Spring Welcome 2023

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SPRING WELCOME

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Jack Dimond faculty adviser

As we spring into the new year on campus, it’s easy to feel a lack of motivation (see pg. 6), a desire to stay warm indoors (see pg. 11) and a renewed sense of depression (see pg. 12).

We here at the Standard, however, would like to remind you of all the wonderful parts of the spring semester and offer you some tips and tricks for making it to May.

ON THE COVER

The Jane A. Meyer Carillon is backed by a clouded sky.

SPRING WELCOME

is published by The Standard, Missouri State University’s student-produced newspaper. The university has not approved and is not responsible for its content, which is produced and edited by the students on The Standard staff.

While the weather is cold now, summer is just around the corner and we can make it to the finish line in no time! In the meantime, read ahead to find out where to find help when you’re feeling sick (see pg. 18) and how to discover the joy in the city around you (see pg. 4) what to look forward to this semester,.

-Lillian Durr, editor-in-chief

Cover photos File photo/ The Standard

Restaurants near MSU campus offer diverse tastes for students

HOPE BLAYLOCK Reporter D@Hope66683115

The start of the new year is the perfect time to broaden your culinary horizons. There are plenty of flavorful cuisine options in downtown Springfield to expand your palate. Downtown Springfield is home to an array of unique and charming restaurants for students to try.

Greek Belly

Located at 320 E. Walnut St., Greek Belly serves up a slice of authentic Greek food in the heart of downtown Springfield. You can expect to spend $10-$15 for one person. Greek Belly offers dine-in, carryout, catering and delivery services.

John Tsahiridis, the owner of Greek Belly, said that he set up the dining area’s ambience with a mix of inspiration from the islands of Greece and the old village where he grew up in Northern Greece. He wanted to bring a taste of Greek culture to Springfield, so many of the ingredients used in Greek Belly’s recipes are imported directly from Greece to make their dishes as authentic as possible.

The most popular item among patrons, according to Tsahiridis, is the gyro pita wrap.

“(Coming to) Greek Belly means having a full and satisfied belly,” said Tsahiridis.

Pappo’s Pizzeria and Pub

a freshly made pizza. You can expect to spend $10-$20 for one pizza, depending on what kind you order. Pappo’s also has a $10 lunch special, according to Darcy Herman, the general manager at Pappo’s, which includes an 8-inch pizza, a salad and a drink.

Pappo’s offers dine-in, carryout and delivery services. Herman said that the most popular items among patrons are the Cecilian and the Kitchen Sink pizzas. Pappo’s offers a friendly environment where you can enjoy fresh comfort food that is made from scratch and watch a game on the TV.

Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe

Located at 220 E. Walnut St., Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe offers a charming space to take your morning coffee. You can expect to spend $10-$20 for one person. Gailey’s offers dine-in, carryout and catering services.

the home-fry skillets and omelets, especially the El Jefe. In addition to breakfast, Gailey’s also serves lunch and dinner in a classic American diner fashion. Lunch and dinner may attract patrons more to their burgers and sandwiches.

Edwards said that the atmosphere at the cafe is laid-back and inviting. Gailey’s got its start as a drug store in the 1940s. According to JJ, the store was a pharmacy –then called Gailey Drugs – that evolved from a soda fountain and ice cream shop to the cafe it is today.

“It always feels like somewhere you want to be,” Edwards said.

Greek Belly serves authentic Greek food to the people of Springfield. Located on E. Walnut Street, Greek Belly offers a variety of dishes such as gyro pitas and baklava.

Located at 221 E. Walnut St., Pappo’s Pizzeria and Pub offers a welcoming space to relax and enjoy

According to Gailey’s manager JJ Edwards, the most popular items among all the breakfast choices are

These restaurants are just a taste of what downtown Springfield has to offer. There is a plethora of delectable restaurants just waiting for you to try. No matter what your taste buds are interested in, there is something for you downtown. To learn more about the businesses and experiences downtown visit itsalldowntown.com.

Photo by Sloane Galindo Q@slee.createsthings

Photo by Sloane Galindo Q@slee.createsthings

Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe is a local favorite. Located in downtown Springfield since 1946, the restaurant has become a landmark representing the history of Springfield.

Keeping the spring in your step this semester

McKenzie Lewis Reporter D kenzlew1s

Let’s face it: staying motivated through this second semester can be difficult. It’s halfway through the school year, and it’s cold outside. There are many ways life gets in the way of our academic and personal goals – lack of sleep, stress, taking on too much, etc.

