The Index Vol. 112, Issue 7

Truman raises minimum wage

Be your own Valentine,

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“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is a work of art, page 9 Belanger leads with skill, dedication, page 14

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Truman State University tmn.truman.edu THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

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Truman ENROLLMENT COVID DROPS AGAIN cases surge RACHEL BECKER News Editor

Communication Department Chair Jay Self teaches a communication senior seminar class. Admissions is working to improve the retention rate of students at the University. Photo by Elisabeth Shirk

Truman State University more than doubled its weekly case numbers last week.

The week of Jan. 19, campus saw 19 new cases; the following week, the number jumped to 49 student cases and five employee cases. This week the number is at 41 new cases.

“This past week has been a little worrisome, as our numbers have more than doubled,” Brenda Higgins, associate vice president for student health & wellness, said. “This is higher than we had all of last semester, so we are concerned.”

Higgins said she believes the rise is a result of students feeling fatigued from the regulations. She said we all want to return to a normal lifestyle again, but we have to keep our eye on the goal of keeping campus open.

Nancy Daley-Moore, assistant professor of health science and member of Faculty Senate COVID-19 working group, said in a Zoom meeting with Scott Alberts, Faculty Senate president and another member of the COVID working group, Jan. 20, that cases for the first week of classes were more connected in a similar pod.

See COVID page 5

Admissions shifts recruitment strategies BRITTANY MARROW Staff Writer In an effort to reverse the four-year downward trend of enrollment, the Truman State University Admissions Office is changing communication strategies and education marketing, as well as how Truman communicates with students.

The Admissions Office is working to try and increase enrollment numbers, but

for the time being, changes to the campus will start to take effect to make up for the loss of enrollment.

According to the Fall 2020 Enrollment Report, the semester saw a significant decrease from fall 2019’s headcount of 5,231 to 4,655.

Admissions Director Ryan Myzak said Truman is being flexible and trying new strategies.

“We are blending virtual and safe in-per-

son experiences to increase our options so any student, regardless of their circumstance, can have access to information,” Myzak said.

Tyana Lange, vice president for enrollment management and marketing, said Truman is also offering a test flexible option for incoming freshmen, meaning the students’ applications can be reviewed for admission without their test scores.

See ENROLLMENT page 3

Board of Govenors approves demolition of apartments ANAKIN BUSH Assistant News Editor The Truman State University Board of Governors met Feb. 6 for their regularly scheduled meeting, where they discussed the upcoming academic calendar and heard a resolution to demolish Randolph Apartments.

University President Sue Thomas gave a report at the meeting. She discussed how Truman was doing in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thomas said the University is still doing well, in spite of the rising numbers. Thomas said the previous week saw the highest number of positive cases so far, with 47. She said the University still has the capacity to handle these cases. The increase in number is from certain groups not making optimal choices, Thomas said.

Thomas also told the Board that Adair County has lowered the quarantine period from 14 days to 10 days.

Truman’s quarantine policy will reflect these changes, as the University bases its policies on Adair guidelines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends people

VOLUME 112 ISSUE 7 © 2021

quarantine for 14 days; however, local health departments can still decide to lower the quarantine period.

The Board approved a resolution confirming the academic calendar for the August Interim 2022 through Summer 2024. This calendar is largely similar to the current academic calendar, with the main change being that spring semesters will begin after Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Board also approved a resolution authorizing the demolition and removal of the Randolph Apartments on campus. Only 13 students currently reside in the complex and demolition is recommended to begin in May. The area will become a student recreation space. The Board saw a financial report comparing Dec. 31, 2019, to Dec. 31, 2020. Overall revenues decreased $5.9 million, resulting in a total of $41.2 million. This marks a 12.5% decrease compared to Dec. 2019. Two point eight million dollars of this decrease is because of a tuition shortfall.

Tuition saw an increase of 2.3%, but 576 fewer students were enrolled in the fall 2020 semester.

See BOG page 5

Administration assistant Lori Elschlager works in the health center on insurance and billing. The health center is one of multiple locations in town to get tested for COVID-19. Photo by Bidan Yang

ResLife staff reflect on changes RACHEL BECKER News Editor Residence Life at Truman State University is partially closing four residence halls and permanently decommissioning the Randolph Apartments.

Floors on four residence halls will be closed for the upcoming semester.

The reason for closing the upper floors of the halls is to keep options open for residents, Alex Graham, community coordinator for Missouri Hall, said. Residents can still choose suite or community-style, preferred location and more with the way the halls are closing off floors.

See RESLIFE page 6

Ryle Hall on Monday Feb. 8. Ryle Hall, Blanton-Nason-Brewer Hall and Cambell Apartments will not be affected by the closures. Photo by Rachel Becker

The Index

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Kirksville brings the snow Right: The snowfall left many students on-campus in their residence halls. The new snow day policy calls for classes to resume online during inclement weather. Photo by Rachel Becker

Below: The Red Barn is located between Pershing Hall and the football stadium. The snow impacted practice for multiple sports teams. Photo by Elisabeth Shirk

Above: A student walks to class in the snow. While some professors chose online classes, others chose to continue in person. Photo by Rachel Becker Right: Hazardous road conditions impacted travel for many students and faculty, as some classes remained in-person during the inclement weather. The City of Kirksville announced a snow emergency during the week, which extended into the weekend.

Photo by Rachel Becker

staff Serving the University community since 1909 Editor-in-Chief: Ryan Pivoney Managing Editor: Elisabeth Shirk News Editor: Rachel Becker Assistant News Editor: Anakin Bush Features Editor: Erica Lindsay Assistant Features Editor: Genna Tlustos Assistant Opinions Editor: Brittany Morrow Copy Chief: Julie Thomassen Assistant Copy Chief: Brooke Barnes Digital Director: Francesca Valente Assistant Digital Director: Maddie Harris Digital Assistant: Ryan Slaughter Designer: Norah Grojean Podcast Editor: Trevor Grandin Photographers: Emily Collins, Bidan Yang Copy Editors: Olivia Sloan, Gillian Burks, Jessica Robinson, Sami Harris, Leighya McNeely

Sta Writers: Allison Maschho, Savannah Kluesner, Ari Klokic, Jack Ratliff, Taylor Herndon, Kennedy Cooper, Jenna Manzelli, Joey Dougherty, Steven Findley Jr. Andrew Holder, Ethan Hewett, August Volton, Matt Frank, Ben Orshiso

Adviser: Don Krause

02/02 Domestic disturbance reported at the 600 block of South Elson Street 02/02 Domestic disturbance reported at South Franklin Street 02/02 Missing person reported at the 100 block of East McPherson Street 02/02 Peace disturbance reported at the 100 block of East McPherson Street 02/03 Shoplifting reported at the 1300 block of South Baltimore Street 02/03 Domestic disturbance reported at the 700 block of South Sixth Street 02/03 Missing person reported at the 1500 block of South Jamison Street 02/03 Vandalism reported at the 600 block of East Harrison Street 02/03 Theft reported at the 700 block of West Elizabeth Street 02/03 Dead body reported at the 30 block of Overbrook Drive 02/04 Domestic disturbance reported at the 600 block of Benton Way 02/04 Theft reported at the 900 block of East Orchard Street 02/04 Theft reported at the 600 block of Dodson Street

02/05 Burglary in progress reported 1500 block of South Jamison Street 02/05 Harassment reported at the 100 block of East McPherson Street 02/05 Assault reported at the 500 block of Stanford Street 02/05 Harassment reported at the 2200 block of South Marion Street 02/06 Vandalism reported at the 1100 block of West Missouri Street 02/06 Identity theft reported at the 600 block of West Laharpe Street 02/06 Theft reported at the 2200 block of North Baltimore Street 02/06 Domestic disturbance reported at the 1300 block of East Harrison Street 02/07 Domestic disturbance reported at the 1400 block of South Lewis Street 02/08 Sex offense reported at the 100 block of East McPherson Street 02/08 Theft reported at the 4700 block of North Lincoln Street 02/08 Fraud reported at the 1400 block of South Osteopathy Street 02/08 Shoplifting reported at the 3300 block of North Baltimore Street

02/04 Trespassing reported at the 1000 block of East Dear Street

02/08 Trespassing reported at the 300 block of South High Street

02/05 Motor vehicle theft reported at the 600 block of South Elson Street

02/09 Domestic disturbance reported at the 400 block of West Fillmore Street

The Index

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

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Truman raises minimum wage Gap between state, University wages widens JENNA MANZELLI Staff Writer Truman State University has increased the minimum wage for students to $9.40 for the spring 2021 semester from fall 2020’s minimum wage of $9.00.

