NEWS | 5
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 6
OPINION | 8
STAY RELAXED
SCHOOL SPIRIT
OPEN OR CLOSED?
Yoga professor Lisa Callahan shares why yoga is beneficial to students.
WSU kicks off unusual Clash of the Colleges competition last Friday.
The Sunflower gives their opinion on keeping campus open during the pandemic.
WICHITA STATE’S STUDENT NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1896 MONDAY
Volume 125
www.thesunflower.com
August 31, 2020
Issue 2
Masks On, Shockers Up Mask enforcement: A campus-wide effort BY LINDSAY SMITH news@thesunflower.com / @Lindsay_KSmith
PHOTOS BY KHANH NGUYEN AND KAYLEE STOUT/THE SUNFLOWER
Top: Wichita State students Emaan Syed (left) and Lena Alhallaq (right) pose with their masks while holding up the shocker hand sign on Thursday outside of Clinton Hall. Left: Junior Andrea Baker smiles for a photo with her mask on Monday, August 17 inside the RSC. Above: Aaron Austin, Dean of Students, passes out masks on the first day of fall classes inside the RSC on August 17.
Wichita State University is entering its third week of the fall 2020 semester and students still have questions surrounding the enforcement of the campus-wide mask requirement. The policy states that all students are required to wear a mask indoors unless isolated in a private office. Students are also required to wear a mask outdoors when social distancing is not possible. Vice President of Student Affairs Teri Hall said that the student body has done a good job so far of complying. “I have not heard of anyone who has absolutely refused to wear a mask yet,” Hall said. “I think, by and large, students are doing pretty good. I was out passing out masks on the first day of classes and I think just about every student I encountered had some type of mask on.” Hall said that if faced with a student who refused to comply with the order, faculty have the rights to confront them. “If a student doesn’t wear a mask and the faculty member says ‘Here, here’s a mask for you to put on’ and the student complies and takes their seat then everything is great,” Hall said. “[But] if the student refuses, the faculty member has the option of saying ‘Alright, then you can’t sit in my class until you’re wearing a mask.’’ Hall said the university has a process set up to allow faculty members to get higher authority involved with students who refuse. “The faculty member could also then turn that student’s name over to student conduct and community standard for follow up through our judicial systems,” Hall said. SEE ENFORCEMENT PAGE 4
‘I wasn’t too surprised’: Volleyball coach reacts to suspended season BY SEAN MARTY sports@thesunflower.com / @TheSeanMarty
Earlier this week, the American Athletic Conference announced that the volleyball season would be delayed until Spring 2021. Although many were shocked by this decision, Wichita State volleyball head coach Chris Lamb wasn’t one of them. “My first reaction was well, glad that we gave it the old varsity effort but there’s too many unknowns,” Lamb said. “There just weren’t answers yet. Some of those questions are going to be really important to some people. When they don’t know what they’re going to do and certain things happen, that makes it uneasy. I wasn’t too surprised.” There was much uncertainty surrounding the volleyball season which included the AAC originally postponing fall Olympic sports until the beginning of September. But for Lamb, this was a consensus among everyone. “Well, I don’t think anybody
could be surprised with all we’ve been seeing and learning as we go,” Lamb said. A major part of this decision was to further align with the postponement of the fall sports championships which were delayed until the spring earlier this month. As the news surfaced across social media, Lamb became disappointed that he was unable to inform his players prior to the news coming out. “Honestly, I was disappointed the word got out before I could get to them,” Lamb said. “Word travels fast these days. I was just disappointed that they had to hear it from other people, not us.” As Lamb went to talk with his team, the main message was that there was still hope of a season happening and only time will tell. “The message was, it wasn’t a canceled season, it’s a postponed season,” he said. “So, we still have hope and with that hope might come more understanding with
how we deal with all this stuff.” One of the positives that Lamb was able to take away from this situation was the possibility of non-conference matches being introduced with a focus on regionalized matches. “I’m hopeful if we do this in the spring they may involve regional non-conference matches which allow us to play in some of the more regional Big-12 schools,” Lamb said. “So, it may be a better schedule in store for us this spring. I might say that if that happens it was a win.” One of the main challenges that exists is regarding the amount of practice time that is allowed for the team. Currently, teams are only allowed 20-hour segments across 132 days within a given annual. This could present some challenges if the team winds up practicing too much within this season. According to Lamb, the program is still awaiting some direction on that with the possibility of some rule changes.
FILE PHOTO: MARSHALL SUNNER/THE SUNFLOWER
Wichita State head coach Chris Lamb speaks to his team during a timeout against Texas on Saturday, September 15 inside Charles Koch Arena.
Even with the season up in the wings, Lamb has been impressed to this point with the amount of focus there has been which even resulted in one of the better practices from the team. “I have asked them all to think real hard about that and how
important a match is for training and development,” Lamb said. “I know they’re fun but I’m trying to make practice about practice, technique and training and what not. (Assistant coach) Sean (Carter) SEE VOLLEYBALL PAGE 10
2 | MONDAY, AUG. 31, 2020
NEWS
Wichita State partners with Sedgwick County for new COVID-19 testing lab BY LINDSAY SMITH news@thesunflower.com/ @Lindsay_ KSsmith
Wichita State University and Sedgwick County have banded together to bring the new Molecular Diagnostic Lab (MDL) to the community in an effort to increase COVID-19 lab testing capacity. Technical Director Sarah Nikel is a molecular scientist who has been leading the charge on training people to get this testing center up and running. She said her first-hand experience seeing labs struggle to keep up with the pandemic makes it known that bringing a lab to the community is what it needs. “It’s allowing us as a Wichita State team to offer something to the community that’s really needed,” Nickel said. “I work in the clinical laboratory world right now and we’re really struggling to keep up with the testing capacity and this is going to allow for much higher testing capacity then what we currently have.” Associate Vice President for Industry Engagement and Applied Learning Tonya Witherspoon said in an interview with The Sunflower that the process to bring the lab to the community began after the realization that Wichita needed more tests available to keep the community open. “We realized there was a lack of testing capacity in our region [and] that our hospitals were doing all that they could,” Witherspoon said. “What we realized, especially since school is starting and people are trying to get back to work, is that everybody needs to get tested regularly … just to make sure you’re not carrying the virus.” Witherspoon said that bringing
“One of the big hopes and goals of this lab is so that way we can really help drive our local economy and get back to business while containing the pandemic at the same time.” ROB GERLACH Exexutive Director of Tech Transfer and Commercialization
the testing center to Wichita began with the Ad Astra coalition, which was announced in early April. “This whole initiative really started with the Ad Astra project that Rob [Gerlach] and Sierra [Bonn] started,” Witherspoon said. “We always called gathering the PPE step one and we knew supporting the economy would be step two, and that’s really what the COVID testing lab is.” Gerlach and Bonn said that they hope the lab is able to prevent another shutdown. “One of the big hopes and goals of this lab is so that way we can really help drive our local economy and get back to business while containing the pandemic at the same time,” Gerlach said. “We don’t realize how quickly an outbreak can occur and if there’s not the right amount of tracing and testing available.” Witherspoon said the process to bring the lab to campus wasn’t as difficult as one might think, thanks to helping hands. “It surprisingly wasn’t as hard as I think it might have been,” Witherspoon said. “Initially we had some help from Harvard to kind of get us on the right track and some other research institutes
FERNANDO SALAZAR/WICHITA JOURNALISM COLLABORATIVE
Health professionals administer a COVID-19 test in Wichita.
