Mount Hood

How the gut affects the brain

Written by: Libby Thoma | Freelancer

It is well known that the brain, through emotion, can trigger an upset stomach. This spans from throwing up due to anxiety to being unable to eat during depression. It is less commonly known that this connection goes both ways. 

The gut-brain connection is the idea that the gut and the brain directly affect each other. The main component of this connection is the enteric nervous system — otherwise known as the ENS — that spans from your gastrointestinal tract to your rectum. The ENS’s main role is digestion, and although the ENS doesn’t think the way we picture thinking, there is a lot of communication between the ENS and the brain. An upset ENS, which may or may not be noticeable, may cause emotional and mood shifts, coupled with an increase in the risk for mental illness, mainly depression and anxiety. The ENS is known as a second brain, which can’t think in the way we presume a thought process is, but does play a role in controlling emotions and mental illness.

Generally, these risks are caused by bowel problems including constipation, diarrhea, bloating, IBS and general stomach upset. The importance of studying this phenomenon is high, due to up to 40% of the population having these problems at some point in their life. 

The study of the gut brain connection is also important due to the fact that it can lead to treatment. This treatment includes soothing both the brain and the “second brain”. 

Antidepressants and cognitive therapy are generally thought to help, but gastroenterologists and medication for stomach issues also help. Treatment has to target both brains to be fully effective. One may also try switching to a healthier diet to help improve the state of both brains. 

The gut-brain connection is a key component to understanding mental illness and the overall unwell mind. It can also unlock an understanding of overall stomach upset. The connection continues to be studied and more information has come out annually, improving the status of treatment options. The gut-brain connection is important and can help millions of people improve their quality of life. 

Contact the author at ethoma@wou.edu

Tree lighting ceremony

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

Western’s campus will be kicking off December with the 56th annual Holiday Tree Lighting. The event will start at 6:00 p.m. outside of the historical Campbell Hall. In preparation for the occasion, the tree has been fitted with its giant decorations which will be lit at the event around 6:45 p.m..

“Our sequoia tree outside of Campbell Hall is rumored to be the second largest sequoia (in Oregon),” said Katelin Granger, the coordinator of student activities & inclusion. It was planted in 1887 by former students of Western and is the object of celebration for the Holiday Tree Lighting.

The annual event is expected to bring together the Monmouth-Independence community, alumni, students, staff and faculty at large, as it has in previous years. It begins with a few keynote speakers sharing some words for the public. Some speakers include the President Peters, parade narrators and student voices that Granger established for the sake of inputting student representation in the event.

In the past, the parade has featured around thirty floats and traverses through Monmouth. “We have the annual parade that goes from the Monmouth (Public) library to the middle of campus,” said Granger. “We see people line up down Main Street and Monmouth avenue to watch all the parade floats. It’s just a really fun time.”

After the parade, the Dean of Students, Malissa Larson, will say a few words which will be followed by speeches by the mayors of Independence and Monmouth. Local elementary schools have engaged in an essay-writing contest, where the winner will be announced on the night of the event and assist in lighting the tree alongside President Peters. Prior to the lighting, the winner of the essay contest gets to read their essay aloud to the public attending the ceremony.

The Werner University Center will host indoor activities like cookie frosting and a Santa Claus for photo opportunities and more fun.

“This year, Abby’s House is doing their silent auction and that is going to be open during the after-portion, in the Columbia room,” added Granger.

Tradition will continue on the first Friday of December as the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony commences on campus. Granger encourages students to attend the event and join in on the holiday spirit that the festive night will entail.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Since 1962

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

Western’s average first-year student would never pass by Campbell Hall and consider that something is missing.

The building blends in with the rest of the old architecture — a staple to Western’s image. Before 1962, however, it had a whole section of rooms and even a bell tower that was lost to the Columbus Day Storm that wrecked the West coast — blowing in dangerous winds and torrents of rain statewide.

Student Wes Luchau photographed the devastation in action, a photo blasted to national media that even ended up earning Luchau 400 dollars which would be equivalent to four thousand dollars in today’s currency.

There is more of this hidden history that exists in the Western archives —  residing in the library archives and passed on in stories.

According to “Since 1856… Historical Views of the College at Monmouth,” a book kept shelved in Western’s Wayne & Lynn Hamersly Library, the enrollment in 1962 was at 1200 students. 

The book states, “The College attracted a student body most of whom were first generation college-bound,” which corresponds today with Western program SEP., specific to first-generation students, a trait Western has incorporated for over 60 years.

At this time, Western was not yet Western Oregon University, but the Oregon College of Education, and would go by this name until the year 1981.

The sixties arranged a period of rapid growth for the college, tripling their numbers by the end of the decade. More educational programs were established, as well as programs related to the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. 

The college underwent degree establishment requiring prerequisites for classes in elementary education, whereas previously, students could take the required classes in any order they desired, much unlike today’s system. 

