The DePaulia 5.8.23

TheDePaulia

Student’s story ignites safety conversations at SGA assembly

By Claire Tweedie SGA Beat Writer

This story contains mentions of sex offenses and descriptions of assault.

“On this day I learned a very hard lesson: How to keep living when you have felt the cold grasp of death,” Paria Ghaderi, Student Government Association (SGA) senator for the College of Communication and senior said at a campus safety assembly on May 4. “But this is not a story about the end. This is a story about new beginnings.”

According to police, on April 13, a registered sex offender assaulted two students on the Lincoln Park campus. The offender was arrested and charged with two felony counts of unlawful restraint, one felony count of battery with use of deadly weapon and one misdemeanor count of theft.

Ghaderi is one of the survivors of these attacks.

She shared her story at the SGA campus safety assembly before an open conversation between students, staff, faculty and administrators about safety concerns and ways to address them. These include changing the university to closed campuses and requiring swipe access to regulate who is entering the buildings and possible changes to Public Safety policies and alerts.

Gene Zdziarski, vice president for Student Affairs; Bob Wachowski, Public

Safety director; and Alexandra Murphy, College of Communication dean, were a few of the administrators present at the

assembly in the Lincoln Park Student Center.

“I have relived and repeated this

story so many times it feels as though I am reciting a monologue,” Ghaderi said. “I still question if what happened to me actually took place, but tonight, I feel reassured that it happened and that it will not happen again, at least not on this campus. I am willing to keep reliving this story if it promotes caution and safety.”

In her speech, Ghaderi said she remembers screaming while the offender attempted to suffocate her for several minutes in the Sheffield Parking Garage. Ghaderi continued screaming as she escaped, but despite being near the parking attendant booth, it was only when a pedestrian walking by saw her crying that someone came to help her. There were no emergency buttons inside the garage for her to access.

Ghaderi wore the same outfit she was attacked in to the assembly. In her speech, she said the offender dented the necklace she was wearing with her mother’s name engraved in it.

“This is something that could happen to you, me or anyone,” said freshman Suzan Arab, SGA senator for community and government relations. “[Ghaderi’s] story was heartbreaking to hear because I park in that same garage. It’s horrible that something like this had to happen for us to make these changes. They should have been implemented a long time ago.”

Since Sept. 1, there have been 20 safety alerts from Public Safety. The first was an alert about two sex offenses from the same offender.

“If we don’t take this seriously and start making changes now, this is going to keep happening,” Arab said. “Today was just another reminder that these things happen way too close for comfort.”

Students were given the opportunity to share their ideas on how to improve campus safety through a Google Jamboard. SGA said they would document the virtual submissions to help revise their current public safety proposal.

See SGA ASSEMBLY, page 8

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & ATONEMENT

DePaul apologizes for Vincentian history of slaveholding

By Samantha Moilanen & Nadia Carolina Hernandez Asst. News Editor & Editor-In-Chief

Minister Jené A. Colvin, from DePaul’s Division of Mission and Ministry, said her twice-removed great grandmother Eliza Oakley lived to be 95. Born in 1919, Oakley lived when Jim Crow laws were in place and Black Americans constantly faced the threat of lynchings.

“Very often, people imagine slavery in the United States as something that happened a very long time ago,” Colvin said.

Colvin said to this day, she does not know whether Oakley was “gifted” to a man named Thomas Wiley, or if it was a consensual, legal relationship.

“Nearly every Black person in this room could tell you a similar story,” Colvin said. “Stories where records tell lies, or simply don’t exist, when they, with their families or colleagues, scoured records for years simply to find the names of their family members, their loved ones. We are all reading the stories in history books, [but] some of us have lived and heard them firsthand.”

Colvin shared this story in her opening statement Monday, May 1, at the “Confronting our History:

Vincentian Slaveholding, and Apology and Commitment to Atone” ceremony where the interfaith program at DePaul apologized for the enslavement of Black people by the Vincentians.

The ceremony came two years after DePaul created a task force in 2021 charged with addressing the Vincentian’s relationship with slavery. At the same time, DePaul alumna Cam Rodriguez was conducting her own investigation into DePaul’s history with white supremacy that was published in 14East magazine two weeks before DePaul held the ceremony.

DePaul is the first Catholic, Vincentian university to hold a ceremony officially apologizing for its history of enslaving Black people.

Rodriguez attended the ceremony Monday night where DePaul President Robert Manuel presented her with a Vincentian Shared Coin in recognition of her research.

“Without knowing, you can’t apologize for what you don’t know about,” Rodriguez told The DePaulia. “And so that was the main intention of the story, not necessarily

See APOLOGY page 9

Senior Paria Ghaderi, Student Government Association (SGA) senator for the College of Communication recounted her experience being attacked on campus on May 4.

KIERSTEN RIEDFORD | THE DEPAULIA

‘This is not a story about the end’

NADIA CAROLINA HERNANDEZ | THE DEPAULIA

Ghanem addresses Faculty Council's criticism of budget process, lack of cohesion

By Patrick Sloan-Turner Online Managing Editor

The agenda for this month's Faculty Council meeting did not list either DePaul's budget gap or the Strategic Resource Allocation Committee (SRAC). Still, the topic dominated a portion of the May 3 meeting, as Provost Salma Ghanem hosted a back-and-forth discussion with those in attendance.

Many questions and concerns from faculty in attendance centered on what they saw as a lack of cohesion across colleges to make cuts to combat the $56.5 million gap.

“We gave everybody a list of suggested levers, [and said] ‘these are the ideas that you can use, if you have other ideas that’s fine too.’” Ghanem told a faculty member, who asked why strategies seemed vary. “Each college did what works best for their college.”

One major concern among faculty remains the cloudy timeline regarding SRAC’s work and when the president’s cabinet knew of the extent of the impending gap. Several faculty members continue to voice a lack of transparency and participation in shared governance, and at Wednesday’s meeting, some faculty said it seemed like various leaders were given information before others, leaving some blindsided.

Matthew Girson, a professor of art in DePaul’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (LAS) voiced concern that faculty were not informed of the situation at the same time deans were.

“It was asked that when the budget information went to deans it would also go to faculty,” Girson said. “On March 20, my phone started to blow up because people were hearing that some people were already starting to make decisions...It seems that sharing [information] with faculty as it was shared with various [deans], that didn’t happen.”

Ghanem said she is unaware of how a mark was missed in informing faculty at the same time as and others, stating that deans were supposed to loop faculty in soon after receiving information themselves.

“[We tried] to ensure deans were

being as inclusive as possible,” Ghanem said. “That seems to have gotten broken down.”

Faculty Council President and serving member of SRAC, Sonia Soltero, also acknowledged a failure in uniformity across the university as some colleges made faculty part of the strategic processes to combat the gap more so than others.

“I think there wasn’t a directive for all the deans to start the process at the same time,” Soltero said. “Everyone should’ve started at the same time... The rollout was not done at the same time.”

One faculty member pressed Gha -

er hand we’re hearing ‘we’re still discussing and there’s more discussions to be had, it’s still evolving.’”

Dinius serves as a chapter member of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) at DePaul. Currently, the chapter is hosting a fundraiser to help pay for an external analysis of DePaul’s finances in hopes that the information found will help restore trust between administrators and the university’s stakeholders. As of publishing, the effort has received $4,030 of its $5,650 goal.

On the chapter’s steering committee, Dinius said she and her colleagues have received reports from faculty in

ulty regarding collaboration throughout the past few months, Dinius said that Manuel described the process as “ping-ponging” back-and-forth between faculty shared governance bodies and upper administration.

nem further on the timeline, asking the provost exactly when the president had the information and when it was approved by the Board of Trustees before going through academic affairs.

“I’m not sure,” Ghanem said.

Other council representatives shared their dissatisfaction regarding a failure to give specific figures and information to faculty leaders through an evolving situation. For those like Marcy Dinius, an English professor of LAS, this lack of information paired with mixed messaging has only added to the chaos.

“Faculty are asking for the changing data and major moving parts...And that’s a legitimate request,” Dinius said. “This lack of sharing information is a major problem at all levels...On one hand we’re hearing ‘sorry that decision has already been made’ and on the oth -

DePaul Provost

various colleges that deans and budget committee members have already pushed out decisions for fiscal year 2024. Recently, she told The DePaulia that some have voiced requests to revisit a number of these decisions.

“I’m aware that colleagues in the College of Education, who agreed to take on an increased course load before new numbers became available with the voluntary staff separations, have been asking to revisit that decision in light of the latest information,” Dinius said.

Dinius told The DePaulia that last week, Manuel twice reaffirmed with faculty a timeline for final decisions that extends into June for implementation on July 1, while some colleges have reportedly already made decisions surrounding cutting strategies.

Despite criticism from some fac -

The budget gap of $56.5 million is for fiscal year 2024, which starts July 1, 2023 and ends June 30, 2024. Near the meeting’s end, Jay Baglia, a professor in DePaul’s College of Communication (COC), asked Ghanem if there’s any reason for faculty to worry that even more adjustments will need to be made for the budget next winter.

“We’re 90% tuition [based],” Ghanem said to Baglia. “We live by the revenue that comes through enrollment... The ups and downs are much more volatile than they used to be.”

Ghanem said that enrollment for the fall is currently in line with projections, with an influx of international students in the graduate population expected. Ghanem also told Baglia and others in attendance that Manuel said that if more revenue comes in next year than expected, it will be infused into academics. She also addressed questions posed about varying figures and information being communicated throughout the process.

“It’s not that anyone is lying about the data,” Ghanem said. “It’s that the data changes.”

KATIE WRIGHT | THE DEPAULIA

The west entrance to the Schmitt Academic Center (SAC) on Jan. 9, 2023. Many Faculty Council representatives voiced their criticism on the budget to Provost Salma Ghanem last Wednesday, May 3.

“We’re 90% tuition [based]. We live by the revenue that comes through enrollment ...The ups and downs are much more volatile than they used to be.”

Salma Ghanem

DEPAUL UNIVERSITY Provost Salma Ghanem spoke at the Wednesday, May 3 Faculty Council meeting.

Flo Milli, Emblem3 are headliner, opener for FEST

By Kiersten Riedford News Editor

Flo Milli and Emblem3 will headline and open for FEST on Friday, May 26. Students gathered for the announcement at noon on May 4 in the Lincoln Park Student Center Atrium. DAB members had students build a puzzle to form a picture of the FEST headliner and opener for the announcement.

Compared to last year, where the students gathered in Student Center Room 120AB and were revealed on a screen, many students said the puzzle defeated the anticipation aspect of the FEST headliner reveal that excited students last year.

Despite the lack of anticipation, many students were excited to see Flo Milli would be the headliner for this year.

Junior Annabelle Mique said that even though FEST is a highly anticipated event each year,, students often feel let down by the university’s choice in artists. Mique said this is because they are often artists students are not familiar with or they’re not even listed on the preference poll that is sent out to students during fall quarter.

Junior Sam Kudra said he is undecided on how he feels about the artists for this year.

“I’m happy for people who have been following and supporting these artists for a long time, and now they get to see them live,” Kudra said. “On the other hand, I've never heard of Emblem3 and have really only heard Flo Milli on TikTok, so I'm not that connected to the headliners.”

Mique said she wants FEST to have more artists that give students the sense of nostalgia but also would like them to be well known, which is why she wanted Big Time Rush to play.

“We need more nostalgic artists on the

line up instead of [people] that happen to be around once FEST comes up,” Mique said. “I know it must be difficult to find these artists, but at this point, I’d rather have student bands headline the entire thing. That money spent on bringing these artists in could be used elsewhere or at least to support student musicians.”

Kudra said while it’s exciting to see who is going to be playing at FEST, he doesn’t actually go for whoever is playing.

“The headliners were never really a huge reason for me wanting to go to FEST in past years,” Kudra said. “I usually go for the people I'll be there with and the activities happening in the Quad and Student Center.”

Kudra said that in the future, he would

like to see a more streamlined voting process that reflects the majority of the student body.

“In all honesty, I've only seen people excited about the headliners in the comment section of the announcing post,” Kudra said. “Every other DePaul student I've talked to either doesn't know who the headliners are, or voted for someone else. It makes me question the process a little bit.”

Katie Holloway, DAB member and junior, said they chose the FEST headliners to the best of their ability in accordance with what the students want.

“One of the biggest challenges for the selection process is who can we get that is not too expensive and who is willing to come to a college campus,” Holloway said. “I would also

say that it's hard to please everyone but in the end we go based [on] the artist’s availability.”

Kudra said regardless of who is playing FEST, he will continue to attend because of the experience.

“FEST is a great way to ease pre-exam week tension and anxiety,” Kudra said. “Having this momentous occasion really drives home the importance of enjoying life with the people you care about without the worry of education and career over your shoulder.”

For students who want to attend FEST, they can buy their tickets for $10 on DeHUB. Students are also allowed to bring one non-DePaul guest. Their ticket is $20 on DeHUB and they must provide a government-issued ID.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEPAUL FEST INSTAGRAM

Flo Milli will be headlining the 2023 FEST performance on May 26. Emblem3 will be opening for her.

SGA election results released

dinez said he was grateful to see the student turnout in comparison to previous years. Holechko said this was largely a result of Jessica Bergman, SGA Elections Coordina-

sentation of the student population, consistent interest in campus life and campus engagement.

“I would like to [Mundi and Schoen-

“Because there’s a bit of time before the SRAC starts up budget talks again,” Mundi said. “I want to finalize that SGA proposal on campus safety so it can be sent to the

SGA is coming.

To see the list of newly elected SGA members, take a look at DePaul SGA’s election portal.

Texas Governor Abbott responds to Mayor Lightfoot’s letter about migrant situation

By Olivia Zimmerman Staff Writer

“These people are humans [and] these people are traumatized already.”

President of the Little Village Community Council, Baltazar Enriquez said in response to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to send more migrants to Chicago last week.

On Sunday, April 30, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot sent a letter to Abbott, asking him to stop sending asylum seekers to Chicago because of the strain on city resources.

“I am, yet again, appealing to your better nature and asking that you stop this inhumane and dangerous action,” Lightfoot said in the letter. “Since we began responding to the arrival of migrants sent by your delegation in August 2022, we have shouldered the responsibility of caring for more than 8,000 men, women and children with no resources of their own”.

