Crescent Magazine September 2023

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2023

STAFF STUDENT MEDIA ADVISOR Tommy Housman President

Paris Himes

Creative Director Jasmine Brents Creative Lead

CONTENTS CRESCENT MAGAZINE

is the University of Evansville’s student magazine. It is written, edited and designed by and for UE students and published six times during the academic year.

Circulation is 1,500 distributed to 18 campus locations and housed online at www.cresceent.evansville.edu The Crescent it is funded through advertising sales and a subscription fee paid on behalf of students by the Student Government Association.

Baylee Minton Designers

Madison Adams Abbey Kyle Remington McDaniel Mari Mueller Valorie Marx Nicholas Kee Editor

Dani Parisi Writers

LETTER SUBMISSIONS: Crescent Magazine welcomes letters from UE students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni, but material the CMEB regards as libelous, malicious and/or obscene will not be published. Letters should not exceed 250 words. For verification, letters must include the author’s name, class standing or title and email address. Crescent Magazine does not print anonymous letters or those that cannot be verified. Letters will be edited as needed.

Paris Himes

Shadow of Gods 14

Heather Rak

Jackson Caudill Hayden Chrapek Bev Rowley Devon Langley

EDITORIAL POLICY: Commentary expressed in unsigned editorials represents a consensus opinion of the magazine’s Editorial Board. Other columns, reviews, articles and advertising are not necessarily the opinion of the CMEB or other members of staff.

Tiva Frushour Paige Radel Parker Andresen Tabitha Kierstead

Taylor G PRINTINMason G IN PY O &C Audrey Blanner Destini Beckham

Photography & Video Madison Adams

Gabrielle Hardoin Emmett Bowman Emma Moesner Dalila Rodriguez

Jaguar 2 7 The People Pleaser’s Toolbox 11

Myia Danek

Liam Allen

Let’s Talk Plan B 6 Unraveling Equality 9

Maddy Webb

Sam Tarter

Studnet Government Board 1

HOW TO CONTACT US

SOBA, University of Evansville, 1800 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47722 Editorial e-mail: th208@evansville.edu www.crescent.evansville.edu facebook.com/UECrescentMagazine twitter.com/crescentmagazi1 instagram.com/crescentmagazine

Something About Us 16

COVER

The Ace of Clubs 21 The Layers of Allyship 23 The Rise of Morden Hustlers 25

University of Evansville

Student Government Executive Board

The Student Government Executive Board is committed to empowering student voices. They are here to act as a resource, and they encourage students to reach out with any questions, thoughts, resources, and concerns for the betterment of the university.

Benton Simpson (he/him)

President

My name is Benton, and I am the President of SGA. My job is to serve as a liaison between the students and the administration and to ensure student voices are heard. I am an ambitious, goal-oriented person who values knowledge and education. I have played oboe for nine years and continue to play in the University Wind Ensemble. My true passion lies in politics. My career goals include working as a Federal Prosecutor, running for Congress, and being elected as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

John Erickson

Vice President

Hello, my name is John, and I am a Junior Biology Major on a Pre-Med track. In the Student Government Association, I am your Vice President. I work with the President, Benton, to represent the student body and voice your concerns to UE’s administration. I also aid in the management of Aces Haven. Outside of SGA, I am a biology tutor, TA, Orientation Leader, and a member of FIJI.

Grace Reisinger (she/her)

Secretary

My name is Grace, and I am the former VP and current Secretary for SGA. I am a senior Public Health major with a health policy emphasis, and I plan on going to medical school after graduation. As Secretary, I work to ensure that all communication between the SGA Executive Board and the student body is timely and clear! I am also heavily involved with Admission Ambassadors because I love sharing about my experiences at UE with prospective students. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!

Zach Worley (he/him)

Parliamentarian

Hello, my name is Zach, I am the Parliamentarian for SGA here at UE. As Parliamentarian, it is my task to be knowledgeable of the constitution, order of processes, and I am in charge of being the chair of the audit committee for our governing documents. I am extremely involved around campus in organizations like Faith in Action, LSCM Club, and even Greek Life! I look forward to this school year and making campus a better place for the student body.

Crescent Magazine 1

Rafay Karim Chief Executive Officer

I’m Rafay Karim, currently serving as the CEO of SGA. I’m a senior majoring in chemistry and am actively involved with the honors activity board. My post-graduation aspirations include attending medical school.

Crispin Ewen (she/her) Enhancement Chair/Ombudsperson

My name is Crispin, and I am a Senior getting a double degree in Accounting and Business Administration: Marketing.

I serve as Student Government Association’s Enhancement Chair/ Ombudsperson. This role involves me serving as a resource to UE students.

This can happen by listening to students’ concerns, serving as a student mediator, pursuing enhancement ideas and resolutions through Student Congress, and guiding students towards campus resources.Also, I am a part of Admission Ambassadors — Tour Chair­— and the Schroeder School of Business Advisory Board and Ambassadors, and I participate in sand volleyball intramural.

Devon Langley (she/her) Chief Marketing Officer

Hello, everyone! My name is Devon, and I am a senior studying communication and political science. I am so thrilled to serve as SGA’s CMO, and I am excited to be a resource for you when it comes to advertising your events and organizations. Please reach out if you would like my help!

