Edition 63, Issue 10 Wednesday, March 27, 2019
thenortherner.com @northernermedia Page 3
Student Government Association Debate 2019
Page 4 & 5
Ashish Vaidya to be installed as sixth NKU president
Page 6
Hold on to your wallet: tuition, parking, housing rates rise
Page 7
Column: Norse MBB fans have lot to be proud of
ASHISH VAIDYA
NKU INSTALLS SIXTH PRESIDENT READ MORE PAGE 4 & 5
PHOTO BY COLIN JOHNSON
02 Happenings
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
NORTHERNER STAFF
WWW.THENORTHERNER.COM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sam Rosenstiel [rosensties1@mymail.nku.edu] MANAGING EDITOR Nicole Browning [browningn30@gmail.com] NEWS EDITOR Natalie Hamren [hamrenn1@mymail.nku.edu] ASST. NEWS EDITOR Josh Goad [goadj2@mymail.nku.edu] ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Josh Kelly [kellyjoshual17@gmail.com] ASST. ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Kane Mitten [mittenm1@mymail.nku.edu] SPORTS EDITOR Sierra Newton [newtons3@mymail.nku.edu] PHOTO EDITOR Colin Johnson [johnsonphotography6626@gmail.com]
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WHAT TO DO Check out the hottest campus happenings and can’t-miss events in Greater Cincinnati.
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OPENING DAY FESTIVITIES | CINCINNATI | 9 A.M. - 4 P.M. Thursday is Opening Day, or Cincinnati’s biggest holiday. Businesses throughout the city will be hosting special events throughout the day. Stop at Findlay Market in the morning for a special breakfast, then view the annual parade that goes from OTR past downtown and Fountain Square and ends in front of Taft Theatre. Next, head to The Banks for a block party celebrating the beginning of the season. During the game and later at night, Rosedale OTR is having several half-price drink specials. THE PUBLIC: CINCINNATI PREMIERE | MARCH 29 | TAFT THEATRE | $40 | 6 P.M. Travel to Taft Theatre to see the newest movie filmed here in Cincinnati. The Public is about a group of homeless people who refuse to leave the public library after public shelters fill up when a brutal cold front hits Cincinnati. The film sports an ensemble cast of Alec Baldwin, Christian Slater, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright, Rhymefest, Michael K. Williams, Gabrielle Union, and Emilio Estevez, who also wrote and directed the film. There will be a red carpet premiere with the stars and a discussion with Estevez and Rhymefest following the film’s premiere. FC CINCINNATI VS. PHILADELPHIA UNION | MARCH 30 | NIPPERT STADIUM | 7:30 P.M. FC Cincinnati continues to storm through Major League Soccer with a vengeance. The team is currently second in the MLS Eastern Conference with a record of 2-1-1 in their inaugural season, and take on the currently eighth place Philadelphia Union at home. Make it your goal to slide down to Nippert Stadium for a game you won’t want to miss.
What you missed at SGA March 25 Billy Keeney COPY EDITOR
Chick-fil-A out, Panda Express in
to conduct research, by allocating money to meet the continuing cost of items required by the library. Director of NKU Business Operations and Auxiliary After going through corrections and amendments, Services, Andy Meeks, started off this week’s meeting the resolution was called to a vote where it passed by sharing a report on what he referred to as the unanimously. “Chick-fil-A dilemma.” “We would not be interested in having Chick-fil-A Amending the SGA constitution on campus,” said Meeks. According to Meeks, a selection committee Chief Justice Travis Roy followed Lopez’s resolution unanimously voted against Chick-fil-A as a restaurant reading with a run through of his proposed to propose in the negotiation with Chartwells—the amendments to the SGA constitution. next option in line being Panda Express. The highlighted amendment focused on GPA requirements for SGA senators and justices to be Resolution promises funds for Steely Library increased from 2.0 to 2.25 and the requirement for the Executive Cabinet to be a 2.5. Committee Chairman of Academic Affairs Jarett “If we made [the GPA requirement] any higher, Lopez presented his second reading of his resolution many people here wouldn’t qualify,” said President emphasizing the need for more funds for Steely Library Hannah Edelen. databases. According to Roy, students need to be focused on “Databases provide a vital tool for student, faculty academics rather than student organizations. and staff research alike,” said Lopez. “A library should not be forced to reduce the number of academic Student Government Association meets Mondays at resources for its students due to underfunding.” 3:30 p.m. in SU 104. The resolution promises to ensure that students have access to tools necessary to excel academically, and
North Poll
Dr. Kimberly Code
Dr. Funda Gonulates
Professor Shannon Eastep
“They’re always ready to come to class and learn and try some new ideas. They’re the best.”
