Courtesy Cheyenne Perry More than two years ago, the “A-Team” meant nothing more to Boise State students than the 80s show starring Mr. T. Now campus has its own A-Team. Lacking a few explosions and military patches, the A-Team at Boise State differs from the famous Hollywood version. Most notably, the Boise State A-Team has a different area of expertise. The A-Team specializes in providing experience for students interested in the entertainment industry. Working closely with Boise State staff, the A-Team is a student organization that helps plan and promote events at the Taco Bell Arena. The student organization’s name actually stands for the ‘Arena Team.’ Heather Hanks, promotions coordinator for Taco Bell Arena, created the student organization and assigned its name. When Hanks graduated from Boise State and began working for the Taco Bell Arena in 2008, she noticed a serious lack of connection between campus and the Arena. She asked herself, “Why aren’t we offering something to the students on campus?” Though she began small—with only one intern—demand... ...
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Tasha Adams and Nicole Reither are graduating this Saturday. They conquered all things graduation and are proud to walk away undaunted. What is a reflection on your undergrad experience? Did it meet your expectations? Nicole: It met my expectations and more. Even though sometimes I wanted to drop out and be done with school forever I always knew that was just a dream. And now with graduation in one week I am wishing I were on the five-year plan. Either that or I am thinking about re-enrolling again as a freshman. I had the perfect undergrad experience, from classes, friends, work and parties it was an emotional rollercoaster but one I would never take back. Tasha: I had a different experience from Nicole. I actually envy her undergrad experience. But for being a non-trad, I am proud of how things went. I feel like I always knew I would get my college degree but never really knew how it would play out. It was tough to juggle jobs and bills... ...
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May 13, 2013
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Arts & Entertainment, Columns, Main Feature, Sub Feature
Tagged Boise State, Student Life
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You’ve finally made it. Four years and several thousand dollars later, the moment that makes all the blood, sweat and tears worth it has finally arrived. And now, you have to choose. Between relatives, that is. As Boise State’s commencement ceremonies approach, graduates have been informed that for the first time ever at Boise State, the graduation ceremony will be a ticketed event. For those of us with larger families (or heaven forbid any friends who may want to share in the moment), Grandma may have to stay home this year. Or, someone can drive her over to the Hatch Ballroom. An “overflow” location, it has been set up for the relatives and friends who don’t make the seven ticket cut. Never fear, the ceremony will be streamed live and coffee will be provided. As Boise State’s student population continues to increase, the campus is struggling with many of the pains that accompany growth without the structural support needed to make that growth smooth. This year’s graduation ceremony is one... ...
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Campus life and making the decision to attend college can be a daunting one, but for most it is something that has been discussed with parents, grandparents and friends before ever finishing high school. For a select few that is not the case. For foster children who do not have the parental or family support, college may have never crossed their mind, or they simply never anticipated attending college let alone succeeding. Frequently, the reality of the life of a foster child after care leads to unemployment, underemployment and homelessness. The possibility of a college education for a youth from foster care gives them the opportunity to change the cycle of abuse and poverty, the opportunity to succeed in life. Anna Moreshead, a graduate student with the school of social work here at Boise State, is working with the Dean of Students, Chris Wuthrich, the school of social work, and community partners on a pilot program to assist former youth of foster care to be successful in college. The pilot... ...
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“Spaces of otherness,” what exactly does this mean? How do you describe a space of otherness? This is exactly what Boise State Instructional and Performance Technology professor Don Winiecki was trying to answer and portray in his opening recption last Thursday night with his display of “Heterotropias, Institutional Structures and Subjectivities.” Entering the Jordan Ballroom in the Student Union Building was a different experience than when attending most opening reception for an art display. There was no music or loud chatter in the reception. Every attendee was focused on observing the pieces of artwork, displayed not only on the walls but also dangling from the ceiling. This added an immense amount of diversity to the room and was a portrayal of “spaces of otherness” Winiecki was reinventing through his work. Winiecki’s work ranged from digital print on paper, gouache on paper, oil, graphite and ink on paper. Many of his pieces’ titles aligned with the “spaces of otherness” theme throughout his collection. For instance, his works of art, “Structure?” and... ...
