Kentucky Kernel: November 16, 2020

kentuckykernel

Monday, November 16, 2020 est. 1892 | Independent since 1971 www.kykernel.com @kykernel @kentuckykernel

MARCHING ON CAMPUS UNION CONTINUES PUSH FOR CHANGE | PAGE 6

CAMPUS EXIT SAFETY

VACCINE GIVES HOPE

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FOOD TRUCK FLAVOR

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Monday, November 16, 2020

opinions

The liberal arts were just revived

By Luke Schlake news@kykernel.com

Let’s be honest. Many students, especially at schools as big as UK, don’t care much about the liberal arts. Philosophy? “That’s for dead white men.” History? “I want a job.” Political Science? “I already took AP Government.”

And the infamous excuse for academic apathy: “This isn’t for my major, it’s just a credit I need.”

Students want specialized degrees (think STEM, Business, Accounting, etc.) so they can be the top class in a practical and lucrative field. In the face of the increased competition brought on by globalization and the modern world’s penchant for hiring only the “best,” this seems like a logical goal. But sometimes we outthink ourselves, don’t we?

When the Titanic was built, the world believed it to be invincible. It was the biggest ship of its day, an indomitable fortress. Everyone was betting on its success...but no one was betting on an iceberg. The behemoth couldn’t maneuver quick enough to avoid the obstacle and it sank.

Now the world believes it can build titanic students, unrivaled in their knowledge of a singular subject, and yet unprepared for challenges with which they will soon collide that require critical, interdisciplinary thinking. No one was betting on the inevitable iceberg; no one was betting on 2020.

If I need to remind you, the world just lived through the impeachment of a sitting U.S. president, the COVID-19 pandemic, the heartbreaking deaths of a number of cultural icons, protests over police killings, exhausting online schooling, weeks of civil unrest, rampant killer tornados, a presidential debate from hell and giant killer hornets (which actually turned out to the least of our worries).

For better or worse, these troubled waters have altered our course.

Take the tech student who dreamt of starting a social media platform. Doing so now means playing arbiter in the world’s most important elections or deciding fundamental questions about law, political theory and free speech. It may mean testifying before the United States Congress one day or answering questions that are on the edge of our moral and philosophical frontier.

Take the business student who dreamt of being a CEO. Being a CEO now means answering questions ranging from pathology to social justice and racial equity. Whatever protective niche modern day business leaders thought they had carved out for themselves is gone. Whether they like it or not, modern day leaders have been handed a promotion: from business manager to ethics manager, from

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JACK WEAVERI STAFF The James Kennedy Patterson statue on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, outside Patterson Office Tower in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo by Jack Weaver | Staff

logistics coordinator to Covid-response coordinator.

The liberal arts teach you how to think, not just what to know. This year has made them indispensable: Sociology is fundamental to understand protests and race theory. English and literature to understand how we convey meaning when facts seem to be subjective. Political science in deciding how to respond to election turmoil. Logic to work through the logistics of national catastrophe. Philosophy to make decisions about technology and legal ethics. If we were at risk of forgetting, 2020 just reminded us: the liberal arts are fundamental. We are, in fact, still asking the exact same questions asked in Plato’s Republic: What is justice and how do we get it? Who should rule, and will people with power always abuse it? Are the needs of the

community greater than that of the individual?

We can’t just build students into Titanics. The size of a ship means nothing if it can’t navigate unforeseen icebergs. Pretending as if schools can teach students everything they’ll need to know is as crazy as teaching them that they could have predicted the last 11 months.

We need thinkers, students who don’t follow the formulas but write the formulas themselves. We need men and women who can chart and rechart their course as obstacles arise. Because no one, and I mean no one, was preparing to deal with a global pandemic, racial justice protests, electoral uncertainty, and economic collapse simultaneously.

Monday, November 16, 2020

kentuckykernel

LOOKING BACK

CONTACT Editor-in-chief: Natalie Parks editor@kykernel.com

UK COMMUNITY PAYS TRIBUTE TO COACH JOHN SCHLARMAN

Kentucky Football’s beloved offensive line coach John Schlarman passed away on Nov. 12 following a two-year battle with cancer. He was 45 years old.

Soon after the announcement was made, UK players, fans and colleagues of Schlarman’s flooded social media with memories and messages.

