February 6, 2017
TheVanCougar.com
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Issue XI
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Volume XXVII
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First Copy Free
Annual gallery features “Timeless” moments
Students showcase photographs captured close to home and further abroad By Yuliya Nikiforets The eighth annual Travel Café debuted in January without caffeine to be seen. Still, there were plenty of stimulants on hand for photography enthusiasts and others wandering the gallery, including five-award winning snapshots now on display in the Firstenburg Student Commons through February. Travel Café features photos that students and other community members have captured during their travels. The event gave people a taste of everything from baby elephants to shooting stars and somber portraits. Co-hosted by Salmon Creek Journal and the Office of Student Involvement, the theme for this year was “Timeless,” chosen by Victoria Moon, the marketing intern for OSI. Several dozen students, faculty, and staff came out to vote on their favorite photos and enjoy a light lunch on Jan. 25. A few of the featured artists mingled with guests to reflect on their work and check out the competition.
Others wandered down the rows of frames like museumgoers, trying to decipher each image’s intentions and techniques. “It's great to see how diverse students are at WSUV and see how far they've actually reached out and have gone in this world,” said photographer Polina Sklyarova, marveling at a third-place photo capturing a family of elephants on the move. The featured artwork encompassed various locations, some far overseas and others quite local. “When Time Was Frozen,” by the VanCougar’s own Haley Elmer, for instance, was shot at Larch Mountain. Conversations among attendees focused on the great abundance of hidden beauty existing so close to home. "I'm loving how much nature there is. I think it's really representative of the place we live in,” said junior Tommy Culhane. “[It is great] when you go to a Travel Café and so much of it revolves around the natural world." Organizers of this year's gallery said the display of natural
Amanda Flynn, editor in chief of Salmon Creek Journal, takes a break from hosting the event to admire the photographs on display and mingle with students. Photo credit: Zeke Estes
Black People United host events on campus to celebrate black culture No need for Black History Month in a perfect world, says club president By Andrew Hanchett
Students marveled at the diverse range of photographic subjects, from straightforward to abstract, that demonstrated the creativity of WSU Vancouver students. Photo credit: Zeke Estes beauty showed the timeless and unchanging consistency that the natural world offers. In the hectic world of everyday lives, nature is a place of solace sought by many. It is no surprise that a majority of the photographers also drew from nature to match the “Timeless” theme. When all the votes were in, the chosen winners were “Countless Stars With You" by Robin Nguyen, which won
first place from the fine arts department and the People's Choice award. "Abandoned" by Faun Scurlock won second place, and "Emerging Stronger" by Jennifer Ruthruff received third place. The top social media pick was "Lost In Time" by Robin Nguyen. For those who missed the Travel Café but still wish to see the work of their fellow Cougs, Salmon Creek Journal will soon
be publishing much of this year’s gallery in print and online. The journal's 2017 issue will feature prose, poetry, visual art, digital art and feature performance art. Free copies will be available at a launch party later this spring. For more details, please visit SCJ’s website. n
This month Washington State University Vancouver’s Black People United club will host several events in observance of Black History Month, a tradition in the U.S. since 1976. Jasmine Rucker, the president of BPU, said that Black History Month exists because “history has constantly been whitewashed.” She said that not enough light is given to people of color and that most Americans fail to go beyond slavery when discussing the past of African American citizens. Rucker said that the goal of Black History Month is to move away from categorizing people as descended from either slaves or slave owners. Airriana Jasper, the director of public relations at BPU, said the club wants to take advantage of the entire month in order to address the full spectrum of black culture. “In a perfect world we wouldn’t have Black History Month,” Rucker said. “In a perfect world every single culture would be represented effectively in history. We are not there yet.”