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Courtesy Cheyenne Perry Boise State student Lucas Jantzen doesn’t recall the exact age he got his first guitar—it was sometime in his early teens. “I had it actually sitting in my room for about a year or two before I even touched it,” Jantzen said. His friend’s passion for playing prompted Jantzen to try it out, and when he did, something clicked. “(I) picked it up, plugged it in and I was like…what am I missing out on?” he said. Since then, 19-year-old Jantzen has bought about five or six guitars, and joined a band he’s still currently playing rhythmic guitar for—The Dark Harlequin. Jantzen described the band as “melodic, death metal.” The band formed in 2010 when Jantzen met two of the band members in a Japanese class at Rocky Mountain High School; the trio then met the future vocalist at a Bullet For My Valentine concert. Freshman Zach Carpenter, drummer for The Dark Harlequin, didn’t really have a first impression of Jantzen, but sees him now as a... ...
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Boise State paid 5.9 million dollars for University Christian Church property located at 1801 University Dr., across the street from the Student Union Building. It is the largest single land area left in the expansion zone of Boise State’s master plan. Boise State will officially take ownership later on in May. There is not a long term plan for what will be done with the space. The purchase was made now because school officials considered the property nearly invaluable to the future growth of the university. “For us it was just an extremely important land acquisition because as the university grows out this will be right in the middle of campus,” said Jared Everett interim vice president for Campus Planning and Facilities. The property was purchased on the idea of land banking. Put simply this means that strategic properties are purchased with the expectation there will be a return in the future. “Right now from an economic standpoint a very good timely acquisition because property values were near all-time lows,... ...
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Boise State keeps an online record of crimes and incidents reported to campus security. Each incident is labeled with a date, time, nature of crime committed and indicates whether arrests have been made in each case. According to the log, theft is the most common crime on campus. In 2012 alone, 55 bicycles were reported stolen. Of the 55 missing, one was recovered by police. Boise State isn’t unique when it comes to the amount of theft reported. Idaho State, the University of Idaho, and even a large metropolitan school like the University of Southern California annually report theft as the most prevalent crime on campus. University security officials warn students to take extra precautions when bringing valuables to school. “It’s pretty basic, lock your bike with a u-bolt, and make sure you lock your doors,” said Lieutenant Tony Plott of the Boise Police Department. “Don’t make yourself an inadvertent target.” Boise State Director of Campus Security Jon Uda cautions students with bikes to register them with the security outpost... ...
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Over the course of the past year “Try it with Tabby” has become a staple in my life, something pushing me to go out each week and experience something new to bring back and share with you. This week is my final “Try it with Tabby” of the year, and also a hand down to our incoming Arts and Entertainment Editor, Lance Moore, who will be writing a spin-off along similar lines as my column for next year. So for my last dance (figuratively) I took one last dance (literally) with Lance. And so I introduce to you, the final “Try it with Tabby” of the school year. The Argentine Tango: a dance packed with grace, fluid movement, fire and passion. Well, in theory at least, by those who do it well. For me, as it goes with most new things I try that include any type of coordination, it was more of an awkward expression of my two-left-footedness. But fun nonetheless. This week for “Try it with Tabby” I... ...
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Define sustainability. Can you do it? Did your mind just go blank? Don’t feel ashamed if it did. Sustainability is a complex issue. It’s more than driving a fuel-efficient car or riding a bike to work or recycling waste. It is an issue that demands an understanding of many different vantage points to tackle. And there is an interdisciplinary research group at Boise State working toward that end. On Friday, May 3, six professors presented on the topic of sustainability. The Interdisciplinary Research Community on “Translating Sustainability” invited professor Laura Lindenfeld of University of Maine to join in on talks about bridging the gap between university studies in sustainability and community. The members of the interdisciplinary research group each presented on individual research or experiences that illustrated different approaches to understanding sustainability. Paul Ziker, from the anthropology department, described the goal of sustainability as an attempt “to try and create human environmental systems that are lasting for the long term.” For him, it is about social sustainability in how material... ...