As a college student especially, balancing school, work, relationships and personal interests can begin to take its toll with higher stress levels and consequently lower motivation. However, there are some tools and tips available to you that can be useful in keeping yourself motivated through the end of the semester.

Here are seven tips from National University that have been found to help students push through the fog of life and reach their academic and personal goals.

Focus on the big picture

When things start to feel overwhelming, taking a mental step back and reminding yourself why you’re going to school in the first place can help push you through those harder moments. Remember what your career and personal goals are and envision the future you are working towards. Though simple, this is incredibly important and can help maintain your motivation through the harder days.

Celebrate small victories

We’ve all heard the phrase “it’s the little things,” and when it comes to staying focused, celebrating those small victories can make a huge difference. This can look very different from person to person, but some examples of this might be taking a 5-minute social media break every half hour of studying or buying yourself Starbucks after submitting a big paper. These small rewards can help you complete the tasks at hand, which will help you even more at the end of the semester. Keep a positive mindset by recognizing your achievements, no matter how small.

Prioritize and Organize

As classes start to ramp up in February and March and the assignments start piling up, take a few minutes at the beginning of each week to organize and prioritize your assignments. Buying a planner or calendar to keep track of due dates, study times, work schedules and more can keep you on

track for submitting everything on time and staying in pace with the semester workload. If paper calendars don’t work for you, try downloading a calendar app like Google Calendar or an organizational app like Evernote or AnyDo. Make the most of these apps and customize them to your schedule and life.

Build a routine

Whether it’s a study routine or daily routine, setting up habits or study practices can be helpful in staying on track even when life gets overwhelming. Like muscle memory, we can move through our routine and still accomplish our goals, even on days where it’s harder to find the motivation. Theories like S. J. Scott’s habit stacking, where you build new habits on top of daily habits you already have, can help you begin to create a routine that works for you. Habit stacking can look like every time you brush your teeth, you make reminders for yourself to drink a large glass of water before or after. After repeating this multiple times, it will start to feel like a habit to always drink a glass of water when you brush your teeth. This is just a small example of how habit stacking can change the way you experience your daily life.

Remember to recharge

Your brain and body can only do so much at a time. In a study published by Journal of Management, those who exhibit workaholic tendencies are more likely to experience “burnout, job stress, work-life conflict, and decreased physical and mental health.” These negative experiences can begin to work against you, making your goals harder to reach. Take time for yourself and do the things that fuel you, because in the long run, this is how busy schedules remain sustainable. Going on a walk, meeting a friend for coffee or catching up on your favorite TV show are just a few examples of the ways you can disconnect from school and give your brain a rest.

Hold yourself accountable

The word accountable can sometimes have negative connotations, as it usually is thought of in the context of another person nagging you about something. However, a recent Gallup study found that “people are intrinsically motivated to fulfill their commitments,” meaning that type of motivation rarely has the desired effects of pushing you to accomplish the required tasks. If you find that you’re struggling to complete goals you have set, sit down with

While the countless textbooks, essays, quizzes and tasks that come along with being a student can feel overwhelming, the National University suggests seven steps to stay motivated and efficient as the academic year continues.

yourself and try to be honest as to why you aren’t following through. Getting to the root of why you may be dragging your feet is a huge step in getting closer to accomplishing your goals. A solution to overcoming obstacles like this might be to set smaller goals to work up to the bigger ones you have.

Set new goals and challenges

As life fluctuates and changes, updating and setting new goals and challenges can help keep you from falling into a rut. Check in with yourself to see how your interests and values may have changed over time, causing your current objectives to no longer align with who you are. Reassessing

and updating your goals can help you stay inspired to keep pursuing your academic and personal ambitions.

Overall, life can be difficult and get in the way of our dreams, but remember that these tools are available to you to help you overcome those challenges.

Try out different tips and see what works best for you, knowing that every day you’re continuing to build and shape the life you want for your future. Keep your head up and remember – school is just a season, and one day you will be on the other side of it.

Photo by Lillian Durr Q@moment.of.wondurr

Stay warm this winter with these upcoming book releases

LILIANA HAYES Reporter D@lilidarleen

For a bookworm, there’s nothing worse than wandering around your local bookstore with no idea what to buy. From highly anticipated sequels to freshly debuted authors, 2023 has a lot in store, but some readers need a little guidance. If that sounds like you, check out this list of book recommendations to get your hands on in the new year.

