NOVEMBER, VOL. 32 ISSUE 4
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robkugler
A MAN’S BEST FRIEND
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r a g u o C n Va TEAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emily Baumann
REPORTER Arabelle May
MANAGING EDITOR Olivia Eldredge
REPORTER Andrew Ripley-Suiter
LAYOUT EDITOR Megan Tuthill
REPORTER Bethanie Collette
COPY EDITOR Gracie Newberry ADVERTISING MANAGER Jagger Norris
s r e t t e L to the editor The VanCougar welcomes letters and commentary from members of the WSU Vancouver community on current issues. Letters must include the author’s full name, contact information and WSU affiliation: year and major for students, department for faculty and staff, degree and year graduated for alumni. The VanCougar does not publish anonymous letters. Send letters and commentary to van.vc.editor@wsu. edu. Once received, letters become property of The VanCougar and are subject to editing for length, clarity and style.
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Cover
on the
Rob Kugler, veteran and integrated strategic communication major, tells all about his social media presence and writing the novel “A Dog Named Beautful”. (Emily Baumann/The VanCougar)
IN
this ISSUE
fashion
Sus tai n a b i l i t y
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7 The adventures of
Rob Kugler and his four-legged friends
Haley Miller, senior and digital technology and culture major, wears thrifted Converse for the purpose of shopping sustainably. (Bethanie Collette/The VanCougar)
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A letter from ASWSUV:
Speaking out against microaggressions
How the interstate 5 bridge will affect
people of color
8
The absence of
12 indigenous resources on campus COUGAR BITES: S E N S AT I O N A L
14 C I D E R S
Students and staff from the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program discuss how rebuilding the I-5 bridge will impact Native tribes and People of Color in the community. (Emily Baumann/The VanCougar)
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NOVEMBER 2021
ROB KUGLER T H E A DV E N T U R E S OF
A N D H I S FO U R - L EG G E D F R I E N DS
Through the lens of his camera and the relationship with a man’s best friend, Rob Kugler wants you to understand the importance of openness and changing the world through welcoming it in.
Andrew Ripley-Suiter | Reporter Senior and integrated strategic communication major, Robert “Rob” Kugler has walked a lifetime of experiences, and has an abundance of stories to tell. Accomplished veteran, author, photographer, brother and certified dog-lover, this WSU Vancouver student has no shortage of talents to show the world.
“In the military, we always had a battle buddy, where you always just have someone watching your back,” Kugler said. “In life, your own spouse and children need to also live their own lives, but when you form that relationship with your dog, you are their life in a way.”
Originally from Nebraska, Kugler has embraced a life of travel from the day he was born. When he branched out of his community and ventured across the country with his adored labrador, Bella, Kugler threw himself at every opportunity to meet people from numerous backgrounds. After Bella was diagnosed with a terminal illness, he decided to bring her everywhere; she served as an instant magnet for conversations with new acquaintances as they ventured from state to state.
Through his novel “A Dog Named Beautiful: A Marine, a Dog, and a Long Road Trip Home,” Kugler and Bella’s relationship demonstrates what it means to have a bond of unconditional love. Kugler conveys how humans can learn from a dog’s forgiving and loving nature. Even though people do not lap water out of a bowl, or howl when a fire truck blares past, dog-like friendliness is a perspective that is priceless to have, and a subject Kugler feels everyone should sympathize with.
“That was one of the biggest things about my labrador Bella,” Kugler explained. “She was like the gateway to [connection] because she was kind of like an actual manifested living creature of love.”
“Learning other people’s stories gives us an opportunity to see the world through someone else’s perspective,” Kugler stated. “Each time we do that, we widen our own. Having a strong bond with an animal can open up a perspective beyond humanity.”
The bond between Kugler and his dog serves as the perfect example of “a man’s best friend.” Despite growing up with cats, his fascination with dogs inspired his relationship with Bella and his three current pups, Max, Jasper and Ginger. The connection between man and dog is one that Kugler describes as invaluable.
