The Exponent Print Edition: Feb. 1, 2023

Student government candidates tout plans to increase engagement

By KAYLA MURO Staff Writer

On Jan. 26, the Baldwin Wallace Supreme Court hosted a town hall meeting which allowed candidates for student body president and vice president to share their platforms. BW students were invited to participate in a question-and-answer session asking about the candidates’ plans for BW’s future.

Despite running unopposed, Matthew Perry, junior student body presidential candidate, and Maree Horne, sophomore student body vice presidential candidate, are running on a platform of bringing fun to social events increasing involvement across campus.

Both candidates depicted their time in office as an opportunity for growth in student engagement. Further,

Perry emphasized that the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are still ingrained in many students’ socialization habits.

“We want students to be excited about something again,” Perry said.

Answering questions prepared by the Supreme Court and audience members, the running mates emphasized their efforts to hear the opinions of the student body. Horne and Perry said they find it crucial to go to events and talk to students about what fun events they would like to see on campus.

“If one thing is evident, in order to change the current student engagement here on campus there needs to be some kind of big splash in the water,” Perry said.

As of now, the pair is unsure what this “big splash” will be; however, Horne mentioned her desire for a concert on campus.

Other larger universities have had artists come to their campuses, and Horne believes this could be an event that increases social engagement at BW.

Horne is a transfer student and said that she has felt very welcome at BW. Although her time at BW has not been long, she wishes to increase student engagement, especially with minority groups, during her candidacy.

“I feel like my past experience in leadership positions will help me,” Horne said. “In high school I was president for three years.”

Horne’s involvement in the Black Student Alliance advanced her urge for student involvement across campus.

When it comes to the social gatherings in the future of BW, Horne hopes to see increased diversity across all clubs, organizations and events.

Perry’s ideas for activities on

campus much reflect his actions in his current position as student body vice president. In Perry’s candidacy as vice president, he participated in the organization of the Holiday Gala alongside senior student body president Lizzy Cole. Perry emphasized that this was the largest indoor event since before Covid-19, excluding commencement.

“The gala [was a] huge success, but it doesn’t just stop there. We’ve got to keep the ball rolling,” Perry said.

The success of the Holiday Gala inspired Perry to promote more events like this on campus. However, large projects like the Holiday Gala take long planning periods.

Luckily for Perry and Horne, running unopposed allows them to get a jumpstart on their plans for the upcoming year. The candidates can begin planning events before their inauguration date.

Civil rights activist visits campus as M.L.K. week keynote speaker

By RAEJEANAE MARTIN Staff Writer

As part of Baldwin Wallace’s M.L.K. Week celebrating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., Mary Frances Berry, currently a professor of American social thought at the University of Pennsylvania, presented the keynote address on Jan. 19.

Berry is an African American civil rights activist, historian, professor, lawyer and writer known for her work in education and public policy.

At the end of her speech to the BW community, Berry said that although there is still work to be done regarding equal rights for everyone in the United States, she trusts that the younger generations will still fight for equality.

“Jimmy Baldwin always said – he wrote in his book ‘The Fire Next Time’ – that if we’re gonna make social change in this country and achieve Martin’s beloved community, somebody’s gotta go through

the fire,” Berry said. “There’s gotta be a generation that goes. And I say that each generation must make a dent in the wall of injustice.”

Although she said the changes she made is enough for her time, she said there will always be work to do — which is up to the younger generations to accomplish.

“I’ve given up thinking that I’m gonna change the world before I die,” Berry said. “When I was young, I said, ‘I’m gonna change the world, the whole world, I’m gonna be great, I’m gonna do all these amazing things.’ No. Just incremental change. I will accept incremental change and knowing that someday, we will

have a beloved community. And we will be able to make liberty and justice a reality for all.”

Berry was the first black

woman chancellor at a tierone research university at the University of Colorado before becoming assistant secretary of education under President

Carter in 1977. Subsequently, she became a professor of history and law at Howard University before being appointed to the United States

Civil Rights Commission in 1980 under the Ronald Reagan administration. In 1984, Berry co-founded the Free South Africa Movement, dedicated to ending apartheid in South Africa. Berry has also received two N.A.A.C.P. awards and multiple other awards celebrating her work in public service and civil rights.

Ericka Walker-Smith, the director of inclusion programs & community development, said inviting Berry to speak on campus was an easy choice.

“We wanted to bring speakers to campus who directly relate to Dr. Martin Luther King and his legacy,” Walker-Smith said. “Her time, her work in civil rights, not only her work in the Civil Rights Commission, but also her work with other civil rights activists. She was a natural choice.”

Courtney Robinson, the programs manager of the multicultural student success and retention initiatives said Berry was a great choice for

Baker family looking to move on The owners of Dick's Bakery are retiring, but have no fear. If all goes well, signature baked goods like their date and nut cake will be here to stay.

Alexis Watkins, The Exponent Student body presidential candidate Matthew Perry, left, and vice presidential candidate Maree Horne, right, are running unopposed for their respective seats. Both candidates have emphasized increasing student engagement.

Austin Patterson, The Exponent

Berry described her long career in politics and civil rights during a Jan. 19 address celebrating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Lab Series features student director Senior Rachel Gold is leading a cast of students exploring queer love in postAIDS New York in Diana Son's "Stop Kiss."

THE BEREA COMMUNITY’S PAPER OF RECORD

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Justin McMullen exponent@bw.edu

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Huixin Deng hdeng@bw.edu

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Motivated by worker protections, student mulls statehouse run

By GLORIA MIRELES-BARRERA Staff Writer

Ryan Palmer, a marine veteran and BW student with a double major in management and industrial psychology, is planning to attempt a run for state representative in Ohio’s 17th district in the next election.

Palmer decided to run after one of his ex-coworkers reached out to him and presented the idea to him.

He goes, 'You stand up for regular people all the time.'

He’s like, 'Why not just do this?' I pushed back on it here and there. I was like, 'I’m not a politician,'" Palmer said.

Palmer said that he once helped his friend, who, while working and long demanding hours at a Chipotle location, was told by his manager that he was not allowed to use the

bathroom.

The friend suffered from irritable bowel syndrome, a condition that often includes frequent urgues to use the bathroom. According to fedral worker protection laws backed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, employees with medical conditions should not have

bathroom breaks be restricted by employers.

Palmer said that he believed the Chipotle manager’s conduct was a violation of law and sprang into action.

“I printed out a 52-page law and highlighted all the parts of that law that the [Chipotle manager] broke and then I sent it to him,” Palmer said.

Palmer said a lot of workers may be unaware when their employer violates the law and their rights.

“She had no idea she was protected by the federal law. Now she stands up for herself,” Palmer said.

In an interview with The Exponent, Palmer also railed against arbitration agreements, which are contracts frequently given to employees along with other onboarding paperwork. If signed, the agreements forbid employees from pursuing legal action against

their employers. Instead, disputes are resolved through a process of arbitration.

Palmer said that most of the time, arbitration agreements shield the employer from accountability. Palmer said that instead of a trial lasting a week, an arbiter can do four cases before noon on a given day.

