January 9th, 2024

JANUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 5, 2024

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

FEATURES PAGE 3

SPORTS PAGE 8

UAA’s Automotive and Diesel offers students hands-on experience

UAA Women’s Gymnastics held 1st meet of season, the Green and Gold Intrasquad

Dunleavy cuts requests for UAA funding increases in budget proposal The College of Health, UAA Athletics, Alaska Native student support and Disability Support Services saw their requests for increases cut in the governor’s proposal.

By Matthew Schmitz editor@thenorthernlight.org

Governor Mike Dunleavy released his University of Alaska budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year.

His proposal included increases for negotiated salaries and some fixed costs, though not as much as the Board of Regents had in their request.

There were also increases for specific programs, mostly at UAF, including money to help UAF reach tier 1 research status and pay for drone research.

Funds were added by the governor for a data revitalization project involving the Institute of Economic and Social Research based at UAA. Requests for increases at UAA and UAS were left out of the governor’s proposal, including $2.5 million for Seawolf Athletics and money for upgrades to the Sally Monsurud Hall for the College of Health.

The governor’s office also removed an increase to the operating budget for deferred maintenance across the University of Alaska system.

From the operating budget request, “In lieu of one-time capital funding, UA is pursuing a legislative strategy for con-

PHOTO BY MATTHEW SCHMITZ.

Chair of the UA Board of Regents, Regent Ralph Seekins, at the Board of Regents meeting Nov. 10.

sistent annual state funding to the ‘University of Alaska Major Maintenance and Modernization Fund.’”

In their request, The Board of Regents included a list of projects the money would go toward.

At UAA projects included an improvement to the elevators around campus, the

Professional Studies Building and Social Science Building.

According to the University of Alaska, the university system has a deferred maintenance backlog of over $1.4 billion.

The funding was part of a plan to address some of that cost.

There were some areas of student ser-

vices at UAA that saw their requests for increases cut as well.

The Board of Regents requested additional funds to hire more staff at UAA to help with recruitment and retention of Alaskan Native students.

There were also funds for an additional staff member in Disability Support Services.

According to the budget request, “Current staffing levels struggle to meet the needs of UAA’s students with accommodation needs.”

In a communication from the University of Alaska, President Pat Pitney wrote that this was just the beginning stage of the budget process and that the university will continue to work to get funding for university priorities.

“The budget released today represents a starting point for budget discussions in Juneau next legislative session. It does not yet include funding for deferred maintenance, which is among the Regents’ highest priorities. … As the legislative session gets underway, we will continue to work with the Governor and Legislature to advocate for these priorities.”

The governor’s proposal will be taken up by and voted on by the legislature before finally going back to the governor’s office for a final signature and acceptance by the Board of Regents.

Service changes coming to Anchorage People Mover Anchorage residents – including UAA students, who ride for free – can look forward to better frequencies and more-convenient routes.

By Kyle Ivacic news2@thenorthernlight.org

Several new routes, route realignments and increased bus frequency are coming to Anchorage’s bus system starting Jan. 22. UAA students can ride city buses for free with the swipe of their Wolfcard at boarding.

A new route – designated Route 51 – will begin running between Centennial Village and the Muldoon Transit Hub. Centennial Village is currently connected to the system via Route 31, but the change will allow for more route transfers and – according to People Mover – help with on-time performance. Route 31 will now terminate at the Muldoon Transit Hub. Route 31 will be merged with Route 21 and realigned to operate on Northway Drive between Penland Parkway and San Jeronimo Drive.

Citing the decline of the Northway Mall, People Mover’s website explains that Route 31’s start and end point will be designated as the Muldoon Transit Hub, rather than the dilapidated mall complex.

This merger and realignment will result in direct service between Mountain View and Muldoon.

Another major change is the merger of Route 85 and Route 91. The new route –

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keeping the name Route 85 – will provide all-day and weekend service to South Anchorage.

The current Route 91 runs between Dimond Center and South Anchorage and only operates during rush hours. The merger will see the new Route 85 provide service between the Downtown Transit Center and South Anchorage.

It will run seven days a week and riders will not have to wait more than 30 minutes for a bus at peak times on weekdays. The route will still have a stop at Dimond Center.

Route 92 with service between Eagle River and the Downtown Transit Center will have increased frequency on weekdays and will be realigned to have stops at the VA Clinic and Tikahtnu Commons.

