Thursday, March 29, 2024 Vol. 133 No. 26 by Rocky Mountain Collegian

Vol. 134, No. 26 COLLEGIAN.COM Thursday, March 28, 2024

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ASCSU ELECTIONS SPECIAL EDITION

FOCO EVENTS FOCO EVENTS

Sushi Making Class at Farm Fusion

5-8 p.m. March 29

No Thanks with Jacob Hillman, DJ Teagz, Tyler James at Aggie Theatre

8 p.m. March 30

Easter Brunch at Buttermilk Bakery & Pie Shop

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 31

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Letters to the Editor reflect the view of a member of the campus community and are submitted to the publication for approval. Readers may submit letters to letters@collegian.com. Please follow the guidelines listed at collegian.com before submitting.

and guitarist Drake Carter performs in Old Town Square March 23. “I was broke, and I needed money,” Carter said. “I had a lot of friends who told me, ‘You’re

This publication is not an official publication of Colorado State University, but is published by an independent corporation using the name ‘The Rocky Mountain Collegian’ pursuant to a license granted by CSU. Approximately 59% of Rocky Mountain Student Media Corp’s income is provided by the Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU) for the purpose of fostering student careers post-college and greater campus awareness and engagement. The Rocky Mountain Collegian is a 4,000-circulation student-run newspaper intended as a public forum and is printed on paper made of 30% post-consumer waste. It publishes every Thursday during the regular fall and spring semesters. The Collegian publishes online Monday through Thursday. Corrections may be submitted to the editor in chief and will be printed as necessary on page two. The Collegian is a complimentary publication for the Fort Collins community. The first copy is free. Additional copies are 25 cents each.

CORRECTIONS

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Amy Parsons, legal experts speak on 1st Amendment in higher education

“(The) First Amendment talks about what the university can and can’t do, but it doesn’t mean that just because someone has the right to say something hateful or express really hateful thoughts or opinions that it’s without consequence.”

JANNINE MOHR CSU SYSTEM DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL By Hannah Parcells & Allie Seibel @csucollegian

The First Amendment is a familiar subject of both general conversation and news headlines in today’s societal climate of political polarization and the influence of the digital age. It can often seem like it comes up everywhere, especially on a college campus.

Given the importance of understanding just what the First Amendment means on a public university campus, the Office of the President at Colorado State University put together a panel of university employees with extensive experience handling issues related to the First Amendment.

The panel featured Kyle Henley, CSU vice president for marketing and communications; Jason Johnson, general counsel for the CSU System; Jannine Mohr, deputy general counsel for the CSU System; and Rye Vigil, CSU assistant vice president for inclusive excellence. The discussion was moderated by CSU President Amy Parsons.

The event was held Monday, March 25, in the Lory Student Center ballrooms as part of the university’s thematic Year of Democracy. It was open to the

public with both students and faculty encouraged to attend.

“Our responsibility remains as critical as ever to intentionally foster and build … dialogue, speech disagreement, differences of opinion (and) sometimes passionate debate over critical issues of the day,” Parsons said in her opening remarks. “Indeed, I think that it is only through such dialogue and inclusive speech that we can collectively make progress as a society and as a university.”

The panel first focused on defining the First Amendment in the context of higher education. The general counsel for the CSU System focused on the legal ramifications of free speech on college campuses and the implications of free speech in the academic campus environment.

“(The) First Amendment talks about what the university can and can’t do, but it doesn’t mean that just because someone has the right to say something hateful or express really hateful thoughts or opinions that it’s without consequence,” Mohr said.

Both Mohr and Johnson also focused on some of the nuances when discussing free speech and freedom of expression, focusing on the distinction between free expression in a private space like an office or a dorm as opposed to a public space such as a department bulletin.

The conversation then turned to discuss the role of CSU in the conversation on free speech as a public institution.

“I think one of the healthy things that higher education as a whole — and that includes CSU — has done over the last few years is really some soul searching about when we speak and kind of what is the bar for when we weigh in,” Henley said. “I think you’re seeing higher education set that bar higher than it had been a number of years ago.”

While much of the discussion focused on the issue through a legal framework and the role of the university as one entity, there was also a significant focus on students on campus.

Each of the panelists discussed the role of the First Amendment in students’ lives and emphasized the responsibility CSU has to support students and their right to free expression.

“We want to learn what we can say and when it’s appropriate,” Vigil said. “I completely believe that, but I think most of us really rally behind how we support our students.”

Vigil specifically focused on the harm that can come to students from individual people or organizations that use the First Amendment as a way to intentionally make students feel unwelcome or unheard on campus.

“We see it,” Vigil said. “We see our students hurting, and we don’t want them to hurt. We want to support them. We want them to thrive here.”

The panelists didn’t solely focus on the risks free expression brings; they also highlighted the power the First Amendment places in the hands of students. Several benefits it affords students at a public university moving ahead were highlighted, including the possibility for speech demonstrations surrounding the upcoming national elections.

Several of the speakers expressed the belief that it is highly important that students have the ability to use their voices if they so choose.

The event concluded with a reminder about the goal of this event and events like it throughout the thematic Year of Democracy: to educate the campus community around free speech policies.

“There’s a lot to be concerned about,” Johnson said. “Things are very divisive right now, (but) the counterpoint (is) there’s actually a lot of hope. It’s instilling hope in our students and our faculty, staff (through) all the things that are going on in our campus (and) all the events that (we’re) doing.”

Reach Hannah Parcells and Allie Seibel at news@collegian.com.

PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN

@CSUCollegian Thursday, March 28, 2024 3

THEMATIC YEAR

Colorado State University President Amy Parsons introduces a new question for the panel at

the Conversation on the First Amendment and Higher Education event March 25.

New ranked voting system implemented for ASCSU elections

By Tyler Weatherwax @twwax7272

For this year’s Associated Students of Colorado State University elections, there will be a new system implemented: ranked choice voting. This new system will only be applied to the presidential and vice presidential elections. Due to the lack of competitiveness for senate elections and complications for the online system, the speaker of the senate position will be elected using the regular majority system.

Rather than voting for one choice of candidate, voters can now allocate a ranking to each candidate. The ranked choice system is one that has not been nationally implemented but has seen growth in municipalities and was approved in 2022 for use in City of Fort Collins elections beginning in 2025.

“If nobody gets a majority or over 50% in the first count, then all of the votes for the last place candidate

would then be redistributed with their other rankings back to the other candidates that are still there,” said Kaitlyn Spencer, ASCSU elections manager. “Then they can figure out who gets 50% or who gets that majority. And then once they figure that out, that is the winner.”

The system of ranked choice voting has been in the works at CSU for a while.

“Ranked choice voting has been something we’ve been trying to implement in student body voting for quite a few years,” said Jamie Binder, deputy chief justice for the ASCSU Supreme Court. “I’m really proud of our current elections manager for getting the ball rolling on that.”

The decision for ranked choice voting was made to help student voters in their confidence in their choice of candidates.

“It’s important to have ranked choice voting because it’s — for lack of a better term — it feels like a more equitable election

versus just having to pick one of the three potential candidates,” Spencer said. “You’re able to allot them a ranking, which allows you to make a connection with each of the candidate campaigns, and that allows you to interact with each of the campaigns openly and freely.”

The new system will allow students’votes to count more because even if their top candidate does not win, their secondary choices will still be applied to the votes.

“I feel like my vote almost matters more because it’s about the ranking and not just about, like, ‘Oh well, ... like, my vote was just thrown away,” Spencer said. “It’s literally not thrown away. It’s literally just recounted.”

Those who use RAMweb to vote will not see major changes with the new ranked choice voting system. The style of voting will now see voters ranking their candidates rather than choosing one. There are also systems in place to prevent accidental voting

choices. However, after voters review their choices, their final submission cannot be changed.

Spencer said she hopes the new system will encourage more people to vote and that they can feel like they participate in the elections of their student leaders. Student voter turnout at Colorado State University was 14.49% last year.

“I think it’ll help because our generation likes to click, and so if we can click multiple things, it’s more engaging and plainly more encouraging for people to vote,” Binder said.

At the end of this year’s elections using the ranked choice voting system, an election committee will draft legislation that provides recommendations to the system and potential changes. The system will then be reevaluated for next year’s elections.

Reach Tyler Weatherwax at news @collegian.com.

Thursday, March 28, 2024 Collegian.com 4

ASCSU ELECTIONS GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY HANNAH PARCELLS THE COLLEGIAN

@CSUCollegian Thursday, March 28, 2024 5

Presidential, VP candidates Nick DeSalvo, Braxton Dietz

By Hannah Parcells & Sam Hutton @csucollegian

Editor’s Note: This article is part of The Collegian’s 2024 ASCSU elections coverage. Search 2024 ASCSU elections on collegian. com to see complete coverage of all other candidates.

With campaigns for the Associated Students of Colorado State University elections for the 2024-25 academic year fully underway, The Collegian sat down with presidential candidate Nick DeSalvo and vice presidential candidate Braxton Dietz to discuss their backgrounds, campaign platforms and future plans if elected.

DeSalvo is a junior studying political science and is the current ASCSU president. Dietz is a sophomore studying political science and is the current ASCSU chief of staff. Background, ASCSU experience, qualifications

DeSalvo: I grew up very poor. … Higher education wasn’t necessarily something that was viewed as attainable

for me or those who lived in my community. My experience coming to CSU is entirely based on government assistance, … so affordability is a major issue for me. … I think it’s important to lean into (my background) and make it known that (the) student body president is a first-generation student— he understands the concerns that you have, and he’s actively trying to solve them.

A lot of this started when I was 17 and I ran for office in a local election. … I became the youngest person in Colorado history to ever be on a ballot or run for office. … It taught me the importance of voter engagement and letting people know what you stand for. … As a freshman, I was involved minimally in (the Board for Student Organization Funding), and then I decided to get more involved. I ran for speaker and won that election and then most recently won my presidential election. I’m also proud to say that I’m the chairman of the Colorado Student Government Coalition.

The No. 1 concern I’ve heard in this role … is that there’s such a high turnover rate, specifically for the ASCSU president. Every single year when the president (is elected as) a

and then serves as president their senior year, that’s only one year of development. If you don’t have much prior experience in the organization, it takes about a semester to learn the ropes. … You really only have a semester to do the work that you want to do.

The benefit of this is that there will be no learning curve.

… We provide stability, and I think that’s a qualification that has kind of been (overlooked) in past elections.

Dietz: My family comes from a military background, so I moved to a different place every two or three years and was immersed in a different culture. It gave me a lot of experience … (and) perspective on not only how to get to know folks but how to develop those deeper connections, … (and) I can apply that to the service of every single one of our 33,000 Rams.

I think moving all over the world, moving outside of your home country or even outside of your home state makes you feel really small in the world, and you start to understand this world has 8 billion people in it, and I’m just one of (them). But you start to do some of these things that … we’ve been able to accomplish in ASCSU, and you think, “I might be one in a billion, but here, I can make a difference.”

include those with permanent mobility needs as well as those traveling to the (University Center for the Arts). ... I’m the only vice presidential candidate who currently sits on the Student Fee Review Board that is chaired by the vice president. Campaign platform, campus issues, priorities

DeSalvo: We have focused so much of our time, energy and effort on hiring staff to take (on U+2). I’m really optimistic that (once) that’s gone, we can focus on many other things … (like) other areas of affordability. I want to beef up the Governmental Affairs Department so that we (can) continue to put pressure on the Joint Budget Committee to ensure that our tuition doesn’t balloon at an excessive rate every single year.

These affordability concerns have to be front and center because they are front and center for students. If there isn’t an ASCSU administration with a governmental affairs mindset, I worry that students’ concerns around affordability will be placed on the back burner. … Ensuring that we keep as many students at CSU as we possibly can — that should be the focus.

My (first) year, I joined the senate, and I hit the ground running. (I) began working on a transportation program to aid temporarily disabled folks on the CSU campus.

… Since then, that program has expanded to also

Dietz: Something I’ve been championing is the student experience. We recognize that college is a place where people come to discover themselves and discover the world outside of the hometown that they grew up in, and we want to enable that experience.

The student experience, aside from these fun aspects — although that is important — also includes the resources that students need to succeed. … Our work so far this year has been looking right at the root of that problem. … Preventing an excessive tuition increase (through) conversation with the Joint Budget Committee or the textbook tax bill or U+2 — all of these things solve the issues right at the root.

ASCSU/student relationship, ASCSU future goals

DeSalvo: One thing I’d like to change is probably the campus

perception of ASCSU or even creating a campus perception of ASCSU because I think it’s a little sad when we have 14% voter turnout, but we’re doing incredibly impactful work for students that they might not even know about.

We have to meet students where they are. My philosophy with this campaign and every campaign is, “No stone left unturned.” … (There are) students who come to class and leave, and we do a disservice to those students by not bringing them into the campus community and making them feel as though they belong at CSU because they do.

