Faculty, Staff and Students push back with 330+ signature petition in support of student media as Board of Trustees becomes final hope
The following is the full petition, including all signatures at the time of this story’s final edit. The petition was published by the Communication Department on April 8, and shared via email, social media, posters and in print.
Dear Colleagues:
As our students have written about this week on The Observer and PULSE websites, we learned over spring break that the S&A Committee has proposed a near defunding of student media – The Observer, celebrating its 110year anniversary in 2026, and PULSE magazine. The student literary journal, Manastash, part of the English Department, faces a similar situation, as do other groups on campus.
Although we understand the need for cuts, financial decisions reveal values.
The Observer and PULSE are nationally award-winning campus news organizations; their existence supports free speech and a forum for students, while their traditional funding by student fees ensures an independent and free press – by the students for the students – on the CWU campus.
The proposed allocations – $1,100 of $56,375 requested for Observer and $2,000 of $28,412 requested for PULSE – will not be anywhere near enough to maintain these operations, which rely on paid student salaries to take on leadership roles with great responsibility.
PULSE also relies on S&A funding to support its printing of 1,000 quarterly copies, which get fully distributed and, frankly, fly off shelves.
Defunding student journalists sends the message that student voices don’t matter. The move, which requires approval by administrators and trustees, undermines the student press’s crucial role in informing students about occurrences on campus and holding campus leadership accountable. Please read our students’ eloquent statements about this in the links above.
We are writing to ask for your support in petitioning the S&A Committee, ASCWU student government representatives, VP Joel Klucking and the CWU Board of Trustees to reject the Committee’s current proposal. In their final vote about The Observer defunding, the Committee seems to be making its own plea for just such a reversal. The minutes read: “It feels wrong and is very sad, but this is just a recommendation and still has to be approved by the groups.”
Please support CWU student media by signing your name to this letter and/ or sending your own message to the relevant parties.
Nearly 100 people attend S&A meeting to protest proposed budget cuts
Jackson Roberts, Brandon Mattesich Co-Editors-In-Chief
The Services & Activities (S&A) Committee cut short public comment after nearly 100 people showed up to SURC 301 to protest the committee’s recently proposed budgets. Despite the fact that the committee’s proposed budgets cut funding to programs across the university (see chart on page 5), most of the speakers came to speak out about the proposed defunding of student media and Theatre & Film proposals.
The S&A Committee is a majority student committee responsible for the allocation of student fees to requesting programs across campus. Their proposals are reviewed by ASCWU and VP of Finance and Administration
Joel Klucking, then are sent to the Board of Trustees for approval. In spite of the out-
cry about the current proposals, they are being sent to the Board of Trustees unedited from their original state.
The Observer and PULSE magazine had both posted social media campaigns before the event, asking those interested to attend in support of student media. The attendance exceeded the 87 person maximum capacity of the S&A board room, and many students were turned away or made to stand outside the room.
The Observer and PULSE
Win Mark of Excellence Awards, Continuing Legacies of Achievement
Brandon Mattesich Co-Editor-In-Chief
At the annual region ten SPJ conference, The Observer took home the “Mark of Excellence Award” for “Best Affiliated Website.” The Observer also placed as a finalist for the “Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best All-Around Student Newspaper,” a major honor for college newspapers. The conference, which was hosted last Saturday, April 15 in Portland, Ore., was attended by mem- bers of both The Observer and PULSE. PULSE was also a finalist in the “Best Affiliated Website Category” and took home the win for the “Best Use of Multimedia Award” for their story “Exploring Snoqualmie Tunnel.”
The Observers now award winning website recently underwent a variety of updates, including the addition of new pop-ups, new story layouts and updated header images. Currently, The Observ- er’s website is focused primarily on a campaign to secure funding after recent de-funding proposals by the S&A committee’s proposed budget.
Isaac Hinson, former Editor-In-Chief of The Observer, spoke about what this conference win means to him, and to The Observer at large. “It was a plea- sure to attend the conference in Portland last weekend. Getting to travel thanks to The Observer is always a treat, let alone when I have an excuse to go home. But, being able to accept our awards in person was something that I thought was important.”
“I wanted to physically show how much I appreciated my team’s hard work from when I was still Editor, and how proud I am of them,” Hinson said. “And I also
wanted to show everyone how much people truly care about student media, and how much it actually means to the people in- volved. There’s nothing fictitious about our enthusiasm for student media, and there’s no cynicism about it either. It’s something that means a lot to a lot of people.”