Route 92 will also have a new stop at the Eagle River Loop Road Park and Ride. The route will no longer serve stops at the Boniface Parkway Interchange and along Boundary Avenue.

Route 65 running between the Dimond Transit Center and Ted Stevens Airport will have an increased frequency of every 30 minutes.

The busy Route 25 will have 15-minute frequencies expanded to between 9:00 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays.

And Route 20 will be realigned to no longer stop at Northway Drive. According to People Mover, this will help with on-time performance. The route will also

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see the removal of a turn that has been

“identified as a safety concern at Penland Parkway.”

To see schedules and maps for the People Mover bus network, visit Muni. org/transit.

MAP COURTESY OF MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE.

Anchorage People Mover route map effective Jan. 22.

@tnl_updates

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NEWS 02 Contaminant eradication bill vetoed by Governor Dunleavy THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024

A large site for creating fire resistant chemicals called PFAS was introduced near a plentiful wildlife population and the Cook Inlet in August of 2023. Case number: CFATPOO465.

By Hannah Dillon opinion2@thenorthernlight.org

In the last week of August 2023, Governor Mike Dunleavy vetoed a bill that would have banned PFAS chemicals from continuing to pollute Alaskan waters.

PFAS stands for ‘perand polyfluorinated substances’ and is a chemical found in many heat resistant products such as fire hydrant foam, and are described as “forever chemicals” according to Harvard’s School of Public Health.

The bill was passed by a majority vote in the Alaska State Senate early in 2023. Dunleavy’s decision to veto the bill came little over a month after the creation of a PFAS chemical site near Point Woronzof. The PFAS site is located on Point Woronzof Drive.

Coincidentally, this location is also where many people used to go to view

departing planes and an abundance of wildlife.

Senator Jesse Khiel stated in an interview with Juneau Empire that he attempted to contact Governor Dunleavy about any concerns or questions Dunleavy may have had about the chemicals, but all contact was ignored.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that PFAS chemicals do not break down and can move through the soil – possibly contaminating nearby drinking water sources.

The chemicals can also build up in fish and wildlife and “may affect reproduction, thyroid function, the immune system and injure the liver” in both humans and animals.

More research must be conducted to understand the exact effects of PFAS on those who consume the chemical, but prevention of further chemical exposure is the priority for many.

Many states in the

United States have banned the use of PFAS in food packaging and personal care products, while eleven states have banned PFAS creation sites like the one that was recently established near Point Woronzof, according to Safer States.

According to the Alaska Beacon, a study was conducted on Anchorage and Fairbanks water sources and found that the highest levels of PFAS contamination were found in Lake Spenard and Lake Hood – at around ten times the standard safety threshold.

The Alaska Community Action on Toxins stated other countries and states have discontinued the use of PFAS chemicals and have found alternatives to the toxic flame repellent.

Alaska has nearly 500 PFAS contaminated water sources as of 2022, a number that has potential to grow if more PFAS sites are opened.

PHOTO BY HANNAH DILLON

PFAS contaminated material sign near Point Woronzof.

UA Board of Regents recap UA’s Board of Regents held their final meeting this year on Nov. 9-10. They discussed a variety of topics including the introduction of a new degree program and student tuition.

Scan this QR code to watch the video.

By Jay Witworth multimedia1@thenorthernlight.org

NEWS

03

Trail behind Student Union open after downed low-voltage data line cleared

By Matthew Schmitz editor@thenorthernlight.org

The short bike trail to the north of the Student Union is open after a downed data line was cleared on Jan. 3.

UAA’s groundskeeping department cleared a fallen tree limb from the line, which was causing it to hang down close to the trail.

The line — which is ultimately the responsibility of Alaska Communication Systems — is still drooping below its normal height, but it’s low voltage and above the height where it might interfere with trail traffic.

In an email to The Northern Light, Grounds and Landscaping Supervisor Kara Monroe wrote that the heavy snowfall on Nov. 14 caused a tree limb to break and fall on the line.

Signs were placed on each end of the trail — one near the Sports Complex West Parking Lot and the other near the Engineering Parking Garage — warning that the trail was closed because of a downed power line.

Monroe wrote that Chugach Electric was contacted the same

PHOTO BY MATTHEW SCHMITZ.

A tree branch hangs over the downed data line.

day as the incident.

According to her email, Chugach Electric gave the issue a low priority.