“I’m heartbroken to learn about the passing of my friend, John Schlarman,” said UK head coach Mark Stoops in a press release shortly after the news broke. “My prayers go out to LeeAnne and the kids, Joseph, Benjamin, Matthew and Evelyn, through this very difficult time.”

“The UK Athletics family is in deep sorrow on the passing of John Schlarman,” said Mitch Barnhart, UK Director of Athletics in the press release. “Throughout the last two years, he has been an incredible inspiration. He taught people how to live and showed all of us what it means to be courageous.

Schlarman spent eleven seasons on the football staff at UK, including three as a graduate assistant from 2000-2002. He rejoined the Cats as part of Mark Stoops’ initial staff when he became head coach in 2013.

Schlarman entered coaching at Bourbon County High School, where he served as the defensive line coach (1998-1999). After his graduate assistant stint, he worked as the head coach at both Campbell County High School (2003-2005) and Newport High School (2005-2007) before going to Troy University as the offensive line coach (2007-2012). The position at Troy was his final coaching gig prior to his return to Lexington.

Schlarman oversaw five All-SEC lineman during his tenure: Jon Toth, Drake Jackson, Landon Young, Bunchy Stallings and Logan Stenberg.

Schlarman was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma - cancer of the bile ducts - in the summer of 2018. He continued coaching the Cats while undergoing treatments

Managing editor: Michael Clubb editor@kykernel.com News editor: Lauren Campbell news@kykernel.com Asst. news editors: Haley Blackburn Sports editor: Braden Ramsey sports@kykernel.com Opinions editor: Sarah Michels opinions@kykernel.com Asst. opinions editor: Gillian Stawiszynski Asst. photo editor: Jack Weaver MICHAEL CLUBB I STAFF Kentucky Wildcats defensive lineman Joshua Paschal (4) and offensive lineman coach John Schlarman walk off the field after the UK vs Florida football game on Saturday, Sept.

14, 2019, in Lexington, Kentucky.

for the disease.

His story became known on a national scale after a feature by ESPN’s Alex Scarborough in May of this year, which detailed both his and defensive lineman Josh Paschal’s fights against cancer.

He was a major inspiration to not only his players, but anyone who knew of him.

His determination and perseverance were unmatched.

Schlarman’s final in-person game appearance came in Kentucky’s historic victory over Tennessee at Neyland Stadium.

The Cats put up their most complete performance of the season in the win.

$250,000 IN COLLEGE OF ED FUNDS MISAPPROPRIATED BY FORMER EMPLOYEES

In an email sent to students, UK president Eli Capilouto that an internal audit revealed the misappropriation of more than $250,000 by former employees within the

College of Education.

“Those employees are no longer with UK and the matter has been referred to law enforcement authorities for their review,” Capilouto said in the email.

According to the audit report, the investigation began in March after a desktop computer and files of an administrative support official, Stephanie Carpenter, were reported missing. The report came one day after college administration officials had inquired about inappropriate activity on Carpenter’s university credit card.

The review uncovered that Carpenter “misappropriated more than $256,000 toward the purchase of Apple devices, including more than 80 iPhones; other hightech equipment; travel expenses and other personal items over the course of her threeyear tenure in the college,.”

The audit additionally found that another employee of the college, Derita Graves, accumulated almost $1,000 in personal expenses.

Designers: Mya LaCLair Ryder Noah From Social media manager: Sarah Simon-Patches KENTUCKY KERNEL OFFICES 340 McVey Hall University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40506

On the cover: UCW demonstrators march through campus on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky.

Photo by Jack Weaver | Staff

Correction: In last week’s article ‘Student-recommended changes for UK during spring semester of COVID-19’, UK graduate student Chris Heintz was misidentified as Caleb Heintz.

The Kernel regrets the error.

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Monday, November 16, 2020

news

As UK students depart campus, some take steps to stop the spread

By Haley Blackburn news@kykernel.com

Students will be returning home for the seven-week winter break in just 10 days or less, and both students and administration are taking precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19 back in students’ hometowns.

UK has advised that students get exit tested for COVID-19 before returning home for the break.

UK’s student testing, tracing, and screening website reads: “We are strongly encouraging our students to be tested for COVID-19 and receive a flu shot before departing campus at the end of the semester. Time your test to ensure that you receive your results before traveling.”