These awards are the latest in The Observers long history of accolades and achievements. In the past, The Observer has tak- en home a variety of “Mark of Excellence” awards, and current Co-Editor-In-Chief Jackson Rob- erts believes in the future The Observer could take home many more. “I think it’s a testament to the hard work, great reporting that we’ve been going out and being able to do, because obviously, these sto- ries, this website isn’t able to be ran without all of our amazing reporters, all of our amazing paid staff. And I’m really proud of it. Personally, I know we took a bit of a stance trying to improve the website a little bit in our term as Co-Editor-In-Chief, so to be able to see it be recognized, and for them to realize the work we’ve been putting into the website is really cool,” Roberts said. Roberts continued to discuss how cuts to The Observers funding could limit its ability to win awards. Stating, “Without proper funding to have that paid staff or even a proper website domain … to keep up this level of prod- uct that we’re putting out, I don’t think it’s really possible for us to keep on bringing in awards with- out that funding.”
(Photos courtesy of Isaac Hinson)
PETITION STILL GROWING
Raegan Bischoff, art student
If you are a CWU student, staff, or faculty member scan the QR code to help us fill this petition backing student media.
Carley Berg, art student
Eun Young Lee, Associate Communication Professor
Jennifer Green, Senior Communication Lecturer
Josh Nelson-Ichido, Assistant Communication Professor
Cynthia Coe, Philosophy Professor
Griff Tester, Sociology Professor
Nathalie Kasselis, Languages Professor
Lacy Ferrell, Associate History Professor
Chong Eun Ahn, Associate History Professor
Matthew Altman, Philosophy Professor and Department Chair
Arviso Alvord, Staff
Chelsea Riddle, Assistant Libraries Professor
Delayna Breckon, Staff
Sigrid M Davison, Staff
M. Eliatamby-O’Brien, Associate English Professor
Marty Blackson, Senior Lecturer
Jeffrey Dippmann, Philosophy Professor
Todd Schaefer, Polisci Professor and Chair
Kate Mastruserio Reynolds, Education Professor
Volha Isakava, World Languages Professor and Chair
Cynthia Mitchell, retired CWU Associate Journalism Professor
César García, Emeritus Communication Professor
Marji Morgan, Emeritus Art Professor, former Dean
Elizabeth Brown, Libraries Professor
Marilyn Levine, History Professor
Brittany Cinderella, Alumni
Roxanne Easley, History Professor
Daniel Herman, History Professor
Kristy Magdlin, Staff
Nicholas Temple, Senior Communication Lecturer
Ryan Gildersleeve, Management Student
Jason Knirck, History Professor
Isaac Hinson, Journalism Student
Yami Rodriguez, Film Student
Michael Jones, Education Student
Sam Ludlow, Advisor and Recruiter
Jeff Ludlow, Music Student
Gracen Bayer, Alumni
Katrina Nolan, Art Student
Victor Limwanich, Alumni
Katie Tuft, Art Student
Gary Bartlett, Philosophy Professor
Amelia French, Film Student
Michael Boyer, Alumni
Isamar Sotelo-Ramirez, PR Student
Lee Beck, Alumni
Gunner Stuns, Communication Student
Jackson Roberts, Journalism Student
Brandon Mattesich, Film & Journalism Student
Keaton Weyers, Film Student
Emma Muhlbauer, Art & Communication Student
Lizeth Valdes, Art Student
Tim Booth, Alumni
Austin Hardebeck, Student
Charlotte Zombro, Writing Student
Caleb Cleland, Art Student
Kyley Glenn, Journalism Student
Robin MacArthur, Art Student
Kendall Stuns, History Student
Larissa Baldovinos, Business Student
Lucie Pearson, Music Student
Andy Rios, Alumni
David Bieloh, Art Professor
Derek Harper, Alumni
Katie Jo Stewart, Alumni
Brenden Fuller, Communication Student
Javier I. Angulo, Film Student
Craig E. Sanderson, President-elect CWU Alumni Association
Richard Moreno, CWU Public Affairs
Sean McGee, Alumni
Yohanes Goodell, Alumni
Keith A. Lewis, Distinguished Art Professor
Sydney A. Rideout, Health Student
Olivia Cirillo, Alumni
Trent Meacham, Film Student
Nuhamin Regassa, Polisci Student
Alina Lombardo, Polisci Student
Miah Preece, Child Development Student
Sophie Svarthumle, Education Student
Astor Powell-Pedersen, Polisci Student
Winnie Killingsworth, Alumni
Teresa Garcia-Green, Student
Lauren Worley, Student