The city is running out of places to house asylum seekers and many are currently staying at police stations or shelters set up by the city.

The city of Chicago spends more than $20 million a month to support the asylum seekers, according to ABC-7.

In a press release from 49th Ward alderman Maria Hadden, the amount of people coming has increased recently.

“We went from an average of 1015 new arrivals a day over the previous months to nearly 100 people arriving a day in the last week,” Hadden said. “Leone Beach Park field house was reopened this past Wednesday as a respite center for families with children to more comfortably wait for shelter space to open up. There is a capacity for 100 people and it is currently full.”

In a Joint Committee on Budget and Government Operations meeting about the issue on April 28, several officials expressed concern over the use of police departments as shelters.

“I have about 12 families at the 1st

District police station at 18th and State,” said 3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell in the meeting.“These families are with children, sitting on floors. This is not safe, and it’s not the way to treat people. To prohibit the policemen from doing the work they need to do instead of being social workers.”

Human rights and the comfort of asylum seekers is a concern of Lightfoot’s.

“Nearly all the migrants have been in dire need of food, water, and clothing and many needed extensive medical care. Instead, these individuals and families were packed onto buses and shipped across the country like freight without regard to their personal circumstances,” Lightfoot wrote.

On Monday, Abbott wrote a letter responding to Lightfoot.

“The ongoing border and humanitarian crisis that Texas and the entire United States are grappling with is a direct result of President Biden’s open-border policies,” wrote Abbott. “President Biden is preparing to open the floodgates by ending Title 42 expulsions next week, and Texas is on the frontlines of this catastrophe.”

According to Enriquez, the migrant crisis has become an issue of politics instead of human rights.

“The Republicans and Democrats are using these people as political pawns,” he said.

Abbott referred to the immigrants as “illegal” several times throughout his letter, which DePaul political science professor Kathleen Arnold said is a “racist inaccuracy.”

“It is not illegal to seek asylum,” Arnold said. “Venezuelan arrivals were not sneaking over the border; and migration is civil and not criminal. He is trying to characterize human beings as inherently illegal simply because they lack documentation and they have fled a repressive government.”

Title 42, first enacted in 1944, allows the government to deport immigrants if

they come from a country, or have recently been in a country, with communicable disease. It gained much media attention and was widely used by the former Donald Trump’s administration starting in March 2020 with the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to PBS News. It has been highly controversial because it stops people who crossed the border while undocumented from declaring asylum once they arrive. Title 42 is set to end on May 11.

“As the mayor of a self-declared sanctuary city, it is ironic to hear you complain about Chicago’s struggle to deal with a few thousand illegal immigrants, which is a fraction of the record-high numbers we deal with in Texas on a regular basis,” wrote Abbott.

Texas is the second most populous state in the country with a population of over 30 million people. Chicago’s population is less than three million people. In Texas, Border Patrol counts 900 to 1,200 people crossing into Texas daily.

“If you truly want to “work together

to find a real solution” to this border crisis gripping our nation, you must call on the Biden Administration to do its job by securing our border, repelling the illegal immigrants flooding into our communities, classifying the Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, and intercepting the deadly fentanyl that is endangering our country,” Abbott wrote. “Until Biden secures the border to stop the inflow of mass migration, Texas will continue this necessary program.”

When mayor-elect Johnson gets inaugurated, he will need to manage the humanitarian crisis.

“Johnson should commit to allowing civil society groups like the Resurrection Project to take the lead—as Lightfoot was mostly doing—and tell the City what these individuals and families need. Johnson might also have to ask other mayors in friendly (i.e. sanctuary) cities to help with housing and resources but not by using tricks, forced transportation, or violating the rights of the refugee as Abbott has done,” Arnold said.

CHARLES REX ARBOGAST | AP

(Center) Karen Malave, an immigrant from Venezuela, smiles as she fixes her daughter Avril Brandelli's hair. They and other families are taking shelter in a Chicago Police Department station.

CHARLES REX ARBOGAST | AP

A Venezuelan passport, rosary beads, and a thermometer rest on other personal items belonging to a immigrant family as they take shelter in the Chicago Police Department's 16th District station on May 1.

Impending end of Title 42 looms over city amid influx of asylum seekers

By Jacqueline Cardenas La DePaulia Editor-in-Chief

Another influx of migrants arrived in Chicago at the beginning of May, leaving many waiting for shelter in police stations. But as city officials and community organizers grapple with the lack of resources, they fear the impending end of Title 42 this month, which would cause more strain on a city that is already struggling to craft a cohesive plan to provide asylum seekers with housing and proper health care.

Title 42 is a public health policy that was created by former president Donald Trump in March 2020 and it allows immigration authorities to deny hundreds of thousands of people a chance to apply for asylum while citing Covid-19 concerns.

The policy is set to end May 11, which would broaden the number of asylum seekers allowed through the border. Leaders argue that the lift will make it harder for city officials to provide resources quickly enough to match the swift pace of incoming migrants.

Several Democratic-led cities including Washington, D.C., New York City and others have faced a surge in migrants, many arriving to the cities by bus or plane directly from the border towns.

Chicago received more than 8,000 migrants since late August 2022 after Texas republican Gov. Greg Abbott criticized federal immigration policies and funded a program to send migrants to sanctuary cities, saying that cities with Democratic leaders should be the ones to grapple with the influx of migrants coming from the Texas-Mexico border

Last week, around 40 migrants arrived at O'Hare Airport and waited there until they were relocated to the limited shelters available.

On May 2, more than 10 asylum seekers were left with no other choice than to sleep on the 16th Chicago Police District station floors in Jefferson Park, with similar scenes playing out across the city according to Block Club Chicago.

Last Monday, Abbott vowed to contin-

ue sending migrants. Mayor Lori Lightfoot responded back in an open letter writing, “We simply have no more shelters, spaces, or resources to accommodate an increase of individuals at this level.”

Community organizers like Idalia Flores from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) worries her group will not be able to keep up with the high amount of incoming migrants.

Little Village residents speak out against high rate of unsolved homicide cases

By Olivia Zimmerman Staff Writer

The Little Village Community Council held a meeting of Mothers and Families United for Justice on Thursday.

The group is made up of residents who have lost a loved one to violence, and whose cases remain unsolved.

Southwest side resident Jessica Brant’s brother, Jesus Brant Jr., was 33 years old when he was killed last year in the 4200 block of Archer Avenue.

The office near where Jesus Brant Jr. was shot had a plate reader and Archer Avenue had 16 cameras on it, according to Jessica Brant. Despite this, the suspected shooter was not charged. She was told by police that all the cameras and the plate reader were broken at in the early morning hours when the shooting took place.

Jessica Brant said that officials on their case told them that they need a witness for charges to be brought, and although there is a bus driver that witnessed the shooting, that driver is afraid to testify, leaving the

case in limbo.

Jessica Brant said she has been left largely in the dark about the case from politicians, including Alderman Raymond Lopez (15tht Ward).

“We were hoping that [Ald. Raymond Lopez] could give his support since he was running for mayor [at the time],” Brant said.

She and her mother are members of Mothers and Families United for Justice, an organization in Little Village that meets twice a month in search of answers for gun violence and ways to support those who have lost someone close to them.

According to Little Village Community Council president Baltazar Enriquez, the group is seeking legal help to encourage the city to solve the cases.

Catalina Andrade’s son Miguel Rios was killed on July 18, 2020.

Among the goals of Mothers and Families United for Justice has been getting closure for loved ones they have lost. This has proven to be difficult for the Latine community in Chicago.

“We just don’t know how many more people will arrive here,” Flores said, who has helped provide clothing, food and medicine to arriving migrants since last fall. “We want the city and the state to work together and that will help in the short and long term.”

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) said he proposed opening up former schools while consulting community members and

collaborating with churches to provide the migrants with necessary resources.

As the search for appropriate housing facilities continues, Sigcho-Lopez said he asks the city to be “more flexible with the [shelter facility] requirements.”

An appropriate shelter space must house at least 250 people, have space for eating and restrooms and provide showers and laundry services. Buildings must also pass fire, safety and environmental tests, according to The Chicago Tribune.

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) did not respond to direct questions asked about which facilities the city is looking to transform into shelters, nor where the facilities would be located.

“We have continued to urge federal and state governments to support the migrant mission with much-needed additional funding and resources,” OEMC spokesperson Mary May said.

City council members accepted $20 million in funding from the state to invest in the care for the asylum seekers last month, Block Club Chicago reported.

“What we have found is that the money has been depleted,” Sigcho-Lopez said.

As Lightfoot calls upon the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for more funding, the city is expected to receive another influx of around 40,000 migrants over a span of time once Title 42 ends, Sigcho-Lopez said.

Mayoral-elect Brandon Johnson has not provided specific details on how he will address the growing arrival of asylum-seekers but vowed ‘to support both newcomers, and current residents and families’ during a press conference at Benito Juarez Community Academy on May 5.

“The federal government needs to expedite this process, needs to at the very least start discussing how much funding sanctuary cities like Chicago should be receiving,” Sigcho-Lopez said.

Despite Flores feeling overwhelmed at times by the “physical and emotional work” of trying to help the newly arrived, she said she will continue to advocate for more resources.

“As immigrants, we know how difficult it is to arrive in a new country, not speak the language and try to navigate life,” she said.

According to a 2019 report from WBEZ Chicago, “the city had 849 murders between the beginning of 2018 and [July 2019]. When the victim was white, 47% of the cases were solved during those same 19 months. For Hispanics, the rate was about 33%.”

Mental health care and trauma treatment is another aim of the group.

“We want to make peace circles, therapy, holistic care,” Enriquez said.

In a 2017 analysis of mental health care among Latine communities in Chicago, cost was one of the most common reasons community members do not seek care, as

well as lack of nearby services, lack of insurance and language barriers.

Little Village has a per capita income of $11,000, and 35% of residents live in poverty. Around 25% of Little Village residents are undocumented.

Even for services that are accessible, some who seek care find long waitlists.

“I [checked for availability], but they didn't have availability until [later in] May,” said Mothers and Families United for Justice member Iris Hernandez.

The group has staged protests previously to try to get the FBI involved in their cases and to bring attention to the issue.

MARIA MARTA GUZMAN | THE DEPAULIA

The Little Village entry arch on 26th St. The gate is the first landmark many migrants, who are coming into the city, see when they are welcomed into the neighborhood.

JOEL MARTINEZ | THE MONITOR VIA AP

Texas Governor Greg Abbott answers questions during a press conference at the Texas Department of Public Safety Weslaco Regional Office on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, in Weslaco, Texas.

Suggestions included more Public Safety officers patrolling campus, identification requirements to access the parking garages and mandatory safety procedure sessions for faculty and staff.

“This was a learning experience for us as well so we know how to improve going forward,” said sophomore Avery Schoenhals, SGA executive vice president for facility operations and vice president-elect. “Students need to know that they are safe in their classrooms and that not just any person can walk through the door.”

Ghaderi said seeing SGA’s initiatives for public safety, including this event, make her feel proud as a member of SGA and heard as a survivor.

“My mother used to tell me that when horrible things happen, we must get up every morning and pick up the bits of ourselves that are shattered off the ground before gluing them back together,” Ghaderi said. “The new changes and renewed emphasis on public safety make me feel as though I have honored her words and done everything possible for my community.”

Schoenhals said an idea shared at the event that had not been previously considered was the possible creation of a public safety committee. SGA does have committees for other facility operation groups such as the dining hall.

“It's past time for a lot of the administrators such as the people who are head of the departments like Public Safety or parking services to start getting used to what students have to say,” Schoenhals said. “Having a committee where we all have to sit at the table and listen to concerns students are bringing forward would be a great way to start that.”

One of the suggestions discussed at the assembly included allowing Public

Safety officers to request identification from people on campus. Librarian Kristin Lansdown said in her experience as a Double Demon, this would only lead to profiling.

“One of the policies I saw SGA put in their statement was about reversing the ban on Public Safety being able to ask students for ID,'' Lansdown said. “For me, that raised red flags because when I was a student, I know that many Black male students were often asked for ID for no particular reason at all.”

Lansdown said she has mixed feelings about the possibility of DePaul becoming a closed campus because of her belief in the Vincentian mission which is one reason the campus is open.

The library cannot become a closed-access building because it houses the Federal Depository and the DePaul Special Collections and Archives which are both open to the public.

“The library needs to remain a place that is open and welcoming to everyone,” Lansdown said. “I do want students to feel safe, but it's an interesting vision to think about in terms of safety for our campus’ future.”

Ghaderi said she feels like a catalyst for change. She hopes that her story will promote caution in students, staff and faculty on campus, while helping SGA push for new safety policies.

“This entire experience has taught me that there is so much good in the world,” Ghaderi said. “I want everyone to understand that this experience should not be viewed as a frightening occurrence, but rather as a cautionary tale with both positive and negative aspects.”

The next step for SGA is to finalize their proposal for President Robert Manuel using the feedback they received at the assembly. The timeline for when this proposal will be submitted is presently unclear as SGA continues to develop ini -

tiatives and push for change.

The College of Education is currently the only building to change its access policy to swipe-access, requiring students to use their ID at the door. They implemented the change on May 2.

“The end product of this for us is that

students currently don't feel safe when they're on campus at DePaul and that fundamentally has to change,” Schoenhals said. “Going through these meetings and working on these proposals is all part of our effort to make sure students can feel safe when they go to class.”

SGA ASSEMBLY, continued from front

KIERSTEN RIEDFORD | THE DEPAULIA

Alexandra Murphy, Dean of the College of Communication, discusses safety with students.

KIERSTEN RIEDFORD | THE DEPAULIA Isabella Ali, SGA Senator for Intercultural Awareness, discusses the changes Public Safety needs to make for students to feel safer during a designated discussion portion of the event.

awareness, but acknowledgement that this history existed, and then kind of putting the ball in the university's court institutionally to see what it does to respond to that.”

Manuel then shared his appreciation for the task force’s diligence in uncovering DePaul’s past history with slaveholding.