“How to Sell a Haunted House”

From Grady Hendrix, the renowned author who brought us “The Final Girl Support Group” and “Horrorstör,” comes a timely paranormal horror book set at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After the death of her parents, Louise Joyner must uproot her life and fly back to her hometown to put her childhood house up on the market. The last person she wants to see there is her estranged brother, Mark, but they have no choice but to overcome

their differences while renovating the house.

However, before their parents died, they nailed the attic door shut and taped newspapers over every mirror. On top of that, their mother’s extensive doll collection refuses to stay put. Released on Jan. 14, Hendrix’s clever balance of horror, sentiment and comedy is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

“Hell Bent”

Best known for the Shadow and Bone trilogy and the Six of Crows duology, Leigh Bardugo has made a name for herself in the young adult fantasy genre. Fans of her 2019 paranormal fantasy novel “Ninth House” were given a sequel on Jan. 10 with “Hell Bent.” There may be spoilers for the first book ahead. You’ve been warned!

The journey of Alex Stern continues as she navigates murder, dark magic and life as an Ivy League college student. Alex is determined to break Darlington out of purgatory, but the risks are greater than she ever expected. Ninth House refuses to help Alex in her mission, so she must create her own team of brave allies.

Meanwhile, when faculty at the university begin to meet untimely deaths, Alex is convinced they aren’t just accidents. To save herself and everyone around her, she must come face-to-face with the darkness hidden within the university’s walls.

“Always the Almost”

Edward Underhill’s debut novel “Always the Almost” follows the story of Miles, a transgender pianist, as he attempts to complete his two New Year’s resolutions. Number one: win back his ex-boyfriend, Shane. Number two: beat his archnemesis in the Midwest’s biggest classical piano competition.

However, both of these prove to be a challenge when Shane won’t even look at him and Miles’ piano teacher insists he isn’t improving. Things take a turn when Miles meets Eric, a proudly queer cartoonist who seems to understand him better than anyone.

In this young adult coming-of-age novel, Underhill explores the struggles of coming out, finding your identity and learning to love yourself. This book hits shelves on Feb. 14.

“Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age”

In the post-pandemic era of constant devastation in the news and increasing social media pressure, author Katherine May recognizes that society has been pushed to its limit. There’s a perpetual anxiety for the future that has left many people emotionally depleted and mentally fatigued.

Coming out Feb. 28, “Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age” invites the reader to rediscover the magic in life and reignite their sense of wonder as May shares her own struggles with family, work and the current state of the world. Through humor and vulnerability, her anecdotes urge the reader to find beauty in the human experience during even the darkest times.

“Hello Beautiful: A Novel”

Following the lives of the four Padavano sisters as a love affair fractures their family

dynamic, Ann Napolitano’s latest demonstrates the unique bond of sisterhood and the journey it takes to love someone not in spite of their downfalls but because of them.

Julia, the eldest Padavano sister, is an ambitious woman beginning her first year of college. Her future is methodically planned out, and she’s ready to get her life started.

William, a man plagued by tragedy, falls in love with Julia. The Padavanos offer him the love his own family never gave him. However, as secrets emerge from his dark past, not only is Julia’s future jeopardized, but so is the bond with her sisters.

On March 28, readers will find out if the Padavano sisters’ devotion to one another will be enough to fix their fragmented relationships.

With all of the new and upcoming releases this semester, there is something for everyone to read. Start the new year off with a good book!

Screenshot from Amazon

Screenshot from Amazon

Screenshot from Amazon

Springing into the new year with new years resolutions

DESIREE NIXON Editor D@DesireeNixon17

Whenever students arrive back on the Missouri State University campus, many are prepped and ready for the new year. They are refreshed from the break and have resolutions of how to be a better version of themselves. However, once the school year starts, those resolutions often slip and students fall back into the normal patterns they had just a month ago.

According to a survey from Forbes Health 55% of people with resolutions stop them within less than a year.

Forbes Magazine editor Sarah Davis said 11% last at least six months, 14% last at least three months, 19% last at least one

month and 11% last less than a month.

While keeping goals can be rather difficult, assistant psychology professor, CaSandra Stanbrough, says there are things students can do to keep their motivation rolling into the school year. She says it is important to be specific with the goals that students are trying to attain.

“If you want to lose weight, what is your weekly goal?” Stanbrough said. “If you want to start drinking more water, how much water do you want to drink per day? If you want to start going to the gym, how many days a week do you want to go and for how long?”

Students should not feel deterred from setting goals if they originally did not make one at the new year. There are ways that stu-

dents can get involved in creating a healthier lifestyle throughout the year.