in Kansas City that helped us and then after that it’s our faculty in our health sciences program that really had the expertise.” Unlike most COVID-19 testing centers, many of which send their samples to out-of-state labs, the MDL will have a much faster turnaround time and other perks. “We’re very high volume testing, at the lowest cost possible with a quick response time, 24 hours at the most,” Witherspoon said. “Because of the capacity problem ... testing is taking seven to 10 days to get a response and by that time why even pay for a test? ... So, we wanted to do a 24 hour response.” The county’s goal is to be able test 2,234 residents a day. Currently
Sedgwick County is only testing about 800 residents per day. Witherspoon said the MDL lab will focus solely on testing and will leave the contacting and the test collection up to Wichita’s health professions. “There was no lack of health professionals out there that could collect the specimens and give people guidance but there was not enough testing,” Witherspoon said. “We want to utilize the clinics and the healthcare professionals that are already out there to do the test collections.” The tests will be able to test for both COVID-19 and the common flu. Witherspoon said that this will be needed for the upcoming flu
Editor in Chief of The Sunflower resigns
Women’s Equality Day virtual panel discusses the future of women in leadership roles BY JULIA NIGHTENGALE copyeditor@thesunflower.com / @julianightengale
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion presented a virtual panel for the celebration of Women’s Equality Day Wednesday. The panel was hosted by Danielle Johnson, the assistant director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and featured the voices of Sharon Cranford, a board member from the League of Women Voters, Jondalyn Marshall, a program manager for Root the Power, and Naquela Pack, a field director and volunteer. Also featured were Rija Khan, WSU Student Body President and Mackenzie Haas, Student Body Vice President. Cranford began the discussion by giving a brief history of the fight for women’s rights to vote. The women’s rights movement started during the fight for emancipation for Black people. Groups such as the American
The Sunflower, founded in 1896, is the student-run newspaper covering Wichita State University. The print edition is published Monday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters and twice over the summer. The staff publishes daily online at www.thesunflower.com.
MISSION The Sunflower — both in print and online — will be a timely resource of information about the Wichita State University community. It will report on news, issues, activities, academics and athletics, in addition to offering a forum for discussion, reviews and commentary. It will also be an effective learning experience for students, who will have the final authority over what is published.
LEGAL One free copy of The Sunflower is available to members of the WSU community. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 in the newsroom, Elliott Hall 019. The Sunflower is private property and unlawful removal or use of papers is prosecutable. The Sunflower is funded by a combination of print and online advertisment sales and student fees allocated by the Student Government Association. The Sunflower is a member of Kansas Collegiate Media, the Associated Collegiate Press and College Media Association. Copyright © 2020 The Sunflower. This newspaper, its design and its contents are copyrighted.
Equal Rights Association and the National Women’s Suffrage movement started working together in the 1860’s, but not without dissent between the groups. “All cultures and all different people need to figure out how to work together to not let powerful people pull us apart, because that’s how they conquer,” Cranford said. When asked to speak about why women feel that they need to be asked to be invited into a space, Khan said she believes it’s the society and culture surrounding us. She feels lucky to have grown up with a family that encouraged her to use her voice and help others. “We build each other up, it doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to do things,” Khan said. “As long as you have a vision of doing the right thing and know where you want to go, do what is right.” Another topic discussed was the importance of identities. Pack said that in her childhood, she wanted
EDITOR IN CHIEF editor@thesunflower.com NEWS EDITOR Lindsay Smith news@thesunflower.com OPINION EDITOR Jeromiah Taylor opinion@thesunflower.com SPORTS EDITOR Sean Marty sports@thesunflower.com ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Karen Galindo arts@thesunfower.com COPY EDITOR Julia Nightengale copyeditor@thesunflower.com
to be a lawyer but did not see any females in that role. Haas pointed out that it can be hard for women to stand up in a room full of men and say that they have a different opinion. She said it is important for women to feel empowered to voice their opinions because everyone has different perspectives based on their own life experiences. “Our opinions are highly valuable but sometimes they are muffled because there isn’t that representation,” she said. Cranford said that it is important for women to know what they have to offer is as important as their male counter-parts. “Diversity is democracy with teeth,” Cranford said. Khan said that being surrounded by supportive women has heavily shaped her. “The people around us, what they tell us helps us shape the viewpoint of who we are and what we can do and what our abilities
VISUALS DIRECTOR Morgan Anderson visuals @thesunflower.com PHOTO EDITOR Khanh Nguyen photoeditor@thesunflower.com ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Kaylee Stout photos@thesunflower.com PODCAST DIRECTOR Audrey Korte podcast@thesunflower.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Noah Merrell admanager@thesunflower.com FACULTY ADVISOR Amy DeVault amy.devault@wichita.edu
season. “Here in the next month or two, you’re going to have symptoms and you’re not really going to know and so we want to test for all of that,” Witherspoon said. The MDL is also awaiting approval to use saliva tests. “We’re very excited about that because no one really wants to have that nasal swab,” Witherspoon said. While they are now able to move the equipment into the building and start setting up the lab, plans to officially open are all tentative. “It’s all kind of one step at a time to make sure … everything is working correctly,” Nikel said.
BY LINDSAY SMITH news@thesunflower.com / @Lindsay_KSmith
Daniel Caudill, Editor in Chief for The Sunflower, resigned from his position, effective Aug. 28. Wichita State University’s Board of Student CAUDILL Publications, a group made up of students, faculty and local professionals, chose Caudill in April before he took over the position May 15. Caudill resigned due to personal reasons. “This is an amicable split, and I wholeheartedly support The Sunflower staff on their mission to cover and inform the Wichita State community,” Caudill said in an email to The Sunflower. The board will hire new leadership in the coming weeks.
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NEWS
Meet the members of the new Black Student Experience Task Force BY DANIEL CAUDILL AND LINDSAY SMIITH @ByDanielCaudill news@thesunflower.com / @Lindsay_KSmith
A new task force of Black student leaders will work this semester to address issues faced by Black students at Wichita State. Student Body President Rija Khan established the Task Force on the Black Student Experience via executive order in July, appointing eight students to direct its work. The task force will ultimately develop goals and recommendations for improving the experience of Black students at WSU. The Sunflower conducted interviews with each member to give students a brief summary of their own experiences at Wichita State and their goals for the task force. Students are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
CHRISTIAN AHUKANNA Christian Ahukanna, a senior studying biochemistry and chemistry, is president of the National Society of Black Engineers at WSU. Ahukanna, originally from Nigeria, said his time at WSU since 2016 has been marked by a lack of support from the university. Ahukanna spoke in-depth about the obstacles that international students face at WSU — including what he described as a lack of transportation and staff training based on the needs of international students. “Getting here in the summer [of 2016], there was no bus that was going to bring me from the airport down here,” he said. “Because the international student center just isn’t funded that way. No one actually cares about international students’ concerns.” Ahukanna said there was a lack of direction from WSU after ICE issued new guidance that would have barred international students from attending universities with no in-person components. The guidance was ultimately reversed, but Ahukanna said it still seems uncertain how international students could be impacted by a mostly online semester. “A lot of our needs aren’t being considered the same way that the needs of the white students are considered, or even the way the local students are considered,” he said. Through NSBE and the task force, Ahukanna said he hopes to mentor Black and Black international students not just at WSU, but also at local grade schools. “Basically, just showcase ourselves because a huge part of empowerment is knowing that it’s possible,” he said. “Seeing Black professionals and Black aerospace engineers and Black mechanical engineers — that does something for the soul.” Ahukanna said he hopes the task force will have a positive impact on the WSU and Wichita community, but he is skeptical it could serve as a “diversity ploy.” He said he will leave the task force if it does not seem able to bring real change.
