March 18, 2020
Volume 146, Issue 21
washburnreview.org
Washburn moves classes online in effort to reduce spread of COVID-19 Abbie Barth Washburn Review
Washburn is among hundreds of universities across the nation to extend spring breaks and transfer to online education in this time of crisis. Thursday, March 12, Washburn sent out an announcement to all students and staff stating that all in-person classes would be canceled for the week of March 16 through March 22. According to the email, the “plan of action is designed to minimize in-person exposure after spring break to align with the estimated COVID-19 incubation period, to allow faculty time to prepare for delivering content remotely and to keep the university open and functioning.” While campus remains open and faculty are expected to report, social distancing is recommended to contain the outbreak of the virus. Social distancing is the practice of reducing risk of coming in contact and transferring a virus by lim-
iting close interactions, reducing outings and avoiding large crowds. According to President Trump’s coronavirus guidelines, it is recommended to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people and is encouraged that individuals refrain from leaving their homes. March 13, President Donald Trump declared the U.S. to be in a national state of emergency. The same day, the Shawnee County Health Department mandated the closure of all schools for the next two weeks. These closures have impacted Washburn Tech, which has also canceled classes from March 16 through March 29. March 17, it was announced that all Washburn Tech classes will move online as well. Alongside classes being canceled, all on-campus events have been canceled through April 4, including all athletics, which have been canceled through the end of the season. It is currently unknown how long Washburn will remain an on-
COVID-19 Map of the United States As of March 17 at noon, West Virginia is the only state in the U.S. with no reported cases of COVID-19.
New York 669 cases reported
West Virginia 0 cases reported as of March 17. California 369 cases reported Washington 708 cases reported information courtesy of cdc.gov graphic by Joshua Irsik
line-only university. In a university email sent to faculty, staff and students, President Farley stated, “We are implementing measures that are challenging and will require all of us to work
together to ensure the safety of our community and the continuity of our students’ education. It may not be easy, but I have no doubt we can rise to this challenge.”
No more roommates in residence halls Virus impacts faculty as Wesley Tabor & Joelle Conway Washburn Review
Washburn’s residential living office sent out an email Friday, March 13, to students informing them that they should not return to campus due to coronavirus, COVID-19, concerns. Additionally, the university is asking students who have alternative housing options to remain away from campus until further notice. Washburn University made the difficult decision to suspend face-to-face classes Thursday, March 12, and began to discuss additional measures to limit any potential spread of COVID-19. The residential living office asked returning students, from spring break, who must remain on campus to fill out a housing return form – and list their residence hall, dorm room number and reason to request to stay on campus. The form also asks students if they traveled over spring break – and if so – where. According to the return form, residents have to be approved by residential living or the office of student involvement and development to return to campus. “There are few people in the dorms right now – and
I can confirm that there are no roommates,” said Atsu Lizuka, a senior communication studies major. “Washburn is taking measures against the virus seriously.” The outside world, beyond campus grounds, continues to see the virus spread. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, there are 16 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Kansas as of March 17 at 2:30 p.m. State health officials are urging citizens to engage in social distancing practices as these numbers continue to rise. As part of the social distancing construct, no roommates will be allowed, according to the email. Residents who need to be on campus may be relocated to individual spaces as necessary. The email concluded by telling students if they wished to pick up necessary medications, textbooks and other items to do so between 9 a.m. Sunday, March 15 to 5 p.m. Monday, March 16. Any students who weren’t able to grab their items at this time should contact their Residence Life Coordinator to make arrangements, the email stated. Residence Coordinators are listed below.
Lincoln Hall – Kaylianne Weber (kaylianne. weber@washburn.edu) LLC – Jack Van Dam (jack.vandam@washburn. edu) Washburn Village – Mindy Rendon (mindy. rendon@washburn.edu) Living Learning Center Residence Coordinator Jack Van Dam explained that Residential Living is currently receiving updates from the CDC and KDHE regarding campus housing compliance regarding COVID-19. “We’re very student-centered, student-focused and will continue to do our best to help students through this time. We don’t want students to be homeless or displaced,” said Van Dam. The university is committed to keeping students informed during this fluid and constantly changing situation. For more information and live updates, visit https://washburn.edu/ student-life/health-safety/ index.html If students have questions regarding the email, they are asked to contact Vice President of Student Life Eric Grospitch. There is no comment at this time regarding a partial refund for housing expenses if students are unable to return to campus for the rest of the semester.
