BY ANDREW RIED-MUNRO | Staff Reporter
From books to videos, music to magazines, Central Washington University’s Brooks Library is a wealth of knowledge and a quiet haven for studying students. But, with the current economic situation, Central’s library may be taking away some everyday resources.
According to Philip Tolin, interim dean of library services, the library is experiencing significant personnel cuts that could negatively affect the building’s patrons. The library must trim the goods and services budget, which will cut down on the purchase of movies, music, magazines, books and electronic resources.
“I think that the library is the intellectual center of the university, and any cuts are terrible,” Tolin said. “In that sense, we are in a time of economic decline and the university is making cuts all over.”
The library is making every effort to save and protect the electronic journal databases. According to Tolin, the library has reallocated the funds from the university that would have been put toward books, music resources, and visual media for the rest of this year to save the journals.
“It’s terrible when any cuts happen to any institution or any department at the university,” said Keegan Fulton, graduate student studying experimental psychology. “We have a lot of people with a wide range of topics that they are interested in, and it would be sad to see budget cuts affect the resources for those students.”
Tolin said that certain electronic resources will not be renewed after this year, including the e-book CQ, Association for Computing Machinery Digital Library, Congressional Universe, some of the full text found within the Wiley Interscience Database, Encyclopedia of American Government, and the subscriptions to Stat-USA.
As of now, the library anticipates even more cuts, which will lead to further reductions on purchasing and bigger cuts to journal and serial titles and electronic resources.
“That would be sad because I use the library a lot,” said Laura Wilson, sophomore Spanish language major. “I don’t have a printer and I also come to the library for a quiet place to work.”
For now, Tolin is handling the cuts.
“I think the cuts so far are manageable,” Tolin said. “We are losing some electronic resources but we can get pretty much everything through the internet library.”
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Student veteran fights to secure financial aid
BY KELLY REQUA | Staff Reporter
OLYMPIA - Chris Goehner sat patiently in the Washington State Senate Gallery Monday afternoon, surrounded by fellow Central Washington University students, as they waited for the senators to return from caucus.
Goehner and his service dog, Pele, had been in meetings with senators and representatives all morning, lobbying for funding for higher education and veterans’ issues. Goehner is not an elected student official and is not getting paid to spend his time in Olympia - he’s just a guy who wants to make sure his voice is heard.
Goehner stayed in Olympia through Tuesday and met with representatives and their staff between sessions. He has a talent for finding representatives when they have a spare minute, but gives Pele credit for grabbing their attention.
“Pele gets me in the door, so they’ve got something cute to look at and they’ll listen to me,” Goehner said.
Goehner is a disabled Iraq war veteran with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Pele, his large yellow lab service dog, helps him stay grounded and has aided him becoming a successful student, triple majoring in psychology, public administration and political science.
Goehner grew up in nearby Cashmere and enlisted in the Navy after graduating high school in 2003. He became a Navy Corpsman attached to a Marine Corp unit out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. and served two deployments in Iraq, before being medically discharged for PTSD in 2006.
“I enjoyed my job,” Goehner said. “I got to see what I wanted to see, I got to do what I wanted to do. I miss it, I want to go back some days.”
After being discharged, Goehner joined the Veterans Conservation Corp, a program that allows veterans to do volunteer and conservation work in return for a monetary stipend and help transitioning back to civilian life. Goehner took classes at Wenatchee Valley Community College and finished his associate degree last year. He now lives in Ellensburg with his wife while attending Central.
Recently, Goehner has been actively speaking out against the proposed budget cuts that will affect the university. He attended the rally in Olympia on Monday and spent his own time meeting with state senators and representatives. Goehner makes it his goal to ensure students understand what is going on and that veterans get their word in, as well.
“He’s aggressive towards the legislative agenda,” said senior Perris Davis, political science and public policy major. “His experience gives him a particular outlook on different issues that he cares about - one that necessarily not other people have.”
According to Goehner, veterans are a minority on campus and are hard to organize since there are no distinct features that set them apart from the rest of the student population.
“Unfortunately, we can’t just walk down the hall and be able to find each other easily based on the color of skin,” Goehner said. “We don’t have visible features, but we still are a minority and we need to help each other out.”
Goehner explains that it’s hard for veterans to receive financial aid due to their combat pay, which is too much to allow them to qualify for it. Goehner sees this as a cop-out by the university because they expect the Veterans Affairs Office (VA) to pay for veterans’ tuition, when often, the VA is months late in payments.
While the GI Bill does help veterans pay for tuition, it can be wasteful to use a month’s worth of GI bill to cover a few classes, he said. Goehner would like to see some state financial aid available to veterans who are just beginning to get back into school and are only taking a few courses each quarter.