More staff were hired and more funding was given to Western so it would eventually become the school as we know it today. It was a long journey from 1962’s disaster-struck college to today’s successful university.

More of Western’s complicated history can be easily found on the Wayne & Lynn Hamersly Library’s website and archival materials. Books, such as “Since 1869…,” are easily accessible and available to be checked out. 

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Albany’s Veterans Day parade

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

Families camped out on the sidewalks in Albany with hot chocolate and puffy coats in what was the 72nd annual Veterans Day Parade, an event that locals claim to be the biggest parade west of the Mississippi. Technically, Albany’s Veterans Day Parade used to be the biggest parade west of the Mississippi, but Los Angeles holds that title now. “Per capita, Albany is much larger,” said Christine Ferguson, the Linn County Oregon Veterans Day Parade Committee president. 

Still, the 2023 parade was expected to host thousands of people, both in the parade and on the sidelines. Spectators lined up for blocks to observe the parade despite the chilly November morning air. In the past, the parade has racked up over 45,000 spectators. Ferguson is hoping for a similar turnout. The parade consisted of 160 units, besides the motorcycles, and was projected to last around three hours.

“We have everything — from dads pulling their kids in wagons, classic cars, we have military units, we have high school units, equestrian units, we have businesses,” stated Ferguson. “There’s all different kinds of people. That’s what’s so great about it.”

Ferguson brought in food trucks, bleachers, additional trash cans and porta potties to kick off the traditional Veterans Day parade in addition to handling all sponsorships and paperwork. 

The parade, as tradition goes, begins with hundreds of motorcycles revving and riding down the streets of Albany, followed by floats, clubs, school teams and so on. War tankards clunk down the streets as well as antique cars — some of which carry local Veterans to be celebrated in their hometown.

Banners decked out in memorabilia to Veterans dangle from street lights — put up weeks before the parade. Local businesses offered hot chocolate, steaming cider and donuts to the crowds, many of which decorated their shops in tandem with the parade.

Ferguson went on to explain that the parade is open to everyone. “If you wanna pull your kid in a wagon and be in the parade, you’re welcome to. If you have a classic car you want to drive in the parade, you’re welcome. If you have a fire engine, an old military vehicle — all of it, it’s welcome.”

 “All of us are honoring those who fought for us,” said Ferguson. “We all have the same gratitude for the life we get to live. And none of it is political. None of it is religious, it’s just a whole community coming together.”

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

A timeline of the Israel-Hamas conflict

Written by: Cami Ansley | Copy Editor

As of Tuesday, Nov. 7, the Israel-Hamas conflict has officially surpassed a month with no end in sight. Since the initial attack on Israel by Hamas on Oct. 7, Israel has been consistently retaliating against Hamas, a militant group located in and governing the Gaza Strip. As of Nov. 13, the death toll has reached more than 1,400 Israelis and over 11,180 Palestinians. Here is a timeline of key events in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

During the early morning hours of Saturday, Oct. 7, Hamas launched a barrage of thousands of rockets targeting Southern and Central Israel and infiltrated small towns and Kibbutz, slaughtering and kidnapping men, women and children.

One of these targeted locations was the Negev Desert, where the Supernova Universo Paralello Festival was being celebrated. Thousands of people were sent running for their lives as Hamas militants paraglided into the area and sprayed bullets in their direction. Some attendees took to hiding in bushes, finding refuge in nearby buildings, and playing dead. At least 260 Israeli bodies were recovered from the Festival site, while an unspecified number of people are still missing and/or are suspected of being taken as hostages. 

On Oct. 9, the Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, ordered a “complete siege” of Gaza, starting by cutting electricity, food, water and fuel from entering the territory, and mobilizing 300,000 troops — the most Israel has ever gathered in such a short amount of time. On Oct. 13, leaflets were dropped over Gaza ordering all citizens to move South to avoid being hit by the upcoming missile attacks from Israel.

On Oct. 14, Egypt, Israel and America came to an agreement to let Palestinians enter Egypt for refuge through the Rafah Border — causing a surge of Gazans to flock to the border. However, the Rafah Border was not opened to citizens or aid services at this time. 

On Oct. 17, an explosion hit the al-Ahli hospital, killing over 500 people. Hamas blamed Israel for the attack while Israel claimed that the explosion was caused by a “failed missile launch” by Islamic Jihad, another militant group. 

As a result of the hospital explosion, a summit scheduled for Oct. 18 between Jordanian King Abdullah, President Biden, Egyptian President Sissi and Palestinian Authority President Abbas to discuss the state of affairs in Gaza was mutually canceled on Oct. 17. Two American hostages were also released by Hamas after being kidnapped from a kibbutz they were staying at in Southern Israel.

On Oct. 18, President Biden visited Israel for seven hours, showing support for Israel while also encouraging them to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. An agreement was made between Israel and Egypt to allow 20 trucks of humanitarian aid to enter Gaza through the Rafah Border.