“Some people know they have rights, but what do they do about it?” Palmer said. “How many people are actually gonna put their hand up and say, hey, I’m willing to sue my employer to protect my rights. Not many.”

Palmer is thinking of filing for a state house run in early February. Running for state representative requires filling out a form, paying an $85 fee and receving 50 signatures from citizens within the district in which candidates seek office.

State representatives must live in the district they represent. Palmer, initially thought his Baldwin Wallace address would be in his district, until he checked the district lines meticulously and found out it wasn’t.

“If I get the district wrong, they’ll be, like, 'You’re not allowed to do this.'” Palmer said. “Now Ohio may end up redistricting now. And at that point, I have no idea.”

While a potential run for office remains up in the air at the moment, Palmer is motivated by a desire to help protect employees that may be exploited.

“I want to [run for state representative] because companies need to be held accountable for breaking the law,” Palmer said.

Alternative breaks to encourage advocacy for social justice issues

By ALAINA HAYES

Contributing Writer

During each break at Baldwin Wallace, student-led service groups travel and contribute volunteer work and advocacy for various social justice issues in communities experiencing adversity.

On each trip, called “alternative breaks,” students can expect to experience service work, travel, connectionbuilding and the development of new skills. The David and Francis Brain Center for Community Engagement upholds this tradition each school year.

“A.B. trips are a truly lifechanging experience where students learn how to grow through being comfortable in the uncomfortable,” said Cory Dulemba, a senior national security and criminal justice double major who will be coleading a trip this semester.

Sarah Pounder, a sophomore double major in psychology and sociology, led the “Strengthening a Community: An Act of Women’s Empower-

ment” trip over the first week of the 2022 winter break.

The trip was built around the idea of wanting to give back to women’s shelters and a community that strives to build up women after getting hit with the overturning of Roe v. Wade last June.

“I believe that it is a social justice issue we can learn a lot from and bring new knowledge back to Baldwin Wallace because our campus does not do much for women’s empowerment,” Pounder told The Exponent prior to the trip. “I hope my participants build connections with each other and develop a greater understanding of strengthening a community and themselves.”

Pounder will also lead the 2023 spring break trip “Learning from the Past, For a Better Future.” This trip will explore the efforts of past civil rights activists as well as inspire the new generation to continue to fight for their rights and make an impact.

To ensure that students sign up for the service itself rather than a destination, the loca-

tions of each trip are kept under wraps until students are accepted and attend a pre-trip meeting.

Junior public health majors

Manav Patel and Mehraeel Saleh co-lead the “Youth & Trauma” trip during winter break. This trip contained an insightful experience into the policies that directly affect youth and the social services that aim to help them.

Patel and Saleh’s second trip this school year, scheduled for this summer, features a handson experience in public health. The plan for this trip is to connect with public health professionals and foster community health through service in aiding vulnerable populations.

Senior exercise science major Jill Wood, the student director of alternative break trips, works consistently with each trip to ensure it is planned out ahead of time and can produce meaningful work and service to different communities.

“A.B. trips are a time for students to gather and do hands-on experience in a com-

munity. It is a time for reflection, growth, and of course, service,” Wood said. “I believe all students and faculty should experience an A.B. trip as it truly is life-changing.”

The A.B. experience continues after the academic year ends, with many trips scheduled for the beginning of the 2023 summer break following final exams.

Sole Hall-Hamilton, a senior education and English double major, will lead the “Equitable Queer Communities in America: Creating Change to Enhance their Future” trip during the summer. This specific trip is a service opportunity that caters to the LGBTQ community. Throughout this experience, students will learn more about the policies and policy recommendations directly impacting LGBTQ individuals across the country.

Manimone Sengvoravong, a junior neuroscience major, and Dulemba will be coleading the “Vicious Cycle of Urban Poverty” summer trip.

“This trip is focused on learning about the attributes

to urban poverty, packed with education on how our community can come together to help each other,” Sengvoravong said. “This trip is packed full of experiences that can be brought back to Berea – experiences that can change the world.”

The trip Sengvoravong and Dulemba have created will dive into the experiences of individuals who have experienced poverty firsthand and allow the participants to reflect on these hardships and extend service.

Wood said that organizing alternative break trips has provided valuable learning opportunities.

“I love helping the leaders’ ideas come to life, and I love helping them find the next generation of leaders and helping them create an amazing experience,” Wood said. “I have gained skills that will help me in the future, but I also feel my leaders have gained the same, if not more than me, from the experience.”

By SIMON SKOUTAS Managing Editor

With the help of so-called “dark money” groups, the Ohio legislature designed House Bill 507, a bill signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine on Jan. 6, which removes barriers for oil and gas drilling in state parks and defines natural gas as “green energy.”

The Environmental Protection Agency does not define natural gas as green energy but instead labels it under “conventional power,” including other fossil fuels.

David Krueger, a professor and sustainability program co-director, said natural gas is not clean energy but is better than other energy sources.

“I would say natural gas is not a source of clean energy because it emits carbon dioxide equivalent emissions,”

Krueger said. “It’s less bad than coal. That’s given, and it’s less bad than petroleum, so clearly, natural gas is going to be part of the energy mix.”

DeWine’s spokesman, Dan Tierney, told Cleveland.com that the language defining natural gas as green energy was a “symbolic” gesture, and that the designation does not have binding effects on regulations or funding.

“Given the language was symbolic or opinion language, the Governor made the decision that this provision was not worth vetoing the entire bill over,” Tierney said.

Tom Sutton, a political science professor, said that while the state defining natural gas as “green energy” does not currently have any impact, it could down the road.

“If any legislation from the federal government comes out that requires adherence

to regulations of what is considered green energy, the state of Ohio could say this is green energy,” Sutton said.

The Energy and Policy Institute, a group that advocates for renewable energy while exposing information about utility and fossil fuel interests, obtained public documents showing how “dark money” groups aided the effort to redefine what it means for energy to be considered “green.” Dark money refers to funds raised to influence politics and legislation by nonprofit organizations that are not required to disclose the source of their donations.

The dark money groups, The American Legislative Exchange Council and the Energy Empowerment alliance, an organization connected to the oil and gas industries, provided talking points and modeled legislation

to lawmakers.

Sutton said A.L.E.C. has a long history of developing conservative legislation, including some states’ “stand your ground” laws, which remove the requirement of retreating before utilizing force in self-defense. Sutton lamented that Democrats do not employ similar strategies.

“My beef is not as much with them as with the Democrats who don’t seem to have an equivalent body doing the same,” Sutton said. “If the other side develops a new weapon, figure out how to do it yourself.”

Sutton said special interests have always had a place within the Ohio legislature, dating back to before the Gilded Age.

“When we talk about trustbusting from the Gilded Age, a lot of that had to do with statelevel lobbying by the same industry: energy,” Sutton said.

A spokesperson for the Ohio Senate’s majority caucus, John Fortney, told Cleveland.com that green energy takes away from the United States’ ability for energy independence.

“For the radical left, green energy is simply code for the color of money, and how it can use climate change scare tactics to fundraise millions of dollars while vilifying this country’s ability to be energy independent,” Fortney told Cleveland.com.

