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Contents 04

Artist features Punk band The Jewelry talks about local music scene, Sacramento prodigy Jakhari Smith talks past and future.

An evening in the studio Four Sacramento State art students; a metalworker, a painter, a ceramicist and a photographer.

Community Spotlight Hear from community makeup artist K.Moneartistry, the kitchen manager of Corti Brothers, and the owner of local gift shop, Strapping.

40 the gardeN Dive deep into local flower shops, plant stores, and a campus vivarium for a taste of nature.

winter fashion Explore trending winter styles with students from the Student Fashion Association (SFA) and see what students are wearing.

Alumni Spotlight Alumni share which professors impacted them the most ; Alumnus Alberto Gutierrez reflects on his time at Sacramento State.

Hivemind Magazine California State University, Sacramento 6000 J Street Sacramento, CA, 95819 916.278.7896 editor@statehornet.com

On the cover Sacramento-based punk band The Jewelry members (left to right) Vanna Rose, Sal Stinson and Aidan Jacques on Nov. 19, 2025. PHOTOGRAPHED BY RUTH FINCH

HIVEMIND MAGAZINE is the semesterly student publication of Sacramento State’s student news organization, The State Hornet. We are dedicated to the creative, responsible journalistic representation of our alumni, vibrant campus community and beyond. *This edition is 100% online and accessible through the www.statehornet.com website. Future editions will be available in print beginning Spring 2026. Enjoy! 2

from the

EDITOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Delaney Joyce

ADVISER Fernando Gallo Dear Hivemind Readers, If you’re reading these words, it means we have successfully published the very first edition of The State Hornet’s inaugural magazine publication.

MANAGING

“We” being the small but mighty Magazine Committee which came together over the course of 3 hectic months, all while balancing their concurrent duties as staffers in various other sections within our bustling newsroom.

Analah Wallace

When I became Editor-in-Chief of The State Hornet, my primary initiative was to start a magazine. This derived from a series of conversations I’d had while working at the Hornet, often revolving around longing for print media once again, or a more creative outlet for our otherwise news-centered organization.

Giancarlo Diloy

Leah Stewart

MAGAZINE EDITORS

Jocelyn Hill Jada Portillo

I figured, “why not me?” It was suggested to me that this would be too great a task to take on, especially with my taking the helm of the Hornet as a whole. But I felt determined to make a change, alongside the overwhelmingly talented staff I had at my side. We bring to you this amalgamation of creativity, visual awe, inspiration, sweat, tears and hope for a new era of media wonder, all online! My hope is that this doesn’t end with me. I hope it inspires generations of Sacramento students and residents just like me to get involved with their community, and show that physical media is here to stay. Hivemind Editor-in-Chief, Delaney Joyce

STAFF Ellie Appleby Logan Chrisp Ruth Finch Chiara Karagianes Macy Little Minh Anh Tang Maya Denaé Taylor Nathalie Thomas

CONTRIBUTOR(S) Christa Ison

The Jewelry, previously known as Killgurls, releases their first studio record in January - an EP called “Powder.” The band consists of Aidan Jacques on guitar, Sal Stinson on drums and Vanna Rose on bass, with all three providing vocals for the band. For The Jewelry, the name for their new record came from their fascination with fashion and expression. According to Rose, they’re into anything that’s “messy, outside of the box.” 4

“Everything’s

drag,

y’know?”

Jacques

said.

They met in the summer of 2023 via a Craigslist ad, and have been playing consistently ever since. They played their first show at SubRosa, a venue in Santa Cruz. Since then, they’ve played shows at the Starlet Room in Harlow’s in midtown Sacramento. They also played with Andy Morin in Los Angeles, an electronic musician and member of the legendary Sacramento band Death Grips.