The rise of the student minimum wage at Truman has coincided with a rise in the Missouri minimum wage, which increased from $9.45 in 2020 to $10.30 in 2021. The rise in the state minimum wage is a part of the Missouri Proposition B, or the $12 Minimum Wage Initiative, which will raise the Missouri minimum wage to $12 by 2023. This law, however, does not apply to state-owned institutions like Truman.

The gap between the state minimum wage and student wage has doubled, from $0.45 to $0.90. Some students, including senior business major Sam Mitchell, are unhappy with the increasing gap between these wages. Mitchell has worked on campus for institutional pay for two years and is currently employed by the IT department.

“I would definitely say that this is not fair for students, since for some students their only option is to work on campus, especially for international students,” Mitchell said.

Dave Rector, vice president for administration, finance and planning, explained that the raise that Truman decided on was voluntary, not statemandated, and was based on the University budget. Some institutions did not raise the minimum wage for their students, he said, while others raised their wages above $9.40.

Missouri University of Science and Technology has a minimum wage of only $8.60 for bottom-tier employees, University of Missouri has a minimum wage of $9.45, and Missouri State University raised their student minimum wage to $10.30 as of Jan. 1, 2021. Like Truman, these universities have different tiers of employment so higher tiers of employees could earn more. At Truman, higher tier positions include lifeguards, building supervisors, art models and more.

Senior Ishwor Karki works in the career center. Truman’s new minimum wage increase is still below state minimum wage.

Rector said the University wants to continue raising the student wages but will likely never reach state minimum wage because of budgeting limitations. Rector expressed that too high of a wage could potentially lead to fewer positions available for students.

Student wages can also vary if a student holds a position that requires more responsibility — such as lifeguards or building supervisors — but departments cannot raise their wage across their department. University Comptroller Michael Garzanelli said the reason for this is to have consistency across the University. Garzanelli also said students will not see a change in required scholarship hours.

Although the student minimum wage has increased, students who make $9.40 should not expect a higher taxable portion on their W2 documents, Garzanelli said.

Senior Kaitlyn Ownes is a student worker at the front desk of the library.

Student wages will likely never reach state minimum wage because of budgeting limitations. Photos by Bidan Yang

ENROLLMENT| Admissions shifts gears to cater to more students Continued from page 1 Due to COVID, it was difficult for many students to get into testing centers to take their ACT or SAT tests, and it remains difficult for students to take their tests since the test centers fill up quickly, Lange said.

On-campus tours are another way the University is working to increase admissions. According to Lange, many universities are no longer doing face-to-face tours, but Truman has decided to keep conducting in-person tours while following COVID-19 protocol, so prospective students can still personally visit the campus.

Another way that the admissions department hopes to increase enrollment is through more communication with potential students.

“We’re doing what we call a drip campaign so that students are constantly getting contacted by the University,” Lange said. “We’ve increased the number of phone calls and text messages we’re doing. We have digital ambassadors in admissions who are doing things like creating content for TikTok so that

we’re building that community before they get here.”

Even though Admissions is working on increasing enrollment, changes on campus will still have to be implemented, like closing some residence hall floors to save money.

Lange explained that in order to have an impact on enrollment trends, Truman would have to see multiple years of increased enrollment. A higher incoming class for next year is helpful, but does not completely fix enrollment issues.

Lange further explained that these changes were not to diminish the students’ experiences, but to be strategic and maximize utilities until numbers increase.

“It doesn’t do any good if you use all three floors or all five floors, you want to cut off as many chunks and spaces as you possibly can to be cost-effective,” Lange said. “We’re looking at the best way to be strategic and maximize the savings that they can have from heating and air conditioning, electricity, lights, facilities, custodians — all kinds of things.”

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

[ Our View ] Now is not the time for lax COVID-19 policies During a recent Board of Governors meeting, Truman State University President Sue Thomas announced that the University will modify its COVID-19 policy by lowering the quarantine period from 14 to 10 days to reflect the same change in the Adair County Health Department’s policy. Thomas explained that the University bases its policies off of Adair County.

The CDC still recommends a 14-day quarantine as the gold standard.

We, The Index Editorial Board, dissent from this

new policy and ask that the University follow the CDC’s gold standard recommendations.

As reported on the front page of this issue, Truman more than doubled its case numbers last week.

Meanwhile, Adair County’s cases continue to soar well over 2,000. Now is not the time to become lax in our approach to this pandemic.

It’s time to double down on precautions and do more than we have done in the past.

Prior to these past couple weeks, Truman had been faring

much better than Adair County in the rise of COVID cases. The University had stricter policies and more adherence to those policies than the surrounding area. Truman implemented a mask mandate before the city or county, and while the Adair County Health Department has stopped contact tracing outside the household of the positive patient, Truman continues with it. The University has been going above and beyond Adair County in regard to COVID measures since the beginning of the pandemic, so why are we following this

guidance? Perhaps, the county should be taking notes from the University’s policies.

Brenda Higgins, associate vice president for student health & wellness, said in this week’s story on COVID-19 that she believes the rise in cases at Truman is a result of students feeling fatigued with the regulations and ready to get back to a sense of normalcy.

We, as fellow students, understand this fatigue. We also understand the hopeful feelings of hearing about the development and distribution

of vaccines. What we do not understand is why more lenient policies follow these feelings when the case numbers necessitate the highest possible precautions.

Even with this fatigue and hopefulness, we cannot ignore that COVID-19 is still a present problem in the United States and our own community. It is important that we recognize the fatigue and allow ourselves to feel hopeful in these trying times, but we, and our policies, must also remain alert and cautious.

Randolph Apartments’ demolition to leave empty space on campus The Board of Governors recently approved a resolution authorizing the demolition and removal of the Randolph Apartments. While we’re always sad to see a building demolished, we find ourselves excited about the potential of the empty space left after the apartments are gone. Here are a couple ideas of what we think could make for good use of the space.

Truman needs more parking RYAN PIVONEY Editor-in-Chief

H E A D to H E A D

Truman could use a dog park ELISABETH SHIRK Managing Editor

When the Fair Apartments were torn down At last, Truman State University has a couple years ago, there was a lot of discusdecided to tear down Randolph Apartsion about what would take their place in that ments. While I can’t say I saw this plot. Truman State University was eventually coming so quickly, I do think it provides able to create more parking in the area and still a new opportunity for the University to leave some room for green space, which alinvest in changing the campus. ways improves the aesthetics and environmenIf you’re a student with a car on tal friendliness of campuses. With decreased campus, we likely have the same idea enrollment, there is less of a need for increased for what Truman should do with the parking options, and while green space is great, space that will be left when those old it is nice to make that greenspace usable. I sugapartments are torn down: more parking gest that the University consider putting a dog spaces. park in the area where Randolph Apartments The location of this proposed additioncurrently sit. A few different factors support al parking lot couldn’t be better. Dobson this idea: location, environmentalism and cost efficiency.