Dietz: I love the mantra, “Show, don’t say,” so that’s what we’re framing our campaign around. We’re showing the work that we’ve been doing, and we’re showing that we have the capacity to continue that. … That’s very impactful when we go talk to students on The Plaza, and we say, “Hey, this is what we’ve accomplished this year. Just imagine what we could do if we could have your vote.” ... And they get really excited about that.

At the end of the day, I might not agree with every policy stance with the person (in) the office down the hall from me or the person that sits across the senate chambers from me, but I see them as a passionate person who joined ASCSU to make a difference. … I want ASCSU to resemble the CSU student body, not only in (the) diversity of thought and diversity of opinion … but also so that ASCSU has a finger on the pulse of the student body — anything that the student body needs, … we know how to put it into efficient action.

(ASCSU) is one united force to serve the students. … We want them to know that they can walk into our office and say, “This is a problem on campus,” or even, “This is a problem for students in general in Colorado,” and we’ll be able to solve that for them.

Reach Hannah Parcells and Sam Hutton at news @collegian.com.

Thursday, March 28, 2024 Collegian.com 6

ASCSU ELECTIONS

2024 Associated Students of Colorado State University vice presidential candidate Braxton Dietz and presidential candidate Nick DeSalvo pose for a photo March 20. PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN

Presidential, VP candidates Claudia Paraiso, Ava Ayala

By Riley Paling & Ivy Secrest @csucollegian

Editor’s Note: This article is part of The Collegian’s 2024 ASCSU elections coverage. Search 2024 ASCSU elections on collegian. com to see complete coverage of all other candidates.

The Collegian sat down with presidential candidate Claudia Paraiso and vice presidential candidate Ava Ayala in anticipation of the upcoming Associated Students of Colorado State University elections for the 2024-25 academic year. Paraiso and Ayala listed their qualifications, motivations and strategies as well as discussed some of their planned initiatives and goals for the future of ASCSU if elected.

CSU students can vote for next year’s ASCSU president, vice president and speaker of the senate on RAMweb April 1-3. Background, ASCSU experience, qualifications

Paraiso: I started off as a senator for the (Black/African American Cultural Center) office, and then I also became the secretary for that same committee and then was able to move up to my current position as the speaker pro tempore. I know a lot about the internal workings of ASCSU, (and) I’ve been able to work with other people within ASCSU and bring that out to different students who come to us as well. I work with students every Wednesday in (the) senate because we’re able to collaborate with all of them.

Ayala: I started off as a senator for the College of Natural Sciences. I created a (diversity, equity and inclusion) committee inside ASCSU (and) became the vice chair (of) that committee. (I) then moved up to speaker of the senate, which is where (I) currently sit. ... Being the leader of a branch right now, I really see how all the internal workings go on and how the communication and collaboration between the executive, the judicial and legislative branches (work).

Sitting in this position right now, I kind of see the things

that can definitely be improved between communication and just even community inside the office. I also served as a member of the Student Fee Review Board my (first) year, which, if I (were) to be vice president, I would be chairing.

I’ve seen how it’s been run, and I have a very good idea of how I would run SFRB if I (were) to become vice president. (In my current position), I work with students directly. I work with people who are volunteering their time on Wednesday nights (from) 6:30 to whenever we end, sitting there making decisions and going over votes. I have been talking to students all year, so I can really understand (them), and I can really put forth what I’ve learned all year to how I can help students in the next position. Campaign platform, campus issues, priorities

Paraiso: I would say the biggest issue we’re running on right now is kind of a lack of transparency with students not knowing where their student fees are going. We want students to know that there are entities such as SFRB (and the Board for Student Organization Funding) — especially SFRB because students from all around campus can be a part of that. You can decide where the fee increases can go and whether certain areas can just stay where (they are).

That’s one of the big things that I would say is students knowing where their student fees are going and how that benefits them. One big goal is generally fiscal responsibility. So we want to be able to ... make sure that all the funds that are being spent are being spent with intention and that we can create events that are going to be for everybody. We can have a budget ... that has some wiggle room and that you can be able to use for everything that you need but not run out too quickly.

Ayala: There (are) a lot of internal decisions that are made that students don’t get to hear about until they’re either an event or there’s a news posting. Last year, we got a lot of (negative) PR,

and I think that’s how a lot of people saw ASCSU — as the (negative) PR that we got from last year. I think if we were to be more transparent on what we’re doing, then that PR won’t hit us as badly, and we won’t have the amount of stigma that we have right now.

My goal for ASCSU is (to have) ASCSU be ASCSU — not having it be executive, senate and judicial. It’s the collaboration of all three branches in one. When people think of ASCSU, they jump to president and vice president; they jump to (the) senate and judicial. (I want) it to be more of a cohesive environment, even (for) the students, because I feel it definitely seems divided.

ASCSU/student relationship, ASCSU future goals

Paraiso: I have a really good vision of wanting to ... evolve (ASCSU) to (have) a more open and welcoming atmosphere. I just want to be able to connect ASCSU to the students so that they can become a lot more involved. We (want to) have representation from everywhere. ... I feel the leadership qualities

challenge and create opportunities for people.

We just want the students (to) know that we’re going to do everything that we can to stay in line with any and all promises that we make in this campaign. We are (still human); we will make mistakes, but we will still take accountability and do whatever we can to help them and fulfill any goals that we have for this election and the future of ASCSU.

Ayala: Our top two concerns are especially the lack of communication and the collaboration between branches, and those both can intermix the collaboration with (the) community and the communication within branches. Those two, I think, are the biggest things that, if we were to be elected, we’d want to change. We can’t do something as a team if we aren’t together, and we can’t serve a community that we don’t talk to. I think when it comes to this election, every candidate is a good candidate.

I think it really comes down to what their promises are and what we can deliver. We’re trying our best to listen to what

students want and really hear (them). I can’t always (say) we’re going to be perfect if we win these positions, but I can promise that we’ll try.

Reach Riley Paling and Ivy Secrest at news @collegian.com.

@CSUCollegian Thursday, March 28, 2024 7

ASCSU ELECTIONS

2024 Associated Students of Colorado State University presidential candidate Claudia Paraiso and vice presidential candidate Ava Ayala pose for a photo March 20. PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN

Presidential, VP candidates Jorja Whyte, Leticia Madrigal-Tapia

By Tyler Weatherwax & Gwendolynn Riddoch @csucollegian

Editor’s Note: This article is part of The Collegian’s 2024 ASCSU elections coverage. Search 2024 ASCSU elections on collegian. com to see complete coverage of all other candidates.

With campaigns for the Associated Students of Colorado State University elections for the 2024-25 academic year fully underway, The Collegian sat down with presidential candidate Jorja Whyte and vice presidential candidate Leticia Madrigal-Tapia to discuss their backgrounds, campaign platforms and future plans if elected.

Whyte is the current ASCSU director of health. Madrigal-Tapia is the current ASCSU director of diversity, equity and inclusion. Background, ASCSU experience, qualifications

Whyte: I have a background in leadership within student government in high school. And then I also

have the Boettcher Scholarship, which is a scholarship through the Boettcher Foundation.

I also work in the (Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement) office as a co-curricular leadership specialist. And there I write leadership curriculum and workshops for students, and our, like, kind of philosophy there is that everybody can’t be a leader and everybody needs to be a leader.

And then, through ASCSU health, this is my first year in ASCSU. But health and equitable practices across public health (are things) that I’ve been really passionate about for my entire life.

I also have the passion, which I think is the most important part of that, and my underlying leadership philosophy is and my mission in life is to spread love and kindness through the power of authentic connection.

Madrigal-Tapia: I’m originally from Michoacán, Mexico. I was born there. And I moved to Denver, Colorado, when I was 6 years old.

I think being an immigrant (is) one of the identities

I (hold) closest to my heart because that’s what, like, really gets me connected to the importance of, like, public service and representation and holding dear to my heart, like, the emphasis (on) human rights and why we need to value humanity and decency as a whole.

I am also a Boettcher Scholar, but I also hold the Voyager Scholarship, which was created by the Obama Foundation. And their main philosophy is to create and elevate students (who) want to go into public service and (who) want to represent their communities and also continue to elevate the work that they do through the emphasis of humanity and the emphasis of the importance of public service.

Being an immigrant, being a Latina or being a woman in the space, it can be so hard to fight for what you believe is right, especially when you’re fighting a system of oppression. It teaches you to have resistance and resilience, and it teaches you to create skills that are going to create change that’s actually tangible.

Campaign platform, campus issues, priorities

organization, especially if we’re taking a large portion of students’ student fees.

Students feel intimidated to come into our space. They don’t feel welcome to just come walk into ASCSU, and that’s something that we really want to change, too, is making ASCSU feel like a welcoming place where you can come and just, like, hang out. Like, we are for students, by students.

Madrigal-Tapia: Sometimes when we pitch ASCSU, like, to students who don’t know, we say that we function as the U.S. government. I don’t think that’s very inclusive because I think there’s a lot of bipartisan(ship) going on and polarization within the U.S. government. And we do not want polarization within our own spaces because a divide means that we’re not going to put any work out.

ASCSU/student relationship, ASCSU future goals

that we’re in because of higher education — it’s crippling, and it’s going to affect us for the rest of our lives. And if we can do our very small part to at least, like, alleviate some of that relief (on) a very small-scale level, then we’re going to make sure that we do that.

So making sure that there (are) more resources and there’s more funding for programs that help with how the students are facing housing insecurity — ... there (are) already many programs within CSU that just don’t have ... enough resources or enough funding, and we need to make sure that we’re ... spending our student fee money ... on things that actually go back to the students, right? So we want to put money back into students’ pockets because that money is needed for these students (to) succeed in every single aspect of their academic lives.

I think affordable education and then building a culture of, like, inclusivity and advocacy within our space. So many students don’t know what ASCSU is, and that’s not their fault.

That’s our fault; that’s on us.

And that’s something that we need to address as an

Whyte: Everything that we want to do is building bridges (and) inspiring change: ... separating out connections ... and meaningful relationships to our on-campus partners here at CSU, to nonprofits in the local area, to our politicians and our governmental affairs at the state and local level.

And then inspiring change. Creating a community of advocacy where students feel empowered to speak their (minds) and to use their voice because I feel like that’s a phrase that we’d love to use, and (something) adults love to say to us is, like, “Yes, use your voice.” ... But how do we do that? And so giving students the resources and guidance and support to be able to ... feel empowered and really confident in their ability to use their (voices).

Madrigal-Tapia: I think one of the biggest things that we keep, like, promoting within ourselves to students is affordable education because I think that’s something that affects every single student, regardless of your ethnicity, background, your economic status, anything, right? The amount of money that we are spending on higher education, the amount of debt

Basic needs: We want to do more on housing initiatives and more on housing insecurity. The fact that students live out of their cars (is) un-fucking-believable. That is something that we need to be prioritizing and something we need to address right.

We also want to create an initiative where we have food pantries; we’re also going to put basic hygiene stuff, so, like, toilet paper, deodorant and all these other things that are just needed to have, like, a good and healthy, clean life.

Making sure students are actually being represented by ASCSU and feel represented. ASCSU and CSU need to be known for being the next generation of change.

Whyte: So much, too, lends itself to, like, this idea of affordable education as a wicked problem or as an institutional and systemic issue. We can’t just be just addressing it in policy that is one of the most important places that we can be doing that. But we also need to be working with local organizations like Yes in My Back Yard, which is a nonprofit focused on affordable housing for Fort Collins students and community members.

Reach Tyler Weatherwax and Gwendolynn Riddoch at news @collegian.com.

Thursday, March 28, 2024 Collegian.com 8

ASCSU ELECTIONS

2024 Associated Students of Colorado State University presidential candidate Jorja Whyte and vice presidential candidate Leticia Madrigal-Tapia pose for a photo March 27. PHOTO BY HANNAH PARCELLS THE COLLEGIAN

Speaker of senate candidate Enock Monanti

By Allie Seibel & Aubree Miller @csucollegian

Editor’s Note: This article is part of The Collegian’s 2024 ASCSU elections coverage. Search 2024 ASCSU elections on collegian.com to see complete coverage of all other candidates.

With campaigns for the Associated Students of Colorado State University elections for the 2024-25 academic year fully underway, The Collegian sat down with speaker of the senate candidate Enock Monanti to discuss his background, campaign platforms and future plans if elected.

Monanti is a sophomore studying biology and currently serves as the chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Affairs Committee and a senator for the Black/ African American Cultural Center.

Background, ASCSU experience, qualifications

Monanti: I have helped work on writing legislation such as the Lavender Cabinet bill, ... and I sponsored and endorsed a fair bit of bills that have come my way in that organization as well.

When it comes to being in the senate, I’ve known a lot of the people there. I’ve worked a lot with individuals, generally just giving the advice, looking over to the bills … (and) pointing out, like, “Hey, maybe you want to do this; maybe you might want to talk to these people as well.”