H.B. 507 is sometimes referred to as “the chicken bill” since the House initially passed it as a bill that affected the number of chickens that could be sold in lots. After the bill reached the senate, the natural gas provisions were tacked on.

Bride Rose Sweeney, the State Representative representing Berea who voted no on the

'Dark money' groups aided Ohio lawmakers in defining natural gas as 'green energy,' watchdog group reveals

Courtesy of Ryan Palmer BW student Ryan Palmer is targeting a run for statewide office after being inspired to help advocate for workers' rights.

BW builds connection with Berea City School District students

By KATIE COLABIANCHI Contributing Writer

The close proximity of Berea city schools to Baldwin Wallace University creates a unique chance for their students, staff and faculty to build a relationship between the schools, which gives high schoolers the chance to work with older students and professors, and learn more about the college experience.

“[Baldwin Wallace is] a beautiful place with very welcoming people,” said Grace Trella, a ninth-grade cheerleader and soccer player at Berea-Midpark High School.

Mark Smithberger, principal of B.M.H.S., added that BW and the Berea City School District make up one joint, cooperative community, “enabling a symbiotic relationship that benefits both sides.”

Through the schools’

connections, both parties collaborate and share athletic spaces. For example, B.M.H.S. athletic programs utilize BW’s George Finnie Stadium to host varsity football games, soccer games and conference track meets. They also use the connected Roehm Athletic Complex softball fields for games and soccer practices.

Sam Jackson, a senior football player and shot put thrower, emphasized how grateful he is to take advantage of collegiate facilities.

“Playing on such a nice field and a nice stadium is something I really appreciate that not many other high schoolers are lucky enough to experience,” said Jackson.

Trella said that she enjoys cheering in the large college football stadium. She said there are always “so many fans,” making the game experience even better and more exciting.

Jordyn Rozek, a BW alumnus and teacher at Berea-

Midpark Middle School, said that her students are fascinated by Baldwin Wallace’s athletic fields.

“It [seeing the fields and athletes] gives them something to strive for beyond K-12 schooling,” Rozek said.

In addition to athletics, Rozek and Smithberger said BW offers more programs their students can get involved in and attend. Many BereaMidpark students take voice lessons from BW professors, accompany art shows and watch musical productions.

Smithberger also shared that BW students mentor BereaMidpark students in athletics and academics, presenting themselves as mentors and cooperating teachers.

“Students and parents view Baldwin Wallace University as a resource. They know we are lucky to have the university so close to us and can rely on the college for great opportunities,” Smithberger said.

With BW being so close

With pandemic in rear view, Res Life office focuses on improvements to students experience

By MEG FELTY Contributing Writer

As the number of students living on campus rose back to pre-pandemic levels at the beginning of the current academic year, the University updated the air conditioning policy and placed a larger focus on residential community health.

Kristin Brewer, assistant director of recruitment and communication, said she does not know if BW will ever return to operating in the same way it was before Covid-19, but she said that is not a terrible thing. She said she believes that the pandemic has pushed universities everywhere to think differently.

“It is very difficult to live in isolation,” Brewer said.

Now that the peak of Covid has passed, Brewer said that her office can now place a focus on student experience, satisfaction and campus success rather than reacting to the challenges of a pandemic.

BW is now seeing its rate of students choosing to live on campus rising to 54 percent, close to the rates from 20192020 before the Covid-19 crisis.

Jess Basnett, a first-year student, said that the looming threat of Covid-19 would have influenced whether she stayed on campus had she attended last year, but now has chosen to commute due to cost, not Covid concerns.

Junior Andres Ramirez lived in Klein during his freshman and sophomore years at the height of Covid-19. This year he decided to live off campus, though he said the move had nothing to do with Covid-19.

“BW and a lot of other colleges did a very good job at handling the situation that they were given,” Ramirez said.

Brewer, in an interview with The Exponent conducted last semester, said she was excited to regain a lively dynamic with those living on campus.

According to the student handbook, BW amended its air conditioning policy this year to allow students in halls with no air conditioning to bring one approved portable A.C. unit per room.

Brewer said that BW is happy to share this change with students, especially those that struggle with the heat of summer.

Brewer said there is a shift in Residence Life office’s community development model to fo-

cus on wellness importance of whole wellness, building relationships, and belonging in reaction to the lingering feelings of isolation post-quarantine.

“In focusing on wellness, we also have continued to emphasize one-on-one interactions and connecting to things on campus,” Brewer said.

Resident assistants undergo training twice a year to understand the community development model. This year, a new initiative called “Buzz Ins” was introduced, which requires R.A.s to meet with each of their residents twice a semester to ask about their well-being and connections on campus. The R.A.s are additionally trained to connect the student to the support needed through campus resources, especially the counseling center.

As evidenced by the recent renovations to North Hall, BW is continuing to look for ways to change and evolve.

“We are always open to students coming in and providing information or feedback about their experience,” Brewer said.

to home, Jackson and Trella explained that Baldwin Wallace is a potential college choice for them and many of their peers.

“Living my whole life in this area makes the college life very familiar, and it allows me to stay close to my family,” Jackson said.

Trella said she has taken a

tour of the campus and loves how small the school itself is.

“I thrive in smaller environments and love how close it is to home,” Trella said.

For many in the B.M.H.S. community, Baldwin Wallace’s campus has become part of their everyday lives.

“I’m very fortunate that I can share these positive

experiences

my students so they can, hopefully, become future Yellow Jackets,” Rozek said.

MyBW makes way for Campus Groups as University seeks to increase student engagement

By KATHRYN RAUBOLT Staff Writer

On Dec. 31, MyBW, the main hub for all records, calendars and resources for students and staff, went offline, forcing the University to make a quick-change midyear to a new service called JacketConnect.

JacketConnect, a rebranded version of Campus Groups, was implemented to fill the gap that MyBW left, and to increase campus engagement while being more mobilefriendly to its users.

Tyler Whidden, BW’s internal communications coordinator, was hired to assist the University in finding and implementing the new service. To help create a smoother transition, Whidden is holding workshops for those that interact with the platform the most, before moving onto workshops for the general student body.

“I’ve invited all the group officers, those are the users who are in charge of their department or student group page, to come in and we’ll just do a workshop training where I’ll give them an overview,”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Whidden said.

JacketConnect was chosen due to its ability to function as a working database for employees while also giving students a chance to connect.

Links to student records, emails, Canvas, and other resources can be found on the platform, along with club pages and campus wide announcements about various events and activities.

“There’s the social – what I’ve been calling social media adjacent aspects – students going on there [and] finding groups and events really helps increase the engagement for students on campus and within campus groups,” Whidden said. “I think that they found that that platform, and so far, this has been proven correct, is a way to sort of foster more engagement for students.”

Student officers can create pages for their respective groups where they can upload events and meetings, making it easier for students to find and engage in their areas on campus.

Some students, such as Sami Dickens, a first-year acting and directing major, have found the platform to be more mobile-friendly, with

an official app that allows students to be more connected while on their mobile devices. However, some issues have occurred with logins and the general adjustment period to the new platform.

