Welcome home, Rams!
From the crease to the finish line
Owen Swanbon takes on Boston Triathlon
By Izabela Gage Sports Editor
When the summer heat starts to rise and the rink doors are shut, many college hockey players take time to rest, recover, and even sneak in a few rounds of golf.
But for Owen Swanbon, a goaltender on the men’s ice hockey team, the off-season looked a little different this year.
It involved preparing to swim through Dorchester Bay, bike along William Day Boulevard, and run in the August sun from Moakley Park to Carson Beach.
This past summer, Swanbon competed in the Boston Triathlon, a challenging endurance event.
Swanbon said this was his first official USA-sanctioned triathlon, though he has completed a few practice triathlons before.
He competed in the sprint triathlon, which is a standard, entry-level multi-sport race involving a 750-meter swim, a 12.4-mile bike ride, and a 3.1mile run, according to the Boston Triathlon website.
Swanbon finished 20th out of 30 in the male 20-24 age group, with a swim time of 20:03, a bike time of 34:39, and a run time of 31:14.
He said his dad had participated in a lot of triathlons, and he wanted to follow in his footsteps.
Swanbon said he watched his father compete in events like the Cohasset Triathlon as a kid, which planted the early seeds of ambition.
“What stuck out to me was the community aspect of it. There are a lot of people there - everybody mingling and talking about the race. It felt good to be at a community event,” Swanbon said.
By Dylan Pichnarcik Associate Editor
Computer Science Professor
Mike Nourai was denied tenure upon the recommendation of President Nancy Niemi at a meeting of the Board of Trustees on Sept. 18.
In order to apply for tenure, an applicant must submit a portfolio for review.
A peer-evaluation committee composed of three faculty members reviews the applicant’s portfolio and makes a
recommendation for denial or further review.
Following the committee’s recommendation, the applicant’s portfolio is sent to the applicant’s respective department chair, then the college dean, and then the University’s Committee on Tenure, according to Provost Kristen Porter-Utley.
She said during the process, the tenure applicant and those involved in the selection process receive copies of every peer evaluation.
After the applicant’s portfo-
lio and previous evaluations are reviewed by Porter-Utley, a recommendation is made by her, which is submitted to Niemi, according to Porter-Utley.
Niemi then completes a final review and submits a recommendation to the Board of Trustees, she said.
Niemi then completes a final review and submits a recommendation to the Board of Trustees, she said.
Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST
Taylor Royal (center) celebrating with freshmen and transfer students at the President’s Welcome Picnic Sept. 2.
E ditorial Board
Editor-in-Chief
Sophia Oppedisano
Associate Editors
Adrien Gobin
Dylan Pichnarcik
Copy Editor
Antonio Machado
News Editor
Bella Grimaldi
Opinions Editor
Izayah Morgan
Sports Editor
Izabela Gage
Asst. Sports Editors
Taylor Kimmell
Arts & Features Editors
Francisco Omar Fernandez Rodriguez
Owen Glancy
Asst. Arts & Features Editors
Sarah Daponde
Liv Dunleavy
Photos & Design Editors
Alexis Schlesinger
Illustrations Editor
Ronnie Chiu-Lin
Marcus Falcão
Staff Writers
Jesse Burchill
Kristel Erguiza
Paul Harrington
Dan Lima
Kate Norrish
Andrew Ramirez
Advisor
Desmond McCarthy
Asst. Advisor
Elizabeth Banks
Graduate Advising Asst.
Emma Lyons
Gatepost Interview César Matos
SGA President
By Sophia Oppedisano Editor-in-Chief
What inspired you to get involved in SGA?
I was part of orientation, and on that [2023] orientation team … a lot of people that were [part of SGA] were already part of orientation. I decided to talk to SGA President Evelyn Campbell at the time and get myself appointed to a senator position. I was also working in the City of Framingham within the Planning and Community Development Division, so I sort of found myself in a situation where I was already seeing official committee meetings within my city hall, and I was like, “Why not do it for FSU?”
What are your goals as SGA President?
I have a few of them. … I found myself this summer taking stuff from my friend while they went back to their home country in Serbia. I was sort of their storage, and I feel like one thing that FSU could do is create summer storage for those who live out of state. I think it’s an opportunity for the University to provide more services to their students, but also create another revenue-creating service. Another thing that I’m looking to do is hopefully create a more streamlined meal swipe donation program within the dining hall. Right now, there’s a way students are able to donate the meal swipes that they don’t use on a weekly basis. But it’s an opt-in process, and it’s a bit convoluted to get to that page, and a lot of people don’t know about that or how to benefit from it. This is a program that’s meant for the resident students to donate the extra swipes that they don’t use, and for commuter students to be able to access those swipes that other people aren’t using. I really think that the dining hall has been an amazing amenity for the University to have. It’s one of those social spaces that is really utilized by one part of the FSU population, but really underutilized by the other population, which is the commuter students. I think that if we were able to make the dining hall a more accessible service, it would only better the
Police Logs Weather
Sept.
pride in the community that we have here, on both sides, making it so everybody has access to it.
Who has made a significant impact on your life at FSU?
The thing that kicked off my involvement on campus was Professor Sally Shafto. Sally Shafto sort of recognized me in that first class experience that I had, and she was the one who encouraged me to find a Ram Peer Leadership position. I took on positions with orientation and S.E.A.L.S., and I’ve been doing it for the past three years. I really think that kicked off a large portion of what has gotten me involved on campus.
Do you have a favorite memory at FSU?
I come to FSU pretty gleeful every single day. I love this community. I love the University as a whole. I have really found myself benefiting from every aspect of it. … I find it so funny because I was a resident student in my first two years, and I really felt like I didn’t really understand college life. I think my family was like, “Oh, you should be a resident student so you can get the college experience,” so I was a resident, and I re-
Tuesday, Sept. 15 8:03 Foot Patrol, Maple Street Athletic Fields Check Completed
Wednesday, Sept. 16 7:40 State Parking Enforcement, Maynard Road Parking Lot Citation Issued
Wednesday, Sept. 17 12:28 Special Assignment, Campus Wide Report Taken
ally felt like it actually limited me in being able to be part of the environment, because I had a space to be secluded from the rest of the community. So once I started being a commuter student again … it incentivized me to explore the different things that were on campus. It incentivized me to start talking to people, to start meeting with professors, and just fill in the in-between times when classes weren’t happening. I think it was when I started realizing there were things to do outside of the classroom that I truly found what I love about this University. It’s not a specific moment. It’s not a specific thing. It’s these collections of moments that you’re able to have with the people around you that really make this University into what I love.
What are you most looking forward to on SGA this year?
The same thing that I look forward to every year - being able to meet new people and being able to foster these connections and friendships with everyone.
CONNECT WITH SOPHIA OPPEDISANO soppedisano@student.framingham.edu
Sept. 25
Wednesday, Sept. 17 1:39 Noise Complaint, Miles Bibb Hall Report Taken
Dylan Pichnarcik / THE GATEPOST
Clubs attend representative meeting with SGA
By Francisco Omar Fernandez Rodriguez Editorial Staff
The Student Government Association held a club representative meeting on Sept. 9, led by President César Matos. Representatives from each club go to these meetings with SGA at which they can share their concerns, according to the SGA website.
There were 24 clubs present at the meeting, Matos said.
He said SGA wants to make sure the clubs can get everything they need for the start of the year.
Club representatives can be anyone from a club, not just an eBoard member, he said.
Several forms were available for the club representatives to fill out online. One of them asks about the club’s president, meeting times, social media, and other relevant information, Matos said.
New clubs will need to be aware of the Student Affairs Committee, he said.
They will “facilitate the installment of that club’s constitution,” Matos said.
Associate Director for Orientation and Student Experience Meghan Larkin, who also serves as one of the advisors for SGA, said any clubs that missed the leadership training on Sunday will not be able to get any events approved until Oct. 1 or later.
Every club needs to have the president and treasurer positions filled in order to be an active organization, she said.
Larkin said she understands that not every club needs those specific positions, but those spots must be listed and filled.
She listed the clubs missing one or both positions and said they needed to fill out the organization officer form. If that’s not done by Sept. 23, they will become inactive, she said.
“Your org will go back down to zero. You will zero out your budget,” Larkin said.