“I appreciate their hard work and always trying their best to balance their work time.
“I appreciate that my students have a genuine love for students, for kids.”
Elizabeth Cates REPORTER
In honor of Student Appreciation Day, what do you appreciate about your students?
Ed 63, Issue 10
Tuition D a d arate , jumps as housing, dining and B l uparking f o r d fees rise
News 06
win SGA presidential election Josh Goad ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
It just got slightly more expensive to attend NKU. The Board of Regents approved several rate increases, including a 2.8 percent tuition hike, for various goods and services on campus during their March 20 meeting, on par with market changes. In a recommendation for the 2019-2020 academic year, NKU Chief Financial Officer Mike Hales suggests a 2.8 percent tuition rate increase. “The rate increase, coupled with comprehensive student aid programs, will maintain student affordability while maintaining quality,” Regents Secretary Normand Desmarais told the board. This rate increase will be followed by a weighted average housing fee increase of 3.5 percent and a parking rate increase of 2.6 percent because of construction and renovation to lots over the next three to five years. Dining fees are proposed to increase by 3 percent which is in line with the “CPI Food Away From Home” index. The latest round of fee increases are not unlike last spring’s decision to raise parking, housing and dining for students. Data from NKU Board of Regents Materials, March 20, 2019. TABLES BY JOSH GOAD
News 05
04 News
DR. ASHISH VAIDYA: NKU INSTALLS SIXTH PRESIDENT
Josh Goad
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
Growing up, President Ashish Vaidya’s father was a successful engineer for the Indian government, and back in those days, it was assumed that to be a success you were either an engineer or a medical doctor. What was Vaidya’s childhood dream? Not medicine or engineering. His sights were set on the seat of Finance Minister of India—a position akin to the U.S. Secretary of Treasury. “Thankfully, my parents were actually very progressive and accommodating. They were like, ‘What is it that you want to study? What is it that you want to you want to do?’” Vaidya said. The Indian government moved Vaidya’s father and his family around the country. India, not unlike America, has cultures within its greater Indian culture. India has 29 different states and each one is unique, just like the 50 different states in the U.S. “My wife jokes with me that I have no roots because I grew up in different parts of India,” Vaidya said. “My father was in government services, so I was in
PHOTOS BY COLIN JOHNSON
the north, the south, the east and west, and everywhere—if you know a little bit about India, you would know that it’s very different.” Vaidya’s multiculturalism didn’t stop there, though. He said diversity was something deeply ingrained in him during his childhood, something that has guided him throughout his time in academia. “I think without knowing it, in many ways, I was absorbing the notion of difference and multiculturalism. But I think I was also appreciating it, because it was something that I both enjoyed, and in light, that you learn something when you interact with people that are different from you,” Vaidya said. As a child, Vaidya’s travels turned the novelty of foreignness into an appreciation and celebration of it. He traveled from India after getting his Master’s at St. Xavier University in Mumbai and traveled to California to continue his education at University of California, Davis. Vaidya stuck with academics and public higher education after getting his doctorate, as he believes education should
be accessible and that opportunities for the underserved should let them climb the social and economic hierarchy of America to achieve their dreams. “I think the more that I’ve been in the academy, and this started of course in California, was the notion that while there’s an appreciation for difference, not all the different groups that we encounter have the same opportunities as everybody else,” Vaidya said. He used California State University Channel Islands, where Vaidya served as dean of faculty, as an example of how a public college should function. It was placed in between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, in Ventura County, to serve a population that had no higher education options near them. This is a theme that has tied together the universities he has served; colleges in areas that don’t have much representation. After California State, he worked at St. Cloud State University as provost and
vice president of academic affairs. He eventually transitioned into an interim president role after the untimely death of the standing president, Earl H. Potter III. Just north of Minneapolis, the city of St. Cloud serves a population of around 68,000 citizens; Northern Kentucky is home to around 130,000 people, but is still in the same vein of small towns that lie just outside of metropolitan areas. St.Cloud State University has a rich history of serving a diverse student body, something Vaidya would inherit when he became interim president. He denies credit for making it diverse, as it had already been that way according to him. It took decades of intentional and inclusive leadership decisions to earn St. Cloud State the reputation of being an international institution. “From the very beginning, it became this notion that we would seek out international students and bring them here and make them feel welcome here, so
“I think without knowing it, in many ways, I was absorbing the notion of difference and multiculturalism. But I think I was also appreciating it, because it was something that I both enjoyed, and in light, that you learn something when you interact with people that are different from you.”