When it comes to that sort of stuff, as well as running my own committee — which, while not nearly as grand, it is running —

senate is decently a lot of leadership experience within that space, as I basically have to make sure that decorum is held, that conversation is germane, that the agenda that is created for that committee is accurate, up to date, all that stuff, which is a part of the speaker’s job.

Outside of the space, when it comes to leadership positions, I know that I typically never play the main leader, but I am good at supporting. In (the Pride Resource Center), I work as an Amplify mentor. So when it comes to that situation, ... that work experience, ... it has definitely taught me how to interact and basically run things. Campaign platform, campus issues, priorities

Monanti: I wouldn’t say that I’m running on an issue — more so that I am running on three ideals: just, fair and fun, which (are) mostly the three things that I’m upholding.

So just and fair: Obviously, I want legislation to be seen with (as) much impartiality as possible so that students can actually see (that) the bills that are being written for students (are) actually equitable and ... that all voices and all sides and concerns are addressed when the bill is in senate.

(For) fair, ... everything is being seen as equitable. (Making) us fun (was) the more interesting of the three — ... making the space a lot more comfortable, making it a lot more inviting for students outside of ASCSU (so) you could just... come and sit and watch and even have a side conversation while (senate is) going on (with) legislation

that could potentially impact them. I wanted (it) to be a space where people feel OK to express (their) opinions.

My top two concerns would be generally student engagement and communications. I feel like communication can definitely be done better between all three branches ... as well as communication throughout our student population about what we actually do and, like, where we are, where we exist, what things are being seen. ... I want to see a lot more students involved in the organization. Like, even if they’re not like a senator or associated senator or hold a position within the organization, I would love to hear a lot more (about) their involvement, a lot more of their voice, have a lot more of just them in the space.

ASCSU/student relationship, ASCSU future goals

Monanti: From what I understand of that organization, ... I can tell you there are senators who’ve been there far longer than I in my one-year tenure. ASCSU (is) a slow-changing organization, but ... I foresee it changing for the better, to be more open, to be more inviting. I foresee ... a future of a lot more student

engagement from outside of people who are just naturally a part of the association and the organization. And I hope my goals can further that along. I really want to make massive strides. But I also understand that strides come with baby steps.

I want to make senate a better place. I want it to be a more open place. I want students there. I want people to know that senate exists and that it’s a part of campus that gives students a say on how their fees are spent and gives students a voice in the administration.

And at the end of the day, no matter how elections go, there’s someone who’s going to be there for you, and you should make your voice heard.

Reach Allie Seibel and Aubree Miller at news@collegian.com.

@CSUCollegian Thursday, March 28, 2024 9

ASCSU ELECTIONS

Associated Students of Colorado State University speaker of the senate candidate Enock Monanti poses for a photo March 22.

PHOTO

CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN

Speaker of senate candidate Hayden Taylor

By Allie Seibel & Aubree Miller @csucollegian

Editor’s Note: This article is part of The Collegian’s 2024 ASCSU elections coverage. Search 2024 ASCSU elections on collegian.com to see complete coverage of all other candidates.

With campaigns for the Associated Students of Colorado State University elections for the 202425 academic year fully underway, The Collegian sat down with speaker of the senate candidate Hayden Taylor to discuss his background, campaign platforms and future plans if elected.

Taylor is a sophomore studying political science and legal studies. Taylor serves as the current internal affairs committee chair in the senate. Background, ASCSU experience, qualifications

Taylor: I’ve been involved in ASCSU now (for) two years, and I love it; it’s a lot of fun. … I love the senate; we get to do a lot of … funding and stuff, … which is always kind of cool to see. It’s fun to be able to see how student fees get spent and have a bit of a voice in that, too. I’ve been a committee chair this year, which is like a leadership position within the senate, which is kind of giving me a bit of a taste of how to do the job (of the speaker) because it’s kind of like doing that on a mini scale.

Campaign platform, campus issues, priorities

Taylor: (Advocacy is) the biggest focus of my campaign because … how we make change is by being the voice of what students want to see. Advocacy looks like just being in touch with students and what they want.

ASCSU has had issues with that in the past, with being out of touch, … (and) it’s about being in touch with what people want to see and then being able to communicate that to people who can actually make those changes, and especially in an elected position, that gives you credibility.

I think that you need to be able to make some of those changes happen. Anybody can go and talk to anybody about anything. But if you have the votes of the students, then that means something. It’s about getting people involved, mostly being able to have communication with clubs and student organizations and just dayto-day students.

Knowing the issues that we face, one of the big ones I know of is the cost. The cost of tuition and housing, I think, is too high. I know people who don’t come to CSU anymore because of the cost of it. And that’s an issue, you know — we shouldn’t be forcing people out of college. But I think that if you can know some of those issues and be able to communicate that to the people who can have changes with that, we’ll be able to do that.

It costs simply too much to get a college education. And it costs too much with housing as well. ASCSU has had a big focus in the past on U+2 with the city, which is good; we should be focusing on that. But it costs too much to live on campus,

too. I’m living beyond my budget living on campus now. And I know I’m not alone in that. So being able to get CSU to a place that’s financially accessible to people, I think, would be a big focus of mine.

ASCSU/student relationship, ASCSU future goals

Taylor: A lot of people on campus don’t know what ASCSU is and what we do. So being able to get that message out and to get people involved would be huge. We have some involvement, but like we’ve kind of seen, ASCSU has, at times, (been) out of touch. And so being able to get people involved in getting us focused on issues that impact the day-to-day lives of students on campus is, like, the ultimate goal of mine.

Being able to get social media active and going again so that people can be connected with us would be huge. I think going to classes and tabling on The Plaza (and) going to clubs and student organizations to get that input (is important). And that’s all definitely things I’ll be planning to do if I’m elected.

I think last time, I just didn’t know much about the elections and just what that looks like and how to do a campaign effectively — even though the ultimate vision, I think, is the same because that’s something I’m passionate about. I think it’s just changing how I go about that to be able to connect with people and get them involved and get them voting.

Reach Allie Seibel and Aubree Miller at news @collegian.com.

Thursday, March 28, 2024 Collegian.com 10

ASCSU ELECTIONS

Associated Students of Colorado State University speaker of the senate candidate Hayden Taylor poses for a photo March 22. PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN

Presidential debate intensifies campaign season

By Sam Hutton @sam_hut14

Editor’s Note: This article is part of The Collegian’s 2024 ASCSU elections coverage. Coverage will include profiles of each speaker of the senate, vice presidential and presidential candidate; debate coverage; and coverage of any elections news.

Search 2024 ASCSU elections on collegian.com to see complete coverage as it is published.

The Associated Students of Colorado State University, in cooperation with CTV, held a presidential and vice presidential debate Tuesday, March 26, in the Lory Student Center University Ballroom.

The livestreamed debate offered the three presidential tickets a more formal campaigning opportunity, with candidates fielding questions regarding their motivations for running, their goals if elected and their qualifications. Candidates were also allowed to offer rebuttals, sparking heated exchanges between debate participants at multiple intervals.

endorsement list, with Fort Collins Mayor Jeni Arndt headlining. Both candidates continually emphasized their institutional knowledge of ASCSU, claiming it would allow their second term to be more immediately productive.

ASCSU Director of Health Jorja Whyte and Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leticia Madrigal-Tapia, presidential and vice presidential candidates, respectively, said they believe they can use their experience and connection to student organizations to improve internal ASCSU relationships, expand sponsored programs on campus and engage with students on a more personal level. Whyte and Madrigal-Tapia said they regard diversity, equity and inclusion as a cornerstone of their campaign, pledging to continue their commitment to bettering the college experience for marginalized students.

PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN

Core topics of discussion included ASCSU’s relationship with students; diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; and student organization funding. Audience members and viewers of the CTV livestream were allowed to submit questions, allowing engaged students to voice their concerns directly to ASCSU officials.

ASCSU is aiming for another increase in voter participation after last year’s elections were determined by only 14% of the student population. The organization achieved a record-high 26% turnout in 2019 before participation was mired by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This election cycle is the first in recent history to include an incumbent candidate, prompting condemnation from several ASCSU officials and challenging candidates who warn against the danger of “power hoarding” within the organization.

Sitting President Nick DeSalvo and current Chief of Staff Braxton Dietz spent much of their time reiterating their wealth of experience and record of results gained during their time in elected office. The administration recently announced their success in lobbying the Colorado General Assembly to ban the controversial U+2 residential policy at a state level, which the DeSalvo/Braxton campaign used to justify reelection to undecided voters.

“I don’t blame the student body for not knowing what ASCSU is or what we do because for the last 20 years, they’ve grown accustomed to ASCSU presidents coming into their classrooms, promising to fix U+2 and defaulting entirely on their promise,” DeSalvo said. “I made that promise last year when I campaigned for student body president, and I followed through on it.”

Echoing his first presidential campaign, DeSalvo touted his long

“As it exists right now, ASCSU is not an inclusive space,” Whyte said. “Students don’t feel welcome to come into our office. … That needs to change. Having a background in policy and understanding the way that ASCSU functions is not enough. We also need to have our pulse on every single area on campus.”

The pair also emphasized their campus involvements outside of ASCSU, claiming they will allow them to reach more students from diverse identities and fields of study. Whyte and Madrigal-Tapia appeared the most energized of the candidates onstage and criticized the incumbent campaign for their lack of meaningful community engagement — one of the core points of contention among the debate’s participants. Presidential candidate Ava Ayala, the current speaker of the senate, and vice presidential candidate Claudia Paraiso, the current speaker pro tempore, rounded out the presidential challengers. The duo, in line with the other campaigns, framed their experience within ASCSU as a significant advantage while subsequently pledging to use their diverse backgrounds to better support students outside of ASCSU.

“I’m not in this role because I’m a political science major,” Ayala said. “I’m a zoology major, and I really love doing this for students. No matter what, I still plan to reach out and be there for students.”

Ayala and Paraiso also emphasized their commitment to government transparency and outreach, denouncing the current administration for its lack of inclusivity and full financial transparency.

Although the first segment of the debate remained largely civil, the same cannot be said for the closing stages. Several questions from members of the audience sparked hostility throughout the room, with multiple questions being cut off for violating rules of decorum.

Voting opens for students through RAMweb for presidential, speaker of the senate and senator candidates April 1.

Reach Sam Hutton at news @collegian.com.

@CSUCollegian Thursday, March 28, 2024 11

ASCSU ELECTIONS

Associated Students of Colorado State University presidential candidate Nick DeSalvo says his closing remark during the ASCSU presidential and vice presidential debates March 26. “We have to do everything in our power to protect our most vulnerable communities so that they can stay at CSU,” DeSalvo said. “That starts with creating a real culture and an understanding that CSU is for everyone.” Associated Students of Colorado State University vice presidential candidate Ava Ayala talks during the ASCSU presidential and vice presidential debates March 26. “Going to college is where you can really find who you are,” Ayala said. “Find what you want to do and really take that in, you know, to the rest of your professional career.” PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN Associated Students of Colorado State University vice presidential candidate Leticia MadrigalTapia discusses affordability at the ASCSU presidential and vice presidential debate March 26. “I think it’s also unacceptable that some students have to live out of their vehicles to afford an education, and there are tangible steps that we could be taking to address all of those issues,” Madrigal-Tapia said. “I currently work for Off-Campus Life, where we have students come in almost every week to tell us about how they cannot afford the rising costs.” PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN

Speaker of senate candidates debate policy ahead of elections

By Aubree Miller @csucollegian

With campaigns for the Associated Students of Colorado State University starting last week, this past Tuesday featured debates before elections open April 1. Speaker of the senate candidates Enock Monanti and Hayden Taylor began the debates 7 p.m. March 26 in the Lory Student Center University Ballroom.

Each candidate was allotted one minute for opening statements, 45 seconds for general questions, one minute for candidate-specific questions and 30 seconds for rebuttals.

Monanti’s opening statement focused on his current position and what he hopes to bring to senate.

“I’m the chair of diversity, equity and inclusion affairs committee within ASCSU, and I’m running for speaker of the senate,” Monanti said. “I wholeheartedly want to improve senate in the best way possible, and I aim to make this a fair, just, fun place.”

Taylor’s opening statement discussed aims for his campaign along with his current position.

“I’ve been in the senate space two years now,” Taylor said. “I’ve enjoyed it quite a bit. I’m the chair of the Internal Affairs Committee, so I have decent knowledge of the space, definitely. ... My campaign is focused on advocacy and on being able to be a voice of all students at this university.”

After the opening statements came general questions, the first of which involved new leadership and how the candidates plan to collaborate with administrators in keeping the campus engaging, safe and welcoming.

“I plan to reach out to all the leaders, new and old, (as well as) the incumbent,” Monanti said. “I am the person committed to representing the student body and will make sure that their voices are heard by these individuals who have been here far longer than I.”

