August 24, 2021

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WE’RE BACK, BABY!

President Inch looks to connect with the campus

By MAXWELL MAYLEBEN Editor in Chief

Photos by MANSOOR AHMAD • Media Director MNSU freshmen Kaitlyn Cebulla, left, and Brandon Jackson enojyed a friendly conversation Monday afternoon outside the Preska Residence Community on campus on the first day of classes. The campus appeared the busiest since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

As students return to campus for in person learning, newly appointed University President Edward Inch is taking steps to get to know the student population at MNSU. Inch was instated as president of the university on July 1 of this year. Before MNSU, Inch served as provost and vice president of academic affairs at California State University, East Bay, a university of similar size to MNSU. His journey through higher education started with humble beginnings, growing up with both parents being teachers, he made an effort to avoid that career path.

But after receiving an offer to work at the University of Oregon to teach policy debate, he found that he really did enjoy teaching.

New school year brings MNSU students face to face again

By MAXWELL MAYLEBEN • Editor in Chief Minnesota State University, Mankato has returned to “normal” after a year of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout the last year, MNSU has been adhering to strict guidelines recommended by the CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

This year, incoming freshmen and current students are going to be greeted with a normal school year, including in person classes, and on campus activities.

“I am excited to see the campus transitioning back in preparation for a face-toface semester.” said newly appointed President Edward Inch in an email sent out to students and faculty at MNSU. While the transition back to a normal semester is underway, the president still pushes for the campus community to receive a vaccine.

“We also encourage you to get the vaccine if you have

Students started moving their furniture into the dorms earlier than usual, similar to last year due to the ongoing pandemic.

not had it yet so that we can enjoy all of the campus activities we love more quickly,” said Inch.

One notable change for students on campus involved the removal, then reinstatement of the mask mandate for any face to face, indoor activities. The reinstatement was due in large part to increased numbers of COVID-19 cases.

According to the CDC data tracker, Blue Earth

County currently has roughly 50 percent of residents fully vaccinated.

For incoming freshmen living in the dorms, many of last year’s restrictions will be lifted, including room capacity and kitchen restrictions.

Homecoming is another large indicator of normalcy on campus.

The homecoming concert will, as of now, go on as normal, with the artist

chosen by Student Activities being Jesse McCartney.

“From a students perspective, an alumni’s perspective, or even the public’s perspective, it is going to be pretty close to normal,” said Bill Tourville, the assistant director of campus planning at MNSU. Homecoming, traditionally a week-long event with several activities for students including a lip sync battle, a concert and parade, all culminating in the football game on Saturday.

The lip sync battle, being a huge event where various student organizations create a team to compete with other organizations to create a choreographed dance. Tourville says the battle historically is the most attended event of homecoming, and also his favorite.

“It’s students at their best, at their brightest,” said Tourville, “the screams are huge, the laughter is massive and it is just a really fun NEW YEAR on page 8 u

INCH on page 9 u

A look into the past year at MNSU

By JENNA PETERSON News Editor

The 2020-2021 academic year at Minnesota State University was full of historic moments, including protest, elections, and a new university president. As students return to campus for another year, it is time to review exactly what happened last year.

An ongoing affair includes protests and rallies, especially those aimed towards politics and racial tension. Students and faculty at MNSU made sure their voices were amplified throughout the year as they tackled Black Lives Matter, Stop Asian Hate, and President Donald Trump.

LOOKING BACK on page 8 u

2 • MSU Reporter

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Tuesday, August 24, 2021

News

MSU Reporter • 3

Greek life begins rush week, encourages students to join

By JULIA BARTON • Staff Writer Greek life has been a presence at Minnesota State University, Mankato for decades and has the potential to create an abundance of positive impacts within the community as well as form lifelong bonds.

At MNSU they offer four different sororities and six fraternities that incoming and pre-existing students are able to join.

This first week of the fall semester is when formal recruitment takes place.

Participants will meet all of the sororities or fraternities and learn more about their specific chapter.

Starting Thursday is the open house round where students will visit each chapter, Friday is round two where they can visit up to three chapters, Saturday is preference round and can visit up to two chapters, and then Sunday is bid day where recruitments will find out which sorority or fraternity they are matched with.

This will take place in the Centennial Student Union in the Student Activities office.

Greek life is the ultimate college experience for many, but it can also help students build strong connections with their peers.

“It really is my home away from home. I know I have 74 girls I can talk to if I’m having academic problems or family problems or I just want a movie night,” Gamma Phi Beta President, Hannah Jack said.

University Archives

“This sisterhood has definitely left a positive impression on me and I hope I can bring that to others who are joining Greek life!”

Jack is a junior at MNSU studying drug and alcohol studies. “It’s a great way to get involved on campus and meet new people.”

Community service and growing your leadership skills is a huge part of Greek life.

“Last year we did a 24-hour live stream to raise money for St. Judes hospital which was definitely one of the highlights, since during COVID we didn’t get to go out as much,” Bill Karels, a senior at MNSU and current

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Tim Tuchek, a junior at MNSU and Tau Kappa Epsilon’s recruitment chairman shared how Greek life impacted him.

“We also can make a lot of connections in the job world through our brothers after we graduate or with alumni from our fraternity.”

Fraternity man of the year, Win Vuong is a senior at MNSU and the Vice President of Sigma Chi. “We are really trying to get more students involved on campus because we want as many people to get involved in student activities, no matter if it’s Greek life or other student organizations,” Vuong

said. “Having a more active student body makes school more interesting and enjoyable!”

Greek life is one way to make friends on campus especially for incoming freshmen.

“I’m a first gen, and I didn’t know what college would be like. I went through formal recruitment and I ended up loving my sorority and all of the leadership opportunities they offered.”

Lisbeth Magdaleno-Garcia, current President of Tri Sigma and junior at MNSU, said.

“Having those opportunities and experience is super helpful when going into the real world.”

During formal recruitment is when the majority of new members join their sorority or fraternity.

“First semester of freshman year I went to the open house and ended up loving the guys in my chapter.” Roman Newinski, junior at MNSU and Vice President of Phi Delta Theta said.

“It gives you immediate friends and you also get to be a part of fun events as well as be eligible for scholarship opportunities.”

Each sorority or fraternity typically has their own philanthropy and core values.

Alpha Chi Omega is known for standing up against domestic violence.

They do this by educating others on what to look for and how to step in when needed.

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4 • MSU Reporter

News

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Stiff: From small town to Student Government President

By MAXWELL MAYLEBEN Editor in Chief

From being one of two people of color in a small school in quaint town in southern Illinois to being elected as the president of the Student Government at a school of over 14 thousand students, Reauna Stiff has had quite the journey.

Growing up in Mulberry Grove, a town of 700 in rural Illinois, Stiff grew to appreciate the positives and negatives of living in a small town.

“Being raised in a small town, it has a lot of benefits,” said Stiff about her time in the small town. “People really rally behind you.”

As a person of color, Stiff found there to be unique experiences that came with a predominantly white community.

“Me and my best friend were the only people of color in that entire high school,” said Stiff, “I thought, I definitely wanted to see more people that looked like me.”

While growing up in that setting was not all bad for Stiff, she knew that that was not where her future was going to be.

From a young age, her father had a special mission that

Reporter Archives

she would go to college for political science. Whether it was watching CNN, MSNBC or FOX news networks, politics were always an area that Stiff found herself exploring with her dad.

“I had a lot of support from my mom and my sisters,” said Stiff “but he was really into politics.”

With the support of her family, Stiff decided during her senior year to move out of

state and head to Minnesota State University, Mankato to pursue that dream.

After an eventful and successful senior year of high school, with Stiff winning several scholarships, being chosen as the president of the National Honor Society and a massive graduation party, Stiff seemed to be on the top of the world.

That was, until days before move in day, she received news

that would shock her.

Just before moving to Minnesota to pursue her and her father’s dreams of a college education, her dad was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma, a terminal brain cancer.

The diagnosis pushed Stiff to focus on two things and two things only during her freshman year in Mankato, family and grades. She spent much of her time communicating with family and making sure her

academics were up to snuff, hoping for her father to make it to the summer so that she would be able to see and take care of him then in Illinois.

Unfortunately, her father passed away in February of her freshman year.

After months of healing through mediating, praying, and being with family, Stiff was ready to take on her sophomore year with a newfound energy.

“I realized that I can’t stop now just because my motivator is gone,” said Stiff, referring to her new sense of urgency. “I thought to myself, ‘this year, I have to do better.’”

After a brief stint on the debate team, Stiff saw a vacancy election for an off campus senator position for the Student Government.

Stiff brought up the idea to a close friend, who wasn’t the most hopeful for her.

“They actually told me I wasn’t cut out to be a senator,” said Stiff, about a friend of hers who doubted her ability. “That little bit of discouragement from someone who was close to me encouraged me to prove them wrong.”

She was subsequently electSTIFF on page 7 u

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

News

MSU Reporter • 5

Taliban takeover prompts fears of a resurgent al-Qaida ASSOCIATED PRESS The lightning-fast changes in Afghanistan are forcing the Biden administration to confront the prospect of a resurgent al-Qaida, the group that attacked America on Sept. 11, 2001, at the same time the U.S. is trying to stanch violent extremism at home and cyberattacks from Russia and China.

With the rapid withdrawal of U.S. forces and rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan, “I think al-Qaida has an opportunity, and they’re going to take advantage of that opportunity,” says Chris Costa, who was senior director for counterterrorism in the Trump administration.

“This is a galvanizing event for jihadists everywhere.”

Al-Qaida’s ranks have been significantly diminished by 20 years of war in Afghanistan, and it’s far from clear that the group has the capacity in the near future to carry out catastrophic attacks on America such as the 9/11 strikes, especially given how the U.S. has fortified itself in the past two decades with surveillance and other protective measures.

But a June report from the U.N. Security Council said the

SUSAN WALSH • Associated Press White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Monday, Aug. 23, 2021.

group’s senior leadership remains present inside Afghanistan, along with hundreds of armed operatives. It noted that the Taliban, who sheltered al-Qaida fighters before the Sept. 11 attacks, “remain close, based on friendship, a history of shared struggle, ideological sympathy and intermarriage.”

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby acknowledged Friday

that al-Qaida remains a presence in Afghanistan, though quantifying it is hard because of a reduced intelligence-gathering capability in the country and “because it’s not like they carry identification cards and register somewhere.”