How to stay healthy physically and mentally during this pandemic Alyssa Storm Washburn Review
The coronavirus started and spread very quickly. Schools and public places are shutting down, meeting in groups of more than 10 people seems unsafe and self-quarantine is becoming a staple in society today. Since this happened so fast and spread so rapidly, it is hard for people to comprehend everything. They are getting news
ONLINE
from many different sources. Who should they trust? How does someone stay healthy in this time of terror sweeping the world? Professionals from the Washburn University student health and Washburn University Counseling Services give information to help you stay physically and mentally healthy in this time of emergency. Everyone is stressing social distancing, which might not be a huge hit with college students at the Evergy Plaza brings light to downtown Topeka
moment, but it is very important to implement. It is encouraged that you stay a minimum of six feet from anyone and limit contact any closer to 10 minutes. “This virus is spread by droplets,” said Tiffany McManis, the Director for Student Health Services. “As people sneeze and cough, some saliva may go out into the air. It’s small enough that we don’t see it, but it’s still there.” Continued online Simone A. Johnson’s passing
well as students Adam White Washburn Review
Washburn has officially moved all classes to online-only. Undoubtedly, students are not the only group feeling the impact of this decision as faculty and staff are also adjusting. The coronavirus presents a serious and challenging situation; some faculty want students to know that we’re all in this together, and they have no intention of abandoning the semester. English Professor Dennis Etzel Jr. really hoped to reassure students in this troubled time. “We, too, do not know what might come next, but we want our students to finish the semester as best as they can as we will do the best we can,” said Etzel. The week of March 16 gives faculty time to prepare to teach remotely. “We are very thankful to Washburn’s administration for giving faculty this week to train, prepare and implement online classes. Really, this week will be a way for some faculty to learn how to move things online, and C-TEL (Center for Teaching and Excellence in Learning), with Dr. Melanie Burdick’s and Dr. Jericho Hockett’s leadership, is doing an amazing, top-notch job with training,” said Etzel. Kent McAnally, Director of Career Services, has also been impacted by the
spread of COVID-19. “We’ve offered the option of doing similar things virtually already; however, I don’t feel like it’s the most effective way our services are offered, but we’re not in a position where we get to make that decision now,” said McAnally. “Scheduling a virtual appointment with Career Services is the same process as it is for an in-person appointment: you log-in to your handshake account, but as you schedule the appointment, one of the things you choose is called the appointment medium, and rather than in-person you’ll simply choose zoom video call.” McAnally stressed the importance of following safe health practices as well. “Follow the CDC’s recommendations. Let’s try to keep folks healthy and not congregate and stay away from groups of others, and if you have symptoms, stay home. Contact your provider if you have a fever and trouble breathing,” said McAnally. Another professor who has been vocal online about the impact of COVID-19 on students is religious studies professor, Chris Jones. The virus has impacted both students and faculty. With everything shifting to online-only, we at Student Media urge our readers to stay tuned, stay safe and stay healthy.
Courtesty of @ProfChrisMJones Twitter
Wise words: Chris Jones is one of many professors trying to help students during this trying time. Jones encouraged students to check their email daily.
Art therapy heals and
Gallery: Japanese students
inspires individuals
visit Kansas City
2
NEWS
washburnreview.org
News briefs due to COVID-19 pandemic Wesley Tabor Washburn Review
Washburn dining alters hours Washburn’s dining services is altering its hours until further notice. The changes were set to take effect Sunday, March 15. Bods Connect members received an email Monday stating the idea has come following recent decisions made by local universities to alter school schedules. As part of the changes, Washburn dining has shortened hours for the Corner Store to 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Closed on the weekends. Lincoln Dining Hall will remain open daily. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then re-opening from 5-8 p.m. Monday through Friday. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then re-opening 5-8 p.m. on the weekends. Individuals are asked to use the Chartwells Text2Chat program by texting 331-200-3666. The Washburn Review staff contacted Chartwells through its Text2Chat program to ask about the Union Market. The Review staff was informed the Union Market is closed until further notice. The
Corner Store and Lincoln Dining Hall are the only options available – with altered hours. For more information, visit the Washburn Dining Facebook page and online website at https://new.dineoncampus.com/ washburn Campus closures due to COVID-19 There are several campus closures due to the spread, and concern, of COVID-19. Closures include the Mulvane Art Museum, the Mulvane Art Lab, the Union Market and Washburn Student Recreation and Wellness Center. All summer study abroad programs have been canceled, suspended due to the level of spread of COVID-19 throughout numerous countries. The Washburn Student Recreation and Wellness Center released a statement on social media Tuesday that the recreation facility and all athletic facilities will remain closed until the end of March. Ichabod shop, dining options remain open Students have to eat and have access to course materials. The Ichabod shop and Washburn dining remains open to
students – with alterations to hours of operation. The Ichabod Shop will remain open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. These hours apply the time frame of March 16-28. The Ichabod Shop will then re-assess if they will further continue these shortened hours. The Corner Store and Lincoln Dining Hall remain open as well. Hours of operation for Washburn dining options can be found in this week’s news briefs. Governor Laura Kelly cancels all in-person K-12 activities Governor Laura Kelly made the difficulty decision to cancel all in-person K-12 schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. The decision came during a media briefing at the Kansas Statehouse Tuesday. Government leaders continue to find ways to address an increased level of community concern around the spread of COVID-19. “The reality of this pandemic is that it cannot be controlled statewide if school buildings return to normal operations,”
said Governor Kelly during the briefing Tuesday afternoon. Superintendents were notified on the decision Tuesday. Those superintendents are expected to work with students and families to find ways to develop continuous learning at home. “Coronavirus has caused massive disruption in all our lives,” said Kelly. “As Kansans we have always done what is necessary to protect our families – this moment is no different.” The state is unsure what or how continuous learning will work moving forward. They hope to develop plans for this in the coming week(s). Washburn University moves all in-person classes online for the remainder of the year In a WU Announcement emailed out to all faculty, staff and students at 7 p.m. March 17, President Farley announced that all in-person classes that were transferred to online classes will remain online throughout the remainder of the semester. Washburn Tech announced the same plans. Alongside this development, Washburn University has canceled its May commencement.
March Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
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NCAA Indoor 13 National Track and Field Championships
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16 Washburn commencement
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17 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Lawrence, KS
24 "May Our Voices Ring True," poetry reading
Paw Patrol live
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NCAA March Madness
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WU Education Interview and Employer Meet and Greet
25 Grad fair
19 WU Jazz Ensemble Concert
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Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Topeka, KS
20 Haru Matsuri Spring Festival
21 Paw Patrol live
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28 I Dream A World Family Day
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All events over 50 people, per Gov. Kelly
Washburn commencement, Saturday, May 16
Crime Report Statistics So far this semester Fire alarms:
6
Traffic stops:
24
Marijuana calls:
13
Suspicious calls:
25
3
Opinion
March 18, 2020
Anna-Marie spills the tea: Rumor has it... Anna-Marie Lauppe Washburn Review
Two weeks ago, I wrote an article about coronavirus. I spoke of how everyone needs to calm down and think with their heads rather than fear. Since then, the situation has changed rapidly. While I still maintain my previous position – I must admit it is getting sticky out there. The climate of our world right now is chaotic to say the least. A long with the chaos came cancellations a plenty. First, there was the email from Dr. Farley cancelling in person classes at least until the week of March 30th. This decision to move classes online brought an immediate influx of panicky texts, emails and news announcements. Students were and continue to be worried about their on-campus jobs, the events they were planning, the sports they were playing and the overall future of their education. Since all of this started almost a week ago, I have been overwhelmed by the speculation, rumors, and realities which started to unfold during this time. Second, there was the sudden cancellation of all of the sports programs. I have never played college sports, but I know that couldn’t have been easy for any of the participants to have heard. I’ve been lucky to see the passion so many student athletes poured into it their various sports over the last
WASHBURN REVIEW - Abbie Barth
Spilling tea: Anna-Marie Lauppe is the Editor in Chief of the Kaw Yearbook and a senior psychology major. She writes this column to share her beliefs with the Washburn community.
four years. It saddens me to know that for some of them their final season was cut short. Third, came all the different events people had worked so hard on being cancelled (WIFI Film Festival, The Big Event, WUmester events, etc.). Students and faculty have worked so hard on so many of these events only to be let down by this virus they have no control over. It seems whole-heartedly unfair. Then, came the cancellation of in-person classes indefinitely, and the word that not only were some colleges cancelling their commencement ceremonies, but that all of Kansas was to suspend K-12th schooling for the rest of the semester. Things were starting to feel extra out of control, and the fear of Washburn cancelling commencement became very real, and as a senior who planned to walk in spring,
the thought nearly broke my heart. Finally, it happened. We got the email that stated the spring 2020 commencement ceremonies would be cancelled. Personally, my heart sank. I was never one who really wanted to sit through the 2hr+ graduation. I came from a very small town. My high school graduation took 20min tops (there were only 9 of us). But to have the option completely taken away from me was something I was unprepared for. It’s crazy how much something can mean to you without you knowing it. Now, I’m not stupid I know why everything needs to be cancelled, but I wish it didn’t have to be. I am sad, disappointed, and numb. I feel like I have always been at least a little in control of my life, and now the future seems uncertain. This is such a terrible time for an existential
crisis. Speaking of control, I want to take a moment to thank the faculty and staff at Washburn University for handling all this craziness as it comes. It is important for all of us to remember that while it may seem like the administration is controlling everything, they are at the mercy of the lawmakers at the state and federal levels. Social distancing policies are advising against gatherings that have more than 10 or 20 people for at least 8 weeks possibly more. It’s a tense time. The administration at Washburn had some hard decisions to make and it is important we recognize during this time that we aren’t upset with them. We are upset because all this virus stuff is happening in general and we are upset it is out of our control. Saying that all of this has been a shock to my system is an understatement, as I am sure is the case for everyone dealing with it. We are all living with some not so favorable realities right now. This is why it is so important for all of us to take care of the things we CAN control and avoid spreading germs as much as possible. Let’s do our best to flatten the curve. I hope everyone reading this is healthy, safe and making the best out of their quarantine. Cancelled doesn’t mean hopeless. We all have to remember that. That is the tea from me to WU.