Gretchen Hinchliff, Art Student
Alexandra Lake, Women Studies Student
Rebekah Harrell, Communications Student
Gwyndolyn Scoville, Student
Marina Zuljevic, Writing Student
Margaret Lewis, Alumni
Georgia Mallett, Alumni
Teagan Kimbro, Alumni
Julia McConnachie, Music Student
Kyung Hee Im, Assistant Art Professor
Sean Quinn, Alumni
Katharine Lotze, Alumni
Madelyn Chabot, Medical Student
Tegan Meador, Art Student
Anna Crosswhite, Libraries Lecturer
Julia Stringfellow, Libraries Professor
Natalie Baldwin, Alumni
Isabella Stratton, Psychology Student
Zoey Ryan, Art Student
Richard Moreno, CWU Public Affairs
Peter O’Cain, Alumni
Izellah Caces Rainer, Student
Will Barber, Alumni
Mirija Britton, Communication Student
Travis Helm, Education Student
Rilian Drury, Merchandising Student
R. Shaffer Claridge, Law Senior
Caleena Wyman, Alumni
Natalie Hammill, Alumni
Gabriel Genzel, ASCWU Student
Austin Lane, Alumni
Jordan Tschabold, Art Student
Kaila Akina, Geography Student
Meara Pfeifer, Education Student
Yong Cao, Senior Communication Lecturer
Jiyoun Chung, Assistant Music Professor
Emily Kissel, Alumni
Clarissa Slaton, Child Development Student
Kaitlyn Tyson, Psychology Student
John Tamez, Psychology Student
Cormac Arenson, Anthropology Student
Dakaline White, Alumni
Shane Johnson, Guest Art Lecturer
Jade Cupples, Art Student
Simone Stanish, Art Student
Julia Taylor, Art Student
Gabrielle McNeillie, Assistant Dance Professor
Yajaira Perez, Alumni
Rogelio Hernandez Martinez, Alumni
Lindsie Avalos, Alumni
Skyler Koch, Psychology Student
Tyler Diltz, Film Student
Logan Booth, Film Student
Ethan Magnaghi, Art Student
EllaBeth Crawford, Language Student
Mariah Lane, Alumni
Edyn Totten, ITM Student
Kento Ibarra, Alumni
Sarah Sillin, Associate English Professor
Emily McNealy, Psychology Student
David Lindsay, Art Student
Kerensa Joy, Art Student
Madisyn Joyner, Film Student
Cody Mann, Biology Student
Kay Martin, Psychology Student
Daniel Holder, Music Student
Emily LaFave, Alumni
Summer Dykes, Art Student
Anya DeGroot, Music Student
Jan Tilley, Writing Student
David Torem, Alumni
Erika Pazian, Assistant Art Professor
Prim Felix, Merchandising Student
Annabelle Luebe, Student
Milo Gonzalez, Student
Dale Larson, Career Services Staff
Madalyn Hagan, Anthropology Student
Sam Kuyper, Alumni
Anne Cubilie, English Professor
Naomi Klockars, Student
Luca Nelson, Student
Eric Rosane, Alumni
Emily David, Alumni
Bri Dumenigo, Art Student
Madelynn Shortt, Staff
Hannah Barta, Staff
Colby McCann, Alumni
Gil Martinez, PR Student
William Joslyn, Theatre Student
Taylor Simental, Alumni
David Broweleit, Library Staff
Damien Garcia, Social Services Student
Olené Togiailua, Gender Studies Student
Rena Riojas, Art Student
Rowan Lorio, Theatre Student
Daniel Baldwin, Alumni
Margot Massey, Art Student
Cristobal Mondragon, Alumni
Lucas Benson, Student
Megan Rogers, Alumni
Hondo Acosta-Vega, Education Student
Caitlin Anderson, Art Student
Peter Groeschel, Engineering Student
Isaac Dobmeier, Alumni
Louis Milbradt, Education Student
Anna Atkinson, Communication Student
Faith Johnson, Art Student
Rhodes Van Houten, Health Student
Cameron Johnson, Alumni
Skylar Greto, Accounting Student
Jacob Liao, ITAM Student
Alesandra Iriarte-Canales, Communication Student
Mystique Mayorquin, Psychology Student
Andrew Burr, Career Services Staff
Kieran Cook, Learning Commons Staff
Thomas Lee, Alumni
Jasmine Phillips, Communication Student
Channas Stewman, Asst. Learning Commons
Director
Kyle Wilkinson, Alumni
Madilyn Larsen, Alumni
Jennifer L. Bennett, Writing Student
Mark Goodenberger, Music Department Chair
Marcy Cobain, Sociology Student
Heather H. Johnson, Art Student
Parker Wood, Journalism Student
Ash Perron, Program Coordinator
Anntonette Brier, Food Science Student
Annalise Wooster, Art Student
Lars Kent, Art Student
Alora Van Auken, Biology Student
Josie Ambur, Psychology Student
Brian Valencia, PR Student
Clay Arango, Biological Sciences Chair
Runa Green, Anthropology Student
Savannah McCanse, Faculty
Aidan Cadigan, Education Student
Dorretta Spencer, Anthropology Student
Marlene Veveris, Child Development Student
Jada Madrid, Musical Theatre Student
Niecia Herrera, Design Student
