CEDAR FALLS, IA
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025
President Nook helps with on-campus move-in day. For an alligator.
By Jenna Westendorf Managing Editor
Every year, UNI President Mark Nook helps a new class of students move into residence halls. On Nov. 19, he assisted with what may be his weirdest move-in assignment to date: helping Wally — better known as Wally the Alligator — move into a new home on campus.
The event drew a large crowd, and Nook expressed his excitement at seeing the large gathering for the event.
“It’s really great to see this many people come out for an event like this, and be able to see Wally up close and see how he behaves,” Nook said.
Wally, along with UNI’s other alligator, Steve, and many other animals, are housed in McCollum Science Hall. These reptiles offer students a firsthand look at reptile behaviour, and in many cases, students get hands-on experience with them.
“Having these live animals in our department is great,” said Peter Berendzen, head of UNI’s biology department. “It helps our students who are interested in careers in veterinary medicine or wildlife ecology. You get to handle and use these animals and learn about the husbandry of them.”
Wally’s move was made possible by funding from the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration. Special funds were made available for projects for faculty and staff, and the Biology Department reached out, requesting the funding for Wally’s new home.
The new home allows the public,
as well as students, the opportunity to see what alligators are like and their behaviors.
Many are surprised to learn that UNI has alligators on campus. However, Wally is not the first alligator that UNI has housed. In fact, UNI has a 100-plus-year history of housing alligators and other unique reptiles.
The first alligator named Ally (occasionally spelled Allie) made its debut on campus in 1908 and resided in the original campus greenhouse facility. Ally was a fan favorite and frequently brought students and visitors alike to the greenhouse to visit.
The eventual replacement of the original greenhouse led to the unfortunate death of Ally due to no space or funds reserved for the campus reptile. However, after several requests from students, Allie Junior arrived on campus in 1939.
In the 1960s, another alligator, simply named Alligator, arrived on campus, also living in the campus greenhouse, outgrowing its habitat by 1966. Students took action and raised the money needed for a larger, upgraded habitat. Alligator even made local and
national news when he received votes for campus student government positions, and in 1969 was elected as off campus men’s secretary.
Forty years later, UNI’s alligator tradition returned when the larger of the two alligators, Steve, named after the late Steve Irwin, arrived at McCollum Science Hall. After being housed in a science hall display for the first few years of his life, he was eventually moved to a larger area. Steve now resides in biology professor Jeff Tamplin’s lab.
Wally, however, has a more unique story. In the winter of 2014, Tamplin received a call after someone had illegally ordered an alligator through the mail. In Iowa, it is illegal to own an exotic animal such as an
alligator without the proper permits. When Tamplin arrived and opened the box, he was greeted by a half-frozen baby alligator. Ironically, the baby alligator had come from the same breeder as Steve. Tamplin brought the alligator back to UNI, as it otherwise would have been euthanized. Wally has since found a permanent home near Steve and under Tamplin’s care.
Wally’s move to a larger habitat will provide an increased quality of life for years to come.
“It’s really awesome to be able to help any animal transition from one habitat to the other,” Nook said. “The one they had was clearly outgrown, and a larger habitat gives him [Wally] a place where he can grow and thrive.”
It’s really great to see this many people come out for an event like this, and be able to see Wally up close and see how he behaves.”
Maci Swanson/Northern Iowan
President Nook assisted in the relocation of UNI’s beloved alligator Wally.
Mark Nook UNI President
Steve Carignan to retire from Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center after 26 years
By InsideUNI
After more than 26 years of leadership at the University of Northern Iowa’s Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Steve Carignan will retire from the role of executive director in January 2026.
Carignan has led the Gallagher Bluedorn since its earliest days, helping guide the center from an ambitious vision to a premier performing arts venue serving the Cedar Valley and the state of Iowa. When the facility opened in 2000, it marked a transformational moment for the university and region. Over the next two and a half decades, Carignan expanded programming, strengthened educational outreach and deepened community engagement, solidifying the Gallagher Bluedorn’s role as a cultural cornerstone.
“Through his steady leadership, creativity and commitment to excellence, Steve has shaped not only a building, but an experience that has inspired generations of students, artists and audience members,” said Mary Black, dean of UNI’s College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences. “The impact of the Gallagher Bluedorn on our campus and our region is a direct reflection of his passion and vision.”
During his tenure, Carignan also oversaw a significant renovation and expansion project, modernizing the venue and improving accessibility, amenities and gathering spaces for both patrons and performers. These enhancements have ensured the center can continue to serve future audiences and host high-caliber artists for decades to come.
“Our facilities have changed and grown, but the mission has always remained the same – to bring people together through the arts,” said Carignan. “It’s been an honor to work alongside such dedicated staff, artists, supporters and community members who believe in the power of live performance. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve built together.”
In addition to presenting national touring acts, Broadway productions, symphonies and renowned performers, Carignan emphasized the importance of educational and community programming. The Gallagher Bluedorn has provided countless opportunities for UNI students through internships, performances and hands-on learning, while also offering outreach programming that introduces thousands of young people to the performing arts each year.
Carignan also guided the center through periods of challenge and change, including the COVID-19 pandemic, finding ways to remain connected with
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audiences and continue supporting artists when live events were disrupted.
“Steve’s leadership helped the Gallagher Bluedorn not only endure, but emerge stronger,” Black added. “His legacy is one of resilience, innovation and unwavering belief in the importance of the arts in our lives.”
A national search for the Gallagher Bluedorn’s next executive director will begin in the coming months.
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Courtesy Photo Steve Carignan has been the executive director of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center for the past 26 years.
Courtesy Photo A national search to fill Carignan’s position will begin in the coming months.