“The other thing is, yeah we’re service members, but we paid into that and I think the very least they can do is treat us like normal citizens and give us financial aid just the same as any other student coming to school,” Goehner said.
For Goehner, the rally on Monday was more than just an opportunity to lobby for higher education - it was an opportunity to lobby for mental health and veterans’ issues, as well.
Rachael Helseth, freshman education major, credits Goehner with getting her involved in the rally and lobbying the legislature.
“He’s very good at persuasion and being assertive about getting involved,” Helseth said. “Pele is definitely awesome too - they complement each other.”
Goehner acknowledges the increase in student involvement but notes that the legislature ends in about a month and that students are still very late in organizing.
“We’re getting laughed at,” Goehner said. “I’m not trying to dock the students, it’s just they need to realize it’s not a simple task.”
Goehner has no plans after college, but jokes about buying a van and living in Wal-Mart parking lots to professionally contribute to the People of Wal-Mart Web site.
“Every week new things present themselves,” Goehner said. “But for right now that’s my long-range plan.”
OLYMPIA - Chris Goehner sat patiently in the Washington State Senate Gallery Monday afternoon, surrounded by fellow Central Washington University students, as they waited for the senators to return from caucus.
Goehner and his service dog, Pele, had been in meetings with senators and representatives all morning, lobbying for funding for higher education and veterans’ issues. Goehner is not an elected student official and is not getting paid to spend his time in Olympia - he’s just a guy who wants to make sure his voice is heard.
Goehner stayed in Olympia through Tuesday and met with representatives and their staff between sessions. He has a talent for finding representatives when they have a spare minute, but gives Pele credit for grabbing their attention.
“Pele gets me in the door, so they’ve got something cute to look at and they’ll listen to me,” Goehner said.
Goehner is a disabled Iraq war veteran with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Pele, his large yellow lab service dog, helps him stay grounded and has aided him becoming a successful student, triple majoring in psychology, public administration and political science.
Goehner grew up in nearby Cashmere and enlisted in the Navy after graduating high school in 2003. He became a Navy Corpsman attached to a Marine Corp unit out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. and served two deployments in Iraq, before being medically discharged for PTSD in 2006.
“I enjoyed my job,” Goehner said. “I got to see what I wanted to see, I got to do what I wanted to do. I miss it, I want to go back some days.”
After being discharged, Goehner joined the Veterans Conservation Corp, a program that allows veterans to do volunteer and conservation work in return for a monetary stipend and help transitioning back to civilian life. Goehner took classes at Wenatchee Valley Community College and finished his associate degree last year. He now lives in Ellensburg with his wife while attending Central.
Recently, Goehner has been actively speaking out against the proposed budget cuts that will affect the university. He attended the rally in Olympia on Monday and spent his own time meeting with state senators and representatives. Goehner makes it his goal to ensure students understand what is going on and that veterans get their word in, as well.
“He’s aggressive towards the legislative agenda,” said senior Perris Davis, political science and public policy major. “His experience gives him a particular outlook on different issues that he cares about - one that necessarily not other people have.”
According to Goehner, veterans are a minority on campus and are hard to organize since there are no distinct features that set them apart from the rest of the student population.
“Unfortunately, we can’t just walk down the hall and be able to find each other easily based on the color of skin,” Goehner said. “We don’t have visible features, but we still are a minority and we need to help each other out.”
Goehner explains that it’s hard for veterans to receive financial aid due to their combat pay, which is too much to allow them to qualify for it. Goehner sees this as a cop-out by the university because they expect the Veterans Affairs Office (VA) to pay for veterans’ tuition, when often, the VA is months late in payments.
While the GI Bill does help veterans pay for tuition, it can be wasteful to use a month’s worth of GI bill to cover a few classes, he said. Goehner would like to see some state financial aid available to veterans who are just beginning to get back into school and are only taking a few courses each quarter.
“The other thing is, yeah we’re service members, but we paid into that and I think the very least they can do is treat us like normal citizens and give us financial aid just the same as any other student coming to school,” Goehner said.
For Goehner, the rally on Monday was more than just an opportunity to lobby for higher education - it was an opportunity to lobby for mental health and veterans’ issues, as well.
Rachael Helseth, freshman education major, credits Goehner with getting her involved in the rally and lobbying the legislature.
“He’s very good at persuasion and being assertive about getting involved,” Helseth said. “Pele is definitely awesome too - they complement each other.”
Goehner acknowledges the increase in student involvement but notes that the legislature ends in about a month and that students are still very late in organizing.
“We’re getting laughed at,” Goehner said. “I’m not trying to dock the students, it’s just they need to realize it’s not a simple task.”
Goehner has no plans after college, but jokes about buying a van and living in Wal-Mart parking lots to professionally contribute to the People of Wal-Mart Web site.
