The Exponent Print Edition: Feb. 7, 2024

INFORMING THETHE BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY AND BEREA COMMUNITIES IN PRINT SINCE 1913 INFORMING BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY AND BEREA COMMUNITIES SINCE 1913

the

FEBRUARY 7, 2024

BWEXPONENT.com

print edition

since 1913

vol. 109 no. vii

AN UPDATE FOR OUR READERS University announces program, faculty, staff cuts

On Friday, President Bob Helmer and representatives from University Relations met with members of the executive board, Simon Skoutas, Hannah Wetmore and Alexis Watkins, and faculty advisor, Huixin Deng, to discuss the future of The Exponent.

At the meeting, Helmer confirmed that the print edition of The Exponent will not be cut amid the budget crisis, nor is the University’s intent to “put the burden of fundraising printing fees [which costs approximately $650 per print issue] on The Exponent editors and reporters.”

Since we received the notice that The Exponent might be forced to move entirely online to help Baldwin Wallace University “save money and reduce costs,” BW faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, donors, local businesses, local publishers, local journalists, local politicians, out-of-state student press advocacy groups, media law scholars, Case Western Reserve University's student media and Berea residents have all voiced their concerns about the future of the award-winning Exponent through social media, phone calls and emails. They have also shown their unwavering support to our print editions through generous donations.

Upon hearing the news about the possible elimination of The Exponent’s print editions, Jack Marsh, co-founder and former chair of South Dakota News Watch and The Exponent’s editor-in-chief in 1971, wrote his fellow classmates around the country to rally support.

“For my fellow BW alumni who value the role of independent student media, please join me in rallying behind the journalists who produce The Exponent and who keep us informed about our alma mater. Your voluntary donation of $200, $500 or $1,000 will help ensure The Exponent’s sustainability and continued printing of its bi-weekly edition,” Marsh wrote in the email, which was distributed among many BW alumni and parents.

Over the past two weeks, The Exponent has raised over $1,500 in donations and has since received supporting letters, quotes and comments from readers nationwide about the value of keeping the print edition of The Exponent.

The Exponent fully appreciates President Helmer’s decision and University Relations's support of student media and freedom of expression on campus. We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our beloved readers, alumni, parents and publishers for their faith and trust in print journalism.

By HANNAH WETMORE Executive Web Editor

B a l d w i n Wa l l a c e University President Bob Helmer sent students, faculty, parents, alumni and relevant community members an email Friday announcing the University's recent financial troubles and the "strategic pathway" for BW’s future.

According to a webpage featured on the University’s website, Ensuring Financial Health for the Future of BW, the approved financial plan “touches every area of campus.” The Exponent has since followed up with the administration to address our readers’ concerns.

T h e Un i v e r s i t y h a s confirmed a hiring freeze t hat wi l l b e extende d through December, the completion of the early retirement incentive plan and the reduction of 23 full and part time non-tenured faculty.

In a follow-up interview, Helmer told The Exponent that tenured faculty will not be affected.

“The tenured faculty are the heart of the University,” – THE EXPONENT EXECUTIVE BOARD Helmer said. “We did not

touch tenured faculty, nor is there any intent to.”

Thirteen academic programs have been cut, a lt hou g h a l l c u r re nt students will be able to continue their majors until they graduate as per Ohio’s law. Internatonal studies and national security, which are two majors offered within the Department of Politics and Global Citizenship, will merge to form a new major. Current international studies and national security majors will have the option to declare their major in this newly formed discipline.

Similarly, the religion and the philosophy programs will merge, while the philosophy minor will be retained and absorbed into the School of Humanites and Social Sciences.

Other cuts include French and German languages as well as program cuts within the Carmel Boyer School of Business, which will no longer accept new students into the following minors: business information systems; enterprise risk analytics; organizational le adership; he a lt hcare m a n a g e m e nt a n d t h e business in healthcare major.

Also announced was that

industrial and organziational psychology majors and the education graduate program will no longer accept new majors.

The University is currently pursuing changes to shrink the core curriculum.

Despite the deficit, the plan outlines how there will still be need-or-merit-based aid for students, investements in new academic programs, cocurricular activities, facilities and service improvements, such as improvements to provide support services for students and student organizations.

“There have been decisions about the transmission of information that have been inadequately transparent” said Kelly Coble, the chair of the philosophy department.

“Students at the same time are saying, ‘No we want to know what’s going on.’ In some cases, it actually just causes more stress because they haven’t said anything about it,” said Student Body President Matthew Perry in previous reporting regarding communication issues.

“It should be coming through official channels as official messages to everyone or certainly to the parties that it affects rather than coming

through The Exponent, or through posted meeting minutes from somewhere or through the rumor mill going around campus,” said Ellen Posman, the chair of the religion department back in November 2023.

Helmer said due to the "sensative nature" of the budget cut information, the proposals could not be shared with the BW c o m mu n i t y u nt i l t h e financial plan was approved by the Board of Trustees.

“My style is to be as transparent as possible.

Wor k i n g t h rou g h t h e financial plan with the Board of Trustees wasn’t something that could be talked about openly,” Helmer said. “ [This] is why we have the website to communicate clearly and be able to answer questions."

"I can tell you, colleagues at other universities don't have this level of access and transparency [like we do here at BW]... They are all dealing with budget stuff, but we got a website," Shawn Salamone, Director of Public Information, told The Exponent.

Student body candidates seek to improve student-admin communication

By MAE WERSTLER Staff Writer

INSIDE

On Feb. 1, Dave Muro, the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Baldwin Wallace University, led a town hall meeting in the basement of the Union w here t he unopp os e d candidates for student body vice president, Stephanie Neff, and student body president, Brenna Holliday, shared their platform of increasing transparency between faculty, students and administration.

The main topics of the Courtesy of Brenna Holliday meeting were safety on Left to right: Stephanie Neff and campus and communication Brenna Holliday, candidates for between students and Student Body Vice President and administration. In light of President. the budget deficit, Holliday,

a junior music education major, said the students felt in the dark about what was happening and that her goal is to ensure students do not continue to feel that way.

“Obviously, there’s a lot going on in the campus right now, and when there’s not a lot of communication, [there are] a lot of rumors, and students get anxious about things,” Holliday said.

“Through this presidency, we want to advocate that students are being told the truth, even if it’s scary."

Holliday said their plan is to first form a relationship with administrators so the y can have honest conversations with them.

Then, they plan to meet with the other organizations at BW to hear their concerns

and then relay them back to administration.

Neff, a junior communication studies major, said she wants students to feel comfortable going to the two of them if they have questions.

Regarding safety, Holliday said that students spoke up about how they did not feel safe on campus because they did not know about the resources available to them.

“We don’t know what students don’t know unless they come to us,” Neff said.

When the issue arose, the meeting members discussed solutions to it, including working with safety and security to provide more advertisements for the services they provide and educating students on what

they should do when they find themselves in these unsafe situations.

Currently, the pair have a shared Instagram, and Neff said she hopes to use Jacket Connect, as well as social media, as a means of communication between the Student Government and student body.

“We’re fo c u s i ng on encouraging open and honest dialogue,” Neff said.

The pair have b een working in leadership positions the past two and a half years. They were sophomore class president and vice president as well as junior class president and vice president. Both are also members of the Delta Zeta sorority.

“We work really well

Townhouse away from home

Faith, family and dessssstiny

The Berea Townhouses return as a housing option for next semester.

Vocal performance students put on contemporary opera, 'Taking Up Serpents.'

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THE EXPRESSION 4-5 'Mean Girls'

together, and we really love BW and we have a passion and a drive for it," Holliday said. "We really just want to make it a better place.”