Clubs without a president or treasurer will be denied any event requests, because inactive organizations cannot host events, she said. But officially, everyone on a club’s eBoard has to be listed in their positions on the form.
SGA only tracks the officer positions on the form, so simply filling those spots on Ramlink won’t fulfill this requirement, she said.
Matos said the SGA website provides resources in terms of requesting money and provides the committee meeting times, he added.
Many of the questions people have about anything under SGA’s oversight are answered on their website, especially on the club resources page, he said.
One of the forms available is for requesting funding, he said. Whenever a funding request form is submitted, it needs to include an itemized list of all of the purchases.
Matos said the senators’ office hours will be changing. One in-office hour is required now, and if they’re in a committee, that also counts as the requirement.
One out-of-office hour is also required, which can be fulfilled by attending any event outside of SGA hosted by a club, department, or events committee, or by tabling, he added.
Officers will do one to two hours a week of in-office hours outside of their committees, Matos said. The officers will schedule when they will be in the SGA office and available to take any questions from students outside of SGA.
The out-of-office hour works the same for officers as it does for senators, he said.
If someone does not email and does not show up, it counts as a strike, and everyone gets two strikes, he said.
“If you email about your absence a day in advance, I would be really lenient because I respect the fact that you let me know ahead of time,” Matos said.
Rachel Spezia, the associate dean of Campus Engagement, introduced herself as the other co-advisor to SGA.
She said to encourage people to nominate themselves or others as candidates to run for SGA positions. Nominations were open until Sept. 16.
Three of the four senators elected in the last election have since resigned, Alix Ayoub, outreach and events coordinator, said. AJ Vasquez is the only current senator in SGA.
SGA is currently working with a low number of members and it’s limiting how much SGA can do to help the student body, Matos said. This is impacting the Financial Committee (FinCom).
“We require at least three members to be part of FinCom and right now, we only have two,” Matos said.
SGA currently has seven official members, according to their website. César Matos,
president; Luke Yubeta, student trustee; Alix Ayoub, outreach and events coordinator; Khoa Bùi, SATF treasurer; Ana Julia Ribeiro, diversity officer; Grant Alleyne, parliamentarian; and AJ Vasquez, senator.
Yubeta said he’s looking forward to bringing any concerns the student body has to the Board of Trustees.
No formal nomination announcements or speeches were given, as that’s planned for the Sept. 16 SGA meeting. However, several attendees said they were running.
Cierra Rosado, Merlin Clive, and Xiera Montes said they’re running for senator. Kennedy Thompson said she’s running for publicist. Ling Zhang said she’s running for secretary.
The next club representative meeting is on Oct. 14 as an Administrators Forum, which is with both SGA and the University’s executive staff, Matos said. The location will be determined closer to the date, he said.
The last club representative meeting is on Nov. 18 in the same room and format as the Sept. 9. meeting, he added.
CONNECT WITH FRANCISCO OMAR FERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ ffernandezrodriguez@student.framingham.edu Gatepost Archives
Trustees
Continued from Page 1
Nourai was recommended to receive tenure by a peer-evaluation committee; the Chair of Computer Science, Satish Penmasta; STEM Dean Lauren Nolfo-Clemens; and the Committee on Tenure, according to Benjamin Alberti, president of the Framingham State chapter of the Massachusetts State College Association (MSCA).
During the public comment section of the Board of Trustees meeting, Alberti said he believes Nourai deserves tenure. Alberti added he has “struggled to understand how we got to this point.”
Alberti said a “major concern” about Nourai’s tenure review was that the process was “unfair. The recommendation for denial is based on lack of evidence of scholarship.”
He said a “serious error” in Nourai’s tenure application re-
fend himself.
“It’s supposed to be the other way around. That is, the mandated process was reversed, leaving Mike [Nourai] to defend himself blindly,” Alberti said.
Additionally, Alberti said Niemi’s letter to the Board of Trustees with her recommendation for denial “contains a new, serious charge that Mike is claiming others’ work as his own.”
Alberti said he believes Nourai has not seen Niemi’s claim nor has had the chance to respond.
In his closing statement, Alberti said he has heard “deep concern in the voices of faculty” who are “worried they are not publishing enough. All that wonderful service faculty and librarians do for FSU … is placed in jeopardy when people witness their colleagues lose their jobs for reasons of scholarship when they have contributed strongly
ty, and inclusion.”
Eric Gustafson, vice president of Development and Alumni Relations, announced FSU has received a gift of over $2 million from Professor Emeritus Thomas Eames and his wife, Joan, to support the College of STEM.
A yearly allotment will be given to the College of STEM from the permanently endowed fund, Gustafson said.
The first disbursement, totaling approximately $100,000, will occur in Fiscal Year 2027, according to an email sent by Niemi.
In recognition of the gift, Gustafson asked the board to support the renaming of Hemenway Laboratories to Professor Thomas and Joan Eames Laboratories.
According to Gustafson, the Board of Trustees’ recommendation is necessary to send the change to the Board of Higher Education.
The committee has also selected Boston-based Studio Enée from an approved list of architects from the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, according to Totino.
During her report, Niemi said she did not use the authority delegated to her by the Board of Trustees to make decisions on their behalf during their summer recess.
Niemi said FSU has had a “really wonderful” start to the academic year.
She said the University welcomed students back with a “Week of Welcome” focused on wellness activities.
“Every constituent group I meet with and speak to says that they find that people are really engaged and really happy to be a part of the University.”
At each meeting of the Board of Trustees, a student is recognized for outstanding academic
view “created the impression that Mike [Nourai] is not serious about scholarship.”
This error appeared in a letter sent to Porter-Utley by the Committee on Tenure, which claimed Nourai had no intention of publishing his research. The Committee on Tenure later updated its letter after reviewing meeting minutes, according to Alberti.
“The error was later fixed, but the damage was perhaps already done,” he said.
According to Alberti, there is no requirement for faculty to publish their research in the current MSCA contract.
The MSCA contract outlines scholarship as “contributions to the content of the discipline, participation in or contributions to professional societies and organizations, research as demonstrated by published or unpublished work (or, where applicable, artistic or other creative activities), or work toward the terminal degree or relevant post-graduate study.”
Alberti said Nourai did intend to publish his research during an upcoming sabbatical.
“Compounding this error, Mike [Nourai] was not given the proper chance to defend himself. The initial denial was one line, no explanation, no details. He [Nourai] then had to make a defense of his scholarship, not knowing specifically what his offense was,” Alberti said.
He said Niemi and Porter-Utley responded to Nourai’s appeal during his attempts to de-
to teaching and service.”
A motion to approve Niemi’s recommendation that Nourai be denied tenure was made by Trustee Antonia Soares Thompson and seconded by Trustee Dennis Giombetti. The motion passed 3-0 with seven abstentions.
Trustee Lino Covarrubias was not in attendance for the meeting and did not vote on the motion.
Immediately following the vote, Giombetti asked whether the motion passed as the total number of affirmative votes was smaller than the number of abstentions.
Ann McDonald, secretary to the Board of Trustees and general counsel, said she would “look at that to verify” if the vote was valid.
A final decision was made a day later by McDonald that the vote was valid.
Following the tenure vote, members of the University’s executive staff delivered divisional reports to the Trustees.
Jeffrey Coleman, vice president of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement, said his division has created resources that focus on equity-driven and diverse recruitment as well as enhancing a sense of belonging among the FSU community.
Coleman said his division has also provided resources to the campus community that focus on “navigating the impact of the national landscape as it relates to issues of diversity, equi-
A resolution to approve the name change was made by Chair Anthony Hubbard and passed unanimously.
During his report, Hubbard said he, along with Trustees Susan Puryear and Cherie Comeau, served on the Presidential Review Committee, which is tasked with reviewing Niemi’s performance over the last year.
The committee reviewed input regarding Niemi’s performance as well as her self-assessment and her goals for the upcoming year.
A full report was submitted to the board for review, which will also be submitted to the Board of Higher Education.
A motion was made by Thompson to approve the submission of the report to the commissioner of the Board of Higher Education, and seconded by Trustee Mariel Freve.
The motion passed unanimously.
Robert Totino, vice president of Finance, Technology, and Administration, announced plans for an updated campus master plan. The last campus master plan was created in 2007.
