1/31/23

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Walker Demers Reclassifies from Class-B to Division 1 See more on Page 6

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Art 101 Students Exhibit Skateboards in the MUC See more on Page 11

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State Moves to Limit Medical Rights of Trans Youth See more on Page 5

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Bringing New Energy to Vermillion with The W Brooklynn Kahle

Brooklynn.Kahle@coyotes.usd.edu

As the town of Vermillion continues to grow, Hailie Warren, the creative director at USD, is adding her name to the list of business owners, alongside her husband, Dante, and her daughter, Winter.

The W, a social house, stay and event venue is coming soon to Vermillion. This will be a place where guests can study and work or celebrate and gather. There will be a menu with food and drinks, places to do homework and a place to stay if desired.

Warren said this idea started out as a dream, but it quickly turned into a passion project she couldn’t let go of.

“It wasn’t until Dante and I saw 14 Market, our sweet little building downtown for the first

time, that we realized this could actually really be something special,” Warren said. “A business we could build together for our community and for our daughter.”

Warren was a part of the launch of the Cultural Wellness Coalition, a student organization at USD that builds bridges throughout the community and brings awareness to groups and individuals that are underrepresented in the area. Warren has found a family in this group where they support, celebrate and lean on each other. This is what sparked her passion for creating a space that is intended for those purposes.

Many of Warren’s past experiences gave her the inspiration to create her business. Her hope is to bring inspiring urban energy to downtown Vermillion.

“What our guests at The W can expect is a place that embodies the energy we’ve experienced from

our time in Chicago and my days spent on Bergen Street (in New York),” Warren said.

The Warrens want to create a space that is always filled with people, energy and experiences.

They want people to feel at home and welcomed in their space. Warren is excited to express herself and her family’s vision creatively in a variety of ways through The W. The quote found on their future storefront window says, “We are an experience destination with unmatched ambiance and aesthetics serving you delightfully urban energy, hunny.”

While they haven’t released an official opening date, the doors of The W will open when nicer weather starts to make its way to Vermillion.

The W can be found on socials @thewsocialhouse.

Adam Pearson | The Volante Once opened, The W hopes to bring inspiration to students and Vermillion residents.

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Wednesday, February 1, 2023 | 3

House Bill Introduced to Potentially Scrap the Bar Examination Requirement Jozie Kumm

Jozie.Kumm@coyotes.usd.edu

There is a shortage of lawyers in South Dakota. Earlier this month, Rep. Mary Fitzgerald introduced a solution to this problem with a bill to remove the bar exam as a graduation requirement for USD students who are attending the Knudson School of Law. House Bill (HB) 1076 would award law graduates who plan to stay in South Dakota to practice law with diploma privilege.

Diploma privilege is when graduates may practice law without taking the examination test, known as the bar.

Fitzgerald suggests students pass the ethics portion of the bar exam, and then gain 1,000 hours worth of apprenticeship from lawyers who have a five-year standing with the bar association. Last year, Fitzgerald proposed the same bill, but without the apprenticeship portion.

The bar exam has been used since the eighteenth century in the United States. However, at USD, it has existed off-andon in the past. The bar exam was initiated in 1983 in South Dakota and has since been a requirement to practice law.

USD’s Knudson School of Law is the only accredited law school in the state of South Dakota.

Fitzgerald hopes that it would ease the burden off students and add to the number of lawyers in the state. It would also let students opt out of the $400 per month bar exam preparation.

The Dean of Knudson Law, Neil Fulton, opposes the bill. “[Apprenticeship] experiences could vary

incredibly widely. I think that there’s an important role before someone has the capacity to go out and be responsible for the life, property and liberty of South Dakotan citizens in any setting,” Fulton said.

Third year law student, Connor McCormick, agrees with Fulton. “[In law school] you learn a lot but you do not necessarily learn everything that you need to know. Without some sort of standardized test… that can validate that you’re ready and prepared,” McCormick said.

People argue that taking the bar exam in South Dakota is too expensive. However, according to the National Conference of Bar Examiners Chart of 2022, states like Florida and South Carolina require at least $1,000 per month in bar preparations.

Fulton also does not believe the bill, if passed, will change the admission rates of students.

This year, the Knudson School of Law accepted 228 out of 338 applicants.

If the bill passes, Fulton said that preparation for the bar exam would not change.

Students would still have to prepare and pass the exam if they plan to practice law outside of South Dakota.

