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BOBAAward winning author De’Shawn Charles Winslow read from his first novel “In West Mills” through a live virtual reading, where he was able to talk with CWU students about his process, held on April 13th. “In West Mills” takes place in North Carolina between 1941 to 1987, as it explores the life of Azalea “Knot” Centre, a woman who is determined to live a life she wants while living in a rural community that struggles to understand her. The novel was published in 2019 and earned Winslow the 2021 William Morris Award for Southern Fiction, the 2020 American Book Award and the 2019 Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize. In the live virtual reading, Winslow talked about his journey as Writer De’Shawn Charles Winslow shares journey writing novel By Milenne Quinonez he changed his major to English. After that, every piece he wrote was a “what if” piece about his father, which is how his career started. “We invited him because we thought he was an excellent example represented an identity that has not been a part of the Lion Rock lineup in the last couple years. She said the Lion Rock Visiting Writer Series emphasizes on bringing authors to campus who want to interact with the student population, and authors who care. “He is such a caring and compassionate presence, and his willingness to interact with students and those questions,” Zeller said. “He represents an early career writer, and that’s closer to what our students are right now, early career writers who are just beginning to publish” According to Zeller, the Lion Rock Visiting Writer Series is a year-long series, and it normally brings one to two authors to campus in the fall and winter, and three or more in the spring. “We have a goal of being very inThis quarter, Lion Rock is having students introduce each of the authors that are being invited, the program puts out calls to students and asks who would like to introduce. This gives students the opportunity to also read a little bit of their own work. “We have so many students with just such strong voices, and who are such good writers,” Zeller said. Paula Williamson, a professional and creative writing major, had the opportunity to introduce Wilson while also presenting two poems of her own. Williamson’s first poem titled “Summer of the Plague” highlights dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic over the past year. The second poem was titled “Nana,” which was about her great grandmother who is 101 years-old and is in a nursing home. She chose to share this poem because her grandmother was from the South and it De’Shawn Charles Winslow April 21, 2021 he began writing and how he turned of a writer that’s representative of an clusive of a range of identities, aes- connected well with “In West Mills,” to fiction to imagine what his father identity that we haven’t had,” Maya thetic approaches and representing since both take place in the South. was like at a young age. While in Zeller, the coordinator of the Lion a variety of writers across genres “In West Mills is a really great school Winslow originally majored in Rock Visiting Writing series said. for our students, our communi- piece of fiction, and it was an honor Business, but after registering for an Zeller also said inviting Charles ty at Central Washington and our to be able to introduce [Winslow],” introduction to creative writing class, Winslow, a Black queer man, also broader community,” Zeller said. Williamson said.
Craft Brewing from Page 1
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“It is mostly for Sensory Analysis, that rule allows us to get some younger students under the age of 21 into our classes,” CWU student and craft brewing major Robby Williamson said.
Williamson is a transfer student set to graduate next spring. Previously studying mechanical engineering at the University of Washington, Williamson found his way to CWU to pursue a passion for beer.
“Once I knew I was going to Central, I bought a home brewing system … started making beer, started serving it to my friends, … it definitely wasn’t professional grade stuff, but I wouldn’t say it was bad,” Williamson said.
He added that since he began the craft brewing program there’s been a noticeable improvement in his skills as a brewer.
“With the brewing program I’m starting to understand more in-depth science of why things are happening at a chemical level when making beer,” Williamson said. “Before I was doing the elementary steps of brewing and just hoping for the best outcome.”
For students interested in supporting the Craft Brewing program by purchasing student-made beer, there’s no luck. Currently, the program is unable to offer its products for sale, but that doesn’t mean students can’t pick up a pint.
“We are working on getting a license for an experimental brewery,” Graham said. “However, we can give our beer away in events.”
According to Graham, beer can be given away for free at CWU events that maintain a list of participants. Programs interested in hosting events that could benefit from an inebriated audience can reach out to Graham or get in contact with CWU Brewery Club for more details.