Panic purchases aren’t the answer Wesley Tabor Washburn Review
Today, cases of community spread of COVID-19 pop up across the world. Public concern is rising more and more – I can ensure you that panic shopping isn’t the answer. I’ve seen individuals load toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes into their shopping carts. True fear is an honest enemy that strikes us all. My gripe comes from those with bad intentions. Please don’t take more than you need. Even worse, don’t turn around and sell the same products with the intention of making a profit. Retail stores such as Target, Walmart, Dillon’s and even CVS have begun to limit customers to one product per visit for a reason, people are using a horrible circumstance as a means of financial gain. My mom told me a recent story she experienced while at Target. She explained that an
photo courtesy of pixabay.com
Really?: Toilet paper is in short supply as panicked individuals stock up on the product. There have been reports of shortages and it has become an internet meme.
individual attempted to go through a self-checkout register – and get away with violating the one product limit. He was caught by the self-checkout supervisor and was asked to return the additional item. He refused. The employee reached for her cellphone and pulled up a photo of the stores temporary item limit
policy. The customer obliged – my point is that some people aren’t as nice and don’t oblige. To make matters worse, Facebook Marketplace has quickly become a place for toilet paper profit – and a fair number of toilet paper memes. At the end of the day, a toilet paper square won’t stop you from contracting
a virus. Proper personal hygiene practices are the way to go, according to the CDC. The discussion then becomes, “how can something so rudimentary like a strain of influenza spread worldwide?” That’s a long discussion for another time. What I can tell you is that not everyone has the same access to products in order to maintain good hygienic practices. China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Spain, France and the United Kingdom have significant differences in health care systems – all have extreme levels of poverty. I leave you with this quote by Margaret Chan, a Chinese-Canadian physician who served as the Director-General of the World Health Organization. She delegated China from 2006-2017. “Pandemic influenza is by nature an international issue; it requires an international solution.”
Corrections and clarifications
Have an opinion?
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Abbie Barth (Editor-in-Chief) abbie.barth@washburn.edu or wureview@gmail.com
Corrections should be emailed to wureview@gmail.com If you have other concerns please call us at (785) 670-2506
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Staff Review Editor in Chief Abbie Barth Arts & Living Editor and Design Editor Cody Dannar Features Editor Erica Faulkinbury Sports Editor Joshua Irsik Online Editor in Chief Joelle Conway Chief Copy Editor Adam White Advertising Managers Lexie Longbine Amanda Zoetmulder Assistant Editor Nicholas Solomon Reporters Matt Self Kodee Christensen Alyssa Storm Kellen Simoncic Sambridhi Regmi Kelan Chapagain Photographers Lou Collobert Derek Blanchard Copy Editors Wesley Tabor Jason Morrison Hannah Alleyne Diana Martinez-Ponce Freelance Reporters and Photographers John Burns Bailey Longstaff Savannah Workman KAW Editor in Chief Anna-Marie Lauppe Bod Mag Editor in Chief Hailey Mann Bod Mag Assistant Leah Jamison Office Manager Melissa Kern Director of Student Media Regina Cassell
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4
PUZZLES & ENTERTAINMENT
washburnreview.org
The Washburn Review was established in 1885. This section shares snapshots of coverage from the Review’s more than 130-year newspaper.
Washburn Nursing students James Demby, Georgenia Bowling, and JoAnne Jones stand with the Kansas Association of Nursing Students Outstanding Chapter Traveling Trophy, earned by Student Nurses of Washburn last month. March 5, 1993
Former star of TV’s “Good Times,” Jimmy “J.J.” Walker entertained a crowd estimated at over 600 Tuesday night, March 6, in the Washburn Room of the Memorial Union. The show was sponsored by the Campus Activities Board. March 9, 1984
KBI plans new building Washburn University and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation are breaking ground for the Forensic Science Center in May after the spring semester ends. When completed, the KBI will be occupying approximately 90 percent of the building and Washburn will occupy 10 to 12 percent. Excerpt from March 12, 2014
Regents protest zoning The Board of Regents met Feb. 29 and discussed and approved several items, including the proposed rezoning of the vacant lot at 17th and Washburn. The lot is now zoned for double family housing. If the request for zoning change is granted, the lot, vacant since the tornado of 1966, would be zoned as F or neighborhood shopping. Excerpt from March 2, 1984
Washburn University Theatre presents “Assassins,” an unconventional musical by Stephen Weidman and John Weidman. Feb. 26,1993
March 18, 2020
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ARTS & LIVING
Did someone say coloring page? There are 34.7 million U.S. residents with Irish ancestry. This number is more than seven times the population of Ireland itself Your odds of finding a fourleaf clover are about 1 in 10,000 1962 marked the first time Chicago dyed their river green for St Patrick’s Day The first St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the United States was held in Boston (1737) The color of St. Patrick’s Day was originally blue Beer is one of the most widely consumed beverages on St. Patrick’s Day Information courtesy of proflowers.com
6
FEATURES
washburnreview.org
Andrea Thimesch helps students
By Sangya Yogi
Mingzhu Zhu
What did you do for spring break?