This will be BPU’s second year hosting a workshop called Black History in Action. According to Rucker, 180 people attended the event last year. BPU members are hoping for a similar turnout this year. Last year’s event was marked by great diversity, Rucker said, and this year the club is hoping for a receptive audience regardless of the turnout. Rucker said that the goal of the event is not to criticize other identities or cultures. Instead, the club aims to create a fun and open learning environment. She went on to describe Black History in Action’s progressive focus and goal of facilitating an open dialogue where everyone feels comfortable. The "action" workshop will be held in the Firstenburg Student Commons on Feb. 23, starting at 5 p.m. An African dance troupe will lead off the event by highlighting some of the far-flung roots of African American culture. Sky Wilson, an English instructor, will give a keynote address titled "Our Historical Burden to Recharge the Tradition of Black
Continued on page 4
2 | STUDENT LIFE Stay "fresh:" Leadership conference held at PSU builds better leaders Motivational speaker visits Portland to improve students' leadership skills By Megan Peaker Students from Washington State University Vancouver and Portland State University recently had the opportunity to learn new skills to better their leadership at the PSU Leadership conference, sponsored in part by the Cougar Leadership Program. A series of panels and keynote speakers shed light on how to turn passions into paychecks. Frank Cornelius Kitchen has a passion for public speaking and used his own name as a starting point for motivation. As a child, he thought his parents were evil for giving him the initials F.C.K. As he grew older, he learned to have fun with his name and turned it into a successful public speaking business. Now he travels around the world to present speeches and empower people to accomplish their goals. His keynote speech at the leadership conference was full of lighthearted fun highlighting a serious issue: how do you stay motivated in the face of adversity? “Things don’t happen now, they don’t happen overnight. You have to work for them,” Kitchen said. According to Kitchen, this is a lesson all too many people fail to take to heart and then wonder why their dreams do not pan out. Kitchen then shared his recipe for how to stay motivated, which he calls living F.R.E.S.H. The acronym stands for focused, resourceful, enthusiastic, strong and honest. One should first focus their goals, as unspecific
goals are a killer to productivity. Next, pursuers of F.R.E.S.H. must be resourceful by knowing what they have, what they need and finding out how to get what they lack. According to Kitchen, being enthusiastic seems like a no brainer but often is the point when people give up. Kitchen said to stay enthusiastic about the end goal because getting there is often tedious. Stay mentally strong. “Where your mind goes, your body will follow,” Kitchen said. Lastly, to be F.R.E.S.H. one must be honest with him or herself and with others by acknowledging faults and not blaming others. After the keynote speech, participants headed off to workshops that covered a diverse range of topics including self-care, turning passion into a career and planning inclusive college events. After the first session, lunch was served and a networking lesson presented that focused on communications as a relationship-building tool. Other workshops covered personal branding, prioritizing commitments, personal values and successfully living your dreams. The networking lesson was put to the test at the end of the day with a game of networking bingo. “Success is the reality of living your dreams, passion or purpose,” Kitchen said. For more information about Frank Kitchen and living F.R.E.S.H. visit http:// www.frankkitchen.com/. n
Frank Kitchen, keynote speaker at the PSU Leadership conference, inspires attendees to boldly pursue their goals. Photo credit: Megan Peaker
2016 THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY VANCOUVER The VanCougar is a student-run newspaper serving the students, faculty and staff of WSU Vancouver. The VanCougar is available at distribution sites in the lobbies of most WSU Vancouver buildings. The VanCougar may be viewed online at TheVanCougar.com.
