LGBTQ+ Exhibition

LGBTQ+ Exhibition

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor The second traveling exhibition from the Stonewall National Museum & Archives has found a temporary home in the Hamersly Library at Western. The exhibition, titled “Transcending Gender Bodies and Lives,” illustrates the stories of many LGBTQ+ figures and a timeline of gender identity across the globe. “Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people have faced a long history of shared systematic oppression by gender and sexual norms,” said the exhibition’s description. “This exhibit examines ways that gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation intersect.” The LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Grant, awarded to Western in partnership with Central School District from the Oregon Department of Education, paved the way for the exhibition’s showing.  In the exhibition, a timeline of events spanning from the 1700s to the modern age highlights the growing understanding and acceptance of transgender people alongside many other monumental moments. According to Grant Coordinator Melody Barrett, the timeline allows for viewers to “walk from the past to the present and read about individuals and events which have shaped and impacted the LGBTQ2SIA+ community, and specifically those who are transgender in a chronological way in American history.” One section of the exhibition, titled “The Teachable Moment,” explores the duality of increased acceptance but a continued lack of awareness. “The increased visibility of transgender people in the media has made wins in educating the public. However, beneath the stories of success and recognition, there remains an epidemic of serious issues in the lives of many trans people, including housing and job discrimination, poverty, HIV infection, drug abuse and suicide.” “As gender expression, sexual identity and...

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HSI Summit

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor The upcoming Hispanic-Serving Institution Summit will take place for the third annual time at Western from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024. The event is free but requires registration in advance by Thursday, April 18. Western students are encouraged to come and listen to the two keynote presenters, Dr. Patrick L Valdez and Dr. Marissa Vasquez. Valdez, coming from the University of Kentucky’s College of Education, has 25 years of experience in the execution and development of academic and student success programs. Vasquez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Administration, Rehabilitation and Postsecondary Education at San Diego State University. The Summit kicks off at 9 a.m. in the Pacific Room at the Werner University Center, leading into both speakers’ presentations, with breaks for food and a student panel taking up the brunt of the day. Western is slowly but surely building a Hispanic-serving culture and community, as the student population ticks closer to 25 percent, a requirement for the school to receive the HSI designation. Western would be the first public four-year university in Oregon to receive the Hispanic-Serving Institution designation — assuming another four-year institution doesn’t get there first, which is considerably likely as awareness of HSI designations has continued to spread and evolve. Becoming a designated Hispanic-serving Institution allows opportunities to apply for federal funding and resources for the institution and students, such as support services and programs. “The point of the event is to get all of these people in the same room to discuss how we can best support the Hispanic community,”...

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Meet Hunter Hall

Meet Hunter Hall

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor A few things to note about Hunter Hall, the Associated Students of Western Oregon University President: his love for Western is reflected in a Naruto headband engraved with the Western logo, he works with graphic design and used to be deathly afraid of clowns. Only two of those topics are relevant to his time at Western.  Hall began his college career at Portland Community College and transferred to Western in 2020, with three years of experience in student government under his belt. During the pandemic, learning was online, and Hall was merely a virtual student. He had little resources and company on campus, but he knew one thing: he wanted to be involved with student government at Western. His first and second years consisted of student work at the entry level: Destination Western and tutoring at the Math Center. Eventually, he found ASWOU, climbing the ranks to his current position as the President. “I just slowly integrated myself and started working toward the things I wanted to do here,” said Hall. “I needed to be in a position of power so I could better help support the students like me, who might not have friends or family here, or like many people, to support them … I really tried to throw myself into the sandcastle elbows-deep and get super, duper involved — just (having) many jobs from my first and second years here that helped me get to where I am now.” Technically, Hall graduated with his Bachelor’s in June of 2023: one in Mathematics, and then another in Interdisciplinary Studies with...