“In a strange way, [I’m] proud to be here today,” Manuel said. “I want to express my deepest appreciation to the members of the task force to address the essential relationship of slavery, for their work, their dedication and their insistence that we hear and recognize.”

The Vincentian’s past relationship with slavery was discovered through the university archives in 2021, which prompted DePaul leadership to take action. One of the first tasks was to rename the Rosati Room in the John T. Richardson library in Lincoln Park. The room was named after Bishop Joseph Rosati, one of the first leaders in the Vincentian community and a participant in the slave trade in the early 1800s. Through Rodriguez’s research, she discovered Rosati bought and enslaved an 8-year-old boy.

“The task force came together in response to needs from our community to name the shameful action of enslaving human beings in the history of Vincentians,” said Father Guillermo Campuzano, a liaison for the task force.

The task force also received board approval to rename the Belden-Racine residence hall after Aspasia LeCompte, a woman previously enslaved by Bishop Rosati and petitioned for her freedom, Campuzano said. The Rosati Room and residence hall will be renamed on May 18.

“[Her] legacy of dignity and perseverance in the face of dehumanization will be a permanent reminder of personal and communal resilience, as well as a way to let successive generations of the DePaul community learn the story of a shameful lapse in the mission so it is not forgotten, while also celebrating people of African descent in a permanent way on campus,” Campuzano said.

For Colvin, holding the ceremony was important because she was able to use her voice to emphasize the need for change and acknowledgement of the past.

“Words always need to be something that can take root and do something right,” she said. “Like, it's not enough for it to sound good. If it doesn't do something, then [why] are we talking?”

Valerie Johnson, the interim provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at DePaul also spoke at the ceremony. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the past in order to move forward.

“Any sort of apology that does not recognize its own complicity, and that moral responsibility to atone for the past, I think that that, like in the words of Frederick Douglass, you know, he said that America binds itself to the past, it binds itself to the present and therefore binds itself to the future,” Johnson said.

At the ceremony, Colvin expressed her hope that by acknowledging the past, DePaul will be able to foster a better environment for Black students. According to DePaul’s most recent enrollment data, students of color account for 43% of the total enrollment, however, Black enrollment has been on a steady decline over recent years. In 2021, DePaul only enrolled 1,998 Black students.

“I hope that retention rates for Black students at this university will exponentially increase,” Colvin told The DePaulia. “I hope that there are enough Black students on this campus that whatever work needs to be done, it can be shared by the community … and I hope that that work won't

Minister Jené A. Colvin Division of Mission and Ministry

be long for them. There's a sense of hopeful stubbornness that comes with fighting even when you're exhausted, and when you're still consistently experiencing the thing you're fighting.”

Manuel released a plan on Jan. 30 to address issues of bias and inquiry within the university including; becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution, a Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Institution and increasing the number of Presidential Fellows for 2023-2024. The number one action is to respond to the Black Equity Initiative.

Fr. Patrick McDevitt, Board of Trustees member and the provincial superior of the Congregation of the Mission, unsanctioned fathers and brothers of the Western Province at DePaul spoke on behalf of the Vincentians at the ceremony Monday evening.

“On behalf of the Vincentian priests and brothers, I say to you, and I say to the whole world that we deeply regret, apologize and humbly ask forgiveness for our role in slaveholding and in any form of racism we have ever committed,” he said.

The Western Province, whose founding members participated in the enslaving of Black people, are currently engaging in anti-racist education and investing resources to projects that benefit people of African descent, Campuzano said.

For Colvin, while DePaul cannot change the past, they must work toward

effects

educating the community

consistently seek ways to better the Black experience at the university.

Colvin said even though her ancestors' enslavement happened decades ago, people still try to hide records that prove what happened to enslaved peoples in America. Therefore she em

phasizes the importance of uncovering those records and acknowledging the

past in order to move on in the future.

“There is no version of slavery, that is not horrific,” Colvin said. “There are no kind slaveholders. There is no absolution when someone insists on keeping everything they have that results from that theft and abuse. Even if that thread is an abuse [that] happened six generations before, reconciliation cannot happen without truth.”

NADIA CAROLINA HERNANDEZ | THE DEPAULIA

Fr. Patrick McDevitt, Board of Trustees member and the provincial superior of the Congregation of the Mission, apologized on behalf of the Vincentians for their history of slave owning.

NADIA CAROLINA HERNANDEZ | THE DEPAULIA

(Left) President Robert Manuel and Min. Jené Ashley Colvin read the agenda for DePaul's Confronting Our History event on Monday, May 1.

“Words always need to be something that can take root and do something right. It's not enough for it to sound good. If it doesn't do something, then [why] are we talking?”

NADIA CAROLINA HERNANDEZ | THE DEPAULIA

(Left) Jaylen Grigsby and Vick Privert speak about the

of slavery on the Black diaspora.

and

�� ��HOT TAKES

WHAT IS YOUR WORST TAKE?

By The DePaulia STaff

Believe it or not here at The DePaulia, we have a lot of opinions. As journalists, our code of ethics compels us to do everything we can to minimize bias and keep our own opinions out of our reporting. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t all have a hot take — or two — that we will defend fervently.

In tandem, this week we are lacking in content, so we decided to make up

for empty space in this week’s issue by sharing some of our own hot takes with the DePaul community. We hope that by sharing our unpopular opinions that readers will be inclined to share their own opinions, regardless of popularity, with us. Shameless plug from the opinions editor: If you have any opinions you're dying to share, pitch them to Jake at opinion@depauliaonline.com.

-Sam, Asst. News Editor

People shouldn’t be able to run for president or have a license after 65.

Opinions

Ed Sheeran is hot.

-Una, Focus Editor

Every human deserves to die.

-Lilly, Arts & Life Editor

Climate discussions should be about me.

-Quentin, Photo Editor

Children should be banned from most public places.

-Vanessa, Social Media Editor

Football is overrated and I don’t get the hype

-Maya, Asst. Illustration Editor

-Patrick, Online Managing

Turn signals are unnessesary, unless you're changing lanes.

-Ruchi, Nation & World Editor

were between the ages of 18-29. In 2014, that number plummeted to 17%. Even for ages 30-49, the percentage of Catholics had dropped with only the 50 and older age group increasing.

Gen Z and young people are switching up American society. A Gallup poll from 2022 found that more than 20% of Gen Z identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community, and more than two-thirds of Gen Z are “extremely concerned” about LGBTQ+ rights.

Catholic Church attendance is down to 39%, and American Catholicism is not helping itself. The Chicago archdiocese has started the Renew My Church initiative, which is combining parishes, cutting staff, and may eventually close churches due to attendance.

Column: Catholic Church struggles to attract young people because of hateful messsaging

By Olivia Zimmerman Staff Writer

Last year at my parent’s parish – where I grew up in – held a meeting about church attendance. In this meeting, they discussed a pertinent topic that church officials have been concerned about: getting young people into church.

Parishioners brought up different ideas; “New technology,” one said. “More interaction, or Socratic Seminar style,” said another.

To be blunt, these ideas are crap.

These ideas do not get to the root of the issue, one that I myself have

wrestled with since I was a young teen. My Confirmation Sacrament workbook said that being a member of the LGBTQ+ community was “against natural law”, and that members of the LGBTQ+ community were required by Catholic morals to remain abstinent.

Days before reading this chapter of the book, my best friend had come out to me as bisexual. This was my first clue – these pieces of my life, of my worldview, of values of love, acceptance and progressiveness that my parents had taught me did not fit in with the values Catholicism instilled.

American Catholicism is in big trouble. In 1987, 26% of Catholics

Reproductive rights are a current major issue in the American political sphere, especially among Gen Z. According to The Hill, 72% of 18-29 year-olds believe that abortion should be legal in all or most cases.

Five of the justices on the Supreme Court are Catholic, four of which, Clarence Thomas, Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh and Samuel Alito are conservatives. These four, along with Neil Gorsuch who was raised Catholic, decided on the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case which overturned the 1972 Roe v. Wade ruling.

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who announced her retirement, was denied Communion by her home Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone because of her support for reproductive rights.

I stopped going to my home parish. Easter was the last time I went, and was probably my last time for the foreseeable future.

My hometown church had groups that would oppose reproductive rights, and the Knights of Columbus group once advertised themselves to the congregation as standing up to “keep marriage between a man and a woman.”

I do not feel at peace there, I do not feel spiritual or whole. I feel angry. My body, my sexuality, my existence as a woman is disrespected. I felt disconnected, that I try to live my life with love, kindness, respect and open mindedness and yet I was surrounded by close-minded people.

Several months ago, I went back to church. Not to my hometown, but to a church in Chicago. I did my research first. “What types of groups do they have, where does their money go, are they welcoming and inviting, or closed off and close minded?” I asked.

I still struggle with it. I think about the harm my faith has caused to women, to the LGBTQ+ community, to people all over the world. I think of how I am entering a future where I may see medicine, autonomy and life-saving procedures unavailable –and that people I deeply care about will not be able to marry because of those they love.

I stayed in my faith in spite of this. For me, leaving meant that the old ideology wins. I hope that in staying, I can change it for the better, and make my faith one that makes the world better, more equitable.

Everyone is too sensitive.

People spend too much on coffee. It's not that good.

-Preston, Asst. Sports Editor

I know I could win in a fight against a black bear. They look soft.

-Jonah, Asst. Arts & Life Editor

I'm always right.

-Nadia, Editor-in-chief

Nation & World Implications and impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act

By Ruchi Nawathe Nation & World Editor

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a sprawling piece of legislation that covers many different economic areas, including one of the largest steps taken by the U.S. government to reduce carbon emissions, was signed into law in August 2022.

“About 500 billion in new spending, really targeting clean energy incentives and reduction in healthcare costs, partially offset by an increase in taxes in the corporate sector,” said Seamus Cleary, third year finance and accounting student at Seattle University, about what the bill covers.

The IRA seeks to reduce carbon emissions 40% by 2030 by making the transition to cleaner energy alternatives and encouraging the use of electric vehicles through a $7,000 rebate.

“One little trick is they’re basing 40% on 2005, so some of the reductions already happened,” said DePaul professor and department chair of environmental studies and science Mark Potosnak. “So they’re counting the last 20 years, which emissions haven’t gone down that low, but a good 10% out of that 40%. They’re giving you the 40% number, but already 15% to 20% of that has happened in the past.”

According to Potosnak, while this might be a step in the right direction, it is not enough of a reduction in emissions to

cient employment opportunities in those locales, or retraining opportunities is another kind of question.”

The transition to cleaner energy has been happening far longer than the IRA was signed into law.

“Those industries have been in decline for a while, and I think everyone

constituencies, so it comes out in the form of higher cost to consumers, lower wages, as well as lower returns on capital to shareholders and others,” Mark said.

According to Cleary, the IRA does not increase taxes enough to majorly impact the average citizen.

Tax loopholes are hard to track and

and tax people effectively.”

Part of the IRA that will have the largest impact on everyday citizens is the caps being placed on healthcare costs, such as medication.

“Regarding health care, you know, the health care market is very consolidated, and definitely expensive, and so reducing

RUCHI NAWATHE | THE DEPAULIA | SOURCE: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

Pride organizers keep eye on drag laws ahead of festivals

By Susan Haigh and Pat Eaton-Robb Associated Press

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Tennessee organizers booked more than 50 drag entertainers for next month’s Midsouth Pride festival in Memphis now that the state’s new law placing strict limits on cabaret shows is temporarily on hold.

But they are being cautious, making adjustments to performances should the limits of the first-in-the-nation law essentially banning drag from public property or in the presence of minors kick in before June celebrations.

“As soon as this stuff started making its way, I immediately started coming out with plans to be able to counteract that,” said longtime festival organizer Vanessa Rodley. “Because, at the end of the day, we can’t put on an event that then segregates a huge portion of our community, right? We just can’t do that. So you have to find ways around it.”

The show must go on.

Organizers of Pride festivals and parades in mostly conservative states where there’s been a broader push targeting LGBTQ+ rights have been under increasing pressure to censor their events.

They’re taking steps like editing acts and canceling drag shows in order to still hold their annual celebrations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer identity in today’s contentious climate.

In some cases, they are trying to navigate broad legislative language that can equate drag performances and story hours with “adult-oriented performances that are harmful to minors,” as in the Tennessee law.

In other places, Pride organizers have had to fight for local permits that were pro forma in past years, facing off with critics at local city council meetings who oppose drag.

Most Pride organizations are busy “doing their homework” and investigating how legislation popping up around the country may impact their events, said Ron deHarte, co-president for the U.S. Association of Prides.

And in more progressive states like California, this year’s Pride events will be an opportunity to make a larger statement and raise awareness about the LGBTQ+ community, he said.

“Our members attract more than 20 million people in the United States to their events every year,” deHarte said. “So when you talk about the collective impact that Pride organizers can have, not only in their community but across the country, it is powerful.”

Bills to limit or ban drag were filed in more than a dozen states.

The only other state set to enact a law is Florida, where Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign a bill.

Kayla Bates, a founder of ELGbtq+, an organizer of the community Pride festival and parade in Elgin, Illinois, said they expect a large turnout for the inaugural event given the legislation targeting transgender rights and drag shows elsewhere.

“I think people want to really make it known that they back us and that we should feel safe and protected in our community,” Bates said.

Often held in June, Pride events began as way to commemorate the uprising by New York’s LGBTQ+ communities in 1969, known as the Stonewall rebellion, and as a way to celebrate the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

In New York City, a Pride rally planned for June 17 and a parade on June 25 will have a national theme: “Strength

in Solidarity.” Sue Doster, co-chairperson of NYC Pride, said they’re putting a spotlight on the transgender community and drag queens, targets of the recent legislation in conservative states.

“They’re attacking these people because they’re less likely to stand up and fight back, which is why it’s important that we all come together in solidarity and speak up when we see these injustices,” Doster said.

Backlash against transgender individuals, drag performances and Pride events is not new. Last year, 31 members of a white supremacist group were arrested near an Idaho Pride event after they were found packed into the back of a U-Haul truck with riot gear.

This year, the Pride Alliance of the Treasure Coast in Port St. Lucie, Florida has reacted to possible legislation, canceling a planned gay pride parade and restricting other events to people 21 years and older.

