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Diversity
Opinion
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Sports
Events
June 01, 2022
Vol. 122 NO. 9
By the students, for the students
President Wohlpart and Provost DenBeste expand on fall enrollment
Fewer sections of classes “does mean fewer NTTs”
Photo courtesy of the CWU website
By Katherine Camarata Scene Editor President A. James Wohlpart and Provost Michelle DenBeste said they expect approximately 1,700 first-year students enrolled for fall, about 100-200 students shy of the goals mentioned by President Wohlpart in a previous article by The Observer (see “Fall enrollment projections spark concerns over NTT faculty job security”).
According to Wohlpart, the schedules and budget are now “pretty well set,” but will continue to be refined throughout June and July as numbers are updated due to orientation. “Our hope is to get to 1,700 new students, and then about 900 transfer students,” DenBeste said. “If we do that, that will put us on the track to be in better shape for following years.”
According to DenBeste, enrollment numbers are less clear in terms of returning students. “We are a bit worried about retention, in that these students have been in COVID times, and so many of the things that are great about Central haven’t necessarily been part of their Central experience,” DenBeste said. “So far though, it seems to be going okay. We don’t have super negative numbers.” DenBeste said department chairs are “pretty clear” about what sections of classes they will need and based on what she said she can tell from a distance, there will likely be fewer Non Tenure Track (NTT) faculty members in some areas. “My sense from my office, which is not right in it, is that we do have fewer sections which does mean fewer NTTs, but that it’s not draconian,” DenBeste said. “I hesitate to talk about it this way because, it’s fine to say, ‘It’s less than x number who are not getting classes,’ but these are people with families and jobs so for them, even if it’s only one, it’s still a big deal for that person.” Despite these potential losses, DenBeste said the situation is better than originally predicted and seems to be causing less panic as
Photo courtesy of Michelle DenBeste
some faculty members have been informed of what classes will or won’t be offered. “We are hiring NTTs in some cases, depending on the discipline, maybe there were more students than we thought … We still will have many NTTs teaching for us,” DenBeste said. While enrollment has increased since the first The Observer article, students, staff and faculty have expressed uncertainty over the fate of their programs. The Observer reached out to four department chairs, the Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, two faculty senate members and two ADCO members for comment. Every source either declined to comment or did not reply before publication. Past concerns included the following: In the March 2 article “Fall enrollment numbers spark concerns over NTT faculty job security,” an anonymous department chair reported being “told to not hire back faculty next year.” Another anonymous department chair said, “I am telling faculty that I cannot guarantee them the same class schedules that they have had in the past.”
Full Story Online
Film students express concerns about changes in the program Petitions signed in response to contract non-renewal By Morgana Carroll with contributions from Katherine Camarata Staff Reporter & Scene Editor Professor and lecturer in film studies Justin Daering will be leaving the film program and CWU at the end of spring quarter. With this happening at the same time as the film program’s move from the College of Arts and Humanities to the College of Art and Design, film students have reported feelings of concern. Colby Mccan, a third year film major, said he learned that Daering was leaving his position one day after class when Daering made an announcement. “Immediately we wanted to know, why is this happening?” Mccan said. “He’s an incredible professor, he breathes life into the program.” Daering declined an interview with The Observer, stating that he was worried giving an interview might hurt his chances at future career prospects. In response, Mccan set up a petition on Change.org on May 12 called “Keep Professor Justin Daering at Central Washington University.” As of May 31, the petition had 413 signatures. The petition had been signed by 71 students out of 118 total students enrolled in the film program as of May 31, according to August Tibbits, a third year film major. Tibbits set up a petition in conjunction with the Change. org petition. Tibbits’ petition was a physical one signed by film students. Tibbits brought the petition, as well as the Change. org petition, to a meeting some film students had with the Provost’s Office on May 31. Seven students attended, representing at least 10 other students’
personal testimonies, which were read at the meeting, according to Tibbits. They met with Provost Michelle DenBeste and Associate Vice Provost Gail Mackin. Tibbits said that DenBeste was unfamiliar with what was happening to Daering, but seemed receptive to what the students had to say. “She didn’t seem to know that much about the film department or our faculty situation, she said she didn’t know there weren’t any tenured professors,” Tibbits said. “She said she would look into it. Overall, [the Provosts] seemed to be receptive to how the students feel about this.” According to Tibbits, DenBeste recommended that they meet with the Chair of Art and Design Gregg Schlanger since the program will be moving into his department and that might affect who is kept in the program. Tibbits said the current plan is to have a meeting with Schlanger and continue to gather signatures. Tibbits said they hope to have a follow up meeting with Denbeste, but are worried that there might not be enough time this year. According to Mccann, Daering is leaving because his contract was not renewed. As a Non-Tenure Track (NTT) professor, Daering is here on a yearly contract based system, while tenured professors have their contract renewed automatically every five years, according to Robinson. According to President A. James Wohlpart, there are many reasons a NTT faculty contract may not be renewed, and these reasons are usually only known by department chairs and deans.