UK spokesperson Jay Blanton said after UK’s suggestion of exit testing, the school’s testing sites have seen an increase in scheduled tests as we near the break.

“The volume has increased a bit – among our student and community sites we are doing a few hundred a day right now,” Blanton said.

Blanton said isolation facilities on campus would stay open through the break for students who test positive before the break and must quarantine.

“If they test positive, we will encourage them to do the appropriate quarantining and isolating while at home to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy. We will ask them to continue to screen during the break,” Blanton said.

UK has also announced that they will be doing another baseline round of testing before students return in the spring, similar to the one they conducted prior to the fall 2020 semester.

Blanton said they will continue reporting their COVID-19 numbers to the

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MICHAEL CLUBB | STAFF University of Kentucky students get tested for COVID-19 at a drive through testing site on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.

school’s dashboard throughout Thanksgiving Break but are unsure about reporting those over the full seven-week break.

“We are discussing how the dashboard will be maintained, once students are gone for the seven weeks between Thanksgiving and the start of baseline testing in the spring,” Blanton said.

UK Spokesperson Jay Blanton said the school will continue offering their community testing sites by Kroger Field and East-

ern State Hospital throughout the break for students who will be here in Lexington.

Blanton also said UHS would remain open for much of the break and continue offering testing as well. The on-campus testing site by the 90 will close once the semester is over and will not reopen until the start of move-in for the spring semester.

Blanton said the school would be communicating with students throughout the next week encouraging them to test and

schedule their test in a timely enough manner to receive their results before heading home. It can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours to receive results, so students should be aware of that delay when scheduling.

Asymptomatic students who wish to get tested can schedule their appointment through Wildhealth . Symptomatic students can schedule their appointment See SPREAD on page 5

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news SPREAD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

through their Medicat portal in myUK. Hannah McCoy, a junior nursing major, said she has decided not to get tested before heading home for the holidays.

“I am personally not getting tested before returning home, mainly because I will only be around family members that I am in contact with on a weekly basis, since I live in-state,” McCoy said.

However, she said if she does begin experiencing COVID-19 symptoms any time soon, she will get tested. She will also get tested upon returning to UK in the spring semester, as the school requires.

McCoy said her family has decided to limit their gathering to only close family and continue to wear masks and social distance.

Alex Stavens, a junior political science major, said she isn’t getting tested either, but it’s because she has already had COVID-19.

When asked about what precautions her family would be taking for holiday gatherings, Stavens said, “It’s only my parents and brother so none are needed.”

Even though her family has limited their celebrations to only their close family , Stavens said that she still has some concerns about COVID-19.

“Somehow exposing my parents,” Stavens said, was one of her main concerns even though she is taking precautions like social distancing and wearing a mask in her daily life before returning home.

Lexi Nolletti, a sophomore neuroscience major, said she is planning to get tested before heading home and her family is taking additional precautions too.

“My immediate family isn’t planning on meeting up with our grandparents or any other extended family members to protect them,” Nolletti said.

Nolletti said that she hadn’t seen many other precautions or recommendations from the school administration besides their push for exit testing, but she also said that she believes that is sufficient enough because she considers many COVID-19 guidelines to be self explanatory .

“So much of COVID safety is really common sense,” Nolletti said.

Jakey Blackburn, a sophomore biology major, said he was also planning to get tested before heading home, and family gatherings for his family are almost always less than 10 people so that wasn’t much of a concern or change for him.

However, he does plan on coming back to campus after the holidays, before the start of the spring semester.

“I plan on spending the majority of January in Lexington,” Blackburn said. “I’ll more than likely get tested [when I come back], depending on what I do over winter break.”

Blackburn said he would be sure to get his school-required test before classes the spring semester because he has some in-person classes.

Blackburn said no matter what, safety is a concern for him this holiday season.

“I have a couple concerns with COVID, most revolving around my family and friends back home,” Blackburn said. “I want to be as precautious as possible, so as not to give the virus to them.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading expert on infectious diseases, warned schools and students that travelling home for the holidays may only worsen the recent nationwide uptick in COVID cases during an interview with “CBS Evening News” last month.

“When you’re talking about relatives that are getting on a plane, being exposed in an airport, being exposed in a plane, then walk in the door and say ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ — that you have to be careful about,” Fauci said during the “CBS Evening News” interview.