“It would not change our commitment to help our students be prepared to gain licensure and to succeed in practice, but it would shift exactly how we do that,” Fulton said.

Fulton told USD’s television station, Coyote News, that the bill is unlikely to pass this year.

In the past, USD’s bar exam passing rate was above the national average.

Madison Martinez | The Volante This month law students prepare for the bar exam, but students might not have to worry about the exam in the future with this new bill.

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4 | Wednesday, February 1, 2023

The Volante

California Faced With Repeated Tropical Storms Tom Pemrick

Tom.Pemrick@coyotes.usd.edu

This month, California has been ripped by several intense storms that have flooded many communities across the state. The L.A. Times reports at least 22 have died as a result of flooding and landslides.

Statewide, California has accumulated around 11.2 inches of rainfall.

These storms are known as atmospheric rivers, or ARs. ARs carry moisture up from the tropics into the atmosphere resulting in heavy rains, wind and flooding when they reach land. ARs occur every year, but it’s uncommon to find them arriving in succession like they have recently on the West Coast.

In an average year, California will receive one or two atmospheric river events. Nine atmospheric rivers have arrived from the tropics between the end of December and January this year alone.

The United States Geologic Survey reported that

such a storm is not a total surprise. During the winter months of 1861 and 1862, California experienced similar intense flooding, historically known as the Great Flood of 1862.

For decades it was thought an El Niño storm or polar winds caused the flooding, but today’s consensus is that it was likely another series of atmospheric rivers that swept in repeatedly over several weeks.

While they could not predict when or where it could happen, it is clear that such storms are possible, and preparation is key.

The rain also comes as a much needed gift to drought stricken lands across the West. In the San Joaquin Valley, the drought has had a significant impact on the surrounding agricultural communities.

According to the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), counties within the valley such as Kern and Tulare have seen an increase in their groundwater reservoirs. Currently, they are experiencing what is classified as a moderate drought.

While the rains have been a temporary boon for communities facing severe drought, it is unlikely to have long lasting benefits.

California will require increased stormwater infrastructure to collect and use the water for irrigation or drinking, something that researchers and scientists claim can help both the flooding and the water crisis.

Water sustainability practices such as permeable pavement or rainwater barrels are some of the popular ways to capture and retain stormwater. Across the state, these practices are starting to be implemented.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that climate change will likely cause atmospheric river events to become more common in the future. While they do not have a definitive answer for when or how heavy the next storm will strike, models using data from previous years show that we can expect storms such as these to become more frequent.

Noem’s Proposal Clarifies Expenses for Pregnant Parents Tavin Carncross

Tavin.Carncross@coyotes.usd.edu

On Jan. 19, Gov. Kristi Noem requested amends to Senate Bill (SB) 75, that would provide for all pregnancy expenses to be covered by both of the child’s parents, which is clarifying an existing law.

Gov. Noem along with Sen. David Wheeler and Rep. Mike Stevens, hope this new bill will lessen the financial burden felt by expectant mothers. If the bill passes, mothers would be able to take civil action against their child’s father regarding the cost of pregnancy.

According to SB 75, the pregnancy expenses are classified as “pregnancy or prenatal care for the child, labor and delivery of the child, postpartum recovery and any medical complications arising from pregnancy with the child.”

“Life begins at conception.

Science proves this, and it’s why South Dakota is a strong prolife state,” Noem said in a press release. “The responsibility to equally pay expenses related to pregnancy should also begin at conception. The gift of a child often comes with financial burden, and a mother should not have to take that on alone.”

This bill continues to hold both parents accountable for the costs associated with the education, support, funeral expenses and any other expenses the court deems necessary for the child’s wellbeing.

The bill details how expecting mothers can pursue paternity testing. The results from these tests can then allow the court to ensure the mother receive financial help from the father.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 6-0 on Jan. 26 to pass SB 75 forward for a Senate vote.

Sydney Johnson | The Volante

The Volante

Transgender Rights Affected by New House Bill Charles Streeter

Charles.Streeter@coyotes.usd.edu

As the legislative session in Pierre heats up, a bill aimed at blocking minors from receiving certain medical and surgical procedures causes controversy.

Rep. Bethany Soye introduced House Bill (HB) 1080, which would ban healthcare professionals from “attempting to alter the appearance of a minor’s sex… if that appearance or perception is inconsistent with the minor’s sex” if passed.

