October 15, 2019

OCTOBER 15 - OCTOBER 21, 2019

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UAA Anthropology Club prepares for International Archaeology Day on Oct. 19.

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Cross-country runners race to third place at the Western Washington Cross Country Classic.

Fair Verona comes to UAA in “Romeo and Juliet”

By John Novotny arts@thenorthernlight.org

The classic love story of “Romeo and Juliet” is coming to the University of Alaska Anchorage through the Department of Theatre and Dance. The production opened last weekend and will continue Oct. 18-20.‌ “Romeo and Juliet” is the first production of the 2019-2020 season and hasn’t been immune to the recent UAA budget cuts.

The same set from last semester’s play, “Lysistrata,” is being converted from ancient Greece to mid-1275 Verona, Italy, according to Ty Hewitt, an assistant professor at UAA and director of the play. ‌ However, theater is fortunate in that it doesn’t rely heavily on having a large budget, Hewitt said. This is because of the suspension of disbelief, meaning the audience willingly believes something happening before their eyes, even if they know it is not actually true.‌ “The proposal of theater is ‘we’re not really these people we’re pretending to be,’ so it’s based on an initial lie. But that lie allows for greater universal human truths to be shared and exposed,” Hewitt said. ‌ The normal rehearsal period of six-seven weeks has been condensed into four weeks for “Romeo and Juliet.” However, the shortened rehearsal time has caused the cast and crew to put even more effort into the production, according to Hewitt.‌ “Everyone involved has had to be on their A-game every single day. It’s a fantastic exercise in decision making if nothing else,” Becca Padrick, assistant director, choreographer and intimacy coordinator, said. ‌ Jake Beauvais, a 2018 UAA graduate, says that his role as

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE UAA DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND DANCE

Romeo (Ben Hagensieker) and Juliet (Tess Zernzach) meet at Capulet’s party: “My only love sprung from my only hate,” Juliet says in Act 1.

Mercutio, Romeo’s close friend, is exciting because of how egotistical the character is. ‌ “If I had to describe him, [I would say] he’s got a lot of panache. He’s all about being the center of attention and making a scene,” Beauvais said. “This role is a new challenge and experience for me. I haven’t played anyone quite like this before.”‌ A lot of production roles in “Romeo and Juliet” are being filled by students. Lucy Peckham, a professional theatre

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sound designer and composer, has been mentoring the student sound designer, Krisha Manuel.‌ “[Peckham] is the best of the best in the state for sound design. She has taken a branle, an Elizabethan dance, and coordinated with [John] Lutterman in the Department of Music and students to record viol parts,” Hewitt said. ‌ Branle was a type of dance popular with European aristocrats from the 15th-17th centuries. The viol family of instru-

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ments is held between the legs, like a cello. ‌ The casting for “Romeo and Juliet” was blind, meaning an actor is cast for the role based on who is the best fit for the spirit of the role, according to Salem Collins, who plays Benvolio, Romeo’s cousin and friend, a traditionally male character.‌ “[Directors] don’t [usually] do that sort of casting if you’re a woman. There’s also not all that much variety in female characters, especially during Shake-

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speare’s time,” Collins said.‌ The original “Romeo and Juliet” play inspired numerous pieces of pop culture, according to Hewitt. ‌ “In the Queen Mab speech that Mercutio has, he refers to time out of mind that ferries coachmakers. That was taken

by Bob Dylan for one of his albums, ‘Time out of Mind,’” Hewitt said. ‌ There have also been more modern references to “Romeo and Juliet,” such as in HBO’s “Westworld,” which features a wild west theme park with human-like androids.‌ “The line that Anthony Hopkins’ character [Dr. Robert Ford] repeats: ‘these violent delights have violent ends’ [is from] Friar Laurence [who secretly marries Romeo and Juliet],” Hewitt said.

“That is timeless. You can apply that [line] long before Shakespeare and long into the future.

There’s a universal truth contained in that idea.”‌ Shakespeare’s plays are appealing to a broad audience because they have something for everyone, Hewitt says. ‌ “You’ve got the height of style, beauty and romance and then you’ve got the utterly bawdy humor and the thing that I love the most: sword-fights.

