Mount Hood

Alumnus advocates for trans rights

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Many Western alumni have moved on to accomplish extraordinary things after graduation. One notable individual is Mason Dunn, whose advocacy and dedication has led to major policy changes for transgender rights and won him the 2017 Leadership Award by the Equality Federation.

Dunn graduated from Western in 2007 with a degree in criminal justice. During his time here at Western, he was president of Triangle Alliance, served as the executive diversity coordinator for ASWOU and helped found and open the Stonewall Center. Dunn also sat as co-chair for the Oregon Students for Equal Rights Alliance at the statewide level.

After graduating from the University of New Hampshire School of Law in 2012, Dunn worked as an LGBTQ rights organizer with the New Hampshire ACLU. Soon after that, he was hired as executive director at the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition and has held that position since 2013.

As executive director at MTPC, Dunn works as a lobbyist, advocate, administrator, educator and speaker. He follows the organization’s mission to stop gender-based discrimination with political advocacy, education and community empowerment.

“Trans rights are human rights,” Dunn said in an interview with the Journal on Nov. 18. “When the rights of a marginalized group are under attack, it has an impact on us all. As a result, we should all work towards and for equal rights for all people.”

Dunn and the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition played a critical role in advocating for trans rights. He advocated for transition-related healthcare coverage, simplifying the process for changing names and gender markers on Massachusetts birth certificates and adding legal protections in public spaces for transgender individuals. All of these issues were won by the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition and signed into law. In 2018, statewide non-discrimination laws will be up for a referendum vote and mark the first time that transgender rights will be on a statewide ballot.

Dunn received an award by the Equality Federation, a national organization that supports and collaborates with state-based LGBTQ organizations. He was the recipient of the 2017 Leadership Award in honor of his advocacy for nondiscrimination protections for gender identity and expression.

Dunn has worked as an LGBTQ rights advocate for over a decade, but he encourages everyone to get involved in some capacity; “Whatever you do, and in whatever capacity, get involved and stay involved. It will take all of us to address inequality in our world.”

“You don’t have to be on the front lines in this work. You may not have the capacity to march, or organize, or speak out,” Dunn said. “But sharing articles on social media, speaking up when friends or family show bias towards marginalized groups, fundraising for a local nonprofit, or even volunteering once a month – all of these are ways to be involved in the work for equality.”

 

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Western students get out and vote

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

The 2016 election marked many Western student’s first time voting in a federal election. Western Oregon University, along with hundreds of other campuses across the United States, took part in a study to acquire data on student voting rates and how this compares to previous elections.

This study, conducted by the National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement (NSLVE), represented over 10 million students and covered campus-wide student voting rates in the 2012, 2014 and 2016 elections.

Between 2012 and 2016, enrollment at Western decreased by nearly 13 percent, resulting in less eligible voters for the 2016 election. But voter registration persisted and the registration rate increased by 7 percent in 2016, as compared to 2012. The overall voting rate for the 2016 election increased as well, with 59.4 percent of students turning in their ballot, while the 2012 rate sat at 53.2 percent. Compared to the cumulative data between all institutions in the study, Western students voted more than the average university’s students by 9 percent.

The increase in voter registration for the 2016 election may be due to the Oregon Student Association and ASWOU’s student outreach that led to 859 new or updated registered voters at Western and an estimated 49,000 statewide.

Spencer Dixon, Partnerships Coordinator of Young Invincibles, works to institutionalize voter registration across college campuses. The organization aims to breaks barriers that prevent individuals from voting and increase voter registration among college students.

“When campuses lead the way and provide students with resources and encourage them, students are more likely to participate,” Dixon commented. “We are hoping to take this report and make sure everyone’s aware of the numbers and commit to actions campuses can take to increase those rates.”

Find the full results here within the Oct. 25 meeting docket.

Western welcomes annual holiday festivities

Zoë Strickland | Managing Editor

On Friday, Dec. 1, the lights on the giant sequoia will be turned on for the 50th consecutive year.

Despite it being the 50th annual tree lighting, the first time the tree was adorned with lights wasn’t 50 years ago. In 1940, lights were put on the tree as a way of celebrating then-faculty member John Scott. However, the next time the Sequoia saw lights was Nov. 27, 1967.