This includes, prohibiting someone under the age of 18 from taking a drug to delay puberty or undergoing a surgical procedure to alter genitalia if it is “inconsistent with (their) sex.”

The bill passed through the House Health and Human Services Committee Tuesday along party lines, with a House vote expected in the near future.

Supporters of the bill argue that hormones and surgeries are not helpful for South Dakota’s transgender youth, but rather damaging and harmful.

“We care deeply about our children who are struggling with their identities and want to provide them with true meaningful, not permanent physical damage,” Soye said during a committee hearing Tuesday.

Soye also claimed “80 to 90% of children struggling with their identities will come to accept and thrive as their biological sex” by the end of puberty.

“As a child I wanted to be able to wear boy clothes and I came up with a name for myself in third grade,” Soye said. “I wrote that name on all my class assignments. However, my parents didn’t take me in for chemical treatments…and changed to loving being a girl.”

Opponents of the bill argue HB 1080 is harmful to transgender youth. Rep. Erin Healy, a member of the House Health and Services Committee, voted against advancing the bill.

“I wished that some of our moderate Republicans stood up for mental health and the medical community. But this isn’t that surprising,” Healy said.

Healy also claimed that the bill’s language is misleading and designed to influence public perception around this issue.

“They’re directly mischaracterizing evidence-based medical procedures. There is so much counseling and therapy that you have to go through in order to determine that gender-affirming care is right for individuals,” Healy said. “Most transgender people know they’re transgender and genderaffirming care is a critical part of helping transgender adolescents.”

Healy suggested the bill would face litigation in the event it becomes law on the grounds it discriminates against transgender people.

“It blocks puberty blockers for only trans individuals, and I believe that that is where you’ll see the argument, if this passes, that litigation is coming because you are targeting a group based on gender,” Healy said.

Healy also argued the bill bans “life-saving care” and sends the message that trans adolescents and families’ lives are not worth saving.

When asked if Tuesday’s hearing addressed intersex minors, Healy stated that the hearing did not address how the bill would deal with intersex people. Other states have also proposed similar legislation this year amid a growing culture war.

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Wednesday, February 1, 2023 | 5

The Volante Volume 148, No. 2 February 1, 2023 www.volanteonline.com Al Neuharth Media Center 555 N. Dakota St. University of South Dakota Vermillion, SD 57069 Adviser Tim Schreiner Mission statement The Volante covers issues relevant and interesting to USD students.

Faculty, staff and community members are welcome readers, but the newspaper is written and presented for a diverse community of students from the students’ point of view. The paper should provide a variety of information, entertainment and educational opportunities for the readers. The Volante encourages everyone to write letters to the editor.

The Volante wishes to be viewed by students as respectable, objective, accurate, fair and trustworthy. If you have comments, concerns or questions, please contact The Volante at 677-5494.

The Volante is distributed Wednesdays during the academic year free of charge locally with the cost of $1 for each additional copy. One year subscription rates are $40, which solely covers the mailing costs.

The Volante does not endorse, promote or encourage the purchase or sale of any production service advertised in this paper. Advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser.

The Volante disclaims all liability for any damage suffered as the result of any advertisement in this newspaper. The Volante reserves the right to refuse any advertising.

Tavin Carncross Editor-in-Chief

Charles Streeter Managing Editor

Jozie Kumm News Editor

Rachel Pechous News Designer

Bennett Clary Verve Editor

Allison Horkey Verve Designer

Brock Weidner Sports Editor

Trevan Rychlik Assistant Sports Editor

Sydney Johnson Sports Designer

Madison Martinez Photo Editor

Maddilynn Kallsen Social Media Director

Kaitlyn Kumm Advertising Manager

Sports

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2023 THE VOLANTE

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Walker Demers Ready For Homecoming at UND Brock Weidner

Brock.Weidner@coyotes.usd.edu

Freshman forward Walker Demers grew up in Grafton, North Dakota. As an 8th grader, Demers was called up to the varsity team where she gained experience for the following three years.

Demers scored more than 1,000 points, collected 750 rebounds and 200 steals.

Last January, Demers thought about reclassifying and graduating a year earlier to play college hoops.

“It was pretty difficult the decision and the process, but it was definitely a grind,” Demers said. “The decision was hard on my family, my teammates back home and myself.”

Deciding to skip a year, Demers had to up her school work load in order to graduate a year early.

“I was taking 11 classes last semester and three of them were online… So, it was a grind, but you know, I’m glad it’s done,” Demers said.