Photo & Story by Ruth Finch Design by Delaney Joyce

With their new look they’re also trying to find a new sound. According to Jacques, they’ve been drawing on electronic music more and more. “We all were born from 2000 to 2004. When we were kids, on the radio, it was all electronic music, and some of the best music ever. [Lady] Gaga and stuff like that,” Jacques said. The Jewelry signed to Adventure Cat Records in 2024. Through their record label, they were able to record their new EP

at a recording studio in Los Angeles called “Dave’s Room” with a producer named Paul Figueroa. Figueroa has worked with artists like Alice in Chains, Rush, Slipknot, Ghost and System of a Down. With all of this change, the band felt like they’ve outgrown the name Killgurls. “We just have been evolving in terms of what we’re writing,” Rose said. “We just wanted to change from Killgurls,” Jacques added. “We felt like it’d be harder to live with at 50 years old being Killgurls.” 5

You hear the sound of rain tapping against the top of your umbrella as you walk to class. It’s been raining all day. The air feels crisp, the campus is glistening, and your rainy-day outfit is prepared for all the puddles you may stumble upon across campus. Trench coat: Trench coats are perfect for full protection from the rain. It’s simple enough to layer over any outfit and looks chic both open and closed. Buckle boots: This season, buckle boots have taken over, with their detailed designs making the perfect mix of rain boots and statement boots. Dark denim jeans: Barrel jeans are perfect for that wintery silhouette look, and the darker denim contrasts perfectly with the dull color of the season. Brown leather belt: Leather belts are a great way to accessorize an outfit and amplify any look. We matched the brown belt with a brown statement bag to truly pull all the colors together.

The rain has finally stopped, leaving the clouds heavy and washed out by the storm. It’s the next day, and your classmate has texted you to meet them for coffee on an early winter morning. Fog still lingers across the sky, and the air feels extra frosty—this time, you layer up and prepare yourself for the cloudy day. Turtleneck top: A long-sleeve turtleneck makes the perfect base for every layered outfit. Knit sweater: A wool or acrylic sweater is the perfect cozy complement to the turtleneck base. Faux fur poncho: Now, to truly perfect the layered look, it’s time to add the third and final layer–typically your favorite winter jacket. We went with a twist on that formula; this poncho is cozy and an easy throw for the look. Denim mini skort: Mini skorts are back, and the cold season won’t stop us from slaying a legs-baring look. A denim mini skort is perfect for a day look and can be paired with black nylon or thermal tights to stay warm in style. Doc Marten Mary Janes: These semi-casual shoes paired with decorative socks pair great together for that trendy silhoutte. Doc martens are staple pieces, and the leather can protect you from the upcoming season’s weather.

Photos by Amanda Tinkess

It’s finally the weekend, and the night seems to still be young! You and your friends are hitting the streets for a winter night out. The city air might be cold, but you’re dressed like you own the night with the perfect outfit keeping you warm and chic. On trend this winter? Textures and patterns that scream “wild and free.” Think leopard print, leather and snakeskin accessories, or a pop of faux fur to really make your outfit pop.

Faux fur bucket hat: This season is perfect to accessorize to the max. Fuzzy hats, fuzzy socks, fuzzy everything! Leopard print mesh top: This print pattern has emerged as the “it girl” of the season, trending in all styles. Leopard is bold and chic, and the mesh top adds texture to the outfit. Black mini skirt: Unlike the denim mini skort, the black mini skirt is perfect for a nighttime look. It also pairs perfectly with dark tights for warmth. Black kitten heels: Don’t be afraid to pair those black tights and skirt with your favorite chic kitten heels. Black snake or croc skin bag: For an added touch of texture to pull this look together, look no further than a faux snakeskin or crocodile skin bag– or a real one, if you can find an ethically-sourced piece. The edgy texture of this purse complements the

Photos by Logan Chrisp

It’s Sunday morning, and the rush of the week finally melts away. You settle by the fireplace with a warm cup of hot chocolate, holiday lights flickering beside you. Wrapped in your softest comfort clothes, you open your journal and let the quiet, cozy day take over.

White off-shoulder sweater: The off-the-shoulder top truly complements the season’s vibe with a touch of skin while keeping your warmth. Look for fabrics like 100% cotton or cashmere for that extra softness. Flannel micro shorts: Micro shorts are a newcomer in fashion looks and are here to stay this winter. The plaid print is perfect for the holiday look, and flannel fabric is comfy for a cozy day in.