Even inside the country, al-Qaida and the Taliban represent only two of the urgent terrorism concerns, as evidenced by unease about

the potential for Islamic State attacks against Americans in Afghanistan that over the weekend forced the U.S. military to develop new ways to get evacuees to the airport in Kabul. The Taliban and IS have fought each other in the past, but the worry now is that Afghanistan could again be a safe harbor for multiple extremists determined to attack the U.S. or other countries.

President Joe Biden has spoken repeatedly of what he calls an “over-the-horizon capability” that he says will enable the U.S. to keep track of terrorism threats from afar.

His national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters Monday that Biden has been clear that counterterrorism capabilities have evolved to the point where the threat can be suppressed without a strong boots-on-the-ground presence. He said the intelligence community does not believe al-Qaida currently has the capability to attack the U.S. The U.S. is also presumably anticipating that strengthened airport screening and more sophisticated surveillance can be more effective than 20 years ago in thwarting an attack.

But experts worry that intelligence-gathering capabilities needed as an early-warning system against an attack will be negatively affected by the troop withdrawal.

An added complication is the sheer volume of pressing national security threats that dwarf what the U.S. government was confronting before the Sept. 11 attacks. These include sophisticated cyber operations from China and Russia.

6 • MSU Reporter

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

FALL 2021 EDITOR IN CHIEF:

MAXWELL MAYLEBEN

The Reporter: who we are, what we stand for

MADISON DIEMERT

madison.diemert@mnsu.edu

Editorial The Reporter is a time honored staple of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Started in 1926, under the temporary name “Among Ourselves”, the campus newspaper has been dedicated to providing timely news, striking photographs, and quality content to its readers for nearly 100 years.

During this next year, the editorial staff of the Reporter seeks to continue the tradition of providing this content for the students of MNSU. A brief introduction is in order at the beginning of any year of the returning editors on the Editorial Board.

First off, we have Maxwell Mayleben, the Editor in Chief of the newspaper. Mayleben is in his second year as Editor in Chief, and third year working for the Reporter. He is a Business Management major, and plans to graduate in the spring.

Mayleben is a huge fan of Star Wars, coffee and eats extraordinary amounts of pasta.

Then we have Mansoor Ahmad, the Media Director for the Reporter, who has been working since his freshman year at MNSU. An international student originally from Pakistan, Ahmad found his home at the Reporter as a photographer and has subsequently won several awards for his work at the newspaper.

Ahmad has also moved onto work for the Mankato MoonDogs, eats at Shawarmania any chance he can, and listens to Coldplay on repeat.

maxwell.mayleben@mnsu.edu

NEWS DIRECTOR: Jenna Peterson jenna.peterson-3@mnsu.edu MEDIA/DESIGN DIRECTOR: Mansoor Ahmad mansoor.ahmad@mnsu.edu SPORTS EDITOR: Daniel McElroy daniel.mcelroy@mnsu.edu

Reporter Media Director Mansoor Ahmad walks along US Highway 169 while covering a protest in Mankato after the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody in May 2020.

Jenna Peterson, the News Director for the Reporter, started as a writer at the paper in her freshman year.

Starting with a column called “Ask Jenna”, where she gave advice to anonymous students on campus, Peterson moved up in the ranks, currently starting her third semester as News Director. Peterson loves 5 Seconds of Summer, has another job at Kwik Trip, and some would say she believes astrology a little too much.

Last but not least, Daniel McElroy, a student in his last semester at MNSU, and currently the newest of the editorial team. McElroy started as

a sports writer for the paper during the last year, and very quickly moved up to be the editor of the sports section.

McElroy is also an avid player of Esports and would kick anyone’s butt when it comes to League of Legends.

As we go into our first semester of the year, we look at the goals that the Reporter has for the next 5 years, and reflect on what we can do to achieve those goals this year.

A main goal of ours is to increase our multi-media presence, which means enacting more social media, more video, more photography, etc.

The way of the future is so-

cial media and reporting on the news to multiple channels, and we need to follow industry trends to remain relevant.

But the most important goal of ours is to create a biweekly newspaper that has stories and articles that are compelling and interesting to students.

So as the semester continues, and you find something interesting that you would want to hear more about, reach out to us. Send story tips our way.

You can find us on racks all over campus, our social media accounts, and our website at msureporter.com

“What was the best part of the first day of classes?”

Compiled by Ashley Opina

ISABELLA PEARSON, JUNIOR

EMMA SAVLEY, SOPHOMORE

“Being in person and see people face to face.”

“Meeting new people and getting back into things and having a schedule.”

MARQUISE MYLES, SOPHOMORE

MUHAMMAD HUZAIFA, AUTUMN THOMPSON, FRESHMAN JUNIOR

“How comfortable some profs “Enjoyed dance class because were with FlexSync courses as all the other classes weren’t it makes things so smooth.” as fun.”

“I liked meeting classmates.”

ADVERTISING SALES: Baylee Sorensen 507-389-5097 baylee.sorensen@mnsu.edu BUSINESS MANAGER: Jane Tastad 507-389-1926 jane.tastad@mnsu.edu ADVERTISING DESIGN/ PRODUCTION MGR.: Dana Clark 507-389-2793 dana.clark@mnsu.edu

• If you have a complaint, suggestion or would like to point out an error made in the Reporter, contact Editor in Chief Maxwell Mayleben at maxwell.mayleben@mnsu.edu.

The Reporter will correct any errors of fact or misspelled names in this space. Formal grievances against the Reporter are handled by the Newspaper Board.

• The Minnesota State University Mankato Reporter is a studentrun newspaper published twice a week, coming out on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Reporter generates 78 percent of its own income through advertising and receives approximately 22 percent from Student Activities fees. The Reporter is free to all students and faculty, but to start a subscription, please call us at 507-389-1776.

Subscriptions for the academic school year are $55.00 and subscribers will receive the paper within three to five days after publishing.

• Letters exceeding 400 words may not be accepted. The Reporter reserves the right to edit letters to fit space or correct punctuation.

The Reporter reserves the right to publish, or not publish, at its discretion. Letters must contain year, major or affiliation with the university, or lack thereof. All letters must contain phone numbers for verification purposes.

THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE MSU REPORTER ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OR STUDENT BODY.

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

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G-7 grapples with Afghanistan, an afterthought not long ago

MSU Reporter • 7

What does full approval of the Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine mean?

ASSOCIATED PRESS Two months ago, the leaders of the world’s seven major industrialized democracies met in summer sunshine on England’s southwest coast.

It was a happy occasion: the first in-person summit of the Group of Seven nations in two years due to the coronavirus pandemic and the welcomed appearance of President Joe Biden and his “America is back” message on matters ranging from comity to COVID-19 to climate change.

On Tuesday, those same seven leaders will meet again in virtual format confronted by a resurgence in the pandemic, more dire news on climate change and, most immediately and perhaps importantly, Afghanistan. The country’s burgeoning refugee crisis, the collapse of its government and fears of a resurgence in Afghan-based terrorism have left the G-7 allies scrambling and threaten the unity of the bloc.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the host of the June summit in the English resort of Carbis Bay, is now reconvening the leaders for crisis talks on Afghanistan amid widespread unhappiness about Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Complaints have come from Britain, France, Germany and others in the G-7, which includes only one non-NATO member, Japan.

Despite Biden’s April announcement that the U.S. would completely withdraw from Afghanistan by the 20th anniversary of the Sept.

11, 2001, attacks, the central Asian nation was almost an afterthought when the G-7 met in June.

COVID-19, China and climate change dominated the agenda. And expectations for Biden’s impending summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin were at the top of people’s tongues.

STIFF Continued from page 4 ed into that position, and later was approached by the president at the time, Anisa Omar.

Omar encouraged Stiff to, when the time came, run for president, a thought of which sounded forgiegn to the sophomore.

Omar was adamant that she thought about it, telling

AP Illustration

ASSOCIATED PRESS MANUEL BALCE CENETA • Associated Press President Joe Biden speaks about the situation in Afghanistan in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, in Washington.

The leaders put Afghanistan as number 57 out of 70 points in their final 25page communique -– behind Ukraine, Belarus and Ethiopia. Afghanistan didn’t even feature in the one-and-a-half page summary of the document. NATO had already signed off on the U.S. withdrawal and all that appeared to be left was the completion of an orderly withdrawal and hopes for a peace deal between the Afghan government and Taliban.

“We call on all Afghan parties to reduce violence and agree on steps that enable the successful implementation of a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire and to engage fully with the peace process.

In Afghanistan, a sustainable, inclusive political settlement is the only way to achieve a just and durable peace that benefits all Afghans,” the leaders said, without a hint of urgency.

The leaders said they were determined “to help the people of Afghanistan, including women, young people and minority groups, as they seek to preserve hard-won rights and freedoms,” they said.

But as summer swings into fall, those hopes have been dashed.

Johnson and others, including French President Em-

manuel Macron, are pushing Biden to extend his self-imposed Aug. 31 deadline for the total withdrawal of U.S. forces in order to ensure the evacuation of all foreign nationals as well as Afghans who worked for or otherwise supported the American-led NATO operation that vanquished the Taliban in 2001 and has now accepted defeat.

On the eve of the meeting, the White House said Biden and Johnson had spoken by phone and discussed “the importance of close coordination with allies and partners in managing the current situation and forging a common approach to Afghanistan policy.”

Johnson’s office said the two leaders “agreed to continue working together to ensure those who are eligible to leave are able to, including after the initial phase of the evacuation has ended.”

Biden administration officials have refused to be pinned down about whether an extension is likely or even possible given the Taliban’s demand that all U.S. forces leave by the Aug. 31 deadline.

White House aides have said they think the meeting could grow contentious, as allies have looked on with disapproval at the tumultuous American drawdown.

her “Reauna, you sleep on yourself.”

So a year later, she announced that she would be running for Student Government president with then speaker of the senate, Kara Svercl.

“Reauna and I have shared vision and values,” said Svercl, referring to why she wanted to run with Stiff. “She is so organized and empathetic, and has an amazing vision, which is really inspiring to

work next to.”

Stiff and Svercl ran unopposed in the 2021 election for Student Government, and were elected and inaugurated in the Spring.

After college, Stiff has goals of law school, hoping to get into civil rights law, and someday into policy making.