Bates to leave Board of Regents, Rouse to step down as President Pro Tem
By the Iowa Board of Regents
Iowa Board of Regents President Sherry Bates announced that she will be resigning from the Board effective Dec. 4, 2025. Additionally, Board President Pro Tem Greta Rouse will be leaving that leadership position on the same date, but will remain a member of the Board through the end of her term in 2027.
The Board of Regents has called a special meeting for Dec. 3, 2025 to hold new Board leadership elections for President and President Pro Tem. The agenda for the meeting can be found at https://www. iowaregents.edu/meetings/.
“I have been fortunate enough to serve on the Board for nearly 11 years,” Bates said. “I want to thank both Governor Reynolds and Governor Branstad, who gave me a chance to serve our state. I have worked with so many outstanding fellow Regents, Board office and university staff, and we have accomplished so much together.”
Bates was appointed to the Board on Dec. 22, 2014, by Gov. Branstad to fill the unexpired term of Nicole Carroll. She was reappointed by Branstad on March 1, 2017, and reappointed again by Gov. Reynolds on March 3, 2023. She was elected President Pro Tem of the Board on June 1, 2021, and re-elected in 2022. She became interim President on Jan. 16, 2024, when Regent Michael Richards
Three UNI employees honored in Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier’s
‘20 Under 40’ list
By InsideUNI
Since UNI makes such a major impact on the Cedar Valley, it is only fitting for its employees to be among those recognized in the Courier’s annual “20 Under 40” list, which celebrates outstanding young leaders in the local community. This year, three University of Northern Iowa employees from across campus are being honored:
/ Shelly Christensen, associate director of freshman recruitment and access
/ Kathryn Gilbery, local food access coordinator
/ Patrick Luensmann, director of the UNI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
The recipients were honored at an awards presentation on Nov. 13. Stories about each individual will be published in the Courier newspaper and website.
stepped down from that position, and was elected President on Feb. 28, 2024. Her term on the Board was set to expire on April 30, 2029.
“It’s time for me to step back, spend more time with my family, and allow the next generation of Regent leadership to continue our good work. Iowa, Iowa State and UNI are among the best public universities in the country, and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow and excel,” said Bates.
Rouse first served on the Board as a Regent (then known as Greta Johnson) from 2008 to 2012, during her time as an undergraduate and graduate student. Almost 10 years after her time as a Regent ended, she was appointed by Gov. Reynolds with her term beginning on May 1, 2021 and expiring in 2027. She was elected President Pro Tem on Feb. 28, 2024.
“While I remain committed to serving on the Board, leadership requires an additional time commitment. With our children still young, I want to focus on my family,” said Rouse. “Iowa’s universities inspire the next generation, drive our economy, advance research, and enrich communities across the state. Stepping down from leadership will allow me to do that while continuing to support their important work.”
Courtesy Photo Sherry Bates will be resigning from the Board effective Dec. 4, 2025, after nearly 11 years of service.
Courtesy Photo Greta Rouse will step down from her position as Board President Pro Tem but will remain a member of the Board through her term in 2027.
Courtesy Photo (Left to right) Kathryn Gilbery, Patrick Luensmann and Shelly Christensen are all recipients of the Courier’s annual “20 Under 40” award.
Zury’s Taco Bar en la Hill cerrará sus puertas
la Hill.
Después de un año y medio de atender clientes en la Hill, Zury’s Taco Bar anunció que el restaurante cerrará sus puertas de manera permanente la próxima semana. El negocio apenas había celebrado su primer aniversario en junio, marcado con un corte de listón frente al restaurante.
Antes de abrir su restaurante en la Hill, Zury’s operaba como
un camión de comida llamado Zury’s Cuisine and Tacos. La propietaria, Itzury “Zuri” Arestegui, había encontrado éxito en el mundo de los camiones de comida y, al ver un local vacío en la Hill, pensó que valía la pena intentar tener un restaurante. El espacio del restaurante en la Hill había permanecido vacío desde que The Other Place cerró en 2021. Tres años después, el edificio se convirtió en el hogar de Zury’s Taco Bar. Tras incontables horas
y dinero invertido en este negocio, Arestegui decidió buscar un nuevo sueño. Esto ocurre después de que el
Carlos O’ Kelley’s están junto al centro comercial College Square, a menos de dos millas de Zury’s.
La competencia ya no es solo sobre la comida. También se trata de encontrar buenos empleados y de intentar mantener el aumento en la nómina.”d
iscriminación por
ZURI ARESTEGUI
Dueño de Zury’s
restaurante cerrara brevemente hace un año debido a su situación financiera negativa.
“La economía está difícil en este momento, y esa es la verdad honesta”, dijo Arestegui. “Todo sigue encareciéndose, y con tantos restaurantes mexicanos por todas partes, se siente cada vez más difícil seguir adelante”.
Amigos, Los Cabos y Pablo’s son tres de los ocho restaurantes mexicanos solo en Cedar Falls. Amigos y
Taco Bar
“La competencia ya no es solo sobre la comida”, añadió Arestegui. “También se trata de encontrar buenos empleados y de intentar mantener el aumento en la nómina”.
Sin el número adecuado de empleados, Zury se encontró trabajando siete días a la semana, a veces hasta 16 horas al día.
No había otra opción para ella: sin ayuda, el futuro de su negocio estaba en sus propias manos. Para mantener abierto Zury’s,
dependía de ella hacer el trabajo.
“A veces siento que cargo todo sobre mis hombros”, expresó.
Cuando Zury’s cerró brevemente hace un año, fue porque el negocio “no podía salir de los números rojos”.
Según Arestegui, Zury’s aún no ha visto muchas ganancias en el año que han estado abiertos.