KAMILAH GUMBS
Student Government Association, in which he previously served as a student senator. The task force plans to submit a set of recommendations and goals to SGA by the end of the year, or perhaps sooner, James said. If SGA adopts the recommendations, the task force will then forward them to WSU administrators. James said he hopes to be a neutral facilitator of discussion as chairman and encouraged students who are not on the task force to share their input as well. “I don’t plan on voting as
Kamilah Gumbs, a junior political science major, is a member of the Black Student Union and was staff columnist at The Sunflower. Gumbs said she has experienced racism as a Black international student at WSU, a predominantly white institution. “Within my last few years on campus, I have dealt with various microaggressions being a Black person on campus for sure,” Gumbs said. “There was a couple of times, you just get various sidelooks from white students or even other non-Black people of color on campus as well.” Gumbs said one of her goals as a member of the task force is to create more spaces on campus where Black students feel comfortable. “It’s good that there’s the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, but it’s kind of AHUKANNA sad that that’s like one of the few places ... where the Black students on campus can be themselves and feel like themselves,” she said. Gumbs is also a senator in SGA.
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BRIAN HARRIS Brian Harris, a junior studying music education, is a representative of members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council at WSU. The council is a collaborative organization of historically Black fraternities and sororities. Harris, a Texas native, summed up his experience at WSU as “interesting”. “I’m from Houston, so obviously that’s [a] diverse city,” Harris said. “Coming to — not even just WSU — just to a city with a majority of white people was interesting. You definitely get your stares and your whispers.” In order to improve the experience of Black students on campus, Harris said the university will need to have necessary but difficult discussions. “Have the uncomfortable talks, [the talks] everyone tries to avoid,” Harris said. “We need to face the problems head on … so the people who want to know more have that opportunity. “ Harris’s main goal as a member of the task force is to bring awareness to racial injustice and give others an opportunity to educate themselves on ways to help. “A lot of people don’t believe racism is alive or that there are actually problems,” Harris said. “I just want to make sure people are aware of these issues because if they are, then the future students will be aware.”
GUMBS
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Black Student Union. Kimble has been involved with BSU since 2016 and has been a cabinet member since 2017. Kimble said BSU’s mission is to be a “positive and productive” representation of the Black community off and on Wichita State’s campus. “This task force fits with our mission quite well because we want to empower our members within our organization and make sure their voices are being heard,” she said. “It promotes leadership within our organization and student empowerment. Kimble said her personal experiences as a Black student at WSU have been “mixed.” “Some have been good, and have made me love this institution. Other experiences have made me feel as though not everyone is supportive at times,” she said. “Overall I do think the campus does KIMBLE a good job with making sure every student feels connected and has a great experience here.” Kimble stressed the importance of diversity in the university’s marketing, classrooms and events. “I have never had a professor in my health classes that looks like me,” she said. “I have only had one professor for my PRICE-DUKES psychology courses who was Black. I honestly had a great experience in that course.”
COURTNEY PRICE-DUKES
Courtney Price-Dukes, a senior strategic communication major, is the president of the Black Academic Honor Society STOCKER HARRIS at WSU. She said she became familiar with BAHS after attending some of the group’s events on campus. Price-Dukes said the group’s mission aligns completely with the mission of the task force. She said she hopes it will draw Black students into leadership roles in organizations like SGA. THOMPSON JAMES “The task force is giving us leaders the opportunity much, unless I need to break a to bring cultural awareness to a diftiebreaker,” he said. “I think every ferent space within the campus,” student who wants to voice their she said. “By doing that, we are opinion has every right to, and hopefully going to spark change they can reach out to me or the that will help lead to honorary representatives who are a part of excellence within the classrooms.” the task force.” Price-Dukes said she felt James said he hopes the task “blessed to not have a horrific force will help establish better story of blatant racism as a black communication between the WSU student on a predominantly white administration and Black students campus,” but she said she has on campus. experienced microaggressions on “The creation of this — it’s not multiple occasions. going to be an overnight thing, and “As a result, I feel this pressure we understand that. It’s going to be to overachieve to show that I am something that will give us somemore than a statistic,” she said. thing to work on for the future.” “The reality is that there are people who allow themselves to see the world through stereotypes.” ZACHARY JAMES, CHAIR JORGHIALYN-THI KIMBLE Price-Dukes said she has only Zachary James, a junior studyJorghialyn-Thi Kimble, a senior had one Black professor in her ing political science, will chair the studying health science and time at WSU and that diversity is task force. James is treasurer of the psychology, is the president of the key to improving the experience of
ENFORCEMENT FROM PAGE 1 Hall said it’s important to remember that just because someone is outside, doesn’t mean they’re safe from contagion. “I think where we have trouble is when students are in a social environment, especially a social environment outside where they think it’s okay to not have a mask on,” she said. “That’s why we’re trying to get the message out … [that] yeah, we here
you, being outside is the safest place for you to be, agreed. But still contagions can fly within six feet. That’s the one place, in social events and group settings where we have the most trouble.” The WSU Police Department is not directly involved in mask enforcement procedures. Instead, Hall said it lies with all campus members. “Certainly [WSUPD] can help with that but usually [they] focus more on law than they do on policy,” she said. “Really it’s all of us. If we see students or anybody in a gathering and they
don’t wear a mask [we can] say ‘Hey, could you consider wearing a mask?’” Hall said that in the end, wearing a mask is about caring about others. “We wear a mask to stop others from getting sick,” Hall said. “It’s not just to protect ourselves. We could say, ‘Well, I’m healthy. I’m not going to get sick.’ Well, that could be, but by wearing a mask I’m saying that I care about others and I’m not going to spread something that I don’t know I have.”
Black students. “I think it would be incredible to come back as an alumni and see an increase in diversity, not only in the classroom, but in offices and different spaces within the campus.”
TAJAHNAE STOCKER General studies major Tajahnae Stocker, a senior, said it was a culture shock to come to WSU from a diverse high school. But Stocker said she was able to find on-campus organizations that made her experience better. “I graduated from [Wichita] Southeast, which is a pretty diverse school,” Stocker said. “So coming from there to being the only one in the classroom is pretty weird, but it doesn’t really affect me because my clubs and my friend groups are mainly people like me.” Stocker, founder of the ICT Community Fridge and an occasional columnist for The Sunflower, said she believes WSU needs to do a better job at giving Black students an opportunity for input on the university’s decisions. “I feel like a lot of administration just assumes what we need, but I don’t know many administrators who just ask us what we need,” Stocker said. “A lot of people just assume what Black students want instead of giving us a voice.” Stocker said that she hopes the task force will pressure administrators to listen to Black students and their input. “I hope people just give us the opportunity to hear us out instead of writing us off,” she said. “I hope that Black students feel empowered to follow their dreams [at] this university and have a say in what’s going on.”
NEIMAN THOMPSON Neiman Thompson, a junior studying social work, said the WSU administration will have to put in work if it wants to create a more welcoming environment for Black students. “Going to the places that Black students use the most ... and putting more funds into that,” Thompson said. “Go out and do the work. Go out and see what the Black student experience is.” Thompson said that his past experiences on task forces have proven that the university needs to give Black students more opportunities to be heard. “There has been a [disproportionate] representation of the Black community,” Thompson said. “One person’s speaking for the whole community and nothing important is being done by using that strategy ... we need to have a solution to that problem.” The task force is starting to fix that problem, Thompson said. “It’s a great thing — definitely a step in the right direction,” Thompson said. “I feel like this task force is very different from the others because our demands and our opinions are being heard.” Thompson said he is entering the task force with a sense of empowerment. “I’m empowered to speak about my own experience and ... come up with sustainable solutions,” he said.