Hall has the fewest amount of parking spaces behind any other Randolph Apartments currently sit directly behind Dobson Hall, residence hall. To provide these residents more space to park, the recently-pet-friendly residence hall for students and their animal let’s expand the existing parking lot to the area where Randolph companions. A dog park would be a convenient place for students to Apartments currently sits. take their dogs out for exercise or when nature calls. While Kirksville This would also clean up the look of South Davis Street. Right already has a nice, large dog park, it takes a car ride or a long walk now, you have a perfect row consisting of the Ophelia Parrish to get there from campus. Sometimes, student schedules don’t permit Building, Missouri Hall and Blanton-Nason-Brewer Hall with such trips as frequently as many dogs need. sizable and uniform parking lots behind each of them. Then, you When deciding what to do with the empty area, the University run into Dobson Hall, which is still perfectly in line with the othshould take into account the environmental impact — no mater buildings but has a diminished parking lot with an apartment ter how small — of their considerations. A dog park is a lot more building standing in the way of the uniform aesthetics of the rest environmentally friendly than pouring concrete for parking spaces of the street. By removing those apartments, the area would look or sports like basketball. The University could even plant a couple less cluttered and provide students a space they can use. trees in the park, which would be good for the environment, aesAvailable parking has been a regular issue at Truman, espethetically pleasing and eventually provide nice shade on hot days. cially when a few hundred more students are on campus. While If environmental issues are not convincing enough, consider the there might be some available spaces near academic and residencost efficiency of a dog park over other potential options. A simple tial buildings this year, that’s not always the case. Just last year, chain link fence, a couple saplings and perhaps a station to take and The Index reported that students were frustrated with finding dispose of doggy bags surely wouldn’t break the bank. Also, grass campus parking with 86.4% of survey respondents believing seed is a lot less expensive than pouring concrete. Sure, grass would parking is a priority Truman administration should address. require regular maintenance which would cost money, but conThe University is looking to increase enrollment in the future, crete ground also requires costly maintenance as it ages and in the which means this issue of parking will indeed return — if it winter to prevent ice-related injuries. The relatively small amount of ever really went away. Students will again be facing long drives money a dog park might cost would also be much more justifiable in around campus trying to find that last spot to squeeze into. They its usefulness than concrete or just a patch of grass. will again be ticketed in abundance for parking in the wrong lots There is so much potential in what will be an empty space after because all of the green-pass lots are full. Let’s avoid this. Let’s Randolph Apartments are gone and a dog park would be a fun and make another parking lot. practical way to use it.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

COVID| Uptick in weekly case count concerns administration Continued from page 1 “So now we’re starting to see it spread more at Truman and that’s to be expected,” Daley-Moore said. “I would potentially expect to see an increase next week as well.”

Higgins said community members must stay vigilant because with the highly-contagious variants of the virus, increased precautions might be necessary.

Spring Break and related travel could increase the odds of transmission on campus, Higgins noted. She said that is why students should be planning ahead for break, not where they are going but how to have a safe and enjoyable time.

“We hope we can stop the trend of doubling from week to week,” Higgins said.

On the positive side, Higgins said testing is going smoothly thanks to the integration of testing at more sites around town. The Student Health Center, HyVee, Walgreens and Complete Family Medicine are offering COVID tests.

No student should be out there saying they cannot get tested, Higgins said.

She also expressed that Truman’s contact tracing is going phenomenal.

Adair County has discontinued contact tracing outside of household contacts. Instead, they are advising the positive cases to notify anyone that they were within 6 feet of up to two days prior to the positive individual having symptoms.

Daley-Moore and her students conduct the contact tracing program on campus. Higgins said the contact tracers are IDing positive contacts and reaching out to them to get tested quickly.

“I will say the data from contact tracing — they’re not getting it from class now, and where they’re getting it is because they went and studied at the library or they went to someone’s house,” Daley-Moore said. “That is how students are getting it. It is not in the classroom.”

Daley-Moore said her contact tracers have seen one or two cases stem from the classroom because of a lack of separation between students. “[We need to recognize that] most of the spread is happening when people are not symptomatic,” Daley-Moore said. “So we need the assumption that everybody has it. Everybody around has it, and if we navigated the whole world like that, we’d have fewer cases.”

Higgins said the COVID spread on campus is from close contact among students or community spread among Adair County.

Higgins said the county’s numbers are high, and since the Truman community is part of Adair County our numbers will reflect that.

Higgins said unfortunately, there is a lot of resistance in this community to mask-wearing, so when community members go to Walmart or the grocery store, they put themselves at risk.

Higgins said even though campus numbers are up, she can see that masking has almost become second nature to students.

“We are doing a really good job on campus; we have to carry the same practices with us off campus,” Higgins said.

Walgreens is currently offering testing for COVID-19. Complete Family Medicine, the Student Health Center and HyVee are also offering testing. Photo by Elisabeth Shirk

BOG| Board votes on upcoming academic calendars and more Continued from page 1 Education and general expenses decreased by $4.4 million — or 10.1% — reaching a total of $38.8 million. This drop is primarily a result of a $1.1 million decrease in faculty and staff salary overall. The salary reduction is attributed to 27 fewer positions on campus and CARES Act reimbursements totaling $207,174.

Travel fees for the University dropped $699,486 — 91.6% — because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report broke down how the University spent the $9.8 million it received for the CARES Act. Three point nine million dollars went to room and board credits, $2.4 million to reopening expenses and $1.8 million to an ITS upgrade. The remaining $1.7 million was distributed to 2,100 students for student emergency financial aid grants.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Freshman Micaela Merrill sits in the Missouri Hall lounge reading a book. Missouri Hall will have floors three through five closed for next semester beacuse of low enrollment. Photos by Bidan Yang

RESLIFE| Student staff members cope with the changes to residence “So it’s discouraging to some degree,” Graham said. “I also look at it on the other side. For example, this year in Missouri [Hall] we have less student advisors than we did the previous year, and the Missouri Hall staff has become really, really close this year.”

Graham said with the smaller number of ResLife staff, she was able to do a lot of internal activities and get to know SAs from across buildings.

Graham said working with staff from other buildings was a different feel for the year. She said each hall and staff is so different, so having experiences with other halls adds to the job.

“I won’t be here next year, but I think it’s going to be even stronger next year where all the student advisors are going to be able to know each other more and work together more,” Graham said. “So I think there’s going to be a little more [unity] across all the buildings.”

Murry said when it comes to closures, he feels like it is easy to worry about how different everything is going to be.

It is important to realize the University is different and changing too, Murry said, even since he was a freshman. “[There was a time] buildings like these had 18 student advisors at one point,” Murry said. “So times are shifting, and that’s why I feel like there is some of that emotional side of it, but you have to do what makes sense for the University. It makes sense right now.”

Senior Aisha Khorana and junior Mary Bellm work at the Missouri Hall front desk.

Part of the responsibilities of community coordiators is to oversee the front desk workers.

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Continued from page 1 Tucker Murry, community coordinator for Centennial Hall, said his position will not be affected by the changes. Murry said fewer student advisors means fewer people to work with, but the core responsibilities really do not shift.

With fewer people in a building, Murry said, it might even make the job easier.

Mary Ingrassia, a student advisor for the fourth floor of Centennial, said a problem residents are facing is the inability to squat their rooms. Usually, students who live in the residence halls can reserve their current dorm room for the following semester. However, the students who are on floors planned to close get priority to choose a new room for next semester.

Since no one on Ingrassia’s floor could keep their current room, she said it caused her residents some stress.

Ingrassia said when she first heard the news of the hall closures she was shocked, crushed and really hurt.