Fauci, 79, said his own children have decided not to come home for the holidays since their parents are considered in the high-risk age group.

The CDC has also released guidelines for holiday gatherings guidance on hosting and attending events, who should come to gatherings, how to safely serve food and a wide range of other factors to consider this holiday season.

“Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household (who are consistently taking measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19) poses the lowest risk for spread,” the guidelines read.

For Thanksgiving specifically, the CDC

JACK WEAVER | STAFF A UK employee uses a hand sanitizer dispenser in the Gatton Student Center on the first day of in-person classes on Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky.

has broken down typical Thanksgiving activities based on their categorization as low risk, moderate risk or higher risk for COVID-19 exposure.

Some low risk activities include having a small dinner with those living in your household, shopping online, providing meals to those neighbors who may be at higher-risk and delivering them without face-to-face contact.

Moderate activities may be having a small outdoor dinner with those in your community and participating in other out-

door activities like pumpkin patches or small sporting events while following social distancing, sanitation and mask guidelines.

Higher risk activities include going shopping at crowded shopping centers and attending large gatherings with people outside your household.

For more guidance on how you can stay safe this holiday season, visit https:// www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#holiday-celebrations.

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Monday, November 16, 2020

news

As semester winds down, United Campus Workers continue push for changes

By Callie Justice news@kykernel.com

United Campus Workers, a coalition of UK employees, marched across campus in the afternoon of Nov. 12 as part of their campaign to demand a meeting with UK President Eli Capilouto.

“No justice, no peace. No healthcare, no peace. No safety, no peace,” they chanted as they marched around campus to Capilouto’s office in the Main Building.

UCW has previously gathered at the student center and done backpack displays on campus as part of their repeated efforts to meet with the administration.

UCW members say they will not allow themselves to be ignored, and will not let a few cancelled meetings damper their spirits because the message they are speaking hits too close to home.

Marion Rust, a professor of English at UK for over 12 years, spoke to the crowd of just over 30 about why she chose to join JACK WEAVER | STAFF UCW. She discussed how she be- UCW demonstrators gather in front of Memorial Hall on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, in Lexington, Kentucky. came fed up with the conditions her grad students were under with believe will benefit UK workers. with the mission to create a safe megaphone.

Although meetings have been ar- and stable working environment “We will get it whether Capilpoor healthcare and wages.

“They do a great deal of the ranged, they have resulted in last for UK faculty and campus work- outo meets with us or not.” ers. One of their greatest calls is Heil was quoted in a press rework yet receive a type of insur- minute cancellations.

“We had a meeting sched- that UK staff receives hazard pay lease sent out by UCW regarding ance that means if someone goes into childbirth, they can end up uled that day and they were can- for exposing themselves to the the day’s march. celled,” said Rust. “We were not unknown as they continue to do “I’ve been working for $8,000 in debt,” said Rust. months in-person, putting myself UCW has tried to arrange a going with the program in terms their jobs.

Speaker Matt Sheil, a staff at risk unnecessarily. It’s beyond meeting with UK administrators, of saying ‘You’re right, there is member at UK’s Library of Law, time for the University to make specifically Capilouto, to discuss no problem we are fine.’”

UCW was formed in late 2019 chatted to the crowd through a it a universal policy that staff be the changes and solutions they

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allowed to go remote if our work allows it,” Heil said.

Scott Zurkuhlen, grounds worker at UK, has had experiences in unions before, seeing the change they can bring.

“Workers ultimately need to have some sort of independent voice to speak collectively on issues that matter to them,” Zurkuhlen said.

Monday, November 16, 2020

news UCW’s website outlines how, in their opinion, UK’s top earners should take pay cuts to support the lower income workers.

“We believe that UK should not be using this crisis as an excuse to go after low-paid workers but should instead take cuts themselves and offer all campus workers job security, a living wage, affordable and comprehensive health insurance, and a safe work environment free of racism where all workers are respected,” the website reads.

UK spokesperson Jay Blanton said the university has been clear that those who can work remotely should do so, and that UK does more testing and tracing than any institution in the state.

“The university has invested more than $30 million thus far in the health, safety and wellness of our entire community. Our community – its health, its safety, its well-being – has always come first. Finances have always come second,” Blanton said.

“I want to be proud on my university again, and for me to be proud of my university I need to understand that every worker has a voice in self governess and that we treat every work fairly,” Rust said.