Taylor followed Monanti’s remarks.

“ASCSU has had a lot of allegations of being out of touch with the students,” Taylor said. “It’s not just ASCSU that’s out of touch; it’s CSU as well. ... We can be opening communication, I think — ... being able to all get on the same page.”

Many subjects were discussed during the debate, including responsibility, obligation and honesty.

“Accountability and transparency (look) like owning up to our actions, making sure we address the issues and harms caused by any actions done by us, as well as with transparency, making sure that the students actually know what’s going on,” Monanti said. “We can best answer (students’)

questions or, at the very least, get them in touch (with) people who can better answer their questions.”

Taylor’s remarks expressed a similar sentiment.

“At the end of the day, that’s what the job is,” Taylor said. “It’s about communicating with students. It’s about being accountable in a way that leaders in ASCSU in the past have not been. And with transparency, not many students know what ASCSU does. When folks in ASCSU talk to students on campus, a lot of them have questions.”

The audience — online and in person — asked the candidates questions after the regular debate.

Both candidates were asked about ASCSU’s key actions.

“I believe that the most important function that ASCSU is responsible for is the spending of student fees,” Monanti said. “How we as an organization best operate in showing that (is) showing students, ... ‘Hey, you have a stake where your money is.’”

Taylor, who earlier mentioned focus on student fees and the cost of attending CSU, discussed support for students.

“The most important thing we do in the senate is advocacy,” Taylor said. “The best thing that we can do is get students involved and to be able to make connections with those students to be the best advocates we can possibly be.”

Another question for both candidates was about the purpose of their position and why they decided to run for senate.

“The reason why I chose to run for office is to make sure senate is accurately representing ... all of the students within CSU, as well as making sure that students feel comfortable within that space,” Monanti said. “It would be a lot easier to have some engagement and have (student) voices be able to be heard if they felt a lot more comfortable in that space.”

Taylor focused on his dedication and enthusiasm for the job.

“I chose to do this because I’m passionate, like I said, about ASCSU and about CSU,” Taylor said. “I’m passionate about advocacy; I know that it costs too much to go to CSU, and I want to help to be a change in that. ... Getting students involved in making (the senate) a welcoming space, (where) students can come and voice issues that they have.”

Some questions came from audience members who attended in person before closing remarks were made by each candidate.

“I’m so glad to see all y’all out here, whether it’s in person or digital,” Monanti said. “I hope that on April 1-3, you vote; I don’t care how you vote, just as long as you vote. Because remember: Your voice might be one droplet, but it can cause ripples in a sea of thousands.”

Reach Aubree Miller at news@collegian.

Thursday, March 28, 2024 Collegian.com 12

ASCSU ELECTIONS

Associated Students of Colorado State University speaker of the senate candidate Enock Monanti talks at the ASCSU speaker of the senate debate March 26. “Accountability and transparency looks like owning up to our actions, making sure we address the issues and harms caused by any actions done by us,” Monanti said. “As well as transparency, making sure that the students actually know what’s going on.” PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN Associated Students of Colorado State University speaker of the senate candidate Hayden Taylor talks about student government communication at the ASCSU speaker of the senate debate March 26. “We need to have communication with students, something that’s been lacking quite a bit in the past,” Taylor said. “And so we need to be going to classes and clubs and student organizations and finding students who will be getting involved with us.” PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN

International 5K Color Run celebrates Indian heritage

By Sananda Chandy @csucollegian

At the sound of a resounding pop, vivid colors from throughout the rainbow burst into the air as families, students and Colorado State University staff ran across the CSU campus. The vibrant Fort Collins community eagerly filled The Oval for a 5K run, celebrating the beauty and joy of color and embracing the cultural identities of Indian students.

On March 23, the Office of International Programs collaborated with the CSU Indian Students Association to organize an International 5K Color Run to honor the celebration of Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, which marks the joyous arrival of spring. The event cultivated the importance of showcasing Indian identities as well as diversifying the culture on campus.

Nick Jurney is the international marketing and communications manager at the Office of International Programs and one of

“Participating in this Color Run with people from multiple nationalities and cultures and backgrounds is very beneficial. I think it is very beneficial for people to break their inhibitions and just run together for a common goal of completing the 5K while celebrating the beauty and the joy that colors will bring to us.”

VAISHNAVI SONARIKAR INDIAN STUDENTS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

the primary organizers for the Color Run, helping with logistics and handling registrations. Jurney said the event fit into the mission of the International Enrollment Center to provide international students with more opportunities for success and accomplishments in their stories.

All of the proceeds from registration fees are going to fund international enrollment scholarships for international students to study at Colorado State University.

“I think it’s going to bring together community members — everybody affiliated with CSU, from students to faculty, staff and even people outside the community as well,” Jurney said.

Jurney said this year’s registration far exceeded that of last year, with over 550 participants coming from different backgrounds and holding different identities to take part in an exciting, colorful race. Jurney said he believes it is a fulfilling opportunity to bring more awareness of the many cultures on campus to the Fort Collins community.

“(We can) showcase that diversity, showcase those cultures and really

celebrate them as well while also raising funds to bring more international students to CSU,” Jurney said. “We want to make (CSU) a place where all cultures are welcome to come and collaborate.”

Vaishnavi Sonarikar is the president of both the Indian Students Association and the Global Ambassadors Student Program. She said this Color Run is very important for the Fort Collins community to fortify its value of connecting people from multiple communities, international and local.

“Participating in this Color Run with people from multiple nationalities and cultures and backgrounds is very beneficial,” Sonarikar said. “I think it is very beneficial for people to break their inhibitions and just run together for a common goal of completing the 5K while celebrating the beauty and the joy that colors will bring to us.”

Stene Verhulst is the director of the International Enrollment Center in the Office of International Programs and developed this collaborative idea after personally

speaking with Sonarikar. From the moment the race started, Verhulst proudly cheered on the large crowd of white shirts splashed with color.

He said it warmed his heart to see how running can bring such a varied group of individuals to embrace adventure together and diversify the student body as well.

“We have students from over 100 different countries, and that is an opportunity for people like this to engage and meet with people they otherwise wouldn’t,”

Verhulst said. “I think it creates an intersection for people that otherwise wouldn’t meet each other. ... (Our purpose) is to engage people across cultural dynamics.”

At the end of the 5K, everyone danced along to Bollywood music, excitedly tossing the colors at each other and enjoying one another’s company. Throwing the colors is more than just an action; it highlights the unity between individuals regardless of nationality or ethnicity.

Reach Sananda Chandy at life@collegian.com.

@CSUCollegian Thursday, March 28, 2024 13

CULTURAL

EVENT

Three runners cross the International 5K Color Run finish line at the Colorado State University Oval March 23. The annual race is held to raise money for international scholarship funds. PHOTO BY AVA PUGLISI THE COLLEGIAN

CSU experiences RailJam for 1st time in 15 years

By McKenna Van Voris @mckenna_vv

Music thundered across the Lory Student Center West Lawn, now covered in snow, as students danced, chatted and shouted while their peers shredded the slope.

RailJam was a popular competition that gathered 2,000 spectators the last time it was held at Colorado State University 15 years ago. This year, the CSU Snowriders, Phi Kappa Theta and Associated Students of CSU felt that it was time for a revival.

“It just stopped after 2009,” said Meron Siyoum, ASCSU director of traditions and programs. “There hasn’t really been any efforts to bring it back until last year. There was no organization on campus that, I guess, had the ability to also do something of that size.”

With a DJ, several food trucks and various merchandise vendors, RailJam created an environment for not only students who wished to celebrate Colorado culture but also community members who wanted in on the excitement.

“We’re hoping that this event brings together all different sides of not only CSU but the Fort Collins

community,” said Joseph Godshall, president of Phi Kappa Theta and an announcer at the event.

The $27,000 event with 30 men and eight women competitors took nearly a year of planning before the event was held Thursday, March 21.

“Oftentimes, the spring semester is overlooked for big events. We’re hoping to bring back that campus spirit and that Ram spirit that people come to college to find.”

BRAXTON DIETZ ASCSU CHIEF OF STAFF

funding for RailJam,” said Braxton Dietz, ASCSU chief of staff.

CSU Snowriders Vice President Tai Bloch addressed criticism of the large cost of the event, as only a small number of students were able to actually compete in the event.

“That campus engagement thing just was misconstrued for a lot of people’s minds,” Bloch said. “Participating doesn’t always necessarily mean that you are a competitor, but participating can be watching on the sidelines.”

In addition to the event being designed for the enjoyment of everyone, while there were no entries for competitors in the nonbinary category, inclusivity was kept in mind when planning the event.

“We’re trying to be as accessible and inclusive as we can with the event,” Bloch said. “We’re doing the best we can for sure, especially with the financial barriers that we run into.”

low-key. … I think it’s really cool, and they should do it every year.”

“It started back in April of 2023 when Nick (DeSalvo) and Alex (Silverhart) — the student body president and vice president — started making plans to allocate

Taegan Steinfort, a senior biology student at CSU who spectated the event, compared the unique atmosphere at RailJam to other events on campus.

“It’s more like a party,” Steinfort said. “There’s more energy, and people are jumping around. It’s more

The event was also significant for the competitors, as RailJam offers a rare opportunity for experienced skiers and snowboarders to be given the stage in front of their peers.

“These people are pretty athletic and work really hard, and they just don’t get the light of the day because it’s all down the mountain, and we don’t have an event for them on campus,” Bloch said.

With the temperature being nearly 70 degrees during the competition, RailJam being in the springtime was yet another reason it stands out from other on-campus events.

“Oftentimes, the spring semester is overlooked for big events,” Dietz said. “We’re hoping to bring back that campus spirit and that Ram spirit that people come to college to find.”

Reach McKenna Van Voris at life@collegian.com.

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ICONIC EVENT Thursday, March 28, 2024 Collegian.com 14

Ayden Maulick rides a box at the Colorado State University RailJam Revival March 21. The event was held by the Associated Students of CSU, CSU Snowriders and Phi Kappa Theta. PHOTO BY AVA PUGLISI THE COLLEGIAN

Ryan Sallans speaks on journey as transgender man

By Aubree Miller @csucollegian

Navigating life’s ups and downs is something everyone faces, yet each person’s individual story is different. Everyone has different experiences, identities and struggles they have overcome. For Ryan Sallans, those experiences include being a transgender man and overcoming an eating disorder.

Sallans, an activist, author, educator and speaker, spoke to a crowd of around 70 people

Wednesday, March 20, in the Lory Student Center Theatre at Colorado State University. The presentation focused on his journey thus far through a gender transition and overcoming an eating disorder. The event was coordinated by the Associated Students of CSU and the Body Project at CSU.

Sallans was approached to speak at CSU after the founder and thenco-president of the Body Project, Alejandra Quesada-Stoner, saw him present at a St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Quesada-Stoner started planning his visit to CSU last fall and has since graduated.

“Ryan’s firsthand accounts of battling eating disorders and

navigating gender transitions offer a raw and unique perspective on the often overlooked struggles within the LGBTQ+ community,” Quesada-Stoner said. “By sharing his personal journey, the aim was to illuminate these challenges and inspire empathy and understanding among the audience.”

The event began with Sallans’ educational background as well as a brief definition of the differences between sex, gender, gender expression and sexual orientation.

Following that, Sallans shared his life story, including his eating disorder recovery in college and his transition, which he began at 25 years old.

like this, then I’ll be happy,’” Sallans said. “And my therapist looked at this image and said, ‘Really? It’s a really masculine image.’”

Sallans said he began to feel uncomfortable with this because things like sexuality and gender weren’t talked about in his life growing up.

was important to have Sallans speak at CSU.

“He’s always been at the forefront of those conversations (about trans topics), which I think is really cool,”

Whyte said.

“It was so wonderful to see everyone attend, and it’s nice to have an audience that laughs and cries. It keeps you going. It helps you understand that you’re saying something that’s reaching people.”

RYAN SALLANS ACTIVIST, AUTHOR, EDUCATOR AND SPEAKER

“I had my sense of being male around 2 and a half to 3 years of age,” Sallans said. “It happened during the summertime. ... I’m standing outside in this bikini, and I’m looking at my dad and my brother in their swimming trunks and my mom and sister in their bathing suits, and I go, ‘Hm.’ So I proceed to take the top part off so I could have swimming trunks like my dad and my brother. It’s my first memory of looking out into the world and seeing gender and trying to adjust my own forms of expression to align with what felt right for me.”

Sallans shared that while his eating disorder almost killed him, it saved his life, too, because it prompted him to start going to therapy and explore the parts of himself he had pushed down for so long.

Sallans used art to work through what he couldn’t speak about during his recovery.

“I took this image into my therapist and said, ‘OK, now, if I look

Some of Sallans’ transition was included in a 2006 documentary “Gender Rebel,” which focused on his experience with masculinizing chest reconstruction, also known as top surgery.

