Mount Hood

The end of DACA hits close to home

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

The Trump administration ordered a termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, also known as DACA, on Sept. 5. According to npr.org, this program protects nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants that entered the United States as children. This policy, put into place by former President Barack Obama in 2012, protects those individuals from deportation and grants work permits to those who qualify.

 

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, there are several ways an individual can qualify for the benefits of the DACA program. The recipient must be under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012 and have entered the U.S. before the age of 16. They must also have lived in continuously in the United States since 2007. To benefit from the DACA program, the recipient must currently attending school, have completed school, or be an honorably discharged veteran. Additionally, an individual must not be a convicted felon or pose a threat to public safety or national security. The work permits and deportation deferrals that this program grants must be renewed every two years.

 

The decision made by the Trump administration requires Congress to pass a replacement for DACA before the program’s recipients start to lose their protection on March 5, 2018. One avenue for DACA recipients to gain citizenship may be through the DREAM Act, introduced by Sens. Richard J. Durbin, D-Ill., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. The DREAM Act – Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act – would grant legal status to hundreds of thousands of qualifying individuals that entered the United States before the age of 18.

House Speaker Paul Ryan spoke out about the need for Congress to find a solution to the issue. Ryan stated in an interview with Wisconsin talk radio WCLO, “These are kids who know no other country, who were brought here by their parents and don’t know another home. And so I really do believe there needs to be a legislative solution, that’s one that we’re working on, and I think we want to give people peace of mind.”

After the announcement by the Trump administration, Western’s President Rex Fuller sent a statement to all students regarding the impact on student DACA recipients. President Fuller reaffirmed the safe, caring and inclusive nature of our community, stating that, “It is (his) sincere hope that Congress will act quickly to correct this decision so that our currently enrolled DACA students can fulfill their dreams and WOU will continue to be a place where future DACA students succeed.”

DACA recipients range from young children to adults in their 20s and 30s. At Western, they are classmates, college graduates, coworkers and friends. In 2016, Western students Juan Navarro and Cristina Garcia Toche started the Unidos Club, a student run organization that acts as a support system for DACA recipients and individuals who identify as undocumented.

“Several students don’t feel comfortable talking about their status especially during times like today. It takes a lot of courage to say that you’re undocumented,” said Cristina Garcia Toche, the current president of the club. “Ever since we started Unidos, several students no longer feel like they are living in the shadows — we have created a family. We have stayed united during difficult times. We still have so much to learn and grow from each other.”

Toche stated that she wants to inform Western’s community of the organization and how it can support these individuals.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Tracking the Wolves

Stephanie Blair | Editor-in-Chief

Soccer

The women’s soccer team holds a record of 0-2-1 in the conference, after a tied game on their home turf against Montana State Billings with a score of 1-1. Results of the Sept. 26 match against Concordia were not available as of press time.

Wolves soccer will return to Western Oregon’s soccer field on Sept. 30 to face Seattle Pacific.

 

Cross Country

The men’s cross country team has taken every spot on the podium over the course of their first three meets for the season — first, then third, then second. The team is being led primarily by senior, national record holder in the distance medley relay and last year’s GNAC Male Athlete of the Year David Ribich.

The women’s team has had more trouble finding their footing this season, having taken fourth, ninth and then fifth as a team in their first three meets.

The next time students can catch the Wolves cross country teams competing in Monmouth will be on Nov. 4 for the NCAA Division II West regional meet — the last meet before nationals, hosted in Indiana this year. However, the next meet is only a short drive away, in Salem at Bush Park for the Charles Bowles Invite.

 

Football 

Western’s football team has had two near-victories in conference thus far, losing their first game by a single touchdown and their most recent game by a single point in overtime. See our coverage by Zoe Strickland. Overall, the team’s current record is 1-3.

Students will have their next chance to support the Wolves at home on Oct. 14, when they’ll be facing the Wildcats from Central Washington University.

 

Volleyball

Wolves Volleyball team, led this year by new coach Tommy Gott, is very young this year, with only six upperclassmen on the roster. They currently hold a record of 1-3 in conference play, with a 5-6 record overall. They fell to Central Washington University on Sept. 23 after falling short of points in all three sets: 17-25, 21-25, 22-25.

Senior outside hitter Alisha Bettinson led the team in game stats for the Spet. 23 game, with 16 kills on 42 swings. Junior and outside hitter Mariella Vandenkooy followed in second position for game stats, with 6 kills.

Western fans will be able to cheer for the Wolves at home next when the team faces Montana State Billings on Oct. 7 in the New PE building.

 

GNAC Student Athletes of the Week

Each week, the Great Northwest Athletic Conference recognizes athletes who have excelled in their sport. Over the first four weeks of selection, seven Wolves have received this award.

