go to facilities that do grow and cultivate and extract marijuana-based products and learn those techniques in place in the industry,” Walston said.

Last spring, several faculty began meeting to decide if the major was worth pursuing and what it would entail. Throughout the summer, they developed a draft curriculum. After further research and requests for feedback, they began the approval process during the early fall of 2022, Walston said.

Every department on campus with a course in the major had to approve it, Walston said. Next, the Undergraduate Council and Faculty Senate approved the major, followed by the Board of Governors. Part of the Missouri Department of Higher Education Workforce Development’s approval process is sending the major to all public institutions in the state for public comment. After that, it was approved by the University’s accreditor, the HLC.

The major would not require the growth of marijuana on campus, as it is federally illegal. The University farm already grows hemp as a part of their research. Hemp is closely related enough that students could study it instead of marijuana.

with the hours of operation. If you have an on-campus meal plan, you can see how many meal swipes you have left, how many dining dollars you have left, so it’s going to be very beneficial once everybody gets used to it.” Ashley Brondwell, a Starbucks barista, said that she recommends people use it. By ordering online, they can schedule their order and pick it up directly rather than having to wait in line.

Student Government members discuss a resolution during 2019. Student Government passed a resolution in favor of the new major last December. TMN archives

“The number of programs that could contribute to this degree almost spans the entire University.”

-Tim Walston, dean of science and mathematics

life THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023 7

Elote, flautas and pupusas - Oh my!

Server Jade Sanders takes an order over the phone. Lupita’s began as a food truck serving the Kirksville area. Photos by Megan Nesbitt

MEGAN NESBITT Staff Writer

Family-owned restaurant Lupita’s, which serves Hispanic cuisine, opened December 2022 after beginning as a food truck during September 2021. Lupita’s is on the Downtown Kirksville Square in the Pickler’s Famous building, which Take Root Cafe previously occupied.

Lupita’s is run by Cecilia Pacheco and her father, Edwin Pacheco. Cecilia’s mom, Clelia, is the head chef, and Cecilia’s sister, Angely, works as a server. Lupita’s is named after Cecilia and her mom’s middle name, Guadalupe, often nicknamed Lupita. Lupita’s serves Hispanic food with variations of Salvadoran and Mexican flavors. The family is El Salvadoran and prides themselves on their authentic menu.

Cecilia, co-owner and CEO, said she and her family moved to Kirksville from Milan, Missouri, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The family wanted to start a restaurant back when they were in Milan, but Cecilia said businesses in Milan typically start up and don’t survive. Once the family moved to Kirksville, they realized they could make their dream come true.

“My mom has always been a good cook, and [people] have always complimented that we should do something,” Cecilia said. “So the food truck is what we decided on.”

While the food truck was great temporarily, the family decided to upgrade to a brickand-mortar restaurant, Cecilia said.

Since opening day, Dec. 17, Lupita’s has faced some challenges.

“We’re still struggling with our exhaust hood — it’s not as big as we hoped,” Cecilia

said. “We’re basically working with a griddle and a fryer right now.”

Stephanie Kubin, a junior in high school and server at Lupita’s, said, “Getting into the flow of things has been tricky — there’s also some language barriers we have to work around.”

Even with these challenges, the new restaurant’s business has been fairly steady, Cecilia said.

“It hasn’t been a lot of people, but we’re all learning because we’ve never done something like this before,” said Cecilia. “For us, it feels like a lot, but in reality, it’s not.”

Kubin said the community has been very welcoming and most people enjoy the food. She also said the restaurant has regulars already.

As Lupita’s becomes more established in the community, they are working on obtaining their liquor license and want to transform the upstairs into a study area for college students, Cecilia said. They have free WiFi and invite students to come and work while enjoying their food.

Sam Wittich, a Truman State University alumnus, had the privilege of trying Lupita’s as a food truck and now as a stand-alone restaurant.

“I was excited to see a small business grow in Kirksville,” Wittich said. “I went to the food truck multiple times and loved it, so I couldn’t wait to go to the restaurant.”

Wittich said it was nice to see something in the Pickler’s building again. He also said Lupita’s wasn’t crowded when he went in, and he would love to see more people try it out. He said the food was great and seemed really authentic.