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Meet Western’s Peer Development Coordinator

Meet Western’s Peer Development Coordinator

Written by: Claire Phillips | Entertainment Editor Western’s Werner University Center houses many student resources, including the Center for Professional Pathways. The CPP offers a variety of services, including resume and cover letter assistance, a headshot station, information on the study abroad program and even a snack cart loaded with delicious food. Incredible opportunities are offered at the CPP that many students are unaware of. The Howl had the opportunity to interview the Peer Development Coordinator of the CPP, Jennifer Hansen. The services at Western’s Center for Professional Pathways are individualized and adjusted to the needs of students. “As students have given us feedback over the years our events have evolved to incorporate that information. I feel we try really hard to meet students where they are at and try to provide a comfortable space for them to grow into their future,” Hansen said. Undergraduate students may be unsure or concerned about their career or graduate school outcomes after attending Western, but the CPP is a resource that provides valuable insight and support. “With these tools they should be able to launch into their next steps after (Western) smoothly, and if they don’t, we are here to help them pick back up and try again.”  The CPP staff has helped students feel more secure in their plans, and knowing someone is rooting for them is always a confidence booster. Hansen shared her philosophy when it comes to working with individual students. “Depending upon the nature of the person I can adjust my own demeanor to match so that I’m not as overwhelming… I’ve been told I have a big...

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Picnic recipes

Picnic recipes

Written by: Sierra Porter | Staff Writer Spring has arrived, and along with it comes beautiful flowers, sunny days and markets with the freshest fruits and vegetables. Take advantage of this beautiful season with homemade snacks perfect for any picnic:  HOMEMADE HUMMUS:  Start to finish: 20 minutes *This recipe requires a food processor* Chickpeas  Tahini  Fresh lemon juice  Fresh garlic Ground cumin and salt  Olive oil  Optional: Roasted red peppers  Start by adding lemon juice and tahini to the food processor and allow them to run for a minute or two, eventually turning into a paste. Peel the chickpeas for a more creamy texture and separate them into two batches for easier processing. Blend the first batch of chickpeas along with the cumin, salt, olive oil and roasted red peppers, then add the second batch. Add a splash of olive oil on top and serve with crunchy veggies, pita bread or even on a tasty sandwich.  ELOTE-INSPIRED PASTA SALAD Start to finish: 30 minutes  200g pasta noodles, any kind 3 tsp olive oil  2 cans of sweet corn  6 spring onions, finely chopped  40g coriander  200g feta cheese  150g Mayonnaise  3 limes, juiced 2 tsp chili powder  Begin by cooking the pasta noodles in heavily salted water, drain and then add 1 tsp of olive oil. Heat the remainder of the olive oil in a skillet, add the sweet corn with a dash of salt and cook for 5-10 minutes or until slightly charred. Put the corn in a large serving bowl, add the pasta, spring onions, most of the coriander, crumbled feta cheese and mix well. To make...

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Connor Price

Connor Price

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor Sworn in earlier this year, Conner Price, a former Western student, has become one of Oregon’s first licensed paralegals. Before 2023, licensed paralegals did not exist in Oregon. The licensure was created to establish more resources in-house and family law, which, according to the Oregon State Bar, were “the two areas of greatest unmet need by Oregonians.” Previously, clients had to seek far more expensive lawyers for this kind of aid, but now licensed paralegals may offer less costly assistance for similar work. The work of a licensed paralegal may follow a wide scope of tasks: represent or assist clients in many legal instances, file documents with the court, review documents with clients and prepare clients for court appearances or other conferences — more tasks are listed by the Oregon State Bar. Price, however, has not yet passed the Bar exam. To be a licensed paralegal, different exams are required. “I was going to go to law school directly out of college,” said Price. “But after two and a half years of pandemic learning, I was like, I need a break.” Price graduated from Western in 2022. Since then, he’s moved to work at a law firm located in Astoria, which, according to him, is “a beautiful little town (with lots of) rich history.” The law firm, Stahancyk, Kent & Hook, embraced the new Oregon Licensed Paralegal program which Price completed — making him the only licensed paralegal at his location. The program was tedious, requiring proof of 1500 hours of work, a portfolio thoroughly documenting different categories of work and multiple...

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Oregon blooms

Oregon blooms

Written by: Claire Phillips | Entertainment Editor If one is on the lookout for dazzling wildlife within Oregon, there are many places nearby to explore. Spring is the peak season to see bright flowers bloom. However, it is important to remember to be respectful of these natural areas. Be sure to follow guidelines, and don’t forget to pack adequate hiking equipment to keep oneself and others safe. Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm: Marion County, OR — This large tulip farm showcases its colorful blooms annually, as a sign that spring has arrived in Oregon. One doesn’t have to simply look at the flowers; the farm also includes a variety of activities, such as the Tulip Market, wine tasting and even hot air balloon rides. The farm is currently open to visitors until May 5. Saddle Mountain State Natural Area: Clatsop County, OR — Saddle Mountain is known for both its height and beloved wildflowers, with trails beginning in a picnic area and ending at the rocky peak. Saddle Mountain formed during the Miocene and served as a reserve for a variety of plant species during the Ice Age. This area is a fantastic place to see rare plant and animal species. Cone Peak: Linn County, OR — Cone Peak is full of over 300 different wildflower species throughout spring. Not to be mistaken for the Cone Peak in California, Oregon’s Cone Peak is a six mile loop trail located near Cascadia. On the trail, hikers can expect to see volcanic craggy rock in addition to the wildflowers Silver Falls State Park: Marion County, OR — In addition to the flowers...