Just as Kugler has encountered vast amounts of people with
“In the military, we always had a battle buddy, where you always just have someone watching your back. In life, your own spouse and children need to also live their own lives, but when you form that relationship with your dog, you are their life in a way.” - Rob Kugler
endless backgrounds and perspectives, his endeavors across the country have also led him to new locations. During his travels through the West Coast, he says he found his unique conversations with others to be centered around a unifying love for the environment. “Beach towns and mountain towns have been my favorite places in the country. What I love about them most [is that] every one that is there wants to be there in that geographical location and they are happy,” Kugler said. Those who have traveled into the majestic hills and trails of the Pacific Northwest know how beautiful the scenery is. As a photographer, Kugler continues to document his journey through his Instagram, @robkugler. His goal is to capture the essence and intimacy of amazing moments occurring in nature and convey them to his 72,000 followers. Kugler, who has what he describes as terabytes-upon-terabytes of photos, not only uses photography to preserve the memorable moments of a setting, but also to narrow his vision through the craft of a lens. As much as he opens his mind to the perspectives of people, he also utilizes his work to focus on the warmth of a single moment in the present.
“If I look at something and it makes me feel some way, then I want to take a picture of it, and I want someone else who can’t be here to be able to feel that thing,” said Kugler. Make sure to keep your eyes open on campus as Kugler hopes to bring his lively border collies, Jasper and Max, to WSU Vancouver. You may be the next person who has the privilege to make a connection with him and his fascinating four-legged friends. Through the story of Bella and her welcoming heart, Kugler hints at his ambition to write more books in the future. Moving forward, he intends to aim his work more towards content surrounding the process of raising his child, Ivy Jeanne, along with his wife, a registered nurse, Kristen. As of now, you can continue to explore more of Kugler’s Instagram, and find his book online through Amazon or other major booksellers to read his story. “We just really need to work on being open to hearing each other’s stories,” Kugler said. “I feel like if we could just take time to really focus on those things that we have in common … then we can help be the change that we all want to see.”
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NOVEMBER 2021
ASWSUV: A letter from
Speaking out against microaggressions Dear WSU Vancouver students and campus community, The Associated Students of Washington State University Vancouver, WSU Vancouver’s student government, is writing to our student body to speak against microaggression-based behaviors open-mindedly and genuinely, with intentions to promote respectability among students, student groups and the campus community. Some of our students have had conversations with student leaders, and they have reported experiencing microaggressions in the classroom as well as within general conversations on campus. Especially in the current state of politics around Afghanistan refugees, certain classroom discussions have been driven by prejudiced attitudes about Afghanistan refugees, and those of the Islam faith; hence, unintentionally hurting students who are among these communities as well as those who do not hold such prejudices. As a result, ASWSUV is advocating for the promotion of respect for our students, student groups and members of our campus community. This sense of respect is an appeal to our shared humanity. We all have differences, and these differences need to be celebrated and elevated, not cause unintended psychological, physiological and physical harm among ourselves. From students to professors, from professors to administrators and from administrators to our community members–all of us belong at WSU Vancouver. Because all of us belong at WSU Vancouver, we therefore should demonstrate that all of us truly belong here by respecting each other and being mindful of unintended harm to our fellow Cougs. Why? Because Cougs love Cougs. Cougs respect Cougs. And Cougs cherish belonging and inclusivity among other Cougs. So, let’s not just say it, let’s put it into action. Ask yourself, are my words and actions authentically and genuinely demonstrating respect for others? In your service, Associated Students of Washington State University Vancouver. Tuesday, October 12th, 2021
NOVEMBER 2021 7
CAN VANCOUGS KILL FAST FASH ON? Receiving advice from students, these fashion connoisseurs reveal how they find unique pieces while rejecting the consequences of fast-fashion retailers. Bethanie Collette | Reporter The practice of fast fashion has become stitched, embedded and sewn, into popular brands to keep up with the latest trends. While the method has become a leading culprit in hazardous environmental impacts and labor exploitations, WSU Vancouver students are trying to be conscious of their personal consumer choices. According to Good on You, a company that rates ethicality among known brands, defines fast fashion as “cheap, trendy clothing that samples ideas from the catwalk or celebrity culture and turns them into garments in high street stores at breakneck speed to meet consumer demand.” When trying to find eco-friendly pieces, Haley Miller, senior, digital technology and culture major and vice president of the university’s Fashion Club, speaks on some of the best practices to reduce overconsumption. She recommends one of the best ways to limit consumption of fast fashion is by visiting local thrift stores or consignment shops around town, such as the Goodwill bins in Portland.