The effort to bring the holiday spirit to Monmouth was student-run. An article from the Nov. 9, 1967 issue of The Monmouth Herald stated that it was the women of Todd Hall, a residence hall at the time, that kickstarted the process of incorporating holiday festivities; “Girls from Todd hall were present to get council approval for a project to light the sequoia tree on the OCE campus as a community Christmas Tree.”

A follow-up piece from Nov. 23 reported the council’s approval: “What has been billed as ‘The World’s Largest Living Christmas Tree’ will be lighted on the OCE campus on Monday evening. The tree, a 122 foot tall sequoia located in front of Campbell hall on the campus, will be lighted in a 7 p.m. ceremony.”

The sequoia that once stood at 122-feet is now estimated to be between 125 and 130-feet tall. “We may have to lengthen the top piece, the satellite, that the lights are attached to, to accommodate the growth of the tree,” said Kevin Hughes, Landscape Maintenance Coordinator.

Though the sequoia is no longer touted as the world’s largest Christmas tree, the tradition has persevered through tumultuous times. The tree was not available to comment on its dethroned title.

Over the years, the responsibility of planning the events has shifted. When originally proposed by a residence hall, students were in charge of coordinating the ceremonies. However, non-student run entities of the institution eventually took the reigns.

In 1992, the school was unsure if they had the funds to continue the tree lighting ceremony. As a result, the community banded together to continue the event.

“In response to Western’s pleas for help, the community will be picking up a lot of the financial burden of this holiday fixture, but not all of it. The Incidental Fee Committee recently met to discuss the options available to them … this year’s expenses are estimated at $6500 … to lessen the stress of this annual holiday expenditure, the Incidental Fee Committee began fundraising,” reported a 1992 article of the Western Star.

Western’s tree lighting tradition is one that members of the Western community look forward to, “Driving through campus at night when the tree is lit, trying to spot it on highway 99 while coming to work,” Hughes said when asked about his favorite thing about the tradition.

The best thing that students can do to keep this event going is showing their support, “Keep the excitement and process going. Generations are enjoying the celebration. It started out as a community event and it will continue to bring people back to our WOU campus. When we install the lights on the tree, I have a sigh of relief and know that in approx. 1 month, the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year celebrations will begin,” Hughes added.

This year’s events will kick off at 6 p.m. with a holiday parade that will head from Monmouth Library to the main drag of campus. The parade includes floats by different student groups around campus and Monmouth, as well as an appearance by Santa Claus. 7 p.m. is double booked with both a local school choir concert, and a wine and music gathering at Gentle House.

The Werner University Center will be open during the night, and will have indoor programs such as a holiday cookie bake-off, tree decorating contest, live music from KWOU and an area for people to get their photo taken with Santa.

 

Contact the author at journalmanaging@wou.edu

Homecoming sparks pride at Western

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

When the fire burns in the shape of a “W,” students gather to touch-up Western’s logo on Church Street and hundreds take to the bleachers to cheer on the Wolves, it can only mean one thing: homecoming.

The theme of the week, “Feels like ‘97: 20 years of WOU,” referred to the change from Western Oregon State College to Western Oregon University in 1997. The ‘90s theme spread throughout the week, from a throwback office decorating contest to a ‘90s trivia night.

Matthew Ciraulo helped plan the homecoming events in his second year as Director of the Student Activities Board.

When asked what his favorite thing about homecoming is, he replied, “I love that it’s one week of events jam-packed and we always try to make something for everyone. It takes a lot of skill to put on a whole week and make it go successful, but I think everyone’s doing a great job.”

“It’s a really great time to show your WOU spirit and show all the reasons why you chose to go to WOU and why you love WOU,” Ciraulo added.

Though the week culminated at the football game on Saturday, there were several events that all students, including the non-sports enthusiasts, could engage in.

Photo by Madison Hocker

 

Carnival

The festive week kicked off with the carnival. This brand new event set the tone for the rest of the week featuring carnival games, food and, most importantly, prizes. Games like plinko, ring toss and bingo created a genuine carnival feel. A “test your strength” hammer game inspired competition and determination to ring the bell at the top of the tower. The ‘90s theme prompted a “pin the crown on Biggie Smalls” game and a Central Perk sitting area.

“Honestly, I love any event that has free food,” senior Amy Watkins remarked. “SAB always does a great job with trying new traditions … and I love that the whole event incorporated the ‘90s.”