“Solo quiero tomar la decisión correcta antes de caer en un profundo hoyo de deudas”, dijo Arestegui. “Esta es la realidad que tantos pequeños empresarios viven cada día, y a veces se siente abrumador”.
Aunque la era del restaurante de Zury’s ha terminado, Arestegui no ha confirmado si regresará a servir en Cedar Valley. Comentó que eventualmente podría volver a su camión de comida, ya que implica menores gastos.
“Creo que es momento de soltar y cerrar este capítulo”, afirmó Arestegui. “Pero por ahora, solo necesitamos cerrar este capítulo y finalmente respirar”.
Courtesy/Cedar Falls News Hub Zury no teme al trabajo duro. Su valentía brilló mientras enfrentaba los retos de establecer y administrar un restaurante en
Estelle Johnson, Editora Ejecutiva Luis Alvarez, Editor de Español
Zury’s se hizo cargo de la antigua tienda “The Other Place,” que estaba vacía desde 2021.
NFL: The ‘No Fun League’
Player celebrations should not be excessively penalized
By Estelle Johnson Executive Editor
The National Football League, which turned 105 in 2025, is enjoyed by millions of fans across the county and other continents. My family is just like any other — Thanksgiving football games are always on during our time together. Regardless of the team playing, many of us are watching … especially after eating too much Thanksgiving food.
32 teams make up the entire league — this is split in half, with 16 teams being part of the National Football Conference (NFC) and the other half being part of the American Football Conference (AFC).
Typically, families have their own “family team,” or a favorite player — my favorite player is Joe Burrow, but I’m not necessarily a hardcore Cincinnati Bengals fan. I grew up with a brother and dad who are lifelong fans of the Minnesota Vikings, so I have a soft spot for that team. Otherwise, I find myself cheering for the Buffalo Bills.
And almost every week, the NFL penalizes players for assorted reasons — such as unnecessary roughness, facemask penalties and unsportsmanlike conduct.
But penalties are ultimately subjective. One play-
er may be fined for doing something, and then one player who did the same might not. That is why I believe that the NFL needs to take a step back on the amount of penalties they give to their players.
For example: D.J. Moore, a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, gave the Bears a 15-yard taunting penalty, for flipping the ball toward Steelers cornerback James Pierre after a 5-yard catch. Besides the penalty, Moore was fined $11,593 — and it was labeled as “taunting”.
Moore also celebrated by throwing the ball into the stands — which is a gesture that is classified under the NFL’s “Football Into Stands” category. The NFL decided to not fine Moore for this, saving the wide receiver $8,114 for a first offense.
Moore’s fine is one of the more obvious offenses that an NFL player has committed. While flipping the ball towards another player is not unheard of, it’s something that the NFL has been cracking down on. It’s understandable why he was fined for his actions.
One of the more outrageous fines this season was given to George Pickens, who is a receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. Pickens jumped onto the goalpost
during the Dallas Cowboys and the Las Vegas Raiders game on Nov. 17 after he scored a touchdown.
Pickens was fined $26,085 for what the NFL termed “Unsportsmanlike Conduct — Use of prop.”
Picken’s celebration was harmless. It did not hurt anybody — and a $26,000 fine is excessive. While the money that the NFL receives from players is donated to charity, it does not mean that players should be fined that much for a celebration. While it technically may
be against the rules, punishing a player for having fun should not be the first choice.
Many football fans enjoy watching players like Justin Jefferson or Jalen Hurts hit the griddy — it humanizes them. While they make more money than any of us could imagine, it lets us find them a little more relatable: and, in general, it’s nice to watch others having a good time.
If I had to pick an all-time favorite touchdown celebration, it would be Detroit
and it’s not against any rules to do a head stand.
The NFL just has to make a choice on what they deem appropriate and inappropriate. I think that if a celebration is harmless, like George Picken’s celebration, then there is no need to fine the player thousands of dollars for having fun.
Lions wide receiver AmonRa St. Brown — when he did head-stand after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in 2024. Luckily, St. Brown was not fined for this celebration —
Courtesy/Yahoo News NZ Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens jumped onto the goalpost to celebrate a touchdown at Allegiant Stadium, on Nov. 17, 2025, in Las Vegas. Pickens was penalized $26,085 for the celebration.
Photo illustration/Estelle Johnson
Why are there alligators at UNI and how are they cared for?
You never know what resides behind the closed doors of McCollum Science Hall
By Kylie Hudson Staff Writer
Dr. Jeff Tamplin’s lab is commonly referred to as the “turtle lab” in UNI’s Biology Department because of his love for turtles, but that name is misleading. The first indicator of this is the door sign that reads “enter at your own risk.” The baby turtles that are housed in the lab aren’t particularly menacing. The snakes slithering around can be frightening, but they are safe in their tanks. So what warrants the warning?
The answer resides at the back of the room in a large, elaborate enclosure that houses a five-foot-long alligator named Steve.
Tamplin arrived at UNI in 2001, which he said “only had a catfish in a dark tank” to engage students with live animals. Throughout his first few years, Tamplin brought in other animals like his turtles and snakes, but the head of the biology department at the time, Dr. Barbara Hetrick, wanted something more.
“She told me ‘turtles are boring, snakes scare people’ so she asked if we could have a more high-profile reptile,” Tamplin said.
Thus, the idea of adopting an alligator was born. Tamplin had experience with raising alligators from his 15 years at LSU, where baby alligators would turn up in his yard. He would raise them until they were old enough to survive in the wild on their own.
After doing some research, Tamplin found that as long as he had the correct permits with the DNR, it’s legal to own alligators in a state where they aren’t native. Baby Steve was then shipped in 2005 from a breeder in Ohio to Tamplin, giving UNI Biology a talking point and allowing students to engage safely with an exotic animal.