Full Story Online
Multicultural education in and beyond the classroom Read Online
A LOOK BEYOND
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June 01, 2022
Thanks for a great quarter! Back row: Evan Couch (News Editor), Jared Galanti (Sports Editor), Katlyn White (Copy Desk Chief), Sarah Stewart (Head Graphic Designer) Front row: Libby Williams (News Editor), Crystal Clausen (Online Editor), Katherine Camarata (Scene Editor), Addie Adkins (Orientation/ Copy Editor), Star Diavolikis (Editor-in-Chief) Photo by Brevin Ross/The Observer
Beyond Our Coverage Local
National
The former Nites Inn Motel will be converted into affordable housing and temporary homeless housing, according to the Daily Record. The building, which has stood vacant for at least five years, will “finally see new purpose in giving struggling families a chance.” In Stevens County, a nine-year-old girl has been hospitalized for a cougar attack on Saturday, May 29, according to the Seattle Times. The cougar, killed at the scene, attacked the girl around 11 a.m. and was recovered for testing to determine the cause of the attack. Police cancelled an AMBER Alert after a child in a stolen vehicle was found, according to KIMA. Police apprehended the suspect, and after receiving a location from the suspect, located the girl on the 4000 block of Main Street in Yakima.
World
President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden visited the Uvalde victim’s families, according to ABC News. The shooting occurred on May 24, 2022 in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 students, two teachers and wounding 17 others, allegedly perpetrated by 18-year-old Salvador Rolando Ramos.
A man disguised with a wig and a simulated disability attempted to vandalize the “Mona Lisa” painting at the Louvre Museum in Paris by smearing frosting all over the protective glass. The 36 year-old-man was arrested following the attempted vandalism and taken to a psychiatric infirmary, according to CNN.
In honor of Memorial Day, President Biden visited Arlington National Cemetery to pay his respects to fallen service members, according to ABC News. Biden spoke at the Arlington’s amphitheater discussing the death of his son Beau Biden, who served in the Delaware National Guard and died of brain cancer in 2015.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada should introduce a ban on selling and buying handguns, according to BBC news. A bill introduced May 30 would make it illegal to buy, sell, transfer or import handguns anywhere in Canada, as well as requiring the reconfiguration of rifle magazines to hold a maximum of five rounds.
The European Union agreed to ban imports of Russian oil, according to The New York Times. The union has advanced to extremes in hopes of destruction within Russia’s economy. Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, was arrested and charged with a DUI after a two-car accident, according to CNN. It is unsure which driver is at fault for the accident.
Hurricane Agatha sweeps by coastal southern Mexico. Hurricane Agatha forced tourists and locals into storm shelters as this was the biggest hurricane in May history for coastal southern Mexico, according to US News & World Report. An archeologist team found many passageways beneath a 3000-year-old Peruvian temple. The Chavin de Huantar temple, under which the passageways were found, is located in the north-central region of the Andes, according to US News & World Report.
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The Oberver Staff Editor-in-Chief Star Diavolikis News Editors Libby Williams
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Sports Editor Jared Galanti Opinion Editor Katlyn White Orientation Editor Addie Adkins Online Editor Crystal Clausen Assistant Online Editor Emily LaFave
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Jennifer.Green@cwu.edu
Megan Rogers Wayne Gray Milenne Quinonez Chase Beyer
Evan Couch
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Staff Reporters
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Editorial Policy: The Observer is a public forum for student expression,
Joshua Kornfeld Elliott Watkins Morgana Carroll Mary Miller
in which student editors make policy and content decisions. The mission of The Observer is two-fold: to serve Central Washington University as a newspaper and to provide training for students who are seeking a career in journalism. The Observer seeks to provide complete, accurate, dependable information to the campus and community; to provide a public forum for the free debate of issues, ideas and problems facing the community at large; and to be the best source of information, education and entertainment news. As
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a training program, The Observer is the practical application of the theories and principles of journalism. It teaches students to analyze and communicate information that is vital to the decision making of the community at large. It provides a forum for students to learn the ethics, values and skills needed to succeed in their chosen career. If you have questions or concerns, email us at cwuobserver@gmail.com.