If you visit Lupita’s, Cecilia recommends trying the carne asada, and Kubin suggested the quesabirria tacos.

Sanders prepares chips and salsa for a table. Lupita’s serves El Salvadoran and Mexican cuisine.

Sanders helps a customer decide what to order. Lupita’s resides in downtown Kirksville.

“My mom has always been a good cook, and [people] have always complimented that we should do something, so the food truck is what we decided on.”

- Cecilia Pacheco, Lupita’s co-owner

‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ is one of the best animations in recent memory

JOSEPH DOUGHERTY Staff Writer

“Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” was released to theaters December 2022, over 11 years after its predecessor. Despite initial box office disappointment, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” has seen a resurgence in popularity during recent weeks due in part to internet buzz and its nomination for Best Animated Feature Film at the Academy Awards. Set years after the events of the “Shrek” films, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” follows the feline Puss on an adventure to find the mystical Wishing Star. Having lost his eighth life, Puss hopes to use the Star to restore all nine of his lives before death catches up with him. Teaming up with Kitty Softpaws, a past partner-in-crime, and Perrito, a mangy chihuahua looking to make friends, Puss endeavors to find the map which will lead him to the Wishing Star. “Big” Jack Horner, a greedy businessman from an English nursery rhyme, is hot on the trio’s trail, along with Goldilocks and her crime family of three bears and a myste -

rious hooded wolf wielding twin sickles, who seems to haunt Puss’s every step.

“Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” is an excellent film and certainly one of the greatest Western animated films in recent memory. Its central message of pride begetting downfall, while no stranger to the genre, is readily accessible to the film’s target audience and a fitting vehicle for Puss’s character arc, a character who has remained relatively one-note since his introduction in 2004’s “Shrek 2.”

The animation style is a welcome change to the use of computer graphics typical of modern animated films. Characters and environments appear almost painted, suggestive of storybook illustrations — a fitting motif given the franchise’s inspiration. Facial expressions are noteworthy, especially Jack Horner’s, a particularly emotive character. Overall, the art direction is commendable.

A character that pushes “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” beyond the standard fare and allows the filmmakers to harness maturity amid the silliness is the Wolf. Though appearing sparsely

throughout the film, the Wolf’s presence is always felt through the terror of the characters on screen — especially Puss — and the tension established by the direction and cinematography. The film has a real grasp on effectively utilizing framing, especially when the Wolf shares a scene with the protagonists. His shadow slowly grows through the crack of a door or his eyes glow gray in the dark when they lock with Puss’s — moments like these create a tangible tension unexpected in such a film.

Lending to the Wolf’s menace is, of course, his voice. Wagner Moura brings this menace with his plain delivery and forceful cadence. The film’s other impressive performers include John Mulaney as Jack Horner, who feels perfect for the inherent ridiculousness of that character. Antonio Banderas brings his all once again with the swashbuckling Puss, as does Salma Hayek in her second outing as Kitty Softpaws.

In all, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” is a film that does so little wrong, it is hard to fault it at all. Here is an animation engaging for children and adult

viewers alike, one that certainly takes itself seriously, never at the cost of wit, comedy or emotion.

‘Puss in Boots’ gets 9/9 lives

‘People’s Champ’ brings positive vibes

ABBY RICHMOND

Contributing

Writer

Quinn XCII’s new album “The People’s Champ” is a musical heatwave that brings energy and positivity. Throughout the album, Quinn XCII’s lyricism is infused with themes of self-reflection, perseverance and overcoming obstacles. The album’s message is one of hope and encouragement — reminding listeners that everyone has the potential to be their own “The People’s Champ.”

I am not one to keep an eye on the music release radar, but this album caught my eye. From the opening track, “Bartender,” to the final number, “All That You Need,” the Michigan native showcases his versatility as a singer, songwriter, and producer.

The album features a mix of guest appearances, including Big Sean and Chelsea Cutler, but each track still maintains a unique Quinn XCII sound that

sets the album apart. With upbeat pop-infused tracks like “Black Porsche” and “FOMO (Don’t Do Cool Shit)” to introspective ballads like “Let Me Down (with Chelsea Cutler)” and “Being Me,” Quinn XCII demonstrates his ability to produce a range of emotions through his music. One of the standout tracks, “Why Do You Talk To Me?” is a bop that resonates with its relatable lyrics and catchy chorus.