As for her time here at MNSU, Stiff said that “I feel like this is the beginning of my journey, and not the end.”

What does full approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine mean?

It means Pfizer’s shot for people 16 and older has now undergone the same rigorous testing and regulatory review as dozens of other long-established vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. were initially rolled out under the Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization, which allows the agency to speed the availability of medical products during public health emergencies.

Under the process, the FDA waived some of its normal data requirements and procedures to make the COVID-19 vaccines available months earlier than would have been possible under normal circumstances.

Pfizer’s vaccine — along with those from Moderna

and Johnson & Johnson — still underwent testing in tens of thousands of people to establish safety and effectiveness against COVID-19.

But the FDA initially required the companies to submit about only two months of safety monitoring data on study participants, the period when side effects are most likely to occur.

For full approval, the FDA required six months of follow-up data. FDA inspectors also visited the plants where the vaccines are made and reviewed each step of the production process for extra assurance that the shots are made under safe, sterile conditions.

Because vaccines are typically given to otherwise healthy individuals, they are generally subject to more regulatory scrutiny than other medical products, including prescription drugs.

WELCOME BACK STUDENTS!

8 • MSU Reporter

LOOKING BACK

News Continued from page 1

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

WWII veteran reunites with Italians he saved ASSOCIATED PRESS

Reporter Archives

In the vein of politics, many MNSU students had the opportunity in the fall to vote in their first Presidential election. In this election there were various topics at stake-- coronavirus, immigration, and health care, to name a few.

Another election centered around MNSU students was the Student Government election, where Reauna Stiff and Kara Svercl were elected as President and Vice President, respectively.

In this next year, the two will be working towards resolving off-campus housing issues and focus more on student basic needs.

Long-standing University President Richard Davenport also served his last year in his role and handed off this responsibility to President Edward Inch, who began in early July.

This replacement will bring a new set of ideas to the campus and student life.

Inch is looking forward to getting to know the student population and narrowing in on their concerns.

In terms of sports, the MSU Mavericks carried on the tradition of exceeding expectations set by their fans.

First, the wrestling team placed tenth in the NCAA Championship.

In terms of individual placements, Trevor Turriff

took second in his weight class and Kyle Rathman took seventh in his weight class.

Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams made their way to the conference championship, but fell just short of advancing forward.

The men’s team lost in the first round of the tournament against Minnesota State University, Moorhead, where the Mavericks lost in overtime.

The women’s team also made a close call in the tournament where they played against St. Cloud State University and lost by 2 points.

On the rink, the Maverick hockey team made school history by competing in the Frozen Four championship for the first time.

The team’s road to this tournament was highly anticipated, as their season record ended as 22-5-1.

The Mavericks faced off against St. Cloud State in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with hundreds of MSU fans cheering them on both in Mankato and Pittsburgh.

With tensions high and excitement rising, the Mavericks fell short and lost 4-5 in the final moments of the game.

Following these events, MNSU is looking forward to giving its students a normal semester with in-person activities that represent a traditional college experience.

For more than seven decades, Martin Adler treasured a black-and-white photo of himself as a young American soldier with a broad smile with three impeccably dressed Italian children he is credited with saving as the Nazis retreated northward in 1944.

On Monday, the 97-yearold World War II veteran met the three siblings — now octogenarians themselves — in person for the first time since the war.

Adler held out his hand to grasp those of Bruno, Mafalda and Giuliana Naldi for the joyful reunion at Bologna’s airport after a 20-hour journey from Boca Raton, Florida. Then, just as he did as a 20-year-old soldier in their village of Monterenzio, he handed out bars of American chocolate.

“Look at my smile,” Adler said of the long-awaited in-person reunion, made possible by the reach of social media.

It was a happy ending to a story that could easily have been a tragedy.

The very first time the soldier and the children saw each other, in 1944, the three faces peeked out of a huge wicker basket where their mother had hidden them as soldiers approached. Adler thought the house was empty, so he trained his machine gun on the basket when he heard

NEW YEAR Continued from page 1 time.”

AJ Root Madsen, a senior at MNSU, is optimistic for next year being back on campus, after a year of school from home.

“Last year was really nerve wracking,” said the se-

ANTONIO CALANNI • Associated Press Martin Adler, a 97-year-old retired American soldier, center, receives a kiss from Mafalda, right, and Giuliana Naldi, whom he saved during WWII, during a reunion at Bologna’s airport in Italy, Monday, Aug. 23, 2021.

a sound, thinking a German soldier was hiding inside.

“The mother, Mamma, came out and stood right in front of my gun to stop me (from) shooting,” Adler recalled. “She put her stomach right against my gun, yelling, ‘Bambinis! Bambinis! Bambinis!’ pounding my chest, Adler recalled.

“That was a real hero, the mother, not me. The mother was a real hero. Can you imagine you standing yourself in front of a gun and screaming ‘Children! No!’” he said.

Adler still trembles when he remembers that he was only seconds away from opening fire on the basket.

And after all these decades, he still suffers nightmares from the war, said his daugh-

ter, Rachelle Donley.

The children, aged 3 to 6 when they met, were a happy memory. His company stayed on in the village for a while and he would come by and play with them.

Giuliana Naldi, the youngest, is the only one of the three with any recollection of the event. She recalls climbing out of the basket and seeing Adler and another U.S. soldier, who has since died.

“They were laughing,” Naldi, now 80, remembers.

“They were happy they didn’t shoot.”

“We weren’t afraid for anything,” she said.

She also remembers the soldier’s chocolate, which came in a blue-and-white wrapper.

nior, “Face-to-face contact is essential to my learning.”

Root Madsen also notes her concern for the underclassmen of this academic year, as her sister will be in her second year at MNSU, but first with in-person classes.

“We almost have two full grades who are ‘new’ and don’t know what to expect,”

said Root Madsen.

Even with her concern for her sister, Root Madsen still has the excitement for an open campus that is reflected by students of all ages at the university.

“I missed out on so much last year that this year I want to get as involved on campus as I can,” said Root Madsen.

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MSU Reporter • 9

Proud Boys leader gets 5 months in jail

Continued from page 1

University Archives

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Much of his time teaching policy debate was spent on trips with students in university vans.

Inch attributes these long hours to be a vital part of his development.

“The very best teaching I ever did was in those vans” said Inch, reflecting on his time traveling with students, “you really get a sense of educating an entire student” He then moved on to University of Western Washington to receive his doctorate, but before he could finish, he was offered a tenure line faculty position at Pacific Lutheran University, where he would also serve as the speech and debate coach.

After receiving his doctorate, Inch began climbing the higher education ladder.

Inch describes how he went from being a speech and debate coach to positions with more responsibility.

“I think I got caught in this from my path in speech and debate,” said Inch, “but then discovered my ability as dean and department chair to mobilize and work with students, staff and faculty to create an outstanding experience for students.”

During his time at Cali-

fornia State University, East Bay, Inch describes habits that he wishes to continue now, having moved to MNSU. “I try to take a walk around campus every day, all at different times,” said Inch, talking about his attempts to get connected with the campus community. “It is nice to just be around for people to ask questions.”

Inch is attempting to stay very visible to students, faculty, and staff during his first year.

“At least once a week, we go eat in the dining hall” said Inch, “we just sit down at a table, anyone is invited to sit and have a conversation”.

A large hurdle for Inch is the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic really highlighted where we have vulnerabilities,” said Inch.

As the restrictions seem to loosen up, with face to face learning returning to MNSU, Inch is beginning broad conversations about the future of the university.

As these conversations begin, and continue, Inch says that the north star will be the question “how is this in the best interest of our students?”

GREEKS

Alpha Chi Omega said.

“Incoming students should join greek life because they are able to help make a change in the community no matter how big or small.”

You can find more information on Greek life at the Greek office located in the Student Activities Center in the CSU.

Continued from page 3 event that we have done is help raise money for the CADA house here in Mankato, being able to raise money for necessities others need is an honor and a privilege,” Gensyn Bosquez, senior at MNSU and Vice President of

The leader of the Proud Boys extremist group was sentenced to more than five months in jail on Monday for burning a Black Lives Matter banner that was torn down from a historic Black church in downtown Washington and bringing two high-capacity firearm magazines into the nation’s capital days shortly before the Jan. 6 riot.

Enrique Tarrio told the court he was “profusely” sorry for his actions, calling them a “grave mistake.”

“What I did was wrong,” Tarrio said during the hearing held via videoconference.

Tarrio, from Miami, was arrested as he arrived in Washington two days before thousands of supporters of then-President Donald Trump — including members of the Proud Boys — descended on the U.S. Capitol and disrupted the certification of the Electoral College vote.

Tarrio was ordered to stay away from Washington, and law enforcement later said Tarrio was picked up in part to help quell potential violence.

Authorities say Proud Boys members stole the banner that read #BLACKLIVESMATTER from the Asbury United Methodist Church on Dec. 12 and then set it ablaze using lighter fluid and lighters. Tarrio posted a picture of himself holding an unlit lighter to his Parler account and admitted days later in an

ALLISON DINNER • Associated Press In this Sept. 26, 2020, file photo, Proud Boys leader Henry “Enrique” Tarrio wears a hat that says The War Boys during a rally in Portland, Ore. Tarrio, has been sentenced to five months in jail.

interview with The Washington Post that he joined in the burning of the banner.

Rev. Dr. Ianther Mills, senior pastor of the church, told the judge it was an “act of intimidation and racism” that caused “immeasurable and possibly irreparable harm” on the community.

“His careless act of violence and hatred, targeted at a congregation of individuals with a lived history of social and racial injustice, had the presumably desired effect,” she said. “Asbury was forced to reckon with the very tangible evidence that we continue to live in a world where people radicalize hate based upon race and skin color.”

When police pulled Tarrio over on Jan. 4 on the warrant for vandalizing the sign, officers found two unloaded magazines emblazoned with

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the Proud Boys logo in his bag.

Tarrio said, according to a police report, that he sells the clips and the ones he was carrying were purchased by a customer.

Tarrio pleaded guilty last month to destruction of property and attempted possession of a large-capacity ammunition feeding device.

A police spokesman told The Associated Press in December that investigators were probing the events as potential hate crimes, but no hate crime charges were filed against Tarrio.

“Mr. Tarrio has clearly — intentionally and proudly — crossed the line from peaceful protest and assembly to dangerous and potentially violent criminal conduct,” the judge said.