Family was also a large part of the story, with Sallans discussing his relationship with his parents and siblings and how that changed over the years. His father was not initially supportive but, with time, became supportive.

“(My dad) decided he could either judge his kid, or he could love his kid, even if he doesn’t fully understand it or if he’s scared of it,” Sallans said. “And each year, I see vast improvements.”

Sallans wanted to highlight the different experiences he had within his own family and how that could help others.

Jorja Whyte is the ASCSU director of health, and she discussed the event and why it

History education student Amy Trepinski was one of the attendees and discussed their thoughts on the event and what they took away from it.

“I felt like I was looking in a mirror,” Trepinski. “Ryan’s mission to spread knowledge on gender, sexuality and the trans identity is so inspiring.”

There was a lesson and piece of wisdom to be found for everyone.

Afterward, Sallans shared his thoughts on how the event went for him.

“It was so wonderful to see everyone attend, and it’s nice to have an audience that laughs and cries,” Sallans said. “It keeps you going. It helps you understand that you’re saying something that’s reaching people.”

Sallans is currently working on his third book, which will accompany his other two: “Second Son” and “Transforming Manhood.”

Reach Aubree Miller at life @collegian.com.

@CSUCollegian Thursday, March 28, 2024 15

LGBTQIA+ EXPERIENCES

Ryan Sallans presents “Scouting the Unknown” as part of the Body Project at Colorado State University March 20. The keynote was put on by the Associated Students of CSU, aiming to “provide a foundational overview of human sexuality, delving into topics like sex, orientation and gender.” PHOTO BY DARYN WHITMOYER THE COLLEGIAN

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Wyoming Small Batch Bourbon 750 ml �� $39.99

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Baileys Irish Cream

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750 ml �� $12.99

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ALL WINES 750 ML UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE

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Alexander Valley Vineyards Chardonnay, Rosé of Sangiovese �� $16.99

Merlot, Zinfandel �� $17.99

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Clos D’Esgarracordes

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IRISH WHISKEY

Proper 12 Irish Whiskey 750 ml �� $19.99

Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey 750 ml �� $19.99

Jameson Irish Whiskey 1�75 L �� $42.99

Dubliner 6 yr old Bourbon Cask Irish Whiskey 750 ml �� $54.99

GIN & VODKA

New Amsterdam Gin 1�75 L �� $17.99

Puerto De Indias Black Gin or Strawberry Gin 750 ml �� $22.99

Hendrick’s Small Batch Gin

750 ml �� $29.99

Gray’s Peak Small Batch Gin 1�75 L �� $34.99

Beefeater Gin 1�75 L �� $34.99

Bombay Sapphire Gin 1�75 L �� $35.99

Skol Vodka 1�75 L �� $10.99

Gray’s Peak Small Batch Vodka

750 ml �� $12.99

New Amsterdam Vodka 1�75 L �� $17.99

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Stoli Imported Vodka 1�75 L �� $22.99

Absolut Vodka or Flavored Vodkas 1�75 L �� $26.99

Grey Goose Vodka 1�75 L �� $49.99 RUM

Calypso Spiced Rum 1�75 L �� $11.99

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Scoresby Scotch 1�75 L

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Cantine ZaccagniniMontepulciano d’Abruzzo, Pinot Grigio �� $15.99

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Mary Taylor Sicilia RossoSave $5 $12.99

Ten Bears Winery Poudre River Red �� $10.99 Cameron Pass White, Overland Trail Rosé �� $11.99 Symphony, Tempranillo �� $14.99 Cabernet Sauvignon, Nutty Laporte Dessert Wine (375ml), Syrah �� $17.99 Colorado Wines

Thursday, March 28, 2024 Collegian.com 16 @CSUCollegian 17 2201 South College • Open Mon-Sat 9–10 • Sun 9–7 • (970) 226-8662 • www.WilbursTotalBeverage.com Prices Good Mar 28 thru Mar 31 BEER Busch & Busch Light 30 pack cans $18.99 Budweiser, Bud Light & Budweiser Select 24 pack cans $21.99 Coors & Coors Light 24 pack cans $21.99 Miller MGD & LITE 24 pack cans $21.99 Odell Brewing Co Hoppy Variety Pack, Sippin’ Variety Pack & Variety Pack 12 pack cans $17.99 90 Shilling, Drumroll Hazy Pale Ale, Easy Street Wheat, IPA, Mountain Standard IPA & Sippin’ Pretty Fruited Sour 12 pack cans $16.99 Lagerado Crispy Lager 12 pack cans $11.99 New BelgiumVoodoo Ranger IPA 12 pack btls $17.99 Fat Tire Ale 12 pack btls $15.99 Voodoo Ranger Juice Force IPA, Hoppy Pack, Imperial IPA & Juicy Haze IPA 12 pack cans $18.99 Voodoo Ranger IPA & Variety Pack 12 pack cans $17.99 Fat Tire Ale 12 pack cans $15.99 Mountain Time Premium Lager 12 pack cans $11.99 Crooked Stave Variety Pack 12 pack cans $18.99 Ska Hoptions IPA Variety Pack 12 pack cans $18.99 Mixed Up Variety Pack 12 pack cans $17.99 Double Modus IPA 6 pack cans $9.99 Elysian Mix Pack 12 pack cans $18.99 Kona Wave Rider Variety Pack 12 pack cans $17.99 Firestone Walker 805 & 805 Cerveza 12 pack cans $15.99 IPA Variety & Tropical Hazy Mixed Pack 12 pack cans $16.99 Parabolita Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout With Vanilla Beans, Cocoa Nibs & Sea Salt 16 oz cans $5.99 Boulevard White Chocolate Ale 4 pack btls $12.99 Dos Equis Ambar & Lager 12 pack btls $15.99 Lager, Lime & Salt 12 pack cans $14.99 Stella Artois BOTTLES & CANS 12 pack $15.99 Bitburger Premium Pils 12 pack btls $18.99 Red Stripe Jamaican Lager 12 pack btls $14.99 Labatt Blue Canadian Lager 12 pack btls $9.99 Labatt Blue & Labatt Blue Light 12 pack cans $9.99 Big Deal 12 pack cans $11.99 Sapporo 12 pack cans $17.99 Samuel Smith Imperial Stout, India Ale, Nut Brown Ale, Oatmeal Stout, Organic Chocolate Stout, Organic Pale Ale, Pure Brewed Organic Lager & Taddy Porter 4 pack btls $10.99 Nut Brown Ale & Pure Brewed Organic Lager 4 pack cans $10.99 Downeast Cider Mix Pack 1, Mix Pack 2, Mix Pack 3 Berry & Overboard Mix Pack 8% 9 pack cans $14.99 Collective Arts NON ALCOHOLIC Emerald Dark, Hazy Pale & IPA 4 pack cans $8.99 LIQUEUR AMERICAN WHISKEY Jack Daniels Whiskey 750 ml �� $19.99 Gentleman Jack 750 ml �� $25.99 Single Barrel Jack 750 ml �� $37.99 Four Roses Bourbon 750 ml �� $20.99 Jim Beam Bourbon 1�75 L �� $24.99 Overbrook Bourbon 1�75 L ��

�� $20.99 Grants Scotch 1�75 L �� $23.99 Chivas Regal Scotch 750 ml �� $32.99 Dewars Scotch 1�75 L �� $32.99 Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch 1�75 L �� $69.99 Highland Park 12 yr old Single Malt Scotch 750 ml �� $49.99 Laphroaig10 yr old Single Malt Scotch 750 ml �� $52.99 Select Single Malt Scotch 750 ml �� $52.99 Balvenie 12 yr old Doublewood Single Malt Scotch 750 ml �� $59.99 Macallan 12 yr old Single Malt Scotch 750 ml �� $79.99 www.facebook.com/wilburstotalbev To join in the discussions, join our email list, if you have any questions, and for additional savings and promotions Sale prices are for in-store shopping only. Does not include phone, curbside pick up orders, delivery, online or app orders. Montecampo Pinot Grigio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Your Choice $6.99 Wilbur the Wine Wizard Glenfiddich 12 yr old Single Malt Scotch 750 ml �� $44.99 12 yr old Sherry Cask Single Malt Scotch 750 ml �� $49.99 14 yr old Single Malt Scotch 750 ml �� $62.99 15 yr old Sherry Cask Single Malt Scotch 750 ml �� $72.99 TEQUILA Campo Bravo Silver or Reposado Tequila 750 ml �� $17.99 Corazon Single Barrel Anejo TequilaBlanton’s Barrel 750 ml �� $42.99

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MONTECAMPO PINOT GRIGIO & MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO

Colorado State football springs toward new season

By Liv Sewell @liv_sewell22

Spring has sprung, and so has the Colorado State football team after their postseason winter slumber.

As spring training ramps up, the many changes made by the team are on full display, and those differences play a crucial role.

“We’re definitely different,” coach Jay Norvell said. “Our coaching staff is different; our players are different. (We’ve) got a little different approach to what we’re doing, and I think we’re going to see a big difference on the field.”

There are many familiar faces, like wide receiver Tory Horton, who is returning for another season, and redshirt sophomore Brayden FowlerNicolosi, who is now the starting quarterback.

The team also boasts linebacker Chase Wilson, the leading tackler on the team last year.

“I think we can be the best unit in the conference,” Wilson said. “Kind of take that attention to detail coming out here every day with the mindset to work and get better.”

The defense’s attention to detail will be headed by a new defensive line coach, Chuka Ndulue, a former Los Angeles Charger, who Norvell announced in January.

However, changes in coaching, players and tactics did not stifle the importance of the offseason for the Rams as they suited up for spring training.

“Spring is incredibly important,” Fowler-Nicolosi said. “It’s huge. This is the offseason where I’m looking to make that real jump from being that young, immature kid to a leader on the team and a leader on the field.”

A leadership role is vitally needed as CSU takes on Texas, who finished third in the AP Top 25 last season, in their first game of the 2024 season.

The Big 12 competitor boasts returning quarterback Quinn Ewers, but as Norvell said, “We’re different.”

“(Fowler-Nicolosi is) not the same kid,” Norvell said.

“Everybody talks about the game slowing down, but it’s slowed down for him. He really sees his progressions. He understands when he can’t go to somebody. … He’s the best freshman we’ve ever

had with his performance last year.”

Another highlight was Horton back on the practice field.

The previous team captain put off the NFL draft to return to CSU and lead yet another year.

“We fell short last year — everybody in the building is aware of that.”

CHASE WILSON LINEBACKER

“We’re happy Tory’s back,” Norvell said. “He’s different, just like everybody. We’ve challenged everybody to find ways to improve themselves from a year ago, from coaches to players, and Tory is a great example of that.”

Besides the changes, there are clear goals in the minds of those out on the field and the sidelines.

Those goals are headed by Norvell in his third year as

head coach, making waves in his past two seasons.

“Coach Norvell has done a great job this offseason of making it very clear of what our goals are and how we’re going to get there,” FowlerNicolosi said. “Something new we implemented in practices is when receivers catch the ball, you have to finish the route.

… A mentality that we need to translate into everything we do is finish. No matter how anything’s going, finish.”

Finishing strong is vital for the Rams this season. From continuing spring training to starting the fall season, the team has a hunger for a strong ending.

Losses of last season, like the ones against Wyoming and Hawaii, left Wilson specifically with hope for redemption.

“We fell short last year — everybody in the building is aware of that,” Wilson said.

“We’re not happy with that. We definitely have a chip on our shoulder coming in, and we have high expectations for ourselves, and we know that we can meet them or even exceed them.”

Reach Liv Sewell at sports@collegian.com.

REDEMPTION Thursday, March 28, 2024 Collegian.com 18

Colorado State University wide receiver Tory Horton (14) dashes toward the sideline during the Rocky Mountain Showdown game against the University of Colorado Boulder at Folsom Field in Boulder Sept. 16, 2023. CSU lost 43-35. PHOTO BY MILO GLADSTEIN THE COLLEGIAN

Unwavering support leads to success for CSU triathlon club

By Sophie Webb @sophgwebb

Most athletes at Colorado State are focused on one sport, but there is a little-known club sport at CSU that focuses on three.

Not only that, but it’s one of the most successful club sports, placing second for women’s and third for men’s and mixed in their most recent competition.

This sport combines biking, running and swimming — each sport vital during competition season. Despite the challenging demands of the sport, the team is known for its support.

“Everyone’s there on some aspect to challenge themselves, and everybody acknowledges that,” said Alec Shields, the team’s travel safety officer. “No one cares about your times; people care about you putting yourself out there.”

Shields was unable to finish nationals last season due to a flat bike tire, but his teammates were there for him.

“It’s just a really supportive, fun group of people,” Vice President Zachary Pickle said. “We were all there to support him. Stuff like that happens.”

Looking back at best moments from CSU men’s basketball season

All good things come to an end.