UCW has asked for in-person staff to have a $2 hazard pay and access to free COVID testing.

They also have pushed for all COVID related health expenses to be covered by the University. More details to this plan and other issues are outlined on the UCW website.

Rachel Davis, a fourth year PhD student in sociology who works as an undergraduate instructor, believes the $2 hazard pay is beneficial but hopes for an increase in wages after COVID-19 times.

“I believe workers deserve a living wage. We are doing too much work for too little pay, and

we also deserve comprehensive healthcare,” Davis said.

Blanton said the university has made strides in worker compensation in the five years, including raising the minimum wage twice.

“We are driving wages in this community in a positive way for workers. UK this past year was named a Great College to Work for – a national designation. We were ranked in 8 categories, placing us on their honor roll,” Blanton said. “In fact, we were recognized – because of favorable responses from our employees – in areas such as compensation and benefits, facilities, workplace and security, respect and appreciation.”

The march ended at Capilouto’s office where an administrator collected a UCW petition with over 1,000 signatures to give to Capilouto.

A union member, who prefers to remain anonymous, told the Kernel she saw UK administration members observing the march.

The ‘Help us Keep all Wildcats safe!” petition lists seven demands: -Free, continuous COVID-19 testing to all students, faculty and workers.

-Complete transparent with the campus community around infections, COVID-19-related deaths, and contact tracing -Allow everyone to work remotely to lower the density of staff on campus and the likelihood of an outbreak.

-Cover all healthcare costs associated with COVID-19 for campus workers.

-Offer all campus workers affordable, comprehensive healthcare during and beyond the pandemic.

-Hazard Pay to in-person workers.

-Meet with United Campus Workers of Kentucky

JACK WEAVER | STAFF A UCW demonstrator holds a poster while listening to a speaker on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky.

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Monday, November 16, 2020

news

Vaccine announcement brings hope, relief, to UK students

By Lauren Campbell news@kykernel.com

Pfizer announced on Monday, Nov. 9 that their COVID-19 vaccine trials proved their vaccine was more than 90 percent effective. Pfizer is in the process of producing the vaccine so they can begin distributing it as soon as the FDA gives them the green light.

George Cranwell, a senior integrated strategic communications major, experienced relief when he heard the Pfizer vaccine trials went well.

“I was excited. It was relieving to hear some good news for once,” Cranwell said.

Bryce Huff, a sophomore biology major, hopes this vaccine will end COVID-19.

“The news about Pfizer’s vaccine is amazing for obvious reasons, and I really hope it’s the one to get us back to normal. In terms of the vaccine stopping the spread of COVID-19, if the vaccine does what vaccines are supposed to do then this should be the beginning of the end for COVID-19,” Huff said.

Prateek Katta, a senior studying business administration and pre-med, credits the scientific community’s ability to empower each other during the pandemic with the success of the vaccine trials.

“This news means that medicine and technology are heavily advancing to better the future of all of our citizens. Though there was a lot of emotional and financial turmoil at first, we have come a long way by working together. I feel that by everyone working together, both in and out of the scientific community, the creation of the vaccine was successfully expedited and will soon be open for the public. This is a true testament to how when faced with catastrophe, people can empower each other and bring out the best in one another,” Katta said.

If Pfizer receives authorization from the

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FDA, the company predicts it could vaccinate millions before the end of 2020. While UK students demonstrated a consensus of excitement surrounding the vaccine news, several believe it won’t be available by the end of the year like Pfizer predicts.

“Realistically, no I don’t think it will be available by the end of the year. In my mind, if they finish and create a feasible vaccine that passed all the research and trials, the CDC requires for widespread distribution by the end of 2020 I think that would be on pace. To mass-produce and distribute the vaccine is a whole different story but President Trump said they will use the military to mobilize the vaccine, and I’m sure President-elect Biden will do the same,” Huff said.

Cranwell agrees and believes the vaccine news is being used to ease people’s minds before the holidays.

“No, I doubt it. I think with it being so close to the holidays, they are trying to put people at ease from everything going on COVID-wise, which isn’t a bad thing. But I will believe when I see it, and we have to remember that two doses are required to be vaccinated according to Pfizer,” Cranwell said.

Kaila Friend, a senior sociology major doesn’t believe it will be available until 2021 because we are too late into the year.

