Journalism since 1987. Volume 50 l Issue 17 l January 29, 2025
MATILDA’S MISCELLANEA
MATILDA’S MISCELLANEA
Meadow Brook Hall’s Library PAGE 8
OSCAR NOMINATIONS
OSCAR NOMINATIONS
Meadow Brook Hall’s Library PAGE 8 SWIM & DIVE Conquers on Senior Day PAGE 18
‘Emilia Pérez’ leads PAGE 10-11
‘Emilia Pérez’ leads PAGE 10-11
SWIM & DIVE Conquers on Senior Day PAGE 18
PHOTO BY MATTHEW VIGELIUS
EXTREME COLD WEATHER caused Oakland University to cancel all but essential operations from Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 5 a.m. until Thursday, Jan. 23, at 5 a.m. Learn “How winter weather leads to canceling classes” on page 5 and how students reacted in “Cold closures met with warm welcomes on OU’s campus” on page 7.
Don Ritenburgh Business Adviser ritenbur@oakland.edu
248.370.2533
Prepare for Valentine’s Day with events around OU
NOAH FRANCIS Features Editor
With January ending soon, and February right around the corner, it’s time to start planning a special Valentine’s Day for the special people in your life, regardless of if they are your significant other, your friend or yourself. Whether you are looking for an event to leave you breathless, a night of dancing or literal puppy love, here are six Valentine’s Day events happening around Oakland University.
Future Leader Dog Club Valentines Day Celebration and Club Impact Night
Looking to celebrate the season of love with puppies? Look no further than the Future Leader Dog Club’s Valentines Day Celebration. Partake in decorating Valentine’s Day cookies, taking photos at a photo station and hanging out with puppies from the Future Leader Dog Club. Feb. 12, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Free. Laidlow Room 208, Oakview Hall. For more information, visit Future Leader Dog Club’s GrizzOrgs page.
Galentines!
For the ladies looking to meet new friends within a welcoming community of girls and other gender minorities, The BRATz are hosting their Valentine’s Day Celebration, “Galentines!” This event is made for students to make new friends and introduce you to people who are more tailored to your style, whether you go in a group or go alone. Enjoy fancy tea and a selection of cookies as you play games and engage in ice breakers. For more information,
visit The BRATz’ GrizzOrgs page.
Ballroom with Bae
Take your significant other, friends or just yourself out for a romantic themed dance lesson with Ballroom & Latin Dance Club’s “Ballroom with Bae.” Learn how to move to the more romantic styles of dancing and have fun whether you’re a seasoned dancer or it’s your first time. Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $5 per person, pay at the door. Room 919, Rec Center. For more information, visit Ballroom & Latin Dance Club’s GrizzOrgs page.
Will You Be My Valentine?
Golden Key at OU is hosting their own Valentine’s Day event with “Will You Be My Valentine?” Visit for a heartwarming DIY crafting session where you can create handmade Valentine’s gifts, such as custom keychains, pocket mirrors or necklaces for a special someone in your life, or for yourself. Capture the moment with a polaroid photo, and enjoy treats such as Auntie Anne’s pretzels, Crumbl Cookies, amongst others. Feb. 14, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Stinson Center, Elliott Hall. For more information, visit Golden Key at OU’s GrizzOrgs page.
Falling in Lung: A Date with CDSS
Looking for an event that will take your breath away? Learn about how lungs work with the Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences Society’s Valentine’s Day-themed event, “Falling in Lung: A Date with CDSS.” Explore how the lung operates by making a homemade craft and tie-dye your shirts for the 2024-2025 academic year. Feb. 14, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free. Lake Erie Room, Oakland Center. For more information, visit CDSS’ GrizzOrgs page. Valentine’s Day Crafts & Sweets
Join the cultural exchange program on campus, Creating American & International Relationships (CAIR), for crafts and sweets during this Valentine’s Day. Create a card, suncatcher or friendship bracelet while trying out desserts from around the world. Feb. 14, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Lake Huron Room, Oakland Center. For more information, visit CAIR’s GrizzOrgs page.
GRAPHIC BY AVA GUEST
Future Grizzlies at Engineering & Computer Science Day
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES Campus Editor
Jan. 25 was Engineering & Computer Science (SECS) Day at Oakland University, welcoming 890 guests to explore the possibilities of science for future Grizzlies.
The two main floors of the Oakland Center adorned its hallways with infographics, boards and tablings sharing the research, majors and student organizations advancing engineering and technology fields.
“For every kind of major school we have at OU it’s important that they have their own event so they can celebrate their accomplishments, especially important for the SECS,” Jacob Chiappelli, Robotics Association president, said. “It’s really important for a lot of students, in maybe a field where there’s a conception that students tend to be a little bit more introverted, to understand there’s groups they can be with, to be social, but also to learn more about and feel their passions.”
Attendees were welcomed by the Dean of the SECS, Louay Chamra, to attend different presentations by the department chairs of Bioengineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Undergraduate Advising and others.
“We want to make them feel like engineering is a space for them, an option for them,” Ehlimana Campara, Society of Women Engineers (SWE) president, said. “As a kid, that was never an option that was brought up to me, and I want that to be shared with them.”
The families attending toured the Engineering Center facilities while student organizations set up their tables along the OC to talk with them after attendees enjoyed lunch with professors and alumni.
The banquet rooms hosted talks on artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity and information technology. The ballrooms welcomed people interested in computer, electrical and chemical engineering. Industrial, mechanical and mechatronic engineering were not behind and they had academic and student organization demos.
“We’re trying to propose some projects to build, we’re building this quadcopter, and we’re also doing some competition in NASA where we’ll build a robot,” Tolu Awaye, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), president said. “It’s another way to showcase your learning, instead of just being in a classroom and taking tests. This is another way to visually and physically show how much you know about engineering, and it’s also a good way to pick up new skills.”
Like many other student organizations on campus,
NSBE is a community of students with similar majors or interests that get together to foster spaces where scholarships, sponsorship and job opportunities are available for everyone.
“My advice would be to be consistent and not give up, because I want this to be an opportunity that anybody, regardless of the academic status can see as possible,” Awaye said, advising those who attended SECS Day. “It’s definitely possible for them to be great at whatever they put their mind into, just be consistent and optimistic.”
SWE also networked with attendees to motivate them to explore engineering and foster a community at OU.
“We have the social aspect where we can come in and we can kind of touch base with other women in your space, people you see in your classes but you don’t know their names,” Campara said. “We are also to do stuff with other organizations and other engineering organizations like SHPE, NSBE, biomedicine, etc.”
SWE organizes informal study spaces where students can communicate with each other, get together and study. With SECS Day being an important outreach opportunity, the student organizations also emphasized inspiring new generations.
“A big thing we’re trying to do this coming year is trying to get more into volunteering,” Campara said. “So right now, we’re in talks trying to do events in the Fall with the Girl Scouts, and we might make that a thing like to go along for years to come.”
The six-hour event concluded with Chamra’s closing remarks and high school students, prospective graduate students and other community members left with many SECS infographics and photos with the Grizz.
OU Club Golf hosts fundraiser to revive the sport
MATILDE RABAJOLI AND ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Oakland University’s Club Golf has been recently revived as a new executive board has risen to the call of management. The club has begun to share its love for golfing through a fundraising event to invite new members and start planning activities for better weather.
On Jan. 25, Club Golf met at Classic Lanes to enjoy food and bowling in preparation for the upcoming season. Raffle tickets and baked sweets also appeared to gather funds for equipment and entrance to competitions.
“We weren’t really sure where to start and plus, we can’t do anything golf-related right now because of the season change,” Joseph Wodowski, Club Golf president, said. “At the time, we figured Topgolf would have been too expensive for a first fundraiser, so the next one’s probably going to be Topgolf.”
Seasoned members, families and even sponsors attended the social gathering to meet the new e-board of a long-standing student organization.
“The fundraising came out to be very successful, and everyone has smiles on their faces and seems to be enjoying themselves,” Wodowski said. “It has been a very great night for our fundraising, and overall, a very good experience for our members.”
During the pandemic, golfing at OU halted for a while, leading to a decrease and eventual fading of Club Golf. With a fresh mindset, the all-sophomore E-Board seeks to rebuild the momentum of prior generations.
“Last year, there was no president and the club went
silent,” Wodowski said. “I came in, stepped up and now I’m the president and I think I’ve provided the club pretty well so far, but we are looking for more people.”
The E-Board also has a long and personal golfing tradition.
“I started playing golf a long time ago since I was ten years old, and then I just played for high school,” Jeronimo Contreras, golf club treasurer said. “I wanted to play in college so I joined the club at OU and it has been a great journey.”
Christian Johnson, club vice president, plays mostly for fun as a way to unwind with friends and enjoy nature, he said.