Steve’s brother, Wally, arrived in 2014 after being rescued by Tamplin. He was ordered by a man
from the same breeder in Ohio, but was confiscated by the DNR since he didn’t have the correct permits.
“It was either I take him in or he would have to be euthanized,” Tamplin said.
Steve had recently moved to his new enclosure, which freed up the enclosure he was in as a baby. Wally fit right in.
In the 20 years Steve has called UNI home, and 11 years for Wally, they’ve created many opportunities for students. The alligators, along with the turtles and snakes that call Tamplin’s lab home, aid in education. Tamplin will bring them to classes and teach students how to handle the animals, tell the difference between species and sexes. Two of these students, Claire Widmer and Carter Danielson, get to work directly with all the animals that reside in the lab.
This job gives them experience in handling turtles, snakes, and alligators, feeding them, and cleaning their enclosures. For the alligators, the frozen mice are thawed and dangled in front of their faces until they catch them.
“They don’t have great depth perception,” Tamplin explained. They are fed every few days, and their enclosures are cleaned as needed, which goes for the turtles and snakes as well.
Both students feel this job will give them good experience for their careers. Widmer, a senior, has been working in the lab since the spring of her freshman year, wanting to be a wildlife conservationist or rehabilitationist.
“This job is giving me experience with animals you don’t typically see…that works wonders,” she said.
Danielson, a sophomore, just started this semester, but that doesn’t curb his enthusiasm. He explained that Tamplin and this job changed his idea for a career path.
“I was going to go the medical route for biology, but after working with him and this lab…I was like, maybe this is what I want to do,” he said.
Danielson will continue to have these experiences as the animals will stay at UNI, where they thrive. Steve, in particular, is a homebody and prefers to be in his area, where he has his pond, heat lamps, and heated stones on the ground. Wally is about to be moved to a new enclosure in the hall that Tamplin built, which will allow him to have more space.
It’s obvious Tamplin cares deeply for his animals, and there’s science to prove it.
“Steve’s tail is nice and plump, which signals a healthy alligator,” Tamplin said.
Maci Swanson/Northern Iowan Steve has resided in McCollum Science Hall for 20 years.
Kylie Hudson Along with alligators, students get the experience of working with turtles and snakes.
POPPED!: ‘A new theatre for the very young adventure’
By Josue Villatoro Staff Writer
This season of TheatreUNI under the title of “Stories Unbound” continues with their second production: the premiere of “POPPED!” — an interactive celebration of storytelling and imagination. This production invites
laborative and improvisational skills brought a lot of laughter through the making of this show, junior Sophia Jensen said.
“We’ve truly grown in this adventure together and have witnessed our progress in devising and telling stories together.”
We’ve (the cast) truly grown in this adventure together.”
UNI junior
–
book lovers to embark on a journey where stories leap off the pages and dreams take flight.
The show is developed through “devised theatre,” a creative process where the show is made without a preexisting script.
For these forms of teachings, the cast was able to reflect on how the audience responds to each activity they take part in and adjust to it if any new ideas bloom. Col -
The premise of this show is set during a bedtime story, following a little girl’s room transforming into a magical realm where four different mediums of children’s literature, from sound, touch, popup and flaps, all come to life in one consistent journey.
Unlike a traditional play, “POPPED!” is a mostly non-verbal and movement-based piece, which pairs well with the original soundtrack composed by
Trey Blaser.
Given the idea that this story is centered around imagination, costume and puppetry designer Amy RohrBerg designed the cast members as “Imagination Factory Workers,” where they become many different characters and objects to bring the stories to life through the little girl’s bedroom.
The cast developed each “IF worker” to an assigned color and book with green being one who is very tidy and in control, purple embodying a prankster, blue being more relaxed and nonchalant, and orange representing a super excited and overly happy demeanor.
To emphasize the wonder that this piece brings, props are based heavily around children’s toys and feature the usage of puppets to play for children of all ages.
The puppetry made for this show was created for developing additional characters that interact with the audience and the actors on stage.
Consisting of hand, body and rod puppets, they are strongly represented in the moments where touch is emphasized in the show to be interactive and entertaining for the children present.
The scenery world was
designed by Ron Koinzan and is not just set around the bedroom but includes the factory that patrons will interact with in the main lobby of Strayer Wood Theatre.
Because there is no preexisting source material, Blaser’s soundtrack is used to set up the atmosphere of each book that comes to life within.
This devised production is an original piece directed by Kendra Kahl and created by Kahl, the cast members, and even preschoolers around the Cedar Falls community, in which this show is aimed at.
The ideas that the preschoolers produced are not just a part of the show, but they also helped with some of the set design, the creation of the props and the crafts being used during the show that allows for a more connected and unique experience.
An important aspect that went into this production was the partnerships formed with 20 local preschool classrooms that included six workshops, with each classroom receiving two workshops focused on asking the students questions to develop the plot and stories featured within.
“POPPED!” also features
original artwork that was developed by the students in it. Adorable, colorful, in terms of both personality and visuals, this is a whimsical family-friendly adventure that will excite just about anyone.
From its soothing audio and mesmerizing lighting to its light-hearted nature, TheatreUNI has crafted a truly memorable experience
Kaleb Carda, a junior majoring in choral music education, said he grew professionally by creating lesson plans and being collaborative as an educator.
“I learned about how preschoolers react and portray what we asked of them,” he said. “You learn about teaching, you learn about how kids respond to you, and you learn about reflecting on what you received, and you allow those ideas to help guide you in your next teaching opportunity.”
“POPPED!” has a runtime of 40-45 minutes and will be presented on Dec. 6 and 13, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. and Dec. 7, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
“POPPED!” is best enjoyed by children ages three through six. Price admission is $5 for children above five, while children under five receive free admission.