Unfortunately for Colorado State men’s basketball, that end came against Texas in the NCAA tournament. Along with the end of the season, the loss marked the end of the storied career of Isaiah Stevens in green and gold.

While Stevens will be missed dearly by fans and teammates alike, it’s never too early to take a look back at his final season in Fort Collins.

The Wright State game

While the Rams didn’t start with a gauntlet, their win over Wright State showcased the teamfirst mentality CSU had all season.

Transfers Joel Scott and Nique Clifford burst onto the scene, and it became clear by only game two that they would fit in immediately. Clifford showcased his two-way abilities, and Scott proved to the world that he could dominate at the Division I level.

Not only did the Rams break the program record with 37 assists as a team, but Stevens recorded 14 assists, breaking his own previous record of 13.

The Hall of Fame Classic

The victory over Boston College was almost expected with how well the Rams started off their season. However, the victory over Creighton was far from expected. The Rams went in to Kansas City, Missouri, and beat the No. 8 seeded Blue Jays by 21 points.

The Rams had to go without Patrick Cartier, who injured his back in the first minute of the game, but when given his opportunity, Rashaan Mbemba showed just how dominant he could be, stepping in and scoring his career-high 13 points.

After that victory, it became abundantly clear that CSU was not only a contender to win the Mountain West, but they were also a contender to go dancing.

Beating Colorado

Sometimes the stories just write themselves.

Clifford got the better of his former team in the reunion, Jalen Lake had 16 off the bench despite having a broken finger and the Rams’ win cemented them as one of the best teams in the nation, catapulting them up the AP Top 25.

Scott himself had his own storyline, claiming bragging rights over his brother, who used to play at Colorado. While Scott couldn’t

get his brother in any CSU gear, he did have to post a “Go Rams” on social media.

Climbing to the program’s highest ranking in history

Shortly after the Rams beat Colorado, they traveled to Las Vegas and beat Washington, making CSU climb up to No. 13 in the AP Top 25.

Behind the greatest player to ever grace the floor for CSU and the players who fit perfectly alongside him, CSU swept the nation off its feet.

For a team that had gone 1518 in its previous season, the type of turnaround they had in nonconference games seemed unfathomable at the beginning of the season.

Stevens cements himself as GOAT

Not that there were really any doubters prior to the LMU game, but in their nine-point win, Stevens slammed the door shut on any arguments that he wasn’t the greatest.

Surpassing Pat Durham as CSU’s all-time leading scorer on top of already being the all-time assist leader truly shed light on

how special of an offensive talent Stevens is.

Stevens became the only player in men’s basketball history to score 2,000 points just two games later.

After being pulled against Adams State University with 1,999 points, Stevens finally surpassed the 2,000 mark at the start of conference play with a win over New Mexico.

Rams complete improbable comeback against Air Force

Moby magic.

With the game seemingly out of hand and waiting on a miracle, the Rams trapped Air Force in the backcourt and forced a turnover, which led to a Stevens-to-Clifford fast-break dunk.

The game seemed out of hand for CSU with AFA hitting every shot, but the miracle comeback capped off by a dominant overtime performance cemented this game as one of the special moments of the season.

The kickball game

After a heartbreaking loss against Wyoming, the Rams came home and beat the NCAA champion runner-up San Diego State.

After a dominant performance by Scott, Clifford and Stevens, the Rams’ locker room that seemed

like they had hit rock bottom proved just how good their chemistry and togetherness are in the face of adversity.

Coach Niko Medved gave the team two options after the Wyoming loss: either to come together and bounce back or to splinter. The Rams chose the obvious, and with it came one of the best storylines of the season.

The team played a simple game of kickball, allowing it to take their minds off the gut-wrenching loss and help them move forward and prove why they were among the teams on top of the Mountain West with their win over SDSU.

Going back to the NCAA tournament

Something fans haven’t been accustomed to pre-Medved has been making it to the NCAA tournament, only doing so three times between 2000 and 2018, when Medved was hired.

Since then, CSU has made two, including winning against Virginia for the first tournament win for the program since 2013. Although it had to end, the Rams had a season to remember and sent off Stevens — and all of the other seniors — on the biggest stage in college basketball.

Reach Damon Cook at sports @collegian.com.

Thursday, March 28, 2024 Collegian.com 20

BALLER HIGHLIGHTS

Colorado State University guard Isaiah Stevens dribbles the ball at the top of the arc against The University of Texas at Austin in the NCAA tournament March 21. CSU lost 56-44. PHOTO BY DAMON COOK THE COLLEGIAN

Theory of epigenetic trauma explores impact of historical racism

By Hania Nini @hanianini123

Trauma scars leave an eternal mark that goes beyond superficial traits. For African Americans, historical racism profoundly shapes the health of future generations.

The theory of epigenetic trauma proposes that this stress can alter survivors’ core genes. The enduring effects of historical

trauma, such as systemic racism, institutional oppression and intergenerational poverty, add to biological issues. These injustices continue to impact African American communities across generations, influencing not just individual experiences but also social and economic disparities.

“Institutional racism and historical trauma from slavery have significantly impacted African Americans’ mental health

outcomes,” said Ernest Chavez, a professor in the Colorado State University psychology department.

However, Chavez cautioned against oversimplifying the correlation between stress- and trauma-related epigenetic changes, emphasizing the complexity of the two.

“Epigenetic modifications due to generational trauma is first a theory, which means that we don’t have hard evidence that genetic structures are modified due to historical trauma,” Chavez said.

While acknowledging the existence of models, such as the one presented in “Biological pathways for historical trauma to affect health: A conceptual model focusing on epigenetic modifications” by Andie Kealohi Sato Conching and Zaneta Thayer, Chavez emphasized the necessity for hard data that connects historical trauma to genetic structures.

Chavez added that historical trauma and persistent stress, such as racism, can affect a newborn’s development and raise the risk of health problems.

“It is clear that if individuals have suffered ongoing stress through

historical trauma such as ongoing racism, this can impact the neonatal development and therefore increase the likelihood of health issues,”Chavez said. “While epigenetic changes are plausible, we must also consider the profound socioemotional impacts of historical traumas like racism.”

In addition to this discussion, Ray Black, an assistant professor of ethnic studies who specializes in African American studies, highlighted through his research how historical trauma and institutional racism begin to affect African American children as early as their elementary school years.

In “Who Is the One Being Disrespectful? Understanding and Deconstructing the Criminalization of Elementary School Boys of Color,” Vincent Basile, Adam York and Black explore the structural problems boys of color encounter in learning environments. Black emphasized that harsh reality in his research article.

“Boys of color have been and continue to be hypercriminalized, disproportionately policed and overly punished in schools,” the paper reads.

Chavez echoed Black’s emphasis on systemic biases in disciplinary systems, highlighting the connection between socioeconomic factors and mental health outcomes in African American communities. He emphasized how persistent racism has a severe negative influence on people’s physical and mental health, especially in kids.

“It is clear that there is a direct impact of racism on the socioemotional development of children,” Chavez said.

In addressing the existing challenges in understanding and studying epigenetic trauma in minority populations, Chavez noted that the majority of direct human research has been conducted on animals.

“There is limited direct work done with humans,” Chavez said. “However, we do know that ongoing and persistent racism impacts health, creates stress and impacts psychological well-being.”

Read the full version of this article at collegian.com.

Reach Hania Nini at science @collegian.com.

@CSUCollegian Thursday, March 28, 2024 21

TRANSGENERATIONAL SCARS

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY TRIN BONNER THE COLLEGIAN

Overlooked woman scientist revealed climate breakthrough in 1856

By Lizzy Rylance @csucollegian

In 1856, a woman named Eunice Newton Foote became the first person to demonstrate the greenhouse gas effect, a foundational discovery in the understanding of climate science. Despite her groundbreaking work, Foote’s research remained forgotten and overshadowed for over 150 years.

In the early 19th century, women in the United States rarely had access to formal education — much less the opportunity to pursue science, which was thought to be men’s domain. Nonetheless, a growing group of defiant women was challenging this stereotype.

One of these women was Foote, who attended the first school to provide women with an education comparable to that of men.

At the time, there was a lot of buzz in the scientific community around understanding the properties of Earth’s atmosphere. To this end, Foote wanted to investigate how different atmospheric gases trap heat.

Her experimental design was simple yet elegant: She arranged multiple glass cylinders, each containing a thermometer, and filled them with different mixtures of gasses. One was filled with common air, representing the typical composition of gases in the atmosphere — around 78.08% nitrogen and 20.95% oxygen. The other cylinders contained different gases, including one filled with pure carbon dioxide. Then, she placed the cylinders into direct sunlight to heat up.

Notably, Foote found that the carbon dioxide cylinder became 20 degrees Celsius warmer than the cylinder filled with regular air. It also cooled down much more slowly once moved into the shade.

Foote recognized the implications of these findings. In her 1856 research report, she wrote that “an atmosphere of that gas would give to our Earth a high temperature,” accurately inferring the potential for atmospheric carbon dioxide to warm the planet.

In the century that followed, this became known as the greenhouse

gas effect: the idea that certain gases in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, trap heat near the Earth’s surface. It is now widely recognized that greenhouse gases emitted by human activities are the main cause of global warming and climate change.

Back in 1856, Foote’s results had only a brief stint in the spotlight. Although her report was shared at a well-known scientific conference and published in the American Journal of Science and Arts, it failed to generate further attention or recognition.

Three years later, a man named John Tyndall conducted a very similar experiment. Tyndall, who received a world-class education in science and had access to some of the finest research facilities of the time, was able to conduct a much more technical experiment. This allowed him to demonstrate the exact mechanism behind the greenhouse gas effect, which Foote had been unable to do.

Tyndall’s work received widespread recognition and acclaim, while Foote’s work was entirely

forgotten until 2011, when it was rediscovered by a geologist. It is unknown whether Tyndall was aware of Foote’s experiments, though some speculate that he must have encountered her report during his time as an editor for a prominent science journal.

In any case, Foote eventually gave up her scientific endeavors and instead focused her attention on campaigning for women’s rights.

The field of climate science has, of course, shifted significantly in the last 150 years, and there are many women currently leading groundbreaking research. Still, even today, the path for women in STEM is often not an easy one.

As an undergraduate studying climate science, Melissa Burt said she was often the only woman or person of color in her classes.

“I started having this sense that maybe this was a field that was not for me because I just had no selfidentity or a sense of belonging within those spaces,” Burt said.

Burt said a pivotal moment came when a mentor encouraged her to join a climate program tailored for

“It takes a lot of different people who think a lot of different ways to solve hard problems.”

ELIZABETH BARNES ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES

PROFESSOR

students in STEM who come from underrepresented backgrounds.

One of the key takeaways was that representation matters. It is critical for students in STEM to have role models who they can emulate and lean on for support.

Burt is now an associate professor of atmospheric science at Colorado State University and the associate dean for diversity and inclusion in the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering. As part of her research, Burt studies methods for improving diversity and equity within the field of atmospheric science.

“Being one of those people for future generations is something that’s really important to me,” Burt said.

Elizabeth Barnes is another professor in the department of atmospheric science at CSU. She said the field was fairly male dominated when she was starting out, and she struggled to find women role models who could relate to her experiences.

Barnes said during those days, she was often worried about taking risks and challenging the status quo.

Over time, however, Barnes said she realized new and unique perspectives are a vital part of scientific progress.

“It takes a lot of different people who think a lot of different ways to solve hard problems,” Barnes said.

Now she views her originality as a fundamental strength and hopes the students she mentors will embrace this mindset as well, Barnes said.

“I can confidently tell my students, ‘I’m so happy we don’t think like everybody else, and I’m so happy they don’t think like us,’” Barnes said. “If we all try to approach these hard problems the exact same way, we’re not going to make it very far.”

Reach Lizzy Rylance at science@collegian.com.

Thursday, March 28, 2024 Collegian.com 22

MILESTONE RESEARCH

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY TRIN BONNER THE COLLEGIAN

Old Town’s new hot sauce hot spot fulfills dreams

By Sophie Webb @csucollegian

As locals walk through Old Town, there are destinations most are familiar with, such as the Old Town Spice Shop, Rocket Fizz and Aggie Theatre, but one new business is gaining popularity: The Hot Sauce Realm.

This new store features over 250 types of hot sauce, vinyls, vintage clothing and a monthly display from local artists. This obscure store has been renting the space since July 2023 and just signed a two-year lease.

“A goal is to be a destination where people come from out of town to come to our shop specifically because we have items that you’re not going to be able to find in your normal grocery stores,” said Ashley Ruffer, co-owner of The Hot Sauce Realm.

Ashley Ruffer took her love of hot sauce and combined it with her husband Errin Ruffer’s love of vinyls and vintage clothing and made the new eclectic destination in Old Town.

“When I was in high school back in Michigan, there was a little Mexican restaurant where you could go in, and they had a wall over 100 different hot sauces,” Ashley Ruffer said. “If you made it through, you got a T-shirt, and it was just one of the most exciting things for me.”

