T H E L U M BE R JACK
DEC. 15, 2015 - JAN. 20, 2016
h ats of f Stories behind graduation caps Page 12
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From the Editor
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ell here it is, my last letter from the editor for The Lumberjack — what a bittersweet feeling. I remember back to when I first started with the paper. The growth in my own writing is extremely noticeable, all due to the immense talent that is floating around the Student Media Center; a place I spent a little too much time in, but grew to love. I never thought that I would become more than just a writer for The Lumberjack, but my passion for the newspaper and my own writing grew more and more as I gained valuable experience each time I covered an event, or even just reviewed an album. Now here I am, A&E editor for the paper and just a few days away from graduating — I’ve become so attached to my section this semester it’s hard for me to let it go. I wish the best of luck to the new editor stepping in; I cannot wait to see what the future holds for A&E, and The Lumberjack as a whole [I’ll be reading online]. Working for the paper, and alongside talented students, professors and advisors have really helped me open up more and they all helped jumpstart my career. After graduation I will be returning home to begin working as a reporter for the local newspaper. Though I am absolutely thrilled and thankful for this opportunity, I know nothing will be like the environment in the SMC ANDREA ever again, and that I’ll miss. GARCIA I’ll miss Monday evening meetings with my writers — I was incredibly A&E EDITOR lucky to work with a group of very passionate and enthusiastic writers this semester, for that I am very thankful. I’ll miss Tuesday night production — yes, I said it. It’s possible that at times I was the only one complaining about being there late, but in the end when I look back, I can’t remember one single production night that was not enjoyable. I’ll miss Wednesday night ed-board meetings — it is a part of what we do as The Lumberjack staff, and that is reason enough to miss it. I’ll miss the staff and all of the friendships I have made along the way — you have each inspired me in your own way, and helped turn me in to the journalist I now am. Working for The Lumberjack has really helped perfect my craft while at the same time nurturing my faith in myself and in my capabilities as a journalist. Where there is a hello, there is a goodbye. Goodbye Lumberjack staff, you are all brilliant and incredible journalists. I will miss you.
T HE LUMBE R JACK
T H E L U MBE R JAC K
NOV. 19 - DEC. 2, 2015
OCT. 29 - NOV 4, 2015
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Thank you for reading.
LJ
Phone: (928) 523-4921 Fax: (928) 523-9313
T HE LUM BE R JACK VOL 102 ISSUE 16
Editors-in-Chief Mitchell Forbes Jasmyn Wimbish
Managing Editor Grace Fenlason Faculty Advisor Peter Friederici
lumberjack@nau.edu P.O. Box 6000 Flagstaff, AZ 86011
News Editor Scott Buffon Assoc. News Editor Amy Owings
A&E Editor Andrea Garcia Assoc. A&E Editor Megan Troutman
Sports Editor Zach Ashton
Life Editor Gabriella Weiss Assoc. Life Editor Kyndall Arnold
Comics Editor Alanna Secrest
Katie Ciaccio, senior early childhood education major, left, and Andrea Garcia, senior journalism major, right, are part of the Fall 2015 graduating class. See the stories behind their caps and others on page 12. (Photo by Halie Chavez)
Sales Manager Marsha Simon
Student Media Center Editorial Board Photo Editor Zac Velarde Assoc. Photo Editor Anna Hernandez Senior Photographer Cory Walters Copy Chief Aubrey Magee
On the cover
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Web Editor Nick Humphries Opinion Editor Dalton Davidson Assoc. Opinion Editor Rachel Dexter
Corrections & Clarifications The Lumberjack is committed to factual correctness and accuracy. If you find an error in our publication, please email mitchell_forbes@nau.edu.
F O T BES
PoliceBeat
Aug. 25 At 8:18 a.m., Drury Inn staff called to report two subjects who were not guests having breakfast. Two NAUPD officers responded and could not find the subjects on the scene. Aug. 26 At 3:17 a.m., one NAUPD officer was checking the wooded area near Pine Knoll and McConnell for transients. The officer made contact with a trailer that had suspicious noises coming from inside. Flagstaff Police Department also responded to the scene, and inside the trailer the officers found a caged tiger. Everything was fine. Sept. 1 At 11:12 a.m., a student called to report a subject lying face down on a rock. Flagstaff Fire Department (FFD), Guardian Medical Transport (GMT) and two NAUPD officers responded to the call. Everything was fine and the subject reported that they were just playing a game. Sept. 4 At 11 p.m., a Reilly Hall staff reported a loud party in their dormitory. NAUPD responded to the call and residents were notified to turn down their music. The residents complied and no arrests or citations were made. Sept. 11 At 9:47 a.m., a call was made to NAUPD reporting that three people were stuck inside an elevator in the San Francisco Parking Garage. FFD and NAUPD responded and the subjects were extracted from the elevator. Maintenance was notified about the issue. Sept. 15 At 1:33 a.m., an Ernest Calderón Learning Community resident reported a subject wearing a horse mask was circling the building. Two NAUPD
BY AMY OWINGS
officers were sent to investigate. They made contact with the Oct. 31 masked individual and it was At 10:20 p.m., a student determined the subject was not near the Union reported two in distress. other students were carrying large fake knives and trying to Sept. 16 scare people. Two NAUPD At 4:22 p.m., a student near officers responded to the scene The Suites reported two subjects but the subjects were gone throwing “large pickles” from upon arrival. At 10:40 p.m., an the windows of their car at other NAUPD officer reported finding vehicles. One NAUPD officer the subjects; they were given a responded but discovered the warning about their behavior. subjects had fled the scene. Nov. 5 Oct. 3 At 12:50 a.m., two At 9:03 p.m., a student NAUPD officers responded to reported that a sandbag had the scene of a large snowball in been placed on the trunk of their front of Reilly Hall, which was vehicle at The Suites. The student reported by a Resident Assistant. reported that the item had The snowball was moved after scratched their paint. The search arrival. for the origin of the sandbag was halted as all leads were exhausted. Nov. 22 At 1:39 p.m., a sergeant Oct. 6 with NAUPD reported that At 12:45 p.m., the front President Rita Cheng’s parking desk of Gabaldon called to report sign had been stolen. The case is finding a stray traffic cone. It closed as all leads were exhausted. was identified as belonging to NAUPD and returned to the Dec. 2 department. At 2:43 p.m., staff at the Health and Learning Center Oct. 14 called to report a student walked At 4:48 p.m., students into a parked bus. The incident reported a subject riding a had occurred the day before skateboard while holding the and was reported only for back of a bus near the bookstore. information. The subject was gone upon arrival. At 5:51 p.m., staff at the University Union reported that Oct. 22 a subject had stolen a pan pizza At 8:07 p.m., University from Pizza Hut. The reporting Union staff reported several party dismissed the chance to be subjects riding horses on the reunited with the pizza and did pedestrian pathway. One not pursue the matter criminally. NAUPD officer tailed the subjects. After finding them, they Dec. 6 were told to move off campus At 5:29 a.m., a resident of and clean up after their horses. McKay Village reported a subject They complied. knocked on his door, and then came inside and passed out. One Oct. 26 NAUPD officer, FFD and GMT At 4:10 p.m., a student responded and transported the in Cline Library reported their student to Flagstaff Medical roommate was missing. Two Center. The subject will be cited NAUPD officers responded and for underage consumption of located the individual and gave alcohol after he is released from them a ride to Cline Library. the hospital.