[Shakespeare] knew what his audience wanted,” Hewitt said. ‌ “Romeo and Juliet” runs about two hours with a 10-minute intermission. There will be six performances from Oct. 1113 and 18-20 at the Mainstage Theater in the UAA Fine Arts Building. Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 p.m. and Sunday shows start at 5 p.m. Tickets can be bought at ArtsUAA.com at $9.99 for students, $14.99 for seniors and military and $19.99 for adults. ‌

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UA Board of Regents votes to cancel single accreditation model and expedited review program

By Mary Ryan content@thenorthernlight.org

In light of the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities’, or NWCCU, accreditation concerns, the UA Board of Regents called an emergency meeting involving planning and decision-making to cancel the single UA accreditation and expedited program reviews on Oct. 7.‌ “This reset gives us the opportunity to really focus on our mission, on our students, and to making sure that we achieve our goals on behalf of the state,” UA President Jim Johnsen said in a video on Oct. 9.‌ After gaining clarity on the NWCCU’s letter, the Board of

Regents set a plan to respond.‌ “The board, working with the chancellors, will respond this month to the commission, to the accreditor, clarifying for them how we’re thinking about our roles and responsibilities now and going forward,” Johnsen said in the video.‌ In addition, the board voted nine to two to no longer pursue a single, combined UA accreditation.gnm‌ “If the board chooses to actively consider single accreditation in the future, it will direct the president to conduct an independent, cost-benefit analysis and clearly examine accreditation issues, [such as division of authority and voices included in decision making],” Monique Musick, manager of communi-

cations and marketing of the Office of Public Affairs, said in a press release.‌ UA officials will not revisit the single accreditation model until UAF is accredited by the NWCCU in 2021, UAA Chancellor Cathy Sandeen said in a video on Oct. 8.‌ In the emergency meeting, the Board of Regents also voted nine to one to suspend the expedited academic program review until it consults with the UA president and chancellors. This included 13 review teams assigned to determine if programs needed to be streamlined or discontinued.‌ “With [the Oct. 7 meeting]’s motions, the regents signaled that they are willing to pause and review processes and poli-

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GRAPHIC BY MICHAELINE COLLINS

cies and to incorporate and communicate inclusive decisionmaking processes in order to meet accreditation standards,” Musick said.‌ UA’s canceled expedited academic review programs are separate from the individual university program reviews.‌ “I do want to point out that we’re going forward with our own, internal UAA expedited program review, but that’s our own process that we’re controlling ourselves,” Sandeen said in the video.‌ Each UA university will likely complete its program reviews

in February, Johnsen said.‌ On top of these changes, Johnsen plans to involve more voices in decision making, as requested by the NWCCU. ‌ “No one person, including me, has all the answers,” Johnsen said. “Looking forward, I commit to be more inclusive, to plan, to consider alternative points of view and to include as many of those as possible into our way forward.”‌ The Board of Regents will meet during the last week of October to further discuss UA’s response to the NWCCU and the future of UA.‌

Decoding student fees: Part six can access class materials, communications from the university layout@thenorthernlight.org and submit homework or projects to their professors. BlackIn a digital age, technology is board can be used to bring class key. The use of technology can materials and collaboration to enhance the student experience, students from all over Alaska.‌ not just for students on campus, The Blackboard app, another but for distance education as aspect of the main Blackboard well.‌ tool, brings the same tools to students using mobile devices. ‌ The Technology Fee — $5 Technology plays a large per credit for students regis- role in delivering material and tered in one or more credits coursework to students, but it ‌with a maximum charge of $60. also needs to evolve with the The Technology Fee aims to times, according to Miller.‌ fund the provision of up-to-date “Technology in higher educatechnology equipment, soft- tion is a swiftly changing field,” ware, maintenance, training and Miller said. “With regular adsupport for student use, accord- vances in teaching and educaing to Andrea Miller of UAA In- tion technology, the Technology formation Technology Services.‌ Fee maintains basic class and “The Technology Fee direct- student technology and promotly supports day-to-day func- ing technology innovations on tions of classes,” Miller said in campus, helping to keep UAA an email. “It helps pay for tech- up-to-date with current tech.”‌ nology services, such as BlackStudents, staff and faculty are board, computer labs, the Tech- also involved in projects applied nical Support Center and Man- to the Technology Fee.‌ aged Print Stations, in addition “In addition… the Technolto supporting innovative tech- ogy Fee has been used in supnology development at UAA.”‌ port of the Innovative TechnoloBlackboard, one of the most gy Solutions Fund,” Miller said. frequently used forms of tech- “This program funds proposals nology at UAA, is an education- from both faculty, staff and stual tool through which students dent groups on campus to supBy Jason Herr

port innovative technology solutions that advance student success.”‌ The University Technology Council, or UTC, oversees the Technology Fee and has implemented the Innovative Technology Solutions Fund, or ITSF, to further provide students, faculty and staff the maximum possible benefits from projects approved by the council, according to the UTC website. ‌ The Technology Fee can be used to supplement funding for future ITSF projects.‌ “We balance the spending of the fee between a mix of long-term operational expenses, while still leaving room for one-time expenses or supporting newer, experimental innovation,” the UTC website said.