During the final semester she heard that head coach Dawn Plitzuweit leaving for West Virginia, which made Demers rethink her commitment to USD. “I had to look back on why I was actually deciding to come here and it wasn’t all based on the coaches,” Demers said. “It was the team and the community that South Dakota had.”

With Demers sticking to her commitment after the coaching change, she was ready to transition to college basketball at South Dakota. Demers began practicing with the team last summer.

“I think the summer really helped.

Preparing for Greece, the regular practices, the coaches and my team have really helped (the transition) be a way smoother process,” Demers said.

Her highschool experience prepared her for the jump to Division I basketball.

“My high school coach was really

tough on us, but it paid off in the end,” Demers said. “The teammates I got to play with along the way, that I got to look up to and be leaders along with,really helped the transition.”

Demers has appeared in all 22 games this season and has made six starts for the Coyotes. She is averaging 6.8 points and five rebounds per game.

Demers and the Coyotes will hit the road to face North Dakota State on Feb. 2 and North Dakota (UND) on Feb. 4.

The game against UND will be a homecoming game for Demers as her hometown of Grafton is only 45 minutes away from Grand Forks. Her high school team played their regional and state tournaments at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center where the Fighting Hawks call home.

Sydney Johnson | The Volante Freshman forward Walker Demers is averaging 6.8 points and five rebounds per game for the Coyotes this season.

“It’s going to be amazing,” Demers said. “I have people texting me already saying that they got their tickets and they’re ready. So hopefully they’ll be wearing red.”

With friends, family and a familiar arena, Demers is ready to take on the Fighting Hawks on Feb. 4.

Sports

The Volante

Wednesday, February 1, 2023 | 7

Complications Arise After Injury Suffered in Egypt Trevan Rychlik

Trevan.Rychlik@coyotes.usd.edu

Former USD women’s tennis player and current USD graduate assistant instructor Habiba Aly, practiced with the Egyptian National team over winter break. Aly is originally from Cairo, Egypt.

Aly was practicing for the Billie Jean King Cup, formerly known as the Fed Cup, which is the world’s largest annual women’s international team sports competition. Aly said that she loves to

play for herself and for her country whenever she can. She also went as a junior to play with the national team but was unable to play.

“You are doing this for your country, and it doesn’t matter if you actually end up playing or not. Just practicing and being there is really good and feels good,” Aly said.

Aly injured her wrist in practice, forcing her to return to the United States early. She hopes to rest and recover to be ready to play whenever she can.

Aly was disappointed by the injury

because last year, she couldn’t play in any pro tournaments due to classes at USD. She was really looking forward to possibly playing at the Billie Jean King Cup. “I don’t know if I will end up playing or not. It depends on how I recover,” Aly said.

Aly also wants to go pro playing tennis soon. She wants to get her mas-

ter’s in media and communication and then move on to tennis full-time.

“The motives are different… you are playing to go pro. You are playing to make money… you see the levels there and how they play,” Habiba said.

Aly’s goal is to become a top 200 player in the world and to become better from there.

Submitted | The Volante (Top): Habiba Aly won Summit League Player of the Year in her final season at USD. (Below): Aly practicing for her home country of Egypt in preparation for the Billie Jean King Cup.

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Sports

Wednesday, February 1, 2023 | 8

Softball to Take Field Again Soon Spencer Buley

Spencer.Buley@coyotes.usd.edu

The Coyote softball team has spent one week out of the last three months on real dirt and grass.

However, they’re just 10 days away from breaking that streak with their season opener against Penn State in Conway, South Carolina. They will also play UMass Lowell, Penn State again, Towson and Coastal Carolina “We’re not the only team in the country that faces that challenge,” head softball coach Robert Wagner said. “ We don’t see dirt or grass until our first game. It’s different. We never have a full field. We’re running around jump pits and runways and everything else.”

Following the trip east, the Coyotes will travel to Texas for the third year in a row.

This year, they’ll compete in the North Texas Invitational where they will play North Texas, Sam Houston State (twice), McNeese State, Kentucky and UT Arlington. The Invitational runs Feb. 17-19.

“Going south is helpful. It’s just a matter of right place, right time,” Wagner said. “It’s south and it’s warm. There’s just a lot of opportunities in Texas.”

The team will then head to Phoenix for the Lopes Up Classic to take on Utah State (twice), Grand Canyon (twice) and Montana.