“Sophomore year of high school, I used to be on the baseball team and I had shoulder repair surgery
and they put me out of my season,” Wodowski said. “I figured I’d try giving golf a shot and I made varsity a season after. Ever since I’ve been loving the sport and have a great passion for it”
They play both recreational and competitions, accommodating all levels of golfers. During fall 2022, before the club halted for a moment, they competed in regional leagues and hosted bi-weekly training meetings — something the current E-Board plans to retake
“We have a competitive and an open play team, the non-competitive team is where anybody can join, if you don’t play golf or just to have fun and meet people,” Jeronimo Contreras, treasurer, said. “With the competitive team, we travel around Michigan and go through tournaments and enjoy the competition.”
The executive board expands on their passion for the sport as it allows for a couple of hours outdoors and provides time to enjoy new and old company. Whether you are an expert player, intermediate from laying throughout the summer or a complete beginner, the club invites you to join.
“It’s one of those sports where you can talk to people who are playing it, which is different to soccer if you play something like that,” Contreras said. “There’s no opportunity to actually talk to the person you’re playing with so golf is a great way to make new friends.”
The team is still planning out trials, meetings and enrollment on regional events with information scheduled to come in February.
PHOTO BY ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
PHOTO BY ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
How winter weather leads to canceling classes
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Campus Editor
Heavy winter weather pushed Oakland University to cancel all but essential operations from Jan. 21 to 23, culminating a decision-making process that encompasses campus with coordination.
“Typically, [canceling classes] occurs when the groundskeeping crew and surrounding municipalities are unable to keep up with clearing the snow and ice,” the Facilities Management team wrote on their severe weather page. “However, the university’s goal is to remain open whenever possible.”
A weather station installed at the Facilities Management Building monitors temperatures, wind direction and speed, providing warnings and forecasts that a weather team uses to make recommendations to OU’s administration.
The Weather Team is made up of the Chief of Police, the Associate Vice President for Facilities Management, the Director of Facility Services and the Vice President of Communications and Marketing.
“Our job is to monitor the weather, kind of watch for approaching winter weather, winter storms and if we think it’s going to have an impact on the operations for Oakland University, our job is to put together a recommendation,” Chief of Police at OU, Mark Gordon said. “We send that forward to specific people at the university administration level above us.”
Meanwhile, Facilities Management prioritizes the removal of snow and ice from major campus roads,
accessible ramps, entrances and exits, stairways and major walkways. Low-traffic buildings, parking decks and dorms are a second priority.
“A snow emergency may be declared when 3 or more inches of snow have fallen or are forecast to fall on campus, as reported by the National Weather Service and/or other law enforcement weather resources,” The OU Police Department (OUPD) wrote in their snow emergencies webpage.
Factors like the amount and rate of snowfall are tricky to time, Gordon explained, as they also have to know how much time it will take to clear sidewalks and parking lots. Based on this information, the weather team can make three recommendations, no changes to university operations, a delayed start or campus closure.
“When we recommend a delayed start, which means 10 a.m. or noon — that’s our two choices — we give our grounds people more time to actually clear the lots and the sidewalks before we start our business day,” Gordon said. “We can cancel evening classes, but the university remains open. That’s another option, which means staff and faculty are still required to be at their offices, but there are no classes.”
The emergency closure does not require staff to report for work and also cancels all classes. All university offices are closed and operations halt after the cancellation is made public by the decisionmaking team, via the Communications and Marketing Department and OUPD Emergency Alerts.
“Generally speaking, they usually will accept our recommendations,” Gordon said. “Sometimes they will change it a little bit, we may say ‘Let’s just cancel classes,’ and they’ll say ‘No, let’s just shut the whole university down,’ or vice versa.”
Unexpected weather changes are also accounted for with early release procedures, snow emergency parking lot areas and containers of ice melt at the entrances of most campus buildings.
“It’s tricky to get a time, and there’s a lot that’s taken into consideration, but first and foremost is the safety of our campus community, which includes students, faculty and staff,” Gordon said. “So we always keep that as the first consideration, you know, to make sure that we are as safe as we possibly can for everyone.”
PHOTO BY MATTHEW VIGELIUS
Garry Gilbert’s life of storytelling and an inspiration filled l ibrary
ALINA ZETOUNA
Contributor
Garry Gilbert’s library collection reflects a life steeped in journalism, history and a passion for curiosity about the human experience. Each title tells a story, not just of the past, but of the passions and philosophies that have shaped his character.
Gilbert, Adjunct Instructor of Journalism and adviser for The Oakland Post at Oakland University, has spent his life engaged in stories, discovery and words. His comforting personal library offers a glimpse into the mind and heart of a lifelong journalist.
Growing up in a household filled with books and newspapers, Gilbert was influenced by his father, a self-taught minister, and his mother, an elementary school teacher. From an early age his environment shaped his curiosity, which led him down a path filled with storytelling.
Gilbert’s love for writing began in high school when his basketball coach suggested he write about the team. This interaction further led Garry to become the voice of the high school sports program, starting out as a sports writer. His coach’s motivating encouragement was a major influence on Garry when it came to pursuing writing. By age 18, he was working as a full time reporter.
He went on to study American history throughout college. He later landed a position to work in the newspaper reporting business for 40 years. He rose to become editor-in-chief at one of his final newspaper publications he worked for. In 2006, Gilbert began to realize that the newspaper industry was progressively declining due to digital media news outlets.
After reflecting on where the newspaper industry was beginning to go, Garry decided to go back to school in his 40s to pursue his master’s degree. During this time, he was fortunate enough to meet many great professors and mentors, one being the late Jane BriggsBunting, who at the time was the Chair of Journalism at Michigan State University. Jane offered him the opportunity to join the faculty as a visiting editor, which gave him a platform for visibility. One year later, Gilbert was offered a position to teach at Oakland University, and he has been there since.
“I owe Jane Briggs-Bunting the most gratitude, she was the most inspirational figure I had, and made it possible for me to become a teacher at 55 years old,” Gilbert said.
Gilbert’s appetite for knowledge remains continuous, his inspiring library book collection holds approximately 1,000 books, a collection of memorable stories curated over decades.
“My kids and I often joke that they will not know what to do with all my books once I have passed,”Gilbert said.
Gilbert cherishes the stories in his collection, his most
influential book being “Shoeless Joe” by W.P. Kinsella, the inspiration behind the film “Field of Dreams,” and a story that resonates deeply with Garry’s beliefs in second chances. The author went back to school later in life to pursue his master’s degree, which inspired Garry to do the same.
“I feel so fortunate to have a second chance at my career by being able to have achieved my masters degree. I am a big believer in second chances; second jobs, second careers, second educations, which ‘Shoeless Joe’ acknowledges throughout the story,” Gilbert said.
He even named his son Jackson after the book’s main character, Shoeless Joe Jackson. Gilbert had the opportunity to meet Kinsella and obtain an autographed copy of the book, which he greatly treasures.
Opposite of his wife, Holly Shreve Gilbert, who enjoys fictional books, Garry’s genre preferences gravitate toward American history and political journalism. His favorite United States president was Franklin D. Roosevelt — Gilbert wrote his masters thesis on Roosevelt and his relationship with the press.
“We laugh and say that’s why our marriage works. I enjoy non-fiction and golfing, and she does not,” Gilbert said.
One of his favorite reads, “All the Light We Cannot See,” by Anthony Doerr, combines fiction with historical insights — his favorite genres — and also
reflects on the complexities of the human experience.
One book in his collection offers sentimental value in Gilbert’s life. “My Word,” an autobiography and family history book authored by Gilbert’s late uncle John Gilbert, holds a special place in the library.
“My uncle was a political science professor who wrote this family history book of my family’s heritage. I’ve read the whole book, and have learned so much about my family from it. I feel honored that my uncle chose me to be the current guardian of the book,” Gilbert said.
Gilbert’s late uncle was a role model in his life; he was a great influence to him in regards to going back to school, encouraged him to make certain decisions throughout his career, and was able to watch Garry pursue his master’s degree.
Having recently been diagnosed with — and
successfully treated for — cancer, Gilbert now approaches his reading and lifestyle habits with greater intentions.
“I’m grateful to be cancer-free now, and with that, I try to be intentional with what I put my time towards. For instance, I would love to spend more time reading, instead of being on social media,” Gilbert said.
Publication was always a goal of Gilbert’s when writing. He wrote a freelance story that went on to receive awards for explanatory journalism. His article was headlined for Hour Detroit, and was based on the phenomenon of post-traumatic growth. Fascinated by post-traumatic growth, Garry was inspired to write his story about a colleague who, after surviving a nearly fatal accident, emerged with a more positive outlook on life.
Storytelling is at the heart of journalism for Gilbert. A story he believes is a great example of the power of great journalism, and another of his favorite books, is John Hersey’s “Hiroshima,” which highlights journalism’s power to connect us by reminding us of our shared humanity.
Garry Gilbert hopes to convey the message that Hersey demonstrated, which is to remember we are all humans, and journalism should make us feel more connected with one another, not further apart.
Through his cherished book collection and love of storytelling, Gilbert hopes he passes down a legacy of his own.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALINA ZETOUNA
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALINA ZETOUNA Gilbert admires his favorite books.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALINA ZETOUNA Gilbert posed with his masters thesis.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALINA ZETOUNA My Word, written by Garry’s uncle, John Atlee Gilbert.