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The VanCougar welcomes brief letters (250 words or fewer) 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. Letters and suggestions may be delivered to the Office of Student Involvement, the VanCougar office (VDEN 160), or e-mailed to vancouged@wsu.edu. For more information about the VanCougar's policy on letters and other information, please visit the VanCougar policy section of TheVanCougar.com The VanCougar | Dengerink Administration Building (VDEN) Room 160 | 14024 NW Salmon Creek Ave. | Vancouver, Wash. 98686 | 360-546-9524
Washington State University Vancouver
STAFF DIRECTORY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ALEXANDER PERU . vancouged@wsu.edu MANAGING EDITOR HALEY ELMER . vancougme@wsu.edu ADVERTISING MANAGER DAWN BAILEY . vancougad@wsu.edu LAYOUT AND DESIGN EDITOR CHARLES MITCHELL . vancouglo@wsu.edu WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER AUZ BURGER . vancougso@wsu.edu TEAM EDITORS AUZ BURGER REPORTERS KELLI ANDERSON LAYNE BAUER EMILY BRATCHER TOMMY CULHANE SAVANNA FORD
ANDREW HANCHETT QUETZALI RAMIREZ YULIYA NIKIFORETS MEGAN PEAKER
STUDENT LIFE | 3
Campus Events
Album review: “Take Me Over” by Hellso Local students release EP
Photo credit: Hellso
By Emily Bratcher Students show their passions through many forms at Washington State University Vancouver. Everyday on campus hard working students pursue their dreams and degrees. Many students choose to partake in extracurricular activities and on campus jobs that the university offers. These activities and jobs can lead to creative outlets for students’ interests. Two creative souls came together through the campus media organizations Salmon Creek Journal and The VanCougar and discovered a shared love of music. Kerry Jeffrey and Michael Williams recently produced an EP that is catchy and will have listeners jamming out to a varied mix of genres and moods. Jeffrey was the former editor in chief of Salmon Creek Journal, and Williams was the former managing editor of The VanCougar. The two first met back in 2014. After working together professionally, the two discovered they shared a similar interest in alternative rock music. Both had experience as musicians and as band members. Williams had a passion for singing and guitar playing, while Jeffrey knew how play bass, as well as sing. Out of this shared passion for music came the band Hellso and its first EP, “Take Me Over.” Many of the group's first days of collaboration occurred via email as they sent each other musical riffs with which to experiment. In the summer of 2016, Jeffrey and Williams got together to record at a studio with a guest drummer. The album was a “cumulative effort of about three months
of intensive songwriting,” said Williams, and features sounds that are both grungy and unique. In the brutal summer heat of Aug. 2016, the group recorded in a Portland studio with David Lindell, the EP’s producer. With just Jeffrey and Williams as the sole band members at the time, they were somewhat limited with instrumentation. Luckily, a friend from Bend came up to Portland to record drums for them. Jeffrey and Williams drew inspiration from bands like the Pixies and Modest Mouse, and their EP has sounds that range from punk pop and indie to classic grunge. The instrumentation and lyrics produced by the two are perfect for the nights when you need to blast quality tunes, rock out and dance, or just get lost in thought. The album has a total of five tracks. “Diana,” the first track, is a good introduction to the art that these two produced. “Diana” is a story that can be interpreted as telling the tale of a relationship and memories shared between a couple. The chorus asserts, “Oh, Diana you could be the one.” You can feel the emotion that went into this song with the upbeat tempos and drum break. The songs after that are titled: “Take Me Over,” “Got Real,” “Wild” and “Better Anything.” Each song is unique and gives off its own idea and vibe. At times when listening, one gets an indie vibe and there are times when you want to just head bang to the music. There is variety and depth between each track that makes for a solid album. “Take Me Over” appeals to a lot of different crowds, and it can be difficult to do that in music because of listeners’
personal preferences and tastes. The album is free to listen to and can be found on Hellso’s Bandcamp page at https://hellsovnc.bandcamp. com/album/. With their first EP under their belts, Jeffrey and Williams are looking to expand Hellso’s horizons. Williams and Jeffrey have big plans for the summer of 2017. With five more tracks already planned, the two are aiming to release a full-length album within the year. In a few months, the band plans to play live and do some touring as well. The band is currently looking for a drummer and bassist. Musicians experienced with either instrument can contact Jeffrey at KLJeffrey86@gmail.com. Hellso has a unique story, and an even more diverse repertoire of music. Take a listen, fall in love and get lost in the greatness that is “Take Me Over.” n