Neff said she believes they are unopposed because there is not a huge awareness to run for office and how not many others have the drive to do so. Holliday said the two are excited for the position but also aware of the responsibilities.

“Steph and I, we ran for this position for a reason,” Holliday said. “While it’s unopposed, we’re here for the students and we want to be the voice of the student body.”

LIFE & STYLES 6-7 Black History Month

SPORTS

8 Track and field

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THE EXPONENT | WEDNESDAY, February 7, 2024 | BWEXPONENT.COM

THE BEREA COMMUNIT Y’S PA P E R O F R E C O R D

STUDENT EDITORIAL STAFF

Executive Print Editor Simon Skoutas exponent@bw.edu Executive Web Editor Hannah Wetmore Exec. Business Coordinator Sunaina Kabadkar Executive Art Director Alexis Watkins Managing Editors Benjamin Michael Hall Tommy Maroon Meredith McCord Kayla Muro Ursula Saadeh Ella York Staff Writers Ryan Acevedo Bailey Croft Bryanna Feagler Israel Gole Jason Heisler Nick Irelan Simon Jones Emma Lambert Madelyn Liberati Annie Lindley Sage Mullins Isabel Rivera Sophia Rossero Justin Verhosek Maria Vurbic Mae Werstler Layout Editors Elise Coble Hailey Noszek Photographers Ethan Kish Allison Reed Cartoonist Halle Vargo

FACULTY ADVISOR

Huixin Deng, Ph.D. hdeng@bw.edu

NEWSPAPER POLICIES T h e E x p on e nt i s t h e student-run newspaper of Baldwin Wallace University, which is intended for the entire college community. The Exponent is funded by the Department of Communication Arts & Sciences as well as advertisements. The Exponent is produced by the student staff on a biweekly basis during the academic year. Questions or concerns about the content of articles or other material published herein should be directed to student staff of The Exponent or the faculty advisor. The office of The Exponent is located in Loomis Room 185. It is the right of The Exponent to print all material deemed newsworthy and gathered in a fair and unconditional manner. No advance copies of stories will be shown, and reporters' notes are considered confidential. No "off the record" information will be accepted.

ADVERTISING POLICY Anyone wishing to advertise in The Exponent should email the advertising director at exponentads@bw.edu. Ads must be submitted by the Monday before publication date and not conflict with the university mission.

Articles and photographs in The Exponent, letters from readers, columns, cartoons and other elements within these pages do not necessarily reflect the position of B aldw in Wa l l a c e University.

Reporter's Notebook: To Whom it May Concern: Student Government With the recent decision made in order to compensate for the LETTER TO THE EDITOR

error of an administrator, a number of academic programs and qualified employees have been selected for termination. Several of my peers and I have been devastated and angered by the presented resolution. I began my time at BW with optimism and excitement towards the opportunity at receiving an expectational educational experience. However, time and time again, BW has not failed to disappoint staff and students through their neglectful compromises.

The cessation of several academic programs and the reduction of workforce has not only cemented BW’s indifference to the student experience but has also unveiled the hypocrisy of our administrative leaders. It is laughable that BW commits itself to “deliver a high-quality education and experience” to students yet does so by withdrawing teachings in fundamental disciplines to instead offer the cute alternative of a “concentration.”

The recent claim that “BW continues to meet the needs of our students” is ludicrous, considering that these needs were defined only by drawing upon the “input and feedback from faculty, staff and administrative leaders across campus.” I speak for myself and others when I say that our needs as students are not met.

As student voices continue to remain unheard, I fear that our concerns will yet again be disregarded and cast aside when we say that we wish our areas of study be restored and given the justice it deserves as a discipline. Otherwise, BW’s engagement of scholarly injustice and commitment of an academic violation has done nothing but secure its place as a careless institution.

With all due respect, Stephanie Foryan, Senior psychology and philosophy major, Class of 2024

By ANNIE LINDLEY Staff Writer

On Jan. 23 f irst-ye ar Nate Schweinberg was appointed and sworn in as a new senator. The Community Engagement and Clinical Opportunities Society Clinical was approved and will have a focus on service and community engagement through partnerships and projects.

The Genshin Gamer Guild, a noncompetitive club based on the video game “Genshin Impact” was also approved. The Student Senate passed a resolution in support of The Exponent's print edition funding amid potential budget cuts.

The Academic Affairs Committee attended a Faculty Senate meeting, where they discussed creating a new core curriculum as a result of budget cuts. If this resolution is approved, it would go into effect this fall and would mainly affect the incoming freshman class. They are also exploring a new initiative of petitioning for the drop date to be lengthened.

On Jan. 30, Student Body President

Matthew Perr y and Student Body Vice President Maree Horne reported that President Bob Helmer and the VP for Student Affairs, Timeka Rashid, received recommendations regarding the deficit. There are future communications to come. They also reported that students receiving financial aid and student aid in any majors or minors will graduate through.

The Student Government Supreme Court proposed a resolution of opinion to give a grace period regarding the Student Governments 2024-2025 funding deadline. This would be for clubs or organizations that are in their final stages of approval at the discretion of the Court.

The E-Sports Club was approved by the Student Senate. This club’s representative presented via prerecorded video and said that their club provides a competitive and non-competitive healthy gaming environment that strives to create a community by unifying gamers with various levels of experience while teaching healthy gaming habits.

Community shows appreciation through social media for Berea Depot following business's unexpected closure

By ISRAEL GOLE Staff Writer

After co-owner of Berea Depot Lynn McLaughlin announced via a Facebook post on Dec. 28 that their business will not reopen, community members shared their support for the longtime establishment.

“It is with heavy heart and much sadness that The Berea Depot has decided not to reopen,” McLaughlin wrote on Facebook.

Over 100 former customers replied to McL aughlin’s Facebook post, lamenting the restaurant’s closure, but also sharing fond memories they made with friends, family and food.

One Facebook user

commented, “This has been my son's very favorite place to go since he was old enough to form words! We are so very sad to hear this news as it will always hold a special place in our hearts!”

Many others wished the best for the owners and their future.

“Prayers and wishes for health, happiness and success in whatever you do next,” one Facebook user commented.

Opened in 2017 by chef Scott Ita and his wife Lynn McLaughlin, the Berea Depot was a unique restaurant located in a 19th-century train station. It presented its customers with an authentic feel, with antiques, artifacts and even a miniature train track running along the ceiling of the dining room, as well

as the sounds of real trains chugging along outside.

Adding to the atmosphere, the restaurant regularly hosted live music across many genres, featuring local artists such as Victor Samalot, Blu Monsoon and Joe Wheelock.

Madison Oberacker, a former local resident and current student at Kent State University said she enjoyed the uniqueness of the restaurant.

“The service was really good, the live music was awesome, and the restaurant decor gave a nice atmosphere,” Oberacker said.

The specific circumstances surrounding the closure are unknown, and McLaughlin noted that she would like it to stay that way.

“We know that there are a lot of rumors floating around,”

Israel Gole, The Exponent

This 19th-century train station, located on Depot Street in Berea, was formerly the home of the Berea Depot.

McLaughlin wrote. “But unless you have proof and know what is going on, we would appreciate it if you would not speculate on what is going on.”

As a response to the support on social media, McLaughlin responded with gratitude.

“Everyone that came into The Depot, became a part of

us and we will never forget any of you. Thank you all again for the fabulous times and cherished memories,” McLaughlin wrote.

Ohio State Representative introduces recent bill to end ticket and arrest quotas for local law enforcement officers

By ISRAEL GOLE Staff Writer

Recently introduced by primar y sponsors Representative Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake), who represents the City of Berea, and Representative Kevin Miller (R-Newark), House Bill 333 would eliminate ticket and arrest quotas for Ohio police departments.

Sweeney said she was notified of issues regarding quotas not by citizens but by law enforcement officers.