The renaissance of 2000s trends
DANIELA CESARIO
Features Reporter
The early 2000s are making a dramatic comeback, with trends from the era dominating fashion, music and pop culture. From low-rise jeans to frosted lip gloss, the aesthetic of the millennium has captured the imagination of Gen Z and millennials alike. This resurgence is fueled by a yearning for nostalgia, a desire to reimagine the past in modern ways and the cyclical nature of trends.
“I never thought I’d see butterfly clips and velour tracksuits again, but here we are,” sophomore Lana Gamoura said. “It’s funny how something that seemed dated a few years ago is suddenly cool. I think it’s because social media makes it so easy to find inspiration from any era, and 2000s fashion just has this carefree vibe people are craving right now.”
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have been instrumental in reviving these trends, with influencers showcasing modern takes on iconic 2000s looks. Pop culture references, such as the resurgence of Y2K-themed music videos and rebooted TV shows, have further cemented the era’s influence. The blend of digital nostalgia and creative reinterpretation has made these trends feel fresh while retaining their retro charm.
“I’ve been istening to Britney Spears and NSYNC
nonstop lately,” sophomore Teuta Sinishtaj said. “It’s like I’m reliving my childhood but in a way that feels new. These trends are more than just clothes and music, they’re a way to connect with memories and even create new ones. Plus, it is also all-over social media; these trendy clothes and fashion statements.”
However, the revival isn’t without its critics. Some argue that the 2000s aesthetic glorifies problematic elements, such as unrealistic beauty standards and materialism. Others feel that the over-commercialization of nostalgia detracts from its authenticity, turning cherished memories into marketable commodities.
“I think it’s important to enjoy the fun parts of 2000s culture without repeating its mistakes,” Gamoura said. “We’re in a different time now, and we have the chance to be more inclusive and mindful while still celebrating what made the era special. It makes me somewhat nostalgic to think about the era before I was really of age to enjoy it.”
Despite differing opinions, the renaissance of 2000s trends continues to grow, offering a unique blend of old and new. Whether it’s through fashion, music or pop culture, this revival provides a space for self-expression and creativity. The vibrant energy of these trends resonates deeply with a generation eager to reconnect with the joys of the past while adding their unique twist to them.
“Every time I see a Y2K-inspired look, I’m
reminded of how trends evolve and how fun it is to reimagine them,” Sinishtaj said. “It’s not just about copying the past but making it our own. That’s what makes this revival so exciting.”
As 2000s trends continue their comeback, they demonstrate how fashion and culture can be both a reflection of the past and a canvas for innovation. This nostalgic revival is not just about reliving memories but creating new ones, blending timeless influences with modern sensibilities. It’s a celebration of individuality, creativity and the enduring power of trends to inspire and unite.
Cold closures met with warm welcomes on OU’s campus
SOPHIA CURRAN
Features Reporter
As students entered their third week of the winter semester, a temperature drop to near negatives resulted in a halt of activities on campus.
Students across Oakland University received a day off on Jan. 20, in celebration of MLK Day, but with frigid temperatures reaching no higher than 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the university shut down and sent out an urgent advisory that same night.
For Jan. 21 and 22, OU announced that all but essential university operations, such as the dining halls across campus, would be canceled unless otherwise noted. Non-essential operations included campus events such as MLK Day of Service and the Study Abroad Expo, which have either been canceled or postponed.
Oakland had just entered its winter semester, but students all across the university reacted to the extended break with open arms.
As schools all over Michigan began to close down in preparation for the cold temperatures, many students across OU’s campus waited for a similar announcement. When asked if they expected school to close, first-year student, Emily Wright, said they expected the school to close Tuesday, but was surprised to see Wednesday was canceled as well.
Along with the freezing air, high levels of snow and ice can pose a challenge for commuting students, such as Wright.
“(When driving to Oakland) I feel generally comfortable, however when it gets really icy and slippery it can be scary, but there hasn’t been too many days that have been that bad,” Wright said.
As for students who are living on campus, there have been positive reactions to the school’s closure.
PHOTO BY NOAH FRANCIS
For many first-year students, living on a closed campus is a new experience.
“I was hoping that by some chance school would close because I didn’t know if college was like prior schooling, but I was expecting that I’d still have classes,” first-year student, Ryan Landy, said. “It was the same kind of excitement as I had in elementary school when I would wait for the phone call saying we didn’t have school. I called my boyfriend and my mom when I found out, to tell them that I didn’t have school for the next two days. I slept for most of them but went out to the mall with my boyfriend on one of the days since we finally had time to go.”
The closure offered on-campus students a chance to get out of their school environment and use the free time to explore the Rochester area.
Although it is the beginning of a new semester, cold temperatures and extreme weather at this time of year often result in a halt to on-campus activities. As a result, professors have learned to adapt to the weather in ways that seem best fit for their field of studies. However, students responded to the extended weekend in many different ways, such as using it to either relax or spend time with friends and family. While the bitter air may deem it a time for isolation, students found ways to enjoy the free time before continuing their academic journeys.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIE CLAIRE
Matilda’s miscellanea: Managing the library in Michigan’s largest mansion
DEACON FANCHER
Contributor
Under the hand-carved gazes of Twain, Socrates, Rembrandt, Chopin and many other legends of various disciplines, more than 1,600 titles — some over 200 years old — sit on dark wooden shelves. Originating from every corner of the globe, covering topics from agriculture to Aesop, it’s not often that this many unique and priceless books end up sitting cover-to-cover. Two of the people responsible for the collection — Matilda and John Dodge — also watch from the walls, their own gazes immortalized in paint.
what titles were lost, but some in the current collection still have prices written on them, according to Chrapla.
For those that remain, Chrapla and fellow staff now work to preserve them for as long as possible. This includes a yearly unshelving and dusting, as well as a routine of handling each book with freshly-washed, ungloved hands (that’s right — antique book experts have found that gloves can actually increase the likelihood of damage).
Despite efforts of any expert, paper is still an organic material that is prone to rot and mildew. These spores can spread, decimating entire shelves if left unchecked.
“We are very lucky that we’ve not had many issues in the house,” Chrapla said, knocking on the side of her head for good luck. “We just received a grant which is going to help us with some humidity and temperature monitoring, and [to] put new UV filters on all of the windows.”
While John Dodge didn’t live to see it, Matilda Dodge Wilson and her second husband, Alfred Wilson, planned this library (alongside 109 other rooms) during the construction of Meadow Brook Hall. Nearly a century later, the room serves largely the same purpose as it did during the Wilsons’ ownership, dazzling visitors and serving as a space to host events.
Instead of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, curator Madelyn Chrapla now oversees upkeep of the library and its volumes. With 15 years of experience at the historic landmark, Chrapla has initiated preservation and restoration projects throughout the home — including a program to “conserve and restore” the sizable collection.
“I was able to pay an intern who methodically went through every single book. We used that time for her to not only record the books, but to check every single page to find any notes, any bookmarks inside of [them],” Chrapla said.
In many cases, Chrapla said that the annotations and notes found inside have provided more information on the Dodge and Wilson families than the books themselves.
“We found a letter to John Dodge in one of the books from his daughter, Isabel, in 1915,” Chrapla said. “That one is great because it talks about the starting of the nine-hole golf course that he built. We didn’t know exactly when that opened, so this gave us a date.”
A few books even appear to have inspired the design of the Tudor Revival-style mansion.
“Some pages would be marked with wood paneling or a fireplace that they liked,” Chrapla said. “We can very much see in Meadow Brook that the page was duplicated. We can look at a page and see direct inspiration.”
Despite the plurality of books that are shelved today, Chrapla said there were likely many more about 50 years ago. It was at this time that multiple book sales took place, helping to fund student scholarships for the newly-independent Oakland University. It is unknown
As for the largest and most valuable items — including a 236-year-old world Atlas and a 16thcentury folio map — they are stored on a different floor in a vault.
Besides the collection, the room itself has been the site of significant history. It has hosted guests such as Henry and Clara Ford, and has deep connections to OU.
“The refectory table is one of the antiques we have in the house,” Chrapla said. “But more importantly, [it] is where they signed the papers to found Oakland University.”
Now, the space is used for meetings, classes, tours and other events of all types, securing the library as a staple of the entire mansion.
“It’s actually my favorite room to give a tour in,” Chrapla said. “Especially for our holiday tours, because there’s such a great mix of function and decoration in the room.”
PHOTO BY DEACON FANCHER.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALINA ZETOUNA
A painting of Matilda Dodge Wilson, mounted underneath the wooden likeness of author Mark Twain.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALINA ZETOUNA
A view of the Meadow Brook Hall library, facing north.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MEADOW BROOK HALL
A page from the Atlas Universel, featuring a map of Michigan. This book is believed to be the oldest in the collection.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MEADOW BROOK HALL
Curator Madelyn Chrapla sits at the refectory table in the library of Meadow Brook Hall, handling an artifact.