 

Aug. 28 – Defensive Volleyball Player: Mackenzie Bowen, junior

Sept. 4 – Women’s Soccer Player: Alyssa Tomasini, first-year

  Defensive Football Player: Bo Highburger, junior

Sept. 11 – Defensive Football Player: Curtis Anderson, redshirt first-year

    Special Teams Football Player: Adrian Saldana, junior

Sept. 18 – Defensive Football Player: Tyler Johnson, senior

    Men’s Cross Country Runner: David Ribich, senior

Editor’s Note

Stephanie Blair | Editor-in-Chief

To the first-years, still fresh on our campus — welcome. To the already soul-sucked returning students — welcome back.

As the horror show that is 2017 begins its final quarter, we return to classrooms with two Wolves already having passed away. A heartbreaking trend our school has developed recently: one that I wish we could shake.

However, there is, as always, hope. I truly believe that the students of Western Oregon are, if nothing else, intrepid. We come together in times of hardship and tragedy, in times of celebration and joy — or both, during homecoming weekend.

I have high hopes for the year as a whole, even if I don’t have it in our football team, who will be facing Azusa Pacific on Nov. 4.

In the coming nine months, my final three terms at Western, I will be working with our incredible staff to produce a publication that scrutinizes The Man — whether that be the president of our nation or our school. The Western Journal will pursue the true and pertinent information that you, the reader, have a right to know.

I have a tendency to chase truth like a dog after a rabbit, a habit I’ll do my best to instill in each and every staff member of The Western Journal before I leave our campus for good.

And we’ll have fun.

This year we’re introducing the Lifestyle section, something of which I’m sure a number of my predecessors would disapprove. I, on the other hand, think that this is the content that our paper is missing. I’m a self-proclaimed news junkie and will badmouth sites like Buzzfeed any day of the week, but I still click on their articles when a friend posts one on Facebook — I need to know what Starbucks drink I am based on my zodiac sign.

With luck and patience, we will strike a balance of hard news and lighthearted content. In this political climate, I think that’s exactly what our students need. If it’s not, feel free to let me know. As a student-funded publication, independent from the university’s administration, our loyalty and duty is to Western’s student population.

So, welcome to a new year at Western. Come join us for another round.

Murderers, Vampires, Demons, Oh My

Alexandra Martin | Entertainment Editor

October is nearly upon us and what better way to get in the spirit of Halloween than brushing up on those spooky tales that have helped shape this holiday into what it is. Most of us grew up with some experience hearing campfire legends, folk tales and ghost stories, or things of the like.

Whether these venues for inspiring fear are the design of an active imagination or a tool to encourage youngsters to avoid the darkest part of the woods on the edge of the park, they have deeper origins than most begin to consider.

Hollywood has banked millions on the fear of things unknown, many of these being cinema blockbusters, late-night television shows or book series’ such as, “Goosebumps,” “The Changeling” starring Angelina Jolie or the classic Nickelodeon series “Are You Afraid of The Dark?” While these examples may incite some nostalgia for a simpler time, when Hollywood Video was still the place to go for newly released movies and the public library was a frequent haunt, a new form of media is on the rise providing a grander scare than ever before.

“Lore,” a podcast dictated by Aaron Mahnke explores the deepest, darkest depths of history, exposing the origins of cinema’s and television’s beautifully haunting entertainment.

Beginning in 2015, Aaron Mahnke, the producer, host and creative mind behind the award-winning podcast, delved into the campfire stories that, for some, have haunted us into our adulthood; the stories that raise the hairs on the nape of your neck when venturing for a late-night glass of water and instigating a personal conversation like, “Hey there demons, it’s me, your boy. Please don’t chase me up the stairs like last time.”

Mahnke covers those age-old tales that had you convinced in childhood that the boogie man lived in your closet, vampires were a certainty and the old lady next door was most definitely possessed by something other than the Christmas spirit.

There is a unique element of Mahnke’s storytelling that sets it apart from those blockbuster hits and spooky campfire legends. Mahnke works with a team of people to research each and every subject of the podcasts, unearthing folklore from around the world; providing not only a bone-chilling, blood-curdling tale, but a petite history lesson as well. Mahnke covers such infamous celebrities such as: H.H. Holmes, Lycaon the son of Zeus and The Elephant Man. Who says learning can’t be fun? Did I mention that it’s free?

Through the success of “Lore,” having won Best of iTunes 2015 & 2016, Mahnke has also written a book which is due to come out this October entitled “The World of Lore: Monstrous Creatures.” To further augment his ever-growing brand, Mahnke is also collaborating with Amazon Prime to produce an exclusive mini-series that will premiere on—yep, you guessed it— Friday, Oct. 13.