“I think the app is more user-friendly because I can actually get notifications about events and announcements from organizations and professors,” Dickens said. “However, I don’t really like how it messed up my login and how I have to approve the sign in every time.”

The overall goal for the new platform is to increase student-wide involvement on campus, to keep and heighten graduation rates over the next few years.

“It’s just utilizing it as a way of fostering more engagement on campus,” Whidden said. “I think a lot of studies show that students who are more engaged, their graduation track goes up. They’re more likely to graduate they’re more likely to look at college experience with a positive experience.”

Letters to the editor are encouraged as a method to bring issues of concern into the public eye. Letters should be typed, limited to no more than 300 words, include a full name and include a phone number for confirmation. Letters may be submitted via email to: exponent@bw.edu. All letters must be received by 5 p.m. the Friday the week before any publication week.

with

Courtesy of Grace Trella

The 2022-2023 Berea-Midpark High School cheerleading team poses for a picture during a game day at George Finnie Stadium.

The Expression

Arts and Culture Coverage from The Exponent

THE EXPONENT AT THE MOVIES

Review: Letitia Wright stuns as bona fide hero in ‘Black Panther’

'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ has its streaming premiere on Disney+ today. Staff Writer Ella York gives her spoiler-free take.

By ELLA YORK Staff Writer

Walking into “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” I must admit I was nervous. The script for the film had undergone massive changes to account for Chadwick Boseman’s death, production faced many delays due to Covid-19, and lead actress Letitia Wright suffered a traumatic injury during filming that left her with a fractured shoulder and a concussion.

I expected the film’s plot to completely fall apart and feel disconnected. Most of the post “Avengers: Endgame” Marvel movies have been lacking at best, and I wasn’t sure that Shuri, who was mainly used for comedic relief in the original “Black

Panther,” was going to be a strong enough character to shoulder the weight of the story.

This film proved me spectacularly wrong. Not only did Ryan Coogler’s sequel prove to be a touching gift to the late Boseman, it boasted a brilliant plot with remarkable characters and even more remarkable performances.

In the aftermath of T’Challa’s death, Wakanda is without its protector as a new underwater nation emerges, led by the mutant Namor. Under threat of attack, Queen Ramonda, Shuri and Okoye must defend their country from the unknown strength of this kingdom and restore the Black Panther once more.

The thing that struck me the most was how the movie was predominantly female led. Normally in

films with a female lead, the supporting characters are overwhelmingly male.

In “Wakanda Forever,” however, the only male lead is the villain, Namor. It was refreshing to see a film aggressively highlight the strength of its female characters and not shy away from the opportunities they bring.

Wright is a force to be reckoned with in her showstopping performance as Shuri. From the opening seconds of the film, it is apparent that a different side of her character will be revealed. The way Wright puts Shuri through hell and back as she deals with the complexity of her grief is nuanced and seamless. Wright undeniably put her own grief over Boseman’s passing into her performance, making Shuri’s

character development raw and heartbreaking.

While Wright gave a masterly performance, Angela Bassett, who played Queen Ramonda, was hands down the standout of the film. Bassett effortlessly balanced Ramonda’s role as a mother and a leader. She was intense and fierce at times, but not afraid to show Ramonda’s anguish over losing her son. Bassett had no trouble commanding the screen whenever she had the chance.

The film’s villain – or maybe more appropriately labeled anti-hero – managed to set himself apart from other villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Namor, played by Tenoch Huerta, easily won sympathy from the audience for his cause but was still able to hold onto his role as the antagonist. Huerta

repeatedly accomplished an astonishing switch from a man the audience could connect with to a vengeful ruler with no heart.

Also introduced in this movie was the character Riri Williams, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology student with a penchant for machines, played by Dominique Thorne. Taking on Shuri’s old role of providing comedic relief, Thorne had no problem easing the tension throughout the film while also providing a relatability that certain other characters lacked. Thorne's introduction here greatly sets her up for her solo show, “Ironheart,” coming sometime in 2023.

Apart from the outstanding plot and performances in the film, “Wakanda Forever” isn’t afraid to take risks. Many choices and plot points

throughout the film were completely unexpected, and there are definitely a handful of cameos in this film that caught me off guard. Unlike other Marvel entries, this film only has one post-credits scene, but it unquestionably provides a big reveal.

Overall, Coogler’s sequel was incredibly riveting, unexpected and moving. The cast and crew have a lot to be proud of with this film, as it beautifully honors Boseman’s legacy. Whether you’re a massive Marvel junkie or just a casual fan, this movie is definitely worth the watch.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is available on Disney+ today. The film marks the end of Marvel’s fourth phase of content that kicked off with “WandaVision.”

Students explore tale of queer love in Lab Series production ‘Stop Kiss’

By URSULA SAADEH Staff Writer

Baldwin Wallace students explore different kinds of love and relationships in “Stop Kiss,” a student-mounted production set to premiere on Feb. 9 in Loomis Hall Room

177.

Senior Rachel Gold, a BFA acting major, directs Diana Son’s 1998 play, a budding love story between two women living in New York City during the late 1990s, a point in history filled with much animosity toward the LGBTQ community.

“It's a very honest and innocent love story, [and] I don't feel the LGBTQ community gets that very often,” Gold said. “I think that this particular love story is one that's not represented in media as much as it should be, and you're also going to see the cost of being who you are.”

“Stop Kiss” uses a non-linear story structure in which Callie and Sarah’s journey of love is interwoven with a horrific gay bashing that leaves Sarah in a coma. However, Gold said that this hate crime is not shown during the play because the focus of the play is not on queer trauma.

Senior BFA acting student Bennie Bender, who plays Callie, said, “You sort of have this split scene that interweaves together, where you see first the love story evolve, but then it's interspersed with the scenes of after what happens.”

This production of “Stop Kiss” is a part of the Lab Series, in which students have no budget and must find their own props, costumes and

supplies. In addition to this, the Loomis Acting Studio, room 177, is a small space to fit both actors and an audience.

Junior Taylor Lang, who is the stage manager, said that the intimate space provides the challenge of putting the entire world of a play into a small space. However, it is an opportunity for the actors to deliver a nuanced performance to an audience that is right in front of them.

“It's just people on a stage speaking their truth, and it's really exciting to see that, especially with such a deep and thoughtful show,” Lang said.

“Stop Kiss” explores many different types of people and the relationships between them, and Gold said it is her job to try and find the good in all the characters in order to understand them.

“It gives me a better world understanding [of] how different people think because, you know, we all think we're right in every aspect of our life, so fictional characters wouldn’t be any different,” Gold said.

“And as the director, I have to know why they’re right.”

Junior acting major Jason Diers plays Detective Cole, a character he said is considered by most to be the villain in the show. The environment in the rehearsal room is one without judgment, which Diers said is helpful when exploring his character.

“The biggest challenge is playing a man who just doesn’t understand and is so insensitive,” Diers said. “Detective Cole uses empathy as a tactic to do this job … eventually you see him just snap and [he] doesn't care

about anyone's situation or feelings.”

Gold said: “I love talking about the relationships between characters. We talk about the scene, and we talk about the emotional states that everyone is in and their objectives in the scenes and the relationship that they have with their scene partner.”

