276 15 4146 https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/1f27544162e38b8c1e73f14f0131ed1b.mp4 0665b094cc38b8d464255254a63511ea Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes University Documentaries Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iron Horses: A History of Railroads in the Wyoming Valley, 2012 Description An account of the resource This DVD is part of a series of documentaries produced by Wilkes University Communications Department in conjunction with the Wilkes University History department on the history of railroads within the Wyoming Valley. Future support for documentary production was also provided by a generous grant from Edward J. Meehan, Esq. that established the Wilkes University Oral History Project. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Communications Department and History Department Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012 Type The nature or genre of the resource Documentary Film https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/ff408d36e1397f7cb973243410a33699.mp4 adbcb63ff47745abba9477ad278c2b89 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes University Documentaries Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes-Barre: A Bicentennial Celebration, 1806-2006, 2006 Description An account of the resource This DVD is part of a series of documentaries produced by Wilkes University Communications Department in conjunction with the Wilkes University History department on the bicentennial history of Wilkes-Barre. Future support for documentary production was also provided by a generous grant from Edward J. Meehan, Esq. that established the Wilkes University Oral History Project. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Production of the Thomas P. Shelburne Television Center at Wilkes University and Big Fish Productions. Producer: Andee Sarantino, Executive Producers: Mark Stine, John Hepp. Script: Nick Zmijewski, Andee Sarantino Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2006 Type The nature or genre of the resource Documentary Film https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/dc4f78a23f789804a48241e39bbe205b.mp4 ae73bb7c8e9227bdb974a71f0cc64ce6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes University Documentaries Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Did You Boscov Today? Memories of Department Stores of Northeastern Pa, copyright 2012 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Communications Department and Wilkes University History Department Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012 Description An account of the resource This DVD is part of a series of documentaries produced by Wilkes University Communications Department in conjunction with the Wilkes University History department on the history of Boscov's department store. Future support for documentary production was also provided by a generous grant from Edward J. Meehan, Esq. that established the Wilkes University Oral History Project. Type The nature or genre of the resource Documentary Film https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/5d7267c4bf2a9f34bf092dba84d41501.mp4 1889a6e4bd0a4e962ee3fb9443620de0 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes University Documentaries Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Trolleys of the Wyoming Valley Documentary, 2012 Description An account of the resource This DVD is part of a series of documentaries produced by Wilkes University Communications Department in conjunction with the Wilkes University History department on the history of trolleys in the Wyoming Valley. Future support for documentary production was also provided by a generous grant from Edward J. Meehan, Esq. that established the Wilkes University Oral History Project. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Communication Department and Wilkes University History Department Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012 Type The nature or genre of the resource Documentary Film https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/1a5683b28e7e08e1df1609c085a59c38.mp4 f942301e02665760af43ad0d644bd9fd Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes University Documentaries Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Osterhout Free Library: A Very Busy Place Documentary, 2014 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2014 Type The nature or genre of the resource Documentary Film Description An account of the resource This DVD is part of a series of documentaries produced by Wilkes University Communications Department in conjunction with the Wilkes University History department on the history of The Osterhout Library in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Future support for documentary production was also provided by a generous grant from Edward J. Meehan, Esq. that established the Wilkes University Oral History Project. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University History Department and Communications Department. Produced and Directed by Mark Stine and John Hepp. https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/3b00acb5d4926aaa79ea98c652bf651a.pdf 2a62b96b9198d9935442d2a3ffaa9910 PDF Text Text ��Manuscript 2024 - 2025 Wilkes University The Manuscript Society ��1947 Foreword With this issue of the Manuscript, a new publication is launced on the Bucknell University Campus in Wilkes-Barre. Those who have been responsible for its coming into being earnestly hope that through your efforts and the efforts of those who come after you that this magazine will develop into a college tradition of which we may all be proud. The Editors ��The Manuscriprt Society Editorial Board Advisor Dr. Mischelle Anthony Executive Director Sydney Ahrberg Assistant Editor Dan Stish Layout and Copy Editor and Edition Illustrator Jacob O’Boyle Social Media Director Jazmin High Supreme Overlord The Craven And a special thanks to all of our contributors and vollunteers for their hard work and dedication for this edition! �Table of Contents Jacob O’Boyle Ode to The Valley 8 Elysium 9 Leah Smith My Heart’s a Work in Progress 10 Murdock 12 Cass Heid He’s Not Here Right Now 14 Avenge Me 15 Supply and Demand 16 Unwoven 17 Dan Stish A concept 18 sapphire blue bottles 19 crown of thorns 20 Bright Judas 21 Grace Cairns Overdue 22 Above 23 American Dream Reality 24 Amelia Murphy Friend of Bees 26 Light Leads the Way 27 Adventures Unknown 28 Jeffrey Prescott C@T 29 6 �Sydney Ahrberg Femicide Buddy Breena Kravabloski Etude: Caged Rumination William Chad Stanley Meanwhile, in the Barnyard, Things Stay the Same (Reprise) Kylie Kilvitis No one La fleur de la mort Tyler Savitski ross Sleep Is For The Death Valley Bleed Orange and the night is enormous Encounter Dorrian Nelson If You Could See Me Eleanor Burrows This Heart of Mine Life’s Music Shawn Carey You’re Dead Liv Serkosky What is it Like to be Honest with Yourself? Liz Keller When She Was Here - A Sestina 30 32 34 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 48 49 50 52 7 �Ode to the Valley O, mountain home, cradle of my birth, full of melancholy fools mired to mirth. Sullen peaks, worn by time, you leave me much to ponder and pine, for full of desire, friend of mine, you hold me here, grasp solid, yet delicately fine, like a handcuff shackle on a slave in the mine. But mistake not this frustration for hate, as it isn’t your fault you can’t fill my plate. You’re a victim too, of our dire state, an affliction which all of Appalachia can relate. So I suppose I won’t run no, from your clutch I won’t slip, though I’m not the girl with golden hair but the saucer with a chip. I do love you so, so I’ll go down with the ship. I try to see your glory, but it’s only in days gone by, in stories of yesteryear, in a last breath’s sigh. Should I carry on then? To live your lie? That it will all be fine as we all slowly die? As the fire consumes and smoke burns the eye? When I’m finally at your funeral will you expect me then to still cry? 8 - Jacob O’Boyle �Elysium Please take me there, that place of no fear which holds me so tight, like strong arms, so near. Old growth oaks, thick and strong, stocked up with acorns for yond winter long. To its flowering fields, lands of plenty, where the golden grasses never leave my heart empty. And of the sweet meadow betwixt the wooded hills grows the richest winter wheat of which the granary fills. So I may sit in its heights where the soft blue sky may watch me. I’ll breathe relief’s sigh and lounge forever lazily. Ah, yes, deliver me there, country so fair, as for when I’m not with you, I may only despair. ‘Til I run down those hills where the grass grows thin, a rocky grimace like a stubbled chin. And off to its midlands down by the coast; here is where I love to rest my head most. Oh, but the forest lands do hold my heart, for when I venture there, I never wish to part. - Jacob O’Boyle 9 �My Heart’s a Work in Progress I wake up to a broadcast of mistakes and worries, The past and present in an endless tug o’ war. Never a break when it comes to the battle of the brain and heart. My fingers fly across the keyboard as I type Assignment after assignment, but I still want to write About a story of a superhero or maybe a new world. The overpriced coffee and microwaved egg sandwich is not enough My heart yearns for something more. Like getting lost At a Barnes and Noble. Whether I am gawking at a magazine cover featuring Pedro Pascal Or analyzing the graphic novel section only to buy yet another Batman title. Or maybe, I can take myself out to dinner Like that one time at Chili’s. Red in the face, I think I fell in love. They say love don’t cost a thing But it’s a heavy-handed Shark Tank pitch as far as I’m concerned. I take a look at the crowd around me, I see nothing but a masquerade of misery. People together that shouldn’t be like puzzle pieces forced into each other. But of course, love is chess and I’m playing Uno. 10 �But, I like Uno, so why should I feel ashamed? Because grandma said she wants to see a boyfriend at the table next Christmas And my friends are all getting married. The bell rings and the rope is pulled The brain and heart are at war once again. The world spins me around and I feel numb. Numb from the repetitive song and dance I know it already, can the radio stop playing it? This is why I use Spotify. I know the kind of music I like It’s certainly not the same you enjoy So why can’t the heart want what it wants? My heart says it wants pizza and another Empire Strikes Back rewatch. Sorry grandma, don’t expect a boyfriend next Christmas And sorry girls, but there’s no dove calling my name. But maybe, I can bring a new book. And maybe, I can start a new meditation technique. Just maybe, I can love myself. - Leah Smith 11 �Murdock The devil is real and he’s in me. This war in my head is more than I can take. Bodies all around, more than just casualties. Blinded by the smoke, my world is on fire. Trust is a gun that fires back Like Russian roulette I spin the barrel, It doesn’t matter where it’s pointed, The bullet hits me nonetheless. Close friends to bitter enemies, Sometimes it’s hard to tell which is which But I take the scissors and cut and hear them All fall down into an endless pit of souls I’ve let go. My hands are busted leather with bloodstains Painted over beads of sweat. No matter how many times The devil’s work is done, it’s never enough For me or him. “Let the devil out,” I hear my father say, But when he’s out, trouble comes and takes no prisoners Except me for I am his vessel, this unstoppable machine Of blood, sweat, and tears that never gets a break. Smash! Crash! Bang! Cries are elevated, silencing my screams. 12 �The system is broken and I fight back Gloves on, I throw haymakers in the form of words. Ears ringing, the dust never settling, I turn around and hear The cheering of a little boy, a small victory, a mirage of joy. Morning coffee and walks in the park A brief reprieve but he calls to me “Let the devil out,” In the blackest pit of my gut I know I am chained. Chained to the words of my father, The father, The devil, The pleas of friends washed away in the fires of my fury. Guilt devours me but I sit in it’s stomach The acids are my tears that never dry I swim but I still sink to the bottom Where I know I’ll be buried in darkness. Pride is all of me Though I call it justice For me, for them, for everybody. Though, it is blind. Regardless, the devil’s work is never done. - Leah Smith 13 �He’s Not Here Right Now Lord, please grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, long-ago conversations that send me running like air raid sirens the clanging of bells. Somewhere, a watchtower casts a lustful beacon that reveals my skeleton, and I wake up gasping for air on an island in the middle of the North Sea. - Cassie Heid 14 �Avenge Me If pain demands to be felt, Let mine in The next time it knocks And sit with it like you would With a friend fallen on hard times Cry my tears In a somber baritone Trembling under the weight of your sorrow And punch the walls with fists Better fit to handle the rage That chokes me May I taste bitter enough For you to start wars in my name Instead of Fulfilling the prophecy Told by your comrades About my warnings Written in blood And all that Failed to prosper When they stole from me - Cassie Heid 15 �Supply and Demand And when you finally receive your flowers, be sure to hang them upside-down in the back of your closet so you can save them for later - they seem to be in limited supply these days. In the meantime, buy your own Grow your own from packaged seeds And sink down to your elbows in the soft earth Like a reprieve from the scorching sun And wipe the beads of sweat from your brow with the back of your hand While the well-intentioned, Well-meaning, Innocent People who are too wrapped up in their own little lives To put down their binoculars and wave While they watch your progress from their kitchen windows Are operating flower shops in their own garages unbeknownst to you. They have the most exotic, fresh-cut blooms on hand And they can’t wait to present them to their front porch company Who hate the soil. - Cassie Heid 16 �Unwoven Affirmations spoken in the mirror leave my mouth in broken wisps that fall to the floor. It shouldn’t be a crime to desire a bond strong enough to weather the occasional downpour. But the spider does not speak to her prey in empty platitudes - “I am not everyone’s cup of tea.” She knows how few appreciate her silk, preferring what honeycombs have to offer: She spins anyway, and traps the flies That swarm your empty jar. - Cassie Heid 17 �[a concept] - Dan Stish 18 �sapphire blue bottles I measure time by the growth of pine, and the ripening of juniper berries. When I am gone, though shall not be long, bury me beneath that willow of fairies. - Dan Stish 19 �crown of thorns oh darling you can love me, but you have to make it hurt. love me like a nail loves a wrist; like a father loves his son and a god his people. I shall snap under your teeth like the crimson skin of pomegranate seeds, burst against the tongue - Dan Stish 20 �[Bright Judas] on this night—the moon glimmers like thirty pieces of silver, pressed into a palm. - Dan Stish 21 �Overdue In my heart is a warm, candle-lit library I keep dusting it, keep candles lit, even as they burn under my skin I’m always sitting at the check-in Waiting for you to come in and reminisce with me I’m watching as your eyes get bluer and you grow and keep getting more pretty While my hair will gray and bones will disintegrate With the hope I sat with, always making me wait - Grace Cairns 22 �Above You enamor me My energy is spent trying to capture your beauty More faithfully than the pursuit of money Colors fade in photographs, you do not give beauty away You know it’s yours Always mine to see Never to keep You’re free Way up there, untouched by humans’ folly Witness to the birds singing, flirting with the trees Colors live in unison Your brush strokes reveal nothing but truth and grace In all this daily glory that you paint Your message to the bleeding earth, You say you want us to live in peace A beauty so great, defying photograph and poetry If we’d just watch and listen and see You show us how we can live in peace - Grace Cairns 23 �American Dream Reality America, you’re top dog Bred to fight Teeth sunken in to the neck of an abused innocent Patriarchy paid by conquest Pride. While your victims plead for your mercy with the remaining light in their eyes Overwhelmed with things to own up to, you whitewash the blood painted on the wall, but it still shows through They came with entitlement and stole, now the power struggle builds from within And the trajectory of the people is once again altered by the ruthless conquest of so few Hiding the truth while we do as we’re told Stand, put your hand on your heart Love this land where all are equal Where we’re all so thankful that the helping hand of the white man gave us free speech, Stop. now, And think. On what principle was he shamed for taking a knee? His speech was not free, and another one, He couldn’t breathe. Used his last words to plead… His speech was not free. America, don’t you realize? Blindness to the truth, the unmet ideals they’ve fed to us since we were two That’s the real threat. When the losing dog whimpers, they say she wouldn’t be anything without his helping hand Even as her body breaks in his grasp. And we’re taught to be grateful that our forefathers were faithful And no one mentioned to a little kid how they took valuable cultures, and ripped out their staples There was no room at their bountiful table For ideas wider than the scope of their corner of the world 24 �Then they came in with crime-rate statistics and scape-goated the misfits The “War on Drugs” was really the “War on Those They Won’t Let Rise Above.” AMERICA-listen to me now One feels no need to drag others down when they know self love. Don’t take my word, just ask the criminal how they valued their life itself. Stop the stigma and shaming and guide the fighters in the hallways not to a cell, but to help Everyone is a person with problems, not a problem incarnate Treat everyone as such, don’t make sensitivity feel dangerous That’s how you heal the whole country’s health. Start the healing from within, learn the truth about everything that happens And then maybe we could all see clearly again Where instead of leveling up by shooting imaginary lives on a computer screen, our children would play kindly and make real friends I have a vision of what the world could be, if conquest was not the goal of our country… We could show how to peacefully lead and be truthful when we celebrate treating everyone equally If we are courageous enough to believe, this goodness could reach overseas America, you’re a top dog Bred to fight Take your blinders off and fight for the freedom that is equally right Unsink your teeth from the innocent you brought into your fighting ring Learn the truth, and make real peace, freedom, and equality, the real American Dream. - Grace Cairns 25 �Friend of Bees - Amelia Murphy 26 �Light Leads the Way - Amelia Murphy 27 �Adventures Unknown - Amelia Murphy 28 �C@T Ornery cat, pondering a wall, eyeing a festering sheetrock sore. From it, a dead thing exits. Cats see spirits and regard them as they would a beetle, a shadow, a ray of light, a red pinpoint reflected in porcelain sclera. One feline goes for the throat; claws pass through an echo of flesh. No substance there, so the cat retracts its claws. Out with the spirit! Just like the cat, once flung by the neck For vandalizing saucers and rugs. Let the spirit pass to the ferals. They may have it, and chase it north, over sheets of leaf and bone. - Jeffrey Prescott 29 �Femicide “A woman or girl is killed by someone in her own family every 11 minutes” - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime I think to be a woman is to be angry. An anger born when Eve ate the fruit and understood she was loved by Adam the way a shark loves the blood in the water stemming like ribbons from an injured seal. You lose your girlhood and become woman as you read the stories every day. Every hour. Every minute. MURDERTORTURERAPE The anger rises in your throat, choking you like he choked her. choking you like the men who silence her story. “Bet she cheated” “What did she do?” “Lol” Choking you like the tears stuck in your throat: powerless to save her, to avenge her, even to cry for her. 30 �You feel you might explode. Your heartbeat rattles inside your chest, shaking like frostbitten fingers with every breath. To be a woman They say to yell “FIRE!” because no one will come if you yell “RAPE!” Yet they flock like hungry dogs when you yell “I FOUND HER NUDES!” Suddenly running to a naked woman isn’t so hard. Junko Furata. Leda. Ana Mendieta. Katherine Howard. Sally Hemings. Elizabeth Short. Nicole Brown Simpson. Lucy. Betsey. Anarcha. Callisto. Philomena. Lucretia. Mary Ann Nichols. Annie Chapman. Elizabeth Stride. Catherine Eddowes. Mary Jane Kelly. Gisèle Pelicot. Kristina Joksimovic. Rebecca Cheptegei. Nika Shakarami. Bianca Devins. Matoaka. To be born a woman is to understand why your sisters ask to be cremated when they die. - Sydney Ahrberg 31 �Buddy My Grampy wants to be cremated when he dies. It’s a nice thought. He lives right by the beach, A perfect place To scatter the remains of what once was a man. Except he hates the beach. The sand strips skin from your toes As seagulls snatch chips like Some comically bold pickpocket And the scorching sun burns cancer into your flesh. He’d hate to rest there for eternity. My family has joked In the late hours of the night That we’ll have to spread his ashes Not at the beach, but At Market Basket, his favorite grocery store, Alchemized into Mahket Basket Through the rasp of his thick Boston accent. Where he drives When the sun is just a sliver above the mountains. Upon his return, he excitedly announces That he’s remembered and purchased your favorite snack. 32 �Or we could spread him at Fenway Park. Forever mixed in with the powdered dirt Kicked up as players slide to home, Clinging to the undersides of cleats Like hitchhiking burs on a dog’s fur. He was always the best player, after all. And if you listened closely, When the ump made a bad call, You would hear faintly From the ground below: “Ah, Christ! What are they doing?” We stay up late laughing, Discussing places we could lay him to rest. The dump, the set of The Price is Right, The elevator he got stuck in that one time. I think it’s our way of pretending He’ll always be in these places. Ignoring the impermanence of life And the futility of forever As though there won’t be a day His spot on the couch is empty, And nobody is sneaking their dog food, And my Nana buys the groceries. - Sydney Ahrberg 33 �Etude: Caged Rumination Calluses do not numb the sting of metal on skin. That much, I had come to realize. The misconception was born from those with mountainous egos, pride that could scale even the tallest buildings– or careless nerve damage. “It does not hurt,” they would say, “I have played for so long, I cannot feel it anymore. Only the music, in my soul.” Then, said woefully successful musician and mindless entourage would chuckle, slipping deeper into self-indulgent reverie. Now in my musings, either I was entirely correct, as I often have been, or my own calluses had faded enough to leave me bitter. Hunched over in an old, creaky pew, my eyes followed the swirls of notes on a too-small, smudged paper. I had known this song once, the Cardinal mentioned. Performing it many times for whatever ceremony was in demand. Still, no matter how many times the melody was shown, my recently-addled mind could not read its notes. Not quickly, at least. After healing, I was swiftly thrust into efforts to regain my skills. At the ripe age of six, old enough to swallow the fear of frightening gothic sculptures in the hallway, I was brought into the church. Today, sitting in the aisle, the same stories were repeated to me. The Cardinal, and his swarming ducklings of altar boys, tried and failed not to breathe too closely down my neck during their sentiments. They were young, curious, and my hair had grown since last they’d seen. “You know,” began the eminent man. “Your mother was the one fond of the harp.” I kept my eyes on my parchment, silently wishing to whatever deity we worshiped not to be swept up in this topic. Yet much like egotistical musicians, graying men enjoyed hearing themselves talk. The Cardinal continues, much to my feigned concentration’s dismay. I glossed over the notes again, slowly deciphering. C... A… It must have been a grim sight. A twenty-something (two? three? I cannot recall) year-old prodigy, born into an affluent family such as mine, struggling with music theory like a child holding a plastic recorder for the first time. All because of a good knock on the back of the head in a highway wreck. And here I was, sitting in a church, thanks to the advice of the “good” and gossiping congregation, waiting with bated breath to watch me overcome tragedy. “You were an attentive young boy, and your father couldn’t convince you to pick a more…” the elderly man paused, “traditional role of service. But of course, our savior accepts the gift of music from all willing. We were overjoyed to have a young pupil play for mass. And look at you now, grown and brilliant. Even your old man came around, eventually, seeing the light in your eyes.” I fiddled with my un-numbed fingertips again. C… A… G… The Cardinal shooed away his lingering young ducks, their white robes hitting against sprightly pairs of legs which each knew when to make themselves unseen. Then, the man slid his way onto the seat beside me, knees seeming to resist in the same way 34 �as the wood. A pitying sigh followed, and I felt a subtle weight twist through my chest. When the sanctum was otherwise vacant, a hand patted against my shoulder. “My child, the weight of your loss must be immeasurable.” The loss in question, I’m uncertain of which. From what I’ve learned, my life has recently been riddled with much. My parents, my previous knowledge, a few items from the accident, and so forth. Details I’ve been told, yet could not feel sorrow for. And despite the copious sums of money I was now riddled with, my greatest currency these days was condolences. Had I truly loved my mother so dearly, to give my time to this place? To this instrument? Or was my participation here simply what was expected of me, and I had aimed to kill two birds with one harp? Was I gentle, then? Or calculating enough to seek praise and good standing in society? To attract the whimsical eye of young girls in my worship school? Did I still dare to please even the graves, forever outside in the churchyard? Holding back the urge to flinch, my body instead goes entirely stiff. Then, as if remembering how to breathe, I shake my head. “...It will come back to me, when my hands are on the strings. It has been doing so in other instances, I’ve found.” Muscle memory resided in a different part of my brain. The phenomenon was often seen in retired musicians with dementia, and with the extent of my damages, I was no better. The other man rubs his hand, shaking his head. “It was not the song, of which I was referring to.” My patience is exhausted. I stand, feeling a confusing amount of guilt and subsequent vindication, leaving the elderly holy father on a bench in his own domain. Still, I did not come that day to listen to the same sympathies I’d heard a thousand times before, and entertain the company of any more ghosts whose names I did not know. Instead, I moved towards the fourty-seven stringed, towering instrument. Tall and terrifying as a gargoyle or seraphim in the annex. Suddenly, I felt like a supposed-six year old, wishing to turn and hide from monsters that aren’t there. Yet were I to step back, I’d have to deal with the encouraging words of a stranger, and somehow, that was worse. In the interest of getting this over with as painlessly as possible, I sat on my second bench of the day. This one, smaller, with a height enough for my legs to rest comfortably enough around the soundboard. There were few things I could remember, yet educated guesses weren’t too far out of my reach. As a child, I can imagine my frustration with the pedals. Understanding which does what, how to change positions, and balancing the coordination between hand and foot. It evaded me now, too. I can imagine my father, who’s face I cannot recall, eager to take every frustration as an opportunity to persuade me to another outlet. Yet my mother might have encouraged me, coaxing my determination with her fondness to hear another song. 35 � Imagining these things, I tried– try not to do, even now. Amnesia is a fickle thing, especially when the damage is enough to leave the mind like snapped strings. Even a broken wire could be played to some capacity, if stretched far enough. Out of tune, and no better than rubber bands instead of steel or nylon, but capable of sound. Yet I hate the sound, his rubber life impeding mine, when I can replace the peg instead. But I had no idea how to. On my own, away from that damned church. So while I had no clue what I was doing, I lifted my fingers to the strings. Plucking a few combinations, trying to find C. Putting faith in the repertoire of my mind that had been left intact, though difficult to kickstart. Upon finding the semi-familiar sound, my hands wandered again. …C… …A… …G… …E… The combination was enough. Without warning, I was swept away. Joints stiffening and plucking like a haunted virtuoso. From illiterate, to intricate glissandos, I was powerless to stop the possession. Uncharted, forbidden, and stinging against the pads of my fingers. The song was complicated, layered, and felt impossible to me. Yet by the time my besiegement had come to an end, the Cardinal had returned to my side. “By the grace of his light, you’ve remembered!” Sweat against my brow, I wiped away the signs of strain- fear. I did not dare to correct him. That I was merely exploiting the skill of someone foreign to me. How could this be holy? Another pat against my shoulder, the man flashed a bright, faithful smile. “I’ll let our director know you’ve come around. This is wonderful news! Praise be!” Then, the elderly man scurried off. Likely to proclaim my good health, that I was returning to my old self. Or, in more realistic terms, that I was useful to the congregation once more. That I would come again, over and over, to be their symbol of light and beautifully woven tragedy. My hands shook before me. Ears ringing, vision swirling- the weight of a new truth crushing down. This is what the rest of my days would be. Pretending, exploiting, sinning against even myself, under the roof of a god whom I did not believe in. Could not believe in, not anymore. Imitating the man who’s life I had once known, yet was never coming back. But with enough time, I thought, calluses could form on even a dead man walking. And one day, when I was bold enough, the guilt would coat evenly beneath their scars. When they stop hurting, I will leave his memories buried beneath the same tree in the graveyard, beside his mother and father. And I will escape. - Breena Kravabloski 36 �Meanwhile, in the Barnyard, Things Stay the Same (Reprise) Vote fox again, said fox again (as again, said Fox again). But fox, said chicken, You have eaten all of my children. Said fox said that still shows how smart I am. - William Chad Stanley 37 �No one Rivers form from my eyes Slowly pulling me under No one can hear No one can hear my cries My world crumbles beneath my feet Slowly dragging me to its depths No one can see No one can see the struggle The air vanishes around my face Slowly taking me with it No one can see No one can see me break Fire surrounds my body Slowly burning me down No one can hear No one can hear my screams - Kylie Kilvitis 38 �Le fleur de la mort Life crumples away in the vase Lively petals wither away to nothing However there is a sense of grace Never has there been such loving Death is but a splotch of gray But only for a minute As the world as its way No one can dispute, Colors fall peaceful Within a safe eye Lives fall easeful As the dead fly The Death’s flower It withers beside them As it’s guilt can overpower, Even the brightest gem A beauty like no other Bouquets all a flutter As one falls under cover With no more clutter Colors shine away As afterlife takes place And though it might convey A small pain trace Once one fades The beauty is unbounded Pinks and blues of different shades Leaving all astounded The pain is a speck of nothing Blackness will fade away Soon you shall be something The colors will rise again in May “C’est la vie”, Is all they say Of beauty of losing an amie As colors shine in a gray - Kylie Kilvitis 39 �ross - Tyler Savitski 40 �Sleep Is For The Death - Tyler Savitski 41 �Valley Bleed Orange - Tyler Savitski 42 �and the night is enormous - Tyler Savitski 43 �Encounter - Tyler Savitski 44 �If You Could See Me If If If If you you you you No No No No could could could could one one one one I I I I could could could could If If If If you you you you No No No No see see see see could could could could me, me, me, me, see see see see what would that make me? would you see the pain? how much did you see? was my shell in vain? me, me, me, me, still still still still see see see see them, them, them, them, could could could could see see see see me, me, me, me, one one one one I I I I could could could could If If If If you you you you could could could could see see see see so so so so I I I I engineered the facade disappeared from them all became someone more broad watched the old me just fall through the eyes of a stranger I became what they wanted the old me was a danger the new me became haunted might that help me heal? would I gain control? would that make me feel? would you see the whole? me, me, me, me, still still still still see see see see them, them, them, them, could could could could see see see see me, me, me, me, for as long as I remember so to me, it never mattered I pursued countless endeavors but that reality shattered they would glance with no worry I embrace neutrality they have just never known me I hate their mentality I’d be unprepared I would be ready would you have cared? would you still need me? - Dorrian Nelson 45 �This Heart of Mine There is a heart that beats in my chest. Beats 1, 2, 1, 2, on and on As my chest rises and falls. Thump-thump, over and over Rapid as I try to quell the rising panic Slow and steady as I find peace. There is a heart that beats in my chest. A heart that has too much love to give And not enough people to give love to. Sincere in its passion and depth But fragile and easily cracked and shattered Like glass on the edge of a table Precarious and unsteady. There is a heart that beats in my chest, A heart that wants and a heart that needs But a heart that cannot express why A heart that cannot express how A heart that cannot make its voice heard Because it hurts too much to listen. There is a heart that beats in my chest, A heart that betrays emotion Every chance it gets A heart that is young and foolish A heart that takes everything too seriously A heart that cannot lie to itself even if it tries. 46 �There is a heart that beats in my chest And though I try to listen Though I try to understand There are times when I cannot fathom How someone could say “follow your heart” When I know my heart will only lead me astray. There is a heart that beats in my chest, A heart that is wild, a heart that is illogical By all accounts my heart should not decide But I make decisions because in my heart I believe them to be right. I care too much to let my heart be silent, But my heart must be silent for my own sake. My heart holds words that I will never say Because if I said them it would only break. There is a heart that beats in my chest, A heart that will continue to beat Until it cannot beat anymore That will continue to love Until it cannot love anymore And this heart will live in my chest As it beats a steady rhythm For as long as I live. And I can try to deny it, Try to fight my heart but I know Deep down My heart will always lead the way. - Eleanor Burows 47 �Life’s Music Do me a favor, if you can. Let your mind be quiet, as quiet as it can be. Listen to your breathing, The soft inhale and exhale. A sweet rhythm, Echoing in the empty branches of trees, Their leaves scattered on the ground, a crunch, another beat with each step In the whisper of wind, curling through streets Tousling hair, rustling clothes It has its own beauty I think you know what I’m getting at here You know a rhythm You know a beat you know the music that nature gives us In a crash of waterfalls, Not unlike a cymbal striking in a great symphony A birdsong, lilting, bright So early in the morning A reminder of the sweet sounds we ourselves can make - Eleanor Burows 48 �You’re Dead You tell me you’re dead, that you died many years ago You tell everyone the same thing. You were on the receiving end of a brutal attack, one that left you as a husk of your former self. You frame yourself as the victim. Singing songs about how everyone and everything is against you. How you’re the casualty of an unjust society. You target your “attacker,” seeking revenge for what they have done to you. You won’t rest, not until you’ve won. I know you’re lying. The blood you bleed isn’t your own. The songs you sing drown out the voices of others. Your wounds are self-inflicted, most of them barely piercing skin. The masses are fooled. You convinced them that you speak the truth. That we should feel bad for you. I won’t listen. - Shawn Carey 49 �What is it Like to be Honest With Yourself? At six I was playing with the boys, Fighting nightmares and guarding secrets. At ten I was afraid to make new friend, I was scared that I would grow too close. I couldn’t move and I couldn’t breathe. A lost cause, I thought this was God’s punishment I trek along the forest path, punishment Seething in my bones for the anger of boys. I’m trapped in the meadow that can‘t breathe. I look back at the house, sinfully silent secrets. Nineteen, the taste of vodka burns in my throat, I’m so close To the memory of visiting here with my friends. I grew too fond of the girls who were just friends. I lost against the dragon in the wood, ten and facing punishment. I prayed to a god I didn’t believe was real, never close Enough to the castle, the walls guarded by boys. That castle, my former home, she built from my secrets. The roof came crashing in, and at twelve I lost all senses to breathe. 50 �Dust like sparkles cover the floors of that house, trying to breathe. I light candles in the windows and welcome my friends. We sit like witches around a table, dangling secrets. I know my lies are locked away like finch as punishment New summer dress, she talks about her crush on a college boy. I can feel my hands tremble as I grasp anger close. This house of ivy was once furnished and loved, close Enough for me to feel safe, to feel able to breathe. We were finally old enough at thirteen to play chess with boys. I grinned brightly at the sight of my giggling friends. But, that was not what I wanted; that was my punishment. I hid in the corner of the dining room bleeding secrets. I stare out the window of the pale house of secrets. Now grown, I learned to hold who I love close. Outside grass blades sing of my past punishment. Trapped in this room, I’m sobbing, choking to breathe. They’ve all gone to college, now they have new friends. I was always different, I never liked the boys. This house carries the secret memories of boys. I kept my cards close, but finally admitted to my friends. There was never any punishment; I like girls, and now I can safely breathe - Liv Serkosky 51 �When She Was Here - A Sestina A home for flowers, our haven to grow in the lush streets of our faraway town with lakes of sand, dunes of crystalline blue and the leafy arbor of our dear youth where the sun shined bright on those August days spent in rainbows. This love cannot be lost. Ensnared by biting barbed vines, truly lost until you set me free to bloom and grow by your side. Fragrant, pinkish melons, days spent in our plastic palace, modest town market or cozy homes. How blessed, youth rich with bliss and ceaseless heavens of blue, and then December came, deforming blue skies to subdued greys, our floral beds lost to weiss powder, melting views of Her youth. She was breaking, Her soul screaming to grow into the artist every face in town demanded She be. Still silence for days until we found Her. In a mere few days our technicolor truths befell rime bluegrey slush, smothering our faraway town. Her fractured visage hung heavy; life lost. “How horrific!” they cried, “Her time to grow forfeited! Robbing Herself of Her youth!” 52 �Love was lost in the swift sparks of our youth once eternal, now January days pass as I am frozen, inept to grow in our wry plot void of your pink and blue hues that once bathed my leaves in light, now lost as I wither on bare paths of our town. And then March came, but the seasons in town never seemed to shift, and landmarks of youth lie in ache for our return, but they’ve lost each beam of light shared together on days of warmth and sweet salty spray of the blue sparkling shore. They cried, “He will never grow!” And then August came to town. Yet to grow from tragic youth, we’re still haunted by blue skies lost as our years drift by like brisk days. - Liz Keller 53 �Biographies Jacob O’Boyle is a senior biology major with a minor in English. He harpoons gay wood trolls for sport. Only the gay ones. There can only be one. Me. Leah Smith is the News Editor for the Beacon. She writes short stories and reads comic books in her spare time. Leah’s not-so guilty pleasure is watching WWE. Her top three favorite wrestlers are Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, and Rhea Ripley. Cass Heid has a B.S. in Earth and Environmental Science, an M.A. in Creative Nonfiction, and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, all from Wilkes University. She is an essayist, poet, and academic scholar who’s work appears in The Handy Uncapped Pen, Elephant Eyes, and the horror scholar’s anthology, No More Haunted Dolls: Horror Fiction That Transcends The Tropes, which was published by Vernon Press, and nominated for a Bram Stoker Award. Her work is also forthcoming in the poetry anthology, Pennsylvania Bard’s Eastern PA Poetry Review 2025. She lives in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania, and has been collecting crystals since she was seven years old! Dan Stish is a senior graduating with a dual major in English and Biochemistry. He is going on to pursue a chemistry Ph.D at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He spends his free time arguing with his reflection in the mirror, which has yet to lose a debate. Grace Cairns loves being outdoors; walking amongst trees, swimming, and basically doing anything else when the weather is nice. Amelia Murphy once journeyed from the wilds of Alaska to the far reaches of the eastern seaboard. Some say the road bent for her, guided by whispers of the Fae who admired her fearless spirit. 54 �JP is a Library Technician at Wilkes University. He enjoys walks on Back Mountain Trail, where he pretends the neighboring highway does not exist. Sydney Ahrberg is a junior English major who is irrationally convinced she could befriend a bear if provided the opportunity. Breena Kravabloski is a TTRPG player and hobbyist writer, with an inprogress fantasy project of over thirty thousand words. Eleanor Burrows is a senior Marketing major with a minor in Hospitality Leadership. Her first love of poetry came from reading Shel Silverstein poems with her grandmother, a particular favorite being “Long-Leg Lou and Short-Leg Sue”, and her teachers throughout K-12 who supported her creative writing development and creativity. Liv Serkosky is an honors Theater Arts major with History and English minors. They are currently a junior. They’ve been in the performance industry since a child and performed in, and worked on, close to fifty shows. They are also a singer-songwriter, actor, and director. Dorrian Nelson is a Wilkes University freshman in the graduating class of 2028. He is currently double majoring in Political Science and International Relations. When he does write, Dorrian tends to storytell in a manner that provides various understandings or interpretations to his pieces. This is so he can provide both the mystery of what idea he is truly presenting to his audience, and to often make the audience’s personal experiences in their own lives play a role in their own personal interpretations of his writing. Kylie Kilvitis is a junior neuroscience major who taps into her creativity with dance and poetry! She is currently working on a poetry book for herself and a dance minor! Liz Keller is a second-year Political Science major and a huge nature lover! At heart, she’s a mountain goat wandering the Montana hills. 54 �Firethorns Solanum pyracanthos Poison Ivy Toxicodendron radicans Multiflora Rose Rosa multiflora English Ivy Hedera helix Morning Glory Ipomoea tricolor ��� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Manuscript: Literary Magazine, 1947-present Subject The topic of the resource The Manuscript Society of Wilkes University has been publishing its creative written and visual art magazine, Manuscript, continuously since 1947. Currently, the student-led editorial staff publishes one issue per year, and copies are complimentary. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes Manuscript Society Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDFs Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1947-2020 Description An account of the resource The Wilkes University Manuscript is a student-run literary magazine, published by the Manuscript Society since 1947. It is currently published once a year. Individuals may submit creative fiction, creative nonfiction/short personal essays, poetry, photography, drawings, paintings, digital art, and music compositions. Submissions are open to all Wilkes University students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Anyone can read or obtain copies of any of the material for research purposes, but if the researcher wants to quote from the materials, they will need to obtain copyright permission from the <a href="https://www.wilkes.edu/academics/colleges/arts-humanities-social-sciences/humanities/manuscript/index.aspx">Wilkes University Manuscript Society.</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource The Wilkes University Manuscript: Literary Magazine is arranged chronologically. The series ranges from 1947 – present. The magazine is currently published in the Spring only, but has previously been published seasonally, each semester. The series also includes a folder with supplemental materials from the Manuscript Film Society in the 1970s. The folders include a date range which may hold more than one issue of the magazine. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Manuscript, 2024-2025 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2024 Type The nature or genre of the resource Literary Magazine Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource English Department https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/defd83ba7d8f145078aa595a46e9319d.pdf 02b23659e3edce2722315858eddcc8e2 PDF Text Text THE MANUSCRIPT SOCIETY MANUSCRIPT 2025-2026 wilkes university ��1947 FOREWARD with this issue of the manuscript, a new publication is launched on the Bucknell University Campus in Wilkes-Barre. those who have been responsible for its coming into being earnestly hope that through your efforts and the efforts of those who come after you that this magazine will develop into a college traditiON OF WHICH WE MAY ALL BE PROUD. SINCERELY, THE EDITORS i ��THE MANUSCRIPT SOCIETY EDITORIAL BOARD ADVISOR Dr. Mischelle Anthony EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Sydney Ahrberg ASSISTANT EDITOR Kylie Sable LAYOUT AND COPY EDITOR Liv Serkosky SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Jazmin High SUPREME OVERLORD The Craven ii �Table of contents LIZ KELLER Before Our End 1 Never 3 But Not For Me 5 JACOB O’BOYLE Succession 6 Autumn 8 LINDSEY CHRISTIAN Nihil 9 Chameleon 11 Carrion, Revere 13 AUBRIANNA HARTE the Piranhas sleep sound tonight. 14 LEAH SMITH Rainbow Void Burrito 18 JAkE MIDDLETON not home for supper 23 iii �JAZmIN HIGH The immortal song 24 Choke 25 Clock 26 Ambush 27 For What He’s Not 28 CADEN TEMPLE may i tonight in darkness speak 29 SiNNER JOAN The Mad Poet to His Muse 30 Twins 31 Red, Concerning Premature Baldness 32 Dion 33 KYLIE SABLE Anxiety 34 grace cains OCD is not something you can shove into a rhyme scheme, this is not supposed to be pretty, ok? Jaded iv 36 �Madi Westawski 38 An Ode to Forgotten Benches 39 liv serkosky Magnolia 40 M. 41 if i were you today (the things) we fear, 43 but fight) nicholas penglase Predator Recall 47 No Healthy Upstream 48 Krystal crespo clark People think poor 49 Craig conville The Mistake From an Unsavory Past In What Sin Do You Relish? 50 52 Jack Deluca The Seven Deadly Sins Killer 55 v �nate stavish I Remember the Girl 57 The Museum of Atomic Warfare 59 Biapolis 61 anthony elmes Windchimes 62 sydney ahrberg Vincent 65 Leonidas’ Swimming Creek 66 Space Dog 67 franklin collazo Confounding Variables 69 Wayne Mccormick American Werewolf 70 autumn evancavich Spectator 74 Kailey Vogel Love Through Death (The Girl, Her 76 Ghost, The Kiss, All Mine, The End) vi �Before Our End Liz Keller It is fell mockery to deem you dead. As you doze not far from this wretched place, I could not face you in that sterile bed. What a coward, to flee with such disgrace. Though my aching love shall span eternal, You are but a grey husk of your brilliance. Craven confessions, my heart infernal. I weep - cling to your stubborn persistence! I abscond the snarl of mortality. Though it was likely our final meeting, The anguish of your fate thrashed throughout me. Why must my spineless soul keep retreating? Still, I yearn for wings to whisk me ahead, Away from Ones whose shrill gossips draw blood! To find solace where the lost are not dead! This brook will soon surge into raging floods. How dare your sons leave your petals to wilt, In your garden that once blossomed so bright? Do they pride their vile acts? No shred of guilt? Then demand your daughter bear all the blight? These ‘men’ left breathing are as good as gone, I tally the dates till their final parties. Each day a torture, each hour sorely drawn, I ache that you stay, midst my hearts’ pained pleas. 1 �Yet! You’d not wish to heed my sorrowed spite. You once tended me like your precious roses, I wither now, saved by lone fading light. But your love trails on as our world near closes. I retrace your home, oh, how I miss you. I search for your warmth that once set me free, Your echoes linger within, softly true, Never fully gone – forever with me. 2 �Never Liz Keller When the world was ours to conquer, where tyrants failed to cry “no!” we soared free across golden skies, I thought I loved you so. You carried us up Devil’s Peak, and dried up dunes of dust. For you, I’d do it again to cease the moment’s rust. Amid years of fearless battles, our souls, truly blessed! Guide the way, for memories’ sake, may this dream never rest! They joked you’d die in glacial streams, I held you close that day. But when the winds began to shriek, I watched you drift away. Eras lapse; glory escapes us. Tomes tell our tall tales, but their pages have been altered and true nature unveiled. A wicked phantom, you’ve become. And I, your favored haunt. You must’ve got lost along the way; the kin I loved is gone. 3 �I seethe when you are at my side, your words send us downturn. Yet when you sail the seven seas, I weep for your return. Those brilliant blues were sanctified, a frontier meant for us. I wail my stranded lullabies yet you’ve marooned my trust. Our encounters now are fleeting. I’ll wear your dolty caps, pretend to like the Bank ball games, in hope of scanty laughs. Though I’ve never been a jester, I’ll amass noble courts. You’ll never grace my audience, but coast to foreign ports. I’ll endure all your shallow feats to maintain tarnished gold, yet you never sense to prevent the rust that claims my soul. Why do I even fool myself, these journeys end the same. The world we loved has come and gone, I’ve lost my kindred flame. 4 �But Not For Me Liz Keller I’ve roamed your foreign realm a pale specter, no body to scour souls that stir within. Your silk, my steel; forbade claim. Your nectar is all this mold craves, aching for your sins. Like droplets from the Heavens, caressing my skin, giving form to flutters on flesh. Leave me drowning, wailing. Bathed in blessings on the altar; urge me into a crest. My veiled ecstasy, yet I yield your touch. Command and condemn me, down on my knees. Be the One I worship – breathless and hushed as we tangle in vice, pleas, and decrees. Damn me to Hell, craving unions misled. I bet she’s divine – if just in my head. 5 �Succession Jacob O’Boyle After the fire as the embers cool from great revolt and fervor and the creatures of this humbled wood lull from their stupor. A great rebirth, though a supreme upending emplaced in a ghastly scene exalts that the worldly slate now lies wiped clean. And new life may spring in ginger leap and bound from sprout to bud and leaf to ground, a golden fleece hides the ashen mud. From here, all else follows; the pirouettes of aspen and the follies of pines gamagrass and goldenrod forming mile-long can-can lines. Here, too, the oaks find their rise. Though frail at first, they soon shall grow and this new crop to eclipse the royal reds of old shall go. 6 �To gnarl and arch and sag and sprawl, spread canopies wide and engulf all within; a world of diverse splendors under which hide. And mast they will so the squirrel and the ‘munk may eat their fill and gorge their children until they are ill. But the shade proves too much and the mast seasons soon senesce so that this vibrant land once teeming with life grounds to silence at oaken hand. Though dead limbs may lazily fall, the forest shall remain choked until, as if by holy decree, the lustfully righteous flame shall set this land free. 7 �Autumn Jacob O’Boyle What few golden rays do break the fog and grace my shoulder lightly shine forth in a cold, grim world and serve the remind me that one day Spring will come again. 8 �Nihil Lindsey Christain I often feel as if I am a blank canvas A painter approaches, trying something new They give, they take away, Over and over Layers scraping over layers, Until I forget what lies before. And the only thing that remains Is that I am nothing In search of something Something to call my own Something that has a name But the only familiarity Is simply, A longing for something When I am nothing. Nothing in the sense that My soul is nameless– A wanderer Cain himself, Walking endless roads, Bearing the mark That I tried to hide Scrubbing until my fingers ached And my nails bled dry. 9 �Nothing in the sense that I am solid, yet pliable– Clay that never hardens, Shaped and reshaped, Kneaded endlessly, Yet never whole. 10 �Chameleon Lindsey Christain When will I be enough? Will I ever be enough? Will it be when my edges dull, When I sand myself into something Soft enough to be held? Or when I pull myself outwards, Take out all of the undesirable pieces, And put myself back together? Should I become a color you’d prefer? Green, Yellow, Blue? Tell me–what suits you? Because I’m tired, tired beyond beliefOf twisting into something Palatable, Digestible, Easy to love. I want to be loved For my horrific, dull scales– The ones passed over in the pet store, Left behind for something brighter. 11 �Because I don’t have forever To keep repainting them. A Chameleon only gets so many seasons, And I have spent mine Becoming someone else. 12 �Carrion, Reverie Lindsey Christain Matted, bloodied fur Smeared across the concrete Glazed over, hollow eyes Reminiscent of what was before. Did they know of the dangers Of a bustling highway? Or did they simply Need to get to their Destination– Unaware of what follows. The moment comes crashing down, The world rushing in. And there is no time to call, No whisper of prayer– The moment slips past, And grace cannot be reached. Do roadkill go to heaven, Or are they forever damned? 13 �the Piranhas sleep sound tonight. Aubrianna Harte i was young and never pretty. this was a fact i knew about myself and the Piranhas are always looming. a dr op of blood hits the water may as well be f l o o d i n g. perhaps pretty is a disguise i can put on? drip p i ng. perhaps less fabric will do the tr ic kl in g. perhaps a proper pose as i snap snap snap run nin g. the picture? 14 � g u s h i n g . come fishy, fishy, come. BUR except STING. there is always more than one . . . one picture becomes infinite as it’s reduced to b i t s by what feels like i n f i n i t y c a r v i n into my body through spiked jaws and what makes it i n f i n i t 15 y �is that it neverendsandwhenitdoesthescarsarereopenedndaleastheirteethtouchme andaleasttheirteethlovemeeveniftheyarereducingmetobitsuntil’mnolonge rwholeevenifi’mbeinwhittledawayintofleshparticlesd i s s i p a t i n gthroug ghoutthewaterimstillreceivingloveandimstillmeeti gGodrightimstillmeeti ngGodrightimstllmeeting God right take me like i’m your holy communion. drill h o l e s into me until i’m no longer whole. disperse me like s c a t t e r i n g ashes, leave me naked , as intact as pink m i s t . if i were to pass you in a crowd, which would you recognize first, my 16 �f a c e o r my bod y ? e i t h e r? are you me full of? do you even think of me now? remember me? chew me until i’m gum. digest me until i’m your excrement. until you deem me soiled. until i am soil. until another fresh drop dri p s . . . You’re always looming 17 �Rainbow Void Burrito Leah Smith Times Square was bright and bustling, as it usually was in the peak of spring. Cars beeped and buzzed, crowds of people would bump into each other and shout. Even if I wanted to know what they were saying, I couldn’t tell over the yacht loads of empty conversations that would fill my ears. Someone’s arguing with a partner, someone’s finding out they didn’t get the entry level job they needed. Same shit, different day. The past few years haven’t felt like different days. It’s like the universe, God, or whoever is in charge of this circus, took the calendar, beat it to death with a hammer, and shredded it into a blender. The days were mushy piles of gray matter that we all had to pretend were different days. Inside the depths of the flashy capitalist utopia of Time Square, was where serfs like myself would work to the bone just to get by. I was a cashier at Dunkin’. The clock on the wall beneath the digital timekeeping system struck 4:00 p.m. Energy coursed through my left hand as my fingers tapped on the tablet to clock myself out. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw one of my co-workers, Polly, striding by wearing a shiny white grin. She looked exactly like a Polly Pocket doll except if poor ole’ Polly had to work a dead-end part-time job in New York. The screen finally completed my transaction and clocked me out. I turned around and Polly appeared right in front of my face. I jumped back slightly. “Oh, I’m sorry Kristin, did I scare you?” Polly asked. “No, just startled me a little,” I said. “I’m sorry, Kristin.” “I’ll live.” I walked past her as passively as I could to get my backpack in the bathroom closet. However, she followed me. “So, I was thinking, I’m getting together with some girl friends of mine and I was wondering if you wanted to come out with us!” Polly squealed. “What are you guys planning?” I asked. 18 � “Oh, you know, probably go bar crawling, might do some karaoke, might stay over the night at some guy’s house. Y’know, the usual.” I shrugged. “I don’t know Polly, I have a lot on my plate at the moment.” “Oh, yeah, you’re still doing that creative writing class?” “Yep.” “It’s just one night. You never come out, it’d be nice to see you out for a change.” I shook my head. “I promise, Polly, I’m good.” I didn’t think I said that too harshly but given Polly’s abrupt silence, it seemed I may have bruised her spirit a little by rejecting her. I finally reached the bathroom when Polly lifted her head up from the ground. “Well, if you change your mind, give me a text, okay?” Polly asked. “Sure, Polly. Have fun, I mean it.” I really did mean it, I didn’t like coming across as a dick even to co-workers I didn’t entirely vibe with. She nodded and walked away. Shortly, I opened the bathroom door and stepped inside the claustrophobic nightmare. I swung open the closet door and grabbed my black and white zig-zag backpack. Before I lifted the bag’s arms over my shoulders, I zipped it open and took out a burrito wrapped in tin foil. I bought it earlier that day at a random vendor during my lunch break. The guy running the burrito stand seemed kinda weird, speaking under his breath like he was hiding something from me. That’s New York though, it was probably just me being anxious. “Hickory Creek” by Whitechapel blasted through my black headphones as I bobbed and weaved my way through Times Square. I wanted so badly to roll myself into dozens of blankets, pop an edible, and watch Supernatural re-runs with my cat, Aragorn. However, I felt this gnawing inside of my chest. It wasn’t heartburn, it was something more than that and I could’ve sworn it was calling to me. I loved writing, I ate, slept, and breathed it. I’m not saying I was slipping or that the love went away, it’s just, no matter where I applied to, it was always rejection after rejection. Maybe I should’ve said yes to Polly and got drunk and slept with some sexy stranger. That’s what the high life was, right? I don’t know… Every day would’ve still felt the same. My fingers began unwrapping the tinfoil like I was defusing a bomb. Carefully, 19 �the burrito revealed itself to me in its glorious grilled chicken and melted cheese fashion. I took a bite of the burrito and as I began to chew it, my taste buds rang the alarm. This tasted like garbage. That wasn’t hyperbole, like the garbage I’d have to take out sometimes at Dunkin’. The chicken tasted like stale coffee grounds and the cheese and Chipotle sauce had a kick of hellish gym sweat and centuries-old donuts. I puckered up my mouth and covered it with my arm as my eyes scanned for the nearest trash can. A few inches away from me, underneath a platform of steel and metal, was an empty black trash can. I swiftly shuffled to it and spat out the burrito and nearly threw up everything else I ate that day into it. I threw the rest of the burrito inside the can and before I walked away, my ears rejected the music I was playing into my headphones and instead picked up an eerie sound of static. I placed my headphones onto my neck like a head rest and picked inside of my ears with a painted black pinky finger. However, it wasn’t tinnitus or a blocked ear because the sound persisted and grew louder. Then, I heard voices among the static. There were multiple voices, like a choir harmonizing in my ears and only my ears. “Looooook belowwww youuuuu and find your homeeeeee.” They instructed me. I looked down into the trash can and I saw the burrito open itself up like a cocoon. Instead of revealing the contents of the food I spat out, it revealed a flowing rainbow wave. The rainbow wave swayed smoothly, a calm beach that promised me reassurance. As I leaned closer into the trash can, I let go of the sides of the trash can and fell inside the rainbow wave. My body was a feather flying from the peak of a mountain, the seconds counted down to microseconds, even less than that. I closed my eyes as I fell into the wave but I opened them and I saw that I wasn’t falling to my death. The rainbow wave became a waterfall swirling like a cyclone, except it wasn’t aggressive or fast. The rainbow cyclone was a mother rocking her baby in her arms, a feeling I haven’t felt in so long. The choir went away and what I heard instead was a combination of soothing sounds such as rain trickling down outside a window and fire crackling outside during a summer barbecue. I was confused, but I wasn’t afraid. I wanted to see more, learn more about this strange place if what I was seeing was real. Crap, that 20 �was probably why that burrito vendor was acting weird. He must’ve put something in my burrito, that must be why I was seeing all of this and experiencing this strange calming feeling. Suddenly, a window-shaped white light appeared in front of me. The menagerie of soft sounds simmered down as a voice I knew I couldn’t mistake was calling to me. “Kristin, honey! It’s mommy! Come over here, I’ve missed you!” My mother called in her chirping voice. In a heartbeat, I swam into the white light. Then, I was taken into a patio looking out onto the beach. The waves were swaying calmly as the sunlight was kissing the ocean with its soft buttery lips. I was seated on a wooden bench in front of a table with open notebooks of stories written on them. I was in disbelief, I had to be dead. My mother died when I was nine inside her bedroom after she overdosed on painkillers. Were the drugs playing a trick on me? Am I dead? All of a sudden, I heard soft purring against my ankles. I looked below and it was my fluffy tabby cat, Aragorn. I smiled and lifted him up to my lap. I gave him a few soft pets, his fur brushed against my fingertips like a knitted blanket. Then, I felt my mother’s hand caressing my shoulder. I looked up at her, her face was upside down but she looked just as I remembered her. Short, cropped brown hair, black rimmed glasses all topped with a soft smile. She soothed my black hair with her hands and kissed the top of my head as she walked over to the other side of the table and sat across from me. “Are you ready to share your stories with me, Kristin?” My mom asked me. I looked down at the notebook placed in front of me, I quickly examined the words written in the paper. This was the horror novel manuscript I was writing for my creative writing presentation. I chuckled. “What’s wrong, dear?” My mom asked, cocking her head to the side. I shook my head, fighting back tears. “I just, heh, I just don’t think you’ll like it. It’s a dark story.” 