“Every week new things present themselves,” Goehner said. “But for right now that’s my long-range plan.”
Despite coordinated effort, Senate Bill 6562 passes
BY ANTHONY JAMES | Sr. News Reporter
OLYMPIA - In addition to the 40 Central who bussed to the state’s capitol Monday, the Associated Students of Central Washington University Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD) and a group of about five students met Sunday night at an Olympia hotel to detail the following day’s events.
Speakers included John McKean, ASCWU-BOD legislative liaison; Steve DuPont of Central government relations and WSA Executive Director Mike Bogatay. Students were briefed on the basics of meeting with legislators, tips on how to lobby lawmakers and the current status of important bills.
At the top of the priority list was to urge legislators to vote against Senate Bill 6562, which would allow university tuition-setting authority. The bill passed the Senate 29-19 in a late-night vote Monday.
The WSA lobbied since the beginning of the legislative session against SB 6562, for which WSA Executive Director Mike Bogatay had strong words.
“It’s the most ridiculous bill I’ve ever seen on the tuition front,” Bogatay said.
BOD members spent the morning meeting with legislators, including Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville. Schoesler’s 9th District includes both Washington State University and Eastern Washington University and he was a long-time member of the Senate Higher Education committee.
When asked by Jack Barry, ASCWU-BOD vice president of political affairs, if he would vote for SB 6562, Schoesler said “hell no.” Schoesler also co-sponsored an amendment with Sen. Cheryl Pflug, R-Maple Valley, to require full funding of the state work-study program before tuition control could take effect. The amendment did not pass.
Schoesler said he was disappointed in the passage of the bill, but the bill still has a long process to become law.
“If the students show the same interest as they did in the Senate, there’s a chance of turning this thing around,” Schoesler said Tuesday.
Bogatay said Gov. Chris Gregoire’s latest budget proposal restored some of the state need grants cut in her original proposal, but state work study and other programs would still be lost.
The next step for SB 6562 is to pass through the House Higher Education Committee. Meagan Sharp, legislative assistant to committee chair Rep. Deb Wallace, D-Vancouver, said the chances of the bill making its way out of committee are slim.
“Any tuition-setting bill that comes through her committee will die,” Sharp said.
House Bill 2946, the companion bill to SB 6562, died in Wallace’s committee.
SB 6562 in its original form would have let the board of trustees at each of Washington’s six public universities raise tuition. The bill, dubbed the Higher Education Access and Accountability Act, was scaled back in committee to only include the University of Washington, Washington State University and Western Washington University.
Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, chair of the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development committee, said administrators from the three universities had testified in favor of the bill at the committee hearing Feb. 5.
The bill, Kilmer said, “drives accountability” by requiring annual institutional performance agreements and requires additional tuition waivers.
Bills the WSA supported but that failed to be voted out of house of origin by Tuesday’s cutoff include Senate Bill 6409, which would redirect some lottery revenues to fund financial aid programs; House Bill 2822 and Senate Bill 6509, which would require possible tuition increases in budget proposals; House Bill 2979, which would establish a system of six-year performance agreements at each of the state’s public universities; and House Bill 2859, which would put in place processes to measure costs and make administrative changes.
But some dead bills are a cause for student celebration.
House Bill 6625, which would change tuition and financial aid provisions; House Bill 3057, which would eliminate the Higher Education Coordinating Board; and House Bill 2936, which would cut state need grants from five years to two years and require half of the grants to go to part-time students all failed to leave their house of origin by Tuesday’s cutoff.
OLYMPIA - In addition to the 40 Central who bussed to the state’s capitol Monday, the Associated Students of Central Washington University Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD) and a group of about five students met Sunday night at an Olympia hotel to detail the following day’s events.
Speakers included John McKean, ASCWU-BOD legislative liaison; Steve DuPont of Central government relations and WSA Executive Director Mike Bogatay. Students were briefed on the basics of meeting with legislators, tips on how to lobby lawmakers and the current status of important bills.
At the top of the priority list was to urge legislators to vote against Senate Bill 6562, which would allow university tuition-setting authority. The bill passed the Senate 29-19 in a late-night vote Monday.
The WSA lobbied since the beginning of the legislative session against SB 6562, for which WSA Executive Director Mike Bogatay had strong words.
“It’s the most ridiculous bill I’ve ever seen on the tuition front,” Bogatay said.
BOD members spent the morning meeting with legislators, including Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville. Schoesler’s 9th District includes both Washington State University and Eastern Washington University and he was a long-time member of the Senate Higher Education committee.
When asked by Jack Barry, ASCWU-BOD vice president of political affairs, if he would vote for SB 6562, Schoesler said “hell no.” Schoesler also co-sponsored an amendment with Sen. Cheryl Pflug, R-Maple Valley, to require full funding of the state work-study program before tuition control could take effect. The amendment did not pass.