“I doubt it, it’s November,” Friend said.

Josh Ford, a senior journalism major believes it will be available, but not for everyone.

“I think it will be available but I don’t think it will be available to everyone. I just don’t think they will have enough doses made for everyone,” said Ford.

Katta believes distribution will be difficult, but promising.

“Due to this promising news, I do have hope that Pfizer will be able to allow for See VACCINE on page 9

JACK WEAVER | STAFF A UK student walks towards William T. Young Library on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Lexington, Kentucky.

Monday, November 16, 2020

news

JACK WEAVER | STAFF A student wearing a mask takes notes in Scott Berry’s Fluid Mechanics class in the Grand Ballroom on Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, at the Gatton Student Center in Lexington, Kentucky.

VACCINE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

public access to the vaccine before the end of this year. I do think the process of distribution and widespread production will be difficult but this is very promising news, and I think a portion of the public will be vaccinated for COVID-19 before the end of the year,” Katta said.

Katta, Huff, and Ford will take the vaccine when it becomes available. However, Friend and Cranwell want to wait until there is more information on the vaccine’s side-effects.

“I will take the vaccine if it’s offered because I want to make sure I don’t give it [COVID-19] to my family,” said Ford.

Katta will take it for the possibility of herd immunity.

“When the vaccine is offered to the public, I would be happy to take it. I know how much of an impact vaccines can make, and the possibility of herd immunity is a real outcome,” said Katta.

Huff believes once the FDA approves the vaccine, there would be no reason not to trust it.

“Yeah, I would. I trust the science behind it all. The FDA wouldn’t give the green light for a vaccine if it didn’t hold up

in practice. There would be no reason not to trust the scientists and doctors behind it,” Huff said.

Friend is worried about the possibility of severe reactions to the vaccine “No, because to my knowledge there’s not enough information on it yet, especially for severe cases,” Friend said.

Cranwell agrees with Friend there is not enough information on the vaccine.

“No, and I am not the only one. Many people are against getting vaccinated as there is not enough evidence behind the testing. My question is, how are they going to convince us?” Cranwell said.

However, because the vaccine has not been widely introduced yet, Ford believes we should not return to “normal” yet.

“I think that it’s very promising and gives people hope that we can get back to ‘normal’ but it doesn’t mean we are out of the woods yet… I think it will be safe once enough people are vaccinated, maybe next summer, but only time will tell,” Ford said.

Huff said the social aspect amongst UK students hasn’t changed since the start of the pandemic, but students should continue to follow the guidelines until it is deemed safe.

“Parties and social scenes have been operating almost as normal, but in terms of bars and clubs, they could finally get back

JACK WEAVER | STAFF UK students sit on the Social Staircase on the first day of in-person classes on Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, in the Gatton Student Center in Lexington, Kentucky.

to usual business after the state allows it.

The news is amazing but obviously, there have been no results yet so this should just be taken as “good news” and nothing to indicate to not wear a mask, socially distance, etc.,” Huff said.

Huff urges UK students to get the vaccine once it becomes available and to follow the COVID-19 guidelines until then.

“I know, especially in today’s world, widespread disinformation and conspira-

cies are flying around from very prominent and influential people, but if there is a vaccine, please trust it. The FDA and WHO would not release a vaccine that could potentially harm the public, and each vaccine has to go through rigorous testing and trials. Until then, wear your mask, don’t do anything stupid, stay home if you’re sick, and hopefully, a vaccine comes out and we can get back to business as usual,” Huff said.

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Monday, November 16, 2020

news

Nathan’s Taqueria brings ‘flavor from Mexico’ to Kentucky

By Sarah Michels news@kykernel.com

Beatriz Mata and Carlos Gomez underestimated the crowds.

As owners of a food truck business during a pandemic, the couple eagerly accepted UK’s offer to come to campus during this fall semester. Mata said the business from students has been a great opportunity for them, considering a lack of community events where they would typically operate.

“We would usually go to neighborhoods or festivals but right now with COVID, the festivals got cancelled,” Mata said.

Students’ interest in their authentic Mexican cuisine surpassed their expectations, she said. While Nathan’s Taqueria is only on campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, they serve an average of 197 customers each day, according to Vigg Pulkit, Resident District Manager of UK Dining.

