Web Designer, Author at The Western Howl

By: Zoe Strickland
Staff Writer

Stevie Lamica, English Writing major, fourth-year.

“I have a dog. His name is Walter, he’s a black miniature schnauzer. He’s a puppy, so he’s six-months-old and learning how to be potty-trained. Because I live in Dallas and go to school here, I constantly come home to little doggy turds everywhere … I think I’m a cat person. I have a cat, he’s a Persian. He’s really cute. Everyone says he’s really ugly, but they just don’t know what’s cute. He’s like my little world … Edgar. Edgar and Walter. I almost got a cat two weeks ago, but the boyfriend talked me out of it.”

“The boyfriend and I have been together for four years, and we just moved in together last year. So it only makes sense to have a plan, because we grew up together and he was my best friend my whole life. We’re that high school sweetheart thing … his family is friends with my family, his brother grew up with my brother and they’re best friends. So we’ve always been comfortable enough to talk about marriage and having kids and we’re both on agreement.”

“[Writing] is one of the few things people have always encouraged in me. I’ve always known that I’m decent at it, I wouldn’t say I’ve been great at it. But it makes it so it makes me more confident about it, because my confidence was built up about it, it made me want to do it. And then I realized ‘oh, this makes me happy’ and ‘oh, look it I can change things with this’ and ‘make other people happy with it’… It makes me happy to write in my pastime, but if I wanted to support a family off of it one day, how much stability would it provide me with? [Poetry] is probably my favorite thing to write. I would like to write novels, but I don’t have time … it’s hard. I’m addicted to working, so that doesn’t help.”

The Western Howl

Home »

Dear Esmeralda

Dear Esmeralda,

I am an aspiring drag queen and would love some makeup tips! Since you seem to know what you’re doing anything you’d care to share? Thanks in advance!

Made up in Makeup

Dear Made up in Makeup,

HAHAHA! I literally know nothing much … just like Jon Snow! I usually go with the “mess-around with-it-until-it-looks-good” approach.

What I can say is this: colors matching your skin tone are important. As I started my performance career on stage I did my foundation a couple shades darker than my skin tone. Make sure you hit your neck and get a good even coating. Also, if you’re showing some body-ody, blend the color down to your neckline.

As for colors for eyeshadow and lipstick, there is literally no color drag queens can’t wear. Go crazy with it!! Fuschia and lime? Heck yeah! Mauve and taupe? Sure! Have fun with it!

Another pro-tip: don’t buy fancy makeup to start. Walmart brand works just as well! If you’re looking for a more serious tutorial on different makeup things check out my drag sister’s makeup channel: Fabulex Makeup. She knows makeup better than anyone! The best thing you can do is experiment and find your own style! Get it, girl! Hope to see you beating your face and serving fish!

XOXO
Esmeralda Dharma LaChance

Contact Esmeralda Dharma LaChance on Twitter @miss_ezi or find her on Facebook with your questions on love and life!

The Western Howl

Home »

Western hosts third annual Black Graduation

By:  Amanda Clarke
Staff Writer

Coming June, Western will be celebrating its third Black Graduation.
The event will be put on by John Wilkins from Campus Life and Student Activities, along with Lavender Graduation, according to Courtney Briscoe, junior psychology major, the current president of the Black Student Union. The Black Student Union on campus will cosponsor the event.

Black Graduation is rooted in African and Black cultural traditions, and is open for all participants who not only identify as African American, but also identify with other culturally Black backgrounds.

Briscoe said the Black Student Union contributes to Black Graduation “to recognize those students who identify as Black and their success of graduating from a four-year university. It is also important because these students are attending a predominantly white campus, and by contributing, BSU is meeting our goal of promoting Black excellence.”

“Black Graduation is an event for the African American community to come together embracing our culture through the celebration of our success in graduating,” said Thelma Hale, a member of the Black Student Union on campus.

During the event, participants can expect a keynote speaker, as well as the opportunity to speak. In the past, participants have received stoles from the Black Student Union.

An award that may be given is the “kente cloth,” which is a symbol of “history, philosophy, ethics, oral literature, religious beliefs, social values, and political thoughts,” Briscoe said. Briscoe also said students will receive awards which “recognize their efforts on campus.”

Black Graduation is expected to take anywhere from one hour to an hour and a half.

“[It] is usually a small event, but the students who are graduating invite their family and friends to come celebrate with them,” Hale said.

“This event does not replace traditional [graduation], but it is an opportunity to celebrate with family and friends,” Wilkins said.

Black Graduation will take place June 10 at 3 p.m. in the Willamette room of Werner University Center.

Students who wish to participate can register on the forum on OrgSync by 11:59 p.m. May 29. Anyone is allowed to attend; however, Black Graduation is typically an intimate event between graduates and their families.