“Surround yourself with an environment and support system that supports behaviors or goals that you would like to achieve or that are relevant to your desired self,” Stanbrough said. “Joining a group will help build yourself without setting a specific resolution.”

For those that have set a goal but maybe begin to fall off the wagon, Stanbrough suggests that you can restart your resolutions anytime in order to be healthier. She says it is important to hold yourself accountable. If a student misses a goal, they should take away the reward they were going to give themselves.

Additionally, Stanbrough suggests students keep a physical jour-

nal of their progress. If they are not doing well at a certain time, the journal allows them to look back on better times.

“Come up with a plan to help get back to the resolution should you fall short or stop working on your goal,” Stanbrough said. “For example, if you get sick and stop

going to the gym, you set a plan to start back the next month.”

Stanbrough suggests taking on one goal at a time before moving on to the next one. All in all, the start of the new year is a great time to begin looking at ways to improve whether that be physically, mentally or emotionally.

Graphic by Allyson Endsley Q@allysonendsley

Say no to snow with these five indoor activities

The Springfield Art Museum

Housed just south of campus at 1111 E. Brookside Dr., the Springfield Art Museum boasts free admission, but still accept donations from all patrons.

According to the museum’s website, a group of women first known as the Art Study Club deeded the museum to the city in 1946. The museum has been welcoming traveling art exhibits to Springfield for nearly 100 years.

Visitors at 1984 pay an entry fee of $10 which allows them to play any of the arcade’s classic video games free of charge.

LILLIAN DURR Editor-in-Chief

As the temperature drops, many students will still be looking for ways to have fun and stay active in their community while also keeping warm. There are many indoor activities and businesses across the city for students with all interests and budgets to experience and explore.

1984

Located between the Missouri State University campus and Park Central Square at 400 S. Jefferson Ave., 1984 is a nostalgic arcade filled with classic video games and pinball machines from the ’70s and ’80s, along with occasional games that debuted in the 1990s. According to the arcade’s website, 1984 has “on average 79-80 video games and 16-17 pinball machines.”

There is no cost to play individual games at 1984, but there is a $10 admission fee for visitors. 1984 is open Wednesday through Saturday from 4-11 p.m.

For more information, visit 1984arcade.com.

Jordan Valley Ice Park

Not only is Jordan Valley Ice Park home to the MSU Ice Bears, it also hosts public skates for anyone in the community to take part in. The park charges $7 admission for adults per session and $6 admission for students who present their student ID.

A full schedule of public skate times at Jordan Valley Ice Park can be viewed at parkboard. org/308/Open-Play-Public-Skating. For more information on the park, visit parkboard. org/302/Jordan-Valley-Ice-Park.

The Springfield Art Museum is open to visitors Sunday from 1-5 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 12-8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

To learn more about the museum and view current exhibits, visit sgfmuseum.org.

Firehouse Pottery

For those looking for an activity farther from the MSU campus, Firehouse Pottery is located at 4150 S. Lone Pine Ave. Firehouse Pottery is a pottery painting studio where visitors can select a pre-casted pieces to paint. The studio will then glaze and fire the piece for pick up at a later date.

There is no studio fee, so painters only pay the price of their selected piece.

According to the studio’s website, “The average painter spends $25. Prices range $8 and up.”

Firehouse pottery is open Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 12-6 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 12-8 p.m.

To learn more, visit firehousepottery.com.

Springfield Escape Room

The Springfield Escape Room offers another experience for groups of friends looking to have fun while staying warm. The escape room is located in the Kickapoo Shopping Center at 3554 S. Campbell Ave. and allows for visitors to “solve puzzles, crack codes and find clues,” according to the room’s website.

For groups of two or three people, booking a room costs $30 a person. For groups of four or five people, the booking costs $28 per person. Groups of six or more pay $25 a person, and large groups of more than 20 people can book a room for $23 a person. Walk-ins are accepted on availability; however, visitors can also pre-book rooms through the business’ website.

The escape room is open Monday and Tuesday from 4-7:45 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 4-8:30 p.m., Friday from 1-10:30 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.- 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1:30-8 p.m. The escape room is also open weekdays for large groups to book.

To learn more, visit springfieldescaperoom. com.

D@lillian_durr

Photo by Lillian Durr

Q@moment.of.wondurr

Comfort movies and television offer respite among seasonal depression

ter. Typical symptoms include a lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, loss of interest, trouble focusing, changes in appetite and anxiety.