Outside of SGA, I work with Student Media, Embrace Marketing and Communication, Admission Ambassadors, the Center for Career Development, and FIRST Indiana Robotics.

Ashton Lambert (he/him) Chief Financial Officer

Hello, All! I am Ashton, the SGA Chief Financial Officer, which means that I deal with things like budgeting and transferring funds. I am a Junior Accounting and LSCM Double Major who is also the President of UE’s BPA Chapter and the Secretary of our LSCM Club. I am also a Hoosier and love animals, including my 7 cats and 2 dogs.

Vidit Patel (he/him) Academic Fund Board Chair

John Stewart Chief Operating Officer

I’m a senior mechanical engineering major and your Student Government’s Chief Operating Officer. Outside of classes, I am an Admission Ambassador and an avid runner.

Greetings Aces, I’m Vidit Patel. I’m currently a senior majoring in Business Management and Marketing with a minor in Legal Studies. As Academic Fund Board Chair, I’m responsible for hearing AFB resolutions that pertain to the academic development of the student body. After graduation, I plan on being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the active-duty Army or National Guard. My favorite hobbies include traveling and spending time with friends and family.

2023 Fall 2

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PODCAST

Student Media’s brand-new podcast The Follow-Up where Elle Hardoin talks about UE’s upcoming weekly news. Emails are overwhelming at best, so tune in here weekly on Mondays at noon to Check Your Purple Pulse, listening to your campus announcements and Ace achievements on your walk to class!

NEW EPISODES WEEKLY! crescent.evansville.edu/the-follow-up

Crescent Magazine 3

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2023 Fall 4

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CRESCENT MAGAZINE POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Writers Photographers Graphic Designers Social Media Manager

Web Designers FOR MORE INFO EMAIL: CRESCENTMAGAZINE@EVANSVILLE.EDU

Crescent Magazine 5

LET’S TALK plan b.

Thoughts on a Potential Ban on Plan B from IPCA and SFL by: bev rowley

Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, has been used by over one-third of women ranging from Gen Z to Gen X. According to Plan B’s website, it is an emergency contraceptive in pill form.

It works by stopping the ovary from releasing an egg, so the sperm doesn’t have anything to fertilize, preventing a pregnancy. It is most effective when taken within 72 hours after intercourse.

The website also states that the pill will not harm an already existing pregnancy should it be taken too late, nor will it impact someone’s ability to have children in the future.

Since the 2022 “near-total ban on abortions,” as stated by Indiana Capital Chronicle, there has been an increasing number of conversations regarding access to contraceptives and birth control. According to an article from the New York Times, many legal experts have suspected that the supreme court may revise regulations on various contraceptives and birth control methods, including Plan B. I interviewed the President of the Intersectional ProChoice Assembly (IPCA), Claire Franzman, and the president of UE Students for Life (SFL), Sydney Wilbur, asking four questions about a potential ban on the Plan B pill.

As the president of your respective club, what are your thoughts on a potential Plan B ban?

IPCA: “I think that they would be significantly detrimental to women’s health and opportunities to have any autonomy over their own bodies in general.”

SFL: “Ultimately, I don’t think that’s going to happen,” Wilbur stated.

She also clarified that “as the pro-life movement, we’re not pushing it [a ban on Plan B]. That’s not what the pro-life movement is about.”

Would you argue that the pill is moral, immoral, irrelevant, etc.?

IPCA: “I don’t think there is anything morally wrong with the Plan B pill.” She explained that since the pill stops the ovulation from happening in the first place, to her, morals are less of an issue with this contraceptive.

SFL: “The Plan B pill is very different than any of the abortions which we are fighting because of intentionality” Wilbur answered. Similarly to Franzman, Wilbur touched on how the pill is made to stop the ovulation. “The morality question is all about intention” and the intention of Plan B is not to stop a pregnancy, but to prevent one. “We would not actively, legally prevent someone from getting that.”

How does Plan B compare to other post-coitus methods such as chemical or surgical abortion?

IPCA: “The abortion pill and Plan B are completely different… Plan B is an extra strong contraceptive, whereas abortion actually ends the pregnancy after the egg has been fertilized.”

SFL: “There is a lot of confusion about that.” Wilbur mentioned their tables in previous semesters advocatings against chemical abortions and how many students thought the group was advocation against Plan B. “With Plan B… you’re trying to stop that life from forming in the first place,” in contrast to a chemical abortion, which is intended to stop a confirmed pregnancy.

Should the pill get banned, what would be your advice to someone in a position where they would seek this method?

IPCA: “To start doing research.”

Franzman advised to keep a solid support system around you while you seek the available options.

SFL: “It’s very important in our culture that we are picking our partners, and being with someone that wouldn’t leave you in the dust if something like that were to happen… consenting to sex is consenting to the possibility of pregnancy.” Wilbur also shared that there are many resources someone could reach out to aid in getting maternity clothes, medical help, and referrals for adoption should one not want to raise the child.