ularity, such as Depop, StockX and eBay. These sitescan be great resources for finding those expensive statement pieces at bargain price points, as long as you stay vigilant when purchasing from reliable sellers. At the end of the day, clothing is a necessity for all, a hobby for some and a passion for a few. Understanding the ramifications of buying fast fashion is the first step to shopping smart, and contributes to protecting the environment and mitigating damage to labor workers that are involved in the fashion industry. Next time you go shopping for new clothes, consider the impact of your purchase and ask yourself, is it sustainable? (Emily Baumann/The VanCougar)
Nathan Zimmerman, a freshman studying entrepreneurship, and fashion enthusiast, also shares more accessible locations students can go to when finding stylish pieces, while remaining diligent in secondhand shopping. “When starting with thrifting, there are a lot of places around [Vancouver], like Open House Ministries, where you can find some really fun pieces, also Goodwill— everyone loves Goodwill,” Zimmerman explained. In addition to thrift shopping, Miller encourages students to avoid impulse buying and to recognize the purpose behind a purchase. She says focusing on the brand name might not always be the best choice and instead suggests investing in sustainable clothes containing high quality materials.
(Bethanie Collette/The VanCougar)
“It’s important to know the difference between spending more money on a piece because it’s worth more or buying it because it’s branded. Because, for instance, Supreme is much more expensive, but is it made better?” Miller said. It is worth noting that sustainable brands do come at a high-end price. Therefore, Miller recommends checking online secondhand stores for those pieces, or searching for online resale shops growing in pop-
Nathan’s outfit: Earrings from Main Street Collectors Mall & Soda Fountain • Necklace from Target • Turtle Neck from Macys • White button-up top from Open-House Ministries Vancouver Haley’s outfit: Incubus shirt from Goodwill • Vintage jacket from Goodwill • Rings from Molly Morgan Jewelry, Vancouver pawnshop and Love Potion.
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NOVEMBER 2021
tate 5 bridge s r e t n i e h t will how affe ct p eop le of co lo r
Arabelle May | Reporter The historic drawbridge that connects Washington to Oregon along Interstate Highway 5 is in the beginning stages of an entire rebuild. Initiating goals to better accommodate architectural safety, quicker transportation and climate concerns, one team is determined to build a stronger platform that effectively serves the region and its respective communities.
At the intersection of climate change and equity lies the community’s needs, which is a large focus in the IBR program’s goals for reconstructing the Interstate Bridge. Originally built on the lands of Cowlitz and Multnomah tribes, the Interstate Bridge has negatively impacted Indigenous communities such as Grand Ronde and Siletz peoples who reside along the Columbia River.
Over a century has passed since the original northbound bridge was built on top of woodpiles and loose soil. Continued heavy use of the bridge, as well as potential natural disasters, threaten its structural soundness. The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program is beginning plans to reconstruct a more modern bridge, with community needs at the forefront of their priorities.
With heavy rains saturating the Pacific Northwest, runoff from the bridge goes directly into the river, polluting the native waters of the Columbia. As for the reconstruction of the bridge, Johnson explains the IBR program will build a water collection system, which takes runoff water to a detention facility to filter out pollutants before releasing water back into the river.