The production value on “The People’s Champ” is top-notch, with each track offering its unique soundscape. From the punchy beats and lively synths on “The Lows” to the stripped-down acoustic guitar and poignant lyrics on “Good Either Way (with Adrian Cota),” the album is a testament to Quinn XCII’s dexterity as a producer.

It is rare to come across an album that not only sounds good but also has a meaningful message. The lyrics on “The People’s Champ” inspire listeners to reflect on their experiences and emotions. The

album encourages us to be honest with ourselves and find the strength to overcome our challenges.

In a world where we are constantly bombarded by negativity and stress, “The People’s Champ” provides a welcome escape from the noise. The album’s upbeat energy and hopeful messages are the perfect remedies for anyone looking for a boost of positivity. The album encourages listeners to embrace their inner strength and perseverance. It’s a message that resonates with listeners of all ages and backgrounds and is needed now more than ever.

Overall, “The People’s Champ” is a must-listen for anyone looking for a dose of positivity. I forecast this album to be a chart-topper and a must-have on every poolside party playlist. So crank up the volume and get ready to be inspired. Whether you’re a fan of Quinn XCII or a newcomer to his music, this album will surely be a heater in your playlist. Don’t miss out on this musical heatwave and check out “The People’s Champ”.

Photo illustration by Dreamworks©.

‘People’s Champ’ gets 3/5 vibes

Top 5 places to study

ALYSSA RZANY Staff Writer

1. Scooter’s Coffee

If you’re looking to get off campus and study somewhere other than your dorm or apartment, Scooter’s is the perfect place. I have specific Spotify playlists dedicated to coffeehouses in my hometown, so I applied those to Kirksville, which was unmatched. Bring some money and a laptop charger because it’s easy to spend hours studying away

2. The Quad

Although winter seems to last most of the year in Kirksville, some nice days are scattered throughout the spring se mester. I try to take advantage of the nice weather and head to the Quad to get my work done along with my daily dose of vitamin D. It’s easier to stay home and do work there, but we have worked so hard this year and deserve to enjoy the nice weather, even if we do have to study in it.

3. Third floor of Baldwin Hall

It took me two years to come across these study rooms, but now they’re my new favorite when I have to do group projects. There are spinny chairs, a big screen to project work onto and a wall of whiteboards to brainstorm ideas. Big sliding glass doors separate each room, so you can make more noise in there than you can in the library group spaces, which is always a plus.

4. Second floor of Pickler Memorial Library

I hear a lot of hype about the library’s first floor because there are big study spaces to do group work, but my favorite spots are the gray desks by the huge windows on the second floor. I like to grab a drink from Starbucks and head up the spiral staircase to settle down and study for a while. When I need a break, I look out the window to see what’s happening on campus, or I go down to get a refill on my drink and a yummy snack.

5. Second and third floors of Magruder Hall

Magruder Hall is one of the most underrated buildings on campus. I love studying there because there are huge windows on the second floor that allow for some warmth in the cold winters, and being around all of the labs inspires me to do more than scroll on TikTok and pretend to study. On the third floor are corners of the building with a few seats surrounded by all types of plants. It sets a chill study vibe and makes it easy to crank out a day’s worth of work while forgetting it is the middle of winter.

Questions on the Quad

What is the best gift you have gotten for Valentine’s day?

“Probably

“Probably

“I

Graphics by Heather Beard

Tori Miazga sophomore

Neh Awasom sophomore

Cecilia Stokes sophomore

Women’s basketball continues successful season

LILLIE MORISAKI Sports Editor

The Truman State University women’s basketball team is currently 16-7.

The team has been successful and several players have reached individual milestones.

Senior guard Hannah Belanger earned her third GLVC Player of the Week award this season, the fifth in her career, as well as the 1500-point milestone. Redshirt senior forward Ellie Weltha has scored 1000 points in her career.

Sophomore forward Emma Bulman credits much of their success to the buy-in from the entire team.

“I think everyone is really locked in and really wants what is best for the team to get the best outcome of the season,” Bulman said. “I think you see a lot of people say they want to win and do the work to get there, but a lot of people don’t actually do it, and I think our team definitely does that.”