Read More →Courtesy Tammera Mojica A firefighter’s fire engine and a paramedic’s ambulance idle out front as the two men exit under the emerald awning with brown bag lunches in hand. The CWI Culinary Arts program is open for lunch at their deli-bakery or in the fine dinning room. The brown bag deli and bakery get more visitors than the dining room, mainly because they have ready-made items and it is great for those who are after a quick lunch or a delicious fresh made bakery item. “The deli-bakery definitely gets more foot traffic because it’s easy to grab and go. Whether it is a cup of soup, a bottled soda, or already made sandwich,” Chef Kelly Steely, Program Chair for Culinary Arts of CWI said. Although the public is welcome (no CWI student ID card required), many are unaware of this lunch venue. Patrons can enjoy a delicious lunch at a great price while supporting student learning. Typically those who do venture over come from nearby locations. “We get some students in... ...
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Courtesy Maliza Lang After first seeing “A Place at the Table” in Washington DC amongst policy makers nationwide, Kathy Gardner, Director of the Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force (IHRTF), saw the importance of bringing this 84 minute documentary to the Treasure Valley. “There were 200 pantries throughout the United States in 1980, but today there are 40,000… we can’t afford this,” Gardner said. The Egyptian Theatre will hold the event which can accommodate over 700 people. Idahoans from all professions, age groups and backgrounds are encouraged to come see what the hype is truly about. Gardner has been working non-stop since the organization was founded in 2006. She is passionate about the state becoming aware and educated on the subjects of hunger, nutrition and food security. Gardner is additionally addressing issues beyond food as she’s tackling policy projects like the low living wage in Idaho and the misconceptions of the food stamp program. Because she sees the importance of action behind this awareness and education, Gardner has organized many activities... ...
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Titus Young has had a rough weekend, and won’t be landing on another NFL roster anytime soon. The former Boise State standout wide receiver was arrested twice in 15 hours by the Moreno Valley Police Department near his hometown of Los Angeles on May 5. According to the reports, Young was arrested for a driving under the influence early Sunday morning, and after being released, was arrested again for attempting to take back his black Mustang from an impound lot later that afternoon. He was charged with burglary. Young was released by the Detroit Lions, who drafted him in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, for what the franchise determined as irreconcilable differences. Young lashed out at the coaching staff via Twitter and was promptly released on Feb. 4. “Oh I’m not done, if y’all going to cut me let me go. I’m tired of the threats,” Young tweeted about the Lions. The Lions coaching staff sent Young home three times, once for punching... ...
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Election season is over. The candidate banners have all been taken down and our television commercials have gone back to being about fast food and footwear. Though this may seem like an unlikely time to start a conversation about our civic duty to vote, here I am. My argument–for those who may find politics a little on the daunting side, now is the perfect time to start educating yourself a little at a time, when the candidates, the news and the commercials are not all up in your face. I confess that I haven’t always taken advantage of my civic right and responsibility to vote. For me, turning 18 meant that I could finally move out of my parents’ house, and very little more. As an young adult in the world, I understood that I should vote, but I also felt strongly that it was irresponsible of me to show up at the polls and vote for candidates I knew nothing about. The only politics I had exposed myself to... ...
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“Breaking Expectations” is staff writer Danielle Allsop’s first hand experience with living with mental illness. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to read this article and not judging those of us who suffer with a mental illness. Writing this weekly column has been extremely therapeutic for me and I hope it has helped those of you who used my advice. I would recommend using writing as a tool to help you cope with whatever ailment you may be dealing with because it releases so much build up frustration that when it’s all out, you feel refreshed and relaxed (well, most of the time). I would like to encourage you to send me your opinions and ideas for next year’s column. What types of topics would you like me to cover? I would love to give more examples of how to better deal with each ailment so we can reach a broader spectrum of readers. I would also like to reiterate what I... ...