“Usually we would like to keep this reserved for the students, their families, and their guests,” Briscoe said.

For more information about the event, contact John Wilkins at wilkinsj@wou.edu.

Contact the author at amnclarke@gmail.com

The Western Howl

Home »

Oregon Senator cosponsors campus sexual assault bill

By: Conner Williams
Editor-in-Chief

A bill formed last year addressing sexual assault on college campuses is being urged in part by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and 34 other cosponsors to be passed by the Senate immediately.

After being idle for about nine months, the bill, titled the Campus Accountability and Safety Act, would “ensure campus sexual assault cases are handled with professionalism and fairness to better protect and empower students, and would provide colleges and universities with incentives to solve the problem of sexual assault on their campuses,” according to a statement from Hank Stern, Wyden’s press secretary.

“Ensuring the most basic protection – safety – for young people trying to get an education ought to be foremost in our minds,” Wyden said in the statement.

Of the bill’s 35 cosponsors, 22 are Democrats, 12 are Republicans, and one is an Independent. The bill is being pushed as a strongly bipartisan effort to address many of the issues relating to sexual assault on college campuses. The bill was originally introduced to the Senate in February 2015, was then reviewed by a committee in late July 2015, and has since gained some headway in being brought back into the spotlight in hopes of being passed.

If passed, the bill would do the following: establish new campus resources and support services for student survivors, ensure minimum training standards for on-campus personnel, create new transparency requirements, require a uniform discipline process and coordination with law enforcement, and establish enforceable Title IX penalties and stiffer penalties for Clery Act violations.

Data from the U.S. Department of Education shows that college campuses reported more than 6,700 forcible sex offenses in 2014. However, a study from the Department of Justice claims that that figure may be underreported by at least four times the true amount.

For Western, data shows that there were five occurrences of rape on campus in 2014, and one case of rape in on-campus student-housing facilities.

Rebecca Chiles, director of Campus Public Safety at Western, said that the main goal to combat sexual assault is to provide tactics that address preventative measures, rather than simply resources for after the fact.

“We have so many resources available for people here on campus,” said Chiles. “We want it to be confronted before it happens and to be stopped, we don’t want it to just be a resource place for after it happens.”

Chiles also noted that if a student reports an instance of sexual assault to Public Safety, the department cannot legally report it to the local law enforcement agency.

“The victim has to say, ‘I want this reported.’ They have to decide if it will be reported to the police or not,” said Chiles.

Chiles said that Public Safety works with student leaders on campus, including Resident Advisers, PLUS Team leaders, and Summer Bridge leaders, among others.

“It’s about education, and it’s about encouraging people to report [instances] that may not rise to the level of sexual assault, but could still be considered inappropriate,” said Chiles.

“I would encourage people to speak up and speak out, and to not let this stuff go unnoticed,” said Chiles. “Call out people’s behavior that is inappropriate, unhealthy, and, especially, criminal.”

Contact the author at journaleditor@wou.edu or on Twitter @journalEIC

The Western Howl

Home »

Shaking off the rust

By: Jamal Smith 
Sports editor

It has been a little over five months since Western’s football team played their last game of the season. For fans and players alike, the offseason can be a difficult time, dealing with the symptoms of football withdrawals. Sure, one can find enjoyment in other sports, but there is nothing like the drama and excitement that a weekend football game provides.

Luckily, for all those suffering football withdrawals, spring ball is here to help ease the pain.

In the spring, Western holds three scrimmages open to the public. The second was on Saturday, April 30 at Central High School.

The scrimmages provide an opportunity for the coaches to evaluate their players in game-type scenarios.

“We’re trying to get our punt returners, our kick returners, our quarterbacks, and our offensive line all game type situations and still limit the true contact because we want to keep our guys healthy,” said Wolves’ head coach, Arne Ferguson. “We are down 25 players from where we normally are so that is a little concerning to make sure that we don’t decrease our numbers for spring ball because of injuries.”

For Ferguson and the rest of the coaching staff, the balancing act of getting their players acclimated to game situations while protecting them from injuries is one of their main focuses this spring.

Another focus of the coaches is evaluating incoming freshman and walk-ons.
“We got about 16 players that just came in and won an opportunity to walk on, and they are doing awesome,” said Ferguson. “In our first scrimmage, all the kids did really well and it was probably the best scrimmage we have had since I have been here.”

The scrimmages also provide the coaches opportunities to better figure where players will fit into the depth chart.

“Our coaches all have a depth chart in mind,” said Ferguson. “What we think we have in mind is a daily process. We evaluate the kids’ work ethic, desire, non-football related things, and also we still remember what they have done in the past.”