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BOBABOBABOBA Local boba delivery service gets an upgrade Young T&Tea, which used to deliver boba teas and other drinks to Ellensburg residents, will soon open a physical shop on Fourth Ave. Young T&Tea is operated by Emmie Nguyen and her boyfriend. She has been making and delivering drinks since October of 2018. “We want to bring something to Ellensburg that it doesn’t have yet,” Nguyen said. Nguyen graduated from CWU last year with a bachelor’s of science degree specializing in Biomedical Science. She wanted to become a veterinarian and attend WSU, but said due to the pandemic, she was rejected from their veterinary school. Nguyen began to pursue some hobbies and interests of hers, which led to the creation of YoungT&Tea. “I did this as a way to make money and pay for rent and utilities,” Nguyen said. “I wanted to make money, but I didn’t want to work for someone else. I never expected to come this far.” In hopes of setting up a new store, Nguyen and her boyfriend looked at different buildings that were for sale. The original building that they wanted for their business was bought by someone else. They originally wanted to open a restaurant, but due to a small budget, staffing and keeping a steady income would have been a challenge. The duo decided on a bubble tea shop instead. By Jackson Sorensen They were then offered a tour of the old Grapes and Crepes building on Fourth Ave and quickly accepted the new building. Before this new building, Nguyen would make the orders that she received via Instagram or her website, right in her apartment. She would then deliver the drinks to the customers. Nguyen is holding off on deliveries for now because she wants customers to come into their store when they open. She hopes to offer delivery again once they are settled in their store. “We want to slowly start offering food options,” Nguyen said. “Foods that you would typically eat while drinking your drinks.” Nguyen currently isn’t hiring due to their budget being solely based on equipment. Nguyen moved into an empty building so she and her boyfriend have to install all of their equipment themselves. “I’m taking small steps at a time, but we’re close,” Nguyen said. “They’re small steps, but they’re strong steps.” YoungT&Tea is hoping to have their new bubble tea shop open either by the end of April or early May. For more information regarding the store and the business you can follow YoungT&Tea on Instagram @youngtandtea. Photos courtesy of Emmie Nguyen 5April 21, 2021 SCENE
UPDATES FOR 2021 GRADUATES
CWU offers updates on spring graduation ceremony
By Jackie Tran
While many restrictions have been lifted over the past year, CWU has once again decided to hold the graduation online in pursuit of keeping the CWU students, their families, and the faculty safe.
Lauren Zeutenharft, director of executive events and protocol, gave details on CWU’s plans for spring graduation, the ongoing pandemic leading to another virtual commencement.
Although the ceremony will be held online, many changes have been made since last year’s graduation with the extra time allowing for more thorough planning. There will be five virtual commencement ceremonies, one per each college campus, all of which will go live online 9 a.m. June 12.
The school has collaborated with companies this year to add extra features such as the option for students to add photos, videos and special messages along with their names, degrees and honors on their slide. The files themselves will be open for access several months after the graduation for students to save, download and share their personal clips.
Similar to last year, there will be recordings of the CWU president and several other speakers as well as grad packages which will contain diploma covers and commencement books.
This year, the school has increased opportunities for students to get as much out of the experience as possible by making grad box pick-ups all across the state starting in May. Graduation t-shirts that were originally only sold in person will be sold online and mailed after purchase. Students graduating spring 2021 will also receive a commemorative tassel.
Zeutenhorft said while there will be no regalia required this year, it will still be available to purchase along with other graduation merchandise in CWU’s Wildcat Shop.
Dillon Clare, one of many students graduating this year, said that he is not opposed to the idea of a virtual commencement ceremony. After attending CWU for three years following time in running start, Clare said he has been happy with the school and understands there has been a lack of options due to the pandemic.
“I think ideally everybody would want it in person,” Clare said. “But I understand you can’t really help things. I don’t know all of the regulations, all the hoops they’d have to jump through.”
Having already gone through long graduation ceremonies in the past, the convenience of a virtual ceremony and the lack of regalia cost is also seen as a benefit to Clare.
“I didn’t think I was gonna plan on doing the graduation ceremony. If it was virtual and didn’t really cost anything then … I would take part in it,” Clare said.
Zeutenhorft said CWU is doing its best to make every celebration possible but understands that even with all of the accommodations, the ceremony is still not in-person.
Career Services to hold annual school fair virtually for second year in a row
By Justin Zabel
With commencement around the corner, graduates are beginning to look ahead to their life after college.
On April 22, Career Services will be holding the annual Spring Career, Internship, & Grad School fair. However, with current restrictions in effect, the event is being held virtually for the second year in a row.
Because this event is virtual the number of organizations is low, but what is being offered for students is giving them other opportunities to grow after their college years and providing them guidance.
“There’s 48 organizations registered and that is a combination of grad programs,” the Director of Career Services Vicki Sannuto said. “There’s a few school districts that are attending to hire as well. There is probably eight school districts from the look of it.”
In order for students to have a successful job fair, preparation is key.
“They really should go and look at who’s coming to the fair and students have to use this app that was used a couple times call Career Fair Plus,” Sannuto said. “[Students] can read their explanation in there. ... They should be understanding what the school offers and come with questions.”
To register for this event students need to go to the career services website, download the Career Fair Plus app, fill out their information, and upload their resume and cover letter to interact with the organization and schools that will be involved.
Fast facts:
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) provides a projected job market outlook every year targeted toward college graduates.
Employers project hiring 7.2% more college graduates (Class of 2021)
Out of 200 respondents, 30% report plans to hire more college graduates in spring
Up from 16.5% of the 227 respondents with similar plans last fall
Out of 200 respondents, 8% report plans to decrease hiring in spring
Down from 31% of the 227 respon dents with similar plans last fall
April 21, 2021 #StopAsianHate: Campus conversation addresses safety and mental health
By Lexi Wicks
According to the Stop AAPI Hate news release, starting from March 19 of last year through the end of 2020, a total of 3,292 reports of violence and harassment against Asian American and Pacific Islanders were reported from all 50 states. #StopAsianHate has been flooding social media and the streets as marches are taking place in order to advocate for the AAPI community.
The Diversity and Equity Center hosted an AAPI Community Conversation on April 12, to find safety and support in what they say is feeling like an unsafe world.
Several of the students in attendance used the opportunity to share personal experiences and concerns.