“I didn’t know I would have a reaction like that,” Ingrassia said. ‘“I guess I am a very sentimental person and just thinking about what Centennial was my freshman year versus, like, what it’s become [because of COVID].”

Ingrassia said as a freshman she felt like Centennial was full of life and the place to be.

Her freshman year all the floors were full, Ingrassia said, people kept their doors open and were talking to each other all throughout Centennial Hall.

“So just watching the slow decline of residents in the building and now the floors closing, it makes me very sad because I want people to have the experience that I had,” Ingrassia said. “I know that future freshmen will make the best of it because they don’t know what Centennial used to be like.”

Ingrassia said as a student advisor she became attached to the floor to which she was assigned.

She said last year on the second floor she became attached to the physical space and the residents, and the same for this year on the fourth floor.

“We always say [Centennial is] just quirky and energetic,” Ingrassia said. “COVID has really skewed the true vibe of Centennial, but we, as [SAs] really tried to keep that up this school year and are trying to keep the spirit of Centennial alive.”

Residence Life held the annual college cup during Truman Days this academic year, with special COVID precautions.

Murry said even though it is a difficult year, it really was comforting to see the college cup for another year.

“And [it was in] that moment of watching these people do the cheers, everyone wearing yellow, I looked at the building and all the residents, I was like, ‘Wow, I’m really a part of something bigger here than myself,’” Murry said.

Graham said she first chose to live in Missouri Hall because of the layout.

With Missouri Hall’s different layout, three halls of the floor share one lounge as opposed to most residential halls where one or two halls share a lounge.

Graham thought the localized lounge would create a good space to meet new people.

“I don’t regret it,” Graham said. “It was a really fun first semester for me.”

Once she became a student advisor the second semester of her freshman year, her experience shifted.

Graham said her perspective and memories are all shaped at this point by Residence Life.

“When you come as a freshman to Truman, a lot of times you don’t know a lot of other people, and so your first year is like the first set of people that you meet,” Graham said. “To be a student advisor and to see all these people come and become friends [is] a really cool experience. I still see them like a year or two years later and they’re all still really close friends.”

Graham said looking back on who you live with and the people you meet can make up those favorite memories.

Due to the lower enrollment over the past few years and the floors closing in the next semester, Residence Life will hire fewer student advisors than usual.

Graham said ResLife wants to give as many students as possible the opportunity to become a student advisor because of the personal and professional experience.

Truman students may submit up to 3 artworks for no fee. For more information and the online entry form visit gallery.arttruman.com Students must fill out an entry form online for each work by Saturday, February 27. Then, drop off works in the University Art Gallery, Ophelia Parrish 1114 on either Sunday, February 28, 3-6PM Monday, March 1, 8:30-10AM.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

7

I shouldn’t have!

Show yourself some love this Valentine’s Day

SAVANNAH KLUESNER Staff Writer & diehard romantic Valentine’s Day is famous for love, heart doodles and extravagant gift-giving. While it’s great to spread the love to others, sometimes it’s a good idea to show yourself you care by giving yourself an awesome Valentine’s Day gift!

With all the stress you’re under, you definitely deserve some pampering, so here are 10 Valentine’s gift ideas that you should keep all to yourself.

re a s a s no e e t la es e’ oco , ther of th h c s e e f r s o tne h on olat , oxe n par f wit choc elvet f b l v e e hil etwe ourse four d in gift. I W e y b : y p s in et or l n ate give spoi the t wrap s swe andy l o c ny ox oc ift hi uy n’t Ch ssic g u ca ou b th a b ith t fruity n’t de o y w i cla son y ther ut w rong try a ut do y. e rea ! Wh all o go w late, eat, b ’s Da o o r o to or g never choc tute t ntine x i le e t o n a s k b ca ’t li sub is V A streaming binge day: u h yo don as a th t t u o Between studying and working i o o y l fru et t and studying and tests and more studying, rea r swe your brain could likely use a break. Take you some time to plop yourself onto the couch and catch up with your favorite television shows or YouTube videos. Your brain will thank you for the gift of quality time.

A cozy blanket or sweater: Feb. 14, while a day dedicated to love, is also one of the chilliest holidays of the year.

A mixtape playlist: In my mind, no gift Keeping warm and cozy is a is more thoughtful than a mix CD. To must. Find a comfy blanket or thine own self be true: you know what sweater that keeps out the cold. music you love and that makes you Bonus points if you can find feel like you, so take the time to make a matching pair of socks — yourself a self-love playlist or CD that warmth starts in the feet! reminds you to practice self-affirmation every day and rock out.

ee off ate: at c cy col s th to fan cho thing time ice e A ot e t h littl the h a n cola smal r t g o e in wi ho ar self th ak lf t c f m ur It’s nt. T urse r ho nt o ll yo How t to o u . o u co oil y ffee amo to te rself k bu t o u y p t s f c fec wa yo drin r ho e to ou to p o er ll cu he p sma u lov just oy y rself few t t j th is a yo no en ou a s, wi ws uch y is e to ing y With mpu lo w m ke tim ow ip. ca e l e ho r, th the e, al ery s ht on f th o e e v g g ev tak era ith e s ri one ts v p be x w sho also t gif . a ee is ies off l e r off his as ull e p t c to

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Fancy Soap: If traditional means of pampering, such as spas or pedicures, seem a bit risky during the pandemic, this is a great way to treat yourself without ever leaving the safety of your living space. Ditch the bar of soap and splurge a little on bath soap that moisturizes or rejuvenates your skin or that comes in your favorite scent.

thin Valen A lon g t is o gs. Ta ine’s talk D k n oth e o ing ay with f is e s on rs som the b ome n’t ju loved e a t for day e lo st w ime st ab one s: v a o o to the ne an that s e. In ys to talk ut ma bes oth ymb a tim sho to l teri w a o t gi er, m oli zes e wh you ved o l ft o a k e wh f al e su lov n w rself nes e o m l: q e a r atte uali e you and a ’re ap nd r m ty ti giv ffec art, ost me e y tion to y wit our ou. h th self ose

ou . If y hout g n i r n b dle wit g : ls ca ndle od smel of a can as readin s a c s A o t h e uc efi at g tin ’ ty th ll the ben activity, s ur Valen i l i u yo ra anq ng the tr melts fo a relaxi to spend way to y n e h x s t i ay t be the n d try wa gift w ful w ne ca s l, No o dorm hal is simple ost peace might ju r own! h s t t ou a m n y g n e e i n live ck. Pairi one of th venly sc specially e i s ea the w cheting, i fter all, h heart — s ’ o A r n or c Day. a perso

A dinner date: Maybe it’s not the safest idea to go out to dinner right now, but having a nice at-home dinner is the perfect way to treat yourself! Whether you cook a fancy meal for yourself or get local takeout, having a romantic dinner for one or a virtual dinner date with friends, family and loved ones is a great way to get the relaxing benefits of dinner without the stress of the pandemic. Plus, there’s no need to scrape the snow off your car!

@TrumanIndex

A “You-nique” gift: There’s no one that knows you better than you. Carve out a little bit of cash to buy yourself something that makes you feel like you. Any gift that reminds you just how incredible and important you are this Valentine’s Day is the perfect gift of self-kindness on a day where everyone deserves a little love!

@TrumanIndex

© 2021

The Index

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TOP [5]

by Jack Ratliff, hopeless romantic

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Safe yet spunky Valentine’s Day ideas

3. Karaoke Roulette Are you and yours good singers? No? Perfect! This game is for you. All you need is a pair of noise-canceling headphones (really loud earbuds will do) and a good karaoke playlist. One person puts on the headphones, shuffles the playlist and sings the song that comes up. The other person has to guess what the song is based on the singing — bonus points if you sing the whole song. This date idea would probably work best in a lounge or public area so that you do not incur the wrath of sleeping neighbors or SAs, however, if you do sing in a public area, remember to wear your mask.