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NEWS
MONDAY, AUG. 31, 2020 | 5
KAYLEE STOUT/THE SUNFLOWER
A Wichita State nursing student practices a demonstration by cleaning and bandaging a mannequin on Thursday inside Ahlberg Hall. These life-like mannequins help nursing students to picture what their future careers might look like.
Health profession majors face the hard adjustment to hybrid and online learning BY JULIA NIGHTENGALE copyeditor@thesunfower.com / @julianightengale
Wichita State health professions students face unusual challenges as they prepare to enter the workforce during a global pandemic. With all coursework in an online or hybrid format, students have had to say goodbye to a lot of the hands-on learning components. Senior nursing major Sarah Lawson’s classes are split into six groups. Each group takes turns going into an in-person lecture one week and attending a zoom call the next. The amount of students allowed in the classroom have gone from 60 to 30. Lawson said that even though she is facing challenges, the quality of her education has not changed. “My education does look different, but I’m not going to say that it’s a negative change because we are still doing clinicals and gaining exposure at the hospital,” Lawson
said. “It’s a learning curve but I don’t think that there’s a negative impact at all.” Kate Williams, a junior in the athletic training program, said that most of her classes have gone online but labs are still in-person. She said she was surprised with WSU’s decision to open campus after looking at the COVID-19 numbers. “I don’t think that WSU has taken the proper steps in order for the protection of both staff and students,” Williams said. “Professors need to be diligent about keeping classrooms clean and disinfecting thoroughly, and I don’t believe that is happening, especially with non-health profession classes. I think it would have been better for us to stay completely online this semester until things started to slow down a bit regarding COVID-19.” Second semester nursing student Naomi Kitchen said that the pandemic has made her want to go
“ It hasn’t changed my opinion about going into the healthcare profession; if anything, it’s just made me more dedicated to my goals.” KATE WILLIAMS Junior, athletic training major
into nursing even more. “Part of the reason I entered the nursing program was to earn a second income in our household,” Kitchen said. “But it’s more that I want to serve a community and help other people. I find during this pandemic that I want to do more than ever as soon as I have my accreditation.” Williams said that while she has had to adapt to a new form
Peace in the pandemic: Professor fights stress with yoga BY JULIA NIGHTENGALE copyeditor@thesunflower.com / @julianightengale
As a yoga professor, Lisa Callahan knows how important it is to relax. “I feel for everyone that there is an unconscious stress that flows through all of us right now,” Callahan said. “I believe that yoga can be a tool to help with that.” Callahan has been teaching yoga for 10 years, and has taught at Wichita State for 4 and a half years. She initially started taking classes for the stretching, but found that it became a big stress-reliever. “There would be a point in the middle of the class, where I would feel like, ‘Oh, there I am, that’s me’ and I would be able to recognize myself again,” Callahan said. “What kept me going was finding myself in it and letting go of stuff, and that was a journey for me. It took me a long time to realize that there is energy in not being overstressed.” Callahan has continued to teach her yoga classes at WSU in-person this semester, but said that the Human Performance Studies department has been very careful about keeping all students safe. Students come in individually, every other mat is being used, and students all use a fresh pen to sign in. Students are allowed to take their masks off when they get to their mat, and about half of them decide to do this. Callahan said that a huge reason why she likes teaching yoga
in person is because of the shared energy. Students may come in feeling tired and stressed and the physical movement helps them let go of their stresses. She said that it’s even harder for students to slow down because of their fast-paced lifestyle. “The actual word yoga means to yoke the mind and body, to bring the mind and body together. This is the part that interests me, not just the physical aspect of ‘do I have the perfect warriors pose?’,” Callahan said. “The work that I have to do in my brain to find the right muscles to engage is the part that interests me, and that’s what I try to bring to my students.” A focus for Callahan this semester has been teaching students more advanced breathing techniques. “This is something that I’ve wrestled with since spring, because one of the most important things about yoga is your breath, and that’s kind of a double edged sword these days,” she said. “I wrestled with this but of all the times, what we need to do right now [during COVID-19] is get our lungs in shape.” Callahan said that there are always more options for practicing yoga, even though she prefers practicing in a class with other people. At the yoga studio she teaches they stream the classes via zoom so people can participate at home. There are also a wide range of youtube videos students can enjoy. Callahan said that she loves teaching her students because they
of learning, she has spent the summer preparing to take on this new challenge. “My learning techniques have changed since last semester,” Williams said. “I honestly did not know how to properly handle a full online course load, but over the summer I took an online class and learned that planning things out in an agenda has helped me out so much already and staying to a structured schedule.” Williams said that even though she is still learning through a new setting, she feels that her education has decreased because she is not getting the same hands-on experience. “With athletic training, our learning experience comes from hands-on teaching and being able to feel the human body,” Williams said. “I remember last semester, we had to do special tests on family members or just explain the process which is a decrease in learning to me personally.”
Shocker Support Locker sticks to its mission of supporting students during COVID-19 BY LINDSAY SMITH news@thesunflower.com / @Lindsay_ KSmith
COURTESY
always take the class seriously and are willing to be introspective. She gets a mixture of students from various degrees who share, without knowing it, their knowledge with each other. Something that Callahan has taken note of in her time of teaching at WSU is the level of anxiety students have, whether it be about their future, their major, or anything else. Even though yoga doesn’t take care of every bit of anxiety, she said it can be a tool to help. “I feel strongly that now more than ever, our WSU students who we care so much about need yoga,” Callahan said. “It’s an outlet for them both physically and especially mentally ... The mental part, the stress-relieving part, is really important.”
Kitchen said that while the students are having to adjust, they have to remember that their professors are going through the same difficult adjustments. “I think it is hard for professors to make this adjustment,” Kitchen said. “Our professors have been nurses before so they want to be able to help and serve people, so it is difficult to be separated.” Despite all of these challenges, Williams said that COVID-19 has not scared her away from the medical field. “My passion for my career has increased with the global pandemic,” Williams said. “We’ve always known that healthcare workers are essential, but none of us thought we were going to be experiencing a pandemic. It hasn’t changed my opinion about going into the healthcare profession; if anything, it’s just made me more dedicated to my goals.”
The Shocker Support Locker has served as a resource for Wichita State students since 2016. As students face many challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Shocker Support locker is continuing its mission to be a resource for students who need supplies. Graduate Assistant to the Shocker Support Locker Collin Munson said that when the university first shut down due to COVID-19, they wanted to make sure students knew that the locker was still a resource. “Our first priority was to make sure they know that we’re still open, when school closed down everyone was like ‘Well, what will we do for food now?’,” Munson said. Munson said that the locker has seen an increase in demands the past two weeks due to needs created by the pandemic. They have made changes to their inventory to meet the new demands, including supplying masks. “Students are very concerned about food insecurities and things like that and they want to make sure they save as much as they can so they can provide for their families … especially parents who have kids,” Munson said. The locker has turned to
“Students are very concerned about food insecurities and things like that and they want to make sure they save as much as they can so they can provide for their families … especially parents who have kids” COLLIN MUNSON Graduate assistant
curbside pickup only to limit as much face-to-face interaction as possible. Students can order supplies at wichita.edu/sslorder. For the time being the locker’s door is open to answer students’ questions. “Our door is open now but somewhere in the next couple weeks we will keep it closed so we can make sure people don’t come in,” Munson said. “The reason why it’s open now is so when people come in we can explain to them how to order food and et cetera.” If students have questions or concerns about the support locker, they can email Munson at sga.supportlocker@wichita.edu. “We are constantly wanting to hear from [students on] how we can help,” Munson said.