In a follow up with the power company, UAA learned that the line was actually a low-voltage data line posing no threat to peo-

ple, belonging to ACS. According to her email, Chugach Electric said that repairing the line was the respon-

sibility of ACS. Monroe wrote that they passed the information onto ACS, but as of January the company still had not addressed the problem.

UAA Vice Chancellor Ryan Bucholt sent an email on Jan. 3 to UAA’s maintenance department asking for a status update on the trail closure.

Monroe wrote that ACS had not given them a timeline of when they would address the problem, so groundskeeping decided to take care of it themselves.

Despite clearing the tree limb from the line, it has not been a total fix.

A connection that attaches the line to a light pole along the trail was broken, so it is still drooping below its normal height. It’s about 12 feet off the ground at the lowest point.

According to Monroe’s email, ACS will need to come and do the final repairs on the line.

Monroe wrote that the line is at a safe height and will not interfere with pedestrian traffic or the small equipment that uses the trail.

FEATURES UAA’s Automotive and Diesel offers students hands-on experience UAA’s Automotive and Diesel Technology provides many opportunities for students including discounted tools, experiential learning and an Automotive Service Excellence certification.

By Hannah Dillon opinion2@thenorthernlight.org

UAA’s Automotive and Diesel Technology program offers multiple degrees and occupational endorsement certificates that incorporate on-the-job experience with classroom education.

Director of Automotive and Diesel Technology Darrin Marshall explained that the department is recognized as one of the best in the country because it offers associates and baccalaureate programs, certificates and has multiple connections with various automotive manufacturers.

Automotive and Diesel has long-lasting connections with General Motors, who has supported UAA’s automotive program through generous vehicle donations for decades.

“They’ve donated, over the last five years, close to $500,000 to $800,000 worth of stuff.

They’ve given us five 2019 Chevy Pickups, a 2019 Cadillac XC4 and a GMC Canyon, and that’s just part of it. We just received a 2022 Silverado this year, so that’s a pretty big statement,” said Marshall.

Many donated vehicles originate from automotive manufacturers – such as General Motors or Chevrolet – who had previously agreed to give a customer a similar vehicle in the event of an automotive failure on pur-

chase or after maintenance.

For students to learn on the latest donated vehicles, the Automotive and Diesel faculty install “bugs” on the car.

These bugs are on a switch located somewhere inside the vehicle where the student can not see. The vehicle has no issues before the bugs are installed, but the switches create different problems for the student to solve.

When students begin their hands-on work, the instructor clicks one of the switches and, for example, a check engine light appears.

The student is then given a “work order” – similar to what they would experience working in the field – and are tasked with diagnosing and explaining how to repair the vehicle failure.

Automotive and Diesel offers degrees and occupational endorsement certificates such as Automotive Specialist, Automotive Engine Performance and a two-year occupational endorsement certificate.

Marshall explained that students who are only interested in certificates do not have to complete any classes or credits that are not related to some form of the automotive industry.

Automotive and Diesel also offers an associates degree which only requires 12 credits of general education requirements.

UAA’s Automotive and Diesel also boasts the opportunity for students to acquire an Au-

PHOTO PROVIDED BY DARRIN MARSHALL

UAA Automotive Skills Competition.

tomotive Master certification as the department is Automotive Service Excellence accredited.

Automotive Service Excellence certifications consist of eight tests that – if passed – will earn a student the Master certification. Marshall explained that Master certification is sought out by many companies across the nation and internationally.

UAA’s Automotive and Diesel Technology department provides many opportunities for students to develop a career after graduation. To support that career, Automotive and Die-

sel offers massive discounts on tools.

“So the students that go through our program get half off of all Snap-on tools, MATCO tools and MAC tools. NAPA also gives our students a huge discount, which I believe is 10 percent above cost,” said Marshall.

The program also mandates a practicum, meaning students learn on the job experience before graduating so they are more informed when working outside of class or after graduation.

Marshall explained that edu-

cating students will combat the deficit of automotive technicians in the United States.

“They’ll stay in the field if they know more about what they’re doing and they feel more competent and able, which generates people embracing the industry. That’s the idea – create something that gives them a little taste of the industry, help them to grow, and help them to know we have a fantastic facility loaded with quality instructors,” said Marshall.

04

Upcoming events UAA event list for Thursday, Jan. 11, to Saturday, Feb. 3.