During the pandemic, the Ruffers wanted to support local hot

sauce businesses, and they realized along the way they could make their own business out of it.

“Accomplishing my own dream is unbelievable, and then being able to share that dream in a different capacity but in the same space with my husband is even more special.”

ASHLEY RUFFER THE HOT SAUCE REALM CO-OWNER

“We had stands inside of five different existing businesses all over town,” Ashley Ruffer said.

Now that they have rented their own space on South College Avenue, the Ruffers are more focused on their growing business.

“We’re really working hard on getting the best products that we can possibly get in and the most that we can fit on the shelves,” Ashley Ruffer said.

Once customers walk into the back half of the store, they are greeted with vinyls lining the wall and vintage clothing hung on racks — Errin Ruffer’s dream.

“I’ve been buying vintage clothing since I was 16 years old and have never stopped,” Errin Ruffer said. “I had a dream of opening my own vintage clothing shop in California, and (I) ended up selling over 3,000 vintage clothes on eBay but was never able to open my own shop till now.”

Errin Ruffer also loved to buy vinyls of bands he had never even heard of.

“I built up my collection of over 7,000 records while I was living in California, but up until our shop, I’ve never sold any records,” Errin Ruffer said.

Together, Ashley and Errin Ruffer are able to live out their dreams.

“Accomplishing my own dream is unbelievable, and then being able to share that dream in a different capacity but in the same space with my husband is even more special,” Ashley Ruffer said.

Currently, they are featuring the art of store employee and local artist Izzy Beesley along their walls.

“We knew that we wanted to really focus on supporting local artists in the community with the small but blank walls that we have in there,” Ashley Ruffer said. “We are really big on supporting small businesses.”

The couple said they hope to soon start filtering out different artists with each month, but Beesley has been the current talent occupying the walls for the past two months.

“From day one, (the Ruffers) were just very supportive of my artwork and what I wanted to do within the community with that and getting it out there,” Beesley said.

For as long as she can remember, Beesley has been a creative spirit.

“My mom says that ever since I’ve been old enough to hold a Sharpie in my hand, I’ve been Sharpieing on anything and everything,” Beesley said. “I like to call myself a creative rather than an artist, so as much as I love to paint and draw, I really like making jewelry as well.”

She also works with resin, mixing with the flowers in her garden and some macrame, but her dream is to one day paint one of the pianos around Old Town.

Beesley also helps The Hot Sauce Realm in designing signs and other small creative tasks around the store.

“(There are) nothing but great things about The Hot Sauce Realm,” Beesley said. “The people that run it are just amazing, amazing people who deserve everything good in the world.”

Reach Sophie Webb at entertainment@collegian.com.

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA NORDSTROM THE COLLEGIAN

@CSUCollegian Thursday, March 28, 2024 23

FAMILY BUSINESS

Izzy Beesley, an employee at The Hot Sauce Realm, restocks hot sauce March 20. Beesley said she feels like she works with the owners rather than for them. “I’ve enjoyed seeing how this business has grown,” she said.

‘Dune: Part Two’ intrigues viewers with visuals, storyline

By Riley Paling @rileypaling

“Dune: Part Two” is the best movie that has been released in a long time. The acting and visuals left the audience speechless.

“The facet of ‘Dune: Part Two’ that stands out the most is the cinematography. This movie’s visual performance combined with the impressive special effects creates a remarkable and fully immersive world.”

This sci-fi movie can be ranked with some of the best movies of all time, such as “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Blade Runner.”

The plot of “Dune: Part One” was lacking in many aspects. It seemed like something was about to happen the entire time, but it never did. Comparatively, “Dune: Part Two” had a well-thought-out storyline

and picked up beautifully right from the end of the first film.

“Dune: Part Two” is the mythical journey of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he unites with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen while on a warpath of vengeance against the traitors who killed his family. The film portrays the struggles Paul must face between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe as he tries to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

The facet of “Dune: Part Two” that stands out the most is the cinematography. This movie’s visual performance, combined with the complex special effects, creates a remarkable and fully immersive world. The movie is nearly three hours of exceptional scifi wonder that should be seen on the biggest screen possible.

“Dune: Part One” and “Dune: Part Two” are a continuous adaption of the book series “Dune,” written by Frank Herbert, which consists of 23 books.

“Dune: Part One” is based on half of the first book in the series, and “Dune: Part Two” covers the second half. This indirectly tells the audience there will be a “Dune: Part Three.”

However, the director, Denis Villeneuve, said he will not go past a third movie and is only planning on releasing “Dune: Part Three” if it surpasses “Dune: Part Two” in quality.

“Dune: Part Two” was an overwhelmingly immersive movie; the cinematography and sheer ambiance of the environment do more alone than a 3D movie ever could.

The extensive, beautiful desert landscapes — all the way to the futuristic cities and alien bodies — make this movie breathtaking. Villeneuve’s obvious attention to detail exhibits wonders in every frame.

Not only are the visual aspects impressive, but the martial arts scenes will convince you to get back in the gym. The out-ofnowhere, midair barrel roll is jaw-dropping, honestly. Any other reaction is truly insufficient.

Let’s not forget about the love triangle from the heavens between Chani, Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) and Paul.

Throughout the movie, Paul lets everybody else believe he is their messiah while simultaneously denying it, perfectly displaying his talent on screen.

After every impactful scene in the movie, it seemed like it was about to end, but then it kept going. The crafting of the last 45 minutes of the film — between the cinematography and the soundtrack — made the viewer believe the movie was over, constantly leaving them on their toes.

Reach Riley Paling at entertainment@collegian.com.

MOVIE REVIEW

‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ delights audiences with nostalgia, humor

By Hannah Parcells @hannahparcells

“Kung Fu Panda 4” takes viewers on yet another funny and endearing adventure featuring everyone’s favorite panda, the Dragon Warrior, and an hour and a half of beautifully animated visuals.

The fourth installment in the beloved animated movie series from DreamWorks Animation, “Kung Fu Panda 4” was released March 8, eight years after the third movie, and was directed by Mike Mitchell and Stephanie Stine.

Jack Black returned to voice the hero of the story, Po, as he sets out to avoid his responsibilities. No, seriously, that’s the plot.

Surprisingly, the story still manages to unravel into a sentimental story full of important lessons anyone can and should take away from their time in the theater. Alongside the heartfelt story, there are still copious amounts of fun and humor that audiences have come to expect from the series.

The movie starts with Po in his prime, settled in as the Dragon Warrior and balancing protecting the Valley of Peace with being a supportive and helpful son in his father’s restaurant.

Of course, there wouldn’t be a movie without this normalcy giving way to adventure, and give way it does.

Our story truly starts when Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), the perpetually frustrated kung fu master

who has been responsible for training Po since the very beginning, informs Po that the time has come for him to pass the torch onto a new Dragon Warrior and step into the role of Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.

“Given that the original ‘Kung Fu Panda’ came out in 2008, plenty of us who were the primary audience of that movie can now heavily relate to the themes of change and growth in the latest installment.”

Po reacts to this news in his usual going-againstthe-grain way and basically says, “OK, but what if instead, everything stayed exactly the same?”

When it’s made clear that this isn’t really an option, Po decides to go on one last epic adventure.

He meets a quick and wry corsac fox named Zhen (Awkwafina) as she’s attempting to steal priceless artifacts. Together, the unlikely duo journeys across the realm to find and stop the villain of the story, The Chameleon (Viola Davis), a shapeshifting sorceress who plans to bring all of Po’s former foes back from the spirit realm in order to defeat him and take over the world.

Though the conflict between Po and The Chameleon feels underdeveloped and slightly rushed, one could argue that this isn’t the true conflict of this movie.

Given that the original “Kung Fu Panda” came out in 2008, plenty of us who were the primary audience of that movie can now heavily relate to the themes of change and growth in the latest installment.

Po spends the entirety of the movie coming to terms with the fact that it’s time for him to move on and step into the next phase of his life — a conflict that felt so familiar, one has to wonder if the movie was made with those of us who grew up with the franchise in mind.

Sentimental themes and the all-too-realistic journey of self-discovery aside, there are still plenty of hilarious lines and moments to enjoy, and the characters truly do shine.

The Chameleon is still an intriguing and unique villain, which is unsurprising given that everything Davis touches turns to gold.

Zhen is a complex and fun new character to watch throughout her journey, and Po and Shifu are the very same characters we all fell in love with 16 years ago.

The animation is beautifully done and is truly a credit to the craft, as one can’t help but fall in love with the wide, detailed city scenes and the eerily stunning transformations of The Chameleon.

At the end of the day, the film felt like a fitting ending to Po’s story and is sure to bring a smile to the face of anyone who watches it.

Reach Hannah Parcells at entertainment@collegian.com.

Thursday, March 28, 2024 Collegian.com 24

MOVIE REVIEW

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY MADELYN HENDRICKS THE COLLEGIAN

Public transportation is actually more fun than you think

By Hana Pavelko @hanasolo13

Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.

College is supposed to be full of new journeys to embark on, new friends

to make, new classes to take and new clubs to join. Colorado State University has so many opportunities students can take advantage of during their time here. For many, being here and attending college is their first time away from home, and the newfound independence can be liberating. However, many firstyear college students do

not end up bringing a car with them, which can be a hindrance to their ability to truly embrace their independence. Even I thought not having a car for a year would make it hard to do anything off campus and get anywhere without getting an Uber or asking a friend for a ride.

Without a car, you have to look for other transportation options, the most obvious alternative being public transportation. When I found out Fort Collins actually had a really nice bus system, I was a little nervous to use it for the first time, especially by myself. It was nervewracking when I stood at the bus stop waiting for my ride; however, I soon found out that my fears were all for nothing.

Although I was originally nervous about accidentally getting off at the wrong stop or getting on the wrong bus entirely,

I found that riding the bus was relatively easy. With a little bit of research to make sure I was taking the right bus to get to where I wanted to go, I was relatively confident that I would not get lost on my journey. Taking the bus is a fairly simple process, and I felt silly for having worried so much.

Riding the bus has actually become one of my favorite experiences in college. The bus drivers are always kind, offering you a smile whenever you get on, and the passengers are sure to thank them and wish them a good day when they get off.

Taking the bus is like finding another community of your own outside of your classes. While you all have your own destination, you are all traveling on the same route. It gives you an odd sense of camaraderie as you go along your way with the other passengers.

It offers a nice change of pace from a solitary trip in your car.

Public transportation also teaches you important skills such as time management and scheduling. You have to ensure that you are at the bus stop at the right time and make sure you allow yourself enough time to get to your destination. It is a great introductory step into the world of being an independent college student.

While the idea of taking the bus might at first feel scary, give it a try. College is for new experiences and stepping out of your comfort zone, and taking the bus is a nice first step. It might just end up being your new favorite mode of transportation.

But seriously, make sure you get on the right bus.

Reach Hana Pavelko at letters@collegian.com.

Thursday, March 28, 2024 Collegian.com 25

COLUMNIST

COLLEGIAN

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ELI CROCKER THE COLLEGIAN

Yes, you should care about

ASCSU elections, local democracy

By Allie Seibel @allie_seibel_

Dear readers, “Democracy” is a multi-faceted, complex word that oftentimes becomes a hot button in national politics. It can sometimes be seen as controversial, damaged or convoluted, but it is without a doubt a pillar of the decision-making process in our country, state, city and campus.

Colorado State University’s thematic Year of Democracy has sought to bring the democratic process to students on campus, in part in preparation for the highly anticipated national election coming in the fall. As many in our age group face their first opportunity to vote in a national election, educated voters and engaged citizens are crucial to making an informed decision on the ballot.

But the United States presidential election is far from the only stage where democracy and the civic process are important. In fact, local democracy impacts citizens — real people like you and me — just as much, if not more, than national democracy.

This means that the low voter turnout for things like city council and student government elections is detrimental to our communities and the changes we wish to see.

April 1-3, students will get the opportunity to vote through RAMweb for next year’s Associated Students of Colorado State University leaders. And yes, you should care very much about the candidates and the policies and changes they plan to bring to campus.

ASCSU oversees the allocation of $57 million in student fee money each year. That includes the $933 each student pays per semester in general fees, which increase almost annually. This money helps fund almost every registered student organization on campus: Greek life, a contract with Rocky Mountain Student Media, the CSU Health Network’s wellness programs, the LSC events, Athletics operations and the Student Diversity Programs and Services office through the Board of Student Organization Funding and the Student Fee Review Board.

ASCSU has almost $1 million to spend on its own projects approved by the senate. They fund the Rams Against Hunger food pantry, bring campus traditions like Grill the Buffs to students and put forth legislation at the state level. If they serve their mission correctly, there is not a student on campus who has not been impacted by the money they have to spend.