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Photos Courtesy of CNN, GQ and Rolling Stone
On Jan. 23, the nominees were announced for this year’s 97th Academy Awards. The award show, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will take place on March 2 at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre and will air live on ABC and Hulu.
The announcement of the event was delayed twice this month due to the devastating wildfires in Southern California — in which more than 12,000 homes, businesses and schools were destroyed. LA first responders will be honored during this year’s ceremony. On Jan. 13, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang issued a statement regarding the postponement of the show.
“We are all devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses experienced by so many in our community. The Academy has always been a unifying force within the film industry, and we are committed to standing together in the face of hardship,” Kramer and Yang said in their statement in The New York Times.
Now, onto the long-awaited nominees.
As announced by Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott, “Emilia Perez” is in the lead with 13 nominations, breaking the record for the most nominations for a non-English language film at the Oscars.
This comes as a surprise to many viewers due to the controversy and criticism that surrounded the musical — specifically Selena Gomez’s struggles with Spanish dialogue and debates about whether the film is an accurate representation of the transgender community.
Several actors have scored separate nominations for their performances in this film. Karla Sofía Gascón has been nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role, marking her as the first openly trans actress to ever be nominated for an Academy Award. Zoe Saldaña is nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, and Jacques Audiard is nominated for Best Director.
“The Brutalist” and “Wicked” are tied with 10 nominations each. However, “Wicked” has gained the blockbuster audience vote. Musical director Jon M. Chu scored a nomination for Best Picture, while Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have gained their individual recognitions. This marks a first-time Oscar nomination for Grande, who acknowledged the nomination in a post to Instagram on Thursday morning.
“Thank you [Jon M. Chu] for taking this chance on me and for being the most unbelievably brilliant leader, human being, and most fierce friend. I am so deeply proud of my beautiful Wicked family. I am so proud of my Elphie, my sister, my dear [Cynthia Erivo]. Your brilliance is never ending and you deserve every flower (tulip) in every garden,” Grande wrote.
The acting categories were dominated by first-time nominees this year, including Demi Moore, Kieran Culkin, Isabella Rossellini and Zoe Saldaña.
It’s a big year for firsts — with “Emilia Pérez” and “Wicked” nominated for Best Picture, this year also marks the first time that two musicals have been in the same category since 1968.
As far as other nominations, viewers can expect to see mentions of “Anora,” “The Substance,” “A Complete Unknown,” “I’m Still Here” and “Dune: Part Two.” Many voters are upset that “Challengers” is missing from the lineup, since it was another standout film last year.
Here is a list of the nominations for some of the most anticipated categories: Best Picture: “Anora,” “The Brutalist,” “A Complete Unknown,” “Conclave,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Emilia Pérez,” “I’m Still Here,” “Nickel Boys,” “The Substance” and “Wicked.”
Best Actor in a Leading Role: Adrien Brody in “The Brutalist,” Timothée Chalamet in “A Complete Unknown,” Colman Domingo in “Sing Sing,” Ralph Fiennes in “Conclave” and Sebastian Stan in “The Apprentice.”
Best Actress in a Leading Role: Cynthia Erivo in “Wicked,” Karla Sofía Gascón in “Emilia Pérez, Mikey Madison in “Anora,” Demi Moore in “The Substance” and Fernanda Torres in “I’m Still Here.”
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Yura Borisov in “Anora,” Kieran Culkin in “A Real Pain,” Edward Norton in “A Complete Unknown, Guy Pearce in “The Brutalist” and Jeremy Strong in “The Apprentice.”
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Monica Barbaro in “A Complete Unknown, Ariana Grande in “Wicked, Felicity Jones in “The Brutalist,” Isabella Rossellini in “Conclave” and Zoe Saldaña in “Emilia Pérez.”
Best Cinematography: “The Brutalist, “Dune: Part Two, “Emilia Pérez, “Maria” and “Nosferatu.”
Best Original Screenplay: ““Anora, “The Brutalist, “A Real Pain, “September 5” and “The Substance.” What (or who) are you hoping to see win this year? I’m personally rooting for “The Substance” and “Nosferatu.”
OU’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance students shine in ‘Footloose’
DANIELA CESARIO
Features Reporter
The musical “Footloose” has brought together Oakland University’s talented School of Music, Theatre and Dance students and the Meadow Brook Theatre, creating a vibrant production that blends professionalism with student enthusiasm. The show, based on the iconic 1984 movie, has been a rewarding experience for all involved, highlighting not only their talent but also their dedication to the craft.
“I have always loved the show and working with Meadow Brook Theatre,” freshman Naomi Jarvis said. “My favorite part of the production would have to be being able to listen backstage to all the songs and just admire the talent I get to work with. This cast has become a family, and we truly have all become friends.”
Jarvis serves as a swing in “Footloose,” covering six roles, a challenging task that has become a valuable learning experience. Some days are harder than others, but what really helps her overcome each day is the constant support she has gotten from the cast, crew and artistic team.
“One of my favorite things is that our musical director for this show, Alex Parrish, took a lot of inspiration from the original movie and I feel like it has enhanced all of our performances to really show the edginess and excitement throughout all the songs
in the show,” Jarvis said. “That goes hand in hand with the choreography that our choreographer, Kristen Brooks Sandler, described as ‘focused energy.’”
The musical director’s inspiration from the original movie and the choreographer’s dynamic approach created a performance filled with excitement and authenticity. Although the condensed rehearsal schedule presented a challenge for many of the cast members.
“The rehearsal process was pretty quick,” junior Faith Green said. “I had to learn my own ensemble track while at the same time understudying two fairly large roles. In addition to that, OU’s production of ‘Young Frankenstein’ was postponed, so while performing in ‘Footloose,’ most of us students are also rehearsing for ‘Young Frankenstein.’ It’s been a lot, but it’s great preparation for the real world.”
Beyond the technical aspects, the cast’s chemistry has been a highlight of the production. More than just a production, “Footloose” fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among its cast and crew. Friendships formed backstage translated into genuine chemistry on stage, making the fictional town of Bomont feel real and alive.
“I love the references and inside jokes that always become a part of the backstage experience,” Green said. “There are a few moments where during the rehearsal process an actor makes a funny mistake with their line, and then it becomes an inside joke. I had a lot of anxiety early on in my college
experience and I was very concerned with being deemed talented enough or cool enough, but if you want to do it, you can as long as you’re willing to do the work. If you do the work, it’ll show.”
This collaboration between Oakland University and Meadow Brook Theatre has not only showcased the talent of the students but also strengthened their connections within the professional theatre world, leaving a lasting impact on their artistic journeys.
“Footloose” is being performed at Meadow Brook Theatre from Jan. 26 through Feb. 2 for the show’s final week. Tickets and performance times can be found at mbtheatre.com.
The time before music is ‘good’ again: What should I listen to?
CHELSEA BOSSERT Arts Editor
It’s January — the beginning of a new year. If you are a movie fan, then this is the best time for you. All of the good movies usually release in late December and early January to get the most Oscar buzz. However, if you are a music fan like me, this is the worst time of the year.
Generally, the best times to release records are in late spring and in early summer — this period coincides with the time where music festivals tend to happen. The biggest releases pile up around April to September. You will get everything during these periods: rock, electronic, punk, hip-hop, folk, country, etc. What are you supposed to do when you are a smaller, lesser-known artist? Simple, release music at the beginning of the year.
Let’s take a look at some smaller indie artists who have released records at the beginning of this year.
Boys Who Think — “Boys Who Think”
A tongue-and-cheek indie rock record, “Boys Who Think” mixes elements of popular modern psychedelic acts like Tame Impala, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, as well as indie mainstays like Mac DeMarco and Alex G. The result for this Canadian indie band is a playful album that does
not overstay its welcome.
Some tracks, like “Blue Season” and “Fuzz,” sometimes border on jam-sessions. The band has a lot of chemistry together and since this is their first record, I am excited to see what they can do next.
Ginger Sod — “House”
Electronic releases early in the year often have the opposite problem than what other indie releases have: there are way too many of them. What makes the Falmouth-artist, Ginger Sod, special in this regard is their ability to mix a lot of different ideas and come out the other side clean.
A mix of electronic beats, downtempo trip-hop, sincere neo-soul and many other influences — Ginger Sod eases listeners into “House” with the dizzying and mystifying “The Fame,” a track that has an incredible sense of progression yet sturdy foundation. “House” does not stay in one place for long and always leaves you guessing.
The Entire Earth — “i’m not scared”
An emo album? One that is not afraid to bask in its influences and create original sounding music? In 2025? “Impossible,” you’d say. “No,” I’d say back, “It is more likely than you would think.” In all seriousness, The Entire Earth’s debut record, “i’m not scared” is emotionally vulnerable as it is cavalier — a far cry from its contemporaries.
Standout tracks include: “i’m not scared,” “hollowing out” and “faster.”