By Linnaea Gossard layout@thenorthernlight.org

Thursday, Jan. 11 Men’s Basketball vs. Central Washington Alaska Airlines Center Starts at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 13

Women’s Basketball vs. Alaska Fairbanks Alaska Airlines Center Starts at 5:15 p.m.

Men’s Basketball vs. Northwest Nazarene Alaska Airlines Center Starts at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 17 Celebrate CAS - Student Re-

source Fair A student resource fair, hosted by the UAA College of Arts and Sciences. There will be information regarding CAS on-campus jobs, volunteering, and leadership positions. Learn about new programs and courses that are offered. Find scholarship opportunities. Talk to CAS departments and clubs. Spin the wheel to win CAS swag.

Social Sciences Building - 1st floor lobby 9:30 a.m to 1 p.m.

Noon Music (feat. DJ Spencer Lee) According to the event’s description, “A born-and-raised Alaskan and UAA graduate, DJ Spencer Lee has performed around Alaska for two decades.

He’s shared the stage with Grammy winners and is the host and promoter of family dance party Jams for Fams and Spenard Prom, a Valentine’s Day adult prom at the Bear Tooth that recently featured Medium Build.”

Student Union Cafeteria 12 to 1 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 19 Book of the Month Organized by UAA’s Bookish Club. Join to read and discuss Neverwhere, by Neil Gaiman.

The Literacy Lounge, Professional Studies Building room 102 3 to 4:30 p.m.

UAA Gymnastics vs. UC Davis Alaska Airlines Center Starts at 7 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 21

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

The Seawolves Men’s Basketball playing in the Alaska Airlines Center

UAA Gymnastics vs. UC Davis Alaska Airlines Center

FEATURES Starts at 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 23 BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Connect According to the event’s description, this will be “an opportunity to mingle with new and familiar friends, enjoy free food, and center students and peers who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).”

Multicultural Student Services, Rasmussen Hall room 106 5 to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 24 Noon Music Special Folk Festival edition! (feat. Katie Scoggin & TuckerTunes) According to the event’s description, “Katie Scoggin is a singersongwriter who began learning how to play the guitar at eight years old. Her music style is mostly indie-folk, with a mix of some country and pop. For many of her teen years, she performed throughout the Anchorage area, primarily at Middle Way Cafe, the South Anchorage Farmers Market, and the Anchorage Folk Festival where she hosted a Beginner’s Guitar Workshop. Katie released an album called Eleven when she was 16 years old. Now, she continues to write songs in her free time and teaches private after-school guitar lessons to young children.”

Student Union Cafeteria 12 to 1 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 25 Women’s Basketball vs. Western Oregon Alaska Airlines Center Starts at 5:15 p.m.

Men’s Basketball vs. Western Oregon Alaska Airlines Center Starts at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 27

Women’s Basketball vs. St. Martin’s Alaska Airlines Center Starts at 5:15 p.m.

Men’s Basketball vs. St. Martin’s Alaska Airlines Center Starts at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 30 Student Involvement Fair According to the event’s description, “The Student Involvement Fair is an opportunity for new and returning UAA students to learn about ways to get involved on campus. Come meet members of student clubs and organizations in the upper hallway of the Student Union to learn more about what their group has to offer. For more information or to register your student group for this event, visit SeawolfLife or contact Club Council at uaa. clubcouncil@alaska.edu.”

Student Union, upper hallway 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 31 Noon Music (feat. Husse) According to the event’s description, “a pop producer and performing artist with an avantgarde edge. Husse’s beats appeal to a hip-hop audience, while his vocal performance and guitar playing expand his audience to pop and alternative listeners.

He works full-time as a locallyadored performing artist and a producer in Anchorage, Alaska.”

Student Union Cafeteria 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 3 UAA Hockey vs. Alaska Fairbanks Avis Alaska Sports Complex Starts at 5:07 p.m.

Men’s Basketball vs. Alaska Fairbanks Alaska Airlines Center Starts at 7 p.m.

Seawolf Food Pantry: Feeding UAA students regardless of circumstance The soon to be expanded Seawolf Food Pantry makes food available to all UAA students.

By Kyle Ivacic news2@thenorthernlight.org

The Seawolf Food Pantry provides food to Seawolves in need – no questions asked. The pantry is located on the second floor of the Professional Studies Building in room 212. Students can find canned fruits and vegetables, breakfast products, boxed meals, and other items to help stock their pantries for themselves and up to three others.