6 | MONDAY, AUG. 31, 2020
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Arts & Entertainment
HAVE A STORY IDEA?
contact The Sunflower’s A&E editor, Karen Galindo arts@thesunflower.com
CLASH of the COLLEGES LAS takes the lead after first day of competition BY LINDSAY SMITH news@thesunflower.com / @Lindsay_KSmith
Unlike years past, Clash of the Colleges wrapped up its in-person games on Friday without a winner. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is in the lead with 1,250 points after the event, but a winner won’t be declared until virtual games conclude in September. Clash of the Colleges is an annual event held by WSU First-Year Programs. The event brings all six academic colleges against each other for a field day of games and competition, usually drawing a large crowd of participants. Besides adding virtual games to the event, first-year programs also changed the structure of the in-person games to implement precautions against COVID-19. Students were required to wear face masks at all times and wash their hands upon entering and exiting the event.
“It’s going to be different. But honestly, even though there’s less people here, I feel like it’s still such a great moment to be in. I still feel like I’m there with thousands of students around me.” MADISON MURRAY Freshman
The participants were limited, too. Students had to RSVP for one out of the five games and could only stay for that time slot. Around 200 students participated overall, but only 50 were expected at each specific game. Even with the new rules in place, students still kept up the energy throughout the two-anda-half-hour long event.
Freshman Madison Murray from the College of Fine Arts said that it was worth participating in her first Clash of the Colleges, even if it looked differently than she originally expected. “I’ve always wanted to come to WSU … I’ve always watched the Clash of the Colleges like, ‘I want to do that, I can’t wait’,” Murray said. “It’s going to be different. But honestly, even though there’s less people here, I feel like it’s still such a great moment to be in. I still feel like I’m there with thousands of students around me.” Murray said staff did a good job keeping everyone safe while still making the experience memorable and fun. “Even like, bringing us in, they took time to make sure each of the colleges went in at their own time and it just felt really natural,” she said. Junior transfer student Benjamin Roberts from the College of Fine Arts said WSU made the most out of the situation.
“[It was] a little bit odd; you don’t feel the energy like you normally would, but then again, sacrifices need to be made,” Roberts said. “It was fun. It is what it is.” Roberts said it was nice to get out and see new people. “It gets you out of the dorm room. It gives you something to do and a change of scenery,” he said. Students can participate in virtual games to earn points for their college until Sept. 14. The winner will be announced once all the virtual games are complete. The College of Engineering and College of Applied Studies are currently tied for second place, with 1,100 points each. Fine Arts has 1,000 points, followed by the School of Business at 1,000 and the College of Health Professions at 950. The College of Applied Studies won the event last year, and the School of Business emerged victorious in 2018.
ABOVE Left: An engineering student waves the banner for his college on Friday at Clash of the Colleges 2020. Right: A student from the College of Fine Arts participate in a game during Clash of the Colleges at Cessna Stadium.
BELOW Left: Students from the Liberal Arts and Sciences College participate in a game on Friday during Clash of the Colleges at Cessna Stadium. Right: President Jay Golden speaks to students on Friday at Clash of the Colleges 2020. PHOTOS BY KHANH NGUYEN AND KAYLEE STOUT/THE SUNFLOWER
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
MONDAY, AUG. 31, 2020 | 7
REVIEW: The Killer’s “Imploding the Mirage” is the hopeful album that the world needs MUSIC CRITIC Wyman Wheeler Reporter wjwheeler@shockers.wichita.edu
As an individual who consumes entertainment to escape the harsh realities of the world, I admit that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it hard to be swept away by any forms of art. However, The Killer’s latest album, “Imploding the Mirage” does the unexpected and emanates an overwhelming feeling of hope. As a listener who has not been particularly connected to The Killers music, I went back and listened to their older albums to gain perspective. While listening to their past albums, it was easy to see why the band has a following. Their unique rock style makes this band their own entity. Their 2017 album “Wonderful Wonderful” was met with mixed
reviews. From what I gathered, listeners felt like the band had drifted away from what made them special. Their synth sound had been sidelined for an edgier rock sound that did not resonate with fans and their lyrics were seen as mediocre. However, they fixed all those problems with “Imploding the Mirage”. The Killers go back to their roots in their recent release. The band doubles down on synth keyboards, creating a familiar 80s sound, but still manages to sound fresh due to lead singer Brandon Flower’s intent to create music that invokes the feeling of exploring the American West. Every track on the album instills a warm fuzzy feeling, like a happy ending in a good movie. Flowers’ and Dave Kuening’s songwriting skills are a highlight once again; lyrics about facing opposition and throwing caution to the wind makes the listener feel as though they can face whatever life will throw at them. Highlight tracks from the album include the opening song,
“My Own Soul’s Warning”. In this song, Flowers discusses the theme of repentance, and ignoring your calling. “Blowback” is an upbeat song about a girl overcoming her background. “Caution” is an energized ballad that focuses on facing change and taking chances in life, featuring amazing vocals by Flowers. Another highlight is the track “My God”. This track offers a take on Christianity that is not often heard in modern day gospel music, implying that there is a partnership between man and God. Leave it to a rock band to deliver Christian messages better than generic gospel music artists. “My God” is a song that also gives the listener an inside look into Flowers’s growth as a man. In 2003, Flowers wrote “Mr. Brightside,” a song about a man who wants it all and is ready to take control. Seventeen years later, Flowers writes “My God” which directly says, “control is overrated”. This small detail is what makes The Killers’ music and messaging so captivating.
COURTESY
“Imploding the Mirage” album cover art. The Killers’ latest album was released on August 21.
This album proves that The Killers are still a band worthy of praise. Most importantly, The Killers have delivered an album with numerous strong messages that need to be heard. The themes of accepting change, welcoming challenges, and overcoming
adversity remind listeners that even though the world seems to be crumbling to pieces, there is nothing that we can’t accomplish if we are strong enough. The Killers’ latest album will leave you tapping your foot and looking towards the future with hope.
GRAPHIC BY MORGAN ANDERSON/THE SUNFLOWER
LONDEN PEEBLER Reporter
“Bitter” by FLETCHER, Kito
I’m usually someone who exclusively listens to music that makes me want to sob in my car, but this song has me feeling all sorts of girl power every single time I listen to it! FLETCHER in general is a fantastic artist; she has so many great songs that make me want to switch up my music taste every now and then and broaden my horizons. “Bitter” is so catchy and will make any day feel a little more sunny.
“Medicine” by Daughter
This song is more my usual speed and will probably have me in my feels in .2 seconds. “Medicine” is a beautiful song written to embody mental illness and the after effects and struggles of not feeling like yourself. This song makes me feel less alone and I play it often when I just need to feel like someone understands how I’m feeling.
“Hurricane” by Slow Meadow
I’m actually a huge classical music nerd and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m a fan of listening to it while I do homework or write and this song is just so full and warm. The title “Hurricane” fits the song perfectly and the song sounds like a storm of different experienced emotions over time. It’s moving, soft, powerful and gentle all at the same time and I definitely recommend it for anyone who enjoys classical music or is looking to dabble a bit in the genre.