Joshua Zeller, Alumni
Cecora Burke-Young, Marketing Student
Alumnus);
Harvard just set the standard for college responses to the Trump administration; Will Washington schools follow?
Brandon Mattesich Co-Editor-In-Chief
The Trump administration, from day one, has taken a variety of actions against colleges across the US targeting students, administration and more specifically federal funding. Most notably, the Trump administration has issued what is basically a list of demands, stating that if colleges do not comply they are under threat of losing federal funding.
To be very clear, most colleges could not survive without this federal aid, which makes opposing Trump a possible death sentence to universities across the country.
That said, Harvard just did something that I’ve been waiting for literally any college to do, they took a public stance against Trump’s unconstitutional demands.
In a news release from Harvard’s Office of the President, entitled “The Promise of American Higher Education,” the university outlined all the demands Trump has made, why they are unconstitutional, and why they will not comply.
“For three-quarters of a century, the federal government has awarded grants and contracts to Harvard and other universities to help pay for work that, along with investments by the universities themselves, has led to groundbreaking innovations across a wide range of medical, engineering, and scientific fields,” the release stated.
“For the government to retreat from these partnerships now risks not only the health and well-being of millions of individuals but also the economic security and vitality of our nation.”
In response to a letter sent directly to Harvard university from the Department of Education, which was published in its entirety in the Harvard response article, Harvard provides examples of the unconstitutional demands the Trump administration has made to their university, and states very clearly that they will not comply.
“They [The Department of Education] include requirements to “audit” the viewpoints of our student body, faculty, staff, and to “reduc[e] the power” of certain students, faculty, and administrators targeted because of their ideological views. We have informed the administration through our legal counsel that we will not accept their proposed agreement. The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.”
At the time of writing this, the Trump administration’s only response has been the freezing of $2 billion in funds. We can assume Harvard expected this, and while the freeze is massive the most important developments are likely yet to come.
It’s important to note that the Trump administration has taken a strong focus on some of the larger and most notable universities across the country. However, this does not mean his administration could not eventually focus on more localized schools such as CWU.
So why does Harvard’s stance matter for Washington colleges? Typically, when a college like Harvard takes a stand, other universities follow. It’s very likely that this public response sparks a trend across some of the larger colleges in the US in terms of publicly denouncing the Trump administration’s policies. At the same time, if the administration continues to respond drastically, this situation could serve as an example with the opposite effect, showing why colleges simply cannot withstand this drastic withdrawal of federal aid.
At the very least, Harvard has shown that it is possible for a college to publicly oppose the Trump administration, and set a strong precedent for the types of responses we can expect from other powerful institutions. It is very likely that if Harvard wins this stand-off, colleges across Washington will follow suit. Right now, it all depends on Trump’s continued response. Whatever happens, this situation will likely be the most important development in higher education in recent history.
Photo collage by Lizeth Valdes
Observer Responds:
On April 3, The Observer responded to the proposed budgets in a published email that was addressed toward members of ASCWU and VP Finance and Administration Joel Klucking. Just a few days earlier, PULSE released their response as well.