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Gig apps for a pandemic economy: Part time, no commitment

ALBERTO PEZZALI • Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS For months, Gabrielle Walker had been looking for a part-time job. She applied to restaurant chains and retailers like Nando’s and Primark, and she scoured the job search site Indeed.

Nothing.

Then one day, Walker, a 19-year-old student at University College London, was scrolling through TikTok and stumbled on a video about an app called Stint. A face on the screen explained that Stint could help students earn money by working brief temporary stints at places like restaurants and bars that require little training or experience.

Walker downloaded the app, took a 15-minute intro course and days later snagged a job polishing cutlery at a Michelin-star restaurant in London — for one day. Between May and June, she took on several other gigs, squeezing them into her class schedule where she could.

“Everyone could do it,” Walker said.

Stint, in use across the U.K., has grown in popularity, alongside similar apps in the United States like Instaworks and Gigpro, as one response to the peculiar ways in which economies have been rebounding from the pandemic recession. Uncertainty about the durability of the recoveries and the

tentative re-openings of businesses still threatened by the coronavirus have made flexibility a top priority — for workers and employees alike.

As the hospitality industry, in particular, confronts worker shortages, these apps are helping form an ultrashort-term worker-employee relationship, something that hasn’t widely existed in recent decades. Walker noted that even students with no relevant experience could sign up with one of these apps and likely find paid work — as brief as a couple of hours — that fits their schedule from week to week.

In contrast to Stint, Instaworks and Gigpro are suited more for skilled or experienced workers who want or need short-term shifts.

Collectively, the newer apps represent a variation on the many gig apps that sprang up in recent years — from Uber and DoorDash to TaskRabbit and Thumbtack — that typically serve households in need of a one-time service. What distinguishes the latest apps is that they link workers with employers that have a steady need for labor but don’t necessarily want to commit to permanent hires given the uncertainties from the pandemic.

“It’s no surprise that during COVID, when everything became virtual that these ... marketplaces might have exploded,” said Fiona.

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Oregon, once a virus success story, struggles with surge ASSOCIATED PRESS Oregon was once the poster child for limiting the spread of the coronavirus, after its Democratic governor imposed some of the nation’s strictest safety measures, including mask mandates indoors and outdoors, limits on gatherings and an order closing restaurants.

But now the state is being hammered by the super-transmissible delta variant, and hospitals are getting stretched to the breaking point. The vast majority of hospitalized COVID-19 patients are unvaccinated.

The intensive care unit at Salem Hospital in Oregon’s capital city is completely full, with 19 of the 30 beds occupied last week by COVID-19 patients, the youngest only 20 years old. It’s the same at a hospital in Roseburg, a former timber town in western Oregon. A COVID-19 patient died in its emergency room last week while waiting for an ICU bed to open, an event that was deeply distressing to the medical staff.

“We need your help, grace and kindness,” the staff of CHI Health Medical Center said on Facebook. They are reeling “from the extraordinary onslaught of new cases and hospitalizations.”

Oregon is among a handful of states, including Florida, Arkansas and Louisiana, that have more people hospitalized with COVID-19 than ever before.

“This is really a dire situation,” said Jeff Absalon, chief physician executive for St. Charles Health System in Bend. National Guard troops were deployed to the mountain town’s hospital last week to assist medical workers.

Some 1,500 guard troops have been dispatched to hospitals around the state by Gov. Kate Brown, who warned of

ANDREW SELSKY • Associated Press Two visitors peer into the room of a COVID-19 patient in the intensive care unit at Salem Hospital in Salem, Oregon, on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, as a nurse dons full protective gear before going into the room of another patient.

the “seriousness of this crisis for all Oregonians, especially those needing emergency and intensive care.”

Oregon keeps breaking records for the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, reaching 937 on Monday.

That’s a 50% increase over last year’s record, when vaccines were not yet available.

More than 90% of Oregon’s adult hospital and ICU beds are currently full.

And on Monday Legacy Health, a hospital system in Portland that includes six hospitals, said it was pausing all non-urgent surgical procedures for two weeks to create bed capacity.

Lisa, a nurse in Salem Hospital’s ICU, told a small group of visiting journalists Friday that she is both frustrated and sad to see a record number of COVID-19 patients, even though vaccines are widely available. She spoke on the condition that her last name not be used, because the pandemic and how to fight it have become highly politicized.

“We’ve been dealing with the second wave when we thought — I guess we hoped — it wouldn’t come. And it’s

come. And it’s harder and worse, way worse, than before,” she said. Hours earlier, a COVID-19 patient died in the ICU. As she spoke, a patient’s heart monitor beeped. A mechanical ventilator occasionally added a higher-pitched tone. Fifteen of the COVID-19 patients were on ventilators. The hospital’s wellness department, which normally recommends yoga and deep breathing for relaxation, recently set up a booth and filled it with dinner plates for a different kind of stress relief.

“We put on safety glasses,” Lisa said. “And we took plates and we shattered them.

And I kept going back. I kept going back, and they told me I had enough turns.”

She said one advantage over last year’s surge is that she’s vaccinated, so she is not as scared of dying. Another improvement is that there are plenty of masks, gowns and other personal protective equipment.

Other than the beeping monitors, the ICU was quiet.

The COVID-19 patients are heavily sedated and behind closed doors.

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News

At-risk Afghans fearing Taliban hunker down, wait to leave

RAHMAT GUL • Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS A knock at the door could spell doom. Every passing hour seems endless. That’s the new reality for many Afghans who feel they have most to fear from the Taliban and have gone into hiding or are staying off the streets since the fighters swept to power this month.

Those hunkering down include employees of the collapsed government, civil society activists and women.

They are desperate for news that they might be granted asylum somewhere else.

They fear a massive rollback of women’s rights, or they are distrustful of the Taliban’s promises that they won’t seek revenge on former adversaries and that they want to form an inclusive government as the U.S. ends its 20-year war.

One of those in hiding is Mobina, 39, a journalist from the city of Mazar-e-Sharif.

After the Taliban overran her city, she fled with her two children and has found refuge in a safe house in Kabul.

“We are asking ourselves ‘What is next?’ We are crying because nothing can be fixed,” Mobina said.

Elsewhere in the Afghan capital, Mumtaz is huddled with his family in their apartment. His father worked for the government and his brother was killed in a grenade attack in 2010 in Laghman province, where the Taliban have long been active. The family made a run to Kabul’s airport after the Taliban entered the city on Aug. 15, but they encountered huge crowds, chaos and gunfire and went back home.

They haven’t left the apartment since. Their anxiety grew after a neighbor warned them a group of armed men were looking for them. It is not always clear whether those knocking on doors or spreading fear are Taliban or criminals freed from prison during their

sweep through the country.

“We can’t go out. We just ask our neighbor to bring us food. … We are really scared,“ said Mumtaz, 26, who recently graduated from law school. He said he has lost all sense of time.

Mobina and Mumtaz spoke on condition they be identified only by their first names, fearing reprisals.

Both said they have not received threats directly from the Taliban so far.

Taliban fighters have set up checkpoints throughout Kabul, stopping motorists to ask where they are headed or checking car papers. There have also been some reports of Taliban going door to door in search of former government workers and civil activists.

Such reports could not always be independently verified, and it’s not clear if they indicate that Taliban leaders are saying one thing and doing another, or if some on the ground are taking matters into their own hands. There is no indication of large-scale house-to-house searches.

Taliban commanders have said they have instructions to confiscate government property, including weapons and cars, but that they have told their men to respect private property. Taliban leaders have also encouraged government workers to return to work.

In the province of Sar-ePol, the Taliban issued a list of directives. They included banning music, Western-style dress, and jobs that require women to appear in public. The punishment for transgressions is beating.

Girls in the city of Herat, the country’s third-largest, meanwhile, were allowed to return to school as long as their teachers were women, or elderly men.

Some say it is in the interest of the Taliban not to revert to the brutality they displayed when they ruled from 1996 to 2001.

MSU Reporter • 11

Nine women serve as governors, tying a record ASSOCIATED PRESS Taking over on short notice for a scandal-plagued predecessor in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul began her tenure Tuesday with more than enough challenges for a new administration.

She also began with an historic opportunity: Hochul is the first woman to hold one of the most prominent governorships in the U.S. “New York as a whole has been a tough place for women to break into the highest levels, because there is very much a tight set of powerful gatekeepers,” said Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.

“And unfortunately — even in 2021 — women are still seen, in effect, as newcomers,” she said.

Hochul, a Democrat, became the ninth woman currently serving as a governor.

That ties a record that was set in 2004 and matched in 2007 and 2019, but it’s still well shy of gender proportionality.

A century after women gained the right to vote, 19 states still have never been led by a woman. That includes some of the most populous states, such as California, Florida, Pennsylvania and Illinois. Even if it succeeds, California’s recall election of Gov. Gavin Newsom next month doesn’t appear like-

HANS PENNINK • Associated Press New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul gives a news conference at the state Capitol on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, in Albany, N.Y.

ly to elevate a woman to the state’s top job.

Hochul had served as New York’s lieutenant governor until succeeding fellow Democrat Andrew Cuomo, who resigned after a decade in office. Cuomo had faced a potential impeachment battle after an attorney general’s investigation said he had sexually harassed or inappropriately touched 11 women.

Among other things, Cuomo also had faced a legislative investigation into whether he misled the public last year about COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes.

Hochul already has announced she will seek a full four-year term in 2022.

Next year could be a pivotal one for women running for governor. Democratic Gov. Kate Brown of Oregon will be the only female incumbent barred from seeking

re-election by term limits. Six male governors also will be term-limited, opening a path to office for fresh candidates from both parties.

In Arizona, where Republican Gov. Doug Ducey can’t run again, the field already has several candidates who are women, including Republican state Treasurer Kimberly Yee and Democratic Secretary of State Katie Hobbs.

Arizona already holds the record for the most women who have served as governor — four. Kansas has had three.

In Arkansas, which has never had a woman serve as governor, a high-profile Republican primary pits Attorney General Leslie Rutledge against Sarah Sanders, press secretary for former President Donald Trump and daughter of former Gov. Mike Huckabee.

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Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Maverick Football kickin’ it at camp

By KOLE BUELOW Staff Writer The Minnesota State football team has not played a regular season football game in a normal season since 2019. They did, however, play a few exhibition games this past spring to stay sharp.