Washburn Review
Andrea Thimesch is an Information Literacy Librarian at Mabee Library. She teaches Library Research Strategies class this semester and she helps students in the Washburn Experience class. She’s also a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She works with other faculties on WUmester, Citizenship and Suffrage. “I like research, because it’s kind of like a puzzle, putting together the pieces and working out what works, what doesn’t,” said Thimesch. Trinity Cooper is a freshman, business major. She took WU101 with Thimesch. “I think Andrea is an amazing person that cares deeply for her students. After one semester of class with her, I feel that I can go to her anytime, for anything. She really made me feel like I was at home,” said Cooper. Thimesch studied in Japan when she was at the University of Kansas. After that, she taught in a Japanese high school for two years. According to Thimesch, it helped her become a better teacher here at the university level, because a lot of those things still apply as sleepy teenagers are kind of the same worldwide. She had some interesting experiences there. She taught about Australian culture, even though she’s never been to Australia. She also taught about Japanese culture in English. “It really expanded my ideas on how to get people engaged, how to make activities that are fun or interesting, how to get people involved, especially if they maybe are bored,” said Thimesch. Her time in Japan also had a great influence on her understanding of culture and diversity. It opened her eyes to a whole lot of different things. It’s a big part of Thimesch’s job to do research and help students with that. Sometimes it’s hard to get people interested in research.
Natalie Peterman Junior Nursing
WASHBURN REVIEW - Mingzhu Zhu
“I went to Colorado. We went hiking in the mountains and just got to relax.”
A librarian and a friend: Andrea Thimesch is an Information Literacy Librarian at Mabee Library. She helped with students’ research projects and the Washburn Experience class.
Thimesch encourages people to through just regular research.” find value in something more modKim Morse, a history professor, ern, like internet research, reading worked with Thimesch on projects news articles, and even recent events. associated with diversity in WU101. The currency Thimesch is also can spark more the library’s point of an interest. person for the tech“Usually when nology-enhanced students are doclassroom in the ing research, library that Morse they’re frustratteaches in. ed or stressed, “Andrea is a fine and I feel that for person, a thoughtthem, because ful teacher, and a - Trinity Cooper I have been in dedicated instructheir shoes betional librarian,” fore,” said Thisaid Morse. “Both mesch. collaborations have been positive exThimesch’s favorite part of the job periences. I’m always most pleased is teaching. The Library Research to have the opportunity to work with Strategies class is about some basics her.” of research, and it also teaches validThimesch is dedicated to helping ity for finding sources. students be successful more than in “I love going in there and seeclass. She hopes that students see liing that moment where students can brarians as one of their tools to get make it, ‘click,’” said Thimesch. “I through college and to succeed. Peothink that’s one of the most personple can always come to her and ask ally rewarding moments of being a questions to get help. teacher, and you don’t really get that
“I think Andrea is an amazing person that cares deeply for her students. ”
‘Saving Eden’ debuts with promise Hannah Alleyne Washburn Review
K.R.S. McEntire’s debut indie novel, “Saving Eden,” was a quick read, but an interesting one nonetheless, which hit shelves this January. Like many dystopian titles, McEntire’s book introduces the readers to a futuristic Earth plagued by the vestiges of past biological warfare: barren soil, crumbling cities and a vastly diminished population. Her characters struggle facing wasting resources and authoritarian tyrants as they come to terms with the reality of their uncertain future lying ahead of them. Although the story’s ending wraps up pressing questions satisfyingly, the main character’s tale is yet unfinished, and I for one would invite a sequel or two with open arms. I cannot say “Saving Eden” was without flaw; however, nothing is and I thought it made a solid splash. The plot follows a 16-year-old girl, Angela, who laments her solitary lifestyle with only her father, Nathan, to keep her company amid humanity’s decline. Despite Nathan having told her that there are no people surviving beyond the confines of their land, Angela holds onto the wish that they are not alone in the world and dreams of one day gaining a community. When she comes across
Bods on the block
Photo courtesy of MoorBooks Design
Debut author: K.R.S. McEntire’s first indie novel released January 24, 2020 with solidly strong reviews. Pictured is the cover of the book.