The Pride festival in Hutchinson, Kansas, has also adjusted its program

and secured a new venue after losing its original one when a local business owner posted a video on social media decrying the event, which included a drag queen story hour, as depraved.

“Our event is completely family friendly,” said Hutchinson Salt City Pride chair Julia Johnson.

Meanwhile, organizers in the Nashville, Tennessee, suburb of Franklin, opted not to include drag performances in their Pride celebrations so they can work with local officials to get other events permitted.

In Naples, Florida, Pride organizers agreed they wouldn’t allow drag performers to be tipped on stage, and later announced that the drag show portion of its festival will be held at an indoor venue because of safety concerns.

In Memphis, drag entertainers plan to not change costumes mid-performance or accept tips from the audience if the limits are reinstated.

Even in progressive-leaning Massachusetts, there’s been debate about

whether a drag show could be part of a Pride celebration in the small town of North Brookfield, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of Boston.

The three-member select board had rescinded a previous vote and determined a drag show violated restrictions on “adult entertainment.” Last week, the town’s lawyer said the event could take place on the town common as planned after the ACLU got involved.

Support for the community is also making a difference. In Iowa, the Cedar Falls Mayor Rob Green, this week reversed his controversial decision not to sign a proclamation declaring June as Pride Month.

He wrote on Facebook that he signed the proclamation out of concern for the safety and health of LGBTQIA+ residents after hearing stories and receiving letters from constituents.

“I learn a lot from these kind of letters and very much appreciate the opportunity to re-examine my assumptions and thought processes,” he wrote.

Drag artist Vidalia Anne Gentry speaks during a news conference to draw attention to anti-drag bills in the Tennessee legislature.

JOHN AMIS | AP IMAGES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN

MARY ALTAFFER | ASSOCIATED PRESS

Revelers with Planned Parenthood march down Fifth Avenue during the annual NYC Pride March, on June 26, 2022, in New York.

Find your Insider tips for Chicago’s competitive

By Meredith Bach

Contributing Writer

It is springtime in Chicago, and that means the surge of apartment-hunting is kicking off.

As an exodus of Chicagoans leave with other life plans, the properties left behind create a competitive game for those coming into the city with new degrees, careers and plans for the summer. Real-estate scape is crafted every season: apartments are opening everywhere, but they are being claimed at a hasty pace. At the same time, the median asking rent price is at the lowest it’s been in 13 months, falling 0.4% in March, according to Bloomberg. For a student moving out of the dorms or living on their own for the first time, this is surely an interesting time to find the right place.

It is a big decision, with a lot of varying factors to consider. From an amalgamation of perspectives and pointers, here is how you can soothe the search.

Apartments near the Lincoln Park Campus

Gavin Woodgerd is a sophomore that opted for an apartment in the surrounding neighborhoods near the Lincoln Park campus. He and three other roommates primarily searched for places in Wrigleyville because “it was cheaper.”

Rents in this LakeView area are 12% less than those in Lincoln Park, according to rental platform Zumper.

The average price for a three bedroom apartment in Wrigleyville is around $3700

for a three bedroom apartment, according to Renthop. This is a much more attainable price for students and roommates, as a three bedroom in Lincoln Park would go for an average of $4800, according to rental agency Downtown Apartment Company. Lincoln Park tends to be a more expensive housing option, so it is more common for students to settle in the Uptown and Lakeview areas, where the rates are consistently more affordable. The Belmont area is specifically popular for DePaul students, as the prices are cheaper and the neighborhood has plenty of bookstores, accessible groceries, and nightlife available. The neighborhood also tailors to a variety of arts, as both the Vic Theater concert venue and The Annoyance Theater are within five minutes of the Belmont stop.

That being said, many students are keen to point out that the neighborhood attracts so many people that it can be rather rowdy and loud at night.

For Woodgerd, he liked the nightlife energy and social scene of his neighborhood.

“I come out of my apartment and have a bunch of people that are excited to be around on game nights and stuff, which is a lot of fun,” Woodgerd said.

Game nights are not for everyone though– fans can crowd the train stations or stay out late at the number of bars in the area, causing a lot of noise and disruption that doesn’t appeal to many residents.

Considering both the pros and cons of each neighborhood is needed when deciding a place to rent. Woodgerd’s search highlights

the importance of a likable—and close— neighborhood. With the CTA’s unreliability these expected times are often elongated. From his apartment, Woodgerd has access to both the Belmont and Addison Redline stops. Depending on the route he chooses, a typical commute for Woodgerd can range from only 10-20 minutes to the Lincoln Park Campus. For the Loop campus, it can take about 30 minutes on the Redline trains, according to Google Maps.

Although, the environment can’t make up for everything for him and his roommates. Woodgerd has experienced multiple property issues and conflicts with his landlord. Over the course of the year, Woodgerd and his roommates have experienced flooding, gas leaks and fee overcharges from his landlord.

When asked to provide a tip for prospective apartment owners, Woodgerd stresses that you prioritize communication with your property management and landlords for issues and concerns.

“Landlords are supposed to provide things for you,” Woodgerd said. “And if they don’t, I don’t think we should be afraid to fight back a little bit.”

The Ion Apartments

The Ion Apartments are home to many DePaul students, as Ion is a five minute walk away from campus. Although it is not affiliated with the University, the Ion experience is almost inextricably linked with DePaul life. Jonah Elbaum is a sophomore living in a corner apartment in the Ion Apartments, who has much acclaim for the property.

“For the year, it’s definitely been a win for me,” Elbaum said.

Elbaum notes that the location attracts many DePaul students in close proximity to campus and Fullerton. He explained that the large number of college students in the building generates a lively social atmosphere and said the place is “definitely a party building.”

“One of the great things about Ion is a lot of my friends live in this building,” Elbaum said. “It feels just like the dorms in that way.”

Being friends with his roommates was a helpful part of his experience.

“If you have the right people, you can make any place your home,” Elbaum said.

Rae-Anne Sutschek is a Chicago real estate agent who works with people who are looking to buy and sell homes. Along with Elbaum, she said that roommates are a crucial part of the apartment process.

“Make sure you’re compatible with your roommate,” Sutschek said. “There’s nothing worse than living with someone and you live two different lifestyles. That can make it really hard when you’re stuck in a lease.”

To find the right match, she suggests setting up an interview to get to know your potential roommates. If you can inquire about a typical day in their life, their habits and their preferences, roommates can sort out whether schedules will align or clash.

Elbaum explains that he moved in with friends he met his freshman year at DePaul, and that they have made his living situation “a really fun living space.”

Besides its apartments, Ion offers a gym, laundry, WiFi and other amenities within the building.

The proximity and his friends were

enough to make Ion a happy living experience for Elbaum. However, this is not the case for everyone under the same roof.

Students have certainly voiced their complaints about the space too– citing the poor management and industrial feel in the design. Additionally, prices at Ion tend to be loftier than apartments elsewhere in the city.

Elbaum is leaving the building after this year to go live with some other friends of his. As he begins the search once more, he offers advice for readers.

“Start looking now,” he said. “If you start looking now, you’ll have an idea of what’s out there, and you’ll be able to kind of know what you’re looking for and know the vibes.”

Apartments up North

Rogers Park resident Omar Khalid Jumlana, used accessibility to food as a factor when considering his apartment. Rogers Park is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Chicago, with an average rent of $1,295 per month for a one bedroom, according to Zumper. However, the commute can be a little bit longer for students. From the Morse Redline station in the neighborhood, the commute to Depaul’s Lincoln Park campus can take around 30 minutes. To the Loop Campus, the commute is around 45 minutes on the Redline, according to Google Maps.

As an international student from Pakistan, Jumlana says he first moved to the area because of the high population of Pakistanis and Indian people there.

“There are a lot of restaurants and South Asian people so that kind of gives new people a homey feeling,” Jumlana said. “And it’s kind of nice when you’re really craving something from your country, and you can have a hint of it at least.”

Jumlana adds that he likes cooking, so the kitchen in his apartment played a big role

MAYA OCLASSEN | THE DEPAULIA

your fit:

competitive spring rental season

in his decision. In fact, he says a lot of what he likes about his situation is the inside space of the apartment.

Real estate agent Sutschek is emphatic about finding the right space.

She notes that especially with other people, personal space should be a main priority.

“Make sure you have enough room to separate things,” Sutschek said. “If you’re trying to use the hangout space where you also must study, it’s going to be hard to do all from one space.”

Jumlana was able to settle in a place with lots of space between him and his roommates. Jumlana favorably described the interior of his apartment.

“It has a huge living room, a lot of windows, the closets are nice,” Jumlana said.

It was not easy to find a place with these kinds of features. In fact, Jumlana went through four different living situations in five months just to get to his current point.

For advice, Jumlana instructs students to be careful and thorough with their search.

“Don’t be too impulsive about it, even if you love the place,” Jumlana said. “You have to check every aspect of it and make sure you’re making the right decision.”

Finding the right apartment can be difficult, but Sutschek reminds students to remain calm in their search. She is understanding of the chaos that exists within finding the right place to live. In the end, her biggest piece of advice is to remember that the search can be more simple than you think.

“It’s the first time you’re ever living alone, so you do get that higher anxiety,” Sutschek said. “Just know what you’re wanting in that space, and you can make it feel like home.”

UNA

CLEARY | THE DEPAULIA transportation is key for everyday student life. Neighborhoods centered around CTA stops tend to

Sophomore Jonah Elbaum shows a Lego Willis Tower in his Ion apartment. Elbaum built the tower with his roommates to complete the view of the skyline from his window.

UNA CLEARY | THE DEPAULIA Wrigleyville is a popular housing location for many DePaul students, due to its proximity to campus and relatively affordable rent prices.

La DePaulia

Más grupos de migrantes llegaron a Chicago a principios de mayo de la frontera y varios fueron obligados a esperar por un refugio en las estaciones de policía. Pero mientras los funcionarios de la ciudad y los organizadores comunitarios luchan por la falta de recursos para asistir a estos migrantes, también temen la inminente suspensión del Título 42 este mes, lo que causaría que más migrantes lleguen a la ciudad que ya está luchando por crear un plan cohesivo para proporcionar vivienda y atención médica adecuada a los solicitantes de asilo.

El Título 42 es una política de salud pública que fue creada por el ex presidente Donald Trump en marzo de 2020 y permite a las autoridades de inmigración denegar a cientos de miles de personas la oportunidad de solicitar asilo citando preocupaciones por el Covid-19.

Se espera que esta política termine el 11 de mayo, lo que ampliaría el número de solicitantes de asilo permitidos a través de la frontera. Los líderes locales argumentan que la suspensión hará difícil que los funcionarios de la ciudad proporcionen recursos lo suficientemente rápido como para igualar el ritmo rápido de los migrantes entrantes.

Varias ciudades lideradas por demócratas, incluyendo Washington, D.C., Nueva York y otras, han enfrentado un aumento en el número de inmigrantes, muchos llegando a las ciudades en autobús o avión directamente desde las ciudades fronterizas.

Chicago recibió más de 8 mil migrantes desde finales de agosto de 2022 después de que el gobernador republicano de Texas, Greg Abbott, criticara las políticas federales de inmigración y financiara un programa para enviar migrantes a ciudades santuario, diciendo que las ciudades con líderes demócratas deberían ser las que luchen contra el aumento de migrantes provenientes de la frontera entre Texas y México.

La semana pasada, alrededor de 40 migrantes llegaron al aeropuerto O’Hare y esperaron allí hasta que fueron trasladados a los refugios disponibles.

El 2 de mayo, más de 10 solicitantes de asilo no tuvieron otra opción que dormir en el suelo de la estación de policía del Distrito 16 de Chicago, en Jefferson Park. Escenas similares se han estado reproduciendo en toda la ciudad, según Block Club Chicago.

El lunes pasado, Abbott prometió seguir enviando migrantes a Chicago. La alcaldesa Lori Lightfoot le respondió en una carta abierta diciendo: “Simplemente no tenemos más refugios, espacios o recursos para acomodar un aumento de individuos a este nivel”.

Los organizadores comunitarios como Idalia Flores de la Coalición de Illinois para los Derechos de los Inmigrantes y Refugiados (ICIRR, por sus siglas en inglés) temen que su grupo no pueda mantenerse al día con la gran cantidad de migrantes entrantes.

Flores dijo: “Simplemente no sabemos cuántas personas más llegarán aquí”. Ella ha ayudado a proveer ropa, comida y medicinas a los migrantes que llegan desde el otoño pasado. “Queremos que la ciudad y el estado trabajen juntos y eso ayudará a corto y largo plazo”, agregó.

El Concejal Byron Sigcho-López del distrito 25 dijo que propuso abrir antiguas escuelas mientras consultaba a miembros de la comunidad y colaboraba con iglesias para proporcionar a los migrantes los recursos necesarios.

Sigcho-López dijo que, mientras se busca lugares de alojamiento adecuados, pide que la ciudad sea “más flexible con los requisitos”

de las instalaciones de alojamiento.

Un espacio de refugio adecuado debe albergar al menos a 250 personas, tener espacio para comer y baños, y proporcionar servicios de ducha y lavandería. Los edificios también deben pasar pruebas de fuego, seguridad y ambientales, según The Chicago Tribune.

La Oficina de Gestión de Emergencias y Comunicaciones (OEMC, por sus siglas en inglés) no respondió a preguntas sobre qué instalaciones está buscando la ciudad para transformarlas en refugios, ni dónde estarían ubicadas.

“Continuamos instando a los gobiernos federal y estatal a que apoyen la misión de los migrantes con los recursos y fondos adicionales tan necesarios”, dijo la portavoz de OEMC, Mary May.

El mes pasado, los miembros del Concejo Municipal aceptaron $20 millones de dólares en fondos del estado para invertir en el cuidado de los solicitantes de asilo, según Block Club Chicago.

Sin embargo, “lo que hemos descubierto es que el dinero se ha agotado”, dijo SigchoLópez.

Mientras Lightfoot llama a la Agencia Federal de Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA,

por sus siglas en inglés) para obtener más fondos, se espera que la ciudad reciba otro aumento de alrededor de 40 mil migrantes en un lapso de tiempo una vez que se levante el Título 42, dijo Sigcho-López.