Minnesota State began their spring season in a scrimmage against the Morningside Mustangs in Sioux City, Iowa. Next, came two home scrimmages against Gustavus and Grand View and a neutral site scrimmage against Minnesota-Duluth.

Coming into the 2021 season, the Mavericks were voted first in the NSIC preseason coaches poll with 12 first place votes, also claiming the top spot in the NSIC South division.

Although we have not seen the team play in a while, everyone is still high on them having another great season this fall.

Minnesota State is also ranked highly in the AFCA Division II coaches poll. The Mavericks come in at second place only behind West Florida, who defeated Minnesota State in the Division II national championship in 2019.

The Mavericks begin their 2021 schedule on Thursday, Sept. 2, at home in Blakeslee Stadium against the Northern State Wolves. In the meantime, they have been on the practice field preparing themselves for the season.

“We are looking forward to getting back on the gridiron and representing Min-

By KOLE BUELOW Staff Writer

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter JD Ekowa (7) is returning as the Mavericks starting quarterback this season.

nesota State as we defend our 2019 NSIC Championship with high hopes to compete in the NCAA playoffs,” head coach Todd Hoffner said in a statement for Maverick Athletics.

“We are looking forward to the leadership from our super seniors as they return to play and extended their education with dreams of becoming a champion. The core returning players of our team is strong and we look forward to integrating the newcomers to achieve our team’s dreams.”

Looking back, the Mavs did lose several key components from their run to the championship in 2019, including former running back Nate Gunn, quarterback Ryan Schlichte, linebacker

Zach Robertson, and receiver Shane Zylstra. The Mavericks do, however, have a lot of division one talent joining the program to begin this season so there is a lot to be optimistic about.

What feels like the biggest loss from the 2019 season is Mavericks’ all time receiving leader in yards, touchdowns, and receptions Shane Zylstra. Then brings the question, who can fill such a big role that Shane left the program?

Although Minnesota State may not have their clear answer just yet at wide out, they do bring a lot of promising talent to the program through the transfer portal and returning players from the 2019 season. Deyon Campbell, True Thompson,

and D.J. Barber highlight the newest additions to the Mavericks receiving core, while Jalen Sample, Parker Gloudemans, and Nyles Williams return from the 2019 team.

The Mavs also bring back a veteran quarterback in JD Ekowa, who got to play in all 15 games in the 2019 season. Ekowa is a proven dual threat quarterback, but can also throw in the pocket.

As we closely approach the start of the 2021 season, there is a lot to be optimistic about. There will be a lot of new roles to be filled, but the Mavs seem ready to do so.

Kickoff for the first game of the season begins at 6 p.m. on Sept. 4 in Mankato against the Northern State University Wolves.

Hastings, Mavericks look ahead after historic season MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter

By DANIEL McELROY Sports Editor After coming off a historic season for the men’s Maverick hockey program, Head Coach Mike Hastings has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

Hastings enters the season as the reigning Spencer Penrose award winner, fourth straight MacNaughton Cup winner, and NCAA Frozen Four finalist, a resumé that no other coach in Minnesota State University history has put together, all while living and working through the

Mavs soccer to be first to return in fall

Hastings holds the title of the Coach of the Year of the award.

likes of COVID. “The one thing that’s be-

come consistent is unpredictability,” said Hastings. With

COVID numbers beginning to surge again, that consistency may stay true through the 2021-22 season for the Mavericks in their first year under the CCHA. The squad will introduce ten new players to the roster this season, including transfers Josh Benton Maass (New Hampshire), Groll (Michigan), and the younger brother of Maverick alumni Riese Zmolek, Bennett Zmolek.

“When you’re turning over 35% of your roster, it’ll be different...But I like the group we have returning and NEXT UP on page 15 u

After having all of their 2020 schedule cancelled, the women’s soccer team at MNSU is back on track to have a normal fall season in 2021. The team played their first exhibition game this past Friday, August 20, against St. Thomas, but will not play their first regular season game until September 4.

Minnesota State is set to play Missouri Southern to kick off their season, back in Mankato. The last time the two teams played was in 2019, so it should be very exciting to see the Mavs get back on the pitch against the Lions.

Although their 2020 season was cancelled, the Mavs got to play some exhibition games this past spring. They were very impressive, holding a 10-2 record, falling only to Augustana twice.

Coming into this season, the women’s soccer team is ranked first in the NSIC preseason coaches poll with a conference leading nine first place votes. Following close behind are second place Augustana and third place Concordia St. Paul who both earned three and four first place votes, respectively.

The Mavericks return some very impressive talent to the team this year, starting with their leading goal scorer from just two years ago in Jenny Vetter. Vetter tallied 20 goals in the team’s most recent “normal” season, proving to be a pivotal forward for the team for years to come.

Brynn Desens and Allie Williams look to back up Vetter in the goal column this fall, as they provided 10 goals a piece in the 2019 season. Mackenzie Rath is the only returning goaltender for the Mavs since 2019 where she held a 0.83 goals against average in just six matches and two starts.

We have not seen this women’s soccer team play an actual regular season game since 2019, which leaves a lot of question

PRESSURE on page 15 u

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Sports

Maverick Esports revamps program, adds seven titles

MSU Reporter • 15

NEXT UP

Continued from page 14

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter Dryden McKay enters his senior season as the three-time WCHA Goaltender of the Year award winner.

FABIO CASTEL GARCIA • The Reporter The Maverick Esports Varsity program added seven titles to it’s selection, while adding another 40 students to teams.

By DANIEL McELROY • Sports Editor Coming into the 2021-22 school year, Maverick Esports Head Coach Jacquie Lamm had aspirations of four titles and approximately 20-30 varsity players.

Now that tryouts are concluded, the varsity program is looking upwards of 11 titles and 60 varsity players, including five female students, going above and beyond what Lamm had in mind.

“It has outgrown my expectations,” Lamm said about the second year of the program’s existence.

The program had over 100 students tryout for 10 titles over the summer, shattering the numbers Maverick Esports saw in its first year in 2020. Of those 100 students, 30 of them were incoming freshmen, making an impact before they even stepped foot on campus.

Some of the new titles in the 2021 school year include Call of Duty, Warzone, and Overwatch as well a few solo titles such as Fortnite, Hearthstone, and potentially a Teamfight Tactics team, all of which are still being recruited for Varsity positions.

Lamm believes that having a large selection of titles for students is what sets Minnesota State University, Mankato apart from the university esports programs across the country, as well as the policies in place in the program.

“I know that most schools like to stick to their three or four titles, which is fine, but

PRESSURE Continued from page 14 marks in viewers eyes on who will be the key players to watch throughout the season. Head coach Brian Bahl gave insight as to who he expects to be these players throughout the 2021 season.

Bahl said, “We return Jenny Vetter up top.

Brynn Desens, who scores a lot and is very efficient. We do not have a ton of back line experience but we have Kelly Friedrich to watch for along with Libby Spangler.” Coach Bahl went on to say, “We have a collection of great leaders across the board on this team.”

Minnesota State University, Mankato has such a large student base that we’re able to pull students and new students incoming for a lot more titles,” Lamm said. There is also a zero toxicity policy in place at Maverick Esports, stating that any student that shows toxicity towards the game, opponents, or their teammates will be subject to termination of the program.

“I am very strict with that with our players and I tell that to them before we invite them onto the teams...I’m really happy to say that no one has had any issues, and we’ve already seen improvement in people’s gameplay and communication style when they’re practicing because of that,” Lamm said.

Students that want to be part of something bigger than just the Varsity program can join the Esports and Gaming Student Learning Community on campus. The Learning Community in the campus dorms will surround you with other students who share an interest in gaming, while pairing you up with an upper class mentor to help you improve your gameplay, at the same time as helping you make the transition to college living.

Particularly, Lamm is most excited about the Call of Duty and Warzone teams the program has added to it’s list of titles this year.

“Those are my two favorite teams and I’ll be able to help coach the Warzone team. Actually being able to coach a team this year is something that I’m really excited about.”

Coach Bahl also has a few players who we should keep our eyes on this season who we may have never seen before. “Rachel Luedtke...” who is a Redshirt Freshman midfielder “is making great strides and Shelby Lund…” a Redshirt Sophomore defender “played great in the Spring. We expect them to create flare to our attack.”

This Minnesota State women’s soccer team has been superb over the past several years.

“We try to be extremely high pressure in combination with a lot of speed. Our opponents are not used to high press and we take advantage of that. We also have a massive competitive edge and we take pride in it.”

I like the group we have coming in.”

Bennett Zmolek comes into Minnesota State University, Mankato as a freshman, with what Coach Hastings sees as an opportunity to prove himself.

“We expect him to become his own player…[Zmolek] has a respect for opportunity and a work ethic. [Zmolek] doesn’t expect to be given anything,” Hastings Said.

Zmolek will be fighting for his spot on the roster for the first series in the beginning of October, in what is arguably the toughest first two weekends in college hockey.

The Mavericks will face off against the defending National Champions, University of Massachusetts in Amherst October 2&3. Then, the Mavs will come back home

for their home opener against the St. Cloud State Huskies, the national runner-ups after falling to UMass in the championship game. Minnesota State will travel to Duluth the following weekend to play in the Ice Breaker Tournament hosted by the Bulldogs, with Michigan and Providence College as the other participants.

“We tried to schedule as aggressively as possible.”

Well, it can’t get any more aggressive than the top two teams in the nation back-toback.

“They’re going to be a very tough out. You want to judge yourself against quality, and they’re quality, both of them,” Hastings said.

“Our goal is to win a National Championship.”

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Sports

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

MAVERICK FOOTBALL IS BACK! Photos by MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Sports

MSU Reporter • 17

Stanton, Yankees win 10th straight, cool off Braves 5-1 ASSOCIATED PRESS In a historic matchup between two of baseball’s hottest teams, the New York Yankees kept right on rolling.

Giancarlo Stanton homered and drove in three runs to carry the Yankees to their 10th straight victory, cooling off the streaking Atlanta Braves 5-1 on Monday night.

New York snapped the firstplace Braves’ own nine-game winning streak in the first regular-season matchup in almost 120 years between teams that had won at least nine in a row.

“We like winning,” Gary Sánchez, who drove in New York’s other two runs, said through an interpreter. “Winning is fun.”