“This actually came to me from the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, which is a union made up of law enforcement,” Sweeney said.

Regarding policing in the City of Berea, Lieutenant Tom Walker said that they do not currently utilize quotas.

“We don't use quotas. Never have as long as I've been here

in Berea, which is 30 years,” Walker said. “So that doesn't really change the way that we conduct our business, the police department here in Berea.”

While Berea does not use quotas, there are still some municipalities in Ohio that do.

“It is a very serious issue where in some municipalities, there's actually written quotas that says that police officers have to write 10, 20, 30 tickets a month or a week for the sustainability of their job,” Sweeney said.

However, Sweeney said it is not just the quotas that are problematic.

“What's actually more frequent is the unspoken quota, where police officers feel as though they aren't going to get promoted, or they might get terminated because they're not writing enough traffic tickets,” Sweeney said.

One municipality that did

use quotas was the City of Independence, which Sweeney said resulted in issues for the city.

“There was an interesting case regarding quotas in Independence,” Sweeney said.

“That actually led to a lawsuit and a defamation suit. That cost the city of Independence $1 million, and I think that really underscores the kind of the turmoil that can be caused within an agency when police officers are being forced to unnecessarily and needlessly trap citizens into getting speeding tickets.”

Sweeney said that a central goal of this legislation is to cut back on unnecessary interactions between Ohio citizens and the law.

“What's so interesting about this bill is you have a bill that not only law enforcement themselves came to me to address, but I've also heard from those who support

criminal justice reform who also see this as a way to prevent unnecessary interactions with law enforcement,” Sweeney said.

“If we can… ban the use of quotas, I think it would go a long way for communitypolice relations,” Sweeney said.

Lieutenant Walker said that he disagrees with the general idea of quotas and does not support their use.

“I don't think [enforcing quotas] is appropriate to e f fe c t i ve l y m an a ge t h e department," Walker said.

"It’s not needed to effectively manage a police agency.”

Walker also said that traffic tickets are only a part of Berea officers’ jobs, and that there are many other duties, such as active patrol, public parks, preventing property crimes and “making sure that there's a good quality of life for our residents.”

Wa l ke r s ai d t hat t he

department’s goal is not to follow quotas but rather to fulfill the needs of Berea citizens that are brought to his attention.

“May b e t h e re ' s s om e speeding in a certain area that we need to concentrate on,” Walker said. “Maybe it's some deaths that are occurring from vehicles that we want to concentrate on. We do community engagement to try to be engaged within our community at different events and talking to people.”

Sweeney also said that enforcement should be left up to the local communities.

“What's happening in the community should be dictating what the police are doing,” Sweeney said.

According to the Ohio House of Representatives website, 25 other states have already enacted legislation banning quotas.

BWEXPONENT.COM | WEDNESDAY, February 7, 2024 | THE EXPONENT

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Republican U.S. Senate candidates slam college campuses in debate for pushing antisemitism, 'gender ideology,' shunning conservative voices

By ISRAEL GOLE Staff Writer

On Jan. 22, Republican Un it e d St at e s S e n at e candidates Bernie Moreno, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Ohio Senator Matt Dolan went head-tohead in a debate hosted by Fox 8, with all three candidates slamming college campuses for what they say are pushing “one dominant viewpoint,” including antisemitism and “gender ideology.”

While each candidate made claims about the political culture on college campuses, there were differing opinions regarding how much federal control should be exerted.

Dolan said the issues should be left to the states, whereas Moreno’s approach potentially exerts influence through the U.S. Senate.

Last May, Dolan voted in favor of Senate Bill 83, a campus ‘free speech’ bill that sought to encourage ‘intellectual diversity’ and would withhold state funding if diversity training was required. During the debate, he commended the bill’s primary sponsor, Ohio Senator Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland).

“We have taken on the higher ed,” Dolan said. “[Ohio Senator] Jerry Cirino has led the charge, and we are taking them on.”

When The Exponent asked Dolan if he had any national plans akin to those leveraged in SB 83, Dolan said he would leave the issue to the states.

“If we can pass SB 83 in Ohio, we don’t need to,” Dolan said. “I don’t want the

federal government involved in education.”

H o w e v e r , M o r e n o’s spokesperson, Conor McGuinness, said the federal government could involve itself by revoking funding to certain universities.

“There’s all sorts of things we can do, starting with looking at [revoking] federal funding,” McGuinness said. “I think an important start is looking at these colleges that are promulgating antisemitism.”

Discussion about college campuses spread to other areas of the debate as well, including the Israel-Hamas War. All three candidates showed support for Israel amidst the war, but after the moderators asked Moreno to respond to Dolan’s campaign remarks, calling Moreno’s remarks on Israel in October ‘fringe and isolationist,’ Moreno asked Dolan if he would fire professors over their stance on the conflict.

“I would have Matt, who was a state senator, call in the boards of trustees at Ohio universities and fire the Palestinian-terrorist sympathizing professors,” Moreno said. “Will you do that?”

Dolan’s campaign remarks were made in response to Moreno’s claim made in October that Israel does not need American money, but during the debate, Moreno said that it was only because of the timing that he made that statement.

The candidates also spoke about the current transgendercare bill in Ohio, House Bill 68, passed on Jan. 24 after overriding Governor Mike

DeWine’s veto. The bill bans minors from receiving genderaffirming care and does not allow transgender women or girls to participate in women’s sports.

Dolan, who voted for HB 68, said that issues of genderaffirming care should strictly be left up to the states.

“The 10th amendment makes it clear the issues that are not expressly stated in the Constitution are left to the states in Ohio,” Dolan said. “ We want to protect our children. We want to protect women’s sports.”

Moreno disagreed with Dolan, stating that the federal government should be involved in women’s sports.

“The reality is there’s a federal role. It’s called Title IX,” Moreno said. “We have to protect women’s sports.

Women worked a long time to make sure that they had sports.”

Moreno also said that the federal government should involve itself in genderaffirming care for minors since he said children who take the hormone are regulated federally by the Food and Drug Administration.

LaRose said that he was concerned about the “gender ideology” spreading on college campuses across America.

“There’s a radical gender ide olog y t hat’s g r ipp e d college campuses in East and West Coast states, and unfortunately, it’s now coming to Ohio,” LaRose said.

Besides college campus culture, the candidates also dis c uss e d immig rat ion, the 2024 presidential race, abortion and other hot-topic

Courtesy of WJW-TV Fox 8

Left to right: U.S. Senate candidates, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Bernie Moreno and Ohio Senator Matt Dolan debate at Fox 8 Studios. issues.

All three candidates said they want to secure the southern border with a wall and the deportation of all illegal immigrants currently in the U.S. “It… means no amnesty, if your first act in this country is to break our laws, you should never be rewarded with citizenship, birthright citizenship, or any government benefits,” LaRose said.

However, the candidates repeatedly attacked one another for not being strict enough in their immigration policies.

“Both of them will favor amnesty,” Moreno said.

Regarding the upcoming presidential election, while all three candidates claimed to support President Donald Trump’s policies, Moreno was endorsed by the former president.

However, Dolan said that while he has always supported Trump policies, the other two have deleted previous anti-

Trump comments and only recently changed their tune on Donald Trump. “[Ohio voters] also know the only thing you can trust about my two opponents is that when the political winds change, they will change with,” Dolan said. “I will not.”

All three candidates said that President Joe Biden’s economic plan has led to the rise in inflation. Still, each claimed to have the exclusive experience necessar y to impact the economy positively.

Moreno said that the private sector needs to be unleashed to create more jobs and that, as a businessman, he knows how to do that.

Dolan said he is the only candidate with experience in the private and public sectors.

LaRose said that he could understand the life of the average Ohioan better than the other two.