21 � My mother smiled reassuringly. “Nonsense, Kristin. I don’t mind if it’s dark. All that matters to me is that it’s written by my daughter.” I wiped the tears coming down my face with a quick arm swipe and nodded. I began reading the story to my mother. 22 �not home for supper Jake Middleton 23 �The immortal song Jazmin High The choir is tired of the song, the prayers. I know the song well. I sing the tune, biding time, unwrapping layers. Tell me what can never die? Your very name is a taunt. A prayer. Unanswered that hangs in the wind. I know the prayer well. Tell me what can never end? I’d cut out my tongue, but I wouldn’t need it. Pluck every tooth, and I’d still feed it. The urge, the itch beneath my skin. A prayer so dark I’d call it sin. Tell me what can never die? Before wounds become scars, they will itch. Before answered, prayers are a thought—a wish. Before a song, there’s a melody— a tune. A feeling at the instant, That this girl is across a room! And I’ll unwrap the parchment, as gently as possible. For if the gift underneath is lacking, I can look back on the effort and smile. 24 �Choke Jazmin High I mourn the dead before they die— I’m quite productive in that way. I dig the hole, and engrave the tombstone. However, I still stay long after the ceremony. I can’t seem to put the body in the ground. Tears turn dirt muddy, and I know it can’t be, But as I dandle the cumbersome and unyielding Hope, The creature who can never die, I pray tears can play the role of life Like water, and bring you back to me. I cradle Hope in my arms with care. It grabs on the collar of my shirt and chokes me, Wailing out and demanding attention. Where I once prayed for you, I now pray for air. 25 �Clock Jazmin High I called you on the phone the other day. I asked you when you’ll be here, and you said ‘in no time at all’. And so I sit in front of a wall, watching this clock. The ticking constant, but the idea of it stopping overwhelming me. Days go by. The clock, stature tall, engulfs me in a shadow. Heirloom passed down through generations of youngest daughters. You’ll know what to do when it stops, so I sit in agonizing pins and needles waiting for you. Family will intervene, find ways to maneuver me out of this room, but I am so consumed. I wake from my sleep, thinking I heard a tick skip or a tock off beat. The clock is always just fine. The rhythmic sounds are enough to to drive you mad, so mad that you’d wish it would just… Because you are tired of mourning the dead before they die, and you’ve been mourning since you knew his name. Master of all, servant of one. You called me on the phone the other day, and asked when I’ll be there. I said, staring at a still clock, ‘in no time at all’. 26 �Ambush Jazmin High I am finding new things about you. Too much information, possibly, but I’ll welcome it with open arms. What choice do I have, when showing up to an ambush? Love is a song with no timed rhythms, beats. It has no place in a choir, and yet. It is in the way your eyes hold Mine, I can feel it sink into My brain. It squeezes the corners, and under the pressure, I can’t help but look away. The morning dawns on me in the middle of the night. Something has shifted. my actions serve a place in Their minds, my clothes, my words, myself. You asked why i care so much, how people see me. It’s because, truly, without them, i’m not sure if i exist. You are finding new things about me. Too much information, possibly… You welcome it with open arms. What choice do You have, when showing up to an ambush? 27 �For What He’s Not. Jazmin High Stars are all about the burn. So, is fire evil then, just for burning? Just because it hurt you? Because your hand was too close? And you knew him. The way someone knew what they were doing tomorrow. The same absolutism God laughs at. A snake in the grass that bites ankle, Then ask why you’re limping. What’s deep for you, is a crack for him. As he haunts your ceiling at night, As you regret letting him close enough to scorch Remember: the lover always wins. Because stars do burn bright, But stars will always burn alone. 28 �may I tonight in darkness speak Caden Temple may I tonight in darkness speak, like the wooden floors of windy and brittle mornings, a song for only you to hear. and may it be acknowledged, not the sincerity of loosely threaded thoughtfulness, but of the serrated edges of wounds once again opened, shown of grinding teeth and clenched fists. tourniquet any and all remaining transmissions continuing to unfold falsities, disturbing a broken silence previously developed in light of sullen promises. may I tonight in darkness speak, deteriorating as felled firs of solstice, a message furthest from the closest bottled shore. lost in arrogance and tormenting rapids, watered and wasted by quarrels unseen. introduced unwillingly to perils of life I lack the intentions of knowing twice, the wheel continues spinning without notice of an ending prize, or so it has been called. a gift followed of smiles and controlled chaos, yet deception sneaking its wretched teeth into necks of attentions lost to a world of wonder un-wandered. 29 �The Mad Poet to His Muse Sinner Joan I will win you a country, melt kings to their throne, build you a palace, then leave you alone to spend the morning gazing at bright blazing words, reflecting the flame with each single turn: dum-dah dum-dah dum-dahdo dee-lie, Tell me, sweet lady, wouldn’t that be nice? Take your lunch to the orchard by the deer in the park, feed the little spring doves, call the hound from the farm, pat the pup’s head as white spots flee to the oaks, then walk to the creek-bed and light up your first smoke. dum-dah dum-dah dum-dahdo dee-lie, Tell me, sweet lady, wouldn’t that be nice? Now evening stars cast the day’s last light, stack soft pillows and sleep through the night, dream of castles, cattle, pastoral delights, dum-dah dum-dah dum-dahdo dee-lie I can’t help but think it all sounds so nice! But if all this proves too much for your heart, I’ll take it all back and hide in the stars, and dream on this each day and night: dum-dah dum-dah dum-dahdo dee-lie I can’t help but think it all sounds so nice! 30 �Twins Sinner Joan Maria, do not cry, we rest on lumps of flesh, just the first kick inside (Soft shadows streak by dim white light) I look at you and see my eyes, blue, black and white, two new mirrors stare back, I will not cry (soon mother dear guides aimless eyes) We twist, turn and tie our chains, like a vine, cascading down the last breathless gasp inside. Let me reflect you, I will not cry. 31 �Red, Concerning Premature Baldness Sinner Joan Red, red, all top me head! Day I born till day I dead! (At least that’s what the old man said!) But blue, blue, now I all blue! When ya lose ya red, what else do ya do? Be blue all day long like a spot on ya bread? Or blue all the night like a lost robin egg? Or blue like your face after your first cigarette sucks all the air till there ain’t nothing left? No, I’ll be blue like two eyes gazing back at me, Not wasting any time looking thru bad poetry, Not caring one bit for what’s under this cap, (follow the bill as I fold it on back): I bald, all bald, all top me head, I lost my hair, my youth, my red! And now I all blue till the day I dead. 32 �Dion Sinner Joan Come, Dion, and set each thread of this thatch roof world ablaze! The goats are cold, the goatherd’s gone, and sacred spring seeds no more. Dion! Thrice-born, thrice-dead, half-god, half-man, Take thy black panther coat and be our Superman! Spin the world back in time, unbind thy band And bomb Lex Luther to ashes and sand! But know there are no maeneds left to meet, from rose-colored dawn to the wine-dark sea; no Margot Kidder shooting the breeze, no little kings left dangling from trees, Hell, e’en Clark Kent’s just old Christopher Reeve. So come, Dion, and kiss thy tormenting bride for the grapes that suffer spill the sweetest wine; be Superman once more, but take off your disguise, then mount the world, dig thy spurs in thy ride. 33 �Anxiety Kylie Sable Tick… tick… tick… The timer crashes down You’re running out of time You can not do it You will never accomplish your dream Tick… tick… tick… The timer slowly fades Its alarm blares, Filling your ears, You failed again Tick… tick… tick… The timer explodes, Along with your dream Nothing can stop The spiral as it implodes The timer reappears The cycle repeats Ready to ruin, Decimate your life Demolish your fantasy Dismantle your future 34 � Tick… tick… tick… The timer crashes down Race to your dream Don’t let the road implode Your dream cannot explode Tick… tick… tick… The timer stops A nonexistent crash, Does not show. My dream is real The timer vanishes Shoved to the background Ticks will still persist Yet I will now live my life That will never implode 35 �OCD is not something you can shove into a rhyme scheme, this is not supposed to be pretty, ok? Grace Cairns Someone across the globe is probably jesting “I’m so OCD” as they straighten papers on a desk, While I am up at 1 a.m. again because I noticed chips in the rim of a glass candy jar and then took each candy out to inspect it for shards, While my brain tried to convince me they were embedded in the back of my throat (God forbid), so I tried to look but you can’t see that far, so I gargled some water and somewhere Someone is jesting “I’m so OCD” but I do not know where it ends and I begin. It engulfs and shapeshifts to resemble me and there is nothing organized about OCD. It is a civil war in the mind, which as in real life, there is no winning sideIt is ambushes and traps and mirages that either root my feet to the spot or send me scrambling in wrong directions OCD is not organized, you see, I’ve written about it in prior poetry, tried to make it presentable in all its animosity, but I am unsatisfied with these writings, for they are not enough, because OCD is not organized, It is so, so many metaphors that they stream through my mind and get lost in the tide, But there’s one about war, addiction, a clawed creature or one with sharp teeth, the jilted lover there are even metaphors that reference Harry Potter characters (professor Quirrel, ifykyk)... 36 �All of these are their own poem which I should write eventually but it’s far past time to go to bed, and I’m thinking about sleep and peace and ecstasy, but I’m still thinking about the glass and this stupid scary story I heard in fourth grade which cost me the ability to sleep without listening to disco music, and why does my brain insist on scaring me Just so it can pretend to be my protector from its very own creations? Jack-in-the-box, there’s another metaphor, and my mind is like a spider web. OCD is eating away my sanity, but then what even qualifies as sanity? We all have different interpretations of normality, but anyway it’s bedtime, and also I am still, of course, thinking… 37 �jaded Grace Cairns he’s an aries I was a pacifist and I hate the color red it was like racing icarus just to take the fall for him so let the maroon fade from my skin, now bathed in cool shades of jade 38 �An Ode to Forgotten Park Benches Madi Westawski I move through the streets passing piles of burning trash and enough dim-witted minds to switch out a singular light bulb Once I hit the last red light I’m forced to be beneath the monuments of America’s best men not the halal cart guy, nor the noble ones forgotten in alleyways, living lives so unlucky they’ve been struck by falling pianos twice but the ones with briefcases heavy with commercial desperation; their eyes chiseled like those of a cornered dog, a kind of recklessness that leaves them even more exposed. If you lift the pompadours and veneers, something always slips through. They are the least careful. That’s the way it goes. Walking, I remember the meek shall inherit nothing. What else do I see? 39 �A Brigitte Bardot type, searching for herself in every reflective surface down South Main Street, hoping the next pane might reveal a different woman Maybe one with fuller lips A junkie smoking gas station weed and chewing black licorice, its color blending in with his twelfth molar. When you have that much time, what else is there to do but acquire bad taste? And everywhere men with so much masculinity bleeding out of them that they forget they came out of a woman; too focused on taking their vitamins trying to cultivate something that was never theirs to hold. None of them notice the young man who died; his name etched there as they take turns sitting on the bench that prohibits the junkie from lying down. They’ll never notice. I go home and cancel my Time subscription. 40 I wasn’t really using it anyway. �Magnolia Liv Serkosky 41 �M. Liv Serkosky I love her with my whole body. Each breath makes me tremble, And every moment I’m away I think, “How would she really feel?” Suddenly my lungs ache with exhaustion. My heart leads me closer towards her. Watch the longing in my tired eyes, I want the time to memorize her. Please don’t pull away when I reach. She knows me well, and I know her. Over the laughing of our mothers, Her and I shared an apologetic glance. By my own design I purchased flowers. My little brother handed them over, But they were meant to be from me. She arranged them by her dorm room bed. You shied away when you needed me most, I was alone with nothing but dread and fear, Even though I opened my arms and eyes for you. Through it all, I needed you too. 42 �I love you with all my body. The pang and chime of my hitched breath, How my muscles ceded control for you, When I stop running to look your way. I feel my lungs ache with exhaustion, So I pull away and inhale strongly. I need your air as you need it, too. We can share this time and space. Please don’t pull away when I reach, Let your hand wrap around mine. I want you to stay inside my life, Yet it remains unknown to you. By my own design I gave you space. You needed a break away from life, But did you have to step out of mine? Did you need to block out my existence? I shied away when you needed me the most. If I exist around you for too long, I’m afraid I’ll want to kiss you, And then I’ll never escape love. 43 �if i were you today (the things we fear, but fight) Liv Serkosky when they silently lined up outside, i reached for my phone. i reached toward my friend who lives on that block. i called, i heard static. cars stopped, blockaded, as boots hit the ground, then the hushed raid. the worst part isn’t the waiting or the silence, it’s the knowing you can’t do anything. one, two, three, and their door is obliterated. i grab my phone, my keys, his leash, and then i pray. beyond my curtains i see the yards, the flowers they planted gone, the ones from the Pueblan Market, the name of your home, the one you taught me about for Spanish class. 44 �i dial again, but still i hear static. i rarely curse, but this time i did as i put my shoes on, paws matching beat with my feet. it was too late, i could see, as you and your mom hit the ground i scream, he barks, but mom holds me back, while you cry. the door is gone, and your Pueblan flowers. you showed me how to plant them, i taught you about back lighting. and that was just yesterday. i have pepper spray in my hand, but it’s on the ground with my keys maybe i thought for a moment i could save at least one. the sirens start and match tempo with my tears as they hit the ground while your blood - a cut on your temple is censored. 45 �i reach out again, and this time a noise erupts from my soul. this time tomorrow i was supposed to plant my own Pueblan Flowers. Dedicated to Rachel, Kipper, Dan, and Lisa; and to those enduring the violence being enacted on their lives by a nation that’s supposed to protect them. 46 �Predator Recall Nicholas Penglase Arise slathered in clay. You the deep forest night, flooded by white moon. Quiet, immense. The eyes of an animal – Soon, scaling the ribs of remote mountains, you ascend, swollen with green-wood air. 47 �No Healthy Upstream Nicholas Penglase Unfurled skin as a protection spell, I have always been built for traveling these windswept corridors An iris beset with colored bloom peering down 48 �People think poor Krystal Crespo Clark 49 �The Mistake From an Unsavory Past Craig Conville When you love something, deeper than you’ve ever loved before, Before you speak, you should think. Think of what you’re about to do. Do you want to do this? Do you want to go through with what could hurt her? Her feelings are essential to you. They matter. They matter a lot. A lot of things hurt her already. You know this. You protect her from this. This is what keeps you going. This is what allows you to feel justified. Justified to indulge. But it isn’t true. You cannot indulge. You cannot keep doing this. This isn’t right. This isn’t what you should be doing. You need to confess. Confess to your sins. Confess what you’ve done. What you’ve done wrong. Wrong. You’ve made a mistake. Mistake your actions for something controllable. You aren’t well. You need help. Help her. Help her understand. Help her heal. You’ve made her hurt again. Again and again you try. Again and again you dig yourself deeper. Deeper you fall within your own anguish, deeper yet you cannot control yourself. “Yourself” is an enigma. Who are you, anyway? Is this who you want to be? Be something hurtful? Be the same as all the rest you’ve sworn to be different from? From what point do you draw your self-pity? How dare you desire forgiveness? Forgiveness is what’s given to those who confess to God for their sins. Sins are all over. Sins lie within your digital encryptions. They’re carved into your skin. Skin you shouldn’t be comfortable within. How can you live with yourself? “Yourself” is an enigma, because she’s not comfortable in her skin either. Either way, you are and should be to blame. Blame yourself rather than forgive. 50 �Forgive her. She cannot help her own feelings. She cannot help her hurt. Hurt yourself. Hurt her. Hurt everybody. It does not matter. It will never matter. Matter flows down again. Dripping, shaking…this is indulging too. That won’t save her. Her own stance on forgiveness is convoluted and complex. Perhaps she forgives that sin. Sin is forgiven by God alone, but you were never the religious type to begin with. With what do you base your future on? Why should she want to be with you all this time? Time is ticking forward, and she’s leaving you behind. She doesn’t need you anymore. Anymore, she can handle herself. She loves you yet, and yet you cannot love yourself. Snap out of it, you wretched fool! You’re going to destroy your life if you continue. Continue to push. Continue to try. Never, ever give up. Giving up won’t save her. Her entire existence is based on pushing forward. She’s stronger than you. You know this. This is what keeps you going. You admire her strength. So find it in yourself. “Yourself” is an enigma. You don’t know who you are anymore. You cannot know. Know the sins you’ve committed. Know you may never reach forgiveness. Forgiveness is given to those who confess to God, but you don’t know God. God, why won’t this stop. Stop. You need to stop. Please, stop. She needs you to. To a future me, I hope you listened early, because I cannot bear the thought of when. 51 �In What Sin Do You Relish? Craig Conville What sin do you relish the most? They relish most in lust; it keeps them human. Humanic desires are hardly sinful if they’re natural. Then why does it cut through me so? Am I to be God? To decide what is sinful? Perhaps I shall. Lust is the deadliest of sins, because it is shrouded in self-deceipt They do not know how to love. They know how to lust and pretend that’s the same. The purest among them allows lust to be a point of luxury. It is not sin if you do not relish, if you only have a little taste. But if I am to be God, I would decide that’s worse than relishing. Relish in the truth; sin is sin. And pretending to be pure is dirtier than accepting Satan with open arms. You disgust me. My disgust is not justified; I relish most in envy. I relish in greed. Greedy for a taste of lust; to feel without shame. Envy for those who can sin so wrongfully so happily. While I cannot healthily express it without bile building in my throat. My envy is not green. It is black. It is all consuming. My envy relishes in greed. If I were to be God, I would not subject a sinner to that torment. This isn’t supposed to be hell yet. The lake of fire does not belong among the lakes of earth. I relish in wrath. It is the only way to face my sin. To be angry. To spit acid at sinners. To pretend they are worse than me. 52 �To push people away unjustifiably. I relish in the loneliness I cause when I am both too prideful and too wrathful to love. I relish in pride too, as one would if he were to be God. To establish yourself in the role of God is surely the ultimate demonstration of pride. What give you the right, you disgusting sinner? But in an atheist’s world, God and Sin and Man and Life are all the same problem. What more is there to do than relish? I can only relish in sloth on the basis that I have no energy to do otherwise. And I relish in gluttony if sins can be considered sustenance. My relishing comes in septuples, because that’s what the rules say. But I also relish in anguish. Why stop at the original seven? God only knows mine number more than seven. At least, in a perfect world, he would; If I could know God, I wouldn’t need to relish. To relish more than seven must be a sin in itself. Those who owe their loyalties to God cannot relish. Not because they do not sin; they tend to do that more. But they think that God will forgive them. And if I were to be God, I wouldn’t. I certainly can’t forgive myself. And I relish most of all. They relish in Lust. I relish in Envy. I relish in Greed. I relish in Pride. I relish in Wrath. 53 �I relish in Sloth, and Gluttony. I relish in Anguish. I relish in Pain. I relish in Despair. I relish in my earthly blood, flowing down my wrists like the Styx, Relinquishing a poison much richer than that of the previously mentioned. The poison of my sin. I relish in the flow. I relish in the sins that it represents. That is the only way I can relish in control. If I were to be God, I would be in control. But I do not know God. And God knows me not. I do not know myself. I am God. 54 �The Seven Deadly Sins Killer Jack Deluca I- Pride He starts with mirrors, polished bright, A shrine to faces bathed in light He carves the charming smile from the vainest skin, Whispers, “Pride’s reflection dies within.” II- Greed Gold teeth glint in candle’s flare, He counts their coins with chilling care. Each corpses he leaves, a ledger closed, The wealth of sin now decomposed. III- Lust Red lace and strong perfume haunts the air, He hums a hymn, seductive prayer. The heartbeat slows, the body frozen and still. Desire devoured by his will. IV- Envy He finds the ones who covet all, The perfect lives, the grandest halls. He stains their glass with emerald hue, A jealous end for envy’s few. 55 �V- Gluttony A feast prepared, a poisoned plate, He feeds them slow, then seals their fate. Their final breath, a choking tune, Beneath the blood-red harvest moon. VI- Wrath His hands now tremble, rage untamed, The fire burns, the world inflamed. He paints in crimson, wild and raw, A sinner’s justice, savage law. VII- Sloth At last, he waits- no rush, no sound, Among the graves of the six victims found. The seventh sin completes his masterpiece of art, For sloth has stilled his beating dying heart. 56 �I Remember the Girl Nate Stavish Piece of shit Motherfucker My guts spill out like pounded roadkill Doctors would say it’s a .45 to the abdomen Feels like a black hole devouring my insides and shitting them all out White snow stains red as it hurls itself against me I remember the girl Black hair, blacker than midnight Eyes burned from the sobbing Dead friends can rip you open like a starved animal Your grief stringing you up on its meathooks The rest of the boys in blue maintained an apathetic crime scene I was boiling with rage Crazy sonova bitch Dual-wielding bullet hoses With razor wire where his brain should be Running at me like a cheetah after a gazelle A coked-up monster with homicidal tendencies White powder stained red the moment he started losing his mind Couldn’t keep running Had to face this bull head on Moments of action form a mirror in your mind I remember the girl Was strung up in the meat locker with her The chains of our hooks clattering against each other 57 �Her friends were packed cold cuts Along with my partner She was waiting to be butchered I couldn’t help but butcher myself This time I had an excuse White snow stains red in equal parts neon light and blood David v. Goliath ended in a tie More holes in me than a poorly written plot Leaking like the faucet husbands tell their wives they’ll get to eventually Coughing, choking, and stuttering like a busted car I think I’ll lay here a while The mirror forms in the faint deep blueness of the sky I remember the girl 58 �The Museum of Atomic Warfare Nate Stavish I. The Atom A lumpy mass of protons and neutrons Forever orbited by charged electrons Split them And boom Millions gone in a flash Eviscerated into dust Their shadows burned into the ground on which they stood II. The Fat Man and Little Boy Both teardrops with wings Salty water of mass destruction Reduced to a footnote in the back of the museum The originators of wartime catastrophe Crowds should feel small in front of them They shouldn’t feel small in front of the crowds A mock bullet that killed 200,000 souls rests in front of them and they barely feel a thing Just “Oh, that’s neat.” III. The Atmospheric Ignition Device (A.I.D.) Death himself hangs above a silent audience His scythe slashing across a planet’s surface in a white hot blaze No countdown. Just gone. The plaques say it’s a war crime to drop one unannounced 59 �But the first one was a heart attack in the planet’s skies A true display of annihilation sits before them It seeps into their skin and sticks to their bones like smoking phosphorus IV. The surface of Prometheus-6 Burned so black it was like staring into the night The home of billions reduced to an unsanded ball Planetary revival is deemed impossible They talk like it was an act of God Like nothing could have been done But a president gave the order, engineers built the bomb, and soldiers deployed it Only man can kill itself so effectively 60 �Biapolis Nate Stavish Smoking cigarettes at the silent auction. Blind men bet on mystery boxes. Hands rise up and roll down. Almost in unison. In belief that whatever is up there can be theirs and only theirs. Slow thoughts and slow minds ignore what’s outside. Tall grass susurrates in the wind Entirely ignored, the field was beautiful Red bricks were bored through to find a way out. Course close quarters that didn’t guarantee a route to safety. Sifting through the sulfuric stench of the city to rupture the pipeline of Americana, a nostalgic man’s vision and nothing else. Wild avians chirp Singing a composition shared by all Georgie Boy’s head was gashed by a guillotine. Regicide raced through the rooms. Chaos crashed through the crowds. Bloodthirsty rage became a rabid predator. Gasoline hurled itself down the gutters. The inferno dance set it ablaze. The dove thought of the flowers The wolf thought of a meal. 61 �Windchimes Anthony Elmes I looked down and saw a basket of folded laundry and atop it sat a Snoopy Red Cross T-shirt. I grabbed it by the collar as its folded creases came undone and brought it up to my nose to take a deep breath. It smelt like…..detergent. The Snuggle bear and him. Just for a moment I felt relief and just as quickly came the nauseating truth. I looked at the shirt and remembered a conversation I’d had with him where I asked if he could snag me the shirt the next time he went to donate blood and he said he would. He’d regularly donated blood as long as I’d known him and he never really thought anything of it. He even would eat things like spinach and liver just to get his iron up so he was eligible to donate. The nurses loved him, partly because he was so personable, partly because he was O-. But he never really talked about what donating blood meant to him, or why he did it; it was more or less just a task for the day, in between the grocery store and returning a faulty battery. Perhaps he was a true altruist, or as close as one can be. Maybe that’s a dying breed? I folded the shirt again and tucked it under my elbow with guilt. Just guilt. I couldn’t tell if I wanted the shirt because I liked it, because it was his, because he said I could have it, or somewhere in between these options. I told myself he would’ve wanted me to have it, but it didn’t help me feel any less grifty. An opportunistic carnivore, I thought to myself, like a vulture. I don’t know when the feeling starts or why it stops or if it stops. Things must be sorted through, and it feels wasteful to send everything to the landfill so then why does the tho ught of keeping something that I like feel so slimy? How could I walk through this house as if it was a department store? Browsing the aisles, putting things down just as quickly as I had picked them up. Sifting. Sifting? It felt like a constant 62 �back and forth between sensibility and horror. Rationality and the dark, deep-seated feeling that the last nteraction I would have with this space would be one in which I was the consumer. Damned if I do damned if I don’t I guess. I walked over to the nightstand on the far side of the bed, facing the windows. She had always slept on this side and even after she’d gone he wouldn’t dream of migrating across the covers. He always stayed on his side because for him she’d never left. At least I didn’t think so. Like the duvet was still warm, as if she had gotten up for a glass of water and was headed back up the stairs. She had been heading back up the stairs for a long time. He talked to her a lot. This furthered my belief that for him she was still there, an active participant in his life. A few nail polish bottles still stood on her nightstand. They weren’t covered with a film or anything, but I wasn’t sure if he cleaned them and put them back alongside the usual dusting. This was true throughout the house, her secretary desk still littered with opened envelopes and a five year old calendar that had every day crossed out except the 9th of April. The bathrooms still had hairspray and toothpaste that weren’t his, cookbooks bursting with post-it notes in the kitchen he would never use. The house hung heavy with lives lived and stories told. It was oppressive, but the summer breeze would come wafting through the windows and carry this weight off just for a moment. God it was so quiet. People always say death is peaceful, but maybe it’s just as peaceful for the people who get left behind. Nobody talks, nobody moves. Just… stares, off into the distance, waiting for something or someone to bring them back to a world that chugs onward without them. Overwhelmed, I turned on my heel and left, shutting the door behind me. Every step down that hallway in reverse echoed with laughter, cries, screams, embraces, kisses. The biggest moments for generations happened right where I stood. But with a cruel brevity it was done. It was all done. A chapter of my life had 63 �ended before I could even realize. I didn’t sob, I didn’t scream, I didn’t throw things around and wave my fists at the sky. It was almost as if I was in a museum, and any sort of disruption to how they had left it would have felt like the ultimate form of disrespect. At most a single tear rolled down my cheek, as if not to impose upon my surroundings. Of course disruption was inevitable. The house would sell, and a new family would move in. But for that small moment in time, the space was still mine. Was still ours. It existed in a purgatory of sorts, a liminal space where Rod Serling narrated my every breath. But I wasn’t stuck and couldn’t be stuck. I had to leave. I should leave. I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to get out. It hurts. It hurts so fucking much. My eyes glazed over and I left. How could I leave in such an apathetic fashion? Didn’t I care at all? Didn’t they mean anything to me? I hated myself for it and that’s the thing about grief. Everyone loves to drown you in the five stages to the point that you could throw up on their black patent leather pumps they dug out of their closet to show some semblance of sympathy. Grief is negotiation. Are they here, or are they not? Are you a horrible person, or are you scared? Are you sad enough, or are you selfish? Some of these feelings smooth over time, like a gash in a tree that is grown over and over again. Some of these feelings linger and creep up on you at your most stable, as if you’d dropped a glass and just when you thought you were done a shard lodges itself in your big toe. Even thinking about one’s own reaction to the situation feels like an exercise in narcissism. You’re not dead…they are. Don’t be so goddamn self-absorbed. But I guess to be human is to be self-absorbed, whether it is objectively warranted or not. I don’t know what healed means, and I know for sure you can’t be fixed. But what I do know is how little I actually know at all. 64 �“Vincent” Sydney Ahrberg I don’t think the world was ready for you, a soft heart in an armored world. You painted your canvas in every hue; up in the sky, your starry night swirled. Your brain was too loud, you needed some peace. You burst through the crowd. You fall to your knees. Stomach of lead, head full of dreams. You’re placed in your bed. Your brother screams. You said, “this sadness will last forever,” and I think you were right. I don’t have it in me to handle the weather on this starry night. 65 �“Leonidas’ Swimming Creek” Sydney Ahrberg My dog swims in the creek ‘til his belly gets pink. Stubbornly refusing to take a rest, he keeps going ‘til he starts to sink. He jumps off his favorite rock in a blink, by baptism of stream water he’s blessed. He swims in the creek ‘til his belly gets pink. Balancing on slimy rocks at the brink, we make him get out, and he’s unimpressed, but he would’ve gone ‘til he started to sink. Crayfish in the bottom like splotches of ink watch him splash like a dog possessed as he swims in the creek ‘til his belly gets pink. He’s tired, we should go, we think. But he won’t stop swimming; he’s too obsessed. He keeps going ‘til he starts to sink. His joy for swimming will never shrink. That’s why we make him wear a life vest; my dog swims in the creek ‘til his belly gets pink. He keeps going ‘til he starts to sink. 66 �“Space Dog” Sydney Ahrberg Hey there little Laika, floating up in space. Are you full of anger pointed at the human race? Do you hate us all for taking you from snowy northern streets and putting you in a rocket just to log data on our sheets? They say you died of panic, so scared your heart could not keep up. That big heart was why they chose you– you were the sweetest pup. Your eagerness to please made you easiest to train and we rewarded your good nature with a death of fire and pain. As you burned up in the atmosphere, your rocket your funeral pyre, did you hope that those who sent you there would likewise face Hellfire? 67 �Do you resent us, Laika, for sending you to die? Are you a star of retribution up in the dark night sky? Or do you still want to please us, and be told you’re a good girl? You’re such a good girl, Laika. The best in all the world. 68 �Confounding Variables Franklin Collazo The moonlight and streetlights clash for luminosity, powerless against the milky fog. I am a shielded observer, driving through their gray remnants; their influence decaying in the grand scheme of things. I yearn for their affairs to terminate— can they not see their efforts are in vain? Perhaps, there are confounding variables that justify this skirmish, but I lack the instruments to discern this. Instead, I am left to the monotonous tone of the road, a white-noise frequency that plays with my ears, quietly orchestrating the celestial war. 69 �American Werewolf Wayne McCormick Legend tells of an insatiable hunger that can overtake a man. Once you’ve carried the fulfillment of ravenous gluttony to term, you are forever trapped in the cyclical need to feed. All inhibitions towards desire cease and the hunger demands you consume. Craig steadied his hulking frame against the counter and calmly repeated his order, “Correkct,” followed by a three second dry swallow, “300 nuggets with 10 barbeque, 10 honey mustard, and 10 ranch dips.” He hiccupped slightly and gave a lengthy exhale that was half sigh, half burp. The cashier was reviled and annoyed. It was quarter to two in the morning and she didn’t get paid enough for this. “It won’t let me ring that high of an order up.” “Yeah it will, should come out to $178.82.” Craig produced his credit card and slid $40 across the counter, “Sorry for the trurble-” After he heard his own slurred speech he shook his head hard side to side, like a dog trying to shake off water. “Oof, can you add a large sprite?” Outside, Matt had been listening to Lisa rant about her boyfriend’s actions for over 10 minutes straight. While they were also far from sober, each had paced appropriately and maintained their wherewithal. The central theme of the rant was after Craig gets to drinking, all motivation is directed towards whatever he wants to do. His emotional momentum is matched by his physical, as it is nearly impossible to redirect all 6 foot, 7,255 pounds of him. “I just can’t believe he’s doing this again! He skips dinner, gets absolutely loaded, and puts himself down for the night with an ungodly amount of fast-food shit.” She stood firm with her arms folded across 70 �her upper abdomen, anxiously bobbing one foot on its ball. A deep hardy laugh was audible through the glass panes, and she spun to see Craig talking and laughing with other customers waiting for their food. Even though almost everyone looked like a child next to him, he was always the most childish in the room. She whipped her head back towards Matt with a look of pure incredulity, “And everyone loves him when he gets like this! It doesn’t matter whether we’re back in Jacksonville or here or wherever, it’s all about what Craig wants.” She pulled out a cigarette and began to frustratingly try to light it. After four failed attempts to produce a flame, she spiked the cheap lighter into the sidewalk. “Can I borrow yours?” The next six minutes were tolerated in silence as Lisa fumed and Matt tried not to feel like the third wheel. Craig burst through the push door butt first carrying two of the largest bags available at McDonalds. As he turned around, he had a cheekto-cheek smile that was acting as a dam for his hypersalivating mouth. Eager, angry, and awkward they set off for their hotel. Back in the room, Lisa had turned up the TV’s volume, commandeered Matt’s bed, and rolled over to not bear witness to the event about to occur. Matt watched from the desk chair the room provided, unconvinced that someone could physically eat this much. Craig began his ritual preparation. He was given 20 boxes each with 15 nuggets and 30 sauces. Splayed in a ring around him on the bed, the 20 cardboard oysters sat open presenting their deep-fried pearls. One additive at a time, he’d pick up a box and drizzle a dip sauce across the nuggets. When the natural flow stopped, he used the straw from his sprite to scoop out every iota of each molasses. Every few boxes, he’d scoot himself in a circle just a touch. He looked like a craftsman set to work, methodically and rehearsed he diligently applied the frosting to his cake. After one total revolution, he distributed the remaining 10 dips across all the boxes, being careful not to add the same sauce to a box 71 �twice. He closed each box after he was satisfied with their wetness. His third go around the circle, he’d pick up a box with both hands and begin rolling the food inside around. Three circular motions forward, three left, three right, and three backwards. Then he would set the box down back in its place in the circle and move onto the next one. Each set of shakes was the same as the last, producing identical rhythms and sounded like a set of Wilfred Brimley’s maracas. As Craig was ending his third lap, without redirecting focus or missing a beat of prep, he asked, “Matt, you know how they reward stallions after they work all day? They put the fuckin feed bag on them.” And with that, it began. The first box was lifted by one hand underneath, and with the slightest pressure from his thumb and pinky pushing on either side, the lid shot open. A few wisps of steam fluttered off the chicken and a heated mix of buttermilk ranch and BBQ permeated around the room. He cupped his hand like a Lego person and scooped all 15 nuggets out of the box in a single, effortless glide. Craig’s jaw momentarily looked unhinged as a bacchanal of meat, breading, and sugar was forcibly lodged inside before it snapped shut. Audibly, it was a mix of suction, oral muscles straining to process, and pleasurable moans. Swirled in a realm of ecstasy, Craig savored the initial endorphin rush. Slowly, massagingly, he masticated his dinner. After he worked down around half of the first payload, he instinctually crushed the small box in his hand, tossed it to the side, and prepared the next round. The fourth lap of this unmiraculous mile was grotesquely fascinating to Matt. With the steady pace of a marathoner and the determination of Kobayashi, his friend persisted. The cholesterol paste filled his buccal spaces, being replaced as fast as it was swallowed. The longer it went, the more labored his breathing became. Each clamp of the jaw came with an orcish sounding exhale. The crushing of shotgunned boxes slowed into managed crumples with disinterested tosses. But like a 72 �foot racer unwilling to quit, he rounded his final corner by double-fisting the final 30 pieces into his mouth by alternating two from box A, then two from box B, and so on. After an ordeal lasting 36 minutes, 44 seconds and over 12,000 calories, Craig sat on the edge of the bed in a deeper stupor than alcohol could have taken him. He began to growl uncomfortably before releasing the loudest belch Matt had ever heard: The howl of the American Werewolf. Then he collapsed into the strewn about carcass pieces littering the bed and began to snore. Craig’s eyes snapped open with a sharp nasal inhale. He went to sit up but every fiber of his abdomen felt like it was going to tear. He struggled to sit up in the bed. Shame and guilt flooded his brain as he looked at the remnants of his work. The rush of emotion transformed into a pang of actualized pain as he looked over to see Matt already awake, who silently scrolled on his phone. When their eyes met Craig broke the quiet. “I did it again, didn’t I?” Matt only saw an American Werewolf once again in his life, when he watched a man attempt to eat 150 chicken chalupas in a single sitting. These people lurk amongst us. They are your neighbors, coworkers, and relatives. They consume without remorse and if you’re not careful, the gluttony will grow inside you too. Legend tells of an insatiable hunger that can overtake a man. 73 �Spectator Autumn Evancavich Speck of dust It must have flown Learned every place In my old home Latched to my sweater Stuck to the glue I used to mend My broken shoe I hate the dust So I clean Until the air Is safe to breathe Until my shoes Hit the ground And no particles flow Round and round I hate the specks That never leave The ones that fly As I collapse on my knees In the hall At your door In every place I once adored 74 �Oh, speck of dust It must have known My house was far From my home It must have known I planned to go It must have known I would not, could not Go. 75 �Love Through Death Kailey Vogel The Girl In the distance stood a girl so far away from view When I first saw her I thought it can’t be true Near the lake I watch her glimmer off the waves I approached her and we kissed, got married, dug our graves As the years went on I found it hard to speak ‘I love you’ once so simple now came out a squeak I trudged the dark, brown muck both thick and slow then I lost all feeling in my soul. My job is gone, but still she did stay together we dwell on the good memories of an old day The doctor seemed so worried my love, she seemed so scared. Dots soon filled my vision into the dark I prepared to meet the other side I once was so ‘fraid I miss my love I wish I could have stayed 76 �Her Ghost When he awoke Her hair he did stroke As she smiled sweetly He disappeared completely Up near the tree He watches as she Walks towards the lake Was this all a mistake? She turns around And stares at the ground From behind the bark Here emerges Mark She begins to question A change in her expression Could he have been her ghost? This would make sense the most Ghosts don’t exist and he is gone She smiled at the man and they talked through dawn 77 �The Kiss The kiss Not of death But forbidden love Not in the unrequited sense Nor the prohibited tense Instead forbidden Refusal to admit To conquer their love Instead they hide it Bottling up all their fiery heat inside “I long to feel your lips on mine” He watches down on her from a different time A few months may be too soon But he knew now She LOVES somebody new “If she feel the need to love another man I will inflict death upon all so we can meet again” 78 �All Mine All mine Only mine Marie will keep me company Can’t think straight Eyes fuzzy I’m seeing red and now she’s dead Quick breathes Tight small knots My lungs collapse as thunder claps Head hurts Ears now ring She’s in my arms with no more harm Push back Run away What have I done, she died so young 79 �The End Death \deth\ n. 1: Me; 2: The identity I am too scared to see Dis•ease \di•zez\ n. 1. What I inflicted upon jealousy Fam•ine \fa-mǝn\ n. How I starve for her to rejoin me Geno•cide \je•nǝ•sīd\ n. The results of blind hatred and envy Hurt \hǝrt\ vb. A feeling of pain of which I’m free Mur•der \’mǝrdǝr\ vb. The blood on my hands that stain like coffee Pain \pān\ n. I have paralyzed all with the sting of a bee Sor•row \’sôrō\ n. Now the world has heard my plea The End? Reunited finally with my dear Marie 80 �Author Biographies Liz Keller is a third-year Political Science major with minors in Legal Studies and History. She’ll never shy away from the opportunity to admire Victorian-era artworks, especially the self-portrait locked away in her attic (which is certainly not cursed and decayed). Jacob O’Boyle is currently enrolled in Keystone College ‘27 M.S. in Wildlife Biology. Jacob is currently lost in the deep, dark woods on his search for more tasty blueberries. Lindsey Christain is not only a lover of writing but also a compassionate observer of the natural world, holding a deep appreciation for all life forms, big and small— from cats to tiny, often unnoticed slugs and beetles. Aubrianna Harte is a junior English and Secondary Education major and says, “I do not have a cat.” Leah Smith’s favorite kind of music is metal. So, instead of listening to calm wave sounds to carry her through her writing, she prefers wailing electric guitars and people screaming their lyrics. Her favorite bands are Ice Nine Kills, System of a Down, and Spiritbox. Jake Middleton is a student at Wilkes University. Jazmin High is a senior Psychology major closing out her career on the manuscript board, and she’d feel a little hypocritical to not submit after convincing friends to. Caden Temple is a student at Wilkes University. 81 �Sinner Joan is a senior English major and enjoys riding Appaloosas in Springbrook Township in their spare time. Kylie Sable is a senior neuroscience major who hopes to get her PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience but likes to give her brain a break with writing poetry. She is also currently the Associate Editor for the Manuscript and a proud member of the dance team! Grace Cairns is an English major who will graduate in 2028. She is actually part penguin and spends free time swimming around and finding food. Madi Westawski is a 2028 Accounting major can wiggle her ears when needed. Liv Serkosky is a fourth year Theatre Arts BA major and 4+1 Creative Writing student. They’re an actor, author, director, singer-songwriter, and activist. World’s most dramatic queer, enjoyer of sapphic media, and lover of all animals. They spend their time keeping engaged with the politcal world and using their socvial platform to keep friends, peers, and strangers aware of the world. They currently work in film and aim to one day live in Calfironia, restoring life where the fires took it while finding their own. Nicholas Penglase is a graduate student in Creative Writing and has a dog with one eye, and two cats without tails. Krystal Crespo Clark is a DDMA major and Dance minor. She spends much of her time in dance classes and on dance team. 82 �Craig Conville (best known to Wilkes campus as “Craig the Wilkes Guy”) is a Mechanical Engineering major at Wilkes University. Extracurricularly, he is an Admissions Student Ambassador, E-Mentor, Residence Hall Assistant, and Treasurer of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance. Poetry as a medium is his chosen coping mechanism for the social stresses that come with knowing many people and reaping the mental consequences of both his and others’ decision making. His Wilkes University Endeavors, as well as Wilkes Merch Shop, can be found on Instagram: @craig.the.wilkes.guy Jack Deluca is a 2029 English major and spends their spare time usually writing horror stories, horror poems, making costumes, and making short horror films. Nate Stavish is a senior English major and is Larry Davidmaxxing. Anthony Elmes is a senior History major and their favorite fruit is honeydew. Sydney Ahrberg is a senior English major finishing out her twoyear tenure as Executive Editor of the Manuscript Society. In her free time, she enjoys reading, snuggling with her dogs, and thinking about how unfair it is that she can’t pet a sea lion. Frank Callozo is a senior Data Science major and says, “When I consume soda, I open it partially to decrease the flow rate, allowing me to savor every drop.” Wayne McCormick is a a junior Creative Writing major and News and Sports Reporting minor. He rejects “just say no” and says “perhaps” to drugs. 83 �Autumn Evancavich is a freshman Biology major. She’s a lover of both music and poetry, enjoying when the two blend together as she listens to her favorite rap artist Juice WRLD. Kailey Vogel is a sophomore with a double major in English and History, who is projected to graduate in spring of 2028. Vogel has once been told she could be eligible for Miss Wilkes University due to her heavy involvement on campus, which includes: The Honors Program, Barre Scholar Program, E-Mentor, Resident Assistant, Dance Team Captain, Editor of The Beacon, HSPC, Programming Board, Wilkes University chorus, Presidential Student Leader, peer math tutor, note taker, and Honors Peer mentor. 84 �Thank you for having us as long as we were here by your sides, creating to show the world what can be done through the power of words. Keep writing and keep creating, even in the darkest moments when it matters most. We will cherish these moments until the day we become the subject of someone’s love letter to the world. Thank you, Wilkes, for leading us this far. You will see our names again one day. With love, The Graduating Editors Sydney, Kylie, Liv, and Jazmin 85 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Manuscript: Literary Magazine, 1947-present Subject The topic of the resource The Manuscript Society of Wilkes University has been publishing its creative written and visual art magazine, Manuscript, continuously since 1947. Currently, the student-led editorial staff publishes one issue per year, and copies are complimentary. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes Manuscript Society Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDFs Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1947-2020 Description An account of the resource The Wilkes University Manuscript is a student-run literary magazine, published by the Manuscript Society since 1947. It is currently published once a year. Individuals may submit creative fiction, creative nonfiction/short personal essays, poetry, photography, drawings, paintings, digital art, and music compositions. Submissions are open to all Wilkes University students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Anyone can read or obtain copies of any of the material for research purposes, but if the researcher wants to quote from the materials, they will need to obtain copyright permission from the <a href="https://www.wilkes.edu/academics/colleges/arts-humanities-social-sciences/humanities/manuscript/index.aspx">Wilkes University Manuscript Society.</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource The Wilkes University Manuscript: Literary Magazine is arranged chronologically. The series ranges from 1947 – present. The magazine is currently published in the Spring only, but has previously been published seasonally, each semester. The series also includes a folder with supplemental materials from the Manuscript Film Society in the 1970s. The folders include a date range which may hold more than one issue of the magazine. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Manuscript, 2025-2026 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource English Department Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2025-2026 Type The nature or genre of the resource Literary Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/f020651401520d2b837ae5e9ad279799.pdf 51eaadfdb5eb440ccc5d212f2a47f098 PDF Text Text Issue 17.4: Spring 2023 THE INKWELL QUARTERLY “Full Speed Ahead” w ith Good Things to Come— EPIC: The Troy Saga By Juliana Lueders In This Issue: “Full Speed A head” with Good Things to Come - EPIC: The Troy Saga Guest Writer Dr. Amy Earhart Jorge Rivera-Herrans is revolutionizing the musical industry with his new Who Should Decide What We Can Read? creation EPIC: The Troy Saga. Rivera-Herrans has been writing this musical over the past few years but what makes his story unique is that he has taken Sigma Delta Tau Inductees and to social media platforms such as TikTok to document his creative process Graduates and search for vocal talent. This abnormal approach allowed him to reach new voices and get in contact with individuals beyond the constraints of Senior Capstones the music industry. Through social media, Rivera-Herrans was also able to gather support for his project at the same time, this allowed him to interact Staff Updates with his followers and take in feedback. This remarkable tactic encouraged Senior Spotlights his fans to become personally invested in the project’s success. Over the course of several months, Rivera-Herrans has been documenting the musical progress leading up to it being professionally produced and released Reflecting on My Time in the English Department and the to the public. Beyond. The original concept album was posted to music platforms on December 25, 2022 and has five songs that serve as a sample for the expected fortysong contemporary album. EPIC: The Troy Saga is the first album out of nine that will make up the complete story of Odysseus’ twenty-year journey. The song list (in album order) is “The Horse and the Infant,” “Just a Man,” “Full Speed Ahead,” “Open Arms,” and “Warrior of the Mind”. These songs tell the progression of the Greeks’ attack on the city of Troy, Odysseus’ internal reflection of the lives he has taken, their struggles in returning to Ithaca, a strange island with deceitful inhabitants, and Odysseus’ interaction with the Goddess Athena. Below I go into more detail on each song and share my reflections on the music, lyrics, and general themes of each piece without giving away too much. I will also be ranking them based on personal preference and how hard they slap. 5) “Full Speed Ahead” This position isn’t a reflection of the song itself as it is just as strong vocally and musically as all the others. It’s more so that it is lacking some of the Jorge Rivera-Herrans depth and action when compared to the other songs. It is still a necessary Photo accessed on broadwayworld.com Story Continued on Page 4 1 �The Inkwell Quarterly Guest Writer Dr. Amy Earhart By Alexis Charowsky On Wednesday April 12 and Thursday April 13, I had the opportunity to join two sessions with the guest writer Dr. Amy Earhart. The final Allen Hamilton Dickson visiting writer of the year, Earhart, informed students of both projects she has finished and her currently active projects, and she held a digital workshop highlighting and explaining the digital software she uses on a daily basis. A little about Earhart, she’s an English professor at Texas A&M University, focusing her studies in the digital humanities, specifically Africana Studies. Her biography for the school states that “Earhart’s scholarship has focused on examining infrastructures of technology and their impact and replication of ‘race,’ building infrastructure for digital humanities work, embedding digital humanities projects within the classroom, and tracing the history and futures of dh, with a particular interest in the way that dh and Black studies intersect.” Along with the informative information that Earhart was able to provide to students, a copy of her book Traces of Old, Uses of the New: The Emergence of Digital Literary Studies was provided to students who attended her session on the 12th. In her session held in Kirby Hall, Earhart talked about one of the projects that she has conducted, called the Millican Massacre. Earhart told us that in the massacre that occurred from July 15-17 in 1868, about 300 African Americans were killed in this small town. In order to honor these victims, Earhart and other students of hers have come together to investigate this tragedy that kept being pushed under the rug. One interesting point that she made was that this event keeps being deleted from the internet, as though it had never happened. Located only 13 miles south of Texas A&M, Millican was an important town to Texas, as it was where the end of the railroad that went North led to, the farthest North one was able to go in Texas. Before this massacre happened, Earhart told students that the Ku Klux Klan had gone into the town and started shooting at African Americans. A man by the name of Miles Brown was reportedly lynched by white men, and when town officials went to talk with this community, a gun went off, starting this massacre. Earhart found that this masacre may have ensued “to end Black voting rights in this part of Texas.” She brought up the fact that between the years of 1867 and 1868, there were about 54 marriages, so many due to marriages being able to bind these people into a legal marriage that was unable to be broken. One prominent person of the Millican Massacre that Earhart mentioned was a man named George Brooks. He was a pastor of the town who is believed to have “helped increase Black voter registration, organized community defense groups, and led the Black resistance during the massacre.” In his travels to Austin, Brooks was killed by white men, but his memory will forever be treasured in helping so many innocent people. In Amy Earhart’s presentation and workshop she gave to my digital humanities class with Dr. Kuhar, she provided useful information in explaining possibilities in the digital humanities. She started off with the fact that when technology became prominent in society, it was a revolutionary to our understanding of this type of work. While working in her field, she found that it does not require many people to research more about a topic, but instead is DIY based. Although this was the case, she also said that DH researchers need to collaborate with others, 2 � Issue 17.4: Spring 2023 Guest Writer Dr. Amy Earhart Continuation of Page 2 including researchers, librarians, students, and communities. Earhart reassured us that this process involves experimentation and failing, claiming that we should expect to fail in order to self-teach ourselves. One point she made that I thought was interesting was the fact that projects created in the digital humanities are turned into black box projects after their five-year life is over. Earhart also informed us about three important DH technology tools, which include databases with visualizations, Content Management Systems (CMS), and metadata standards. A project she told us that she had worked on is titled DIBB or The Digital Black Bibliographic Project that lists authored published texts divided by countries in the 1950s. In conclusion to her presentation, she said that it was useful to recover memories of what has happened in past times to help those who may still be impacted by these events and the larger communities. During the workshop part of our class, she sent students a link to a spreadsheet has been working on. She gave students anthologies they were able to share with one another, and we were required to pick a random name out. We then went onto the spreadsheet and had to individually write the person’s name, gender, race, when they were born and died, and other useful information that we knew about this person. This workshop was used as a way to show students how tedious of a job it is to enter everything into a database and work within the digital humanities. I can definitely say that there is a lot of work involved in researching a topic and finding all of the evidence, but when you finally do, it has an informative end result. In conclusion, I think that having Dr. Amy Earhart here at Wilkes was interesting to say the least. She not only told us about the different tools one has to use while working in the digital humanities, such as Omeka or Zotero, but also the vast amount of time, money, and research it requires. The overall message I took from Earhart is that she wants to help people and communities that they live in, and in doing so, she helps these people receive the closure that they need. I want to thank Earhart for all the new knowledge she has provided me with, and I can’t wait to see her finish projects that she has been working on for so long! MANUSCRIPT 2023-24 UNVEILED 3 �The Inkwell Quarterly “Full Speed Ahead” with Good Things to Come— EPIC: The Troy Saga Continuation of Page 1 4 part of the narrative as it is describing the Greek’s journey back home to Ithaca and the struggles they are facing in the middle of the sea: mainly a lack of food for their six-hundred soldiers. The song’s strongest part comes from the characterization of Eurylochus, Polites, and Odysseus. Eurylochus and Polites’ proposals on how to proceed to represent the difficult choices and extremes of war and of Odysseus provide a sort of middle ground trying to appease them both, highlighting Odysseus’ empathetic and rational characteristics that come into play later. 