Hair bow: The bow trend is here to stay! This updo is ideally suited to the winter look that will keep you on the nice list for the holidays. Oversized denim jacket: Oversized staple jackets are essential for bundling up this season. Ugg Tasman slippers: Currently on trend, these slippers are cozy and come in many styles and colors to suit your tastes.

Photos by Logan Chrisp

Rate My Professor:

Sincerely, Alumni

WORDS BY NATHALIE THOMAS, PHOTOS BY JOCELYN HILL, DESIGN BY JADA PORTILLO

professor is defined as a higher-ranking academic teacher who is an expert in their field. Precisely, the Latin meaning of professor translates to a “person who professes.” But for many, a professor can truly define one’s academic career. From websites such as Rate My Professor to words of mouth, students understand the importance of choosing a class with a professor who can cater to their learning styles. And nobody understands these professors better than the alumni who have encountered many of them throughout their Sacramento State undergraduate careers. These professors have been highlighted as the most impactful professors, leaving a mark on the Alumni undergrad career and reshaping what it means to be a professor and a role model.

Ayanna S. Yonemura, Professor in the Ethnic Studies and Sociology Department

Dr. Ayanna Yonemura has been teaching at Sac State for nine years. She is a faculty member of the Black Honor College program and director of the Intercultural Oral and Deaf History Project. “There’s endless joy, and I don’t even think of it as shaping students. My thinking is that the joy is in interacting with all of you. I just think of it as doing my part to serve the people.” Gregory Walton II, Sociology Major, Spring 2021: “She always gave me life advice outside of academics, like what to do with my journey or professionally, cause I am an inspiring policy maker. I could always get advice from her, and she’s always there, just one email away.”

Kimberly Mulligan, Professor in the Biological Science Department Dr. Kimberly Mulligan has been teaching at Sac State for 10 years. Her research focuses on how genes and environmental factors interact to cause neurodevelopmental disorders, using common fruit flies to test those NDD-related mutations. “It is really just such an honor to be a small part of my students’ academic journey. It just feels like a gift to have an amazing job where I can make an impact that matters to students because I think as a human that always fills you up when you feel like you’re doing something to help another person.” Seham Aldafari, Biological Science Major, Spring 2021: “She is a type of person who gives everyone the benefit of the doubt. She sees the best in everyone, and she’s extremely supportive. She nominated me for the President’s Medal Award, which I ended up getting because of her.”

Itzel Aceves-Azuara, Professor in the Psychology Department Dr. Itzel specializes in Sociocultural developmental psychology and has been teaching at Sac State for four years. Her studies include children’s development and families’ cultures with indigenous heritage. “I think I am very lucky to teach what I love doing, I am very lucky to have a position of doing research on what I love doing research. And I have just been blessed to have students who join me in this endeavor.” Rosselyn Salinas-Garcia, Psychology major, Spring 2025: “From the bottom of my heart, she really shaped my last semester, and I really thought my last semester was going to be really stressful, but she really made it into a fun semester and an interesting one as well.” 27

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Alberto Gutierrez

Sacramento State Alumnus

Design by Delaney Joyce

Interview by Christa Ison Photo courtesy of Alberto Gutierrez

Strapping founder and owner Susan Stewart wears her heart on her sleeve and her storefront Story by Jocelyn Hill

Photos by Ellie Appleby

For Susan Stewart, owner and founder of Sacramento’s original Strapping gift shop, retail is more than just a business – it’s community. The now-renowned Oak Park institution began in 2015 as simply an online clothing boutique offering masculine and gendernonconforming wear for female customers. Stewart moved to Sacramento and set up shop in 2017 with her then-partner Rachel, initially planning to continue as a specialized clothing retailer. This arrangement did not last for very long.