Monday, February 6 n Where We Build: Impacts of Power and Control 4:10 - 6:10 p.m. VDEN 129 Open to students Tuesday, February 7 n Making the Most of the Career Fair 12 - 12:50 p.m. FSC 104 Open to all Wednesday, February 8 n Self-care in stressful times workshop 2:10 - 3 p.m. Location TBA Open to students n Making the Most of the Career Fair 3:10 - 4 p.m. FSC 104 Open to all Thursday, February 9 n The History of Immigration Law in the U.S. 12 - 1:15 p.m. MMC 22 n Film: "I'm Not Racist... Am I?" 5 p.m. FSC Open to all n Professional Writers Series: Martha Grover and Michael Heald, "Getting Personal: Memoirs and Essays" 7 p.m. MMC 6 Open to all Friday, February 10 n Traditional B&W Photography Workshop Part 1/3 12 - 3 p.m. MMC 107 Open to all Monday, February 13 n Global Cougs 101 3:10 - 4 p.m. SSC 101 Open to students n Where We Build: Sexual and Reproductive Health 4:10 - 6:10 p.m. VDEN 129 Open to students
Tuesday, February 14 n Career and Internship Fair 2 - 5 p.m. FSC Open to students and alumni Wednesday, February 15 n Career and Internship Fair 2 - 5 p.m. FSC Open to students and alumni n State of the University Address and Drive to 25 Public Kickoff 3 p.m. VSCI 12 Thursday, February 16 n "Becoming American: Immigration and Racial Inequality in the U.S." 12 - 1 p.m. Library Open to all n Career and Internship Fair 2 - 5 p.m. FSC Open to students and alumni Friday, February 17 n Traditional B&W Photography Workshop Part 2/3 12 - 3 p.m. MMC 107 Open to all Monday, February 20 n President's Day No classes n Where We Build: Overcoming Barriers and Accessing Care 4:10 - 6:10 p.m. VDEN 129 Open to students Tuesday, February 21 n Self Defense Class 6 - 8:15 p.m. VDEN 129 Open to students, staff and faculty RSVP on Cougsync n VanCougar Issue 12 on stands
Just what are LibGuides?
These online Subject & Class Guides contain information and tips on resources designed to assist you with conducting research. They are created by librarians for specific courses or for specific subject areas.
Check them out at: http://libguides.vancouver.wsu.edu/
Washington State University Vancouver
4 | CAMPUS NEWS “Now What?” political discussion gauges the climate of WSU Vancouver
"Black History Month," continued from from page 1
Event brings students and community members together to discuss political events By Layne Bauer
Photo credit: Black People United Liberation.” Food will be catered by Po'Shines Cafe De La Soul. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a jeopardy game. Throughout the month, BPU will be posting facts on its Facebook page that will then serve as answers to the game. The event is free and open to everyone, but the club encourages students to bring Cougar Food Pantry donations. The Cougar Food Pantry is a free resource for WSU students in need of food. Requests for food are anonymous. The club will also be streaming “I’m Not a Racist…am I?” a documentary that follows a diverse group of 12 New York City teenagers and their families. The documentary will be streamed in FSC at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Jasper said the goal of the documentary is to start a dialogue about racism. According to Jasper, it is important to consider the question posed by the documentary: where are people as far as racism goes? The film’s director, Catherine Wigginton Green, will lead the audience in a workshop after the screening. Last Thursday, BPU kicked off the month with a workshop titled “How to be an Ally.” Cynthia Cooper, professor of molecular genetics, facilitated a panel discussion with BPU members who shared their experience on campus as students of color and gave tips on how the student body can show support to the black community. “We need to normalize blackness,” emphasized BPU vice president Jose Scott. About 30 people attended the event. The official statement Washington State University Vancouver
of Black People United says that the club “supports and empowers Black students, staff and faculty members by having gatherings, initiating discussions and hosting events that focus on the Black and African American community.” Rucker said that one of the purposes of the club is to build a support community for black students. According to the Office of Student Affairs, 3% of students on campus are black. However, the club also seeks to provide a learning experience to those who do not understand diversity. “It is important that we have our club to show that support,” said Rucker, “but it is also important that we have our club to be that voice on campus so people don’t forget that we are here.” According to Jasper, that is the mission of any cultural or ethnic club. She said that she thinks WSU Vancouver is a very progressive campus. Even though “hiccups” happen, Jasper said the administration currently in place is supportive. Rucker said BPU meetings are open to anyone who wishes to engage in a “reasonable and sensible” dialogue. All Black History Month events are organized by BPU with funding and partnership from the diversity council, ASWSUV and the Student Diversity Center. For more information, please contact BPU at van.club.bpu@wsu.edu. n