NEWS
Leaving a legacy: Top professor retires after 18 years of university service
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BY BRIANNA FIELDS
fter 18 years and 20 published articles, founding member of the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management (SHRM) and full professor, Claudia Jurowski, is retiring. Her major contributions have been in research and the development of the international hospitality management major. A few of her published articles include “Tourism and Quality of Life,” “Tourism means more than money to the host community” and “The Influence of Children on Vacation Patterns.” She started her work at NAU back in 1997 when the HRM program was just getting off the ground and there were only a handful of students and teachers. Jurowski has fond memories of the time before the HRM building was converted into classrooms, when the building was a hotel and restaurant and when students and faculty were like family. “She’s been a really good faculty member and excellent researcher,” said Galen Collins, a friend and fellow professor at SHRM. “In terms of the history of HRM, she’s right at the top as far as her contributions to research in ecotourism and sustainability.” One of Jurowski’s most important research projects looked at the social, economic and environmental benefits of tourism. She found that if residents of an area receive money from tourism, it changes how they looked at the impacts. But if residents also use the resources, tourism affects their outlook differently. Over the years she has participated in many memorable projects in many different places. The walls of her office at school are covered with mementos from some of the 18 countries she’s traveled to. Out of all the projects, there is one in particular that sticks out in her mind. “I was invited to participate in a think tank in South Africa,” Jurowski said. “We designed teaching modules for developing countries. I think there’s a number of those modules — maybe 12 — that are available online, free for everybody to download to help communities learn how to develop tourism in a more sustainable manner.” And out of all of the classes she’s taught her favorite is international travel. “It’s so fun because I travel a lot, and so when I talk in that class it’s from experience,” Jurowski said. “I put pictures from my travels in [the class]. Just this last summer I went to Africa.” From the beginning of her time at NAU,
Jurowski has focused on sustainable tourism and that has affected the way she travels. What she looks for when planning a trip is something unique as well as sustainable. Activities should be sensitive to the local community and environment. Before getting into the tourism business and coming to NAU, Jurowski was a French teacher, so France has always had a special place in her heart. She’s been to conferences held all over the world including South Africa and Barcelona, Spain. She has even been on sailing trips — one of her favorite activities — through the British Virgin Isles. Her latest trip was to Africa, her favorite place to visit. Galen describes her as a committed educator who is always trying to find more effective ways of teaching. Besides her on campus commitments, Jurowski is also involved in the Flagstaff Symphony board. Her future plans include more traveling, a lot of dancing and maybe teaching a few online classes in her spare time. “I’m having difficulty letting go,” Jurowski said. “This is where you spend your life and now I’m going off on this wonderful adventure. But do I really want to go?” TOP: As a seasoned traveler, Jurowski has created a collage from her travels on the wall in her office. After retiring she hopes to continue to travel and possibly teach an occasional online class. RIGHT: Claudia Jurowski, who sits in her office Nov. 18, was one of the first professors in the School of Hotel and Restaurant Mangement when she was hired 18 years ago. She has built a reputation as a great researcher and professor during her time here. (Photo by Zac Velarde)
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NEWS
Jeff Berglund named new director of liberal studies BY MATTHEW KIEWIET
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eff Berglund – an English professor at NAU who is also well versed in Native American and indigenous studies – has been named the university’s new director of liberal studies. This position will require him to essentially work as a mediator between the faculty and administrators to develop goals for the program. He also looks forward to helping students make solid choices by working with the gateway committee, in addition to examining and reviewing existing courses, especially capstone courses. “It gives me the opportunity to work on something that I feel passionate about, and that’s what liberal studies can bring to all students,” said Berglund. “I think it’s a hidden gem at our university, and so I want to spend some time more clearly articulating the vision of many, many professors and administrators at the university, and share the perspective that many students have as well.” Even though he came from a household in which both of his parents were science professors at North Dakota State University, Berglund’s first interest was not teaching. He did take after his parents in that he was, and still is, captivated by the sciences. During his first two years as an undergraduate at Creighton University, he majored in biology with the intention of going to medical school. In the middle of his junior year, Berglund said that it was creative writing that first pulled him away from biology. However, he still continued to volunteer in Creighton’s emergency room. It was not until his senior year that he abandoned the idea of going to medical school to pursue a career in English. “Today as an English professor, now
Jeff Berglund, published author and professor, will be taking over as the new director of liberal studies. Berglund’s new position will require him to develop goals for the program while also reviewing the liberal studies courses offered at NAU. He has been a faculty member at NAU since 1999. (Photo by Thomas Miner)
entering into this position of director of liberal studies, I come to the position valuing the contributions of all disciplines,” he said. “I very much see the value of students in English working in the sciences and vice versa.” Berglund did not have interest in teaching high school, so graduate school was the next move. He received his master’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis before earning his Ph.D. from Ohio State University, where he met his wife Monica Brown, now also an English professor at NAU. She also writes a series of children’s books that are based on Latino culture in the United States. Like Brown, Berglund does quite a bit of writing in addition to his teaching. His main focus is on how indigenous and Native American people are sometimes misunderstood by American culture. To find inspiration for his writing, he will look for an area where American authors have misrepresented or underrepresented a particular population, and through extensive research he will set the story straight, for lack of a better phrase. An example of this can be
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read in his most recent work – a collaboration with Jan Johnson and Kimberli Lee – which will be out in April, and is titled Indigenous Pop: Native American Music from Jazz to Hip Hop. “We were looking at the ways that indigenous musicians have always been part of American popular musical traditions, but have not been recognized as major participants in that tradition,” Berglund said. “That idea came about because we recognized that in the discussions in the field of indigenous studies, no one has really talked about popular formations of music.” Berglund also teaches a senior capstone course for English majors that focuses on indigenous film, in addition to an array of literature classes that include United States multiethnic literature, Native American literature and contemporary American literature. “I am glad that Berglund is my professor because he takes the time to not only make us think about how great it is that these cultures are represented in literature, but
the impact they had not only in their time, or for their culture, but also the impact they are still having on people like us and the future generations to come,” said junior English major Stephanie Knight, a student in Berglund’s U.S. multiethnic literature class. Accolades that he has received during his time at NAU include the President’s Award, which recognizes “exemplary contributions to the NAU mission in at least three categories: creativity in teaching, creative use of technology, advising, assessment, recruitment/ retention, collaborative research, diversity and service,” which he received in 2007. In 2008, he was named a Presidential Teaching Fellow as well as an inaugural member of the Teaching Academy at NAU. “Jeff will surely bring to this role the same strong academic values, dedication and disciplined intelligence that he has so admirably displayed in his teaching and scholarship,” said the dean of the College of Arts and Letters, Michael Vincent. Berglund will start his position as director at the beginning of next semester.
