April 2022 Vol. 115 Issue 8

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• Vol. 115 • Issue 8 • April 29, 2022

First Lady Jill Biden Visits Knob Noster EMMA FISCHER News Editor

First Lady Jill Biden visited Knob Noster schools on Wednesday, April 13 to honor the children of military families and Knob Noster’s strong community support for these families.

Christine Sturgill, a senior at Knob Noster, introduced the First Lady. Her father is in the Air Force, and she has been in six different school systems throughout her education.

“The most unique thing about Knob Noster is not anything that can be captured on paper,” Sturgill said.

“The greatest thing about Knob is the people … I haven’t been in any other school where the lunch ladies know everyone’s name or the principal will come to a track workout and be teaching people how to hurdle. It’s such a close-knit community, and that is truly unique.”

Though high school can be a challenging time for many young adults, military children face different challenges because of their parents’ work. Military children often move around the country and live in different places around the world throughout their education, which can make it difficult for them to feel like they have a community that is their own. Knob Noster was recognized not only for its strong academic programs, but also for its community support for military families.

“It seems like you’ve either been here six months or you were born here — there’s not a lot of in-between,” Sturgill said. “But the Knobbies, as they call themselves, provide the backbone of our school.”

Sherri Stiles, wife of an Air Force pilot and mother of a Knob Noster student, said that the inclusion of military children was very intentional from the school’s administration.

Stiles’ daughter, Alli, attended the First Lady’s speech. Stiles grew up in Warrensburg but has since lived in New Mexico and Louisiana before her father was stationed at Whiteman Air

First Lady Jill Biden visited Knob Noster High School during the Month of the Military Child to praise the school’s efforts to include and support military students. Biden explained her experiences as being part of a military family. “I understand a little of what military families go through,” Biden said. “You face unique challenges — and your stories don’t always get told.

That’s why I’m here today — to shine a light on what it means to be a military kid.” During her visit, the First Lady also visited Whiteman Elementary. Photo by Emma Fischer

Force Base in Knob Noster. “[The First Lady] coming to Knob is actually a really big thing for us,” Stiles said. “It was a really big thing for Knob to get recognized for all the things they’ve done for military students.”

Stiles was excited to see the First Lady, but said that the student population of Knob Noster was split because of their political views.

“I did notice that beforehand there were a lot of people who were going to the assembly who were like, ‘I don’t really like her, I don’t really like that she’s coming to our school,’” Stiles said.

She said that after the First Lady

spoke and recognized the strong community Knob Noster had built around supporting military families, many students were more appreciative of the recognition and the First Lady’s visit.

UCM alumna Abby Frandsen is a teacher for Knob Noster’s prekindergarten program, named Little Wingmen. She was the only teacher whose classroom was visited by the First Lady. The First Lady participated in a craft activity in which Frandsen’s three and four-year-old students learned about different farm animals.

Frandsen said she was excited to see the First Lady, and that she was awed by the First Lady’s interaction with her

students.

“I’ve never met anyone I would consider famous or a celebrity,” Frandsen said. “Everyone tells you she’s just another person … Then she comes in, and there’s just this glow. And you’re overwhelmed, but watching the kids interact with her, it really was a beautiful thing because to me she’s not just another person.”

Frandsen said that the Secret Service and the school’s administration were very specific on how the First Lady’s visit would go. Frandsen said there was tape on the floor, and she was given specific instructions for how she was supposed to facilitate the activity and interactions between her students and the First Lady.

“With three and four year olds, you cannot predict them,” Frandsen said.

Frandsen said she thought the way the First Lady interacted with young students was beautiful. She told stories of the First Lady sharing a tiny chair with one of the students, listening as one of them told her what sounds farm animals make. Frandsen said one moment that touched her was when a three-year-old held out her boots to the First Lady and announced that they were her “fancy boots”. In return, the First Lady showed the three-yearold her own “fancy” shoes.

“It’s that beautiful innocence that they really do think she’s just another person,” Frandsen said. “Watching them interact with her, I thought was just incredible.”

Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona also visited Knob Noster with the First Lady. He gave a speech at Knob Noster High School, addressing the military children of the school.

“To all the students here with families in the military, you’re among the more than two million kids across America with a mom or dad who either currently serves or has served in our armed forces,” Cardona said. “Your parents are courageous. So are you, and you deserve a round of applause.”

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News

2 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 8 • April 29, 2022

City Manager Considers Waste Study EMMA FISCHER News Editor

Grease-stained pizza boxes, halfempty bottles of soda and billowing black garbage bags sit in overflowing dumpsters tucked between campus buildings and hidden in Warrensburg alleys, if it’s not piling up in people’s yards.

In the summer of 2021, national trash company Republic Services began operating as the Warrensburg area’s main trash provider after it bought local company Heartland Waste. Since then, residents have experienced a change in service and many have taken to posting on Facebook, putting up signs and calling the City of Warrensburg to express their frustrations with the company’s trash service.

“The trash service is exactly how it sounds — trash,” longtime Warrensburg resident and freshman theatre design and technology major, Hollie Neumann, said.

One of Republic’s mechanics, True Devine, said there have been many reasons as to why Republic’s service is subpar. Like many companies across the country, Republic has faced labor shortages, Devine said.

“We couldn’t even staff enough people to go pick up all the trash,” Devine said. “Sometimes it would take three days to pick up one day’s route.”

In addition to the shortage of workers, Republic Services has also faced other challenges. Because Heartland Waste was local, many of the drivers they employed were familiar with the Warrensburg area.

When Republic took over, they had to adjust to Heartland Waste’s old system, which relied heavily on local drivers’ knowledge. Many of Heartland’s drivers left the compnay after it changed management.

City Manager Danielle Dulin did a Q&A with Republic Services in the summer of 2021 after the company had taken over Heartland.

She streamed the conversation on Facebook for Warrensburg residents.

She has continued to address the issues regarding trash service in the Warrensburg area.

“We know we’ve got a challenge here in Warrensburg with our solid waste,” Dulin said.

Dulin first sat down with Republic Services employees in September 2021, and spoke with them in a posted video about their new service

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Bethany Spitzmiller, Managing Editor Emma Fischer, News Editor Libby East, Features Editor Meah Copeland, Sports Editor Dillon Seckington, Opinions Editor Angela Evatt, DEIA Editor Gabriella Ellis, Promotions Manager Anna Furney, Copy Editor Blair Miller, THRIVE Intern Dr. Julie Lewis, Faculty Adviser

Republic is less familar with the Warrensburg area compared to previous trash company Heartland Waste, which contributes to inconsistent service.