“I live in the real economy, just like everyday Ohioans,” LaRose said. “Not sure that my opponents here have to

sit at the kitchen table and figure out how they’re going to pay their bills the way most Ohioans do.”

On the topic of abortion, all three candidates agreed that it should be a federal issue precisely because, they said, late-term abortions should not be something that the U.S. stands for.

Moreno proposed a federal 15-week floor for performing abortions, which he said matches even the most leftleaning European nations.

LaRose said he also supports other abortion prevention policies, which, he said, could gather the necessary bipartisan support as opposed to federal bans.

“And so it’s not enough to be pro-birth, we have to truly be pro-life,” LaRose said. “And that means supportive services for those mothers that make the courageous decision to maybe be a single mother.”

Newly renovated Berea Townhouses Closure of Three Girls Cupcake applications open after three-year Shoppe leaves some hoping for living requirement implemented student-focused location

By RYAN ACEVEDO Staff Writer

Wi t h t h e t h r e e - y e a r living requirement in effect, Residence Life and Housing is set to offer the newly renovated townhouse apartments as an option for students for the 2024-25 academic year.

For the last few years, the townhouses, located on South Campus across from 21 Beech St., have been mostly empty, with the campus using them for quarant ine housing during the uptick in cases last school year. At the start of the 2023-24 academic year, however, students noticed the construction fences going up in that parking lot.

Bob Beyer, the senior director of residence life and housing, said that with the three-year living requirement that was implemented for any incoming student beginning in the fall 2023 semester, the renovation of the townhouses became important.

“We wanted to make sure

we had attractive spaces for students as they transitioned from residence hall living to a more independent space in an apartment,” Beyer said.

The updated townhouse apartments have one bedroom and two-bedroom apartments available. B oth types of apartments will feature a private bathroom and kitchen as well as a living space. “ We ’ v e a d d e d a i r conditioning, new flooring, new lighting, new furniture and a fresh coat of paint among other things,” Beyer said.

While most of the apartments were never truly closed, they were limited in who was there, especially during the quarantine era.

“We k ne w t hat s ome apartments were getting into rough shape, so we held a few ‘offline.’ We then used a lot of the apartments for quarantine and isolation spaces during the height of Covid,” Beyer said.

A s B a l d w i n Wa l l a c e University no longer requires isolation for those infected with COVID-19, Beyer said

it was a good time to open the housing back up in a fresh light.

“The renovation is currently on schedule where they would hand over the keys to BW in early August,” Beyer said. “BW would need time to go through and inspect, do a final clean and add furniture.”

The Berea Townhouse apartments will be open as a housing option to any student in their sophomore year or above.

This renovation marks the second dormitory update in the last few years, with North Hall finishing its renovations during the 2022 school year.

“We are always looking at how we can improve our halls and apartments,” Beyer said.

Basic application forms to choose the Berea Townhouses as a housing option are live on eRezLife. Roommate groups are required for the apartments and the deadline for specialty housing is Feb. 23, with housing selection taking place on March 13.

By JASON HEISLER Staff Writer

After operating in the heart of Berea Commons for over two years, The Three Girls Cupcake Shoppe has closed, leading some students to hope for student accomodations in a new to open business.

Since its opening by coowner Maria Brenders in 2020, many students said they visitied the bakery.

Ellen Fox, a sophomore nursing student, said she enjoyed the bakery, but that she was disappointed to hear the news of its sudden closure and suspects that if dining dollars were able to be used at the location, more students may have frequented the bakery.

"It's pretty disappointing because if they could get a contract with the University to use meal swipes and flex, it would be much more successful, I believe," Fox said.

Susan Scheutzow, an adjunct professor in the Carmel Boyer

School of Business plans to open a new bakery in the location. Scheutzow has not responded to The Exponent about this endeavor.

Jenna Sirianni, a first-year physician’s assistant student, said she would like to see a focus on student business for the upcoming bakery.

"They just need to think about the student," Sirianni said. "El Torito is in a great location. If students want to go there and you don't own a car, you can walk and still get things."

Sirianni said that she hopes the bakery takes dining dollars or at least provides a student discount.

"A breakfast place that could take meal swipes would be great," Sirianni said. "Boss Chicken and Beer, Igloo and all of those restaurants do so well because they give student discounts, or you can use your swipes."

Fox also said she hopes the new business focuses on student accomodations and said that providing a

study place would be a great addition.

"If more establishments were able to make a deal with the school, they would survive a lot easier," Fox said. "But also, that's up to them and their discretion because then they might become a lot busier."

Athena Pantoja, a senior psychology student, said that the availability of Three Girls Cupcake Shoppe brought along difficulty for students to provide support to the business.

"When I was available to go down to Front Street...they were usually closed," Pantoja said.

Pantoja also said that a cupcake shop is not typically a daily stop for most students.

The closure has some students awaiting the details of the new location.

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THE EXPONENT | WEDNESDAY, February 7, 2024 | BWEXPONENT.COM

The Expression

Arts and Culture Coverage from The Exponent AT THE MOVIES

‘Mean Girls’ fails to live up to original film and Broadway musical ELLA YORK Head Film Critic

The highly-anticipated movie-musical “Mean Girls” hit theaters on Jan. 12, drawing in both fans of the original 2004 movie and of the Broadway musical; however, while the film was entertaining in many aspects, the film managed to neither to be an impressive adaptation of the original nor the musical.

“Me an Girls” centers around C ady Heron, a girl transferring into an American high school from being homeschooled with her zoologist parents in Africa.

She gets welcomed into the popular group in the school, the Plastics, headed by Regina George and her two sidekicks, Karen and Gretchen. When

Cady falls for Regina’s ex, Aaron Samuels, an all-out high school war breaks out between Cady and Regina.

This film lacked many a s p e c t s t h at m a d e t h e 2004 film special. For one, the abandoning of Cady’s inner monologue via voice over messed with the film’s comedic timing, making the comedy feel forced at times.

In an effort to fit in all of the songs from the musical, the movie ended up rushing through all of the scenes that made the original “Mean Girls” iconic. The “Jingle Bell Rock” scene was cut short and boring, there were barely any of the side-splitting sexed scenes and the famed phone call scene was omitted altogether.

One of the bigger disappointments came with

the way the film handled what is arguably the holy grail of “Mean Girls:” the Burn Book -- or should I say Burn Binder.

In this film, the Burn Book was reduced to a sad threeprong filled with printer pages covered in Microsoft clip-art.

Another disappointment was the way in which the characters were dressed throughout the film. It would have been nice to see more pink incorporated into the wardrobe, as that is the color that made the original iconic.

The lack of mini skirts and crop tops was also a very notable difference from the original.

Now time for the performances. At the end of the day, this movie is a musical, so they need to cast actors that can belt out showstopping songs. Reneé Rapp,

who played Regina, and Auli’i Cravalho, who played Janice excelled at this. These two women carried the film.

Rapp’s voice commanded the attention of everyone in the audience the minute she opened her mouth, and Cravalho’s enthusiastic performance mixed with her mesmerizing voice was one thing that made the film worth watching.

Chris Briney’s Aaron Samuels was also a delight to watch, as “The Summer I Turned Pretty" actor possessed the perfect cool-guy attitude that Jonathan Bennett had in the original film.

However, Angourie Rice, who played Cady, lacked energy in her acting and wasn’t a strong singer, which was odd since she was the lead in the film. As for the others,

Bebe Wood’s performance as Gretchen felt forced, like she was trying too hard to mimic Lacey Chabert’s original performance in 2004, and Avantika Vandanapu performed fine, excelling in her musical number “Sexy,” but often Karen felt too dumbed down from her 2004 counterpart.