“All of these symptoms can impact college students’ performance in their classes because quality learning experiences really require that students do all of those things often and well,” said Maureen Templeman, assistant professor of gerontology at Missouri State.

This seasonal depression leads students to reject their academic obligations but also the activities that may bring them joy or comfort.

“It is important for students, and people in general, to have a balance between work and other aspects of their lives,” Templeman said. “In addition to focusing on academics, students need to engage in activities that make them happy and bring them joy.”

With winter lasting until late March, students may experience the worst of SAD later into the spring semester.

a hug, right?”

Not everyone uses this programming exclusively to evoke happiness. For some, just as much comfort can be found in the kinship of watching someone else go through a similar struggle, intensifying their own emotions through the art of others.

“There is a media theory called mood management theory which talks about the way that we augment our moods based on particular media selection,” Holladay said. “We can choose things that improve our moods, or if you’ve ever been in a break-up and really leaned into sad songs, we can choose things that heighten or emphasize our moods in particular ways.”

As a professor of Identity and Aging in Literature and Film, Templeman said she finds a value in seeing reflections of universal struggles like seasonal depression in the media we view.

movies, students give themselves a limit for how much time they will spend on such activities, and when possible, ask friends to join when they are watching so there is also a social component to the activity.”

Templeman said that many believe seasonal depression comes as a result of seeing less sunlight in darker seasons. This can negatively affect both sleep cycles and serotonin levels in those suffering from SAD.

CASEY LOVING Editor D@CaseyMLoving

While the fall semester typically kicks the year off on bright and temperate days, the spring semester begins at a much less vibrant time. Once the eagerness and excitement of a new year wanes, some students may find themselves suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, often referred to simply as seasonal depression.

SAD carries many of the same symptoms of depression, affecting individuals in relation to the change in seasons. Most often, seasonal depression is tied to late autumn and early win-

“There’s a general sense of excitement at the beginning of every semester, and I feel that too,” said media professor Holly Holladay. “I think it’s more of a deep February situation where we really start to see less attendance, missing assignments and that sort of thing.”

During times of seasonal depression, many students may lean into the concept of comfort programming. Comfort movies and television shows are pieces of entertainment that individuals use as a sort of security blanket, rewatching them repeatedly in times of turbulence and dismay.

“You know how it’s going to end, so it is something that you can return to and you don’t have to do that sort of cognitive work or emotional work because you know what’s coming,” Holladay said. “That can be consistent or a constant thing where you’ve got lots of other uncertainty going on in your life ... It feels like

“Watching films and shows with middle aged and older adult characters that portray these universal experiences allows us to see that we are not alone and reflect on how we might navigate these scenarios ourselves as they come up in our lives,” she said. “Sometimes our fears about the things that may happen as we age are exaggerated because they are unknown and we don’t take the time or have the courage to think about them. Entertainment that deals with topics related to aging promotes our engagement with them and encourages that kind of reflection.”

Though the solace of comfort movies and TV shows can seem irresistible in times of depression, there can be a danger in getting too lost in familiar worlds.

“It is easy to get carried away with our use of entertainment to pacify our moods, and this can actually contribute to depressive symptoms rather than help them,” Templeman said. “I would suggest that when watching shows or

“Participating in certain leisure activities can help to regulate both of these processes,” she said. “For example, some studies have shown that physical activity, especially when combined with exposure to natural light, can help combat symptoms of seasonal depression.” Templeman highlighted the Foster Recreation Center as a great place on campus for students to stay active and get plenty of natural light through the building’s large windows.

Taking steps to ensure healthy amounts of sleep and consistent schedules can help combat the effects of seasonal depression. Additionally, Templeman stresses the importance of communication for students with symptoms of SAD.

“As educators, our primary concern is the success of our students,” Templeman said. “When students exhibit a lack of motivation and engagement, if we do not have context about why this is occurring, we may make negative assumptions. When students communicate with us about what is going on with them, we are able to better accommodate them.”

Students suffering from any form of depression can find help at Magers Health and Wellness Center. They can also schedule an appointment with a counselor by calling 417-836-5116. More information on Missouri State’s mental health provisions can be found at health.missouristate.edu/MentalHealth.htm.

Illustration by Dorottya Faa Q@disaaky

John Goodman Amphitheatre hosts events ahead of 2023 Tent Theatre summer season

ALYSSA FARRAR Reporter

D@MoonaBlu

The John Goodman Amphitheatre, located north of Craig Hall on the Missouri State campus, is the newest structural addition to the outdoor Tent Theatre program at MSU. Built on the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Arts Park, the 7,700square-foot outdoor amphitheater holds a stage, 350 removable seats and new-grade sound and lighting technology.