- Dr. Ashish Vaidya NKU’s sixth president
it sets a pipeline,” Vaidya said. “I inherited something that was pretty remarkable.” During his tenure at St. Cloud State, Vaidya encountered a growing population of Somali refugees in need of public higher education. To him, there was nothing more important than these students feeling welcomed as first-generation students. “Not only were they of African descent, but they also happen to be Muslim. The environment changed dramatically over the last few years, and many of the students felt somewhat concerned about their safety, their feeling of belonging with all the national rhetoric that we’re hearing,” Vaidya said. Student inclusiveness has become something close to Vaidya’s heart, but he doesn’t take credit for St. Cloud State’s success. The whole team took precautions to make sure the incoming Somali students felt comfortable in the foreign space of a university and Vaidya’s presence may have been a big part of that. “It was quite a revelation for me too— they clearly identified with me in a different way, because obviously, I was not
white. So they were like, ‘Okay, what is this president saying about the environment? What is he saying about whether they’re welcome or not?’” Vaidya said. This is something that Vaidya sees NKU doing, but there is always room for improvement. To him, a universities’ purpose is to serve the population of the region. Who knows where the next majority will be? “We have, I think, ample opportunity to attract more diverse learners to NKU both from around the region, but also around the country, around the world,” Vaidya said. Vaidya loved St. Cloud State, but he wanted to move into a more permanent presidential role and NKU provided the perfect opportunity for it. “I remember it being a very long and exhaustive process,” said Brent Cooper, president and CEO of NKY Chamber of Commerce and member of NKU’s presidential search committee. “When I first got on the committee I was a little apprehensive because it was such a broad committee with faculty, staff and
“He was the one person that we thought, what’s the word—not daring but bold—to take it to the next level.”
- David Bauer NKU staff regent, president of Staff Congress
community members. It was a pretty big group and it’s hard to get a consensus with a group of that size.” After receiving 30 applicants for the job that former president, Geoffrey Mearns, left in the hands of interim president Gerard St. Amand, the presidential search committee had a lot of people to interview and sift through. Then it was Vaidya’s turn to interview. “It was unanimous,” said David Bauer, staff regent and president of Staff Congress. “I think it was just the way he interviewed and the things he brought to the table. He was the one person that we thought, what’s the word—not daring but bold—to take it to the next level.” Bauer wanted someone who would stay and not use NKU as a stepping stone, a means to move up the administrative ladder. Cooper was also pleased when the committee selected Vaidya unanimously. “That really speaks to the quality of Dr.
Vaidya that the committee felt that strong about him,” Cooper said. “I’ve done a lot of things in my career and being on that committee is one that I am most proud of.” Now that Vaidya is NKU’s president, what has he done? With the Success by Design strategic framework, NKU wants to deliver “innovative, student-centered education and engages in impactful scholarly and creative endeavors, all of which empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives, while contributing to the economic, civic and social vitality of the region.” Vaidya has echoed this during every speech he’s given on the topic of a strategic framework for NKU’s future success. With the last forum ending on March 20, 2019, more is to come on this topic. For now, Vaidya is content with his summer travel plans to Alaska, a new adventure for him and his wife, Nita.
The investiture of Dr. Ashish K. Vaidya as NKU’s sixth president will be held March 29 at 2 p.m. in BB&T Arena.