4) “The Horse and the Infant” A very strong opening to the album that sets the stage for the beginning of a war and introduces the conflict between the Greeks and Trojans. My favorite part of this intro is the fast-moving lyrical introductions of Diomedes, Agamemnon, and Menelaus as Odysseus gives them their orders hinting at their rank, skills, and personal motivations. There is a sudden shift in the music with a clash of lightning and the call of an eagle introducing Zeus as he begins speaking to Odysseus. Zeus gives the soldier a message to strike down the infant son of their enemy before the child can grow and take revenge on all the people Odysseus cares for. This moment is the first inclination of the inescapable guilt Odysseus feels as he seems caught in a cycle of bloodshed. The song concludes with Zeus mocking Odysseus’ dilemma, commenting that all Odysseus can control is whose blood he spills. 3) “Open Arms” This song is very simplistic musically with various soft beats in the background that allows for the vocals of both Dookie (as Polites) and Rivera-Herrans (as Odysseus) to really soar. It follows “Full Speed Ahead” and continues to emphasize Polites’ more pacifistic and compassionate position as he encourages Odysseus to see and accept the world around him. There are also hints at Odysseus’ struggle with his guilt over the lives he claimed in the war. But Odysseus was correct in his suspicions of the island inhabitants as he throws Polites’ line back in his face with “That’s what we’d get with open arms” (ll. 47) seemingly to double down on the suspicions that war has enforced within him. The conclusion of the song makes it seem that trusting the inhabitants’ directions was a good thing and representative of potential growth for Odysseus, but those familiar with the tale remember what is waiting for them at the cave... 2) “Just a Man” A beautiful string-heavy opening for the only song of the album with one character singing. This allows for Rivera-Herrans to shine as he develops Odysseus’ inner turmoil of guilt with delicate rises and falls. The central part of the song sees a sudden shift in this softness as the music cuts out completely for a moment only to be replaced with an intense echoing from the chorus. This section represents a shift in Odysseus’ determination as he begins to question when in life these grand changes take place because even after all the great and horrible things he has done he still feels that he’s just a man. The most devastating of his questions is “When does the reason become the blame?” (ll. 18). The song ends with the chorus repeating his impossible questions back at him as he asks for forgiveness over and over because he can’t change who he is. 1) “ Warrior of the Mind” This is easily the catchiest and most memorable song on the album. There is a reason that this song has almost five million more listens on Spotify than all the other songs. Athena’s voice is the perfect mixture of melodious and stern, paired with an elegant piano melody that evolves as the song goes on. There’s a smooth transition into storytelling to show how she knows Odysseus and develops their rapport. Odysseus is allowed to take on a more playful tone in this song. Odysseus is also aware of how Athena values intelligence so he tricks her into revealing herself to him. The chorus of this song is incredible and allows Athena to share her intentions with the soldier. This section develops as the song goes on when the second refrain of this chorus has both Athena and Odysseus singing together emphasizing their shared respect for each other and Athena’s vision. � Issue 17.4: Spring 2023 “Full Speed Ahead” with Good Things to Come— EPIC: The Troy Saga Continuation of Page 4 Addendum: By the time this article comes out, Rivera-Herrans has already released the second album out of the expected nine titled EPIC: The Cyclops Saga. This album has a total of four songs and follows where the previous story has left off. As the hungry soldiers sail towards and reach the island that the Lotus-Eaters described there seems to be someone else waiting for them... ummerr his SSumme TThis ting We’re potlighhting e’re SSpotlig W eniors! SSeniors Meet Emily! Emily Cherkauskas Q: What is your favorite memory from Wilkes? A: Being a member of the English department alone is a core memory. I’ve had so many great memories working with everybody in Manuscript and I will hold them dearly close to me. I’ll also look back fondly on the great discussions and projects I was able to work on in my upper-level English courses. Plus, getting the opportunity to go on a trip to the Round House Theatre in Bethesda, Maryland, to see The Tempest for our seminar class was terrific. Q: What was your favorite literary text from a class you’ve taken here, and why? A: There are so many to choose from! I’d say Doctor Faustus is definitely one of the best works I’ve ever studied, to the point where I have made it the subject of my capstone project. Exploring and studying the different editions of the play really showed the complexity and symbolism within the play. Q: Tell us a favorite quote from one of the English professors. A: “Hey gang, how we doin’.” – Dr. Hamill Q: What English class do you wish you would have had the chance to take, and why? A: I wish I could have taken more writing-oriented classes because I always enjoy building my technical and creative skills, but unfortunately, they did not fit in my schedule. The pains of being a double major! That’s when participating in cocurricular activities helped out a ton. Q: What was/were your concentration(s) in English here at Wilkes? A: My English concentration is in digital humanities. I often advocate for accessibility in media, especially with public media or archiving, and I love exploring the boundaries between traditional scholarly humanities and digitization of research, so that concentration fits perfectly for me. Q: What was your favorite non-English class at Wilkes, and why? A: Probably the communication studies capstone courses. My research project studied the accuracy of closed captioning in local live broadcasting, so it was a very worthwhile and eye-opening experience. Q: What are your future career aspirations? A: I would love to work in the field of media in some sort of production, coordination, or archiving role. Wherever my career and interests lead me to go, I would want to be working somewhere I could be making an impact—not just in the company, but also for the greater community. Q: What is your favorite book/author you have read, separate from English courses here at Wilkes, or just in general? A: Well, now that I’ve completed my courses, I’ve definitely had more time for some recreational reading. I’ve recently started the Shadow and Bone trilogy and I’m fully invested in the Grishaverse! I’m a sucker for great worldbuilding. Q: Do you have a favorite movie? A: 2001: A Space Odyssey. To think such a surreal, unique, and skillful film like this was released in 1968. Praise the monolith. Q: What literary text for a class did you hate the most, and why? A: I can’t say I’ve hated any of the works I’ve read because they are all so interesting, regardless of the era or genre that they represent! Q: What advice do you have for English majors/ minors at Wilkes who have yet to graduate? A: Don’t be afraid to get involved and explore your opportunities! The English major in particular offers so much experience, so take the classes that are not only interesting to your personal traits, but also ones that build your writing, research, and communication skills. Plus, be sure to get involved with Manuscript Society and Inkwell and look into getting an internship to earn some professional experience! Q: What are you most hopeful for or concerned about for your future as you move past graduation? A:Completing undergrad is a very bittersweet time period. I will also say that this time period of completing university is quite an uncertain one—I’m slowly processing the fact that this chapter of my life that lasted four years is finally closing--but opening a new one. I’m quite anxious about the opportunities beyond that as I continue my career search. It’s very sad to leave Wilkes and all of the great memories I’ve had in the English and communication studies departments, but I’m excited to move on and apply what I’ve learned here to a future career! 5 �The Inkwell Quarterly SIGMA TAU DELTA INNIAIATES & GRADUATES This year’s Induction Ceremony was held Sunday, May 7th in the Kirby Hall Salon. Special thanks to Maddie Kinard, who graduated this Spring, for seving as Sigma Tau Delta President for the ---Academic Year, and to Dr. Davis for serving as Faculty Advisor! Fall Graduates: Jay Guziewicz Spring Graduates: Alexis Charowsky Emily Cherkaukas Madelynn Kinard Sydney Kraynack 6 Spring Inductees: Spring Inductees Continued: Amanda Bunje Alexis Charowsky Mya Corcoran Drew Haritos Marina del Carmen Mendez Sinclair Lily Hebda Kelci Smith Matthew Tocket Jessica Van Orden Olivia Wychock � Issue 17.4: Spring 2023 Who Should Decide What We Can Read? By Mya Corcoran According to the American Library Association, libraries received 1,269 requests to censor books in 2022, which is nearly double the number of censorship demands made in 2021. With such a sharp incline in the number of books being pulled off shelves across the United States, book banning has become a hotly debated topic and is considered to be a critical issue. Those in favor of banning books strive to prevent the circulation of books that discuss topics that are deemed to be inappropriate or controversial. Many different types of books including classics like George Orwell’s 1984 and more contemporary works like Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why have been banned from certain libraries in recent years. However, these attempts to ban books have been met with major pushback. In fact, many consider book banning to be not only a form of censorship but also a threat to one’s freedom of speech. While many anti-book banning groups have formed to fight to keep all books on library shelves, Illinois has been the first state to take legal action to prevent the banning of books. In early May, the Illinois House and State Senate passed a bill stipulating that state funding would be withheld from any public or school library in the state that attempts to ban books from their shelves. The final step for this bill is for Illinois’ Governor, J.B. Pritzker, who has voiced his support for the bill, to officially sign it into law. Illinois distributes 62 million dollars to libraries throughout the state each year. For libraries to remain eligible for this funding, they will have to adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights which states, “materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation” and “materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.” This bill was initiated by Illinois’ Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias who initially proposed the idea of banning book bans during his campaign. Giannoulias stated, “All these efforts to curb reading materials have absolutely nothing to do with books. They are about restricting the freedom of ideas that certain individuals disagree with and that certain individuals think others should have access to.” While the passing of this Illinois bill takes a step in the right direction to preserving the ability of the public to read all types of books, there has been recent controversy over whether it is acceptable for publishers to make alterations to the content of long-standing books. This controversy was sparked after the book publishing company Puffin made hundreds of changes to Roald Dahl’s bestselling children’s books. Puffin partnered with Inclusive Minds, an organization that advocates for diversity and inclusion in children’s literature, to make the changes to Dahl’s original writing. According to Puffin, the alterations were “small and carefully considered” and sought to remove and replace potentially offensive language. Hundreds of changes were made and numerous passages not written by Dahl were added throughout several of his bestselling books including Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The BFG, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. For example, Augustus Gloop from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is no longer described as “enormously fat” and is now simply referred to as “enormous.” Miss. Trunchbull from Matilda is no longer referred to as a “most formidable female” and instead is dubbed a “most formidable woman.” The OompaLoompas from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are no longer called “small men,” but are now referred to as “small people.” Other changes include removal of the words “fat,” “ugly,” and “crazy” as well as any references to race, gender, mental health, and violence. Photo accessed on stock.adobe.com Story Continued on Page 9 7 �The Inkwell Quarterly Heads Up: Senior Spotlights! Meet Alexis! Alexis Charowsky Q: What is your favorite memory from Wilkes? A: My favorite memory or memories from Wilkes are the different events that were held around campus. I especially liked when we had Block Party or the different food trucks for students. I’m also going to miss the many sporting events we had here at Wilkes. Next Up: Q: Do you have a favorite movie? A: I can’t say that I have one favorite movie. I really like any type of horror movie or psychological thriller! Q: What are your future career aspirations? A: After graduation, I plan to work as a paralegal. I am definitely keeping my options open though as there are many jobs that interest me in this field! Q: What is your favorite book/author you have read, separate from English courses here at Wilkes, or just in general? A: My favorite author has to be Colleen Hoover. If you’re looking to read any books by her, I would recommend It Ends With Us and Verity. Q: What was your favorite literary text from a class you’ve taken here, and why? A: One of my favorite texts was House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski. We covered this text in Dr. Anthony’s gothic class and I really liked how it wasn’t set up as a normal book. You kind of had to read between the lines to understand what is going on. Q: What advice do you have for English majors/ minors at Wilkes who have yet to graduate? A: I actually wrote an article for Inkwell giving advice to those who have yet to graduate! If I could give one piece of advice to those who have yet to graduate it would be that college is a new environment for everyone. Whether you’re in your first year or fourth year, things may seem very stressful and you might want to give up, but I promise the reward is worth it in the end! Q: What are you most hopeful for or concerned about for your future as you move past graduation? A: After graduation, I’m really excited to see where life will take me. I’m the type of person who likes to take life day by day and while I’m nervous for the future I also can’t wait to see myself grow as a person, all thanks to the education I have received from the English department here at Wilkes! Q: What was/were your concentration(s) in English here at Wilkes? A: Literature Q: What was/were your concentration(s) in English here at Wilkes? A: Literature Q: What are your future career aspirations? A: I hope to work within the Public Library sector as a Community Outreach Coordinator. The ways that our libraries are eveolving as technology does creates a great opportunity to level the technological gap and create equitable opportunities for all literacy developments, thos educational and fun based, to create thriving communties. Q: What was your favorite literary text from a class you’ve taken here, and why? A: I think it is a tie between Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys and The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. Both of these titles demanded that the reader delve into the meat of the text, and examine why the book was being written. Once you’ve done that, it makes a reader think about their relation to those reasons. Meet Jess! Jess Van Orden Q: What is your favorite memory from Wilkes? A: My favorite, thus far, has been my work within the library archives. I have had the opportunity to become familiarized with prolific authors of study through their personal letters, dive deep into the history of the Inkwell, and even research the Yankee Pennamite Wars in depth. Each project has offered its own a great adventure. 8 Q: Tell us a favorite quote from one of the English professors. A: Literally anything from our class discussion with Dr. Hamill about the Milton quote experience with “the mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.” The relatability alone... Q: What English class do you wish you would have had the chance to take, and why? A: If I had my choice of classes I heard being spoke of during my time here, I think I would have liked to have taken the Studies in Horror and Sci-fi. Octavia Butler is my favorite author, and it would have been a great opportunity to read others within her genre. I am not particuarly versed in Horror, per se, but it would have been interesting to hear about the texts that drew in those who enjoyed it. Q: What was your favorite non-English class at Wilkes, and why? A: As a transfer, I haven’t had the opportunity to take many non-English Wilkes classes. I am going to take a History course next semester, which I am excited about. At my other school, my favorite was a humanities course that was designed to teach you how to research and present a section of land in order to have it preserved. It included leading the class on a walk through the area and detailing all the specifics that made it important for future generations, as well as the wildlife present. We also engaged with enviornmental literature, where I first interacted with many American Romantic authors. Q: What English class do you wish you would have had the chance to take, and why? A: I have definitely taken a lot of the English courses available here at Wilkes. If I could retake one, it would probably be the gothic class that I previously mentioned. I really liked the different texts that we read! Q: What was your favorite non-English class at Wilkes, and why? A: My favorite non-English class at Wilkes was the Women and Gender Studies class I took this semester with Dr. Briceno. Everyone in this class was so welcoming and I feel that we were able to make close relationships with one another while studying more about women and genders within society today. Q: What literary text for a class did you hate the most, and why? A: I can’t really say that I hated any texts. I think that they are all interesting in their own way. Q: What is your favorite book/author you have read, separate from English courses here at Wilkes, or just in general? A: I am reading Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth during this last semester. It blends elements of horror, queer, and potentially gothic, literature in a modern setting while telling two interwoven stories. It is quickly becoming a favorite. I have also picked up multiple Louise Erdrich novels during the year, Love Medicine and The Round House, and she is quickly becoming a favorite author. Q: Do you have a favorite movie? A: Dirty Dancing has been the tried and true love of my life, so I have to say that, but I’ll never turn down a movie opp! Q: What advice do you have for English majors/minors at Wilkes who have yet to graduate? A: Returning to college as an older person, I would emphasize the importance in recognizing the moments one needs for one’s self, and taking them. Everything seemed so immeadiate and demanding when I was younger, and I missed a lot in attempting to plan for things that hadn’t arrived yet. I would say that Q: What are you most hopeful for or concerned about for your future as you move past graduation? A: I am starting the Maslow MA program next semester as a 4 +1 student, so I am incredibly excited to see what that looks like, both as a current Wilkes student and a graduate! I am also researching MLIS programs, as I hope to eventually work within the public library sector in community programing and accessibility! Q: What literary text for a class did you hate the most, and why? A: It is going to sound like an out, but there truly hasn’t been a course I disliked. There may have been content within courses that didn’t align with my specific interest in the field, however, the interest and passions that the professors and students in the department brought to each class made me see something of interest in each text. Those moments where I struggled with a text, I would argue, made me appreciate my own favorites all the more. For, they taught me new ways to examine the aspects I had yet to explore! � Issue 17.4: Spring 2023 Who Should Decide What We Can Read? Continuation of Page7 Puffin was met with major criticism from readers who were upset they changed Dahl’s original writing. Salman Rushdie, an author of a very controversial work himself, took to Twitter to criticize the changes made to Dahl’s books. In a tweet, Rushdie referred to the changes made to Dahl’s books as “absurd censorship.” Rushdie is well acquainted with facing controversy as an author after his novel The Satanic Verses came to be considered one of the most controversial books to date, and he was recently attacked and stabbed due to his writing. Rushdie goes as far as to say “Puffin Books and the Dahl estate should be ashamed” for the changes made to Dahl’s original writing. Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America, an organization that works to defend free expression in literature across the United States, responded similarly to news of the changes to Dahl’s books. In a tweet Nossel wrote, “If we start down the path of trying to correct for perceived slights instead of allowing readers to receive and react to books as written, we risk distorting the work of great authors and clouding the essential lens that literature offers on society.” Not only do many fear the changes made will dim Dahl’s brilliant writing, but also consider the changes to be a blatant disregard of Dahl’s wishes. In a recorded conversation that took place in 1982 Dahl “warned [his] publishers that if they later on so much as change a single comma in one of [his] books, they will never see another word from [him].” Dahl passed away in 1990 leaving Puffin with total control over his books. Not all see the changes made to Dahl’s writing in a negative light. In fact, many see the changes made as a way of keeping Dahl’s works relevant and innocuous to readers in our current day and age. To acknowledge the changes made by the publisher, a statement was added on the bottom of the copyright page that reads, “Words matter. The wonderful words of Roald Dahl can transport you to different worlds and introduce you to the most marvelous characters. This book was written many years ago and so we regularly review the language to ensure that it can continue to be enjoyed by all today.” In response to the great uproar caused by the changes made to Dahl’s books, Penguin Random House resolved they would sell both the updated versions of Dahl’s books and the original versions. The reader will have the choice to buy whichever version they would rather read. Despite the original, unedited versions of Dahl’s works still being available alongside the edited versions, many fear that editing works will become just another method of censorship and be used in a similar way as book bans. Nossel stated, “Amidst fierce battles against book bans and strictures on what can be taught and read, selective editing to make works of literature conform to particular sensibilities could represent a dangerous new weapon.” The soon-to-be-passed Illinois book banning law and dispute over edits to Roald Dahl’s books continue to be bogged in controversy. Despite the strong opposition between the two sides of this debate, there seems to be an agreement between both sides that books are important to society and influential on those that read them. If each side did not recognize this inherent value in books, it is likely that neither side would feel as strongly about their beliefs as they currently do. It is this inherent value in books that makes us Roald Dahl continue to debate: Who should decide what we can read? Photo accessed on franklintwp.org 9 �The Inkwell Quarterly English Depart ment Capston Department Capstones es The English Department seniors presented their capstone project this past May, where they spoke to the intriguing and dynamic research they had worked on in their final semester! Featured below are their shared insights into those projects! Emily Cherkaukas presented their paper, “The Malleability of Doctor Faustus in the Digital Age,” which explored an interdisciplinary examination of the Renaissance play Doctor Faustus. Emily shared: I compared the capabilities of traditional scholarly analysis and digital machine reading, discussing the benefits and disadvantages of both. I used these methodologies to compare the A text and the B text editions of Doctor Faustus. This led to some further analysis that offered discussion regarding some context to textual authority, the potential reasoning behind some editing instances or changes, and opportunities for deeper looks into the characters and attitudes and how they operate within the play’s staging dynamics. In the end, I argued that this interdisciplinary scope of analyzing a text offers greater access to an artifact by employing various means of viewing a text. Alexis Charowsky presented their paper, “Prostitution Narratives in Eighteenth Century Literature.” Alexis Shared: The paper focused on the sex worker by the name of Sally Salisbury who was better known as Sarah Salisbury. I compared two different narratives for my paper, one being “The Authentick Memoirs and Life Intrigues of the Celebrated Sally Salisbury” taken from the book titled Nightwalkersedited by Laura Rosenthal and the other was The Genuine History of Sarah Prydden who’s author is unknown. In the Authentick Memoirs, I found that men would typically talk about Sally and the allurement of her eyes, while in Genuine History we got details about Salisbury’s life growing up and how she became involved in this profession all the way up to her death. Being that Salisbury’s narratives written about her were considered to be libertine narratives, they express how she goes against the norms during the time and is faced by moral judgement by those around her. In relation to my own personal experience of writing this paper I would have to say that I really enjoyed researching and learning more about this women for others to read. Since the beginning of the semester, my advisor and I, Dr. Anthony, had met weekly trying to figure out what I wanted to write my topic on. After pulling many quotes from the text Nightwalkers, she suggested that I should start writing a few pages of my paper and from there that is how I ended up with my entire capstone paper. If you had the opportunity to read my paper, I hope that you enjoyed learning more about this history figure and how oftentimes these women of this field of work often have their voices taken away, leaving readers with their own interpretation of their characters. In order to fully understand why women got involved in this field of work, we as a society need to stop underrepresenting them and come to an understanding that they did so in order to live in this changing, male dominated society of the eighteenth century. English Department Awards The English Department announced their departmental awards this past Saturday, May 19th, during the awards ceremony for the Colleges of Arts and Sciences. The Frank J. J. Davies Award was awarded to Maddy Kinard, or outstanding achievement in the English program. The Annette Evans Humanities Award as awarded to Emily Cherkauskas, for outstanding scholarship in the humanities and contribution to cultural affairs. The Naparsteck Scholarship was awarded to Mya Corcoran, for promising writing in prose fiction, journalism, or poetry. The College of Arts and Sciences Award was awarded to Maddy Kinard. 10 � Issue 17.4: Spring 2023 Heads Up: Senior Spotlights! Q: What are you most hopeful for or concerned about for your future as you move past graduation? A: I’m excited to apply all that I’ve learned to a real-world setting! I truly feel like my professors have set me up for success and that everything I have learned to this point will be beneficial to me in the future and I can’t thank them enough for that. Q: What literary text for a class did you hate the most, and why? A: I don’t know if I’ve ever truly hated any to be honest! Q: What are your future career aspirations? A: Ideally, I’d love to work in the editing/publishing industry, working with either young adult or adult fiction novels. One day, I’d love to have my own published book(s)! I also think sometime in the later future I may pursue a graduate degree, ultimately seeking to become an English professor, but that’s a little farther out! Meet Maddy! Madelynn Kinard Q: What is your favorite memory from Wilkes? A: I don’t have one particular moment but rather an experience in its entirety: I’m so thankful for the people that Wilkes has brought into my life. I’ve met lifelong friends, found “the one” (as cheesy as it sounds, I really believe it), and have met some of the most well-spoken intellectual professors that have inspired me every day of my undergraduate (and still now). Wilkes is really a great community of people that I am so extremely sad to leave behind but I know we’ll still be connected going forward. Q: What was your favorite literary text from a class you’ve taken here, and why? A: This is such a hard question but ultimately I think I’d have to go with Mark Danielewski’s House of Leaves that I read with Dr. Anthony in our gothic literature class. It’s such a haunting novel and is unlike any other text I’ve ever read. It’s truly the physical embodiment of a psychological thriller movie. I won’t say much else to ruin other’s reading experience but wow...definitely check this one out. Q: What English class do you wish you would have had the chance to take, and why? A: I would’ve loved to have taken a course with Dr. Stanley or Dr. Kelly.With being a dual major and active in athletics and other extracurricular activities, I was really limited to taking the major course requirements which didn’t give me a chance to branch out a lot but I’ve heard such great things about both of them! Q: What was/were your concentration(s) in English here at Wilkes? A: Literature Q: What was your favorite non-English class at Wilkes, and why? A: With being a dual major, I have taken many communication studies classes and I really enjoyed Crisis and the Media with Dr. Kalen Churcher. We examined the ways our media responds (either effectively or poorly) to crises and what we as potential future journalists or PR professionals should avoid or do. Q: What is your favorite book/author you have read, separate from English courses here at Wilkes, or just in general? A: Another tough one...but one of my favorites that I’m constantly recommending is I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid. It’s another psychological thriller that just messes with you in some of the same ways HoL does. It is a movie on netflix but, as per usual, the book is much better and makes more sense :) Q: Do you have a favorite movie? A: Yes! I’m a shameless Twilight fan (I know they’re bad but it’s part of the charm...) and also a big Marvel fan. So I know those are more like series/franchises, but they’re some of my favorites! Q: Tell us a favorite quote from one of the English professors. A: I think about Dr. Hamill every winter season who closed class with quotes from Frost. Particularly, “And miles to go before I sleep”(“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”) Q: What advice do you have for English majors/minors at Wilkes who have yet to graduate? A: Save your notebooks from earlier classes! By the time the capstone rolled around, I really benefited from being able to return to earlier class notes to help support my ideas and root them in scholarship. Department Capstones Capstones English Department Maddie Kinard presented their paper, “Jane Austen and Classical Literary Canon; Limitations and Opportunities of the Canonical Frame.” Maddy Shared: As the title hints at, I explored the limitations and opportunities of the canonical frame through the lens of Jane Austen since, to this modern day, she is still heavily regarded as an influential member of the canon, taught in schools, and is popular in media (movie adaptations, Bollywood remixes, book remixes, etc.). I particularly focused on Mansfield Park because it represents Austen’s careful treatment of slavery, often treating it as a means for monetary gain. However, some scholars (like Ruth Perry) also view the story as a “white framing” of slavery, as Fanny was taken from her family and treated like property at Mansfield Park. So there’s kind of this back-and-forth argument that I was really interested in exploring. I also utilized my Communication Studies degree, looking at linguistic relativity or the Sapir-Whorf Theory, examining the ways in which language shapes the way we understand the world (and the implications that comes with that when looking at canonical priority). My overall experience with the capstone was really great. I loved working with Dr. Davis because we were both so involved and into Jane Austen and the topic (for reference, I developed my research off of our earlier senior seminar class, Jane Austen and Empire). She was very supportive of me and kept me on track when I felt overwhelmed by the amount of sources and ideas I had. Co ntinued : Sydney Kraynack presented their paper, “Patriarchal Violence in Contemporary Literature.” 11 �The Inkwell Quarterly Reflecting on my time in the English depar tment and the beyond. By Emily Cherkaukas The English department, I feel, is one of those departments that you can either finish in three years or take six years to go through whatever it is you need. I don’t see that as a bad thing—rather, it really signifies the level of flexibility and control you can have over your classes, concentration(s), and minor(s). As a double major, I appreciate the opportunities offered by the English program, and I will always hold those close to my heart. This will be my final Inkwell article as an undergraduate student in the English department. It’s taken me a bit of time to decide on what I want to write about, as I want it to be a message that will resonate for students and faculty, long afterward (I’m not dying, don’t worry). So, allow me to reflect on my time in the English department. In the fall 2019 semester, I was a wee first-year Communication Studies major taking my English 101 course with an adjunct, and that was my first taste of the English program. I was a busy college student, and I wasn’t writing or reading as much as I should. The idea, or the physical manifestation of an English major seemed out of my league. The spring 2020 semester was supposed to be normal, knocking out more of my gen eds, with English 120 being one of them. Because of the focus on American works, I found myself re-reading some works that I read in high school. Except, this time, we discussed actually profound analyses of the works. That’s when I learned that post-secondary English is a much different breed compared to any other English or language arts class I had taken previously. With encouragement from Dr. Anthony, who taught the course, I declared my minor in creative writing. I felt the hungry drive to experience more English, and those 100-level courses sparked that energy. The next few months of the spring semester were spent holed up in my room, with my desk, floor and bed littered with textbooks, notes, and printed assignments and rubrics. Looking back, as overwhelming as it might have been, I still knew I wanted more than just an English minor. I knew I was capable of the challenge of more than just the minor. So, I declared a double major in Communication Studies and English. The English 120 to English major pipeline is real, people. Throughout my time in the English department, I bounced between my minors and concentrations, from Writing to Digital Humanities, and then switched my minor from creative Writing to Workplace Writing. I even dropped my WGS minor to focus more on my English courses. With the concentration-designated courses in English, I found myself all over the place. It was a bit chaotic with the number of assignments, but looking back, I felt satisfied with how much I learned and wrote. From writing about poetry to studying 18th century literature to Shakespeare to rhetoric, I always learned something new. Every day brought a great memory, either in my classes or through my work with Inkwell and Manuscript. I had so much flexibility and creative freedom with my projects and research. About that English 120 to English major pipeline: I wouldn’t really describe it as a pipeline—but rather, a twisting and swirling slide, going in all directions, donned with a rainbow path. To put it simply, being an English major is fun and fulfilling. I am very grateful that I chose to pick up a double major in English and a minor in Workplace Writing. From the classes and co-curriculars, I gained editing, writing, communication, and publishing experience that I know I’ll be using in whatever future career I will have. 12 � Issue 17.4: Spring 2023 Reflecting on my time in the English depar tment and the beyond. Continuation of Page 12 About that future... In my Senior Spotlight, I discussed how completing undergrad is a time of uncertainty, and I wanted to elaborate on that. This doesn’t just apply to job searching, but also internships. This past month I was able to pick up a couple of interviews at some local companies that work well with my degree. In that time, I wanted to say that job searching is a task that requires maintaining confidence and openness, all while being patient and non-committal. Be confident in yourself, because Wilkes offers so many great opportunities to replicate the professional environment and allows you to grow skills that you will be using after college. You have the chance to bring new and fresh knowledge to the workplace. However, that doesn’t mean that people will line up to offer you a job with pay that can only be seen in a dream. Patience and resilience go hand in hand, and it will take weeks or even months for you to find a job. I’m not saying that you have to be pessimistic in this situation, but it’s important to understand and grow a resilient mindset in the chance that you have been (or will be) rejected for a dream job. A question that has surrounded my Senior classmates and myself is a good one: when, exactly, should we start applying to jobs? Not to be the expert here, but with my personal experience, I have found that it depends. For something like an English degree, you can apply to so many places in so many different fields, so if you choose to become a professional wanderer, you can become more flexible, compared to other programs. However, that doesn’t take away any sense of competitiveness or urgency. Job searching at a certain time depends on the position itself in accordance with your graduation time. When a job opening gets posted, especially one that is entry-level (basically, fit for a college applicant), that company may need that position to be filled as soon as they logistically can fill it. When a Senior who graduates in May applies for a job, for example, in December, they may not want to wait several months for that person to get started. Some other companies, like networks that hire on contract positions, for example, may be more forgiving with start times. Basically, when you see a job opening, apply for it. Even if the job opened on that day. Do not hesitate or procrastinate. When you see a job opening, hundreds—or even thousands—of other people have seen it, too. One position I have been interviewed for was only open for a day or two before it closed after receiving dozens of applicants. I applied the day it opened and the recruiter reached out to me the next day for a phone screen interview. Applying isn’t the most difficult part of the job. Remember when I said you needed to be patient? That’s because, if a company is even interested in you, it might take weeks for them to get back to you (if they even do bother to follow up with you, which happens to be the more likely fate). Even then, the interviewing process might be even longer. While some companies only need one interview, others need more than that. That position that I was interviewed for first has a phone screen interview, a first-round interview, then a second round, and then, finally, the job offer for whomever they choose. At the time of writing, it’s been four weeks and I’m only halfway through the process. I know of more people who don’t have a job upon graduating than people who do have a job to start with, and that’s okay. Don’t feel obligated to have a job that Monday after your commencement, because, to reiterate, it is going to take time. Although it may not always be the best job, find something that is fulfilling to you and your career goals. Photos accessed on stock.adobe.com 13 �The Inkwell Quarterly CATCH THE BUZZ: STAFF UPDATES Dr. Sean J. Kelly, “‘Nothing beneath—all?’: Rebecca Harding Davis’ Critique of Possessive Individualism in Life in the Iron Mills.” ESQ: A Journal of Nineteenth-Century American Literature and Culture 68.2 (2022): 261-302. Dr. Larry Kuhar presented his essay entitled “Disrupting Chronologies of Representation: The End of History in Natasha Trethewey’s Poems” at the American Literature Association 2022 Fall Symposium, “The Historical Imagination in American Literature,” in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Dr. Thomas Hamill worked on his essay titled “(Un)Making Texts/ (Re)Making Books: Editing in the Undergraduate Classroom” was just published in the book Teaching the History of the Book, edited by Matteo Pangallo and Emily B. Todd, University of Massachusetts Press, 2023, pp. 274-83. He was awarded Wilkes’s 2023 Honors Program Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring Award. Dr. Helen H. Davis presented a paper titled “Rereading and Co-construction” at the International Society for the Study of Narrative (ISSN) Conference in Chichester, UK, in June. This presentation has been expanded into a book chapter for Narrative Co-Construction:Author-Audience Interactions and Narrative Theory, which has been accepted for the Theory and Interpretation of Narrative Series at The Ohio State University Press. She also led a lunch discussion on behalf of the ISSN’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, which she co-chairs. Dr. Davis finished her term on the Executive Council for the ISSN in December. Dr. Davis also completed archival research at the British Library in London in July, and visited important literary locations in London. Dr. Davis also presented a paper titled, “Reverse Harems and #whychoose: How Indy Publishing Explodes Monogamous, Patriarchal Plots” at the International Society for the Study of Narrative (ISSN) Conference in Dallas, TX in March. She also led a lunch discussion on behalf of the ISSN’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, which she co-chairs. Dr. Mischelle Anthony’s poetry manuscript, Vehicle On Fire, was a finalist in the 2022 Longleaf Press Poetry Prize. 3 poems published: “Poem Written after Alison Rossiter’s photograph Haloid Platina, exact expiration date unknown, ca. 1915, processed in 2007” is forthcoming in Ekphrasis Magazine, 2023. “What You Need” in The North [Sheffield, UK], Vol. 68. “Cling” in Pine Mountain Sand & Gravel, Vol. 25. As part of the May Poetry Group, Dr. Anthony runs an annual May Poetry Workshop (on May 13 this year) and has also begun a new reading series, Word to Word, both at Gather Community Space in Wilkes-Barre. Dr. Anthony also worked with Wilkes alum Jacqueline DeLucca to set up a monthly Living Lit: Writer’s Workshop at Pittston Memorial Library. Dr. Anthony co-sponsors (with Jennifer Yonkoski at King’s) an annual two-day Creative Writing Conference. Stay tuned and plan to attend the one this September 2023, held right here in Kirby Hall. THE INKWELL QUARTERLY STAFF :: STAFF 14 Staff Writers: Caitlyn Bly, Alexis Charowsky, Emily Cherkauskas, Bailey DeJesus, & Juliana Lueders Editor in Chief & Layout Editor Jessica Van Orden Copy Editors: Mya Corcoran & Daniel Stish Faculty Advisor Dr. Thomas A. Hamill Photos accessed on stock.adobe.com � Hea ds Up: Sen ior Spo tlight! Q: What are your future career aspirations? A: Well—I was hoping to be a poet, but I’ve had to settle on medical school. Q: What was your favorite literary text from a class you’ve taken here, and why? A: Probably Geek Love. It’s sentimental in being the first novel I was given as assigned reading when I became an English major, for Dr. Anthony’s ENG 201. It was grotesque and traumatizing. I loved it. Q: What literary text for a class did you hate the most, and why? "A Photorealistic Image of Daniel Stish". As Seen by an AI Generator Meet Daniel! Daniel Stish Q: What is your favorite memory from Wilkes? A: Zach Linge was a dreamboat. Q: What was/were your concentration(s) in English here at Wilkes? A: I currently have concentrations in writing and literature. Q: Do you have a favorite movie? A: I would like to live deliciously, so I’d have to say The Witch. A: I would have to say Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene. We only read snippets of it, and I enjoyed it enough that I now know I’m going to have to spend a portion of my life that I’ll never get back working my way through the entire monolithic text. I am the modern Damocles, and this is my sword. Q: What English class do you wish you would have had the chance to take, and why? A: I would have loved an advanced course on literary theory. I’ve found the critical theory aspect of English most most engaging by far. Q: What is your favorite book/author you have read, separate from English courses here at Wilkes, or just in general? A: I’m not well read by any means, but so far my favorite book is Neuromancer by William Gibson. Issue 17.4: Spring 2023 Q: What was your favorite nonEnglish class at Wilkes, and why? A: I’m going to make enemies and say that I enjoyed organic chemistry. It was the first time I actually felt as though I understood how chemistry happens, despite the wailing and gnashing of teeth. Q: Tell us a favorite quote from one of the English professors. A: For me, it’s the simple camaraderie in Dr. Hamill’s “Hey gang”. Q: What advice do you have for English majors/minors at Wilkes who have yet to graduate? A: Get involved! There are a ton of opportunities presented as an English major beyond coursework. The only extracurriculars I’ve regretted are those I haven’t done. Q: What are you most hopeful for or concerned about for your future as you move past graduation? A: I’m personally concerned about dying forgotten and bitter, but that’s neither here nor there. More seriously, I truly believe that we’re reaching an inflection point, and that the technological developments of the next decade or so are going to seriously shake many of our preconceived notions regarding the human condition. Failing this Phillip K. Dick esque technognostic futurism, things will probably just keep getting worse forever. Either way, I believe that those with a background in the humanities are also those best posed to make sense of this dawning epoch—or at the very least, present a fitting eulogy. Leadership Transition of the Writing Center The Writing Center has seen a transition of leadership this semester. Dr. Sean Kelly is taking over as advisor as Dr. Chad Stanely retires the position this spring after --- years. The work occuring within the Writing Center is so pivotal to the experience and success of our students’ writing across fields and we are incredibly grateful and excited to see how it evolves moving forward. Welcome, Dr. Kelly! Daniel’s photo accessed on https://www. craiyon.com/ Photos accessed from stock.adobe.com 15 � Issue 17.3: Spring 2023 MANUSCRIPT UPDATE The Manuscript Society is currently accepting submissions for its upcoming 2022-2023 issue! The submission period will be open through 31 March 2023. If you are interested, please submit your work to magazine@wilkes.edu with your Wilkes email. If you would like to learn more about The Manuscript Society or about upcoming Manusript events, please contact magazine@wilkes.edu. You can also stay connected to Manuscript by folloiwing our social media on Facebook (Mauscript @ Wilkes University), Twitter (@ WilkesMag), and Instagram (@wilkes_manuscript_). Writing Center Hours The Writing Center, located in the Alden Learning Commons, is open and offering support to student writers across the Wilkes curriculum. Throughout the Spring 2023 semester The Writing Center is offering in-person as well as online support for all members of the Wilkes community who need writing assistance. Stop by the Alden Learning Commons, or access online support via https://www.wilkes.edu/ academics/english/the-writingcenter/index.aspx For more information, contact: Dr. Chad Stanley email: chad.stanley@wilkes.edu 16 Fall 2023 Upper-Level Class Listings Course Number/Name Date/Time Instructor ENG 201: Writing About Lit & Culture/WGS MWF 12:00-12:50 M 1:00-1:50 Dr. Hamill ENG 202: Technical Writing MWF 9:00-9:50 Prof. Brown ENG 202: Creative Writing MWF 11:00-11:50 Prof. Kovacs ENG 225: Comparative Grammar MW 3:30-4:45 Dr. Stanley ENG 228: Professional/Workplace Writing MWF 1:00-1:50 Prof Mayk ENG 233: Survey of English Lit. II /WGS/&H MWF 10:00-10:50 Dr. Hamill ENG 282: American Lit. II / WGS TR 8:00-9:15 Dr. Kuhar ENG 337: Studies in Am. Romantic Lit TR 1:00-2:15 Dr. Kelly ENG 397: Seminar in Postmodernism TR 9:30-10:45 Dr. Kuhar � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Inkwell Quarterly, 2006-present Description An account of the resource The Inkwell Quarterly is a student-based publication circulated among the Wilkes population as well as prospective students who consider entering the English program. The IQ provides current information about faculty events and students active in the Wilkes’ English program. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University's English Department Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available English Department Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDFs Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Inkwell Quarterly, Spring 2023 (Issue 17.4) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource English Department Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 2023 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/6f0121f1d821c690109f0485d2000b89.pdf 081df6b2f3fb3517203f8adfba955d57 PDF Text Text Issue 18.1: Fall 2023 THE INKWELL QUARTERLY Dr. K elly Takes on Two New Roles at Wilkes By Mya Corcoran In This Issue: Dr. Kelly Takes on Two New Roles at Wilkes Upon Loss: An Exercise in Dr. Kelly, a longstanding professor in the Wilkes English Regional Gothic Department, has recently taken on two new roles here at Wilkes. Dr. Kelly has been promoted to Full Professor and has taken over as the Director of So Much for Stardust, So Much the Writing Center. I got the chance to ask Dr. Kelly a few questions about for Me why he took on these roles, what new responsibilities he will have, and what he is most looking forward to as he moves forward in these new positions. Dr. Kelly described the process of becoming a Full Professor as an Reflecting on Reading as “intentionally rigorous, but not altogether unpleasant” process. He a Sacred Practice: explained after about six years of teaching, professors can apply for tenure A Review of Praying with Jane and promotion to Associate Professor. About six or seven years after being Eyre promoted to Associate Professor, they can apply for a promotion to Full Professor. The process for both promotions is similar and involves putting The Art of Finding Friday together a binder that includes teaching evaluations, recent peer-reviewed publications, and evidence of service and involvement in the university. In addition, professors must go through two sets of interviews and write a narrative about their accomplishments and what their career has meant to them. Dr. Kelly noted, “it was satisfying to reflect on the various courses I’ve created and taught, the articles I’ve written (and the impact they have made in the field), and the teaching and mentoring experiences I’ve had (in Manuscript, Sigma Tau Delta, independent studies, etc.).” Now that he has earned the title of Full Professor, Dr. Kelly explained he plans to take on more responsibility as a colleague, continue to work towards the university’s mission, and of course to continue writing and teaching. Dr. Kelly mentioned he genuinely enjoys teaching all of his main courses, but especially likes to teach is ENG 120: Introduction to Literature and Culture because it allows him to teach such a broad range of literature. In the class, he covers works by early American authors like Hawthorne all the way to more contemporary authors like DeLillo and Mukherjee. He also mentioned he really enjoyed teaching a Seminar class on the Uncanny in Literature and a Seminar on Toni Morrison. When asked about why he enjoys teaching English at Wilkes he said, “It’s a lot of fun to work with students who are invested and open to new ideas, and I’ve always been impressed with the goodwill and determination of Wilkes students.” Story Continued on Page 5 1 �The Inkwell Quarterly Upon Loss: An Exercise in Regional Gothic By Lily Hebda Falling somewhere among hardcore, metal, and deathcore depending on who you ask, Knocked Loose are taking the alternative musical community by storm. Currently rounding out an autumn tour with local Scranton band Motionless in White, Knocked Loose are reeling off the June release of their latest EP, Upon Loss: Singles. The tour recently visited local event venue Montage Mountain, playing in the first Scranton Apocalypse Fest. The tracks feature instrumentals that draw inspiration from classic metal tracks combined with distinctively post-hardcore melodies. Vocalist Byran Garris does not shy away from his characteristically brutal sound, delving into harsher, more guttural vocals than perhaps ever before. In addition to Garris’s fast paced melodies, the songs gain additional depth from the inclusion of vocals from guitarist Isaac Hale. However, the band simultaneously explores softer instrumentals, layering gloomy guitar melodies over the final breakdown in “Everything is Quiet Now,” capturing the band’s exploration of a more distinctly personalized sound. Vocalist Bryan Garris at Scranton Apocalypse Fest. Photo courtesy of Kyra Britzke 2 Photo Accessed from Noise Disruption Mag Website Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, the group have consistently taken lyrical inspiration from their Appalachian roots. This thematic exploration is present in the tracks “Deep in the Willow” and “Everything is Quiet Now.” Comparisons of life and death to a “flowing stream,” foliage as a mausoleum, and references to a visitation by the angel of death contribute to undertones of regional horror. In “Deep in the Willow,” Garris describes local foliage as the “final resting place,” presumably of affluence. Despite clear pride in their hometown, the band clearly express disdain for the social problems and class disparities which emanate from the area. Intersecting themes of natural features and anti aristocratic ideas are expressed again in “Everything is Quiet Now.” Garris describes life as a “flowing stream, poisoned,” once again suggesting the perversion of natural entities- and our appreciation of them- by prejudicial social standards. These elements mark a thematic transition from anger directed towards individuals and specific personal experiences to rage against a shared human experience. Lines referencing being “washed in the blood” and begging “for just a crumb” distinguish organized religion and failing capitalist structures as points of contention. If the lyricism of “Deep in the Willow” and “Everything is Quiet Now” does not evoke images of Appalachian gothic within you, the accompanying music video certainly will. Maintaining their directorial streak, the band’s newest short film is reminiscent of cult horror classics like Children of the Corn. The video is set in natural areas, shot to appear labyrinthine and bleak despite the natural lighting. As the band are chased by scarecrow-like figures in oldsmobiles, the video is cut with shots of contrived patina interiors, conveying � Issue 18.1: Fall 2023 “Upon Loss”: An Exercise in Regional Gothic Continued from Page 2 a centralizing theme of anger toward antiquated systems. These scenes are accompanied by a breakdown which digs into these power structures, declaring them a “king to none.” Garris further laments, “True colors shown/ And I’m not impressed,” a direct dig at the displays of wealth depicted in the video. These lines, when considered in relation to the class structures represented, further solidify the disgust directed towards aristocracy so prevalent in “Deep in the Willow.” The amalgamation of such eerie visuals, aggressive vocals, and direct, unforgiving lyrics culminate in an audio-visual experience perfect for the dreary transition from autumn to winter. Knocked Loose’s latest release is representative of widely shared generational frustration, and Garris articulates this exasperation through biting, bitter lyricism. For those in need of an outlet, Upon Loss: Singles assists in unpacking intergenerational uncertainties, contributing a valuable perspective on such complex issues. So Much for Stardust, So Much for Me By Juliana Lueders Due to the release of Fall Out Boy’s new album So Much for Stardust, I was hit with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. I found an unexpected sense of comfort in returning to my middle school roots and decided to re-listen to Fall Out Boy’s entire discography. These are my thoughts on the band’s progression as a whole and what this new release means to me. What began as a ragtag group of vaguely emo, music-obsessed teens from the Chicago area grew into one of the biggest names of the pop-punk genre. One can feel these rough beginnings in their initial album Take This to Your Grave, produced by Fueled by Ramen. While, at this point, the industry wasn’t ready for this new wave of music the fans were able to carry the band to new heights. The rise in their popularity resulted in a production change to Island Records and the creation of their breakthrough album From Under the Cork Tree. The values of the band began change to Island Records and the creation of their breakthrough album From Under the Cork Tree. The values of the band began to shift as the rough-and-tumble poppunk band had to adjust to major record deals and a growing fanbase. Next came Infinity on High which was the start of growing tension from the fans and within the band itself. This tension reached a breaking point with their sixth album release titled Folie à Deux which was met with backlash and marked the beginning of a four-year break for the group. This later period marked several tonal changes to the music going forward. After this break came the album Save Rock and Roll aptly titled for the band’s return to making music and including featured artists for select songs. The eighth album, Mania, pulled from interesting sources, relying heavily on a more techno sound than what the audience was used to, and, because of that, it was met with mixed reviews. Now, listening to this newest album So Much for Photo Accessed from Spotify Story Continued on Page 7 3 �The Inkwell Quarterly ENGLISH DEPARTMENT FALL PICNIC The Wilkes University English Department Shared Plenty of Conversation, Laughter, Company, and Even More Good Food at the Annual Department Fall Picnic This Past October! 