Two efforts aimed at civil discourse on campus joined forces last month to take the temperature of local politics and grassroots organizing at Washington State University Vancouver. On Jan. 19, the Initiative for Public Deliberation (IPD) and the VanCoug American Democracy (ADP) sponsored “Now What?” a political discourse event that allowed students, faculty and community members to discuss the political climate of WSU Vancouver. Individuals who attended were divided into groups to exchange ideas and opinions on particular issues or topics of interest relating to the WSU Vancouver community. The participants involved then came together to share results of the open dialogue, which reinforced the importance of civic engagement and inspired many participants to pursue it further. “Now What?” was not like typical political discussion events in which a few select people get to discuss controversial topics to an assembled audience. The event was structured along the lines of a Socratic seminar. The content concerned contemporary and future possibilities for WSU Vancouver. Necessary ground rules promoted respectful speech, and active listening and acceptance towards disagreements set the tone of the event while
simultaneously stirring excitement for those who came. Under this modus operandi, participants broke into groups to respond to open-ended questions about how the university “SOARs,” an acronym for Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations and Results. Prompts asked individuals to share what they thought the university should build upon, best future possibilities and what more they want from the school. After careful deliberation, attendees met the goal of the event by becoming better equipped to inspire civic conversation with others. “We should all have a stake in what goes on here at WSU Vancouver,” said Tyler Davis, student coordinator for the ADP, trained IPD facilitator, ASWSUV election board member and vice chair with the 49th Legislative District Democrats. Davis became involved civically onand off-campus after recognizing the necessity of civic engagement and the vast implications of political influence. Among the group discussions throughout the event, much common ground was found, despite opinions stemming from diverse viewpoints. For example, increased student engagement, more opportunities to become involved and expanding available professional experiences were some of the many popular results of the conversations. As individuals
became more involved throughout the event, it was apparent that critical thinking and civility were valuable assets for community building. Despite diverse individual opinions on political views, interests towards university affairs or idealized versions of the campus’ future, there was undeniable camaraderie at the event. This feeling of camaraderie and unity enabled the voices of students and community members to be heard. As the university continues to grow, individuals who become invested in the discourse and community of WSU Vancouver will become active participants in defining what it means to be a Coug. The ADP has served as a resource for students to become involved with and have their voices heard regarding important challenges since 2012. The organization hosts events and activities that are open to anyone on campus and within the community. The ADP seeks to promote participation in the democratic process, deliberative dialogue, civil discourse and civic engagement. Additionally, those interested have the opportunity to join the IDP, which also advocates for an increase of civic engagement of WSU Vancouver, the campus community and southwest Washingtonians. The IDP provides moderated public forums addressing current issues while improving the quality of public discussions. n
Students participate in constructive dialogue about ways they can impact the WSU Vancouver community. Photo credit: Layne Bauer
CAMPUS NEWS | 5
Paying tribute to Mike White Remembering a pillar of the Coug community Editor's note: Friends and colleagues say senior Mike White was always ready to support his fellow VanCougs in ways both silly and serious. White passed away in December 2016. Later this month, look for more coverage of his legacy at TheVanCougar.com. The VanCougar has constructed this small picture gallery in remembrance of White. n
Mike White always had a smile ready for his fellow students. Photo credit: WSU Vancouver Student Diversity
Mike White lends a hand and a smile at a Diversity Center open house. Photo credit: WSU Vancouver Student Diversity
Mike White (second from left) celebrates Disability Awareness Month with fellow VanCougs. Photo credit: WSU Vancouver Student Diversity
Mike White (right) rocks out at a KOUG Radio open house. Photo credit: Kerry Layne Jeffrey
Scott Nadelson brings short story writing to a new level
The Professional Writers Series kicks off with short story seminar By Megan Peaker Author Scott Nadelson recently led the first workshop in the annual Professional Writers Series called “Mastering the Short Story.” Washington State University Vancouver’s Professional Writers Series is a series of lectures that brings professional writers from various genres to campus. The writers help guests improve their writing skills and techniques, as well as talk about their professional writing careers. Cory Blystone, a student on campus, introduced the speaker. “His fiction reads as non-fiction and his fiction reads as true,” said Blystone. Nadelson is a published author and is living the life of a middle class writer. Nadelson said he started life wanting to be a rock star and when his dreams died from a lack of musical talent, he started writing poetry. In a happy accident, Nadelson signed up for a fiction class rather than a poetry class, and the mistake led him to where he is today. Nadelson said that writers should be inspired by other writers. His literary inspirations are Flannery O’Connor, William