This will include future construction projects and renovations.
A steering committee tasked with creating the master plan and selecting an architect has been meeting for approximately one year, according to Totino. This group is made up of faculty, staff, a student representative, and Trustee Giombetti.
and personal achievement. At this meeting, the Student in the Spotlight was Tharushi Fernado.
Fernado, a finance and economics double major, is an international student from Verona, Italy.
Fernado said she is currently a senior intern at the MetroWest Economic Research Center and has previously interned with the mayor of Framingham. In the future, Fernado said she hopes to become a financial analyst.
During his first report as student trustee, senior Luke Yubeta announced 21 students are running for positions on the Student Government Association (SGA), including two students running for Vice President.
According to Yubeta, the vice president position on SGA has not been a contested race in a number of years.
Yubeta credited the increased student involvement to SGA President César Matos, who recently launched an engagement campaign.
Additionally, Yubeta said the updated University involvement software “Ramlink” has supported an increase in student engagement.
Dylan Pichnarcik / THE GATEPOST
Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement Jeffrey Coleman (center) speaking at the Board of Trustees meeting Sept. 17.
OP/ED
THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL
Show up for yourself this school year
Fall at Framingham State is an exciting time for new and returning students alike.
The Gatepost Editorial Board sends well wishes to students, faculty, and staff for a rewarding and exciting semester.
Whether you are a new or returning student, this upcoming academic year represents a fresh start - both academically and personally.
While many students might believe you have to be self-sufficient to complete college successfully - you don’t. The Framingham State community is a vibrant and inviting place with support systems on campus de-
framingham.edu for more information.
The Center for Inclusive Excellence (CIE), located on the second floor of O’Connor Hall on State Street, is an energetic and welcoming space on campus that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.
They have a committed and knowledgeable staff who promote discussions regarding diversity and inclusion on campus and the MetroWest area through events such as Diversity Dialogues and Safe Zone Workshops.
They also host celebrations for heritage months throughout
of a psychiatric emergency, the Counseling Center encourages students to call 911 or 988.
The Health and Wellness Center, which also occupies Foster Hall, is a resource for students who need medical attention.
They offer screening for sexually transmitted infections, free Pap smear exams, and emergency contraceptives. Trained medical professionals are available to meet with students on weekdays to prescribe pain medication, make diagnoses, and refer them to outside medical professionals if need be.
Appointments can be made through the Medicat Health
campus are the leaders of some amazing student organizations whose purpose is to bring students together and promote inclusivity. Try to get to those first meetings of the semester and talk to club members about their organizations and what their goals are on campus.
As you begin to find your place on campus, don’t be afraid to try new things and explore events held throughout the year.
Fall sports including volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, football, field hockey, and cross country are all in season to start the fall semester and their home games are typically
signed to assist students.
Academics can be daunting for any student, regardless of whether they are new or returning. The Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA), located behind Peirce Hall, provides academic assistance to students who seek support outside of the classroom.
CASA facilitates tutoring for math and writing, as well as subject-specific peer tutoring. Additionally, CASA handles all academic and personal accommodations for students with disabilities. Their staff will work with you to determine what accommodations will help you succeed during your time at FSU and inform your professors about your required accommodations.
CASA’s staff is a vibrant group of student workers and professionals who are available by appointment or for drop-ins daily. Students can also email them at academicsupport@framingham.edu or disabilityservices@
the year. The campus ministry and LGBTQIA+ resources are also available at the CIE. The CIE is a space for our campus affinity student organizations to hold events aimed at promoting inclusivity and cultural competence among students.
You can reach the CIE through its director, Jerome Burke, at jburke13@framingham.edu.
The Counseling Center is located in Foster Hall on the corner of State Street and Maynard Road. Their services are free to all matriculated students, meaning all actively enrolled students are eligible to take advantage of their services.
Counseling appointments can be made by contacting counselingcenter@framingham.edu. In addition to scheduled appointments, the Counseling Center offers same-day, walk-in appointments on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Counseling Center can also connect you with crisis resources. However, in the case
Center portal, which can be found on the Health Center website or by emailing healthcenter@framingham.edu. They also offer same-day, walk-in appointments.
In addition to these offices, Residence Life and their resident assistant and professional staff are available 24/7 for resident students for issues in the residence halls as well as to provide students with resources to help them get involved and be successful on campus.
In addition to teaching your classes, your professors are also here to support you. Their office hours are in place so they can listen to your concerns and help you be proactive about your education.
These offices and professionals are here to help students succeed. Faculty and staff on campus are incredibly welcoming, and they are here to support you if you are willing to show up.
Additionally, students on
held at Maple Street Fields.
Keep an eye on your email for weekly Campus Currents and Arts & Ideas emails outlining exciting speakers, workshops, and community building events.
The Framingham State Student Activities Board (FSAB) plans events for students throughout the year. They host yearly excursions to New York City and Boston Red Sox games. They also hold regular BINGO nights with prizes and host the end-of-year Sandbox event.
While our community is small, it is a strong, tight-knit environment where you can make a real impact and foster true connections.
As we all find our footing this semester, The Gatepost Editorial Board encourages our peers to get involved and take advantage of everything Framingham State has to offer.
Have a great semester!
Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST
Glenn Cochran (left) and Sara Gallegos walking with Sam the Ram at the President’s Welcome Picnic Sept. 2.
Student voices will not be silenced in the free-speech crisis
By Sophia Oppedisano Editor-in-Chief
I have always loved coming back to school.
The crisp air on a September morning. The spines of new books waiting to be cracked. The voices and laughter of old friends and new filling the shared spaces of our University.
This is my fifth year as an undergraduate student. Even after all this time, I still get excited to be on this campus and be inspired by my professors, mentors, and classmates.
However, the excitement and anticipation are muted this year, even here in Framingham. An air of uncertainty has permeated college campuses across the nation in the wake of President Donald Trump’s continuous attempts to bend higher education to his will.
College campuses are spaces where students, faculty, and staff should feel safe and included.
This is where goals are achieved, dreams are given the space to grow, and innovation and triumph are daily occurrences.
The recent political rhetoric surrounding higher education is an unprecedented attack against those ideals. Our space feels threatened. Uncertainty and dread are new emotions we must reckon with on top of get-
ting settled into classes, wading through new daily challenges, and making sure we remember to have a meal.
This certainly does not feel like business as usual.
In the past year, we have witnessed turmoil on campuses across the nation as Tufts University student Rümeysa Öztürk was taken off the street and detained by masked government officials. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs were cut or rebranded across the country, and university officials at Harvard, Columbia, UMass Amherst, and more were blackmailed or forced to slash their budgets.
We watched as public broadcasting services such as PBS and NPR were defunded, and our favorite late show hosts, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, were taken off the air for voicing their dissenting opinions.
We are witnessing governmental censorship and denial of First Amendment rights. Compounded by the continuous opposition to education, this is a frightening environment for students to come back to this fall. It is already a scary thing to put yourself out there and make your voice heard in college, let alone in this new, unpredictable world.
During my time as a journalist, I have learned the importance of fair, ethical, and honest
conversations and discourse, even with those who might disagree with me.
Universities are exactly the type of setting where those conversations should be happening. It is here where we are supposed to learn about things we do not understand and safely voice our ideas and opinions.
I have learned by talking to professors, administrators, and my classmates and friends how important it is to ask questions and seek clarity from an objective perspective. I am privileged to have received training as a working journalist at this University that has shaped my objective mind and taught me to understand, respect, and encourage discourse that crosses political boundaries.
My experiences at this University have taught me how to use my voice, and I don’t want the current attacks on free speech to make my classmates and peers feel like they should censor theirs.
I am calling on our campus community to embrace conversations that are hard or uncomfortable and to resist censoring our ideas.
The Center for Inclusive Excellence hosts Diversity Dialogue events to encourage student engagement and civil discourse on the Trump Administration and some of its rulings, as well as to invite speak-
What’s going on with America?
By Izayah Morgan Opinions Editor
American politics have been in a very weird place ever since the conclusion of the 2024 election. Well, maybe since the 2016 election, which has seen the rise, fall, and rise again of Donald J. Trump.
We have had to go through controversy after controversy with no hope of them ending anytime soon.