4 � Issue 18.1: Fall 2023 Dr. Kelly Takes on Two New Roles at Wilkes Continuation of Page 1 In addition to becoming a Full Professor, Dr. Kelly has also taken over as Director of the Writing Center. He said he wanted to take on the role because he saw it as “an interesting opportunity and challenge” and his educational background is well-suited to the work. At the University of Pittsburgh where he obtained his M.A. degree, he was mentored by some of the leading composition theorists at the time including David Bartholomae, Mariolina Salvatori, and Nick Coles. Since writing center theory overlaps with process writing theory, he has found his education complements this new role. As the Director of the Writing Center, Dr. Kelly is in charge of training, hiring, and scheduling the peer writing consultants. He has already implemented several changes in the Writing Center including redecorating the center with new posters on the walls and adding a reading corner with a beanbag chair. He has also made changes to the center’s website and some of its procedures. The biggest change he has made as Director is designing a training course, ENG 190 C, that all peer consultants are required to take. In this course, peer consultants learn about writing center methodology, discuss the best approaches to helping students with their writing, and practice providing feedback with the use of sample essays. Right now, Dr. Kelly is working on increasing the Writing Center’s visibility on campus. He has designed and hung informational posters about the center around campus, has created an Instagram account for the center (@wilkesu.wc), and is in the process of designing a new logo. Dr. Kelly explained his vision for the Writing Center logo is a picture of a tree with leaves on top and roots below with the motto “Growth through Writing.” Dr. Kelly explained, “In my mind, this is an apt visual metaphor for what writing is like. So much of the growth is happening in the early stages of the process, during planning, brainstorming, and reading. The metaphor also represents both the inward and outward personal growth that happens through writing. The writing process is both deeply emotional, intellectual, and psychological as well as focused on our representations of our “best”--most coherent, articulate, creative--selves.” Dr. Kelly expressed that he is enthusiastic about taking on this position and its new responsibilities. When asked about what he is most looking forward to this year as the Director of the Writing Center, Dr. Kelly said, “I’m already enjoying working with the peer consultants! As Director, I love all the new challenges and creative opportunities that seem to crop up daily.” Congratulations, Dr. Kelly, on your promotion to Full Professor and new position as Director of the Writing Center. The Wilkes English Department looks forward to seeing your ongoing work and watching you succeed in these new roles! Inkwell Quarterly Staff Jessica Van Orden Editor in Chief Staff Writers Copy Editor Lily Hebda Mya Corcoran Juliana Lueders Molli Mikita 5 �The Inkwell Quarterly Reflecting on Reading as a Sacred Practice: A Rev iew of Praying with Jane Eyre By Mollie Mikita Part memoir, part spiritual guide for readers, Vanessa Zoltan’s Praying with Jane Eyre: Reflections on Reading as a Sacred Practice (now available at Farley Library!) invites us to treat the texts we read as sacred–that is, to engage with the work and ask ourselves how we can apply what we’ve learned from it to our own lives. According to Zoltan, by reading in this way, we learn to treat the characters on the pages we read as neighbors. Neighbors aren’t necessarily those with whom we agree or even like, but we can certainly begin to understand them and their circumstances as if they were our own. In sharing how she approaches the stories of characters on a page, the author weaves in the stories of her own life as the millennial granddaughter of Auschwitz survivors, and how their history of trauma and endurance shapes her own life. As English majors and minors, we are all familiar with the significance of giving close readings to texts in order to find meaning from them. In proposing to treat reading as a sacred practice (at least, in reading the works that we love), Zoltan acknowledges the importance of analyzing text, but she makes a distinction between a close analysis and a sacred analysis. The latter, she demonstrates, doesn’t necessarily reveal the meanings in a text, but it celebrates the close relationship between the characters on the page and the readers of those characters. By treating Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, among other favorite works, as sacred, Zoltan as a reader puts the book’s characters in conversation with her own life. She notes some parallels for us between how she relates to literary characters and how she relates to the people in her life outside of books, allowing an analysis of her own life to inform the analysis of the characters she reads. As a Jewish person, the author embraces both the religious and cultural aspects of Judaism, but spiritually, the traditional prayers don’t bring her peace, only sorrow. Those prayers are the same recitations of the victims of concentration camps, of her family. She associates the idea of the receiver of those prayers with the horrors that the victims of the Holocaust endured. Putting a sacred lens on non-religious texts, then, offers the reader room to renew their spirits in places other than traditional religious texts and spaces, as Zoltan points out. Reading Jane Eyre as sacred allows her to find the magic in characters whom she did not expect to see in that way. Treating characters on the page as sacred, Zoltan argues, allows us to also treat those around us–off the page–as sacred, too. She points out that another part of treating reading as a sacred practice then, is getting together with other readers of the text and discussing your ideas of the text with them, as we might in class. In highlighting the importance of gathering with other readers, I believe Zoltan confirms the notion that Kirby Hall is a sacred space! Perhaps you’ve read Jane Eyre in one of your English classes, but even if you haven’t read it at all, Zoltan provides enough context of the literature with which she engages for the reader to gain a sense of the sacredness of the characters. Her 6 Photo Accessed from Amazon � Issue 18.1: Fall 2023 So Much for Stardust, So Much for Me Continued from Page 3 Stardust I feel as though I am returning home and traveling somewhere new all at once. It is a return to form revitalizing the grungy sound of their early years while also being lightened by their newer style as they pair heavy guitars with catchy synths. It is slowly joining the ranks as a fan favorite which is heartwarming to see. I didn’t expect new music from a band that means so much to me. I was content being stuck in my nostalgia and listening to the classics over and over. But this new album pushes reality to the forefront and it is new and comforting and everything I could have hoped for. The specifics of this discussion perhaps won’t mean a lot to the majority of people. Early 2000s poppunk music isn’t everyone’s jam, but there’s a deeper part of this conversation that I’m hoping to get at. That is, the idea of coming to terms with changes brought by time and that these changes and their effects can take shape in ways you don’t consider until you are confronted by them; that’s what this new album is for me. It was a revelation that came from listening to the new music of an old friend, and suddenly I was no longer a college senior about to graduate. I was a despondent and angry seventh-grader who just moved to a new state and was beginning a new school. I am no longer that girl but I can still love and find comfort in the same things that brought her joy then. I’ve been trying to convince myself to be less afraid of change and this album feels like a pretty compelling argument to me. So, even in my search for new experiences and opportunities and new music, I will hold on to the things that made me what I am and will continue to hum a familiar tune. Reflecting on Reading as a Sacred Practice: A Review of Praying with Jane Eyre continued from page 6 reflections on the text of Jane Eyre encourage me to reread it in a way that I hadn’t before. Specifically, I’d like to see if my perceptions of any characters broaden or change based on whether I can recognize any of their flaws– or strengths!–in myself, and whether that recognition allows me to feel a greater sense of solidarity or empathy with their plight. I might find that I can no longer tolerate what I once found forgivable in a character, but I am most curious about whether I might start to relate to any character that I found so different from myself in previous readings. I began reading Praying with Jane Eyre at the end of September, and submit this review in the midst of turmoil inflicted upon citizens of Israel and Palestine. The proposal to put a spiritual lens on texts, and by extension, everyone around us seems especially significant today. As students and scholars of literature, we engage with perspectives that are often outside of our own, but we work to connect to at least some part of their story, which naturally deepens our sense of empathy and understanding. In encouraging us to treat reading as a sacred practice, Vanessa Zoltan’s work does a wonderful job in highlighting the importance of the the positive influence we can make in each other’s lives and the lens with which we can strive to see each other: not with a perfect scientific lens to reveal each other’s flaws, but a spiritual lens that offers others our grace and compassion. 7 �The Inkwell Quarterly The Ar t of Finding Friday By Jessica Van Orden As a spiced chill air fills the lungs, climbing in through the nose to slide gently down the throat and settle deep within the chest, I find myself on the precipice of sweet denial before stumbling crookedly in some cavernous crack that had been waiting for me since I first woke. I am sure that you are no stranger to this moment I now descend within. The fingers move faster than the brain, tapping lightly against one another, flouncing through the air, grasping, as they try to rectify the loss that has just occurred between one moment prior and one moment soon. It is not, in fact, Thursday but Friday. The last Friday that I have to prepare my precise mode of attack for the mountain of work that I have as midterms arrived. A middle of term that, might I say, seemed to materialize before I could truly cement what postmodernism is beyond that extremely exciting Sunday crossword-type feel where you are consistently walking the line between I’ve got it and That’s not even a clue. At first, reader, you may think to yourself that joy is soon to follow. The weekend has packed up early and decided to grant me one singular peace in the wake of paper, electronic, and even skin-jotted scheduling to plop me into the weekend a day sooner than I had believed. Gone will be the extra drive, closed will be the books, and one more hour of morning snooze can be bought. Except, dear reader, I have never been that good at scheduling, you see. Perhaps you too are not, in which case, I expect you see the realization before those who have always been more gifted than I at delineating their goals and deadlines may: I’m toast. I hope, among a horde of those who have chosen to dive into the introspective, engaging, and fantastical world of literature for the multi-volume work of their own lives, you will enjoy the chaotic enlightenment that this weekend has afforded. I found, once I had uncovered the literal mountain of papers, texts, and critiques that I had amassed in my work, a true depth in looking at my work side by side. I found that the ways in which two completely different periods conversed with one another in my head made me see things in an entirely new light. Two classes that I had once sworn I couldn’t bridge the distance between (at least in terms of what they said and what I could understand) seemed to dance together on the page. I must step back, for a moment, to explain how this semester has been challenging the way I have approached not how I write, well not that alone, but how I read. Along with being in my senior year and considering my work in undergraduate so far in preparation of my capstone, I have begun my graduate work, pursuing an MA in creative writing with the Maslow program at Wilkes. It sounds dramatic, but it feels unfathomable that all that I have learned about writing in a few short weeks has helped me be a better reader through how these authorial voices break apart their practices. This exploration into the ways I approach reading has been strengthened by that phantom of my earlier quandry, postmodernity and its literature. Both of these influences have centered the reader in some capacity, placing the responsibility of meaning on their shoulders. Within the writing program, we have investigated how distance and unreliability can influence the ways in which your reader approaches a character. These practices have examined the intentional manipulations of a reader’s connotations a writer can create by choices of syntax, diction, and voice to mold the tone of the piece that they want. One aspect of this writing that has been expanded on so thoroughly that it almost feels like a new tool is how a writer manipulates a point of view to create distance or alter the mood. I had always 8 Photo Accessed from Adobe Stock � Issue 18.1: Fall 2023 The Ar t of Finding Friday Continuation of Page 8 left the consideration at whose eyes am I, the reader, seeing through. Yet, in the section, we have discussed how a certain perspective may allow a story to continue past a conceived ending. The way the implement distance, possibly shifting from an over-the-shoulder view for a deeper, omniscient internal perspective of the character allows a different type of conflict the be built in the role of the reader. The author may shift between the two, granting a cold, distancing space to form an air of mystery around their character to make the readers question their actions or the motivations behind them—even while they have omniscient knowledge in other aspects. I always considered this push and pull of the focalizing elements to be solely at the hands of the author. I would come away believing what I did about a character, largely, because that was how they were shaped by their author. Even in situations where an antagonizing character became accessible, making them more likable, I considered this to be the control of the author once more. However, as a writer, we cannot always control how the experiences of our readers will come to shape the way they view our implementations of distance. This is a conversation that was stoked within the discussions concerning a Chekov piece we read in my graduate course on the foundations of fiction writing. One of the critical pieces we read posited that the triviality of the situation was the larger moral lessons to be learned, not by the characters per se, but the audience themselves. In the story, a young protagonist who was often hidden from frame though ever present is slighted by the pride of an adult. It is a lesson that the readership is equally culpable in the enacting for they were dismissive of the boy due to the distance enacted. Yet, how a reader approaches the story means that their experience and consideration of the events engender an infinite possibility of meanings, as their own experiences influence how they pick up the book. This is where I found myself when sitting down on the Thursday that was not Thursday but actually Friday, attempting to formulate a thesis for my postmodern research paper. Postmodernism has been an intriguing journey, especially as a senior at the end of my stretch. For it is like running face first, smack, into a false finish line. That sounds harsh, and I mostly do not mean it to sound so. I truly think if I had about twenty more years to sit down in our classroom and hear the ways in which postmodernism refutes, questions, probes, and deconstructs, I would come to grasp the ungraspable. Yet, as I sat with it this weekend, and continue to do so within our classes, I am coming to see the inherent importance in causing your readership to question in an age of content curation. In my study of the library field, one I wish to enter upon completing my masters, I have become more aware of how question and perseverance are smothered within our daily lives. I would argue that the gift of instant gratification, the world so to speak at our fingertips, has left us reliant upon our contentment. Again, I don’t mean this as a critique of the external, for I find myself settling for the first nearly credible information I can feel comfortable reciting or referencing to others most of the time. However, postmodernism has shown me that occurrence within the system of language and meaning on a new level that permeates the structures of our identity. In our last class before break, Dr. Kuhar mentioned the necessity and privilege of fun within postmodernism, which felt counterintuitive at the time. How can something that attempts to dissect the vital frames of society that are designed to corral and hinder people’s upward mobility be addressed in any way that is fun? And then I thought of the reader’s role. Postmodern Story Continued on Page 11 9 �The Inkwell Quarterly Fall into a Fine Dish: Recipes Inspired by the Books! Hogsmeade Jane Eyre’s Butterbeer Seed Cake 4 cans cream soda || 1/4 c. butterscotch syrup 1 c. heavy cream || 2 tbsp. sugar 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract || 1/4 c. melted butter Directions: Step 1 In a large bowl, combine cream soda and butterscotch syrup and stir. Step 2 In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in sugar and vanilla extract, then melted butter until no longer streaky. (Add more butter if desired). Step 3 Ladle Butterbeer into glasses and top with whipped cream mixture. 10 Photo Accessed on Pipanddebby.com 3/4 cup butter, softened || 2 TBS caster sugar 3 large eggs, beaten || 3 tsp caraway seeds 1 1/2 cups flour; plus 1tbp pinch salt || 1 tsp baking powder 1 TBS ground almonds || 1 TBS milk Oven at 350 , Directions: Cream Butter and Sugar until smooth. Beat in Eggs, one at a time. Sift in dry ingrediants seperatly. Stir in the Almonds and Seeds. Mix wet and dry ingrediants together. Line loaf pan with butter. Bake the dish for 4550 minutes. Photo Accessed on Pinterest.com � Issue 18.1: Fall 2023 The Ar t of Finding Friday Continuation of Page 9 literature, from what I understand it to be—in the halfway point of an infant’s experience—seeks to unnerve and confuse the reader so that they must make the meaning. It is a highly questionable process, in my own opinion, for the premise of this in postmodernity is that, for a truly engaged reader to be born, the role of the author must die. This line of thought is the work of Roland Barthes, a postmodern theorist who proposed that a text possesses no meaning until the reader has formed one themself. I find this to be both settling and distancing to the ways that I have always envisioned books as bridges of experience that enable us as readers to grow as more empathetic, knowledgeable global citizens. There are experiences that I will never truly understand, for I cannot live them; however, that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t understand that experience in some form and learn what that experience means through the voice of the person who lived it. I also do not think that this idea is inherently linked to nonfiction, which I am not certain was a condition of Barthes’s premise, but meaning, nonetheless, would have to be imbued within the story through the experience of the writer. There is still the importance of the reader grasping and making that meaning, so that it can do something, for lack of a better sentiment. It needs to be so seeped within the literature itself that it comes away onto the hands of the reader and further moves through what they, we, touch. This is where I am at, amid scattered mountains of worksheets and notes, pictures and texts, finally coming to see how these two schools of thought and practice come together. For a great many important things were being discussed—most still relevant today—by postmodern authors during their time. Topics that were pivotal for the readership to work for themselves in order to see the importance they carried in breaking them open to interrogating them. They focused on the binaries of language and power structures, where the innate inference is that one must be understood in comparison to the other for the system of meaning to make sense. It rang out as a critique of its restricting, narrowing properties that, just as the work of enlightened thinkers before them, those who seek to maintain their structures of power rely upon a people content in their placidity. Postmodern work sought to shake the masses from their cobwebs, from the simulation of meaning, but not hold their hand with it. Where I had once poisoned the well, so to speak, told myself I could never comprehend the work of these minds, I realized that part of the process required my efforts as well. There is meaning imbued within the work naturally by the voice that spends so much time with it; however, it is the work of us, as readers, to decipher and grant meaning to it. This understanding removed some of the self-imposed distance I gave to topics where I did not already see the meaning, where I hadn’t yet worked for it. Moreover, it granted me a revived sense of my engagement with the literature, recognizing it as a conversation between the writer and myself as much as it was between the characters. I should say that when I sat down to write this piece I was moved by the personal accounts or experiences those of the Inkwell staff have shared before. It was those articles depicting the joys that arose from my fellow peers that afforded me that middle-of-the-relay drive. I love a good thick novel as much as the next English feller, but when you think of that ten-page research paper sitting on the stack, or the creative peer work that is waiting for you on LIVE, it is easy to forget the drive that pulled you to this field of work to pull yourself ahead, even momentarily. However, when I took those moments to sit within their experience, hear their insights, and note their advice, I found that they became the image of that partner, near feet ahead. That’s probably not the best analogy for this experience, maybe put the whole metaphor in reverse, but, the takeaway was this: remember the intention of the degree. It was our engagement within the work, and for me personally, building upon my response to the text by the experience in the response of others. The English program has always been, to me, one that builds a community equally by the shared moments of wait, what does that mean?, as it does when the intimate lived experience of each reader sharpens the soul of the book together. 11 � Issue 17.3: Spring 2023 MANUSCRIPT UPDATE The Manuscript Society is currently accepting submissions for its upcoming 2023-2024 issue! The submission period will be open through 31 March 2024. If you are interested, please submit your work to magazine@wilkes.edu with your Wilkes email. If you would like to learn more about The Manuscript Society or about upcoming Manusript events, please contact magazine@wilkes.edu. You can also stay connected to Manuscript by folloiwing our social media on Facebook (Mauscript @ Wilkes University), Twitter (@ WilkesMag), and Instagram (@wilkes_manuscript_). Writing Center Hours The Writing Center, located in the Alden Learning Commons, is open and offering support to student writers across the Wilkes curriculum. Throughout the Fall 2023 semester The Writing Center is offering inperson as well as online support for all members of the Wilkes community who need writing assistance. Stop by the Alden Learning Commons, or access online support via https://www.wilkes.edu/ academics/english/the-writingcenter/index.aspx For more information, contact: Dr. Sean Kelly email: sean.kelly@wilkes.edu 12 Spring 2024 Upper-Level Class Listings Course Number/Name Date/Time Instructor ENG 202: Technical Writing MWF 9:00-9:50 Prof. Brown ENG 234: Survey of English Lit. II TR 1:00-2:15 Dr. Davis ENG 281: Survey of American Lit. I TR 3:00-4:15 Dr. Kelly ENG 303: Adv. Workshop in Creative Writ. TR 4:30-5:45 Dr. Hicks ENG 324: Hist. of the English Language MWF 10:00-10:50 Dr. Hamill ENG 340: Studies in Chaucer MWF 12:00-12:50 Dr. Hamill ENG 392: Senior Projects Dr. Anthony ENG 397: Seminar: Queer Lit. & Theory Dr. Davis TR 9:00-10:15 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Inkwell Quarterly, 2006-present Description An account of the resource The Inkwell Quarterly is a student-based publication circulated among the Wilkes population as well as prospective students who consider entering the English program. The IQ provides current information about faculty events and students active in the Wilkes’ English program. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University's English Department Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available English Department Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDFs Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Inkwell Quarterly, Fall 2023 (Issue 18.1) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource English Department Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 2023 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/d24a126ae902ef721cb670a308b8c373.mp4 a04fe970d4ec4bd56fca237c1b5de505 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes University Documentaries Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource True Rarity: The Amazing Story of Irwin Weinberg, 2012 Description An account of the resource This DVD is part of a series of documentaries produced by the Wilkes University Communication Studies Department in conjunction with the Wilkes University history program. Future support for documentary production is also provided by a generous grant from Edward J. Meehan, Esq. that established the Wilkes University Oral History Project. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Communication Studies department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012 Type The nature or genre of the resource Documentary Film. https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/f5d59f9c6ec2c2ebe5d66dca81b95688.mp4 6e39358a37fa605ceedf65f7034f2c89 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Commencement Videos Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Commencement, 2010 May 22 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010 May 22 Type The nature or genre of the resource Film https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/a499e25b34c49a1af0752e209e857e99.pdf b0a210adb917865bc57733d58bc2e5f3 PDF Text Text The Beacon - October 1, 2025 THE BEACON Wilkes University - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member Volume 78, Issue 03 1 “The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow.” Campus prepares for homecoming weekend Photo by Alli Lussi The Wilkes community is ready to welcome alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends to homecoming festivities this weekend. President Greg Cant offers a homecoming message on Page 12 and 13. �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 News News 2 Have a breaking story or a press release to send? Contact the news editor Leah Smith at leah.smith1@wilkes.edu Beacon Briefs: Upcoming campus events Snack and study Looking for a comfortable place to study (with snacks)? Join Snack and Study – an open study hall every other Thursday during club hours in Conyngham 101 (Colonels’ Learning Lounge). Bring work, grab a snack, and find your study “home” on campus! The next Snack and Study is Oct. 2. *** NARCAN training offered NARCAN training sessions will be offered throughout the day on Nov. 14 in the Savitz Lounge. One-hour or 30-minute sessions are available. Check Today@ Wilkes to register by Oct. 3. Contact amelia.oconnor@wilkes.edu with any questions. *** Give Kids the World donation drive The Honors Program is collecting cash donations to benefit Give Kids The World, a nonprofit that provides memorable vacations for children with critical illnesses and their families. Every dollar makes a difference in helping kids experience joy and hope. Stop by the Honors Office anytime to drop off your donations or come to the donation table in the SUB during club hours on Oct 2, Oct 23 or Nov. 13. *** Cafe con leche: Mexcican heritage/culture Learn about Mexican culture with Sayuri Fuentes, President of the Student Organization of Latinos (SOL, and enjoy Conchas, a Mexican sweet bread, as well as light refreshments. Please ensure to RSVP to keep an accurate head count. Cafe con leche will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 2 in the Savitz Lounge. Contact erica.acosta@wilkes.edu with any questions. *** October mailroom hours Due to staffing limitations, the mailroom will be open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning Oct. 1. Contact Carrie Marko with any questions or concerns at carolyn.marko@wilkes.edu. *** Final gallery tour of The Whispering Take one last look at The Whispering with a tour from gallery director, Heather Sincavage from noon to 2 p.m. on Oct. 5. Refreshments and a light brunch from The Burnt Norton will be served. Registration required. Please email melissa.carestia@wilkes.edu *** Majors fair Still deciding on a major or thinking about making a change? Come to the Majors Fair from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. on Oct. 7 in the JPAC. Meet faculty from every department, ask questions, and discover new opportunities. Whether you’re undecided, thinking about adding a minor, or just curious, this is your chance to connect and explore all your academic possibilities! Fundraise for HPSC at Chipotle Join the Wilkes University HPSC in a Chipotle Kingston fundraiser. The fundraiser runs from 5 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 13 Use the flier or code RTDVEZG to ensure the money comes back to HPSC. Send a picture of your Chipotle to the Honors Program instagram for a chance to win a gift card. *** HPSC and Honors clothing swap Have some gently used clothing at home you don’t use anymore? Donate them to HPSC for the third annual Thrift Store event on Oct. 16. Those who donate will receive vouchers to use at the event. Those who haven’t donated can still purchase the clothing as well. All monetary proceeds and unclaimed clothing will be donated. *** ODI: 8th annual diversity and student leadership conference slated Run Your R.A.C.E. (Respect. Advocacy. Community.Empowerment) has been scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 18. The conference will be held in the Henry Student Center 2nd JPAC, Savitz Lounge, and Miller Room Please refer to Today@ Wilkes for registration info. For more information, email erica. acosta@wilkes.edu or catie.becker@wilkes. edu *** SG Notes will be returning to The Beacon Keep up-to-date with what's happening in Student Goverenment by reading Page 2 of The Beacon or going online to www.thewilkesbeacon.com. Table of Contents News..................2 Life, A&E............7 Opinion............14 Sports................19 Upcoming Events: Fall 2025 October 9 - Fall recess begins 13 - Classes resume 31 - Halloween November 11- Veterans Day 26 - Thanksgiving recess begins December 1- Classes reume 8 - FInal exams begin 15 - Final exams end 22 - Interssion begins Have a safe and anjoyable semester! Want your event featured in the calendar? Email: kalen.churcher@wilkes.edu �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 News 3 ��������������������������������� ���������� ���� ��������������������������������������������� ����� By Thaelis Andujar Staff writer Wilkes University students may see a new name on the list of campus organizations this semester: Turning Point USA. Wilkes student Dylan Clark, hopes to to have the group become an officially recognized campus club and carve out space for open dialogue and debate on political and cultural issues. The chapter’s launch comes as part of a broader national network of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) groups that have appeared at schools across the country. Locally, published reports have noted groups at Misericordia University and the University of Scrnaton. While political clubs on college campuses are nothing new, Clark said he hopes this one will provide a platform where students from all perspectives can voice their opinions without hesitation. Turning Point USA was founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk, who was only 18 years old at the time. Based in Illinois, the nonprofit organization quickly gained national visibility, focusing on outreach to young people in high schools and universities. Its stated mission is to “identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets, and limited government.” Since its founding, TPUSA has grown rapidly, establishing a presence on more than 3,000 campuses nationwide, according to the organization’s website. Kirk became a well-known figure in conservative politics, hosting a podcast, writing books, and frequently appearing on television and radio programs. Interest in TPUSA has increased since the shooting death of Kirk on Sept. 10. He was killed while speaking to an audience on the Utah Valley University campus. While supporters of the group praise its emphasis on free expression and its efforts to engage younger generations in political life, critics have at times questioned its methods and messaging. Regardless, its expansion reflects a growing desire among students across the political spectrum to bring national debates to local campuses. For Clark, the decision to establish a Turning Point chapter at Wilkes came after noticing what he described as a gap in political representation among student organizations. “I remember going to Club Day and the website said there was a Democratic club and a Republican club,” Clark explained. “But I didn’t see that anywhere at Club Day, so I figured there’s only one side and everyone needs to have their voices heard.” He added that creating the club was less about aligning with a single ideology and more about broadening opportunities for conversation. “Mostly because I want people’s voices to be heard,” he said. When asked to describe Turning Point to students who may be unfamiliar with the organization, Clark emphasized inclusivity. “The biggest thing is it’s built around faith and politics, but it’s supposed to be nonpartisan,” he said. Though the Wilkes chapter is still in its early stages, Clark has already gathered interest from between 20 and 30 students. Officers have been selected, and members are discussing activities for the semester. “Right now, we’re in talks of at least having some formal debate,” Clark said. “As far as fundraisers, probably like the typical, we’re gonna come up with different events.” Formal debates may become a central feature of the club’s programming. Clark said the group is open to engaging with other political organizations on campus, including the Democratic club if it becomes active. “It’s open to whoever, anybody’s welcome to it,” he said. “But if we could collaborate with the Democratic Club, that’d be fine too.” Jace Hynick and Johnny Sudol are president and vice-president of the Wilkes Democrats. Both expressed concern over TPUSA coming to campus, not because of a difference in political values but because "of the specific concerning precedent that TPUSA has brought to college campuses" In a joint email to The Beacon, the two students stated, "Had a Wilkes Republican Club been chartered for our campus, we would not nearly be as alarmed as this TPUSA Chapter has made us. This is because TPUSA, nationally-speaking, has brought with it undemocratic rhetoric, political extremism, and at many times, political violence and intimidation." The two added that they hope the TPUSA chapter will stand against precedent and keep the college political scene civil. Beyond events, Clark said his main priority is ensuring the club serves as a safe and welcoming environment. “(My main goal is to make sure everyone has a safe place to express their opinion,” he explained. Launching a political club is not without challenges. Clark said the response has been “mostly positive” so far, but acknowledged that some criticism has surfaced online. “Mostly everything I’ve gotten has been positive, but a couple members have pointed out some not-so-nice responses,” he said. Despite this, Clark is focused on building momentum and awareness. The group plans to advertise through flyers, announcements, and social media. “Once we get approved and settled in, we’re gonna post announcements and hang flyers,” he said. He also encouraged students who might feel uncertain to come see the club for themselves. “You’re more than welcome to join, come for a meeting and feel it out,” Clark said. “Everybody’s welcomed—I don’t want anyone to feel left out.” Like many new organizations, the biggest obstacle was the initial process of starting the club. “The biggest challenge is gathering the information on how to start it in the first place,” Clark admitted. As for long-term goals, Clark is focused on establishing the chapter’s presence on campus. “If we could get out there and be an established club, that’s the goal for now,” he said. By the end of the school year, he hopes Turning Point will be recognized as an active part of campus life. Looking further ahead, Clark envisions the club becoming a regular participant in events such as Club Day and collaborating with other groups. “Definitely after establishing our club, we can be a part of Club Day.” For Clark, the importance of political clubs at universities is clear: they ensure students do not feel silenced. “The best thing is to have everyone be free to express their opinion, ’cause then it won’t feel like anyone is left out or anything,” he said. With more than 20 members already expressing interest and plans for debates and events underway, the Turning Point USA chapter at Wilkes University is positioned to play a role in fostering dialogue among students. �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 News 4 Diversity and Leadership student conference planned By Thaelis Andujar Staff writer Wilkes University will welcome students, faculty, and staff to the 8th Annual Diversity and Leadership Student Conference on Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Henry Student Center. The event is coordinated by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in partnership with Civic Engagement and has become one of the most anticipated fall programs on campus. The conference theme this year, “Run Your R.A.C.E. (Respect. Advocacy. Community. Empowerment),” reflects the program’s focus on developing student leadership skills while encouraging participants to think critically about how diversity, equity, and inclusion intersect with everyday life at Wilkes and beyond. The multi-room format, taking place in the JPAC, Savitz Lounge, and Miller Room, will allow attendees to choose sessions most relevant to their interests. Past conferences have addressed issues ranging from allyship and advocacy to navigating difficult conversations. In addition to workshops, the event provides valuable networking opportunities. Students will meet others from across campus who share an interest in leadership and community engagement. Now in its eighth year, the Diversity and Leadership Student Conference has become a cornerstone event in Wilkes’ commitment to preparing students for leadership in a global society. Its longevity reflects not only the dedication of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion but also the consistent student interest in programming that addresses social responsibility and cultural understanding. For many, the conference serves as a stepping stone to deeper involvement in campus life. Students who attend often go on to take active roles in student organizations, volunteer projects, or advocacy initiatives. The lessons and skills gained, whether in communication, collaboration, or cultural awareness, tend to reach well beyond the walls of the student center. This year’s theme, “Run Your R.A.C.E.,” emphasizes four values that organizers hope participants will carry forward: Respect for diverse perspectives and identities. Advocacy for causes and communities in need. Community as a foundation for leadership and belonging. Empowerment to create change in personal and professional settings. The goal is to ensure that every student leaves with both inspiration and practical strategies. Students interested in attending can RSVP through the official registration form. Organizers encourage participants to sign up early so that facilitators can plan accordingly for space, materials, and discussion groups. The event is free and open to all Wilkes students. Questions can be directed to Erica Acosta (erica.acosta@wilkes.edu) or Catie Becker (catie.becker@wilkes. edu), both of whom are closely involved in coordinating the program. The conference will take place just a few weeks before the midpoint of the fall semester, giving students an opportunity to reflect on their academic and extracurricular goals while building new connections. Annual clothing swap allows students to help others By Kaydia Wright Staff writer With the fall season in full swing, a lot of students want to refresh their wardrobe. The Honors Program Student Committee is hosting its third annual clothing swap on Oct. 16. This event coming up is the perfect opportunity to declutter their wardrobe and add some new pieces for fall outfits. The clothing swap is a fall tradition that helps connect students together by donating their old clothes and being able to find new ones that fit their style, or even trying to find a new style. Anyone can participate in this event. Students interested in donating clothes can drop them off in SLC 262. Every student that donates will receive vouchers for the event, but that doesn’t mean others can’t participate. All pieces of donated clothing will be displayed on the first floor of the SUB on the Oct. 16 from noon to 3 p.m. for all students to come and shop with the vouchers or cash. All proceeds and any clothes that are not purchased will be donated to Give Kids the World and another to-be-determined organization. “We’ll accept [donations] all the way up to the clothing swap because we organize the clothes on the day of,” said Adah Layton, director of community service. “Just make sure if you are donating clothes, you use the QR code outside or inside the Honors office which is where you can drop off your bags of clothes. “Therefore we know what everyone donated and give each person a voucher so they can swap it for other clothes that people have donated.” Speaking of the vouchers, they will be used “sort of like Monopoly dollars,” Layton said. “A different set of clothes will have a different value or weight, such as jeans will have a higher weight than a skirt.” So, if a student were to give a certain amount in clothing, they would receive a certain amount back to use at the swap. This is also bringing an opportunity for other Honors students to volunteer to help. “Honors students are helping with setting up, distribution and shut down which helps us work towards our volunteer hours and serve the community,” said Valen Geyer, a first year honors student. This gives many students the opportunity to see what they have to look forward to in years to come helping out with this and many other service projects. The clothing swap not only helps students revamp their wardrobe, but it also helps connect students with each other and helps out many charities that the Honors Program is dedicated to aiding around the community and country. To donate clothing, visit SLC 262 or email Adah Layton at adah.layton@ wilkes.edu �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 News 5 �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 News 6 Wilkes ranked among best national universities for 2026 By Mollie Kuhar Special to The Beacon Wilkes University has once again been recognized by the U.S. News & World Report in its 2026 Best Colleges rankings for academic excellence and graduate success. This marks the 22nd consecutive year Wilkes has received national recognition in the university’s seventh year as a national university. In the 2026 rankings, Wilkes stands at 318 out of 434 national universities. Using 17 different factors to measure academic quality and graduate outcomes, the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings evaluate over 1,700 colleges and universities across the country. “I am incredibly proud that Wilkes continues to be recognized among the best universities in the country,” said Wilkes University President Greg Cant. “I am most proud of the diverse pathways we offer our students and especially how our dedicated faculty, staff, and campus community empower Colonels to define success on their own terms.” Wilkes was also ranked 236 in the Top Performers on Social Mobility, a category that evaluates how effectively colleges support and graduate Pell Grant recipients and students with significant financial need. Additionally, Wilkes earned recognition for several of its academic programs, including: engineering bachelor's degree programs, undergraduate business programs and its bachelor of science in nursing. Wilkes first-year engineering student Ryan Michaels shared his enthusiasm for the school’s academic strengths. “I’m glad to have had the opportunity to go to Wilkes University and study engineering with the great programs and resources available to us here. As a mechanical engineering major, I’m glad to see that Wilkes has been recognized nationally for its outstanding programs available to students.” Beyond U.S. News, Wilkes also received national and regional recognition from other sources. The Washington Monthly Ranked Wilkes 285 out of 438 national universities in the Best Colleges for Your Tuition & Tax Dollars category, and Wilkes was named Best Bang for the Buck College in the Northeast, highlighting Wilkes’ value and impact on social mobility. The Princeton Review also continued to include Wilkes on its Best in the MidAtlantic list, based on student feedback. Niche, an online platform that is designed to connect students with academic information, recognized Wilkes at a national level for the following: * Top 50% – Best Colleges in America * Top 10% – Best College Dorms in America * Top 40% – Private Universities in the U.S. * Top 25% – Colleges with the Best Professors in America Wilkes was also recognized as Best Value Colleges, Best Student Life, and Most Diverse Colleges in America. Statewide Recognition in Pennsylvania for Niche included: * Top 30% – Best Colleges in Pennsylvania * Top 40% – Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania * Top 25% – Colleges with the Best Professors in Pennsylvania * Top 35% – Colleges with the Best Student Life in Pennsylvania Cant emphasized the strength of the Wilkes community. “Being recognized for our exceptional faculty, academic quality, and student life is an honor. Anyone who comes to visit ilkes can clearly see that we offer not onlytransformative educational experiences but a passionate and welcoming campus community that stands ready to help all of our students achieve their personal and professional goals.” We’re Looking For NEWS WRITERS! BUILD YOUR RESUME WITH WRITING EXPERIENCE CONTACT: leah.smith1@wilkes.edu OR andrew.marshallsay@wilkes.edu �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 7 Life, Arts & Entertainment Life, Arts & Entertainment Have any events or artists to be shared? Contact Life, Arts & Entertainment Editor: Kailey.Vogel@wilkes.edu Season opener: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike By Cally Williams Staff writer Vanya and Sonia spent their lives taking care of their aging parents. Now, with no parents to care for, Vanya and Sonia sit in their morning room drinking coffee and watching the blue heron that eats frogs in their pond, only being interrupted by their quirky psychic cleaning lady, Cassandra. Their daily lives are upheaved when their movie star sister Masha pays them a visit with her hunky young boyfriend, Spike. Masha invites them all to a costume party and forces her siblings, Spike and a neighbor named Nina to dress up as characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, by Christopher Durang, is to be presented at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center by the Wilkes University Theatre Department. The play opens at 8 p.m. on Oct. 2 and continues Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Alby Lopuhovsky is a sophomore Musical Theatre major who plays Vanya, the only brother of the three siblings. “He’s kind of subdued in his life. He has always had this inspiring want to be a playwright.” Alby described Vanya as a peacemaker who watches the world go by around him. “He feels like it’s safer to just stay at home and he doesn’t really have the push to make the changes in his life that he should make.” Masha and Vanya’s adopted sister Sonia is played by Elena DiSciullo. DiSciullo is a junior Musical Theatre major. “She’s much more damaged than I think she wants to let on to,” DiSciullo said on Sonia. Similar to Vanya, she sits and watches the pond and compares herself to the wild turkeys who are “so awkward that they sleep in trees but repeatedly fall out of Wilkes University’s first production of the academic year begins Thursday. Tickets for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Wilkes faculty, staff and students are free with their Wilkes ID. First row, from left, Elena DiSciullo (Sonia) and Alby Lopuhovsky (Vanya). Standing, Gabby Greffen (Masha) Photo/Wilkes Theatre them,” as written by Durang. “She doesn’t have any confidence in herself basically and just constantly doubts everything that she does” DiSciullo added. “Masha is this ball of energy,” said Gabby Greffen who plays Masha. “She is a glamorous movie star. Masha certainly is glamorous, often prancing around with her heels and handbag, parading her success in front of her siblings. “She kind of brings her own whirlwind of life into their day to day life that is a little more mundane than hers is,” the sophomore musical theatre major said. Along with actors, stage management is a part of the rehearsal process from start to finish. First-year musical theatre major Abby Olander is one of the assistant stage managers for this production. “We’re there to support the stage manager,” Olander said, adding that some of her duties involve tracking props, taking line notes and keeping track of attendance. “Our rehearsal is lots of fun…”The connection is something truly beautiful to watch.” While not a complete adaptation, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike takes loose inspiration from the plays of Anton Chekhov. The siblings mention that their parents were English professors who loved Chekhov and named their children after his characters, dooming them to a childhood of ridicule and an adulthood of Chekohovian Vanya, continued on Page 8 �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 Life, Arts & Entertainment 8 Each E Ea ch we w week, ek, k tth k, the e Wi W Wilkes ilk il lke kes Beacon staff f pic ff picks i ks ic k out ttheir th eir i fa ir ffavorite v ri vo r te song of tthe th e we w ek. k Check out k. week. tthis th i we is w week’s ek’s ’ bop ’s bops! o s! op Leah Smith: Hickory Creek - Whitechapel Kailey Vogel: The Promise - W When hen in Rome Andrew Marshallsay: Slide Away - Oasis Natalia Williams: We Are One - Westlife Shawn Carey: Scott Pilgrim Plumtree Cally Williams: Rebel Girl – Bikini Kill Shannon Slominski: The Light - Disturbed Vanya, continued from Page 7 tragedy. Durang put Chekhov “into a blender” in his witty tale of regret and rivalry. Some of the characters are named after those from Chekov plays. Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Nina are all literary characters. Vanya and Sonia being from Uncle Vanya, Masha from Three Sisters and Nina from The Seagull. Meanwhile, the characters do not act entirely like their namesake. “My character is named Vanya, but the playwright Chris Durang actually based the character off of himself,” said Lopuhovsky. “He wrote Vanya as his life if he didn’t have the things that pushed him to become a playwright.” The play is directed by Performing Arts Chair Jon Liebetrau. While Vanya and Jake Mills: Animals als Nickelback Sonia and Masha and Spike is a comedy, there are dramatic elements as tensions run high within the lives of the siblings. “There are moments of serious human drama and there’s moments of absurd comic behavior,” Liebetrau said. “It’s a play really about family dynamics more than anything else.” Liebetrau encourages everyone to see the play. “In times of tension and discord it is much more enjoyable to leave that world and come into the world of the play and enjoy the tensions of other people.” Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Wilkes faculty, staff and students are free with their university ID. Thaelis Andujar: party 4 u - Charli xcx Freeze: Kiari - Fujii Kaze Nikki Steinberg: World Boss - Trippie Redd Topher DellaBella: New York, New York - Frank Sinatra Mollie Kuhar: In Too Deep M Genesis Juliana Kresge: One of the Greats - Florence and the Machine Working on a cool fundraiser? Want to have your event featured in The Beacon? Email kalen.churcher@wilkes.edu to learn how The Beacon can help you. �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 9 Life, Arts & Entertainment Homecoming Word Search Words to find! Credit for these puzzles goes to: www.puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 10 Life, Arts & Entertainment The mental health and wellness beacon: Mindfulness By Gina Harrison, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, assistant professor, Passan School of Nursing Columnist The start of the semester is often filled with new classes, fresh goals, packed schedules and plenty of pressure. It is exciting, but it can quickly become overwhelming. As the novelty of back-to-school excitement begins to fade, the reality of educational, professional, and personal responsibilities comes into sharp focus. You may notice as the semester rolls on, stress begins piling up. If you are a busy campus member, you may be tempted to ignore the stress and keep moving, even choosing to add on to the stress, until you reach a breaking point. Many people who reach their breaking point are at a high risk for burnout. Before burning out, I challenge you to think about your stress and how you can reduce it. Mindfulness is a great way to give yourself the mental health break you need. Think of mindfulness as the opportunity to give your brain a breather. A mini vacay for your mental health. Mindfulness is simply paying attention to your thoughts, your feelings, and your surroundings without judgment or overthinking. It does not require a great deal of time, effort, or investment. If you find time to include a few mindful minutes in your day, you can make a big difference in your mental health. Mindfulness can be a part of your already established routine. You can practice while waiting for the bus, walking across campus, brewing your coffee, or even during your nightly skincare routine. Below are a couple of ways to include mindfulness in your everyday life: Mindful Breathing: Find a comfortable spot where you can close your eyes and feel safe. Now, notice your breath. Count during each inhale and exhale. Try to make them longer. Focus on the feeling of the air moving in and out of your body. Start with a minute and increase the time (if you can). Gratitude Journaling: Encouraging your brain to see the positivity in your life encourages and perpetuates gratitude and positive thinking. Write down a couple things a day that you are grateful for. This activity rewires your brain to look for good, shaping your thoughts to be more positive. Body Scan: The body scan is something that you can practice while lying in bed, in the morning, or in the evening. Bring your attention to each part of your body, beginning with your toes. Flex and relax the muscles of your body, notice these sensations, and encourage relaxation in each body part. Once you have gone through the muscles of your body, think of your body as a whole. Notice how you are feeling. Take some deep, mindful breaths before concluding the activity. Mindfulness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about giving yourself time to breathe, reset, and become grounded. Expect your mind to wander off track; remember to gently return to your mindfulness activity. Do not judge yourself. Remember, this is practice. While the saying is usually “practice makes perfect”, in this case, practice makes practice; there is no perfect. It is something that you can do every day that will help you reduce stress while you build mental wellness and resilience. If you would like to learn more about mindfulness through journaling, join me at the E.S. Farley Library for guided journaling sessions designed to help you pause, reflect, and reset. Using thoughtful prompts, you can explore your goals, manage stress, and discover new perspectives. Journaling will be held in a supportive and relaxed setting. No experience needed. Just bring a pen, paper and an open mind. Journaling sessions begin Oct. 14. The journaling group will take place at the lower level of the E.S. Farley Library every other Tuesday throughout the semester from 11 a.m. until noon in the BI Classroom. If you have any questions or wish to sign up for journaling, please email me at gina.harrison@wilkes.edu. The mental health and wellness beacon column will appear regularly in The Beacon. It will also appear online at www.thewilkesbeacon. com �The Beacon – October 1, 2025 Life, Arts & Entertainment 11 Multicultural Student Coalition hosts day of fashion and fun By Juliana Kresge Special to The Beacon It was a day of fun and fashion in the Big Apple. Wilkes’ Multicultural Student Coalition (MSC) hosted a student trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on Sept. 27. Students had the opportunity to see the Met Costume Institute’s ongoing exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” This exhibition was the theme of the May 2025 Met Gala, an annual fundraising event for the museum. Readers may remember that photos of Zendaya in a white suit at the Met Gala went viral last May. “Superfine” takes its inspiration from the 2009 book, “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity,” by Monica Miller. According to the Met’s website, a dandy is a person (generally male) who “studies above everything else to dress elegantly and fashionably.” The exhibition explores the history of Black dandies from the eighteenth century to the present day. In the Civil War era, successful free Black men used elegant clothing to signal their wealth and social status. At the turn of the century, Black public intellectuals such as W.E.B DuBois wore tailored suits and Gold belt by Balmain A/W 2024-25 menswear, inspired by Ghanaian photographer Prince Gyasi carefully groomed their hair to command respect and dignity. Civil Rights leaders of the 1960s marched in three-piece suits and stylish dresses. The Harlem Renaissance ‘zoot suit’ and the Black Panthers’ berets and leather jackets are two more examples of Black stylistic innovations in the face of racism and stereotypes. Fashion trends in Black communities also have a broader cultural impact. For example, since the 1980s, hip-hop artists have influenced American youth culture, and Black designers from around the world continue to help define what is ‘cool’ and fashionable. “Superfine” chronicles this style evolution with multi-media exhibits, including clothing, video and artwork. Students spent several hours exploring this and other exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The second half of the daytrip was spent at the American Dream mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The American Dream is the largest mall on the East Coast. In addition to hundreds of shops and restaurants, the mall also has a Nickelodeon theme park and a Dreamworks indoor water park. Other attractions include a Ferris Wheel, an ice-skating rink and an aquarium. Liberian-American designer Telfar Clemens handbags next to former Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley’s custom monogrammed Louis Vuitton luggage Wales Bonner ‘Aime’ ensemble A/W 2015-16, velvet suit and headpiece with cowrie shell-crystal details. Cowrie shell historical African currency. Photos/Juliana Kresge �The Beacon - October 1st, 2025 12 PRESIDENT CANT’S HOMECOMING LETTER DEAR COLONELS, It’s hard to believe that October is upon us. One month into the fall semester, and there are exciting things to come - particularly this weekend. I cordially invite and encourage the campus community to participate in one of our most fun, lively and celebratory events of the year, Homecoming: Alumni and Family Weekend, beginning Friday, Oct. 3 - Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. What makes this weekend so special? Where to start. Firstly, it is the one time of year where Colonels - near and far - reunite on campus. Generations of alumni come back to feel like students again, see old friends, visit faculty and staff, learn about our programs and all your innovative academic research, show their support for our teams, tour buildings and bask in the nostalgia from their time at Wilkes. The biggest �The Beacon - October 1st, 2025 draw for alumni to return this time of year isn’t just to reminisce and have fun - it’s actually you, our students. They want to connect, learn more about your experience and offer mentorship. Many understand the gravity of how Wilkes has impacted them, and they wish to share that impact with you as you continue in your academic journey and beyond. I encourage you all to be curious and open, to engage with an alum or two and see how they have defined success for themselves. One connection can make all the difference. Mrs. Cant and I are eagerly anticipating seeing everyone throughout the weekend. Reunions, celebrations and the palpable energy shared by everyone connected to Wilkes will most certainly mark another memorable Homecoming. We look forward to seeing you there. Sincerely, PRESIDENT CANT Secondly, we will have extra special guests on campus: families. Not just alumni and their families, but also yours. Parents, guardians, siblings, cousins and more can experience Wilkes for themselves and see what a day in your life is like as you stroll the Fenner Quadrangle, pass through the Henry Student Center, show off your work, take them on your own personal tour of your favorite spots and pose in a family photo in front of one of our vibrant murals on campus. Lastly, the weekend will be full of entertaining events and activities. We have a jam-packed schedule that will create opportunities for you to engage and connect with others, spend quality time with your family and friends, eat delicious food and drinks, commend yourselves on your academics thus far and relish this special time in your lives. Usher in the Colonel spirit at our pep rally, raise a glass with professors, attend the Cohen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship dedication ceremony, cheer on the Colonels at the Tailgate Tent, win at Family Bingo and more. To register for Homecoming and Family Day, please visit wilkes. edu/homecoming. 