Sophia Jensen,
Courtesy/Jonathan Allender Zivic Top-row: Sophia Jensen (left), Kaleb Carda, Lydia Singleton, Kolton Messer, Sophia Adkins, and Aiden Quam (right). Bottom Row: assistant director Lucia Kuehn (left), assistant stage manager Madisen Maxa, stage manager Hannah Tibbs, and director Kendra Kahl (right).
The disgusting beauty of
Guillermo Del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’
By Brendon Schnathorst Staff Writer
After hundreds of movies featuring Mary Shelley’s Creature, auteur director Guillermo Del Toro, known for creating empathetic depictions of monstrous creatures, took the chance to adapt this iconic character to the screen.
In this film starring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, and Christoph Waltz, we follow two perspectives: Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Isaac), his troubles and possible Oedipus complex, and his creation (Elordi), seeking a purpose in the world in the wake of his abusive creator.
With this story, Del Toro uses an idea known in some capacity to tell a grand, yet somber tale.
For such an ugly story of betrayal, misunderstanding, and the twisting of the human body, Del Toro crafts a beautifully shot film.
Apart from some distracting CGI animals, fire, and explosions, Del Toro has created a visually arresting movie.
The landscapes that he and his talented team have created are lush and vast, with a large scale that makes the story feel bigger than life.
It felt like I was being brought into a world that I was both unfamiliar with and yet wanted to see more of.
The production design is filled with great details about the state of each character, like how destructive yet beautiful Victor’s
tower is, and the differences between the higher class (Victor and the other characters) and the demonized (the Creature).
The costume design also demonstrates much about the characters, even giving distinctions that we keep in mind towards themes that Del Toro presented.
Victor, while coming from a high society, is often sluggishly dressed and visually unappealing.
Mia Goth’s characters, as Victor’s mom and Elizabeth, are the only characters up until the end of the movie who wear bright colors such as red or blue, which draws attention to how they affect Victor and the Creature throughout the story.
The Creature dons the
tattered uniform of the deceased soldier, showing his separation from society as one of the dead despite his clear signs of life.
The other technical aspects of this film electrify the senses in multiple ways, such as the rich sound design and Alexandre Desplat’s incredible score.
Aiding the outstanding technical capabilities are a set of wonderfully committed performances that put life into this film.
Oscar Isaac as Dr. Victor Frankenstein perfectly encapsulates the madness required for this specific version to work.
He emulates the abusive nature of his own father in his treatment of the Creature with such ease.
A ‘fresh perspective’
His bitter companionship with Mia Goth’s Elizabeth also shines through as a standout of the film.
Goth’s beauty and often cold demeanor create an entertaining feud between them that shows Victor’s need for a human companion, which leads to his creation of the monster (it also helps that Goth also plays Victor’s previously deceased mother, further confirming his need for love).
By far the best performance in this movie is Jacob Elordi’s Creature. From his humble beginnings, Elordi perfectly plays this being as peaceful, playful, yet tortured.
Del Toro’s script and Elordi’s performance greatly elevate this movie, craft-
A column by first-year cornerstone students
By Caytee Wipperman First-year student at UNI
College is basically one long performance of pretending you know what you’re doing. Chatting with classmates about what we’re going to do with our lives feels like a skit, but it’s really hard to get them to break character. Peyton from your 10 a.m. doesn’t actually know why he’s studying kinesiology, he just thought it sounded smart while scrolling through majors.
On any given day, it might seem like I’ve got my life together, aesthetically pleasing drink in hand, lip gloss on and headphones in. When in reality, I’m probably speed walking to a class I thought was in a completely different building.
Honestly, the trick is to just remember almost everyone is faking it, and if they say they’re not … they’re lying. Sometimes you’ve just got to put
ing a tender and empathetic view of the Creature often associated with horror, like in James Whale’s 1931 classic.
The Creature’s journey in this movie is the best section, containing heartfelt and genuinely tear-jerking moments, demonstrating Elordi’s powerful performance.
On a story level, separating the film into two parts and a prelude creates an aura of mystery and constant questions of what led to the opening scene.
While I enjoyed Victor’s perspective, it took up too much time, making the film feel longer than its 150-minute runtime, although I wish the climax had lasted longer than it did.
Despite some pacing issues and questions about Christoph Waltz’s character and what that leads to, the movie could have benefited from showing, not telling. We know the story going into this from the countless adaptations of Victor’s monstrous actions, so I wish Del Toro hadn’t made certain moments more obvious, taking away the power of a scene.
Del Toro’s take on Frankenstein proves itself to stand on its own alongside countless adaptations. With great direction, decent writing, fantastic acting and set pieces, he was able to craft a movie that general audiences would enjoy and fans of the book would appreciate. Frankenstein is exclusively streaming now on Netflix.
on that cute outfit, rub some dry shampoo into that day four hair, and go performatively click away at your computer in the library while you’re actually scrolling through Pinterest.
Still, there’s something very humbling about it all. Admitting you don’t have it together, and that is okay. College has a way of reminding you no matter how polished you may look, you’re still learning, growing, and figuring it out, just like everyone else.
So if you see me strutting across campus looking confident and composed, remember, I’m probably rushing to the Student Health Center to see if I have any free counseling sessions left.
Courtesy/Mashable Oscar Isaac played Victor Frankenstein in “Frankenstein,” which was directed by Guillermo del Toro and featured on Netflix.
SPORTS
Runners shine at NCAA Championships
By Carter Lust Sports Writer
For many, the end of November marks a time of rest and reflection before gearing up for winter festivities. But for the nation’s top collegiate cross country athletes, late fall means one final race before enjoying Thanksgiving dinner — a race that determines which university and which individuals emerge as champions of the 2025 season.