Stanton homered in the second inning off Huascar Ynoa (4-3) and snapped a 1-all tie in the sixth with a two-out, tworun double.

“He’s a unicorn,” manager Aaron Boone said. “He does things every night that are a little bit different than everybody else.”

Sánchez gave New York some insurance with another two-out hit in the eighth, singling through the shift to bring home two more runs.

JOHN BAZEMORE • Associated Press New York Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton follows though on a solo home run in the second during a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, in Atlanta.

The Yankees haven’t lost since they played in an Iowa cornfield, giving up a walk-off homer to the White Sox in the Field of Dreams game on Aug. 12.

On a field of sweat night in Atlanta — the temperature was 88 degrees at first pitch — Jordan Montgomery (5-5) worked around four walks in his five-inning stint. He limited

the Braves to two hits, including a homer by Dansby Swanson.

The Yankees’ bullpen took it from there. Jonathan Loaisiga pitched two scoreless innings, striking out four. Wandy Peralta scattered a couple of hits in the eighth and Aroldis Chapman finished off Atlanta with a 1-2-3 ninth.

“I didn’t have much going

today,” Montgomery said.

“But we won.”

In the second, Stanton put the Yankees ahead with his 21st homer — going the opposite way with a 387-foot shot into the Chop House restaurant in right.

The Braves tied it in the bottom half with a long ball of their own. Swanson launched a 408-foot drive into the At-

lanta bullpen for his 25th homer of the season.

New York went ahead for good in the sixth, taking advantage of Ynoa’s only spurt of wildness.

After plunking DJ LeMahieu with a pitch, Ynoa retired the next two hitters before issuing his only walk of the night to Joey Gallo.

Stanton made the Atlanta pitcher pay, lining a one-hop double off the wall in left to bring home both runners.

Still, Ynoa turned in another strong start in his second appearance since an extended stint on the injured list after hurting his right hand punching a wall in frustration. He allowed four hits, three runs and struck out nine over six innings.

“I feel like every time he goes out there, he’s always down to compete,” Swanson said. “And that’s something I love about him.”

Montgomery was backed up by a couple of stellar defensive plays, including a diving catch by Gallo down the left-field line to rob Guillermo Heredia of a hit in the second.

Aaron Judge also made a nice running catch in deep center.

18 • MSU Reporter

Sports

Tony Finau ends five-year drought, wins Northern Trust

JOHN MINCHILLO • Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS Tony Finau was developing a label as the player who did everything right but win.

What he never lost was his belief he could beat the best.

That moment finally arrived late Monday afternoon at The Northern Trust against the sunlit backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.

Finau delivered the best back nine of his career to track down Jon Rahm, the world’s No. 1 player, and then beat Cameron Smith in a playoff.

Finau tapped in the winning par putt at Liberty National, tilted his head to the sky and fluttered his lips in a sigh that was equal parts relief and satisfaction.

“It’s more massive I think for just my sense of accomplishment,” he said. “It’s hard losing, and it’s hard losing in front of the world.

I’ve done it already a couple of times this year. That made me more hungry. If it doesn’t discourage you, it makes you more hungry. You guys keep telling me, ‘When are you

going to win again?’ That makes me more hungry.

“It all equals up to now.

It was time for me to win again.”

In a rain-delayed start to the FedEx Cup playoffs, with players sitting out Sunday as Hurricane Henri moved off the eastern seaboard, Finau ended a drought that had stretched more than five years and 142 starts on the PGA Tour.

He had eight runner-up finishes, three of them playoff losses, and 39 top 10s since his lone victory in the Puerto Rico Open in the spring of 2016.

That ended with a dynamic charge, starting with a birdie-eagle-birdie stretch for a 30 on the back nine to close with a 6-under 65.

And like most victories on this tour, he needed plenty of help.

Rahm, who had a twoshot lead at the turn, made his first bogey of the final round on the 15th hole.

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Newton to miss time after medical appointment ASSOCIATED PRESS Patriots quarterback Cam Newton will miss at least three days of practice this week after traveling to a team-approved, out of town medical appointment over the weekend, possibly opening the door for rookie Mac Jones to gain ground in their competition to be the Week 1 starter.

The team said in a statement Monday that Newton went to the appointment Saturday and tested negative each day for COVID-19.

But due to a “misunderstanding about tests conducted away from NFL facilities” that is required by NFL and NFLPA protocols, he has been subjected to a five-day, re-entry cadence before he can return to the Patriots’ team facilities. The earliest he is eligible to return is Thursday.

The statement said Newton will continue participating in team activities virtually while he is being held out of practices. How it will affect his availability for the Patriots’ exhibition finale against the Giants on Sunday will be determined. The Giants will be in Foxborough for joint practices Wednesday and Thursday before hosting New England for the game.

According to the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols that were most recently updated on July 27, only unvaccinated players are subject to the fiveday re-entry cadence that requires daily testing. Fully vaccinated players are required to test once every 14 days.

Asked earlier this month whether he has been vaccinat-

MATT ROURKE • Associated Press New England Patriots’ Cam Newton directs his team during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, in Philadelphia.

ed for COVID-19, Newton declined to answer.

“I think it’s too personal for each and every person to kind of discuss it, and I’ll just keep it at that,” he said.

Newton missed a game early last season after a COVID-19 diagnosis.

Monday marked the first practice absence this preseason for Newton, who is in his second season in New England after being signed prior to last season following Tom Brady’s departure to Tampa Bay. Newton struggled in limited action in the Patriots’ first preseason game, but shined in their second exhibition matchup at Philadelphia last week, passing for 103 yards and a touchdown in a 35-0 win. He is trying to keep his starting job this season after New England used its firstround pick on Jones.

In Newton’s absence, Jones received all the practice snaps with the projected first-team offense on Monday.

Patriots veteran safety Devin McCourty has been an advocate for vaccination and along with teammate Matt Slater participated in a video promoting COVID-19 vaccine importance back in April.

But McCourty, who has acknowledged his own initial vaccine hesitancy, has also repeatedly said and reiterated Monday that the decision of whether to get vaccinated should be a personal one.

He said any effect those decisions have on the overall team must be taken in stride.

“At the end of the day, it is what it is. You have to abide by whatever it is that we’re being asked to do, or however you want to see the rules, or whatever. We just go from there,” McCourty said.

“And I think that’s what each guy is going to do in the locker room. Take care of what they can control and however it kind of turns out for us will be what it is.”

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Tuesday, August 24, 2021

MSU Reporter • 19

Look no further: best places to hang out at MNSU

By JENNA PETERSON News Editor

Finding your way around campus can be difficult, especially after attending classes online for a year and a half.

Whether you’re a senior or a freshman, looking for that perfect place on campus to sit back and relax is always a challenge.

Minnesota State University, Mankato has a variety of popular hangout spots outside where students like to play games, hammock, or even -- gasp -- study for class. The campus mall, located outside of the Centennial Student Union, hosts tons of great hangout spaces. There are tables and chairs spread around the mall for studying.

Throughout the year, there are different rallies and events that take place in the mall, often with free items.

The icon of the campus mall is the fountain, beloved for its water streams and surrounding lounge-ready lawn. This section of the mall is aimed more for relaxing in between classes or completing home-

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter Students enjoying a thoughtful coffee break at Jazzman’s cafe in the CSU in between classes.

work with a refreshing view.

In recent years hammocking has gained popularity with college students for its affordability and portability, including campus. Outside the Memorial Library there is a small

lawn filled with trees throughout for students to strap their hammock around. This lawn remains fairly quiet and offers an abundance of shade to cool you down, or help you relax after a frustrating day of Econ

101.

Another great campus hammocking spot is the Performing Arts Center lawn. Students regularly tie hammocks to trees and pillars and hammock the afternoon away.

If hammocking isn’t your thing, don’t worry. There’s a sand volleyball court on the PA lawn and plenty of space for students to rent out a spikeball net and play a game.

The Crawford and Julia Sears dorm lawns have sand volleyball courts as well.

Spending time outside isn’t always ideal for students, especially in Minnesota. The CSU contains the vast majority of the popular hangout spots on campus. Jazzman’s, located on the main level, is a well-known coffee shop where students stop to grab lattes and dark roasts before continuing on with their class work.

Going down to the bottom floor of the CSU, the Hearth Lounge offers a calm and quiet place to study, nap or just relax. This lounge is famed for its impressive fireplace, but even more for the piano sitting in the middle of the room, which anyone is welcome to play.

Whether you enjoy spending time inside or out, MNSU is filled with social spaces to kick back, all that’s left is finding which one suits you best.

First week brings students together with games, food and fun

By SYDNEY BERGGREN Staff Writer

Minnesota State University, Mankato takes welcoming students back to campus very seriously. Which is why they’re offered activities such as films, a campus-wide scavenger hunt, a New Student Rally, Backyard Bash put on by Greek life, the RHA volleyball tournament, and much more.

MNSU junior John Shea mentioned, “I liked the open skating event and seeing everyone from different communities come together.”

Adding onto this, sophomore Chase Belka said, “Galactic Bingo was my favorite because I almost won!”

Residential Life and the Student Events Team were some of the organizations that came together to make this past weekend a memorable time in new students’ lives.

But the fun didn’t end here, as all residence halls are hosting events this Wednesday and Friday.

On Wednesday, the McElroy Residence Community is holding a ‘Munchie Mix Up’ event, where residents are able

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter Students pose in front of the MavFam sign on the Performing Arts Center lawn, anticipating the start of the new school year.

to make their own bag of trail mix out of a selection of ingredients provided for them.

Crawford will be facilitating a variety of lawn games for their residents, including volleyball, spike ball, and corn hole.

Preska will be hosting their annual Preska Palooza in the

Bullpen, located in the lower level of the Centennial Student Union, from 7 to 9 p.m. Residents will be able to bowl, play billiards and video games, and eat food provided by the residence hall. Additionally, residents will be able to enter their names into a prize raffle.

Julia Sears will be having a

Trivia Night where residents can win prizes.

Stadium Heights is having a block party from 5:30-7:30, with yard games, food, and a volleyball game.

On Friday, McElroy will be having a bonfire with s’mores and night games available.

Crawford will be tie dying

custom t-shirts on the Crawford lawn by the volleyball court.

Preska residence community is having a backyard bash on the lawn of the performing arts center, featuring snacks and yard games.