The songs themselves proved to be quite the spectacle, though. “Revenge Party” and “Apex Predator” were my personal favorites, with “World Burn” deserving of an honorable mention.

The set and lighting design that accompanied them was absolutely stunning, proving to be one of the highlights of the film.

The film was stronger in its second half rather than its first, with the best part

of the film happening in a surprise cameo near the end.

One of the original “Mean Girls” actors appeared in an unexpected scene, providing a nostalgic twist for audiences.

Tina Fey and Tim Meadows a l s o re tu r n e d i n t h e i r respective roles.

Overall, the film proved to be entertaining, but it did not live up to its source material. It struggled to juggle the specialness of both the musical and the original film, delivering a product that came off lackluster. But it did provide a nice dose of nostalgia and catchy songs that will stick with you even after the credits roll.

“Mean Girls” is available to watch in theaters now.

Ursula Saadeh, The Exponent

The cast of "fyoo zhe en '24: Spatial Proximity" rehearses while working with their creative team during a runthrough in Lou Higgins Dance Studio.

Insect research inspires professor-dance show collab: ‘Fyoo Zh En '24’

By EMMA LAMBERT Staff Writer

The B a ldwin Wa l lace University Department of Theatre and Dance will return to Kleist’s Mainstage Theatre for their yearly performance of “fyoo zh en” with a show entitled “Spatial Proximity,” turning research about insects into performance art.

“Fyoo zh en” is the annual partnership between a BW professor and directed and choreographed by Sarah Wale, assistant professor of theatre and dance.

This year marks the 10th yearly production of the show and is based on the work of Andrew Merwin, assistant

professor of biology and geology. This allowed the choreographers Max Laskar, an alum from the class of 2022, and theatre and dance students, Hallie Harder and Katie Laurez, to transform Merwin’s research about how biodiversity impacts insect populations into dance.

“Initially, the research came from students participating in the BW Summer Scholars Program,” Whale said. “Our chore og raphers t ack le d projects ranging from Matt Gesicki’s work interpreting and responding to Pablo Neruda’s Love Sonnets, to Jake Butchko’s Synthesis of a Chiral Ionic Liquid.”

Whale said she met Merwin dur ing t he BW fac u lt y

showcase, and after striking up a conversation, she became “fascinated” with his work and inquired about collaboration.

“I like to pick work that neither the choreographers nor I know much about,” Whale said.

The team transforms the area of study into art by having the performers and creative team meet with the faculty partner to receive first-hand information about their area of study.

“During this time, we are also working to create a library of sound and music that might be appropriate, as well as working with our costume, lighting and set designers,” Whale said.

Although the topics are

c om mu n i c ate d t h rou g h movement, the directors often seek to take a creative rather than literal approach to the research.

“R ather than creating a narrative, we focus on universal themes drawn from the source that we feel can be successfully communicated through movement and are familiar to our diverse audience,” Whale said.

Wh a l e w i l l re t i re i n May after 15 years at BW making “fyoo zh en” her last choreographed production for the school.

“Being in the rehearsal room with a group full of movement artists who are fearless and willing is one of the most satisfying experiences an

artist can have,” Whale said.

“This year's group is amazing, and we can't wait to share our interpretation of Dr. Merwin's work with our audiences.”

LaRuez, said that since it was her first year participating in “fyoo zh en,” she was excited for the challenge.

“After our meeting with Dr. Merwin, so many themes jumped out,” LaRuez said.

“There’s so much to work with, but it’s also a difficult process. You wouldn’t think to combine insects and dance, but embracing the challenge has been super creatively stimulating.”

Whale will retire in May, after 15 years at BW, making f yoo zh en ‘24 her last choreographed production

for the school.

“We really want to make Sara’s last ‘fyoo zh en’ one for the books,” LaRuez said.

“I’m so proud of the work we’ve done, and I can’t wait to perform in this amazing show.”

“Fyoo zh en ‘24” will have 13 performers and four understudies. There is a dedicated team working to create the show, including those not on the stage.

“Fyoo zh en 24’” will run from Feb. 21-24 at 7:30 pm, at the mainstage theater of Kleist Center for Art & Drama.

Tickets are free and can be purchased online.

BWEXPONENT.COM | WEDNESDAY, February 7, 2024 | THE EXPONENT

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‘Beyond Therapy’ transforms reading to roars

By URSULA SAADEH Staff Writer

Baldwin Wallace University Theatre and Dance explores navigating relationships through caricature comedy with a staged reading of “Beyond Therapy,” that opens on Friday in the lobby of the Kleist Center for Art & Drama.

“Beyond Therapy” is an absurdist comedy written by Christopher Durang in 1981.

The play follows Prudence and Bruce, two Manhattan singles whose therapists each advise them to place a personal advertisement in the paper.

The duo’s meeting does not go according to plan, and they report back to their therapists, both of whom may be more troubled than their patients.

David Alford, a visiting assistant professor of theatre and acting, directs this staged reading. Alford said he is fond of Durang’s work and the say and do things that were outrageous in the 1980s and may still be shocking for today’s audiences.

Alford said Durang’s own experience with therapy — and the experiences of his friends — inspired him to write this play about people in therapy, their relationships with their therapists and how their therapists needed therapy.

“His reaction was to take it to an absurdist degree,” Alford said. “So, what if none of these people had any filter whatsoever and just said anything that came to mind?

Of course, it's pretty funny.”

Production stage manager Cat Hughes, a senior stage management student, said that as it is a staged reading, a lot of what audiences take from the show comes from how the actors can bring the text to life.

“It'll be a really intimate performance where we can really see the emotions … and all the hard work that they've [the actors] put into it,” Hughes said. “It also really strips it back from that spectacle … and we get to see the core of the play, the script and the emotions that are put into it.”

Alford said that though there will be some movement and blocking, rehearsals are more focused on the actors sitting down and really understanding the text, which can be very interesting because every actor brings something different to the roles.

“What's exciting is to dive into the texts and to make discoveries with the actors,” Alford said.

First-year BFA acting student Reina Thiegs, who reads the stage directions in “Beyond Therapy,” said the rehearsal process was less stressful than one for a production with a large production aspect. With the staged reading, the audiences can have a more immersive experience by being so close to the actors.

“I feel like that condensed time also allows for us to really focus in a short period of time and put a lot of work in,” Thiegs said. “It's a really

great acting experience to be that close to the audience.”

Thiegs said reading the stage directions was a valuable experience, and she said that she is excited to act as a guide for the audience to help them create the scenes in their minds.

“I think it's fun because I get almost to draw out and allow everyone to envision through, just the stage directions that are written in the script, what would be happening theoretically, if we were on a big main stage,” Thiegs said.

With its comedic aspect, Alford said the actors had to learn how to act and react for this different theatrical discipline.

Senior BFA acting student Jennifer Jarvis, who plays Prudence, said that as a senior who has been a part of many dramatic plays at BW, she is thrilled to be a part of this “light-hearted” and “relatable” production.

“I think it's just exciting to get to do comedy,” Jervis said.

“I haven't had that opportunity here at all, so I’m really excited to get to do that and work on comedic timing, like pausing for laughs, which is going to be different every night.”

Both Thiegs and Jarvis said they look forward to the lobby experience for “Beyond Therapy” and performing their roles to an audience of peers and theater-lovers.

“It's one thing to have this crazy absurdist comedy on a stage, but I think to have it so up close and personal … people are really going to lose

it,” Thiegs said. “The energy will probably be a lot in this space, which is exciting.”

Durang’s script is filled with references to old movies, and Jarvis said Alford researched information on these films to relay them to the cast. By knowing the references, they were able to understand jokes in the script and relate to the dialogue.

Though the same rules of theater will still apply to this more relaxed environment, Alford detailed his anticipation for the “coffee house kind of vibe” that this staged reading will create in the Kleist lobby.