2023 Fall 6

By: Paris Himes

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Victoria Monét is, without a doubt, an underrated artist. Monét has been in the music industry for years, working with famous artists such as Ariana Grande, Mary J. Blige, Meek Mill, and Chloe x Halle. She’s known for her unique musicality and catchy lyrics, like “You like my hair?

Gee, thanks, just bought it” and contributions to Ariana Grande’s song “7 Rings” off the album Thank U Next.

In 2020, Victoria Monét released JAGUAR. A staple in Monét’s career, this album is full of vulnerability and women empowerment. On August 25th, 2023. Monét released JAGUAR II. She states, “JAGUAR I and II are relatives, but you see, JAGUAR II is an older, more developed, voluptuous older sister” (Apple Music). Her description of this second album has proven to be true. JAGUAR II features phenomenal Earth, Wind & Fire, and Lucky Daye features. With songs like “Alright,” Monét gives listeners lighthearted dance anthems with sensual lyrics and powerful vocals.

The album experiments with sounds from the 1970s while adding in a modern twist, especially in her songs “Cadillac (A Pimp’s Anthem),” “How Does It Make You Feel,” and “Hollywood,” making listeners feel as if they’re traveling back in time. Once again, Victoria Monét has left a mark in the music industry. Her lyricism and vocals continue to be undefeated, and she proves herself to be an influential R&B figure by working with famous artists and releasing timeless music, showcasing her underrated vocal ability.

Favorite tracks: Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt), Hollywood featuring Earth, Wind & Fire, and How Does It Make You Feel.

Take a Break & Color

Coloring induces the same state as meditating by reducing the thoughts of a restless mind. This generates mindfulness and quietness, which allows your mind to get some rest after a long day at work.

2023 Fall 8

Unraveling Equality: The Impact of Affirmative Action’s Dismantling By: Paris Himes On June 29, 2023, the United States Supreme Court decided to dismantle Affirmative Action with a vote of 6-3. Affirmative Action began in the 1960s, and its purpose was to address historical inequalities and promote equal opportunities.

Affirmative Action was a way for universities to level the playing field and give underrepresented groups a fair shot at receiving higher education.

Political debate over dismantling Affirmative Action has been active since its enforcement under President Johnson in 1964 and the Civil Rights Act of 1965.

Supporters of Affirmative Action believe its dismantling will promote social inequalities, while nonsupporters believe Affirmative Action is a form of reverse discrimination.

However, Affirmative Action is not just a black or brown issue. Instead, it is a guardrail that supports our society by making sure underrepresented groups such as LBGQT, minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and individuals who cannot afford higher

Crescent Magazine 9

education have an opportunity for an education that otherwise would be out of their reach.

Affirmative Action works by helping college admissions boards understand how an applicant’s raceunique circumstances are a factor in the acceptance process. It is more than just determining which under-represented students will receive scholarships. It helps the admissions board consider factors that allow them to promote diversity and equal opportunities throughout their campus.

Prominent figures have denounced the dismantling of Affirmative Action, including former First Lady Michelle Obama, who stated, “It wasn’t perfect, but there’s no doubt that it helped offer new ladders of opportunity for those who, throughout our history, have too often been denied a chance to show how fast they can climb” (NBC News). Political conservatives see this dismantling as a success. President Donald Trump stated that the Supreme Court’s vote was “a great day for America” (NBC News). This

statement is rooted in pure ignorance.

Affirmative Action benefited individuals who were underrepresented in society, enabling them to access higher education and professional opportunities that otherwise would not have been available. Its dismantling makes it difficult to create a diverse education and professional environment and has made it more challenging for universities to consider a student’s background and experience. Now, universities are beginning to reexamine their Legacy admission policies. Legacy policies prefer applications with generational ties with family members (parents or grandparents) who have attended the same college or university.

As the pros and cons of Affirmative Action are reexamined throughout educational institutions and professional arenas, a generation will suffer from its dismantling.

The The People People Pleaser’s Pleaser’s Toolbox Toolbox

Tiva Frushour

How many tools are in your toolbox?

Do you have chalk to outline your boundaries? A tape measure to see how far someone steps over your lines? A pen and paper to tally up the number of red flags you spot?

A narcissist has double your amount of tools, and they just love to throw them out at you.

What is a narcissist? The Mayo Clinic defines them as someone whose “personality qualities include thinking very highly of oneself, needing admiration, believing others are inferior, and lacking empathy for others.”

This need for attention often leads them to manipulate people into doing as they desire. This person could be a romantic partner, a parent, a friend, or even a supervisor.

For me, it was three girls who believed they knew what was best for me after only knowing me for a month, planting false ideas in my head about the people in my life being toxic. It was being repeatedly harassed by someone I barely knew, even after I had expressed discomfort. It was an ex-partner telling me they loved someone else but who still continued to pursue me because they knew I was vulnerable.

I have built up my collection of tools to defend myself against manipulative attacks. Defense against manipulation is essential, especially if you’re a people pleaser. It’s time to add some more tools to your toolbox.

Most narcissists lack empathy, which

Crescent Magazine 11

allows a person to understand other people’s feelings.

Simply explaining how you feel is the best way to begin your defense.

However, it may not be enough, in which case the collection of tools can begin.