News 05
04 News
DR. ASHISH VAIDYA: NKU INSTALLS SIXTH PRESIDENT
Josh Goad
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
Growing up, President Ashish Vaidya’s father was a successful engineer for the Indian government, and back in those days, it was assumed that to be a success you were either an engineer or a medical doctor. What was Vaidya’s childhood dream? Not medicine or engineering. His sights were set on the seat of Finance Minister of India—a position akin to the U.S. Secretary of Treasury. “Thankfully, my parents were actually very progressive and accommodating. They were like, ‘What is it that you want to study? What is it that you want to you want to do?’” Vaidya said. The Indian government moved Vaidya’s father and his family around the country. India, not unlike America, has cultures within its greater Indian culture. India has 29 different states and each one is unique, just like the 50 different states in the U.S. “My wife jokes with me that I have no roots because I grew up in different parts of India,” Vaidya said. “My father was in government services, so I was in
PHOTOS BY COLIN JOHNSON
the north, the south, the east and west, and everywhere—if you know a little bit about India, you would know that it’s very different.” Vaidya’s multiculturalism didn’t stop there, though. He said diversity was something deeply ingrained in him during his childhood, something that has guided him throughout his time in academia. “I think without knowing it, in many ways, I was absorbing the notion of difference and multiculturalism. But I think I was also appreciating it, because it was something that I both enjoyed, and in light, that you learn something when you interact with people that are different from you,” Vaidya said. As a child, Vaidya’s travels turned the novelty of foreignness into an appreciation and celebration of it. He traveled from India after getting his Master’s at St. Xavier University in Mumbai and traveled to California to continue his education at University of California, Davis. Vaidya stuck with academics and public higher education after getting his doctorate, as he believes education should
be accessible and that opportunities for the underserved should let them climb the social and economic hierarchy of America to achieve their dreams. “I think the more that I’ve been in the academy, and this started of course in California, was the notion that while there’s an appreciation for difference, not all the different groups that we encounter have the same opportunities as everybody else,” Vaidya said. He used California State University Channel Islands, where Vaidya served as dean of faculty, as an example of how a public college should function. It was placed in between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, in Ventura County, to serve a population that had no higher education options near them. This is a theme that has tied together the universities he has served; colleges in areas that don’t have much representation. After California State, he worked at St. Cloud State University as provost and
vice president of academic affairs. He eventually transitioned into an interim president role after the untimely death of the standing president, Earl H. Potter III. Just north of Minneapolis, the city of St. Cloud serves a population of around 68,000 citizens; Northern Kentucky is home to around 130,000 people, but is still in the same vein of small towns that lie just outside of metropolitan areas. St.Cloud State University has a rich history of serving a diverse student body, something Vaidya would inherit when he became interim president. He denies credit for making it diverse, as it had already been that way according to him. It took decades of intentional and inclusive leadership decisions to earn St. Cloud State the reputation of being an international institution. “From the very beginning, it became this notion that we would seek out international students and bring them here and make them feel welcome here, so
“I think without knowing it, in many ways, I was absorbing the notion of difference and multiculturalism. But I think I was also appreciating it, because it was something that I both enjoyed, and in light, that you learn something when you interact with people that are different from you.”
- Dr. Ashish Vaidya NKU’s sixth president
it sets a pipeline,” Vaidya said. “I inherited something that was pretty remarkable.” During his tenure at St. Cloud State, Vaidya encountered a growing population of Somali refugees in need of public higher education. To him, there was nothing more important than these students feeling welcomed as first-generation students. “Not only were they of African descent, but they also happen to be Muslim. The environment changed dramatically over the last few years, and many of the students felt somewhat concerned about their safety, their feeling of belonging with all the national rhetoric that we’re hearing,” Vaidya said. Student inclusiveness has become something close to Vaidya’s heart, but he doesn’t take credit for St. Cloud State’s success. The whole team took precautions to make sure the incoming Somali students felt comfortable in the foreign space of a university and Vaidya’s presence may have been a big part of that. “It was quite a revelation for me too— they clearly identified with me in a different way, because obviously, I was not
white. So they were like, ‘Okay, what is this president saying about the environment? What is he saying about whether they’re welcome or not?’” Vaidya said. This is something that Vaidya sees NKU doing, but there is always room for improvement. To him, a universities’ purpose is to serve the population of the region. Who knows where the next majority will be? “We have, I think, ample opportunity to attract more diverse learners to NKU both from around the region, but also around the country, around the world,” Vaidya said. Vaidya loved St. Cloud State, but he wanted to move into a more permanent presidential role and NKU provided the perfect opportunity for it. “I remember it being a very long and exhaustive process,” said Brent Cooper, president and CEO of NKY Chamber of Commerce and member of NKU’s presidential search committee. “When I first got on the committee I was a little apprehensive because it was such a broad committee with faculty, staff and
“He was the one person that we thought, what’s the word—not daring but bold—to take it to the next level.”