He encouraged audiences to bring their own pillows.

“It feels a little less polished … so there’s this sort of pop in electricity to a really wellperformed staged reading that I think is very cool,” Alford said. “There’s a sense that anything can happen, which is kind of fun.”

The cast and production team of “Beyond Therapy” said they hope that audiences will enjoy the staged reading format and are able to enjoy coming to the theater to “hear” a play, as Alford described it.

“Beyond Therapy” will run from Feb. 9-10 in the lobby of the Kleist Center for Art & Drama. Tickets are free and may be purchased at bw.edu/ events/recurring/beyondtherapy.

Ursula Saadeh, The Exponent

Director David Alford break down a scene for the cast of "Beyond Therapy" during their rehearsals.

Bach Festival Invention No. 2 After four days of performances, master classes and lectures, “Invention No. 2” of the Bach Festival rounded out on Jan. 28.

The festival began with a master class by Nicholas Phan, a three-time Grammy-nominated voice performance musician.

A lecture from a visiting professor gave a lecture on the antisemitism provided in Bach’s works.

The festival concluded with a final performance entitled “Reich-n-Bach.’

The third and final installment of the Bach Festival will take place April 12-14.

To view the whole story, visit bwexponent.com/bachinvention2

BW Opera explores experience of religous trauma in ‘Taking Up Serpents’

By BRYANNA FEAGLER Staff Writer The Baldwin Wallace Opera put on the contemporary production of “Taking Up Serpents,” from Friday to Sunday at the Main Stage Theater in Kleist Center for Art and Drama.

Originally composed by Kamala Sankaram and written

by Jerry Dye, the story touches on topics such as faith, family and destiny.

Kaya Sparks, a sophomore voice performance student, played the role of “Queer Kid,” a bus passenger that the main character, Kayla, meets.

“Taking Up Serpents” is about a young woman named Kayla, who is wrestling with a history of religious trauma and abuse at the hands of her father, who is a snake-handling preacher in Alabama,” Sparks said. “She learns that a snake fatally bit him. She returns home to confront that.”

Sparks said Kayla also has to confront her own fear, which is vague in the storyline, but she susp e c ts it might be the fear of

her father, named “Daddy.”

Ava Grimes, junior vocal performance student who played the lead role of Kayla, said there are themes of violence and abuse but also redemption and love.

“I find the connection in the angrier parts of Kayla. I think we both have many of the same opinions on why she does the things that she does, why she says certain things, and so on.” Grimes said.

Katelyn Tiemans, a junior vocal performance student who played the role of Kayla in an additional cast of the opera, portrays the character having a religious background throughout her childhood, which, they said, connects to her personal life experience.

“She’s very similar and different to me,” Tiemans said. “I grew up religious, and I grew up in a religious community.

I grew up Catholic, and then I went to a Christian church growing up

with my parents.”

Similarly, Abby Horn, a sophomore vocal performance student played the role of Nelda, the wife of “Daddy” and said she channeled her personal experience of growing up in the South to portray her role as the emotional and manipulative character of Nelda.

“She knows what she wants, she get what she wants and she knows how to persuade,” Horn said.

Leah Kania, a sophomore vocal performance student who played the role of Nelda in the second cast, researched t he rol e by i m me rs i ng herself in worship services at nondenominational church services.

“It was a cool experience that helped me closely study my character,” Kania said.

The cast additionally had the opportunity to meet original composer and librettist Sankaram and Dye over a Zoom call. They attended all the performances and stayed after each performance to answer questions and have a discussion with audience members.

Ursula Saadeh, The Exponent

Left to right: Adam Whanger and Leah Kania rehearse a scene from "Taking Up Serpents."

“It was cool to see what their experience was like [Sankeram and Dye] growing up with a very specific niche religion, the Pentecostal way of worship, and to see what their thought process was behind it all,” Tiemans said. “It was cool to have them break down the score of the opera and to give us Easter eggs within the opera score.”

Grimes als o said she thought this experience was unique because of the opportunity to speak with and ask questions of the composer and librettist.

“As a performance major and mostly performing in operas, most of the original creators are dead and long gone,” Grimes said. “So when we do contempory operas like this, we can meet who is behind t h e o p e r a and ask t h e m

questions and engage with them…it’s a really great experience.”

The opera also had unique aspects that were found within the opera’s score. One example of this is the use of symbolism in numerology.

“Within the time signatures is a lot religious content,” Sparks said. “They use the numbers five to represent man, six to represent the devil, and seven to represent God. It’s really interesting hearing that throughout the score.”

Tiemans said the music in the opera is very atonal, meaning it intentionally sounds random and non harmonious.

“As composers are writing newer operas, we’re gonna see a lot of these weird, wacky, atonal, interesting pieces,” Grimes said.

Ab b y G u i n i g u n d o, a sophmore stage management student, and one of the three stage managers for “Taking U p Serpents,” s a i d t he y work

with the projection designer, Brittany Merenda, and the lighting designer, Steve Shack, to make minor adjustments of things that are working and things that need to be changed.

“It’s always essential to be communicating with one another, which includes making sure all the stage managers are on the exact same page,” Guinigundo said.

“When I get information from the designers, I make sure to relay that information to my other stage managers.”

Horn said she hopes the audience left the opera with a sense of independence.

“I want the audience to walk away with knowing you’re not defined by your backgrounds, and your upbringings and that you can be independent from that kind of stuff and figuring out ways to find light when a lot of darkness is surrounding you,” Horn said.

Ursula Saadeh, The Exponent

Left to right: Jordan Soderstrom, Kaya Sparks, Aki Lasher, Kate Tiemens and Adam Whanger rehearse a scene from "Taking Up Serpents."

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THE EXPONENT | WEDNESDAY, February 7, 2024 | BWEXPONENT.COM

Life & Styles Book Jackets teaches members to bind books throughout spring semester

By MARIA VURBIC Staff Writer

BW’s book club, Book Jackets, is sponsoring a series of events throughout the 2024 spring semester, providing participants with the opportunity to bind their own book.

Book binding is the process of making and putting together a book. This process involves printing, folding and sewing together the pages, gluing the spine and putting on the cover.

Bella Issa, a junior theatre student and vice president of Book Jackets, originally pitched the idea for the book binding events.

“I thought it would be a really cool idea to take this club that we created and use it to do this activity that I don’t see anyone else who runs a book club do,” Issa said.

Planning for these events began in April of last year. Book

Jackets had to receive funding, order all of the materials and book the rooms. Heidi Thoenen, associate professor of English and the faculty advisor for Book Jackets was in charge of scheduling rooms.

“It’s been something they’ve wanted to do from the very beginning, so I’m very glad we’re able to make it happen,” Thoenen said. “It’s a pretty large undertaking, financially, but also logistically trying to make everything work.”

The first meeting took place on Jan. 26 after it was rescheduled due to a snowstorm. Book Jackets hosted this event in Ritter Library.

During this first session, participants focused on typesetting, printing and folding these pages into little booklets, called “signatures.”

There is still time for anyone interested to become involved in this Book Jackets event, before the second meeting

occurs. The onto the book pro c e s s e s covers. t h a t “ T h e r e’s happ e ne d n o t h i n g in the first b e tte r t h an session creation, and are easy what’s better to make than creating up and do a book you at a later absolutely t ime, but a d o r e ? ” it becomes Thoenen said. m o r e “That’s what difficult this is going to after the give people, an second Maria Vurbic, The Exponent opportunity.” meeting.

As for what The members of Book Jackets work through the book “ W e people can want it to binding process at an informational meeting. actually bind, be successful, and we want signatures, sewing them there are a lot of options. Book people to have products that together and then gluing Jackets is printing works that they’re happy with," Issa said. the spines. Then, it will all are as long as 700 pages.