The northbound section of the Interstate Bridge was originally constructed in 1917, becoming the first automobile bridge to span the Columbia River between Washington and Oregon, according to IBR’s website. Back then, there was a 5 cent toll to cross the 38-foot-wide roadway. 40 years later, the bridge became part of I-5, and it has operated ever since as a major site of transportation for both people and goods along the national interstate system. The IBR Program is working with both legislatures between the two states, as well as the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Authority, to ensure that community and infrastructure needs are being met throughout the building process. Greg Johnson, the IBR program’s administrator, explains climate concerns and equity are the two primary focuses of the program’s team during the initial planning stages. “Everything we do, we have to make sure that we are not creating more greenhouse gas production in this corridor. We have to make sure we are [considering] the folks who have generally borne the burden of transportation projects, that their voices are heard and that they will see the benefits that come from a project of this size,” Johnson said.
“
We have to make sure we are [considering] the folks who have generally borne the burden of transportation projects, that their voices are heard and that they will see the benefits that come from a project of this size.”
- Greg Johnson
NOVEMBER 2021 9
“We’ve had conversations with each of the tribal governments that are affected in this region and are connected to the Columbia River. So we’ve talked about fishing rights, and how we plan on protecting the river through the construction process as well. … Our steps are much more rigorous than are required, because we know that this is tremendously important to this region,” Johnson explained. Equity for all Black Indigenous People of Color is a key aspect when considering the purposes of the rebuild. When the original Interstate Bridge was built, the community on the Portland side of the bridge was split, causing Black-owned businesses to close and separate from public transportation. Not only are these issues prevalent, but minority groups are still disproportionately affected by greenhouse gases produced by heavy traffic. “We are talking to our partners about a system-wide approach to minimizing green house gases. We are only five miles of road way in a system of thousands of miles of interstate on each side of the river. So we know that we can’t change the entire dynamic, but we can make important changes that can be mimicked in other projects. … We’ve created a climate framework to talk about how we can have the lowest impact on the climate in both the planning, design, construction and the operation phases of the project,” Johnson explained. While equity is a major concern for the IBR program, additionally, they are aiming to reduce congestion, create more availability for public transportation and improve freight traffic. Expanding accessibility for public transportation and pedestrian traffic is another way of combating climate change, in small capacities. Raising the bridge so that it will no longer need to be drawn for river traffic will also reduce greenhouse gases by removing the rate of exhaustion created by stop-and-go traffic. Armando Antonino, president of the Associated Students of WSU Vancouver and senior majoring in integrated strategic communication, said students in Portland would have a better opportunity to benefit from WSU Vancouver’s PDX tuition advantage. This tuition allows Portland residents to attend WSU Vancouver without paying out-of-state tuition. With a reconstructed bridge that has more transportation opportunities, WSU Vancouver would be able to further diversify its student body and make the campus more accessible.
“Historically, when infrastructure projects like highways and bridges were originally created, they decimated communities of color and as a result, those communities are still trying to [repair] the damage that was caused. Priorities for this project should be focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and what’s going to work for everybody,” Antonino said. “At the end of the day, we need an equitable way to move between Portland and Vancouver in a safe, effective and reliable manner, [while keeping in mind] whose communities are at stake and whose communities could benefit or be harmed.” As of now, IBR’s project is still in infrastructure stages and is currently working toward a supplemental environmental impact statement. Once that process is complete, the project will go into design in 2024, and hopefully, begin construction in 2025. ASWSUV President Armando Antonino explains how remodeling city infrastructures can serve not only as reparations for a past of ecological racism, but more broadly make space for young voices to be heard in future projects. (Emily Baumann/The VanCougar)
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NOVEMBER 2021
NOVEMBER 2021 11
THE ABS_NCE OF
INDIGENOUS
REPRESENTATION
ON CAMPUS
Bethanie Collette | Reporter
Gone widely unnoticed, Indigenous students have found it hard to access support and find a sense of community within WSU Vancouver. Noting the importance of Indigenous visibility on campus, Steven Fountain, director of Native American affairs, explains Indigenous representation is absent when compared to other universities. “There are other campuses that are our size and smaller across the northwest that have a center, some of them have their own plank house or something that is visibly a native center on campus and we don’t have that,” Fountain said. Although it is common to see clubs slowly disband as student leaders graduate, this process was accelerated during the pandemic, as there were little to no on-campus activities for the majority of 2020. The same rings true for the once active Native Students Club, and since its dormancy, there have been minimal discussions over re-establishing the organization.