However, that is only when everything goes right. ASCSU has received many criticisms: financial

irresponsibility, infighting, drama and posturing among them. The access to $57 million and the burden of representing the students of CSU at the local and state levels are large responsibilities for students in their early 20s, on average. ASCSU members of the senate, judicial and executive branches represent every college and SDPS office and have probably attended a class in your home department.

As we continue through this year’s campaign season, I know it is easy to want to avoid the colorful and noisy tables of campaigns on The Plaza. I bet you’re probably tired of seeing campaign posts on social media. I’m sure you’ve probably wondered why you should even care about a few students vying for what might seem like a pretend position.

The decision of who should be in office representing students at ASCSU is the closest Rams can come to having a say in how CSU is run.

Not only are these candidates ultimately the ones responsible for making sure that your nearly $1,000 in student fees are spent correctly, but they are also responsible for making sure the CSU administration hears our voices and the changes we seek.

In 2019, a record 26.6% of students voted in the ASCSU election. In 2022, only 6.17% did. That staggeringly small percentage equates to only 1,854 students

voting. The election in 2023 saw a higher turnout, with 14.49% of students voting. Still, with CSU’s enrollment hovering around 33,400, 14.49% of the student body equates to only around 4,800.

Therefore, it doesn’t take too many student votes to elect a leader, which is why it is imperative students learn about their candidates and cast a well-informed ballot.

The capacity of Moby Arena is 8,083, and Moby has frequently sold out this year for basketball and volleyball games. If every student at a sold-out game in Moby voted, real change could be enacted on this campus, and student leaders could be elected with confidence.

So whether you’re a senior or a first-year, The Collegian implores you to educate yourself on the candidates and cast your vote. Each student on this campus is impacted by the decision of an election in which less than 15% cast ballots. The future of student perspectives at CSU is in our hands as voters in the ASCSU election, and we urge you to utilize the voter resources in this edition and cast your vote.

Respectfully,

Allie Seibel, editor in chief Reach Allie Seibel at letters @collegian.com.

@CSUCollegian Thursday, March 28, 2024 26

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY TRIN BONNER THE COLLEGIAN By Emma Souza @_emmasouza

National election stigmas challenge ASCSU elections

Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.

Voting works because people think it matters.

To the diligent voter, having a voice in democracy is a privilege. They see voting as a form of selfexpression, advocacy or even an innate citizen responsibility. They believe their vote has an effect, and for that reason, they recognize the importance of participating in and contributing to the election outcome.

But a lot of people — especially Generation Z — do not think like this.

“While party affiliation is still important, many CSU issues are not as black and white as our national two-party system portrays them and thus require a wide variety of perspectives to resolve.”

In the 2020 election — which, keep in mind, had a record-high voting turnout — citizens 18-34 years old had the lowest turnout of all the age demographics at 57%.

“While party affiliation is still important, many CSU issues are not as black and white as our national twoparty system portrays them and thus require a wide variety of perspectives to resolve.”

Although this was an increase of 8 percentage points from the 2016 election, the fact that the U.S. collectively considers only half of youth voting as a success feels a little like a premature celebration, especially compared to the voter turnouts of other

countries, although the voting processes vary. Many other countries, as Pew Research points out, have automatic voter registration systems, which factor into the voting rates.

Some people wonder if it is an issue of accessibility. Maybe the youth don’t want to go through the process of registering. Maybe they don’t understand the necessity of voting, the privilege of having a voice. Maybe they don’t live close to any voting booths or have the resources to learn about elections or candidates.

But at Colorado State University and for Associated Students of CSU elections, none of these statements fully apply. Most of us live on or frequently go to CSU’s campus, where the ASCSU offices and members are. Come election season, we often see candidates pacing around outside the Lory Student Center, trying to gain a few stragglers who can support their campaign. But accessibility to learning about ASCSU certainly isn’t the issue — all the materials are right at our fingertips.

I believe that national election stigma is what hurts

ASCSU voter turnout the most — and by national election stigma, I mean applying all the tiresome things about national voting to ASCSU elections: traveling to a polling center, filling out long ballots, the political divide, endless debates between national parties and the whole voter registration process to begin with. A lot of voters also feel disconnected from the candidates at a national level because local issues are often overlooked.

I use the word stigma because the ASCSU voting process is much more accessible than national elections. For starters, you vote through RAMweb, the platform we as CSU students use for everything under the sun. You don’t need to commute, and you don’t need a blue or black pen; therefore, accessibility is much greater.

As for the political divide, all of ASCSU — despite each candidate’s party affiliation — is focused on campus-related issues pertaining to you, not pertaining to the betterment and domination of their political party. While party affiliation is still important,

many CSU issues are not as black and white as our national twoparty system portrays them and thus require a wide variety of perspectives to resolve.

Because the ASCSU election candidates are CSU students themselves, there is not as much room for disconnect between voter and candidate as in national elections. Not to say that you will like or approve of every candidate and the problems they want to combat, but applying national election conventions to campus elections falsifies the ASCSU election process. It’s a lot easier and more different than some may think.

Most current college students have only voted in a couple elections — prominently the 2020 presidential election, the 2022 midterms or a local election. And statistically, only about half of us probably voted when we could to begin with. It’s time that we change the narrative and become diligent voters who believe in the power of their own voices, and the ASCSU election is a perfect place to start.

Reach

Emma Souza at letters @collegian.com.

@CSUCollegian Thursday, March 28, 2024 27

COLLEGIAN COLUMNIST

BOX THE COLLEGIAN

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

PRESTON

RailJam Revival rejuvenates Rams

All

2 3

photos by Julia Percy & Ava Puglisi

Thursday, March 28, 2024 Collegian.com 28

2. Katie White soars over the rail at the RailJam Revival.

3 RailJam Revival competitors cheer on the skiers and boarders on the boxes and rails during the competition.

4. A CSU Snowriders volunteer fixes the course on the Lory Student Center West Lawn for the RailJam Revival.

5. Josh Chavez skis down the rail during the warmup opener section of the RailJam Revival.

6. Charlie Bancroft-Howard rides the rail during the men’s pro section of the RailJam Revival. Bancroft-Howard placed first in the men’s pro section of the competition.

7. Sawyer Suplizio sends a backward trick on the rail during the RailJam Revival.

1. Competitors in the Colorado State University RailJam Revival, held by the Associated Students of CSU, CSU Snowriders and Phi Kappa Theta, line up to do runs after the competition and before the snow melts March 21. 4 5 6 7

@CSUCollegian Thursday, March 28, 2024 29

Sudoku

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

By Abby Flores

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (03/28/24)

ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)

Tarot card: Seven of Crystals

You have the intuitive aardvark on your card.

Intently exploring his path, it knows how to choose the best route for travel. You are overcoming blocks and finding solutions easily right now

TAURUS (APRIL 20 - MAY 20)

Tarot card: The Traveller

The gazelle on your card symbolizes that you will have enlightened, spontaneous energy this week. You will want to go on adventures again. Follow your heart, and it will lead you to good health and prosperity.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 20)

Tarot card: Ten of Feathers

The snake is all about recovery and transformation. You are shedding negativity and making room for positive beginnings. As this metamorphosis happens, take some time for yourself to relax and reflect.

CANCER (JUNE 21 - JULY 22)

Tarot card: Ten of Crystals

You have a careful and methodical way of planning, which has always brought you long-term stability. The alligator on your card is helping you achieve creative goals. You are connected to Earth and will receive great random ideas this week.

LEO (JULY 23 - AUG. 22)

Tarot card: Eight of Shells

The starfish on your card is all about healing. You may have a lot of work to get done, but don’t ignore your needs in the process. Your health is important, and there are various ways to destress. A night out with friends may be the No. 1 thing you need to let loose.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEPT. 22)

Tarot card: Six of Acorns

A new hobby is on the rise for you. You may start putting time into it this week and realize how good making progress feels. You are attracting opportunities to showcase your skills in new environments. Success and recognition are on the way.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 - OCT. 22)

Tarot card: The Hermit Spring is a wonderful time for you, Libra. You’ve been feeling more present at home and have been keeping yourself busy with hobbies. The more you continue this, the better. You need to make time to be creative every day.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

Tarot card: Three of Feathers You may join a new social group or club that is going to help propel you forward. You are a leader, and people look up to you because you inspire change and motivation. The butterfly on your card symbolizes that you are

edition’s

putting a lot of work toward healing your inner child.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

Tarot card: Temperance You’re completely concentrating on your career and financial goals at this time. As boring as this may sound, you may actually see progress in how you’re living life. You are making the changes necessary in order to feel stable. The zebra on your card symbolizes balance, and that is the energy you need to embrace this week.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

Tarot card: The Sun You will feel as light as a hummingbird this week. You have a lot of energy and are ready to move forward with it. This week will be good for exercising and creating things. Expect random financial blessings from the universe.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

Tarot card: Four of Shells You are reevaluating a couple things in your life right now. Whether it’s relationships, work or school, you are trying to heal yourself in order to fulfill these things with an open heart. People appreciate you and see the hard work you’ve been putting in.

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MARCH 20)

Tarot card: Five of Acorns The cheetah on your card symbolizes how confident you are right now. You feel like doing social activities with friends and tackling your to-do list. People see your shift in energy and feel. inspired to grow. Keep up the good work.

Thursday, March 28, 2024 Collegian.com 30

Last edition’s crossword solution

COMIC ILLUSTRATION BY TRIN BONNER @GAUCHE.GALAXY

Last sudoku solution

final, at law

7 Singer DiFranco

8 Flapdoodle

9 Fencing words

10 Mischievous

11 Ring unit

12 Sleeper’s woe

13 Camel hair fabric

17 Panache

22 ___ Tunas, Cuba

24 Dawn goddess

25 Heat releasers

26 Radial, e.g.

27 John, in Wales

28 Riviera city

29 Goes for the gold?

31 Carried on

32 Fast

33 Ballyshannon’s river

34 Salacious glance

36 Mortise joint

37 Charred

39 Muslim leaders

40 Old French coin

41 Kind of beetle

42 Learning style

43 Rapscallion

44 Garden tool

45 Kind of wheel

46 Broad valleys

48 On pins and needles

50 Saab model

51 Sign of secrecy

52 Stout relative

55 Genetic material

56 Old Chinese dynasty

OVERHEARD AROUND CAMPUS

“The Gay Straight Alliance?” “No, the TSA.”

“I think someone has custody over my brain cells.”

“It’s a feather-resistant chicken.”

“Someone has to, like, die to get an extension in this class.” “I could arrange that.”

Have you overheard something funny on campus? Put your eavesdropping to good use. Tweet us @CSUCollegian and your submissions could be featured in our next paper!

The University of Texas at Austin

Delayed flights

Incorrect answer keys

Black ice

12-page research papers

Chappell Roan’s Tiny Desk Concert

The full worm moon

Dutch Bros

Flower crowns

Feeding squirrels

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NOPE DOPE COMIC ILLUSTRATION BY TRIN BONNER @GAUCHE.GALAXY @CSUCollegian Thursday, March 28, 2024 31

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Thursday, March 29, 2024 Vol. 133 No. 26

FORT COLLINS FOCUS

THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN

ASCSU ELECTIONS SPECIAL EDITION

TOP STORIES TOP STORIES

FOCO EVENTS FOCO EVENTS

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

EDITORIAL STAFF

Amy Parsons, legal experts speak on 1st Amendment in higher education

New ranked voting system implemented for ASCSU elections

Presidential, VP candidates Nick DeSalvo, Braxton Dietz

ASCSU/student relationship, ASCSU future goals

Presidential, VP candidates Claudia Paraiso, Ava Ayala

ASCSU/student relationship, ASCSU future goals

Presidential, VP candidates Jorja Whyte, Leticia Madrigal-Tapia

Speaker of senate candidate Enock Monanti

Speaker of senate candidate Hayden Taylor

Presidential debate intensifies campaign season

Speaker of senate candidates debate policy ahead of elections

International 5K Color Run celebrates Indian heritage

CSU experiences RailJam for 1st time in 15 years

Ryan Sallans speaks on journey as transgender man

Organic Wines

Colorado State football springs toward new season

Unwavering support leads to success for CSU triathlon club

Sponsored Content

Looking back at best moments from CSU men’s basketball season

The Hall of Fame Classic

Beating Colorado

Climbing to the program’s highest ranking in history

The kickball game

Going back to the NCAA tournament

Theory of epigenetic trauma explores impact of historical racism

Overlooked woman scientist revealed climate breakthrough in 1856

Old Town’s new hot sauce hot spot fulfills dreams

‘Dune: Part Two’ intrigues viewers with visuals, storyline

MOVIE REVIEW

‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ delights audiences with nostalgia, humor

Public transportation is actually more fun than you think

Yes, you should care about

ASCSU elections, local democracy

National election stigmas challenge ASCSU elections

RailJam Revival rejuvenates Rams

Sudoku

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

OVERHEARD AROUND CAMPUS