“People were not really interested in what I was doing. They didn’t quite understand gender neutrality at the time.” “People were not really interested in what I was doing. They didn’t quite understand gender neutrality at the time,” Stewart remarked. “People did not get the concept. So I slowly started bringing in gifts, and it became what it is today, which is basically a general gift shop with a little bit of everything for everybody.” Despite a somewhat tenuous beginning, the store quickly became a rousing success. Just six months after opening its doors, Stewart said Strapping was ranked the number one gift shop in Sacramento. In the years since, “the brain-child of Susan Stewart” has only grown in notoriety. In December 2021, the store was promoted by Governor Gavin Newsom in part of a push for small business shopping for the holidays, and it was ranked ninth on Yelp’s top 50 holiday gift shops in the U.S. just last year. Stewart’s pivot to broader product offerings was not, however, a pivot in culture. She knew from the beginning that she wanted her store to serve as a haven for marginalized identities within Sacramento.

“I am queer – very openly queer – and I always wanted to have a safe space somewhere in Sacramento,” she said, noting a distinct lack of LGBTQ-friendly third places in the Sacramento region. “I don’t think there’s really any out queer shops or businesses other than bars, you know?” Gradually, Stewart began introducing a variety of products to the shop’s inventory; men’s and women’s wear, homewares, toys and specialty snacks started to fill the walls and shelves of the South Sacramento storefront. Many of Strapping’s offerings come from within the community, with greeting cards and ceramics by local artisans being a mainstay among their products. With its personalized charm and unique selection of goods, Strapping was a gift-giver’s paradise and a fast-growing favorite among locals. Stewart expanded operations, opening a second location in Midtown in early 2020 and a third at the Ice Blocks in the spring of 2022. While both extraneous stores fared well, the Oak Park location remained Stewart’s favorite – and the one with the most engagement from its local neighborhood.

COMMUNITY FEATURE

Even the staff is tight-knit, embodying more of a family than a group of coworkers. During our interview, Stewart acknowledged the loyalty and dedication of her salesperson Baye Canty and her partner Darcie Weinberg, who have both spent years helping keep Strapping afloat. After in-person sales started to dip following the COVID-19 pandemic, Stewart decided to downsize operations to just one shop. The decision of which store to keep open was a nobrainer to her.

But Stewart has zero regrets about identifying Strapping with social justice movements. In fact, she said she would do the same again if given the chance. “I think being out with your political views can make you a target, but I also think it’s really important because I think people need to see that I have their back, as a business owner and a community leader,” she continued. “I just feel like you should double down.” Stewart spoke of this violent incident with an almost cavalier confidence. Her steadfastness in her values is admirable – if not a little risky.

“The absolute worst thing someone could do is kill me.

Baye Canty, Strapping’s longest-serving sales employee “I was just really struggling to keep them all afloat,” she recalled. “Oak Park’s always been the place where we’ve done all of our outreach, and that is a big deal for me. I love taking care of my community.” The Oak Park community, in turn, loves taking care of Strapping and its employees; the surrounding neighborhood and small businesses have shown up time and time again for Stewart to keep operations running. Stewart recounted a particularly harrowing experience in 2020, amid the peak of the Black Lives Matter movement following George Floyd’s murder, when the store became a target of political violence. She had put a Black Lives Matter flag and rainbow Pride flag next to each other in the flagship shop’s windows, and an unidentified assailant shot through all of the windows. “When that happened, we had all of our windows shot out in Oak Park, and we had them replaced. Luckily, one of our neighbors started a GoFundMe and helped us with that effort,” Stewart said. 30

“The absolute worst thing someone could do is kill me,” she said of the store’s targeting. “If somebody were to kill me for a cause that I believed in, well, [...] I’m getting some sort of word out to people that it’s important.” This “doubling down” is clear to anyone who broaches the glass doors of this Broadway Street locale. Before even entering the store, shoppers are greeted by an arrestingly large rainbow ribbon that continues across the glass panes of the entire exterior. The interior continues this motif of brazenly proud queer and social justice symbols. The inside is adorned with numerous Pride flags, Black Lives Matter memorabilia and the occasional anti-Trump gag gift. Stewart’s advocacy doesn’t stop at the decorations, however.