5. High Seas Adventure Eager to test out your sea legs with your fair cocaptain? For this date, it is crucial that you and your beloved dress as pirates ready to set out to sea. The more homemade your costume is, the better. Once you are prepared to hoist the Jolly Roger and turn your sails to the wind, you must board your trusty vessel — your car will do just fine — and sail around listening to the finest sea shanties in the Seven Seas.

Spotify has an excellent playlist of sea shanties, or you are free to create your own. However, be sure to pay attention to the road, err… sea, so as not to end up in Davy Jones’ Locker. Yo ho ho, you scurvy dogs!

2. A Night With Zoom If you or your partner are quarantined or simply want to minimize your exposure, a Zoom date is the solution for you. Be creative! Play around with the backgrounds and filters, and use your imagination! If you want to use a beret filter, for instance, talk in a French accent.

Zoom also gives you the option of uploading custom backgrounds, so there’s nothing to stop you from having dinner at a five-star restaurant in Paris, New York or Tokyo. The key is to be imaginative and have fun with your date.

4. Indoor Camping

1. Movie Roulette

Sometimes, the great outdoors can seem a little too ... outdoorsy. It is probably best to forgo outdoor activities in subfreezing weather, but that does not mean you and your sweetheart have to forgo a fun camping adventure.

You can always set up sleeping bags, or if your room is big enough, a tent. Turn out most of the lights and pull up a campfire on your laptop or tv and tell scary stories in the dark. You can also take a shot at making microwave s’mores; however, like in outdoor camping, please be careful not to catch anything on fire.

Are you a movie couple? Select a movie that you and your partner have not seen, and then put the movie on mute. Make up dialogue for all the characters and see if you can make it through the whole movie. Bonus points if you develop different voices for each character. To further add to the illusion, you are welcome to roll out the red carpet and dress in fancy clothes to the premiere. After all, it is your movie!

Storytime with

Allison

Yours Truly, It’s Complicated Nov. 2

ng starti g trip This can’t n i p a cam here hat? plans n? Like, w to be out know o h W e e d tim llowe ke we on Ha y be a goo d acting li orge is n e bl possi ng about a At least G et. If only . i g p w s e g tram e’re doin y and terruptin l m w a t e n i p r wha e’s so dr a ea to sto H have here. get Kenny hance to at clown c d h Nov. 1 I coul ime I get a George. T ficiency, t e h t y d i e r n n w ttention eve alo ew my backpack rsatio a g me That idiot Kenny thr conve e sort of tart leavin y chance. m lost it in the curs m o into the river and then has s e doesn’t cost me ady to o h rch for it while e t rent! Now we have to sea and if e’s going ’s about r te. e h into the cabin k u ec h , George and Myra go ch soon oks like s e any min o the second g l , for r in ly Myra in on Geo we’re supposed to stay rs tru u o Y e our reslos p n’t rs half of the trip so we do swoo Indoo e B ld ervation.

Shou Dates Yours truly, UGH! 1

“Okay, so based on the way these sticks here are broken next to this pattern in the dirt and the direction of the wind, I’d say they went left.”

My eyebrow quirked in amazement. “You can really tell all that from this?” I gesture to the forest surrounding us.

Kenny smirked. “Of course not, you idiot! Myra sent me a text. We’re supposed to meet them over by the cafe.” He stalked off toward the path leading east, his hiking boots making crunching noises as they smothered the fallen leaves.

I’m sure it doesn’t surprise you to learn that I am not much of a hiker. I came on this trip to hang out with George. Now I’ve spent the better part of two days wandering around with Kenny and his lame sarcasm, which he thinks is so funny.

Meanwhile, Myra is probably getting all cozy with George while they wait for us to catch up.

Yours truly, Tired and Annoyed

Oct. 3

Nov. 4 Day watch two in the in c Georg g Myra scoo abin. Day e. Day two o t close f r tw to get myself o of brain and closer t storm o plottin betwe ing wa en the g Kenn ys m y’s un timely . Day two o demis f e.

Yours Two D truly, ays Le ft

Dec. 25 Nov. 5 George sa we were c id something weird ooking din while ner. He sa has a thing id Kenny for me. Th at he teas a way of fl es me as irti going to th ng. What is he, nine ? Is he row sand in my face too close to if we get the ocean ?

Confused You Feelings fr and Ignoring the We rs truly, ir om Kenny Possibly L d Warm iking Me

f me i sked on a a e 24 eorg nds Oct. ss! G ome frie he peoe n d of t goo nd s e’s h my oin him a eek! One e bar. H is O j

h yra ext w om t nt to I wa ing trip n enny fr Quirky. M riend, K f p cam that guy alright. as a boy all to d h s i e g r e o e ple s seem ink sh e Ge v h y a t a h I t! to alw , too. erfec able g uly, goin ould be g to be p urs tr d!!! h n i s o o I Y g s so te lf! It’ Exci myse

I took Kenny home with me for Christmas. My family loves him. I don’t really want to talk about it.

Yours truly, Not Sure How I Ended Up Here, but I Might Be Falling In Love

The Backlog The Index

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

9

Staff writer and film enthusiast Joey Dougherty takes a look at the movies you might have missed but need to see

“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is a heartfelt work of art JOEY DOUGHERTY Staff Writer After appearing at the Cannes Film Festival in mid-2019 to much critical acclaim, director Céline Sciamma released “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” in her home country of France. The film premiered at multiple festivals around the world before finally releasing to theaters in the United States on Valentine’s Day 2020. It was lauded for its painterly visuals, purposeful cinematography and passionately literate screenplay, receiving the Best Screenplay accolade at Cannes. For this entry into my column, I take a look at an untraditional romance film overlooked by many but no doubt deserving of their praise.

“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” follows professional painter Marianne, a meek woman often hired for her remarkable skills as a portraitist. At the end of the 18th century, a French noblewoman recruits Marianne to paint a portrait of her daughter and heiress, Héloïse, and invites Marianne to their remote estate on an island in Brittany. The portrait is to serve as a sort of dowry for Héloïse’s suitor, a Milanese nobleman she does not know. The only catch: Marianne must paint the portrait without Héloïse finding out. No extended posing sessions — only memories and stolen glances. So begins the film’s initial drama — Marianne’s attempts at recreating Héloïse’s likeness in a most unconventional manner. On the eve of Marianne’s departure, after daily strolls filled with haphazard charcoal scribblings of the ear, the neck, the hands, Héloïse discovers Marianne’s purpose

and, rather than electing to an outrage, head as she begins her first of many agrees to pose for her — the secondary strolls with Marianne. Simple, but an and most central drama. What develops immediate enough connection that the from this drama is a secret romance be- audience can revel in its execution. tween the two women, at a time when “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is such relationships were condemned. simply gorgeous. Reminiscent of its The mounting pressure of Héloïse’s subject matter, each frame and locale unwanted betrothal looks and feels and Marianne’s like a painting. inevitable departure Cinematographer are tied to the porClaire Mathon trait’s completion, should be especially a portrait that will commended for create as much as it her contributions will destroy. as she, alongside “Portrait of a Sciamma’s framing, Lady on Fire” is a furthers the film’s story that has a lot identity as a work of to say about tradiart itself. Moreover, tion, freedom and, designer Dorothée most centrally, love.

Guiraud’s costumSciamma tackles ing is likewise each topic with the contributive. The grace and confidresses and outfits dence of a filmmakare striking and ing veteran. She distinct, from their keenly understands individual colors the craft through her to their existence use of meaningful in scene-by-scene framing, stunning where they Joey Dougherty, context color, symbolic diaoften juxtapose the logue and nuanced of the estate Staff Writer drab characterization. interior.