El alcalde electo Brandon Johnson no ha proporcionado detalles específicos sobre cómo abordará la creciente llegada de solicitantes de asilo, pero ha prometido “apoyar tanto a los recién llegados, como a los residentes y familias actuales”, según una conferencia de prensa en la Academia Comunitaria Benito Juárez el 5 de mayo.

“El gobierno federal necesita acelerar este proceso, al menos debería comenzar a discutir cuántos fondos deberían recibir las ciudades santuario como Chicago”, dijo Sigcho-López.

A pesar de que Flores se siente abrumada a veces por el “trabajo físico y emocional” de tratar de ayudar a los recién llegados, dijo que seguirá abogando por más recursos.

“Como inmigrantes, sabemos lo difícil que es llegar a un nuevo país, no hablar el idioma y tratar de navegar por la vida”, dijo Flores.

CHARLES REX ARBOGAST | AP

Migrantes de Venezuela esperan dentro de la estación de policía del Distrito 16 para ser reubicados a un refugio. Mas de 8 mil migrantes han llegado a Chicago desde agosto 2022. Por Jacqueline Cardenas Jefa de Redacción, La DePaulia

CHARLES REX ARBOGAST | AP

Una mamá migrante de Venezuela sonrie mientras acomoda el pelo de su hija adentro del estación de policía del Distrito 16.

La ciudad y organizadores locales anticipan un aumento de solicitantes de asilo tras el final del Título 42

Por Cary Robbins Editora de Noticias, La DePaulia

Mientras Ángela Rojas tocaba ‘Sabor a Mí’ en su violín, durante el Festival de Arte Latine ‘SOMOS’, la multitud de personas que llenaban el Latinx Cultural Center se quedó en silencio, y todos los ojos estaban en ella. A pesar de que la música de fondo se detuvo en medio de su actuación, la gente estaba fascinada y la animaban a seguir tocando.

Nacida en Colombia, Rojas dijo que estaba nerviosa por interpretar la canción por primera vez en Chicago a pesar de haberlo hecho muchas veces antes en su país.

Ella eligió esa canción porque siente que la mantiene conectada con sus raíces.

“Cuando estás lejos de casa, experimentando el invierno y estando en una gran ciudad, esta canción realmente brinda consuelo”, dijo Rojas. “Realmente te hace sentir [en] casa. Te hace sentir cálida. Creo que eso es lo que hace que esa canción sea muy especial”.

Rojas ha tocado el violín desde que tenía siete años y ha cantado en coros a lo largo de su vida. Ella dijo que en Colombia la música es parte de la vida cotidiana y la ha ayudado a conocer gente nueva cada vez que se presenta.

“Compartir arte es dar un respiro mental y emocional a las personas”, dijo Rojas. “Es simplemente tocar el corazón de la audiencia de una manera que a veces la vida diaria no lo hace”.

El Latinx Cultural Center organizó su exhibición anual de arte SOMOS el 1 de mayo, brindando a los estudiantes la oportunidad de que siete artistas latinos de DePaul compartieran su arte.

Los asistentes diseñaron sus propias bolsas de tela, probaron comida típica puertorriqueña, pintaron cuadros y tuvieron la oportunidad de hacerles preguntas a los artistas sobre su trabajo.

Juan Manuel Hernandez Zepeda, un organizador de exposiciones de arte, dijo que estaba muy emocionado de escuchar los significados detrás de todas las piezas.

“Esa es la belleza del arte”, dijo Hernández. “Es capaz de conectar a las personas, y especialmente porque muchos de nosotros

compartimos antecedentes similares”. Hernández dijo que es importante echar un vistazo a los finos detalles de cada pieza.

“Tienes que tomarte tu tiempo no solo para ver primero qué es lo que se está presentando, sino también para tratar de entender a la persona. Pero también está la parte en la que el arte puede hacerte sentir de alguna manera”, añadió Hernández. Hernández estaba nervioso de mostrar algunos de sus propios poemas en la exposición porque, por lo general, no muestra su trabajo a las personas que conoce. Sin embargo, al mismo tiempo estaba emocionado de compartir sus propias historias.

“A veces, especialmente en la comunidad latina, como hombre, realmente no puedes expresar tus emociones, y no me malinterpretes, las cosas están cambiando”, dijo Hernández. “Tenemos que apuntar a ese cambio”.

En un poema titulado “Adiós”, Hernández expresó lo difícil que fue perder a su abuelo y ser testigo del dolor que le causó a su padre, quien no pudo ir a visitarlo a México.

Rosalinda Ivette Cano, un estudiante de DePaul dijo que, aunque ella ha estado creando arte desde pequeña, también estaba nerviosa de mostrar su serie de pinturas por primera vez.

Su obra de arte jugó con la frase “con el nopal en la frente”, que a menudo se usa despectivamente para decir que alguien se ve “demasiado mexicano”, y Cano dijo que “lo que significa es que pareces alguien de México porque pareces un cactus”.

Su obra de arte, que es un retrato en acuarela de dos “personas cactus”, es una nueva serie que ahora es su favorita.

“Puedo cambiar la ropa que tiene la gente, y seguiría siendo una persona diferente porque es la misma idea de que no importa lo que te pongas o cómo te veas, seguirás siendo alguien al final del día de tu país”, dijo Cano.

Para muchos, el evento ofreció un lugar para encontrarse con la comunidad.

“Es muy especial saber que hay más personas como yo, que aman nuestra cultura y son parte de ella, y podemos experimentar eso incluso cuando no estamos en nuestros países de origen”, dijo Rojas.

El festival Sueños regresa a Grant Park por segunda vez

El Festival Sueños, que celebra la cultura latina a través de música y artes, se llevará a cabo en Grant Park por segunda vez este verano el 27 y 28 de mayo.

El festival se originó en Puerto Rico e incorpora una variedad de música que incluye artistas reconocidos de la escena del reggaetón, la salsa y el rap.

Además de la emoción de ver a sus artistas favoritos, Ariana Cervantes, una estudiante en su último año de Oberlin College, también espera que tenga las mismas actividades del año anterior como lugares donde se puedan tomar fotos y el menú ya que le encanta la variedad de comida latino americano.

“Las cosas que espero sean las mismas, sería la instalación de arte, creo que era bastante genial y como todas las sesiones de fotos. Creo que muestra casos como el del artista Latinx, de una manera muy agradable y es también como un espacio para una celebración de la cultura que creo que es bastante cool”, dijo Cervantes.

Sueños también presentará bandas y DJs locales de Chicago, proporcionando una plataforma para que los talentos emergentes muestren sus habilidades.

Isabella Bonilla, estudiante de segundo año en University of Illinois Chicago,

dijo que está muy emocionada de ver cantar a Feid, un artista colombiano.

“Compré entradas antes de ver la línea porque eso es lo que me encanta el reggaetón. Cuando vi al artista me emocionó aún más”, mencionó Bonilla.

También comentó sobre el precio de las entradas y si vale la pena por la experiencia que brinda el evento.

“No sé si los precios subirán este año, pero creo que están a un buen precio. Lo que deseo rechazar son todas las tarifas de servicio. No me quejo demasiado de haber comprado mi billete en la venta previa”, comentó Bonilla.

Antes del evento, desde el primero hasta el 20 de mayo, los organizadores planean proporcionar incentivos para que los Sueños Partners alienten a que los aficionados vayan a negocios locales en búsqueda de ganar entradas gratis para el festival.

Sueños eligió 18 restaurantes y les entregó 20 pases de dos días a cada uno para que se los regalen a sus clientes. A pesar de que estos restaurantes no tienen una concesión con el festival, se está buscando darles una oportunidad para atraer a nuevos clientes, mientras también sirve para promocionar el evento.

Henry Cerbas, propietario del restaurante Irazú Costa Rican Dinning, es uno de los que están participando en la entrega.

“Hemos obtenido mucha tracción a través de las redes sociales… Estamos buscando maneras creativas de entregar estos boletos”, dijo Cerbas.

Una cosa en la que el propietario de Irazú hizo hincapié fue que quiere dar la oportunidad a todo el mundo de participar, no sólo a las personas que están en Chicago. Así que hará la rifa para conseguir los boletos a través de sus redes sociales.

“Muchas personas están muy agradecidas porque pueden hacerlo desde el confort de su propia casa. Y no necesariamente tienen que estar aquí”, dijo Cerbas.

Se prevé que el festival atraiga a 80

mil visitantes de Chicago y las áreas circundantes, de acuerdo a Forbes, son 20 mil más que el año anterior.

Los visitantes de fuera de la ciudad que asisten al evento contribuyen a la economía local a través de sus gastos en transporte, vivienda, comida y entretenimiento.

Además, el festival da a los artistas y grupos locales la oportunidad de exponer su trabajo y hacer networking con personas con los mismos gustos.

Algo nuevo que Sueños añadió este año es que ahora se puede comprar pases de un día que comienzan en $179 o dos días a partir de $299.

CARY ROBBINS | LA DEPAULIA

SUEÑOS MUSIC FESTIVAL

‘Compartir arte es dar un respiro mental y emocional a las personas’ : La exposición ‘SOMOS’ une a estudiantes por medio de la cultura latina

El Festival Sueños sera el 27 y 28 de mayo en Grant Park, presentando a varios artistas Latines.

Por Erick Quezada Escritor Contribuyente, La DePaulia

Ángela Rojas tocando ‘Sabor A Mí” en su violin durante el SOMOS Art Exhibit dentro del Latinx Cultural Center.

CARY ROBBINS | LA DEPAULIA Dos piezas de arte inspiradas por el patrimonio cultural de dos artistas latinas.

'Untold Stories' Arts & Life

Student art gallery reflects Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American experience

By LiLLy K eLLer Arts & Life Editor

The theme of untold stories came naturally to Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) art gallery curator Sophia Iqbal.

"The idea of untold stories is very prevalent among Asian American communities and Asian American students," Iqbal said. "As a minority population, especially at this particular school, a lot of people might not know our family histories, or our voices might not be as hard as populations that have bigger numbers.”

The DePaul senior saw the theme and kickoff of May as APIDA heritage month as an opportunity to share the diverse narrative of APIDA students through art.

Since its 1990 foundation, APIDA month has celebrated the diverse identities, histories and cultures of all members of the APIDA community.

The gallery — organized by the university's APIDA cultural center — had been in the works since the winter quarter. Artwork for the gallery was garnered through a submission process, open to all mediums and perceptions of the prompt.

Students bustled in and out of the gallery as they passed through the Student Center Monday afternoon, May 1. The exhibit featured nine physical displays, including photography, collages, videos and paintings, alongside two virtual exhibits.

DePaul sophomore Isabella Kallieris attended the event to support her friend, Christina Sifri, who participated in the gallery. For her, the event's theme of untold stories created an introspective atmosphere and a unique range of pieces.

"I think a lot of people don't share much of what goes on in their lives, so it's really cool that art is able to provide that opportunity for people to be able to really express themselves and share what they might not feel comfortable saying to an audience," Kallieris said.

For Iqbal, "Untold Stories" resonated on a personal level. Alongside her curating duties of selecting and designing the gallery, she also participated, submitting her acrylic painting titled "Summertime."

"My piece was about a childhood memory of me and my cousin as children," Iqbal said. "It's a small moment, and yet we don't see much of what family dynamics are within Asian American families. I wanted to highlight the sweetness of childhood and the connection of family as a second-generation Asian American.”

A scene bursting with color, Iqbal's painting radiates nostalgia and the untroubled freedom of childhood, a common theme among participants' artworks.

However, others like DePaul freshman Jr Alvarez interpreted the prompt through a broader lens. His multimedia collage "554" illustrates the culture and people of Chicago's Chinatown alongside the risk of displace-

ment accompanying the neighborhood's rising rates of gentrification.

"I was thinking about their [people of Chinatown] untold stories," Alvarez said. "I was thinking about the people that are already living there and how they have generations of their lives in Chinatown."

Occurring alongside a research paper on gentrification within Chinatowns across the country, Alvarez's collage explores the dangers that coincide with cultural extinction.

"With the current construction of District 78, Chinatown is at risk of gentrification, displacing not only the people but the history and culture that was brought with them,” Alvarez said in his artist statement for his piece. “The unique Chinese American experience is cultivated in this ethnic enclave. Being wiped from their own homes — who will be left to tell these stories."

Despite being the first collage Alvarez had completed since high school, he expressed the significance of narration through art.

"Words can't always tell our stories,” Alvarez said. “Through art, you can visually represent other people's experiences that others can relate to and feel comforted in."

DePaul senior Kathy Doan highlighted Little Vietnam in her watercolor painting "Argyle." Juxtaposing deep shades of gray and green with the eye-catching red of the neighborhood's "Asia on Argyle" sign, Doan cultivates an atmosphere of comfort and community.

"I was born here, but my parents immigrated, so I'm a first-generation college student, but hearing stories of even my dad coming to Chicago and spending so much time on Argyle and spending so much time there as a kid makes it [Argyle] feel homey to me, and that in itself feels like an untold story to me," Doan said.

Painted in her introduction to watercolors class, Doan drew inspiration from Dong Kingman, a Chinese American painter and pioneer of the bold yet realist California style. Mimicking Kingman's use of vivid colors and lively urban settings, Doan settled on Argyle as her muse after reflecting on the late watercolor master's depictions of Chinatown in San Francisco.

"I wanted to showcase something that means a lot to me, but also means a lot to other people in the community," Doan said.

Still, for Doan, the APIDA gallery transcends the honor of sharing her art with her peers.

"Having this month to us is important, but I think using art as a medium to share our stories and share our feelings is so expressive and impactful to me," Doan said. "I think that having an art gallery at DePaul and having our untold stories be told to a community that is a predominantly white institution is very impactful and sends a powerful message."

For a complete list of upcoming APIDA heritage month events and celebrations, visit the APIDA Cultural Center or check out their Dehub page for more information.

DePaul junior Josh Ho, attends the APIDA gallery in the Lincoln Park Student Center. The exhibit's theme was "Untold Stories."

LILLY KELLER | THE DEPAULIA

LILLY KELLER | THE DEPAULIA "Argyle" by Kathy Doan was inspired by the work of painter Dong Kingman.