Grant Pavol — “College”
Grant Pavol’s second EP, “College,” only features a few standout moments — about what you would expect from a four-track EP this short. However, what really caught me by surprise is how one element does not take the backseat. Pavol’s wonderfully subtle vocals, emotive songwriting and poignant guitarwork make this EP worth the listen alone.
What makes “College” unique is that all of these elements blended together create a truly once-in-ablue-moon atmosphere that is sure to blow listeners away. This EP is not just one note either, there are mixtures of singer-songwriter, country, folk and blues as well.
Bellweather Labs — “The Long Journey Home For The Fabulous Cowboy”
A few albums down the line, I have never heard of Bellweather Labs — oh boy. This Chicago-based jazz and R&B act kind of threw me off at first. I originally thought it would be all instrumental, but then the vocals came in on “Frontier” and it was settled: western themed-jazz and R&B can work. This is my favorite record on this list, particularly because it is so low-key. “Frontier,” “Carry The West” and “Dead and Gone” are my favorites.
FKA Twigs’ ‘EUSEXUA:’ An album lost in its own messaging
CHELSEA BOSSERT Arts Editor
When listening to London pop-artist FKA Twigs’ newest record, “EUSEXUA,” you start to feel it. “It” can mean a variety of things when you talk about Twigs’ music: the trance-like grooves of her electronic production, the angelic yet human vocal performance or even her hold on pop music fans.
However, when reflecting on what makes Twigs a truly once-in-a-generation pop artist — proved on records like “LP1” and “Magdalene” — her grand vision becomes more and more blurry.
Over the course of several interviews, reading numerous social media posts from Twigs and listening to the album in-full — more than a few times — I’ve come to the conclusion that “EUSEXUA” is not really meant to be specifically defined as anything.
Twigs’ answers that she has given during interviews with NPR and Vogue have been consistent in their language surrounding the album, but have not entirely convinced me that she herself knows what the album’s title means.
Arguably, in her interview with fellow pop artist Imogen Heap, Twigs is the most articulate about what exactly “EUSEXUA” is:
“And I think ‘eusexua’ — as a concept — is so incredibly dangerous, ‘cause once I think the human race realizes they can constantly be on the path to ‘eusexua,’ everything kind of dismantles,” Twigs said in that interview with Imogen Heap.
I encourage everyone reading this to listen to that interview in full — as well as the other ones from NPR and Vogue — in order to get a fuller picture about why this album is such a puzzle.
I digress though, let’s talk about the music itself. The meat and potatoes of the record, the drum and bass, the highs and lows. Once you look at the record from a nonlyrical standpoint you start to realize that there are a ton of interesting electronic influences and instrumental moments that make you say, “Damn, this is beautiful.”
The subtle ambient-electronic moments in “24hr Dog,” the drum and bass break in “Striptease,” the dramatic bass hits in “Drums of Death” and even the self-titled track’s whizzing trance-beat. Not everyone is going to get all of the understated production and the references to underground and classic electronic moments, but for better or for worse, these choices are the best part of the record.
Twigs’ musical evolution through her production progression is one of music’s best stories in the last 10 years. Her two EPs in 2012 and 2013, as well as her debut in 2014, “LP1,” are more-so lyrical and vocal marvels rather than her later records. “Caprisongs,” released in 2022 along with her latest release, “EUSEXUA,” lean on more lyrical clichés and vocal uniformity, but are made up for in their electronic influences. In 2019, Twigs put out “Magdalene” — which effortlessly blends all the previous elements discussed.
The production is there, but let’s address the elephant in the room that I have pointed out: the lyrics. To do this, I’ll pull a few excerpts from the songs I previously praised for their production.
“24hr Dog” plays a lot with the metaphor of Twigs being a dog, contorting herself to be something she is not. It does a good job with playing with the themes of the record she set out to convey, but she does not provide a counter for this idea. The idea perforates throughout the entire track and is left ultimately unchallenged.
“Striptease,” operates the same way: “Opening me feels like a striptease/Silk for my tears, and lace for my fears/I’m stripping my heart, till my pain disappears/Opening me.” The same beats are hit and left unchallenged. The lyrical elements of this track in particular are lost on me.
The final straw though, are the absurdities of one track in particular: “Childlike Things.” A track which features Ye’s (formally known as Kanye West) daughter, North West. Her guest rap-verse is all in Japanese and conceptually ridiculous. It is also a testament to how much Ye’s mind has been warped by celebrity and fringe politics — it is sad that he is pushing his daughter on the same path. It’s out of place, it does not make sense and it’s off-putting, frankly.
“Hello/My name is North-chan/From California to Tokyo/Jesus, the King (Ah-ah)/Praise the Lord (Ahah)/Jesus is the one and only true God (You need to know),” West sings (translated to English).
I do not get the ideas of “EUSEXUA.” The confusing spider-web of lyrical contradiction, a merciless PRpsyop, the seemingly sincere intentions by Twigs and even then, I absolutely know and loathe what the response to this vapid album will be: praise. So, hell, what ground do I have to stand on?
Bishop Budde confronts Trump during sermon
MALLORY WALIGORA
Political Editor
On Jan. 21, Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, a bishop at the Washington National Cathedral, delivered a controversial prayer service. During her sermon, Budde pleaded with President Donald Trump to “have mercy” on various groups, including LGBTQ+ children and immigrants.
In addition to Trump, others in the audience included First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance and other members of the Trump family. This inaugural prayer service happened the Tuesday morning after Monday’s inauguration. The Washington National Cathedral is a cathedral church in the United States (ECUSA) and is a landmark for national events, such as the inaugural prayer.
Budde touched on a few points during the prayer, notably immigration and gay rights.
“In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country, who are scared now,” Budde said during the service. “There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and Independent families, some who fear for their lives.”
Budde continued to comment on immigration, highlighting the contributions of undocumented workers.
“The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals. They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the
vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes, and are good neighbors,” Budde said.
Budde then asked the president to “have mercy” on children who are scared their parents will be taken away.
Following the service, Trump commented on the matter while returning to the White House, saying, “I didn’t think it was a good service.” Trump has also demanded an apology from the bishop following the event.
“She brought her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way. She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday.
A backlash quickly sparked debates about the role of religion in politics. Churches and religious
organizations are generally exempt from income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 1954, Congress approved an amendment, known as the Johnson Amendment, prohibiting 501(c)(3) organizations from engaging in political activity.
501(c)(3) organizations are defined as one, “Which does not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.”
The sermon sparked debate about the Johnson Amendment, with some arguing that Budde’s sermon violated the law, while others defended Budde’s right to speak freely.
Supporters view this as a heroic action by Budde, praising her for speaking out. Some have argued that it’s the moral responsibility of faith leaders to advocate, pointing to Bible verses like Leviticus 19:33-34 and 24:22, “When the alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”
Critics believe these remarks to be divisive and inappropriate, using the moment to push politics into religion. Churches bring people together, why would Budde use this moment to create even more political divide in the country?
No matter one’s view on the matter, Budde’s sermon has caused the nation to reflect on its values and opinions of religion in public discourse.
Controversy surrounds Elon Musk’s inauguration day gesture
MATILDE RABAJOLI Campus Reporter
On Jan. 20, President Donald Trump was inaugurated and sworn in as the United States’ 47th president. The inauguration had various speakers other than the president himself, including Timothy Cardinal Nolan, Rabi Ari Berman, Rev. Franklin Graham and Elon Musk.
Musk, the head of Tesla, SpaceX and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) corporations, spoke after Trump’s inauguration speech. He discussed his joy and excitement for the future “golden age” that Trump spoke of in his inauguration speech.
As Musk delivered his speech, he stated how important this election was, thanking the crowd and supporters around him. He then placed his right hand on his heart and extended his arm out at an angle with his palm facing downward. He then turned around and repeated the motion and began speaking again, saying, “My heart goes out to you. It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured.”
Following Musk’s speech, the clip has gone entirely viral. Among the many executive orders that Trump signed on his first day as president, the internet began a week-long debate about how to interpret Musk’s gesture.
Many agree and have recognized it as a Nazi salute, remembering the Sieg Heil salute, meaning “hail victory” in German — commonly used as a victory gesture at political rallies of the Nazi Party in the 20th century. The backlash that Musk has received for making such a gesture at the beginning of a new political administration’s term has been immense.
Others, such as supporters of the President Trump and Musk, have excused the gesture due to him having Asperger’s. The gesture was meant to express enthusiasm, therefore not making any purposeful gestures, such as imitating a Nazi.
Others have stated that he was imitating a Roman
salute. The Ancient Romans have been depicted by artists in paintings with their arms extended with their palms facing downward, such as The Oath of Horatii by Jacques-Louis David in 1785.
Yet, other news organizations, such as The Guardian, have covered the European reaction to the moment. Olaf Scholz, the chancellor of Germany, condemned Musk’s actions, specifically concerning his past support of Alternative für Deutschland, Germany’s far-right political party.
Musk’s overall replies to these accusations have been lighthearted and humorous. He has passively commented on posts and retweeted others.
In a response to a tweet, Musk wrote, “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.”