Allow me to Furthermore, gush for a moment.

Sciamma’s writThere is one specific instance where ing makes use of interesting literary the framing is most ingenious. Before parallels. In one scene, Héloïse narrates we meet Héloïse, we learn that, when the Ancient Greek tragedy in which the last portraitist attempted to paint the mythical Orpheus travels to the her likeness, she refused to show her underworld to free his wife, Eurydice. face. Appropriately, when we do meet There, Hades agrees to release EuHéloïse, Sciamma does not allow us to rydice, but, in their departure from his glimpse anything but the back of her domain, Orpheus must not look back

at his wife as she trails behind him, or else she will be pulled back. Orpheus, of course, looks back to check on Eurydice, at which point she meets her damnation. Héloïse, Marianne and the handmaid, Sophie, speculate as to why Orpheus, knowing the consequences of looking back, would do so anyway.

The scene ends when Marianne suggests that, perhaps, Orpheus made a choice — he chose “the memory of her. That’s why he turns.” Sciamma’s inclusion of this story in the context of Marianne and Héloïse’s forbidden, and ultimately doomed, relationship is clear. The memory of each other is all either woman can hope for.

Sciamma’s nuanced characterization of Marianne and Héloïse comes to life through their performances. Noémie Merlant as Marianne is excellent, portraying a character who, at first impression, is meek and reluctant but sheds that skin as the story unfolds. Adèle Haenel as Héloïse is equally realized, embodying a character who is tortured but loving — breaking, but ultimately hopeful. Both characters present their own duality that Merlant and Haenel balance inerrantly. Their chemistry is a joy to witness.

In short, “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is brilliant. Céline Sciamma and her crew craft a film teeming with passion and lively with social commentary.

While the inevitability of Marianne and Héloïse’s separation is bleak, I was left with a warm hopefulness by the end of the film’s comfortable two-hour runtime. Real and beautiful, “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is nothing short of a work of art.

“‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ is a story that has a lot to say about tradition, freedom and, most centrally, love.”

“The Talk”

Ari

With

Truman’s former Sexual Health Advocacy Group president answers all the sexual health questions you were too afraid to ask

Sex vs. Gender: differentiate and appreciate ARI KLOKIC Staff Writer Planned Parenthood describes biological sex as what was assigned to you at birth based on genitals or hormones. Assigned or biological sex typically, but not always, exists between male or female. In the case of intersex people, they are people whose reproductive or sexual anatomy does not fit into typical male or female definitions. Gender, on the other hand, goes beyond the sum on one’s parts.

It touches on society’s expectations, gender roles and characteristics placed on a person because of their sex.

Over the past several years, it has become common practice to ask people their pronouns or introduce yourself with your pronouns.

Pronouns are a way for someone to express their gender identity. The most common pronouns are she/her, he/him, they/them. For languages that do not have gender-neutral pronouns, like “they/them” in English, people have created their own versions. The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

has an LGBTQ+ positive website that features some of these other pronouns. Some of these gender-neutral pronouns are as follows: zie/zim/zir/ zis/zieself and ve/ver/vis/vers/verself.

But what happens when someone has two different pronouns? For example, someone might tell you their pronouns are she/they. You could ask her/them which pronoun she/they would prefer more if you are unsure of which one to use when referring to her/them.

Some people have a preference while others use their pronouns interchangeably. Regardless, please be kind and respectful to everyone’s pronouns.

However, there is much more that goes into gender than just pronouns.

Gender identity has to do with how you present yourself to society. It could be through your pronouns, but it can also be through your clothing, behavior and much more. Society tends to see things through either a masculine or feminine lens. For instance, someone who tends to be nurturing, demure and easy-going could be described as having feminine qualities.

Moreover, if someone is described as

aggressive, competitive and assertive, we commonly associate them with masculinity. The same goes for clothing. Feminine clothes could be seen as colorful dresses, form-fitting clothing and skirts, while masculine clothing could be seen as navy sweats, cargo pants and button-ups. You could be someone who identifies as a feminine man or a masculine woman. You could be gender-neutral or genderqueer, which could mean not identifying with any gender or flowing between all genders. It is important to know that gender does not exist in a binary.

Furthermore, if someone identifies as gender nonbinary or gender-neutral, it is not synonymous with they/them pronouns. Always ask someone if you are unsure and practice saying the right pronoun. If you make a mistake, it is okay but quickly apologize, correct yourself and be mindful of it so you can learn from it.

While sex and gender are different things, they do have some overlap and connection. If you are comfortable with your assigned sex at birth being female and you feel that gendered she/

her pronouns suit you, then you are cisgender. However, if your gender does not correspond to your assigned sex, then you are transgender. It is one way sex and gender interact together. In any case, who you are and what you identify as is up to you. You don’t even have to decide right now. As we continuously learn more and grow, our identities change with us.

Nevertheless, if someone comes out to you and starts identifying with different pronouns, be welcoming and kind. While society and familial pressures can affect the way we think about things or see ourselves, at the end of the day, you are your own person. As your own person, you get to choose what is right for you. However, make sure you have a great support system.

Your support system can be friends, family, therapists or pets that are all in your corner cheering you on and supporting you.

This article only scratches the surface on gender and sex, and if you found it interesting, consider taking a gender studies class! Until next time, stay true to yourselves, Bulldogs!

The Index

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

In Perspective Narratives from the campus community

How are you expressing your love this Valentine’s Day?

Anna Chandler, senior

Annie O’Brien, sophomore

“My birthday is actually on Valentine’s Day. I don’t really have any plans because I am supposed to be doing an online class. Usually, we will get Mexican food because it is my favorite. I like sending random texts to people, telling them I love them and other cheesy stuff. I’m not a huge Valentine’s Day person because it falls on my birthday, so my boyfriend and I primarily focus on my birthday instead of Valentine’s Day. Last year I got Olive Garden twice in one week, it was great!”

“My boyfriend and I can’t be together this year, so I bought him something through a Facebook ad. It is a potato with a picture of us on it. It is something silly that I thought he would like because we love being weird together. I think also showing your friends and family love on Valentine’s Day is also very important, and if you can buy me chocolate when it’s 50% off the next day, let me know!”

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

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SOFTBALL GEARS UP FOR SPRING ANDREW HOLDER Staff Writer

The Truman State University softball season kicks off this Friday as the team faces off against the University of Minnesota-Crookston in the Kelly Laas Memorial Invite at St. Cloud State University.

It has been 339 days since the Bulldogs last took the field after the cancellation of the 2020 season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and they are eager to step back onto the field.

Infielder Lauren Bowman hits a line drive. It has been 339 days since the Bulldogs last took the field after the cancellation of the 2020 season.

“We are all super excited,” Kayla Quanstrum, former team captain and infielder, said. “It feels like we haven’t been on the field for so long.”

Quanstrum said this season will require a lot of adaptation as players go in and out of quarantine.

Quanstrum also mentioned that a couple players are out for the start of the season with COVID-19, so some players will be required to play different positions, and the team needs to be prepared for every circumstance.

This is a young team with the most experienced players on the team being juniors Quanstrum and catcher MacKayla Gordon.

The rest of the team has not been able to see much collegiate action with the 2020 campaign being cut short.

“Without getting to play last season, a lot of the sophomores this season are feeling like they’re freshmen because they really didn’t get to experience traveling,” Quanstrum said. “So it’s been new, going through and re-explaining what everything is going to be like.”

This will also be the first full season for head coach Amanda Bradberry who was hired during May 2019 but didn’t have a chance to play out the full first season that started 5-7.

Players expressed a lot of confidence in the abilities of coach Bradberry. Both Quanstrum and Gordon praised her for her focus on the mechanics of the game.