The amphitheater was funded by private donations made by popular alumnus actor John Goodman, former MSU English professor Judith Enyeart Reynolds, donor Tim Reynolds and others. While in Springfi eld for the Onward, Upward university fundraising event, John Goodman visited the amphitheatre for a dedication of the structure to

his name.

30 private donors came from all across the world to attend the public open house event that took place on Oct. 23 and the 60th anniversary of the Reynolds Art Park Tent Theatre legacy. As the surrounding construction fences were removed, the facility was made available for everyone to visit for the fi rst time.

In April 2023, the Missouri State theatre and dance department will be hosting a Spring Dance concert at the amphitheatre. In May, there will be a special tribute concert for the Misthonian celebration performance.

The 2023 Tent Theatre summer season will be held at the amphitheatre, with performances including the musicals “Anything Goes” (June 23, 24 and 26-July 1) and “The Prom” (July 21-22 and 24-29).

The third play of the season is yet to be announced but will run July

7-8 and 10-14.

Beyond the performances hosted by Missouri State’s College of Arts and Letters, the stage will be available for community use to hold events including jazz ensemble concerts, slam poetry performances and guest speaker seminars.

According to Dr. Shawn Wahl, dean of the College of Arts and Letters, November has consisted of perfecting some of the new technologies that are a part of the structure, including surround sound speakers and light color features. A large LED wall that can display graphics and animations is featured in the amphitheatre. “For example, if you have a show with a sunset that can be done with the wall. It depends on the set design,” Wahl said.

The addition of the John Goodman amphitheatre adds to the “beautifi cation of campus” and provides

The John Goodman Amphitheatre, which opened during the fall 2022 semester, is a part of the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Art Park.

an artistic space that makes Missouri State a place where students want to go to school, Wahl said.

“We’re really excited about this multi-use space,” Wahl said. “It is kind of a part of the structural dream. Anytime we have something new built on campus it is exciting,

and it is a joy to see students walking through the space because the construction was going on for so long.”

To keep up to date about upcoming Tent Theatre productions and ticket purchase information, visit tenttheatre.missouristate.edu/.

Photo by Jen Crooks

Springing into the 2023 season with MSU athletics

MAKAYLA STRICKLAND Sports Editor D@m_strickland28

The spring semester at Missouri State is filled with sports, as well as the potential for championship runs. Here is a look at all the action students can catch this spring.

Men’s and Women’s Basketball

The bulk of basketball season happens during the spring semester, so there is plenty of time for crowds to fill the newly named Great Southern Bank arena. The men are sitting at 10-10 on the season and 6-4 in the conference.

The Lady Bears are off to a decent start, 10-7 on the season and 5-3 conference play. Both teams have many new players; chemistry and offense are two big factors that neither team has mastered yet.

The Lady Bears are being led by new head

Track and Field

The Track and Field team opened their season last month at the Crimson and Gold invitational in Pittsburg, Kansas. Graduate sprinter Tamera Rhodes’ 300-meter dash was Missouri State’s only first-place finish. They will be attending meets at Kansas State, the University of Arkansas and others during their season.

The Bears will have a few returners including Calandra Henry, who took second in the 100-meter dash at the Missouri Valley Conference outdoor championship last season. The team will also be supplemented with eight freshman bears.

coach Beth Cunningham and fifth-year senior guard Syndey Wilson.

In the past, the Lady Bears have made 17 NCAA tournament appearances, including the last two seasons, as well as the season before the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first season since 2018-19 that the Lady Bears have lost consecutive games.

On the men’s side of the court, they are being led by fifth-year head coach Dana Ford and only three returners: senior guard Donovan Clay, senior forward Dawson Carper, and redshirt sophomore guard Raphe Ayres.

New faces for the men include senior guard Bryan Trimble Jr. and senior guard Kendle Moore as well as many others. Shooting the ball seems to be tough for the Bears as the average shooting percentage per game is 34.7%. As the season progresses and both teams are able to build their chemistry, there could be postseason tournaments in the near future.

Golf

Men’s golf will open their season at the Carpenter-Chaney Match Play Classic on Feb. 10 in Orlando, Florida followed by the Women opening their season at the Tulane Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.

During the fall portion of the season, the women had two second-place finishes out of their five tournaments while the men were not ever top finishers in their five tournaments.