Earlier this year, Melissa Hortman, a top Democrat in the Minnesota House, and her husband were killed in an act of political violence. Just over a week ago, we had the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist known for making his voice heard on campuses across the globe.
I am far from agreeing with the man and would even go as far as to say his rhetoric caused harm to countless people. He made numerous negative comments about the LGBTQ, BIPOC, and other marginalized communities.
For example, he made defamatory comments on the abilities of Supreme Court Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson and Michelle Obama, saying they are in their positions because of DEI. A further example is when a Black child went up to Kirk and questioned why he made the statement about the Civil Rights Act being a mistake. The child then proceeded to add after, ”That’s crazy. I wouldn’t be here.”
Kirk then responded, “Exactly.”
Still, seeing the video of him being killed live was gruesome. It left the impression that this might be the future of America.
Coming from a lower socioeconomic bracket, I have seen acts of violence and lives taken over seemingly small matters. No part of society, no matter how “fwar removed,” whether that be money, culture, or mind, is immune to these acts.
Everyone is at risk as an American, and the scariest part is that it could be me or you. I write for a small publication, so the chances that I see any retaliation against me are small, but even the thought that my life could end for my beliefs is hard to bear. To put a thought like that into the mind of an average American person is downright spine-chilling.
I consider myself left-leaning (shocker, I know), but I wish no harm to any right-leaning people or anyone for that matter. I don’t believe people on the other side politically are inherently bad people, but their rhetoric must be countered with words, not bullets.
Sure, there are moments when I’m frustrated with them and want to blame them for their thinking, but anger is not going to move them toward an open mind. People are of different ages, maturities, and upbringings, and they have opportunities in life granted to them.
My perspective is only my perspective because I was provided with opportunities to learn from other marginalized groups. A perspective you’re only able to share if you’re not under the threat of death for speaking your mind.
A country is only as free as the politician is free to speak his mind. If the freedoms of the famous and powerful are called into question and met with vio-
ers to talk with students and affinity groups on campus.
Professors and administrators have open office hours during which they want to hear your concerns and offer perspective, knowledge, and encouragement.
There are often protests on the bridge across the street from campus, where your voice can make an impact.
Registering to vote before the 2026 midterm elections is key to making change as we look ahead during this administration. Intentionally seeking primary sources as you gather your news and staying engaged with those sources is imperative to limiting the spread of misinformation.
The more we engage with each other, the more we can push back against this administration and its attempts to silence us.
There is every reason to let fear and intimidation get the best of us as we begin this new year. However, as long as we live in a country with the freedoms we are currently afforded, cynicism won’t change the negatives in our everyday lives - actions, big and small, will. Your opinions, your voice, and your experiences are valuable. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
lence so often, what does that say about the common man, and how much freedom do they have then?
Political violence and violence itself can end, but only if we can even acknowledge that
it’s happening in those very streets right now and not just to the politicians. Violence is our reality, but compassion is our choice.
Campus Conversations
“What was your song of the summer?”
By Izayah Morgan, Opinions Editor and Antonio Machado, Editorial Staff
“‘Critters’ by TWRP because it was just a super poppy, upbeat vibe that I felt was warm and kind of summery.”
-Leah Hall, senior
“‘Paradise’ from Coldplay. I just like the vibe. It reminds me of when I was young in school and they just played songs on the radio. ”
-Paola Ortega, freshman
“‘Mama, I’m Coming Home’ because that was Ozzy’s ballad song and I was listening to it on repeat when he passed away in July.”
-Kyler Sheldon, freshman
“‘Official Girl’ by Cassie just because I liked the beat. Any time I got in the car, I just felt like bouncing around.”
-Zoe Graham, sophomore
“‘Bitin’ List’ by Tyler Childers.”
-Blake Barron, junior
“‘WHIM WHAMMIEE’ by Pluto.”
-Maryanne Kinyanjui, sophomore
“‘Chocolate’ by Quavo.” -Mehki Peters, junior
“Kali Uchis’ ‘It’s Just Us.’”
-Devin McFarlin, freshman
“‘Apple’ by Charli XCX.”
-Mariella Greenan, sophomore
“‘So Sorry’ by Lil Baby. It just has a vibe.”
-Jenn Acevedo, sophomore
“‘Tried our best’ by Drake.” -Sariya Lyder, freshman
“‘Rock That Body’ by Black Eyed Peas.” -Girls volleyball team
SPORTS
Moniz, and Bailey, and a service ace from Santiago-Alers, returning Framingham’s advantage.
Two more Suffolk errors solidified the set victory for Framing-
One last kill from Reynolds brought the score to 18-17 in favor of FSU, but Suffolk earned four back-to-back kills and an attack error to end the set 23-18.
Suffolk, earning a kill percentage of .104. Lowe said, “I work really hard in practice to play like every point is the most important
Stats sourced from fsurams.com and MASCAC.com
CONNECT WITH IZABELA GAGE igage@student.framingham.edu
CONNECT WITH TAYLOR KIMMELL tkimmell@student.framingham.edu
Izabela Gage / THE GATEPOST
Field hockey loses to Westfield St. in conference opener
By Taylor Kimmell Asst. Sports Editor
The Framingham State Rams opened conference play with a tough loss in their battle against the Westfield State Owls Sept. 16.
The Owls, projected to place second in the MASCAC Preseason Poll, were first to the net, scoring just 2:32 into the first quarter.
Less than a minute later, FSU forward and Captain Ashley Malmquist, a junior, took a hard shot on goal that was deflected by Westfield goaltender Emma Gniadek.
The Rams played solid defense for the remainder of the quarter, clearing three corners and blocking three shots.
The second quarter began with yet another corner for Westfield, and, once again, Framingham’s strong defense refused to yield.
Sophomore Mikayla Malmquist attempted another goal for FSU but was unsuccessful.
On the next play, WSU brought
the ball down the field for their second goal of the game.
Four more shots from Westfield followed the goal, each sailing wide of the net or blocked by FSU goaltender and Captain Kaitlyn Tello, a junior.
With two minutes remaining before the half, the Rams made a strong offensive push, with two shots on goal by freshman Chloe Moynihan and senior Natalia Roehr, as well as a corner earned by sophomore Allison Wurms.
Their valiant attempts proved unsuccessful, and the half came to a close with a score of 0-2 in favor of Westfield.
The Owls led the third quarter on offense, with three shots in the first five minutes.
A minute later, sophomore Finley Hogan attempted a shot on Westfield’s net, unfortunately blocked by a defender.
In the following minute, Moynihan sent in a shot that was deflected by Gniadek.
Westfield stole the ball, firing off two more shots and earning three more corners before FSU regained possession.
A corner earned by Wurms led to shots from junior Allison Harmuth and sophomore Reese Neale.
The quarter came to a close after two uneventful minutes.
During the final quarter, the Rams played a heavy defense, preventing each of Westfield’s shots from finding the back of the net.
A minute into the fourth, the Owls sent a shot toward the net, sending the ball miles above the top post.
Framingham and Westfield traded possession for the next five minutes, the battle ending with a corner for Westfield.
During the corner, WSU fired off two shots, one sailing well to the side of the goal while Tello expertly blocked the other.
Despite their efforts, the Owls could not penetrate the Rams’ immovable defense and were unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
In the final minute of the game, Westfield had two more unsuccessful attempts on goal, both of which were prevented by strong plays from Tello
The match came to a close with a score of 0-2 in favor of the Owls.
This loss brings the Rams’ overall record to 1-5 and the conference record to 0-1.
Despite the loss, Framingham proved a tough opponent for Westfield, holding the highly seeded team to only two goals over four quarters.
The performance, while impressive on its own, becomes more so when considering that one-third of the team’s players are new this season.
Tello said, “Some pros are definitely people coming in with different experience levels. … Each person has their own strengths, which truly show everyone’s val-
ue and the spot they have on the team.
“There truly are no cons to having them join. Without them, we wouldn’t have a team and have the successes that we have had thus far in the season,” she added.
Moynihan said, “Not even halfway through the first practice, I had figured out that I would be just fine here. … I have never seen such a tighter-bonded group of girls. … Our connection with each other is going to keep us going this year and will bring us to where we want to be!”