While some people are experiencing difficulties getting their trash taken care of, other Warrensburg residents are not having issues. “I think a lot has to do with the individuals working the routes,” Warrensburg resident Christine McLean Rogers, said. Photo by Emma Fischer

to Warrensburg residents. As the city manager, Dulin has been on the receiving end of complaints and has worked with Republic Services to ensure citizen satisfaction.

Dulin said that Republic Services has shrunk their area of service to focus on solving the issues in the Warrensburg area before focusing on more rural customers. Additionally, starting in January 2022, Republic Services has brought in more management staff from other Missouri areas to better address the specific issues Warrensburg is facing.

“We’ve seen a lot of improvement, just even in the last probably six or eight weeks,” Dulin said.

Dulin said one of the frustrating parts of working with a national company is that when she would call, her complaints would be dismissed because on Republic’s records, trash routes had been picked up, even though she would be on the phone looking at the trash still on the curb.

Other residents faced similar problems and were unable to get through to the local company.

“Now that we’ve got the new manager in place, we’ve got our new representative here in town, I do think that those things are getting taken care of,” Dulin said. “I feel like we’re being

REPORTERS Abram Tabor Lillian Tate Rowena Rambeau

Collin Sumler Bryan O’Barr

PHOTOGRAPHERS Lauryn Morrow

ILLUSTRATORS & DESIGN Lindsey Moyer, Liliana Lozano

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DISTRIBUTION Nick Distefano, Andrew Drake, Tretin Raney

seen — feel like we’re being heard.”

Dulin also said the City of Warrensburg is planning on conducting a solid waste study at the end of fiscal year 2022 because of recent issues. This would look at how Warrensburg residents produce trash — how much of it, what it is and what can be done to get rid of it.

“One of the things that’s really interesting about Warrensburg [is that] Republic has come in, and they’re shocked at how much trash Warrensburg residents produce,” Dulin said.

The solid waste study will outline a plan of action for the community to address the amount of waste that Warrensburg is producing. Dulin and the city have discussed different methods of trash-collecting, whether that is through the city’s own funds, contracting as a community with Republic or leaving the system as it is now, where individual property owners are responsible for contacting a trash company of their choosing and getting rid of their own trash.

The solid waste study will also examine what type of trash is being produced and will show what sort of facility is necessary, such as a recycling center, and how a recycling system could be effectively implemented

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within the community.

Dulin said she hopes the study will be complete by the end of 2022 or within the first quarter of the 2023 fiscal year.

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News

Muleskinner 3 • Vol. 115 • Issue 8 • April 29, 2022

Fraternity Complex to be Demolished Reporter

After more than three years of vacancy, the University of Central Missouri facilities and planning operations have started the destruction process for the Fraternity Complex.

The building is now on track to be removed by June 30, 2022.

In 2016, UCM Housing partnered with Scion Group to investigate the feasibility and design aspects of building a new fraternity housing facility. After reviewing the finished report in 2017, UCM determined that building a new facility would not be financially possible without significant monetary donations because of the high renovation costs.

Later in November of 2019, the heating system inside the facility began to fail. The university attempted to determine the cause, cost and repair time, but they discovered it would be too costly to restore. Tenants were then required to move out by Nov. 17, 2019.

In addition to cost, the poor condition of the facility contributed to the decision to demolish the building. Its age and infrastructure were ultimately too poor to allow for student living.

“We’re contracted with Dore & Associates to help us with the removal of the facility,” David Davis, director of facilities and planning operations, said.

The total cost for removal is $901,200. Davis also ensures there

will be no environmental impact on the proximity of the facility.

“All materials are being disposed of according to state and federal guidelines,” Davis said.

After the removal of the facility, the university plans to keep the area reserved for green space.

Current students on campus have hopes for what they would like to see the space transformed into.

“I hope to see the open space be used for more student activities hosted by the university,” sophomore Greek life member Jace Uchtman said.

Some examples of activities students would like to see take place include new sporting areas and quieter places for students to study or meet with friends outside.

“It would be nice to have some more outdoor lounge areas for students to study or meet up with friends while being outside,” Uchtman said. “Even new basketball or volleyball courts would be nice additions.”

Current dance team captain and junior, Emmalyn Geier, said she would like the area to be reserved for creative outdoor activities.

“Since the area is like an extension of campus, it would be a great spot for students to exercise or set up hammocks during nice weather,” Geier said.

Davis confirmed the university plans to designate the property for green space.

Dores & Associates in process of removing the Fraternity Complex Facility. The building is on track to be removed by June 30, 2022. Photo by Trevor Martin

More commonly known as the plex, the facility holds many notable memories for several fraternity alumni.

“Once I found out about the plans for the complex, my stomach was in knots,” Joshua Baker, Delta Chi Chapter advisor and UCM alumnus, said. “I was nervous about the future of Greek life in general.”

Baker said some of his life’s most memorable moments have taken place in the Fraternity Complex.

“There was something special about most fall rush weeks,” Baker said.

“Being able to see all the chapters

outside the complex doing their best to recruit new members was a feeling like no other. We were all competing, but all fighting the same battle to thrive.”

Baker added he would also like for the property that once housed the facility to be used for student activities and engagement.

“It would be nice to have some kind of activity site there, to expand and improve upon the existing basketball court, for example,” Baker said. “Given its close proximity to the campus, the area has a lot of great potential for student use.”

Austin City Limits presents

H.E.R.

Photo courtesy Austin PBS, KLRU-TV/Austin City Limits. Photo by Scott Newton.

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Enjoy an unforgettable hour with Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. The singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist plays tracks from her self-titled album and numerous EPs.

April 30th at 8 p.m.

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Features

4 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 8 • April 29, 2022

Creativity Brews at Java Junction Open Mic

LILLIAN TATE Reporter

On April 7, locals filled the seats of an open mic hosted by Eddie Osborne and Scott Humphries at Java Junction. The evening was filled with performances ranging from emotional spoken word to a country-rock band.

The open mic event started in 2010.