On Nov. 22, more than 60 Division I men’s and women’s cross country teams traveled to Columbia, Missouri, to compete in the NCAA Cross Country Championships. With 32 of the nation’s top programs in each division, Gans Creek Golf Course set the stage for a dramatic finish to a season marked by controversy over NCAA roster limits, athlete age and the NIL landscape. Still, when the gun sounded, runners toed the line with one goal: to put their best foot forward.
The women’s race began at 9:20 a.m. under overcast skies and temperatures around 45 degrees. Fog and moisture on the course made conditions challenging, but in championship racing, place matters more than time — often resulting in tactical moves and thrilling finishes.
From the gun, true freshman phenom Jane Hedengren of BYU appeared poised to go wire-to-wire, chasing the indi-
vidual crown while helping the Cougars defend their 2024 team title. Hedengren, widely considered one of the most talented freshmen in NCAA history, entered the meet undefeated. She drove the pace early, leading the front pack through a 2:59 opening kilometer — a setup for a potential sub-18-minute 6K finish.
Running alongside her were 2024 champion Doris Lemngole of Alabama and another standout freshman, Washington State’s Rosemary Longisa. Just past halfway, Hedengren and Lemngole began to pull away, dropping
Longisa and turning the race into a two-woman battle for the title. Longisa placed 27th, earning All-American honors. Hedengren and Lemngole continued to trade sub-5-minute mile splits into the final stretch, but Lemngole surged ahead with a decisive late move. Despite the wet conditions, she set a championship record of 18:25.4 to claim her second individual cross country title. Hedengren finished second in 18:38.9, and Florida’s Hilda Olemomoi took third in 18:46.4.
In the team race, North Carolina State narrowly
spoiled BYU’s bid for backto-back titles, winning 114130. Oregon placed third with 153 points. The men’s race went off at 10:10 a.m. in similar conditions. Like the women, the men opened at a blistering pace, covering the first kilometer in 2:43. The jump from the usual 8K distance to a 10K added to the difficulty and drama. Although the early pace was fast, the front pack remained large through the 5K mark.
New Mexico’s Habtom Samuel entered as one of the favorites after finishing
second at both the 2023 and 2024 championships. But Wake Forest’s Rocky Hansen and a trio of Oklahoma State runners also looked strong. With the leaders still grouped together in the late stages, the race appeared destined for a mass sprint.
However, with one mile remaining, Samuel surged around a bend and launched a decisive breakaway. Lengthening his stride, he quickly opened a gap on Hansen, his closest challenger. Down the final straightaway, Samuel glanced behind him once before celebrating across the line in 28:33.9, finally capturing his first NCAA cross country title. Hansen finished second in 28:38.0, and Washington State’s Solomon Kipchoge placed third in 28:40.1.
Oklahoma State dominated the team competition with a remarkably low 57 points. New Mexico finished second with 82, and previously second-ranked Iowa State overcame a fall from one of its scoring runners to take third with 158.
With a short break before the indoor track season, many athletes will soon shift their focus to competing on the oval this winter. After a well-earned rest from the grass, they will aim to return next fall for the 2026 championships in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Underdogs feast in NFL Thanksgiving tripleheader
By Mason Kalkbrenner Sports Writer
There are a few necessities for every Thanksgiving celebration: turkey, family and NFL football. This year’s games provided quality entertainment for millions of families around the world.
The Packers-Lions game is a time-honored Thanksgiving tradition. While the Packers hold the edge in the longtime rivalry, they are actually 9-12-1 against the Lions on Thanksgiving. The matchup is also the most frequently played Thanksgiving Day game, with 22 appearances.
The NFC race is tight, making this game all the more meaningful. Entering the matchup, the Packers were 7-3-1 and the Lions 7-4. Detroit had struggled in recent weeks, losing to the Eagles in Week 11 and narrowly beating the Giants the following week. Injuries and inconsistent defense have plagued the Lions, while the offense has struggled in key moments — a difficult combination against a surging Green Bay squad.
When Jordan Love settles in early, he can be dangerous, and Detroit also had to contend with the disruptive pass-rush presence of Rashan Gary. The Lions lost star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown early to injury and later ruled out tight end Sam LaPorta for the remainder of the year. Detroit leaned heavily on its running back tandem of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, nicknamed “Sonic and Knuckles,” but managed only 119 rushing yards.
The game stayed close, but Love played lights out, throwing for 234 yards and four touchdowns as the Packers claimed a 31-24 win. The victory was crucial for Green Bay, who faces the NFC-leading Chicago Bears next week. The Lions, now 7-5, face a growing list of questions as they sit on the outside looking in at the NFC playoff picture.
It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the Dallas Cowboys, who this year faced the struggling Kansas City Chiefs. Dallas has the second most Thanksgiving appearances (56), trailing only Detroit (85).
Both teams have had surprising seasons. The Cowboys traded star pass rusher Micah Parsons ahead of the season, a move many thought would derail them. However, acquiring defensive lineman Quinnen Williams from the Jets and linebacker Logan Wilson from the Bengals at the trade deadline strengthened their defense. Adding wide receiver George Pickens in the offseason has also helped transform Dallas’ offense into one of the league’s best.
The Cowboys are pushing for a playoff berth behind Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Pickens. The Chiefs, meanwhile, are having their worst season with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback. Sitting at 6-6, they are outside the playoff picture and 0-5 in close games after going 12-0 in such games last season. A weak run game, inconsistent play on both sides of the ball and costly penalties have all contributed. Against Dallas, the Chiefs committed 10 penalties for 119 yards, including critical pass interference calls that extended Cowboys drives.