NAU LDS affiliates weigh in on baptism ruling regarding children of same-sex marriages
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BY ADRIAN SKABELUND
n a recent decision, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), also known as the Mormon Church, announced that it would no longer allow the children of gay and lesbian couples to be baptized until they turn 18, no longer live at home and disavow all same-sex relationships. The decision has proven to be controversial both within and outside the church and has drawn the attention of people across the nation. For a large number of Mormons who were hoping for more progressive changes in church policies, this was the last straw. In response to the backlash, the church has released several statements explaining the decision, including a 10-minute video by Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a prominent church leader, but these have not stopped hundreds of members from resigning from the church in protest. “We’re not going to yield on our efforts to help on what brings happiness and we know sin does not. We’re going to stand firm there because we don’t want to mislead people,” said Christofferson. “There’s no kindness in misdirecting people and leading them into any misunderstanding about what is true, what is right, what is wrong, what leads to Christ and what leads away from Christ.” One individual who recently left the Mormon Church is Kondon Smith, an alumnus of NAU and a visiting assistant professor of religious studies at the University of Arizona. “I find it unfortunate that this is the direction that the church is moving in,” Smith said. “It has always been in this direction but I think there was just a lot of hope among a younger generation of Mormons, mostly those in their thirties and younger, that things were changing and there was progress to be had in how the church deals with social issues.” At Flagstaff’s LDS Institute of Religion at NAU, students have also been talking about the recent decision. Freshman Blake Stone, a Spanish education major, is one of the many students who attend the institute. When he first heard about the decision, he was a little concerned, but now Stone believes that the new policies regarding the children of gay and lesbian couples are valid and promote pre-existing church beliefs.
“I grew up in the church and believe very strongly that what is taught is true. Even if there is something I don’t understand, that doesn’t mean it’s not true. For example, I don’t understand physics but I know physics works and is true and someone else understands it,” said Stone. “The more you study it, the more you realize the church has its reasons. For us, the family is a really big part of the church and we don’t want children going to church and learning that their parents are doing something wrong, causing tension within the family.” Smith, however, is not swayed by this line of thinking. He cited others who have pointed out that the church still allows children who have been born out of wedlock to be baptized at the age of eight, even though the institution has strong policies against premarital sex. “Their reasonings haven’t been too convincing to those who are upset by it. They don’t really ring true to a lot of people,” Smith said. Another LDS institute member, Tyler Atkinson, a junior majoring in social work, said that he wasn’t surprised when he heard about the new policy, but has trust in the LDS leadership. He believes this is how the Mormon Church has always felt on this topic, citing a proclamation the church put forward in 1995, but now they are just being more explicit about it. “I think my perspective is probably different than that of other people,” Atkinson said. “I have friends who are gay and lesbian but it’s not such a personal issue for me. For those who have family members who are gay and lesbian, it’s a little more of a personal issue.” Nevertheless, Smith, Atkinson and Stone can agree on two things: this change of policy will be a long-lasting one and it has pushed many Mormons to choose a position. “In the last two years, there have been thousands of more progressive Mormons leaving the church,” Smith said. “I think the church could change this policy. Theology changes, teachings change, and in churches that is to be expected, but I don’t think it’s going to be any time soon.” Atkinson agreed, but added no matter what the future holds, the discussion is an important one, and he hoped that people are comfortable addressing these hard issues.
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jackcentral.org | @jackcentral DEC . 15, 2015 - JAN. 20, 2016 | T HE LUMBER JACK 7
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#staymadabby
ot since Grutter v. Bollinger has the Supreme Court heard such a raw and real case of affirmative action. However, in today’s world, where social media reigns supreme, it might be a little harder than expected to take this situation seriously. Recently, the Supreme Court took the case of Fisher v. University of Texas, where in 2008, then high school senior Abigail Fisher was denied acceptance to the University of Texas at Austin. The reaction to this landmark case has brought up a rather humorous side of how affirmative action is handled and how strict scrutiny is brought into play. Affirmative action is a policy that favors a disadvantaged group of people over a more advantaged group, while strict scrutiny is a process of judicial review that defines the constitutionality of certain laws. Both of these have TIM history in two Supreme Court cases that pertain to Abigail’s NUTTING predicament. The Dinoexpert In 1978, the Supreme Court took the case Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, about a white man named Allan Bakke who had applied to several universities within the University of California system, but was denied acceptance to a few schools, primarily at UC Davis. Cartoon by Theodore Jemming In short, Bakke filed a lawsuit because he was denied acceptance due to the university having racial quotas with its acceptance process. While upholding affirmative action in allowing racial diversity, quotas cannot be BY EMMA HELFRICH set for minorities. rom the catastrophic attacks in Paris to the Kylie Then in 2003, another landmark case known as Grutter v. Bollinger Jenner lip challenge, 2015 brought with it many repeated the same issue; a white woman named Barbara Grutter filed a tragedies and trends that 2016 could do just fine lawsuit based on the fact that she was denied acceptance to the University of without. Michigan Law School, believing she was discriminated against. It presented the world with valuable insight on Strict scrutiny came into play, as once again the university was in favor how people think, what people care about and how it of upholding certain racial quotas in order to allow diversity within the all gets dealt with. The end results leave much to be school system. Fisher has this same issue, but according to International Business desired, but that does not mean that 2016 has to be Insider and Now This, Fisher claimed to be discriminated against on the just as hopeless. It almost seems as though 2015 was a bit of a basis that she is white and that people of minorities took her spot. It was letdown for just about everyone. In all honesty, how also reported by these sites that she did not have the qualifications to get in could it not be with the shocking realization Donald anyway. Honestly, this might be somewhat of a cry for attention and an example Trump is a serious presidential candidate? In what world could a year that had so much of potential white privilege as well. oppression, judgement, terror and loss be considered She seems to think that she has this inherent right to get into a college that she thinks she can get in, because she might have come from a well-to- one worth an end of the year bash? The answer is the do family, and that she is white. But she is not exercising her power correctly chance that a disappointing year leaves room for a better one as soon as Jan. 1 rolls around. here. As tempting as it is to simply add a new diet to a People are poking fun at this story, particularly on social media, where list of New Year’s resolutions, maybe it’s time to take many college students have started the hashtag “#staymadabby.” Either way, affirmative action will come into play time and time a look at the bigger picture as well. People tend to again, but it is sort of silly to think that white people feel discriminated observe the world as if it extends to merely their own against in the education system, believing that they cannot obtain the same front yards. As long as their fridge is stocked, they are far from the danger; they have the means to survive. opportunities as minorities. Everything else must be or soon will be back to The only discrimination that universities have against students is normal. It is this level of ignorance and this facile overpriced textbooks and cumulative final exams. outlook that has left this planet in such a state of detachment. Earth is in harm’s way and hardly anyone can even bring themselves to recycle. People are being oppressed The Lumberjack encourages an open forum on approporiate public issues. and mistreated because of their skin colors and yet time All letters must include the author’s name, major or profession, and email or is being spent on inventing things like Selfie Sticks phone number. rather than building accepting communities. The Lumberjack reserves the right to correct accuracy, grammatical errors Twenty-somethings will graduate $40,000 in debt or cut for length. Letters can be e-mailed to OpEd Editor Dalton Davidson at this year in exchange for an education and some will dld234@nau.edu. find themselves without a proper job to even begin paying off their loans.