Schoesler said he was disappointed in the passage of the bill, but the bill still has a long process to become law.
“If the students show the same interest as they did in the Senate, there’s a chance of turning this thing around,” Schoesler said Tuesday.
Bogatay said Gov. Chris Gregoire’s latest budget proposal restored some of the state need grants cut in her original proposal, but state work study and other programs would still be lost.
The next step for SB 6562 is to pass through the House Higher Education Committee. Meagan Sharp, legislative assistant to committee chair Rep. Deb Wallace, D-Vancouver, said the chances of the bill making its way out of committee are slim.
“Any tuition-setting bill that comes through her committee will die,” Sharp said.
House Bill 2946, the companion bill to SB 6562, died in Wallace’s committee.
SB 6562 in its original form would have let the board of trustees at each of Washington’s six public universities raise tuition. The bill, dubbed the Higher Education Access and Accountability Act, was scaled back in committee to only include the University of Washington, Washington State University and Western Washington University.
Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, chair of the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development committee, said administrators from the three universities had testified in favor of the bill at the committee hearing Feb. 5.
The bill, Kilmer said, “drives accountability” by requiring annual institutional performance agreements and requires additional tuition waivers.
Bills the WSA supported but that failed to be voted out of house of origin by Tuesday’s cutoff include Senate Bill 6409, which would redirect some lottery revenues to fund financial aid programs; House Bill 2822 and Senate Bill 6509, which would require possible tuition increases in budget proposals; House Bill 2979, which would establish a system of six-year performance agreements at each of the state’s public universities; and House Bill 2859, which would put in place processes to measure costs and make administrative changes.
But some dead bills are a cause for student celebration.
House Bill 6625, which would change tuition and financial aid provisions; House Bill 3057, which would eliminate the Higher Education Coordinating Board; and House Bill 2936, which would cut state need grants from five years to two years and require half of the grants to go to part-time students all failed to leave their house of origin by Tuesday’s cutoff.
Central reps travel to Olympia to sway legislators
OLYMPIA - Last Monday, approximately 40 Central Washington University students met at 8 a.m. on the Student Union Recreation Center west patio to travel to Olympia to participate in Lobby Day at the state capital. Organized by the Associated Students of Central Washington University Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD) and the Washington Student Association (WSA), the Central student presence was the largest ever at Lobby Day.
“I think we stacked up higher than the other universities,” said John McKean, ASCWU-BOD legislative liason. “We did what we could over here.”
As students arrived by bus in Olympia, they were given protest signs and briefed on the day’s activities by the WSA.
“We have to get students involved,” said Jose Ochoa, junior political science major who held a “Fund Financial Aid” sign during the rally. “The more support we have, the more likely we are to make a difference.”
While many students came to Monday’s rally because they largely depend on financial aid and wanted to protest another tuition increase, others saw it as a chance to be involved in a good cause.
“It’s an opportunity to get out there and build on the energy here and find a way to apply yourself,” said Chad Horton, junior nutrition major.
At noon, the student groups marched to the steps of the legislative building where they participated in chants and listened to speakers talk about hard times. They weren’t alone either – they marched as a part of the pro-revenue rally that included groups for health care workers, grade school teachers and union representatives. State Patrol estimated the afternoon crowd at approximately 6,000.
“They said they were starting a revolution,” said Magdaleno Rose-Avila, an international human rights activist over the loudspeaker, in reference to the morning’s “teabaggers” rally that drew approximately 3,000 individuals. “But this is what a revolution looks like.”
Every few minutes, a new chant would start up.
“Education not for sale!” and “Kids not cuts!” the crowd shouted.
Carina Mariscal, junior psychology and law and justice major, attended the rally in hopes of making a point.
“If tuition were to increase, I’d have a much harder time staying in school,” Mariscal said. “My parents just don’t make enough.”
Student groups from all the state universities were present and many shared their stories of frustration and hope.
Genie Amkoudinovi, junior neurology major at Western Washington University, mingled with the Central group and found common ground in her struggles.
“All I have is financial aid – without it I might not be eligible to finish my degree,” Amkoudinovi said. “I urge students to stand up, if at least not for themselves, then for their friends.”
As the rally ended, students ventured into the capitol building to meet with their representatives and watch the political process firsthand. Students were given a brief 10-minute meeting with Senator Janea Holmquist, who represents the 13th district where Central resides.
“I just got my student loans paid off so I’m sensitive to tuition bills,” Holmquist said. “I know students in my area and they must have access to college.”
Holmquist also stressed the importance of keeping education local.
“Folks who are born and raised here should go to school here and hopefully, work here someday,” Holmquist said. “I don’t want students to have to go out-of-state for their education.”