13 �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 Opinion Editorial Staff 2025-26 MANAGERIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief - Leah Smith Adviser - Dr. Kalen Churcher SECTION EDITORS LA&E - Kailey Vogel Opinion - Shawn Carey Sports - Andrew Marshallsay DESIGNERS Head Designer - Lara Mullen Designer - Carol Stratford Photographer - Shannon Slominski STAFF WRITERS Kaydia Wright Nikki Steinberg Topher DellaBella Natalia Williams Thaelis Andujar Jake Mills 141 S. Main Street Clayton and Theresa Karambelas Media & Communication Center Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 Phone - (570) 408-5903 www.thewilkesbeacon.com Want to advertise in The Beacon? Contact: Kalen Churcher at kalen.churcher@wilkes.edu or Leah Smith at leah.smith1@wilkes.edu Opinion 14 Have an opinion or want to write a guest column? Contact assistant opinion editors: shawn.carey1@wilkes.edu Our Voice Each week, The Beacon’s editorial board will take a stance on a current issue. Liberal arts has nothing to do with politics Wilkes University is a private, non-profit liberal arts institution. Though this type of education may share a name with a political party, it is often misconceptualized as an institution that pushes a specific political agenda. The true meaning behind what a liberal arts education is has virtually nothing to do with politics. Instead its focus is on allowing students to receive a well rounded education. It is unlike a vocational trade school, which focuses on specific hands-on training for specialized workforces such as mechanics or culinary chefs. It also differs from a performing arts university which strictly specializes in music, dance and theater. A liberal arts college gives students knowledge in multiple subjects for multiple disciplines. Often in smaller and intimate class sizes. Here at Wilkes, general education requirements include a variety of classes in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and the arts. By providing students with multiple perspectives in multiple fields critical thinking skills are built alongside with problem solving ones. Taking a class such as public speaking provides students of all majors with important life skills that allow them to effectively communicate in professional settings outside of the classroom. A biology class allows students to develop and use problem solving skills through hypothesizing, researching and testing different experiments to get a desired outcome. Even a history class provides students with multiple perspectives and analytical skills that can be used to formulate individual opinions. These are just a few examples of how life skills are developed through interdisciplinary education, but the list goes on. We haven’t even touched the importance of math nor the cultural understanding gained from foreign language learning. This well rounded approach to education as seen in liberal arts universities is crucial in building a strong character in addition to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around us. The Honors and Scholars Program here at Wilkes advocates for adaptable students who not only excel inside the classroom, but also thrive as leaders in their communities. Program Director Dr. Jonathan Kuiken voiced why he believes that a liberal arts education is important in meeting the mission of this program. “I think the purpose of the honors program is to graduate people of character who are going to be exceptional citizens. An exceptional citizen is one who can think individually; One who can work interdisciplinarily and one who has a passion for seeking the truth.” “We’re not a job training site, we’re a citizen training site,” he added. He concluded by stating, “Being a good citizen makes you better at your job. Studying the liberal arts advances all careers.” Liberal arts schools also open up opportunities for broader socialization in which students can share their opinions and knowledge across their own disciplines and values. A pharmacy major can become friends with and exchange their ideas to a theater arts major. The two can find similarities and differences between their characters. This idea is the backbone of human contact in the real world. Everyone has unique experiences and specialized knowledge in something, but these liberal arts institutions provide students with a chance to exercise that idea from the very early stages of their career building. A liberal arts education is not political, but instead an approach to creating good samaritans through diverse knowledge and experiences that vocational schools don’t often provide. It allows students of different backgrounds to get to know each other on a personal level and sets students up to excel after graduation. Letter to the editor policy: The Beacon welcomes letters to the editor from differing viewpoints. Letters must contain contact information, including name, city, state and phone number. Phone numbers will not be published but may be used for verification purposes. The Beacon Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member All letters to the editor must be sent using one of the following methods: Email: leah.smith1@wilkes.edu Phone: (570) 408-5903 (Voicemail: 30 seconds or less, please.) Mail: 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766 Attn: The Beacon �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 Opinion 15 The Icebox presents Rhythm Gaming By Freeze Staff writer What’s life without a little bit of groove? If you engage in any kind of artistry, you probably know how valuable it is to become one with the beat. Even if you’re completing a seemingly meaningless task, you can truly enhance it by putting on a tune. That’s just the power of music, isn’t it? Did you know that music can be used to train your reflexes? It’s true! Athletes are known to train themselves to specific playlists because it helps them synchronize their mind and body with an external force, rather than relying on one’s own ability. The science behind this phenomenon is more complex than I am describing, but this is the Icebox. We talk about video games here. Let’s start with the first rhythm game most of us have played. For many people of our generation, it was most likely Just Dance. This was a Wii game that we all played at parties, play dates, and sleepovers with friends. Other people may have engaged in the classic arcade games such as Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero. Some people probably enjoyed karaoke, Smule or Rhythm Heaven on the DS. All of these were ways for people to stay engaged, train their hand-eye coordination and keep up with the latest hits at the same time. The higher your score on a song, the better singer or dancer you were. The use of music to train reflexes wasn’t just limited to these activities. A lot of you may remember that in school gym classes we would often complete activities to the 2000s hit playlists. Since that age, rhythm games have taken an entirely new approach. While games like Guitar Hero and Just Dance are still very popular, there are new developments in the genre that have surprised everyone. I will admit that at one point I never saw the appeal in rhythm games. As a matter of fact, I hated them. That is until I discovered the new age of rhythm games. The new style of rhythm games does not force you to sing or dance, which I have always been uncomfortable with. Instead, they test your raw skill with inputs synchronized to all kinds of music that isn’t just exclusive to the pop and rock genre. The earliest sign of these new kinds of rhythm games was Geometry Dash. A lot of children who play this game don’t even realize that they are optimizing their taps to the sound of the beat. The game is largely known for its dubstep and techno track, where lyrics don’t matter but the melodies are vital to your success. After the success of Geometry Dash, indie developers sought to discover unique angles to a music-based game. Now, this is not to say that Geometry Dash is the kickstarter for all of these ideas. Although, I would not be surprised if that were the case. One thing that I am sure of is that the new age of rhythm games has only been successful thanks to the ability to play video games on a PC. You may have heard of Friday Night Funkin’, which uses arrow inputs in a manner like Dance Dance Revolution. The premise of the game is rap battles on the street, where your performance depends on how successfully got opinions? you can tap the arrows. Next in line are the VR-based rhythm games. These were absolutely revolutionary for the entire music industry, since they offered a futuristic approach to performance. The notable titles here are Beat Saber and Pistol Whip. Both of these games take it to the next level with how you can immerse yourself in music. Not only are you staying with the rhythm, but you are making swift movements and being thrown into a virtual environment that visualizes the sounds for you. Virtual environments have been really important for the music industry, offering a place for performers to get up and close with their fans on a virtual stage. Paired with artificial intelligence, we now have a dangerously immersive musical experience. The industry of music-based video games really would not be as successful as it is today without one important factor. That would be the arcade culture in Japan. Stay tuned for next week’s Icebox to hear about my own first-person experience in Tokyo where I witnessed the insanely competitive culture of rhythm arcade games. �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 Opinion 16 Do we appreciate older comics enough? By Shawn Carey Opinioin I spend a decent amount of time traversing the internet. I’ve seen much on my journeys. Meddling hot takes, think pieces on niche topics, intense music fans, callout posts. You know, average internet stuff for the most part. I’ve grown used to the ways of the internet, it takes a lot to surprise me. I was recently very surprised. Sept. 17 saw the release of “Deadpool/Batman,” the first installment in “Marvel” and “DC’s” newest crossover event. The oversized one-shot featured a handful of short stories featuring characters from both companies crossing over. Green Lantern and Rocket Racoon, Captain America and Wonder Woman, and so on. As expected, these stories were the week’s fiery topic of discussion. Some loved the stories, others didn’t. I have my own opinions on the comic itself. However, that’s not what I want to talk about. Rather, I wish to discuss the fallout that came from one specific story. The Dark Knight Returns Batman meets Old Man Logan. The story written and drawn by Frank Miller saw the two older, alternative future versions of the characters pit against each other. The story itself isn’t anything too crazy, a fun short four page story filled with Miller’s trademark edge. The story itself wasn’t what got the people talking, it was the art. It’s hard to explain Miller’s art to someone who has never seen it before. It’s gritty, boxy, dense, and dark. When compared to other comic artists his artstyle is definitely unique. Personally, I think there’s a certain charm to it. Sure, it’s not the prettiest thing to look at but it fits the vibe of his stories. With that being said, it appears my opinion is in the minority. Social media was full of countless posts complaining about Miller’s style, calling it ugly and unprofessional. Now, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I’m not complaining about that. However, I am complaining about the aftermath that came from it. Miller wasn’t the only artist who was the subject of conversation. Tim Sale, Frank Quitely, Scottie Young, and others all had their work heavily judged over the week, facing much of the same criticism. It’s of course not all the same comments, for example I saw someone say they should redraw Sale’s “Batman: The Long Halloween” with a new artist. What I find most interesting is that these artists tend to be pretty uncontroversial. They live relatively quiet lives for the most part, really only being talked about whenever they release a new project. In all of my time of being a comic fan, this is the most I’ve seen these individuals discussed. Once again, I don’t want to call anyone’s opinions flat out wrong. Everyone is of course entitled to their own opinion. However, I will point out the pattern I’ve noticed with their choices of comic artists, and why I believe they have said opinions. First off, they all have heavily stylized art styles, they don’t look like what we would consider “traditional” comic art. Instead of having the ultra realistic human anatomy of other artists, they tend to go more unnatural looking poses. Their work also tends to be filled with bright colors and thick shadows, once again moving away from the somewhat more realistic work of others. Second, most of their work can be seen in older comics. While they still get work today, most of their big projects are from the early 2000s and late 90s. Comic writing and art has changed a lot over the decades. Modern readers may not be used to older books, in the same way that most people aren’t used to watching older movies. Now, don’t get me wrong, a lot of older comics are not easy to read. I have read plenty of classic Jack Kirby books and it honestly took me a little bit to get used to how he writes dialogue. You have to keep in mind the time period in which they came out, you can’t compare them to more modern comics. Treat it as its own thing. I’m making a lot of assumptions in this article. “Maybe they don’t like the way their art is stylized, or maybe they just aren’t used to reading older comics.” I’m trying to understand why so many people don’t appreciate such important figures. Honestly, I’m not even that big of a fan of many of these artists, however I still understand their impact. I feel like we have undergone a change as of recently. It seems like we don’t properly appreciate figures of our past, especially in art. We choose to ignore them and call them “overhyped.” This isn’t okay. If you are a fan of an artist medium, you have to understand why it’s the way it is today. For example, Frank Miller is the reason we have darker, more adult comics. It’s because of his work on “Daredevil: Born Again” that comics aren’t just made for kids. Now, do I think that he’s the only person that could’ve done so? Absolutely not. However, he’s the one we got. We can not skip over his, or any other artist’s impact. For good or for worse. Have an opinion to share? Want to read a specific review? Let us know! Or better yet, submit a letter to the editor or guest column. Email kalen.churcher@ wilkes.edu �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 Opinion 17 DC Comics' Absolute Universe pleases fans and critics By Leah Smith Editor-in-Chief In October 2024, DC announced that as part of the newly established DC “All-In” initiative, there would be a separate universe of stories that would be published alongside the main continuity. This universe is known as the Absolute Universe and similarly to Marvel’s Ultimate Universe which made its comeback in 2023, it takes the superheroes that we all know and love and change bits and pieces of who they are in order to create new situations that would warrant intrigue to have fans read an alternate universe of characters that we are already familiar with. Absolute Batman by Scott Snyder, Absolute Superman by Jason Aaron and Absolute Wonder Woman by Kelly Thompson were the first three titles announced and were highly anticipated. Since their release along with other titles to follow starring The Flash, Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter, the Absolute universe titles have been selling incredibly and have been praised by both critics and fans. On July 25 during San Diego Comic Con, the annual Will Eisner Awards were held which is an awards ceremony meant to celebrate the achievements made in American comic books. These are the most prestigious awards offered for those in the comic book industry and during this ceremony, Absolute Wonder Woman won the Eisner for best new series making it the first Absolute Universe book to win an Eisner. This is not only a grand achievement for the comic title itself, but for the Absolute universe as well because it sets the precedent for Absolute Universe comics going above and beyond the expectations of an alternate universe book. In this universe, Wonder Woman is taken from the Amazons as a baby and is raised by the sorceress Circe in the underworld. She is taught survival skills as she battles creatures in the fiery pits as well as witchcraft. Magic is nothing new for Wonder Woman, however it plays a much more influential role in her stories. For example, in issue 5, Diana is able to transform herself into Medusa by wrapping herself in the Nemesis Lasso, this universe’s equivalent to the Lasso of Truth. Fans have also praised this version of Wonder Woman of bringing "justice" to the character as the Princess of the Amazons has not been given much love by DC due to her having low numbers of media representation in recent years. While all of the Absolute DC Universe comic titles have garnered much love from fans, there’s one title in particular that several fans can’t stop talking about and that is Absolute Batman. Absolute Batman has been the fan favorite with the comic breaking sales records over and over again. In a world where comic piracy and digital purchasing has become a norm for people to read comics, Absolute Batman is a godsend in terms of physical comic purchasing. Its very first issue has had nine reprints to keep up with demand. Recently, fans online have been losing their minds over the rogues gallery that Batman has faced and is going to face in future issues. The Absolute Universe design of the Joker was recently released and is a terrifying Lovecraftianesque creature. The origins of this universe’s Joker are still a mystery at the time of this publication. However, the final design of the Clown Prince of Crime is enough to have fans both excited and petrified of what’s to come. The Absolute Universe’s Batman differs from the main continuity’s Batman in several ways. Mainly, Absolute Bruce Wayne grew up in a poor neighborhood. His father died in a shooting during a school trip to the zoo, but Wayne’s mother is still alive. Bruce’s childhood friends also happen to be some of the iconic villains we’re familiar with such as the Riddler, Two-Face, Penguin, Killer Croc and Catwoman. The tone of this universe’s Batman and Gotham City are much darker and edgier than that of the main universe which makes sense as to why the Joker and other villains are designed to be Graphic by Lara Mullen much scarier than they are regularly. Batman himself is even designed much bulkier and intimidating to match that grittiness. The remarkable reception, sales and accolades goes to show that comic books are still very much a big deal in pop culture. There are future Absolute Universe titles coming out such as Absolute Evil, a one-shot and Absolute Green Arrow. Make sure to reach out to your local comic shop and pick up an issue of any of these comics. �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 Opinion A review of "IDOLS" by YUNGBLUD By Natalia Williams Staff writer We are back for another album review. I am so excited to share my thoughts for the album this week. This artist has been on my TikTok for you page every single day and I have been wanting to listen to this album in full for the longest time and now is the perfect opportunity. This week I will be reviewing “Idols” by YUNGBLUD. This is a genre I don't listen to at all but I am absolutely obsessed with one of the tracks on this album and can’t wait to listen to the full record. Without further ado, this is my track by track review of “Idols”. sound and this one is definitely a favorite. 3. “Lovesick Lullaby”: 7/10 I am starting to realize that this album is one that transitions perfectly after every song…so far. Even though this song is a bit of a different vibe than the last one it still fits and meshes together. This one I've heard a lot on TikTok and I find it very catchy. I love the flow of the verses and the way he sings them if that makes sense. I don't think it will be a song I repeat often but a solid track. 1. “Hello Heaven, Hello”: 7/10 4. “Zombie”: 10/10 First thing I noticed and called out… this song is 10 minutes long which I think is kind of neat for an album opener. It's a good introduction for what you're about to hear for the rest of the album. The first two minutes of the song I wasn't a fan but after the little break where it was just guitar I started to vibe with it a little more. It feels like three songs in one which is actually so neat since I haven’t heard a track like that, and it makes sense why it is a 10-minute track. I get different vibes from each part and my favorite is the second and third section. It is very different from what I'm used to but not a bad song at all. I am a sucker for a good guitar solo and this song gave me amazing ones. Overall, solid opening track. This was the song that made me want to listen to the album in its entirety. This one is such a beautiful song. It does not have a seamless transition from the last song but it still fits the vibe of the album. I am actually so obsessed with this song and even the music video is beautiful. The story of the song is so beautiful and makes me tear up every listen. Hearing this song live, specifically the bridge, would actually heal me and the incorporation of the strings give me goosebumps. There is so much love I have for this song and it is one of my favorite songs released this year. 2. “Idol’s Pt 1”: 9/10 Love a good title track! Right from the start, I noticed that the last part of the opening track flowed very well into this one. The strings in the beginning and throughout the song are so beautiful. The melody and the story of the track is actually so beautiful and I can definitely see myself repeating this one often. I also noticed that this one gives me a little bit of a 2000s Britpop 5. “The Greatest Parade”: 5/10 Another one without a seamless transition but still fits the same vibe as the previous one. This one is not my vibe. It's not a bad song whatsoever but one that I won't be repeating. The bridge is probably my favorite part of the song and I really like the vocals on this one. It is a good song, just not one I connect or vibe with that much. 6. “Change”: 9/10 This one had somewhat of a seamless transition? Not as seamless as the first 3 tracks but it was kinda seamless. This one has a ballad feel to it which I love and once again the strings are gorgeous. This one is definitely one of my favorites lyrically and the prechorus is definitely my favorite part. I can definitely see myself adding this one to a playlist and repeating constantly. The guitar solo and the strings closing the song brought the song together and is another favorite part of mine. 7. “Monday Murder”: 3/10 18 9/10 I love this song! Probably a favorite after “Zombie”. I love the melody and this one definitely gave me 2000s romance movie vibes. I love the instrumentation of this song and like always, the strings are gorgeous. Lyrically another favorite and vocally as well and it is definitely a song that is being added to my “On Repeat” playlist. 11: “Idols Pt II”: 9/10 Not my vibe. I don't have much to say about this one. I love the melody and of course the guitar in this one though. Not many thoughts on this one, just not a song I see myself listening to often. Title track part two and once again gives me interlude vibes. It is a different vibe from part one as this one is more of a ballad, I really wish this one was longer because it is just so pretty. Top 3 for the album 100%. Overall such a beautiful song. 8. “Ghosts”: 8/10 12: “Supermoon”: 10/10 We seem to have stopped with the seamless transition but the overall vibe of the album is still the same. Lyrically another great song and another favorite and vocally another good one. The prechorus is my favorite part and I love the build up in the chorus. I thought I was getting another slow kind of ballad but it is another regular fast song. The piano in the beginning and throughout the song is gorgeous and a highlight. I am obsessed with the ending just being instrumental and once again, the strings…chefs kiss. I can definitely see myself adding this one into a playlist and repeating it constantly. We end with a very seamless transition and this one is almost a continuation of “Idols Pt II”. Ive been waiting for a track with a slower ballad feel and I got it! Lyrically another great song and I think this was an amazing closer. I am 100% adding this one to my playlist and it deserves the second 10/10 for this album Overall, very solid album and I give it a 8/10. In a time where artists are releasing albums with tracks that all sound like singles, I can appreciate Dom and this album so much because it is truly a body of work. It's one of the best albums I've listened to that was released this year. The opening track was most definitely the perfect introduction and overview to what I was about to hear. The three parts of the song represented the album as a whole and I thought that was so neat. The album had the perfect mix of alternative, rock, and britpop that blended together so well. Although it is a genre and style I don't gravitate towards, I really enjoyed this album and I cannot wait to dive into the rest of his discography. 9. “Fire”: 6/10 This one I found interesting! Not in a bad way, I just can not pinpoint if I like this one or not. It is a good song but I am just not sure how I feel about it. This one is definitely shorter and it gave me interlude vibes kind of. Not a bad song, but I definitely need a few more listens. 10: “War”: �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 Sports 19 Sports Want your sport covered? Deserve to be Athlete of the Week? Contact the Sports Editor: andrew.marshallsay@wilkes.edu NHL preseason begins with fresh faces around the league By Ava Tureen Contributing Writer ���������������������������������������� ����������������� �������� ������������� ��� ���� ���� ��� ��������� ����� ������� ����� �������������������������������������� � ����� ��������� ���������� ������ ������� ���� ��������� ������ ������ �� ���� ��������� ��������� �­������� €��� ��� ���� ������ ���������� ����� �����������‚�����‚��������������������� ����������ƒ�����„������…������ �‚������ ����������������������‚� ������������� †­����  � ����…������� ������� �‚������������� ������������������������������������������ � ��������������‚�����������‚� ������������ ��������� ‡��� ��� ���� ��� ���� ���� ���� ��� �������� �������� ���� ��� ���� ������ˆ�� ‰���� ������ � ‚����Š���‹� Œ������ ������ ���� ���� Ž����‰����� Ž�������� ���� ���� ‘����� †’� ������������������������������������������� ���� �������“����”•�������� Ž�������� ��� ������������� ����������� ������������������ Š–������������������•�������—� ������� ����Ž���������Œ����������������� �������� ����„������…��������—�������“���������� ���� ‚��������� ����� ‰������ ������� ���� ��������–��������������������������������� � ‡��������� ���� ������������ ������������ ����������� ��� �� �������� ������� �� ������������ ������� ��������� ����� ���� ��������‰���������������������������������� ‘�������������������������������������‰���� � €�� •� � � ˜�� � ™Œ�����š� ������ ���� ‘����� ����� ����� ���� Ž��������� ���������� �� ������� ������ �� ��� ��� ������ ������ ��� ���� ������ ������ ��� �� ›�†� ���� � ��� ���� —����‰���“����œ������ � ��� œ����� ��� ��� ž������ ���� ������� ��� ����Ž������� ����Œ���������������Š������� Ÿ���� � Š–���� ��������� ���� ������������� ���������Ÿ������� ���������������������� ‘��������������–�� ������������������������ —���� ��� “��������� � �� �–���� ‘� �� �������� ���—��������� � ��������������ž�������Š������������ ��� �� ������� ���� ������� ������ ���–�� ���� ��� ���� ­� ���–�� ��� ����� ��� �������� ‡���� Ž���������������������������� � ���� Ÿ����� ����� ��¡������ ������� ���� ¢���� ‡������� �� ����� —����� …������� ���� �������‚������„������������������������ �������� ��� ���� ��� ���� ������ˆ�� �������� ������� ������� �����Ÿ������������������ � ‚����� ‚���� ����� ��������� �� ���� ����� ������������ ����������������������£���� ��� ������� � ¤���������� ���� ������������ ��������� �����������������������������Ÿ������������� œ���� „�‰���� ��� Ÿ�������� ���� ƒ����� ��� —������� �������� Š������ •��� �� ��� Ž����‰������ ��� ����� ��� ���� Ž�������� ��������Š��£��������� ������•���œ��� ‚���� ��� ������ ���� ������� ��� ��‰����� ������ ������ ‰�� ‰�������� ��� ���� ��������� ���������� �� ��������£ ������������ ���������������‰��‰����������������� ��� ������� ����� ������ ������ ���� ����� �������� ������ ��� ����  �­� �������� ����� ����‰��� œ���� ¥����� ����� ������ ��� ����������������������������Ÿ���� � �������¢������–������������������������� ������ �����������…������������ ���������� ���� ‡������� ������ ����� ����� Ž����� ��� ��������������������������������� � ‚��‰�� ���� ‰������� ��������� ��� ���� � �������� ���� ������� ��� Ž����‰����� ���� ��������������������¡����������‘� �����‰���� ����������‰�����‰��� � Š–���� ���� Ž�������� ���� ‚���� •���� ��� �������†§�������œ������—������������ �� Œ������ Ž������� ���� Œ������ ����������� ������ ������ ���� ‡������� ���� ��� � � ���� ����������� ����� ������ ��� Ž�������� —������ ����� ������ ����� ������� �� ���������������������������������•������� AUG 30 3:00 P.M. – AT OSWEGO STATE – OSWEGO, NY��������� ‚������� ‚������ Š��£� Œ����������Ÿ������Ÿ�‰����������������� —� ���������†­�����†˜ � SEPT 3 7:00 P.M. – AT WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY – WAYNE, NJ 6 3:00 P.M.������� – ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – READING,—��� PA Œ����� ����� ��¡������� ��� ���� ��£���� •���� ��� SEPT ‰������ Ž����‰����� SEPT 10 7:00 P.M. – VS¥����� KING’S COLLEGE – BRUGGEWORTH ��������FIELD ����� ����� ������� ���� ������ ���������� �������� Ÿ� ��� ����(PA) ��� SEPT 13 1:00 P.M. – VS LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – BRUGGEWORTH FIELD —��������������������������������������� �������������¢������������ SEPT 17 7:00 P.M. – AT ALBRIGHT COLLEGE – READING, PA ����������� � ���������������������������‰��������� �� SEPT 20 7:00 P.M. – VS FDU-FLORHAM – DANBURY, CT - BRUGGEWORTH FIELD SEPT 24 7:00 P.M.����� – VS WIDENER - BRUGGEWORTH ���� FIELD ‘� �� ������� ���� ������� ��� �� ��‰������ ���� Ž�������� ����UNIVERSITY ��������� SEPT 27 1:00 P.M. – VS ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE (LANDMARK) – BRUGGEWORTH ������� ��� Ÿ�� � †��FIELD ���� ��� ��� ��� �������� ��������Ÿ���‚��� �‚�������‘ ������������ OCT 1 7:00 P.M. – VS MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY – BRUGGEWORTH FIELD ��������������������������� �‰����� ����� �� �������� ����������������������������������� OCT 4 1:00 P.M. – AT JUNIATA COLLEGE (LANDMARK) – HUNTINGDON, PA ��������������������� ���������������‰������ ��������‰�����������•�����—��� � OCT 7 7:00 P.M. – VS SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY (LANDMARK) – SELINSGROVE, PA ���������������‰������������€�� �†  � ��� ���� Ž���‘ ��� Ÿ� ������� Š���� Œ����� OCT 11 1:00 P.M. – AT CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA (LANDMARK) – WASHINGSTON, DC OCT 14 7:00 P.M. – VS DREW UNIVERSITY (LANDMARK) –���� BRUGGEWORTH FIELD������� ��� ���� ��� ������ ��� �������� ������ ���� —�������� ������ ���� ��‰���� 1:00 P.M. – VS COLLEGE (LANDMARK) – BRUGGEWORTH €�� � ˜�� �����FIELD ���� ����� ��� ���� ������ ���� ������ � ���OCT ���18•�������� �–GOUCHER ���� ���� …������ OCT 21 7:00 P.M. – AT UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON (LANDMARK) – SCRANTON, PA ��� ‰�� �� �������� ‘����������������Ÿ���“������ � OCT 25 1:00 P.M. – AT MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY (LANDMARK) – BETHLEHEM, PA ‰������� ���� Ž����‰����� Ž�������� ����FIELD ������� ����� ������ ‚���� ����������‰��Š�¦��…� ����ˆ��‘ ������������ OCT 28 7:00 P.M. – VS LYCOMING COLLEGE (LANDMARK) – BRUGGEWORTH ������������Š�������…�����‰�������������� � •���� �� �����������������‰��������������� Š–���� ����� � ���������� ‰������ …� ����� ���� ‰������ ���� ‰������ ��� ����� ��� ����� ���� ���� ��������� ��� ����� ‰�� �������� � � ��������������������ˆ��‰��������‰���������� ������������–��������������� �Š–������������ �£������������������������� � FIELD HOCKEY SCHEDULE AUG 30 12:00 P.M. – AT OSWEGO STATE – OSWEGO, NY SEPT 3 4:30 P.M. – VS ALFRED UNIVERSITY – SCHMIDT STADIUM SEPT 6 1:00 P.M. – VS ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – SCHMIDT STADIUM SEPT 10 7:00 P.M. – VS KING’S COLLEGE (PA) – SCHMIDT STADIUM SEPT 13 1:00 P.M. – VS MCDANIEL COLLEGE – SCHMIDT STADIUM SEPT 14 1:00 P.M. – VS DESALES UNIVERSITY – SCHMIDT STADIUM - SENIOR DAY44 SEPT 17 6:00 P.M. – AT ONEONTA – ONEONTA, NY SEPT 20 6:00 P.M. – AT WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE – DANBURY, CT SEPT 24 4:30 P.M. – AT EASTERN UNIVERSITY – ST. DAVIDS, PA SEPT 27 1:00 P.M. – AT ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE – ELIZAZBETHTOWN, PA OCT 1 7:00 P.M. – AT PENN STATE HARRISBURG (LANDMARK) – MIDDLETOWN, PA OCT4 4:00 P.M. – VS JUNIATA COLLEGE (LANDMARK) – SCHMIDT STADIUM OCT 8 7:00 P.M. – VS SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY (LANDMARK) – SCHMIDT STADIUM OCT 11 1:00 P.M. – VS CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA (LANDMARK) – SCHMIDT STADIUM OCT 15 7:00 P.M. – AT DREW UNIVERSITY (LANDMARK) – MADISON, NJ OCT 18 1:00 P.M. – AT GOUCHER COLLEGE (LANDMARK) – BALTIMORE, MD OCT 22 7:00 P.M. – VS UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON (LANDMARK) – SCHMIDT STADIUM OCT 25 1:00 P.M. – VS MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY (LANDMARK) – SCHMIDT STADIUM OCT 29 7:00 P.M. – AT LYCOMING COLLEGE (LANDMARK) – WILLIAMSPORT, PA �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 Sports 2025 Wilkes University homecoming preview By Topher DellaBella Sports Editor After a hard fought win against the Montclair State University Red Hawks, 24-21 , the Wilkes University Colonels will take on the Catholic University Cardinals in a Landmark Conference match up from Schmidt Stadium. The Colonels come into the homecoming game with a 2-2 record, while the Cardinals come to WilkesBarre with a record of 1-3, most recently a huge loss to Salisbury University, 55-6. Last year’s homecoming matchup was against a different group of Cardinals: the ones from St. John Fisher. The Colonels won the game 28-21, and they are looking to do the same thing this year. Players to watch for the Colonels include senior quarterback Cooper King who has thrown for a total of 565 yards and four touchdowns this season. Another player to keep an eye on is senior kicker Nick Volpone who hit the game-winning field goal for the Colonels last week against the Red Hawks. On the defensive side of the ball, junior linebacker Tyler Wetzel has been a standout player for the Colonels as he was named Landmark Conference Defensive Player of the Week against King’s after the Mayor’s Cup game First year tight end Maddox McCormick says he and his team are ready for the game this weekend. “Me and the rest of the team are very excited for the game,” McCormick said. “I think we’ve been building momentum and stacking days in practice heading into the game this week,” he concluded. In other sports, the field hockey team will be playing the Juniata College Eagles for their homecoming after the conclusion of the football game. The Colonels will be back at home after a lengthy slate of road games that concludes on Oct. 1 when they take on Penn State Harrisburg. Players to watch for the Colonels include first year Maddie Karp who is leading the team with six goals. First year Taylor Bower is leading the team in assists with five. On the road, women's soccer, men's soccer and women's volleyball will look to come back home with some wins. Whether it’s football or field hockey, the sports of Wilkes University will look to impress in front of the home crowd as they welcome back alumni, parents and more. Wilkes Athletics Homecoming day Events Football 12 p.m. vs. Catholic Women's Volleyball: Tri-match: 12 p.m. vs. Catholic, 2:30 p.m. vs. Salisbury Women's Soccer: 1 p.m. at Juniata Men's Soccer 4 p.m. at Juniata Field Hockey 4 p.m. vs. Juniata SAT. OCT. 4TH 12 PM SCHMIDT STADIUM HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME VS CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA @ WILKES U SAT. OCT.4TH & SUN. OCT. 5TH 20 SAT. OCT. 4TH 4 PM BRUGGEWORTH FIELD FIELD HOCKEY GAME VS JUNIATA SUN. OCT. 5TH 11 AM MEN’S LACROSSE ALUMNI GAME �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 Sports 21 This week in Wilkes sports: Sept. 23 to Sept. 28 By Andrew Marshallsay Sports Editor Another week of Wilkes sports has come and gone as the majority of Colonels continue non-conference matchups as they gear up for Landmark play. From volleyball to field hockey, here’s last week’s matchups and scores. Sept. 23 Women’s volleyball kicked off the day’s two events with an away matchup against Penn State Abington. Facing a tough side, the Colonels were swept in three straight sets, losing 0-3. Men’s soccer took on Ursinus at home in front of the Bruggeworth crowd. After Kendall Heck scored less than nine minutes in, Ursinus answered back with two goals, grabbing the game winner with less than nine minutes left in the contest. Wilkes fell 1-2. Sept. 24 A matchup at East Stroudsburg for women’s tennis was postponed due to inclement weather. Field Hockey had their first game of the week, taking on Eastern University away from home. A tough matchup that went all the way to overtime, the Colonels fell on an Eastern penalty corner goal. Women’s soccer were back at home in their final non-conference matchup of the season before Landmark play began. Taking on Widender, the Colonels hoped to end the non-conference phase of the season on a high note. Taylor Anthony grabbed the contest’s first goal about 39 minutes into the first half. Widener played spoiler to the party with an 89th minute equalizer. The match ended 1-1. Sept. 25 Men’s golf were set to take on the University of Scranton and King’s College from Glen Oak Country Club, but again it was the rain that had other plans for the Colonels. Sept. 26 No events scheduled. Sept. 27 It was the busiest day of the week for the Colonels, with eight different teams in action. Men’s and women’s cross country competed at the Lock Haven University Open. The men finished in 13th place out of 17 teams, while the women’s team finished 11th out of 11 teams. Women’s volleyball hosted a tri-match against Penn State Altoona and Bard By Jake Mills Sports Staff Writer The Lakeland Chiefs rolled to 5-1 on the year after a 28-14 win on the road at Dunmore in a potential preview of the Class 2A championship game in November. Lakeland opened the scoring in this one as QB David Naniewicz ran in a two yard touchdown with 6:17 left in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Dunmore got on the board as Logan Miller fell on the football in the endzone after Brandon Mecca fumbled. Naniewicz ran his second touchdown of the night in from 16 yards out this time to give Lakeland the 14-7 lead. With 57 seconds left until halftime, Ryan Mecca from seven yards out found his way into the endzone to tie the game at 14 going into halftime. Battling adversity, Lakeland received the ball coming out of the half. After a three and out from Lakeland, Dunmore was looking to drive but quarterback Weston Yannone was picked off by Chase Rosenkrans. Lakeland drove all the way down to the one yard line and David Naniewicz for the third time punched in the score with five seconds to go in the third quarter. After many great stops defensively, Lakeland’s Gavin Roberts ran in a 54 yard touchdown to seal the game for the Chiefs with 2:31 left in the final frame. Lakeland advances to 5-1 and will play at Honesdale next week in a Saturday afternoon game. Dunmore falls to 3-3 on the year and will look to bounce back against Mid Valley next week. College. After being swept in three sets by Altoona, the Colonels came back to win their second match 3-1, defeating Bard. Field hockey continued their away trip, as they took on Elizabethtown in the first Landmark matchup of the season. They came away with a hard fought win, with Taylor Minnick grabbed a late winner to clinch a 2-1 victory. Men’s and women’s soccer were at home to also take on Elizabethtown in doubleheader action from Bruggeworth Field. In the first game, women’s soccer had a multitude of shots and opportunities, however it was the Blue Jays that would come away with the win, with the Colonels falling 0-1. Men’s soccer looked to grab something after a hard fought loss earlier in the week. Elizabethtown scored about 19 minutes off of a goal from Quinn Erb. The Colonels got the equalizer after a huge blunder by the Blue Jay backline led to an own goal to make it a 1-1 contest. That’s how the scoreline would stand, as the Colonels grabbed a draw in their first Landmark Conference game of the 2025 season. Finally, football took their early season 1-2 record to Montclair State, grabbing a 24-21 win to improve to .500 on the season. Despite having over 200 less yards than the Red Hawks, Cooper King had two total touchdowns, one in the air and one on the ground. Tallen Murray, Tyler Wetzel and Cohen Creswell each had 10 total tackles. Just as he has done all season, Nick Volpone came up clutch with a last minute game-winning field goal from 26 yards to clinch the win. Updated Records (As of Sept. 28): Men’s Soccer: 1-5-3 Women’s Soccer: 4-3-2 Men’s Tennis: N/A Women’s Tennis: 0-1 Men’s Golf: 3-1 Women’s Golf: 4-1 Football: 2-2 Field Hockey: 6-4 Women’s Volleyball: 10-6 Men’s Cross Country: N/A Women’s Cross Country: N/A Local high school football - Dunmore vs. Lakeland Dunmore and Lakeland captains line up for the pregame coin toss. (Jake Mills) -Next week, Jake travels to Tunkhannock as the Tigers take on visiting LakeLehman on Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. �Lorem ipsum The Beacon - October 1, 2025 Sports 22 ATHLETES OF THE WEEK Sept. 20 to Sept. 26 Cohen Creswell Football Elena Krajain Women’s Soccer Creswell’s performance against Muhlenberg College included 8 total tackles, with two of them being for losses. He was named Colonel of Week by Wilkes Athletics as well. Krajain’s performance against FDU-Florham earned the nod for Athlete of the Week. With a goal directly from a corner kick, as well as an assist, Krajain led the Colonels to a 4-1 win on Sept. 20. What's been the highlight of this season so far? The mayors cup, going back to back and all the other factors like the game lasting 3 days and coming down to end being 16-19. How do you motivate yourself before a big game? I like to remind myself that there’s always someone or a team out there that is better. It helps me not stay satisfied with my performances and continue to give my all each week. What's your favorite sports team? Denver Broncos How do you see your future in Football? I definitely still see myself still being involved in some way. Whether it’s as a player, coach or even just a fan. Why did you choose soccer? I followed my brother’s footsteps, I joined the same REC league and fell in love with it after that. What pushes you to keep playing and pursue college soccer? To honor my mom, college soccer was one of my dreams. And engineering, she wanted me to do what I loved. What is your pre-game ritual? Putting my left sock, left shoe on and then right sock right shoe, i even tape my left ankle first. What is your hype song? Love by Keisha Cole What do you miss the most from home? My dog. �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 Sports WOMEN’S SOCCER SCHEDULE AUG 30 10:00 A.M. – VS RUTGERS-NEWARK – MARTS CENTER SEPT 30 7:00 P.M. – VS MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY– MARTS CENTER 30 3:00– P.M. – ATCENTER OSWEGO OCT STATE3 –7:00 OSWEGO, AUG 30 2:00 P.M. – VS ST. JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITYAUG BROOKLYN MARTS P.M. – NY AT GOUCHER COLLEGE – BALTIMORE, MD SEPT 3 7:00 P.M. – AT WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY – WAYNE, UNIVERSITY NJ SEPT 3 7:00 P.M. – AT NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – ASTON, PA OCT 4 12:00 P.M. – AT CATHOLIC OF AMERICA – WASHINGTON, DC 6 3:00–P.M. – ALVERNIA PA SEPT 6 3:00 P.M. – VS DELAWARE VALLEY SEPT UNIVERSITY MARTS CENTER UNIVERSITY OCT 4 2:30– READING, P.M. – SALISBURY UNIVERSITY – WASHINGSTON, DC 10 7:00 P.M. – VS KING’S COLLEGE (PA)P.M. – BRUGGEWORTH FIELD UNIVERSITY (LANDMARK) – MARTS CENTER SEPT 9 7:00 P.M. – VS PENN STATESEPT HAZELTON – MARTS CENTER OCT 10 7:00 – VS SUSQUEHANNA SEPT 13 1:00 P.M. – VS LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – BRUGGEWORTH FIELD SEPT 11 7:00 P.M. – AT NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY – JERSEY CITY, NJ OCT 11 12:00 P.M. – VS ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE (LANDMARK) – MARTS CENTER SEPT 17 7:00 P.M. – AT ALBRIGHT COLLEGE – READING, PA SEPT 13 1:00 P.M. – AT UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT BRADFORD – ELMIRA, PA OCT 11 4:00 P.M. – VS MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY– MARTS CENTER SEPT 20 7:00 P.M. – VS FDU-FLORHAM DANBURY, CT MORAVIAN - BRUGGEWORTH FIELD (LANDMARK) – MARTS CENTER SEPT 16 7:00 P.M. – VS PENN COLLEGE – MARTS CENTER OCT 14–7:00 P.M. – VS UNIVERSITY SEPT COLLEGE 24 7:00 P.M. – VS WIDENER UNIVERSITY - BRUGGEWORTH FIELD SEPT 18 7:00 P.M. – AT ALBRIGHT – READING, PA OCT 18 11:00 A.M. – VS RUTGERS-CAMDEN - MARTS CENTER SEPT 27 1:00 P.M. – VS ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE (LANDMARK) – BRUGGEWORTH FIELD SEPT 20 11:00 A.M. – AT LANCASTER BIBLE COLLEGE – LANCASTER, PA OCT 18 3:00 P.M. – VS HOOD COLLEGE - MARTS CENTER OCT 1 7:00 P.M. – VS MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY – BRUGGEWORTH SEPT 20 11:00 A.M. – RUTGERS-NEWARK – LANCASTER, PA OCT 24 7:00 P.M. – AT LYCOMINGFIELD COLLEGE (LANDMARK) – WILLIAMSPORT, PA OCTABINGTON 4 1:00 P.M. – AT JUNIATA – HUNTINGDON, PA (LANDMARK) – HUNTINGDON, PA SEPT 23 7:00 P.M. – AT PENN STATE – ABINGTON, PACOLLEGE OCT 25(LANDMARK) 12:00 P.M. – AT JUNIATA COLLEGE OCT 7 7:00 P.M. – VS SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY (LANDMARK) – SELINSGROVE, SEPT 27 12:00 P.M. – VS PENN STATE ALTOONA– MARTS CENTER OCT 31 7:00 P.M. – VS UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTONPA(LANDMARK) – MARTS CENTER OCTCOLLEGE 11 1:00–P.M. – ATCENTER CATHOLICNOV UNIVERSITY (LANDMARK) DC SEPT 27 4:00 P.M. – VS BARD MARTS 1 12:00 OF P.M.AMERICA – VS DREW UNIVERSITY– WASHINGSTON, (LANDMARK) – MARTS CENTER OCT 14 7:00 P.M. – VS DREW UNIVERSITY (LANDMARK) – BRUGGEWORTH FIELD NOV 1 4:00 P.M. – VS RAMAPO COLLEGE (LANDMARK) – MARTS CENTER OCT 18 1:00 P.M. – VS GOUCHER COLLEGE (LANDMARK) – BRUGGEWORTH FIELD OCT 21 7:00 P.M. – AT UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON (LANDMARK) – SCRANTON, PA OCT 25 1:00 P.M. – AT MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY (LANDMARK) – BETHLEHEM, PA OCT 28 7:00 P.M. – VS LYCOMING COLLEGE (LANDMARK) – BRUGGEWORTH FIELD MEN’S SOCCER SCHEDULE AUG 29 7:00 P.M. – VS MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY – BRUGGEWORTH FIELD SEPT 1 1:00 P.M. – AT LANCASTER BIBLE COLLEGE – LANCASTER, PA SEPT 6 1:00 P.M. – AT ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – GLENSIDE, PA SEPT 10 7:00 P.M. – AT PENN STATE HARRISBURG – MIDDLETOWN, PA SEPT 13 7:00 P.M. – AT MITCHELL COLLEGE – NEW LONDON, CT SEPT 16 7:00 P.M. – VS KING’S COLLEGE (PA) - BRUGGEWORTH FIELD SEPT 20 1:00 P.M. – AT HOOD COLLEGE – FREDERICK, MD SEPT 23 7:00 P.M. – VS URSINUS COLLEGE – BRUGGEWORTH FIELD SEPT 27 3:30 P.M. – VS ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE – BRUGGEWORTH FIELD SEPT 30 7:00 P.M. – VS MISERICORDIA UNIVERSITY – BRUGGEWORTH FIELD OCT 4 4:00 P.M. – AT JUNIATA COLLEGE (LANDMARK) – HUNTINGDON, PA OCT 7 7:00 P.M. – VS SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY (LANDMARK)– BRUGGEWORTH FIELD OCT 11 3:30 P.M. – AT CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA (LANDMARK) – WASHINGTON, DC OCT 14 7:00 P.M. – AT DREW UNIVERSITY (LANDMARK) – MADISON, NJ OCT 18 3:30 P.M. – VS GOUCHER COLLEGE (LANDMARK)– BRUGGEWORTH FIELD OCT 21 7:00 P.M. – VS UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON (LANDMARK)– BRUGGEWORTH FIELD OCT 25 3:30 P.M. – AT MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY (LANDMARK) – BETHLEHEM, PA OCT 28 7:00 P.M. – AT LYCOMING COLLEGE (LANDMARK) – WILLIAMSPORT, PA 23 �The Beacon - October 1, 2025 24 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon, 2025 October 1 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Wilkes University retains copyright of this publication. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/76e6ba0db37ed226d055702ef1eec659.pdf 1e35048435a42bc72198c4472495ac9b PDF Text Text The Beacon - November 5, 2025 THE BEACON Wilkes University - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member Volume 78, Issue 6 1 “The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow.” Dog-gone fun time at Sordoni Art Gallery Bark! At the Gallery proved to be a great time for students, staff and faculty. Shannon Slominski, a communication and media studies major, enjoyed petting and visiting with the furry friends. For story and more photos, see page 8. Photo by Sara Joseph �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 News News Have a breaking story or a press release to send? Contact the news editor Leah Smith at leah.smith1@wilkes.edu Student government notes: Oct. 29 By Alli Lussi Staff writer Student Government met Oct. 29 for a brief meeting to go over club recognitions, as well as to vote on club and member of the month. The meeting began with the Student Government Treasurer’s report of $10,778.91. The first order of business was Moment Of Magic’s Week 2 of 2 club recognition proposal. Moment of Magic is a national organization that sends students dressed up as characters to children who are medically vulnerable. Last week, when the group presented for Week 1 of 2, the board had an issue with dues being paid for to the club. Dues are not allowed for Wilkes clubs, as all clubs should be accessible to everyone. This week, it was clarified that dues are not needed. Moment of Magic also clarified that the club can collaborate with other chapters from any school in the United States to work with a family in need. The board decided that Moment of Magic would be a great addition to the clubs at Wilkes, and voted to recognize Moment of Magic as a Student Government recognized club. The decision on club and member of the month was next. After consideration and discussion, the board decided on the South Asian Society as Club of the Month.The South Asian Society is a club on campus that shares the cultures and traditions of South Asia. The board is recognizing the club this month for its Diwali Celebration. For Member of the Month, the board voted for Alton Smargiassi, based on his homecoming efforts. Members of the student government specifically voted for him because of the pep rally that took, describing it as an overall, amazing experience. The board wrapped up the meeting with committee work for Casino Night, which takes place on at 7 p.m. on Nov. 7 in the JPAC. Casino Night’s theme this year is Wild Wild Wilkes, and attendees are encouraged to wear their best Western attire. Student Government will meet again next week in the Miller Room on Nov. 5. Beacon Briefs: Upcoming campus events Equality in Honor: Veterans Week Showcase Adulting 101: How to Prep for an Interview A showcase of personal art and stories that highlight the experience of minority members in the military and veteran communities will take place in the Sordoni Art Gallery lobby at 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6. This event is sponsored by the offices of civic engagement, diversity initiatives, the Veterans Council, MSC, and GSA. Erica Acosta and Jenna Weiss will offer advice on things you need to do before an interview, as well as interview do’ & don’t and what to do after the interview is over. Adulting 101 will take place from 11 a.m. until noon on Nov. 13 in the Savitz Lounge. Slice of Success: First Gen Panel & Pizza Next up on the Wilkes MainStage is the musical “I Love You Because”, written by Ryan Cunningham and Joshua Salzman. Performances will take place at 8 p.m. on Nov. 13, 14 and 15 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 15 and 16. Wilkes University students, faculty and staff can show their ID to receive one free admission. *** Celebrate First-Generation College Student Week with First at Wilkes! Join the campus community in the JPAC from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10. The event will include an informal and inspiring conversation with firstgeneration students, faculty and staff as they share their stories, challenges, and tips for success. Enjoy some free pizza while chatting with others who understand the first-gen experience. All are welcome. Please RSVP through Today@Wilkes by Nov 5. *** 2 *** University Theatre to Present: I Love You Because *** Diploma Ordering Time for May 2026 Grads Bachelor's Degree candidates, the time is near to complete your Diploma Order information and Degree Audit Review for processing for May 2026 Commencement. Be sure to run this audit and complete your Diploma Order after you have registered for the Spring 2026 semester to get the most updated information. Please complete your Diploma Order information here: https://etcentral.wilkes. edu/#/form/4 You must complete the Diploma Order form whether you are attending the graduation ceremony or not. When initiating the diploma order, also be sure to upload and attach your Degree Audit to the form as it will go electronically to your Advisor for approval. The deadline to submit your Diploma Order for May 2026 commencement is Dec. 16 Be sure to add GRD 000 A (Graduation Audit) CRN 10001 to your spring registration. The link for May 2026 grads to order your Cap & Gown will open on December 1st. Further Graduation information, including ordering your Cap & Gown, can be found on this web page: https://www. wilkes.edu/academics/registrar/graduation. aspx Table of Contents News..................2 Life, A&E............7 Opinion............14 Sports................19 Upcoming Events: Fall 2025 November 11- Veterans Day 26 - Thanksgiving recess begins December 1- Classes reume 8 - FInal exams begin 15 - Final exams end 22 - Interssion begins Have a safe and anjoyable semester! Want your event featured in the calendar? Email: kalen.churcher@wilkes.edu �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 News 3 January data breach prompts class action lawsuit against Wilkes By Nikki Steinberg Staff writer A January data breach has resulted in a class action lawsuit against the university, court documents state. Personal information for more than 27,000 current and former students, faculty and staff was vulnerable, the suit states. An email sent by the university on Oct. 8 said the personal identification information (PII) was accessed through “an unauthorized user.” Members of the campus community were made aware of the breach this fall, moths after the incident. The Oct. 8 email stated, “We have no reason to believe that your information has been or will be misused for identity theft or financial fraud as a direct result of this incident.” Formal letters were mailed beginning Oct. 8 to those whose information could have been involved. The university offered those individuals a one-year membership to Cyberscout, an identity theft prevention company. Following these letters, six lawsuits were filed against the university, each claiming the university’s “failure to properly secure and safeguard” their information. “People’s full name, address, date of birth, student identification number, social security number, driver’s license or state identification number, financial account number, financial aid information, health insurance policy number and/or medical alert information,” the lawsuits state. The lawsuits also claim that the school did not notify the students and faculty until months after the initial incident. The university is accused of negligence, declaratory judgement, breach of implied contract and unjust enrichment court paperwork states.. “As a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s failure to implement and follow basic security procedures, Plaintiff ’s and Class Members’ Private Information is now in the hands of cybercriminals,” the lawsuits state. The plaintiffs are seeking damages, restitution and injunctive relief, a court order to require a party to start or stop a specific action they are doing. “I didn’t get an email so I wasn’t personally affected, but the school definitely has a responsibility to protect all of our information,” said sophomore Pravith Siriwardhana, adding that the university has an obligation to protect information. When asked to comment on the matter, Wilkes University released a statement “I’d probably just reflect on everything I said and then update it to be more on topic. This time coming up, I probably will bring in another member of my club to do another presentation. Just so there’s another viewpoint to get represented other than just mine.” Clark explained that during his presentation, some details may have distracted from his main points. “I went off topic discussing the different 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) structures,” he said, referring to the distinctions between nonprofit and political education arms of national organizations. Although the club will not receive Student Government funding, Clark said Turning Point USA’s national organization will continue to provide financial support. “We get funding from Turning Point USA anyway,” he explained. “Any kind of event or anything, we can request funding from them just to get a fundraiser started.” For the time being, Clark said the club does not need Student Government funds for its next project, a food drive. “We don’t need any funding for this next event, though. We’re doing a food drive,” he said. When asked how he plans to maintain participation without funding or official SG status, Clark admitted it has been a challenge. “I’m still working on members actually participating, but right now we’re in wrestling season and a lot of the members are wrestlers,” he said. Despite the setback, Clark said he wasn’t shocked by the decision when asked if he anticipated a different outcome. “Not necessarily, just because of the notes that I read from the first presentation,” he said. “I kind of figured they had cold feet about my whole presentation to begin with.” He believes the recent online discussions about political organizations on campus may have influenced Student Government’s hesitation. “Just because of all the publicity on YikYak and all the news media publicity about all the recent events,” he added, referring to chatter that has circulated around campus in recent weeks. Turning Point USA is a national nonprofit organization that promotes conservative and free-market principles on college campuses across the country. saying they are aware of the lawsuits and are limited to what they can share. “This is a reflection of how these types of matters are handled in the legal system, not of the incident itself,” they replied. “We have engaged experienced defense counsel and are committed to addressing the situation responsibly and expeditiously through the courts.” Student Government said its job is to make sure students feel at ease. "As Student Government, our priority is to make sure students feel informed, supported, and confident that the University is taking the necessary steps to address the situation and prevent it from happening again. "We believe it is understandable that affected individuals may wish to express their concerns or seek appropriate resolution through available channels." Turning Point USA denied recognition by SG as a university club By Thaelis Andujar Staff Writer Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a conservative student organization, has been officially recognized by Wilkes University but not by the Student Government (SG), meaning it will not receive financial support or access to certain Student Government–affiliated resources this semester. The decision came after club president Dylan Clark presented to the Student Government in an attempt to gain recognition and funding. While the group is acknowledged as a campus organization through university channels, it lacks the endorsement needed to receive allocations from SG’s student activity budget. “Honestly, I think it worked out better the way that it went,” Clark said. “We’re an officially recognized club, but not student government recognized. We just won’t get funding from the student government.” Clark said he plans to go through the recognition process again in the spring semester, expressing hope that with clearer communication and more support, the outcome might be different. The organization has chapters at hundreds of universities, often sparking debate due to its outspoken political messaging. Dr. Justin C. Matus, the club’s faculty adviser, acknowledged the ongoing discussion between the organization and Student Government but declined to give a detailed statement at this time. “I am the club advisor,” Matus said in an email to The Beacon. “I am scheduled to meet with the student government leadership next week, so I would rather speak with them first before I make any comments.” The Beacon reached out to Student Body President Adam Butterwick for comment regarding the decision not to recognize the club but received no response. Recording Secretary Saraiya Zaheer stated she could not provide further comment on the matter. �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 News Uncertainty surrounding SNAP continues By Leah Smith Editor-in-Chief After saying emergency funds would not be used to help cover Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for millions of Americans, the Trump administration stated earlier this week that money from a U.S. Department of Agriculture contingency fund would be used to cover some benefits. Exactly how much would be covered was questionable, however. Uncertainty surrounding the issue became more intense after the president posted on Tuesday a notice to Truth Social stating the benefits would only be given out “...when the Radical Left Democrats open up government.” The SNAP program has assisted millions of American households through its federally funded food stamps program. This safety net program is based on income, household size and several other factors that makes one eligible to obtain SNAP benefits. NPR reported that, 42 million people will lose their SNAP benefits because payments for food will not be coming their way. About one in eight residents get an average of $187 a month from SNAP. Dr. Chelsea Chamberlain, an assistant professor and historian in global cultures, expressed her concerns for students that would be affected by the cuts. “No one’s brain is kicked into gear if they’re hungry. It’s going to affect their ability to show up to class, being engaged in class, if those basic needs aren’t met,” Chamberlain said. Chamberlain took a historical approach to her explanation as to why SNAP is essential for Americans and why more people should be making their voices heard to the government. “In the long term, people have to speak up about believing that the federal government has to be in the business of helping people eat because if that’s not what our government is for then what is it really for?” Chamberlain stated. In the wake of individuals and families potentially not being able to obtain food for themselves and loved ones, local restaurants and pantries have stepped up and expanded their programs to help those in need. W i l k e s U n i v e r s i t y ’s C o l o n e l ’s Cupboard is one of the programs that will be expanding its services for students, staff and faculty. W i l k e s ’ Director of Civic Engagement, Catie Becker, stated that they will be extending their partnership with Fork Over Love, a non-profit organization that purchases readyto-eat meals from local independent restaurants. Colonel’s Cupboard began working with them through a threemonth trial program in August. Their meal program with them will now be going from meals once a month to twice a month beginning in the third week of November. “The idea that college students can be hungry is something people find hard to fathom because of things like tuition, bills, and doing so many things,” Becker stated. Becker added that Colonel’s Cupboard also offers online ordering for those who are uncomfortable utilizing the pantry in person. Those who wish to order online via Google form can pick up their order in the mailroom. “We try to take a lot of steps to reduce the stigma around using a cupboard or food pantry but I know it’s still something that people may not be comfortable with especially if they haven’t used one before,” Becker said. The cupboard is located at the Center for Career Development and Internships by the Henry Student Center. The cupboard is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fork Over Love has nourished those in need since their start in 2021. According to the Fork Over Love website, the organization has served 97,004 chef-made dinners in collaboration with other non-profits and communities across Luzerne, Lackawanna and Wyoming counties. Founder and secretary, Tracy Selingo has stated that Fork Over Love will extend their services by increasing community dinners, number of services and food offerings at their physical location at 33 Gateway Shopping Center. On Fork Over Love’s website, they display a full display of food pantry locations in Lackawanna and Luzerne county via feedtheneedscranton.com According to the official website of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians will lose their SNAP benefits. On the website’s data reports, about one in six Pennsylvanians use SNAP each month, 35% of PA SNAP recipients are under the age of 18. 