Demonstrating the difficulties of generating conversation about this topic on campus, only ten people attended including three counselors, two police officers, and one staff member available to help answer questions.
The staff used the 90-minute meeting to listen and respond to some of the concerns and provide information about local and campus efforts to support the AAPI community.
Although the official date is not set, the group plans to meet again in May and is organizing another event for April 28. Anyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend, either in person or online via Zoom.
Graphic by Rebekah Blum
Finding support
Director of the Student Counseling Center Cindy Bruns said that students who hold “marginalized identities” face systemic problems like “white supremacy and those experiences of oppression and discrimination, or racism, or sexism, or homophobia, or transphobia.”
This makes it “really important, from our perspective at student counseling, that we are not pathologizing a problem that is a system problem and making it an individual problem,” Bruns said.
“We offer support for people to understand how the system that they’re living in, how white supremacy, impacts their mental health. And then how can they cope with that in effective ways to support and improve their mental health,” Bruns said.
“It starts with you as an individual, but it also starts with the power structures at the university as well,” Bruns added.
What’s happening
Various groups on campus are responding to the call for the need to create a safer environment both on campus and within the community.
According to Bruns, student counseling services do more training than what CWU requires in terms of diversity, equity and inclusivity. They have an annual social justice initiative, quarterly book readings and continued education and training.
According to officer Andy Bayne, CWU Police Department (CWUPD) makes an effort to engage with students and community members while on patrol. The department also provides a women’s self-defense class that is conducted by CWUPD officers through the physical education department.
Andy Bruns, sergeant and defense tactics instructor at CWU, said CWUPD partners with the Asia University America Program throughout the year to give a personal safety presentation. It also helps to introduce new students to CWUPD and their role within the CWU community.
Community members can be allies. “If you see something, say something,” Officer Bayne said. “No matter the request we will [respond] and determine what steps need to occur next.”
CWU President James Gaudino and Delores (Kandee) Cleary, the vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity both put out statements of support for the AAPI community within the last six weeks.
Student Mental Health Resources
Student Counseling Services Appointments available by phone Staffed line Monday – Friday (509)-963-1391 couseling@cwu.edu
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By Jamie Wyatt
Opening on April 3 and running until May 1, CWU’s Primate Awareness Network (PAN) club, in conjunction with Gallery One, is hosting an exhibit of artwork created for a contest that helped raise money for local Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest (CSNW).
The art contest is a fundraiser created by PAN, an on-campus club that posts research on social media about different primate species and their conservation status. They also hold fundraisers supporting primate awareness among the public, students and university, and supports the ocal CSNW.
Margaux Hingey, a PAN member and Primate Behavior and Ecology major, discussed PAN’s purpose and online presence.
“Generally, there are a lot of events that are meant to promote awareness about primates among the general public, or even the university, and then events to support CSNW.” Hingey said.
PAN has different committees within the club, with the fundraising committee being the orchestrator of the art contest and Gallery One partnership. Hingey is part of the fundraising committee along with Danna Boshak, a graduate student in the Primate Behavior and Ecology program. Boshak gave further insight into how the idea for the art contest and fundraiser came together.
“The initial idea was just the art contest to create a T-shirt, but as soon as I heard Gallery One, I was like that means we’re doing a gallery exhibit right? I don’t know if that was part of the initial idea, it was my misunderstanding maybe, but I’m glad we did it,” Boshak said. “In addition to just engaging people in the contest. It gives a wonderful opportunity for outreach and for people in Ellensburg to really learn more about the sanctuary and the chimps that are there.”
Diana Goodrich and J.B. Mulachy are co-directors of CSNW with a connection to CWU. Both graduated from CWU, and Mulachy is now an adjunct professor in the Primate Behavior and Ecology program. Goodrich provided a short history of the chimpanzees and how they arrived at CSNW.
“There’s a group of seven chimps that came in 2008. Really, the sanctuary started with the very basics and we’ve been building it around the chips, adding more space and more habitats for them,” Goodrich said. “A few years ago we decided we were at a point where we could start thinking about bringing more chips to the sanctuary. … In 2019, we were able to rescue three more chimps, so there’s 10 now. We’re working very hard on an expansion so we can take in a group of six. It takes a lot to house chimps a lot of long term care with chimps living into their 50s.”
CSNW’s website has pictures, biographies and videos of the chimpanzees currently housed at CSNW and the six chimpanzees they are hoping to raise enough funding to bring to CSNW in the near future. Goodrich spoke of how appreciative she is for CWU’s PAN club and their work in putting together the art contest and gallery showing.
“The student group has been really amazing, especially this year. [CSNW] haven’t done a ton of local outreach in the past,” Goodrich said. “This group of students this year has just been helping a lot with local outreach in Ellensburg and we’re really grateful for their work.”
The fundraising portion of the art contest allows for the purchases of products with the winning design.
“The merchandise is for sale in both Gallery One’s shop & CSNW’s website. Proceeds from those purchases do go to help support the chimps,” Boshak said.
Students and the community can see the exhibit running at Gallery One, in Ellensburg at 408 North Pearl St. through May 1.