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June 01, 2022
THE
DIVERSITY PAGE
Sharing perspectives
Supporting awareness
Yakama Nation hosts first postCOVID pow wow By Star Diavolikis Editor-in-Chief The Yakama Nation had their pow wow for the first time in two years: the Legends Casino Pow Wow. The pow wow was held from May 27 to May 29, with over 100 dancers performing in their respective categories and hundreds of spectators. The author of this piece participated in the Junior Adult Women’s Jingle Dance Competition.
Pride Week events
2
5 -7 p.m. Lavender Graduation @ Sue Lombard Dining Hall
THURS
3 FRI
4
10-11 p.m. Improv Night
11:30 – 12:30 Amateur The a.m. Hot New Jamp.m. @ SURC Drag Show Theater 210@ West Patio 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. Professional Drag Show @ SURC Ballroom
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Pride Parade @ Brooks Library
SAT
Photos by Star Diavolikis/The Observer
SENIOR FA
It’s been a great four years. Thank you CWU!
Crystal C Online E lausen ditor
As a business major who doesn’t like writing, you may ask yourself “What is she doing in The Observer?” Well, to tell you the truth, I asked myself that question a lot my first quarter on staff. I felt out of place in a group full of journalists and struggled to connect with the other editorial staff members through Zoom. Once we were back in person though everything changed. I felt so valued by the team and was no longer an outcast who only worked behind the scenes. The Observer pushed me out of my comfort zone during times that I felt so much imposter syndrome, but each experience became more rewarding than the last. However, The Observer is only one part of my journey at CWU. During my time here, I have been a part of four different clubs becoming president and secretary of two of them and had an amazing job in my field of study that has opened so many doors of opportunity for me. Without being involved in all these extracurricular activities, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to run two professional conferences, be nominated for Student Employee of the Year or be awarded the Outstanding Business Analytics Student of the Year award. I’ve thrown myself into these activities for the duration of my education and while I do wish I had had more “normal” college experiences, I look back on my time here and I am proud. I am proud to be graduating Summa Cum Laude. I am proud to be graduating after two years in an uncertain pandemic. I am proud to be graduating with my bachelors in Business Administration and I am proud to be graduating as my authentic self.
rs here at C I have only spent two yea While I ha . ing fus been extremely con hard I hav w ho and e work I have don and disca ed dit cre dis ng bei witnessed experien my My main takeaway from iproc rec t no l wil o might in those wh nt, me ign ass an on out ing your heart the do l wil ed olv inv s) er( oth sure the nt me dge proud of, yet no acknowle nds and fa way unless it was from frie eamed scr , ght fou I w ing back, at ho e like asid sed tos be to rk wo pieces of rab mo me is While I feel my work l oo sch is Th l. nfu done has been pai o get to e abl s wa I ile sants, and wh fully, it on them this quarter. Truth is drain e don all the activities I have and mind. work an However, I do enjoy the e. Th her ng bei ile wh d ate have cre pu cam oss that created waves acr mo and e Pag ity duced the Divers h staff a server. Being in spats wit I had a “fun” experience I’m glad . prepare for the future r, as a At HYPE/Publicity Cente ers t ork cow h wit nts worked eve ssin dre never forget. I have had fun ing om bec meeting new people and ch roa app can y the shy students feel me d goo be l wil es enc The experi em am ready for them to becom
re, but I I have had fun while he . I am ready to move on
!!!
What team? Wildcats!!!!
ng in a senior who is graduati Well I guess this is it. As t on lec ref to e to take some tim just a couple weeks, I want my college experience. year I going into my freshman Looking back at myself be. uld college experience wo thought I knew what the sult adu no ying up late with Meeting new people, sta my ing the freedom to make hav ally pervision and fin of r pte cha s thi rt sta ited to own decisions. I was exc my life. st of what I thought about However, looking back, mo over a year to finally k me college was wrong. It too I was comfortable sharing t fel I ich wh in find people g that I thought everythin my life with. Once I did would fall right into place. screeching halt. A once Then my life came to a rocked the entire world in a generation pandemic able to make the conand forced me to not be m my dad passed away fro nections I wanted. Then o helped me wh ple peo of had a group liver cancer. However, I forever grateful. through and to them I am g my time at I could have done durin I do have regrets of what place of the the in t ou f have put mysel uld wo I d she wi I U. CW ms. I wish I g myself in my various roo and meet unknown instead of keepin ies bb effort to explore new ho back in go would have put forth the ld cou I If interests that I had. e made hav new people with similar uld wo I s pu t on CWU’s cam foo set t firs I en wh years. to r e fou tim t ns then I did over these las at least 20 different decisio I have made that I don’t regret and ns t peoHowever, there are decisio isions of my life. I have me dec t bes the as on k bac k will loo experiences nds for life and I have had ple who I will consider frie I will never forget.