One of the most common tactics used by

narcissists is guilttripping. They blame you for things that aren’t your fault, even if you’ve done nothing wrong. Their body language and tone are aggressive. They may sigh loudly, cross their arms, or set something down a bit too forcefully. It is often used to manipulate you to do something you don’t want to do, usually something that crosses a boundary you’ve set.

Your first tool: bright yellow tape declaring “DO NOT CROSS”. In other words, get used to saying “no”. You can add more to the end of the statement, such as, “no, I’m not comfortable with that,” or, “no, I’d rather not do that.” Just remember that “no” is still a full sentence on its own.

Three more common tactics include

moving the goalposts, love bombing, and triangulation. If you seem unable to make them happy no matter how much you do for them, they’re moving the goalposts. If they shower

you with affection and gifts in a way that smothers and isolates you, they are love bombing. If they bring a third person into an argument or situation in an attempt to “gang up” on you, they are triangulating.

The secret to combating these three tactics lies in a single tool: a level. This is used to maintain balance in your relationship with the person.

Explain the tilted scales and suggest counterbalances as solutions. Eventually, if they agree to these solutions, that little bubble should return to the middle of the level once again.

If your relationship seems beyond repair, your feelings on the matter are valid. Depending on the situation and who the person is, there is a tool you can use to end the relationship: scissors.

If you feel that this person, this narcissist, is affecting you in a negative way, don’t be afraid to cut the tie with them. Some situations may be harder than others, such as relationships with a parent or employer. In those cases, take extra steps prior to the final ceremonial cutting of that tie.

Make sure you have a safe place to go or another job to work before you cut the person out. This tool, though simple, carries a lot of power that may be scary and overwhelming to think about using. If possible, speak to someone you trust about the situation.

Let them know what’s been happening

and why you’re leaving this person behind. They can help the process feel less lonely and stressful.

Once you’ve done that, grab your wooden planks and hammer them up with some nails to seal the deal.

Now you have more tools than before, and these are much more versatile than the ones a narcissist uses.

Their tools may seem unlimited, but the reality is that they simply throw each one at you over and over until they wear you down. When you begin to show them that you have tools of your own, theirs become less effective.

While the narcissist tosses their wrenches into your plans, you can use a calculated defense by building a stone wall and saying, “no, you will not cross my boundaries.” That is what sets you apart from them: the fortification of the lines you’ve drawn using your new tools.

2023 Fall 12

YOUR AD HERE To advertise in Crescent Magazine, email us at th208@evansville.edu Crescent Magazine 13

Review of

THE SHADOW OF THE GODS

S

hadow of the Gods is an epic Nordic-style fantasy book written

by John Gwynne and published in early 2021. John Gwynne not only handles immense world-ending stakes, but also makes use of personal and intimate character motivations to drive the main story.

The audience follows a cast of welldeveloped characters through a world that, while clearly influenced by Norse Mythology, puts its own spin on the myths to create something fresh and unique. The level of detail John Gwynne included in his world is astounding on its own, with many terms taken directly from the Viking world, demonstrating a level of research and knowledge that helps flesh out the story and tone.

While Shadow of the Gods handles events that take place on a grand scale, the actual plot of the story focuses on more intimate and relatable stakes to ensure the audience gets invested in

by William Allen

the characters. Without spoiling any of the plot, I can attest that each point-ofview character has clear motivations and goals that they work toward throughout the narrative. This helps to make the story emotionally engaging, while also allowing it to tackle topics truly ambitious. Gwynne makes the characters feel like real people who are living through turbulent times to create a more captivating story.

“I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy which takes a darker tone, and weaves an intricate narrative.” – William The world of Shadow of the Gods shows clear influences from Norse Mythology while still maintaining a sense of originality. Gwynne sets the world in a post-Ragnarok world, where the gods have killed each other off, and the story is focused on the consequences of their final battle and absence. Some important changes are also made to the myths he draws inspiration from, with many characters being merged, split, or reinterpreted. Figures like Odin and Jörmungandr, or Loki and Ratatoskr, are combined to create clear parallels to Norse Mythology while maintaining a sense of individualism. Furthermore, each of the gods is associated with an animal, further distancing Gwynne’s world from its Nordic roots and giving it its own distinctive feel while remaining true to its influences.

The level of detail present in John Gwynne’s work adds to the immersive nature of his story and worldbuilding and shows the amount of

passion and research that went into this bookWhile Gwynne emphasizes certain aspects of the Viking world for the purpose of storytelling, he still demonstrates excellent knowledge of his source material, drawing on Nordic practices for many of his terms such as seiðr, Ulfhethnar, and even describing the use of hacksilver, deriving from a value of silver by weight as opposed to coins. This, alongside the way buildings and environments are described, paints a rich and unique world with enough depth for readers to plunge into.

I found Shadow of the Gods to not only have a truly enthralling world, but also to have a narrative and cast of characters with more than enough substance to hold it all together and leave readers invested and entertained through its entirety. I would personally give it a rating of 9/10 and recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy which takes a darker tone, and weaves an intricate narrative.

2023 Fall 14

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2023 Fall 16

Something About Us

By:

My name is Catherine. I got to

pick that name myself, five years ago.