“Once spring ball starts, it is a day-to-day operation where we go through all positions daily, and we’re looking for the improvements that they are making,” added Ferguson. “We are also looking for their growth and size potential for the future, but also, we are looking for guys with a tremendous desire and a thumb for the game. Those guys stand out and it’s contagious and it makes the team better.”

For fans dying to get a look at the team, all of the scrimmages are free and open to the public. Check www.wouwolves.com periodically for the updated information concerning the date and location of the last scrimmage.

Contact the author at jsmith15@wou.edu or on Twitter @journalsportWOU

The Western Howl

Home »

Idiot of the week

By: Jamal Smith
Sports Editor

Laremy Tunsil had a bad week. In a manner of minutes, the NFL prospect watched Screen Shot 2016-05-01 at 8.55.58 PM millions of dollars blow away in a cloud of smoke, literally and figuratively.

Tunsil, a highly touted offensive lineman from Ole Miss, arrived at the NFL draft on April 28, expecting to hear his name called in the top six picks. However, just minutes before the draft was set to commence, a video surfaced on his social media account allegedly showing Tunsil smoking a substance out of a gas mask bong.

According to Tunsil’s agent, Jimmy Sexton, the video posted to Tunsil’s social media account was the work of a hacker.

The incriminating video made NFL teams hesitant to select the 6’ 5”, 305 pounder, and Tunsil’s draft stock plummeted. Tunsil was finally selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 13th pick; a fall from grace which ESPN’s NFL Insider Adam Schefter says cost Tunsil $7 million by falling seven spots in the draft.

Then in an even more bizarre twist, an image was posted on Tunsil’s Instagram account showing an alleged conversation between Tunsil and Ole Miss assistant athletic director, John Miller, about paying the electric bills and rent of Tunsil’s mother. Sexton also claimed that a hacker was behind the leak.

As an aspiring professional athlete, Tunsil should have taken better care on what he puts on his social media account, whether set on private or not. Sure, almost everyone has at least one skeleton in their closet, but Tunsil should have realized that every single one of his actions would be scrutinized under a microscope.

It is safe to assume that Tunsil is regretting that $7 million bong rip.
Contact the author at jsmith15@wou.edu or on Twitter @journalsportWOU

The Western Howl

Home »

Blazers nip the Clip

Screen Shot 2016-05-01 at 8.55.46 PM

By: Jamal Smith
Sports Editor

When the Portland Trail Blazers were down 0-2 in their best of seven first round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, all hope seemed to be lost. The young Blazer squad appeared to be outmatched and seemed to lack the weapons to defeat the Clippers in four out of their final five games of the Western Conference series.

While many fans and sports analysts considered the series all but over, the underdog Blazers saw it as an opportunity to prove the naysayers wrong yet again. History was also against the Blazers, as only two out of 53 squads since 2009 have ever come back from a 0-2 deficit.

In their first two games against the Clippers in Los Angeles, the Blazers were absolutely dominated in every facet of the game, losing both games by at least 20 points. After going down 0-2, the Blazers hoped that they could feed off the energy from the Rose City crowd and make the series interesting, and that they did.

In game three, Portland came out with a sense of urgency and defeated the Clippers 96-88.

Then in game four, the Blazers took care of business and came away victorious with an assist from Clipper’s All-Stars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, who both had to leave the game with season-ending injuries. Paul fractured his hand and Griffin re-aggravated a quad injury that has plagued him all season long.

With the freak injuries to the Clippers’ best two players, Portland went from underdog to the favorite overnight. Being a favorite was an unfamiliar position for the Blazers who have embraced the underdog role all season long, which left many sports analysts wondering how each team would respond.

In game five back in L.A., the Clippers started the game with great energy, and outplayed the Blazers in the first half. However, the Clips ran out of gas and the Blazers took advantage and won the game 108-98.

With the advantage now going to the Blazers, Portland had a chance to finish off the fledgling Clippers back on their home court. Led by point guard Damian Lillard’s 28 points, the Blazers squeaked out a 106-103 victory taking the series 4-2, and the entire city of Portland celebrated as confetti fell from the ceiling of the Moda Center.

The Blazers will now play the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the Western Conference Playoffs. Golden State will be without their best player, Stephen Curry, who went out with a sprained knee in game four of the first round matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. Curry could come back as soon as May 9.

Portland has already defied expectations for the season. Although they are underdogs going into their matchup with Golden State, they are right where they want to be, so don’t be surprised if they find a way to shock the world yet again.

Contact the author at jsmith15@wou.edu or on Twitter @journalsportWOU.

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.

Humans of Western

Dear Esmeralda

Western hosts third annual Black Graduation

Oregon Senator cosponsors campus sexual assault bill

Shaking off the rust

Idiot of the week

Blazers nip the Clip

Tools

Resources