Osborne said the owner of Java Junction, Art Ozias, is one of the biggest supporters of the open mic, and they wanted to give money to him and his business as a thank you for being a patron of the arts.

Osborne said he was inspired to host open mics because he wanted to provide a space for artists to perform.

Lydia Easterwood was among the first to perform that night, performing an original song on her acoustic guitar.

Raised just south of Warrensburg, Easterwood has been writing music for almost six years and said she finds a sense of therapy in singing about her experiences.

“Ever since I started going to the open mic in 2017, it became my therapy in a way … I’ve used music to process my childhood abuse, to process relationship abuse, loss of friends and family, jealousy, mess-ups and downfalls and so on,” Easterwood said. “I know the open mic is a safe space to share my music.”

(left to right) Jack Roccaro, Steven Houser and Connor Sloan perfom the original song “Untangle My Mind” during their set at the Open Mic Night at Java Junction. Photo by Lillian Tate

Easterwood’s original piece, titled “Emma’s Song,” is written about Easterwood’s late child Emma and Easterwood’s experience of getting out of an abusive marriage. Her father has always been one of her biggest supporters, especially through the loss of her child and helped her find support at the open mic “I plucked up my courage and [dragged] my measly, old pawnshop guitar down there and played a couple of my songs,” Easterwood said. “They were well received by the people who attended, so I kept writing and coming back.”

Easterwood said she developed an immense love for the regular performers.

“The other performers always have a way of touching your soul,” Easterwood said. “Everything is always deep, genuine and truly from the heart. That’s a rare quality nowadays, which breaks my heart. I find solace in the open mic because it reminds me that there are still real, genuine people in the world who are uniquely beautiful and non-conforming to societal norms.”

The next performer, Tony Wood, is a father from St. Louis who recently moved to Warrensburg. He delivered a

vulnerable, spoken word regarding his youngest son who recently overcame cancer. The piece titled, “This is the Easy One” is inspired by his many hardships in life, and how dealing with his son’s illness felt like it was the easiest to deal with. A friend of Wood’s was his motivation for sharing his spoken word.

“This is my first open mic night ever,” Wood said. “I’ve sung in front of people, but I’ve never spoken my poetry. The people I shared it with before said that I should share with others because they felt it was something that was a good message.”

Wood said sharing his art with others was fun, and he wants to return to Java Junction’s open mic nights.

The majority of performances that night were solo, except for one band composed of UCM students.

Houser and the Hitchhikers is a band composed of senior music tech major Nick Sloan, junior horticulture major Jack Roccaro, junior secondary education major Steven Houser, freshman music tech major Connor Sloan and junior digital media productions major Luke Jenkins.

Houser and the Hitchhikers performed three original songs, “Devilbound Blues,” “Whiskey Before Breakfast”

and “Untangle My Mind.” The band has been playing together since October 2021. Roccaro describes the band as country-rock with some blues and funk influences.

“We didn’t set out to write anything, but we started as a country-rock cover band,” Nick Sloan said. “And then somebody would do a good bass or funky guitar line, and we’d just build from there.”

Roccaro said the band had a positive experience playing at Java Junction.

“We’re always happy to share our music whenever we can, and it felt great to be embraced by such an active community,” Roccaro said.

“We can only hope to receive more opportunities like this.”

Houser said they performed their music differently than normal while they were at the open mic, specifically having a more acoustic sound.

“I truly enjoyed the performances of the night,” Osborne said. “There was humor, there was pathos, [the event] really ran the gamut and my toes even tapped a couple of times.”

Osborne even performed an original essay piece as the night’s closing act.

For any artists wishing to visit this event, the next open mic will be on May 5 at Java Junction.

Features

Muleskinner 5 • Vol. 115 • Issue 8 • April 29, 2022

UCM Alumna Helps Orphans in Ukraine EMMA FISCHER News Editor

Allina Robie spends her days building a life for herself in Western Ukraine and caring for orphans.

Robie graduated from the Universtiy of Central Missouri in 2017 with a degree in English literature and minors in marketing and creative writing.

“My college years were very impactful on the woman I am today, not just because of the classes I attended, but because of the life experience I gained through campus life and involvement,” Robie said.

While being an honors student, Robie also worked in the Honors College office and at Muddy Creek BBQ, and she was an active member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority.

“I was very involved in Panhellenic activities and learned ... to live life with a purpose through philanthropy,” Robie said.

After Robie graduated, she participated in The World Race, an 11-month mission trip. During the trip, Robie worked with vulnerable children around the world and visited Ukraine in the ninth month of her journey.

Robie said that her time on the mission trip gave her life a purpose that she had never felt before.

“After my year with The World Race, I did go back to the States for a year and worked in marketing for a nonprofit,” Robie said. “[I] really worked on getting myself to a healthy place in life and started dreaming about how

I could set myself up to have a life serving vulnerable children.”

Robie said that Ukraine also captured her heart during her travels there, and Ukraine faces an orphan crisis that many people don’t know about.

“I really considered working within the foster care system in the States, but the need in Ukraine spoke to me so specifically,” Robie said.

Robie moved to Ukraine on Feb. 1, 2022. Robie works with a state-run toddler orphanage in Western Ukraine, which houses nearly 80 children ages zero to five. Robie spends Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays of her week with two-year-olds and special needs children. The other days of her week, she spends helping displaced Ukrainians find places to live through contacts in Romania, Poland and Slovakia. Robie said she also shops for groceries, diapers and other supplies for at-risk families.

According to the International Organization for Migration, nearly 7.1 million people have been displaced by the conflict with Russia.

Robie said she was aware of the tension between Russia and Ukraine since she visited in 2018. When the war began on Feb. 24, it didn’t take Robie long to realize she would stay.

“I didn’t move here because it was the comfortable or easy thing to do, I moved here because I wanted and felt called to serve the Ukrainian orphan,” Robie said. “War didn’t change that, it simply reinforced it.”

Allina Robie gives juice boxes to children she works with in Ukraine. “I knew moving here was a risk,” Robie said, “I also knew that war creates more orphans. Whether because of death, poverty, displacement or fear — there would be more vulnerable children because of this war,” Robie said. Photo by Jessica Wyman. Editor’s note: The childrens’ faces are blurred for their safety and privacy. They are not old enough to give consent and don’t have parents to speak for them.

Robie said she was motivated by her faith to pursue advocacy for orphans.