Spring Break:
The S&A Committee releases their proposed budgets, proposing a defunding on both The Observer and PULSE Magazine
S&A Meets:
On Tuesday April 8, S&A hosted their weekly meeting. The Observer and PULSE attended and argued their cases.
ASCWU Statement:
Just two days later, April 5, ASCWU put out an official response, stating, “ASCWU values the long-standing work The Observer and PULSE Magazine have contributed to our campus culture. It is imperative that students have access to the opportunities these two programs offer…”
April 15th:
Almost 100 students, staff, faculty and alumni showed up to the weekly S&A meeting to advocate for their respective programs. For full coverage, reference pages 6 and 7.
Alumni respond:
Alumni of both The Observer and PULSE wrote letters of support addressed to both the general public and the S&A committee which were published in our weekly paper both in print and online on April 10.
Proposed S&A Allocation
$35,300.00
$200,776.00
$26,771.00
$66,127.00
ACSWU Student Life and Fac
Career Services Westside
Communications - Observer Centers - Activities Centers Case Management
Communications - PULSE
English-Lion Rock
Next Steps:
The final decision now falls to the Board of Trustees. As we continue to move forward in our campaign to save student media at CWU we will continually update our social media platforms and website with relevant information.
$25,432.20 $199,772.12 $26,771.00 $65,796.37 $24,240.19 $141,936.75 $84,755.59 $0.00 $358,200.00 $1,100.00 $2,000.00 $9,751.00 $0.00 $250.00 $51,228.17 $407,170.72 $4,729.24 $0.00 $432,776.44 $11,776.82 $0.00 $14,826.30 $11,193.75 $46,388.89 $603,875.45 $331,191.74 $0.00 $0.00 These are what The Observer determined as some of the most notable moves from the S&A’s proposed allocation of funds. Find the full list on the S&A website.
$24,362.00
$158,500.00
$136,290.00
$54,686.00
$386,904.00
$56,375.00
$28,412.00
$9,800.00
$10,000.00
$5,000.00
$64,357.00
$419,424.00
$7,200.00
$132,586.00
$493,602.00
$14,795.00
$36,932.00
$18,626.00
$17,000.00
NEARLY 100 PEOPLE ATTEND
TO PROTEST PROPOSED
understand, Joel Klucking doesn’t understand and Jim Wohlpart doesn’t understand.”
The more than one hour of public comment was loaded with anger, sadness and an overwhelming sentiment of dissatisfaction with how the defunding of programs was handled. People lined up around the room with the goal of speaking their allotted 3 minutes in comments to the committee. As people spoke, the room repeatedly erupted with snaps and applause in support of passionate pleas for funding.
At the beginning of the meeting, which was postponed for 15 minutes after its original start time, the S&A Committee stated that they would have to end the meeting at 6:30 p.m. due to students on the committee having “class” and other obligations after the meeting, contrary to what students were told prior to the meeting’s beginning. At 6:28 p.m., the remaining line of students who had yet to speak were cut off and the meeting was promptly adjourned.
The Senator for the College of Arts and Humanities, Gabriel Genzel, underscored the impact the committee’s decisions would have. “I know the S&A is not a paid position, and that you are here hopefully out of the kindness of your heart, but your unpaid position has just jeopardized dozens of paid student jobs that are crucial to supporting our student populations’ experience and programs.”
Former Observer Editor-In-Chief Isaac Hinson spoke about how little the committee seems to know about how The Observer and PULSE Magazine operate. “You, who have made these decisions, do not understand the work that goes into student media. You do not understand how much writing, editing, designing, photography, copy editing, research on the boots and ground reporting that goes into this,” Hinson said. “You don’t
Another student and a current ASCWU presidential candidate, Hondo Acosta-Vega, talked about the history of The Observer, and the role it plays at CWU. “I was there in 2018 standing in former Governor Inslee’s office when the Student Press Rights bill was signed protecting [against] censorship, with [former Observer Editors-in-Chief] Mariah Lane and Sean Bessette, for high school and college journalism and media programs. And right now, we need the strength, the dedication and words I cannot describe, but in simple terms, they [student media] are the true voice on this campus. Their ability to do what’s needed, to be direct and connect with the student body is greater than any organization or club I have been a part of,” Acosta-Vega said. Lane, Bessette and Eric Haugland were among the alumni who attended Tuesday’s committee meeting on Zoom. Lane and Haugland both gave comments. Lane said, “The Observer has a motto that you’ve heard tonight by a couple students, ‘by the students, for the students,’ and that isn’t just some slogan. It’s the heart and soul of the school’s community. By defunding student media, you silence students. We are about to celebrate 110 years of The Observer’s publication, 110
I don’t know if I feel confident in my decision to be here anymore. -Gray Foster, first-year tour guide in training
years. If the powers that be follow through in this decision, they will not only undermine a pivotal part of the university’s legacy, they will be making a catastrophic mistake that will hurt current and future students. This can’t happen.”