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Want to write a letter?
A time for reflection and reaction
Depressing? Yes. Truth? Also yes. This habit of selective hearing and exposure that the country has acquired after this year and the years before it does not have to be permanent. It is all about what everyone allows themselves to believe as fact or fiction. Until people stop numbing their consciences with what the Kardashians are up to or anything involving Iggy Azalea, we will continue to be in a state of monetarily- and politically-driven retrograde. Essentially, we cannot keep using “Come on guys, it’s 2016” as an argument for things being the way that they are. The second that people stop comparing themselves to others, caring more about what other people have to say and worrying less about who and more about why, everyone will finally be able to embark upon each new year with minimal resentment. On the bright side, gay marriage was legalized across the entire country this year. Sierra Leone is officially Ebola free. Researchers are now one step closer to an HIV vaccine. People like Bernie Sanders exist. Black Lives Matter took the country by storm, and people are gradually starting to grasp and accept the concept of being transgendered. Good things are more than capable of happening. The steps to a better new year start with anyone who may be reading this. You, me, us, them, her and him. We are all people just trying to out existential conundrums like who we are, how the world works, what love is and what exactly to do with the rest of the time we have on this planet. We should try to not have to look back on past years and cringe, but reflect on everything that was learned and improved upon.
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EDI TOR IAL & OPINION
Internet pranks
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n Nov. 29, British YouTube sensation and prankster Sam Pepper released a video titled “Killing Best Friend Prank” featuring two other YouTubers, named Sam and Colby. In the shocking video, Pepper disguises himself as a kidnapper dressed head to toe in black and leads the two boys to a rooftop, where he proceeds to “shoot” one of them in the head. As the other friend is sobbing uncontrollably and screaming for Pepper to stop, he takes off his mask and morbidly reveals that the entire thing was a prank. While the video is, like previous ones, supposed to have a humorous attitude, there is something deeply disturbing about MADELINE Pepper introducing the video with the lines CAIRNS The Optimist “Let’s see how he reacts to his best friend of five years being killed in front of him!” The video has received the backlash it deserves, with other YouTubers and viewers signing petitions to rid Pepper of his YouTube account and the video itself. It is also very hard to ignore the ISIS theme in the video — the “kidnapper” is completely covered except for his eyes, and his “victims” have bags over their heads. Considering Pepper has been under fire several times for horrible “pranks,” a video like this from him is not surprising — just downright unacceptable. Last year, the YouTuber posted a video of himself using a prosthetic hand to distract women while he groped them in the streets of Los Angeles. This was followed by the video being deleted and Pepper receiving just as much [if not more] backlash from women and viewers in general. As if Pepper’s videos were not enough to get him into trouble, he was also accused of rape by multiple underage women and sexual assault by others — which was supposedly investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department. Unfortunately, the case was not carried out — but when multiple women confess that they are victims of rape, it should be enough for defamation. Pepper has been relevant on YouTube for years, and his fanbase is mostly composed of underage girls. What Pepper does to his audience not only makes them believe his treatment of women and people is okay, but it presents a false reality that non-consensual groping is something girls should accept. Despite his plummeting social following and lack of respect on social media, Pepper has continued to make headlines in only negative ways. Even on Twitter, an account “Anonymous” has been making increased threats toward Pepper, saying that if he does not take the video down, he will be continuously put on blast. So far, the account has released Pepper’s UK address and his phone number and continues to make threats to the YouTuber. Although Pepper has rights as a YouTuber and has since continued to upload videos, they are commonly distasteful and not pranks at all — instead they are cruel gags aimed at casual bystanders. He may not be leaving social media and YouTube any time in the near future, but hopefully his following continues to decrease so the Internet does not need to be subjected to his horrible “pranks.”
Cartoon by Theodore Jemming
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Box office record on blast
tar Wars: The Force Awakens is one of the most highly anticipated releases in film history. At least, it has to be the most exciting new film release since The Phantom Menace. With the budget, expectations and history that this film brings with it, it has absolutely no choice but to be a landmark in the film industry or an absolute disappointment. According to The Guardian, the budget for this film is estimated to be $423 million after marketing. By comparison, Avatar — the film that stormed the box offices, looked great and was then forgotten by everyone — was budgeted at around $380 to $460 million. No surprise, the new film is destined to break the record Avatar still holds. At the moment, The Force Awakens is projected to make about $2 billion, according to a report from box office analyst Morgan Stanley. While that is an incredible number, it is not nearly high enough to match the $2.8 billion DALTON DAVIDSON that Avatar raked in. This needs to change. Why? Well, can The Catholic you name three characters from Avatar? Can you remember the name of even one? I couldn’t until I looked it up. That tells me all about the effect Avatar left on the future of storytelling. Did it look pretty? Absolutely. But the story that is statistically considered the most liked movie of modern times — which has to be the conclusion of a $2.8 billion gross — should not be liked only for being pretty. The Force Awakens is certainly going to look pretty. It is going to have big-name actors, including the back-from-the-dead Harrison Ford. It will have groundbreaking special effects, something that the Star Wars franchise is well known for exceeding at. Possibly more important than anything, it will feed as much as any movie ever on the power of the nostalgia factor. Will it have a good story? Well, it better. I’d say, “No pressure, J.J. Abrams,” but that would be a lie. There is all the pressure. Stephen Spielberg himself believes that “this new Star Wars could be the biggest film ever.” He has seen it multiple times already, but this quote does not necessarily say anything about the film’s quality. If you need more reasons to discount that quote’s relevance, he also said nice things about The Phantom Menace. Granted, I say nice things about The Phantom Menace when I spend more energy paying attention to Darth Maul, Sith Lord of Edginess, than Darth Jar Jar Binks, Sith Lord of Failed Comic Relief. We as a community of filmgoers need to commit to The Force Awakens, overthrow the empire of James Cameron in the box office and pray that J.J. Abrams brings balance to the Force. If he fails, we may be waiting a long time for a new hope.
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School > Netflix ?
t is that time of year again: exams are here and the time to study is now. Students are spending so much time studying that many are finding it hard to find the chance to binge-watch their favorite shows on Netflix. “I know I’m graduating next week, but they just added a new season of Grey’s Anatomy,” said senior criminal justice major Harry Callahan. “What do you expect me to do?” Finals are a top priority for many university students around the nation. But some NAU students are finding their grades don’t matter to them as much as staying home and watching their favorite shows. “Don’t talk to me,” said junior English major Katie Bell, member of the NAU CONOR Quidditch team, as tears streamed down SWEETMAN her face in the middle of the library. “I was News reporter watching Game of Thrones., and the king just went and killed [spoilers omitted].” One student was devastated that finals were at this time of the year, as Netflix removes and adds shows and movies monthly. “I was pretty upset to learn that finals would be held next week, because I’m only one season into The West Wing, and it’s being taken off Netflix on Dec. 25,” said senior hotel and restaurant management major Norman Bates. The Lumberjack reached out to the CEOs of Netflix and Hulu for comment. Both were quick to respond, as they had nothing else going on. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings was sympathetic to the struggle of college students. “We’re sorry,” he said while seductively stroking his nipples after watching South Park. “We wish that finals weren’t a thing, but there is always the option of not taking them and spending your time watching our shows.” Hulu CEO Mike Hopkins just wishes that his company could contribute more to the problem. He was doing a national tour trying to raise awareness for Hulu and the “amazing shows” they offer. “I really wish more students watched Hulu. We have good shows too,” said Hopkins while finishing his seventh apple martini of the interview. Students are not alone in their plight. Many professors and other faculty members are finding it hard to write exams as Netflix bewitchingly calls their name. “I have been trying to finish making this exam for weeks. But Pokémon is calling my name,” said English professor John Keating. “I might just cancel my final.” Needless to say, NAU might want to reconsider the matter of finals and not have any final exams at all.