Faulkner and James Joyce. He also said that writers take time to write, practice writing and fail at writing. “You don’t get better by not doing,” Nadelson said. Hawthorne Books is the publishing company that first published Nadelson, and they have now published four of his books. Nadelson’s most recent book is called “Between You and Me.” It is a novel built out of smaller pieces, using his strengths as a short story writer to culminate in a larger whole. At the event, Nadelson invited the audience to participate in a writing exercise. The audience was instructed to write a scene in which a character gets pulled into a place they do not belong. Part way through, Nadelson told the assembled writers to make their characters realize something about the scene that they were not expecting, either good or bad. After a short question and answer period, the first presentation of the Professional Writers’ series concluded. Howard Aaron, an English professor at WSU Vancouver, coordinates the Professional Writers Series. He contacts the authors and brings them
Professional writer Scott Nadelson reads from his novel "Between You and Me" at the first workshop in the 2017 Professional Writers Series. Photo credit: Megan Peaker to
campus for his class. For students, this means college credit can be obtained by signing up for Aaron’s English 499 course. For students not in
English 499, the events are free and open to the public. The next presentation is Feb. 9, and is titled “Getting Personal: Memoirs and Essays.” The presentations take
place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Multimedia Building, room 6. For more information about Scott Nadelson visit http://scottnadelson.com.n
Washington State University Vancouver
6 | CAMPUS EVENTS
Donation program assists incarcerated women WORTH undergarment drive at WSU Vancouver provides clothing essentials By Kelli Anderson Washington State University Vancouver has hosted an undergarment drive for incarcerated women for two years. It began when former Student Development Club president Allegra Koupal started volunteering for the WORTH program. The WORTH program seeks to provide support and assistance to inmates in the Clark
County Corrections Center and the Clark County Work Center. WORTH has partnered with the Office of Student Involvement and the Human Development Club to host a bra, underwear and sock drive for incarcerated women. The drive is taking place on campus until Friday, Feb. 10, and donation boxes are situated in FSC, VLIB, VUB and VDEN. OSI is asking for new bras, underwear and socks of all sizes to go to the Second Step
Housing’s WORTH program, which assists incarcerated women at the Clark County Corrections Center and Clark County Work Center prepare for re-entry into society through donations and volunteers. These ordinary objects have the ability to boost selfesteem and provide women with the confidence they need to succeed after incarceration. Stevi Warner, the programming intern at OSI, is
heading the WORTH fundraiser this year. “Providing basic clothing needs to incarcerated people allow them to begin their journey of transformation,” said Warner. “Individuals who are sentenced up to a year in jail are not guaranteed basic clothing needs like underwear and socks.” The WORTH program accepts volunteers who can provide positive, judgement free support to incarcerated people. Volunteers will spend
their time teaching new skills, informing participants of community resources, and lending encouragement in helping them achieve their goals. Community members wishing to volunteer or wondering what donations are currently needed may email info@secondstephousing.org. To learn more about Second Step Housing and the WORTH program visit http://www. secondstephousing.org. n
Smoothies and espresso energize spring involvement fair
Students learn the many ways to get involved on campus at engaging event also entered students into a raffle to win a Starbucks card, gas card or free movie tickets. The clubs at the event were enthusiastic about telling about what their organizations have done, what they stand for and what they plan to do in the future. For example, API held a karaoke game night last year where students enjoyed a delicious meal while playing trivia to enter for a chance to win prizes throughout the event. “We’re about bringing
together the Asian & Pacific Islander community on campus and anyone else who loves or wants to know more about our culture,” said Marissa Louie, API’s social media coordinator. The Office of Student Involvement was also present promoting the extended deadline to apply for the Ambassador program. “Being an ambassador is probably one of the best ways to get involved on campus,” said ambassador Sterling Fletcher.”