LILLY KELLER | THE DEPAULIA

"554" by Jr Alvarez displayed at the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) gallery on Monday, May 1. The gallery sought to highlight APIDA student artwork.

Explore the extraordinary connection between bees and blossoms

By Lucia Preziosi Contributing Writer

The Garfield Park Conservatory kicked off its 2023 spring season with its spring flower show, “The Bee’s Knees,” which explores the connection between bees and the city’s favorite blooming spring flowers.

“The Bee’s Knees” will be on display at the conservatory until May 14. It offers endless stunning insights into blooming tulip bulbs, daffodils and hydrangeas.

A reminder that spring is truly here, “The Bee’s Knees” lends a break from Chicago’s persistent gloom to escape into nature, whilst including vital education on the importance of bees for the environment.

Erin Albers, a sophomore at DePaul, took the trip to the conservatory last weekend and was enamored by the show’s display.

“On a rainy spring morning I couldn’t think of anything better to do than go to an indoor flower garden,” Albers said. “It made for a really fun date.”

This exhibit is an opportunity to not only view the impressive collection of the Conservatory, but also to receive salient education about bees.

Caldy Calwell, an employee at the conservatory explains the purpose of the exorbitant amount of vibrant flowers which make up the spring show.

“Every single one of those flowers is going to be producing some kind of scent, or at the very least some kind of pollen that will attract not just bees, but they will attract other pollinators as well,” Calwell said.

In recent years, the existence of bees has faced true threats, with one in four species facing extinction, according to the Bee Conservancy nonprofit organization.

“This exhibit is also just very important with the state bees are currently in,” Calwell said. “It’s not the best for all kinds of bees.”

Human intervention with nature, such as deforestation and development tactics can be attributed for bees’ endangerment and is a point on the long list of the consequences of the climate crisis.

Rana Chau, an employee at the conservatory, added, “We mow the lawns in [Chicago’s] park districts pretty early, and it's actually a huge detriment to our pollinators and their population.”

Conservatory goers shouldn’t expect any actual bees buzzing around the exhibit, but can ensure both a beautiful and educational experience about the insect’s importance.

Bees play an integral role in the ecosystem, not only by pollinating the radiant blooms at the conservatory, but also by accounting for the existence of some of the nation’s most prized produce, with the Bee Conservancy concluding that bees pollinate one-third of the food we eat.

“The Bee’s Knees exhibit featured so many colorful flowers,” Albers said. “They had educational signs posted around that talked about how bees pollinate.”

Pops of color stand out from the green foliage, as the blooming flowers radiate their lavish scent, which greets visitors as soon as they step into the flower lined greenhouse.

Intertwined between the vibrant violet hydrangeas and lively yellow daffodils, rest signs explaining bees and their intricate pollination process.

Conservatory attendees are permitted to roam the extensive spring show flower garden, whilst getting a prime view of the yellow honeycomb sculptures strung throughout the bright room.

“It has been one of the more fun themes of our shows,” Calwell said. “I really enjoy the honeycomb structure on the ceiling.”

The exhibit even features silhouettes of beekeepers, highlighting those who seek to

The show opened on Feb. 14 and will run until Sunday, May 14.

conserve and uplift bees and their environment.

“It was my first time at the Garfield Park Conservatory, and it was a great experience,” Albers said. “I think more DePaul students should make it a priority to visit.”

Opening its doors in 1908, the Garfield Park Conservatory has been serving Chicago's West Side for over a century, and remains one of Chicago’s most significant landmarks.

With entry being free with a suggested donation, a trip to the conservatory is an ac-

cessible activity perfect for any time of the year.

The Garfield Park Conservatory is a 35-minute train ride from the Fullerton CTA stop, with a quick transfer to the Green Line at Clark/Lake.

Once off the train at the Conservatory-Central Park Drive stop, the conservatory and all it has to offer is seconds away on foot.

WILL LONG| THE DEPAULIA

The Garfield Park Conservatory is a short walk from a Green Line stop.

WILL LONG| THE DEPAULIA

"The Bee's Knees," is an exhibit at the Conservatory on the importance of pollinators.

WILL LONG| THE DEPAULIA

By Jonah WeBer Asst. Arts & Life Editor

Pac-Man’s classic theme song could be heard right upon entering the Office of Student Involvement (OSI.). The space had been transformed into a retro arcade for students participating in the Pac-Man tournament. Students from all over DePaul were invited to enter the competition. The top five highest scores would be awarded a prize.

The tournament was held on Wednesday, May 3, for the majority of the afternoon at the OSI office in the Loop. The first competitor was Stephen Pavkovic, a junior digital marketing major, who set the score high with 18,350 points. Pavkovic was also helping host the event, as an employee of OSI.

The event had a total of nine competitors who came to play Pac-Man. The top five scores were Victor Vergara, coming in with a whopping 40,220 points. Stephen Pavkovic landed in second place with 18,350 points. Qiling Jiang got up to 13,270 points. Edward Romo at 13,140 points. Aman Lokhande with 8,520 points.

Pac-Man was first released in 1980, titled “Puck-Man.” The first and largest Pac-Man tournament was in 1982, hosted at County Stadium. It brought fans from all over the world together to eagerly compete against each other in a groundbreaking event. Over 40 years later, players are still coming together to eagerly compete in a tournament with one of the most historical games ever created.

Blue Demons Vs. Pac-Man

“Scores are looking pretty good,” Pavkovic said. “I think personally, I got pretty lucky. I locked in and I got a decent score. I think it's definitely possible to be beaten so I'm excited for that.”

The tournament was set up on three Nintendo Switches that came from the Esports center. Screens were displaying the different names that had set scores and controllers rested at each gaming station.

The Pac-Man tournament was a “Loop Life” event hosted by OSI that aim to get more students involved with in the Loop campus. An ongoing event OSI has been working on is the “Gnome Hunt” and stu-

dents have brought there gnomes to OSI

for a prize.

Layne Norris, a third year graphic design major, was also working the event for OSI, but participated in the event as well. Norris shared their history with Pac-Man and gaming tournaments.

“My parents were really into PacMan,” Norris said. “I was more into sandbox games and like eSports. I am also the president of the Rocket League team. I will probably as soon as I end my shift, go home and play Rocket League as opposed to playing Pac Man, but that's just me.”

The secret prize was kept a unknown to even the OSI employees, but they were eager to find out what it was, which is what motivated Norris and Pavkovic to participate in the event.

“The highest one is 13k, but I feel like someone's just gonna come in and be like, I've been waiting my whole life to prove that I'm the best Pac-Man player and he's gonna come in and break, like, six digits,” Norris said, sharing their prediction of how the event could go.

After Norris participated in the tournament, landing a score of 6,560, a freshmen entrepreneur major wandered into

ment. Qiling Jiang was curious about the game but more interested in finding out what the secret prize was. They immediately took a seat and grabbed a controller.

“I played Pac-Man in class on a computer” Jiang said. “One, the lecture is getting boring, but outside of that I don't play many games, so if some super sweaty pro gamer comes in, I'm not getting that prize.”

While this was only the second time Jiang had played Pac-Man, they were determined on quickly honing their skills to win the tournament.

Their eyes were set on the prize. Jiang was somewhat banking on the low number of competitors participating at the time they were there.

“I think so far there is not a lot of competition, so I can see myself getting fourth place because I'm the fourth person to be in here,” Jiang said.

The prizes for the winners in second through fifth place were aluminum DePaul ESports water bottles. For first place, it was a DePaul ESports Nike backpack.

JONAH WEBER | THE DEPAULIA

Jiang was the second player to participate in the Pac-Man Tournament.

the OSI office asking about the tourna-

JONAH WEBER | THE DEPAULIA

Freshmn Qiling Jiang plays Pac-Man in the Loop Life Office of Student Involvement. The event ran from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Cin-Tea brings Latine Asian fusion to Humboldt Park

By ashLey Perez

Contributing Writer

With over 300 Latine-owned small businesses booming in the Humboldt Park neighborhood, one young entrepreneur created the first-ever boba tea booth that blends traditional Asian and Latine sweets.

“It was always the plan to open a fun and unique business that represented my personality,” Cynthia Peralta told La DePaulia.

Berwyn native Peralta was inspired by her parents to open Cin-Tea Boba on 4545 W. Division St. inside the Buyers Flea Market. Peralta remembers helping her parents sell funnel cakes during festival season, a moment she holds close to her heart and remains her main inspiration.

From her booth location, she can look over her family’s business and see the bright yellow banner that reads “Gaby’s Funnel Cakes.” A tribute to her late grandmother, who passed away due to complications related to Covid-19.

Among her family, Peralta was able to turn to her mother and brother for guidance and support while building her small corporation. Peralta set out to change how boba was introduced to older people, especially in the Latine community so she introduced familiar flavors that incorporated traditional Mexican treats like tamarindo, horchata, and a sweet mango treat, “mangonada.”

“It’s a learning process for many people,” Peralta told La DePaulia. “Many customers are trying boba for the first time and have questions about the menu.”

With a menu that contains matcha green tea, horchata, and piña colada boba, you are introduced to the young, Latina business owner and her love of creative concoctions.

“It’s very cute to see younger people trying to teach their older parents about boba,” Peralta said. “But it can be confusing for immigrant families to understand the concept.”

Like their popular taro milk tea, made with jasmine tea and taro root, patrons are introduced to new, eccentric flavors that derive from Asian cultures. Peralta brings a word of caution to new boba customers of the caffeinated drinks on the menu.

She encourages everyone to create their own blend of flavors and expand outside their comfort zone, fashioning a mix of Asian and Latine flavors for families to enjoy.

However, boba was not the original idea for Peralta’s booth in the busy flea market.

“I originally wanted to open a plant shop, but what I wanted more was to open something unique around the neighborhood,” Peralta said.

Wanting to remain close to her family’s booth in the market, Peralta made the risky choice to apply. Seeing families gather every weekend in the flea market gave her the motivation to take the next step in entrepreneurship.

'Speak Now' can now be 'Mine'

Swift announces 'Taylor’s Version' of beloved album

By nadia caroLina hernandez Editor-In-Chief

Taylor Swift stunned fans at her May 5 “The Eras Tour” concert in Nashville with the announcement of “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) (TV)” coming July 7.

“Speak Now TV” will be Swift’s third album rerecorded and 13th overall album in her discography. Her last rerecord was “Red” in fall 2021, and her last album release was October 2022.

“Speak Now” was originally released in 2010 with 14 songs and the deluxe version with 20.

“I always looked at this album as my album, and the lump in my throat expands to a quivering voice as I say this, thanks to you, dear reader, it finally will be,” Swift said on social media.

“Speak Now TV” will have 22 songs, six from what Swift calls “the vault” of songs that did not make it on her studio albums.

“I consider this music to be, along with your faith in me, the best thing that’s ever been mine. Yours, Taylor.”

Swift set out on her endeavor to rerecord all her albums in 2019.

All of her music, including her 2006 debut album, is owned by her former label Big

Machine Label Group’s president Scooter Braun. This includes a majority of her discography from 2006-2017.

So far, she has re-recorded “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” and “Red (Taylor’s Version).”

Her next release will mean she officially owns seven out of her 11 albums.

Swift wrote all the songs on “Speak Now,” from ages 18 to 20. Unlike the two albums before that explored young love, her third album focuses on reflection into those relationships.

“The songs that came from this time in my life were marked by their brutal honesty, unfiltered diaristic confessions and wild wistfulness. I love this album because it tells a tale of growing up, flailing, flying and crashing… and living to speak about it,” Swift said on her social media.

Currently, the only song from “Speak Now” on her Eras Tour setlist is “Enchanted.” The magical song is commemorated by Swift’s costume change into an elegant ball gown.

However, in the surprise song portion of the show, she performed “Mean” at the April 15 show in Tampa and “Sparks Fly” in Nashville after the announcement.

Swifties, or Taylor Swift fans, were spec-

Peralta joined the year-long waitlist during Covid-19, the market requiring her to submit an application and wait for an open spot within the market. At the time, she worked many outdoor Chicago festivals to earn money for new equipment and weekly rent for the booth. With savings from the festivals and her own emergency savings, she was finally prepared to create a business of her own.

Starting at festivals inspired Peralta to pursue a boba booth as she interacted with customers — from young children to older people,— creating a familiar bond that she always wanted in her business.

Peralta is no stranger to flavor. Her menu consists of classic milk tea boba to pistachio-flavored milk tea. With a quirky mascot on the cups, Peralta’s shop stands out against other food vendors in the flea market.

“If an entrepreneur can figure out a meaningful way to differentiate what they

offer, there is always room for growth,” said Maija Renko, a professor, and member of the department of management and entrepreneurship at DePaul University.

The Buyer’s Flea Market is a busy, community treasure that is accessible to everyone year-round. Peralta is eager to use the knowledge gained in the market to expand her small business into a corporation.

“The mascot is so cute,” said Daylene, a 13-year-old returning customer. Daylene was accompanied by her parents, first-time boba drinkers. “What I like most about her booth is the stickers you get.”

Peralta aims to please all her customers and with the addition of stickers on the cups. Children are eager to visit the booth.

“I try to use stickers that appeal and stand out,” said Peralta, who uses stickers from “Hello Kitty” and “Pokemon.”

Her use of online advertising, “secret menu” options and colorful banners bring many customers returning and new from the Chicago area.

Seeing over 300 customers on any given weekend, Peralta told La DePaulia, “I hope to expand outside of the flea market by next year and keep both businesses alive.”

Renko said that loyalty from customers to support small businesses is growing every day, and the potential for the growth of a small business is certainly a successful one.

Peralta’s business is still young, only being in operation for five months, but her ambition to grow is inspiring.

As Peralta sees an increase in revenue, her dreams to expand are becoming a reality.

With warmer weather here, Peralta plans to go back to her roots and attend festivals with her three full-time employees manning the market booth.

“Even with my plans to expand,” Peralta said. “I will always remember working side-by-side with my parents and being glad knowing I’m following in their footsteps.”

ulating as early as the release of “Midnights” last year she would be announcing the rerecord soon.