Lamb bounced back from a disappointing performance against the Eagles by catching seven passes for 112 yards and a touchdown. The Cowboys won 31-24 and now prepare for another big test against the Lions. First-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer has brought a level of discipline and toughness not seen in Dallas since the Jimmy Johnson era. If the Cowboys continue winning, they will be a dangerous opponent in January. The Chiefs, meanwhile, are in must-win territory as they try to stay alive in a competitive AFC race.
As Thanksgiving dinner wrapped up, the Bengals and Ravens were just getting started. The AFC North matchup marked the return of Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow, who had been out with a foot injury since Week 2. A win for Baltimore would have moved the Ravens ahead of the Steelers in the division. Cincinnati entered the game without top edge rushers Shemar Stewart and Trey Hendrickson, making it difficult to pressure mobile Ravens
quarterback Lamar Jackson.
However, the Bengals relied on a familiar philosophy: with Joe Burrow under center, defense becomes less of a concern. Burrow threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns, energizing the Bengals’ offense and their playoff hopes. The Bengals’ defense stepped up as well, intercepting Jackson once and recording three sacks.
The game began with a rushing touchdown by Derrick Henry for Baltimore, followed by a Bengals field goal from Evan McPherson. Once the second quarter began, Cincinnati took control and never let up, as the Ravens found the end zone only once more. The Bengals won 32-14. If Cincinnati continues playing at this level, a wildcard spot is within reach. Baltimore, now 6-5 after starting the season 0-5, still leads the AFC North thanks to the Steelers’ loss on Sunday. However, if the Ravens continue to perform as they did Thursday, their playoff run may be short-lived.
Photo Courtesy/New Mexico Athletic Communications Habtom Samuel brought home the 10K Men’s championship.
Courtesy/UNI Athletics
The Panthers host the Wichita State Shockers this Saturday in the McLeod Center.
Panthers compete in Acrisure Series in Palm Springs
By Michael Spahn Assistant Sports Editor
The Northern Iowa men’s basketball team participated in the Acrisure Series in Palm Springs last Tuesday and Wednesday. The Panthers went 1-1 on the road trip, picking up a 72-51 win over Loyola Chicago before falling 63-60 to Tulsa.
In the first game against Loyola Chicago, the Panthers found success from the threepoint line. Max Weisbrod got UNI going from beyond the arc early to extend the lead to 5-0.
Just after the 15-minute
mark, Leon Bond III connected on a three-pointer, followed by another from Weisbrod to make it 15-4 Panthers.
Kyle Pock joined the threepoint surge, hitting two threes within a 28-second span to put UNI up 21-7.
To end the half, Tristan Smith and Pock each knocked down three-pointers, giving UNI a 45-26 lead.
To start the second half, Smith scored the first points with a layup, and Bond followed with a jumper to extend the lead to 49-26.
The Panthers dominated out of the break, going on a
9-2 run early in the half to put the game out of reach.
Bond III led UNI with 20 points, followed by Smith and Pock with 12 apiece.
In the championship game against Tulsa, UNI forward Will Hornseth set the tone early with a layup, followed by a Bond III three-pointer to make it 6-3 Panthers.
With the game tied 11-11 just before the 10-minute mark, Geon Hutchins made a free throw, followed by a Smith layup to retie the game at 14-14.
After Tulsa went up 25-16, Bond III jump-started the UNI
offense with a two-point basket and a three-pointer to cut the lead to five.
Bond III ended the first half with a dunk, and UNI trailed 34-27 going into the break.
Trailing 41-33 just past the 16-minute mark, Hornseth scored on a layup and hit two free throws on the next possession to cut the lead to four.
Pock added to the UNI run with back-to-back three-pointers to make it 45-43. The Panthers eventually took the lead on a basket from Ismael Diouf and two free throws from Pock to go up 47-45.
Under the four-minute mark, UNI found itself down 60-52. Hornseth scored on a layup, and Pock cut the Tulsa lead to 63-60 with a three-pointer.
UNI had a chance to tie the game late on a Weisbrod three-point attempt, but he couldn’t connect.
Northern Iowa leaves the Acrisure Series with a 6-1 record. The Panthers host Wichita State on Saturday at 7 p.m. inside the McLeod Center. The game will air on ESPN+ and the Panther Sports Radio Network.
UNI WBB split games in Las Vegas
By Tyler Wood Sports Writer
The University of Northern Iowa women’s basketball team traveled to UNLV on Wednesday to compete in the Thanksgiving Turkey TipOff. Their first opponent was Northern Arizona, and the Panthers took care of business, winning 79-60. UNI led 36-28 at halftime and maintained control through the final buzzer.
Guard Jenna Twedt scored 20 points, adding one assist and two rebounds. Forward Ryley Goebel recorded a double-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Forward Elise Jaeger also
posted a double-double, finishing with 13 points, 16 rebounds and two assists.
Guard Taryn Wharton contributed nine points, seven assists and three rebounds. Guard Bri Robinson added three points, five assists and two rebounds, while forward Kaylynn Janes came off the bench to score 11 points and grab two rebounds.
Northern Arizona’s leading scorer was guard Naomi White, who finished with 19 points, two assists and five rebounds in the loss.
The Panthers faced the UNLV Lady Rebels two days later with a chance to win the Thanksgiving Turkey Tip-Off. It was a close game at halftime, with UNI trailing by
three entering the third quarter. The Panthers’ lowest-scoring quarter of the game came in the third, halting their momentum, and they ultimately fell 62-56.
Wharton led UNI with 19 points, four assists and four rebounds. Jaeger notched her second straight double-double, posting 13 points, 14 rebounds and four assists. UNLV’s leading scorer was forward Meadow Roland with 17 points and five rebounds.