Nathan’s Taqueria is one of two food trucks currently on campus; the other is a Papa John’s trailer on Patterson Drive. In the beginning of the semester, there were four food trucks—an additional Papa John’s and a Chik-fil-A were set up in front of the 90 on a temporary basis while the dining hall was being remodeled, said UK spokesperson Jay Blanton.

These food trucks also garnered crowds, with daily customer averages of 253 for Chik-fil-A, 264 for Papa John’s location at the 90, and 18 for the Papa John’s Patterson Drive trailer.

UK students who visit Nathan’s Taqueria, stationed in front of William T. Young library across from the 90, can choose from a limited menu of Nathan’s Taqueria staples, including the campus favorite, the chicken burrito bowl.

“We want to get (students) to try our flavor from Mexico. You know, invite them to try the street tacos,” Mata said. “Everything is always from scratch. Really, we’re trying to bring them fresh food every day.”

Students don’t have to worry about carrying around cash or credit to enjoy a quesadilla or taco. During lunchtime, they can use meal swipes at both food truck locations. Pulkit said that Nathan’s Taqueria and Papa John’s both have “a competitive financial agreement with UK regarding how revenues are split.”

Mata said a representative from UK’s dining partner called them over the summer, asking them if they were interested in setting up on campus. They told her they were

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JACK WEAVER | STAFF Two UK students are handed their orders from Nathan’s Taqueria, a food truck on campus, on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, outside William T. Young Library in Lexington, Kentucky.

interested in “a different type of food,” she said. All they had to do was get licensed with the health department and they could begin operations on Aug. 17, the first day of school.

“We’re really thankful for the support of the students and the community during this time because of the pandemic,” she said. “Our business is not doing bad, it’s doing really good thanks to the support of the community here in Lexington and UK campus.”

UK Dining is in charge of finding and choosing food

trucks to invite to campus. They like to partner with local and minority businesses, Pulkit said. Other criteria include insurance and staffing requirements, local reviews and overall food quality of the trucks under consideration.

Nathan’s Taqueria is a family business, and it prides itself on offering only the most authentic Mexican food.

Mata and Gomez hail from Mexico City and neighboring state Michoacán, respectively, and moved to Kentucky See FOOD on page 12

Monday, November 16, 2020

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A study of emergency care involving victims of severe traumatic brain injury is to be performed in this area.

The University of Kentucky is conducting a research study to identify the best way to deliver high dose oxygen under pressure (hyperbaric oxygen) so that severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) patients can recover with less disability.

All patients will receive standard of care for their TBI. Because head injury is a life threatening condition requiring immediate treatment, some patients will be enrolled without consent if a family member or representative is not rapidly available. Before the study starts, we will consult with the community. We welcome your feedback and questions.

For more information or to decline participation in this study, please visit: hobittrial.org Contact study coordinator: Theresa Mims, RN, Phone (859) 218-5540 Email theresa.mims@uky.edu Study Survey: https://redcap.uky.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=JFK74ATX4N

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fall 2020 | 11

Monday, November 16, 2020

JACK WEAVER | STAFF A UK student pays for a meal at Nathan’s Taqueria using Flex on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, outside William T. Young Library in Lexington, Kentucky.

20 years ago. Gomez used to work in a restaurant, and ever since, it was his dream to start a restaurant or food truck.

His opportunity to do just that presented itself three years ago, when Gomez and Mata began serving out of their

after restaurants were allowed to open cially stable by rotating through Lexington’s various neighborhoods. During the extended winter break, Mata and Gomez’ family will continue serving at bars until the colder weather sets in, at which time they will take a holiday break of their own.

Nathan’s Taqueria’s last day on cam-

they have two trucks. The other one sets up at bars Lexington Wednesdays through Saturdays. Regular updates on the food truck’s schedule are posted on Nathan Taqueria’s Facebook page.

In the next few years, Gomez aspires to open his own restaurant in Lexington.

“We’ll see how everything goes, but that’s the main plan,” Mata said.

During the COVID summer months,

classes. UK told Mata that they don’t know what their spring plans are yet, but that they would likely contact her in early December with a decision. Blanton said discussions with UK’s dining partner are ongoing.

“We really would like to come back,” Mata said. “The students keep asking if we’re coming back. They said that they really enjoy the food.”

FOOD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

12 | kentucky kernel