“I was called to Ukraine in the way that one might feel called to be a doctor or teacher,” Robie said. “I know that we are all created to do more than survive [in] this one life we are given, but to thrive, impact and love.”

Traci Butler, administrative assistant to the vice provost for academic programs and dean of graduate studies and research, worked with Robie

in the Honors College. Butler first met Robie in 2015 when she hired Robie to edit and design the Honors College’s electronic student newsletter, “Honorably Speaking.”

“Allina always wore her heart on her sleeve and expressed empathy for others,” Butler said. “It has been such a joy watching how God has used her through her various mission experiences. I couldn’t be more proud of her and her servant’s heart!”

International Students Share their American Experiences

Waqar Alshorman

I’m Waqar, an international student at the University of Central Missouri from Jordan, studying industrial engineering.

First, I want to give a little glimpse of my beautiful country. Jordan is an Arab country located in Western Asia with the capital of Amman. There are spectacular places to find around Jordan, from the beautiful green mountains in Irbid and Ajloun, to the magical desert in Wadi Rum, to the blue sea in Aqaba. There are also many historical places. It is the best country to visit with friends, family or even alone, since it is one of the safest countries in the area.

Food is a very important aspect of Jordanian culture. It is commonly used by Jordanians to express their hospitality and generosity. Jordanians serve family, friends and guests with great pride in their homes. A Jordanian invitation means that one is expected to bring nothing and eat everything! At UCM, the food has been a memorable experience. My first experience with food in America was crab legs with butter — it was the best! Dining hall food has been a little bit of a challenge because of some dietary restrictions, and the vegetarian options were somewhat limited. However, salad and pizza are always a good choice, and it’s even better when eating with friends.

The people I’ve been able to meet during my time here have been really sweet and kind. The international student community here is also so fun and supportive. The international student organization put on some great events during the semester to help me and my friends experience more cultures, try new things and meet more people on campus.

Mingalarbar! That means hello in Burmese. I am Si Thu, a student from Myanmar, which is a Southeast Asian Nation of more than one hundred ethnic groups, bordering China, India, Bangladesh, Laos and Thailand. In the picture, I am wearing Longyi, Myanmar’s unique cultural attire. In Myanmar, Burmese men wear Longyi with plain, checked or striped patterns. Longyi can be worn upside down and inside out, whichever way a person prefers to wear it. Longyi is also the uniform for students from middle school to university. While some kids and adults prefer to wear modern western clothing, a lot of students still happily wear Longyi to school every day. As an international student who came from a developing country, it was challenging to adapt in a new environment of learning. The biggest culture shock I experienced in the United States was trying new food. On the other hand, studying abroad at the UCM helped me broaden my horizons. I have had the chance to learn and experience the lifestyle of a student in an American institution, and have had an amazing experience, making amazing memories that will forever live in my heart.

Misbah Qureshi

Si Thu

It almost feels like it was only yesterday that I was alone on a plane, unsure of what to expect, but looking forward to what the future held for me. Now, I’m returning home with a lot of memories and stories to tell. Now that I’m writing about my experience as a one-semester exchange student at UCM, I’m not sure where to begin. Being away from family may appear to be a challenge, but I haven’t felt homesick because I have had friends who checked in on me. The people I met, the friends I made and the experiences I had have all become important parts of my life. As an exchange student, I am only here for one semester, and that semester is all about dividing my heart into several small pieces and sending them to every corner of the globe in the hopes that they will all meet again one day. It is strange how we are selected for a purpose and brought together, then in a glance we are scattered and have to fulfill that purpose in our own ways.

My advice to international students considering UCM for their education is to be focused on your studies while also remembering to have fun. Connect with others, volunteer in the community, have a social life and explore all of the resources. Maybe find something related to personal passions, be it fashion, science or music. For example, my major was software engineering, so I was given a chance to attend some really amazing workshops and seminars regarding my field of study. Connecting with people, listening to their experience and their stories really help build personality, because at the end of the day, that’s the only part of life that’s going to be remembered forever, so make it memorable.

Features

6 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 8 • April 29, 2022

Cadets, Camo and Canons: UCM Community Relaxes UCM’s Army ROTC and Celebrates at MuleFest DILLION SECKINGTON

On the evening of April 22, UCM students and Warrensburg residents enjoyed live music, snow cones and fun activities at Mulefest. Hosted at Selmo Park, the festival featured various performers, most of which were UCM students.

Junior digital media production major and country music artist Jayson Orr said he was glad to get the opportunity to play his music.

“I love playing outdoors, and this is the first time I’ve gotten to play outdoors in a long time, probably since COVID, so I was really happy about that,” Orr said.

While the performances were the spotlight of Mulefest, students were also able to partake in activities such as spray painting, volleyball and cornhole. If students got too hot in the April sun, they could also head over to the free snow cone stand or grab water from a separate stand.

These activities proved to be another way for students to relieve some stress before hitting the books again during the final two weeks of classes.

“It doesn’t have to be incredibly organized, just something to come sit out and chill,” Hollie Neumann, junior theatre design and technology major, said. “It’s a good time, especially before finals.”

Mulefest was primarily organized

by Kourtney Honey. As the chair of the programming committee, Honey was responsible for making sure that everything went smoothly during the festival.

“Immediately, in May, I was like, ‘I’m doing this again,’” Honey said. “So I started the planning. I just loved how it brought everyone together.”

Overall, Mulefest was a success for an on-campus event. The performances, refreshments and activities proved to be a great experience for both UCM students and local residents.

Jayson Orr played original country songs along with a few covers on stage at Mulefest.

Top: Members of ABC helped provide snow cones and other food for the event. Middle Right: Students were able to socialize with friends to relieve stress before finals. Bottom: Students were able to show creativity with a THRIVE sponsored spray paint board.

Opinions Editor

Cadets pose before participating in the ruck march for the German Army Proficiency Badge.

Cadet Grace Peak is far right, and Cadet Calli Kernen is second from the right. Photo submitted

by Trevor Vanpool

BRYAN O’BARR Reporter

They put the flag up every Monday and take it down every Friday. They shoot the cannon at football games and can be seen roaming campus in uniform. When they’re not in uniform, they are in classes, extracurriculars or working jobs like any other student.

They are the Army ROTC at the University of Central Missouri.