The Coyotes will play in the Adam Brown Memorial Shamrock Classic against Iowa (twice), Central Arkansas and Stephen F. Austin in Conway, Arkansas.

USD will wrap up the nonconference season with an eight day tour of California stretching from March 10-18. USD will start the California swing in Fullerton to face off against Brown, San Diego State, Loyola Marymount, Cal State Fullerton and Columbia at the Cal State Fullerton Tournament.

South Dakota will then play a doubleheader against UC San Diego in La Jolla, California.They will then end their nonconference schedule playing each San Diego and Colgate (twice) in San Diego.

Wagner said the time difference makes traveling difficult, but the opportunity to compete is worth it.

“We play 56 games in our sport and we only have 21 conference games,” Wagner said. “To fill your schedule, you’ve got to go somewhere you can play.”

The Coyotes will return six out of their nine 2022 regular season starters. They will also welcome freshmen pitcher Madison Mangulis, infielder Delaney White and infielder Brylee Hempey.

Wagner also brought transfers junior outfielder Alecea Mendoza (Kirkwood Community College), sophomore outfielder Alexia Terrazas (Palomar College), junior pitcher Kori Wedeking (Kirkwood Community College) and junior infielder Alivia Conte (University of Charleston) to the team.

“Everybody brings something to the table and we have some holes to fill for sure,” Wagner said. “Last year, we had seven All-Conference players (sophomore pitcher Clara Edwards, junior catcher Bela Goerke, junior infielder Gabby Moser, senior catcher Jordyn Pender, senior infielder Aleesia Sainz, sophomore infielder Tatum Villotta and fifth year outfielder Courtney Wilson) and those are all returning…but we’re filling roles and some leadership voids that are going to be necessary to address.”

Throughout the nonconference season, the Coyotes will face seven teams who appeared in the NCAA Tournament last year: North Texas, McNeese State, Kentucky, Grand Canyon (twice), San Diego State, Loyola Marymount and Cal State Fullerton.

“You want a good mix of competitive games with teams around your level, maybe a little above you, and also a little below you,” Wagner said. “So to prepare for conference, we look at our schedule that way.”

Conference play kicks off March 25 when the Coyotes host North Dakota for a three game series over the weekend.

Summit League Men’s Basketball Standings South Dakota is seventh in the Summit League standings with a conference record of 5-6 and overall record of 10-13. The Coyotes are back home this week taking on North Dakota State (Feb. 2) and North Dakota (Feb. 4).

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2023

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Editorial: FAFSA, Too Complicated of a Process So many jobs require more than a high school diploma and with the constant cost increase for college, financial aid is needed more than ever. Students and families are relying more and more on some form of financial aid. One way the government attempts to help is through grants and scholarships. The best way to apply is through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The FAFSA application is important because there are applications for many types of aid. It determines your eligibility for aid. There are grants, work studies, student loans and other forms of aid which are all reliant on students completing

“

Despite the annoying and rather inconvenient process, it is important to complete the FAFSA form. Students can potentially receive grants or scholarships to help pay for college.

the FAFSA form. However, the actual application is by no means simple. Your eligibility is dependent on your year in school, enrollment status, family’s contribution, tax information and the school you plan to or are currently attending.

One of the most difficult parts of the application is the financial information. It is hard

”

to keep track of dates because you are answering questions for the next academic year, 20232024, but with tax information from 2021. This can be difficult because income from 2021 might not be an accurate representation of current finances.

Some efforts have been made to make the application process faster and easier. Parents and

The Volante Tavin Carncross, editor-in-chief Charles Streeter, managing editor Brock Weidner, sports editor

EDITORIAL BOARD THESTUDENTS’VOICESINCE 1887

Trevan Rychlik, assistant sports editor Emma Daggett, opinion editor

OVERHEARDS

Here you’ll find the weirdest, funniest and stupidest things we’ve heard during the week.

Context is for suckers.

“When ABBA gets turned on, it’s time to send the kids to bed.”

— FA

The Volante welcomes letters to the editor in regards to campus, local, state and national issues. Letters will be edited for clarity and length and will be printed as space allows. Please limit letters to 300 words or fewer. The Volante reserves the right to hold letters for publication in a later issue.

Submissions must include the author’s name, address, telephone number, year in school and major or job title. Letters must be exclusively for The Volante.

We will not publish anonymous letters.