The team’s strong performance can be attributed to their incredible defensive play, notably the impressive performance by Tello in the goal. Though WSU had 21 shots, she blocked nearly all of them.
This display of talent alongside several other successes in the early games this season earned Tello the title of MASCAC’s Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 2.
Moynihan said the team plans to come into their next match with a goal of pulling off a win. She said they want “to use the skills we have been practicing these last couple of weeks, and the motivation we have will help us through the game!”
The Rams are determined to earn a conference victory in their matchup against the Fitchburg State Falcons Sept. 20.
Tello said, “Fitchburg is always a very competitive team for us, but I think our main goal is to just play our game and have fun because that’s when we do our best.”
Men’s soccer drops hard-fought conference match
By Sophia Oppedisano Editor-in-Chief
The Framingham State men’s soccer team fell short 2-1 in closely contested MASCAC action against the Worcester State Lancers at home Sept. 13.
The loss brought the Rams’ overall record to 2-3, while their conference record fell to 0-2 to start the 2025 season.
Though they’re yet to collect a conference win, the Rams are off to a positive start on the heels of a 1-13-3 season in 2024.
The Rams and Lancers played in another tight contest during the 2024 season, and the Rams’ 1-0 win was the only game in their win column. Framingham is picked to finish seventh in the MASCAC Preseason Poll, while Worcester is projected to take the sixth spot.
To begin this season’s rematch, the Lancers jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the first five minutes of play, scoring on the Rams’ starting goalkeeper, Colin Holt, a freshman.
Despite the loss, Colin Holt put up a brilliant performance for Framingham with 10 saves of Worcester’s 12 shots on goal.
Colin Holt received MASCAC Defensive Player of the Week honors Sept. 2 after posting a shutout victory against Lasell
University in his first career game Aug. 30.
Worcester kept the pressure on Colin Holt with three more shots in the first 15 minutes, one of which forced Colin Holt into a sliding save.
Colin Holt lobbed the ball downfield, where junior Brian Penney, sophomore Landon Medeiros, and freshman Graham Tinkham were waiting to execute a series of passes that evaded the Lancers’ defense.
Penney took off to receive a final pass from Tinkham near the corner of the net, which he lofted into the air to connect with a jumping header shot off sophomore Isaiah Harris.
Harris netted the ball to tie the game 1-1. For the remainder of the first half, the Rams continued to put pressure on Worcester but consistently struggled with dropped passes and ball placement in the offensive zone.
The Rams committed 11 fouls in the first half and received one yellow card. Criticism of the referees rose both on the field and from the fans in the stands as fouls mounted on the home team.
As the clock wound down to signal the end of the first half, the tension between both teams was palpable.
The Lancers were fully in control at the start of the second half, creating early opportunities in their offensive zone and drawing the Rams offside.
Worcester connected with five quick shots in the first 10 minutes, two of which were saved by Colin Holt to keep the score even.
Fouls continued to be troublesome for both teams throughout the second half, but each team was issued a yellow card in the first 12 minutes of play.
Framingham’s yellow card resulted in a penalty kick for Worcester.
The Lancers capitalized on the opportunity with a shot that misdirected Colin Holt in the opposite direction of the ball to take a 2-1 lead over the Rams.
The Rams had several opportunities in their offensive zone,
Stats sourced from fsurams.com and MASCAC.com CONNECT WITH SOPHIA OPPEDISANO soppedisano@student.framingham.edu
including a nail-biting penalty kick from Tinkham and a shot on goal from senior Gustav Hemmingsen, but neither connected with the back of the net.
After the loss to the Lancers, the Rams evened their overall record to 3-3 in a 4-1 win over the Elms College Blazers.
Colin Holt stayed dominant in goal, and Harris and freshman Michael MacDougall each scored a goal in the second half, while junior Jack Holt scored both goals in the first.
The Rams return to MASCAC action at Fitchburg State University Sept. 20.
Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST
Mikayla Malmquist dribbling the ball in loss against Westfield St. Sept. 16.
Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST
Colin Holt kicking the ball down field in loss against Worcester St. Sept. 13.
Swanbon
Continued from Page 1
He said, “The conditioning aspect of it is really good for hockey, so it was kind of part of my summer training and also a fun thing that I could do as well.”
Head Coach Michael Bailey said he wasn’t surprised to hear about Swanbon’s summer accomplishment.
Bailey said, “I thought it was impressive, as a triathlon is a huge undertaking.
“I absolutely support Owen with this endeavor. There was never a doubt he would be up for the challenge,” he added.
For someone used to standing in the crease during highpressure hockey games, mental strength is nothing new. Swanbon said, “There were times when I was like, ‘All right, you have to dig in here and just get through it.’”
Captain Jake Barcelou, a senior, said, “Owen is a very hardworking kid, both on and off the ice. I always see him in the gym, stretching, and taking good care of his body away from the rink.
“Owen competing in a triathlon during the off-season shows that he is a very committed athlete who loves to challenge himself,” he added.
Swanbon said the training wasn’t entirely new to him, as there were overlaps with hockey, especially in terms of endurance and structure. “I would say the biggest difference is in the swimming. The breathing is a lot different because it’s very specific, with short rests at once.”
But he said his usual role as a goalie required a shift in approach. “I don’t train specifically for distance as much as short sprinting or short bursts of energy, so training for a longer race was probably the biggest difference.”
Bailey said, “Owen takes pride in his training and is always ready to go when the season kicks off.
“He works so hard. I don’t really see him having to adapt his training routine too much from the norm to be triathlon-ready,” he added.
Swanbon said his biggest focus was being consistent every
day. “Trying to stack days on top of each other and trying not to fall out of my consistent training plan, and then I used the triathlon as another step in that.
“Obviously, it’s hard in the summer when you have different things going on, but just trying to do something every day to help yourself get 1% better - that was the mindset that I had,” he added.
Bailey said when he recently saw Swanbon, he appeared “to be in the best shape since I have known him. During our recent preseason testing day, he improved his mile time, push-ups, and sit-ups from last season’s numbers.”
Barcelou said the triathlon isn’t just about physical conditioning - it’s “a mental grind, just like playing goalie in ice hockey.”
Swanbon said, “I haven’t done training like that before, and so I didn’t know how tough it would really be.”
Bailey said, “Owen’s character and dedication to strength and fitness have always been off the charts. It just shows me that he continues to be dedicated and focused on his conditioning, which will allow him to have a positive impact on our hockey team.”
Bailey said he believes that the
experience will carry over into the hockey season, especially in moments when grit matters most.
“All the training and hard work put into being ready for the race, along with the confidence you have in yourself to take on such a huge challenge, translates both on and off the ice,” he added.
Swanbon said the swimming portion of the triathlon was the toughest because it was the longest swim he had ever completed. “But once I was in the thick of it … it got a lot easier, but it’s definitely a lot harder than it looks.”
Bailey said, “I believe competing in a triathlon will be something Owen can draw from throughout the season when fatigue and adversity set in and he needs to work through it to help the team achieve their goals.”
Swanbon said crossing the finish line “felt really good. It was coming around the corner to finish,” realizing, “‘I did it.’ I can say that I did the triathlon.”
He said he is already looking ahead to more. “It’s so much fun, and it’s very rewarding, so I would definitely like to do it again.”
Swanbon said he has gotten some teammates interested in
undertaking a triathlon with him.
Bailey said, “Owen is the prototypical student-athlete who absolutely sets the tone for our team or any team at FSU. He checks all the boxes - great athlete, student, and overall great person.”
Barcelou said, “He is very committed to being in great shape come the hockey season, and I am really looking forward to watching him have a great junior year.”
Reflecting on the experience, Swanbon said he views himself as “someone who can do more difficult things that aren’t just hockey.”
Bailey said, “While recruiting Owen, watching him on the ice, I was instantly interested. Getting a chance to sit down with him and learn a little bit about his story, I knew we needed him on our team. Owen hasn’t disappointed!”
Courtesy of Brent Doscher / BOSTON TRIATHLON Courtesy
ARTS & FEATURES
Superman King of the Hill Season 14
By Jesse Burchill Staff Writer
Released on July 7, “Superman” is the first cinematic installment in the new DC Universe and features the Man of Steel in a battle against his eternal nemesis Lex Luthor, with the conflict involving an international war, an interdimensional prison, and personal revelations for Superman.