She works closely with the surrounding community and small businesses to advocate for LGBTQ rights, women’s rights, the unhoused community and other minorities or marginalized communities. To her, being an advocate for equality isn’t just a business strategy; it’s personal. “I’m 46 years old, and I’ve had my rights challenged almost every single decade of my life. And in 2025, the fact that it’s gotten worse is horrifying,” Stewart lamented. In October, Stewart added a refrigerator and food pantry to the store to solicit food donations for locals who were facing food insecurity amid the pausing of SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown. “We’ve had our snack bin outside for the last year and a half, where we just provide free snacks, drinks, things like that for our unhoused neighbors and also for just a lot of school children,” Stewart explained. “We added the refrigerator and the larger pantry because of SNAP benefits going away. Oak Park is a neighborhood that is going to feel it pretty hard. They rely on benefits.” The pantry proved to be a rousing success in its call to action. In the time of our interview with Stewart, five people came in to donate food. Although a New York native herself, Stewart is bursting with Oak Park pride. She reiterated her dedication to the neighboring community,

“ I am a big advocate for other small business owners. I think we’re gonna lose our culture if we lose our small businesses.”

“I’m always a small business owner, and I am a big advocate for other small business owners. I think we’re gonna lose our culture if we lose our small businesses,” she continues. “We’re gonna lose what’s important and exciting about Sacramento if we have no small business.” Despite downsizing and safety threats, Stewart remains steadfast in her commitment to advocacy and community service. And it’s clear she has no plans of slowing down her efforts, either. “It’s very important for me to be someone who stands up for my community,” she declared. “I think people want our small businesses to survive, and that’s kind of how I live my life. I know that the community here, if I show up for them, they show up for me.”

Blending

TALENT and TEACHING

Photos by Ruth Finch, Writing & design by Macy Little Makeup artist Kiana Brown-Coles has empowered various groups at Sacramento State to feel confident in themseleves and become equipped with beauty techniques through her hands-on makeup education sessions. Watching the “OG YouTube era” of tutorials, she realized makeup artistry could translate into a real career. Today, she has created a signature bombshell, girly, feminine glam, and brings makeup education to campus groups and organizations, from sororities Alpha Phi and Gamma Phi Beta to the Nigerian Student Association and university spirit squads.

K.Moneartistry Q: Tell me about how you got started with makeup. A: I started when I was 13. I’d always been interested in makeup, but Iwasn’t allowed to wear it. I’d cut products out of magazines and make collages. I’d tell my dad, “If I get good grades, can I get this?” I spent a lot of time watching YouTube. That was the OG YouTube era, when creators like Shaanxo and Nikkie Tutorials did in-depth tutorials and behind-thescenes looks at makeup artistry At first, I wanted to be a fashion designer, but that creative side kind of led me into makeup. Q: What do your makeup classes look like? A: I’ve been focusing on my marketing lately. Now, I include starter kits for students, with sponges, powder puffs, eye patches and a few other basics. It helps people follow along and see my techniques in real time. I plan to keep refining those kits to make them even more hands-on. I also post shoppable links through my Instagram so people can “shop the look” later. Q: Who are your typical clients? A: Mostly brides. I’ve really narrowed down my signature look: bombshell, girly, feminine. The kind of glam that makes you feel like a Victoria’s Secret Angel. I love full-glam looks because of my background working at MAC Cosmetics. When you work there, you learn how to go bold, with sparkly eyes, glowing skin, the whole thing. But I also do a lot of baby showers, proms, homecomings, even competitions. One of my clients recently did a bodybuilding competition! We went all out with glitter eyes and big lashes, and she won three divisions.

COMMUNITY FEATURE

Q: You’ve been working with a lot of Sacramento State organizations lately. Tell me about that. A: I’ve worked with Gamma Phi Beta and Alpha Phi, and I just did makeup for the Nigerian Student Association. I’m also planning to work with AKA soon. I love partnering with different groups and seeing everyone’s styles. Each class or session is different. Some people come in wanting a natural glam look, others oth ers go full-on sparkle.