He also reposted a set of pictures from the “Lids of TikTok” account that shared pictures of politicians such as Kamala Harris and Barack Obama with their arms extended in a similar manner. Other posts have gone viral in this debate with left-wing figures doing the same gesture, although clipped at specific times to make it look like a Sieg Heil salute.
“The legacy media is pure propaganda. You are the media now,” Musk said.
Many comments on social media have debated both sides as to what the salute could stand for. Musk has still not addressed the situation directly. Many have pointed out the irony that Musk hasn’t directly negated or spoken about what the salute meant, though he directs a governmental department on efficiency.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NPR
PHOTO COURTESY OF EURONEWS
Religion at the Inauguration of Donald Trump
NICHOLAS KABLAK Political Reporter
During President Donald Trump’s Inauguration, an array of religious leaders spoke, delivering benedictions, invocations and prayers for the nation and the new president. The variety of their beliefs and rhetoric demonstrates the religious diversity in the U.S. and how religion interacts with politics.
Cardinal Dolan
The first religious speaker to appear at the inauguration was Cardinal Timothy Dolan, a Roman Catholic Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York. Cardinal Dolan is seen as a leading and preeminent Catholic leader in the U.S. having served as the President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Cardinal Dolan began his invocation by remembering famous scenes in American history in which the Christian God was either prayed to or referenced. While not explicitly supporting Trump, Cardinal Dolan finished the invocations with a prayer for Trump and his administration, calling for God’s wisdom.
“If wisdom which comes from you [God] be not with him, he shall be held in no esteem. Send wisdom from heaven that she may be with him,” Dolan said.
Reverend Graham
The next to speak, delivering an invocation, was Rev. Franklin Graham, son of the renowned Billy Graham and President of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). Rev. Graham is a well-known Evangelical Christian leader and long-
time supporter of Trump.
“Thank you, oh Lord our God. Father, when Donald Trump’s enemies thought he was down and out, you, and you alone, saved his life and raised him up with strength and power by your mighty hand,” Graham said.
Graham’s invocation, delivered in a famous passionate evangelical style, was focused on giving thanks to God for Trump and calling for America to remain faithful. Whereas Dolan’s tone was admonishing, Graham was more optimistic about Trump’s faith and prospects, seeing him more as an answer to prayer rather than needing prayer.
Rabbi Burman
Following the oath of office, and Trump’s inauguration speech, prayers of benediction were offered, starting with Rabbi Dr. Ari Burman. Burman is an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi and the president of Yeshiva University, the nation’s primary Jewish university.
“Guide our schools and college campuses … to inspire the next generation to pair progress with purpose, knowledge with wisdom and truth with virtue. Hear the cry of the hostages both American and Israeli whose pain our president so acutely feels,” Rabbi Burman said in prayer.
Rabbi Burman’s benediction began by quoting the biblical prophet Jerimiah in Hebrew as a way to bless the nation. He also included prayers for America to grow in virtue and wisdom, for President Trump and his cabinet to be biblically virtuous and for peace in the Middle East and Israel.
Lorenzo Sewell
Following the Rabbi was Lorenzo Sewell, leader of the interdenominational 180 Church in Detroit, Michigan. Sewell is a conservative Christian who follows Charismatic doctrine and has been a prominent voice in Trump’s campaign.
“Thank you, God, Almighty, we are free at last. If you believe what the spirit of the Lord is there is Liberty come on put your hands together and give your great God great Glory,” Sewell said.
Sewell used a fiery and passionate style of speech, often seen in Charismatic services. In his benediction, he constantly referenced and quoted Martin Luther King Jr. and parts of Black American culture, while thanking God for saving Trump’s life with a “millimeter miracle.”
Father Mann
Father Frank Mann was the last to pray and offer the benediction at the Inauguration. Father Mann is a Catholic priest from Brooklyn who became friends with President Trump after he visited Trump’s parents’ gravesite and cleaned it. During his benediction, Father Mann offered prayers and thanks for Trump’s parents.
“With kindness and empathy, recognizing that together we can overcome any adversity. Grant us the strength to endure, the courage to face our fears and the clarity to see the light that remains even when clouds of uncertainty may gather,” Father Mann said.
Father Mann’s benediction was filled with futureoriented prayers, asking for God to come and help the nation and insisting that Trump’s victory was from God. Notably, he spent time praying for those disheartened by Trump’s victory.
Aggression during the Israel-Hamas ceasefire as Trump’s policy takes shape
NICHOLAS KABLAK
Political Reporter
The Israeli government recently gave the green light for a major military operation into the West Bank shortly following the Gaza ceasefire deal. This event shows the fragile political situation in Israel and comes during numerous moves by the Trump administration that show a changing Israel policy in America.
Israel’s military carried out raids in parts of the West Bank and the city of Jenin, leading to the death of at least nine Palestinians, at the same time suspected Israeli settlers have raided two Palestinian towns. The Israeli government said its operation was because of rising violence in the region.
These events follow the Gaza ceasefire deal that has taken place, which is expected to see the return of multiple hostages from both sides of the conflict. The fragile deal is continually threatened by violence in the West Bank, which is shown by the most recent bloodshed in Gaza following the ceasefire.
“If we need to start or resume the war again, we will do that, and we will do it stronger than ever,” Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised speech shortly before the ceasefire took effect.
Right-wing members of the Israeli government have been resistant to any ceasefire negotiations, yet through some political maneuvering, those members have agreed to ratify the ceasefire. Some
have commented that it is possible that this West Bank offensive was the political deal offered to the far-right in return for the ceasefire.
The right-wing party has expressed excitement for Trump’s incoming administration, hoping to achieve certain territorial ambitions with Trump’s approval. This is due largely because Trump was historically favorable to Israel in his first administration and has recently rescinded sanctions on Israeli settlers who raided Palestinian villages.
“I am convinced that we will be able to work closely together with President-elect Trump and all members of the incoming administration, to
promote the common values and interests of the two countries … and on the basis of recognition in the unquestionable historical belonging of the whole Land of Israel to the people of Israel,” Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a member of Israel’s far-right Religious Zionist Party, said.
Despite this, the Trump administration seems to be taking a different approach to Israel this time around. This is observable by the fact that the Trump administration has recently fired four prominent presidential appointees, including Brian Hook, a prominent envoy to Iran.
“I’m not confident. It’s not our war, it’s their war … I think they’re very weakened on the other side,” Trump said after being asked if he was confident that the ceasefire would last.
Trump has also appointed numerous appointees to the Department of Defense, practically all of whom are a break from neoconservative foreign policy. Debatably even more remarkable was Trump’s announcement that Former National Security Advisor John Bolton has had his security detail removed.
What Trump’s shift in foreign advisory personnel and rhetoric will mean going forward is hard to tell. The only thing that seems to be obvious is that Trump seems to be preferring less hawkish appointees, which means less support for Israel, even though many of his words and past actions indicate that he is a reliable source of support for Israel.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NBC NEWS
Breaking down Trump’s executive orders
MALLORY WALIGORA
Political Editor
On Jan. 20, after the inauguration, President Donald Trump headed to the Oval Office to sign more than 42 executive orders on the first night of his presidency. Many of these orders focus on immigration at the southern border.
Here are some of his first executive orders in office. Others not mentioned include restoring the death penalty, declaring a national emergency at the southern border, requiring all workers of the executive branch to return to in-person work and establishing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO)
One of the most notable of these executive orders is the United States withdrawing from the WHO. The administration explained this withdrawal due to “the organization’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
According to the executive order, the United States is held to unfair financial contributions. The United States is the top donor to WHO. During the 20222023 biennium, the United States contributed an estimated $1.284 billion.
“WHO continues to demand unfairly onerous payments from the United States, far out of proportion with other countries’ assessed payments,” the administration wrote. “China, with a population of 1.4 billion, has 300 percent of the population of the United States, yet contributes nearly 90 percent
less to the WHO.”
Following the withdrawal, WHO publicly commented on the matter, highlighting the success of the partnership. The statement emphasized the importance of WHO in addressing health emergencies, such as disease outbreaks.
“WHO and the USA have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats. Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication. American institutions have contributed to and benefited from membership in WHO,” the organization wrote.
Terminating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) within the federal government
Trump has also signed an executive order officially terminating DEI preference in federal contracting and federal agencies. According to the executive order, federal hiring and promotions will be based on “individual initiative, skills, performance, and hard work and not, under any circumstances, DEI-related factors, goals, policies, mandates, or requirements.”
“It enforces long-standing federal statutes and faithfully advances the Constitution’s promise of colorblind equality before the law,” the Trump administration wrote in a briefing.
The Secretary of Education and Attorney General will also provide guidance in the application of the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College. This ruling in 2022, held that race-based affirmative action programs in college admissions violate the Equal Protection Clause.
Designating international cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations
This executive order has officially designated Cartels as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under the reasoning that Cartels constitute a national security threat beyond traditional organized crime. The executive order emphasized the complex systems within cartels and their influence on governments in the Western Hemisphere.