Quanstrum said she expects a drastic improvement in her abilities at the plate thanks to the help she received from Bradberry regarding swing fundamentals.

“Coach Bradberry has been working extremely hard with the adversity that has been thrown at her since arriving at Truman,” Gordon said. “She is very knowledgeable about the game, and she cares about the success of this program, wanting the best for her players.”

Gordon also mentioned how the relationships in the pitching and catching staff have grown. During the canceled 2020 season, there was a lot of focus on the mental game and bettering relationships with one another.

“The pitching and catching staff works extremely hard every day,” said Gordon.

Outfielder Emma Walbert prepares for a pitch. The Truman State University softball team will play its first game of the season this Friday at 3 p.m. against the University of Minnesota-Crookston in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Photos by Truman Athletics Gordon was quick to praise the entire pitching staff, especially pitcher Annabel Zimmer, who has recovered from her shoulder injury and has looked impressive in practices so far. Gordon said she believes this season will be a strong pitching rotation for the Bulldogs.

Ellie Weltha — catcher, infielder and also a player on the women’s basketball team — said she has high expectations for the team this season.

“We have a great team, very athletic, so we expect to have a great season,” Weltha said.

The Bulldogs will show the work they put in during practice at the game this Friday at 3 p.m. against the University of Minnesota-Crookston in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

BELANGER| Sophomore leads women’s basketball team in scoring Continued from page 14 “I really think we could be undefeated right now,” Dean said he thinks they are the best team in the Jaseckas said having players like Belanger on the team Belanger said. “Minus a few of those fluke games, I think as conference, and as long as everybody does their job, they who are willing to step up and take on bigger roles has been a team we’re doing really well.” can accomplish the goals they set for themselves way back a big part of their success this season.

Jaseckas said right now the players and coaches in March.

With the departure of Sloane Totta, who led the Bulldogs keep reminding each other of how good this team “We wanna do everything we set out to do last year and in scoring last season, Jaseckas said Belanger has stepped could be both in the long run and during practice more this year,” Dean said. “And our players remember that into those scoring shoes for the team. drills to keep each other motivated throughout the every single game.”

Belanger said she has been more of the scoring guard season. this season, helping put both herself and her teammates into better positions.

Jaseckas also noted that it has been frustrating having the potential to be so good and not getting to be around her teammates as much. Jaseckas said they are a family, and she feels like she has 20 new sisters.

Belanger said one of the main reasons the team has been able to continue to work well together is that they all get along nicely, and several players live with each other in town.

Belanger said having that chance to see each other every so often and working out together has allowed them to keep that chemistry and team effort together. That team effort, according to Belanger, is the other reason for both the team’s and her own success.

Belanger also gave high praises to forward Ellie Weltha for this season’s success.

“I think Ellie Weltha has stepped up the most this season,” Belanger said. “...right now she is playing the best basketball she has ever played.”

Belanger said Weltha has been rebounding really well, is a scrappy player and has stepped into a much larger role this season. Having those role players around her has created several opportunities for her as well, Belanger explained.

Belanger said whichever team wins the conference this season is truly the best team if they are able to Guard Hannah Belanger dribbles the ball in a game last season. Belanger said she never feels satisfied adapt to the moment, and right now Belanger believes and is always hungry for the next thing, and has the next play mentality when she is on the court. Photo that’s her team. from TMN Archives

The Index

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

SPORTS CALENDAR Volleyball

Tennis

• At Webster University Sunday, Feb. 21 • At Rockhurst University at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12 • Vs University of Missouri-St. Louis at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 • Vs Missouri University of Science and Technology in Springfield, Illinois Softball • Vs University of Minnesota-Crookston in St. Cloud, Minnesota at 3 p.m. at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 Saturday, Feb. 12 • At University of Illinois-Springfield at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 • Vs University of Minnesota-Crookston in St. Cloud, Minnesota at 5 p.m.

Men’s Basketball • • • •

At University of Illinois-Springfield at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 At Quincy University at 3:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 At University of Southern Indiana at 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15 At William Jewell College at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20

Women’s Basketball

• At Quincy University at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 • At Drury University at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16

Saturday, Feb. 12

• Vs St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud Minnesota at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13

• Vs St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud Minnesota at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13

• Vs Southwest Minnesota State University in St. Cloud Minnesota at 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 14

• Vs Southwest Minnesota State University in St. Cloud Minnesota at 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 14

BERTHOLD RETURNS TO PROTECT THE NET

Right side hitter Emma Berthold and setter Elise Hardesty attempt a block in a game last season. After an injury last season, Berthold has taken a medical redshirt to play this season. Photo by Truman Athletics

Elite blocker returns to the court after shoulder injury STEVEN FINDLEY JR. Staff Writer

Volleyball season is officially underway at Truman State University in spite of the challenges COVID-19 presented getting the season started.

Right side hitter Emma Berthold sat out during her senior year in 2019 due to injury and picked up a medical redshirt to allow her to play one more season.

“Recovery was really tough as I was trying to regain my strength and skill,” Berthold said. “When these two things weren’t happening quickly enough, I took the redshirt.”

Sitting on the sidelines senior year is no easy task, but Berthold acknowledged that the rehab process had to be done in proper timing.

Daily hour-long therapy sessions to rehabilitate Berthold’s shoulder were mandatory, and the senior picked up some exercises along the way.

“My teammates are also starting to do the workouts I did in therapy,” Berthold explained. “Upper body strength is just as important for volleyball as lower body strength is.”

In addition to physical knowledge, Berthold saw her sidelined position as an opportunity to grow.

Berthold described her role as an unofficial coach on the sidelines, where she did her best to encourage the team as well as provide game advice to the players.

“It really flipped my mindset on the concept of a team sport and how important it is for everyone to be engaged in

the matches,” Berthold said.

This analytical mind is something Berthold said will make her even better as an on-court player this season.

Berthold is an elite blocker for the Bulldogs and consistently records high numbers of blocks per game.

“Blocks have always come easy to me when learning the sport,” Berthold said. “I hope to continue to be a dominant blocker this season as well.”

Coach Ben Briney is in his 12th season as head coach for the Bulldogs, and the veteran coach acknowledged the difficult choice Berthold had to make regarding her surgery.

A medical redshirt is given to a player who will miss most, if not all, of an NCAA season as a result of injury, such as the case for Berthold.

“Emma made the decision to get season-ending surgery so she could come back stronger with a redshirt,” Briney explained.

The head coach shifted toward praising Berthold’s sideline coaching, saying that it was like having an extra coach on the sideline to see the floor.

Given the time to develop a stronger analytical mind, Briney said Berthold’s ability to block the hitter will improve even more this season.

“When a hitter gets blocked multiple times, it forces them to play our game,” Briney said. “Emma is a top-ten blocker in the GLVC after one weekend for us.”

Briney concluded by sharing his expectations for the senior opposite hitter, proclaiming that Berthold will be one of the better right side hitters in the GLVC

this year.

Left side hitter Sam Yancy has been in the volleyball program with Berthold for Yancy’s entire four-year career.

Yancy has said Berthold is one of her closest teammates and friends overall, beginning with her days before committing to Truman.

“Emma is someone you can always count on to be there for you, on the court and in life,” Yancy said. “When she had to get surgery, the whole team felt the pain collectively.”

Yancy continued by acknowledging that Berthold’s surgery could have been career-ending if the decision wasn’t made in time.

Yancy and Berthold are two senior leaders for this squad, and Yancy said she is more than happy to share that role

with Berthold.

“I love sharing the leader role with Emma because we have such a great dynamic,” Yancy stated. “We have the loudest voices, so we have to be the best communicators.”