KHANH NGUYEN Photo Editor
WAP - Cardi B (feat. Megan Thee Stallion)
Give me a break Ben Shapiro. You survived through years of dudes R&B-ing about how good they are in bed, you’ll be fine with a little WAP. You can mute all the words and I’d still be vibing. Very well produced track.
Freudian - Daniel Ceasar
Ambient lights…cinnamon coffee cake candle burning. Slightly buzzed from whatever you’re drinking, hand in hand with your S/O. You dance, mumble the words, or just vibe on the couch. That’s a friday night. (PS: He’s incredible live.)
“JRE (The Joe Rogan Experience)” podcast
How many podcasts in the world can offer you an intelligent, thought-provoking conversation one day, then hit you the next day with 3 hours of Post Malone being … Posty?! It’s the biggest podcast in the world for a reason. Rogan’s pure curiosity opens the door for me to learn with him each episode, and I appreciate that.
“Token CEO” podcast
Erika Nardini came onto an all-dudes company in 2016 and pretty much single-handedly transformed Barstools into the powerhouse it is today. What she’s done as a woman in a male dominant field is aspiring. It’s a great pod to pick brains.
KAREN GALINDO
JEROMIAH TAYLOR
JULIA NIGHTENGALE
“After Hours” by The Weeknd I’ve never been much of a Weeknd fan, but I have been listening to this album non-stop since it’s release in March. My personal favorite tracks are “Faith”, “After Hours” and “Heartless”. These songs make me want to go party the night away to forget the heartbreak I’ve never experienced.
“Nessun Dorma” performed live by Aretha Franklin
“Norman Fucking Rockwell” by Lana Del Rey
A&E Editor
“Hello from the Magic Tavern” podcast
This comedic and fictional podcast follows Chicago resident, Arnie Niekamp, who accidentally fell through a dimensional portal behind a Burger King into the magical land of Foon. He and his Foon companions, Usidore the Wizard and Chunt the shapeshifter/talking badger, interview the magical citizens of Foon in this weekly podcast. It’s absolutely nerdy and hilarious, and I recommend it to anyone who thinks podcasts take themselves too seriously most of the time.
“Two Princes” podcast
The “Two Princes” is a scripted fantasy action podcast that follows the story of Prince Rupert and Prince Amir who are forced by a prophecy and coincidence into working together to save their kingdoms. It’s a short, family-friendly podcast with an amazing script, well developed characters, and an adorable romance featuring our two favorite royal rivals.
Opinion Editor
The 1926 Opera Turandot, a favorite of Pope Francis, brought the now world-famous aria “Nessun Dorma” to the world. First popularized on a global scale by a seminal Pavarroti recording the aria became synonymous with tenacity and strength, particularly that of the Italian people. Fast forward to 1998. The scene is the 40th annual Grammy Awards. Pavarotti, now the most legendary tenor alive, cancels his performance of his signature aria last minute. Another living legend, Aretha Franklin, untrained in opera and unrehearsed, stands in to perform an impromptu rendition of “Nessun Dorma” and delivers one of the most moving live performances in music history. Twenty-two years later, after the deaths of both Pavarotti and Franklin, this historical moment is more poignant than ever.
“Moonriver” by Audrey Hepburn.
Ok it’s probably just nostalgia. But can you blame me? I grew up watching “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” at least twice a week with my grandma. The sexual politics of the movie went over my head but the Givenchy cocktail dresses and foot-long cigarette holders did not! Also,true story, my dad proposed to my mom while this song played. I will always get a little bit verklempt when this song plays.
Copy Editor
Lana Del Rey’s latest album was released one year ago, but I still find myself going back to it again and again. From a dedicated follower of the singer for many years, I believe that this is her best release yet. Described as sounding similar to 70’s classic rock, Lana continues her theme of singing about love and American dreams during post-war America. No matter if you’re a regular listener or a first-timer, this is an album to tune into.
Sleepy Podcast on Spotify
As someone who has trouble falling asleep at night, I’ve found that this podcast is the perfect thing to help me fall into a peaceful sleep. The host, Otis Gray, reads passages from classic books every week that help distract me from my thoughts. If you’re feeling a little nostalgic for bedtime stories, this is the podcast for you. Call Me By Your Name Soundtrack Even if you haven’t seen the movie or read the book, the “Call Me By Your Name” soundtrack is worth listening to. From piano songs that you can listen to while doing homework to Spanish-pop that gives you the chance for a dance break, this album has every kind of song that I want to listen to. There is not a bad song on this album and I never get tired of listening to it.
8 | MONDAY, AUG. 31, 2020
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Opinion
HAVE AN OPINION?
contact The Sunflower’s opinion editor, Jeromiah Taylor opinion@thesunflower.com
Street HOW SAFE DO YOU FEEL ON CAMPUS?
RAFAEL URIBE
Junior, Exercise Science “Overall, I feel like the university did a job of taking the proper protocols. There’s always gonna be differing opinions, but I personally feel safe on campus.”
EDITORIAL CARTOON BY MORGAN ANDERSON/THE SUNFLOWER
CELINE SENGVILAY Senior, Art Education
“I feel like I have to keep my distance at most times, since sometimes people are in line with me and they’re way too close. On a scale of 1-10, I’d say at least a 6, but still not that safe.”
Open or closed campus? There are no good choices.
As universities across the country close their campuses mere weeks into the fall semester the question arises: will Wichita State University stick to its original plan or will it close campus indefinitely? The dilemma involves fiscal, public health and social considerations. There is no easy solution.
DEVIN CARTER Junior, Studio Art
“I feel really safe on campus, especially because the university is doing everything that they can to help make the students feel more comfortable.”
AUBRYANNA VAUGHAN
Senior, Business Administration
“I feel pretty safe. I’m behind this plexi glass and I have a mask on. This is all I do on campus so it doesn’t really bother me.”
“No matter which course the university ultimately chooses, to keep campus open or to close it, both the institution and its constituents will suffer. There are no good choices. But there are better ones.” The fiscal incentives for the university to remain open are plain. With a usable campus out-of state and international students are able to live on campus. This allows the university to charge housing costs from these students. Without the advertised benefits of student life out-of-state and international students are less likely to attend the university, ridding Wichita State of a student group which pays full tuition. An open campus is imperative to retaining lucrative out-of-state
STAFF
EDITORIAL and international students. Just as crucial to the financial health of the university is the all important student fee. If campus were to close, all facilities would be unusable rendering student fees obsolete and unethical. The revenue from student fees is the underpinning of many development projects across the campus which the university relies on to increase enrollment. Closing campus comes with serious fiscal consequences for the university and cannot be taken lightly. The fact remains that keeping campus open poses health risk to students, staff and faculty. Even if social distancing, mask-wearing and sanitation standards were enforced uniformly across all on-campus class meetings, requiring some students, at faculty discretion, to travel to campus, use restrooms, walk on campus, eat on campus or use other facilities is dangerous. It is unequivocal that community lives are more important than the financial health of the university. The imminent decision should not be left entirely to administration, particularly when university constituents have no insight into the prevalence of COVID-19 on
LUCAS LOWRY
the Wichita State campus. Wichita State needs to release COVID-19 case numbers to the public immediately. This basic transparency, the practice of state and county governments, empowers university constituents to make informed decisions about their health, and allows the general public to evaluate any forthcoming policy changes regarding public health on campus. The financial and public health realities are not the only factors to consider when deliberating between keeping campus open or closing it. If campus is closed the student experience will be irrevocably impaired. Learning entirely via zoom while being deprived of social interactions and campus facilities fundamentally alters the nature and value of attending university. Students will not be the only ones impacted. The logistical hurdles of teaching a course load remotely are bound to weigh on faculty who have not already made the transition to online classes. It is conceivable that the general moral of students, staff and faculty could be negatively impacted if Wichita State’s campus were to close. No matter which course the university ultimately chooses, to keep campus open or to close it, both the institution and its constituents will suffer. There are no good choices. But there are better ones.