Fax to: 605.677.5105 Email to: volante@coyotes. usd.edu Via our website: volanteonline.com

Even after filling out the form, it can take weeks to get a response about how much aid you will receive or even if you answered a question wrong and you need to make corrections.

Either way, by the time you receive a response it is difficult to remember everything.

Despite the annoying and rather inconvenient process, it is important to complete the FAFSA form. Students can potentially receive grants or scholarships to help pay for college tuition. The submission date is nearing and it’s important to submit your application as soon as possible. If there are any questions try reaching out to USD’s financial aid office to find out if they have a solution.

Bennett Clary, verve editor

CONTACT US

Send letters to: Al Neuharth Media Center 555 N. Dakota St. Vermillion, S.D. 57069

guardians are able to share their IRS information and tax forms with the Department of Education through the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT). However, at times, the two websites/forms do not link to each other and you’re forced to answer everything manually or they are not eligible to use the DRT. Even using the DRT does not enter all of the information.

It is also upsetting that aid is based on a guardian’s financial status and income. Some people may be getting assistance from their family for college expenses, but that is not true for everyone. Basing aid off of someone who potentially isn’t assisting with college costs can be annoying.

The deadline for letters is 5 p.m. the Friday prior to publication.

Letters must be typed and fewer than 300 words.

“Mickey Mouse is not part of the mafia.”

— MUC

“Please tell me you failed.”

— Beacom

“This is not a painting you would show your grandma.”

— FA

Opinion

The Volante

Wednesday, February 1, 2023 10

Digital World Making Us Fond of Consumption

Ella Byers is a senior majoring in secondary English education.

In a digitized world, there is little room for thinking outside of the realm of our phone screens. Apps bombard us with advertisements tailored to what we research or view most, making it difficult to feel content with what we physically possess.

It’s common knowledge that the things people want most are the things they don’t have, but it’s a statement ignored just as often as it’s said. In the last century, the consumption levels of the average person have skyrocketed. Whether it is food, clothing, media or other

natural resources, people cannot seem to get enough of anything.

While this is causing a plethora of issues for the planet and the overall mentality of people, the root issue is either being overlooked or blatantly ignored.

In simple terms, we are given everything we could possibly need, so individuals have lost their sense of urgency to create rather than consume. This is likely due to respect being given to people with the flashiest possessions and objects rather than those who strive to produce meaningful ideas for the ad-

vancement of people.

It isn’t as problematic a mindset for people with the means to maintain it, but people who are behind financially pay the real price. They carry the burden of providing basic necessities in addition to feeling as if they need to “catch up” to achieve the same level of fulfillment.

It’s hard to be seen and advance in life when you don’t retain the things people identify as the most important. A future where high consumption doesn’t envelop our minds seems impossible. Even as we realize its nega-

tive effects, we are too entranced with objects to make necessary changes because dopamine hits from Amazon packages or a new pair of shoes serve as perfectly convenient distractions.

The only long-term solution is for people to start reworking their thought processes and start attempting to produce something new every day. Whether it be an idea, a piece of art or a simple conversation, a society striving for these invaluable creations might start to grant less respect for the material world and more for the working mind.

The Bald Uakari is the Strangest Looking Monkey

Emma Dagget is a senior majoring in English.

For the longest time, I have known monkeys make me uncomfortable. I avoid them every chance I get. If I see an enclosure at the zoo containing a monkey, I avoid it. I just do not like them and have not figured out why I dislike them.

My distaste for monkeys doesn’t include all the monkey types. Some of them, like squirrel monkeys, are actually kind of cute. They are small and cute enough that I am willing to forgive them for their monkeyness. However, there is one monkey I absolutely, positively cannot stand: the bald uakari.

It is a type of primate found in the Amazon, near Brazil and Peru. They typically live around palm tree habitats in large family groups. They also tend to sleep in groups of 50-200 individuals to protect themselves against predators such as snakes or birds of prey.

It would be safe to assume from the name that the “bald uakari” is in fact bald, but that’s not really the case.

They have some fuzz on their foreheads, but not the amount of hair and fur the rest of their bodies have. The other strange thing about the animal is its

extremely red face. It reminds me of one of those diagrams that science teachers and professors have to show different muscles in the body. The head and faces of these monkeys really do look like the character Red Skull from “Captain America.”

The bald uakari’s red face is a good thing, despite its off-putting appearance. Their faces are so red because their blood vessels are located so close to the surface of the skin. The vibrant, bold red most people see means the monkey is getting proper nutrients from fruit,

seeds and insects, as well as being well hydrated. National Geographic mentioned some scientists believe the red face is attractive to potential mates because sick animals would have pale faces.