ROTC stands for Reserve Officer Training Corps. Its main goal is getting students a degree while simultaneously training them to become officers within the United States Military.

“It is a leadership factory,” professor of military science at UCM, Lt. Col. Brandon Boatwright said. “You come in and we’ll teach you to be a leader, whether it is for the Army or for your life. We can provide you with the basic set of skills to be able to ask the right questions, communicate with people, take charge when you need to, lead when you’re being led, and we train like pro-athletes over here so that we are always ready for whatever that role is.”

When a student becomes an officer in the military, they recieve what is known as a commission. To do so, a cadet must meet the requirements stated in their ROTC contract.

“You have to graduate to commission,” Boatwright said. “You can’t just do well in ROTC, you have to do well everywhere. If you don’t get a degree, you don’t commission. If you don’t pass your classes, you don’t commission.”

Boatwright is the head of the Army ROTC program at UCM. He oversees the curriculum given to the program

by Cadet Command, which is in charge of the entirety of ROTC programs throughout the nation. The staff of the program, or cadre, consists of both active duty, prior service and retired members. Each has specific skill sets that aid in the teaching and training of the cadet core. The cadet core is made up of every grade level, but its focus on training is for the Cadet Summer Training bound-cadets.

CST is the most important evaluation of a cadet, and is a primary factor in the cadet obtaining their preferences of job or branch and service status,

which is either active duty, national guard or reserve.

“The ultimate goal for everything that the battalion and staff plans and that we do as the cadre is shaping that CSTbound population to go to that final culminating event prior to their senior year that meets all the minimum commissioning requirements,” Boatwright said.

Although the curriculum is carried out by the cadre, much of the battalion’s operations such as PT and labs are run by the cadet core itself.

“It is a cadet-led organization, but each key leader in the cadets has a senior mentor from the actual staff to help assist in what they do,” Boatwright said.

Senior cadets such as Grace Peak hold roles vital to proper operation of the battalion. Peak is the current command sergeant major of the battalion at UCM. Once cadets like Peak leave the program at the end of the semester, they change their roles with the current CST-bound cadets.

One of those CST-bound cadets who has left a great impact on the current leaders and underclassmen of the program is cadet of the fall semester, Calli Kernen. Kernen is a junior majoring in criminal justice and minoring in psychology, global security and military science. Cadets, like Kernen, do many other things just like any other college student while not in uniform. Kernen herself is also involved with the academic fraternity LAEE and has participated in multiple intramural sports.

“There is a place for every kind of personality within the Army because there are so many opportunities,” Kernen said.

The success of the program relies on good leadership from every cadet, and Kernen has produced much of that.

She has now taken on other leadership roles within the program and will be second in command of the battalion commander as the executive officer in the following semester.

In the next few weeks, the ROTC program will continue training its CST-bound cadets for their summer training and the seniors of the program will have their commissioning ceremony to become second lieutenants on May 5, 2022.

Photos by Trevor Martin and Dillon Seckington

Features

Muleskinner 7 • Vol. 115 • Issue 8 • April 29, 2022

Sex Positivity Replaces Shame with Pleasure CASSITY MORLAN Contributor

Editor’s note: Read this story online to find links to additional resources.

Sex positivity is the idea that people should have the opportunity to explore and learn about their sexuality and gender without shame; this includes the physical, mental and emotional health aspects of sex.

Sex positivity replaces shame with pleasure and judgment with freedom.

This way of thinking has existed since the 1920s, starting as a movement urging for more information regarding reproductive health, abortion and pregnancy for women.

Today, the term has been used to destigmatize sex and challenge patriarchal and heteronormative assumptions. The attitude views sex as normal and a fundamental part of one’s identity, and it welcomes honest and open dialogue and sex education that is inclusive of all gender identities, abilities, ages, races, sexual orientations and relationship arrangements.

One of the focuses of sex positivity is the need for safety and healthy practices when being sexually active.

This can include having access to reproductive health care, which includes knowing how to avoid unintended pregnancy, minimizing the risk of sexually transmitted infections, and accessing treatment if needed.

Another aspect of sex positivity is

Illustration by Liliana Lozano

the way people think about sex. Sex positivity comes in many shapes and forms because everyone is unique with different perspectives, experiences and desires. Giving oneself permission to rewrite their sexual script can be uplifting because it establishes clear self-sexual boundaries that enable them to communicate. Rewriting one’s sexual script means focusing on desires that fulfill pleasure, rather than looking at sex as what society has told them sex is meant to be.

Sex positivity allows people the

freedom to talk authentically about sex and have open and honest conversations with partners about sexual preferences. This creates space for others to engage in consensual sexual behaviors without judgment.

Being sexually active is a form of intimacy that affects one’s emotional wellbeing. Sex therapist Nan Wise has found sex affects all individuals’ emotions in positive and negative ways through intimacy. Examples of emotional connection can include when sex acts as the ultimate act of

love or reassurance in a relationship.

It can also simply act as a tension reliever or mood booster. However, sex positivity encourages agreement between partners in each situation.

It also encourages one to continually define and explore what sex means to themselves. This also can look like practicing self-affirmation and developing a positive relationship with oneself. There is no shame in self-exploration of pleasure, and it can be a crucial asset to an individual understanding their own sexual self.

Opinions

8 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 8 • April 29, 2022

Goodbye Muleskinner Graduates MULESKINNER STAFF Editorial Leadership Team

Bethany Spitzmiller

Anna Furney

Anna Furney is the copy editor for the Muleskinner and the occasional reporter — one of the best people to go report with, too, as she will check where you can park and make sure you aren’t going to be executed as a national threat. She makes sure we all delete our oxford commas and spell things correctly. U wood think we could all spel by now, butt she has managed two find sum job securitee.

Besides making sure we follow AP style, she is also a fantastic friend.

From Chinese food on Tuesdays to her hilarious facial expressions, she is constantly making us smile. Typically in our goodbyes, we wish graduates good luck in whatever they’re doing next, but for Anna, we know she will be returning to UCM for grad school.

She has also been selected for a graduate assistantship! We’re so proud of you, and we know you will have a great time continuing to learn and eating crispy rolls from King’s Chef.