4 In Luzerne County, 21% of the population is enrolled in SNAP and in Lackawanna County, 19% of the population is enrolled in the SNAP program. In Wyoming County, 15% of the population is enrolled in SNAP. SNAP benefits have not only assisted those in need of food security but also benefitted the economy of the state of Pennsylvania. According to the official website of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, In December 2024, SNAP brought $366,850,460 in federally funded food assistance benefits to PA communities. In addition, the website said that SNAP provides nine meals in every one meal provided by the commonwealth’s charitable network. . On Halloween, two federal judges ruled that the Trump administration must utilize at least partial amounts of their contingency funds for SNAP payments. On Nov. 2, during a CNN interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that SNAP benefits could be restored by the deadline on Nov. 5. �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 News 5 University faces discrimination and retaliation lawsuit By Thaelis Andujar Staff writer A federal lawsuit has been filed against the university alleging discrimination and retaliation. According to the 16-page document filed on Aug. 5 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Jon and Lisa Liebetrau claim that Wilkes engaged in “associational disability discrimination,” a type of violation recognized under federal law, that protects employees from being treated unfairly due to their relationship with – or responsibility for – an individual with a disability. Jon Liebetrau is an associate professor and chair of the Division of Performing Arts at Wilkes. His wife, Lisa, was an adjunct professor in the Division of Performing Arts. Their adult son, Max Liebetrau, previously attended Wilkes University. The complaint states that after the couple sought reasonable understanding and flexibility to accommodate their son’s ongoing medical and educational needs, they were met with hostility, scrutiny and exclusion by university administrators. The plaintiffs allege that rather than offering support or collaboration, the university “chose to marginalize and retaliate” against them, behavior they claim ultimately led to the loss of their employment. In 2023, Max Liebetrau, son of Jon and Lisa, was arrested on a burglary charge and in a separate incident, allegedly threatening a student on campus, according to police reports. Max Liebetrau failed to report to a court hearing and later, turned himself in to authorities, reports state. The situation prompted the university to take a variety of measures to increase security on campus. According to the lawsuit, Lisa and Jon Liebetrau allege that they repeatedly attempted to communicate with supervisors and human resources about their need for minor scheduling flexibility to attend to their son’s medical appointments and school responsibilities. The filing claims that instead of receiving accommodation or understanding, they were met with resistance, skepticism, and ultimately, punitive treatment. The complaint describes a pattern of behavior that the plaintiffs characterize as retaliatory: being excluded from key meetings, stripped of certain job duties, and subjected to an increasingly negative work environment. Both plaintiffs assert that their previously strong job performance records were disregarded once they began advocating for their family’s needs. According to court documents, on April 14, 2023, the university “barred (Jon and Lisa Liebetrau) from being present on the campus of Wilkes University, barred (Jon and Lisa Liebetrau) from speaking with students of Wilkes University and were required to cancel the classes they were teaching.” On April 22, 2023, Jon and Lisa Liebetrau were told they could return to campus and to their regular duties. According to court documents, the university told students of the Liebetraus that “they were permitted to exercise an option not be engaged with either Plaintiff. ” [sic] Court documents also state that Wilkes University “failed to engage in an interactive process” and treated the plaintiffs “as burdens” after they sought accommodations for their son’s care needs They also state the couple suffered “loss of reputation, emotional distress, and other compensatory and consequential damages.” Under Section 12112(b)(4) of the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers are prohibited from discriminating against a “qualified individual because of the known disability of an individual with whom the qualified individual is known to have a relationship or association.” The law is designed to prevent employers from acting out of bias, such as assuming an employee will be unreliable, distracted, or costly because they care for a disabled family member. When asked to comment on the case, Wilkes University President Grag Cant said in an email, “I am sorry, but we cannot comment on ongoing litigation.” �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 News 6 Profile of a professor: Dr. Chris Kovats-Bernat By Mollie Kuhar Special to the Beacon Dr. Chris Kovats-Bernat, an anthropologist and associate professor, joined Wilkes this fall as director of the university’s new Africana Studies program. With extensive experience studying culture, conflict, and society, Dr. Kovats-Bernat brings a deep understanding of the human experience to his classrooms. “After my interview, I knew I wanted to be at Wilkes,” he said. Dr. Kovats-Bernat earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy and anthropology from Muhlenberg College in 1993, followed by his master’s degree in 1997, and his Ph.D. in anthropology from Temple University in 2001. For over 30 years, he has studied the everyday lives of street children in Haiti, exploring “how poverty, violence, and political instability shape childhood and survival.” Dr. Kovats-Bernat said he was “drawn to anthropology because it asks deep questions about what it means to be human and how culture shapes our experience of the world.” He explained that his fieldwork in Haiti began in 1994, and that his commitment to research has always been central to his mission of teaching and inspiring students to think critically about humanity and culture. Recently, Dr. Kovats-Bernat has explored Haitian Vodou, describing it “as a system of healing, community, and resilience.” During the mid-2010s, he became more deeply engaged in Africana Studies, a field that he said gave him “greater freedom to express myself as a scholar of Haiti, the world’s first Black Republic.” Through this work, he aims “to understand and teach the full story of ourselves, the resilience, the resistance, the artistic movements, the intellectual traditions, the leadership, particularly of people of African descent whose voices and scholarship have been marginalized for far too long.” Dr. Kovats-Bernat is currently teaching AFS 101 and AFS 298: The Black Experience in the Caribbean. He explained that AFS 298 “explores the experience of people of African descent in the Caribbean region, from the colonial period to the present.” In this course, students examine topics such as African resistance to enslavement and colonialism, the rise of Caribbean Black nationalism, childhood in the Caribbean, and various Caribbean religious traditions. Dr. Kovats-Bernat’s current research remains rooted in ethnographic work in Haiti, although it was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. His focus has since expanded to studying the Haitian diaspora in the United States, particularly “how the religion of Vodou helps Haitians cope with scarcity and violence and offers hope for a better future.” This academic year, the Africana Studies program at Wilkes is sponsoring several upcoming events. These include a film series launching in February 2026, a Black History Month guest lecture on Feb 24 by Dr. Scott Hancock, professor of history at Gettysburg College, and an AFSsponsored Alternative Spring Break trip to Little Haiti in Miami. “What excites me most about my role as Director of AFS is the chance to help students see Africana Studies not as an abstract discipline, but as a way to understand and change the world around them. The skills that students will learn in AFS are not optional in today’s world. Africana Studies students are changemakers, equipped with the tools they need to advocate for justice and equity, while turning a critical eye toward the pressing social problems of today.” Looking ahead, Dr. Kovats-Bernat hopes that Wilkes students will take his classes and discover how Africana Studies has “always been concerned with not just cultivating a scholarly identity in students, but also a sense of community. "I look forward most to building up Africana Studies as a safe place for dialogue, creativity, and social consciousness.” She proudly pulled out her voter card on the spot, already prepared for Election Day. That same sentiment was echoed by Robert Miller, a pre-med student at Misericordia University, who also named Uncle Iroh. “He was strong but caring,” Miller said.“ Some answers were bold, like Shanel Ozoria, an education major at King’s College, who laughed before saying, “Honestly? Harley Quinn. I like her boldness and her loyalty to her friends.” Others leaned more lighthearted. Zach Gingrich, a sophomore student at Wilkes University, smirked before answering, “Probably Oshawott, he just looks chill… plus bro looks dapper in a suit.” And then there was Carter Sitch, another Wilkes University student. “I’d vote for SpongeBob, he’d take happiness into account and that would benefit everyone. Finally, Jatovio Rabbit, a recent high school graduate working at Schiel’s Family Market, didn’t hesitate before naming Jessica Pearson from Suits. “She’s smart, level-headed, and fair,” he said. “This’ll be my first election, I’m definitely voting.” Fiction better option than reality for some By Thaelis Andujar Staff writer Voters cast their choices this week, but what if the candidates were different? Very different. What if voters were allowed to vote for their favorite fictional character to hold an office? The next presidential election might not be until 2028, but why not have some fun thinking of who the next candidate should be. From the local market to the Wilkes University campus, everyone had a character they didn’t hesitate to nominate for president. At the top of the list was Captain America, chosen by Keira Landmesser, a high school student and women’s wrestling athlete at Nanticoke Area High School. “That’s a tough one,” she said with a laugh. “I’m not even old enough to vote yet. But probably Captain America; he’s strong and a leader.” Others leaned toward wisdom over strength. Julia Sudbury, a high school graduate preparing for a medical career, didn’t hesitate before answering, “I suppose Uncle Iroh, because he’s not corrupt. He’s always preaching about peace and whatnot.” �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 Life, Arts & Entertainment Life, Arts & Entertainment 7 Have any events or artists to be shared? Contact Life, Arts & Entertainment Editor: Kailey.Vogel@wilkes.edu Syrian Migrations opens at Sordoni Art Gallery By Julia Kresge Staff Writer Art is not only beautiful; it can also spark dialogue and inform people about the world. The Wilkes University Sordoni Art Gallery recently hosted a reception to celebrate its newest exhibit. Lebanese American artist Helen Zughaib presented a lecture on her Syrian Migrations series of paintings. Syrian Migrations is on view at the gallery through Feb. 27. Zughaib was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1959. Her family left the country during the Lebanese Civil War in 1975. Currently, Zughaib lives and works in Washington, D.C. She is best known for her gouache (opaque watercolor) paintings. Stylistically, she references geometric motifs found in traditional Islamic art, as well as American and European pop artists. “As an Arab American, I hope…to… bring understanding and acceptance between the people of the Arab world and the West,” she states on her website. Syrian Migrations chronicles the Syrian Civil War and its aftermath. In 2011, Syrians took part in anti-government protests inspired by the Arab Spring. The ruling Assad regime violently cracked down on these protests, arresting and ‘disappearing’ many people. These events sparked the Syrian Civil War. Thousands died in bombings and chemical attacks. In addition, 14 million Syrians were displaced, and millions of refugees fled to the neighboring countries of Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan. Others made dangerous overseas journeys to Europe. In December 2024, the Assad regime collapsed after 50 years in power. Some Syrian refugees have begun returning home. Still, there is much work to be done. Many Syrian towns and villages were badly damaged or destroyed. The new Syrian transitional government has also faced criticism of its own. Painted from 2016 to 2025, the 58 pieces in Syrian Migrations document Syrian refugees’ experiences. Men, women, and children are portrayed living in refugee camps and traveling to foreign countries. The paintings particularly focus on Syrian women. These women care for their families and hold essential roles in refugee communities. Syrian Migrations references Jacob Lawrence’s famous 1941 Migrations series. Lawrence was a prominent African American painter. Migrations’ 60 paintings depict the American Great Migration. In the first half of the twentieth century, millions of African Americans moved from the rural Jim Crow South to the urban Northeast and Midwest. These internal migrants traveled across the country to escape violent racial discrimination and to pursue new economic opportunities. Both Migrations series are best understood as a group of paintings in chronological order. Each painting has a brief caption explaining its contents. When viewed as a group, the paintings tell a cohesive story. Both Lawrence and Zughaib also use flat shapes and a starkly vibrant color palette. The paintings’ visual beauty is a subversive contrast to their sometimes painful subject matter. In the current moment, many American institutions are reluctant to display art with a perceived political message. Zughaib, who held a Social Practice Residency at the Kennedy Center from 2021 to 2024, discussed artists’ social responsibility. “When people ask me if I’m a political Photo by Shannon Slominski Students examine some of the artwork in the Sordoni Art Gallery. The Gallery is open to everyone and is located in the Karambelas Media and Communication artist, I think about what Picasso said about Guernica [the Spanish artist’s famous 1937 painting depicting the bombing of Guernica, Spain during the Spanish Civil War]. “During WWII, a German officer asked Picasso about the painting, ‘Did you do that?’ Picasso responded, ‘No, you did.’ An artist’s job is to respond to what’s going on around us. I wish I had a magic wand to end all the suffering in the Middle East. But I can use my art to spread awareness.” �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 Life, Arts & Entertainment 8 Eastern State Penitentiary equal parts scary and fun By Leah Smith Editor in Chief Wilkes Student Government took students on a spooky trip to Eastern State Penitentiary recently, offering an education and haunting experience. Student Government vice president Riley Knaub came up with the trip idea and wanted to try something different this year to celebrate the Halloween season with Wilkes students. “I just wanted to switch it up and since I’ve never been here before, I figured it would be a new experience for everyone.” Knaub said. After signing up and paying a $20 fee, students braced themselves for the horror that awaited them upon the penitentiary gates. At the start of the event, guests were welcomed and encouraged to wear a glow-inthe-dark necklace provided by the penitentiary. This necklace would allow the scare actors to touch you and pull you away from the rest of your group. The event was broken up into four acts. The first act began with four haunted maze attractions - Nightmares, Big Top Terror, the Machine Shop and a brand-new house, Dark Tides. Dark Tides featured scare actors as sea monsters. The second act was a breather after the intensity of the starting houses. This section also offered the more historical side of the penitentiary as guests were offered to take a flashlight tour through the hospital wing for an additional $13. Other free historical attractions were provided, including a historical tour about the evolution of prisons in America and an audio tour of the penitentiary’s history. There was also a Korean food vendor and beer garden for those who preferred to take a load off and enjoy some local Philly food and beverages. The third act brought back the terror with an outdoor maze called the Apocalypse Pass. This maze was a hodgepodge of terrifying sets and characters including a zombified ice cream man. After the maze was Pumpkin Plaza, a outdoor club area where visitors could dance along with scare actors or traverse through the Kaleidoscope Hall and watch as a neon-laser silhouette dances along the penitentiary walls. Finally, act four introduced The Crypt. This maze was darker and tighter than the others with scare actors jumping out of crawlspaces to try and get a scream. This maze leads to a gift shop and a VIP only section which was a speakeasy inspired by Al Capone. According to Eastern State’s website, Capone was imprisoned for the first time ever at the penitentiary. “I love getting spooked,” said Becca Earnst. “It’s so much fun. My favorite was definitely the big top. Circus themed houses are usually my favorite.” Photo by Leah Smith Sordoni Art Gallery holds annual Bark! At the Gallery By Nicole Steinberg Staff Writer The Sordoni Art Gallery held its annual Bark! At The Gallery on Oct. 30, in the Karambelas Media and Communication Center. The pups were brought in from the SPCA of Luzerne County along with volunteers. Assistant Director of the Sordoni Art Gallery, Melissa Carestia says she is in the process of working with SPCA to have more similar events. “We ideally would like to do it once a semester, or at least once a year, she said. “We’ll invite the SPCA to bring some adoptable dogs to meet with the students.” Students and faculty can play with the pups during club hours and spread the word about adoption. “You guys can come and relax, and it also helps to socialize the animals,” Carestia said. “It is a win-win across the board.” For future events like these, Carestia said it is important to involve the students in everything that the art gallery does. “We are specifically here to serve the student population for a different kind of classroom,” she says. “You can come, take a look at the art and learn about the contents and how it exists in society.” Future events with the Sordoni Art Gallery include meditation sessions, an art screening of Persepolis and a paper collage making session. Photos by Nicole Steinberg Students filled the lobby of the Sordoni Art Gallery to pet adoptable puppies Loki (L) and Scooby (R). �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 Life, Arts & Entertainment 9 E ch we w k th tthe W ilk lke kes Each Ea week, ek, k, e Wi Wilkes il f pic i ks k out Beacon staff ff picks ic ttheir th eir i fa ir ffavorite v ri vo r te song of tthe w k Check out th e we ek. k. week. tthis i we w ’ bop o s! th is week’s ek’s ’s bops! op Leah Smith: Hold Onto Me Amira Elfeky Kailey Vogel: Just Wh What hat I Needed - The Cars Thaelis Andujar: VOY A LLeVARTE A PR - Bad Bunny Andrew Marshallsay: The Rain That Never Came Apache Sun Natalia Williams: Love the Way You Lie Eminem ft. Rihanna Nikki Steinberg: Dracula - Tame Impala Shawn Carey: Grow Up - VIAL Cally Williams: Paul Revere - Noah Kahan Jake Mills: Paper Sun - Def Leppard Freeze: Bass Factor Factory ry Kaji Mollie Kuhar: Too Little, Too Late - Laufey Topher DellaBella: White Noise - Disclosure ft. AlunaGeorge Shannon Slominski: Addicted to Love - Robert Palmer Nikki presents, What’s Cooking?: Spooky snacks By Nicole Steinberg Staff Writer Pumpkin French Toast Sticks 6 slices of thick bread 3 large eggs 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) 1/4 cup pumpkin puree 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp pumpkin spice Pinch of salt 2 tsp butter 1. Cut each slice of bread into 3 sticks 2. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin spice and salt until consistency is smooth 3. Dip each bread stick into the mixture, making sure the drip off excess 4. 5. 6. so the bread doesn’t get soggy Heat a skilled over medium heat and melt butter Cook the sticks in batches, turning them until all sides are golden brown and crispy Stack them up and serve these fall inspired french toast sticks Caramel Apple Cider Floats 2 cups apple cider 2 scoops vanilla ice cream 2 tbsp caramel sauce Whipped cream (optional) Ground cinnamon or apple pie spice Apple slices (optional) 1. Drizzle caramel sauce inside two tall glasses 2. Divide apple cider evenly between the glasses 3. Drop a scoop of vanilla ice cream into each glass (or more if desired) 4. Add whipped cream, more caramel, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Garnish with apple slice 5. Serve with a spoon and straw and enjoy this sweet apple cider and vanilla concoction �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 10 Life, Arts & Entertainment Pumpkin who? Starbucks fans ready for holiday specials By Dana Messner Special to the Beacon Starbucks, recently announced its anticipated holiday menu launch, with winter additions set to appear on the menu starting Nov. 6. In response, the company expects high sales; however, customers expressed differing emotions on the launch. Customers seem to take different sides when it comes to the popularity of the Starbucks holiday menu, with some people changing their order to a new special, some refusing to try something different and some going back and forth between the two orders. Michael Strika, a sophomore nursing major and former Starbucks barista, claims sales will 100% increase during this time, despite some customers determined to stick to their traditional orders. “New Year’s Day alone is the craziest day because many people are traveling,” Strika stated. He also mentioned that the caramel brulee latte, a featured holiday drink, was the most purchased drink during the holiday season last year, adding ‘we went through so many every day.’ Some customers reflected the same pure excitement when informed that the holiday menu would soon be available. When asked if his everyday order would change, Maksymillian Bozek, responded with an order that is much different from his typical sugar free vanilla cold brew with oat milk. “Heck yeah. I will definitely get the hot sugar cookie latte. It makes me feel like I am in Santa’s workshop and (will) get me excited for the day and Christmas season,” Bozek said. When questioned about whether the upcoming launch of the holiday menu would change their order, multiple people said they would order something different. Rebecca Zayle, a school counselor, also conveyed excitement for the upcoming change from fall to holiday flavors on the menu. She currently orders a pumpkin cream chai latte, but once the holiday menu is available, she plans to order her favorite drink: a peppermint mocha iced coffee with cold foam. Customers at two Starbucks locations were asked to share their go-to order at the establishment, with the most popular being the strawberry acai lemonade refresher. Other responses ranged anywhere from a simple hot black coffee to an iced chai latte. Jaylin Rouselle, a sophomore nursing major, explained that she enjoys the popular refresher best and plans to continue ordering it alongside her holiday drink. Others agreed with Rouselle, saying that The line at Starbucks will soon be filled with those thirsty for the new holiday drinks. they also order the refreshing drink, and will continue to do so because of their dislike for coffee. A sophomore mechanical engineering major, Joshua Conley, describedthe refresher as the “best non-coffee item,” as he is not a fan of drinking coffee nor the flavors that are offered within it regularly and during the holiday season. According to the official Starbucks website, the holiday menu will feature several annual drink specials and flavors, such as a peppermint mocha, sugar cookie lattes and cold foams, and gingerbread chai flavoring, as well as themed bakery items and at-home coffee blends. Nicholas Jalandoni, a physical therapy graduate student, gave much different reasoning as to why he will continue to order his year-round black coffee. He likes coffee, but prefers a healthier option that contains less milk, which does not pertain to the regular menu or the holiday additions. Autumn means falling leaves and chilly temps Falling leaves -- and the accompanying ‘leaf cleanup’ -- are sure signs that autumn has arrived in full force. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures this week are expected to be in the upper-50s, with lows potentially dipping into the 30s. �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 Life, Arts & Entertainment 11 The Mental Health Beacon: Fall into self-care By Gina Harrison Assistant professor, Passan School of Nursing Think of how often you spend time engaging in self-care. If the answer is ‘not much,’ I challenge you to work it into your life. The fact that your eyes found their way to this article reveals you are at least interested in the concept. Self-care can take many different forms. Often, people imagine that selfcare includes spa services, face masks, or scented bath soaps. While those are open to consideration, there are easier ways for you to incorporate self-care into your daily life. Engaging in self-care is not selfish or self-indulgent. It is the practice of taking care of the person that you spend most time with, yourself. Self-care should include activities or behaviors that help you to maintain and even improve your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Self-care is not a new concept. Surprisingly, it extends back to the ancient Greek philosophers. Consider one of Socrates’ quotes, “Employ your time in improving yourself by other men’s writings.” Socrates was encouraging the act of self-care through knowledge. You should know that you are already engaged in this form of self-care as you continue to accumulate knowledge at Wilkes. Self-care becomes increasingly important as we enter new stages of our journey. We all feel the pressures of family, friends, responsibility, and expectations. Life can pull us in many directions, some of which may not align with who we truly are. Self-care gives you the opportunity to look inward and find yourself. Engaging in self-care helps to prepare you to manage stress and the increasing demands of your life. It can help you prevent burning out, improve your health, improve your mood, and even allow you to feel more empowered. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll around campus, or a necessary walk from class to class, breathe deeply and enjoy the crisp fall air. Taking the long way to class can help improve your health and get out your excess energy...just be sure to give yourself enough time. These are skills that will last a lifetime. To engage in meaningful self-care, you must first think about what that would feel or look like for you. Not all self-care is created equal. If you do not like when people touch you, having a massage might be more stressful than self-care. If you prefer being with a group, you may want to engage your friends in your self-care plans. Here are some questions you may want to consider when developing your self-care plan. - What activities help you to reset after a stressful event? - What daily habits do you already have that support your mental health? - If you had some extra time in your schedule, what would you want to spend it doing? - How do you show yourself kindness? - What is standing in the way of your taking care of yourself? Answering those questions may be difficult, and you may not be able to answer them all right now. Considering your preferences is an important part of discovering self-care activities that feel good and work for you. To help kick off your self-care journey, I will include some examples for you, some you may find that you are already doing. - Listen to calming music; there are many playlists available on Apple, Spotify or YouTube. - Meditation. Bring quiet to your mind. This will take practice. Start with short amounts of time and gradually increase the time. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breathing. - Watch fish swimming. Studies have shown that watching fish swimming in an aquarium can lower blood pressure and stress levels. There are videos available online. - Gratitude Journaling. Focus on the positive; this can train your brain to look for the positives in your daily life. - Stay hydrated. Use that Stanley. - Move your body. Exercise regularly to help improve your health and to get out your excess energy. - Eat regularly. Missing meals or spending extended periods of time without food may result in blood sugar highs and lows, which can impact your mood and ability to concentrate. Build time to eat into your schedule! - Immerse yourself in nature. Now is an exciting time to get outside, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the changing of the fall leaves. - Take a walk around campus. Take an adventure through the campus, take the time to really look at the campus instead of rushing from point A to point B. Self-care is something you need to practice consistently to reap its benefits. It is a practice, a skill you develop over time. Dedicate some time every day to self-care, start small, and don’t give up. �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 12 �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 13 �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 Opinion Editorial Staff 2025-26 MANAGERIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief - Leah Smith Adviser - Dr. Kalen Churcher SECTION EDITORS LA&E - Kailey Vogel Opinion - Shawn Carey Sports - Andrew Marshallsay DESIGNERS Head Designer - Lara Mullen Designer - Carol Stratford Photographer - Shannon Slominski STAFF WRITERS Kaydia Wright Nikki Steinberg Topher DellaBella Natalia Williams Thaelis Andujar Jake Mills 141 S. Main Street Clayton and Theresa Karambelas Media & Communication Center Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 Phone - (570) 408-5903 www.thewilkesbeacon.com Want to advertise in The Beacon? Contact: Kalen Churcher at kalen.churcher@wilkes.edu or Leah Smith at leah.smith1@wilkes.edu The Beacon Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member Opinion 14 Have an opinion or want to write a guest column? Contact assistant opinion editors: shawn.carey1@wilkes.edu Our Voice Each week, The Beacon’s editorial board will take a stance on a current issue. Gambling bringing the worst out of sports again Yet another scandal involving sports betting has hit the North American professional sports world. Long gone are the simple suspensions for athletes in the United States, as now it’s reached a critical point–outright arrests and criminal charges. On Oct. 23, Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier and Damon Jones of the National Basketball Association (NBA) were arrested in two separate gambling investigations by the FBI. Billups and Rozier were currently in the league, with the latter playing for the Miami Heat. Billups on the other hand is still currently the head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers. Both have since been put on paid leave while the FBI and the NBA each continue to investigate the matter. However, things took a dramatic turn when we learned that the arrests were also allegdly connected to two illegal gambling rings that involved Italian organized crime families. The families in question are the Bonanno, Gambino, Lucchese and Genovese families. However it all ties back to La Cosa Nostra, one of, if not the most known Sicilian group of mobsters there are. The families, according to the FBI, used NBA stars as a face. In other words, they would get innocent people to play, telling them they have the chance to play poker alongside NBA stars. From there, victims were to have lost millions of dollars throughout the span of the scheme. The four aforementioned families were involved in two separate rings of illegal gambling. The first, which may be one of the most interesting (not in a good way) stories you’ll ever hear: x-ray machine tables which were able to read poker cards. The second ring, which may be the most heinous out of the two involves Terry Rozier specifically. According to prosecutors involved in the massive investigation, Rozier allegedly faked injuries after telling a friend to bet on his injury. The friend made a wager that Rozier would be injured, and the player allegedly faked the injury to earn his friend a payout on his bet. Leagues and the networks that broadcast them continue to shove the betting narrative down the throats of all those who tune in. Sports betting used to be seen as one of the worst things an athlete can do, but now even in the NCAA, it’s almost encouraged. How can leagues expect their players to follow the rules regarding sports gambling if they continue to shove it down the throats of fans every which way? While only one of the two schemes involved sports betting, it just shows that some athletes will do whatever it takes to bend the rules they are expected to follow. Leagues in the United States are hypocritical, and yes, they must hold their players accountable. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement on Amazon Prime during an NBA broadcast, “My initial reaction was I was deeply disturbed. There’s nothing more important to the league and its fans than the integrity of the competition. I had a pit in my stomach. It was very upsetting.” In 2024 alone, the LEGAL sports betting industry generated over $13.7 billion in revenue, according to ESPN. With that amount of money for leagues to all share, it’s not surprising that they continue to put money in higher regard than having integrity shine. For now, US Lawmakers have asked Silver to further explain the NBA’s relationship with gambling websites that do advertising, broadcasting, etc. to help the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Gambling runs deep in sporting events today. Now, the Mafia is getting in on the action. Letter to the editor policy: The Beacon welcomes letters to the editor from differing viewpoints. Letters must contain contact information, including name, city, state and phone number. Phone numbers will not be published but may be used for verification purposes. All letters to the editor must be sent using one of the following methods: Email: leah.smith1@wilkes.edu Phone: (570) 408-5903 (Voicemail: 30 seconds or less, please.) Mail: 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766 Attn: The Beacon �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 Opinion 15 The Icebox presents Top Anime Fights part one The Beacon’s own game master is back for another semester By “Freeze” Opinion Staff Writer Welcome to another full-page edition of the Icebox. As a lot of readers may know, I am very interested in anime. Recently, I realized I have never actually made a list of anime fights that I enjoyed. Some fights are so short that they leave a viewer wanting more. Other fights are irritatingly lengthy. While this may be a hot take, I personally think a lot of the fight scenes in “Naruto” are terrible because they are interrupted by flashbacks and other cuts in the plot. Another anime which I have repeatedly failed to enjoy is “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.” The fight scenes are drawn out in such a way that you lose focus on the action itself. It also doesn’t help that the anime is essentially a bunch of burly men yelling and screaming at each other. Before I dive into my favorite anime fights, it’s important to discuss some criteria for what makes a good scene. First, the fight should involve at least two opposing parties who are powerful enough to put on a show. Second, the fight should absolutely be well-animated and shown on screen without any major breaks. Nothing is more infuriating than watching a really good action sequence that suddenly cuts to a different part of the story for several minutes. Sometimes, the break that happens during a fight ends up being several episodes. Third, the fight should be shown start-to-finish only if the characters involved in the fight are essential to the overall story. Sometimes, I find myself getting bored by a fight between characters who are irrelevant. Fourth, the villain of the fight should generally be stronger than the hero at the start. Nobody likes watching a hero absolutely “blitz” a villain that was previously hyped up. Yes, I am looking at you, Sung Jin-woo from “Solo Leveling.” There are, of course, some exceptions to this. For example, Saitama from “One Punch Man” is one of my favorite protagonists despite the fact that he defeats all of his opponents in just one punch. It’s the satire and irony behind his character that prevents him from being boring. Another example is Levi Ackerman from “Attack on Titan.” It’s clear that he is a hardened soldier from experience, so watching him do what he does best is enjoyable. Finally, the production of the fight should be done well. Either the manga should be drawn with great detail or the anime should do the scene justice. Good production of anime usually involves a wide range of colors, lots of moving parts, detailed sound design and a killer soundtrack that matches the scene perfectly. With that basic, watered-down criteria accounted for. It’s time to introduce what I consider to be the greatest and most memorable fights. Note that some fights are actually better in their raw, manga form than when they were adapted to anime. Cosmic Garou vs. Saitama from “One Punch Man” is an immediate fight to mention. This is the first time that Saitama truly has to go above and beyond to defeat an opponent. At the same time, the upcoming villain Garou reaches full potential and unlocks the power of God, thereby becoming a universal-level threat. It was during this fight that Saitama’s ability to infinitely become more powerful was revealed. The manga is called “One Punch Man” because Saitama will always be able to level up his strength so that exactly one punch becomes enough to defeat any opponent of any strength. The fight ends with Saitama discovering “zero punch,” where his fist rewinds time and punches Garou in the past. He technically wins with zero punches. Ryo Shimazaki vs. almost everyone in “Mob Psycho 100” was especially insane because Ryo is blind. Shimazaki’s special psychic ability is simply teleportation. Everything else he does is literally just close-combat. He successfully takes down Mob, the protagonist and most powerful psychic, and all of Mob’s friends who have different powers. They try to use several different strategies to defeat Shimazaki, but he repeatedly escapes and fights all of them at once. In the end, Shimazaki doesn’t even lose. He decides he had enough fun and leaves. Levi Ackerman, as mentioned before, is an incredible character in “Attack on Titan.” His fight against Zeke, the Beast Titan, had a lot of buildup. When it finally happens, it’s after Levi Ackerman loses his commander and is put into a rage. He slams an entire army of titans by himself and then proceeds to take down the ominous Beast Titan. Although the titan does not die at this point due to plot reasons, Levi does end up killing him by the end of the story. Actually, Zeke requests that if he should die it would be at the hands of the highly skilled Levi Ackerman. Ash Greninja vs. Alain’s Mega Charizard X is a fight you probably weren’t expecting to see in this list. Believe it or not, the Pokémon anime have some of the most inspiring fights you will ever see. The amount of training that Ash Ketchum does with his Pokémon and the result when they stand together is just too great to go by unnoticed. In “Pokémon: XYZ,” Ash synchronizes with his Greninja in a fashion that goes beyond mega evolution. Thus, his “Ash Greninja” is an all-powerful shinobi of legend. Even though it loses the fight against Alain’s Charizard, it’s still a personal favorite of mine. I would also recommend seeing the finales of both “Sun and Moon” and “Legends” where Ash wins his first league and becomes the world champion, respectively. One fight that had absolutely blown me away was Roronoa Zoro vs. King of the Animal Kingdom Pirates in “One Piece.” This fight was just completely jaw-dropping. I legitimately could not believe what I had just witnessed after seeing it for the first time. The visuals, sound designs, attacks and “demon awakening” of the pirate hunter, Zoro, were all just incredible. I frequently return to this scene to enjoy it again. Each time, I get goosebumps. If you haven’t already picked up “One Piece,” you’re missing out on a goldmine of story, fights and well-designed characters. Another fight to mention from “One Piece” is, of course, Gear Five Luffy vs. Kaido of the Animal Kingdom Pirates. This is a fight in which words can’t do it justice. The entire sequence is a burst of hope and emotion for the viewers. I admit I was actually in tears when I first heard the “drums of liberation.” Just writing about it gives me goosebumps! Again, you should absolutely get into “One Piece” before it’s too late. Now that I have decided to put together a list of fights, I realize there have been quite a few that I enjoyed over the years. Stick around for the second part of this list in the next issue of the Icebox. Until then, start watching “One Piece.” Do it. �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 Opinion 16 The comeback of physical media consumption By Leah Smith Editor-in-Chief ���������� ��������� ����� ��� ��� ���� � �� ����� ������� � �� ��������� � �� ���� ����������� ������� � �� ������ ����������������������������������� ��� ��� ������ ��� ��� � ������� ������ � ������� ���� �������� ��� �� ��� ���� �� �� ���  ��� ��� �������� ������� ������������������� �������������� ������ ����  ������� ���� �������� ���� ��������������� ���������� ��������  �����­� ��� � �� �������������� ����­�������������������� ����������� ����������� �� ���������������€������� ������­� ����������� �������� �� ������� �������������� ���������������� � ����������� ��� �� � ���� � ����� ����������� ���  ���� �� ���� ��� ��� � �� ������ �������‚� �� � ������� �����­� ������������������������������������ ƒ ������� ������ �������� � ������� ���‚�­� ������ �������­� ���­� ����­� � �� ���� ������ „�� � � ������� 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”���•� �����������­� ���� ��–��� ������� ��� � �� ����������� �� � ������� �����­� ��� ���� ������������ �������������������������� ��� ���  �� ��� ����� ������ ������� ���� �����…������������������ ����������� � ������������������������� ��������� ��������� ���� ��������� ����—���˜������ ���­�������������� ��������� ��� �������������� ���� ������ �������­� ������ � ��� ������ ���������� ��� �� ���������� ��� � �� ������������������� �� � ���������� ������������������ ����������������� Ž��������� � ���� � ������ �������� ���� ���� ���� ����� ��� ��� �� �������� �������� ��� ���� ���� � �� ���� �� � ��� ���������������� ��������‘�� ���������� ‰���� ������������ � �� �������� �� ������ ���������­� � ���� ��������� � ��� ������ ���������� ������ ��� ������� ���� ���� ������������ ��� � ��� �� ������������ ��� ���� ����� ���� ��� ���� �� ����� ������������������� � �������� �����  �� ����� ���������� �� ������ ���������� ��� �������� ��� � ��� ��� � ��� Ž���������  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stuck on what I wanted to listen to and I decided to do one of my favorite albums of all time, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet”. I thought this was a good time as well to do this one because she is back on her “Short n’ Sweet” tour. I am not a huge fan of today's pop music, but this one is amazing and I am excited to go deeper into the album and each track. Here is a track by track album review of my favorite Sabrina Carpenter album. 1. “Taste”: 10/10 Absolutely obsessed with this song. It was released as a single and it is such a fun song and I love the production of this song. I think this is such a good album opener because It is upbeat, catchy and gets you really excited to listen to the album. The lyrics are somewhat relatable to some people and that's what connects people to the song. It is extremely catchy and it is always stuck in my head. Overall very strong opener. 2. “Please, Please, Please”: 7/10 This one is so good as well. It is another single off the album and it took social media by a storm. I really love this song but I did rate a 7/10 just because it is very over played in my opinion. It is a very catchy song and when you think about Sabrina Carpenter this is one of the songs that come to your head. In terms of cohesiveness in the album so far, it does fit with the first one but not really. Since the first two are singles it makes sense why they sound like singles…if that makes sense. We are only two tracks in so hopefully we hear a more collective sound later on. Overall great song. 3. “Good Graces”: 9/10 One of my favorites off the album. It is such a fun and good song. I love love love the production of this song, the beat gets you hyped up and makes you want to dance. This song was one of the tracks that stuck with me after the first listen and I kept repeating it. The chorus is so catchy and it is such a fun song. It does sound very different from the first two, but it somehow fits. Overall no strong thoughts with this one. EXTREMELY catchy and there isn't a day where I don't walk around saying “I'm working late, cause im a singer.” Overall, it's a good song, I just don't want to hear it anymore. 4. “Sharpest Tool": 10/10 This one is the ballad of the album and I love it. The production and the way she sings reminds me a lot of SZAs “Nobody Gets Me” a lot. Not a bad thing, just an observation. I love the acoustic vibe of this one. It is a perfect breakup or heartbreak song in my opinion. Not too much on this one, really pretty song and her vocals stand out a lot on this one. At first, I really didn't like this song, but it did grow on me A LOT and has become one of my favorites off the album. It is a slower vibe which I like to break up the fast songs in the beginning. The lyrics are very relatable and I think this one may be my favorite song lyrically. Like the other songs, it is very catchy and the pre chorus is my favorite part. This one is just so good and is top 5 out of the album. 5. “Coincidence”: 6/10 Not a favorite and I usually skip this one, but it isn't a bad song. This one has a very different vibe from the first four and it doesn't really fit like the other ones have been in my opinion. I've noticed really listening and paying attention this time, the writing is very relatable and I think that's why this album sat very well with a lot of people. No strong opinions with this song, just not a huge fan. 6. “Bed Chem”: 10/10 Oh. my. Goodness. I am OBSESSED with this song. I started to listen to this song on repeat a lot this past summer and I fell in love with it. I am in love with the production and I love the vibe of this one. Personally, this song reminds me so much of my current celebrity crush and it makes me giggle all the time and this was my anthem this summer. Once again the lyrics are my favorite and it is another favorite lyrically. Overall, one of the best songs off the album. 7. “Espresso”: 5/10 I am sorry…I am so tired of this song. Ever since it came out like a single, it has been overplayed. It is a good song so it has a good reason to be overplayed but I hear it everywhere and im tired of it, and thats why I gave it a 5/10. It is 8. “Dumb & Poetic”:7/10 9. “Slim Pickins”: 6/10 This one is alright. I really don't like the production of this one and it doesn't really sound like it fits on this album. Ever since it came out, it hasn’t been a song I reach for and I don't think it is a song that will grow on me. I wish I liked the song more because the lyrics are really good, it just doesn't stick out to me and it isn't something I can repeat. 10. “Juno”: 10/10 So good. We are back to the upbeat vibe with this song and I love it. I do have a special connection and memory with this song (shout out Fan Expo Boston & Hayden Christensen) so it is another one of my all time favorites. It is so catchy and it stood out to me since the first listen. The bridge of this song is my favorite and I replay it all the time. This one fits the album really well and I think it should've been moved up the tracklist. Overall, a really good song and it has a special place in my heart. 11. “Lie to Girls”: 8/10 I don't remember this song at all, but I like it It is a slower vibe and the beat change from the first verse and chorus is my favorite part. The lyrics are 10/10 and I love the melody of this one. It is a very repeatable song and I don't know why I didn't listen to it more. I don’t think it fits the vibe of the album in my opinion. It kinda reminds me of old Sabrina in a way as well. Overall no strong or much thoughts for this one, really strong song. 12. “Don't Smile”: 8/10 Very different vibe from the rest of the album. It is another slow one but the production is different from the other slow songs. I don’t think it fits the album but it is a good song that gets stuck in my head constantly. I love the melody of this one and I do like how chill it is. As for an album closer, I definitely think it could've been a different one. Overall, it is a pretty and chill song that I will keep listening to. Overall, I'd give this album a 9/10. Although it isn't as cohesive as I'd like it to be, the tracks are very strong on this album. This is the first album I've listened to in a while where I thought the track order wasn't right. If the tracks were put together in a different way maybe the album would've flowed together a bit better. The production of the album was really good and I think the theme and sound is there. I just think going back to the order, the songs weren't placed correctly. Overall, I genuinely do love this album and it will always be a staple pop album for me. What should Natalia review next? Let us know what you want her thoughts on. �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 Sports 19 Sports Want your sport covered? Deserve to be Athlete of the Week? Contact the Sports Editor: andrew.marshallsay@wilkes.edu Wilkes football celebrates Senior Day with victory over Juniata By Andrew Marshallsay Managing Editor After almost a month on the road and on a bye week, the Wilkes University football team was back at home for the first time since Oct. 4, the Colonels dominated at Schmidt Stadium. Led by a strong offensive showing which featured 541 total offensive yards, the Colonels took a 38-7 victory over Juniata College as they continued Landmark Conference Play. A week after losing their first Landmark contest against Lycoming a week prior, the Colonels were playing with a palpable chip on their shoulder. With Senior Day festivities also taking place, Wilkes hoped to get the momentum going in front of the Schmidt Stadium faithful. The first quarter started with a Juniata drive that reached deep into Colonel territory, but the home team was able to force a turnover on downs inside their own 15 yard line. Sophomore Daniel Pigga took the first play for the Colonels to the house, rushing a jet-sweep 90 yards in for a touchdown, beating all Eagles defenders in sight. On the next Juniata drive, the Eagles spent over four-and-a-half minutes, going 74 yards on 11 plays, resulting in an Alex Eaton touchdown which saw thighs level with just under 6-and-a-half minutes left in the first frame. Nick Volpone drilled a 23 yard field goal to make it a 10-7 game, starting a run of 31 unanswered points the Colonels would score before it was all said and done. In the second and third quarters, rushing touchdowns were the name of the game as Ben Contella and Cooper King scored on back-to-back drives. King would rush in for another just 30 seconds into the fourth frame, making it a 31-7 game. With just under 10 minutes left in the game, King aired one out to find fellow senior Justin Moore for his first receiving touchdown of the 2025 season. Volpone again went perfect once again on extra point attempts, continuing a success rate of 100 percent this season. For Juniata, quarterback Ethan Eisenberg went 18/37 with 132 yards. Running back Ivan Foreman had 89 yards on 14 rushes, with the longest being a 25 yard run in the third quarter. Defensively, Dillon Wakefield led the Eagles with 11 total tackles. No Juniata player was able to record a tackle for loss. King went 16/30 with 188 yards in the air, 106 yards rushing, one interception and three total touchdowns. Contella ended with 79 yards and one TD. Defensively, Tallen Murray led the team with 10 total tackles and a 13 yard sack. The Colonels improved to 5-3 in the 2025 season., with a 3-1 Landmark record. Juniata falls to 2-6, with a 0-4 record in conference play. On Nov. 8, the Colonels are on the road taking on perennial Landmark favorite Susquehanna University. Opening kickoff against the Riverhawks is set for 12 p.m. in Selinsgrove, Pa. FOOTBALL SCHEDULE HOME / SEPT. 4TH 7 PM VS. KING’S COLLEGE (PA) SEPT. 13TH 12 PM @ THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY HOME / SEPT. 20TH 12 PM VS. MUHLENBERG COLLEGE SEPT. 27TH 5 PM @ MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING/ OCT. 4TH 12 PM VS. CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA /LANDMARK OCT. 11TH 1 PM @ MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY / LANDMARK OCT. 25TH 1 PM @ LYCOMING COLLEGE / LANDMARK HOME / NOV. 1 12 PM VS. JUNIATA COLLEGE / LANDMARK/SENIOR DAY NOV. 8TH 12 PM @ SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY / LANDMARK HOME / NOV. 15TH 12 PM VS. WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE / LANDMARK �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 Sports 20 Local high school football - featured playoff recaps By Jake Mills Asst. Sports Editor Wallenpaupack 47, Honesdale 20 Wallenpaupack won the 4A Eastern Conference over Honesdale 47-20 on a cold and windy Thursday night, Oct. 30. Logan Caruso and Ryan Vargo had two touchdowns. Quarterback Jake Rafferty threw for two touchdowns and ran one in as well. Ed Kiesendahl ran a kickoff back for a touchdown after Honesdale’s first score of the game. Offensive/ defensive lineman Tyler Gallo ran in the final touchdown in the game for the Buckhorns. Abe Bryant, Zachary Meagher and Damian Davis scored tonight for the Hornets. Wallenpaupack had the 20-12 lead at the half and their run game was a key factor in the win. The Wallenpaupack defense against the Wing T had two turnovers and held the Hornets to only 7 points in the second half while putting up 27. Honesdale’s Brayden Fritsch picked off Rafferty in tonight’s game. Wallenpaupack and Honesdale both finished their seasons with 4-7 records. Dallas 17, Valley View 0 The Dallas Mountaineers posted a shutout 17-0 in the opening round of the 4-A playoffs. The game was scoreless through almost three quarters until Nico Wilk came up huge under the floodlights. He scored both the Mountaineers touchdowns and had a pick, with Brandon Miller kicking a field goal for the final score of the game. Offensively, Valley View couldn’t seem to find the redzone as much as Dallas. A multitude of penalties for the Mountaineers helped them find good field position. After falling to a 1-5 record after week six of the season, Dallas has now stormed back with five straight victories to improve to 6-5 on the year. The Mountaineers are now 6-5 after being 1-5 in Week 6. Dallas plays at North Pocono next week in the 4A district title game Wallenpaupack celebrates after their win. (Jake Mills) WOMEN’S HOCKEY SCHEDULE OCT 31 3:00 P.M. – AT CORTLAND – CORTLAND, NY NOV 7 7:00 P.M. – AT KING’S COLLEGE (PA) – WILKES-BARRE, PA NOV 8 3:00 P.M. – AT KING’S COLLEGE (PA) – WILKES-BARRE, PA NOV 14 2:00 P.M. – VS LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX NOV 15 3:30 P.M. – VS LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX NOV 21 3:10 P.M. – AT HOOD COLLEGE – FREDERICK, MD NOV 22 3:30 P.M. – VS HOOD COLLEGE – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX DEC 2 6:00 P.M. – AT ELMIRA COLLEGE – ELMIRA, NY DEC 5 4:50 P.M. – VS STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX DEC 6 4:50 P.M. – VS STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX JAN 3 1:00 P.M. – AT UTICA UNIVERSITY – UTICA, PA JAN 4 1:00 P.M./4:00P.M. – AT UTICA UNIVERSITY – UTICA TOURNAMENT (CONSOLATION/FINAL) - UTICA, PA JAN 10 3:30 P.M. – VS ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX JAN 11 3:30 P.M. – VS ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX JAN 16 6:00 P.M. – AT NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – ASTON, PA JAN 17 2:00 P.M. – AT NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – ASTON, PA JAN 23 6:00 P.M. – AT ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – READING, PA JAN 24 2:00 P.M. – AT ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – READING, PA JAN 30 5:00 P.M. – AT LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – ANNVILLE, PA JAN 31 3:00 P.M. – AT STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – STEVENSON, MD FEB 6 2:00 P.M. – VS NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX FEB 7 3:00 P.M. – AT ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – GLENSIDE, PA FEB 13 3:00 P.M. – VS KING’S COLLEGE (PA) – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX FEB 14 5:00 P.M. – VS ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX FEB 20 7:00 P.M. – AT HOOD COLLEGE – FREDERICK, MD �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 Sports This week in Wilkes sports: Oct. 25 to Nov. 1 By Andrew Marshallsay Managing Editor With Week 11 of the semester quickly approaching, the past week in Wilkes sports also saw the turn of the month, as October flipped into November. The end of October also saw a few regular seasons end, playoff hopes renewed for one particular group of Colonels, and two squads taking to the ice, as well as a squad taking to the mat for the first time this season. Oct. 26: Day two of the Landmark Conference Fall Preview saw both golf squads back in action at the Shawnee Golf Course. For the men’s team, they finished ninth out of 10 teams, with a team score of 671. For the women’s squad, they finished tied for fifth out of eight teams, with a final combined score of 803. Oct. 27: No events scheduled. Oct. 28: Both soccer teams played for the final time this season. Men’s soccer went on the road to take on Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa. However, the Warriors were too strong for the Colonel defense, slotting home six goals to win decisively, 6-0. The women’s team was at home, also facing Lycoming. After a penalty kick goal from Riley Mastriani tied things up at two apiece in the second half, the Warriors nabbed two goals in the final 23 minutes of play to clinch a 4-2 victory, ending the Colonels’ hopes of making the Landmark playoffs. Oct. 29: Field hockey took the trip to Williamsport to take on Lycoming. Two goals from Maddie Karp were the deciders as the Colonels took a 3-1 on the road, clinching the fifth seed in the Landmark Playoffs. Oct. 30: No events scheduled. Oct. 31: It was a Halloween treat in store for the Colonels. While many were out trick-or-treating, for men’s hockey, women’s hockey and women’s volleyball, there was work to do. Women’s hockey traveled to SUNY Cortland to take on the 14th ranked Red Dragons. Two third-period goals clinched an upset win for the Colonels over Cortland. Men’s hockey, after splitting their preseason exhibition schedule, took on Manhattanville University in their season opener from the Toyota Sportsplex. The Colonels took a 4-1 win in the home opener to serve up a Halloween treat in Colonels Country. Women’s volleyball took on the University of Scranton in their Dig Pink Game for cancer awareness. A tough contest for the Colonels ensued as they were swept in three sets to lose 0-3. Nov. 1: Men’s and women’s cross country were in action for the final time this season, competing at the Landmark championships. Both squads finished in eighth place. 21 Men’s wrestling saw its first action of the season, competing at the King’s College tournament. Football celebrated Senior Day in dominating fashion, taking down Juniata in a 38-7 victory. Women’s Volleyball hosted a trimatch against Drew and Ramapo. They split their final matches of the season, beating Ramapo 3-1 and losing to Drew, 0-3. Field Hockey faced off against fourthranked Drew in the first round of the Landmark playoffs, winning 2-1 and advancing to the conference semi-finals. Men’s hockey faced off against #3 SUNY Geneseo at the Toyota Sportsplex. Two goals in the third period sent the game to overtime, but the game ended officially as a 2-2 tie. The Colonels lost the shootout, 1-2, but only the tie goes on their record. Make sure to catch the Colonels in action once again this week. Dodgers clinch second-straight World Series title By Jake Mills Asst. Sports Editor History was made in Toronto on Saturday night as the Los Angeles Dodgers won their second straight World Series over the Toronto Blue Jays in a game seven thriller. The Dodgers are the first back-toback world champions in 25 years. This was also the sixth time in MLB history that a postseason game seven was sent to extra innings. Will Smith hit the game winning home run in the top of the 11th off Shane Bieber, who was making his first relief appearance since 2019. The Blue Jays had a 3-0 lead after three innings after Bo Bichette hit a three-run homer off of Shohei Ohtani, who pitched just over two innings and gave up five hits and three runs. The Dodgers tied the game in the top of the 9th inning as Miguel Rojas became the first player to hit a game- tying home run in the ninth inning of a game seven. World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto finished the game for the Dodgers and escaped the 10th inning with the bases loaded. The Dodgers used all four of their world series starting pitchers in this game, Ohtani got the start while Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell and Yamamoto came into the game out of the ‘pen. Max Scherzer got the start for the Blue Jays and pitched four innings while giving up four hits and one run. Jays closer Jeff Hoffman gave up the Rojas home run in the 9th, this was the 2020 Cy Young Award winner’s first relief appearance since 2019. Rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage also pitched in the sixth and seventh innings, going one and two-thirds in relief. Smith led the Dodgers with 6 at bats, two runs and 2 runs. George Springer led Toronto with six at bats, one run and three hits. This loss was a very emotional one for the Blue Jays as many players were overcome with emotions. Many players were visibly upset, especially third baseman Ernie Clement after the final out. Along with first back-to-back champions in 25 years many firsts happened in not just Game 7 but the whole series. Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman became the first player in MLB history to hit two walkoff homers in the World Series–one against the Yankees in 2024 and in game three in the bottom of the 18th inning. Yesavage became the first rookie to strike out a rookie-record 12 batters just six weeks after his debut. World Series Trophy (Erik Drost) �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 NOV 21 3:10 P.M. – AT HOOD COLLEGE – FREDERICK, MD NOV 22 3:30 P.M. – VS HOOD COLLEGE – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX DEC 2 6:00 P.M. – AT ELMIRA COLLEGE – ELMIRA, NY Sports 22 DEC 5 4:50 P.M. – VS STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX DEC 6 4:50 P.M. – VS STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX JAN 3 1:00 P.M. – AT UTICA UNIVERSITY – UTICA, PA JAN 4 1:00 P.M./4:00P.M. – AT UTICA UNIVERSITY – UTICA TOURNAMENT (CONSOLATION/FINAL) - UTICA, PA JAN 10in3:30 P.M. –IfVSyou’re ARCADIA – TOYOTA class. at UNIVERSITY practice, show yourSPORTSPLEX talk about their sport instead of focusing at Wilkes as a major selling point. 