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ART S & EN T ERTAINMEN T
A personalized farewell BY KARI SCOTT
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raduating college can be described through very different emotions: exciting, nerve-wracking, stressful, rewarding, expensive, scary — is fun usually one of those words? One fun part of graduation is the decoration of caps — an exciting way to show off individuality, and to stand out in a sea of polyester. A decorated graduation cap is something that can show what is important to the graduate. A few graduating seniors shared how they decorated their cap for the big day.
Kaleigh Emery
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here are many different inspirations for senior journalism major Kaleigh Emery incorporated into decorating her cap. One unique inspiration for Emery’s cap is her own tattoo. The tattoo says “End your search and begin your journey” — the quote that shaped the idea for the cap. Emery wants to show her love for Flagstaff by drawing the outline for Arizona and placing a heart where Flagstaff is. The heart in Flagstaff will be connected to Bismarck, N.D., where the next part of Emery’s journey will take place. Starting in December, Emery will be a Crime Beat reporter for the NBC-TV news station in Bismarck. One other part of Emery’s journey was studying abroad in the Netherlands last semester. “It was an amazing experience,” Emery said. “I loved it.” Emery wanted to incorporate her experience in the Netherlands into her cap decorations, but did not want the cap to be too busy or complicated.
Alicia Saiki
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licia Saiki’s graduation cap is heavily inspired by her major. Saiki is an English major, chosen for a couple of reasons. One reason was that she wanted to go on to teach later in life, another was to get a better grasp on the English language. With a father in the military, Saiki and her family lived in Japan for a while. Saiki minored in Japanese to avoid forgetting her first language. The graduation cap is covered in faux leather material that is then decorated with quotes from Saiki’s favorite books. Being an English major, literature was a big part of Saiki’s studies. Some of quotes on the caps, written in colorful puffy paint, are from Harry Potter and The Hobbit. The inspiration keeps coming for Saiki, as she wants to add more to her cap before the graduation ceremony. “I want something sparkly,” Saiki said. After graduating, Saiki hopes to be a writer in Seattle, then to get her teaching certificate to teach overseas.
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ART S & EN T ERTAINMEN T
Katie Ciaccio
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hough her college career started at the University of Arizona, Katie Ciaccio realized that a smaller, close-knit community and NAU’s education program would benefit her career more. Ciaccio has always enjoyed working with children and decided to major in early childhood education at NAU to turn that joy into a career. Teaching and working with children was a big inspiration for Ciaccio’s cap, along with showing her gratitude to her parents for all the love and support they have given her through her college career. “I love art and crafts and creating things, a lot of what I [decorated with] I used in the classroom with the kids,” Ciaccio said. “And of course, I wanted to use this opportunity to thank my parents as well.” The fun, young spirit of children can be seen with the colorful, fuzzy puff-balls and button-pins on the cap. Ciaccio’s cap displays a smiling foam sun to represent her time spent working at the Sunnyside campus of Montessori schools of Flagstaff this upcoming fall semester. Foam saguaros are featured on the cap in representation of Ciaccio’s desert, Tucson roots. After walking in this upcoming winter graduation ceremony, Ciaccio will return to Tucson for student teaching in the spring. When that is completed, she will be making a big move to Chicago in order to continue her passion for teaching.
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(Photos by Halie Chavez)
Andrea Garcia
hough decorating her cap was never really an interest for senior journalism major Andrea Garcia, one special person inspired her and changed her mind. Garcia decided to dedicate her cap to someone very special to her — her grandfather, Gabino Garcia. Garcia and her grandfather had a unique, special relationship. Garcia’s grandfather passed away in September at the remarkable age of 102. The cap is decorated in memory of him. “He was an amazing person and my best friend,” Garcia said. “I would not be the person I am today without him. He was the one that always pushed me to go to college and finish school, because he never had the opportunity to. It was his dream to see his grandchildren become successful and do what he was unable to.” Garcia’s cap is simple and straight to the point. As a representation of the angelic figure that Garcia’s grandfather now plays in her life, she included gold and silver star stickers. There is a scrapbooking decoration that reads, “Grandpas bring a little more wisdom and love to every life they touch.” “That is exactly what my grandpa did to my life,” Garcia added. To finish off the cap there is a handwritten message in Spanish that reads “Abuelito, te amare por siempre,” which translates to “Grandpa, I will love you forever,” truly a heartfelt tribute to the man who meant so much to her. “Hopefully, wherever he is, he will see it.” Garcia said.
DEC . 15, 2015 - JAN. 20, 2016 | T HE LUMBER JACK 13
ART S & EN T ERTAINMEN T
Goodbye lumberjacks, hello world BY MAKENNA LEPOWSKY
Fine Arts gives insightful messages Gabrielle Selna’s paintings hang in the Beasley Art Gallery Dec. 10. The gallery is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Photo by Cory Walters) BY DARRION EDWARDS
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alls are covered in jaunty pieces of artwork that stimulate many different emotions for each viewer of the community. The twists of the painted tree branches, the definition in the faces of portraits and the symbolism of mirrors are all used to send messages to those who observe each piece of art. The senior students earning a bachelor of fine arts at NAU provided intricate paintings, sculptures and various art works this past week at the Beasley Art Gallery in order to leave their last impact on the community. The art show was part of the students’ final project as seniors not only displayed their artistic skills, but provided feedback on lessons learned in life. “I like seeing students work together in a positive way and collaborate using the space to work together to make a strong show,” said Beasley Art Gallery director and program coordinator Christopher Taylor. “It’s also fun for me when their parents come and the parents are excited about the work they’ve done.” The art pieces themselves consisted of vibrant colors and materials used to make metaphorical messages. Self-portraits were oil painted on canvases to show the intricate curves of the female body, while other artworks emphasized how human life has affected the extinction of animal life. “I am proud simply that I finished and that the pieces turned out well enough to clearly convey a message,” said senior art major Maranda Whitey. There are many lessons that the seniors learned from fine arts that they feel they can carry into postcollegiate life. Senior art major Patrick Byrn feels as if he will be able to tackle problems from the necessary angles and have the ability to understand visual cues. Bryn’s piece of artwork, titled “Blankets,” gave visual representation of what it feels like to hide behind safety blankets. “I wanted to have people confront less-talked-about aspects of the relationships around us,” Byrn said. The artists feel that working in fine arts helps with problem solving in life. The different challenges that students have while presenting artwork can prepare them for problems and situations in other aspects of life. “The most versatile thing making art has taught me is how to problem solve,” Whitey said. “I also learned to take pride in what you do and be willing to work hard to produce something worthwhile.” Although the audiences who enjoy the fine arts have decreased throughout the years due to the rise of the digital world, some feel that contemporary artwork still impacts the world in a strong way. “Most people don’t go to a museum anymore today,” Taylor said. “But I do think that there is an importance to be played with fine arts because artists are taking what’s happening in culture and distilling it through art.” The multiple forms of art have helped these seniors share what they find most important when reflecting on the different aspects of life. The contemporary artwork contains messages that give audiences opportunities to reflect on issues that are relevant to society.