are when he began researching potential clubs at the Center for Intercultural Learning and Affirmation. “I was really excited because the multicultural center would be the best place to go to find these resources. My grandfather was raised in a Native American boarding school, and when I walked in [the multicultural center] and asked about it, I was greeted with blank looks,” Mead stated. Fountain explains difficulties of navigating college life can be reduced by providing resources for underrepresented groups, such as Indigenous or first-generation students. Many minority students find solace in clubs that provide specific resources, such as scholarships, events and research or career opportunities, and yet, Fountain and Mead believe these resources are nowhere to be found for Indigenous students at WSU Vancouver. ll/Th eV anC ouga r)
D
eemed as a safe haven for a wide variety of diverse clubs, WSU Vancouver falls short of one major form of student representation: a severe lack of resources for Indigenous students.
eg an Tu thi
“It’s really easy to say you’re serving [over 90%] of your students without doing a thing for our [Indigenous (M o. log students], ” Fountain said. “It’s always an e’s b i r an T easy thing to point and say ‘well, we’ve got Indi z t i l Graphic inspired by the Cow larger constituencies elsewhere,’ but that is also ignoring things like the Centennial Accord. WSU has a memorandum of understanding with a dozen tribes across the region, there’s a treaty language, there’s a lot of Chris Mead, a junior biology student, first became aware of things that are legal and moral obligations of land grant schools.” how limited the resources for Native and Indigenous students
As someone who has been working with the Native American Advisory Board since 2016, Fountain said initiatives have been put forth to establish more on-campus resources, but the progress is incredibly slow-moving, and has been delayed even further because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the return of in-person classes, the advisory board is now discussing new ways to raise awareness and establish an on-campus community for Indigenous students. “I think just getting a little bit more visibility, if there is a club, if there is a sign, if there are tribal flags hanging in the Firstenburg Student Commons, those kinds of things would be harder to ignore and it would help those students find their community here, and I think that’s really important,” Fountain explained. While signs or tribal flags around campus will no doubt increase recognition, the efforts being made to create Indigenous resources by the Native American Advisory Board do not end with just hanging posters. To commemorate Native American Heritage Month, events have been organized to celebrate Indigenous culture and history at WSU Vancouver. One of these includes the Cultural Arts and Equity Hip-Hop series’ “Redstone: Restoring Hope through Art and Culture” event occurring on Nov. 5. Additionally, another resource being introduced to WSU Vancouver’s campus is the Tribal Nation Building Leadership program. Created in 2013 by the Native American Advisory Board, the program is in conjunction with WSU President Kirk Schulz and has been exclusive to the Pullman campus in the past. As of 2021, the program has become available virtually for students attending the Vancouver, Tri-Cities and Everett campuses. “The idea is to build a multi-campus cohort of Native Ameri-
can and Alaska Native students who can then work through this program,” Fountain stated. “Course work is a part of that, but it’s really meant to build towards practical internships so that students can work in an area of their interests that will also serve a tribe or an agency.” While many of these resources are slowly rolling out to the Vancouver campus, Mead and Fountain still agree more needs to be done when properly addressing the needs of all Indigenous students. “I think that having resources available for students to embrace and learn about their history and their culture [would be beneficial]. There’s not a lot of Native American records, so it would be nice if there were faculty or someone to help facilitate any of those needs,” said Mead. Having someone on campus who is knowledgeable about Indigenous perspectives, campus life and helpful resources available, Fountain says, would be a beneficial start in assessing community necessities. “It has become the advisory board’s top priority to get an elder in residence position, somebody who would be clearly visible, that could be a mentor to students, that could help facilitate some of that community building, to do some of that outreach work with students to help with networking and so forth to help find community but also bring that expertise to campus,” Fountain said. Since WSU Vancouver has reopened, there has been a vast resurgence of clubs and activities overall. By taking action on establishing the Tribal Nation Building Leadership program, mentors, tribal flags and events on campus, both Mead and Fountain believe these initiatives could be key successors in providing a welcoming environment for Indigenous students.