Multiple public commenters cited issues with transparency in the committee’s decision-making process. One CWU staff member who spoke at the event said, “I would like to say to you, I think that if you wanted the world to know, or the community to know, that they had the ability to come speak before you. I look around and I see a room full of media professionals and budding emerging media professionals who would be elated to help with that marketing, that publicity and that genuine transparency. If that was of value to this committee.”
Current Co-Editor-In-Chief of The Observer, Jackson Roberts, offered the S&A Committee an opportunity to answer a few questions to clarify details about the process which led them to their budget proposal.
Roberts asked, “When you made the original budget proposal, how much did you know about how The Observer and PULSE operate? Did you research our website? What steps were taken to bring you to the point of practically defunding student media? Are all videos available online of you all going over where money was going to be allocated to? Why are Killian Guidelines an issue now after we have been funded over those guidelines since the ‘90s.”
Dana Culley, student and member of the CWU Mock Trial Club, said, “I want to remind you all of the motto of Central Washington University, ‘live, do and learn.’ I am here as a student who consumes student media, someone who wakes up every Thursday morning excited to go to the stand and pick up a new issue of The Observer. I read it front to back every single Thursday, and I want to share a secret with you all about the mock trial club. Our superpower is love. It’s
Students and staff speaking (from left to right- Craig Chapo, Astor Powell-Pedersen, Gray Foster, Isaac Hinson, Brandon Mattesich, Jackson Roberts and Z Morris). (Photos by Kyley Glenn)
ATTEND S&A MEETING
PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS “
By defunding student media, you silence students.
-Mariah Lane, CWU alum
love for the people and love for the work. And let me tell you, The Observer, PULSE, all these student media groups, they love the work. I see the hard working words and the hope in each and every issue.”
Gray Foster, a first-year tour guide in training, referenced an instance of when they talked to a student on tour. “I was able to tell him about The Observer, and I was able to assure him and his mother that he would be safe here and that he would have a voice. He lit up. He seemed so happy, and I felt like I was doing a great job. I felt confident, and I don’t know if I feel like that anymore,” Foster said. “And I feel like I lied to him. I don’t know if I feel confident in my decision to be here anymore.”
Zoey Ryan, creative director for PULSE magazine, noted the impact this would have on PULSE and student media. “With the proposed fund from S&A, there will no longer be a printed magazine. More importantly, there will be no future generations of students to experience student media like I have,” Ryan said. “This isn’t just the death of student media for me and the people in this room, this is the
death of student media at CWU. No longer will students get to experience printed media that proves to them the school is listening.”
“PULSE and Observer are by the students, for the students. We will fight to maintain the life of these publications and we will fight for future students’ voices to be heard and experience student media at Central Washington University,” Ryan said.
Gray Foster, a first-year tour guide in training, referenced an instance of when they talked to a student on tour. “I was able to tell him about The Observer, and I was able to assure him and his mother that he would be safe here and that he would have a voice. He lit up. He seemed so happy, and I felt like I was doing a great job. I felt confident, and I don’t know if I feel like that anymore,” Foster said. “And I feel like I lied to him. I don’t know if I feel confident in my decision to be here anymore.”
“This isn’t just the death of student media for me and the people in this room, this is the death of student media at CWU.”
-Zoey Ryan, creative director for PULSE magazine
Attendee turnout at the S&A meeting.
(Photo by Kyley Glenn)
Brandon Mattesich and Jackson Roberts waiting in line to speak.
(Photo by Kyley Glenn)
Bistro closed indefinitely Students share their thoughts
Bistro closed indefinitely Students share their thoughts
Jackson Roberts Co-Editor-In-Chief
One of CWU’s buildings that is home to sweet treats, seasoned drinks and campus events, is temporarily closed as of April 1. The Bistro located in the Tunstall Commons on the south side of campus has no reopening date, but students can stay updated for when it will reopen on CWU Dining Services Instagram.