I think I’ve only ever been able to tell three people in person that it’s my name, two of which were on accident.

I’ve never felt truly comfortable telling people the truth about who I am – whether it be due to my anxieties or just being unsure if someone would take it well or not.

This fear caused me to start to only show certain pieces of myself to others, where rather than feeling like I could show my true feelings to anyone if I wanted to, it became more of a risk –

Twitter and Discord don’t ask to see your real face, instead letting you make your own. You don’t need to prove yourself to others, there is just the freedom to be yourself without

When I wasn’t at school, I spent a lot of time on my computer, whether it be scrolling through social media, talking to my friends, or playing games by myself. I would only be around my parents when I had to eat, and around my friends in school only when I couldn’t be on my phone.

For me, this was perfectly fine for a while. I didn’t even realize the pain I was causing myself until I was in college, when

“If I started talking about how I felt about myself, would people be able to figure out who I really am?”

While everyone has, or at least should, have some sort of filter on what they say, I felt like I needed to be extra cautious since I didn’t want to accidentally out myself in public, especially not in front of people I thought might even hate me for it.

Since I couldn’t be myself in person, I tried to become the person I wanted to be through the internet. While social media is known for ruining people’s images of themselves, for me it was surprisingly quite helpful. Sites like

people I met shared the struggle I had, which made me realize I wasn’t the only person struggling on the path to becoming the person I wanted to be.

This led me to start separating myself from others in the real world and instead focus on the people I knew online.

worrying about how others perceive you since you get to have nearly total control of your image rather than being at the mercy of how others perceive you in person. I got to be myself for one of the first times in my life, but I still wanted more. Much to my parent’s chagrin, I started to make friends with people I just met off Twitter. So many of the

I suddenly didn’t have my parents around, or the friends I had in high school. I felt like I was entirely alone, and the years of separating myself from the people I was close to finally sunk in. When I was finally able to go back home on break, I tried to open myself up to them more – not enough that I told them my real name, but to where I enjoyed spending more and more time with them. I know I won’t ever be able to show all of my true self to my mom and dad, but getting to show them a little more of who I am gives me confidence that I can finally show them the person I want to be someday.

2023 Fall 18

by Photo

Paige

l Rade

Kicking for a Cause

By: Paige Radel

Your University of Evansville women’s soccer team made history Sunday August 27th at Arad McCutchan Stadium. Just three days into the school year and Ace country has shown up in a BIG way. A twenty-year-old attendance record was broken, and the fans were electric!

What was the significance of the game you may be asking?

Welp, that’s right where I am about to begin…

The opponent, Indiana University, may have played a role in the large attendance, as they had some Evansville natives battling against their hometown rivals, yet this was not the only excitement to be found in the stadium. The Purple Aces were competing for more than a goal; they were “Kicking for a Cause.”

The UE soccer team partnered with Samaritan’s Feet, a nonprofit with a mission to provide shoes to local students in need throughout the Evansville community. Thanks to the added support of the UE softball team, lots of those in attendance were able to

hear about the impact this nonprofit is hoping to have.

This game was only the kickoff to the campaign spearheaded by sophomore forward Paige Radel. Over the course of the school year, Samaritan’s Feet will be collecting donations to provide these shoes.

Through her link, anyone can donate to the cause.

Every $25 will provide one pair of tennis shoes, socks, a drawstring Photo by Paige Radel bag, and a personalized hope note to a student in need. These items will then be given to students by the women’s soccer team or other volunteers in person at a shoe distribution which will be scheduled after enough donations have been received.

What is the significance of shoes?

Well actually, shoes hold much more power than what meets the eye. 1.5 billion (yes, I said billion,) people are infected with foot-borne illness that could have been prevented with proper footwear, additionally, shoes and socks

are in the top 5 of items most needed by students in America. This is not all though; shoes often give students confidence in the classroom and amongst their peers which aids in the prevention of bullying.

In summary, these shoes generate

HOPE.

H- Health: shoes protect students from harmful diseases and rough ground

O- Opportunity: shoes provide stability and the chance for a brighter future

P- Peace: shoes make communities stronger and allow them to unite

E- Education: shoes give students confidence in the classroom

The desire to give HOPE to those local students in need is evident throughout Ace country as almost $900 has been raised following the charity soccer game. This is not the end though; if you wish to help contribute to this HOPE fund or just want to learn more, please check out the website below or scan the QR code!

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PODCAST

SEASON 2 COMING SOON!

with Troy Schroeder The University of Evansville Student Media team is now producing The Crescent Sports Report, a weekly podcast dedicated to bringing the Evansville community the latest and greatest in sports news and entertainment. Tune in weekly and follow the Crescent Magazine social media accounts to make sure you don’t miss any updates!

Scan to catch to the latest episode 2023 Fall 20

The ce A Spotlight on UE’s Fall By: Gabrielle Hardoin Photo by Gabrielle Hardoin

S

howcasing a total of 82 clubs on campus, UE’s Fall Organization Fair occurred on Thursday, August 31st.