Libby Williams News Editor Jared Ga la Sports Ed nti itor
first. I have ha helped put on ev clothing than I’d helped tell their will be with me So, will I contin not. I’m tired. An And what’s next solid life goals th emphasize, I’m ti one know? I’m be I’ve learned a lot i others. I think I’ve continue learning, living. (Seriously, i So while I’m maybe not knowing and b To conclude. Life is
AREWELLS
has CWU, and my experience the for d dge wle no ack n bee ave also ve fought to be here, I have ys. wa ent fer dif arded in many r you of all put t no to is nce here rpou cate the feeling. If you are ke project or something else, ma am I ngs thi jor ma e same. I have the or help was provided along lookw, no lish foo ls fee It ily. am jor and cried for some of my ma e dirt. work ble, the process of getting presl year has put me on antide back t pu be off of them, I had to m fro felt n tio aus t sucks. The exh y bod ning on my
nd experiences I here were stories us, I have introore for The Oband faculty was now so I could
writer, I have that I truly will ng up for work, g a friendly face h. memories, and I memories.
Star Diavolikis Editor-in-Chief
I believe
Catch you later!
Coming to Central four yea rs with hardly any hobbies or ago as an 18-year-old solid life goals, I decided to say yes to everything. A job at campus activities? Sounds great. Joining a col lege improv team? Sounds ridiculous. Let’s do it. Chang ing my major to journalism to pursue writing, and ending up one of the news editors at The Observer? Sig n me up. I’m the first to acknowledge tha petually busy left me freque t trying to stay perntly riding the struggle bus to sleep deprivation tow n, population: the entire student body. (I realize I’m preaching to the choir). Despite the late nights and a cry or two in a hammock (COLLEGE!!!), I’m grateful I jumped in head ad experiences high schoo l Libby only dreamed of. I vents. I danced on stage as Dr. Frank N’ Furter in… les s d typically leave the house in. I r stories. And most importa interviewed people and ntly, I met the people that for years to come. nue saying yes to everythin g? Signs point to probably nd that’s okay. Take pride in saying no, kids! for this 22-year old with a couple of hobbies and less han when I started? First, a week-long nap. Again, I ired. And then, who know s? No, seriously, does anyegging you, please help me . I’m freaking out. in these four years, academ ically, about myself, about e learned how to learn, too . (Wow, deep.) I hope I can , whether that’s through mo re schooling or through introspective much? Pack it up, Williams.) be done saying yes to everyt hing, I think I’ll say yes to being a little freaked out by it. Fear is healthy… right?? s crazy. Be nice to people. Catch you later.
es to a close, I would like to As my time as an undergrad at CWU com a final hot take. take a bit of everyone’s time for thanks and helped me succeed and get to First, I want to thank everyone who has for finally finishing this, and elf this point. I couldn’t be prouder of mys to. My college experience go to ted wan going to a university I always it doesn’t negate the amazing may have looked different in my mind, but time I’ve had here. lutely terrible that CWU didn’t Now on to my final hot take. I find it abso , not many would probably open up the stage for past graduates. Sure for a diploma they’ve even want to come back just to walk a stage . already received in the mail who would However, it’s a great disservice to those g to do, to want to. It seems like such a simple thin de past inclu to open up the ceremony registration graduates of 2020 and 2021. who have paid It seems like a simple gesture for people education their for rs dolla of s sand thou n the institutio that inies mon and were celebrated with virtual cere bye. good g sayin s uate grad volved 10 second videos of ies mon cere ial spec had e nwid Several institutions natio for past graduates. and the great exTo CWU: Thank you for the education proud of this instay to t periences. Please do better. I wan both my childon act imp t grea a stitution that has had such growth in diversity hood and adult life. I hope to see more rams addressed. I and equity. I hope to see funding for prog ents and adminstud een hope to see more transparency betw student adminAddie Adk and n ratio inist adm istration, both university ins Orientatio ). n Editor istration (here’s looking at you ASCWU we did it. We comons, ulati grat Con s: uate Thanks fo grad To fellow r the mem while navigating a ce rien pleted this college expe ories, but p do better C is proof that you This e. scap land lease difficult global WU. so don’t let can persevere through almost anything, see where to ed anything get in your way. I’m excit you all end up. got. I wish uates: I’m so sorry for the short stick you grad 9 ID-1 COV To you were here to walk with us. you were here to celebrate with us. I wish You’ll all be on my mind on June 11.