According to CWU University Relations, “The Bistro is closed until further notice after CWU Dining Services was asked to vacate the premises due to unscheduled maintenance work. The scope of the project is still being determined, and work crews are doing everything they can to reopen the popular gathering place in Tunstall Commons as soon as possible. There is currently no timeline for the building repairs to be completed.”
Ainzlee Wilson, a second year elementary education major, shared her opinion on not being able to go to one of her favorite meet up spots with friends. “It makes me really sad, my friend and I go there every Monday and Wednesday to get bagels,” Wilson said. “We’ve actually been so sad this past week that they have been closed. We’ve got to find a new place to go.”
Some students, like Maximus Werner, a freshman theatre and secondary education major, enjoy the environment of the Bistro and utilize it as a place to get their homework and studying done. “It’s definitely upsetting because the other options on
campus are either like study rooms or the library. I’m the type of person who likes a little bit of a busy environment to do my work and a chill place to hang with friends,” Werner said. “The library and study rooms don’t really give me what I’m looking for.”
The Bistro has been on campus since Jan. 6, 2016 and has welcomed many new food and drink items to its menu, one of the most popular being the boba tea. “Most people on campus rave about the boba there, that’s just one thing that makes the bistro different from all the other cafes,” Werner said. Freshman music education major Lucas Clark added on the uniqueness of the Bistro offering boba tea, “It’s really hard to get boba in Ellensburg, so having it at the bistro is actually really nice.”
A number of events have been hosted in The Bistro, one of the most popular being open mic night where students have an opportunity to put some of their talents on display. “It is kind of disappointing because it’s also been used as a great place for performance and comedy, so seeing that being taken away for some time is upsetting,” Clark said.
As maintenance work is being done in Tunstall Commons, students can only hope for a timeline of when the project will be finished.
Students gathered for Friendgiving 2024 inside the Bistro. (Photos by Brandon Mattesich)
Kyley Glenn Lead Reporter
CWU’s all-star team, Cheercats competed in their first ever cheer competition since the creation of the club in 2022. The NCAA competition, ‘The U.S. Finals’, took place in Tacoma, WA. on April 5. As a one team institution, they competed in Division II. Of the many gyms in attendance, the Cats took home first place.
The team is student led with three people in charge. The president of the team is Clarissa Slaton. She is a fourth year Psychology major at Central. Kaila Akina is the vice president of the team. She is a fourth year student at Central majoring in Environmental Research and minoring in Sports Coaching. The third member of leadership is Stephanie Braeul, the secretary. She is a fourth year Elementary Education major. All Have been members of the team since it started in 2022.
With all three being there since the beginning, it is still the teams first ever time competing in a competition.
“It was kind of like a fever dream for me and Stephanie being back in the cheer world. Especially like the convention center we were at, the Tacoma Convention Center,” Akina said.
The team was able to score a 3.9 on pyramids and have their second score be in jumps. “We hit all of our stunts, all of our tumbling, all of our jumps,” Akina said.
Competing was a memorable experience for members of the Cheercats as a few do graduate this spring.
“I remember I hit my ending pose. Steph got up so fast… I remember getting up and walking off the stage, and the second I couldn’t feel the light on me anymore, I started crying.
I found Kayla. I found Steph. It was crazy, after we finished our routine, I was like, I don’t care what the score says. I don’t care if I walk out of here with a medal or a trophy or whatever. That was the best way I could have ended my cheer career,” Slaton said.
Fellow gyms at the event were in support of the only college team in the NCAA competition.
“The little circle at awards, all holding hands, and they called our name. It was just insane, hearing our family, all of our family and friends there. It was crazy. They were so supportive. There was a million moms with their phones out. And it was just adorable,” Slaton said. “When we were performing, there was other gyms and other athletes who came up front to watch us… It was cool to see so many people and hear so many people cheering you on, throughout the whole thing.”
A fellow competitor from a gym nearby came up to the cheercats sharing how she wanted to join the team. “She’s a sophomore in high school and she’s interested in coming to CWU and joining our team. She stayed to wish us good luck before going on stage and congratulated us when we were done performing,” Akina said.
Although the team did have say and helped with a few aspects, majority of the routine was choreographed by the vice-president, Akina.