Lang said that working with a student director is fun because she gets to see the director’s ideas when they are “most fresh and new,” and it is interesting to hear other students’ stories when discussing the events of the play.

“I like being able to work with a small group of people,” Lang said. “It’s really nice to be able to be free about our thoughts … especially with the subject matter. I think a lot of students can relate to it.”

Bender said that it is nice to perform a play that will speak to an audience of people who “respect and understand” the characters and their story.

“As a queer person, more specifically as a lesbian, it's … not as common to see queer stories up on the stage,” Bend-

er said. “I think ["Stop Kiss"] centers around love and how liberating it is to finally find your person.”

Because “Stop Kiss” is set in a post-AIDS epidemic New York City, it provides insight into the challenges facing an LGBTQ person during that time, an experience that many continue to face today.

“It will be both

heartwarming and heart wrenching,” Diers said. “I've gotten a glimpse into what it's like to not be accepted. … It's very eye opening, and I learn a new thing every time.”

Bender said: “The show is all about relationships, and it’s all about how we find each other and what we do to keep each other happy and safe, ... so I really think audiences can look

forward to just seeing those connections and seeing that love throughout everything.”

“Stop Kiss” will run Feb. 9-12 in Loomis Hall room 177. Tickets are free and can be reserved online.

Austin Patterson, The Exponent Kyle Arzaga, Bennie Bender, Rachel Gold, Emily Polcyn , Neila Holley, and Jason Diers rehearse scenes from the upcoming production of Diana Son's "Stop Kiss."

BERRY: University official hopes Berry speech 'inspires' students to make changes in community

Continued from Page 1 college students.

“When you’re a college student, you have so much passion for so many things, but you get lost in how to do it,” Robinson said. “Dr. Berry is a perfect example of someone who put their passion and turned it into action.”

Walker-Smith said that seeing Berry speak in person is a totally different experience.

“Just being exposed is enough.” Walker-Smith said. “It’s one thing to read about them or to see someone on TV, but to actually say that you were in the presence of this individual is another thing.

To see someone like [Berry] in person is to also see her achievements and trailblazing in-person. I hope people are inspired by her and know they can do anything like she did.”

Robinson said that students

will be changed by Berry’s speech.

“I hope people in the audience know that these activists are people like us. Sometimes people forget those people out there are humans too.” Robinson said. “These are people who went out there and did it. The students in that audience will have their lives forever changed from hearing this woman who accomplished so much and I hope they know they can enact change too.”

NATURAL: Environmental ethics professor draws comparrison between H.B. 507, FirstEnergy scandal

Continued from Page 2 final version of H.B. 507, told The Exponent in a previous interview how the senate adds provisions to bills.

“The senate attaches it, and basically at that point, it technically does not have to have three hearings in the house,” Sweeney said. “It’s a loophole that is used, unfortunately, a lot to get things done and to really subvert a public process because we represent just as many people as the Ohio Senate.”

While dark money was helping to shape H.B. 507, Larry Householder, the former Ohio House speaker, and lobbyist Matt Borges, had a trial court date set for Jan. 23 over a $60 million bribery scheme allegedly funded by FirstEnergy.

“My beef is not as much with [Republican dark money groups] as with the Democrats who don’t seem to have an equivalent body doing the same. If the other side develops a new weapon, figure out how to do it yourself.”

TOM SUTTON Professor, Political science

Householder and Borges are currently being accused of working with the dark money organization Generation Now, which allegedly funneled funds from FirstEnergy to help Householder pass H.B. 6, legislation that involved a $1 billion bailout for two nuclear plants.

Kelly Coble, a philosophy

professor who often teaches environmental ethics, said H.B. 507 is a similar story of dark money’s influence on Ohio’s policies.

“While we have no reason to believe any of this is actually illegal, it is also sad that this is happening when Larry Householder’s trial begins, and the travesty of H.B. 6 is thus on our minds.”

Berea-Midpark students reflect on high school’s large new campus

By COLE TARANTOWSKI

Contributing Writer

In August of 2020 BereaMidpark High School was demolished after standing for over 60 years to make way for its brand-new complex. However, the new building has left some underwhelmed.

Tenzin Lucas, a 2019 BereaMidpark graduate, was part of one of the last classes of students to experience the

former building. When Lucas attended the high school, the building had gothic inspired architecture, including gargoyles and stained glass.

Lucas said that in comparison, the new school feels “soulless.”

“It feels like it’s this big, expansive, far away thing that is so out of place relative to the road it’s on,” Lucas said. “The new building feels extremely soulless, in addition to it being an uninspired brick box.”

However, Lucas could only give impressions on the exterior of the building.

“I can’t speak for the actual experience of the students that attend the new school though, and I have yet to enter the interior,” Lucas said.

Sam Carlson, a current Berea-Midpark senior, shared similar opinions to Lucas and gave insight into the interior.

“The new school looks really boring on the outside but it’s alright on the inside,”

Carlson said. “The hallways are really wide, a lot wider than when I was a freshman at the old school.”

Despite possible criticisms, there was a reason the new building was constructed. There were many problems including, but not limited to, mice, overcrowding, the occasional funny smell and inconsistent heating and cooling.

“I remember this one time we were rehearsing for a play

in the auditorium and a bat flew out of the rafters and was flying all around. I knew our school was old but that was just ridiculous,” Lucas said.

“The new building is pretty state-of-the-art,” Carlson said. “I remember my freshman year it was so cold in one of my classrooms every day during the winter, it was awful. That’s one of the main upsides of the new school; they don’t have technical issues. It’s just kind of ugly.”

NEVER MISS A STORY. VISIT

According to Cleveland. com, the Berea City School District was allocated a budget of over $100 million to construct its new building. “$100 million is a lot of money,” Calson said. “I’m sure they could’ve fixed the heat in the old building with $100 million.”

Austin Patterson, The Exponent Berry's long career of activism and service includes experience working under two U.S. presidents and advocating against apartheid in South Africa.

Life & Styles

Dick’s Bakery looking to sell, stay in business

By CHASE J. GILROY Staff Writer

The owners of Dick’s Bakery, brothers Richard and Andy Baker, are looking to retire and sell their business to new owners after 30 years managing the family business.

The Bakers have been working at their father’s bakery since they were in their teens and have followed in their father’s footsteps ever since. Now in their 60s, the Bakers are looking toward retirement, and hope to sell their location on 70 Front St. to people who are willing to keep the “Dick’s Bakery” name, and who can be taught to prepare their family

recipes such as their signature date and nut cake.

“I’m hopeful. I would like this to be our legacy,” Richard Baker said.

Bryanna Feagler, a sophomore with an undeclared major, said she has fond memories of the bakery and is happy that the business will remain.

“I think it’s really great that they’re selling, but still keeping the business alive,” Feagler said. “I feel like that’s something that would be very important to people in the county.”

The two brothers are only beginning the process of selling their business and do not expect an actual transition

to begin, let alone finish, for at least another few years, according to Cheryl Baker, Andrew Baker’s wife and an employee at the bakery.