"We don’t want people to be come together during the last “You bind a blank journal, stressed just because they can’t meeting, which is tentatively you can make a planner, you make it to one Friday out of set for March 15. can take something you’ve read the whole three months.”

To design the covers, Book online—such as a fanfiction— During the second meeting, Jackets will be providing and bind that, you can bind which will occur on Feb. book cloths and paints, and is your own work,” Issa said.

16, participants will work looking into a foil quill, which Fanfiction is work written on poking holes in their uses heat to transfer gold foil by someone based on another,

pre-existing piece of media.

The vast majority of this is found on the internet. The book binding events allow participants to take their favorite works—or ones they wrote themselves—and shape it into a physical book they can hold.

The problem that typically comes with binding fan fiction is copyright infringement.

Since they are based on other people’s works, it can not be printed through large printing companies. Book Jackets is providing the opportunity to print and bind these works themselves, avoiding any criminal activity.

“I don’t think there’s anything as beautiful as the experience of a book, a tangible book, there’s nothing like it: opening that first crisp page, or opening the pages of an old book.” Thonen said. “In these days where everything is digital, it’s so nice to have that piece of history.”

Student starts online thrifting store Movies to watch on Valentine’s Day

By SHEKINAH CRAWFORD Contributing Writer

The Thrifting Tree, a second-hand clothing online business that offers vintage and self-branded clothing, was founded by Noah Mowery, a junior busines administration student in the summer of 2023.

Mowery said he is passionate about sustainability and uses those ideals while running his business and adding products Over the summer of 2023.

Mowery received a microgrant from LaunchNet to start his business.

“I knew that I needed more of a marketing budget. and I have that budget saved now from the microgrant,” Mowery said.

Microgrants are one of the financial aids that LaunchNet of fers entrepreneurs to

provide a chance to enter and win a lump sum of money to help their business. There are different types of grants that are available for rising entrepreneurs to win of various amounts.

“L au n c h Ne t i s a c o curricular entrepreneurship program on Baldwin Wallace University's campus. We help students, faculty, staff and alumni with entrepreneurial ventures,” said Caite Lenehan, LaunchNet program manager.

Mowery said that he wants people to know the importance of second hand clothing shopping for themselves rather than only purchasing from his or any of his contemporaries brands.

“I want you to thrift more at actual thrift stores than you would ever shop from me,” Mowery said.

Mowery also said that he

wants the public to purchase more f rom small thrift stores rather than big name companies because of their better sustainability practices.\ Next year, Mowery said he wants to start rewarding those who thrift outside of his business with a rewards plan to encourage them to continue to do so.

Mowery said he is looking forward to doing more with sustainability initiatives. His newest produced item is The Green House Tote, a tote bag that is made from 100% recycled materials.

Mowery's online business is open on thethriftingtree.com

Courtesy of Noah Mowery

Students browse Thrifting Tree products at the LaunchNet open house last August.

By SAGE MULLINS Staff Writer

Whether you’re looking for a fun flick for date night or to fill a void, there are several great romance movies perfect to celebrate Valentine's Day. Here are ten uplifting romance movies to get you in the mood for love!

1. “Pride and Prejudice” (dir.

Joe Wright, 2005): If you want a slow-burn romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this is an excellent pick.

Based on the 1813 Jane Austen novel, the film tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet, played

by Keira Knightley, who, after pressure to find a husband meets Mr. Darcy, played by Matthew Macfayden. As the story progresses, we see a tense, unfriendly relationship develops into love. The film features wonderful dialogue and performances sure to make you swoon.

2. “Before Sunrise” (dir.

Richard Linklater, 1995): Two travelers, played by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, meet on a train in Europe. When he steps off at his stop, he asks the woman he just met to spend the day with him in Vienna, Austria. Full of humor, depth and phenomenal acting, “Before Sunrise” is a wonderful examination of a spontaneous relationship.

3. “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” (dir. Donald Petrie, 2003): A man meets a woman at a bar and tries to make her fall in love with him. At the same time, she is practicing how to get rid of a guy in ten days for an article.

Starring the famous duo Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson, the movie is a perfect example of a nostalgic romcom filled with charisma,

humor and charm.

4. “Love, Simon” (dir. Greg Berlanti, 2018): There are not many uplifting LGBTQ+ romcoms centered around teenage characters, but luckily, we have “Love Simon,” a beautiful story of a closeted teen (Nick Robinson) who falls in love with an anonymous man online. The story is one that tugs on your heartstrings and is full of jokes, selfdiscovery and acceptance.

5. “Crazy, Stupid Love” (dir.

Glenn Ficarra, 2011): After a middle-aged man, played

by Steve Carell is divorced by his wife, Julianne Moore, he enlists the help of a young hotshot played by Ryan Gosling to teach him how to attract women. Featuring Emma Stone, Kevin Bacon and Marisa Tomei, this is a story not only about romance, but self-acceptance and independence that will have you laughing throughout its showtime.

6. “Punch Drunk Love” (dir.

Paul Thomas Anderson, 2002): This film takes on a different tone than the rest of these romance films. With a much darker sense of humor, the film focuses on a lonely business owner played by Adam Sandler who falls in love with his sister’s coworker. After he is blackmailed, however, not only his romance, but his life begins to fall apart. The movie is more action packed than the rest, but it still doesn’t fall short on its impactful dialogue and character development.

7. “The Princess Bride” (dir.

Rob Reiner, 1987): A timeless masterpiece, this film is a quintessential storybook tale akin to the ones we group up with. While poking fun at fairytales, “The Princess Bride’ displays a powerful, passionate and whimsical romance

between farm boy Westley, played by Cary Elwes and Princess Buttercup, played by Robin Wright. Clever, funny and quotable, this is a must-see comfort movie.

8. “The Princess and the Frog” (dir. John Musker & Ron Clements, 2009): Animated movies showcase some of the most powerful and heartfelt romances in film. Disney movies, such as this one, taught us to believe in love in the first place. Tiana, played by Anika Noni Rose, is a waitress working to open her own restaurant when she turns into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen, played by Bruno Campos. Together, they try to find a way to turn themselves back to humans and fall in love throughout the process.

9. “Coming to America” (dir. John Landis, 1988): Wanting to live a life separate from the ways of royalty, an African prince, played by Eddie Murphy, comes to America. He finds love with a fast-food worker, played by Shari Hadley, but struggles to reveal his royal identity to her.

This movie is filled with clever quips and laugh-out-loud circumstances that make this movie sure to lift your spirit.

10. “When Harry Met Sally” (dir. Rob Reiner, 1989): Two college students, played by Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, share a car ride to New York City and argue over whether men and women can stay platonic friends. When they meet again a decade later, they feel the challenge of the arguments beforehand, not letting the attraction to each other get in the way of their already rocky friendship. Billy Crystal’s witty humor shines with Meg Ryan’s charm, creating a memorable romcom that is still a staple today.

BWEXPONENT.COM | WEDNESDAY, February 7, 2024 | THE EXPONENT

Advocates push to increase native Notable alums who inspire Black plant populations around campus History Month at BW

By LILLY ENGELHART Contributing Writer

By HAILEY DEVNEY Historian

Students and faculty alike advocate for more native pl ant s arou nd B a l dw i n Wallace University to help improve biodiversity and bring pollinators to campus.

Andrew Merwin, assistant professor of biology and geology, said that in the Northeast Ohio area, meadow habitats are common places that host native pollinator plants, such as milkweed and ironweed.

Merwin said that around 70% to 90% of native insects rely almost exclusively on a small group of native pollinator plants — the plants that BW is limited in.