On Oct. 23, Hamas released two elderly female Israeli hostages. On Oct. 27, Israel cut off all communication to and from Gaza and amped up their ground offensive in preparation for their upcoming invasion.

On Oct. 29, the UN reported that thousands of Palestinians had broken into their warehouses, taking basic items and hygiene supplies. On Oct. 30, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel rejects the calls for a ceasefire with Hamas.

Following negotiations between Hamas, Israel and Egypt, the Rafah Border Crossing was opened to allow sick and wounded civilians as well as dual nationals and aid organization staff to enter Egypt on Nov. 1. By the end of the day, more than 350 dual nationals and 76 injured/sick had crossed the border.

On Nov. 2, Israel claimed they had completely surrounded Gaza City. During a televised speech on Nov. 3, Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the idea of a temporary ceasefire unless Hamas released all their hostages.

On Nov. 6, the Rafah Border was temporarily reopened to allow pre-approved foreign passport holders and some injured to enter Egypt. By early evening, a total of 80 dual nationals and 17 injured had crossed over.

On Nov. 7, over 500 more evacuees, including foreign and dual nationals as well as 19 injured, crossed the Rafah Border Crossing. On Nov. 9, Israel agreed to four-hour pauses in fighting in Northern Gaza every day from then on. 

On Nov. 12, the Al-Shifa hospital, the largest in Gaza, went “out of service” after losing electricity and thus, the ability to perform surgeries, life-support and other services. 



Contact the author at howlcopyeditor@mail.wou.edu

Oregon graduation requirements changed

Written by: Libby Thoma | Freelancer

Oregon’s essential skills requirement has been dropped at least until the graduation of the class of 2029 due to Senate Bill 774.  The essential skills requirement, known as the Assessment of Essential Skills, is the requirement of students to pass a standardized test containing basic skills such as reading, writing and math skills. 

Senate Bill 774 is a bill addressing the decrease in education and learning due to the pandemic. 

The test was dropped not only because of the amount of learning and education decreasing during lockdown but also because the standardized test format was found harmful to marginalized students. Marginalized students include students of color, students with disabilities, students with English as their second language and more. 

Many argue that taking away this test also takes away the ability for students to get the extra help in school they need. Others argue that the test holds marginalized students back, not just grade wise or diploma wise, but also by taking away their ability to join an elective because of tutoring.

The school board claims there’s a lack of evidence that the extra education stemming from the test helps students progress toward college or work. Those in favor of disbanding the tests believe in the harmfulness to marginalized students. Those for keeping the standardized test believe that not testing students for essential skills leads to the value of a diploma decreasing and making achieving a diploma “easier” — as they believe — are not helpful for students. 

Oregon doesn’t have much room to do worse in education, as Oregon is 42nd in the U.S. in education K through 12.  Throughout upcoming years, time will tell if this decision is the correct one. 

Contact the author at ethoma23@mail.wou.edu

A fireside chat with the President

Written by: Gretchen Sims | Edition-in-Chief

Western’s President, Jesse Peters, joined by the Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Dominique Vargas, and the Vice President of Student Affairs, Tina Fulch, got down to earth by meeting students face-to-face in a very casual manner — around the fireplace in the Richard Woodcock Educational Center no less.

This Nov. 2 meeting was a way for students to bring their concerns to the attention of people who have the power to take them into consideration and enact real change. 

The chat offered a comfortable environment that encouraged students to speak their minds — the inclusion of hot chocolate, tea and sweet treats also helped students feel invited to bring forth their grievances.

One of the first topics brought up by students was the mysterious disappearance of scholarship funds. Many students were missing scholarships this school year. Many were forced to pay their student bills without finding out what had happened to their money — despite many unhelpful and uninformative calls to the financial aid office. 

Tina Fulch answered this question with great concern, stating that if this has happened to any student, they should not give up on their scholarships. The financial aid office is horrendously understaffed and it is taking longer than usual to distribute funds. 

If one has already paid their student bill before getting some or all of their scholarships, the funds will be returned in the form of a reimbursement check at the end of the term. 

Another issue raised by students was the unreliability and impractical design of the school’s portal — citing that the widgets at the top are all different shapes and spaces apart. Additionally, crashes almost prevented them from paying their student bill on the day it was due. 

Fulch considered this and will bring up a possible redesign to the Director of UCS.

Faith DeVyldere, an Education student at Western who student-teaches at Oregon Child Development Coalition in Independence, brought up the fact that student teachers are unable to afford school and housing due to the fact that they hold unpaid positions. Western has many education students, but they are struggling because there is no help for them once they begin their stints as student teachers — rent and school can be expensive if one is working without pay. Fulch recommended talking with the Dean.

Overall, the general consensus was that people are starting to come out from hiding after COVID and are beginning to become active on campus again. Western’s campus has come to life this past year, and the small things, like this fireside chat, prove that the students are ready to make a difference and change Western for the better.  

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@wou.edu

Western Oregon University

Facebook   Instagram   Twitter  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.