“I was really excited because the multicultural center would be the best place to go to find these resources. My grandfather was raised in a Native American boarding school, and when I walked in [the multicultural center] and asked about it, I was greeted with blank looks.”
- Chris Mead
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NOVEMBER 2021
COUGAR BITES: sensational ciders
Fall in love with these locally crafted beverages, perfect for the autumn season.
Emily Baumann | Editor-in-Chief
Rambling Route
While some fall enthusiasts might enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or pumpkin spice lattes, hard ciders are an essential drink, capturing the sweet, bitter and citrus flavors that bring us a familiar comfort as the autumn weather settles in. Being in the hub of America’s sprouting love for hard ciders, The VanCougar introduces four local brands from the Portland metropolitan area that you’re sure to enjoy throughout your seasonal endeavors.
Originating from a family farm in Yakima Valley, Washington, Rambling Route embodies a bland and mellow flavor compared to the other three ciders. While the beverage contains a decent amount of citrus extracted from Washington-grown apples, Rambling Route mirrors the zest and bitterness of an India pale ale, distinguishing itself as a contrast from other conventional ciders.
Hollow Jack ‘d
Made by 2 Towns Ciderhouse in Corvallis, Oregon, the Hollow Jack’d cider serves as a nice treat for anyone wanting something sweet. Caramelized and fermented with apples and pumpkin honey derived from Oregon bees, the drink could be compared to a fresh apple pie, lingering with an after-taste of warm cinnamon spice. Considering its reputation as a dessert cider, Hollow Jack’d is a great start for first-timers looking to delve into sweeter harvest drinks.
The beverage market has become saturated with blends that are perfect for the holidays or any occasion. Between Washington and Oregon serving as the state pinnacles for growth in the cider industry, these options commemorate the chilly November weather soon approaching. Make sure to pick up a few of these ciders at your local grocery store, as we hope you take the chance to enjoy these fruity and herbal blends!
Huckleberry Lemon
Huckleberry Lemon from Tumalo Cider Co. promises a refreshing flavor combination, containing the basics of a tart lemon citrus. Located in Bend, Oregon, Tumalo Cider delivers semi-sweet blends which are tried and true to the roots of Central Oregon. Unlike the Hollow Jack’d, this cider presents a sugary but slightly dry profile, leaving the opportunity for those wanting to drink this optional cider all year round.
Pumpkin Spice Blending whole spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice and ginger, this fall beverage is fermented with 100% northwest apples, cultivating a traditional cider. Advertised as a “delicious tribute to the flavors of autumn,” the Portland Cider Company’s Pumpkin Spice Cider executes a semi-dry taste that hints more towards potent spices, rather than the expectation of sweetness provided by a holiday beverage. If you’re wanting a taste of fall that doesn’t contain overpowering flavors, this Pumpkin Spice cider might just be the drink for you.
Pumpkin Spice cider from Portland Cider Company. (Emily Baumann / The VanCougar)
Editor’s Note: The VanCougar does not encourage individuals who are pregnant or under 21 to consume alcoholic beverages.
THURS.
4
Super new moon
November m a r k yo u r c a l e n da r . . .
WED.
17
Leonid meteor shower
SUN.
7
Women’s Climbing Night at The Source 6 - 9 p.m.
THURS.
11
Partial lunar eclipse
FRI.
19
WED.
Veterans Day Campus Closed
17
BaCE: Trauma Informed Campus 12 - 2 p.m. Via Zoom
THURS.
Open Play Volleyball 7 - 9 p.m. Pleasant Valley Middle School
18
21 THURS.
FRI.
19
Open Play Ultimate Frisbee 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Salmon Creek Indoor Sports Arena
SUN.
25
Thanksgiving Day Campus Closed
FRI.
26 SUN.
28
Native American Heritage Day Campus Closed
Open Play Soccer 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Salmon Creek Indoor Sports Arena
Beaver moon
NEXT ISSUE OF THE
VANCOUGAR ON
STANDS DEC.
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