3:30 P.M. – VSand ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX coaches the respect to be on the class material. Our student-athletes are involved JAN in 11 teammates JAN 6:00 P.M.on – AT NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – ASTON, PA Be where your feet are. Or at least try to practice. more than just school and sports. Th ey 16focused If you’re at aNEUMANN club meeting or event, makePA think, focus, and participate in that which run clubs and civic organizations. Th ey 17 2:00 JAN P.M. – AT UNIVERSITY – ASTON, that event worth everyone’s time and effort PAyou are physically present. This will help have internships and off-campus learning JAN 23 6:00 P.M. – AT ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – READING, by focusing on the goals of the club. experiences. JAN 24 2:00 P.M. – AT ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – READING, PAyou, your teammates, and your classmates At my previous school, we had an issue be successful. They’re involved in the community. And JAN 30 5:00 P.M. – AT LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – ANNVILLE, PA the beauty of all of that is that, at Wilkes, with two teammates who would come to JAN 31 3:00 P.M. – AT STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – STEVENSON,Coaches: MD do you have interesting insights you can be involved in so many different practice and talk constantly about their FEB 6 2:00 P.M. – VS NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX to share? Contact the assistant sports editor things to maximize your collegiate biology lab. FEB 7 3:00It P.M. AT ARCADIA – GLENSIDE, was –great to hearUNIVERSITY that they were taking PA Jake Mills, or the managing editor Andrew experience. FEB 13the 3:00lab P.M.seriously, – VS KING’Sbut COLLEGE – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX it was(PA) a distraction Marshallsay to be featured in future editions The struggle is how to make it all work when multiple things get busy. theP.M. others the team. Over the years,SPORTSPLEX of The Beacon. FEB 14to5:00 – VS on ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA The trick here is to be where your feet I’ve spoken with professors with similar FEB 20 7:00 P.M. – AT HOOD COLLEGE – FREDERICK, MD "The Coaches Corner," with Scott Veith, tennis coach By Scott Veith Beacon Alumnus Scott Vieth is a former Beacon editorin-chief who has spent over 20 years as a collegiate athletics coach. He is currently the head men’s and women’s tennis coach at Wilkes. Be Where Your Feet Are Wilkes students are busy people. It’s one of the best things about the university. When a Wilkes coach is talking to prospective student-athletes in the recruiting process, so many of us reference the typical student-athlete experience here are. If you’re in class, be active and attentive concerns; athletes who show up to class to MEN’S HOCKEY SCHEDULE OCT 31 4:50 P.M. – VS MANHATTANVILLE UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX NOV 1 4:50 P.M. – VS SUNY GENESEO – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX NOV 7 4:50 P.M. – VS KING’S COLLEGE (PA) – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX NOV 8 5:30 P.M. – VS KING’S COLLEGE (PA) – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX NOV 14 7:00 P.M. – AT LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – ANNVILLE, PA NOV 15 4:00 P.M. – AT LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – ANNVILLE, PA NOV 21 4:50 P.M. – VS MISERCORDIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX NOV 22 7:00 P.M. – VS MISERCORDIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX NOV 25 5:00 P.M. – AT CORTLAND – CORTLAND, NY NOV 29 4:00 P.M. – AT ELMIRA COLLEGE – ELMIRA, NY DEC 5 7:00 P.M. – AT STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – STEVENSON, MD DEC 6 3:00 P.M. – AT STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – STEVENSON, MD JAN 9 3:30 P.M. – AT ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – GLENSIDE, PA JAN 10 1:40 P.M. – AT ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – GLENSIDE, PA JAN 16 4:50 P.M. – VS NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX JAN 17 5:30 P.M. – VS NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX JAN 23 2:00 P.M. – VS ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX JAN 24 3:30 P.M. – VS ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX JAN 30 4:50 P.M. – VS LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX JAN 31 3:30 P.M. – VS STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX FEB 6 7:00 P.M. – AT NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – ASTON, PA FEB 7 7:00 P.M. – VS ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX FEB 13 7:00 P.M. – AT KING’S COLLEGE (PA) – WILKES-BARRE, PA FEB 14 5:00 P.M. – AT ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – READING, PA FEB 20 4:50 P.M. – AT MISERCORDIA UNIVERSITY – DALLAS, PA �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 Sports 23 Snapshots of the Fall 2025 Sports Season Matthew Conti holds on to the ball after stopping a shot against Marywood on Aug. 29 (Andrew Marshallsay) Matt Carlson celebrates after scoring a power play goal against Hobart on Oct. 25. (Andrew Marshallsay) Ben Contella rushes on a play against Catholic on Oct. 4 during Homecoming Weekend. (Jake Mills) Wilkes-Barre mayor George C. Brown prepares to give the Colonels the Mayor's Cup trophy on Sept. 6. (Zach Paraway) �The Beacon - November 5, 2025 24 . . . R O F G N I K O O L E R WE’ WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS.. DESIGNERS..... MANAGERS...... News,La&E Opinion,Sports Graphics, Layout Distribution Advertising CONTACT: KALEN.CHURCHER@WILKES.EDU � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon, 2025 November 5 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Wilkes University retains copyright of this publication. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/b2cfe8de260203b4c7b8d819ff4851b5.pdf 81fb121feb0e80fd02c331a2bc7e56b7 PDF Text Text The Beacon - November 19, 2025 THE BEACON Wilkes University - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member Volume 78, Issue 7 1 “The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow.” Working together to fight hunger Community members and Wilkes University students worked together to collect donations for the Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank. For story and more photos, see page 6. Photo by Leah Smith �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 News News 2 Have a breaking story or a press release to send? Contact the news editor Leah Smith at leah.smith1@wilkes.edu Student government notes: Nov. 12 By Alli Lussi Staff writer Student Government (SG) met last week to discuss club recognition, a fund request and the struggles of mental health. The meeting first started with the treasurer's report, at a grand total of $7,175.47. Pat McGoff spoke first at the meeting, addressing the importance of getting help if you are struggling with mental health issues. McGoff, who is responsible for every dining area on campus, had a recent run-in with mental health struggles that led him to take a break from his everyday life. “It never happens to you, it’s always someone else,” McGoff. He also spoke about how going into the adult world is scary, and that if anyone ever needs someone to talk to, he is here. McGoff ’s office is located on the third floor of the Henry Student Center. He welcomed all students with open arms and invited anyone in need of venting to come speak to him. McGoff did say he would like to push this forward and get the word out that people care. Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) came in for week two of their presentations to be considered an official SQ-recognized club. The organization aims to support all athletes and coaches through times of hardship, as well as support them through life through their faith. FCA was approved. ISA came in for the last order of external business, to discuss a possible fund request for week one of one. The fund request is for a Japanesestyle dinner that will be held on Nov. 21. The dinner will be held in Ross Hall and will display homemade foods crafted by members of the organization. The dinner is being hosted in hopes of sparking interest around Japanese culture. There is also discussion regarding a possible new club on campus that caters to East Asian Culture. SG approved the requested funds for the event. The meeting ended with remarks from the student body president and the next meeting will take place on Nov. 19. Beacon Briefs: Upcoming campus events NICU Donation Drive Wilkes University’s Passan School of Nursing is hosting a donation drive to benefit infants being discharged from the GWV NICU into foster care. Contribute new baby essentials or monetary donations to help support babies as they transition to new homes. Donation boxes are located in the Stark Learning Center’s Clinical Simulation Nursing Center and on the second floor outside rooms N230 and N235. Donations will also be collected in the SUB on Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. *** Free Dunkin' and Cookies As Career Development Month comes to a close, the Center for Career Development & Internships invites students to stop one last event for the semester. Swing by the SUB parking lot (outside the CCDI office) between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Nov. 20. and grab FREE Dunkin’ and cookies from the Dunkin’ Cruiser while learning about upcoming opportunities through CCDI Opportunities include internships, job fairs, professional workshops, CPA peer support and more. *** Surprise a Friend with a Finals Care Package Show someone you care during finals week. WEBS is selling Survival Kits for Success — packed with cozy and comforting goodies like fuzzy socks, mugs, snacks, hot chocolate, lotion and school supplies. They make the perfect gift for a friend, roommate or significant other who needs a little support to finish the semester strong. All proceeds benefit the WEBS Summer Camp, which provides fun, hands-on science experiences for local 6th–12th graders. *** Chick-Fil-A Nugget ale Help support FBLA through a fundraiser by purchasing Chick-Fil-A nuggets. The club is selling 64-count nugget trays with a variety of sauces for $40. Students will be selling in the student center this week but orders can also be placed by contacting a member of the club. Delivery of the orders will happen on Dec. 2, right in time for finals. *** Diploma Ordering Time for May 2026 Grads Bachelor's Degree candidates, the time is near to complete your Diploma Order information and Degree Audit Review for processing for May 2026 Commencement. Be sure to run this audit and complete your Diploma Order after you have registered for the Spring 2026 semester to get the most updated information. Please complete your Diploma Order information here: https://etcentral.wilkes. edu/#/form/4 You must complete the Diploma Order form whether you are attending the graduation ceremony or not. When initiating the diploma order, also be sure to upload and attach your Degree Audit to the form as it will go electronically to your Advisor for approval. The deadline to submit your Diploma Order for May 2026 commencement is Dec. 16. Be sure to add GRD 000 A (Graduation Audit) CRN 10001 to your spring registration. The link for May 2026 grads to order their Cap & Gown will open on Dec. 1. Table of Contents News..................2 Life, A&E............7 Opinion............14 Sports................19 Upcoming Events: Fall 2025 November 26 - Thanksgiving recess begins December 1- Classes reume 8 - Final exams begin 15 - Final exams end 22 - Intersession begins Have a safe and anjoyable semester! Want your event featured in the calendar? Email: kalen.churcher@wilkes.edu �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 News 3 Faculty, students seek transparency regarding budget deficit By Leah Smith Editor-in-chief Frustration over a $7 million budget deficit and a lack of transparency have grown since university President Greg Cant’s initial email earlier this fall. A number of students, faculty and staff have reported feeling in the dark about university discussions and decisionmaking surrounding remedying the financial situation and avoiding a similar situation in the future. “We want to be involved in the budget crisis we’re in right now, but we’ve been given no access to any data,” said Ben Toll, an associate professor of political science and chair of the Faculty Affairs Council. “...we don’t know where our spending is. We don’t know where the money is out of whack. We just keep being told the same things. “We’re asked for ideas but we don’t have the information to get ideas.” The demographic cliff of students coming to the university and not staying has been an issue since the COVID-19 pandemic, although not exclusive to Wilkes. The university, however, was not prepared for the issue. One of the university’s biggest programs, Colonels Are Covered, has been a reason for some students, especially first-year students, to attend the university. The program has been used as a recruitment tool and currently offers undergraduate students textbooks and course materials paid for by the school. According to Toll, the program has been put on a potential chopping block. “The question would have to be: Does it bring in enough students to justify the cost? “... As far as I’m aware, the decision hasn’t been made yet.” Gutting programs such as Colonels are Covered would not help to solve the issues of a demographic cliff. In his explanation, Toll said that despite consistent new student numbers, the problem lies in keeping students at The Colonels are Covered program has been one of the programs up for discussion to help ease recent budget issues experienced by the university. The program began in fall 2023 and covers undergraduate textbook costs for students. Wilkes. In addition, Toll said there was no substantive planning for the demographic cliff despite knowing about it. “We haven’t been strategic about the way we spend our money. We haven’t been strategic about where we allocate our resources to. We haven’t been engaging in a process of what our vision is as a university to move forward,” Toll said. Rumors surrounding what programs and opportunities may be cut have also swirled throughout the student body. Students have also begun questioning if the information they have been provided is accurate. Discussions about the elimination of programs like Colonels are Covered hit deeply since the original university email led students to believe that student life and activity wouldn’t be affected. According to Logan Colonna and Addie Kresge of the Wilkes Programming Board, board events have already been impacted for this semester because of changes to capital projects funding. Colonna stated that the Programming Board will not be able to afford a spring concert or spring comedian. “We also were given a lesser budget this year… The overall quality of the events we’re able to put on will be lesser quality,” Colonna said. Capital projects, according to Addie Kresge, is a fund used by Student Government, and that fun has taken a hit. This means that student campus improvements have ceased and has affected the allocation of club and organization budgets. Ultimately, Kresge wants the student body to be heard. “I would like to see leftover funds used for anything that enhances student life and success with input from the students,” Kresge said. The Beacon first ran a story on Oct. 29 regarding the university’s budget issues. Cant’s response indicated the university was financially strong. “Every decision we make will focus on the student success, academic excellence and institutional vitality that will lead us into our next century,” he said in an email. When asked for additional input for this story, the president’s office stated they would make no further comment. Kresge reamins fearful that students will, indeed, see their programming decreased. "I fear that students, and student programming, will take a hit as we have seen already over the past few years. When I first started, I had an operating budget that has since been cut in half, where my budget is solely used for offcampus activities for students. Further, Student Government has taken a hit by losing their capital projects fund which has ultimately ceased student campus improvement projects and affected the allocation of club and organization budgets." �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 News 4 Poetry slam welcomes all to be expressive By Leah Smith Editor-in-Chief Get ready to pour your heart out into the mic for Manuscript’s Slam Poetry night. The event takes place at 6 p.m. on Nov. 21 in the Kirby Hall Salon. The Manuscript Society is Wilkes University’s creative writing and visual arts magazine that has been running since 1947. The event will provide students, regardless of major and writing experience, with the opportunity to write and read out whatever they want spanning from genres such as poetry, stand-up and even musical performance. Kylie Kilvitis, an assistant editor of the Manuscript Society, came up with the idea. Kilvitis wanted a night where any student could speak their mind creatively and destress whatever is on their mind. “I believe this event can show how writing can be a calming thing even if it’s not your own reading,” Kilvitis said. Sydney Ahrberg, the president of the Manuscript Society, explained how more students outside of the English and other humanities departments have been involved in Manuscript events for the past few years. “These sorts of events have been a nice way to expand our horizons, both in terms of our reach on campus and the perspectives we get within the club. So I'd say I'm hoping this event can help further reach students who might not imagine themselves as being writers, but might find that they enjoy it.” Additionally, the regulations on the formats students perform or read from are intentionally indefinite. Thus, giving students freedom to perform or read whatever format they feel most comfortable with. “We’re leaving any requirements for the readings to be pretty vague, so that people are free to read whatever they find best to channel their emotions. I’m excited to hear whatever people read.” Ahrberg said. Poetry is something that not all students are into, which is why Manuscript wanted to make this event more than an average poetry slam event which is why they incorporated other creative formats to be read aloud to attendees. Music, of course, is a live creative format that not only draws attention to crowds but is also therapeutic and productive like other formats of creativity. The Manuscript’s layout and copyeditor, Alivia Serkosky, not only assists with layout but also has a knack for music. Serkosky said that for her contribution to the event she would be playing the guitar. “Personally, as a musician, I think seeing some pieces set to music (or played on guitar, as I will be) would be extremely welcoming. Music is a form of poetry.” Whether you’re interested in reading or listening to what your fellow students have in their minds, be sure to check out the Manuscript’s Slam Poetry Night. Any further questions about the event can be directed to magazine@wilkes.edu Manuscript Society SLAM PPOETRY OETRY NNIGHT IGGHT NNOVEMBER OVEM VEMBBER 2211STT 6-7 P.M P. M Music Mus sic Kirby K irby Salon n = 2 202 02 S R River iver S St, t, W Wilkes-Barre, ilkes-B Barre, P PA A Stand-up S tand d-up p Poetry Poe etry y For F or questions: qu uestio ons: Manuscript@wilkes.edu M anuscript@wilkes.e edu 18701 Times flies, especially when you're having fun By Kaydia Wright Staff writer With the end of the semester and finals just around the corner, it can be easy to forget about the good old days. That’s why on Nov. 13, the Wilkes University Programming Board put together an event to help the students walk down memory lane and enjoy a little nostalgia for the night. Time Flies let students take a journey back to the early 2000s with activities such as tie-dying, Just Dance and simply indulging in some snow cones. “My favorite part about the event was definitely the tie-dying,” said Katelyn Helmer, a first-year student in attendance. “It was a lot of fun, and the food was really good too.” The group provided mac and cheese, chicken tenders, snacks and candies that brought back many memories for the students who attended. There was a lot of reminiscing happening to make this event possible as well. “I originally thought about this event as a way to have a night where we could relive our past (when we were kids),” said Aly Buchinski, the head of the event. “I put the event together by remembering activities and foods that I did as a kid…” From the classic popcorn machine to the animal plates and even the scrunchies and headbands available for tie-dying, there were lots of memories put into the event. This was also a great experience for the students just to kick back and unwind a bit. Chloe DeGraffenreid, another first-year student said, “The event was surprisingly enjoyable. Tons of diverse options. My favorite part had to be all the little trinkets they supplied. The bracelet making was super nostalgic to do with my friends.” The Programming Board also held a Just Dance competition to go along with the event where the winner took home a Nintendo DS Lite. What's your favorite memory or trend from the past? Let The Beacon know! �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 News 5 Unpacking election results: What might the future hold By Mollie Kuhar Special to The Beacon The 2025 election delivered a mix of predictability and unexpected turns, revealing both voter frustration and shifting political currents across the country. While many anticipated challenges for the Republican Party, largely driven by national gridlock and widespread dissatisfaction with federal and state governance, the scale of their losses surprised even seasoned observers. From national contests to local races in places like Luzerne County, this year’s results showed a noticeable change in voter sentiment, raising new questions about what comes next for both major parties. Dr. Ben Toll, associate professor of political science, offered insight into the 2025 election results and what they might signal for the future. According to Toll, the outcome was “expected, and yet surprising at the same time,” noting that voters often judge all levels of government based on the party controlling the federal level. With frustrations running high over the inability of Congress to pass a budget, paired with Pennsylvania’s own budget struggles, the national climate already put Republicans at a disadvantage. Still, Toll emphasized that the extent of their losses was unexpected, especially locally. “The surprising thing is how badly the Republicans lost,” he said, pointing out that Democrats outperformed expectations in many areas, including Luzerne County, where their strong showing marked a notable shift from recent election trends. When asked what the election results mean for the country moving forward, Dr. Toll explained that the outlook is complicated, largely because “neither party is really interested in compromise and governance.” He noted that both Democrats and Republicans are likely to interpret the results in ways that reinforce their existing positions. “Democrats see their victories as proof that Republicans are unpopular,” Toll said, while Republicans may take the losses as motivation to push their agenda harder before the 2026 midterms. In the short term, he believes this dynamic will only reduce the likelihood of bipartisan cooperation. Toll also highlighted a deeper structural issue: much of the nation’s leadership belongs to an older generation making long-term decisions despite, as he put it, “many of them not being alive in 10–20 years.” He emphasized that the political system rewards extreme behavior over collaboration, and stressed the need for citizens to demand better: “The most important thing we can do is expect our politicians to do what is right for the whole, and not play politics with people’s lives.” �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 News 6 Community members, groups, collect food for those in need By Leah Smith Editor-in-Chief Wilkes-Barre citizens gathered recently at the old bank building on 67 Public Square to volunteer and donate to the food drive hosted by several nonprofit organizations. Rural Organizing, Pennsylvanians Together, For Our Future, Affordable Pennsylvania and the Blue Hat Ladies organization coordinated to help collect food for the Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank in Pittston. Anthony Gratter, the Northeastern Pa. regional organizer for Affordable Pennsylvania emphasized the importance of food drives, especially since local food banks have been hit hard due to the delay of November SNAP payments and rising costs of food. “We are all a couple bad months away from needing assistance,” Gratter said. “None of us are a couple good months away from being a billionaire. So it is up to us as a community to support each other when we can because one day we could be the one in need.” Gratter worked closely with Megan Kocher of Rural Organizing to make the event happen. Kocher previously held a food drive and protest on Labor Day that was politically motivated. This food drive was no different for her as she is outraged by the delays of SNAP payments and the cuts to federally-funded food programs. Kocher also highlighted the importance of community aid and described the importance of mutual aid during this time of need as food insecurity worsens as a form of resistance. “It’s essential to come together and support our community members. We should care about each other,” she said. Additionally, Kocher noted current political issues as a factor to why she wanted to make the event happen and why future food drives could be necessary. More than one ton of food was collected this past weekend to help stock the Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank in Pittston. “The Trump administration and congressional republicans have made significant cuts to federal food programs such as SNAP via the One Big Beautiful Bill, so the need for additional food drives will only get stronger.” Volunteers of the event donned orange jackets where they were prompted to either work outside and help bring items into the building or they would be posted to help at the tables and sort items. One of the volunteers, Alexia Kelly, stated that she wanted to get involved right away when she heard about the event. “My hope is that needy families in Wilkes-Barre and other communities are able to have food for the holidays and surrounding weeks,” Kelly said. Additionally, she said if future food drives were to happen, she would be more than happy to help and hopes that more community members would pitch in to help their neighbors and community members. Some Wilkes students also attended the food drive as volunteers including political science major John Sudol. Although several democratic party individuals were involved with volunteering and organizing, Sudol made a point that food security is an issue that should transcend political party lines. “To put it simply, everyone needs to eat. We’ve been facing a massive apathy problem as a whole which is a shame because mutual aid is all that we have left to make sure people don’t go hungry,” Sudol said. According to Kocher, more than one ton of food was ultimately donated to the Weinberg Regional Food Bank. �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 Life, Arts & Entertainment Life, Arts & Entertainment 7 Have any events or artists to be shared? Contact Life, Arts & Entertainment Editor: Kailey.Vogel@wilkes.edu Sound bath bathes participants in relaxation By Juliana Kresge Staff Writer Recently, students and members of the community attended a free sound bath event at the Sordoni Art Gallery, hosted by Erin Banta of Mind Body Soul Healing. “For many years, I was a stay at home mom,” Banta said. “After I got divorced, I decided to start my own sound healing business. Now I host events all around the area.” According to VeryWellMind.com, sound healing sessions (also known as sound baths) are “a form of therapy that seems to have been practiced across almost every ancient civilization.” The practitioner uses singing bowls and other instruments to make powerfully resonant sounds. These singing bowls are metal or glass bowls that emit a deep, ringing tone when struck with a mallet. Supposedly, singing bowls produce healing frequencies that can release stress and tension. At the Wilkes event, participants brought their own yoga mats and sat on the floor waiting for Banta’s instructions. First, participants laid down flat on their backs where Banta instructed everyone to take deep breaths, while tensing and relaxing each part of the body. She then used tuning forks which are used to tune musical instruments. Sound healing practitioners believe that they also release positive energy. Banta gently pressed a tuning fork to the forehead of each person. The result was a brief, yet oddly soothing sensation. Next, Banta told everyone to focus on their chakras. Originally a Hindu and Buddhist concept, chakras are widely used in alternative wellness practices. Healthline.com notes that there are seven main chakras corresponding to different parts of the body. The root chakra at the base of the spine, for example, relates to grounding and stability. When focusing on the root chakra, Banta told participants to imagine that roots were connecting them to the earth. The main event was the sound bath that lasted about half an hour. Sounds from bowls, gongs and chimes produced were very loud and deep; then there was a cascade of higher notes. Listening to a sound bath can be powerfully surreal. At the end, Banta carried a large glass triangle around the room. She held it over each person and played it, producing a high-pitched chiming sound. Then she held up a big tray that was full of sand and shuffled it around which made a swooshing sound like ocean waves. Finally, participants sat up and gathered their thoughts for a few minutes. Banta instructed everyone to drink lots of water for the next few days to flush any toxins out of their systems. Sound baths may not be for everyone. But fans say that they can be deeply relaxing. Students who are interested in this unique experience can stop by the art gallery for another sound bath event on Nov. 20. �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 8 Life, Arts & Entertainment Expanded holiday shopping event features student clubs By Leah Smith Editor in Chief With the fall semester nearing its end and the holiday season quickly approaching, Wilkes University is gearing up for one of its most anticipated annual traditions: the Holiday Shopping Event. This event will return on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Henry Student Center. It is hosted each year by Student Development and gives students, staff and faculty the opportunity to support small businesses. Now, for the first time, students will be able to support student clubs and organizations as well. This year the event is being led by Student Development Graduate Assistant Kimberly Wheeler, who has taken on the challenge of coordinating every detail from vendor outreach to club involvement. According to Director of Student Success Stacy Mullen, giving the GA the opportunity to run the event is intentional. “Our GA is typically the one who takes the lead on the Holiday Shopping Event each year, which gives them the chance to get real experience planning an event from start to finish,” Mullen explained. “Kim already has a solid background in event planning from her two years as Programming Board President, so she used this year’s event as an opportunity to expand the shopping options by inviting student clubs and organizations to participate.” The addition of student clubs marks one of the biggest changes to the event’s structure. While Kim has been working directly with student organizations to finalize which groups will table, Mullen emphasized that interest has been strong and continues to grow. Clubs will now have the chance not only to engage with the campus community, but also raise funds for future events, conferences or ongoing initiatives. “I’m really excited to have clubs and organizations involved this year,” Mullen said. “It will give them a chance to raise money for things they’re working on and it will also give students, faculty and staff even more options to choose from.” The Holiday Shopping Event is known for bringing a wide variety of vendors to campus, and this year is no different. In previous years, the first floor of the SUB has been packed wall-to-wall with tables offering everything from handmade goods to edible treats. Now, with the expansion to the second floor, the event will accommodate even more sellers. “We have a good mix of vendors again this year, with some returning and a few new ones,” Mullen shared. “There’s usually a wide range of items and price points, so there’s something for everyone. We do our best to invite local small businesses, since they really benefit from the exposure.” Historically, some of the most popular tables have showcased hand-painted glassware, handcrafted jewelry, pet treats, and homemade food items including cookies, popcorn and seasonal baked goods. Students often use the event as a chance to purchase holiday gifts for family and friends, but many admit they also enjoy grabbing a treat for themselves, something fun to lift their spirits as finals approach. “Students have told us they really like being able to get some holiday shopping done without having to leave campus,” Mullen said. “A lot of them also enjoy picking up something small for themselves as a little treat as the semester is wrapping up.” The timing of the event was intentionally chosen to overlap with club hours, allowing more students to stop by between classes, meetings and study sessions. While the event welcomes a wide variety of sellers, Mullen noted that Student Development maintains general guidelines to ensure the environment remains comfortable and inclusive for everyone. “We don’t have a formal policy on what vendors can or can’t sell, but we do ask that everything stays family friendly,” she said. “In general, we just try to make sure nothing would make someone feel uncomfortable or excluded. We want the event to feel welcoming for everyone who stops by.” That focus on community spirit extends beyond campus and into the broader Wilkes-Barre area. Supporting small, local businesses remains one of the event’s core goals, especially during the holiday season. “I hope people leave with a better understanding of how important it is to support small, local businesses,” Mullen said. “Every purchase directly benefits the vendors or clubs who are participating, and that kind of support is really impactful, especially around the holidays.” Each year, the Holiday Shopping Event brings new faces, new crafts, and new opportunities to the Wilkes community and 2025 promises to be its biggest yet. With expanded club involvement, additional vendor space and a renewed focus on celebrating both campus and local talent, the event continues to evolve while staying true to its welcoming, festive roots. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to stop by the SUB on Dec. 2 to browse. 8. Garnish with fresh arugula and enjoy a crispy pumpkin and Gouda slice. 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard Pinch of salt and pepper (to taste) Nikki Presents: What’s Cooking: Fall recipes By Nicole Steinberg Pumpkin Gouda Pizza 12 oz pizza dough (store bought or homemade) 3/4 cup pumpkin puree 1 tbsp olive oil 1 small garlic clove, minced 1/2 tsp thyme 1/4 tsp nutmeg Salt and pepper, to taste 1 1/2 cup shredded Gouda cheese 1/2 cup baby arugula (for topping) Optional toppings: cooked bacon crumbles and toasted pecans 1. Preheat oven to 475° F 2. In a small pan over medium heat, warm olive oil and garlic until fragrant 3. Stir in pumpkin puree, thyme, nutmeg, salt and pepper 4. On a floured service, roll out dough into a 12-inch circle 5. Spread pumpkin sauce over dough. Top with Gouda cheese (bacon/ pecans if you choose to use) 6. Transfer pizza to a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese has completely melted 7. Remove pizza from oven and let sit for 5 minutes Fall Harvest Salad 2 1/2 - 3 cups mixed greens (arugula or spinach) 1/2 apple, thinly slices 2-4 tbsp dried cranberries/pomegrante 1/4 cup candied pecans or toasted walnuts 1/4 crumbled feta Dressing: (maple dijon vinaigrette) 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil 1 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar 1 1/2 tsp maple syrup 1. Mix together olive oil, vinegar, maple syrup, mustard and seasonings in a bowl 2. In a large bowl, combine greens, apple slices, cranberries, nuts, cheese �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 Life, Arts & Entertainment 9 Each E Ea ch we w week, ek, k th k, tthe e Wi W Wilkes ilk il lke kes Beacon staff f pic ff picks i ks ic k out ttheir th eir i fa ir ffavorite v ri vo r te song of tthe th e we w ek. k Check out k. week. tthis th i we is w week’s ek’s ’ bop ’s bops! o s! op Leah Smith: Black - Pearl Jam Kailey Vogel: I’m with Y You ou Avril Lavigne Andrew Marshallsay: Rock the Casbah - The Clash Natalia Williams: Keep the Faith - Michael Jackson Shawn Carey: Andrew in Drag - The Magnetic Fields Alli Lussi: Fade into You - Mazzy Star Freeze: Matsuri - Fujii Kaze Jake Mills: Cold Crossfade Thaelis Andujar: Earrings Malcolm Todd Mollie Kuhar: White Winterr Hymnal - Fleet Foxes Nikki Steinberg: Beer Never N Broke my Heart - Luke Combs Topher DellaBella: margiela - Ken Carson Shannon Slominski: Born This Way - Lady Gaga Kaydia Wright: Say My Name - Beetlej e Beetlejuice ejuice the Musical GSA holds annual Barnes and Noble fundraiser By Leah Smith Editor-in-Chief On Nov. 16, GSA held its yearly Barnes and Noble fundraiser. GSA members were posted by the front entrance of Barnes and Noble located at the Arena Hub Plaza to offer patrons a paper voucher that would be scanned at the time of purchase. The voucher guaranteed that a percentage of the purchase would go to the Wilkes GSA. GSA President Abby Malin stated that the Barnes and Noble fundraiser has been one of the most successful fundraiser collaborations the club has ever had -- if not the most. “They’ve worked well with us in the past and been very kind to our club,” Malin said. Additionally, Malin wanted to promote literature and community as part of the fundraiser. She believed it would make people feel good to purchase reading materials and other items for a good cause. Psychology major and GSA vice president Kota Brown enjoys the Barnes and Noble venue specifically since the store is popular and draws in a large crowd of people. “With the more people coming in, it’s easier to get people to know about our presence on campus,” Brown said. Brown emphasized the importance of variety in terms of genres and topics that books offer. Similarly to Malin’s answer, Brown believes that by choosing Barnes and Noble as their fundraiser venue, they are not only able to advocate for community and literature, but they are able tomake customers feel good about spending their money. Malin and Brown stated that the money made from Sunday’s fundraiser will be used to fund the club’s largest and most popular events, including bingos and drag show events. As a side note, Leah Smith, editor-inchief of The Beacon, purchased a copy of the J.M. DeMatteis’s “Kraven’s Last Hunt,” a graphic novel from the Amazing Spider-Man comic run. Abby Malin poses with her vouchers for the fundraiser. Photo/Leah Smith �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 10 Life, Arts & Entertainment Thanksgiving Word Search Words to find! apple cider corn dinner dressing family friends grace gravy holiday nap parade pie potatoes pumpkin stuffing thanks travel tryptophan turkey vegetables yams ���������������������� Credit for these puzzles goes to: www.puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 Life, Arts & Entertainment 11 The Mental Health Beacon: It’s not just you By Gina Harrison Assistant professor, Passan School of Nursing The Mental Health Beacon: It’s Not Just You The end of daylight-saving time signals the long, dark days of winter on our campus. You may notice that you feel more tired, less interested in your social life, and less motivated in general. It’s not just you. There are seasonal changes occurring that influence o u r biology in subtle ways that influence our emotions and energy. So, no, it’s not just you; it’s the lack of light. Sunlight is an important part of our human experience, particularly for regulatory processes. Daylight increases alertness, enhances your mood, and can impact your sleep rhythms. People who have limited access to light, particularly daylight, may experience sleep difficulties, nearsightedness, low levels of vitamin D, immune system changes, and mood changes. Access to daylight is different for people and depends on a number of factors. For example, people who work the night shift and sleep during the day have less access to sunlight, which may result in disruption of circadian rhythms. People who spend a lot of time in artificial light or mostly indoors may also get less exposure to daylight. The reduction in daylight can generate some expected mood fluctuations, but sometimes, it can be more concerning. Seasonal mood changes, particularly symptoms of depression, may occur. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a specifier for Major Depressive Disorder. Many of the symptoms of SAD are similar to those experienced with depression. The difference is the timing. SAD occurs with changing seasons. SAD can occur during the spring/summer, but it is less common than winterpattern SAD. So, how can you know if what you are experiencing is sadness, seasonal changes, SAD, or depression? The overlapping symptoms can make this determination complex. So, when it is more than sadness? There comes a point at which you may consider that your mood concerns are more than sadness and may indicate depression. One of the most important factors to consider is daily functioning. If you are not doing the things that you enjoy and feel genuinely unable to experience pleasure or joy, you may be in need of professional intervention. Sadness is temporary and typically related to something stressful or emotionally upsetting. People may notice disappointment, low mood, and low motivation. It may last a few days to weeks. Typically, sadness resolves with regular coping skills. Coping skills include talking to friends, keeping busy with activities, spending time in nature, exercising, or meditation. Depression is a prevalent, sometimes overwhelming feeling of sadness, loss of interest, and hopelessness. People with depression feel depressed most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, changes in appetite (more or less), sleep pattern changes (too much or not enough), difficulty making decisions, concentrating, feeling unease or restlessness, lack of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed, and even thoughts of selfharm or suicide. Remember, depression is not the result of something that the person did or did not do. It is caused by biological, environmental, and psychological factors, or a combination of these. Most importantly, it is treatable. Depression r e q u i r e s professional treatment. If you, or someone you know is experiencing depression, you can call 988 or visit our campus counseling s e r v i c e s . Treatment can include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. The Wilkes U n i v e r s i t y C o u n s e l i n g Center is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 570-408-4100 or counseling@ wilkes.edu. There is also a university support line at 570-4082428 that is available 24/7 for any student crisis needs. You can find more information and a free online mental health screening at https://w w w. w i l k e s . e du / campus-life/ counseling-center/ index.aspx. �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 Grammy season is back and it’s that time of the year where music lovers all over the country are anticipating the biggest night in music, the 2026 Grammys. This year, the competition is tough with huge artists being nominees like Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter and taking the lead for the most nominations this year, Kendrick Lamar. There are also many first time nominees like YUNGBLUD, KATSEYE and Addison Rae are nominated for the prestigious award this year. This year the awards are going to look slightly different. According to the Grammy’s website, the award process has undergone several changes. The country genre saw big changes with a renaming of a category and 12 a new category being added. The Best Country Album was renamed to Best Contemporary Country Album and the new category, Best Traditional Country Album was added as well. Many think this change was a response to the controversy of Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” album winning Best Country Album, when the country music community didn’t recognize this album as country, but more of a pop album. Junior nursing major and country director for 90.7 WCLH, Gabrielle Morris shared her thoughts on the country category split. “I think it was a good move. Country music is a versatile genre and with more and more artists looking into experimenting with it, it creates this gray area of what should and shouldn’t be considered “country music”. The creation of this distinction leaves equal opportunity for all to try their luck in the genre” Other categories that were revised were the classical field with composers and lyricists being able to be considered for a Grammy, the packaging field with the Best Recording Package and Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package being condensed into one category, Best Recording Package. The category of Best Album Cover was also added. Categories like the coveted Album of the Year and Best New Artist feature the �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 industry’s biggest names. Nominees for Album of the Year include from Sabrina Carpenter’s “Man’s Best Friend,” Bad Bunny’s “Debi Tirar Mas Fotos,” Tyler the Creator’s “Chromakopia,” Leon Thomas’s “MUTT,” Lady Gaga’s “Mayhem,” Clipse’s “Let God Sort Em Out,” and Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX.” Music lovers have shared their thoughts on who should take the title Album of the Year this year. 13 Morris also gave her opinion on AOTY. “I think that it’s going to be close between Bad Bunny and Sabrina Carpenter.” The Best New Artist category is filled with artists who have been a force in the industry over this year. The nominations for this year are Olivia Dean, KATSEYE, The Marias, Addison Rae, sombr, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, and Lola Young. “For album of the year, I definitely would want Sabrina Carpenter to win. I do like that album, but I feel like a majority of the other options are less familiar or popular artists compared to her, so I really do think she will have the best chance at winning,” said sophomore communication and media studies major Dana Messner. Earnst expressed her support for Addison Rae. Junior marketing major Becca Earnst shared her thoughts as well. Olivia Dean is also on people’s radar, Alexa said, “For AOTY, either Mayhem or Chromakopia. Mayhem is like the “eras” album for Gaga. There’s a song for each era fan and they were truly fed. Chromakopia just has bops and he also had a sold-out tour cycle for the album. My winner there, Lady Gaga.” “I think the new artist should be Olivia Dean, she is a force. Absolutely killing it across the pond and once the general public. America realizes how great she is, they’ll be obsessed too.” “Addison Rae. That girl deserves the world. Who else do you know who is a brand new artist selling out her first tour? I’ll let you think about it. Addison has bops on her album and she deserves the world” People also showed their support for KATSEYE and sombr. Senior marketing major Logan Colonna shared his support with sombr, and Junior nursing major Anthony Vissotski thinks KATSEYE should win the award. “The only one I listen to is sombr. I don’t know everyone that well but ill give it to sombr.” Vissotski says, “I think KATSEYE should win.” With the Grammys right around the corner, voting members of the Recording Academy will soon be placing their votes on who will take home a Grammy this year. The award show will take place on Feb, 1, airing live on the CBS network. It will also be available for streaming on Paramount +. �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 Opinion Editorial Staff 2025-26 MANAGERIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief - Leah Smith Adviser - Dr. Kalen Churcher SECTION EDITORS LA&E - Kailey Vogel Opinion - Shawn Carey Sports - Andrew Marshallsay DESIGNERS Head Designer - Lara Mullen Designer - Carol Stratford Photographer - Shannon Slominski STAFF WRITERS Kaydia Wright Nikki Steinberg Topher DellaBella Natalia Williams Thaelis Andujar Jake Mills 141 S. Main Street Clayton and Theresa Karambelas Media & Communication Center Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 Phone - (570) 408-5903 www.thewilkesbeacon.com Want to advertise in The Beacon? Contact: Kalen Churcher at kalen.churcher@wilkes.edu or Leah Smith at leah.smith1@wilkes.edu The Beacon Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member Opinion 14 Have an opinion or want to write a guest column? Contact assistant opinion editors: shawn.carey1@wilkes.edu Our Voice Each week, The Beacon’s editorial board will take a stance on a current issue. Humanities should be valued as much as STEM In a world of technology and science, the humanities have seemingly become overshadowed by fields of STEM. That is not to say that the advancements made by engineers and medical professionals alike are not integral to the functions of our society. Rather, the humanities have taken a back seat in the eye of the general public. They are just not as appreciated nor are they seen as practical or meaningful anymore. Think of the college application process, a child tells their parents they want to become a writer or an actor. Too often, the response is: “Wouldn’t you like to do something more practical?” Those ‘practical’ options are often a doctor, lawyer, pharmacist, engineer or computer programmer. At the root of all those occupations, live the humanities. Philosopher Joel Uli places the importance of humanities into perspective by emphasizing the practical nature of the academic discipline. “They’ll tell you that the arts and humanities aren’t practical and then they read poetry at funerals and weddings, cry over films and search for meanings in ancient philosophy. Surviving is one type of practicality, knowing why we bother is another.” Uli had also been attributed to saying, “Without the arts and humanities we find a rigid world progressing towards a universe without us in it.” Our species is intrigued by, and bonds through, sources of human entertainment. Entertainment in which is born through the humanities. Music is poetry, a movie is visual literature and the stories shared between friends and family are pieces of history. Without even intending to, the basic forms of human interaction and connectedness all circle back to the reading, writing and understanding found in this ‘impractical’ discipline. The Beacon functions out of our Communication & Media Studies Department and calls for an understanding of all aspects involved with the humanities. Together we research, formulate ideas, analyze texts, write, speak and design our art to share the moments of history we experience within our smaller community. Throughout history, there has been a recurring pattern surrounding war where in the tensions leading up to conflict, educated individuals are the first people to be killed. Those of educated individuals who have backgrounds in the humanities lose their lives, while educated individuals in STEM fields are used to advance war efforts. Even today, we see this death in our society when budget cuts come and go in high schools and other academic settings. The humanities are the ones to be cut to make way for STEM developments, a more metaphorical demise with less blood, but equal pain over the loss, or the aspects that will “make the most money.” It is crucial for us to look at the humanities with the same ideals and appreciation we do with STEM. Without a healthy balance of both our civilization would not be nearly as rich, nor human. So next time you see a young person say they want to study writing or acting, let them. Our world will be a whole lot brighter with them in it. Letter to the editor policy: The Beacon welcomes letters to the editor from differing viewpoints. Letters must contain contact information, including name, city, state and phone number. Phone numbers will not be published but may be used for verification purposes. All letters to the editor must be sent using one of the following methods: Email: leah.smith1@wilkes.edu Phone: (570) 408-5903 (Voicemail: 30 seconds or less, please.) Mail: 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766 Attn: The Beacon �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 Opinion 15 The Icebox presents Favorite Anime Fights part two The Beacon’s own game master is back for another semester By “Freeze” Opinion Staff Writer ��� ���� ����� ������� ��������� ������ ��� ���� ������ � �� ���������� ��������� ���� �� ���������������������������������������� ��� ����������� ������� � ������ ���� ����� ������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ���� ���� � �� ���������� ����� �� ���� ��������� ���� �� ���� ���� ��� ���� ������� ��� ����� ��������� ���������������������� ������������������������������� �� ����� ��������� ������ ��� ����� � ��� ��������� ������ ������ ���� ������� ���������� ��� ������ ������� ��� ��� ���� ������� ��� ��� �������� ���� ����� ���� ����� ��� ����������� ���� ��������� ���� ���������� ���� ��� ����  ����� ��� ���� ������ � ­���� ��� �������� ������� � ��� ������� ���� ������� ������ 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„�� �� ������� ��� ����� ������������ ���� ���� � ���� ���������� ��� ���� ������� ������������‰���������������������������� ���� ���������� ��� ������ ����� � ���� ��� ���� �������� ������� ����� ������� ����� �� ��������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ��� ���� ����� ����������� ��� ��������� �� ������� ���������� ���� ������� ����� ��� �������� �������� ������ �������� ���� ������ ������� ������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ����� ��� ���� ���������Š�� ���� � �������� ���������������������������������������� �’����� ��� ��� ���� ���������� � ���� ��������� ������������������������������� ƒ������� •��� ���������������������������������� ������� ‡������ � ���� ����� ������ ��� �������� ��� ����������������������������������������� � ������� ������������������� �“������ ����� ����������������������������������� � –��� ������ � ���� ���� ���� ����� ��� ���� ����� ��� ��������� ��� ���� ������� ������������ ���������������������������������������� ��������� ����� ������ ���� –��� �����…�� ���� �������� ������ ��� �� ����������� ����� � ���� ������ ����� ������ ����� ����� ����� ���� ������������������������� ���� ����� ��� ���� ���� ���� ������ ������� ���������‹������������������������������ ��������� �������Š������������������������ �������������� €�����������— �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 Opinion 16 The value of libraries in the rising digital age By Leah Smith Editor-in-Chief Libraries are an essential part of any community because not only do they house thousands upon thousands of books and other literature, but they are the sanctuary of information that is free and open to the public. The resources that libraries provide go far and beyond to give the public free access to information they want to know. On top of that, libraries also offer several community-building resources such as book clubs and reading events in which you can participate in simply by walking through the door. With generative AI on the rise, it comes as no surprise that young people, primarily millennial and Gen-Z, are making their way back to the libraries rather than relying on Chat-GPT for their information. According to a survey conducted by the American Library Association, 54% of Gen Z and millennials visited a physical library within the previous 12 months in 2022. On Wilkes’ campus there is the E.S. Farley Library. Of course some students utilize the library to print out papers for assignments and use the study rooms downstairs to meet with other students to work on group projects. However, the Farley Library has so much more to offer than a convenient space to get work done. Library director Brian Sacolic explained some of the various resources that Farley Library offers to students. “It depends on what you’re working on. Here at Farley, we have a lot of STEM databases, psychology databases, pharmacy databases and of course humanities databases like JSTOR. We have about 150,000 print books, 200,000 E-Books. “We try to offer different things for different patrons.” In addition to that, Sacolic brought up the idea of “digital fatigue” as to why so many people in younger generations are preferring to utilize libraries and library sources. “For the last 20 years it’s been technology and more technology and it was cool for a while and still is to an extent. However you really can’t design a better physical copy of a book, it’s the perfect format of traditional technology. With a print book, it’s more user friendly. Young people realize that there’s value to traditional technology.” Sacolic stated. Both the physical and digital resources of the library can be very helpful to not only students at the E.S. Farley Library but to several individuals at local libraries that may be close to them. Another nearby library is the Osterhout Free Library located on 71 S. Franklin St. Osterhout includes a variety of books and other media one can check out through the library. On top of that, several events are held for all ages including readings for children and movie and book clubs for teens and adults. Katherine Muto, an Osterhout Free Library information assistant, talked about the copious amount of resources available at the library. “We have all sorts of resources here including job training, GED resources online, self help books and local history resources. A lot of people don’t have things like that at home.” Muto stated. Muto added on about the importance of the community aspect when it comes to libraries, which is something that AI could not replicate. “Being social with others is a Graphic by Carol Stratford vital part of any library experience. AI chatbots are ‘yes men’ that were programmed to tell you what you want to hear, not how to truly help you with what you’re looking for.” Muto said. One of the most essential parts of libraries, particularly about the social aspect of the library experience are the libraries. Not only are they important because they help find what you’re looking for but they keep a safe learning environment for everyone and they welcome anyone into their information havens because we as human beings deserve to have public access to vast resources of knowledge. American Library Association president Sam Helmick agreed with that sentiment after they described librarians as the “beating hearts” of libraries. “Librarians don’t treat you like a product like how search engines do and their organization of search results.” In addition to this and with the context of AI’s evolution post-COVID, Helmick described what is going on with younger generations and their growing in physical social isolation as a social loneliness epidemic. AI, they suggested, is only dampening that epidemic due to its non-human and little-to-no function for the human user to interact and find information out on their own. However, Helmick stated that libraries are a solution. “The library is an often-forgotten value of socialization. People have a need for authenticity and truth coming from people and real sources.” �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 Opinion A review of "MUSIC" by Playboi Carti By Topher Dellabella Sports writer The Grammy Nominations were announced on Nov. 7, and it took no time before fans took to social media to say that many artists got snubbed from these nominations. Artists like Tate McRae, The Weeknd and Lorde were very popular names for artists who got snubbed. However, the biggest robbery for these Grammy Nominations in the eyes of the fans was Playboi Carti who got snubbed from the “Rap Album of the Year” award for his album “MUSIC.” I can not agree more when I hear the statement that Carti was snubbed. It was the biggest and most anticipated rap album of the year and it broke records in regards to sales. Here is a track by track album review of the real album of the year. “POP OUT”: 8/10 Ever since Carti previewed this song at the Wireless Festival in 2023, I have been beyond eager for its release. Watching the crowd go crazy once the beat dropped made me know in an instant that this was a great song for a concert. I remember the day this album was released, I didn’t sleep that whole night because I was waiting for this album to drop. Once it dropped and I heard this was the first song, I was beyond excited. It is the perfect opener for this album. “CRUSH” featuring Travis Scott: 7/10 This was another song that Carti previewed in concert. This time it was at Rolling Loud Miami in 2024. I do think it is a good song with great production from Travis Scott. However, the whole song just sounds like a three-minute build up. There was a better version that should have dropped instead of this version, but overall it is still a good song. “K POP” : 9/10 This song was a part of the era where Carti would release songs and music videos on Instagram making fans eager for the release of the album. It was originally named “KETAMINE” and “ISSA SPORT.” There was another version to this song as well, however Carti decided to release the original version which I think was a great idea. I was eager for it to be released on official music platforms. Once it did, I couldn’t be more excited. “EVIL J0RDAN”: 10/10 This was another song that Carti released on Instagram and Youtube prior to its release on official platforms. So prior to its release, I knew the title and I knew the song. However, when I played this song, it didn’t go to the beat of the song. There was a minute long intro to the song and it sounded amazing. Ojivolta put the intro that was played at some concerts in the actual song. This intro samples a song that Carti is featured in, “Popular” by Madonna and The Weeknd featuring Playboi Carti. Once the intro was over and it transitioned into the beat, it was honestly one of the best intros I have ever heard. On top of that, the song was also really good. This is one of my favorite songs on the album. “MOJO JOJO” : 8/10 This is the first song on the album that I was not familiar with prior to its release. This song contains a catchy beat with adlibs from Kendrick Lamar. This is the first time that Kendrick was featured on the album.The flow is great, I liked the Kendrick adlibs, the beat is catchy and it overall shows a great performance. “PHILLY” featuring Travis Scott: 7/10 This song also shows a very generic performance by Travis Scott. However, I think that it is still a decent song. I just think more could have been done by Travis. “RADAR”: 8/10 This was an exciting song for many reasons. First off, the fact that producer, Metro Boomin, produced this song and second because it shows both “deep voice Carti” and “baby voice Carti.” I like how versatile Carti is with his voice and I love the beat that Metro made for this song. Carti rapped so well on this beat. However, I wish the song was longer. Still