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A
sea of blue caps and gowns floods the seats in rows at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome. The student body is gathered together as one, like a pool of water. What may have seemed like treacherous years of a voyage has now reached its end, with a new journey on the horizon — with a diploma in one hand and the other in the hand of the dean, students are ready to embark on a new journey in life. Senior journalism major Andrea Garcia prepares for what not only marks the closing of a chapter to her life but also marks the beginning of many new chapters of life waiting to be written. After a long four and a half years at NAU, graduation brings immense accomplishment and joy for Garcia. Along with her sense of achievement, feelings of sorrow begin to tug at her emotions. Realization that she will not be returning to NAU and also to the staff of The Lumberjack newspaper has begun to set in. Garcia decided to join The Lumberjack staff first semester of her junior year. “I knew coming in that Arts and Entertainment [A&E] was the section I wanted to be a part of,” Garcia said. As she worked intently as a writer, her passion for writing grew more and more, as did her skills and style. Her hard work and dedication was soon recognized as she obtained the position of assistant editor her senior year and the editor position this semester for the A&E section of the newspaper. Being editor along with the sole opportunity to be a part of The Lumberjack staff has become a personal accomplishment Garcia will never forget. “The Lumberjack staff are all amazing and brilliant people,” Garcia said. “Being able to build a relationship with them and all of my writers was something very special and important to me.” Since freshman year, NAU and Flagstaff have become a home away from home for Garcia. A mountain girl at heart with a desire for small town vibes, Flagstaff offered her the change she hoped for with the perfect touch of home
Illustration by Jules Everson
she did not want to abandon. With her home in Lake Arrowhead, Calif., a mountain town itself, Flagstaff became the perfect place for her to grow into the individual she is now. “I loved the look and the feel of the school,” Garcia said. “Everyone was so nice, and I immediately fell in love with it. It’s one of the best places in the world to spend four years of your life.” Her time at NAU and the experience she has gained through her peers and work on The Lumberjack have better equipped her to handle what life has to throw at her. However, nerves have begun to set in as the date of graduation quickly approaches. “I think being nervous definitely comes along with graduation,” Garcia said. “You ask yourself, what’s next for me, and if there’s anything out there for me.” Garcia has received a position as a reporter at a newspaper in her hometown. She will be starting just two weeks after graduation. On Dec. 18, Garcia will awaken, marking the beginning to an eagerly awaited and anticipated day. Graduation is finally upon her. “Graduation is something we all look forward to,” Garcia said. “I most likely will cry at some point, it is going to be a really emotional time because everything changes after that.” Dressed in a royal blue cap and gown, Garcia will take her place among her peers in the many rows of seats. Her diploma is almost in hand. As Garcia eagerly anticipates for the moment she has been waiting for, her family will be doing just the same in the audience. With the tassel of her graduation cap soon to be flipped to the left, Garcia will be a member of NAU’s 2015 graduating class, marking the end of her academic journey at NAU.
SPORT S
Marcus Alford: a college football career to remember
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BY MATTHEW KIEWIET
s NAU football begins gearing up for the 2016 season with their coaching staff hitting the recruiting circuit, they must bid farewell to their two-time first team all-Big Sky senior cornerback Marcus Alford. Head coach Jerome Souers added over half a dozen new players to the secondary for the 2015 season, making Alford’s stellar play that much more important toward NAU’s success this season. “We have added some guys on the back end that can really give us some depth,” Souers said before the start of the season. “The way we try to play defense is with two [guys] deep, so a lot of Senior cornerback Marcus Alford assists on a tackle against Eastern Washington Oct. 24 at the guys are going to be rotating into the system.” During his final season, the senior from Oxnard, Calif., recorded 49 tackles, led the team with Walkup Skydome. Alford earned College Sports Madness FCS All-American honors this season. 13 pass breakups and was second on the team with three interceptions, one of which he returned (Photo by Nick Humphries) 70 yards for a touchdown against conference powerhouse Eastern Washington. As a graduating senior majoring in strategic communication with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in sociology, Alford will have to say goodbye to a group of very close-knit teammates. Their camaraderie was one of his favorite things about Lumberjack football. “[My teammates] hang out all the time,” Alford said. “ Outside of the [Walkup] Skydome, we hang out every single weekend, after every game all the guys on the team.” It was not always smooth sailing at NAU for Alford. There were some times of doubt, uncertainty and rugged terrain during his first year while he was getting the lay of the land. “It’s tough the first year when you come in and redshirt,” Alford said. “You’re homesick, you’re not playing in the games, so it can be a little miserable at first.” Once given opportunities, Alford’s determination, work ethic and willingness to studying the game helped him make an immediate impact. By his sophomore season, he was a staple in the Lumberjack secondary, starting 11 out of the team’s 12 games. He was named NAU football’s outstanding sophomore of the year on the defensive side of the ball and earned all-Big Sky honorable mention. It was at this point that he decided to take his game to the next plateau. Alford said that he watched film of at least three games that each upcoming opponent played during week before their match-up. He noted the other team’s patterns and tendencies on each down, while also making critiques on his own performances in the previous games. “I had a good sophomore season, and then I wanted to take it the next level,” Alford said. “I elevated my game by working harder than I had in the past during the offseason mentally and physically. I was a student of the game, so everything moved slower to me this year and my junior year. Everything on the field was very easy to analyze, and very easy to pick up on what the offense was trying to do.” After graduation, Alford will keep his nose to the grindstone and begin training for the NFL Combine, a week-long scouting event comprised of timing and testing the physical and mental abilities of candidates that declare themselves eligible for April’s NFL draft. It will be held during the last week of February at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. “I want to see how far football can take me,” Alford said. “After that I would like to get into broadcasting, or maybe even coach. I’m not sure yet.” Only time will tell how the defense will rebound next season with Alford and senior safety Eddie Horn departing as well. Horn led the team in interceptions with four on the season.