“While the long-term operational expenses are budgeted annually, the UTC implemented the ITSF as a way to sponsor and fund innovative ideas regarding technology that supports student success on the Anchorage campus on an annual basis.”‌ One project, in particular, is the wayfinding technology and app that debuted on campus in September of 2019. Blind or visually impaired students can use the Wayfinding app for audio directions to campus locations. The app uses Bluetooth iBeacons to guide students. The

PHOTO BY JASON HERR

The Technology Fee helps to maintain computer labs on campus, such as the UAA/APU Consortium Library lab.

Wayfinding app is free to download from the app store. The project was proposed by UAA’s Office of Disability Support Services and supported by funds from the ITSF.‌ The beacons help to determine a student’s location and then give instructions on which direction the student needs to head in order to reach their desired destination. The app can also help students to be aware of obstacles on their route, such as stairs.‌ Students can also obtain certain software through UAA’s IT website or office, which can be found on its website. Programs include Java, Malwarebytes and Microsoft Office 365 Proplus.

Software through IT Services is

free for students and can be accessed with a current UA login.‌ A complete list of services offered by UAA Information Technology Services can be found on their website. The organization can be reached by phone at (907) 786-4646, their toll-free number at 1-877-633-3888 or by emailing uaa.techsupport@alaska. edu.‌ The ITS offices are located in the Social Sciences Building room 120. Their hours are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.‌ In the classroom or on the go, the Technology Fee aims to ensure that students keep up with the technology that supports their academic experience.‌

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE UAA ROBOTICS CLUB WEBSITE

One project for the Innovative Technology Solution Fund’s 2019-2020 year is to assist the UAA Robotics Club with developing a Robotics Innovation Lab.

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GRAPHIC COURTESY OF THE UAA ANTHROPOLOGY DEPARTMENT

International Archaeology Day to involve students in exploration of the past

By Christina Swayney features2@thenorthernlight.org

International Archaeology Day, or IAD, will present humanity’s past through family-inclusive activities. The UAA Anthropology Club will be hosting a mask-making table at this year’s event.‌ Archaeology is one of the four subfields of anthropology and focuses on human societies and cultures and their development. The other three subfields, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology and linguistic anthropology, focus on the physical aspects of the human species like evolution, the social lives of communities and language in cultures, respectively.‌ Meghan Ussing, the president of the UAA Anthropology Club, is excited that the event is for everyone, not just those who have an active interest in archaeology or anthropology.‌ “Students and everyone should attend Archaeology Day because bones are so cool. Archaeology is so much more than [what] is portrayed in the movies, such as Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, etc., and is intellectually far more exciting than Harrison Ford running from big rocks,” Ussing said. ‌ In the past, the UAA Anthropology Club has hosted the event in Anchorage, but will only be participating this time around. This year’s IAD is hosted by The Bureau of Land Management and its partners. The club’s table will feature Yup’ik-

style masks. These types of masks are expressive shamanic ritual masks made by the Yup’ik people of Southwestern Alaska. ‌ Ussing gives insight into why it would be interesting to learn more about archaeology as well.‌ “Archaeology is a fascinating window to our past and provides a glimpse of what life may have been like for our ancestors, both homo sapiens and our more distant ancestors,” Ussing said.‌ There are many activities planned for this year’s event, such as cave painting, Yup’ik-style mask making, hunting demonstrations with atlatls, a throwing spear and other types of spears, and storytelling using the Dena’ina way of life.‌ A life-size version of a Woolly mammoth will also be featured at the event, along with guided World War II Interpretive Walks that meet in front of the Campbell Creek Science Center.‌ Originally named Day of Archaeology, the event name changed to National Archaeology Day until it gained popularity in so many countries that it received its full name, International Archaeology Day, in 2013. ‌ Day of Archaeology was an online event originated by archaeologists in Great Britain and Spain in 2011. It was created by several organizations, including the Society for American Archaeology, Society for Historical Archaeology and the American Anthropological Association.‌ “International Archaeology Day is a

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A life-size woolly mammoth will greet visitors at International Archaeology Day located in the Campbell Creek Science Center.

celebration of archaeology and its contributions to society. Every October, the Archaeological Institute of America and archaeological organizations around the world present archaeological programs and activities for people of all ages and interests,” according to the American Archaeological Institute website.‌

International Archaeology Day is held at Campbell Creek Science Center on Oct. 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call (907) 267-1247 or email the Bureau of Land Management at Campbell Creek at BLM_Press@blm. gov.‌

Sinfonia: A small ensemble enjoyed by a large audience

By Christina Swayney features2@thenorthernlight.org

Lovers of classical music can enjoy a symphony of sound with Sinfonia.