 

Paint the Town Red

Paint the Town Red was a new homecoming tradition that encouraged clubs and organizations to help decorate windows in businesses around Monmouth. 14 businesses in downtown Monmouth displayed the spirit of homecoming for the whole town to see.

“I know that businesses want to be more connected with the university,” commented Kelsey Elam-Geuting, Coordinator for Organization and Activities at Western.

Miriam Haugen, owner of Haugen’s Galleri, enjoyed the event; “I think it’s really a great way to increase the connection between the business community and the college and show support. We’re all in it together,” she said.

 

Haunted House

Oct. 31 has come and gone, and the giant sequoia is being ornamented with lights, but it’s never too late for a spooky haunted house for those who are feeling the post-Halloween blues. A traveling haunted house company set up the spine-tingling attraction in the Pacific Room, and a line almost out the door was filled with eager students ready to be spooked. Frightening jump scares, creepy dolls and terrifyingly tight paths intensified the fear.

Theatre students and other volunteers played “haunters” in the dark and creepy maze. “It was fun,” senior Lindsay Spear commented. “Even for someone like me who is terrified by haunted houses.”

The haunted house was a good opportunity to connect the fun of homecoming week with the terror of Halloween.

Photo by Paul F. Davis

 

Bonfire

Despite the bleak and rainy weather that troubled Monmouth during homecoming week, the annual bonfire raged on after Friday’s Powderpuff game. The event, which usually occurs at the beginning of the week, deliberately took place on Friday evening to increase excitement and spirit for the next day’s homecoming football game.

“The one thing I want to make sure we do is get the whole school involved,” Ciraulo remarked.

The football team attended the bonfire to light the “W,” cheerleaders pumped up the crowd for the game and the annual pie eating contest provided hilarious entertainment.

Photo by Paul F. Davis

 

Royalty

Not only did Saturday bring the much anticipated homecoming football game, it also brought the crowning of the Wolf Royalty.

Efra Quevedo and Poka Matagi had the honor of being selected as Wolf Royalty for Homecoming 2017. Quevedo is the Treasurer of Omega Delta Phi fraternity and President of the Fraternity and Sorority Council, the Student Coordinator for the Upward Bound program and volunteers as a Multicultural Representative mentor. Matagi is Vice President of Western’s Kappa Delta Chi chapter, as well as a Multicultural Representative mentor with the Multicultural Student Services and Programs office. Both Quevedo and Matagi are serving in Costa Rica this December and volunteering with at-risk youth in impoverished areas.

The crown was awarded to current Western seniors who have been nominated by students, organizations and staff members. In years past, the two Wolf Royalty individuals were chosen solely by popular vote. This year, however, the nominees underwent an interview process to be eligible for Wolf Royalty. The nominees were given scores in the interview based on the core values that Western leaders should possess: excellence, diversity and respect, and sustainability and stewardship. The score from their interview combined with the popular vote score decided which individuals received the crown.

 

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Western’s food pantry educates about food insecurity

Photo by Paul F. Davis

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

The minds of Western Oregon University students are often occupied with upcoming exams, social events and balancing various responsibilities. But for more than half of Western students, food insecurity is also on that list.

Food insecurity, as defined by the USDA, is “a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food.” A 2016 USDA report stated that 16 percent of households, nearly one in six, experienced food insecurity between 2013-2015. This number is much higher among college students.

Food insecurity has tremendous negative effects on the body. According to oregonhunger.org, food insecurity is linked to obesity in children and adults, reduced brain activity and often leads to higher risks of chronic health issues.

In addition to its harmful impact on physical health, food insecurity can also affect academic achievement in individuals of all ages. A 2014 study, a group effort project done by various Western professors, a Benton County Health Service employee and an Oregon State University professor, found that students facing food insecurity are more likely to have a lower GPA than those who do not. This issue can have negative effects on an individual’s ability to graduate and reach their career aspirations later in life.

The Western Oregon University Food Pantry is one of eight food pantries that serves Polk County residents. Located in the Academic Programs and Support Center, the pantry aims to provide nutritious food to the Monmouth community from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Food Pantry Director Ashley Biles wants to support students that may be facing food insecurity.

“It’s a very prevalent issue … it’s a very large percentage of students. You’re not alone. There’s a lot of people going through this, and we’re here to support you.”