“Throughout your training you learn of every aspect of WSU and with that knowledge it’s easy to become more familiar with what goes on on campus.” These are just a few of the many campus clubs and organizations represented at the Involvement Fair. For more information on student organizations, clubs and resources on campus visit Cougsync to explore the many clubs WSU Vancouver has to offer. n
Members of Coug Cru set up their table and talk about their club to interested students. Photo credit: Zeke Estes
By Quetzali Ramirez Traditionally held at the beginning of every semester, the involvement fair arrived unusually late this year, but not without its menu of new clubs and opportunities for involvement on campus and beyond. Despite having been postponed due to weather, the Feb. 1 involvement fair presented students with an array of on-campus organizations and information about everything from video gaming and prayer circles to political action. Clubs set up in the Firstenburg Student Commons
with eye-catching tables filled with colorful trifold boards, stickers, food and information about their organizations. Clubs like the PSI Society, the Women’s Empowerment Club, the International Student Association, the Human Development Club and the Asian Pacific Islander Club (API), among others, were present. As students visited the various tables, they were provided with a stamp card. Each organization’s table had stamps to fill the card, and once a student had five stamps, they could get a free smoothie or espresso. Filling out the card
The History Club hosted a table to let students know how to get in touch with the past. Photo credit: Zeke Estes
Encounter Research at the Library Thursday, February 16th 12:00-1:00 PM at the WSU Vancouver Library
Becoming American: Immigration and Racial Inequality in the U.S. A talk by Dr. Laurie Mercier
Claudius O. and Mary W. Johnson Distinguished Professor of History • Join Dr. Mercier for an informal discussion of the history of immigration in the U.S., drawing connections with the Common Reading (Integration Nation), AfricanAmerican history, and current events. Representatives of the Student Activities Board were ready to help stuudents get involved. Photo credit: Zeke Estes Washington State University Vancouver
• Free and open to all. Bring your lunch and your questions.