Both teams will be looking for Valley wins during the conference tournaments in April and a hopeful qualification to the NCAA tournament at the end of the semester.

Baseball

After a near-split season, 31-29, the Baseball Bears will return this spring under head coach Keith Guttin in his 41st season. The Bears were able to climb their way to the top for an MVC Championship win, which also sent them to their 12th NCAA tournament.

Unfortunately, their season ended after a win over Grand Canyon University, 8-7, and two losses to Oklahoma State University 5-10 and 15-29.

Graduate second basemen Mason Hull was honored as a Preseason All-American.

This season will begin at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California on Feb. 17. They will be home at Hammons Field on Feb. 24 against the University of Central Arkansas.

Tennis

Missouri State women’s tennis had a strong fall season that they are looking to bring to the team matches this spring.

Last summer, the university announced the hiring of former player Ellie Burger to serve as head coach of the Bears’ women’s tennis program.

Burger was able to coach the women to multiple wins in the fall as well as senior Diana Cabrera finished second in singles at the 2022 MVC Individual Championships.

The tennis Bears will open their spring portion of the season at the University of Louisiana Monroe on Jan. 27 and their home opener on Feb. 4 against Eastern Illinois at the Cooper Tennis complex.

STANDARD

File photo/THE

Trey Ziegenbein steps in to pitch. Missouri State baseball lost 7-0 to Oklahoma State on March 2 2021

Donovan Clay brings the ball down the floor during the Bears 78-58 win against Newman on Feb. 5.

Photo by Patrick Walden Q@patsvisionary Sydney Wilson lays up the ball and scores for the Lady Bears. The Lady Bears won 99-57 against the Evansville Aces.

File photo/THE STANDARD

Some Ice Bears skate over to high-five their teammates during a match at Jordan Valley Ice Park.

Ice Bears

The Missouri State club Ice Hockey Team finished their fall season 8-10 defeating teams such as the University of Illinois and the University of Alabama. The Ice Bears are a part of the American Collegiate Hockey Association, the largest collegiate hockey organization that handles most colleges outside of the NCAA. The Ice Bears are led by sixth-year head

coach Jeremy Law, who was named to the ACHA 2023 World Cup of University Hockey as an assistant coach for Team Canada. The spring portion of the season for the Ice Bears began on Jan. 13 at Maryville University and had their home opener on Jan. 20 against Maryville University at Jordan Valley Ice Park in Springfield.

Softball

File photo/THE STANDARD

Skyler Shaw swings and connects with the softball in the 3rd inning. Missouri State Softball won 8-0 against Valparaiso last season

The softball Bears finished 28-20 last season as well as an MVC Championship and an NCAA tournament run. In their tournament run, they beat Illinois 2-0 but fell to Mizzou twice, 1-3 and 0-2.

The Bears are led by head coach Holly Hesse who will be coaching her 35th season this spring.

With 872 career wins, Hesse was granted a two-year, $100,000 contract extension after last season.

Hesse says that she appreciates the support of her leadership.

Their season kicks off at the Lion Classic in Hammond, LA on Feb. 10. All home games will be played at the Killian Softball complex in Springfield.

Submitted by Michael Cignoli/MichaelCignoli.com

Crossing the finish line at spring commencement:

MAKAYLA MALACHOWSKI Editor

@MMal2024

Before students can get their diplomas, there are a few things they need to do in preparation for commencement. Read below to learn more about the steps between now and graduation day for current seniors.

Registration and degree audit

According to Angela Young, registrar for Missouri State University, students can apply to graduate as early as when they register for their last semester of classes. However, associate registrar Rebecca Harbaugh advised that students check their degree audit before applying to graduate.

“Since the requirements to graduate are specific to the student, the degree audit is the best tool to use,” Harbaugh said.

Young said while there are universal requirements for each student such as general education courses, 80-90% of the graduation requirements depend on the specifics of the student’s degree.

Applying to graduate

The application to graduate is an important step in the graduation process, according to Young and Harbaugh.

“It basically tells the office of the registrar that you think you’ll be complete at the end of the semester,” Young said. “It also tells us to make sure there’s nothing preventing you from graduating, as well as the name you would like listed in the commencement program, where you want your diploma mailed and what name you would like on the diploma.”

Harbaugh said there is a deadline to have your name in the program due to the printing schedule. For those wanting their name in the spring 2023 commencement program, the due date is March 31.