“They’d have to stay and teach someone, you know?” Cheryl Baker said. “It’s an art … so they’d definitely want someone to continue all their products.”

Dick’s Bakery is one of the oldest running shops on Front Street, having been there for the last 30 years. Although, prior to its establishment in the 1990s, the family had been running the bakery in a different location opened in the 1950s under the management of the Baker brothers’ father, Dick Baker. The family-run

bakery has been supplying BW students, as well as other members of the surrounding Berea community, with the Baker family’s recipes ever since its relocation.

Feagler said she has fond childhood memories of the bakery, including stopping there for cookies with her mother after her brother’s guitar lessons, and her own birthdays.

“When I was growing up, probably since first grade, she would almost always go to Dick’s Bakery to get my birthday cake,” Feagler said.

By ALEX MINYARD

Contributing Writer

While Baldwin Wallace University has taken steps to support gender nonconforming students, such as giving them the option to change one’s preferred name and add one’s pronouns onto Canvas, according to some students, those steps have not led to fully feeling safe within the campus community.

Senior Hazelyn Smith and sophomore Charlie Schalk both said they have experienced microaggressions on BW’s campus. Microaggressions

are statements, actions, or incidents of indirect, subtle or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group.

Schalk, who uses they/them pronouns, specifically said that they often are given dirty looks for correcting people when being misgendered –or referred to using incorrect pronouns – on campus.

Schalk once overheard someone in Ritter Library referring to the genderinclusive bathroom with a slur directed at transgender people.

“It immediately took me out of studying," Schalk said. “I felt unsafe.”

Hazelyn Smith, who uses both he/him and they/ them pronouns, believes that most people aren’t even aware that they are making these harmful comments. “Cisgender people usually don’t realize because they aren’t as focused on gender,” Hazelyn Smith said.

Contrastingly, Kaitlin Smith, a sophomore who uses she/they pronouns, says that she has experienced people on campus purposefully misgendering her when the person is upset with them. While there are specific places or groups on campus that make many gender nonconforming students feel

safe, there are some places or groups that cause the students to feel more uncomfortable.

Schalk said they feel less safe in the Lou Higgins Rec Center and around the baseball team and the men’s lacrosse team. Hazelyn Smith said they have their guard up around male athletes, business majors and certain fraternities.

Sophomore Rachel McElwain, who uses they/ them pronouns, says that they are just careful when in new or unfamiliar environments, but they don’t necessarily feel unsafe.

Schalk and Hazelyn Smith both expressed

disappointment that there are no gender-neutral bathrooms in Lou Higgins Recreation Center and that there are only gendered areas for students to change. Hazelyn Smith also noted the lack of a genderneutral bathroom at Malicky Center for Social Sciences, which is the building that houses their major.

Kaitlin Smith suggested ways that could make students feel safer and more comfortable on campus: to correct people when they use incorrect pronouns for someone and to not be defensive when you yourself are being corrected.

“Misgendering on accident

happens, just move on and be respectful,” Kaitlin Smith said.

Similarly, Hazelyn Smith said that students should use the right name and pronouns for their peers and that they should ask if they are unsure instead of just guessing. He also wants to see more inclusive language and activities on campus from their fellow students.

Schalk urged students to be more open-minded toward their peers.

“Respect them, even if you don’t understand,” Schalk said.

Students share their most awkward online dating stories

By DANIELA SHKEMBI

Contributing Writer

While this may come as no surprise, many students at Baldwin Wallace students have gone through their fair share of strange online dating experiences and been on some hilariously horrible first dates.

During their first year of college, Jo Lawson, a junior film and creative writing major, went out with someone whose age was wrong on their profile. They also still lived in a single dorm while Lawson had their own apartment, which was alarming to Lawson.

Lawson said they didn’t think he did it on purpose because many people lie about their age, considering a person must be 18 to be on Tinder, and when someone makes

their Tinder profile while still in high school, they typically forget to change it after they graduate.

Lawson matched with someone, and they had a good conversation via text until he invited Lawson to his dorm.

“I thought he was being facetious, but he was actually very adamant about playing chess. Almost begging me,” Lawson said.

Lawson did not reach out to their date again. He subsequently blocked Lawson on every social media platform.

Lawson shared another moment off campus when a man appeared to put pictures on his profile that made him look quite young. In reality, he was around 26.

“He only posted pictures of him in high school and not

current pictures, so when I met up with him, he looked so different from his profile which was so weird,” Lawson said.

"This man starts singing, and that’s fine, like we were just listening to music on our way there, but he was singing like, being for real, not casually singing along but like actually belting the notes."

YANA KRYVAK

Senior public health major

Lawson said that they have had much better experiences dating women than men.

“Much better, more comfortable experiences,” Lawson said. However, Lawson said that they find that women are a little more intimidating than men.

“If the date was held at my place, I would make a playlist

and clean my apartment. I would never do that for a man. And plus, I felt comfortable having girls over for the first date,” Lawson said.

Lawson then clarified how dating women was “more innocent and casual, and there’s no sexual pressure.”

Megan Deem, a sophomore exercise science major, spoke of her memorable experiences on Tinder.

“This guy and I matched on Tinder and he immediately sent a message and said, ‘There is no way you’re a personal trainer,’ and then proceeded to unmatch me,” Deem said.

Deem also talked about another moment that stood out to her when opening up to a Tinder match who started messaging her.

“It was going really well,” Deem said. “He asked if we

wanted to hang out, and I said, ‘I want to be upfront and not give you the wrong impression; I am not one that likes to hook up.’ He then calls me a fat ugly bitch and unmatched with me.”

Yana Kryvak, a senior public health major, went out with a a friend of her ex who had wanted to go out with her for some time. After a year, she decided to go on a date with him. They went to Swenson’s, and Kryvak was the chauffeur for the night.

Kryvak said that the date began awkwardly and eventually went wrong.

“This man starts singing, and that’s fine, like we were just listening to music on our way there, but he was singing like, being for real, not casually singing along but like actually belting the notes,” Kryvak said.

“I think he thought he was really good and it was fine, but it was just so uncomfortable… it felt like he was waiting for me to compliment his voice,” Kryvak laughed. “I hated that. On top of that, at Swenson’s, my car battery died and I literally had to call someone to jump-start my car, and he said that he was gonna call his freaking dad! My worst nightmare is meeting a parent on the first date when I’m the one driving.”

After the date, he reached out to Kryvak and expressed how much fun he had and wanted to do it again sometime. Of course, that was very short-lived, and they did not hang out again.

“It’s not much of a crazy story, but that’s my one-andonly date experience, Kryvak said. “Be safe out there, ladies.”

The owners of Dick’s Bakery are retiring, but hoping to sell their business to new owners who will keep the same name and family recipes.

Chase J. Gilroy, The Exponent Brothers Richard and Andy Baker have been working at Dick's Bakery since their teenage years when it was run by their father, Dick.

Gender non-conforming students express concerns over comfort and safety on campus, urge greater inclusivity

Idaho murders highlight importance of campus safety

By ELLA YORK Staff Writer

The high-profile case surrounding the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students last November has rocked people around the globe – and BW students are no exception.