- David Bauer NKU staff regent, president of Staff Congress
community members. It was a pretty big group and it’s hard to get a consensus with a group of that size.” After receiving 30 applicants for the job that former president, Geoffrey Mearns, left in the hands of interim president Gerard St. Amand, the presidential search committee had a lot of people to interview and sift through. Then it was Vaidya’s turn to interview. “It was unanimous,” said David Bauer, staff regent and president of Staff Congress. “I think it was just the way he interviewed and the things he brought to the table. He was the one person that we thought, what’s the word—not daring but bold—to take it to the next level.” Bauer wanted someone who would stay and not use NKU as a stepping stone, a means to move up the administrative ladder. Cooper was also pleased when the committee selected Vaidya unanimously. “That really speaks to the quality of Dr.
Vaidya that the committee felt that strong about him,” Cooper said. “I’ve done a lot of things in my career and being on that committee is one that I am most proud of.” Now that Vaidya is NKU’s president, what has he done? With the Success by Design strategic framework, NKU wants to deliver “innovative, student-centered education and engages in impactful scholarly and creative endeavors, all of which empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives, while contributing to the economic, civic and social vitality of the region.” Vaidya has echoed this during every speech he’s given on the topic of a strategic framework for NKU’s future success. With the last forum ending on March 20, 2019, more is to come on this topic. For now, Vaidya is content with his summer travel plans to Alaska, a new adventure for him and his wife, Nita.
The investiture of Dr. Ashish K. Vaidya as NKU’s sixth president will be held March 29 at 2 p.m. in BB&T Arena.
06 News
D E B AT E 2 019
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
SGA presidential candidates on sexual assault, eco-initiatives, diversity and more
Sam Rosenstiel and Natalie Hamren EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, NEWS EDITOR
Candidates for NKU student body president and vice president stumped for their campaigns Wednesday night at The Northerner’s annual Student Government Association Presidential and Vice Presidential Debate. In front of student constituents, three tickets discussed university issues in the University Center ballroom. Campus sexual misconduct
Lexi Anderson, vice presidential candidate and student coordinator of Norse Violence Prevention, has worked directly with power-based violence, such as sexual assault, stalking and rape. She said the biggest problem she sees on campus is that on-campus resources are not being advertised enough “It’s super important, too, to realize how much this stuff actually happens and how big of a problem it actually is,” Anderson said. “We don’t really think about it that much because, maybe, we haven’t been put in that situation or someone that we know hasn’t.” Presidential candidate Janiah Miller, who is running with Anderson and previously served on the sexual assault student misconduct committee, wants students to be aware of resources available on campus, as well as opportunities to serve on these types of committees. Presidential candidate Trayonna Barnes organized “Hold That Weight,” an event in 2017 that allowed survivors and supporters to share their voices about sexual assault on campus. “I had it for sexual assault survivors on this campus so that they knew that they weren’t alone,” Barnes said. “There are offices that will stand behind you.” Her running mate Ethan Craig said he thinks sexual assault is an issue that affects everyone on campus. He is meeting with the vice provost to discuss changing Haven, the current online
training system for sexual violence for first-time freshmen. “[The new system is] not something you just click through,” Craig said. “It’s something that’s important to, not only us, but it should be important to everyone on campus.” Presidential candidate Jarett Lopez said sexual assault has been a problem on campus since his first year in fall 2016. “There needs to be a clear reaction from the NKU administration,” Lopez said. “There needs to be something that not only punishes the people who are responsible, but protects those who are involved.” His running mate Shelby Sanford said she would probably only feel comfortable reporting an incident to the same gender, and that others may feel the same way. “I think we have to have more diverse individuals at the top for people to report these things to because you have to feel comfortable and you have to relate with the person that you’re going to talk to,” Sanford said. Eco-friendly campus