Q: What does makeup mean to you? What makes an appointment or class successful? A: For me, makeup is all about confidence. I wasn’t always confident growing up, but makeup helped me find my style and express myself; when I started wearing makeup, I didn’t play it safe. I’d match blue eyeshadow to my shirt, wear pink lashes, pink hair, pink everything. I’ve always been drawn to bold people and colors. A successful appointment, for me, is when someone leaves feeling comfortable and confident. I want clients to see themselves differently, whether it’s for a wedding, baby shower or just because. When I worked at MAC, they train you to sell through education, like teaching people how to apply products so they feel empowered to use them. Later, I noticed no one around here was doing makeup classes for college groups or sororities. On the West Coast, most artists go straight to L.A. to work with celebrities. I wanted to reach people who just want to feel good in their everyday lives. So I tried it, I reached out to a few student groups, and it tookoff. I love showing people that makeup doesn’t have to be intimidating.

“Makeup is about confidence. I want people to feel comfortable— and excited—to try.”

PREP KIANA’S PRODUCT RECCOMENDATIONS: MAYBELLINE SKIN TINT HUDA BEAUTY EASY BLUR

Full-coverage formula coats skin, yet is still easy to work with for beginners and offers a natural finish.

bronzer and

BLUSH KIANA’S PRODUCT RECCOMENDATIONS: PATRICK TA MAJOR DIMESION III MATTE EYESHADOW PALETTE MAC DAZZLE SHADOW Neutral shades include warm and cool tones, with a deep brown that can be used for brows. MAC glitters add concentrated sparkle.

FINISH KIANA’S PRODUCT RECCOMENDATIONS: E.L.F. LIP OILS MAYBELLINE LIFTER LINERS

At an accessible price, this combo is natural and gives “your lips but better.”

KIANA’S PRODUCT RECCOMENDATION: KOSAS COLLAGEN SPRAY ON-SERUM Boosts moisture in skin to create blurring effect and smooth application of makeup. Use on clean, exfoliated skin before applying foundation.

BASE KIANA’S PRODUCT RECCOMENDATIONS: JUVIA’S PLACE BRONZED LIQUID BRONZER PATRICK TA DOUBLE TAKE CREME AND POWDER BLUSH DUO In shades “Butterscotch” and “She Goes to the Gym,” respectively.

EYES KIANA’S PRODUCT RECCOMENDATION: ONE/SIZE SETTING SPRAY

Waterproof and locks makeup in with a long-lasting hold.

LIPS 35

3932

The Ga T h e

Exploring Sacramento’s lush flower s

arden a r d e n

shops, plant stores, and green paradises

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

oppy and Pot is a combination

considered luxuries since people do not purchase them as flower and ceramics basic needs, Poppy studio located on and Pot wants to Franklin Boulevard, provide the lowest Poppy and Pot offers and most accessible custom floral work prices possible. The and pottery classes. space is no longer Owned by Da’Reen Reichenberg and her open to the public regularly and is now husband, the couple mainly by appointspecialize in colorful weddings and elopement. Reichenberg ments. said that during the COVID-19 pan“We pride demic, her husband ourselves in fell in love with being accessible.” pottery. They had became the studio “the wild idea of today. The shop offers Even though flowmerging the two loves several pottery classes ers and ceramics are together,” which and workshops. Different from a typical flower shop you might see on the street, which often feels sweet and blooming, Poppy and Pot is a studio with a vibrant orange

tone that creates a tropical atmosphere full of energy and life. Besides pottery and flowers, the shop also offers small merchandise such as postcards, stickers and tote bags.

Photos by Ruth Finch, writing by Minh Anh Tang, design by Jada Portillo

P o p p y + + Pot P o t Poppy Location: 2908 Franklin Blvd.

S i g n a Plant P l a n t Signa Location: 1101 T St.