The Food Pantry holds various events throughout the year to educate the community about food insecurity and available resources. A passive display on Oct. 16 informed students about World Food Day and hunger, and a Pumpkins for People event in the Werner University Center on Oct. 24 traded pumpkins for monetary or non-perishable food items for the pantry.

Biles encourages students and community members to visit the pantry if they are experiencing food insecurity.

“It’s all confidential,” Biles explained. “Some food pantries you have to give your name or identification. But in our food pantry, you can come in and pick that food that you need or want, weigh it, and then answer a few questions, so it’s all confidential.”

For questions about the food pantry or becoming a volunteer, contact foodpantryvolunteers@wou.edu.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Bike theft rages through campus

Photo by Paul F. Davis
Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Many Western students are utilizing bicycles this fall to ride to class, complete errands or enjoy the last remnants of sunshine before the rain takes over. But for many students, the ongoing issue of bike theft on campus leaves them without their only mode of transportation.

Seven campus bike thefts have been recorded since the beginning of fall term, an unusually high number according to Public Safety Office Manager Angela Barry and Public Safety Officer Jessica Roberts. They have tips for students and staff on keeping bikes safe and reducing the number of bike thefts.

First, it’s wise to register the bike with Public Safety. Any individual that will be bringing a bike on campus can take it to the Public Safety office where they will note the serial number of the bicycle and put a registration tag on it. Registration is completely free, and the serial number of the bike will go into the law enforcement data system.

“The biggest thing is trying to identify who it belongs to,” explained Roberts. “We’ll see a hundred bikes out there and have no way to figure out who the owner is. It gives you that identification piece and if it does get stolen, then it’s easier to locate the owner.”

Second, report the bike theft immediately both on and off campus. Bicycles that are stolen on campus can be taken off campus, so it would be wise to notify the Monmouth Police Department of the theft in addition to Public Safety.

Lastly, keep the bike in a safe area. This includes properly locking it to a bike rack, even for short periods of time. Barry and Roberts suggest investing in a sturdy, metal lock instead of the easily-broken plastic type.

If individuals are concerned about leaving bikes unattended, university housing allows students to keep the bikes inside a residence hall room as long as it doesn’t pose a fire hazard.

Bike lockers are also an option. Located near APSC, ITC, Bellamy Hall and the old education building, bike lockers provide a safe and reliable alternative to bike racks.

Roberts notes, “basically theft comes down to a crime of opportunity; people will see bikes unlocked or easily accessible and it becomes an issue.”

Public Safety is open 24/7 for bicycle registration or reports of theft.

 

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Free birth control, STD testing offered at Student Health and Counseling Center

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

The CCare program, also known as Oregon Contraceptive Care, returns to Western to offer its services to students free of charge.

The program provides free birth control services, emergency contraception, Pap smears, STD testing and health education and counseling to qualifying individuals.

To qualify for the CCare program, a person must live in Oregon, be a lawful permanent resident, have a Social Security Number and meet the income requirements found on the Oregon Health Authority website. Individuals must reapply for the program on an annual basis to continue receiving its services. Benefits from the CCare program are completely free for qualifying students.

Various birth control methods are available for students to choose the what’s best for them. Options include pills, condoms, the Depo-Provera shot, a subdermal implant, spermicide and diaphragms. Staff are also hoping to add the contraceptive ring to that list soon. The program provides a one-year supply of birth control.

Services not covered by CCare include treatment for bladder infections, pregnancy testing and treatment for STDs, but these services are offered at the Student Health and Counseling Center for a fee.

Individuals that do not meet the qualifications for the CCare program are still able to receive all of the resources that the SHCC provides, and a fee will be charged to the student’s account.

SHCC Administrative Assistant Trisha Guy wants to encourage students to take advantage of the new program.

“It’s important to everybody to sign up for it that’s eligible. I can’t think of a reason why somebody wouldn’t want it,” said Guy. “Consider it carefully before you turn it down because it’s no cost to you whatsoever and I can’t see a downside to having it… Even if you’re not sure or don’t need it now, there’s nothing wrong with signing up for it now in case you need it later.”

The Student Health and Counseling Center is not the only clinic that offers CCare programs; various centers such as Polk County Public Health, Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette and Marion County Health Department also offer the CCare program. Students enrolled in the program on Western’s campus can also receive services from other CCare providers.

Call the Student Health and Counseling Center at 503-838-8313 for more information on the Contraceptive Care program.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

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