“The Cartels have engaged in a campaign of violence and terror throughout the Western Hemisphere that has not only destabilized countries with significant importance for our national interests but also flooded the United States with deadly drugs, violent criminals, and vicious gangs,” the administration wrote.
‘Defending women from gender ideology’
Under this executive order, the United States will recognize two sexes. The administration explained how the erasure of biological sex fundamentally attacks women and deprives them of their “dignity, safety, and well-being.”
“Ideologues who deny the biological reality of sex have increasingly used legal and other socially coercive means to permit men to self-identify as women and gain access to intimate single-sex spaces and activities designed for women, from women’s domestic abuse shelters to women’s workplace showers,” the administration wrote. “This is wrong.” Federal agencies shall use the term “sex” and not “gender” in Federal policies and documents that are applicable. Government-issued documents, such as passports and visas, will follow suit.
Oakland swim and dive conquers Cleveland State on Senior Day
KURT SZYMANSKI
Sports Editor
The Oakland Golden Grizzlies men’s and women’s swim and dive team wrapped up their regular season with prevailing wins over the Cleveland State Vikings on their senior day this past Friday at the Oakland Aquatic Center.
From the scoreboard, the women’s team edged out Cleveland State 163-137, while the men’s team took care of the Vikings 195-105. In total, the teams each participated in 32 different events.
The meet kicked off with the women’s 200 medley relay. Oakland’s women’s relay “A” team featured Grace Albrecht, Bella Gary, Jordyn Shipps and Ronja Riihinen, who finished just 0.14 seconds ahead of Cleveland State’s women’s relay “A” team for first place.
The men’s team followed up the women’s performance as best as possible. The Golden Grizzlies swept the podium in the men’s first event, setting the tone for what would be a
Despite Oakland’s great start, the Vikings showed that things wouldn’t come easy in the next event. Cleveland State’s Bella Caraballo took first in the women’s 1000 free, finishing around five seconds ahead of Oakland’s Jaime Forbes.
However, that didn’t slow the Golden Grizzlies down, as the Oakland men and women took first place in the following five events. The Golden Grizzlies were especially impressive in the women’s 200 free and the men’s 100 back, sweeping the podium in both events.
Throughout the rest of the swimming events, Oakland had complete control over Cleveland State. Despite some impressive finishes from the Vikings in the women’s events, Oakland’s swimmers consistently outperformed their opponents, securing multiple podium positions.
From the diving board, the Vikings kept things quite competitive. Ellie Chalifoux placed first in the three-meter dive for the Golden Grizzlies to get things started, finishing with a final score of 293.78, while Ellie Seiter represented the Vikings in second place with a score of 260.4.
In the men’s three-meter dive, Xander Austin and James Wolf put up impressive performances for Cleveland State. Both divers scored over 300 points, placing the pair in first and second, respectively. Liam James came in third for Oakland, scoring
228.83 points.
The women’s three-meter dive was an extremely close battle, with just 17 points separating first and fourth place. This time, Seiter got the better of the Golden Grizzlies, taking first place, while Victoria Sanders came in second place for Oakland, and Chalifoux finished fourth.
Cleveland State’s duo of Wolf and Austin again dominated, this time in the men’s one-meter dive, taking the top two podium spots. Edin DeHooghe came in third place for the Golden Grizzlies, trailing Wolf and Austin by around 14 points.
The meet concluded with the women’s and men’s 400 free relay. Like the 200 medley relay, the Oakland women’s “A” team finished in first place, beating Cleveland State’s “A” team by over three seconds, while Oakland’s “B” team came in third.
The Vikings got the better of the Golden Grizzly men in their final event of the meet, as the Vikings’ “A” team finished with a final time of 3:02.23, outpacing Oakland’s “A” team by just half of a second.
Next, the Golden Grizzlies will travel to Indianapolis to compete in the Horizon League Championships, which will start on Wednesday, Feb. 19, and end on Saturday, Feb. 22.
If both the men’s and women’s teams win the championship, it will mark the 11th consecutive year for both teams in the Horizon League. Additionally, it would be the 31st consecutive year for the women’s team and the 47th consecutive year for the men’s team winning a conference championship.
Golden Grizzlies drop 5th conference game to Robert Morris
KURT SZYMANSKI
Sports Editor
Following a three-game road trip, the Oakland Golden Grizzlies women’s basketball team came up short to the Robert Morris Colonials in a home game stand at the OU Credit Union O’Rena on Thursday, losing 73-63.
Leading the way for the Golden Grizzlies was Maddy Skorupski, who, despite coming off the bench to start the match, played nearly every minute of the game, scoring a game-high 25 points while supplying a team-high four assists and seven steals.
In addition to Skorupski, Macy Smith was the only other Oakland player to reach double-figures in scoring, with Smith adding 13 points. Defensively, Madison Royal-Davis came up big for the Golden Grizzlies, notching two steals and a season-high four blocks.
The Colonials scored as a committee, with six players recording eight points or more. Still, Raissa Nsabua and Mya Murray led Robert Morris in scoring, with both logging 12 points while combining for 20 rebounds.
The first quarter was a battle for both teams, both physically and on the scoreboard. Neither Oakland nor Robert Morris could build a substantial lead, and all points came from the free-throw line or the paint. With two seconds left in the first, Noa Givon knocked in her attempt at the charity stripe to give the Colonials their largest lead to that time of three points. However, Lianna Baxter knocked down a buzzer-beater three as
time expired, tying the game at 17-17.
Despite Baxter’s efforts, Robert Morris came into the second quarter with a vengeance, going on an 8-2 run in the quarter’s first three minutes to establish a palpable lead over the Golden Grizzlies.
The Colonials dominated the rest of the quarter, regardless of Oakland’s pushback, which cut Robert Morris’s lead to five points. With the second winding down, the Colonials ballooned their lead to 42-28, backed by a three from Katelyn Chomko and a flurry of six made free throws.
In the third quarter, the Golden Grizzlies hung around with the Colonials most of the time. A refreshed Oakland offense kept its hopes of a comeback alive, but Robert Morris would not be denied.
PHOTO BY EVELYN APAHIDEAN
Throughout the quarter, the Colonials knocked down three of their four three-point attempts. On Robert Morris’s second-to-last possession of the quarter, Isys Grady made contact with Kylie Buckley, converting a layup and drawing a foul, leading to another Colonial free-throw and a 58-42 lead heading into the final quarter.
As the fourth quarter got underway, Oakland refused to back down despite the large deficit. The Golden Grizzlies rallied on both sides, allowing just five Colonial points through the first five minutes of the quarter, creating many scoring opportunities.
However, Robert Morris hung on despite Oakland’s late push. Although Skorupski cut the lead to eight with a minute and some change remaining, the ship had sailed, resulting in the Golden Grizzlies’ fifth conference loss of the season.
From the box score, free throws were the difference maker in this matchup. Although the Golden Grizzlies shot at a similar rate to Robert Morris, the Colonials made it to the line 34 times. In comparison, Oakland made it to the line at less than half that rate, with 16 free throw attempts all game.
If Robert Morris had the same number of attempts as Oakland from the charity stripe this game while shooting at the same clip, the Golden Grizzlies would have come away with a five-point win instead of being on the end of a ten-point loss.
Next, the Golden Grizzlies will take on their rivals, the Detroit Mercy Titans, at home on Saturday, Feb. 1. Historically, Oakland has gotten the better of Detroit Mercy inside the OU Credit Union O’Rena, winning their last six matchups dating back to 2018.
PHOTO BY KATIE REID
Navigating the House v. NCAA settlement: What it could mean for Oakland University Athletics
REAGAN REETZ Marketing Director
As the NCAA prepares for significant changes following the preliminary approval of the landmark House v. NCAA settlement, mid-major programs such as Oakland University stand at a pivotal crossroads.
The settlement aims to resolve three lawsuits alleging antitrust violations and includes retroactive compensation for collegiate student-athletes who were unable to profit from their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), with back payments totaling $2.78 billion to be distributed over 10 years.
Division I institutions will be offered the option to participate in a newly restructured NCAA, which includes the ability to provide increased benefits to student-athletes and a program to oversee NIL payments. The new structure also means the replacement of traditional scholarships with roster caps.
For the Golden Grizzlies, Director of Athletics Steve Waterfield sees opting in as the best way forward. He expressed concern that schools choosing not to opt in could risk being excluded from opportunities down the road.
“Our plan right now would be to opt into the settlement as it is currently created because it gives us the opportunity to provide additional resources to student-athletes,” Waterfield said.
Regardless of whether an institution opts into the new structure, it must contribute to the back pay through revenue reductions. Additionally, deciding to participate in the settlement is not permanent and can be revisited annually.
While opting into the settlement allows Oakland to directly support student-athletes, limited athletics revenue restricts how much support midmajor programs can realistically provide. This highlights the financial disparity between schools like Oakland and high-revenue institutions in the Power Four conferences.
For example, Oakland could now offer small payments to a student-athlete for using their image in promotional materials. In contrast, larger schools with greater financial resources could provide significantly higher compensation for the same usage.