Like the “Mastermind” she is, Swift hinted at it several times in the past year.

There were Easter eggs alluding to “Speak Now” in her last two music videos. In “Bejeweled,” Swift walks out from her castle to a violin instrumental of “Long Live.” In “Lavender Haze,” there are koi fish throughout the video, an homage to the koi fish guitar she played during her “Speak Now” tour. July 7 is also National Koi Fish Day.

After "Speak Now," "Taylor Swift (debut)," "Reputation" and "1989" are the last three albums Swift needs to rerecord to officially own her entire discography.

The original album did not have any features.

Fans could expect that to change with

vault songs being added. In “Red TV,” Swift added songs with Phoebe Bridgers and brought back Ed Sheeran and Gary Lightbody. With “Fearless TV,” added featuring artists like Maren Morris.

Swift also released the cover of “Speak Now TV,” which includes the classic curly hair and purple ball gown as she stares directly at the camera. In a twist, she is facing the other direction than the original cover. She did this for “Fearless TV” as well.

The album is already breaking records as it became Swift’s most-liked album announcement post on Instagram, surpassing “Midnights” with 8.2 million likes in less than 24 hours.

Swifties can preorder “Speak Now TV” here. Swift will be performing at Soldier Field June 2,3 and 4.

ELENA PERALTA | LA DEPAULIA

Cynthia Peralta, the owner of Cin-Tea Boba, stands behind her counter with an array of drinks.

MJ WHITE | THE DEPAULIA

'Makeshift' review: Setting comedy at the dinner table

By cLaire TWeedie Staff Writer

“Makeshift,” directed and written by junior Sophia Klevit, is a powerful comedic show about Jewish culture using the simplicity of a family dinner. Klevit originally wrote the script during fall quarter in a dramatic writing class for non-majors. She now boasts a sold out first show held at The Theatre School (TTS). From class assignment to reality, what “Makeshift” lacked in professional finesse it made up for in easy-going humor and genuine heart.

The play tells the seemingly mundane story of a Jewish family dinner in New York the night before Hanukkah. While sitting around the table, the characters crack jokes, spill secrets and swear extensively before their pastrami sandwiches even reach the table.

The pre-show entertainment consisted of three stand-up comedy acts, two of whom acted in “Makeshift,” that set a lighthearted and experimental tone for the night. Orrie Rindal talked about their relationship with their father, Chava Orli told woeful tales about tampons, and Sabrina Kalmans shared her experiences teaching at a Hebrew school despite not knowing Hebrew. It was a unique way to showcase talent in TTS while offering an appetizer of comedy before dinner began.

The minimal movement seated at the table meant the acting alone kept the energy high and audience engaged, something the cast of “Makeshift” easily succeeded at. Bubbie Carol, played by Ethan Schatz, in particular stole the show. With quippy one-liners and over the top mannerisms, Schatz gave a performance that kept all eyes on him.

is trying to grow out of his childhood nickname, Molly (Orli) is pursuing a porn career, Ben (Rindal) is too focused on watching the football game, and Bubbie Carol (Schatz) is berating the waitress. The overlap of narratives may truly be reminicist of a Jewish family dinner, but within the play, it was dizzying to watch.

table in the middle of the room differentiated by a bright red tablecloth. Even the show’s program was a stylized menu.

Here, you are not simply an audience member but an active participant in the drama unfolding only a table or two away.

It created an atmosphere of familiarity and nosiness that showed realism behind the humor. The division between spectator and actor blurred everytime the actors interacted with other tables. When Bubbie Carol steals a pickle or Molly takes a selfie you can photobomb, you are no longer a viewer but rather a member of the family.

ries about Bubbies sending back food and differences between white and Jewish sides of the family filled the hallways with the same energy felt during the show. Even if not all of the jokes landed depending on your background, it was a show about love that evidently hit home for many viewers. Perhaps it was not the conversations on-stage we were supposed to focus on but rather the ones after the curtains closed.

For such a short runtime though, there were too many plotlines to keep track of or meaningfully expand on.

Jake (Eli Finder)

The creative direction taken for the show’s immersive experience was done brilliantly. Tucked into a room of TTS, the show starts the second you are seated, as the space was transformed into a faux restaurant. Dinner tables complete with tablecloths, candles and water glasses were scattered throughout the room and waitresses, played by Hannah Segell, Anna Gerstenberger and Edie Leonard, walked around offering patrons almond cookies and pickles. The “stage” was simply a

The best part of “Makeshift” is what happened after the actors took their final bow. Filtering out of the restaurant set, you could hear groups of friends sharing memories about their own Jewish family dinners. Sto-

“Makeshift” was a story of cultural pride that struck your heart with familiar retellings of family dinners and dynamic relationships. Klevit ultimately made a simple and successful show out of a script for class, earning an A+ from audience members for her ability to intertwine realism and comedy into one messy family affair.

Funnies off Jackson

COURTESY OF SOPHIA KLEVIT

"Makeshift," a comedy hosted by The DePaul Theater School and directed by Sophia Klevit, depicts a jewish family dinner.

Fresh

Not your Grandma’s Youth Lagoon

By LiLLy K eLLer Arts & Life Editor

In 2016, Trevor Powers announced the end of his solo career as Youth Lagoon. Though only spanning five years, the Boise native acquired a distinct kind of fame with his feeble voice and refreshing sound. However, the project soon became creatively suffocating, causing Powers to call it quits.

Seven years later, Powers returns to the spotlight, with his stage name in tow, releasing his latest single, "Idaho Alien," and announcing his fourth album, "Heaven is a Junkyard," scheduled to release June 9.

A portrait of recovery, growth and the perpetual decay of a small town oozing with drugs and unhappiness, "Idaho Alien" feels like a confessional turned lullaby. Still rich with the 34-year-old distinguished images of blood pooling in clawfoot bathtubs and absent fathers, Power's dulcet vocals instill an impression of Idaho unseen in his previous releases. Though still a "frontier" waiting to be explored, Powers does not shy from his complex relationship with his home state. From self-harm to a community fractured by drug use and a God who re-

fuses to show, "Idaho Alien" challenges the standard lament of a broken childhood by layering the complex hopes, dreams and fears that coincide with the narrator's tattered youth throughout the three-minute track.

However, "Idaho Alien" illustrates more than a narrator reflecting on their unsettling yet familiar surroundings, but on Powers’ journey of finding his sound. Still containing his trusty piano, Powers' latest single seals his transition from grainy bedroom lo-fi hits to avantpop, a genre that breaks traditional music boundaries through vocals, textures and rhythm.

Still, Powers' sound remains unique and, more importantly, his own. "Idaho Alien" does not cater to capitalistic standards of mass production or seek popularity through gimmicky social media promotions. Instead, the messy humanness of Powers’ narrative bolsters his single, creating something so tangible it leaves your chest aching.

Perhaps I'm biased, as I, too, come from a small town where used needles littered playgrounds and domestic disputes echoed through the rural countryside like gunshots, but Powers perfectly encapsulates how a home can comfort

yet haunt us.

"Daddy come home / Daddy's on junk," Powers sings, portraying the stark contrast of yearning for home while simultaneously wanting never to return.

Though bleak and at times feeling like the prelude to a hard-boiled crime novel, "Idaho Alien" maintains a sense of childish wonder. The titular term casts a rose-colored shadow over Powers, Idaho. Yes, drugs have fractured his home, and maybe it is not on God's radar, but the

narrator still holds out hope for some

thing better to arrive. While we, as listen

ers, may not be privy to Powers’ light at the end of the tunnel, it is clear that he will confront it without fear or regret.

While Powers may not remember how it happened, Youth Lagoon is back. Though no longer a 22-year-old singing about childhood nostalgia and campgrounds, "Idaho Alien" reflects a new era of Powers' career characterized by maturity, loss of innocence and resilience.

CJ MCKENZIE | THE DEPAULIA

Photo of the week

The pond inside the Garfield Park Conservatory on Friday, May 7. The greenhouse attracts visitors from across the city with its exotic plant life all year round.

WILL LONG| THE DEPAULIA

St.Vincent’s

D e JAMZ

“Spinning freSh beatS Since 1581”

By LiLLy K eLLer & QuenTin BLais Arts & Life Editor & Photo Editor

Have you ever heard a song that is so good you want to put it on repeat? These are not those songs. Grating, loud and unnatural, this curated playlist is bound to make you nauseous.

Don’t ask us how we found these uncertified bangers. We’ll never tell. Now put on your headphones, and get ready to experience Dante's Modern Inferno.

“Woodpecker No. 1” – Merzbow –Lilly Keller

Words cannot describe the cacophony that is “Woodpecker No. 1.” A harmonious blend of static and ear-piercing screams, this song has become a staple for noise music fans. What would I give to see this song live, am I right? If I ever fall into a coma, put a speaker next to my ear and play this on full blast.

“Part 1” - Masonna - Lilly Keller

It’s always a good morning when “Part

1” graces my ears. So few words are spoken through this 1997 composition, yet so much is conveyed. If you truly want to get the full experience of listening to this song, I suggest you set it as your alarm. You’ll feel absolutely fantastic and probably taste blood when its metallic pulse jolts you from your dreams.

“Novmmbr Aign” - Malade De Souci - Quentin Blais

If you’re looking for a reason to claw your eardrums out of your head, look no further than “Novmmbr Aign.”

I had to listen to this song so many times as I wrote this review that I’m basically immune to its nauseating percussion. If mind-numbing disorder in music is your thing, I recommend listening to it.

“Ripper Victims III” - Sutcliffe Jügend - Quentin Blais

One time I walked into the contemporary section at the Art Institute and I listened to the ambient noise of a garbage

Crossword

can being kicked down a street for 10 minutes. “Ripper Victims III” is not quite like that, but the garbage can sound is the closest real-world comparison I can give to the grating assault that will be waged on your ears.

“Jumpskins” - Graham LambkinLilly Keller & Quentin Blais

How do you feel about people who mouth breath? Personally, we can’t get enough!

Sounding like the opener to a snuff film, “Jumpskins” radiates with nostalgic ambiance.

Every time this song comes on, I (Lilly) am transported back to the sunny days of my childhood when a stranger repeatedly called my house only to breathe shallowly into the receiver. What happy memories! We hope you feel this good every time “Jumpskins” reaches your ears.

ACROSS

1) 6-Down et al.

6) Revolutionary War battle site

11) Capture, slangily 14)In the air 15) Big shows

16) Novelist Levin

17) Stemwinder

19) Boxcar unit

20) Signs up

21) Golf bag attachment

23) Bearded bloomer

25) States with conviction

26) Place a value on 30) "Honest!"

3 3) Henhouse feature

34) Kick out

35) Avocado center

38) O.K. Corral name

39) Largish combo

40) Sushi go-with

41) Primatologist's study

42) Did a smith's work

43) Superman, on Krypton

44) Pre-liftoff words

46) Fished with a hook

4 7) One of the Barrymores

49) Sub commander of fiction

51) Laurel and Hardy toppers

54) Deductions from judgments, in law

59)_Tome

60) 57th, to Broadway

62) Bullpen stat

63) Campaign concern

64) Caught congers

65) WWII vessel

66) Bite-sized baked goods

67) Nitwits

DOWN

1) Bank feature

2) Lena of "Hollywood Homicide"

3) Active sort

4) Hairstyle for Daveed Diggs

5) Salon worker

6) Old "Hits the spot" sloganeer

7) Firehouse tool

8) Part of Ali

Baba's command

9) "Livin' La Vida_"

10) "Moby-Dick"

narrator

11) Hard thing to swallow

12) Like a stadium crowd, at times

13)Jets and Sharks

18) Some cameras, briefly

22) Mendes of "Stuck on You"

24) A perfect square

26) Circle statistic

27) Hotel freebie

28) Strep consequence

29) Unexplained skill

31) Hightailed it

32) Prohibitionist's foe

34) Keynes subj.

36) "So that's it!"

37) Let the cat out of the bag

39) "What have we here?"

40) GQ or 0, for short

42) Drum up

43) Tied up

45) Fly trap

46) Home of Iowa State

47) Son of Henry Ford

48) Signs of sorrow

50) Tricky curves

52) Aunt with a "Cope Book"

53) Go paragliding

55) "Biscuit" introduced in 1912

56) Hit bottom

57) Tootsies

58) Norm (Abbr.)

61) Bilko's rank (Abbr.)

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WIKI

Sports

30,

Athletics hosts ‘Bark in the Park’

By Tom Gorski & Olivia Moosey Sports Editor & Contributing Writer

On Sunday, April 30, the DePaul Women’s softball team competed in a Big East conference matchup with the UConn Huskies but unfortunately lost 4-3.

DePaul sophomore Katey Pierce struggled on the mound for the Blue Demons, allowing four runs, with three of them earned and eight hits, while only striking out two during the loss to the Huskies.

DePaul hosted a “Bark in the Park” event at Cacciatore Stadium, located at the Lincoln Park campus, where athletics encouraged families and friends to bring their dogs. While the rain put

a small damper on the game, there was still a fairly large representation of fans with their dogs at the event.

“I loved the idea of having dogs come in for the game,” Holloway said, “I wished they would have checked the weather beforehand or have the dogs go to an indoor event.”

Even with DePaul softball failing to reach expectations for this past season, athletics was able to accomplish their goals of making sports at DePaul engaging and exciting for the fans when its teams aren’t necessarily performing at its best.

DIBS greets visitor’s dogs at the women’s softball senior game on April

2023. The game “Bark in the Park,” invited visitors to bring their dogs into DePaul’s Cacciatore Stadium.

KATIE WRIGHT | THE DEPAULIA

KATIE WRIGHT | THE DEPAULIA

KATIE WRIGHT | THE DEPAULIA

KATIE WRIGHT | THE DEPAULIA

KATIE WRIGHT | THE DEPAULIA

KATIE WRIGHT | THE DEPAULIA

Four seniors celebrated their accomplishments made in their final season with DePaul.

Dogs socialized with one another throughout the game.

Separate seating area meant only for pet owners served as an opportunity for pets to mingle.

DePaul celebrated its last home win of the season, with a final score of 4-3 against UCONN.

Freshman Maddie Miklesh celebrates their lead against UCONN with junior Nicole Sullivan.