From there, students were able to watch the state Senate in session as they debated and passed bills. Holmquist even requested that the students of Central be officially recognized on the floor by the president of the Senate, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen. The students were asked to stand as members of the Senate applauded their presence.
For many students, the legislative process was a new one that opened their eyes.
“I’ve never experienced a Senate meeting before,” said Lorraine Barboza, sophomore undecided. “I think it’s a great process … I didn’t know there were so many steps to passing a bill.”
Former ASCWU–BOD President Pedro Navarrete, was able to meet with his representatives and was encouraged by the turnout.
“It’s so important students get involved with the process that dictates the cost of their education,” Navarrete said. “Public service, they answer to us – we don’t answer to them.”
As the day wrapped up and students wearily walked back to the bus, organizers and participants talked of the day’s successes and the impact they had.
“Everyone felt like they got their feelings across,” Navarrete said. “I truly believed they were listening to us.”
Others weren’t so sure that representatives were really listening.
“It’s been a worthwhile educational experience but I feel that the student voice still isn’t being heard,” said Anthony Peterson, ASCWU-BOD vice president of student life and facilities.
Jack Barry, ASCWU-BOD vice president of political affairs, was encouraged by the day’s meetings, many of which were with liaisons who are recent college graduates.
“Most of the people I met with seemed to understand that Central took uneven cuts, they understood how we got screwed by the legislature,” Barry said. “We were bringing up points that are starting to stimulate their minds. I’m starting to sense a change of sentiment.”
Behind the Masks exhibit accentuates diversity, student identity
Starting Feb. 19, the Central Washington University Museum of Culture and Environment will be hosting “Beyond Black and White: The Stories Behind the Masks,” an exhibit which focuses on diversity.
The exhibit will be held in Dean Hall and will be open to the public until the end of the school year.
“What we’re hoping is that it will give an opportunity to students to express something about their identity,” said Bill Wood, director of the museum and assistant anthropology professor.
The event features masks from around the world, as well as masks made by Central students.
The exhibit will be broken up into five parts. The first three parts, put together by Anthropology students who are minoring in Museum Studies, will display masks from places such as southern Mexico, Africa, Bali and an American Indian mask from the Pacific Northwest. These masks will represent diversity around the world.
“This is an opportunity to see beneath the surface,” Wood said.
The other two parts of the exhibit are put together by the Diversity Education Center and will feature masks created by Central students to show a personal representation of their diversity. Each student has a different story behind their mask and a different reason for why they created it.
Sarah Chushcoff, senior interdisciplinary social science major, created her mask based off of something her mother had said: “Your friends and family are all representations of who you
are.”
To capture this message, Chushcoff covered her mask with patchwork with each piece representing her friends because she believes they are pieces of who she is.
Chushcoff loves art and expressing herself through the discipline. She believes making the masks is a great way to educate people about diversity.
Jeremy Higuchi, senior graphic design major, also created a mask. The design for his mask was also inspired by friends and the six degrees of separation theory, an idea that everyone is connected in some way.
“I got involved because it’s what I believe and the Diversity Education Center fights for,” Higuchi said.
Both Chushcoff and Higuchi hope the exhibit gets people involved.
Another part of the exhibit will include a loose folder containing photos of each student and their mask, and what their mask means to them.
There will also be a video playing throughout the event that highlights diversity here at Central . “Removing the Mask” is an 11-minute video created by Shawn Gatlabayal, senior chemistry major.
Gatlabayal came across the issue with identity and wanted to explore why humans wear different “masks” around different people, and how they come to be.
“We get a mask put on our face so early that we accept that mask and become those stereotypes and labels,” Gatlabayal said. “Get to know the person before you judge them, look beyond the mask.”
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Students fight the power
Central reps travel to Olympia to sway legislators
BY RYAN RICIGLIANO | News Editor
OLYMPIA - Last Monday, approximately 40 Central Washington University students met at 8 a.m. on the Student Union Recreation Center west patio to travel to Olympia to participate in Lobby Day at the state capital. Organized by the Associated Students of Central Washington University Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD) and the Washington Student Association (WSA), the Central student presence was the largest ever at Lobby Day.
“I think we stacked up higher than the other universities,” said John McKean, ASCWU-BOD legislative liason. “We did what we could over here.”
As students arrived by bus in Olympia, they were given protest signs and briefed on the day’s activities by the WSA.
“We have to get students involved,” said Jose Ochoa, junior political science major who held a “Fund Financial Aid” sign during the rally. “The more support we have, the more likely we are to make a difference.”
While many students came to Monday’s rally because they largely depend on financial aid and wanted to protest another tuition increase, others saw it as a chance to be involved in a good cause.