The performances are what truly shine in this movie. Specifically, David Corenswet as Superman is perhaps the single best casting choice they could have made for the Man of Steel. He perfectly encapsulates Superman’s inner conflict between his alien heritage, his Earth-grown values, and Lex Luthor’s efforts to destroy his reputation, while also demonstrating how Superman is a beacon of hope and inspiration for everyone the world over.
Furthermore, Nicolas Hoult as Lex Luthor is absolutely brilliant, and is utterly convincing as someone who despises Superman beyond all reason. Lex is petty, cruel, obsessed, and relentless, and Hoult sells every beat perfectly as Lex works to turn public perception against the Big Blue Boy Scout out of sheer envy and hate.
Also featured is the comparatively obscure (and sillier) character of Krypto the
Superdog. Not only is he a capable fighter and ally of Superman, but he also has several nice moments where you remember “Yep, he’s a dog.” These moments make him even more adorable, especially for actual dog owners, and I love him.
It was also nice to see superheroes featured in this movie who are not typically associated with Supermanspecifically, Mr. Terrific, Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, and Metamorpho as the “Justice Gang.” Their inclusion was a very welcome surprise, and does a great job at setting up the wider setting of the new DCU. In the end, “Superman” is an excellent superhero movie that sets up the new DC Universe in grand fashion and proves that kindness is the real punk rock.
By Paul Harrington Staff Writer
As a kid, did you ever have anything that made you realize “I am up way past my bedtime?”
Well for me that was “King of the Hill.”
The early 2000s sitcom is back with a modern spin on day-to-day life in the fictional town of Arlen, Texas.
In my opinion, a revival of an old show can either go really well, or can end up being a hot mess.
In “King of the Hill’s” case, the decision to pick up where things left off works amazingly in the narrative’s favor.
The king and the queenwell, Hank and Peggy Hillpick up right where they left off after moving to Saudi Arabia.
Fan favorites, such as the loveable Bobby Hill, make a triumphant return.
The prince of Texas now owns his own restaurant named “Robata Chane,” which he describes as a mix of Japanese and Germanic yumminess.
Seeing one of my favorite childhood characters all grown up is a surreal feeling.
long time without the show.
The episodes are the same length as they were back in the day and are simplistic enough for anyone to follow.
If you grew up on the show like me, then you’ll love every episode the reboot has to offer.
And even if you didn’t grow up on the show, maybe this will have convinced you to start it!
You can tell the writers wanted to make sure that the characters didn’t lose any of their charm in the mix of things after such a
Fantastic Four: First Steps Deltarune Chapters 3 and 4
By Antonio Machado Editorial Staff
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has completely dominated the box office for the past decade, and accordingly, they’ve released more and more projects each year. Audiences, however, have begun to consume these projects less and less, a phenomenon that’s been observed as “superhero fatigue.”
In their time of need, Marvel has once again enlisted the help of the Fantastic Four to save them - just as they did in 1961 to revive their dying comic book company.
Set against a retro-futuristic 1960s backdrop, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” follows an already established Fantastic Four as they prepare themselves and the entire Earth to deal with the impending threat of the Devourer of Worlds, Galactus (Ralph Ineson).
The film diverges from previous iterations of Marvel’s First Family by capitalizing on their true nature as space explorers and emphasizing their family dynamics as opposed to the flashy superhero fights audiences expect of the MCU, but they make up for it with their characterization.
Pedro Pascal brings Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic) directly from the page of a comic book onto the screen, inviting audiences inside the mind of the smartest man alive as he struggles with fa-
therhood.
The Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bacharach), though perhaps underused, are perfectly cast - serving perfectly timed comedic relief with intelligence. They are, perhaps, the most comic-accurate iterations of these respective characters.
That all goes to say, the film simply would not function without Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm. The most vital part of the Invisible Woman is seeing directly through her heart, and Kirby’s performance shows every color on the spectrum of motherhood.
Though the action sequences may be few and far between, they are by no means unengaging. Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer glides through the screen with both poise and ferocity, and Ineson’s deep snarl as Galactus is already enough to frighten audiences - his sheer scale is just a bonus.
Despite questionable CGI at times, the film has a very tangible beating heart, and it feels like a breath of fresh air in a genre that has become winded from constantly racing to the next big spectacle.
WITH ANTONIO MACHADO amachado4@student.framingham.edu CONNECT WITH JESSE BURCHILL jcelardo@student.framingham.edu
By Owen Glancy Arts & Features Editor
Of all the excellent games released over the summer, few took
Seeing Gerson make his return from “Undertale” is another obvious highlight. His rise from quirky shop-keep who knows more than lets on to powerful mentor is as
this lengthy wait was well worth it seeing as these were the two best chapters so far.
The game unsurprisingly carries the same strengths it had from the last chapters such as phenomenal music and beautiful sprite work. However, the new chapters bring with them new strengths, particularly in the new characters.
Tenna, Lanino and Lanina, Jackenstein, and the return of Gerson from “Undertale” are all excellent and stand tall alongside the established cast of favorites from the first two chapters. Tenna is an especially memorable stand out with his charismatic attitude that contrasts with his necessity to be seen and loved, forming the basis of chapter 3’s story.
introduce new elements to the gameplay, whether it be the 8-bit minigames of chapter 3 or the climbing and brightness mechanics of chapter 4 they are excellent and add a new layer of depth to the game.
“Deltarune Chapters 3 and 4” bring the game to a new level of quality that rivals, and arguably surpasses, that of “Undertale,” especially given the plethora of gameplay elements and new characters that bring it just that one step above the first two chapters.
Ronnie Chiu-Liu / THE GATEPOST
Ronnie Chiu-Lin / THE GATEPOST
Marcus Falcão / THE GATEPOST
By Andrew Ramirez Staff Writer
This summer, the king of monsters stomped his way back into theatres. Hideaki Anno’s and Shinji Higuchi’s 2016 “Shin Godzilla” returned to the United States in August with a new remastered skin at 4K ultra-high definition.
Unlike the modern American version of Godzilla, who is portrayed as an ancient protector, “Shin Godzilla” sees a return to Godzilla’s roots as a natural engine of destruction. No heroics. No anti-hero. No team ups - he’s just a raw force of nature.
My excitement when watching this film cannot be understated. As I watched in horror and disbelief as Godzilla pushed his way through Tokyo, I felt the beast’s awesome power. Cars, buildings, and trains are flimsy barriers that present no more of an obstacle than paper.
The evolution of Godzilla from an ocean creature to what can only be described as terror incarnate kept me glued to the screen.
“Shin Godzilla” is a great addition to the “Godzilla” franchise pushing more toward political commentary and satire than just a monster film. Throughout the film, the characters are confronted with the inadequacies of bu-
reaucracy from tedious meetings, incomplete information, and endless emphasis on decorum all while Tokyo, Japan is destroyed by an unstoppable force.
In a surreal scene where the prime minister of Japan is presented with the choice to fire missiles on a civilian inhabited zone, we see a game of telephone at the highest level of severity, when the request is passed from official-to-official sitting right next to each other.
I highly recommend “Shin Godzilla” to anyone who enjoys Godzilla in general and would like to see, at its core, what the franchise was meant to evoke.
By Liv Dunleavy Asst. Arts & Features Editor
K-pop megastars Stray Kids have been absolutely dominATE-ing the music sphere this past year, sweeping awards, topping charts, and breaking records. This summer, the group released their fourth Korean studio album, “KARMA.”
Composed of six absolute bangers and two remixes of the title track “CEREMONY,” the full album falls at eight songs for me to play on repeat for the rest of my life.
The album’s tracklist is a manifold of genres. There is an overwhelming draw to each song that is unlike the others. “CEREMONY,” the title track, had fans feral, clambering at YouTube’s metaphorical gates to watch what I would describe as the best piece of media to come out of 2025. Since my very first listen I’ve been salivating at the thought of screaming the chorus live at a concert.
“BLEEP,” the first track on the album, is one of the most fun to listen to and scream at full volume with the windows down. It has a crazy hook, an instant earworm chorus, and downright nasty lyrical composition. 3RACHA strikes again with diabolically genius wordplay on censoring and criticism.