Guard Jasmyn Lott added 12 points, one assist and two rebounds, while guard Aaliyah Alexander had 11 points, six assists and four rebounds.
Forward Shelbee Brown chipped in five points, two
assists and 10 rebounds.
The Panthers finished second in the Thanksgiving Turkey Tip-Off. They are now 2-4 on the season and look to bounce back against
their rivals, the Illinois State Redbirds.
The game will be played at the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with tipoff set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3.
Photo
Panthers win fourth straight MVC tournament crown
By Nicole Waters Sports Writer
UNI volleyball started the MVC Tournament against the Illinois State Redbirds in the second round. The Panthers opened the first set strongly with an 8-2 run and led by as many as eight points in the opening frame. Illinois State fought back to tie the set at 19-19 with a 4-0 run and eventually went on to take it 25-23. Lily Dykstra had four kills, while Cassidy Hartman and Isabelle Elliott each had three. Maryn Bixby added two blocks.
The Panthers found their groove in the second set, leading for all but two points in the frame. After an opening point from the Redbirds, Northern Iowa scored four in a row and never looked back, winning the set 25-18 to tie the match at 1-1. Reese Booth and Hartman each recorded an ace, and Dykstra added four kills.
Set three saw UNI fall behind early at 6-2, but they rallied with a 5-0 run to take the lead and continued to build momentum. Capitalizing on Illinois State’s mistakes, the Panthers took the set to go up 2-1. Dykstra had four more kills, while Hartman and Lindsay Oldendorf each recorded two blocks.
In the fourth set, UNI and ISU traded leads nine times and had 17 ties in a back-
and-forth battle. The Panthers took a short lead at 19-18 and later tied it at 23-23, but the Redbirds claimed the final two points to take the set 25-23 and force a fifth. Dykstra added seven kills, and Hartman contributed five.
Northern Iowa came out hot in the fifth set, leading from start to finish after a 4-0 opening run. Hartman and Dykstra each had a pair of kills, and Molly Shafer added another.
The Panthers closed the set on an 8-0 run to win convincingly, 15-5, and advance to the MVC Tournament title match.
The championship match pitted UNI against conference foe Drake. The Panthers opened set one with a 5-0 run and scored 12 of the first 18 points. Northern Iowa’s offense rolled, with Hartman tallying eight kills and Bixby and Elliott each recording two blocks in a dominant 25-13 win.
Set two featured 11 ties and three lead changes in a back-and-forth frame, with the teams splitting the first 30 points. Drake tied it at 20-20, but despite a late push from the Bulldogs, UNI held on to take the set 25-23 and go up 2-0. Hartman added five kills, Bixby had four, and Oldendorf and Dykstra each had two blocks.
UNI faced a tough battle in set three as the Bulldogs refused to go quietly, leading
for most of the frame. Booth recorded a pair of aces to keep the Panthers close, and a 7-2 UNI run pulled them within one at 22-21. The Panthers scored four of the final five points to take the set and secure
the sweep, led by a 10-kill performance from Hartman, and clinched an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
The Panthers will face the Utah Utes in the first round of the tournament Thursday, Dec. 4, in Omaha, Nebraska, at 4:30 p.m. CT on ESPN. If Northern Iowa advances, they will play the winner of the No. 3 Creighton vs. Northern Colorado match on Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. CT.
Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics
The Panthers will take on the Utah Utes in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The winner of the macth will play either Creighton or Northern Colorado.
RYAN SALES JENNA
ANSWERS
50) Word of warning
51) ___ de los Muertos
54) Take apart to see the inner workings of 58) Casual tops
59) Down ___ knee
60) Withered 61) Vet school subj. 62) Ebbs 63) "___ Death" (Grieg work)
Down 1) "This guy walks into ___ ..." 2) Suvari of "American Pie"
3) Asian holidays
4) Fourth-yr. students
5) Back-and-forth
6) Burn soothers
7) "Seasons of Love" musical
8) Before, poetically 9) The shakes 10) ___ vs. Zombies (video game series)
11) "Fiddler on the Roof" matchmaker
12) Pave over 13) Twisty turns 18) ___ of Man
19) Least colorful
23) Suit to ___
24) Destinies
25) Some fuel suffixes
26) "It ___ Very Good Year"
27) ___-Tass
(Russian news agency)
28) Words of denial
29) Partners
31) Went under
32) Great Plains tribe
33) Bucks and does
34) Sound of a leak
36) Ballerina, at times
37) Highway division
38) ___ and crafts
42) Least adorned
43) Hints of color
44) Against
45) Kinda
46) Charlie of "Two and a Half Men"
47) "___ nice day!"
48) "No man is an island" poet
50) Cole of "Black-ish"
51) Ruby and Sandra
52) French suffix
53) Greek god of war
55) Scatter seeds
56) Bambi's aunt
57) Hush-hush org.
talk
Talk with your partner before having sex.
Talk about when you were last tested and suggest getting tested together.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your sex life. Ask them about HIV and STI testing—including what tests you need and how often
test
Get tested! It’s the only way to know for sure if you have HIV or another STI.
Many STIs, including HIV, don’t cause any symptoms, so you could have one and not know
If you’re not comfortable asking your regular provider for an HIV or STI test, find a clinic that provides confidential testing that is free or low cost.
treat
HIV and all other STIs are treatable.
If you test positive for an STI, work with your healthcare provider to get the right treatment.
If you test positive for HIV, your provider or testing location will help connect you to treatment & resources! Successful HIV treatment can prevent the passing of HIV to partners. It also protects your own health.
Ask about partner services to get your partner tested and treated. Avoid having sex until you and your sex partner both complete treatment.
Scan the QR code or visit stophiviowa.org for testing locations, prevention resources & more