“It’s an opportunity to get out there and build on the energy here and find a way to apply yourself,” said Chad Horton, junior nutrition major.
At noon, the student groups marched to the steps of the legislative building where they participated in chants and listened to speakers talk about hard times. They weren’t alone either – they marched as a part of the pro-revenue rally that included groups for health care workers, grade school teachers and union representatives. State Patrol estimated the afternoon crowd at approximately 6,000.
“They said they were starting a revolution,” said Magdaleno Rose-Avila, an international human rights activist over the loudspeaker, in reference to the morning’s “teabaggers” rally that drew approximately 3,000 individuals. “But this is what a revolution looks like.”
Every few minutes, a new chant would start up.
“Education not for sale!” and “Kids not cuts!” the crowd shouted.
Carina Mariscal, junior psychology and law and justice major, attended the rally in hopes of making a point.
“If tuition were to increase, I’d have a much harder time staying in school,” Mariscal said. “My parents just don’t make enough.”
Student groups from all the state universities were present and many shared their stories of frustration and hope.
Genie Amkoudinovi, junior neurology major at Western Washington University, mingled with the Central group and found common ground in her struggles.
“All I have is financial aid – without it I might not be eligible to finish my degree,” Amkoudinovi said. “I urge to stand up, if at least not for themselves, then for their friends.”
As the rally ended, students ventured into the capitol building to meet with their representatives and watch the political process firsthand. Students were given a brief 10-minute meeting with Senator Janea Holmquist, who represents the 13th district where Central resides.
“I just got my student loans paid off so I’m sensitive to tuition bills,” Holmquist said. “I know students in my area and they must have access to college.”
Holmquist also stressed the importance of keeping education local.
“Folks who are born and raised here should go to school here and hopefully, work here someday,” Holmquist said. “I don’t want students to have to go out-of-state for their education.”
From there, students were able to watch the state Senate in session as they debated and passed bills. Holmquist even requested that the students of Central be officially recognized on the floor by the president of the Senate, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen. The students were asked to stand as members of the Senate applauded their presence.
For many students, the legislative process was a new one that opened their eyes.
“I’ve never experienced a Senate meeting before,” said Lorraine Barboza, sophomore undecided. “I think it’s a great process … I didn’t know there were so many steps to passing a bill.”
Former ASCWU–BOD President Pedro Navarrete, was able to meet with his representatives and was encouraged by the turnout.
“It’s so important students get involved with the process that dictates the cost of their education,” Navarrete said. “Public service, they answer to us – we don’t answer to them.”
As the day wrapped up and students wearily walked back to the bus, organizers and participants talked of the day’s successes and the impact they had.
“Everyone felt like they got their feelings across,” Navarrete said. “I truly believed they were listening to us.”
Others weren’t so sure that representatives were really listening.
“It’s been a worthwhile educational experience but I feel that the student voice still isn’t being heard,” said Anthony Peterson, ASCWU-BOD vice president of student life and facilities.
Jack Barry, ASCWU-BOD vice president of political affairs, was encouraged by the day’s meetings, many of which were with liaisons who are recent college graduates.
“Most of the people I met with seemed to understand that Central took uneven cuts, they understood how we got screwed by the legislature,” Barry said. “We were bringing up points that are starting to stimulate their minds. I’m starting to sense a change of sentiment.”
BY RYAN RICIGLIANO | News Editor
OLYMPIA - Last Monday, approximately 40 Central Washington University students met at 8 a.m. on the Student Union Recreation Center west patio to travel to Olympia to participate in Lobby Day at the state capital. Organized by the Associated Students of Central Washington University Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD) and the Washington Student Association (WSA), the Central student presence was the largest ever at Lobby Day.
“I think we stacked up higher than the other universities,” said John McKean, ASCWU-BOD legislative liason. “We did what we could over here.”
As students arrived by bus in Olympia, they were given protest signs and briefed on the day’s activities by the WSA.
“We have to get students involved,” said Jose Ochoa, junior political science major who held a “Fund Financial Aid” sign during the rally. “The more support we have, the more likely we are to make a difference.”
While many students came to Monday’s rally because they largely depend on financial aid and wanted to protest another tuition increase, others saw it as a chance to be involved in a good cause.
“It’s an opportunity to get out there and build on the energy here and find a way to apply yourself,” said Chad Horton, junior nutrition major.
At noon, the student groups marched to the steps of the legislative building where they participated in chants and listened to speakers talk about hard times. They weren’t alone either – they marched as a part of the pro-revenue rally that included groups for health care workers, grade school teachers and union representatives. State Patrol estimated the afternoon crowd at approximately 6,000.
“They said they were starting a revolution,” said Magdaleno Rose-Avila, an international human rights activist over the loudspeaker, in reference to the morning’s “teabaggers” rally that drew approximately 3,000 individuals. “But this is what a revolution looks like.”