It’s one thing to have someone tell you they support you, but it’s another entirely separate thing to have someone actually do the work to support your dreams. Graduate student Bethany Spitzmiller is the managing editor and leader of the Muleskinner. After failing to see profit for about 12 years and the ceiling of the newsroom falling in on her first day, Bethany has rebuilt the Muleskinner organization from the ground up to be what it is today. She’s committed her time to team development with undergraduates and staffers to make the newsroom a safe place for anyone to enter. Bethany is the one who ensures the paper gets printed every month, but also that each member of her team is taking care of themselves.

She is a spectacular human being, making others feel heard, and she’s one of the most authentic friends one could ask for. The newsroom has been a place where students can share their ideas, strengthen their confidence and learn new skills. Bethany is not only a great boss, but a great friend. She is willing to go the extra mile for everyone and everything because she is an incredibly dedicated person who cares about others. Before every editorial leadership meeting, she asks each editor to name something positive and something negative that has happened in the week since the last meeting.

She listens to people, and when they say, “This is something I want to do,” instead of saying that they should prioritize something else like school and the paper, or that their dream doesn’t belong in the newsroom, Bethany instead says, “Okay, let’s do it.” Bethany is like a mother hen — if mother hens had to organize multiple students’ schedules, make sure accurate and fair stories are being written every month, design entire issues by herself, write a thesis and look for a job after she graduates, all while dealing with cynics who don’t understand her commitment to truthful journalism. Behind every paper is a team of scrambling, young journalists who are learning and dealing with full-time school, part-time jobs and their lives. Bethany is the glue that holds us all together, if glue was made of rainbows, butterflies and sunshine.

Angela Evatt

Angela Evatt started at the Muleskinner as a reporter, covering accessibility awareness with the aim of informing campus and fostering inclusivity. Throughout her time at the Muleskinner, she found a place to call home on campus and made a position for herself. Angela is the first diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility editor the Muleskinner has ever had. She pointed out a need, and made her own position to make a difference. She has focused on inclusivity in coverage ranging from topics like emotional support animals to accessible communication. Her article, “Inclusivity for the Deaf-Hard of Hearing Community Starts with Accessible Communication for All” was recently awarded third place for multimedia package at the Missouri College Media Association conference.

We’re all so excited to see where she goes next and the good that she will undoubtedly bring to the world.

Gabriella Ellis

Gabriella Ellis has been the Muleskinner’s Publicity Manager and Distribution Coordinator this year. She makes sure our audience members get print copies of the Muleskinner in their hands and online content on their screens. She strategizes ways to increase our readership and audience engagement and helps organize events hosted by the student newspaper.

While she’s behind the scenes at the Muleskinner, she has been an integral part of the team. Scheduling social media posts, Gabby is involved with all our content sections, but she recently was awarded second place for her sports writing for the Missouri College Media Association conference.

From organizing our alumni social to handing out newspapers during the homecoming parade, Gabby has helped the Muleskinner grow and improve, and we hope she takes her experience here and continues to be successful after graduation.

Blair Miller

Blair Miller has been an intern at the Muleskinner for the past two semesters, and while she is not joining our other Muleskinner graduates at the UCM graduation ceremonies, she still has an amazing reason to celebrate. Blair is part of the THRIVE program at UCM, which prepares students with disabilities to transition to independent living and find employment that fits their individual goals and abilities. Blair is completing her second year of the THRIVE program and is recieving her Certificate of Success. As the THRIVE program has recently extended to four years, Blair has decided to continue her experience with the program.

She will be taking more classes at the university level and gaining more job skills with additional internship opportunities. We’re excited for Blair and proud of the growth we have seen from her during her experiences with the Muleskinner. Great job!

Illustration by Liliana Lozano

Opinions

Muleskinner 9 • Vol. 115 • Issue 8 • April 29, 2022

‘Fun Home’ Soared Above Expectations LIBBY EAST Features Editor

On Friday, April 1, the University of Central Missouri Theatre and Dance debuted their spring musical “Fun Home,” written by Lisa Kron, in the Highlander Theater. The musical told the heartbreaking story of Alison Bechdel, a woman coming to terms with her sexuality as well as her father’s untimely death. The show tackled extremely dark subject matters and addressed them elegantly, and the case did an excellent job shedding light on the difficult topics.

An adult Allison Bechdel, played by senior theatre major Alyce Wilson, took the audience on an adventure through her subconscious as she reminisced about her early life and her journey of self-discovery relating to her sexuality. Wilson is no stranger to the stage, and once again she was able to fully command it. With an excellent voice and a wide range of acting, Wilson is a powerhouse.

The cast of this show was riddled with talent of all ages, ranging from college students to elementary school students. The younger talent was supplemented by students Luca Jaccarino, age 12, playing Christian Bechdel and Penelope Walker, age eight, playing John Bechdel, both of whom were selected to play Alison’s siblings in the early stages of her life.

The cast of Fun Home gives recognition for the technical crew during the bows. In this scene, the house is lit up by an ombre of all the colors in the rainbow, highlighting this beautiful story of self discovery and sexuality. Photo by Jack McClain

These kids may have been young, but the amount of talent they possessed was remarkable. This can be said for the entire cast, but no more than Alison Bechdel’s youngest phase in life, played by Ailia Ford, age 10. Already possessing excellent vocals and acting ability, this young star is going to go on to do great things The middle stage of Alison’s life, played by freshman theatre major Emily Turner, detailed Alison Bechdel’s life throughout college and her

realization of her sexuality. Turner portrayed this confusion and fear mixed with excitement perfectly as Alison Bechdel realized what she’s known all along. During this stage of her life, Alison Bechdel was introduced to the confident lesbian Joan, played by sophomore Gracie Heath. Heath executed this character beautifully and made for a beautiful representation of the LGBTQ community.

The remaining family members, Hellen Bechdel, played by Katie

Kaminski, and Bruce Bechdel, played

by Holden Childress, make for a truly tragic couple dynamic on stage.

One trying her best to save a failing marriage, while the other occupies his free time with the company of other men, some even underaged. All of these mysterious men were expertly depicted by sophomore Riley Given.

The character of Bruce Bechdel is one to chill a person to their core and Childress is able to encapsulate this predatory attitude perfectly, flipping from charismatic middle aged man to the absolute scum of the Earth at the drop of a hat.