Opinion
Senior, Music Theatre Performance
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR “Pretty safe. It’s a good environment on campus. However, there are parts near Wichita State that are uncomfortable to be in. But on campus, I feel pretty safe.”
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Letters should concentrate on issues, not personalities, and must be fewer than 400 words. Letters may be edited for accuracy, clarity and length. Please include your name, WSU affiliation and a phone number for verification purposes. To submit letters, email opinion@thesunflower.com or submit at www.thesunflower.com. The opinions expressed in The Sunflower editorials, columns, guest columns, reviews, advertisements, letters and editorial cartoons are not necessarily those of the staff, publications board, student body or the university. The Sunflower reserves the right to edit or reject any submission. We also reserve the right to edit or reject any advertisement.
OPINION
MONDAY, AUG. 31, 2020 | 9
This is to new beginnings KAMILAH’S CORNER Kamilah Gumbs Columnist
Ayah look my peace. They went and gave this girl from Sint Maarten a place to talk. We’ve all entered this semester blindsided. The first day of school crept up on us and slapped us straight across our faces. We were hit with all the realities of attending university in the midst of a global pandemic. From trying to figure out if our classes really had to be in person, to upping our screen time by at least 70 percent. It doesn’t help that there isn’t a clear sense of direction from the university’s administration. The lack of transparency is creating a bigger rift within our community - one that consistently advertises
itself as united. I am here to tell you that every single emotion you feel is valid. You have the right to be enraged at how administrators are dealing with the restart of classes. You have the right to be frustrated with your professors who decided it’s their time to go against the few ‘clear’ rules the university has allowed. You have the right to be annoyed by having to travel all the way to campus for one class, having to pay for a parking pass you would rarely use. I encourage everyone to express these emotions, whether through social media outlets, letters to faculty or sharing your concerns with your representatives within the Student Government Association. Unfortunately, this is our new norm. Until the university decides to be transparent, we are going to continue to be frustrated with the institution we give so much of our money, time and resources to. With the way the country and even
the city is reacting to Covid-19, we are going to continue to face situations where we have to adapt to this virus. However, this is still a new beginning. Whether we love the situation we are in or not, we have to push through it. I’m not going to sit here and tell you that things are going to be filled with sunshine and rainbows. Things are going to be like that one meme where the dog is drinking from the mug stating ‘this is fine’ while a fire surrounds him. This semester is going to be different. It’s going to be stressful, but it’s going to be okay. To my seniors, you will get that degree, and strive in this new complicated job market. To my freshman, experiencing your freshman year in this format just gives you even more stories to tell future generations. To the rest of us in between, we will push through. So grab your cup (hopefully it’s filled with a non-alcoholic drink if you’re under 21) and toast to our new beginnings.
GRAPHIC BY KAYLEE STOUT/ THE SUNFLOWER
GRAPHIC BY MORGAN ANDERSON/THE SUNFLOWER
What is your basic joy? INTO THE ZEITGEIST Jeromiah Taylor Opinion Editor opinion@thesunflower.com
The first thing I used to do upon waking up was check the time. It was important to me to document what time I woke up. My family always made fun of me because I would tell the exact time. “What time did you get up?” “7:37.” “So...7:40?” “No. Exactly 7:37.” Early on I realized every moment counts. Though now I am less interested in knowing exactly what time it is. At almost 22 years old my morning routine has already changed from that compulsive energy to something more bewildered. I usually awake gently, always somewhat disconcerted to be alive and obliged to complete another day. Not unhappy, just somewhat confused by the gift of life. It’s randomness and mundane profundity. I lay there looking at the ceiling. Thinking. Thinking about the night before, about what I
remember of my dreams. Often this is melancholy. Not tragic or depressing, merely melancholy. Eventually my thoughts turn to what I really ought to do that day - attend classes, complete readings, respond to correspondences. What I will actually do is frankly unknown to even myself at this point but I am aware of what I really ought to do. I begin to feel exhausted at the prospect of assembling the armor. The fashion. The hair. The convincing smile. Though the alternative is surrender. A relinquishment of identity. Complete undesired freedom. So I rise. Smiling as my feet hit the floor. My thoughts turn to the person I am in love with. His ridiculous face - all dimples and eyelashes. Soon I am confronted with my own face. I regard it. Like some technically impressive painting in a museum which doesn’t really move you. You are aware that it is beautiful. But it seems very grand, very empty, very...commissioned. Something to adorn a Medici palazzo. Something unloved by its creator. Something profitable. Today I pay homage to an artist who made interesting art. I wear a
long sleeve black shirt covered in white Basquiat drawings. I wear it under a navy blue and white striped Paul Smith blazer which hugs my waist. Andre Leon Talley’s voice rings through my head - “do you have any idea how sophisticated it is to wear navy blue with black? Most women don’t have the courage!” I don’t feel like being formal so I wear my most pedestrian pants. A blue jean with some very light distressing. They hug other things. I know this and delight in it. I wear a black pebbled leather belt with a large silver buckle. I wear black patent leather Dr. Martin’s. I change out my bags. I put on the sunglasses. My face has been washed, serumed, SPF’d, concealed and a layer of mascara applied. I look at my bedroom wall. There is a collage I made recently. Inspirational clippings from my beloved fashion magazines. Viola Davis in profile, beneath her a glossy serif headline - “Viola’s voice.” Donatella Versace, quarantined, peering out a window, recognizable by the back of her peroxide head. A piece of copy from an ad “bravery is more contagious than anything.’ An Irving Penn rose.
I find God in these things. Strange. As I begin the half-mile walk to where I work most often I think about this. God. By which I mean beauty. Beauty. Something undefinable but instantly recognizable. I think of how pervasive ugliness is in our world. How some things, no matter how much I might resent it, cannot and should not be beautified. Not the murder of Breonna Taylor. Or the gross corruption of the presidency. Or the destruction of the Earth. Ugliness can be powerful. I remember Emmet Till’s mother who knew that the brutal hideousness inflicted on her son’s body was more powerful than any dignity, any fine sentiment, or any comforting accommodation that a closed-casket funeral would have afforded. We needed to see what we had done. I think of where we are as a species. Becoming acutely aware that things should be different. But can they be? All we can do is hope. Michelle Obama, speaking about hope, told Stephen Colbert, “I believe people want better. That is my basic joy.”
What is my basic joy? I do not know what to call it. Though today I get to experience it. At the coffee shop “Moonriver” comes over the radio. I think of Audrey Hepburn wearing Givenchy. I think of my lita and I watching “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” year after year. I think of my father, three years younger than I am now, proposing to my mother in a small town Italian restaurant while the pianist plays this song. Most of all I think of Holly Golightly herself. Her enormous heartbreak and her even bigger sunglasses. I think of my mother on her wedding day - a dreamy swirl of organza, finger curled hair, red lipstick and blue eyeshadow. Like some 1990’s remake of a classic film. Winona Rider does Joan Crawford. That is my basic joy. My roots. Those beautiful moments originating entirely from human ingenuity. From love. I intend to make more of them. That is my version of hope. The belief that the best is not behind me. Not behind us. That alongside the ugliness is an indomitable beauty. Right now it is exactly 12:12. Every moment counts.