It’s been tough,
but totally wort
h it!
I joined the Obs erver the quarte r af (mainly looking to further fill out ter I joined PULSE my resume) and quarters that follo the tw w of my life. It pu ed were the busiest and most stre o t me through th ssful e wri here has been a va luable learning ex nger, but working The Observer is perience. no able to calmly ed thing like PULSE. PULSE is be ing it print, while the an illustration two weeks ahead Observer is sittin of g up a stress headache , redoing your en at midnight with tire layout becaus the story’s photos Sarah Stewart e are finally in. r ne ig es D ic H ow ph ev ra G er , amid all this st Head ress, I lear ab got over the “I ca out myself: I could handle it. A ned something s time moved on n’t do this,” thou ghts ,I became accustom ed to the workloa by telling myself “I have before.” Unfortunately, no d, and my perspe I ctiv t everything I’ve tirely positive. learned about m e vastly shifted. yself has been en Regular readers might remembe r a comic that ran winter quarter. It for the latter half w of spouted the idea as something I happily voluntee red for, and I naiv to illustrate it by hand. ely In this case, my ne quite wrong, an wfound deadline-meeting supe rp d I bit off more than I could com owers steered me my friends and fortably chew. W family looked at hen the comic. When I lo ok at it, I see sleep finished product, they saw a fu That undertakin n less nights and ba g ta ck pain. of exciting projec ught me that I’m easily carried away by the thou ts, even when I kn ght Two quarters at The Observer ha ow I don’t have time for them. s shown me wha wise and what I’m t I’m and into the wor capable of surprised me. As I m capable of workove on from scho king world, I’m goin ol ence taught me ab out myself, both g to carry the lessons this experibe all the better fo the good and the bad, and I know r it. I’ll
OPINION SPORTS
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June 01, 2022
Edith and Ethel: Ask the Aunties Dear readers, We’re graduating, so here is a final goodbye from your favorite aunties. Only our best, Edith and Ethel By ‘Edith and Ethel’ Columnists Edith: This is so odd, we have worked on this for about two or three quarters now. There won’t be an Edith and Ethel anymore. We’ll be out of this paper soon, and won’t contribute anymore. But hey, we’re graduating at least! Yay! Ethel: This is really bittersweet for sure. We’ve had some really good questions and given some great and questionable advice. It’s really been a highlight of my year. What are some of your favorite advice questions we’ve covered, Edith? Edith: I’d have to say that I really enjoyed just anything about relationships and connections. They are something interesting for me to look into, and I hope my words can help everyone out once in a while. Oh, I need to throw in my last curse word! This column we had was fucking fun. Ethel: I agree! Although I had so much fun with the ones where I got to be sarcastic. I run on sarcasm, caffeine and tequila though, so of course I would enjoy being a shithead. But the serious ones, such as “how do you know you’re truly happy” and “how do I tell my partner I hate their friends,” I had to introspectively analyze my true feelings before giving that advice, and I had a hard time with that, but also, was truly helpful for myself. Edith: I truly enjoyed the emotions our column sparked from readers. Seeing hate comments calling us a waste was enlightening, but simultaneously got just as much praise of how
fun we were. Being silly in this little space of the paper was a nice break from the hectic process of… literally everything else going on. Ethel: We always do tell our reporters, if you get a lot of hate, it means you’re doing something right! I do think we used that feedback constructively. It helped us make this column the best it could be. Edith: The questions made me reflect on my own behaviors and how I handle situations. My partner means a lot to me, and these have helped me shape my communication and behaviors with them. For anybody who enjoyed our work, thank you. It was fun, and I hope we made you laugh. Ethel: It was so much fun. And here it is, at the end. I’m not crying, you’re crying. Do you have any last advice for our readers, Edith? Edith: I do, actually. Just make sure you believe in yourself, and don’t take no for an answer in your work. Stand your ground, and do what you think is best. Be stubborn, and don’t be afraid to rock the boat and burn the place down. Don’t let yourself be silenced, you’ll be okay. Ethel: My last advice to you about college is compliments of my late grandma: This too shall pass. You might love it, you might hate it, but try to enjoy these years regardless. Like I always say, I could complain but it won’t change anything. And with that, we bid you adieu. Big Love, Star and Addie
Photo by Brevin Ross/The Observer
Opinion: Dogs are better than cats By Milenne Quinonez Columnist Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. You have small dogs that you can carry in your purse, you have big dogs like Huskies who are super fun to go sledding with, and then you have pitbulls who are literally babies and love to be put in onesies. This is why I personally think dogs are better than cats, and here are a couple reasons why. To begin, dogs don’t plot their next attack in your sleep and randomly choose to be violent towards you when your privilege with the pet has suddenly expired and you have two seconds to back away. Dogs are also the most loyal creatures, which is something we have all heard, but when was the last time you honestly heard a cat rescuing a child from a burning house? Granted a cat probably couldn’t drag a child out, but I also can’t think of a cat doing anything nice.