Emily Shelton, a recent graduate of the sustainability major, helped create a native plant garden near Lou Higgins Recreation Center as part of an Earth Week initiative in the spring of 2023.

“We wanted to bring in local plants because that will help with pollinator and animal biodiversity as well,” Shelton said.

Shelton said she chose certain plants for the garden because these plants were not invasive.

BW is home to many tulips that bloom on campus every spring and summer. However, both Merwin and Shelton said that while tulips look pretty, they are not beneficial for the local environment.

“Personally, I think that everything [every plant on campus] should be [a]native plant," Shelton said. "If we have plants out there, they should be native.”

Building and Grounds at BW are also involved in increasing native plants on campus in their planning.

Head Groundskeeper Keith

Baldwin Wallace University has a long histor y that demonstrates the value the institution places on pursuing diversity. As quoted from a university article entitled “BW at 175: Offering an Extraordinary Education to all Since 1845,” “Baldwin's vision for inclusive education came to life on November 10, 1845 — 20 years prior to the end of the Civil War when he founded the Baldwin Institute.”

B a l d w i n Wa l l a c e University’s first African American graduate was Reverand Daniel Webster Shaw, who was valedictorian of his class in 1883. Shaw was born a slave in Louisiana four years before the Emancipation Proclamation to his mother Harriet and white plantation owner Percy Shaw.

At 13, Shaw moved north to enroll in Baldwin University’s preparatory division and continued his education at the university earning his Bachelor of Arts. After finishing his education Shaw worked as a minister across the country

THE EXPONENT

Maria Vurbic, The Exponent

The 10 by 10 square foot garden is home to a diverse selection of plants native to Ohio.

Lawson said they evaluate potentially inviting more a potential planting site’s insects into the area. growing conditions before “The concern came from they pick the plant species.

BW administration about “We always try to plant if [by growing native plants native plants as much as on campus]we bring in possible,” Lawson said. “But we pollinators, then we are try to make it also as attractive bringing in pollinating insects, and low-maintenance as which can increase the amount possible.” of bee stings and things like In addition to efforts to that, which puts students more include more native plant at risk,” Shelton said. species on campus, Building and Grounds repurposes their discarded flowers and plants.

“We have a dump site where we collect all organic stuff and it's taken in by a dumpster and it's recycled, turned into mulch and compost and sometimes even topsoil,” Lawson said.

Nevertheless, Lawson said that it is difficult to start a garden. Once a garden is set up, it can be difficult to maintain, too.

“We got to have the people that make a commitment year after year to take care of them [native plants], to maintain them [native plants], and that's kind of been an issue in the past,” Lawson said.

Shelton said there is also a concern about the new plants

7

Public Schools.

Harrison Dillard (1949) Dillard went on to become a four-time Olympic gold medalist in track and field and a charter member of the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.

James Lawson (1951) Lawson went on to become an architect of the American Civil Rights movement and advisor to Martin Luther King Jr. George White (1953) White went on to become the first African American justice of the U.S. District Courtesy of BW.edu Court (Northern District of Reverend Daniel Webster Ohio) who also served on the Shaw, the first African Cleveland City Council.

American graduate from BW. Steven Minter (1960) and was outspoken in his Minter went on to become beliefs for African American a distinguished public servant political independence. Daniel who served as undersecretary Webster Shaw passed away in o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s Oberlin, Ohio on September Department of Education 28, 1914. and longtime leader of The Cleveland Foundation.

Other Notable Afric an American Graduates: Hazel Mountain Walker Infor m ati on prov i d e d (1919) by bw. e du t hro u g h t h e Walker went on to become article “Education Propelled one of the first black women Extraordinary Life of BW’s First admitted to practice law in the Black President” state of Ohio and the first black principal in the Cleveland

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Letters may be submitted via email to: exponent@ bw.edu. All letters must be received by 5 p.m. the Friday before any publication week.

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BY PHY-104 GENERAL PROBLEM SOLVING CL ASS

INSTRUCTIONS: Fill in the answers on the blank spaces with the help of the clues. Then, write those letters in the grid to reveal a quote. Black squares indicate the end of a word, and punctuation has been removed. When you're done, the first letters of the answers to the clues will be the author and subject of the quote. Answers will be posted on bwexponent.com.

BWEXPONENT.COM | WEDNESDAY, February 7, 2024 | THE EXPONENT

8

SPORTS

Men's and Women's track teams show off season's success

First-year athlete Bri Hay breaks 55-meter-dash record with 7.28 second sprint

By NICK IRELAN Sports Editor

Track and field has been a story of success recently for both the Baldwin Wallace University men’s and women’s teams.

On the women’s team, first-year athlete Bri Hay made Yellow Jackets history by breaking the BW record and the meet record in the 55-meter dash.

Hay secured victory in the 55-meter dash with a time of 7.28, surpassing the BW record set at 7.29

by Melanie Winters in 2015, and the meet record, previously established at 7.35 by Kenadee Wayt of Mount Union University in 2020.

Hay, a Miami, FL native, had a high school journey marked by excellence, earning her the title of MVP in athletics and securing a coveted spot on the Honor Roll.

Her decision to matriculate to BW was not solely about finding a place to excel in sports but also about discovering a home.

"I chose Baldwin Wallace University because I came to visit the team and coach Simpson made me feel at home," Hay said. "I had a chance to meet a few amazing professors as well which made a great impact on my decision."

Having achieved remarkable success early in her career, Hay is

now setting her sights on ambitious goals.

"My goals are to break even more records at BW and be an asset to my team and to win an NCAA championship," Hay said. "I know with the amazing coaching staff and teammates I have; we can do it."

Hay also said she aspired to one day be a part of Team USA. A testament to the track team's further success, BW men's track and field team secured the top position among six competing teams at the annual Dr. William Taraschke Team Challenge on Jan. 27. The team placed first in six individual events and one relay race.

The team had many notable achie vements in t he e vent, including the pole vault, where first-year Conner Radojcsic cleared a distance of 3.95 meters. Junior Mason Kisel dominated the shot put with an impressive distance of 14.48 meters, while junior Thomas Hickman triumphed in the weight throw, covering 15.66 meters. In the 200-meter dash, sophomore Kaden Faggs displayed his speed with a winning time of 22.68.

Other standout performances included first-year Dillon Hach, who dominated the one-mile run with a time of 4:26.97, and senior Carter Almady, who conquered the 5000-meter run, finishing at 15:42.41.

Despite facing an ankle injury that prevented Almady from competing during his first year, he has consistently been a top performer for the Yellow Jackets since.

"I have faced significant challenges throughout my career. My high school senior year season ended by getting ankle reconstructive surgery that set me back heading into my first year here," Almady said. "Once I got on campus, I struggled to get my strength back in running and this led to multiple injuries that sidelined me essentially for the entirety of my freshman year".

Almady said that he really appreciates the support from peers, remembering a specific moment at the Cross Country NCAA Regional meet in Akron where the track team’s support was showcased.

"The team culture has also grown greatly over my time here and to see a huge portion of the track team come out to support the cross country team at such a large meet is something really special to say about this team," Almady said.

The Yellow Jackets return on Feb. 9, hosting the Mid-February meet on the Harrison Dillard Track.

Gabriel Hill, The Exponent

Top to bottom: Record-breaker Bri Hay and Carter Almady.

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BY MEREDITH MCCORD

TRACKSTAR INCLUSION DEBATE FYOOZHEN CARTOON

ACROSS

DOWN

[2] A three-part Conservatory performance series [4] A staged reading opening on February 9 [6] A contemporary opera that casted vocal performance students

[1] A film that came out in January featuring Renee Rapp [3] There has been an increase of these plants around campus [4] Putting pages of a book together [5] A housing option available to students next fall semester

Illustration by Halle Vargo

POOR THINGS