“I think it’s so important to mention that Kayla choreographed that entire routine by herself with Steph,” Slaton said.
“It was crazy. I have never seen someone come to my apartment. Show me your thoughts. Show me your formation. Have it pan out on the mat,” Slaton said.
The Cheercats are full of members with many years of past experience as well as newbies to cheer. The routine made sure to highlight those who were able to throw back handsprings and tucks during the tumbling passes. Others were able to be highlighted on their progress through jump sequences and the cartwheels they have been able to perfect the past seven months.
As a new and smaller team, the ability to learn passes that other gyms throw in their routines is a barrier with a lack of equipment. The team practices in the Rec center gyms without any spring floors or foam blocks.
The team intends to grow more through routines as well as by competing in more competitions.
“I think it’d be nice to have two competitions, or even a two day competition. Would be super fun. So it depends on how much of that money that they have to split amongst all the sports clubs, how much money goes towards us, and then how much we fundraise, how much we charge for dues to be like a part of the team. So it all depends on money, because it was expensive to take all of us money,” Akina said.
Rugby, CWU’s lone Division I program, loses varsity scholarship
Right before The Observer was ready to publish our second issue, an email was sent out by the Director of Athletics Dennis Francois, and President Wohplart, stating, “CWU Athletics has decided to discontinue varsity sponsorship of our men’s and women’s rugby programs at the end of the current academic year.”
Stay tuned for next week’s coverage, where The Observer will gather athletes, coaches and students’ opinions on losing critical sponsorship in athletic programs at CWU.
The Cheercats after winning at the U.S. Finals. (Photo courtesy of the Cheercats Instagram)
WILDCAT WORDS
Aries (March 21 - April 19): Time for a spring deep clean Aries! Get rid of everything that doesn’t serve you, and make way for the new. You don’t need that homework assignment, it’s not sparking joy! Tip of the Day: The thrift store takes donations.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20): Taurus, your unique personality and style slays in any room! Don’t worry about what other people have to say, your success comes from your actions, not other’s judgment. Tip of the Day: Wear a funky shirt tomorrow.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20): It’s time for a good cry Gemini. The world is insane, and no one knows the future, so just let it all out. Tears are great for your skin and you can always use the leftovers for seasoning! Tip of the Day: Everything could use more salt.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22): Focus on the now Cancer. Like right now. Like how hungry you are and how much you want a sweet treat. Put down the paper, your hunger is more important! Actually, take it along, I could really go for one too. Tip of the Day: It’s always a good time for donuts.
Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22): It’s time for you to slow down Leo. Please stop running through the SURC, I don’t want to get bumped into again. Your food will be still be there in those extra two minutes, unless it’s a chicken wrap, then I call dibs. Tip of the Day: I like extra dressing.
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sep. 22): Be on the lookout for a sign Virgo. The entire direction of your life will be changed! Okay, maybe not your entire life, but getting to the right room is still very important. Tip of the day: The backwards L is your right side.
Libra (Sep. 23 - Oct. 22): You’re doing such a great job Libra! I think you deserve a gold star for all your efforts. I’m not sure though, maybe you should sing a little song to convince me. Tip of the Day: Showtunes are the best tunes.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21): Be careful with what you have to say Scorpio, words have power. We’re still working on making it charge my cellphone, but we’re getting very close. We don’t want you getting electrocuted from your eloquent soliques, now would we? Tip of the day: “L”’s seem to be very powerful.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): Time for some grounding Sagittarius. You don’t need a shovel, your hands are just fine for digging through the dirt. Don’t go too deep though, it starts to get hot towards the center. Tip of the day: Worms are an excellent source of protein.
4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Sunset Hike
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Showtime at Central SURC Ballroom
9 p.m. - Hot New Jam | SURC Theatre
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan.19): That voice in your head Capricorn? You should start listening to it. Mine hasn’t led me wrong so far! My bank account may be empty, but that’s completely unrelated. Tip of the day: Don’t gamble kids.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb.18): Running away from your problems is always a good idea Aquarius. The weather’s getting warmer and nature has plenty of food. Who needs electricity anyways? Tip of the day: There’s no taxes in the woods.
Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20): Pisces, I need you to shut up. I know you love to yap, but we really don’t need to hear how great the Minecraft movie is for the ninth time this week. And don’t get me started on your Jack Black impression. Tip of the day: Silence is also an option.