Julia Sears’ weekend event will be a block party with lots of outdoor yard games, volleyball, spikeball, and more.

They will also be doing a “Reverse Tie-Die” station where residents can bleach a “Sears Squad” T-shirt, or any items that they bring.

Stadium Heights’ weekend event is tie-dying on the lawn.

The residence hall is providing t-shirts for residents that wish to participate.

Alongside these events, Julia Sears is facilitating a series of Minute to Win it games all week long, and on Saturday afternoon Preska is hosting a carnival on the PA lawn with popcorn, nachos, snow cones, and carnival games.

MNSU residence halls are providing a variety of activities for students from all over campus to enjoy- there is something for everyone.

20 • MSU Reporter

Variety

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

A freshman’s guide to making friends in week one of college

By MAXWELL MAYLEBEN Editor in Chief The first week of college is incredibly daunting. A whole new place with all new people.

But it is also incredibly exciting. You have an entire new opportunity to learn about yourself and really define who you want to be as a person.

The number one way to really explore yourself is by aligning yourself with a new group of people, especially now, where many freshmen are here alone, without the close friends that may have been around during highschool.

So how do you go about making friends?

The beginning of that answer is a question. “What kind of friends do you want?”

This is a vital question, and is often overlooked by freshmen, as they latch onto the first group they can find.

Are you wanting to stay with your nose to the grindstone and make studying your priority?

Seek out a club with like minded people.

Speaking of clubs, there are so many opportunities around campus to get involved.

Whether it is with an aca-

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter demic organization like the Honors Society, a competitive organization like intramural sports, or a social one like joining a fraternity or sorority, finding a club that interests you will put you in close contact with people that have similar interests.

Shameless plug: but a great way to get to know the MNSU campus community while also meeting great friends that will

last a lifetime is working for the newspaper. You get great opportunities to explore the campus community, and meet tons of people that you may not meet otherwise.

If you are looking to venture out from highschool, and explore what the “party scene” is like, try knocking on the dorm room that is blasting music on a Saturday night, the worst they can say is to go

away.

One place where friendships are cultivated is in the dorm lounge.

If you need to get some studying done, but don’t mind some extra chatter, make it a priority to lug your laptop to the lounge.

Start up conversation with the other people in the room.

Time and time again, this leads to late night conversations

2021-2022

One of the easiest ways to meet new people while living in the dorms though is by going to the weekly “What’s on Wednesdays” that is put on by each residence hall.

This is a great way to mingle with other students that are in the same building as you, and with very little pressure, as everyone is there to mingle and get to know each other.

It is so easy to feel lonely during the first few weeks of college. It is a natural reaction to such a drastic life change.

It is imperative to know that it will pass. Homesickness starts to go away when your dorm starts to feel like home.

Everyone goes through the feeling of missing “home”, but then slowly but surely, your dorm feels more and more like the place where you belong. It is a huge part of the college experience.

If you are having trouble finding your “group” or place, it’s okay. You will get there, and you will get there exactly when you need to.

In the meantime, go looking for people that reflect who you want to be, because that is where the best friendships come from.

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Tuesday, August 24, 2021

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MSU Reporter • 21

CSU: Student Union is the students’ home away from home REPORTER ARCHIVES The Centennial Student has proved to be a staple of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Commonly abbreviated to the CSU, the building seems to be much more than that. The halls and conference rooms are permeated with fifty years of memories that have been shared with students and faculty alike.

The CSU is many things; it is a place to socialize, a place to study, to reflect, and to learn. Coined “The House of Serendipity”, the union is exactly that. It’s where various events take place and overall it’s where happiness is shared.

The CSU is a constant reminder that MNSU is not just a university, but a family.

However, the CSU hasn’t always been what it is today, as it didn’t even exist 50 years. It was built in 1967 by the students and for the students.

Today, the CSU is filled with activities for students.

For those looking to cut loose there is The Bull Pen, open not only to students, but to the general public as well. The Bull Pen has some friendly competition games available, including billiards tables, ping pong tables, a 12-lane bowling

HANNA MUN • The Reporter

alley, and the newest gaming consoles such as the Nintendo switch. If you get hungry while gaming away there’s a snack bar available filled with pizza, cheese curds, popcorn, and other delicious snacks.

If the snack bar doesn’t have what you’re looking for, then be sure to check out the Mav Ave, a section of the CSU that is dedicated to foods and drinks. Some student favorites, as pointed out by Director of CSU and Student Activities

Mark Constatine, include Jazzman’s, Chick-Fil-A, and Taco Bell. Other restaurants included in the Ave are Erbert and Gerbert’s Bistro, Garbanzo, Sandella’s Flatbread Café, Star Ginger, and Toss. In order to buy food here, all students have to do is swipe their MavCARD, if there is dining dollars attached, or use their own debit or credit card for a slight upcharge.

In the lower level of the CSU students are able to sit

down and relax white eating, completing homework, or simply taking a break. The Hearth Lounge holds numerous chairs and couches by the fireplace for students to unwind. There is also a grand piano in the Lounge for those to display their musical skills.

The Ostrander Auditorium is known to host many events, but one enjoyed by all students includes Stomper’s Cinema.

This program allows students to view newly released films,

for free with a Student ID, of all genres. These showings typically run throughout the later part of the week to give students a chance to take a break from studying. If you’re someone who enjoys a sweet snack during a movie you’re in luck, as there’s a cheap concession stand right outside the auditorium.

Another common event hosted in the CSU is The Good Thunder Reading Series. This event brings in a published writer who gives a workshop and reading session with students. The reading series gives the amazing opportunity for anyone to listen to and partake in political, cultural, and philosophical conversations.

Just like the reading series, the CSU doesn’t only offer something to the students, but also to the locals. The ballroom in the CSU can be rented out for a variety of events, and it frequently is. This room has hosted numerous high school dances, career fairs, blood dives, and so many other events.

The union isn’t only a place to hangout and have fun, but it is also some where people can go to if they need help.

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22 • MSU Reporter

Variety

Student Events Team brings fun events and concerts to MNSU

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter

REPORTER ARCHIVES Homecoming concerts, movie screening, and carnivals are some of the events the Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Student Events Team puts on for its students.

This year’s SET President Tyler Pickel expressed, “The entire team is made up of students that want to get involved with campus and give back to the campus, so being in this little family is nice.”

Vice President Madeline Berndt said she realizes and appreciates the impact SET makes on students, particularly on freshmen.

“I have to say that the best part of this organization is you know that you’re making a difference in someone’s life,” she said.

Being a part of the team requires creativity and room for growth, as you are put into pressuring situations.

Not many, if any, of the SET members have majors related to event planning, but everyone has gained something they can carry with them into the real world.

Previously, Pickel held the position as the Stomper Cinema Chair, which includes coordinating films in Ostrander Auditorium. She says it’s

been a challenge dealing with COVID-19.

“We tried it this year, but because of social distancing we saw a lack of interest,” she said. “Instead, we did more drive-in movies and screenings on the football field.”

When each was asked about a favorite event they have helped organize, Pickel said, “Easily the homecoming concert. It is one of our biggest events, as we set up for it starting the day before and then we work throughout the entire time. After the concert we don’t get out until around 2 a.m. from tear-down. It’s a lot, but I really like that type of work.”

Berndt echoed his statement about the concert being a lot of work, but her favorite event was Drag Bingo.

“It was really fun to work with the drag queens,” she said. “They have so much energy and are so innovative.

It was really cool to see what they could bring, as well as seeing so many people invested in the game.”

As students are rolling onto campus again, the Student Event’s Team is ready to create events that will bring the Maverick community together.

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Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Students given opportunities in Theatre Dept.

REPORTER ARCHIVES Minnesota State University, Mankato has a Theater and Dance department filled to the brim with astonishing actors, dancers, directors, and technical crew members that make for shows that cause their audience to laugh, cry, and think a little harder.

Public Relations director Corrie Eggimann, who is often in the midst of the action during the main stage season, states “Theatre and dance students are some of the most passionate people I’ve ever met. They are highly dedicated to their art and supportive of one another. I am grateful every day that I get to work with such fun and passionate people.”

The department offers a wide variety of theatrical performances in two venues: the Ted Paul and Andreas theaters. The Ted Paul theater typically hosts four shows, two of which are musicals, throughout the main stage season, while the Andreas theater hosts two. There are also typically four student produced shows throughout the season, directed by MFA students. Those shows, along with two dance concerts held throughout the academic year, give students a unique experience to a typical play or musical.

“You absolutely don’t have to be a theatre or dance major to get involved. Everyone is welcome,” said Eggimann.

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter

“The Department of Theatre and Dance offers several academic programs including BFA, BA, BS and minor programs. Students from any academic program are also invited to audition for the plays, musical and dance concerts. Students can also get involved with theatre productions on backstage crews.”

Last year, the Theater and Dance Department put on some diverse plays, musicals, and concerts, such as “The Tempest”, “Mamma Mia”, “Sense & Sensibility”, and the spring and fall dance concerts.

Anyone who gets involved in any role within the theatre and dance program has the opportunity to work with and learn from seasoned professionals in the field, including faculty as well as graduate students. Students are able to learn about any and all aspects of theatre and dance.

“If students choose to audition or work crew for a production, it is a large time commitment,” said Eggimann. “Rehearsals are typically Sunday through Friday evenings from 6:30 to 10, and generally for four to six weeks. It’s a lot of work, but the process is so rewarding.”

Information on upcoming auditions and shows can be found on the Theater and Dance website, along with the department’s Facebook page.

Questions can be directed to Eggiman’s email.

“Theatre and dance are so important as students can learn many skills beyond performance. Organization, teamwork, self-expression and comfortability with public speaking are a few of the skills that can be gained through theatre and dance.

It’s also a fantastic way to meet people, whether in classes or in production work.”

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• www.mnsu.edu/bus

Stadium Rd BL ST AKE AD S IU LEE M

23 Stadium Rd. & James Ave. Shelter 24 Southwood Flats Apartments 25 James Ave. & Fairfield St. 26 Campus View Shelter 27 Nelson Shelter 28 McElroy Shelter 29 Maywood Ave. & Warren St. Shelter 30 Student Union/Bookstore Shelter 31 Fire Station

Bus and shuttle services are provided through a partnership between MnDOT, the City of Mankato and Minnesota State Mankato Student Association/Senate and Transportation and Parking Program. The Green Transportation Fee is the primary funding source.

ldfi

16B

Balcerzak Drive Live Active Apartments Live Active Apartments Live Active Apartments Live Active Apartments College Station Shelter Tanager Road Shelter Tanager Road Shelter The Quarters Shelter Stadium Heights Res. Apt. Stadium Heights Shelter Heron Dr. Shelter

Last day of Spring Semester − Last day of OffCampus and Campus Circulator

Go

16A

Friday, May 6

r Cardinal D

Lions Park

Heron Dr

The Quads Apts.