That evening, each group’s executive boards decorated tables to invite others to learn more about the organizations they represent as well as encourage more people to join! Displays were lined up outside of the Ridgeway University Center, all around the East Terrace Lawn, and then continuing down towards the Bower-Suhrheinrich Library and the Memorial Plaza. All of those exploring the tables were gifted flyers, pamphlets, stickers, candy, and more. A few unique giveaways included popcorn from the Student Activities Board (SAB), camp desserts from Venturing Crew, a book raffle through IPCA, and agua frescas from the Hispanic Latin@ Student Union. The fair set up was organized by theme: Fraternity and Sorority Life The fraternities present at the event: Alpha Omicron P, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI), Phi Kappa Tau, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Tau Kappa Epsilon.

The sororities with tables set up were Chi Omega,

Phi Mu, Alpha Omicron Pi, and Zeta Tau Alpha. The Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council were also there to help recruit students into Greek Life.

29% of UE students are involved in the Greek Life programs, each of which hold their own unique philanthropies and values.

Fraternity and sorority fundraising events raise more donations than any other UE organizations!

Academic The bulk of UE clubs are of an academic nature, being tailored for a specific major, connected to pre-professional organizations, or a part of an academic honor society. Those at the event are as follows: Ace CARE; Am. Soc. of Civil Engineers; American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and AirConditioning Engineers; Association for Computer Science; Bi-Sci Club; Business Professionals of America; Chemistry Club; Clay Club; Exercise & Sport Sciences; Finance Club; Health Professions Club; Health Sciences Student Association; Honors Activity Board; Logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) Club; Nu Rho Psi Alpha in Indiana; Physical Therapy Club; Pi Gamma Mu; Pre-PA Club; Psi Chi; Psychology Club; Sigma Alpha Iota; Society for Archaeology & History of Art; Statistics/Data Science Club; Student Nurse Assn. of Peers; UE Music Therapy Association; UE National Association for Music Education Nafme; United Sound. All of

Photos by Madison Adams

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these organizations are major-specific besides the Honors Activity Board, which plans valuable social events for UE’s Honor Program, and United Sound, a program in which UE students’ mentor those with disabilities and teach them to play musical instruments.

9 of the above organizations are national societies and associations, providing valuable networking opportunities to their members.

Cultural UE students share their own cultures and demonstrate the value of many others in a variety of clubs: Ace Scholars (first-generation college students), Asian Student Union, Black Student Union, Hispanic Latin@ Student Union, International Club, Photo by Multi-Racial Student Madison Union, P. R. I. D. E., and University of Adams Evansville Theatre Artists of Color.

UE’s culture-focused organizations are extremely valuable, providing students of color with a community and a platform to make their voices heard.

Events put on by these clubs range from cultural festivals, open discussions, and awareness events.

Religious Religious clubs give students a chance to connect with their faith along with their college peers. With UE being affiliated with the United Methodist Church, there were 4 religious clubs

of Clubs: 2023 Organization Fair Photo by

tabling at the fair: Faith in Action, Newman Club, UE Students for Life, and Student Christian Fellowship. All of these organizations prioritize fellowship and peer-lead bible study, and they often highlight community events put on by local churches!

Social/Interests Overall, clubs are a way of connecting with other UE students who share the same interests and values as you, as well as hopefully a way to make some new friends! Active Minds UE and Actively Moving Forward give students the opportunity to come together and discuss mental health, with the former focused on awareness and activism and the latter a way to find support with grief amongst peers.

Game Players Society, Let’s ACE Brain Health, UE Chess Club, Photos by Madison Adams Umbrella Film Company, Undead Poet Society Book Club, and Venturing Crew all cover a variety of interests including social activities and creative pursuits!

If you’re interested in sports clubs, Women’s Club Volleyball University of Evansville Roundnet, UE Dance Company, and Archery Club also tabled at the fair and are just starting out for the semester!

Civic Community-service-focused, UE’s civics organizations impact both campus and the local Evansville area. Admission Ambassadors, Alpha Phi Omega, Circle K, College Mentors for Kids, Environmental Concerns Organization, Habitat for Humanity, and the University of Evansville Leadership Academy work in favor of a variety of demographics and provide a wide range of services.

The University of Evansville prioritizes serving its community and encourages all its students to get involved!

Governmental Student Activities Board (SAB), the Student Athletic Association Council, and the Student Government Association all play a part in governing and managing events across campus.

Holding an executive position in any of these organizations provides students with valuable leadership experience as their impact on campus is of a wide range. Advocating for women’s rights, UE’s Intersectional Feminist Alliance (IFA) and Intersectional Pro-Choice Assembly (IPCA) continue to address relevant and pressing topics, giving women and people who menstruate a way to come together, process current

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events, and stand up for their values as a community.

Departmental UE’s multitude of departments serve campus in a vast range of ways.

The Center for Diversity and Equity (CDEI), Chartwells, E-Sports, Fitness Center, Resident Students Association (RSA), and Student Media were all represented at the organization fair and worked to make students aware of the support and opportunities they each offer!

Students join college clubs for a variety of reasons: to become a part of a tightknit community, develop a certain skill, network, enhance their resume, give back to the environment, etc. UE’s 2023 Fall Organization Fair clearly shows that they really do have a club for everyone, a true demonstration of its students’ involvement and creativity. If you were not able to attend the organization or simply want more information about different clubs, make sure to explore UEngage for the full list of campus organizations as well as information about their events.