Every few minutes, a new chant would start up.
“Education not for sale!” and “Kids not cuts!” the crowd shouted.
Carina Mariscal, junior psychology and law and justice major, attended the rally in hopes of making a point.
“If tuition were to increase, I’d have a much harder time staying in school,” Mariscal said. “My parents just don’t make enough.”
Student groups from all the state universities were present and many shared their stories of frustration and hope.
Genie Amkoudinovi, junior neurology major at Western Washington University, mingled with the Central group and found common ground in her struggles.
“All I have is financial aid – without it I might not be eligible to finish my degree,” Amkoudinovi said. “I urge to stand up, if at least not for themselves, then for their friends.”
As the rally ended, students ventured into the capitol building to meet with their representatives and watch the political process firsthand. Students were given a brief 10-minute meeting with Senator Janea Holmquist, who represents the 13th district where Central resides.
“I just got my student loans paid off so I’m sensitive to tuition bills,” Holmquist said. “I know students in my area and they must have access to college.”
Holmquist also stressed the importance of keeping education local.
“Folks who are born and raised here should go to school here and hopefully, work here someday,” Holmquist said. “I don’t want students to have to go out-of-state for their education.”
From there, students were able to watch the state Senate in session as they debated and passed bills. Holmquist even requested that the students of Central be officially recognized on the floor by the president of the Senate, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen. The students were asked to stand as members of the Senate applauded their presence.
For many students, the legislative process was a new one that opened their eyes.
“I’ve never experienced a Senate meeting before,” said Lorraine Barboza, sophomore undecided. “I think it’s a great process … I didn’t know there were so many steps to passing a bill.”
Former ASCWU–BOD President Pedro Navarrete, was able to meet with his representatives and was encouraged by the turnout.
“It’s so important students get involved with the process that dictates the cost of their education,” Navarrete said. “Public service, they answer to us – we don’t answer to them.”
As the day wrapped up and students wearily walked back to the bus, organizers and participants talked of the day’s successes and the impact they had.
“Everyone felt like they got their feelings across,” Navarrete said. “I truly believed they were listening to us.”
Others weren’t so sure that representatives were really listening.
“It’s been a worthwhile educational experience but I feel that the student voice still isn’t being heard,” said Anthony Peterson, ASCWU-BOD vice president of student life and facilities.
Jack Barry, ASCWU-BOD vice president of political affairs, was encouraged by the day’s meetings, many of which were with liaisons who are recent college graduates.
“Most of the people I met with seemed to understand that Central took uneven cuts, they understood how we got screwed by the legislature,” Barry said. “We were bringing up points that are starting to stimulate their minds. I’m starting to sense a change of sentiment.”
Helping homeboys: Founder of gang outreach to keynote at Central Leadership Conference
by:Brian Brickweg
Staff Reporter
World-renowned speaker Father Greg Boyle will be coming to Central Washington University this week as part of the second annual Central Leadership Conference. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 19, in the Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC) and will be hosted by the Center for Excellence and Leadership (CEL).
Father Boyle is the executive director and founder of Homeboy Industries (HI), a program dedicated to solving the escalating problems facing gangs and youth.
“You’re going to meet an amazing individual who has done truly inspiring work,” said Marian Lien, interim director of the Diversity Education Center.
Lien had the opportunity to meet Father Boyle in Los Angeles in November of last year.
According to Lien, there are over 275 young people going through HI everyday, participating in activities such as vocational classes, computer programming, parenting classes and anything that provides a foundation for successful adulthood. All classes are free and provide jobs for youth.
“We’re just thrilled he’s coming to campus,” said Jesse Nelson, director of CEL. “To me, his message resonates with all of us because it’s really about the human condition and how we can help one another.”
Boyle’s speech, “Tattoos on the Heart: Lessons from the Barrio,” focuses on his belief in support of young people’s needs for positive adult mentorship. His speech will also highlight stories about his work throughout the years with youth in tough spots.
“I am amazed by everything he has done and hopes to do in the future,” said CEL staff member, Pamela Alvarado, senior communications major. “He is a very positive role model.”
According to Nelson, there are four workshop options students may attend each hour of the conference. Workshops will include, “Leadership in Our Career and Our Professional Lifespan,” “Leadership in Our Communities,” “The Roots of Leadership” and “Leadership Through Our Years.”
“Our hope is that students who come can find some topics and interest areas that definitely relate to them,” Nelson said. “Regardless of your major or career goals, leadership is something that can benefit you whether it’s with your work life or personal life.”
According to Alvarado, many students from the Central campus, and local high school students will be attending the event.
“From what I’ve heard of this conference, I believe that I would be able to take away valuable insights, which will help me better myself professionally and personally,” said Brittany Skelcher, senior accounting and business management major.