According to the pantry website, it was established “to help the nearly 45% of UAA students who are experiencing some type of food insecurity.”

To access the pantry, students simply need to show up during open times – subject to change each semester and listed on the pantry’s website – and show their student ID to a pantry staff member, who will help them gather the items they need. At

the time of writing, the pantry’s hours have not been updated for the spring semester.

In an interview with The Northern Light, pantry director Amanda Walch said that “the only requirement we have [for students to come to pantry] is that you’re a UAA student.”

Walch explained that the process is easy and discreet, and that the ‘no-questions-asked’ approach allows students to avoid feelings of embarrassment that might come with using the pantry.

The best way to volunteer for the pantry, said Walch, is to participate in food drives supporting the pantry. And the staff in charge have created a “template” that can be used by parties interested in running a food drive of their own.

“Food drives help immensely,” said Walch.

“We love food drives because it saves us a ton of money. It all goes out to the students.”

Students interested in working for the pantry can find more information at the Center for Community Engagement and Learning website – that organization is responsible for hiring students to the pantry.

The pantry’s current space in the Professional Studies Building is small and out of the way – a problem that Walch said is being addressed. The pantry has secured a bigger space in the same building that is currently being cleaned out and outfitted.

Walch said that the new space is expected to open in the fall of this year. With the change, Walch said that students can look forward to “a bigger, better food pantry” that will “hopefully” have expanded hours.

Students can find information about the pantry’s hours, current fundraisers, and other important information via the Seawolf Food Pantry website or flyers posted around campus.

IMAGE COURTESY OF SEAWOLF FOOD PANTRY.

Seawolf Food Pantry logo.

FEATURES

05

25 students descend on D.C. for the 2023 World Affairs Council of America National Conference The World Affairs Councils of America’s annual conference brought students, policy experts, public servants and business leaders together to build public engagement with international diplomacy.

By Mark Zimmerman news4@thenorthernlight.org

The World Affairs Councils of America — a civic engagement organization that oversees councils in over 40 states and the District of Columbia — held its yearly national conference Nov. 14 to 17 at the historic Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. I attended the conference for most of its runtime under a student scholarship arranged through the Alaska World Affairs Council.

Upon arrival students began networking with the conference’s hundreds of attendees — many of whom were foreign policy veterans or major geopolitical thought leaders. There was an expansive roster of speakers for conference events at the hotel and various sites throughout the city.

The lineup at the Mayflower included high profile guest speakers such as former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Thomas Pickering, former South African Defense Minister and prominent Nelson Mandela ally Roelf Meyer and NPR Global Democracy Correspondent Frank Langfitt.

Many more spoke at town halls and panels where they engaged with attendees off-stage.

Langfitt discussed his time abroad covering China’s economy and Ukraine during wartime. He has some unique connections to UAA faculty, having worked with Journalism and Public Communications faculty such as Elizabeth Arnold at NPR. Breakout town-hall-style sessions on Nov. 16 covered Baltic conflict hotspots, the future of energy and the United States’ troubles in Afghanistan. I at-

tended the Afghanistan session which was hosted by “Zero Sum Victory” author and career military strategist Christopher Kolenda. Kolenda used his experiences commanding an airborne brigade in Afghanistan and advising strategic policy in the region to identify failures in Afghan nation-building that led to long-term corruption and an inability to defend the new government against public distrust and Taliban predation.

Other opportunities to network and engage were offered outside of the conference rooms.

At the National Museum of American Diplomacy, students listened to Kieth Harper — the first Native American U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Human Rights Council from 2014 to 2017. He also served as the Native American policy chair for the 2008 Obama campaign and was the environmental advisor to the Obama Administration. A panel session at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs pitched graduate opportunities to prospective students.

Washington’s various policy think tanks and institutes also received a spotlight during the conference. I visited both the Washington Institute for NearEast Policy on the 15th and the Stimson Center on the 16th — the former specializing in Middle East policy research and the latter specializing in general matters of global security.

Work showcased at the Washington Institute included the Fikra Forum — a multilingual news and public opinion source — and policy recommendations they have issued in relation to Afghanistan, Israel, Iran and Syria among others.

At Stimson, a broad range of

PHOTO CREDIT: WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL STL.

WACA student scholars pose with fmr. United States Ambassador to the United Nations John Pickering.

policy focus and expertise was represented by the three panelists attendees interacted with.