THE GARDEN

ocated on the corner of T and 11th Street, Signa Plant is not only a plant shop. By using the same space where plants are grown, Signa also regularly hosts art events, making it a social and creative hub for the community. The space is named after the owner’s grandmother. It is a fresh indoor environment filled with greenery and all kinds of plants. At night, the space becomes cozy with amber lighting that warms the room.

From exhibits and lectures to bonsai classes and opera shows, Signa highlights people from neighborhoods

across Sacramento. What makes the space special is that plants are fragile, so people need to work around

“All these physical limitations that come out of it become really creatively driving.”.” them and do things alongside them without causing harm. This creates a distinct yin and yang mentality between humans and nature throughout the practices and events. Signa is open mostly by appointment for plant shopping.

Photos by Ruth Finch, writing by Minh Anh Tang, design by Jada Portillo

CAMPUS SPOTLIGHT

THE VIVARIUM A spectacular display of live reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates

WORDS BY CHIARA KARAGIANES, PHOTOS BY ELLIE APPLEBY

urled tightly around a branch, basking under the soft glow of the heat lamp, a large green tree python watches students drift past his enclosure as they trade stories about finals, coffee and life on campus. In the biology department’s vivarium, moments like these are everyday occurrences. Established roughly 25 years ago by Yana Schober, the Vivarium offers Sacramento State students opportunities for research, observation and exploration in Sequoia Hall. What began as an informal collection eventually grew into a space that fosters classes, volunteers and visitors. Without really intending to, Schober began to accumulate animals. But as more people left unwanted pets on her doorstep, she became known as the person willing to take in abandoned reptiles, insects and other small creatures. At first, Schober adopted them out, but the steady stream of dropoffs organically evolved into a permanent collection. Sam Curtis, the instructional support technician for the Vivarium, said the space now plays a dual role on campus. “The Vivarium is an outreach space for the department and university,” Curtis said. “When kids come for planetarium or campus tours, they can book formalized tours of this space.”

ABOVE: Sam Curtis, the Vivarium’s Instructional Support Technician, holds a corn snake in November 2025.

The Viviarium also serves the university by enriching the curriculum and acting as a teaching collection. The animals housed there aren’t used for research but are available to classes for observation and interactive learning. Entomology students could witness live insects just minutes from their classrooms, and herpetology students can identify reptiles up close, Curtis explained. “This semester, it was written into the Biology 1 curriculum to visit the space,” Curtis said. “All of the students came through to look for certain animals and answer questions associated with their assignment.” Beyond coursework, Curtis said students can interact with the vivarium through volunteer work and hands-on opportunities.

“

If they’re interested in animal careers, this is a big leg up. Whether students are applying to vet school or want to go into zookeeping or animal care, the experience here is valuable. - SAM CURTIS, VIVARIUM INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT TECHNICIAN

Emmanuel Garcia-Razo, a Vivarium volunteer, holds Twisty the blue-tongued skink. Twisty, alongside African bullfrog Wilma and bearded dragon Beardy are beloved creatures of the Vivarium.

Get to know the scaly and slimey residents of Sequoia Hall 110 Twisty the blue-tongued skink was adopted from a reptile rescue, but lost all his toes before arriving at the vivarium due to a common injury, often caused by poor shedding. At his current home, Twisty devours Banana pieces and boiled eggs daily, relaxing in his enormous enclosure. If you want to find Twisty, he’s always curled up in a warm towel, soaking in a large water dish, basking under an illuminating heat lamp, or getting attention from visitors. Wilma the African bullfrog has lived in the vivarium since Yana Shober oversaw the animals. She is about twelve years old. Better known as “the great big frog” by the volunteers on campus, Wilma spends her days relaxing in her ecosystem, devouring insects, and greeting visitors. Beardy the bearded dragon grew up up in a house filled with children and dogs, making him very relaxed around visitors and the other animals in the vivarium. Beardy was adopted after his former owner’s children went to college. He is about 16 years old. The Viviarium is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Sequoia Hall, room 110. Students are welcome to visit anytime and see a variety of insects, amphibians and reptiles, each with their own unique personality and story. 48

Photo by Amanda Tinkess