10 | MONDAY, AUG. 31, 2020
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Sports
HAVE A STORY IDEA?
contact The Sunflower’s sports editor, Sean Marty sports@thesunflower.com
FILE PHOTO: MORGAN ANDERSON/THE SUNFLOWER
Wichita State’s Dexter Dennis sits on the bench before the game against Ole Miss on Saturday, Jan. 4 inside Charles Koch Arena.
‘Learning Experience’
GRAPHIC BY MORGAN ANDERSON/THE SUNFLOWER
Dennis uses NBA draft experience as he returns to WSU BY SEAN MARTY sports@thesunflower.com / @TheSeanMarty
As the COVID-19 pandemic swept its way across the country, it left many people asking questions. One of those people was Wichita State junior combo-guard Dexter Dennis. This summer, Dennis was one of many who declared for the NBA Draft which saw significant changes due to the pandemic. For Dennis, with everything surrounding the draft, he felt that it was his best decision to return to WSU and opt-out of the NBA Draft. “It pretty much limits what I can do for any NBA teams besides Zoom calls and stuff like that,” Dennis said in a phone interview with The Sunflower. “So, I just actually couldn’t get to work out for anybody. Obviously, the best decision was to come back to school.” Although the draft process was changed a lot for this year, he felt that he could still take a lot away
from the experience.
“Honestly, it happened this way and I’m not mad, upset or anything. I’m just happy I get one more year with the Shockers or however many years.” DEXTER DENNIS Junior
“It was more just a learning process more than anything,” Dennis said. “You still learn that you’ve got a lot of work to do. I Still have a chance to make a case this upcoming year, so I can’t wait.” Another one of Dennis’s takeaways from this experience would be how important his actions off the court could play into a potential career in the NBA one day. “A lot of the teams talk about
character, what type of person you are off the court, do people like being around you, stuff like that,” he said. “Pretty much do you come to work every day, are you focused on getting better? A lot of the teams and scouts, that’s what they’re looking for. What type of player you are.” Overall, the Baker, Louisiana native feels that this was a learning experience and could be something that not only helps him out for this upcoming year but for many years down the road especially given the circumstances of COVID-19. “Since COVID just came out, I think this will help me tremendously,” Dennis said. “It builds a little character. It’s not about how fast you want it to come, it’s about God’s time. Honestly, it happened this way and I’m not mad, upset or anything. I’m just happy I get one more year with the Shockers or however many years.” Since arriving back on WSU’s
campus, Dennis said this year’s team reminds him a lot of the team during the 2018-19 season which featured nine newcomers. Following six transfers and the graduation of Jaime Echenique, this year’s team will feature seven newcomers to the roster. But for Dennis, being one of the returners has been exciting this time around. “It’s been nothing but love, nothing but fun,” he said. “It kind of reminds me of freshman year when I first got here. Now, being a part of the other side, it’s fun to see these players grow. Just to hear the things they say, reminds you of your younger self.” As one of those few returners on the roster for this upcoming season, Dennis has started to take on more of a leadership role coming into this season. According to Dennis, it has been challenging at times as he works on improving as a leader. “Being in a leadership role is
Shockers in the Pros: How WSU alumni are fairing in their return to sports BY SEAN MARTY sports@thesunflower.com / @TheSeanMarty
Currently, there are no games on Wichita State’s campus but Shocker alumni are still making an impact in the sporting landscape. Although there are many question marks that remain regarding the world of sports, both the NBA and MLB have found ways to show how sports can be conducted in a safe and exciting manner. Across the two sports, six total former Shockers have taken part in the sports journey to come back and have had great success. With that being said, here is how every former Shocker is doing in their return to play:
MLB ALEC BOHM, PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES, THIRD BASEMAN After being a top-three draft pick in the MLB two years ago Bohm has gotten off to a hot start in his MLB career. Thus far, Bohm has played in 14 games since making his Major
League debut on August 13. In those 14 games since his debut, Bohm has hit for a batting average of .265 along with an OPS of .745. Bohm has also launched one home run and six RBIs.
CODI HEUER, CHICAGO WHITE SOX, RELIEF PITCHER In his first year at the MLB level, Heuer has found some success in the White Sox’s bullpen after being drafted by Chicago two years ago in the sixth round. So far, Heuer has appeared in eight games for White Sox and has pitched 10 innings while giving up three earned runs which is good enough for an ERA of 2.70. Heuer has also been able to strike out 10 batters in those 10 innings pitched.
JOSH SMITH, MIAMI MARLINS, RELIEF PITCHER Despite being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 25th round of the 2012 MLB Draft, Smith made his MLB debut last year playing with both the
Cleveland Indians and Miami Marlins. After the Marlins had an outbreak within their team, Smith was called up from the team’s alternate site. In two games pitched, Smith has given up two earned runs in 1 ⅔ inning pitched. Smith has been effective in the strikeout category after collecting four strikeouts in those two games.
SAM HILLIARD, COLORADO ROCKIES, OUTFIELDER After being drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 2015 MLB Draft, Hilliard has been able to stick at the MLB level after a successful rookie campaign. So far, Hilliard has played in 21 of the Rockies’ 33 games and currently has a batting average of .230 along with three home runs thus far. Hilliard has also collected six RBIs and an OPS of .784.
NBA FRED VANVLEET, TORONTO RAPTORS, GUARD
Following a year in which VanVleet was a major contributor to the victorious Toronto Raptors, VanVleet has stepped up his performance so far in this year’s postseason. In their first-round sweep against the Brooklyn Nets, VanVleet was able to average 21.3 points and 7.8 assists per game while also shooting 55.9% from beyond the arc.
LANDRY SHAMET, LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS, GUARD After testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this summer, Shamet has come back and helped to make an impact on a talented Los Angeles Clippers team. In the Clippers’ first-round matchup with the Dallas Mavericks, Shamet started two out of the four games while going on to average 7.8 points along with 2.2 rebounds per game while also shooting 50% from the field. Stats are updated as of Saturday for all players
not easy,” Dennis said. “Every day you have to come to work, you’ve got to set the tone, you’ve got to lead by example. I think with the amount of upperclassmen we got, I think we can definitely be that.” With the amount of the newcomers on this year’s roster, Dennis has been impressed with the group as a whole as they come into this season. “I think the main thing is that they don’t even care about the score, they just want to do the right things on the court. With the veterans coming in, just trying to do the right thing every time, giving an honest effort every day, I still think we have a great group,”
VOLLEYBALL FROM PAGE 1 commented right after practice that was one of the better practices that we’ve had in a while. I really liked it a lot.” The postponement could also cause some issues especially for WSU senior Emma Wright. Since Wright had already redshirted, it could cause issues even though the NCAA gave athletes an extra year of eligibility. “The NCAA is going to give them a year of eligibility back, but is that what Emma wants for Emma Wright?” Lamb said. “Maybe she was just planning on just playing this semester and moving on.” Lamb also said that senior setter McKayla Wuensch and him had a discussion about a possible redshirt prior to the season and it is something that they could revisit in the future. The AAC is currently planning to announce the spring regular season and championship formats and schedules after the NCAA Division I Council clarifies the revised playing and practice season and championship formats. No WSU sports have released any type of schedule at this point.