Stimson staff explained their partnership with Microsoft on drafting ethics principles for generative A.I., how they use meteorological data and direct communication with local leaders to build disaster resiliency in the Mekong region of Southeast Asia and how they gather satellite imagery to glean critical details of North Korean defense research as a part of their ‘38 North’ subsidiary.

I also interacted with other students on the trip — many of whom are baccalaureate students and undergraduate re-

searchers in political science, law or international studies. Students from around the country participated both in the WACA national conference and educational and networking opportunities outside the Mayflower.

Events and opportunities unique to the student scholar group included the trip to the Washington Institute, the Museum visit and two speaking spots at the conference’s opening dinner on the 15th and the final dinner on the 17th.

The WACA student scholars — led by program director Kaela Rider — bonded quickly over shared interests and nightly excursions to major Washington

landmarks, shops and restaurants. On one walk to the Capitol Building, myself and a few other students inadvertently arrived during the senate vote on the recent stopgap spending bill — watching legislators and their staff exit the building after the late-night vote.

Student scholars were enriched by the many opportunities to connect and learn during the conference. Opportunities such as speaking at dinners, engaging with industry and policy leaders and exploring D.C. gave students the chance to directly engage with discussions on foreign policy.

FEATURES

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07

Movie review: ‘The Boy and the Heron’

Hayao Miyazaki’s newest film captures the beauty of traumatic loss. Spoiler free!

By Tanner Croft news3@thenorthernlight.org

Hayao Miyazaki has made a fourth return from retirement to grace box offices with “The Boy and the Heron,” which has received critical acclaim since its release in December 2023. The story revolves around a twelve year old boy named Mahito Maki – voiced by Luca Padovan – as he struggles to come to terms with a traumatic familial loss that happens in the film’s opening scene. The film takes place in World War II era Japan – allowing for parallels between Mahito’s journey and the impacts of war on the country.

If this is your first experience with Studio Ghibli, you may be thrown off by the level of surrealism that, at times, can border on absurdism. Some may consider watching other movies from Hayao Miyazaki or Studio Ghibli before jumping into “The Boy and the Heron,” so that they can get a feel for Miyazaki’s unique storytelling.

In typical Studio Ghibli form, peaceful settings and a relaxing score – composed by Joe Hisaishi – offer reprieves throughout

that allow for emotional healing within the main character Mahito, while also offering a beautiful soundtrack that enhances the emotional response of the viewer. To truly immerse yourself in this world, you may consider watching this at home with headphones due to the quiet nature of the movie.

As is usual with Studio Ghibli films, the English dub comes with a star studded cast of A-list celebrities including the voices of Christian Bale, Florence Pugh, Mark Hamill, Dave Bautista, and Willem Dafoe – however the show is stolen by “Twilight” star Robert Pattinson. With other recent films like “The Devil all the time” and “The Batman,” Pattinson is proving himself to be a strong actor that deserves more recognition than just being known as ‘that guy from Twilight.’ He is certainly showing audiences that he can do much more than just sparkle in the sunlight.

This is Pattinson’s first film in which he lends only his voice to the big screen, and he knocks it out of the park – further stretching his legs into phenomenal actor territory and holding his own with the afore-

mentioned heavyweights that this film boasts. Pattinson voices The Gray Heron, ironically distinguishing himself as a great actor by disguising his voice to make it entirely unrecognizable as his own. His role is an integral part of the story and, without his performance, the film would be missing a significant part of what makes it such a unique journey.

Whether or not this film is worth the two hour runtime depends entirely on the viewer.

You can choose to go into this movie with the attitude of ‘it’s just another animated movie,’ or you can go into it knowing that you will be taken on a journey that addresses loss, grief, existential crises and growing pains.

Miyazaki manages to create an immersive experience that takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster filled with whimsy and nostalgia. By the end of the journey, the viewer is left with a deep feeling of completion, accompanied by a slight melancholy. We learn that beauty is found when you take the time to admire what you have, rather than what you have lost.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STUDIO GHIBLI.

A poster for “The Boy and the Heron.”

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Managing Editor Kyle Ivacic news2@thenorthernlight.org‌

The University of Alaska is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educational institution.

The University of Alaska does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, parenthood, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, or other legally protected status. The University’s commitment to nondiscrimination, including against sex discrimination, applies to students, employees, and applicants for admission and employment. Contact information, applicable laws, and complaint procedures are included on UA’s statement of nondiscrimination available at www.alaska. edu/nondiscrimination.