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Kendall Brown: swimming her way to glory
Senior Kendall Brown competes in the women’s 400-meter freestyle during NAU’s meet against LSU and Wyoming Oct. 31 at the Wall Aquatic Center. Brown went on to win the event. (Photo by Cory Walters)
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BY KATHRINE LEMOS
ports may seem like entertainment to some, but to senior NAU swimmer Kendall Brown, swimming goes beyond just that. “Being in the water feels so free, having no weight on your shoulders, just gliding through the water,” Brown said. “I want to continue [being in the pool] because swimming is my life.” Brown started swimming when she was three years old and took it to the competitive level at age seven. The Aliso Viejo, Calif., local began earning titles long before her college career began. Captain of the swim team at Laguna Hills High School, she was selected to represent Southern California for the North American Challenge Cup. Brown was also a finalist at the California Interscholastic Federation in 2011. The transition from high school to college proved to have its challenges for Brown, but being a part of the NAU swim and dive team helped keep her on track. The close bond shared by coaches and teammates in the program was one of the reasons she was drawn to NAU. “When I came here for my recruit trip, I realized they weren’t just a team, they were a family,” Brown said. “Andy [Johns] told me, ‘I want you to be the best you can be in and out of the water,’ and that’s what I really liked, having a coach that cares.” While the beginning of her freshman year was a new challenge for Brown, she made the best of it, changing her mindset and pushing herself to focus on the positives, and with
that she began to make a statement in the pool. Johns has seen Brown’s progress throughout her years on the team. “I think she’s become more consistent in practice,” Johns said. “She’s developed into a smarter racer.” As a freshman she broke the school record in the 400-individual medley with a time of 4:17.46 during the Western Athletic Conference [WAC] championships, and that was only the beginning. During the 2013-2014 season, she broke the Wall Aquatic Center record in the 800 freestyle with time of 8:59.96. One of Brown's most memorable moments took place during that same season. The 2014 WAC women’s swimming and diving Championships gave Brown an opportunity to showcase her talent and lead the Lumberjacks to a conference title. After losing by seven points the year before, the team was determined to get the conference win. When they did so in easy fashion it was an exhilarating moment for everyone on the team. Brown finished first in the 1650-meter freestyle with a time of 16:33.27 and also finished three other events in the top five. “The last day of the conference tournament was one the best and exciting nights of my life,” Brown said. “We went from losing by seven points the year before to winning by over 100 [points]; we set the bar really high.” Brown continues to set the bar high for her personal times. Her goals for the rest of the season include making the NCAA swimming and diving Championships while shooting for
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Olympic trial times. Although she made the trial times her senior year of high school, this past summer she was a few seconds short. “It was hard [for me] because I trained really hard this summer in and out of the water,” Brown said. “Having to look back and see your time and think, ‘darn I missed it,’ is hard.” Brown continues to score good times this season and has been a standout in NAU’s meets. She is continuously willing to make sacrifices for the sport that she loves. “You might lose some hours of sleep, some friends and a social life,” Brown said. “But in the end, you’re getting a degree and an experience that not many people can say they had.” The rest of the season is still packed with exciting meets and tournaments. Although each meet is important to Brown, the one she is looking forward to most is the senior meet against Idaho Feb. 6 at the Wall Aquatic Center. The past three years on the team she has watched the seniors accept flowers and speeches from the coaches and is thrilled that her time is about to come. “I’m excited for the senior meet because we have a lot of seniors graduating,” Brown said. “Having that experience at the end of the year before the conference tournament is going to be fun.” Although Brown is uncertain about what her next step will be after graduating from NAU, she is sure that she wants to teach kids how to swim and help them grow as people just as her coaches did for her.
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LEFT: Freshman center Alyssa Rader gets fouled from behind versus the Lamar Cardinals Nov. 22 at the Rolle Activity Center. The Jacks were up by more than 20, and went on to win the game 75–63. (Photo by Paul Holdhusen). CENTER: Rader puts up a shot against the Hawaii Wahine defense Nov. 15 at the Rolle Activity Center. The Jacks lost against the Wahine 61–52 to open the season. (Photo by Zheng Liu). RIGHT: Rader gets hacked on the arm and poked in the eye as she attempts a shot against the Lamar Cardinals Nov. 22 at the Rolle Activity Center. Rader finished the game with 16 points and 10 rebounds. (Photo by Paul Holdhusen)
Jack Chat: Freshman center Alyssa Rader
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BY CATELYN PRESTON
reshman center Alyssa Rader is currently in her first season as a Lumberjack and is making an immediate impact for head coach Sue Darling out on the court. Through nine games this season, Rader is averaging 14.4 points per game and 9.4 rebounds. The Jacks are 4-5 at this point in the season. The Lumberjack was able to sit down with Rader and get her thoughts on what her goals are for the season, the team’s trip to the Dominican Republic and some interesting facts about her basketball upbringing. Lumberjack (LJ): Where are you from? Alyssa Rader (AR): I am from Denver, Colo., more specifically in the city of Thornton. LJ: Why did you pick NAU? AR: I picked NAU because I received a scholarship here, but I also picked it because I love my team and the town of Flagstaff. LJ: What are you majoring in and why did you choose that major? AR: I am majoring in business because I plan on running an online purchasing website. LJ: What other schools were you considering before you committed to NAU? AR: Before I chose NAU, I was considering 16 other schools that had offered me a scholarship, but my top secondary choices were South Florida and Utah State. LJ: What are three goals you have for the 2015-2016 season? AR: Three goals I have for this upcoming season are to win the Big Sky Championship, make an
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appearance in the NCAA tournament, and receive the freshman player of the year award. LJ: How do you think the Dominican Republic trip helped your team get ready for the season? AR: I think the trip helped our team with bonding together, enhancing our season’s potential and starting us off on a fun and exciting foot for the season. LJ: Do you want to play basketball after college, and if yes, where would be your dream country to play in and why? AR: After college, I would love to keep playing basketball. My dream has always been to make it into the WNBA. Realistically, I would like to play over in France, considering overseas players make more money. LJ: How have your parent(s) helped you grow in the sense of basketball? AR: My parents have helped me so much along the way with my basketball career. They allowed me to play club ball at such a young age and have continuously supported me throughout the years. LJ: What other sports have you played? AR: Besides basketball, I have played volleyball, softball, golf, track and field and swimming. LJ: If you could meet one ex-NBA player, who would it be and why? AR: If I could meet one ex-NBA player, it would have to be Bill Russell because he is my alltime favorite player and he is such a legendary post player. LJ: Who has had the most influence on your game and basketball career? AR: The person who has had the most influence on me as a player is my best friend, Kaleigh Paplow, who also chose to come to NAU. I think she is so influential on me because we have been playing together since elementary school.
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LIFE
Graduation for dummies: All you need to know
Then to Now:
Rebecca Fawcett and her experience changing majors
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BY CHARLOTTE EVANS
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ollege is a big step in anyone’s life and hard enough without the added stress of being an undecided major. According to collegeparents. org, around 80 percent of college students change their major at least one time on their path towards getting a degree. With graduation coming up for some college seniors, it’s helpful to know some of their experiences with majors and finding their way to a degree. Graduating senior Rebecca Fawcett, a special and elementary education major with an emphasis in math, believes it is not a bad thing to change one’s major as long as one has the time and resources to do it. In fact, Fawcett part of the 80 percent. Starting with plans to become a high school math teacher, Fawcett had already finished a year and a half as a math major before she realized that she wasn’t on a path she wanted to continue on. “I started taking all these math classes and was doing fine except that the pace was just moving too fast and I had to self-teach myself how to do calculus,” Fawcett said. “When I found that it wasn’t working for me, I found something else I knew that I would like and went that route.” Fawcett knew that by changing her major around, she would still be able to teach math. That was why she changed to special and elementary education but added an emphasis in math because she had already completed quite a few math courses. Many students fear changing their majors because they don’t want to be behind. Fawcett did have to take summer classes and upwards of 21 credits at times. She is graduating one semester late. “In terms of choosing a major, I would say go with what you think you want to do and if it doesn’t work out, try out some different options,” Fawcett
NAU senior special and elementary education major Rebecca Fawcett smiles as she thinks about graduation approaching. Fawcett was strongly influenced by her middle school math teacher, which led her to obtain an emphasis in math with her education major. (Photo by Raven Larson)
said.