From “CREED” to “In My Head,” the absolute range of this album is shocking in all the right ways. “CREED’s” trap style hip hop beat and rap heavy lyrics are a trap for all STAYs, and the music video is absolute madness. Whereas the pop rock track, “In My Head” is giving early 2000s boy band vibes. I can’t pick a favorite, believe me I’ve tried, but every song on “KARMA” is worth a thousand listens. I couldn’t recommend it more, and I hope to “hip-hip hooray!” and celebrate with you all at the next Stray Kids tour!
Wishbone Dungeon Fest
By Sophia Oppedisano Editor-in-Chief
Conan Gray has reclaimed his throne as a king of pop with his fourth studio album, “Wishbone,” a cathartic, vulnerable, dreamy showcase of Gray’s storytelling and sonic prowess.
“Wishbone” is a compelling and much-anticipated return from Gray on the heels of his third studio album, “Found Heaven,” which took a distinct departure from the rest of Gray’s catalog and fell flat with fans.
In contrast to the synthpop beats and catchy, nostalgic ’80s sound of “Found Heaven,” “Wishbone” is a breath of fresh air with its stripped-back, raw energy that perfectly encapsulates Gray’s strengths and originality as an artist.
Themes of heartbreak, trauma, and identity have always been prominent in Gray’s discography. What sets “Wishbone” apart is Gray’s unapologetic showcase of maturity, emotion, and honesty in his songwriting.
Singles “This Song” and “Vodka Cranberry” drew fans into the story of “Wishbone” immediately, beckoning them into the narrative of a coming-of-age relationship that didn’t work out.
Tracks such as “Actor,” “Nauseous,” and “Eleven
Eleven” bottle up the emptiness and ache associated with heartbreak and longing, and practically beg fans who know the feelings all too well to recognize their own stories in the lyrics.
With these tracks, Gray explores the feelings that come with an apathetic partner, capturing the feelings of being ignored, forgotten, or invisible in a relationship.
“Romeo,” “My World,” and “Caramel” don’t miss a beat on this introspective journey, but they invite fans to dance and indulge in Gray’s addictive melodies.
What prevails across all 12 tracks is the feeling that Gray has created an intimate, tear-soaked slumber party for those of us 20-somethings who still wish on “wishbones and clovers and numbers from heaven.”
As we stand on the edge of uncertainty, lost in our identity, dealing with heartbreak, trauma, and trying to figure out where we belong, Conan is right there with us.
By Alexis Schlesinger Editorial Staff
If you’re not familiar with the DIY music scene, a dungeon is probably the last place you’d want to spend 11 hours.
You’ll change your mind if you make it to Dungeon Fest next year.
Rocky Soto, Jake Quinlan, and John Quinlan, of DIY venue “Dud’s Dungeon” hosted the fifth annual Dungeon Fest on Sept. 13. The event featured 22 different artists from all around Massachusetts.
Doors opened at 12 p.m., and music lasted from 1 p.m.-11 p.m.
The 22 band bill was split between two stages - the outdoor “Fire Stage,” and the indoor “Dungeon Stage.” The sets were uniquely scheduled to keep a constant stream of music throughout the event. As soon as one band finished a set on the Fire Stage, another band would start playing on the Dungeon Stage.
Creating a cohesive bill can be a challenge for any show, making an event with 22 artists all the more impressive. Even across multiple different genres, there was an undeniable flow through the entire schedule.
Some especially standout performances that day were
the sets of “Julia Dasey,” “Free Rock,” and “Tiberius.”
Not only was the lineup impeccable, but so were the vendors and other activities available.
Throughout the event, there were guests in the pool, playing Super Smash Bros. tournaments, getting their tarot cards read, and getting pictures drawn of themselves.
Merch was not only being sold by the bands, but also by the organizers of the event. They had custom T-shirts, buttons, keychains, and posters.
If there is one thing that can’t be said enough about Dungeon Fest, it’s that everything was thought out, and executed perfectly.
With 22 bands, seven vendors, and well over 200 attendees, Dungeon Fest was easily the most impressive local music event of the summer.
If I’m wrong, lock me up, but I better be thrown in Dud’s Dungeon.
Ronnie Chiu-Lin / THE GATEPOST
It’s never too late to be a poet
By Francisco Omar Fernandez Rodriguez Arts & Features Editor
About a decade ago, Rachel Trousdale started coming up with the concept for a manuscript. That manuscript became the poetry book “Five Paragraph Essay on the BodyMind Problem” and was published March 25.
She said she had been working on the poems for a while. After an inspiring 10 days at a writers’ conference, she tried to figure out what the poems she liked had in common.
English professor Trousdale teaches multiple courses at FSU. She is not one of the professors who focuses on teaching creative writing courses, but she has experience in the field.
Lisa Eck, the chair of the English Department, and Jennifer De Leon, creative writing professor, both had plenty to say about Trousdale’s poetry book.
Eck said it’s unique for a writer to move from literary criticism to their own work.
“I actually read her work before she came to join our faculty, so I know her as a poetry critic. And then it’s so thrilling to have a whole collection of her poems now,” she said.
She loves that Trousdale’s poems always have humor which comes as a surprise given the serious topics, she added.
“Not only the human topics of love and loss but also really great philosophical debates - the mind body problem,” Eck said.
Eck went to Trousdale’s reading at Belmont Books. She said Trousdale described herself as a love poet. The titular poem, “Five Paragraph Essay on the Body-Mind Problem” has romantic and familial love, she added.
“She would have to elaborate on that but I think she’s a successful love poet of the most unusual kind,” she said.
De Leon said it’s rare for a collection of poetry to be lively, serious, and funny, yet Trousdale’s poems are so.
She got to hear some of the poems from the collection over Zoom during the pandemic and at a reading in the Ecumenical Center, she added.
“Her poems are so magnetic and alive and solemn, and then it’ll take a turn and you’ll be laughing,” De Leon said.
She said Trousdale is “the real deal” when it comes to creative writers.
Trousdale said she found a structure for the book with the poem “Five Paragraph Essay on the Body-Mind Problem” because it contains the ideas she wanted to focus on.
“So I thought, ‘Great! That is cheap, that is easy. I can borrow the structure I am making fun of in that poem, the dreadful structure of the five paragraph essay, which is limiting and boring, and I can use it for my own book,’” she added.
Trousdale said over the years she reorganized the manuscript. She took out the poems she wasn’t satisfied with and wrote new ones.
She said publishing a poetry
book is difficult, as they’re not great sellers.
Most of the time, she said, an author’s first poetry book is published through contests. The manuscript is sent off anonymously to the press running the contest, who selects a few to send to a guest judge.
“Sometimes the press will also take a couple additional ones, but that’s the process by which you can even get anyone to look at your first book,” she said.
Trousdale said she entered several contests, including the Cardinal Poetry Prize from Wesleyan University Press. This contest is specifically for poets over 40 who haven’t published their first poetry book yet.
“It’s a mirror image of a different famous major poetry series called the Yale Younger Poets Prize, which is for poets under 30,” Trousdale said. She used to help read entries for that contest back in graduate school.
She said the guest judge of the Cardinal Poetry Prize, former Poet Laureate of the United States Robert Pinsky, selected her manuscript, to her “unending surprise and delight.”
Previously, she had a small chapbook of poetry published, and some of its poems are reprinted in this book, she said. The chapbook is called “Antiphonal Fugue for Marx Brothers, Elephant and Slide Trombone,” she added.
Trousdale’s parents used to teach at Wesleyan University, she said. The book launch was held there, so both of them
were able to attend. If it had been further away, it’s unlikely that her wheelchair bound father would have been able to go, she added.
“Five Paragraph Essay on the Body-Mind Problem” is available to buy at Wesleyan University Press, Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, and other various bookstores.
CONNECT WITH FRANCISCO OMAR FERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ ffernandezrodriguez@student.framingham.edu Alexis Schlesinger / THE GATEPOST
Audrey Kali shares her compassion for critters
By Alexis Schlesinger Editorial Staff
If a mosquito landed on Audrey Kali, she said she wouldn’t kill it. In fact, she believes that insects have more in common with humans than we think.
Kali led an artist’s talk in the Ecumenical Center Sept. 16 to speak about her exhibition currently on display in the Mazmanian Gallery, “Existential Bugs: A Crisis of Compassion, Conscience, and Creativity.”