CAMPUS AREA BUS STOPS AND SHELTERS 15B

Spring Break − No Off-Campus and Campus Circulator. (Except Stomper Express)

E Stadium Rd

Woodh

Preska Shelter Sears Shelter Wigley Administration Center Lot 20 Shelter Lot 21 Shelter Lot 22 Shelter Lot 23 Shelter (Free Lot) 12 Summit Apartments 13 Monks & Bunting Shelter 14 Monks Avenue Stop 15A Balcerzak Drive

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day − No Bus Service

Monday, Mar 7 Friday, Mar. 11

Lions Lake

Heron Dr

Dillon Ave

Monks Ave Monks Ave

Highland East Apts.

13

Colonial Manor Apts.

2 3 4 6 7 8 9

Monday, Jan. 17

Heron Dr

Ellis Ave

Huntington Hills Apts.

Spring semester classes begin − Off-Campus and Campus Circulator begin service at 7:00 A.M.

3 4

McElroy Residence Community Lot 15 Preska Shelter Sears Shelter Centennial Student Union Shelter (CSU Shelter)

5A 5B 6 7

Lost & Found: 507-625-RIDE (7433) Changes and Cancellations: announced on local radio

Lots 2 Shelter Lots 1 Shelter Lot 20 Shelter Lot 21 Shelter

8 9 10 11

C

t

23

Campus Village Apts.

Monday, Jan. 10

Homestead Dr

Homestead Apts.

KWIK TRIP

5A

Blue Heron Apts.

Campus Village Apts.

AMERICINN

Stadium Rd Stadium Rd

Eastport Apts.

Hudson Ave E

Southwood Flats Apts.

TAYLOR CENTER

UNIVERSITY SQUARE

Last day of Fall Semester − Last day of Off-Campus and Campus Circulator Service

N 31

Homestead Apts.

26

Highland Hills

10

Friday, Dec. 10

Meadow View Apts.

Balcerzak Dr

Heron Dr

OTTO ARENA

MYERS FIELD HOUSE

16B

Monks Place Apts.

TRAFTON SCIENCE CENTER

MORRIS HALL HIGHLAND NORTH

Ellis Ave

30

29

Live Active Apts.

Heron Dr

WIGLEY ADMIN CENTER

4

11

Campusview Townhomes

Monks Ave

West Rd

James Ave James Ave

Sto lt zman Rd

ARMSTRONG HALL STUDENT UNION

South Rd

24

Rasmussen Woods Rd

3

WISSINK HALL

No Off-Campus and Campus Circulator.

(Except Stomper Express)

Jaycees Ct .

Jaycee Park

Live Active Apts.

Balcerzak Dr

Campusview Townhomes

ALUMNI

Valley View Apts.

Lil ly St

Maywood Ave

NELSON HALL

LIBRARY

16C

Rd

ate

ALL SEASONS ARENA

Campus View St

Warren St

27

Maywood Ave

SEARS

Tha yer Ave PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

PRESKA

Warren St

2

Valley St

28

1

CRAWFORD

St

Birchwood

Mc ELROY

Preserve at Southridge Apts. 16D

16A Briarg

15B

Cedar Edge Townhomes

:23 :26 :28 :35 :41 :46 :54 :00

Friday, Nov. 26

TITLE VI NOTICE AND COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

Live Active Apts.

15A

St

Labor Day − No Bus Service

Thursday, Nov. 25 Thanksgiving Holiday − No Bus Service

Live Marwood River Urgent Adams Arrives WalOness Active & Black Aldi Hills Care/ & Cherry mart Plaza Apts Eagle Mall Main St 5th St

:18

Monday, Sept. 6

TITLE VI Notice and Complaint Procedure The Mankato Transit System operates its programs without regard of race, color, national origion. If you believe you have been aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice, or wish to request more information about Mankato Transit System’s obligations under Title VI, please contact us at the following address and telephone number: Associate Director - Transportation Planning Services Mankato Transit System Administrative Office 10 Civic Center Plaa, PO Box 3368 Mankato, MN 56002-3368 or 507-625-RIDE (7433) A copy of the Title VI Complaint Form and additional iInformation can be found at https://www.mankatomn.gov/.

A Title VI complaint may also be made by contacting the Title VI specialist at the Minnesota Department of Transportation, office of civil rights at 651-366-3071

Balcerzak Dr

Warren St

Sto lt zman Rd

Birchwood

:13

Fall semester classes begin − Off-Campus and Campus Circulator begin service at 7:00 a.m.

Websites: www.mnsu.edu/parking

Balcerzak Edge Townhomes

Warren St

Val Im m D r Sar atoga St

Highland Ave

Ellis Ave

WIECKING CENTER

:12

Monday, Aug. 23

Certified paratransit customers may access transportation services between the hours of 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. within ¾ miles of the U-Zone Route alignment. For service, please call 311 or 507-625-RIDE 24 hours prior to the desired departure time.

ALL BUSES ARE FREE WHEN YOU PRESENT YOUR MAVCARD. HAVE MAVCARD READY WITH PHOTO VISIBLE AND FORWARD

Malin St

I M P O R TA N T D AT E S Monday, Aug. 16 Stomper Nighttime Express − Bus service begins

A C C E S S I B L E T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

ON-CAMPUS ONLY

Malin St

CAMPUS BUS ROUTES

Accessible Transportation: The Maverick Shuttle Program will provide accessible transportation for individuals with disabilities during Minnesota State Mankato class days. The Red Eye Shuttle will provide accessible transportation with 12 hour prior notice by calling 507-389-5649. Additional information concerning accessible transportation offered by the University and the City of Mankato can be found at http://www.mnsu.edu/parking/bus_shuttle.html.

MavCARD - “Your Ticket to Ride” Fairfield St

:30 :00

Fall 2021− Spring 2022

SATURDAY (10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.) SUNDAY SERVICE (10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.) ROUTE 10

“Red Eye Shuttle” On-Campus circulator runs from 3:30 P. M. to 12:00 MIDNIGHT Monday – Thursday and Sunday 3:00 P. M. to 11:00 P. M. with 12 pick-up points.

Only one Red Eye Shuttle will operate from 3:30 P. M. to 6:00 P. M. and 11:00 P. M. to 12:00 MIDNIGHT . Route schedule may vary due to holidays, breaks, unexpected passenger count, traffic and road conditions due to inclement weather.

UZONE BUS FARE 50¢ WITHOUT MAVCARD

:23 :53

CSU Julia Sears Complex McElroy Complex

:28 :48 :08

RED EYE SHUTTLE NIGHTTIME SERVICE

Maverick Shuttle is the On-Campus circulator bus with accessible capabilities. The shuttle will operate Monday – Friday 7:30 A . M. to 3:30 P . M. The shuttle will follow Route 8 MTS bus. Time and route may vary due to customer needs, breaks, holidays and inclement weather.

:19 :49

:02 :03 :04

MSU ROUTE 9 MORNING EXPRESS MONDAY - FRIDAY

MAVERICK SHUTTLE O N-C A MPU S O NLY

:13 :43

Outbound

HOURS OF SERVICE 7:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

MSU CAMPUS EXPRESS: MONDAY - THURSDAY NIGHTTIME McElroy Shelter

:09 :39

STOMPER NIGHTTIME EXPRESS MONDAY-SATURDAY

HOURS OF SERVICE 6:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.

Departs CSU

:07 :37

:04 :34

Arrives CSU

OLD TOWN/MSU EXPRESS ROUTE 7 BUS MONDAY - FRIDAY

:10 :30 :50

HOURS OF SERVICE 7:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Departs CSU

:02 :32

MSU ROUTE 8 CAMPUS CIRCULATOR DAYTIME PARKING LOT SERVICE Departs McElroy Balcerzak Campus Summit University Parking Arrive CSU View CSU Shelter Apts.

Drive B Lots 20-23

Tanager Tanager The Heron Dr. Lots Arrive CSU Road B Road A Quarters Shelter 20-23

:20 :50

:53

HOURS OF SERVICE MONDAY - FRIDAY 7:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

MSU ROUTE 1B SOUTH: MONDAY - THURSDAY Depart CSU

:41

Monks Ave.

HOURS OF SERVICE 6:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.

MSU ROUTE 1A SOUTH: MONDAY - THURSDAY McElroy Shelter

:27

Stadium Heights

HOURS OF SERVICE 10:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M.

HOURS OF SERVICE 7:13 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Departs CSU

:15

Southwood James Ave & James Ave & Flats Fairfield Stadium Summit Apts.

St. Rd. Apts.

Departs CSU

t

:32 :02

Monks & Bunting

Arrives CSU

rk Dr

:20 :50

Campusview

:03

Live Active Apts.

Tanager Road

Live Active Apts.

Stadium College Heights Station

:55

Wal-Mart

River Hills Mall

lC

Departs CSU

Live Active Apts.

ai

MSU ROUTE 1B NORTH: MONDAY - FRIDAY

Departs CSU

dt

:27 :47 :07

Re

:24 :44 :04

Map Dr

A

:20 :40 :00

CALL 625-RIDE

:19 :39 :59

Rd

:18 :38 :58

Pohl

B

:17 :37 :58

Pohl Rd

C

:16 :36 :56

Arrive CSU

rw

D

:10 :30 :50

Ellis/ Val Imm

be

College Station

Tim

Live Active Apts.

Departs CSU

Pohl Rd

HOURS OF SERVICE 7:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

MSU ROUTE 1A NORTH: MONDAY - THURSDAY

U-ZONE BUS ROUTES

Skyla

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Lot 22 Shelter Lot 23 Shelter Lot 5 Entrance Wissink/Performing Arts Crosswalk

Questions or Comments: please email us at sshloesser@mankatomn.gov or call us at 311 or 507-625-7433(RIDE)

24 • MSU Reporter

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Tuesday, August 24, 2021