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Reporter Tanner Croft

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The views expressed in the opinion section do not necessarily reflect the views of UAA or the Northern Light.­­­

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SPORTS

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024

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UAA Women’s Gymnastics held 1st meet of season, the Green and Gold Intrasquad

By Matthew Schmitz editor@thenorthernlight.org

Fans of UAA Gymnastics showed up to the Alaska Airlines Center on Jan. 4 to watch Women’s Gymnastics compete in their first event of the season.

The meet was held in the practice gym — where the team normally practices their routines — equipped with balance beams, bars, vaults and blue mats.

In an interview with The Northern Light, Head Coach Marie-Sohpie Boggasch said that this year’s Green and Gold Intrasquad meet was treated more as a practice session that gave the women an opportunity to show off their routines and receive feedback from actual judges.

There weren’t any other teams competing, so it was just UAA team members competing against each other.

Boggasch said that it was helpful to have a fresh set of eyes watching the routine, catching mistakes the team might be over-

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Silje Hildebrand cartwheels.

looking. She said that the scores would be used to make improvements and determine their lineup for their first competitive meet of the season.

The meet started with

the vault and uneven bars, moving to the balance beam and floor routine.

There wasn’t a lot of space for spectators, so seats were lined up on the edge of the mat where the

gymnasts performed their floor routine.

There was a warm-up period before gymnasts would step up to do a scored routine.

As the gymnasts per-

formed, the crowd would cheer whenever one of the women stuck a landing or successfully performed a handstand on the bars.

Boggasch said that the team was a little behind in

their training going into the new year, so doing the meet in the practice gym allowed them to make accommodations by using softer mats and other equipment.

She said that these options meant more of the women were willing to participate.

Looking forward, the next meets are on Jan. 19 and 21 against UC Davis.

They will again be in the Alaska Airlines Center.

And those are the only home meets of the season for Women’s Gymnastics.

Boggasch said that this time, they will be in the main arena. And she encouraged people to attend.

“Our meets are so fun.

A lot of people don’t know because they haven’t been.

We try to do a lot of fun promos. We try to make the game an experience …

It’s tons of fun.”

The meet against UC Davis starts at 7 p.m. on the 19th and 2 p.m. on the 21st.

For more information and updates about Women’s Gymnastics, visit goseawolves.com.

Seawolves Women’s Basketball take an easy victory over Simon Fraser University The Seawolves took the lead early in the game and maintained it to the end.

By Matthew Schmitz editor@thenorthernlight.org

UAA Women’s Basketball played against Simon Fraser University at the Alaska Airlines Center on Jan. 6.

Playing in the main arena in front of Seawolf fans, the women’s team made easy work of the Canadian team from Vancouver.

The Seawolves were wearing their white and green uniforms, and Simon Fraser was decked out in red.

Simon Fraser won the tip off, but Vishe’ Rabb made the first basket of the night for the Seawolves with a layup.

Despite the early points, Simon Fraiser kept things competitive at the start of the game — bringing the score to a tie a few times. They never overtook the Seawolves, though.

By halftime, the Seawolves had pulled ahead with a commanding lead that was maintained throughout the rest of the night. The game ended with the Seawolves at 89 points to Simon Fraser’s 68.

Senya Rabouin led the Seawolves in scoring with 21 points total.

A standout during the game was Kya Pearson, who shot through Fraser’s defense for some impres-

sive layups.

Some of the entertainment for the evening was provided by UAA’s own.

At halftime, a UAA student — you’d recognize him by his pixelated thug life sunglasses — broke out in dance to Flo Rida’s “Apple Bottom Jeans,” earning some cheers from the spectators.

Unfortunately, nobody won the halftime promos, but one lucky participant walked away with $301 in the Benton Bay Lions split-the-pot raffle.

According to an article from goseawolves.com, Head coach Ryan McCarthy was happy with the team’s performance.

He was quoted as say-

ing, “I loved our energy and our execution from the opening jump tonight.”

He said that the team was able to take advantage of some mistakes made by Simon Fraser.

“Our pressure gave them trouble and we were able to turn their mistakes into points at the other end.”

The team will play their next game in the Alaska Airlines Center against Fairbanks on Jan. 13.

The Seawolves trounced Fairbanks in their previous match up, holding the Nanooks 69 to 39.

For more information and the latest news, visit goseawolves.com.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Kya Pearson shoots.