Another great reason dogs are better than cats is because they are great service animals. A cat can be an emotional support animal, but a dog can be trained to help their owners with their day to day tasks, and they can be trained for people with epilepsy, diabetes or PTSD. According to United Ser-
vice Dogs, dogs are able to sense when your blood sugar is low and alert their owner. They also have been known to calm people during panic attacks. Along with all the research that shows dogs are great companions, there is no doubt that a dog’s love for their owner is unconditional and non judgmental, and we all
know those cats are pretty judgemental. According to Lake City Humane Society, dog’s enthusiasm has shown to be infectious, and their love for life’s simple pleasures is what makes them so wholesome and innocent. If you are not an active person like me, you can bet owning a dog will change that. Taking your dog on a daily walk is not only rewarding for your dog, but also for yourself. Going on walks always helps me clear my head and has been shown to improve mental health. I’m not saying cats are the devil and the worst kind of pets, but I’m simply expressing my opinion on why I personally think dogs are better. Whichever animal you feel best suited for, you should totally adopt. I will say that cats being able to potty train themselves and entertain themselves which makes them super fun because they’re low maintenance. Honestly, all animals are great, so don’t take this too seriously.
Opinion: We fear A.I. because we fear ourselves By Wayne Gray Columnist We fear being replaced by the faster, stronger and smarter thing because we were once the shiny new thing. Like with the millionth model of the new iPhone, nature lined up outside the human store and bought the new model. However, while our hardware is the newest, greatest thing after millions of years of development, our software is actually pretty outdated, and we know it. Discussing artificial intelligence or A.I. will likely evoke images of a future where machines have decided to eliminate humankind. Or perhaps, people imagine modern examples of drones utilizing facial recognition software, confirming their targets before a missile strike. Fear of A.I. has been one of the most pervasive topics for decades, especially in works of fiction, tracing its roots back to our first interactions with automation, the idea that machines can replace humanity or “Man versus Machine,” as they say. Any time we see something new, we fear it. When Henry Ford started selling the Model T we asked, “What will happen to those who build carriages and sell horses?” When we automated the car factories we asked, “What will happen to those who build cars?” When machines become too intelligent, what will happen to us? These are fair questions, as a matter of fact these questions are so
fair that we have entire institutions dedicated to them. The Future of Life Institute is one of those institutes that concerns itself with the coexistence of A.I. and humanity. The institute is concerned primarily with A.I. that is programmed to perform a task, and eliminating humanity in the process. Where does this fear of elimination come from? Why do humans carry with them a species-wide inferiority complex? The answer is simple. Biology. Just one example of this is our adrenal response, the nervous feeling you get when you are about to do something scary or important, is from a time when being too calm in your environment meant death. In a world where an animal isn’t waiting to pounce around every corner, we don’t necessarily need this response anymore, but it still gets triggered when we encounter something new. What happened when homosapiens encountered neanderthals? Well, you don’t see any more neanderthals around, do you? Al-
though in Ellensburg, that isn’t always true. We fear change because we fear ourselves. We fear A.I. will replace the old worn-out humans because it’s what we would do and we can’t imagine anything taking a higher moral position than ourselves. When we fear something we try to stop it. According to the Future of Life Institute, A.I. research is not something to halt because we fear it, but rather we should dedicate greater resources to its study so that we can better harness it. A.I. isn’t here to get rid of us, it’s here to help us. Don’t think “Terminator,” think “WALL-E.” Imagine a world where all the boring tasks are automated by A.I. and we can commit all our resources to creating new artforms or exploring the world. Imagine a future when negotiations between nations are done without heated argument or inflated ego getting in the way. I’m looking at you, Putin. Don’t be a neanderthal. Embrace A.I., it’s the way of the future.