In a survey conducted by The Exponent that asked 77 BW students questions about safety habits and concerns around campus, many voiced how the Idaho case has affected them. Out of the students familiar with the case, 68.3 percent of students reported rethinking their personal safety habits after hearing about the incident.

The victims in the Idaho murders, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin and Maddie Mogen, were stabbed to death by a masked intruder in their off-campus home on Nov.13, 2022. The only suspect in this ongoing case is Bryan Kohberger, a doctoral student studying

criminology at the University of Washington. There were no signs of forced entry into the home, and new details in this case suggest Kohberger may have been stalking the victims – through social media and other means – since August of 2022.

To increase safety around campus, BW Safety and Security offers many services available for students to utilize, including an escort service and vehicle lockout assistance. Currently, Safety and Security is working on developing a program for students on personal safety.

“We are putting together a program with [residence] life, criminal justice, and the Berea police,” said Tim Washington, the supervisor on first shift for BW Safety and Security. “We’re going to talk about personal safety, and we might talk about active shooter training.”

This program comes at a time where students are beginning to call their personal safety into question – in October of last year,

S.T.E.M programs can bring challenges for women, students say

By OLIVIA SEAMAN GARRETT Staff Writer

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is a field that has a reputation for being largely dominated by men, and some students feel that reputation is upheld at Baldwin Wallace.

Students interviewed by The Exponent about their experience reported that in many S.T.E.M. classes, the male-to-female student ratio is very unbalanced.

Mary Hiros, a sophomore double major in cyber security and public health, said that, in one instance, she was the only female student in a class of seven males. Still, Hiros is undeterred.

“Young women should not be scared to go into maledominated fields, because there is so much room for success for women in these fields,” said Hiros.

Junior Julia Stein, a double major in biology and public health, said that there are classes designed for specific post-graduate endeavors, such as medical school, that are more male-dominated in numbers than others. Classes that focus on topics such as physician’s assistance are more balanced in terms of numbers.

These male-dominated numbers can be a daunting prospect for some female students hoping for a place in the S.T.E.M. world. Sydney Baracz, a junior English major and computer science minor, agreed that computer science being a male-dominated field was intimidating at first.

“I was too self-conscious to pick the computer science electives since I knew the majority of the people in there

The Exponent reported on numerous accounts of sexual harassment and safety concerns with the Fairgrounds Gate 3 parking lot.

While 47.4 percent of surveyed students reported feeling mostly safe in campus parking lots at night, 38.2 percent reported only feeling fairly safe and 9.2 percent not feeling safe at all. Only 5.3 percent reported feeling extremely safe.

This, in part, could be due to the lack of blue light emergency phones present on campus. When asked if they were comfortable with the current number of emergency phones on campus, an overwhelming 87 percent of students reported that they were not, and that they feel more should be added.

According to Washington, students should call BW Safety and Security, the Berea Police Department, or even 911 in emergency cases when students feel threatened or unsafe in an area where there are no blue light emergency

phones.

“I’d rather have you report something and have us check it out and have it not be [anything], then not report it and have something happen,” Washington said. “We’re here 24/7, even if you have a question. If we don’t answer it, we can try to get an answer for you. We’re always available.”

To help increase personal safety, students can practice good safety habits such as locking doors, using good judgment on social media and ensuring other students scan their own jacket express cards before letting a stranger into a university building.

15.6 percent of surveyed students reported that they never lock their doors. According to Washington, students should not take their safety for granted – even in a safe town like Berea – and keep their doors locked at all times.

“We had an incident in Lang Hall years ago,” Washington said. “A girl went down to the bathroom. [When] she

came back – she’d left her door unlocked – there was an individual in her room ... Even if you’re going across the hall, lock your doors.”

Dale Papes, a part-time officer who works with BW Safety and Security, describes how students can extend safe practices to social media. Out of the students surveyed, 39 percent reported having public social media accounts. According to Papes, students should use their own judgment when it comes to social media but should still always think before they share.

“When you put information out there, it’s out there,” Papes said. “If it’s not something you would want shared with that one person walking down Beech Street, what about across the country, or everywhere in the world?”

In addition to social media, Papes also warns that students need to be careful when it comes to who students let into University buildings.

“I see it all the time on patrol, people holding doors

for each other. Which is nice … but let somebody scan their own card,” Papes said. “Plus, that could even help us. [One] night, we received a call where it was very helpful to know an individual’s last location so we can go help them.”

Even though 54.5 percent of the surveyed students reported feeling mostly safe overall on campus, incidents can happen anywhere, Washington said.

“People say it can never happen in Berea. Yes, it can.” Washington said. “The probabilities of it happening might be slim, but the possibilities are endless.”

For additional ways to stay safe, BW students can attend safety classes given by Washington, available upon request, or take part in the Berea Police Department's program C.R.A.S.E., which stands for “Civilian Response to an Active Shooter Event.”

Tired of studying in your dorm room?

Try these three off-campus spots.

would be boys,” Baracz said.

Baracz also added that there was an issue with group work and being spoken over by their male counterparts. While Stein, Baracaz, and Hiros all agreed that the issue of sexism and misogyny was far more blatant and prevalent in high school, all three were aware of and prepared to deal with the same sort of issue in their college courses.

Compared to other majorrelated courses, such as English, Baracz said they found it “baffling how much more of a problem [sexism] is in computer science.”

While not everyone has run into the same sort of issue, Stein said she had experienced sexist microaggressions.

“When I was a freshman I think there were a couple instances where we’d be studying, and I’d be with a male study partner, and people would ask him questions more than me,” Stein said.

Many students, however, agree that there is plenty of room and opportunity for women in their desired field –it is just about navigating their way through and recognizing opportunities where they are offered.

While there have clearly been instances of unkind behavior, Stein said that “there are also a lot of men that are extremely supportive.”

The male students domination in terms of numbers should not be a deterrent from pursuing a career in the S.T.E.M. field for women, Stein said.

“We need women from all different backgrounds with all different perspectives to bring in new views and ideas,” she said.

We asked BW students to tell us about their go-to places to study off campus. Here are their responses.

By KRISTEN MILLER Contributing Writer

Studying at Café AhRoma, Berea Public Library and Coe Lake may offer students a break from campus distractions and a chance to connect with the Berea community.

Café Ah-Roma

Café Ah-Roma is located near the Berea Giant Eagle and within walking distance of campus. The Berea location is one of two Café Ah-Roma locations, as there is another one near Cleveland State University.

Café Ah-Roma’s menu offers a list of breakfast pastries, sandwiches, coffee and smoothies. The café is relatively small, and they have a list of syrups up by the counter that customers can choose from to flavor their coffee or tea.

Olivia Powell, a junior sustainability major, worked at Café Ah-Roma over the summer. She said that she enjoys Café Ah-Roma because it’s cozy, and the crowd is mellow and quiet. She said it is a nice walk away from campus, with not too many people from BW.

“You won’t constantly run into people who try to talk to you and distract you,” Powell said.

Powell also said that Café Ah-Roma allows customers to stay there for hours and provides easy-to-access food and Wi-Fi.