During the event, Kali, a professor of Communication, Media, and Performance, spoke about the connection of art and science. She said her work aims to inform people about the anthropomorphism of insects.
According to Kali, anthropomorphism is attributing human characteristics to non-human creatures.
She said recognizing insects as individuals will help people feel less afraid of creatures that look different from them.
“It’s important to just be curious about the world around you,” Kali said.
She said her project began approximately eight years ago when she began photographing flowers in her backyard.
After seeing an insect in her garden, she photographed it using a macro-lens. She said she was “surprised it had a face.”
Kali said she aims to destigmatize insects and their behavior through her photography.
Many public assumptions
about bugs are based on “hostile images in pop culture,” she said.
In her artist’s statement, Kali said the purpose of her work “strives to engage a viewer’s empathy,” as well as “awaken a viewer’s fascination and awe.”
Kali said the movie “Infestation” is an example of media portraying insects as creatures to be afraid of.
She said this type of media is a factor in society’s fear of insects.
When presenting her photos to the audience, Kali explained what the insects were, and how to identify if they were truly “harmful.” She described many of them as “beautiful” or “cute.”
Kali said she doesn’t like that comparisons to bugs always mean something negative, such as being “ugly” or “scary.”
“Most people are offended when they get compared to an insect,” she said, “If someone called me a bug, I would say thank you!”
Kali added she has been curious about nature since she was young.
“In all things of nature there is something marvelous,” she said, a quote originally written by Greek philosopher, Aristotle.
“This is something I have felt even as a child,” she said.
As a science communicator, she photographs insects and learns about their roles in the ecosystem, she said.
“All scientists need to be artists, and all artists need to be
scientists,” she said.
In her artist’s statement, Kali said, “The art of photography is essential for the public understanding of science, and macrophotography can work in dispelling fears and phobias about what we conversationally call bugs.”
While comparing her raw versus edited images during her presentation, Kali explained how important the editing process is to her goals with her exhibition.
Kali said she shoots with specific camera settings in order to capture light only on the insects, to make them “pop out.”
Aside from that, the editing
process is where most of the work comes in to create the effect of the anthropomorphism of insects she aims to achieve,
she said.
Kali explained she crops her photos much tighter toward the insects and will adjust colors to create a more contrasted effect between the insect and the background.
She said she prefers to include vignettes in most of her photographs to create a circular shadow effect around the frame.
Kali said she also uses artificial intelligence in her editing to enhance small details, or sharpen an image. However, she would never use editing software to add, remove, or alter the subjects of her photographs.
In response to a question asked by junior Paige Rainville, Kali stated she never noticed the effects of “artificial artifacts” in her photographs after editing. Rainville described artificial artifacts as “blobs of color rather than straight lines” that occur after using artificial intelligence during photo editing.
When asked by sophomore Io Phillips what her favorite insect to photograph was, Kali responded: “I love wasps. Especially parasitic wasps - the ones that lay eggs in other insects and eat them from the inside.”
English professor Lisa Eck said she was very moved by her photographs and presentation.
CONNECT WITH ALEXIS SCHLESINGER aschlesinger@student.framingham.edu
Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST
By Owen Glancy Arts & Features Editor
When most people think of the samurai film, they typically fall into one of two story templates. Either a revenge narrative with a high body count, or a lone ronin who wanders the countryside reluctantly saving a small town from their bandit/yakuza problem.
There are many incredible films that use these formulas - “Lady Snowblood” and “Yojimbo” are both excellent examples - however, for those looking for a more unique samurai film, “The Sword of Doom” is it.
The early 1960s was marked by two different film movements, the French New Wave and the Japanese New Wave - movements both defined by the number of new auteur directors who were going against the grain of cinematic tradition. The Japanese New Wave in particular is defined by eccentric and loud directors like Seijun Suzuki and Masahiro Shinoda who dominated the space with their bright colors and lightning fast pacing. In comparison, Kihachi Okamoto’s approach in “The Sword of Doom” is much more subdued.
Shot in black and white, set
in the Edo era like many of the Japanese films from the previous decade, and set squarely in the samurai genre, you’d be forgiven for assuming the film came out in the 1950s. However, this was released in 1966, right toward the end of the Japanese New Wave. This movement definitely had a lot of inspiration on Okamoto, as this film sets itself apart in its plot and tone.
“The Sword of Doom” follows a swordsman named Ryu uses cred ible tal ent with the blade to merci lessly slaughter more and more people around him.
classically honorable samurai that I hesitate to even call him one. By the time the film begins, he has already begun to fall for the seductive power of the sword. This leans into one of the core themes of the film being that swords are tools used to kill, so those who wield them must be extremely careful to use them responsibly.
This theme - this message - has only become more relevant when applied to the
people. “The Sword of Doom” has been somewhat neglected by many of those who are getting into classic Japanese cinema and the samurai genre - overshadowed by epics like “Seven Samurai,” “Harakiri,” and “Lady Snowblood.” However, for anyone looking to see the true breadth of what the genre has to offer, or for just an entertaining and violent time, this is not a film to miss.
You can find “The Sword of
and purposes, this is a samurai slasher film, made nearly a decade be fore the concept of a slasher film would become solidified in John Carpenter’s hor ror classic “Hal loween” in 1978. However, unlike the slasher films that would come to dominate the 1980s and ’90s, our main charac ter is the slasher villain.
Played by Tatsuya Nakudai, Ryunosuke is the reason this film is memorable and so different. He represents such a drastic departure from the
28. Nobelist Wiesel
29. Wellness retreats
these fights feel exhilarating. It’s as if the film wants you to partially give into the same excitement the protagonist feels chopping down hordes of
11. Largest geologic time unit
12. Scripts
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WITH OWEN GLANCY
31. *Glasses style popularized in the ’50s and ’60s
32. Teaching method descriptor
34. Defeated
37. Pets also known as voids ... or parts of the starred clues’ answers
39. “It’s about time!”
42. Spicysounding Cuban dance
46. *Bigwig
47. Golfer’s cry
48. Garden west of the Land of Nod
49. Boston dessert
53. *Runway
54. *Inappropriate whistle
55. Except
58. ___ de mer
59. What Alexander the Great or Richard the Lionheart had
62. Out to dinner, maybe
64. Hanukkah centerpiece
65. Food connoisseur
66. *Easily frightened individual
67. Tasty parts of a pomegranate
DOWN 1. Options 2. “Star Wars” character who was frozen in carbonite
3. Pertinent 4. FedEx Cup’s org.
5. Word repeated after “Que” in a classic song
6. Paprika and saffron
7. Summer camp craft?
8. Fervor
9. Does flawlessly
10. Confidentiality doc
15. Turf
23. ___ mate (South American tea)
24. Construction site sight
25. Court divider
26. “___ Como Va” (Santana hit)
27. Jerry’s partner in ice cream
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30. Insta post
33. Pacino and Gore
34. Sheepherding pig of film fame
35. GPS calculation
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38. Jam ingredient?
39. Patriots’ grp.
40. La Brea ___ Pits
41. Cell service letters
43. Sushi side
44. All in the family
online.
45. Lower-leg accessories commonly worn by ancient Egyptians
47. Extremely dirty
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51. Ski-racing legend Phil
52. Beg
55. Place where cranberries grow
56. Game with Reverse cards
57. Greek T’s
59. Ambulance letters
60. Pushup muscle, briefly
61. ___ pickle
63. Nickname hidden in “world record”
Puzzle solutions are now exclusively
Marcus Falcão / THE GATEPOST
New student high-fiving faculty and staff in the student “tunnel” at the President’s Welcome Picnic Sept 2.
New students smiling at the President’s Welcome Picnic Sept 2.
Dining staff flipping burgers at the President’s Welcome Picnic Sept 2.
Students and staff in the food line at the President’s Welcome Picnic Sept 2.
Faculty and staff cheering on the new students at the President’s Welcome Picnic Sept 2.
(Left) Peter Miro and Ayoub Essaoui at the President’s Welcome Picnic Sept 2.
President Nancy Niemi chatting with professors at the President’s Welcome Picnic Sept 2.
Photos and Spread by Associate Editor Adrien Gobin