Photo courtesy of pexels.com
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June 01, 2022
SPORTS
Avery Fisk defends her discus title By Jared Galanti Sports Editor Senior Avery Fisk won her second consecutive discus throwing title at the GNAC Outdoor Track and Field championships. After trailing the competition by 0.42 meters going into the final throw, Fisk won with a final throw of 43.47 meters. “I was scared there for a little bit [because] I was losing going into our final round,” Fisk said. “I had this feeling that I will not lose, I will win and then to have this amazing throw and to win and defend my title, it’s an amazing feeling. It’s such an accomplishment.” While Fisk placed first in the discus, she also finished in third place in the shot put with a throw of 13.37 meters. Fisk said her origins in throwing events go back to middle school. “I didn’t like running. I wanted to do track, but I didn’t like running,” Fisk said. “I wanted to throw and my dad was a big inspiration. He said, ‘If you don’t like running then you should try throwing,’ and in middle school I was just hooked after that.” Fisk said at first, track and field was just a bonding thing to do in the beginning of high school.
However, as she continued to improve she decided to take it more seriously. “I was whatever you want to count as good in middle school and I really liked it and I wanted to keep going with it,” Fisk said. “At first it was something fun to do … I don’t think it was probably until my junior or senior year of high school that I started taking it a lot more seriously.” Growing up in Ellensburg made the choice of CWU an easy one for Fisk. “I really like Ellensburg. I like the homey feel that it has and how tight the Central community is,” Fisk said. “I was coming here already for academics. I hadn’t even considered athletics yet and then I got a call from our assistant track coach, Coach Aanstad, and she said ‘We’re going to be watching you and we would love to have you come throw for us.’” Fisk said the group of throwers are close and push themselves to get better even off the track. “We have to spend a lot of time pushing ourselves in the weight room to lift really heavy weight because we have to throw 8 to 16 pounds as far as we can,” Fisk said. “At practice,
it’s very mentally tough. You get in the ring and you have 20 million things you have to worry about … Throwing is more difficult because it’s a mental game instead of a physical game.” According to Fisk, practice is key to dealing with all the stress that throwing events entail. “Practice, practice, practice,” Fisk said. “Take as many quality reps as you need so that it is muscle memory that by the time you get into the competition you don’t need to worry about making a technique change in the middle [of your throw].” Fisk said while winning her first title last year was magical, she thinks defending it this season was more of an accomplishment. “Definitely winning my second one,” Fisk said. “Last year, I had a little bit of a better season PR [Personal Record] wise, finding who I was as a thrower and this year I really struggled this year throwing and hitting marks I really wanted to hit, trying to PR. So to come out and win and get another season’s best and outright win by a full meter was a really nice way to end my season.”
Fisk said that winning on her home turf made the win even more special than it already was. “If it’s on your home court it’s such a different experience,” Fisk said. “The want to win in
your own field and your own ring at your school, it’s a little more of a drive because you’re like, ‘This is my home territory I want to defend it,’ so to win here is also so special.”
Avery Fisk not only won her second consecutive discus title but came in third in the shot put. Photo by Jacob Thompson/Thompson Sports
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Avery Fisk warming up for the shot put. Photo by Jacob Thompson/Thompson Sports
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Avery Fisk is now the two time defending GNAC discus champion after winning her second straight title on May 13. Photo by Jacob Thompson/Thompson Sports
EVENTS
Page 08
June 01, 2022
Wildcat Words: What is your favorite memory from the school year?
Brandon W. Grad. Supply Chain Management “Probably going to events like African night held by CASA, and then Polyfest held by PolyCentral.”
Kyrsten S.
Justin W. Jr. Biology
Gilbert L.
“Marching band for sure. It was fun being apart of a large group and playing for the football team.”
“Last weekend, I went on a field trip for volcanology. It was down in Oregon and we got to see some volcanoes.”
Q A with
Evelyn Roehn Meet Evelyn Roehn, a third year student at CWU double majoring in political science and law and justice. She is also completing an Arts and Science certificate in the William O. Douglas Honors College. Evelyn is a part of the LGBTQ community, Equality through Queers and Allies (EquAl) and with June being Pride month, we wanted to highlight a community member’s experience. Q: What is important for people to know about EQuAl?
A: Oftentimes when students, faculty and staff ask me about EQuAl I try to ensure that they understand how EQuAl is not just an organization for students in the LGBTQ community. Without the support of allies, the queer community would not be what it is today. Unfortunately, several members of the LGBTQ community often feel alone or fail to be supported by those they love the most. Having members in EQuAl that are allies and supporting others allows for us to build bonds within the community of Ellensburg and on campus. EQuAl is and has always been a safe, loving and supportive group that is here to assist you and help you grow as an individual and as a member of various communities. Q: What does pride mean to you?