Could solar panels top the newest campus residence hall? Sanford thinks it could be a viable solution to powering parts of University Housing. “If we could have our Housing buildings run on some form of solar energy— maybe not entirely but at least partially— that could reduce the carbon footprint of our campus immensely,” said Sanford, who, as a resident assistant, said she has had conversations about the new facility with Housing Director David Berland. Lopez said he is speaking with an environmental science student on a plan to up the amount of produce and meat served in NKU Dining from fairpractice, sustainable sources. Paper and plastic waste could be reduced, he said. Miller said more recycling signs and
zero-waste practices are a start, but educating students on the importance of waste reduction is paramount. “Without the educational aspect, people won’t really care,” Miller said. “I feel like oftentimes people throw whatever in recycle bins.” Miller also suggested there should be a community garden to combat student hunger, suggesting it would make up the gap where on-campus food pantry FUEL NKU falls short. There is a community garden at NKU located near the log cabin across from the former Honors House, which has partnered with Chartwells and is part of a collaboration with two other gardens by Callahan Hall and on Johns Hill Road. Students, faculty and community members are currently able to adopt a plot to grow their own food. Barnes agreed with Sanford that the new student body president should work with Housing: “they are here the most, they would know how people are dealing with [recycling].” She also agreed with Miller that eco-education is key: “we need to know the ‘why,’ why we are recycling.” Mental health, diversity services
Barnes and Craig promised before the debate on social media that one of their core values was pushing for better mental health on campus. They originally said on their Instagram account that they would dedicate two SGA meetings a year to “promote positive mental health” and explore ways for students to have more confidence in their university life. At the debate, Barnes elaborated on her plan, saying that her plan to promote mental health was by “lead[ing] by example” and cancelling meetings, then tweeting out positive statements for students on campus. Sanford says she wants to increase diversity in Health, Counseling and
Student Wellness by representing underrepresented minorities and LGBTQ+ students seeking out services. “We want to see people of color as our counselors so that students have someone to relate to when they go to those centers,” Sanford said. Including commuter students
With 85 percent of NKU students living off-campus, candidates had different ideas for bridging the involvement gap. Miller and Anderson suggested hiring a full-time commuter director in the Office of Student Engagement, something they said the office has been after for years. “If a commuter director can increase participation on campus, strengthen our community and strengthen our student experience, it is worth investing in,” Miller said. But in light of funding cuts, Northerner moderators asked, is hiring another fulltime director possible? “As a regent, you are able to work with other regents to figure out what the budget will be set for within the upcoming school year,” Miller said. NKU’s Board of Regents approves the university’s annual budget compiled by a combination of university administrators. SGA presidents serve as the board’s student regent. NKU’s student body president approves SGA legislation, serves on the Board of Regents, enters into agreements with other campus organizations and presides over SGA meetings. The student body vice president serves as SGA’s representative for Faculty Senate and Staff Congress, upholds executive duties in the president’s absence and coordinates the SGA retreat and banquet. SGA spring elections will be held online on MyEngagement on March 27 and 28. Watch the debate livestream on facebook.com/northernermedia.