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Photo by Madison Adams

2023 Fall 22

The

Layers

of the

Rainbow: Unpacking the nuances of allyship and how it exists within the LGBTQ+ community.

By Devon Langley

My brother is gay—my sister is trans—my aunts are lesbians—I’m an ally.

Acceptance is a great first step, but allyship is different. Allyship involves being active—it’s a verb. It means calling out your friends if they “pretend to be gay” because they think it’s funny. It’s not supporting artists and celebrities who are hateful towards the LGBTQ+ community. It’s speaking out against discriminatory policies, and voting for people who advocate for change, equality, and equity.

These are important aspects of allyship.

However, there are many nuances within this, and this knowledge is a way to bring your allyship to the next level. In fact, understanding the complexities of an often over-simplified community is something that is important for everyone to do—even members of the LGBTQ+ community. Let’s break it down.

Each identity under the LGBTQ+ umbrella has its own specific struggles, so being an ally to each inherently has different responsibilities. For example, biphobia is one of the more common ways this intricacy rears its head.

Be a good ally.

It’s a simple sentence—a mantra we hear often in reference to the LGBTQ+ community. It’s easy to label yourself an ally if you have positive or neutral feelings towards this minority group.

Crescent Magazine 23

The Human Rights Campaign defines biphobia as “prejudice, fear, or hatred directed towards bisexual people.”

Often, biphobia manifests in the form of harmful stereotypes. This could look like pressure to “pick a side,” or comments such as “bisexual people are greedy” or “being bi is a phase.” These comments and stereotypes “undermine the legitimacy of bisexual identity,” as the HRC says. Over-sexualization and violence towards this community are more severe acts of biphobia.

A common first thought is that only straight people are biphobic. While this is more common, even members

LGBTQ+ community can be biphobic.

According to an article published by Them and written by Cornell University graduate Dr. Zhana Vrangalova, there are instances where the lesbian community rejects bisexual women and labels them a threat. This treatment contributes to the negative well-being and discrimination against bisexual individuals. Of course, while the lesbian community is used as an example, Dr. Vrangalova’s notes that similar negative treatment of the bisexual community comes from gay men as well.

Ultimately, it is critical for everyone who does not identify as bisexual—straight or not—to actively fight against these harmful stereotypes and acts of violence to be the best and most active allies possible.

But it doesn’t stop here.

Gay men are another subset of the LGBTQ+ community that face struggles based on their unique identity. Much of this stems from the AIDs (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) epidemic.

According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, AIDs is a condition that can develop if HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is left untreated.

The AIDs epidemic began in 1981.

Then, the public thought AIDs just impacted gay men and often came from using drugs. In late 1983, WHO held a conference and determined that HIV was the cause of AIDs and could be transferred through blood transfusion.

WHO also found that HIV could also spread to heterosexual people.

However, WHO reports the disease continued to spread largely within the gay community, and since the 1980s, over 40 million people have died from AIDs despite an uproar of advocacy for

medical resources. This is a large reason why the middle-aged gay community is so small. It isn’t that being gay is new— it’s that they just didn’t survive.

This stigmatism around AIDs and the blame placed on the gay community has resulted in heavy legal discrimination. According to HIV.gov, only about 16.7% of gay men now have HIV or AIDs, and AIDs and HIV cases impact heterosexuals, too. However, only gay men have had strict legal limitations based on sexuality when it comes to giving blood.

According to a timeline by NBC News, gay men were banned from giving blood in 1985. It wasn’t until 2015 that the ban was updated, then stating gay men could only give blood if they refrained from sexual encounters with other men in the past year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this window was shortened to three months. However, it was only in August of 2023 that this ban was lifted, finally allowing gay men to donate blood, just like other Americans.

Research by Boston University shows many viewed AIDs as a punishment sent to gay men from God. Others believed it was caused by a “moral failing” of the individual. These harmful and false accusations result in further social discrimination and danger.

The AIDs crisis disproportionally impacted gay men and, in many ways, still does. Identifying these intricacies specific to the gay community is crucial to being an ally to this community, and doing so allows space for other members of the LGBTQ+ community to be allies, too. There is another group that stands out as well—the transgender community. Largely, the letters in LGBTQ+ refer to different sexualities.

Sexuality is defined through attraction, and while many will simplify this to physical attraction, it also includes

emotional, social, and psychological attraction.

Gender, on the other hand, describes a personal trait and doesn’t involve relationships. Gender is a social construct separate from one’s biological sex. Gender can mean identifying as a man, woman, or non-binary individual, though there are many others, too.

The Human Rights Campaign defines the term “transgender” as “an umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or expression is different from cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth.” This exists separately from sexuality.

According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, transgender

adolescents are 1.84 times more likely to experience psychological abuse,

1.61 times more likely to experience physical abuse, and 2.04 times more likely to experience sexual abuse than their cisgender adolescent counterparts.

Strict laws across the country—including Indiana—are coming down hard against the transgender community. Often, this kind of discrimination is labeled as transphobia, but there is a new term that better encapsulates these actions.