A: Pride to me has always been a celebration of diversity and a time to give thanks/cherish the brutal work that so many queer trailblazers had to endure. Throughout history, pride has grown from the representation of LGBTQ individuals to many groups and communities from all different backgrounds. The beauty of pride is that it is a time to celebrate what makes us unique and to show the world why inclusion and acceptance are paramount in legislation. Pride is visibility during a time when individuals want to silence their voices. This year we saw the implementation of “Don’t Say Gay Bills” that act as barriers determined to keep young persons in the closet and afraid of self-expression. If history has taught us anything, it is that you cannot and will not stop individuals from being themselves and that love, acceptance, equality and determination can conquer all. A: Coming from a very small town in Washington, I was fearful to explore what being different meant. After having to spend hours online looking at articles, T.V. shows and YouTube videos, I concluded that I am a lesbian. Unfortunately, back home, I did not have a support group other than my family to talk about what being queer meant and what impact that would have on my life. Since my community failed to provide support, I decided that since I was the only person in my high school that was “out of the closet”, I was going to create a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) at my school for students to feel heard and safe. If it was not for those brave, kind and supportive souls that attended those GSA meetings, I would have been lost and uneducated in my identity. The LGBTQ community has provided guidance in times when I feel unworthy of success or scared of change. They are the shoulder to cry on and the leaders of tomorrow that are determined to educate and advocate for others.
Q: How do you feel CWU is supporting the LGBTQ community?
So. Psychology
“They were doing capture the flag and I was on my way to the gym. I joined and ended up stealing the flag and I won it for the whole team. It was awesome, I got a shirt and it was like the best moment ever.”`
&
Q: How does the LGBTQ community have an impact on your life?
William W.
So. Exercise Science
Jr. Geology
“Probably making the honor roll after nearly having to drop out. Turning my grade around!”
weekly events
2
4-8 p.m. Sunset Standup Paddleboarding @ OPR Patio 7-9 p.m. Open Mic Night @1891 Bistro
THURS
10-11 p.m. Improv Night The Day Hot New Jam @ SURC Last of Classes Theater 210 5-7 p.m. First Friday Art Walk
3
@ Gallery One downtown Ellensburg
FRI
4
SAT
5
SUN
6
MON
7
TUES
8
WED
12-2 p.m. Black Graduation Celebration @ Sue Lombard Hall Dining Room 2-4 p.m. SC - Women’s Soccer Match @ Recreation Sports Complex 1-4 p.m. Commencement Ceremony for Westside Students @ ShoWare Center Kent, WA National Pickle Day 6-7:30 p.m. Finals Week De-stressors “Jazz and Crafts” @ Brooks Library 255 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. Monday Movie Madness: High School Musical 3 Senior Year @ SURC Theater 210 6-7:30 p.m. Finals Week De-stressors “Pizza Study Break” @ Brooks Library Lobby 6-7:30 p.m. Finals Week De-stressors “Friends of the Brooks Library Pizza Giveaway” @7-8 Brooks Library Lobby p.m. Composition Studio
A: When I was a senior in high school, I knew I was going to go to CWU. After touring Central and seeing the diversity and representation of LGBTQ individuals, I knew I could feel safe here and continue to explore my identity. I believe Central has done an admirable job at providing support in terms of not limiting representation and expression on campus. However, I would like to state that although Central welcomes diversity and expression, we lack physical space on campus. Central is the only four-year university in the state of Washington that does not have a Center for Cultural Innovation. The Diversity and Equity Center, although welcoming and safe for folks to lounge and host meetings, is overwhelmed and spread thin when trying to allot equal space and opportunity for every ESC organization. I believe it is important for every community on campus to have equal space and access to resources which in return provides support when hosting events and meetings regularly.
Recital @ McIntyre Hall 174
Q: What has been your most memorable moment at CWU?
A: My most memorable moment at CWU has been going to open mic nights since my freshman year here. There is something about being surrounded by fearless performers giving artistic expression that makes me feel connected to the student body. Coming from a theater background, I love getting to see students perform and getting to know them as a friend. To be more specific, this year my most memorable moment was getting to lobby in front of the Washington State House of Representatives to advocate for our students and attempt to provide additional access to financial aid. Q: When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: When I was younger, I used to tell everyone that I wanted to be a genetic engineer. Looking back on that, I am not entirely sure what a genetic engineer is or what that job entails. I’m sure I probably just wanted to sound smart, but after taking some science and math courses I knew it was not the field for me. Social science is way more fun and allows me to get to talk to people all day! And if you ask my coworkers, I’m sure they will tell you that I love to talk. Photo courtesy of Evelyn Roehn
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