In front of student constituents, three tickets for SGA president and vice president discussed student and university issues. The Northerner moderated the debate on March 20. PHOTOS BY BILLY KEENEY
Sports 07
Ed 63, Issue 10
Column: Despite NCAA loss, fans have much to be proud of
Dada, Bluford win SGA presidential election
Sam Rosenstiel and Kane Mitten
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, ASSISTANT ARTS & LIFE EDITOR
Chants of “N-K-U” reverberated inside Mac’s Pizza Pub after the final score was displayed onscreen. Students trickling out of the SU watch party shot each other sorrowful glances across the room. Faculty sat eyes glued to the Griffin Hall Digitorium wall as the final buzzer blared. As Norse fans across Highland Heights held each other and hoisted drinks in the air, you wouldn’t have known they were toasting a defeat. For the second time in three years, NKU fell in a first round March Madness match to a top-seeded team Friday. Norse fans are typically graceful in defeat—the students angrily blasting “Murder on My Mind” while pulling out of Mac’s in their car shortly after the game might be this year’s exception. Unfortunately, loss is a feeling Norse basketball fans are familiar with. Against the number-two Kentucky, they fell 70-79 in Indianapolis during the 2017 Madness. More recently, heartbreak came on the 2018 Horizon League Tournament court: an early exit at the hands of Cleveland State. But there’s a certain electricity that comes to campus when the Horizon League Championship trophy arrives back in Northern Kentucky. Matt Frey, vice president of Student Government Association, pointed out that just being in the tournament alone is a huge boon for NKU. “You can go back to Florida Gulf Coast University, when they made their historic run just a couple years back, and
it bumped their applications up a bunch. This can do the same thing for NKU. If some prospective student were to go online and see us because of the exposure this tournament gives to us, you never know what can happen,” Frey said. Frey shared his love for NKU. “I grew up rooting for Notre Dame because that’s where my grandpa went to school. I always really admired the passion he had for his school, and that’s something that I wanted to have when I went to school. NKU’s having a lot of success on the athletic side of things, and I’m able to engage in that same passion, that same fandom that I grew up seeing my grandpa have,” Frey said. Todd Keirns, an NKU graduate from the class of 1993 and member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, was cheering on his alma mater in Billie’s Skyline Tavern. He shared his love for Skyline, mentioning how he and his friends would often end up there after class. “This is an institution,” Keirns said. “It was the only thing we had when we were in school here, seriously. Everything else
was like a 20 minute drive away. So we’d just walk up the hill and get a beer. NKU has changed a lot. All for the better.” Keirns never thought he’d see NKU in the tournament. “I never even believed we’d be [Division I], I thought we’d be D-II for quite a while. I was at the UK game a couple years ago, as I live in Indianapolis and they came up, but I had to come down here and watch this game at Skyline just because,” Keirns said. “Why not?” Economics major Tiana Nwaisser was cheering on the Norse at Skyline Tavern, as well. “They’ve accomplished so much just within a short amount of time and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for the Norse,” Nwaisser said. “Everyone is super excited to be out here, we see so many alumni here just repping NKU. We’re so proud to see our team going so far.” Colby Farrell, a sophomore mathematics major, felt that electricity when he came to NKU. He rooted for the Norse in the 2017 Madness, and even
when the Norse were down at the half on Friday, he was already booking Sweet Sixteen flights in his head. “I’ll buy two tickets for me and my girlfriend. Heck, I might take her dad up, too. He’s an NKU fan,” Farrell said. “I’m rooting for Silas [Adheke] to get a point today. He’s in two of my classes.” Towards the end of the second half, senior electronic media and broadcasting major Ryan Murphy offered a less-thanhopeful outlook on a Norse win. “I’m pretty upset. NKU was close for a minute, and that was exciting, but seeing Texas Tech just pull away was terrifying,” Murphy said. “But we’re only down 12 points, so who knows.” Troy Cornes, senior secondary education major and NKU’s former home game master of c e re m on i e s , re m a r k e d that the Texas Tech defense was predictably tough on NKU. “It was tough. We knew it was gonna be a defensively tough game. I’m proud of the guys for how they played defense, they did great.” Cornes said. “[Texas Tech] really only ran through a few guys and we stopped them, which is good. But, offensively, we just couldn’t get it going.” Applause for points dwindled at the SU watch party when the Norse trailed by 20 with two minutes left in play. Heather Scotty-Ramsey, NKU class of 1996, isn’t surprised to see her alma mater on the big screen. Even after a Norse defeat, she was proud of how far this team has come. “I always thought we’d make it,” she said. “It was just a matter of when.”
NKU fans watch the Norse men’s basketball team take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders during March Madness at Mac’s Pizza Pub on March 22, 2019. PHOTOS BY BILLY KEENEY
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