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Two more players from the 2011 recruiting class are no longer with the Boise State football program. Tuesday afternoon Boise State Head Football Coach Chris Petersen announced redshirt sophomore defensive end Sam Ukwuachu and redshirt sophomore quarterback Jimmy Laughrea were no longer with the team. Ukwuachu was dismissed for violation of team rules and Laughrea left the team. Petersen was not available for comment on the subject matter. Ukwuachu, a freshman All-American, started 12 games for the Broncos last season, in which he record 35 tackles, seven tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks. Ukwuachu was not on the sideline during the 2013 Spring Game but did participate in last Friday’s annual Junior Pro Day. Laughrea never saw playing time during the 2012 season, as he was 3rd on the depth chart behind starter Joe Southwick and backup, redshirt junior Grant Hedrick. The quarterback depth position also has touted redshirt freshman Nick Patti and class of 2013 recruit Ryan Finley of Phoenix, Ariz. The Broncos have recently received a verbal commitment from... ...
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Every semester, Boise State’s Student Involvement and Leadership Center (SILC), in coordination with Wellness Services, supervise Stress Relievers, activities which are designed to relieve students’ tension about finals during Finals Week. Erin Salisbury is the graduate assistant at Wellness Services and provides information about the relievers scheduled for the spring semester. “Finals stress relief will feature many fun and stress relieving activities,” said Erin Salisbury, graduate assistant at Wellness Services. “There will be an aromatherapy station, laughter, puppies, stress resources and giveaways, and even a bounce house on Monday for students to play on.” The puppies were well received by students last fall, so Salisbury said she expects them to be a big hit this finals week as well. Erin VanDenburgh, campus programs coordinator from SILC, tries to keep in mind a variety of relievers the center can offer every semester, and mentioned there is “input from student groups like ASBSU and the Student Involvement and Leadership Center programming assistants” into deciding the relievers for the spring. “We are definitely... ...
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Kate King Boise’s new non-smoking ordinance may be luring smokers back to campus to avoid being ticketed. The recent smoking act has left determined smokers with few places to go and campus officials are unsure of how to prosecute violators. Boise State University officially became a smoke-free campus in 2009. According to a Boise State news release concerning the smoking ban in 2008, 86 percent of students sided that campuses should be smoke-free environments. Taylor Mitzel, a campus resident and freshman, shares this majority opinion. “I think colleges should be smoke-free mainly because of health. College campuses should not put others at risk from the air pollution that smoking causes,” Mitzel said. Since the ban, the amount of smoking on campus has decreased significantly. Boise State alumnus Tyler Lyon was a student both before and after the ban. He saw a major difference between the two. “I remember transferring here from ISU and being really surprised to see people smoking all over campus. I hated it,” he said. Lyon transferred... ...
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Studying abroad is a great experience in itself, but having something to remember it with is equally important. For one, it lets you remember and even keep in touch with all those friends you made. For another, it gives you something material to wave in your little sister’s face to make her jealous. Some of the most popular are various methods of journaling. There’s the physical option, especially useful for those artistic types who can keep sketches next to the appropriate passages. It also makes for a scrapbook type of memoranda, with ticket stubs and receipts. The tech option is a blog. This is an easy way to keep up with all those ‘keep in touch, send us postcards’ requests too. Going broke due to postage is not a particularly story-worthy way to go. There are tons of options out there, but one of the easiest is Google’s Blogger, pretty intuitive and included in a standard Google account. Being able to include pictures is a big bonus on this method.... ...
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The Danny Peterson Theatre was filled with laughter and awkwardness this weekend while the Theatre Majors Association (TMA) performed their spring showcase, “An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein.” The show consisted of ten shorts and six actors who took on a multitude of roles throughout the evening. It lasted for roughly two and a half hours and covered a variety of topics from laundromats to talking dogs. For those familiar with Shel Silverstein, this show was definitely something different than his usual children’s books. There was much mention about genitalia and the female form and even a whole short dedicated to a team of prostitutes trying to sell their bodies. “It was definitely different than his children’s books,” said Nikelous Patterson. “There were lots of funny moments and quite a bit of vulgarity.” The content of the play was not for those easily made uncomfortable, as a lot of it hinted at those risqué topics which people don’t tend to mention in public. The first short depicted a couple coming... ...
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