[U.S. immigrants from the West Indies, 1912, via Wikimedia Commons]
STUDENT LIFE
|7
Annual Mount Bachelor ski and snowboard trip offers mountainous fun
Students seek powder and good times on weekend recreation outing By Haley Elmer Eighty-two students looked forward to a mountain and a fresh blanket of powder. This January, VanCougs went out to the slopes to shred some gnar on Bend’s infamous Mount Bachelor. Geared up and ready to go, they departed campus an hour later than expected on Friday, Jan. 27 and returned Sunday with a plethora of stories to tell. The Mount Bachelor ski and snowboarding trip is an annual trip sponsored by Washington State University Vancouver’s Recreation Program. It is a time where beginners can take lessons from recreation staff, students and faculty can mingle at a Student Activities Board social in downtown Bend, or for some people, it is a time to fall off of a ski lift in
front of dozens of onlookers. The first day of the trip was packed mostly with non-stop travel to Bend. The next morning came early and with anticipation, like that of a child on Christmas, except with college students and snow. After a breakfast buffet fit for a king, the first shuttle left for the mountain full of Cougs squirming in their seats ready to hit some powder. After a half an hour drive, the mountain came into view and the once suppressed squeals of excitement were unleashed. Various shuttles left throughout the afternoon, catering to different times students wanted to head to the mountain. Individuals who stayed on the slopes the entire time clocked in an impressive seven hours skiing or snowboarding. That night
a social took place with food carts, contests and a raffle for coveted SAB beanies. The social was a time where students and faculty connected and bonded outside of a school setting. It served as a place where students could make new friends with individuals they might not interact with on a daily basis. Once the social was complete, everyone returned back to their rooms to get ready to repeat the cycle for the next and last day of the trip, before returning to Vancouver with a mountain of memories. To find out more about the Recreation Program’s trips and activities for the semester, visit their page on Cougsync or check out their services in person at the recreation annex. n
Julie Mercado Castañeda gets ready to shred some powder. Photo credit: Quetzali Ramirez
VanCougs pose for a group picture on the mountain. Eighty-two students and staff attended the Mount Bachelor trip. Photo credit: Office of Student Involvment
Sterling Fletcher looks up the mountain eager to hit the slopes. Photo credit: Quetzali Ramirez
Snowboarders pause to rest and take in the scenery on the Mount Bachelor slopes. Photo credit: Manuel Mendoza
The Mount Bachelor trip was a time to hang out with old friends and to make new ones, surrounded by the beautiful backdrop of the Cascades. Photo credit: Haley Elmer Washington State University Vancouver
8 | CAMPUS NEWS Hinshaw assumes new role in shaping future of involvement on campus
INTRODUCING
Office of Student Involvement reshuffles administrative leadership
WSU WIRELESS
By Savanna Ford One of the most active and influential administrative offices on campus announced a reshuffling of roles as Nikki Hinshaw recently stepped into the position of assistant director of student involvement. Michelle McIlvoy, who previously led the Office of Student Involvement, will continue to advise the Student Activities Board as she takes on new responsibilities overseeing student development at Washington State University Vancouver. Hinshaw was hired from within the office, as she was employed as the student activities advisor prior to this change in staffing. A search for a replacement for Hinshaw’s former position is in the works currently and OSI hopes to find that person during the present semester. Hinshaw has served OSI since Dec. 2012 in many capacities ranging from administering Cougsync and giving lessons on its usage to budget oversight for many of WSU Vancouver’s notable programs. Before working at WSU Vancouver, Hinshaw worked with several other universities,
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Nikki Hinshaw recently became the assistant director of student affairs at the Office of Student Involvement. Photo credit: WSU Vancouver including Oregon State University and University of the Pacific, maintaining roles similar to what she has held at WSU Vancouver with a rising level of significance. Hinshaw has also been a member of various committees. She recently joined the Chancellor’s Student Achievement Selection Committee. Hinshaw received her undergraduate education at WSU Pullman, where she graduated with her bachelor’s of liberal arts in sociology. She then went on to tackle her master’s of
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education in higher education from Arizona State University. After graduation, Hinshaw applied to become an advisor and leader for students in college, which is what she has been devoted to for the past 15 years, making her way in developing and facilitating workshops and training and evaluating staff meetings. At a public ceremony in September, Hinshaw received the university’s annual Chancellor’s Award for staff excellence, and more importantly, one of the best parking spots on campus. n
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Questions? Contact the IT HelpDesk at (360) 546-9770 or email: van.evita@wsu.edu.
Students, attend multiple days!
Career & Internship Fair Spring | 2017 2 – 5 p.m. | Feb. 14–16
Employers are looking for candidates from a variety of majors.
Feb. 14 |
General Business
Feb. 15 |
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Feb. 16 |
Nonprofit, Government and Public Service
Firstenburg Student Commons Share your resume with employers by uploading it to the online resume book in CougLink by Feb. 9.
Register Online bit.ly/CareerFair2017 For more information, contact the Student Resource Center at 360-546-9155 or src@wsu.edu. Washington State University Vancouver