One BW student who asked to remain anonymous said that the café isn’t too

rowdy. There are some people they know, but mostly they feel like they can just chill and not worry about others. They also said that Café Ah-Roma is very LGBTQ friendly.

“I like that it is less crowded than Starbucks, but I still get that cozy coffee shop vibe,” junior Marissa Pope said.

Rebecca DiScipio, a sophomore neuroscience major, said that the calm and happy atmosphere keeps her focused. If she studies in a place that is too noisy, she gets distracted. If she studies in a place that is too quiet, she gets lost in her thoughts. She feels like Café Ah-Roma is a good mix of both.

Mattie Flynn, a junior neuroscience major, said that the classical music that they play over the speakers at the café works well for them.

“[It] helps drown out conversations and keep my brain stimulated and on task. Plus, the drinks and food are amazing,” Flynn said.

Berea Public Library

Another favorite offcampus study space for some students is the Berea Public Library. The library is located right across the parking lot from Coe Lake, and it features a computer area, rows of bookshelves and different

study areas.

Amy Dreger, the children’s services supervisor at the Berea Public Library, said the library has several resources to offer BW students who are looking to study there. They have study spaces in the main area of the library, three private study rooms and a quiet room where students can sit down and do their work.

The public library also has online databases through the Cuyahoga County Public Library system where students can access digital e-books, music and videos with a library card. It also has a large collection of books available for students who would like some leisure reading.

Haley Stalnaker, a sophomore marketing major, said that being at the public library allows her to interact with older members of the community.

“I feel like since I grew up around people a lot older than me, being in a setting where I know that I’m one of the younger individuals helps ease my mind and lets me focus on tasks I need to finish,” said Stalnaker. Dreger said that the library benefits Berea residents because it provides a change of scenery and access to computers for those who may not otherwise have it.

Coe Lake

Right next to the library is Coe Lake, an option for students who would like to study outside when the weather is warmer.

“It’s very relaxing and quiet so it is easier to focus. I like being outside in the sun while doing work,” said senior Hazelyn Smith.

Hannah Wetmore, The Exponent Cafe Ah-Roma is a popular location for studying off-campus according to some students interviewed by The Exponent.

Men’s basketball withstands late rally in O.T. victory over Heidelberg

Nationally ranked women overcome season-low point total in 10-point triumph

By TOMMY MAROON Staff Writer

In what was yet another game that came down to the wire, the Baldwin Wallace men’s basketball team was able to pull out an 80-77 overtime win over Heidelberg on Jan. 25.

While the Yellow Jackets held a 71-61 lead with under three and a half minutes to go, the Student Princes rallied to tie it at 71 and force overtime.

“I mean, obviously not the run we would’ve liked,” said Luke Driscoll, who finished

the game with 8 points and 3 rebounds. “We would’ve liked to finish it off in regulation, but they went on a run, and at the end of regulation, we had to stick together, and thankfully we were able to pull out the win in overtime for us.”

With the win, the Brown and Gold break even on the season, sitting at a 9-9 overall record and 5-6 in the O.A.C. The Jackets next face off against the Marietta Pioneers on Jan. 28 inside Ursprung Gymnasium at 2 p.m. (Note: This edition of The Exponent was printed

before the conclusion of the Jan. 28 game.)

“The whole team’s anxious to get a win against [Marietta]. We played them at the beginning of the season, and we didn’t do well. Obviously we won the other two, but I think everyone’s real hyped and ready to go, and add to that win streak,” added Jack Simmons, who recorded 10 points and 11 rebounds, not to mention a key block early in overtime that was crucial in the win.

“It gets us off to the right tone right off the gate in O.T.,” Simmons said. The senior

Wadsworth High School product had two blocks on the night, making him the only Yellow Jacket with multiple blocks in the game. His second block came just 18 seconds into overtime on an attempted three-pointer by the Student Princes.

Both teams traded points in the overtime period, but Heidelberg had no answer for senior Anthony Mazzeo’s three-pointer with 1:53 left in O.T. Mazzeo led the team with 22 points and 5 assists.

BW is still yet to win three games in a row this season. A win over Marietta would

propel them over .500 once again.

For the Yellow Jackets, it’s been a roller coaster ride of a season, and this game was no different. The Jackets started out hot, taking a 26-15 lead in the first half, only to see Berg go on a 14-2 run in four minutes. Then, to close out the final three minutes, the Jackets closed out the half by scoring 10 straight points.

Ironically enough, Heidelberg closed out the second half with 10 straight points of their own to get the game into overtime. It was the third game this season that

went into O.T. for BW, with the previous two times being a 85-84 win over Hobart and an 84-81 loss to #3 Mount Union, all games at Ursprung.

In Tiffin, the #10 nationally ranked women’s basketball team took down Heidelberg 47-37, with Caely Ressler leading the way with 11 points. Despite scoring a season low point total, the Jackets improved to 17-1 in the regular season, and 10-1 in the O.A.C.

Humans of BW: Mythology Club members tell us their favorite myths

Our photo series gives a glimpse into students’ lives in their own words. Know someone who should be featured? Email exponent@bw.edu.

As told to and photographed by KRISTEN MILLER

HOPE NIXON

Class of 2024

Major: Middle childhood education

"My favorite myth is the myth of Hades and Persephone. The love story behind it is timeless, and the history of it fascinating. It’s been rewritten so many times in so many different ways, and even though I’ve read the story so many times I never get tired of it. In the story, Hades, king of the Underworld, kidnaps Persephone, goddess of spring. While initially she does not like him, they grow to love each other and when she eats the pomegranate she has to live there three months of every year. It’s a timeless tale that holds up after thousands of years.”

CORI SLAW

Class of 2024

Major: Sustainabilty

“My favorite myth is the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. I fell in love with this myth through the musical 'Hadestown' which kind of goes over their love story. Orpheus, a dreamer, and Eurydice, someone who’s used to being more practical, fall in love, but then Eurydice gets taken to the Underworld by Hades. Orpheus is distraught and follows her, using his lovely music to convince Hades to let her go. But there’s one condition to Eurydice going back home with Orpheus: she must walk behind him out of the Underworld, and if he looks back at her before they’re out, she’ll be sent back to the Underworld forever. They are able to walk most of the way out of the Underworld together, but Orpheus loves Eurydice so much, he can’t stand not to look back at her, so he does. Their eyes meet, and then she is sent back to the Underworld. I love ‘Hadestown.’ The first time I listened to the musical all the way through, it made me cry.”

BONNIE VIGIL

Class of 2024

Major: Violin performance

“My favorite myth is probably the tale of Echo and Narcissus. I first read about it in a book I picked up at my elementary school library, that was surprisingly not Percy Jackson. Echo is really talkative and gossipy to the point where she pissed off Juno, who curses her to only be able to repeat what others say. Echo eventually falls deeply in love with Narcissus, who is cursed to be wholly in love with his own reflection, thereby unable to pay Echo any attention. Unable to call out to her love and get him to notice her, things do not go well and both Echo and Narcissus end up fading into nothingness. All that remains of the two is a flower, bending over its own reflection by the water, and Echo’s voice, doomed to repeat the words of others for eternity.”