Jesse, a teenage boy from a city far outside her humble home, everything she has ever known about the dying Earth and even her purpose in it is thrown into question. As she journeys into this new environment, she must decide what is important to her and how she will protect those she loves while keeping hope
alive. As far as faults go, they were not overwhelming, but still noticeable. I thought one of the strongest revisions for future McEntire works would be extending the length of her stories. As I said, it was an extremely short read. Enough to grab your attention, but not enough to tru-
ly delve into the expansive world and characters. I felt like I was being introduced and then immediately taken out of different plot points at times. Particularly I found myself desiring that I had more time to spend getting to know the characters. It is mainly a character driven tale, so many of the side characters should be just as fleshed out or close to as fleshed out as the central figure, Angela. I also noticed some mechanical errors here and there that were a little distracting which could be easily fixed in the editing process for future reference. That said, regardless of whatever minor issues I had while reading, I kept coming back and rapidly consumed “Saving Eden” in one sitting. It was ultimately a fascinating tale with a ton of heart and mystery sprinkled in throughout. I especially enjoyed the casual diversity as representation in any form is always exciting to come across when it happens. I enjoyed rooting for Angela through her pain and her victories moreover I’m always a sucker for a hopeful ending in apocalyptic fiction which is usually bleaker to say the least. Overall, if you are a lover of indie authors, dystopian worlds, or if you’re simply seeking an engaging novel you may not have heard of, “Saving Eden” and K.R.S. McEntire are both worthy to check out.
Valeria Gonzalez Brítez Exchange Student Psychology
“I had the wonderful opportunity of going to Chicago, Illinois. I made good friends and great memories there.”
Nilam Dangi Freshman Finance and Accounting
“Due to the outbreak of corona virus, I stayed home and watched movies.”
Nhut Thien Vu Junior Graphic Design
“I went on a Chicago trip. After that, I just chilled and waited for the news on the pandemic.”
Katie Brighton Sophomore Biology
“I went home and got to spend time with family. I worked with my dad and had a fun time.”
Natalia González Senior Environmental Engineering
“I went to a Christian summit in Colorado. We had great activities like worshiping time.”
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FEATURES
March 18, 2020
What bonds biochemistry professor Ayella Zac Schmelzle Contributor
Professor Allan Ayella not only loves teaching chemistry but his heritage has led him to the field and his occupation today. Ayella previously taught chemistry at McPherson College, and he came to work at Washburn in 2019 as an assistant professor for the Chemistry department. He thinks that Washburn has both great students and faculty members. “Really, [Washburn’s] just great.” said Ayella. Students have been adjusting to Ayella’s form of teaching, which may be a bit different than what they are used to. “I am in Chemistry 121 with him,” said student Lauryn Reid. “He’s new so he’s probably getting used to [teaching].” Ayella teaches multiple classes at Washburn, including Biochemistry 350 and Organic and Biochemistry 121. “My favorite is BioChem because of the depth of knowledge we go over,” said Ayella. “It makes it interesting and challenging.” Another student, that wished to be anonymous, found biochemistry to not be an easy subject. “He has a good relationship with his students and is open to us coming in and talking to him at any time,” said the student. “Sometimes I enjoy his class and other times I do not. It is a very rigorous course and it is difficult to understand so it can be very frustrating.” Topeka is a large change in scenery for
Ayella, but the adjustment is proving to be favorable for the foreign-born professor. “The shopping centers are nice, like Fleming place,” said Ayella. “The restaurants too, like Glory Days.” Topeka is very different from his childhood home, Uganda. There, learning and speaking was much different. “Uganda, where I grew up until the age of 21 is a multi-cultural country by itself,” Ayella said. “There are over 37 different dialects spoken by Uganda’s population of 35 million people.” Along with the variance of language, Ayella’s career was laid down during his time in Uganda. “In a nutshell,” said Ayella. “Most of this discrepancy is rooted around old tradition beliefs that men should provide financially for their families and women should home makers.” His family’s push led him to his love for chemistry. “It is not unusual for even educated parents to push their sons towards education in the STEM subjects and their daughters into the arts subjects,” said Ayella. Ayella started at McPherson College, but decided Washburn would be a beneficial new experience. “I had the opportunity to go wherever I wanted. I chose Washburn University because it’s mission statement and strategic goals clearly matched my future aspirations,” said Ayella. “The open biochemistry position at Washburn University was a true blessing.”
An adjustment period: Uganda born professor Ayella is still trying to adjust to life in a city like Topeka.
A chemical process: Ayella helps supervise students as they try out experiments.