It is important to mention the technical aspects of this show, as these paired with the professionallevel acting is what made this show so engaging. With jarring sound effects and pleasant music accompanying each scene, there wasn’t a moment the audience wasn’t immersed. The lighting also added its own unique touches and added to the emotional impact of each scene. When Allison Bechdel finally discovered herself, the stage became illuminated in all the colors of the rainbow, an ombre of dark crimson, fading throughout until it met a soothing purple. “Fun Home” was a masterpiece with a story many people can relate to, and it needed to be told.

Music on Repeat with Dillon Seckington 6/10

7/10

8/10

8/10

Red Hot Chili Peppers: “Unlimited Love”

Omar Apollo: “Ivory”

Vince Staples: “RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART”

Jack White: “Fear of the Dawn”

After a six-year drought, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are back with “Unlimited Love.” With legendary guitarist John Frusciante back in the band, the Chili Peppers’ twelfth studio album was highly anticipated by fans across the world. Frusciante doesn’t waste any time making his presence felt on “Unlimited Love.” While the other three members are just as exceptional, Frusciante’s return places refreshing vitalization on songs like “Black Summer,” which taps into the band’s creativity that hasn’t been perfected since 2006’s “Stadium Arcadium.” In its purest form, “Unlimited Love” is a reunion between musicians who thrive off each other’s energy. Flea’s basslines seem to drive off Chad Smith’s ability to dial in a beat allowing Anthony Keidis to float around spacious yet alluring tracks lined with Hendrixinspired guitar work from Frusciante.

As the best-selling rock album of 2022, “Unlimited Love” is both a reset and a step forward for the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Omar Apollo’s full-length debut, “Ivory,” was released on April 8. While the record could be described as vibrant and proliferating, it feels even more effortless than Apollo’s previous work. With features from R&B stars Daniel Caesar and Kali Uchis, “Ivory” creates a space that seemingly any artist could flourish in. This is shown through the various forms of instrumentation presented on the record. Songs like “Talk” feature 2000s indie-style guitar work, while “No Good Reason” is more experimental in its composition. Apollo tests the waters of various styles on “Ivory,” while keeping the record cohesive and enjoyable. Some songs are nostalgic, some are downcast, but they are all recognizable as Omar Apollo tracks.

Layered vocal tracks, glossy reverb and striking melodies intertwine to form tunes that sound forgotten and rediscovered. At the end of the day, Omar Apollo’s debut record, “Ivory,” is the embodiment of Apollo’s detailed yet laid-back style.

After experimenting with influences and various styles of hip-hop, Vince Staples returns to his original songwriting formula on “RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART.” The record is sure of itself and confident in the way it flows from track to track, making it an incredibly easy listen.

The record is also seemingly more autobiographical than Staples’ other albums. From the title and album art to the lyrics placed gracefully within the 16 tracks, Staples is showing listeners the inner struggles of comfort. Like other Vince Staples records, this is undoubtedly a westcoast rap record. Growling basslines, blasting synthesizers and tasteful samples work in unison to make Staples’ fifth record an encapsulating collection of tracks for the Compton rapper’s wonderfully crafted rhyme schemes. As an entity, “RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART” feels like a summertime record that could only be shrouded by Staples’ introspective and thought-provoking lyricism.

Jack White’s fourth album in 10 years resonates within a familiar yet relatively unexplored territory for the Nashville-based virtuoso. “Fear of the Dawn” is rigid and ethereal in the way that it uses heavy distortion and disturbing vocals while incorporating fluid structure. The record is solid as iron, yet moves from one melody to the next with a sense of ease that only an artist with White’s experience could pull off. Songs like “Hi-De-Ho” sound far from others such as “Taking Me Back,” however, when placed together, they form a diverse soundscape that pulls listeners in a different direction with every listen. Sure, the record is filled with the classic in-your-face guitar licks that White is known for, but there’s a new motivation behind them. It seems as though every time fans think Jack White can’t push his style of rock any further, he inevitably finds a way to do so, regardless of what instrument he has in front of him.

Highlights: “Black Summer,” “Aquatic Mouth Dance,” “One Way Traffic”

Highlights: “Talk,” “Invincible,” “Go Away”

Highlights: “AYE! (FREE THE HOMIES),” “MAGIC WITH MUSTARD”

Highlights: “Taking Me Back,” “Hi-DeHo,” “Eosophobia - Reprise”

10 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 8 • April 29, 2022

Sports

Research Shows Benefits of Intramural Participation

NATHAN MERKLE Contributor

There are many intramural sports at the University of Central Missouri, which offer recreational opportunities for students in a fun and safe environment. Some may wonder why students choose to participate in these activities, but through graduate research conducted this semester, that question has been answered.

Students choose to participate because of the social benefits, physical outcomes, emotional stability and cognitive development that surrounds intramural participation.

Pairing up with sport management assistant professor and program coordinator, Kyungun “Ryan” Kim, we researched the social benefit and impact that intramural sports have on the UCM participants.

“Intramural sport is the core piece of college athletics and college students,” Kim said.

A survey was sent out to 808 fall 2021 intramural participants, studying the difference between male and female participation and their social outcome and benefit. This survey consisted of 14 questions and addressed eight social outcomes, including overall satisfaction, social involvement, social restriction, relative happiness, reduction of social anxiety, confidence, collaboration and social life existence. The results came back with 210 participants.

Within the results, there was a

statistical difference between male and female social outcomes in regards to participating in multiple sports. Females are seeing a massive social benefit from participating in intramurals over males.

While females participate in intramurals because they want to achieve increased collaboration, confidence, relative happiness and decreased stress level, males simply play to play and compete.

Sophomore secondary education major Adara Chilcoat plays and officiates intramural sports. She participates in indoor and sand volleyball with her team, The Finale.

“Participating in intramurals has taken so much stress off my shoulders,” Chilcoat said. “It has allowed me to be physically active and socialize with other students that I would have never had the opportunity to meet if I didn’t play intramurals.”

Kim said he thinks this information would be important for students who are on the fence about participating in intramural sports.

“Not many students are exposed to these outcomes and how their participation in intramurals impact their social life in different ways,” Kim said.

The research shows that playing intramural sports is more than just a touchdown and homerun.

These programs contribute to the participants’ wellbeing and social lives in many ways.