The UAA string ensemble will perform at UAA’s Recital Hall on Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. The program theme for this annual event has not yet been announced.‌ Sinfonia is hosted by the UAA Department of Music and supports emerging artists from UAA. The UAA Department of Music is an integral part of music enrichment in Alaska, according to the Arts UAA webpage.‌ “The UAA Department of Music is a dynamic contributor to the cultural climate in Southcentral Alaska. Dedicated to providing leadership in the musical arts for the state of Alaska, UAA serves as an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music,” the website said.‌ The most recent Sinfonia event at UAA was during the budget cut crisis

PHOTO BY JAY GUZMAN

Oleg Proskurnya, UAA’s Sinfonia professor and conductor, rehearses with the UAA ensemble in preparation for the 2018 spring commencement ceremony.

that UA experienced this year. The Department of Music intended to uplift UAA community members in the financiallygrim situation. This performance, directed by Oleg Proskurnya, featured Hayden’s “Farewell.” ‌

This year, Sinfonia will be under the direction of Grant Cochran, an associate professor at UAA for the Department of Music. Cochran received his bachelor of arts in music at Trinity College and his master of music class at

Yale, as well as his doctorate of musical arts in choral conducting.‌ The term “sinfonia” originates from the Renaissance period, and has a variety of meanings. It is an orchestral mini piece used as a prelude, postlude

or interlude to an opera, cantata, oratorio or suite. ‌ Modern meaning of this term is a composition of work that is smaller than a full-size symphony, such as “BACH: Sinfonia from Cantata no.

42,” which contains many

string instruments, as well as bassoons, but is not a full-size orchestra. ‌ Updates for this year’s Sinfonia, as well as when the style is revealed, can be found at the UAA Facebook Event page, the UAA Department of Music Facebook page, UAA Arts Instagram page and the Arts UAA page.‌ Sinfonia will be held on Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. The event will take place at the University Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Building.

Tickets are available for advanced purchase at the UAA Facebook Events page, the Department of Music Facebook page, Arts UAA page and the University Box Office at the Recital Hall, as well as the day of the concert.‌ Tickets cost $9.99 for students, $14.99 for seniors (60+) and military and $19 for adults. There is a 30% discount for groups of eight or more.‌ For more information, contact Arts UAA at (907) 786-4TIX or artsuaa@ alaska.edu. ‌

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Jeptoo and Kemboi win first cross-country meet in three weeks

By Lauren Cuddihy sports@thenorthernlight.org

In just their third meet of the season and their final meet before the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championship, the Seawolf cross-country team competed in the Western Washington Cross Country Classic.

They traveled to WWU in Washington to compete in the women’s 6-kilometer and the men’s 10-kilometer runs on Oct. 12.‌ Prior to the meet, the UAA women’s team was ranked 15th in the U.S. Track Field and Cross Country Coaches’ Association NCAA Division II National Coaches’ Poll, while the men were not ranked within the top-25.‌ At the WWU Cross Country Classic, both the UAA men’s and women’s teams placed third overall, with Seawolves taking the individual title in both races.‌ With her second-fastest 6-kilometer time ever and first-ever individual win, junior Nancy Jeptoo placed first in the women’s race. She finished with a time of 21:36.1, just four seconds ahead of her teammate, senior Emmah

PHOTO COURTESY OF IAN MARKS

UAA junior Nancy Jeptoo placed first in the 6K cross-country meet on Oct. 12 with a time of 21:36.1.