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Blooming spring recipes

Written by: Taylor Duff | Staff Writer CHOPPED GREEK SALAD  From start to finish: 20 min Greek red wine vinaigrette dressing (purchase or make)  Red onion  Cucumber  Grape tomatoes  Fresh parsley  Olives of choice  Banana peppers  Avocado Salt and pepper to taste Feta cheese to top Begin by chopping your red onion, cucumber, grape tomatoes, banana peppers, olives and avocado and add to a large bowl. Next, roughly chop your parsley and sprinkle on top of the veggie mix. Then, drizzle the red wine vinaigrette over the veggie mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Lastly, toss together and sprinkle with feta cheese.        LEMON PASTA From start to finish: 45 min  2 Tbs Chicken bouillon powder  Angel hair pasta  Half a stick of butter  1Tbs of minced garlic  1 Tbs of red pepper flakes  Fresh parsley  1 Cup grated parmesan  2 lemons squeezed  Salt and pepper to taste  Start by boiling a pot of water large enough to fit the angel hair pasta and season the water with the chicken bouillon powder. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and stir periodically. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain your pasta once cooked according to the package. On medium heat in a large pan add the half stick of butter, minced garlic and red pepper flakes and stir until melted and combined. Now add in the drained pasta and some of the reserved pasta water with the fresh parsley, grated parmesan, juice from the lemons, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until combined and serve.  BERRY COBBLER  From start to finish: 70 min 1...

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Spring break inside

Spring break inside

Written by: Taylor Duff | Staff Writer With spring break approaching, many students do not have the funds to travel or participate in expensive activities, leaving them to wonder what they will do during their break. Some are most likely catching up on sleep, but here are some ideas for how to spend one’s spring break, other than sleeping.   Read a new book — Reading is proven to be beneficial to the mind, and there are many options out there for any genre or length. Audiobooks are also a great alternative because they can provide a more immersive experience for some. TikTok and other social media sites have many recommendations to discover.   Watch a new TV series or have a movie marathon — Streaming services have many choices for film and TV. If one isn’t sure what they might like, try watching the first episode of a show or the trailer to see if it’s something one may be interested in.  Play board games — Board games are underrated as there are always more to try out. Games are always fun to play time and time again.  Try a new hobby — A new hobby can be exciting and something that could get a person out of their comfort zone. The most popular hobbies include painting, cooking, writing, gardening, video games and so much more. Another fun hobby one can try is pottery; many pottery shops offer a chance to try it out or paint some pottery pieces that have already been made.  Try a new recipe — The internet is full of delicious and adventurous recipes that give...

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How to save money

Written by: Libby Thoma | Staff Writer Saving is always important, as a little bit of savings can help in case of an emergency. This is close to impossible for most, especially those in college. This article is meant to give some ideas, but many are living paycheck to paycheck, and it is important to note that it is a privilege to be able to save money.  Couponing — Although many are embarrassed to use coupons, couponing can save a person up to one thousand dollars per year. Couponfellow.com found that Americans can save about $1,465 per year. Coupon codes can be found through the mail, newspapers and magazines, apps and even in-store. Budgeting — This is when one plans how and when to spend money, beginning with necessities. Start by calculating income, tracking spending, setting realistic goals, making a plan and sticking to it. Rocket Money is a safe online financial service that can help with budgeting.  Scholarships and grants — Scholarships can be found on the Western Portal in the scholarship icon at the top of the page. Grants are money from the government that do not need to be repaid, these are given based on need. Grants can be found through websites such as Oregon Student Aid. One must ensure to fill out FAFSA before filing for scholarships and grants. Work on one’s own time — College students looking for a job that fits with their schedule should consider working on their own time at jobs such as Instacart, DoorDash, Uber Eats and other services that allow one to choose their hours. These jobs are a...

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