Cap and gown

The last semester for students can be very busy, so if you don’t have time to stop by the university bookstore to get your cap and gown, don’t fret – students can get those items whenever is convenient for them.

Young said if students still don’t have their caps and gowns before commencement, they will be available on the day of the ceremony. However, if you pick up your cap and gown on the day of commencement, you likely won’t have time to decorate your cap, which Young encouraged.

How 2023 graduates can prepare to walk the stage this May

MSU graduates are allowed to decorate their caps for commencement. MSU registrar Angela Young suggests purchasing your cap and gown ahead of graduation to give time for decorating.

“We’ve had some really fun ones in the last few years,” Young said. “A few years ago, we had one covered in rubber duckies. That one really stood out to me.”

Graduation checklist

Undergraduate students can make sure they’re completely ready for graduation by looking at the university’s graduation checklist. The checklist goes over the student’s degree audit, their application to graduate, commencement eligibility, the exit survey and more.

To see the checklist, visit www.missouristate.edu/Registrar/Students/graduation

Commencement

Harbaugh and Young provided a few pro tips for celebrating commencement, including what to wear and what to bring.

According to Harbaugh, students and guests will have to go through security at Great Southern Bank Arena before the ceremony. She suggested leaving all coats and bags in the vehicle, as bringing them can cause delays in getting everyone inside.

In addition, Harbaugh and Young said to wear comfortable clothing and shoes for the ceremony, as students will have to do a little walking to, from and during the ceremony.

Finally, the moment all soon-to-be graduates have been waiting for – students can throw their self-decorated caps in the air and celebrate all of their hard work throughout college. Congratulations!

To learn more about graduating, visit the Office of the Registrar or consult with your adviser.

Photo by Missouri State University Creative Services

Healthcare centers provide MSU and Springfield community with medical services amidst flu season

JENNA MURRAY Editor D@Jenna_Murray5

Winter is now here and sicknesses like the fl u and the common cold are continuing to spread rapidly. Even those who take every precaution are not immune to catching a virus. However, college students — known for being busy and broke — have affordable healthcare options readily available for when they fall victim to illness.

Magers Health and Wellness Center, located at 901 S. National Ave. on Missouri State University’s campus, offers a variety of healthcare services to students and staff at MSU. A student health fee, which is prepaid by enrolled students, provides the student, their spouse and their household members with care. According to the MSU website, basic offi ce visits are free of charge and other services charge a small fee.

Magers’ medical services include treatment of illnesses and injuries, allergy injections, vaccinations, the diagnosis and man-

agement of medical problems and more. Among their mental health services are mental health screenings and access to professional psychiatrists, psychologists and counselors.

Student Wellness, the health promotion unit of Magers, provides students with a variety of wellness-related programs. These programs center around different topics related to bettering student health, such as yoga, active shooter training and sexual assault prevention.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, peak fl u season usually falls between December and February. Since September, Magers has been offering students the fl u vaccine for zero charge. Magers also offers a test that checks for both the fl u and COVID-19 with same-day results. This test does require a charge that can be fi led with most insurances.

Magers also has a telemedicine service that provides health assistance online, either through a two-way video chat, phone call or electronic information exchange. Medical staff can meet with patients this way to pro-

vide medical treatment without requiring an in-person visit.

Magers Health and Wellness Center Pharmacy provides medicine for the MSU community. Their pharmacy can fill prescriptions written by Magers and outside physicians and provide non-prescription medicines. According to the MSU website, Magers accepts most forms of commercial health insurance.

There are several health clinics around the Springfi eld area for those not enrolled in MSU that provide affordable healthcare as well. Jordan Valley Community Health Center, located at 440 E. Tampa St., offers a variety of services including medical, behavioral and dental. With their Slide Program, those without health insurance can still have access to health care by paying a discounted co-pay based on income and household size.

Equality Healthcare, located at 420 W. College St. #100, provides its patients with several healthcare services including minor procedures and consultations. Equality Healthcare does not take insurance and instead offers monthly membership plans that include offi ce visits, physicals, treatments

MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

Galindo

Q@slee.createsthings

Magers Health and Wellness is conveniently located for students on campus. The center can be found at 901 S. National Ave. near the University Bookstore and Blair-Shannon House.

and more.

CoxHealth also is an option for those needing access to healthcare. CoxHealth offers a Care Finder tool on its website to help patients fi nd the best care for them. After fi lling out the questionnaire, users will have the option to make a primary care appointment, visit an urgent care clinic or set up a free virtual visit.

Photo by Sloane