‘Guns Akimbo’ falls flat with a mediocre ending Nicholas Solomon Washburn Review
One of my guilty pleasure movies that never fails to entertain me is Jason Statham’s “Crank,” and its sequel “Crank: High Voltage,” whose runtime consists of literally almost nonstop action and movement. I can definitely say that ‘Guns Akimbo” is a “Crank”-like movie. The bad news is, it just isn’t that great of a movie. The basic setup of the movie is that there is “Skizm,” a to-the-death fight club, essentially more of a terrorist group. It has different fighters competing for the number one spot, and endless parade of violence that leads to the death of the participants, and enjoyment for the ones watching it unfold via the internet. Ran by big cheese Riktor (Ned Dennehy), the shadowy terrorist group at the top kidnaps computer programmer/game developer Miles Harris, played by Daniel Radcliffe with an American accent, and forces him into the competition, knocking him out and drilling two handguns into each hand, which he cannot remove, leading to the title of the movie. The other lead is Nix, portrayed by the excellent and always scene-stealing Samara Weaving, a top Skism fighter, who is out to kill Miles to achieve a higher rank. It definitely has the action I crave in a movie that seems to be a “Crank” successor, but the rest of the movie is wildly inconsistent, and the two leads can’t necessarily do much to save it. I’ll get some of the positives out of the way first before I rail on this movie. The first is the two leads are both excellent, which comes as no surprise. Radcliffe shows once again he is a great actor aside from those wizard movies, and Weaving making the best out of what she’s given, and this movie isn’t really an exception in her streak of being the best part of any given movie. When it comes to the humor and writing, that is where the film shows its biggest weaknesses that really ruin it. The humor often just doesn’t hit the mark. The only real time I found it funny was really anytime Radcliffe had to deal with having guns for hands. Opening a door, using a phone, changing clothes, using the restroom, there are tons of instances where Radcliffe convincingly shows his pain in doing everyday tasks turned incredibly difficult. Unfortunately, that isn’t the bulk of the comedy in this movie, so the rest is just dumb attempts at comedy that doesn’t land. Then there is the dialogue, highlighting the problems that sometimes occur when having a director also be the sole writer of their movie. Jason
photo courtesy of Madman Films
Flatlining: Available now On-Demand, “Guns Akimbo” is one of the more disappointing movies I have seen in a while. Pictured is Daniel Radcliffe as protagonist Miles Lee Harris.
Lei Howden isn’t exactly the best writer of dialogue, and so much of it is so ham-fisted you can’t help but notice the problem. Finally, there is the plot structure. While both “Crank” and its sequel have constantly ramping up intensity, “Guns Akimbo” sort of has this, but it doesn’t work as well as it could have. While there is a basic film structure of rising action, climax, falling action, etc, they are just so similar and the movie just doesn’t really escalate to a bonkers level of intensity you’d hope a movie like this would. I find it sad that this film just ended up being mediocre. All I can give it really is that it has two wonderful leads, relatively good action and a few doses of comedy that hits, but the rest of it just left me disappointed. It is a movie that unabashedly tries to appeal to gamers, but it is very obvious that the person in charge does not know the targeted audience, and this is the biggest thing that makes the film stumble on itself. I really wish I could say I recommend this, but all I can say is that, at the very least, it managed to keep me entertained. It wasn’t exactly quality entertainment, and I suppose it could have been much worse, but that doesn’t excuse its many faults.
‘Death Becomes Her’ sets up epic and long storyline Lou Collobert Washburn Review
The shadows can hide many things, including monsters from myth and legends. Over the past thousand years there has been an effort to keep vampires and were-creatures away from normal humans. But now with a vicious strike this unknownworld has started to unravel and the forces of the forsaken are pressing at the verge of coming out to control the world. The Patriarch of all vampires Nacht woke from his decades long nap. But the patriarch is tired of the struggle and wants to find someone to take over. But with his sense of iron plated honor can he find someone who can take over? And who does he find? A foulmouthed, highly intelligent, fashionable and kick ass young woman who is dying from an unknown and incur-
able blood disorder. Is it incurable or will the cure maybe be more painful than dying? Will Bethany Anne Reynolds rise above the pain, master new abilities, rein in the fortune left to her and rise to become the queen of the UnknownWorld? “Death Becomes Her” is the first book in “The Kurtherian Gambit” series by Michael Anderle. The series runs to 21 books in the main story line and has split off into many other storylines in other books. This book starts a very dynamic and new world while staying in the familiar real world that we all know, however this book is more of a setup book. “Death Becomes Her” sets the world up and introduces most of the characters. It can bit slow at times, but is well worth the read. When I finished reading the book I was left with a sense of, “Where is the rest of it?” This book is a great startup but when it ends you are left
feeling incomplete. It feels like you have the first four pages of a six-page report. There are some writing errors in the book, but as a first book from a new author they are not to glaring. It also feels rushed in some places. This book is an easy read and is one of the self-published books on Amazon so if you have an Amazon Prime, you can read it for bit. Many of these books possess a pulp fiction feel, or as was said many years ago a “dimestore novel.” With the low page count it is a quick read and is well worth the time, though. The virtues are its negatives as well. The author tries to have a new book out every few weeks to keep up sales and readership through Amazon. So, while new parts of the story are always coming out, there is little time for editing, and the segments are always short.
photo courtesy of CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
21-book tale: “The Kurtherian Gambit” series spans over 21 books. This was the first book.