Fawcett did know, however, that she has wanted to go into teaching since middle school. “My main influence in college was probably my middle school teachers,” Fawcett said. “I had a teacher I really liked that showed me that it was possible to do math when I thought I couldn’t.” Despite feeling it was something that she wanted to do, Fawcett did, at times, have some second thoughts along the way. “I’ve had my doubts, like ‘is this really going to work?,’ ‘is this really for me?,’ but there are always doubts in any major that one is in, so I just stuck with it because I knew deep down that it was something I wanted to do,” Fawcett said. “But I think everyone has doubts at times.” Fawcett plans on going into teaching and has a substitute position lined up for herself after graduation. “Don’t feel bad about changing your major. It’s not the end of the world. It’s better to change your major than being stuck in something that’s not for you,” Fawcett said. It can be very scary to feel stuck in something you do not want to do and even scarier to step onto unknown grounds. But, college is all about learning new information regarding academics and also information about yourself in the process.
22 T HE LUMBER JACK | JACKCEN TR AL .ORG
BY MARISSA WHITE
raduation is a significant time for students and their families. It is a time to celebrate their accomplishments, recognize their hard work and wish them luck on their future endeavors. While what comes after graduation may be scary to some, the idea of having their name called, walking up on stage, receiving their degree and hearing the cheers of their friends and family is all worth it. Here is a breakdown of most college graduation ceremonies in order to help get parents, friends and even students through these unanswered questions. Why do graduates wear robes? Wearing robes at graduation ceremonies is a tradition that dates back to nearly the 12th century, when universities were starting to be founded. The earliest standardization of the academic robe occurred at the Council of Oxford in 1222 where it was declared that all clerks needed to wear a long cape, usually worn over a robe. This became a mark of an academic, as other universities began to adopt similar traditions. Why do students toss their caps at the end of the ceremony? According to Kathy Padden from the informational website, Today I Found Out, this fun tradition started as a result of a graduating Naval Academy class. “The tradition of the graduating class throwing their caps in the air at the end of the ceremony has a relatively recent genesis,” Padden said. “The first known instance of this was in 1912 at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. There are slightly conflicting accounts of why they did it, but the general story is that it is because the Academy decided to give them their officers’ hats at the graduation itself. Thus, the graduates chucked their midshipmen’s caps in the air upon graduation, and ceremoniously placed their officers’ hats on.” Why are there different color cords? Many universities have different color codes for the chords used at graduation. While each school is different, there are typically colors assigned to honors students from colleges within the university. However, the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) has established an honor cord registry that assigns specific colors to established societies. For example, Alpha Epsilon Delta is assigned the colors red and violet, while Mu Kappa Tau is given one color, navy blue. While these are possibilities, universities have the freedom to use the ACHS system or establish their own. What is the story behind the graduation march? In 1905 at Yale University, composer Edward Elgar was invited to attend the school's commencement ceremony. There he received an honorary doctorate of music and got to hear his piece, “Land of Hope and Glory March No.1” (most commonly known nowadays as Pomp and Circumstance or the graduation march) played. The song was so well received that it began to catch on around the country at other universities. Soon graduates began marching out to this classic tune at nearly every ceremony. While there are likely to be slight variations in each graduation ceremony, there is always a little history behind the traditions. Graduation is a time to commemorate the blood, sweat and tears that were put in over the years and to congratulate one another for a job well done.
LIFE
The next step: NAU senior Shannon Mathias gets ready to go overseas in search of new experiences
Senior Shannon Mathias strikes a pose during her last semester at NAU Dec. 11. Mathias is heading to Asia after graduation in search for jobs. (Photo by Alan Viramontes)
E
BY SARAH LUJAN
very year, thousands of students travel across seas to Asia in order to teach English after college. Like many students, senior biology major Shannon Mathias will be doing just that as soon as she graduates this December. After Mathias took a quiz of what universities would fit her and her lifestyle best, she made the decision to travel from a small farm town in California and move to Flagstaff without even visiting the campus first. “My first time seeing the campus was when I moved into the dorms the first week of my first year. It was definitely a
Mathias stands in the student union. As she prepares to graduate, she also has to prepare for her trip to Asia post graduation. (Photo by Alan Viramontes)
‘meant to be’ situation; I couldn’t have found a better fit,” Mathias said. Mathias loves to explore new trails for hiking around Flagstaff and Sedona as well as immerse herself in the culture of downtown Flagstaff. She feels that she learned a lot about the value of culture while attending NAU and living in Flagstaff. “There were definitely times when things got hard in school. I wanted to give up on my major and I second guessed my decision, but I pushed through and I’m happy I did,” Mathias said. Being an undergraduate biology major comes with many challenging classes like organic chemistry along with general chemistry and physics. Many students take these courses and work very hard to pass them, which means a lot of studying. “The most eye-opening experience while being in my major was failing an exam for the first time. That really became a huge reality check,” Mathias said. “After that, I started holding myself accountable and began to understand my true potential in order to follow my dreams.” Along with a tough major, Mathias is a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Her sorority raises money for Girls on the Run, a nonprofit organization that inspires girls to follow their dreams, which goes along with her sorority’s mission of providing an inspiring environment for intellectual and individual growth as women in society and students in college. Like many students on campus, Mathias was affected by the shooting that took on campus. “The worst experience I have ever had to experience was unquestionably the shooting that took place this past semester. It was a definite reminder that life is way too short,”
Mathias said. With this mindset, Mathias did not hesitate when she made plans to buy a one-way ticket to Bangkok. During her overseas journey she will be working on an organic farm with a host family for a month in order to learn more about the Asian Sustainability Academy (ASA). Mathias not only plans on teaching English, but also volunteering while she is there. After, she will travel Asia and plans to visit Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos in hopes of receiving a hands-on experience in learning about their individual sustainability and regenerating lifestyles. Mathias has all her plans set out and is anxious to get on the plane. “I’m curious about the culture and history and can’t wait to explore everything from the jungles full of wildlife to the ancient temples and modern cities. I’m really looking forward to experiencing life from a different point of view,” Mathias said. While exploring the country, Mathias will get to participate in new opportunities such as building mud houses, cooking authentic Asian food and teaching English in elementary schools. “Not only will I be living in a new place with new cultures, languages and customs, I will be gaining great worldly concepts that I can apply to future jobs once I decide to return to the states,” Mathias said. “I honestly would not be making these decision if it weren’t for the countless opportunities to grow at NAU and for the memories that helped shape me into the woman I am today.” After a few months, Mathias will return to the states and find a job where she can incorporate her new experiences and techniques into her work and lifestyle.
DEC . 15, 2015 - JAN. 20, 2016 | T HE LUMBER JACK 23
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