Weltha and junior guard Claire Rake agree this cohesiveness has made this season stand out.

It has been an adjustment this season since there are three freshmen and two transfers, Rake said. They have had to learn how to play with each other and learn head coach Theo Dean’s style of coaching.

“We’re all friends, and it’s translating onto the court,” Rake said. “Practices can get competitive, but we don’t let it affect how we treat each other. We all really just want to win, and we just want what’s best for each other.”

Weltha said the team has been learning how to emerge into new roles as they shift.

Being an upperclassman means being a leader on and off the court, Rake said. It is now their role to teach the younger players how to play the game and how to be a good teammate.

Last season, the team finished 18-11. Bulman said the ups and downs of last season set them up for their successes this year.

“I think we just needed to figure out who we were as a team, and I think that’s been the biggest thing leading into this year is that we have a lot more experience,” Bulman said.

One game that stood out to both Bulman and Rake was their 99-53 win against William Jewell College, Jan. 12. Bulman said they shared the ball, hit shots and just had fun playing. She said they played like a well-oiled machine.

Rake said everyone got to play and almost everyone scored.

“I remember when I was a freshman, and I would wait for games where we’d be up so that I could play a little bit more,” Rake said. “It’s nice to see some younger players get some playing time.”

This is not uncommon for the team, as there might be four to five people leading the scoring on any given night, Bulman said.

The team has had games in previous years that could have been close, but are running up the scores during games this season, Rake said.

Rake said the team is looking forward to the postseason, getting to the GLVC tournament and working toward a bid in the NCAA tournament. Both of these goals look promising as the team is ranked second in their conference, Rake said.

“ We would definitely like to go make some waves in the conference tournament and really have a good showing there, and then obviously we would really like to make the National Tournament and go win the thing. I mean, why not,” Bulman said.

The team has their last home games Feb. 9 and 11.

“We have such a great crowd, so much great support from families and the community and students, so just the energy at home games is special,” Bulman said. “Going to other schools, you don’t see that sometimes, but it’s something we all appreciate and makes playing so much fun.”

Truman sports standings: Week of Feb. 9

Sophomore guard Gracie Stugart looks up the court. The Bulldogs fell to Southwest Baptist University 59-72, Dec. 10. Photo by Emily Collins

“I think you see a lot of people say they want to win and do the work to get there, but a lot of people don’t actually do it, and I think our team definitely does that.”

- Emma Bulman, sophomore forward

Senior guard Hannah Pinkston moves the ball around University of Indianapolis. The Bulldogs won 86-75, Nov. 28. Photo by Oliver Malone

Swim falls to William Jewell College

Men’s swimmer adjusts his swim cap. This was one of their last regular season meets before GLVC Championships.

Men’s swimming prepares to face William Jewell College. The Bulldogs fell 47-151, Jan. 20.

Photos by Oliver Malone

Men’s swimmers prepare to swim against William Jewell. The Bulldogs had one win from junior AJ Kohler, and personal bests from freshman Evan Grinter and senior Jaxson Mahlstadt, who also had a second place win.

Women’s swimmer races against William Jewell. The Bulldogs had wins from freshman Adelaide Reaser, sophomore Kylie Strobl and senior Holly Olsen.

Women’s swim competes against William Jewell College at Senior Day. The Bulldogs won 128-76 against William Jewell, Oct. 8, but fell 89-114, Jan. 20.

LESLIE HARDESTY NAMED NEW HEAD COACH

MICHAEL LAKEY Staff Writer

The Truman State University men’s and women’s track and field teams opened their indoor seasons with successful showings at the Frigid Bee Invite and Dutch Holiday Preview during December. Senior thrower Jacob Morris took home gold in the weight throw at both meets, and the Bulldogs also took gold in the women’s 4x400 relays at both meets.

This year marks the first entire season for head coach Leslie Hardesty after she took over as interim head

coach last year following the sudden death of head coach Tim Schwegler last April.

Hardesty said the death was tough for everyone on the team because it happened very quickly.

“I went into ‘mama bear’ mode and made sure all of our athletes were okay and had the outlets necessary to deal with the mixture of emotions swirling around them,” Hardesty said. “It was important to me that we finish the season for Tim.”