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MIAA suspends all play for the rest of the year Lou Collbert Washburn Review
Last Thursday, March 12, the MIAA took a stand on the coronavirus disease, COVID-19. The MIAA suspended all further intercollegiate sports activities – both practices and competitions/games. This follows the National Basketball Association, National Collegiate Athletic Association, Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League – all leagues mentioned have suspended activities. Even the summer 2020 Olympics could potentially be postponed or canceled. The organizers of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, the biggest global sporting event of the year say the decision may come as late as the end of May. How does this effect Washburn sports? There will be no games and no practice, which will equate to a loss of revenue for the university. This is coupled with the increased costs of keeping the campus as germ free as possible. The cancellations affect student athletes. According to a statement put out Friday, March 13,
by the NCAA, the parent organization to the MIAA, “The Division II Administrative Committee implemented a recruiting dead period in all sports at least until April 15. The committee provided flexibility for schools to assist student athletes with travel, in addition to the already permitted housing and meals. The committee granted an additional season of eligibility to athletes in spring sports, and waived sports sponsorship requirements for schools canceling spring seasons.” A big takeaway is the granting of an additional season of eligibility for student athletes and the waived sponsorship requirements. According to the NCAA, athletes at a Division II or III school are eligible for the first 10 semesters or 15 quarters enrolled as a fulltime student to complete four seasons of competition. Now the students are given another season or more to put toward their time to play all four seasons. “All students, regarding eligibility will not lose a year of competition for the spring season – so if,
WASHBURN REVIEW - Lou Collobert
Oh, an opening: Junior guard Tyler Geiman is running through the Blue Tiger’s Defense in Saturday’s game Feb. 22. Geiman scored 18 points, had five assists, and six rebounds in the game against the Blue Tigers of Lincoln University of Missouri.
for example, they are a junior this year, 2020, they will still be a junior in the spring of 2021,” said Gene Cassell. The question on many minds is whether that extra season is worth it. Most college and university athletic programs are underwater financially, and they may lack the means to extend scholarships. “If a student athlete has a scholarship from Washburn, they will still receive their scholarship this spring as originally sched-
uled,” said Cassell. There are also concerns about the extra cost involved with the extra season. “Ultimately it will be [up to] the schools, but how the NCAA will change equivalencies for next year is yet to be determined,” said Cassell. Washburn student athletes had their own thoughts about the impact of COVID-19. “What are we going to do? We said that we’ve never seen anything like
this in our lives. So, it’s definitely something that we’re not used to,” said senior left-handed pitcher Jacob Head. The situation with the coronavirus is constantly shifting around and new information comes out every day. For example, Monday, March 16, U.S. health officials confirmed that the first human trials testing a potential vaccine to prevent the coronavirus, COVID-19, had begun in the United States.
Men’s basketball loses by two Softball 14-13 before end of season
WASHBURN REVIEW - Derek Blanchard
Powerhouse: Jonny Clausing goes up strong to the basket. Clausing had a total of 14 rebounds in Friday’s game against the Griffons.
WASHBURN REVIEW - Derek Blanchard
Almost: Washburn’s Ashton Friend takes a running slide to try and catch the ball. Friend had a total of two hits and three RBI’s during Saturday’s game.
WASHBURN REVIEW - Derek Blanchard
3-pointer: Jalen Lewis shooting a 3-pointer. The Ichabods were trailing by nine when Lewis jump started a 9-0 run over the next four minutes pulling Washburn within two points after his third 3-pointer.
WASHBURN REVIEW - Derek Blanchard
Hey batter batter: Center fielder Brianna Fuchs batting for the Ichabods. Fuchs had a total of two hits and two runs in Saturday’s game against Pittsburg State.
WASHBURN REVIEW - Derek Blanchard WASHBURN REVIEW - Derek Blanchard
Can’t stop this: Washburn’s junior guard Tyler Geiman goes up for the layup. Geiman had a total of 11 points in Friday’s game.
Ichabods rule: Washburn’s second baseman Jenna Moore catches the pop up getting the batter out. Moore is a Topeka native and a freshman majoring in accounting. Moore is batting .293 for this season.