70% of UCM students strongly agreed that participating in intramural sports increased their satisfaction with their college experience. Infographic by Lindsey Moyer

Sports

Muleskinner 11 • Vol. 115 • Issue 8 • April 29, 2022

Board of Govenors Approves New Wrestling Facility COLLIN SUMLER Reporter

The UCM wrestling team is finally going to get a place to practice. On Wednesday, March 30, the University of Central Missouri Board of Governors approved the construction of the new Roger Denker Wrestling Facility within the UCM Multipurpose Building.

The new practice space will be in the Multipurpose Building, where the pool is. The existing indoor swimming pool will be filled with gravel, and a new slab will be poured on top.

Interim head coach John Feeney said he is very excited about the addition of a practice space. Feeney said the new space is going to make it easier for the wrestlers to come in at different times of the day without the additional challenges of making reservations.

“If the guys had conflicts, they would basically miss a day of practice because we only had a certain amount of time to use the facilities,” Feeney said. “It’s going to add a lot of flexibility for the guys to do one-on-one matches.”

Feeney said it’s a long time coming for the wrestling team to have their own practice space, and the wrestling room helps with recruitment because prospective wrestlers are able to see where they would be spending most of their practice time.

“We are extremely excited about the Board of Governors’ action to approve a new wrestling facility,” Vice

The wrestling team practice in the Multipurpose building on April 20, as the Lovinger Gym is set to be renovated into office space, and their new facility will be located in the Multi. Pictured above, John Ridle is practicing with another teammate. The team is set to have their new facility available before the next season starts. Photo By Collin Sumler

President for Intercollegiate Athletics Jerry Hughes said. “The facility will provide a permanent home for the UCM wrestling program and will help with the recruitment of excellent young men to compete at a high level for Mules wrestling.”

The practice space will be two full mats, which means the team won’t have to roll up the mats after practice.

The team also plans to get some equipment for the room including exercise bikes, medicine balls, ropes

and pull-up bars.

The renovation is possible because of substantial gifts from alumni, specifically Dan Power and Gary Ervin, who competed under Coach Roger Denker’s instruction. The facility will be in memory of Denker, honoring the former coach for his leadership in transforming the lives of UCM wrestlers.

The current team is excited about this new change. Junior Austin Morgan said not having a designated practice

space has been challenging. He said he likes the fact that the practice space is right next to the coaches’ office.

“This new space is going to make practice better in a lot of ways,” Morgan said. “For example, it’s going to be our own space, so we don’t have to roll up the mats.”

The new space will also have a viewing point on the second floor.

This will allow people to watch the wrestling team practice, which pushes them to improve.

Sophomore wrestler John Ridle is especially excited because he doesn’t have to layer up for practice in Lovinger.

“I won’t have to wear three t-shirts, a long sleeve and a sweatshirt,” Ridle said. “It’s so cold in Lovinger, and we are in a sport where we need to be losing weight on a daily basis. I might only have to wear long sleeves and sweatpants.”

Ridle also said it will be nice to have their own space and not have to be distracted by other teams practicing.

The board accepted a contract of $1,054,000 with E&K Construction out of Grandview, Missouri, to provide labor, materials and provisions necessary to construct the new wrestling room. Alongside the area for the wrestling mat, the renovation will include the conversion of an existing storage room into a new coaches’ office and rubber athletic flooring will be installed to cover the center floor.

Sports

12 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 8 • April 29, 2022

Piontek Set to Retire After 39 Years MEAH COPELAND Sports Editor

Former head coach Flip Pionek is set to retire from the University of Central Missouri volleyball program and end career after 39 years.

Before Piontek came to UCM, he served in the Air Force for 11 years as a captain and coached the Air Force Academy volleyball team for three years.

After serving in the Air Force, Piontek moved to Warrensburg to continue his coaching career. During his time as an assistant coach, the program has won 729-174 games. As the head coach for 13 year, Piontek helped the team win 303-74 games. Piontek also helped 29 players earn American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American honors and received 74 All-MIAA team selections, which are chosen by the board of directors from the MIAA. Piontek said he has had many favorite seasons during his time, including when he first arrived at UCM. He coached the team that went into five sets but lost to Cal Riverside in 1986. The final season that was memorable to him was his last game against Washburn in the Central Region tournament in 2022.

Piontek said the time, effort, sweat, dedication and practices that the team puts in are what determines the wins or losses. He said the win isn’t what

is more important to him as a coach, instead it’s the students and the chance to represent the university, athletic department and the Jennies volleyball program that is important to him.

“The wins and losses are nice, but the relationships that I developed over the years with the players and other coaches – those things are important to me,” Piontek said. “It’s the longterm relationships that are more valuable than wins or losses.”

Piontek said being persistent, maintaining a level of excellence for the program and helping the next coach to continue the legacy were what he focused on the most.

Senior libro Rylie Barnum has known Piontek for five years. Barnum said Piontek always made their conversations about what is best for her. She described Piontek as someone who cares for the whole team as if they were his family, a great person to be around, fun and quirky.

“I think his personality [is what] I’ll miss the most,” Barnum said. “Also his coaching styles and the way he is with us at practices and even outside of practices, just his personality is very different and fun.”

Barnum said that Piontek is one of the greatest people that she has ever met, and he makes it a priority to let young women know they can do

Flip Piontek is retiring on June 3 after coaching at the University of Central Missouri for 39 years. Pictured above, Piontek gives new head coach Caitlin Peterson a hug during his last season. The volleyball program will miss Piontek, but wishes him a happy retirement. Photo submitted by Susan Offerdahl

anything they set their minds to.

Other students share those sentiments, even if they’ve known him for less time. Red-shirt freshman middle blocker Jenna Schulte first met Piontek during a hitting camp when she was a junior in high school, and Schulte said Piontek made UCM feel like home to her.

Schulte said when Flip is on the court, he is very intense and tough,

but he cares about the players and pushes them to work hard. Off the court, Piontek is goofy and positive, gives hugs and checks in to see how the team’s day has been.

“I’ll miss his positive, bubbly personality and seeing him every day,” Schulte said. “He always checks in on you mentally and how you’re doing. That’s always his priority over volleyball.”

UCM SUMMER SESSI NS

2022

•6-, 8- or 12-week sessions •Courses available on both Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit campuses •Numerous online courses to choose from

ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN! Be sure to check with your advisor and enroll through MyCentral.

WARRENSBURG | LEE’S SUMMIT | ONLINE