Even with the new potential financial motivation for prospective student-athletes to attend Power Four schools, Waterfield expressed that Oakland is committed to maintaining the qualities that define its appeal.
“All the things that I think people find special about Oakland now, I hope and expect they will find special about Oakland if the House settlement is approved,” Waterfield said.
Additional challenges for programs are being created by the implementation of roster caps, which set limits on team sizes rather than the amount of
available scholarship money.
“There are student-athletes who are going to lose opportunities just because those roster limits are less than what those sports have had,” Waterfield said.
These caps reduce the number of opportunities available to athletes and may impact team dynamics due to smaller roster sizes.
It is also unclear how federal Title IX requirements, which ensure equal opportunities for male and female student-athletes, will affect additional benefits. Waterfield assured that Oakland would fully comply with any of the standards set.
To better navigate these challenges, Oakland has been collaborating with other schools in the Horizon League to ensure consistent implementation of new policies. One potential form of standardization includes a uniform NIL release.
“As much as we’re competitors within the league, I think we all want to try to do what’s best for the league proper because the better our league is, the better the reach of our programs,” Waterfield said.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the House settlement, Waterfield expressed confidence in Oakland’s ability to adapt.
“We’ll get through it,” Waterfield said. “Things change, and we’ll manage it, we’ll figure it out, and we’ll do what we need to do.”
The hearing for the final approval of House v. NCAA is set for April 7.
Women’s basketball losing streak extends to 3
EVAN BLANCHARD Sports Reporter
It’s been a rough January for the Golden Grizzlies women’s basketball team. After a fantastic 4-0 start in conference play, OU has dropped six of its last seven games. With a month left in the season, the team is 5-6 in the Horizon League, good for fifth place in the standings.
Their most recent loss was an ugly 17-point defeat to the Youngstown State University (YSU) Penguins, 73-56. The offense failed to get going until late in the game, amassing just 35 points through the first three quarters.
These offensive frustrations aren’t new, either. In their previous game against Robert Morris University, the team scored 63 points in a 10-point loss. The game before that against Green Bay was even worse, as the Golden Grizzlies managed just 39 points. In fact, in January, they only scored 70 points in three of their eight games, and one of those went to overtime.
Some quick numbers behind the offensive struggles: Oakland sits 227th nationally in three-
pointers made per game at 5.7 out of 353 teams in Division I. In their game against Youngstown, OU shot 2-9 from three. Against RMU, they went 4-17, echoing a 5-22 day against Green Bay in the previous game.
They also rank 223rd in free throw attempts per game and 197th in field goal percentage. Perhaps most telling is their rank of 257th in overall points per game, at 61.7.
With nine games left in the regular season, the verdict is hardly out on these Golden Grizzlies. Five of their last nine games come at the O’Rena, giving them homecourt advantage down the stretch of the season.
However, their next four games come against the top four teams in the Horizon League. Oakland must face Detroit Mercy at home before consecutive road trips to undefeated Purdue Fort Wayne and 8-2 Cleveland State loom large. Capping it off is a home meeting against 10-1 Green Bay.
After this gauntlet, the schedule gets significantly easier as their last five games all come against the teams below Oakland in the standings. In order to slowly climb back into the top four of the league,
OU must take care of business in these matchups.
To accomplish this, the Golden Grizzlies will rely heavily on their star guard, Maddy Skorupski, who is averaging 17.2 points per game with 3.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. However, in the game against the YSU Penguins this last Sunday, Skorupski was awfully quiet, going just 3-11 from the field for six points with four turnovers. Teams will key in on her to shut down the OU offense, as seen in their 39 points against Green Bay when she again scored only six.
She undoubtedly is the most important cog in the machine, and that is this team. In their overtime win against Milwaukee, Skorupski scored 14 points with nine assists, and against RMU, she scored 25 points, five boards and four assists. OU’s secondleading scorer, senior Macy Smith, who averages 12.3 points per game, will also need to continue playing well and stepping up in games where Skorupski gets guarded more heavily.
Be sure to catch the Golden Grizzlies in action next Saturday, Feb. 1, at 1 p.m. in the OU Credit Union O’Rena against the rival Detroit Mercy Titans.
Four in a Row: Oakland men’s basketball extends win streak with victory over Purdue Fort Wayne
EVAN BLANCHARD
Sports Reporter
Just over a year ago, on Dec. 2, 2023, the Purdue Fort Wayne (PFW) Mastodons entered Oakland University and obliterated the Golden Grizzlies to a 98-77 beatdown. They shot 17-26 from the threepoint line and dropped 52 points in the 2nd half. It was the most points Oakland allowed all last season; if you don’t think it wasn’t on Oakland head coach Greg Kampe’s and all the returners’ minds, you’re wrong,
Last Wednesday, OU got right against PFW. When the final buzzer sounded, the Golden Grizzlies exorcised the demons of the past and won 76-72.
“It felt like redemption,” Buru Naivalurua said.
Beating the Mastodons is no small feat, either. They boast a great mix of efficient guards who push the pace and hit threes at an excellent clip. Even with the victory, PFW still shot 10-15 from deep, a 66.7% rate. Led by Jalen Jackson, averaging 19.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists on 51.6% shooting, they have a balanced attack with seven players scoring over seven points a game. Fort Wayne also loves to force turnovers and attack in transition, making them one of the premier teams in the Horizon League.
The game started slowly on both ends, but Jackson getting loose for a three-pointer did not bode well for the Golden Grizzlies. Teammate Rasheed Bello followed him up with a three of his own, gaining an early 8-3 lead. Luckily for OU, senior Malcolm Christie caught fire with two back-to-back threes, assisted by junior center Allen Mukeba. PFW kept pace with Corey Hadnot II’s first three of his own, giving the Mastodons a 13-11 advantage at the under-12 media timeout.
Scoring started to pick up fast, with both teams trading buckets back and forth. Naivalurua and guard Jaylen Jones got layups to go along with another Christie three, but Fort Wayne matched them at every step. Big man Chandler Cuthrell worked his way inside for a strong and-one finish, putting PFW back on top 24-20 at the under-8 timeout.
It didn’t take long for the lead to grow. The Mastodons found sharpshooter Maximus Nelson open for a three, and he calmly nailed it. Mukeba came through with a short jumper to keep the game within five points. After Quinton MortonRobertson made a three-pointer, Oakland finally had a run in them to tie the game. Mukeba got excellent post positioning for two layups, followed by a Naivalurua alley-oop dunk that tied the game at 30 apiece going into the half.
A major focus for the second half was on playing more inside-out and taking better shots from the field instead of jacking up three-pointers. With two dominant big men inside, Naivalurua and Mukeba, the team had to utilize them on every possession.
Oakland did just that to start the period, finding Mukeba inside again, where Naivalurua followed up a miss with a putback layup. Nelson got loose again for PFW, drilling a three that reclaimed the lead. On the offensive end, the Mastodons put pressure on Jaylen Jones, forcing him to turn the ball over, leading to a Jackson fast break layup.
As usual, Mukeba was there to steady the team with an easy layup inside. Just like that, both teams were back to trading baskets back and forth, with the lead changing five times in just under two minutes of game time. Jones connected on a big three-pointer assisted by Naivalurua, granting Oakland a two-point lead with just over 13 minutes to play.
OU went right back to Mukeba on their first possession out of the timeout. The Belgian big man got a huge and-one layup, giving Oakland its biggest lead of the day at 44-39. They would stretch their lead further with three from freshman Nassim Mashhour and a Buru dunk, going up 49-41.
Thus began another stretch of basket trading in which Naivalurua scored six straight points, but Fort Wayne always had an answer. Just when the Mastodons cut it to four points, Jaylen Jones got loose for a three, giving the Golden Grizzlies a pivotal seven-point lead at the under-eight-
minute timeout.
But the game wasn’t over yet. Basketball is a game of runs, and suddenly, Fort Wayne got theirs. In quick succession, the Mastodons turned a sevenpoint game into a one-point game with two quick layups and a pair of free throws. It appeared as if Oakland’s demons of late-game meltdowns were appearing yet again.
It wouldn’t be the case for this game. Battletested and improved in the furnace of high-intense, late-game situations, Oakland responded with an 8-2 run of their own, giving them another sevenpoint lead. Inevitably, the scales tipped again, and PFW flipped a 66-59 deficit into a 67-66 lead on the shoulders of Morton-Robertson, who scored six quick points to take the lead.
And who else showed up in the clutch other than Mukeba? OU went right to their star player yet again, who reclaimed the lead with back-toback layups. Jones calmly sank two free throws to go up 72-67. Needing one more inbound play to close the game out 74-72, Oakland threw it deep to Naivalurua, who broke away for a game-ending slam dunk.
It was a resounding win for a team slowly climbing back into the upper tier of the Horizon League standings. Naivalurua and Mukeba would both finish the game with 22 points, combining for 19 rebounds and seven assists with only one turnover between them.
Next up is a home game against the Green Bay Phoenix on Thursday, Jan. 30.