Boyle, who was born in Los Angeles, was one of eight children. He decided to become a Jesuit and was eventually ordained as a priest in 1984.
Dating back to 1988, at the Dolores Mission Parish, HI got its start as “Jobs for a Future.”
Later, Jobs for a Future evolved into different branches that provides jobs for gang members trying to find a way off the streets. Homeboy Bakery, the first business of HI founded in 1994, brought former members of rival gangs to work side-by-side, making baked goods.
“He is very inspiring to others, and his contributions to the world,” Alvarado said. “What he is doing for HI, not just for men, but for women.”
Later, other divisions of HI were started, including Homegirl Café, which is staffed by 25 young women and holds cooking classes. Homeboy Maintenance works on cleaning up the community by removing graffiti, moving and hauling items, and landscaping.
Homeboy Merchandising is a retail store that sells casual wear, backpacks and other items with the Homeboy logo. Homeboy Silkscreen & Embroidery helps at-risk or gang-related youth work to become a positive part of society by producing custom shirts, pens, office supplies and more.
Boyle is a well-known expert on gangs and a nationally recognized speaker on the topic of troubled youth. He has also been nationally recognized for his service in helping people find jobs and quality schooling. He has been in the business for 22 years and his program is commended as the largest gang intervention in Los Angeles County.
The conference is free for all Central students and faculty and is $20 for general admission.
Staff Reporter
World-renowned speaker Father Greg Boyle will be coming to Central Washington University this week as part of the second annual Central Leadership Conference. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 19, in the Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC) and will be hosted by the Center for Excellence and Leadership (CEL).
Father Boyle is the executive director and founder of Homeboy Industries (HI), a program dedicated to solving the escalating problems facing gangs and youth.
“You’re going to meet an amazing individual who has done truly inspiring work,” said Marian Lien, interim director of the Diversity Education Center.
Lien had the opportunity to meet Father Boyle in Los Angeles in November of last year.
According to Lien, there are over 275 young people going through HI everyday, participating in activities such as vocational classes, computer programming, parenting classes and anything that provides a foundation for successful adulthood. All classes are free and provide jobs for youth.
“We’re just thrilled he’s coming to campus,” said Jesse Nelson, director of CEL. “To me, his message resonates with all of us because it’s really about the human condition and how we can help one another.”
Boyle’s speech, “Tattoos on the Heart: Lessons from the Barrio,” focuses on his belief in support of young people’s needs for positive adult mentorship. His speech will also highlight stories about his work throughout the years with youth in tough spots.
“I am amazed by everything he has done and hopes to do in the future,” said CEL staff member, Pamela Alvarado, senior communications major. “He is a very positive role model.”
According to Nelson, there are four workshop options students may attend each hour of the conference. Workshops will include, “Leadership in Our Career and Our Professional Lifespan,” “Leadership in Our Communities,” “The Roots of Leadership” and “Leadership Through Our Years.”
“Our hope is that students who come can find some topics and interest areas that definitely relate to them,” Nelson said. “Regardless of your major or career goals, leadership is something that can benefit you whether it’s with your work life or personal life.”
According to Alvarado, many students from the Central campus, and local high school students will be attending the event.
“From what I’ve heard of this conference, I believe that I would be able to take away valuable insights, which will help me better myself professionally and personally,” said Brittany Skelcher, senior accounting and business management major.
Boyle, who was born in Los Angeles, was one of eight children. He decided to become a Jesuit and was eventually ordained as a priest in 1984.
Dating back to 1988, at the Dolores Mission Parish, HI got its start as “Jobs for a Future.”
Later, Jobs for a Future evolved into different branches that provides jobs for gang members trying to find a way off the streets. Homeboy Bakery, the first business of HI founded in 1994, brought former members of rival gangs to work side-by-side, making baked goods.
“He is very inspiring to others, and his contributions to the world,” Alvarado said. “What he is doing for HI, not just for men, but for women.”
Later, other divisions of HI were started, including Homegirl Café, which is staffed by 25 young women and holds cooking classes. Homeboy Maintenance works on cleaning up the community by removing graffiti, moving and hauling items, and landscaping.
Homeboy Merchandising is a retail store that sells casual wear, backpacks and other items with the Homeboy logo. Homeboy Silkscreen & Embroidery helps at-risk or gang-related youth work to become a positive part of society by producing custom shirts, pens, office supplies and more.
Boyle is a well-known expert on gangs and a nationally recognized speaker on the topic of troubled youth. He has also been nationally recognized for his service in helping people find jobs and quality schooling. He has been in the business for 22 years and his program is commended as the largest gang intervention in Los Angeles County.
The conference is free for all Central students and faculty and is $20 for general admission.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)