Chelimo.‌ “[Although it was wet and rainy], I didn’t think the weather was that bad, at least, I took it as a lesson since I usually press hard at the start then fade at the end but this time round I was patient until the end and I performed well,” Jeptoo said.‌ Assistant coach Michael Friess was excited

about Jeptoo’s progress in the race.‌ “I really liked how patient Nancy was. She did not press until she could finish. She really matured as a runner [at this meet],” Friess said.‌ Chelimo finished in 21:40.5, which is 35 seconds slower than her personal best of 21:05 that she ran on Sept. 28 at the Cap-

ital Cross Challenge.‌ Six other UAA women competed and finished the race in a field of 122 runners.‌ Sophomore Joan Kipsanai placed 28th with a time of 22:41. Just behind her, junior Ruth Cvancara finished in 23:09 to place 38th.‌ “[The meet] went really well. Wonderful course, it

was a little chilly but not too bad. I was really happy with how my race went,” Cvancara said.‌ Senior Yvonne Jeschke was the final Seawolf to place in the top-50, earning a spot at 44th by finishing in 23:16.‌ Junior Maria Aceves Espioza (86th, 24:52), sophomore Alfin Nyamasyo (89th, 24:54) and

sophomore Arielle Himelbloom (113th, 26:25) also competed in the 6K.‌ As for the men’s team, junior Felix Kemboi won the overall title with a time of 31:37.6, just three seconds ahead of the secondplace finisher. Ten seconds later, junior Wesley Kirui placed third overall, with a time of 31:50.‌ “I was happy to defend my title. Though the course was super wet, I think we all gave our best. We really did good as a team and we are now focusing on the GNAC championship and getting all teammates out of injuries to be ready for the battle,” Kemboi said.‌ Also scoring in the top-50, sophomores Faisal Ibrahim (33:25) and Jacob Moos (33:28) finished back-to-back at 45th and 46th.‌ Freshman Skylar McIntyre (34:04), senior Eduardo Orozco (34:12) and freshman Niko Latva-Kiskola (34:47) also finished at 72nd, 75th and 95th, respectively.‌ Next, the Seawolves will head to the GNAC Championships in Billings, Montana on Oct. 26. ‌

UAA hockey down 0-2 after opening weekend

By Lauren Cuddihy sports@thenorthernlight.org

The UAA hockey team opened their 2019-2020 season in Orono, Maine over the weekend with two back-to-back games against the University of Maine. The Seawolves lost both games, 7-1 and 2-1, respectively.‌ During their first game on Oct. 11, the Seawolves started off by scoring early in the first period, with freshman Alex Frye scoring his first career goal.

However, during the same period, the Black Bears scored two goals, already taking a lead over UAA. They continued to score throughout the game, extending their lead.‌ Frye scored the only goal of the night with assistance from sophomore forward Tanner Schachle and senior defenseman David Trinkberger.‌ Maine continued to lead over the Seawolves by scoring three more points in the second period and two in the third period.‌

Despite Maine’s plethora of scoring, however, sophomore goaltender Kristian Stead was still able to make 31 saves for the night.‌ Head coach Matt Curley was slightly disappointed with the results of the game, but chose to focus on the positive outcomes.‌ “Despite getting down early, I thought we respond well and pulled with a goal. Some defensive mishaps and penalties got us into trouble in the second period and it got away from us, but I thought some guys played well and showed signs of what we are capable of. It will serve as a good learning experience heading into tomorrow night,” Curley said.‌ After their 7-1 loss, the Seawolves returned to the ice on Oct. 12 in hopes of redemption over Maine.

However, the game resulted in a second loss, but with less of a point difference.‌ Again, the Seawolves were able to score one

PHOTO COURTESY OF SKIP HICKEY

UAA senior Tommy Heikkavirta scored the lone goal for the Seawolf hockey team in their match against the University of Maine on Oct. 12.

goal for the night. Senior defenseman Tomi Heikkavirta scored the lone goal during a power-play in the second period.‌ The goal tied up the score temporarily, as the Black Bears scored their first and only goal of regular game-play in the second period.‌ As the Seawolves and

Black Bears moved into the third period, neither team scored any more points, sending the game into overtime. However, Maine deflected a shot off a UAA defender, sending the puck into the goal, ending the game.‌ In the Oct. 12 game, Stead took a break from his goaltending respon-

sibilities, sending junior Kris Carlson into the net for the night. Carlson managed 26 saves.‌ “Tonight was a great response after a tough loss last night. I was proud of the effort put forth by our guys and felt we took a big step tonight. These are experiences we need to have to continue our growth

as a team and will serve us well as we move into league play,” Curley said.‌ The Seawolves will return to Anchorage for a down weekend before their next competition in the Governor’s Cup, hosting UAF at the Seawolf Sports Complex on Oct. 25 and 26.‌

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