VOLLEYBALL, continued from 28

no matter who is on the court.

“We are leaving the spring now a more complete team, we are deeper in every position than we were in the fall,” Zidek said. “I think that is going to pay dividends in the fall, because in a 30 match season, adversity strikes, and you have a roster that is trained to absorb it and still put their best foot forward.”

Junior libero Rachel Krasowski believes that the 2022 season was an opportunity for players to step into leadership roles despite their regression from the 2021 campaign.

“2022 was a big growing year for us,” Krasowski said. “We graduated six or seven seniors the year prior, so I think a lot of that had to do with people stepping up to the plate and leadership roles that they did

not have the year prior I think it obviously was not our best year, especially going from fourth in the conference to not having the best season in the fall, but I genuinely think it helped us be more hungry for the coming season.”

Despite the vibrant optimism that many in the program have in anticipation for the following season, Zidek knows that there are some glaring holes that have to be filled before being able to beat the highest echelon in the Big East.

DePaul’s highly effective defense and serving would define them as a scrappier team than ones with high octane offenses. This will allow DePaul to maintain control of the ball during a hectic rally, but without being able to secure the kill, they will be unable to capitalize on long rallies.

“In the rally scoring era, you have to kill the ball, it is not rocket science,” Zidek said. “So we are going to need our arms to show up. We are going to need our defense and servers that are playing at a really high level right now. We have been known as a little bit more as a scrappy type team who makes it hard to kill on. We just now have to respond with our own kills.

The goals for this year’s program are very high but quite achievable if the offense is able to perform at the level of the defense. With the help of newly acquired firepower, it is more possible that DePaul will make it to the Big East Tournament.

“I think the expectation for us and a big goal for us is to get back to the Big East Tournament,” Zidek said. “We were first time Big East Tournament attendees in 2021, and that was a big breakthrough for

our program.

Krasowski sees this as a great opportunity for DePaul to make the Big East Tournament, and thinks added motivation of the previous season’s shortcomings will fuel the team late into the coming season.

“I think we just needed that taste of reality last fall, and just realized that this is how the Big East rolls in volleyball,” Krasowski said. “We do not want to have that type of season again, and having our coaches vocalize that as well makes it feel like more of a collective feeling.”

With volleyball season starting up in late August, DePaul has until then to develop its offense, solidify their defense and begin their pursuit of a Big East Tournament spot.

DePaul lands transfers from Texas Tech, South Carolina with Elijah Fisher and Chico Carter Jr.

BioSteel All-Canadian game in Toronto with his 28-point performance.

DePaul head coach Tony Stubblefield continues to add talent this offseason through the transfer portal after securing both South Carolina guard Chico Carter Jr. and Texas Tech guard Elijah Fisher.

Fisher and Carter Jr. will be joining what may be Stubblefield’s best recruiting class since becoming head coach of the Blue Demons. This team is highlighted by newcomers of Minnesota combo guard Jaden Henley, Wyoming forward Jeremiah Oden, freshman NBA Academy Africa guard Dramane Camara and JUCO Triton forward Keyondre Young.

“Stubbs seems to be identifying people who he thinks can have Herculean leaps, with Henley, Oden and Fisher,” DePaul superfan Joe Breslin said. “They are all coming in from last place teams, which is a little alarming, but if they all are significantly better than they were last year we have a shot to finish a little better than last.”

On Friday morning, Elijah Fisher announced via Instagram that he is heading to the Windy City, committing to head coach Tony Stubblefield and the DePaul Blue Demons.

When the news came out about a player of Fishers’ caliber joining the Blue Demons, some fans felt a sense of relief since the program missed out on fivestar transfer Arterio Morris earlier in the week.

“After the news last week broke that Arterio Morris would be going to Kansas and not DePaul, I was desperate for some good news,” said DePaul senior Tim Anderson. “It feels like a solid step forward for the program. He is an extremely talented basketball player, and I am excited to get back into the student section at Wintrust Arena to cheer him on. DePaul fans have had a bad taste in their mouths for decades, and Fisher represents a potential shift in the destiny of DePaul’s basketball program.”

Fisher, 19, originally from Oshawa, Canada has three years left of eligibility and was highly touted out of high school before spending one year at Texas Tech. He appeared in 28 games for the Red Raiders, averaging 3.3 points, two rebounds and 0.4 assists per game.

The 6-foot-6 Canada native reclassified to the 2022 class as a consensus fivestar from ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports, choosing Texas Tech over Kentucky, Kansas, Oregon and other top programs.

Fisher attended Crestwood Prep in Toronto, Canada where he competed for the Under-18 high school team as a seventh grader. Fisher became the first mid -

dle schooler to play for Crestwood Prep’s varsity men’s basketball team.

During his final season at Crestwood Prep as a junior, Fisher averaged 28 points and 13 rebounds, while also com-

ing away with three steals per game.

Fisher made his Canadian national team debut last summer, helping Canada win bronze at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup and winning MVP honors at the

On March 27, Fisher announced on Instagram that he would be exploring other opportunities to further his collegiate basketball career, leaving Texas Tech and entering his name in the transfer portal.

“I am leaving open the option to return, but after careful consideration I have made the decision to enter the transfer portal as I explore the best options for my academic and basketball future,” Fisher said.

DePaul Athletics announced the official signing of South Carolina guard Chico Carter Jr. transferring to DePaul on Monday, May 1 with one year left of eligibility.

“Chico [Carter Jr.] brings a great skillset to our team next season,” Stubblefield said. “He is a sharp-shooter who has a lot of experience and has played high-level basketball. We’re excited to see him in action at Wintrust Arena next season.”

Carter Jr. started 25 games for South Carolina last season, averaging 9.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game, while shooting nearly 48% from beyond the arc. Carter Jr.’s season was cut short after missing the final seven games of the season with a knee injury.

Before playing at South Carolina, Carter Jr. spent two seasons at Murray State, where he averaged 9.7 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. During his time in Murray, Kentucky, Carter Jr. helped lead the program to a conference regular season championship in 2020.

“Chico Carter’s 47% from three on a good amount of attempts is incredible,” Breslin said. “Missing the last 10 games of the season with a knee injury is a little concerning but sounds like he will be good to go. This is a great get.”

After the departures of Umoja Gibson and Javan Johnson, Stubblefield found immediate replacements in Carter Jr. and Elijah Fisher as the team continues to prepare for the 2023-24 season.

“It’s a massive win for coach Stubblefield,” Anderson said of how big of a deal landing Fisher is for the program. “As someone who was known for his ability to recruit at Oregon, it hasn’t translated fully to being the head coach of DePaul. Many fans are bitter and jaded in the string of decommits and poor overall performance in the past two decades. If Fisher comes in and flourishes in Stubbs’s offense and the team looks more competitive in the Big East, it could begin to lay a foundation for what DePaul could become in the future.”

By Tom Gorski Sports Editor

@IAMELIJAHFISHER | INSTAGRAM

Fisher annouced via his instagram on Friday morning that he would be transfering to DePaul.

DePaul announced the official signing of Chico Carter Jr. transferring to DePaul on May 1.

@CHICOCARTERJR | INSTAGRAM

Sports

Former DePaul player, Teddy Grubbs, passes away at 62

By Preston Zbroszczyk Asst. Sports Editor

Former DePaul men’s basketball player Theodore “Teddy” Grubbs who had a complicated history passed away on Thursday, April 25, at the age of 62.

Grubbs, born and raised in Chicago, Illinois headlined the high school recruiting class of 1979, out of Dr. Martin Luther King College Prep High School. The former McDonald’s All-American was ranked the No. 1 player in the state of Illinois, beating out players like Terry Cummings and Isiah Thomas in 1979.

Coming out of high school, Grubbs was considered a special talent during a time when Chicago was the epicenter for high school and collegiate basketball as it developed NBA talents like Isiah Thomas, Terry Cummings and Mark Aguirre.

“That kid was an unbelievably gifted player,” said Chicago sports television and radio personality David Kaplan.

When it came to deciding where he would play his four years of college basketball, Ray Meyer’s DePaul Blue Demons was Grubb’s choice.

Grubbs joined Cummings, Raymond McCoy and Bernard Randolph as the four incoming freshmen, following DePaul’s 1979 Final Four appearance.

After a promising freshman season, Grubbs’s DePaul career was short lived when off the court issues quickly piled on. According to Tracie Dildy, Grubbs was later diagnosis of schizophrenia that drifted him to homelessness in the late 1980’s.

Standing at 6-foot-8 with a slim build and a long wingspan, Grubbs wore the number 34 at the forward position. Once he arrived at DePaul, Grubbs showed his talents quickly.

On Dec. 15, 1979, DePaul traveled to Pauley Pavilion to play UCLA four games into the 1979-80 season.

It proved to be Grubbs’s best performance as a DePaul player. The freshman came off the bench and scored a team-high 28 points as the 11-ranked Blue Demons upset seventh-ranked UCLA, 99-94. At the time, it had only been the Bruins eighth loss in Pauley Pavilion.

“It was always taboo to talk about Teddy Grubbs,” said Marcus Muhammad, current Benton Harbor Mayor and former DePaul basketball player from 1993-1997. “Because on one hand, he was such a celebrated high school basketball [player], promising star and everyone always wanted to know what hap-

pened.”

Grubbs’s career never reached a higher peak, averaging seven points per game over the next two seasons before facing legal issues after his time as a Blue Demons player.

Grubbs at age 20 was convicted of lewd fondling and simple battery on a woman on a CTA train in October 1983 and was then placed on probation for a year.

Then, in June of 1986, Grubbs was charged with public indecency, placing him on conditional charge for a year.

Around July 1987, Grubbs was held on a $20,000 bond for a charge of attempted rape. He was charged with exposing himself and attacking a 30-year-old woman who collected the rent where Grubbs stayed.

Head coach Doug Bruno, who at the time was an assistant for Loyola men’s basketball, said it was unfortunate that basketball could not save Grubbs like it did to others in Chicago.

Former DePaul assistant coach from 1997-2002 Tracie Dildy grew a relationship with Grubbs during that time.

Grubbs would frequently visit Dildy in his office and the men’s basketball team would gift Grubbs clothing, food and even money at times to try and help him stay off the streets.

Dildy, who attended Dr. Martin Luther King College Prep High School like Grubbs but not at the same time, grew up watching him play in summer league games and

during his time in high school.

“I have no doubt that would have saved Teddy,” Dildy said. “There is so much help for people that struggle with mental health now a days, had we had any of those things in place in the 70’s and 80’s, that would have helped people and Teddy tremendously.”

Dildy for some time while living in Skokie, gave Grubbs a living space in Evanston and every weekend would bring him to hang out with his family.

“Teddy was quiet and a nice person,” Dildy said. “He loved to laugh and was an honor student. Had he not had any of the mental issues he really could of been better than Mark Aguirre. Teddy was every bit of 6-foot-8.”

In Grubbs’ playing days, before ESPN, it was WGN that dominated television screens during DePaul’s peak.

What head coach Ray Meyer built at DePaul allowed local players to stay in Chicago, but also attracted attention everywhere, knowing that if you were in Phoenix or New Jersey, WGN would televise DePaul basketball.

In the class of 1979 that featured Sam Bowie, Clark Kellogg, Byron Scott, Dominique Wilkins, James Worthy, Isiah Thomas and John Paxson, Grubbs also headlined that group.

The class is considered widely by experts and players themselves as one of the best high school classes of all-time.

“He was one of many promising superstars coming out of high school in Chicago that everybody expected to excel in college and beyond to the NBA,” said D Fredrick Mitchell, DePaul professor and former columnist at the Chicago Tribune.

Muhammad recalls a story that James Mitchell, the director for athletics at the time, told him about Grubbs and an interaction he had with Meyer.

“Coach Ray used to meet with the starters before every game at the hotel, and during one of those meetings there was a knock on the door,” Muhammad said. “They were surprised because nobody interrupted the coaches meetings. It was Teddy Grubbs. Teddy came in and said after today, one of you is not going to be starting,”addressing the players in the room.

Grubbs might not have not lived up to expectations for some and left others wondering what happened, but he will always be remembered for his superstar talent coming out of high school, his ambition and for being a DePaul Blue Demon, from Chicago.

Volleyball adds offensive talent in pursuit of a Big East Tournament

By Steven Francis Contributing Writer

DePaul women’s volleyball is looking to bounce back after last season that saw them deal with injuries and adversity and finish eighth in the Big East standings. The Blue Demons will look to a young core to right the ship in 2023.

“I think we are in a rebuilding phase right now, in a cultural rebuilding phase which is really cool to be a part of,” said first year assistant coach Maddie Beal. “We have been working a lot this offseason with the girls on a ton of things to get better and rewrite our path so we can hang some banners.”

A recent acquisition for the team was the transfer of freshman outside hitter Yagmur Yavuz from Rutgers University. Yavuz will add some much needed size and power on offense to a defensively heavy roster.

Yavuz is a three time European Volleyball

Confederation champion, and was also an attendee for the European Olympic Festival in 2022.

“She joined us in January before win-

ter quarter started, so she had a chance to be seamlessly added to the team,” said head coach Marie Zidek. “My staff did a great job of onboarding her, and she is going to be a

key piece to our future for sure.”

DePaul will also look to many new faces to add depth to its current roster, familiar faces to help establish a system of play, as well as set the standard of the program for newcomers.

“We are returning our big leader, three time Big East all conference member, junior Jill Presley and then we return our other key player at libero, junior Rachel Krasowski,” said Zidek. “Those two have really anchored our system for the past three years. With that we also return our fifth year senior, Bailey Nelson as well as all of our ball control with sophomore Maggie Jones, junior Phoenix Lee and junior Ashley Cudiamat.”

Zidek believes that added depth and being more well rounded will lead to its success in the fall. Many undergraduates on the team have ample match experience and will allow DePaul to implement their fast paced system,

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEPAUL UNIVERSITIES LIBRARY DATABASE

Teddy Grubbs appeared in 74 games for DePaul, where he averaged 7.9 points per game.

ERIN HENZE | THE DEPAULIA

The Demons celebrate a set win at McGrath-Philips during DePaul’s Invitational Tournament.