Senior hurdler Kirsten Poole said the grieving process was a shock to her and the team. She said it felt like they lost two coaches because Schwegler’s wife, Nancy, was a volunteer assistant with the team and left after Schwegler died.

Morris said the team bonded around their shared loss and that he felt extra motivation to finish the season last year in tribute to coach Schwegler.

After last season, Hardesty said it helped her to have the summer break to prepare and heal for the next season.

Hardesty, an assistant track and field coach for 17 years at Truman, said the transition to head coach had been made easier because she was already here.

“The athletes already knew me and my coaching style,” Hardesty said. “It was just a matter of adding a few more responsibilities to my plate and coaching a larger number of events.”

Morris agreed and said he believed the team has grown closer because they are all working out and practicing together. In the past, they were split into event groups, so now he feels that the team is more unified.

Poole said the transition had been a bit rocky with Hardesty taking over new events, but said it was easier for the athletes to get used to Hardesty’s coaching since she had already been at Truman,. Poole said she knows Hardesty would go to bat for all her athletes.

After placing first in the weight throws at the team’s first two meets during December, Morris was named GLVC field athlete of the week. Last season, Morris placed first in the discus throw at the GLVC outdoor championships and fourth at the NCAA Div. II championships.

Morris said he has his goals set high this season on the heels of that success.

“I want to make nationals for both indoor and outdoor in the weight throw,” Morris said. “I want to earn a top-five finish at nationals, and I would like to compete for a national championship in the discus.”

Morris again took gold in the weight throw in the team’s first meet after the holiday break at Northwest Missouri State University Jan. 21.

ATHLETE of the week

Poole took home fourth in the 400-meter hurdles last season at the GLVC outdoor championships. Her goal is to win that event this outdoor season, but an injury may keep her from doing so.

“I tore my labrum and hip flexor in my right hip,” Poole said. “Usually, this would be a career-ending injury, but I am doing everything possible to finish my last season. I have been dealing with the pain for years, so I think I can make it a few more months.”

Poole has started the season strong, finishing second and fourth, respectively in the 60-meter hurdles at the team’s first two meets.

Hardesty said her objective this season is to have each athlete set and work to achieve small goals. She said she wants as many athletes as possible at the GLVC indoor and outdoor championship meets this season.

Hardesty said her long-term goal for the program is to have more athletes in all events.

One of the new members of the track team contributing to making the program more well-rounded is freshman Hayden Long. Long placed eighth at the first heptathlon meet of the year for Truman.

Alongside Long, sophomore Jacob Higgs placed seventh at the same meet.

“This season, I am looking forward to seeing how I can improve my heptathlon/decathlon points throughout the year,” Long said. “Over four years, I want to make a name for multi’s at Truman.”

According to Long, multi’s refers to events composed of many different track and field components, usually throws, jumps and sprints.

Another team highlight has been the women’s 4x400 meter relay team composed of seniors Sophie Oxendale and Alayna Pipkin, freshman Raina Baker and junior Kendall Dascher. They claimed gold at the team’s first two meets during December and seventh at Northwest Missouri State.

Hardesty added that it would take time to build the program up, but she is committed to doing so.

“The last few years, we have been heavy on the distance and throws side,” Hardesty said. “We are working hard to increase our numbers in the jumps, hurdles, sprints and multi’s. It won’t be an overnight change, but we’ve prioritized it on the trackside, so we can have a well-rounded program.”

Elijah Hazekamp, redshirt junior guard and forward, reached 1000 career points in the Feb. 2 game against the University of Indianapolis. Hazekamp is the 34th Bulldog to reach the milestone. Hazekamp also earned the GLVC Player of the Week, the second of his career.

ELIJAH HAZEKAMP

“I went into ‘mama bear’ mode and made sure all of our athletes were okay and had the outlets necessary to deal with the mixture of emotions swirling around them. It was important to me that we finish the season for Tim.”

- Leslie Hardesty, head track and field coach

Leslie Hardesty is the new head coach of the Truman track and field teams. Hardesty was previously the assistant coach. Photo by Truman Athletics

Women’s track and field competes at the Truman Twilight Meet. The Bulldogs won 21 events, April 22, 2021. Photo from TMN archives