Yancy described volleyball as a game of communication, where the most communicative team usually performs better.

It’s not all about talk, however, as Yancy continued to explain that the leader position has multiple responsibilities.

“When Emma is radiating positive energy through good play, the whole team matches that energy,” Yancy said.

Both seniors look to be dynamic leaders for their team this year as they hunt for that elusive GLVC Championship.

Above: Former Bulldog Jocelynn Livingston hits the ball in a game last season.

The volleyball season was cut short last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic Left: The volleyball team celebrates after scoring last season. This year, the team’s three seniors are looking to lead the team to victory in the GLVC Championship.

Photos from TMN Archives

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

The Index

13

Men’s basketball returns with two wins RYAN PIVONEY Editor-in-Chief The Truman State University men’s basketball team returned to the court from quarantine last week, winning two games and bringing the conference record to 12-1.

The Bulldogs defeated the University of Indianapolis Greyhounds 79-67 Feb. 4 before heading back to Pershing Arena to battle out a 73-66 win over the Lewis University Flyers Feb. 6.

Guard and forward Elijah Hazekamp had standout games both nights as he scored his first college career doubledouble, leading the team with 18 points and 15 rebounds against the Greyhounds.

“I thought we responded pretty well because it could have been really easy to make an excuse for not playing well from having that break and being rusty,” Hazekamp said. “But we just came out and did what we know we can do.”

Hazekamp said the games were important for the team because it was the first time back from quarantine, which means competitors were watching.

Hazekamp credited his success in both games to his teammates and an extra dose of aggression from the redshirt sophomore.

Guard Turner Scott was one of those

players setting up the team for success, setting a new career high of 12 assists against UIndy.

Hazekamp said with forward Alex McQuinn out at the moment, he’s been stepping up to grab more rebounds.

Hazekamp added that in some ways, the team is slightly out of shape as a result of the two-week break.

For some players, he explained, there was no access to gyms to conduct regular workouts and conditioning. Additionally, some players became sick with COVID-19 after being exposed, which means they have to work to regain strength and mid-season form.

Hazekamp said the single practice the team had before the UIndy game wasn’t too different from a regular practice.

The strategy, Hazekamp said, was to keep rotating Bulldogs onto the court, providing time for the starting lineup to rest and avoid getting winded.

This season, Head Coach Jeff Horner said the team has depth, making these quick switches easier to pull off.

“We all have the right mindset,” Hazekamp said. “We took that two week quarantine as just a little mental break because the season is pretty draining sometimes, but I think it did do some good for us, and we’ll just stride through the rest of the season and continue right where we left off.”

The Bulldogs now face three games in just five days. Hazekamp said the team is looking to stay healthy and avoid injury with such frequency of play.

As the GLVC Tournament approaches, Hazekamp said the ’Dogs are starting to prepare for the added pressure.

“These games coming up will be a

good representation of the tournament because with the tournament you’re playing back-to-back days or every other day, so that will be something good for us,” Hazekamp said.

The men’s basketball team plays again at 7 p.m. tonight at the University of Illinois-Springfield.

Guard Turner Scott shoots the ball in a game last season. Scott set a new career high of 12 assists in last week’s game against the University of Indianapolis. Photo from TMN Archives

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

HANNAH BELANGER

BELANGER LEADS WITH SKILL, DEDICATION ETHAN HEWETT Staff Writer The Truman State University women’s basketball team, behind the strong performance of guard Hannah Belanger, has found success in the 2020-21 season.

Belanger currently leads the team in scoring and has helped lead the team to a 12-3 record. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions put on the offseason, the Bulldogs have fallen into a groove this season.

Head Coach Theo Dean said he attributes the success this season to the preparation of his players during the offseason. Dean said because of the pandemic, the usual postseason, offseason and preseason practices and meetings weren’t able to happen.

“We had huge goals that were set after our last loss,” Dean said. “Less than a week after that loss, COVID happens and everything gets shut down.”

Dean said he wasn’t able to take over this season on the first day of class with just days to prepare for essentially an entire season.

However, Dean had high praises for what his players were able to do over the summer. Dean said he couldn’t have been more impressed with the condition and shape that his players were in

by Sept. 21, which was the first day the team started working with the coaches.

Dean gave the credit for this preparation to his seniors, who had taken over as the leaders of the team during the offseason.

“We had seniors leading yoga, seniors leading conditioning [and] seniors leading skills workouts at Brashear Park outside,” Dean said.

The seniors this season were the first class that Dean had recruited, and he said they have grown a lot over the past four seasons and have been a calming presence among a potentially chaotic season.

However, it wasn’t just the seniors that have stepped up, Dean said. Dean mentioned several younger players on the team such as guard Katey Klucking, Belanger and even the freshmen have adjusted well.

Dean said that Belanger is one particular player who has grown immensely since last season. Dean explained that she is one of the hardest-working players he has ever coached.

“She’s a goal setter,” Dean said. “She has a lot that she wants to accomplish ... when you have a kid like that, they’re special.”

Dean also said he has even had to kick her out of the gym sometimes with how often she’s there, essentially forcing her to take a day off.

Dean mentioned that Belanger hasn’t just been incredibly successful on the court this season but has also been a 4.0 student and excels at being a studentathlete.

“Not without any difficulties, let me tell you that,” Belanger said on balancing academics and athletics.

Mondays are the team’s day off, so Belanger said she tries to get into the li-

Guard Hannah Belanger leads the Bulldogs in scoring. Belanger has scored 292 points so far this season. Photos from TMN Archives VOLUME 112

ISSUE 7

tmn.truman.edu

“

Of course there’s gonna be people out there better than you, may work harder than you, but I want to be the best person, the best player that I can be, and I know that being in the gym is gonna do that for me,” -Hannah Belanger, sophomore guard brary and crank out as much homework as possible.

Belanger noted that the professors are also considerate and willing to work with her whenever she might need extra office hours or an extension because of a game.

Belanger said every season is difficult, but this one has been more difficult because of COVID-19 and the higher expectations she has placed on herself.

Belanger received the GLVC Freshman of the Year award after the 201920 season, which she said contributed to some of the offseason and early season pressure she felt.

In terms of offseason preparation, Belanger said her focus was on conditioning and agility to keep up with some of the smaller guards in the conference.

“I think this year, by working on that in the summer, I was able to get a little bit more explosive,” Belanger said. “And defensively I think I improved a lot just by working on my agility and the speed and conditioning aspect of things.”

Dean said having a coach’s mind has also proved valuable for Belanger. Dean added that she knows what it takes to win and offers suggestions on how to improve certain plays.

Belanger said her drive to work as hard as she does can be traced all the way back to her father pushing her to be great.

“Growing up my dad always knew that if you don’t work hard you’re not gonna succeed,” Belanger said. “He always pushes me to go out and get whatever I want.”

Belanger said she never feels satisfied and is always hungry for the next thing, and has the next play mentality when she is on the court.

Belanger said this mentality allows her to work towards being the best player and person that she can be, and focus on what she can control.

“Of course there’s gonna be people out there better than you, may work harder than you, but I want to be the best person, the best player that I can be, and I know that being in the gym is gonna do that for me,” Belanger said.

Belanger said she knows her potential and knows where she wants to go.

Forward and teammate Katie Jaseckas echoed Dean’s praises of Belanger, saying she is an incredibly hard worker and has been a big-time scorer for the team, both outside on the perimeter and driving to the basket.

“She knows how good she is and doesn’t want anything less,” Jaseckas said. “She wants to bring everything to the table.”

See BELANGER page 11

Belanger has grown immensly this season, Head Coach Theo Dean said. When she’s not studying to maintain a 4.0 GPA, the sophomore can be found practicing on the court. Photo from TMN Archives @TrumanIndex

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