“Lore” is broadcasted every two weeks on Mondays through Apple podcasts. Personally, I am waiting with bated breath for the mini series to come out. October and Halloween are positively my favorite times of the year and there is nothing I enjoy more than a good scare, but you can be the judge. “Lore” is worth giving a listen, watch or read; if not for the stories, then for the soothing, evocative voice of Aaron Mahnke to lull you into a slumberous, nightmarish sleep.

Contact the author at journalentertainment@wou.edu

Summer campus improvements

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

As the seasons change from summer to fall, and students gear up for another new year, some may notice a few improvements to Western’s campus. One notable change is the merging of Caffe Allegro and Wolf Express; the retail items that were previously located in Wolf Express will now be found in Caffe Allegro in addition to the café drinks. The only revision to the coffee menu is the smoothies which will now only be found at The Press in Hamersly Library. The location that was previously Wolf Express will be reconstructed into a meeting room named the McKenzie Room. Similar to other spaces in the Werner University Center, the McKenzie Room will be available for club or group reservations and events.

Another noteworthy addition to Western’s campus: the new Student Health and Counseling Center. Located on Monmouth Avenue across from the library, the new center has more medical exam rooms, larger lab areas and an increased number of counseling spaces compared to its previous location. With increased space comes the expansion of services provided by the SHCC, including the renewal of the CCare program, which will provide free contraception and preventive care for students. The official grand opening of the Student Health and Counseling Center will take place on Oct. 2.

Big changes are also coming to the Oregon Military Academy. Money was received to carry out essential renovations to the building and big decisions are still in the works. According to a State of the University Address given by President Rex Fuller in September 2017, it is likely that part of the building will house the Admissions and Financial Aid offices. The vision also includes a “living and learning” area to host visiting groups. According to President Fuller, “the building affords the campus a unique opportunity to develop space that will assist our efforts to provide conferences focused on such things as first-generation enrollments and graduate certificate programs.” These changes are scheduled for the 2017-19 biennium.

Visit wou.edu/president for more information on campus renovations and university planning.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

 

Upcoming performances in a town near you

Alexandra Martin | Entertainment Editor

Take off those Ugg boots and put down that pumpkin spiced whatchamacallit that you’ve waited for this whole year; grab your dancing shoes and prepare yourself for a musically filled fall to remember. Sure, the autumnal weather may have taken a bit of pep out of your summer swagger, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep the music turned all the way up to 11 until the winds change. Here are some concerts, events and performances coming to a city near you that are sure to satiate even the most particular aesthetic appetite:

 

Monmouth, OR:

Sept. 29, 2017: The Ladybugs at Rice Auditorium

Oct. 6, 2017: BodyVox: BloodyVox at Rice Auditorium

Oct. 6, 2017: Laser Tag in Ackerman Grove

Oct. 13, 2017: Tom Bergeron Brasil Band featuring Choro Das 3 at Smith Music Hall

For more information on these events please visit: calendar.wou.edu

Portland, OR:

Oct. 3, 2017: Bleachers-Gone Now Era-Part 1 at the Roseland Theatre (roselandpdx.com)

Oct. 3, 2017: Nekromantix at the Hawthorne Theatre (mikethrasherpresents.com)

Oct. 3, 2017: Lil Peep-Come Over When You’re Sober Tour at the Wonder Ballroom (roselandpdx.com)

Oct. 4, 2017: DOPE at the Hawthorne Theatre (mikethrasherpresents.com)

Oct. 4, 2017: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley at the Roseland Theatre (roselandpdx.com)

Oct. 5, 2017: HelloGoodbye at the Hawthorne Theatre (mikethrasherpresents.com)

Oct. 7, 2017: MAX at the Hawthorne Theatre (mikethrasherpresents.com)

Oct. 8, 2017: The Menzingers at the Hawthorne Theatre (mikethrasherpresents.com)

Oct. 8, 2017: The Shins at the Roseland Theatre (roselandpdx.com)

Eugene, OR:

Oct. 29, 2017: Jimmy Eat World at the McDonald Theatre (mikethrasherpresents.com)

Contact the author at journalentertainment@wou.edu

Western Oregon University

Facebook   Instagram   X  YouTube

WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
345 Monmouth Ave. N.
Monmouth OR 97361

503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593

Tools

Campus Maps
Canvas
Find People
Portal
WOU Email
Technical Support

Resources

A-Z Index
Accessibility
Academic Calendar
Class Schedule
Jobs at WOU
News
Explore WOU
Partnerships
Student Services
Freedom of Expression

Western Oregon University’s Land Acknowledgement
Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

Accessibility    Public Records    Privacy    Student Consumer Information

WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.