They are the same size as a chihuahua, just in monkey shape, and can live up to 20 years.

I know I should be sympathetic to the monkeys because they are listed as a vulnerable species, but I just don’t like them. They are bright red and weird.

Verve

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2023

THE VOLANTE

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MUC Decorated With Decks Allison Horkey

Allison.Horkey@coyotes.usd.edu

Allison Horkey | The Volante

Nora O’ Malley’s “Mother Earth” is hanging in the MUC gallery upstairs. O’ Malley used multiple materials including acrylic paint, fake flowers and sharpie to create the art work.

The Muenster University Center (MUC) is hosting a skateboard decks exhibition for another year. This tradition is thanks to the spring class of the First Year Art Seminar.

Amy Fill, the curator for USD galleries, said ART 101 students are encouraged to express themselves with their skateboard decks.

“It’s all-inclusive,” Fill said.

“Whoever participated in class, was able to display their work in the (MUC). And I know that it is one of the favorite exhibits. We do this every year in the hallway of the MUC Gallery.”

Some students used paint and polymer clay to sculpt onto the boards and some used a mix of materials on their skateboards.

Fill said the themes range from a variety of different perspectives, from takes on social issues to personal expression, still some are more whimsical and fun. All of them have a place in the gallery space.

“I noticed things sometimes deal with addiction or, for example, some have more (to do with) social issues,” Fill said. “I think throughout the years, it seems like…there’s always a few that are personal issues (and) some social issues. I think it’s pretty consistently diverse themes that are presented.”

When it comes to working with skateboards, Fill said it is a different experience as an artist because the medium is a little less traditional.

“We think of art (as) this elevated experience or this elevated piece…a canvas is supposed to be a masterpiece, you know, and then we maybe

Allison Horkey | The Volante

“Chaotic Thoughts” by Zury Estrada-Perez is displayed in the MUC as part of the First Year Art Seminar Class.

approach that work differently,” Fill said. “With skateboards…I think it’s kind of outside of what we normally think of as art.”

Fill said she likes to see how students use the skateboards in uncon-

ventional ways.

“It is fun to see playful artworks, things that are more experimental.

It’s just my preference when folks take chances and are willing to make mistakes,” Fill said.

Before the club existed, many Indian students formed informal communities with each other.

Members of the club hope to reach more students by creating an official organization. “(Now) we usually go to our friend’s house, but officially we want to get more people to gather on campus for Indians to celebrate weekly events, like a potluck or a social gathering, for the people and to help communication between people ...

We just want to create weekly gatherings and big events,” Dheeraj Avadhutha, a member of the executive board, said.

Once the foundation of the club

is laid, the group hopes to expand its events. In addition to weekly potlucks, the group would also like bring some traditional Indian festivals to campus such as Diwali and Ganesh Charturthi. “(Diwali is) one of the biggest festivals in India, celebrated throughout the country. It’s our Festival of Lights,” Sutrave said.

“Originally in India, it’s lighting candles, then fireworks and worshiping the goddess Lakshmi.”

While the club is still in the process of planning events and applying for budgeting, students can reach out to become involved.

More information can be found on their Instagram page, @isassociationusd, or through the USD Involved website.

New Club Bringing Indian Culture to Campus Jordan Grothe

Jordan.Grothe@coyotes.usd.edu

A new student organization, the Indian Student Association, hopes to connect Indian students across campus and bring more Indian culture to USD. The organization is still in its beginning stages but has high hopes for the future.

In recent years, USD has seen an increase in international students, especially from India. One group of students set out to create an environment where Indian students can feel at home due to the lack of organizations for their culture.

“We are thousands of miles away from home, so we can make sure that no one is homesick. We are hoping to celebrate some festi-

vals to keep the students connected to their home country,” advisor of the Indian Student Association Kruttika Sutrave said. “To let international students and any student know about Indian culture.”

The group also hopes to serve as a resource for incoming students from India. Many of these students are unable to visit Vermillion prior to moving and they arrive with many challenges such a finding an apartment or knowing what the weather can be like. “(We hope) to ensure that... whatever difficulties (new and incoming students) are facing, we have faced and make sure that they

don’t face the same difficulties. We are here to help them find a place and get to know the city,” Sutrave said.

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Wednesday, February 1, 2023 | 12