Transphobia is defined as a “fear of trans people,” according to Planned Parenthood. However, speaking of discrimination like it is an anxietycaused phobia is unfair to actual medical phobias and downplays the harm of violence against the transgender community. Instead, then, Planned Parenthood and others use the term “transmisia” to describe attitudes, beliefs, and policies that cause harm to the transgender community.

Transmisia is prevalent today. According to The Indy Star, this summer in

Indiana, multiple bills passed targeting transgender individuals. Senate Bill 480 prohibits minors from receiving gender-affirming care as of July 1, 2023.

Gender-affirming care is critical to a transgender individual’s mental health.

House Bill 1608 forces schools to notify parents if a student expresses that they wish to use a different name or pronoun in school, effectively outing them. This is dangerous if the child does not have a supportive home. According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, transgender adolescents are 1.84 times more likely to experience psychological abuse, 1.61 times more likely to experience physical abuse, and 2.04 times more likely to experience sexual abuse than their cisgender adolescent counterparts.

These bills are not isolated occurrences.

More are being passed in Indiana and across the country. The transgender community is the most targeted group within the LGBTQ+ community. This is why it is increasingly important for every cisgender person to be an active ally in support of the transgender community.

These examples are only some of the complexities within the LGBTQ+ community. The diversity within this group makes for a plethora of struggles that are going to vary greatly based on one identity. While the entire LGBTQ+ community is always lumped together into one acronym, these identities are as unique as the different colors of the rainbow.

Each sexuality and gender has unique struggles and requires tailored resources and support. By peeling back the complex layers and revealing these differences, we can equip ourselves with the knowledge we need to truly be good allies.

2023 Fall 24

The Rise of Modern Hustlers: Balancing Passions and Professions

S

ociety’s approach to productivity has shifted drastically over time, particularly regarding the human need to fill each day and constantly be on the move.

Following the Covid 19 pandemic, technological advancements, the rise of remote and hybrid work models, and flexible scheduling have combined to redefine how we manage our professional and personal lives. Today, many individuals find themselves able to integrate their personal passion projects between the gaps of their traditional 9-5.

Enter a new era of hustlers. Tenacious and determined individuals who thrive off full schedules and empty tanks. This may be one side of an extreme, but it can be challenging to nurture your passion projects while maintaining your everyday responsibilities.

Among these modern hustlers is Donovan Schultz, a senior at the University of Evansville (UE).

Currently pursuing a degree in sports communication, Schultz also holds a pivotal role as a pitcher for the UE Baseball team. Balancing his academic commitments with his responsibilities on the field is a feat, but Schultz’s ambitions do not stop there. He pursues his passion for sports broadcasting outside his daily obligations, collaborating with ESPN to further his career aspirations.

“It has been an amazing experience for me to be involved with baseball and ESPN during my time here,” said Schultz.

Crescent Magazine 25

By: Myia Danek

(Photo: Donovan Schultz) Schultz has occupied many roles for the ESPN broadcasts, including graphics, camera, replay, color commentating and play-by-play announcing. Each role encompasses a unique set of skills with their own learning curves. When speaking on his experiences, Schultz said,

“I have gained such valuable life experience in the process.

UE really is home for me.”

Passion has a ripple effect on the quality of work you can produce and your overall well-being. It fuels your motivation, prepares you to face and overcome challenges, and increases your resilience in pursuit of your goals. Inevitable setbacks become steppingstones of success, each teaching you a valuable lesson that can ultimately propel you forward. “Ideally, I would like to work more broadcasts but it’s hard to make it work with class and my baseball schedule as well,” said Schultz.

“I love everything I’m involved in, but there are certainly times when I wish I had more hours in the day.”

This setback acted as a learning moment, and instead of discouraging his goals, it simply revealed a valuable lesson that he hopes to share with other young entrepreneurs. “The most important thing is to do what you love and keep perspective on everything,” said Schultz. “Don’t try to take on too much to the point where you can’t handle it but be as involved as you can be in the process.”

At the heart of successfully nurturing passion projects alongside a traditional job lies the art of time management.

One of the most critical skills any aspiring hustler can possess is the ability to efficiently devote their time. Schultz, with his rigorous academic schedule and baseball commitments, exemplifies this skill. Here are some key strategies to master time management:

Key Strategies To Master Time Management:

1

Prioritization: Identifying your most important tasks both in your day job and your passion project. Prioritize them to ensure you tackle the most critical work first.

2

Setting Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between your personal time and your work time. This helps prevent burnout and ensures enough time is dedicated to your passion projects without compromising your job performance.

3

Effective Scheduling: Use tools such as calendars and to-do lists to create schedules. Stick to these schedules as closely as possible.

4

Break Tasks Down: Divide your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes them less overwhelming and allows for incremental progress. Management principles stress the importance of “small wins” which gives you confidence to continue working.

Transitioning from personal hobbies to monetizable ventures can be a demanding journey, yet it can also be profoundly rewarding to genuinely love the work you do. Schultz’s story is emblematic of a broader trend among students and professionals alike. People are increasingly investing in their passions, recognizing that the choices they make today can have a lasting impact on their future.

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2023 Fall 26

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