a good song nonetheless. “RATHER LIE” featuring The Weeknd: 10/10 I can not put into words how much I love this song and how excited I was when it finally came out. Ever since Carti performed this song with The Weeknd at Rolling Loud Miami in 2024, this has been my favorite song. Carti and The Weeknd each showed unbelievable vocals in this song and the beat that the producer, F1lthy, made for this song is amazing. I cannot choose a song on this album that I could call “my favorite” because there are too many great songs on this album, but this is 100% one of them. “FINE S***” : 7/10 This was also a decent song on the album with a good flow and a catchy beat. It wasn’t anything special, but I liked the song. “BACKD00R” featuring Kendrick Lamar & Jhené Aiko: 8/10 This song was first previewed in 2024 when Carti posted a snippet of this song on Instagram and since then I’ve been excited for this song’s release. I think that Kanye West did a great job producing this track. I also think that Kendrick had a good part in this song. “TOXIC” featuring Skepta: 9/10 The main thing I liked about this song was the dark beat that was used. I liked Carti’s flow on this song and I also liked that he mixed his genre with UK rap by including Skepta in this track. I thought Skepta did a great job on this song as well. “MUNYUN” : 8/10 This is another decent song with a fast beat that Carti rapped well on. It wasn’t anything special, but it was still a good song nonetheless. “CRANK” : 9/10 This song was a great song. From the beat, to Carti’s flow, to Swamp Izzo screaming in the background. Every part of this song was special. “CHARGE DEM H*** A FEE” featuring Future and Travis Scott : 7/10 I think this song showed a very generic performance from Future and Travis Scott. It wasn’t anything special but it was a 17 decent song. “GOOD CREDIT” featuring Kendrick Lamar : 10/10 Another one of my favorite songs on the album. The beat was amazing, Carti’s flow was amazing and the main thing I liked about this song was Kendrick’s verse. I thought that Kendrick did very well on this song. From the referencing of A$AP Relli and Luka Dončić to the lyrics he used, I thought Kendrick’s verse was one of the best features on this album. “I SEEEEEE YOU BABY BOI” : 8/10 I think that this song is one of the most underrated songs on the album. The voice that Carti uses really suits this song well. “WAKE UP F1LTHY” featuring Travis Scott: 10/10 This is also one of my favorite songs on the album. The beat by F1lthy was insanely good and the rapping from both Carti and Travis fits perfectly. This song is also very underrated, but it’s still an amazing song. “JUMPIN” featuring Lil Uzi Vert: 9/10 The main thing that I like about this song is that the iconic duo, “16*29,” with Uzi and Carti is finally back. Even though the song was pretty short, I still think that this duo showed such a good performance. “TRIM” featuring Future : 7/10 This song is kind of basic, but it has a good feature from Future. “COCAINE NOSE” : 10/10 Great music, great beat by F1lthy, great rapping, great everything. Fans first heard this song at Rolling Loud Miami in 2024 when Carti previewed this track in concert. “WE NEED ALL DA VIBES” featuring Young Thug and Ty Dolla $ign: 9/10 To start off, the beat in this song is one of the best beats on the whole album. Carti did well on this beat and the features were also amazing. ...MUSIC, cont. on Page 18 �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 Opinion 18 I started listening to the“Critical Role” podcast A brief review and guide to the tabletop webseries By Shawn Carey Opinion Editor The “Dungeons and Dragons” rise in popularity over the past few years can not be underestimated. The TTRPG has come a long way since the 1970s. The franchise had an award winning video game, an acclaimed movie and countless books. With that being said, it’s believed that the game wouldn’t be at its current popularity without the help of “Critical Role,” a podcast dedicated to playing the game. For those unfamiliar, “Critical Role” is a web series that features a group of voice actors playing tabletop roleplaying games, mainly “Dungeons and Dragons.” While “Critical Role” originally started out as just a podcast, the brand has turned into a multimedia empire. There’s comic books, novels and even two animated adaptations. I’ve always found “Critical Role” fascinating. It’s not often you see a niche podcast breached its small corner of the internet and hit the mainstream, especially back in the mid 2010s. As a constant media consumer, the series has been on my list for quite some time. I enjoy listening to podcasts, I enjoy “D&D,” so by that logic, I should really enjoy “Critical Role.” In theory, starting the series is easy. All you have to do is open Spotify, search them up, and click on episode one. ...MUSIC, cont. from Page 17 “OLYMPIAN” : 8/10 I really like the beat on this song as well. The way Carti raps on this song flows perfectly with the beat. In a way it kind of reminds me of “Long Time (Intro)” which is a song that Carti released off of his 2018 album, “Die Lit.” “OPM BABI” : 6/10 Honestly, not my favorite song on the album. The beat was pretty good, but other than that everything wasn’t that well. “TWIN TRIM” featuring Lil Uzi Vert : 8/10 This song is pretty short, but the beat is really good and addicting. Uzi’s verse was really good. This song was basically just Uzi. Carti was missing from this song. However, the task is much more intimidating than you would think, at least I thought it was. “Critical Role” is split up into four main campaigns/stories. In order, there’s “Vox Machina,” “Mighty Nein,”and “Bells Hells.” As well as the currently ongoing and unnamed “Campaign 4.” The series has a very strict timeline. While for the most you’re able to listen to the podcast seasons in whatever order you want and have a perfectly enjoyable experience, the characters do occasionally mention events from previous seasons. Furthermore, some characters from previous campaigns actually show up in the later ones. Think of this almost as a much less complicated “Star Wars” situation. With that being said I decided that I would start with “Mighty Nein,” their second campaign. “Mighty Nein” is set around 20 years after the events of “Vox Machina” and takes place on a completely different continent. I went with the second campaign because I’ve heard that it’s their “best work” and features some of their best moments. One thing I’ve been avoiding mentioning is how long the campaign is. Sitting at around 141 episodes, each about four hours long, it takes an average of 550 hours to get through the entirety of “Mighty Nein.” If you’re crazy enough to listen to all of “Critical Role’s” canon content, you would have put aside 1667 hours. To put that into perspective, that’s almost four “LIKE WEEZY” : 10/10 This song also samples Rich Kidz’s “Bend Over,” and I really enjoy this sample. Overall, this song is amazing and it's one of the most popular songs on this album. “DIS 1 GOT IT” : 8/10 Again, another underrated song on this album. This song contained a genuinely amazing beat by F1lthy and Carti’s flow on this song is very good as well. “WALK” : 7/10 I also really liked the beat on this song as well. This was another song that was a little too short, but nonetheless it’s still a decent song. “HBA” : 10/10 Ever since the music video came out on Instagram, it has been on repeat nonstop. I love the beat of this song, the flow, and the lyrics. Although, I do wish it was the original version times as long as “One Piece.” Now, I of course don’t plan on listening to every single piece of canon content, however I hope you can see why I found the task so intimidating. Anyways, let’s talk about the content itself. As I mentioned before, “Critical Role” is all about voice actors playing the tabletop roleplaying game “Dungeon and Dragons.” Now, as you can properly guess, being actors they’re really good at roleplaying. Each of the players are extremely talented and truly become their characters. They managed to stay in character for almost the entirety of every 4 hour episode. They’re also extremely good at the game itself. The famed Matt Mercer is the group’s “dungeon master” and he does an absolutely incredible job. At its core, “D&D’ is an interactive storytelling experience. The players are the actors, and the dungeon master is the world. Between his exceptional voice acting and performance skills, ability to improv, and deep knowledge of game lore, he’s able to tell a truly interesting story. As of right now, I’ve just reached episode 11. This means that I’ve spent a total of about 40 hours listening to the podcast, which is your average work week. As you’ve most likely assumed from my previous two paragraphs, I’ve been really enjoying my time with it. While I won’t say all that much about the story itself, I’m fully engaged. Ignoring the story itself, the entire vibe of the show is just really enjoyable. You really get that classic “D&D” vibe of friends playing around a table. Between all that monster fights and intense roleplay moments, there’s really fun character moments and inside jokes. Yes, “Critical Role” is a job, however you can tell that the employees are enjoying their work. The series isn’t without its flaws however. There’s some real pacing issues. If you’ve played any tabletop games before you’ll know that this isn’t all that big of a surprise. With that being said, the slow pace of it makes the series somewhat difficult to listen to sometimes, especially during combat encounters. Listening to the cast fight the same giant monster for two hours isn’t the most engaging thing in the world. It’s also a really “big” series. The length, lore, amount of characters, everything. Again, this is why I’ve been putting the series off for so long. There have been some parts where I’ve felt like I should’ve been keeping notes. “What is this guy’s name again? What god does he worship? Have they met this guy before?” While you don’t have to be a lore expert to enjoy the show, there’s some moments where that may help. Overall, I’ve been enjoying my time with it. For the time being I’m planning on continuing the series, at least the rest of “Mighty Nein.” It makes for some great background noise and engaging storytelling. With that being said, I do fear what my “Spotify Wrapped” is about to look like. of this song that was released on the album. as a music video since 2020. After a very long break from releasing any music, Carti surprised us with the release of this video. Ever since then, I’ve absolutely loved this song. I also really like how Carti switches from his iconic “baby voice” to his “deep voice” in between verses. Great song, great production by Kanye West, great everything. “OVERLY” : 7/10 There isn't anything too memorable about this song nor is there anything too bad about this song. The song is okay. “SOUTH ATLANTA BABY” : 7/10 This is another song that I didn’t really enjoy too much, but after a few re-listens, it’s growing on me. It’s a decent song. “DIFFERENT DAY” 7/10 This was another song that Carti posted on Instagram during the rollout. This was one of those songs that I didn’t really care for. The beat doesn't really fit, but it’s still pretty catchy. I also liked Carti’s lyrics. “2024” : 10/10 This was the first song that Carti released “BACKR00MS” featuring Travis Scott : 9/10 This was another song that was released as a music video during his rollout for this album. I’m glad this song was released on platforms because it is a really good song. “FOMDJ” : 9/10 Honestly, I wasn’t expecting this song to be that good, but I fell in love with it on my first listen. Overall, an amazing song to end the album on. �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 Sports Sports 19 Want your sport covered? Deserve to be Athlete of the Week? Contact the Sports Editor: andrew.marshallsay@wilkes.edu Wilkes Colonels men's basketball preview By Jake Mills Asst. Sports Edtor Another season of Wilkes men’s basketball is upon us and Coach Izzi Metz, in his twelfth season at the helm is returning quite a bit. After going 20-7 (13-5) in 202425, the Colonels return to the floor in another quest for a Landmark Conference title. After only graduating two starters last season, the Colonels return many key pieces such as All-Conference Forward Lucas Lesko who averaged over 20 points a game a year ago. The two other seniors are Jack Argento and Colin Ackerman. Other returning players include sophomores Eli Becker, Dan Santaniello and Mason Fedor who all saw some time last season. These young players will see more time with the departure of All-Conference Guard Cayden Merrifield and Joey Zvorsky. The Colonels begin conference play Nov. 19 as they play Lycoming College, but they have played three non conference games so far. They are 3-0 on the year after wins against Rowan, King’s and Keystone. Head Coach Izzi Metz had some things he liked in his team through those three games. “I thought in long stretches of those games we played good basketball,” Metz said. “In the Rowan game we had a 19 point lead at one point in the second half and then in the King’s game we actually were up 23 probably like 12 minutes to go and we had a 20 point lead with five minutes to go.” Photo by Andrew Marshallsay The Colonels won their first three games, however there are definitely some things the team is looking to improve on. “I think in both of those games we let those leads kind of slide and you know I'd like to finish games better. "You know it would be nice to win the Kings game a little more comfortably, same with Rowan it would've been nice to kind of maintain a double digit lead. We let it slip down to six and ended up winning by nine.” The Colonels have made the Landmark Tournament the last two seasons and have fallen short after losing to Catholic both times. “I think the key is first of all if we are high enough seeded hopefully to have a home game and semifinal because I think in playoff basketball if you can play at home that always helps if not we got to play a complete 40 minutes and play from ahead as much as possible” Metz stated. The Colonels were projected to finish third in the Landmark Preseason Poll and so far are 3-0 heading into Landmark play. Tip-off for the Landmark opener is set from 7 p.m. from the Marts Center. �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 Sports 20 Wilkes women’s basketball 2025-26 season preview By Andrew Marshallsay Managing Editor Believe it or not, the end of the fall semester will be upon us sooner rather than later. However, for one group of Colonels, the focus has shifted to the start of a new season. Currently sitting with a record of 2-1 in the early going, the Wilkes women’s basketball team has three games under its belt, the most recent being a home victory against Saint Elizabeth University on Nov. 14. With a wide-range of players this season, the Colonels welcomed back some previous stars, as well as a big group of new faces for Head Coach Al Berger. Returning to the squad this season are Maliyah Warren, Madison Robel, Carolyn Lundy, Yami Matos, Reagan Holden, Kyleen McCance, Dana Wartzenluft, Madison Olguin and Delaney Bogdan. The new group of Colonels includes Charlotte Taylor, Addison Place, Anya Richet, Aivry Devoy, Delaney Moyer, Izzi Toland and Mercedes Artaiz. The new group of Colonels is already impressing Berger with their defensive capabilities. “The best part is that we have young players who add defense and rebounding, which were areas we needed significant help with. Offense will come, but being able to trust our new people in our defense has been extremely valuable,” he said. On the coaching side, Berger is joined by Haley Bestrycki. Bestrycki, a former assistant at Keystone College, joined the Colonels after the Photo by Andrew Marshallsay departure of John Perez. It’s safe to say that the 202425 season for the Wilkes women’s basketball team did not go exactly to plan as they went winless. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t one to remember, but for Berger, it’s all about moving forward. “We are a much different team this year. Our 16-player roster is almost ½ new people. Our returners learned from last year, but our group is very different and we’re moving forward.” Many returners as well as a big group of starters has combined into a success story early on this season for Berger and his team. The Colonels open their Landmark Conference campaign tonight against Lycoming College. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. from Williamsport, Pa Later in December, the team will travel down to Puerto Rico for their winter tournament. There, they’ll take on Kenyon College and Western Connecticut State. Between now and then though, it's a mixture of Landmark and nonconference matchups. But when the spring semester begins, it’s all Landmark as the Colonels look to improve off of last season’s results. Have a sport you want to see more coverage of? Know a player we should watch? Email Andrew.Marshallsay@wilkes.edu �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 'The Coaches Corner' with Scott Veith, Wilkes Tennis By Scott Veith Beacon Alumnus Scott Vieth is a former Beacon editorin-chief who has spent over 20 years as a collegiate athletics coach. He is currently the head men’s and women’s tennis coach at Wilkes. The Title of Teammate I’ve always thought that the best way to treat your teammates is to assume that it is your biggest responsibility within the team. In some ways, I think it’s appropriate to treat “teammate” as your job title. Not so much in the sense of “you have to do it or else,” but more along the lines of “being a good teammate is the main event.” We’ve all heard athletes and group members being praised for doing what’s asked of them. That’s nice. But I see that as the bare minimum. If you’re a studentathlete and you do what’s asked of you regularly without having to be asked multiple times, you’re at level 1. I would say that level two is to anticipate what the team needs, and take care of it before anyone has to ask. Most teams have a cycle, a rhythm or a cadence to their season. Level three is to lead others to be great teammates. If you’re routinely helping those around you make better decisions for the good of the team, you’re well on your way. And level four, the ultimate teammate is the one who handles levels one through three well, and also acts as a culture enforcer within the team. If you can do what’s asked of you, anticipate the team’s needs, lead others to make sound team decisions and be an extension of the coaching staff when it comes to enforcing community standards, you’re among the elite when it comes to your commitment to your team. Sports The Rule of Thirds An Olympic coach once said that whenever you are “chasing a dream,” you’re meant to feel great a third of the time, ok a third of the time and lousy a third of the time. If any of these three times are missing, you’re either aiming too high or too low with your current goals. We need all three sensations. We need to feel a feeling of accomplishment. We need to feel like we are, in some ways, average. And we need to know what it feels like to fail. The key is having the blend of all three in your life on a regular basis. This is not a movie. This is the real world. Nobody is great at everything, average at everything, or terrible at everything. We are all capable of all three levels of accomplishment in different areas. I find that many current collegiate student-athletes are comfortable with success, and with being average from time to time, but the thought of failure scares them. Let me save you some time and mental effort on this one. You will fail. And if you feel like you won’t fail, you’ve already failed by setting the bar too low for yourself.As a coach, I tell my players all the time that I can’t even begin to coach them until I know how they fail. If you’re only experiencing success, your bar is too low. If you’re only experiencing failure, your bar is too high. If you're experiencing success, failure, and mediocrity, you’re probably on the right track. Coaches: do you have interesting insights to share? Contact the assistant sports editor Jake Mills, or the managing editor Andrew Marshallsay to be featured in future editions of The Beacon. 21 Local HS Football: PIAA 3A playoffs Scranton Prep vs. Mifflinburg By Jake Mills Asst. Sports Editor Scranton Prep will move on in the 3A state playoffs after a 28-21 win over District 4’s Mifflinburg. Prep received the opening kickoff and drove all the way down the field. As the Cavaliers were about to go in and score, the Wildcats popped the ball out and took over at their own 12 yard line. It only took one play to get them on the board as Chad Martin hit Landen Murray for a 76-yard touchdown to put Mifflinburg ahead, 7-0. After another stop on defense, Mifflinburg ran almost the exact same play and Martin hit Murray for his second passing touchdown of the game. Scranton Prep got on the board when Will McPartland found the endzone for the first of his three touchdowns on the night.. Prep then forced a fumble, with Rickey Dewey scooping the pigskin up, running it back to score. After that, the game was tied at 14 apiece. To round out the first half, Murray hauled in his third touchdown after a beautiful catch in the corner of the endzone to give the Wildcats a 21-14 lead at the half. However for Scranton Prep, the second half would be all theirs for the taking. McPartland found the endzone two more times in the third and fourth stanzas, and the Cavaliers went on to win 28-21 as they held Mifflinburg scoreless in the second half. Scranton Prep moves on to face Northwestern Lehigh this coming weekend in the next round of the PIAA 3A playoffs. Prep will come into the game with an 8-5 record, while NW Lehigh are undefeated, 13-0. Upcoming events Nov. 19 - Nov. 23 Nov. 19 Women's B-Ball @ Lycoming - 7 p.m. Men's B-Ball vs Lycoming - 7 p.m. Nov. 20 No events scheduled Nov. 21 Women's Hockey @ Hood - 3:10 p.m. Men's Hockey vs. Misericordia - 4:50 p.m. Men's Swim @ EC Invite - 5 p.m. Women's Swim @ EC Invite - 5 p.m. Men's Wrestling @ Del. Valley - 7 p.m. Nov. 22 Women's Swim@ EC Invite - 9 a.m., 5p.m. Men's Swim @ EC Invite - 9 a.m., 5 p.m. Football @ Shenandoah - TBA Men's Wrestling @ Cougar Classic - 10 a.m. Women's Wrestling @ Cougar Classic - 10 a.m. Men's B-Ball @ Moravian - 2 p.m. Women's Hockey vs. Hood - 3:30 p.m. Women's B-Ball @ Moravian - 4 p.m. Men's Hockey vs. Misericordia - 7 p.m. Nov. 23 Men's Swim @ EC Invite - 10 a.m. Women's Swim @ EC Invite - 10 a.m. �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 Sports 22 OCT 31 3:00 P.M. – AT CORTLAND – CORTLAND, NY NOV 7 7:00 P.M. – AT KING’S COLLEGE (PA) – WILKES-BARRE, PA NOV 8 3:00 P.M. – AT KING’S COLLEGE (PA) – WILKES-BARRE, PA NOV 14 2:00 P.M. – VS LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX NOV 15 3:30 P.M. – VS LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX fantastic job keeping shots to the perimeter NOV 21 3:10 P.M. – AT HOOD COLLEGE – FREDERICK, MD and getting offense. NOV 22 3:30 P.M. – VS HOOD COLLEGE – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX Who is your biggest inspiration? DEC 2 6:00 P.M. – AT ELMIRA COLLEGE – ELMIRA, NY Have to say my parents. They have DEC 5 4:50 P.M. – VS STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX sacrificed so much to give me the DEC 6 4:50 P.M. – VS STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX opportunities that I have had, waking up JAN 3 1:00 P.M. – AT UTICA UNIVERSITY – UTICA, PA for early morning skates, driving to away JAN 4 1:00 P.M./4:00P.M. – AT UTICA UNIVERSITY – UTICA TOURNAMENT (CONSOLATION/FINAL) - UTICA, PA games, and supporting me from afar as I JAN 10 3:30 P.M. – VS ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX moved away from home. Without them I JAN 11 3:30 P.M. – VS ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX wouldn't be who I am or where I am today. JAN 16 6:00 P.M. – AT NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – ASTON, PA If you weren't a hockey player, what sport JAN 17 2:00 P.M. – AT NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – ASTON, PA would you be playing? JAN 23 6:00 P.M. – AT ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – READING, PA Basketball no question, I played in high JAN 24 2:00 P.M. – AT ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – READING, PA school and am a big fan. I feel like it'sJAN a 30 5:00 P.M. – AT LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – ANNVILLE, PA sport that requires a high athletic IQ to JAN be 31 3:00 P.M. – AT STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – STEVENSON, MD a strong player so I have a lot of respect for FEB 6 2:00 P.M. – VS NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX the basketball players. FEB 7 3:00 P.M. – AT ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – GLENSIDE, PA What are your goals for this season? FEB 13 3:00 P.M. – VS KING’S COLLEGE (PA) – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX Just try to win as many games as possible. FEB 14 5:00 P.M. – VS ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX I try to stay in the moment as much FEB as 20 7:00 P.M. – AT HOOD COLLEGE – FREDERICK, MD possible and just focus on the game at hand. into place. Photo by Andrew Marshallsay. Athlete of the Week - Duncan Rolleman, men's hockey By Andrew Marshallsay Managing Editor This week's athlete of the week is men's hockey's Duncan Rolleman. The junior goaltender recorded back-to-back shutouts on Nov. 7 and 8 against King's College in the first weekend of MAC action for the Colonels. As of Nov. 14, Rolleman has the best save percentage and goals allowed average in the country. What was it like for both you and the team as a whole to start MAC play off with the sweep against King's? It was the best way to start off conference play. I got my first ever start and win last year against Kings so I felt like I had an idea of how they play and how I can have success. It's the closest rivalry in all of college hockey so we knew that we had to come prepared for some hard fought games. The guys in front of me did a MEN’S HOCKEY SCHEDULE OCT 31 4:50 P.M. – VS MANHATTANVILLE UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX NOV 1 4:50 P.M. – VS SUNY GENESEO – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX NOV 7 4:50 P.M. – VS KING’S COLLEGE (PA) – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX NOV 8 5:30 P.M. – VS KING’S COLLEGE (PA) – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX NOV 14 7:00 P.M. – AT LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – ANNVILLE, PA NOV 15 4:00 P.M. – AT LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – ANNVILLE, PA NOV 21 4:50 P.M. – VS MISERCORDIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX NOV 22 7:00 P.M. – VS MISERCORDIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX NOV 25 5:00 P.M. – AT CORTLAND – CORTLAND, NY NOV 29 4:00 P.M. – AT ELMIRA COLLEGE – ELMIRA, NY DEC 5 7:00 P.M. – AT STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – STEVENSON, MD DEC 6 3:00 P.M. – AT STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – STEVENSON, MD JAN 9 3:30 P.M. – AT ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – GLENSIDE, PA JAN 10 1:40 P.M. – AT ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – GLENSIDE, PA JAN 16 4:50 P.M. – VS NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX JAN 17 5:30 P.M. – VS NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX JAN 23 2:00 P.M. – VS ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX JAN 24 3:30 P.M. – VS ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX JAN 30 4:50 P.M. – VS LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX JAN 31 3:30 P.M. – VS STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX FEB 6 7:00 P.M. – AT NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – ASTON, PA FEB 7 7:00 P.M. – VS ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX FEB 13 7:00 P.M. – AT KING’S COLLEGE (PA) – WILKES-BARRE, PA FEB 14 5:00 P.M. – AT ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – READING, PA FEB 20 4:50 P.M. – AT MISERCORDIA UNIVERSITY – DALLAS, PA �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 Sports 23 �The Beacon - November 19, 2025 24 . . . R O F G N I K O O L E R WE’ WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS.. DESIGNERS..... MANAGERS...... News,La&E Opinion,Sports Graphics, Layout Distribution Advertising CONTACT: KALEN.CHURCHER@WILKES.EDU � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon, 2025 November 19 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Wilkes University retains copyright of this publication. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/09a113db8dda110d08d22aa53ef2f454.pdf 49f45147089dd45cfcb064c0af96207d PDF Text Text The Beacon - January 28, 2026 THE BEACON Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member Wilkes University - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Volume 78, Issue 12 1 “The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow.” 14 inches: City endures largest snowstorm since 2017 Wilkes-Barre’s snow on Sunday, brought about by Winter Storm Fern, was the largest total in almost a decade. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration; “Imani in Everyday” page 6 Students serve up warmth at Ruth’s Place, page 8 Editorial: Why do popular shows end so badly? page 14 Photo by Leah Smith Wilkes Football: 2025 Season Recap, page 19 �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 News News 2 Have a breaking story or a press release to send? Contact the news editor Leah Smith at leah.smith1@wilkes.edu Student government notes: Jan. 21 By Alli Lussi Staff writer Student Government met Jan. 21 in the JPAC to discuss fund requests and a club recognition. The treasurer’s report started off the meeting with a budget at $72,572.20. The board’s attention then went to a student presenting on behalf of the potential theater club. The student presented that the club will be open to all majors and is designed to showcase the talents of Wilkes students. After careful consideration, the board decided to approve the recognition of the theater club, which will be named Cue ‘n’ Curtain. GeoExplorers then presented for week two of two for a fund request for a trip that certain students from the club will be attending. The club asked for a total of $7,883.33, with a total cost of the trip being $15,373.33. After a brief discussion, the board decided to allocate $4,000 to the GeoExplorers. WAE members presented a fund request for their spring break trip, where they will fly into San Diego and take a tour of multiple national parks and other spots including a zoo and Alcatraz. The club is asking for $4,500 for rental vehicles and for the upkeep of the vehicles, as they plan on traveling about 900 miles. The board will decide next week if the money will be allocated to WAE. For the internal business, a Spring Fling fund request was presented. The event will be held on March 20 at the Mohegan Sun Casino. There will be Uber vouchers for transportation, along with a cash bar and dinner. The theme is Midsummer Night’s Dream. The asking amount for the event is $11,300. The board will decide whether or not the money will be allocated towards the event. Student Government will meet again on Jan. 28. Farley Library Adds New Libguides which shines a light on stories of resilience, unity, and cultural diversity. Email melissa.carestia@wilkes.edu to register. Beacon Briefs: Upcoming campus events Student Development to Hold Cooking Class Join Student Development for a hands-on gnocchi cooking class on campus. Learn how to make fresh gnocchi from scratch while picking up simple cooking tips.. The cooking class is free and will take place at 4 p.m. on Jan. 31 in Ross Hall. Students must register to participatae at the Information Desk in the SUB. *** Register Now for Spring intramural Sports Spring intramural sports are starting soon. Sports available include 5v5 basketball, indoor soccer and volleyball. The season will run from March 9 after spring break, to April 16. To register, visit IMLeaagues.com. Contact Willie.Hope@wilkes.edu with any questions. *** Movie Night with the Chemistry Club The Chemistry Club will hold a movie night from 6 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 30. Come in your comfiest and cutest PJ’s for a fun movie, pizza, and the chance to win a door prize. Food and drinks will be provided, and the door prize will be announced at the end of the night. The Farley Library staff reminds faculty and students that Libguides are available from the Library Homepage that are very useful in guiding researchers to subject specific resources including databases, books/ eBooks and important websites on a variety of academic topics. The library's newest Libguide is the Community, Belonging and Engagement Academic Resource Guide that offers a wide range of scholarly resources. The Library is always open to new suggestions regarding additional Libguides that would enhance access to collections. Please contact the Library at ask.librarian@wilkes.edu for more information. *** Art in Context Screening to be Held Registration is required the Art in Context screening that will by held at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 4. Making NEPA Home is a new original documentary from WVIA. WVIA Filmmaker Kara Washington, produced, directed and edited the documentary, with cinematography by WVIA producer/director Alexander Monelli. This documentary is part of WVIA’s We Stand Against Hate initiative, Table of Contents News..................2 Life, A&E............7 Opinion............14 Sports................19 Upcoming Events: Spring 2026 *** Art in Context Screening to be Held Register to participate in the College of Business and Engineering (COBE) 2026 Business Ethics Case Competition. This event is a platform to practice business ethics reasoning, learn from a collaborative process, and build your professional resume. The competition is organized into two distinct tracks: one for undergraduate students and one for graduate students. The event takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. on March 24 in the SIMMS Building. Team Requirements: Groups must consist of three to four students. Awards Prizes will be presented for both the undergraduate and graduate tracks. Registration is free and must be complete by Feb. 15. Email the following information to kedir.tessema@wilkes.edu: Group Name Institution(s) Names of all Group Members Competition Track (Undergraduate or Graduate) February 28 - Spring break begins March 9- Classes resume April 2- Holiday recess begins 6- Classes resume 30- Final exams begin May 16- Spring commencement Have a safe and anjoyable semester! Want your event featured in the calendar? Email: kalen.churcher@wilkes.edu �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 News Mother Nature dumps snow across region; virtual days called 3 Wilkes-Barre sees roughly 14 inches of snow across the city By Andrew Marshallsay Managing Editor Leah Smith Editor-in-Chief Much of the country, including Wilkesbarre, fell victim to Winter Storm Fern this past weekend. The city recorded its largest snowfall totals in almost a decade, with roughly 14 inches falling in the Diamond City. Adding to the snow were frigid temperatures and wind chills in the negatives, bringing snow drifts to those who were already trying to dig out on Monday morning. The storm spanned over 2,000 miles according to the National Weather Service (NWS), and brought all types of precipitation to the country. With warnings from New Mexico to Maine issued by the NWS, the storm, which affected 40 states and over 250 million people, brought heavy snow and winds to the local region. Throughout the south, ice crippled roadways and electrical grids, cutting power to over a million residents on Sunday. Tornado warnings were issued in the warmer areas affected by the storm. In Memphis, the Grizzlies’ NBA matchup against the Denver Nuggets was postponed due to conditions in and around the Memphis area. Airports all around the eastern seaboard were forced to cancel flights. In Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley International and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International closed all-day Sunday due to the storm. In Texas, residents woke up Sunday morning to find ice covered roads and power outages too, along with frigid, arctic air. On the Wilkes University campus, it was no different. Classes on Monday and Tuesday shifted to online learning, with only essential personnel reporting. Those who were parked in the surface lots, at locations such as the Henry Student Center and Karambelas Center lot had to move their vehicles to the parking garage on Main Street so that snow removal crews could do their job. On-campus residents said that they were worried about the power going out due to the storm. Seventy-seven West resident and pre-pharmacy major Jason Oshman was worried about whether or not he would have to go to work due to the storm. Oshman works at Geisinger hospital as an outpatient assistant. “They told us if we were essential workers at the hospital that we would have to sleep overnight in the lobby and work the next day.” To Oshman’s relief, he was not considered essential and was able to return to the 77 West dorm after his shift ended Saturday night. Maddie Belk, another 77 West dorm resident, talked about her run to the local Aldi’s store and how she had to wait 30 minutes in line to check out. “It was crazy and there [were] hardly any non-perishable foods left," Belk said. "All I really got were foods I can make on the stove like mac and cheese and hot dogs.” The two students planned on kicking back and relaxing with hopes that the power and internet wouldn't go out due to the severity of the storm. “If the internet goes out, I think I’ll go crazy but at least that means no online classes on Monday," Belk said. Online classes proceeded on Monday as planned. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) put “tier 4” restrictions on all state highways ahead of the storm, banning all commercial vehicles from traveling on local roadways such as I-81, I-80, I-380 and the northeast extension of the Pa. Turnpike. In a rare move, the university shifted its Monday classes to virtual days before a flake even fell. Wilkes was in good company, as many area schools announced cancelled or shifted classes as early as Friday. A university email on Monday stated classes would be in-person on Tuesday. However, a change to that decision was announced roughly two hours later, making classes virtual, with only essential personnel Campus was largely still this past weekend as roughly 14 inches of snow fell across Wilkes-Barre. Photo/Leah Smith reporting to campus. For now, the main task will be continuing the clean up. Throughout the city, road crews have worked since early Sunday morning. However, with frigid temperatures, salt and ice melt can only do so much. Temperatures are expected to stay frigid throughout the week, and into the middle of February as well. With wind chills expected to remain below zero for the rest of the week and into early next week, the mild winter temperatures the area has gotten used to over the past few winters are gone, and the arctic air is the new norm for the time being. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to climb into the 20s beginning Feb. 2. �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 News 4 Morgan's Message returns to campus with SG approval By Thaelis Andujar News assistant editor Morgan’s Message is returning to Wilkes University this spring, bringing renewed conversation and awareness around student-athlete mental health. After a previous attempt to establish the organization on campus did not come to fruition, sophomore Katie Clarke of the Wilkes women’s soccer team has taken the lead to officially relaunch the club, hoping to create a space for honest dialogue, support, and understanding among student athletes. Morgan’s Message is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health within the studentathlete community. Founded in honor of Morgan Rodgers, a former Division I lacrosse player at Duke University, the organization works to amplify conversations around mental wellness and remind athletes that they are more than just their performance. Chapters across the country aim to create peer-led spaces where vulnerability is normalized and helpseeking is encouraged. Clarke said her motivation to bring Morgan’s Message to Wilkes stemmed from recognizing how often studentathletes struggle quietly. Balancing academics, athletics, social expectations and personal challenges can feel overwhelming, and many athletes feel pressure to appear mentally tough at all times. “Our goals are to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health,” Clarke said. “And I think that this organization, our goal is to normalize having all these feelings. It’s OK to have anxiety, working through these things.” Clarke emphasized that Morgan’s Message is not intended to replace professional mental health services. Instead, the organization focuses on peer support and awareness, helping student athletes feel less alone in their experiences. “We’re not mental health experts whatsoever,” she said. “This is just about creating conversation and letting people know they’re not weak for feeling the way they do.” A central symbol of Morgan’s Message is its butterfly logo, which Clarke explained carries deep meaning tied to Morgan Rodgers herself. Rodgers was not only an athlete, but also an artist, and the butterfly originated from her artwork. “Our butterfly logo was a part of Morgan’s art,” Clarke said. “While she was an athlete, she was also an artist, and that’s something I want to focus on, possibly a meeting topic–as student athletes, we’re not just athletes. Our identity is defined by more than that.” This idea of identity beyond sports is something Clarke hopes will resonate across Wilkes’ athletic community. She stressed that regardless of division level, student athletes face similar pressures and challenges. “I think the other thing is, no matter what division we play for, we are student- athletes nonetheless,” she said. Morgan’s Message at Wilkes has already reached an important milestone, as the organization was officially recognized by Wilkes’ Student Government as an approved campus club. With that recognition, the club will be able to host events, meetings, and awareness initiatives throughout the semester. The organization will make its first official campus appearance at Club Day on Feb. 3, held in the MAC. Students interested in learning more about Morgan’s Message will have the opportunity to speak with members, ask questions, and get involved. The club’s first meeting was scheduled for Jan. 27; however, inclement weather placed campus on a virtual day. Clarke said she hopes the first meeting will serve as an introduction to the organization’s mission and create a welcoming environment for athletes from all teams. By reintroducing Morgan’s Message to Wilkes, Clarke hopes to chip away at the stigma that often surrounds mental health in athletics and encourage student athletes to prioritize their wellbeing alongside their performance. More information about Morgan’s Message can be found on the organization’s official website or on Instagram at @morgans_message_ wilkes. Students interested in joining or learning more are encouraged to attend Club Day or the group's first meeting that will be announced soon with a rescheduled time and date. For more information about Morgan's Message, go to www.morgansmessage. org. �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 News Leadership changes occur on campus; Cant to retire this year Alli Lussi News Assistant Editor Throughout the fall semester, students expressed their concerns surrounding the university's leadership. Faculty and staff have also questioned the Cant transparency and communication of President Greg Cant. After the recent budget deficit issue, students were concerned about where their money goes, as well as why university leaders, specifically Cant, was not being transparent about the budget deficit. In December, Cant announced his retirement, which will go into effect in August 2026. The university's senior vice president and provost, Dr. David Ward, immediately assumed the role of chief operating officer and provost to "support the university in this time of leadership transition," according to a university email. Dr. Mark Allen, associate vice president of student life and success, Allen said that there will be a search for a new president for Wilkes. “The hope is that with our change in leadership structure, that students' life in and outside of the classroom will not significantly change.” Dr. Allen also said that it takes a while to find a new president, and that in the meantime, Ward will do everything he can to ensure that Wilkes will continue to be a great place for students. Dean Phil Ruthkosky said university leaders are looking for ways to enhance academic performance as well as supporting student success. “We’re looking through this lens of ‘How are these decisions impacting the student experience Ruthkosky and enhancing academic excellence?’” Ruthkosky also explained that leadership transitions are normal within all universities and organizations. “There’s reason to be optimistic because I have full faith in my colleagues and my staff and our core values like community and innovation and scholarship.” Ward was unable to comment at this 5 time. A Dec. 8 email explained that Cant will now place his emphasis on fundraising for the university. "As we move into this transition period, President Cant will devote additional attention to strengthening W i l k e s ’ Ward p h i l a n t h r o p i c initiatives and expanding our fundraising efforts to reinforce the university’s financial resilience and strategic priorities. This enhanced focus will help ensure the University is well positioned for longterm success." If any students have any questions about leadership changes, students can contact Dr. Allen, Dean Phil, or Provost Ward. We’re Looking For NEWS WRITERS! BUILD YOUR RESUME WITH WRITING EXPERIENCE CONTACT: leah.smith1@wilkes.edu OR andrew.marshallsay@wilkes.edu �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 News 6 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration; “Imani in Everyday” By Mollie Kuhar Staff writer ����� ���� ��� ������ ��� ���� ���� ��� ������ � �� ���� ���� ��� ����� ��� ���� ���� ��� � ������ ��� ����� �� ������� �� �� �� ����� �� ���� �� ������ ��� ���� � �� �� �� � � ������� �� � ������ � ��� �������� ����� �� � ��� �������� ��� ����� ������ � � ���� ������� ��� ���� ��� ��� ���� �� ������ ��� ���� ����� ���� � � �� ��� ���� ������� ������­€�� �����������������‚��������� ��� �����  ���������� � �� ���������� ��� ƒ���� �� ������� �� ���� ��� �� �� � ��� ���� �������� ����� ���� ����� ��� � ��� �� �� �� ������ ��� ��� �„����������������� ��� ���� ������� ������� � ���� � �� ������ � ������������ ����� ��� ������ �� ����� ��������� ���� ��� � �� �� ������ �� ������ �� � ��  ����€������������� ���� �������� ����� � ����������� ��� �� ����� �� ��…��� � ƒ����������������� �������� ��������� � ������ ���������� �†�� ������� ��‡�� � €��ˆ��� €��ˆ�����ˆ������������� � ����� � ��� � ��� ���� ������ ��� ���� ��� ��� ������� ������ ��������� ���� ���� ��� ���������� ‰���� ��� ��Š��� ������� �� ����� ���������������������� ������� �� � � ��� ������ ��� � ��� ���� � �� ���� � ��� �� ���� �� ��� � ����� �� ���� � � �� � ��‹������ ���� � �� � ��� ����� ������ � � ���� �� � ���� � �� ���� �� ��� ���� €� ��� � €� ��� � ��� ���� � �� � � ���� �� ����� ��� � ������ ‹������� � �� ���������� ����� � �� ���� ��� ���� � ��� ����� � �� ������� �� � �� �� �� �� ������ ��� ���� � ��� ��������ŒŽ� ����� ����������� � ������ ����� �� ��������� ���� ���� � ���€� ��� ��ƒ�����������ˆ�������� ������ � ���� ��� �� �����ŒŽ� ��� �‘���� ��� ����� ���� �� ������ ��� ��� ‹���� �������� ��� ˆ� �� �������������������������������� � � � �’�� ����� ��� ������ � � � ������ � �� ������� ��������� �� � ��� �� �� ���� � � ��� �‘���� � ����� ���� �� � �� ������� ������� ���� �� ���� ����� ��������� ������ ���� �� ��� ���� ������ ��� �� �� �� � ����� � �� �� � �� � �� ���� ������������ ���������� ������� � ����ˆ� ����������������� ����ˆ�� ��������ˆ� �������� ��� �� ���� � �� � Ž �� ��� �� �� � ��� ���� “��ˆ��� �������������� ���������� ����� ������������ ���Ž �� ���� ��� ���� ������ „�� ��� ��� � �� ������” ��� ������ �€� ��� � ƒ������� � �� €� �������� � �� ��� ��� �� ���������������� � �������� �” ��� ��������� �� ��� �� ��� ���� ���� „�� ��� ��� � � ������ ��� ������� ��� ��� ������� �� ��� �� ���� ����� ���� ��� ������ � �� � �� ����� � � � � � � �������� � � �� •� �� ��� ” �� �” ��� ������  � ���� �������� Ž �� �� ���ˆ�� ����� ���� �������� �������� ���������� ����������� ����� ��� ��� ����� � �������� � ��� �������� �� �� � �‘�� � ���� ����� �� �� �� �������� ���� �� �� �� Ž �� ������� ������������� ��� ������ �� ����� ����������� ��� ����������Ž �� ���‘���� ������� ������� ����� ������������ ��� � �� ������� �� � ��� �� ���� � �� ��������� ��������� � ��� ��� ��� ����� ���� ����� ��� ��� ���� ��� � �� ��� ��� ���� ���� ��� � �� ��� � ���Œ����� ��� ��� �����–��„�� ���� � ����� � ��� ˆ �������� � Ž �� �� �� ������� ���� ������������ �������������� �� ��������� �� �� �� � � �� ����� ����� �� �� � ����� ��� Darian Bryant, a member of the Wilkes football coaching staff for the past two years, ����������� ���� �������� � provided the keynote speech for this year's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration. ‹�������� ������ ��������� �� ��� ���� � �� ��� ���� ��� ��� ������ �� ���� �� �� ��� �� ����� �� �� ���� ���� ���� ��� �� ���� ����� �� ��� � ����� �� ��� ���������������������� ������ � ��� �� ������� ������� ����� ��� �� �� �� �� � ����� � �� �� � ��� ���� ��� ��— ���� �‡� ����ˆ��€ ��������ƒ������ ��� �� ��� ����� ���� ��� � ����� ������������ ������ ���� ���� ���� ���� ������� � ����� �� ���� �� �� ƒ�� �� ”�� � Ž���� �������  ����� �� ������ ������ �� ��� ����� � �’� ���� ��� ���� �� “��ˆ��� ������ ���������������������� ��� ���� ����� ����� �� �������Ž���ˆ�‡���� ��� ��� �� �� �� � ����� � �� �� � ��� � �� ” ��� ������ € ����� �� ����Ž �� �„����������� �� €�� ����� � � ������� ���� ��� ��� ��� ������� ����� ������ ��‘������������ ����“��ˆ���” ��� ��������� ��� �� ��� ������ �������� �� �� ������������ �� �����˜� ���� �� ���� ������� �� �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 7 Each Ea week, ek, k, e Wi Wilkes il E ch we w k th tthe W ilk lke kes Beacon staff f pic ff picks i ks ic k out ttheir th eir i fa ir ffavorite v rrite song of vo tthe th e we w ek. k Check out k. week. tthis th i we is w week’s ek’s ’ bop ’s bops! o s! op Leah Smith: The Number of the Beast - Iron Maiden Kailey Vogel: Don’t Look Back in Anger - Oasis Andrew Marshallsay: True Faith - New Order Jake Mills: (Oh) Pretty Woman - Van Halen Shawn Carey: Iris Out - Kenshi Yonezu Alli Lussi: Speed Racer - Her’s Mollie Kuhar: If She Could See Me Now Lorde Nikki Steinberg: Shots - LMFAO ft. Lil Jon Brooke Lare: Hold On - Tems Vin Santoro: But Not Often, - Microwave Thaelis Andujar: Bleed - Malcolm Todd ft. Omar Apollo Freeze: I’m Here Now - Tekken 5 (OST) Take a plunge for a good cause: Polar Plunge happening this week at Montage By Kaydia Wright Assistant Editor L,A&E The snow may still be falling, but it’s never too cold to support a good cause, which is exactly what’s happening on Jan. 31. The Special Olympics Pennsylvania team will be at Montage Mountain to host their annual Polar Plunge benefit. Anyone can sign up to participate, either as a team or an individual and fundraise to support the cause. The event will be held from noon to 4 p.m., with the actual plunge beginning at 2:30 p.m. Even if you’re not participating in the chilling Polar Plunge event, there are still fun activities to enjoy, including a dance party, food and games. All proceeds and fundraised money will be given to the Special Olympics as well as “vital programming for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community,” as stated on the official Polar Plunge website. So far, the program has raised $72,906 of their $130,000 goal. For anyone interest, it’s not too late to register or fundraise. Head to plungepa.org, go to the tab ‘Find Your Plunge’ and click on view details for Northeast, Montage Mountain, Jan. 31. You might even see a few Wilkes student at the event. �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 8 Policy to people: Period product drive slated for Saturday By Brooke Lare Staff writer “It’s taboo to talk about the inequality of women’s rights as a man,” said Johnny Sudol, vice president of the Wilkes College Dems and vice chairman of NEPA Young Dems. That taboo is exactly what the two groups hope to challenge during a period product drive taking place from noon to 2 p.m. on Jan. 31, at 67 Public Square. This event comes in response to the Pennsylvania House Republicans voting against bill HB 1957. The bill mandates the protection of abortion and reproductive rights. The bill narrowly passed with a 102101 vote, unavoidably drawing attention to the divide between Pennsylvania lawmakers. As the bill moves to the Pennsylvania Senate, the event hopes to bring awareness to the issue by having the same event on the same day spread across multiple counties. Participating counties include Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Wayne, Pike and Northampton. As Sudol is heavily involved in politics on campus and off, he urges people to keep the focus on community support, not a political statement. “Are you doing a good or bad thing by donating?” he asked. Donations can range anywhere from tampons, pain management, heating pads and liners. While the drive encourages people to physically donate, he encourages people who cannot donate to volunteer, discuss and learn instead. “Brand name is cool. Generic is cool.” Sudol said, encouraging all donations. The plan is to redistribute these products through local nonprofit organizations that support women. “Everything is political. You can get so microscopic about it that people tune it out, and I get why they do,” Sudol said. “But it’s important that people have at least a few issues they care about and try to advocate for and educate others on.” All types of period products will be accepted Saturday at the period product drive on Public Square. The donations will be redistributed to local nonprofit organizations that support and deal directly with women. Honors students serve up warmth at Ruth’s Place By Kailey Vogel LAE Editor On Jan. 23, students of the Wilkes University Honors Program participated in a service event at Ruth’s Place. According to the Volunteers of America Pennsylvania’s website, Ruth’s Place House of Hope “is an emergency sheltering support group for women experiencing homelessness.” The program provides women with shelter, food, personal hygiene products and resources to get them back on their feet during hard transitions in time of need. These resources include job connections, social relationships, teachings of life skills and other case management services. Ten students along with the program’s graduate assistant, Starr Sandt, cooked a pasta dinner for the women of the shelter to warm up the already cold day. The students worked together to plan the meal, assign themselves to different stations and prepare the pasta dish for dinner. Utilizing food donated from the Weinberg CEO food bank, the Honors Program was able to produce pasta with sauteed bell peppers, mushrooms and green beans. The students had fun getting to work with one another in the kitchen as a way to give back to their community. Junior Liz Keller described her experience volunteering for the dinner service. “I had a great time returning to Ruth’s Place with my friends in the Honors Program for some community service.” Keller has volunteered to help cook for the women on various occasions throughout her time at Wilkes and continues to do so as a way to give back to the local community. This food wasn’t the only thing that warmed hearts either, as the students were able to interact with some of the women and watch their smaller community help each other out. Sophomore Andrea Buenano stated that she chose to volunteer because “community is something I have always loved, and giving back has always been very important to me.” “When you have the time and the ability to help, I truly believe you should take it. That is why I chose to volunteer at Ruth’s Place alongside my peers,” she continued. Buenano’s station was the boiling and stirring station and she was able to cook and serve with a smile on her face throughout the experience. “I wanted our community to know that no matter the social circumstances or challenges people may face, we are here, we care and we have heart and compassion to serve.” “Being able to cook and prepare meals for others was an incredibly heartwarming experience. It reminded me how something as simple as showing up and serving with love can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day,” she concluded. Buenano’s words serve to remind everyone of the importance of helping others and the gratitude it can give us in return. If you or a club are interested in volunteering at Ruth’s Place or helping the women of the shelter, they accept monetary donations through the Volunteers of America website. A wishlist of nonperishables and toiletries are also available on their website. Photo by Starr Sandt From left, students Teresa Caponera and Andrea Buenano stir the pots and heat things up in the kitchen. �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 9 Life, Arts & Entertainment Word Search Words to find! ��������� blizzard boots bread cancel cold delay dig ice igloo plow record shovel sledding sleep snow spring storm virtual winter Credit for these puzzles goes to: www.puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 10 ����������������������������������������� By Leah Smith Editor-in-Chief On the morning of Jan. 22, The Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences released the nominations for the 2026 Oscar awards. The 98th Oscar awards ceremony will feature Conan O’Brien returning as the host and will be live on ABC, as well as streamed on Hulu and YouTube TV at 7 p.m. The awards ceremony will present 24 categories including a new category: best ensemble cast. The nominations for this category include: “Sinners,” “One Battle After Another,” “Hamnet,” “The Secret Agent” and “Marty Supreme”. On top of the exciting new category announcement, this year’s Oscars are already breaking records and making history. Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” broke the record for most nominations at the Oscars with 16 nominations this year. This title was once held by three films, “All About Eve,” “La La Land” and “Titanic.” All were nominated for 14 Oscars. There are also some first-time nominees that made the cut including Michael B. Jordan for best actor for his portrayal of Smoke and Stack from “Sinners,” Jacob Elordi for his portrayal of the Creature in “Frankenstein” and Teyana Taylor for best supporting actress in her role as Perfidia in “One Battle After Another.” Taylor has already won a Golden Globe for her role in the film. Wilkes students had no problem giving their thoughts on this year’s nominees. Kevin Lucke, a senior English major. said that one of his favorite movies of 2025 was “Hamnet,” which scored eight nominations, including best picture, best adapted screenplay, best director and best actress. Lucke was particularly impressed by the film’s screenplay that was penned by Chloe Zhao and Maggie O’Farrell. “The film’s screenplay had such a meditative and slow pace that you don’t see in most films nowadays,” Lucke said. Additionally, he believed that Amanda Seyfried was snubbed in the best actress category for her role as Ann Lee in “The Testament of Ann Lee.” The film itself was not nominated for any category for the Oscars. “I’m surprised that she (Seyfried) wasn’t nominated. I think Jessie Buckley will win,” Lucke stated. Lacey Rinker, a senior DDMA major adored Guillermo Del Toro’s interpretation of “Frankenstein” and was pleased to see the film was nominated for nine Oscars including best picture and best adapted screenplay. “It’s so awesome to see a gothic monster movie be so well-received today, especially because it’s a different interpretation of such a well-known piece of media,” Rinker said. Rinker was excited about Jacob Elordi’s best supporting actor nomination for his portrayal of the Creature. “Jacob Elordi’s performance was so beautiful and tragic. If I hadn’t known before I saw the movie, I would not have thought that was him as the Creature. The nomination is welldeserved.” Anthony Elms, a senior history major, believes that Sinners deserves to be the recordbreaking film. The film was his favorite movie of 2025. “Even though the movie isn’t super scary, it’s still such a contextually rich movie while it maintains its entertainment appeal for mass audiences,” Elms said. When it comes to the trending race for best kalen.churcher@wilkes.edu actor, Elms believes that Leonardo DiCaprio is the obvious choice although he is championing a best actor win for Timothee Chalamet. If Chalamet wins the Oscar for best actor for his performance as Marty Mauser from Marty Supreme, it will be his first win at the Oscars. “I think he should take it home since he’s been really trying to cement himself as a leading man.” Noah Jennings, a Wilkes graduate student, said that he loves that horror and eccentric films like “Sinners,” “Frankenstein” and “Bugonia” are nominated. “I feel that ever since ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ swept the 2023 Oscars season, the Academy’s been more willing to give zany genre films more of a chance.” Jennings was surprised but happy that Amy Madigan was nominated for best supporting actress for her role as Aunt Gladys in “Weapons”. “Honestly, that movie should’ve been nominated for more categories. I really enjoyed that one,” Jennings said. “I think Cregger’s going to be in the conversation for best horror director of our generation like Jordan Peele and Ari Aster.” �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment Life, Arts & Entertainment 11 Have any events or artists to be shared? Contact Life, Arts & Entertainment Editor: Kailey.Vogel@wilkes.edu The mental health and wellness Beacon: Motivation matters By Gina Harrison Assistant professor, Passan School of Nursing Here we are again at the beginning of a new semester. The spring term can feel especially challenging, as it often arrives together with the lingering cold, short days, and gray skies of winter. During this time of year, motivation can be just as elusive as sunshine after 6 p.m. So how do we find the energy to re-engage with the responsibilities and expectations of a new semester? If there were a simple, universal answer, the entire selfhelp industry might collapse overnight. Motivation is not a one-sizefits-all concept. There are many types of motivation, but for the purposes of this article, we will focus on two: intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation comes from within, while extrinsic motivation is guided by external factors. Extrinsic motivation often shows up as the pursuit of a reward or the desire to avoid an undesirable outcome. Some individuals are more strongly motivated by avoiding punishment or negative consequences. For example, studying to earn a good grade or to avoid failing a course. Education is frequently structured around extrinsic motivators. Systems are often designed to encourage students to avoid failure and strive for rewards like grades, credentials, or approval. While this approach can be effective, it is important to recognize that an overemphasis on avoidance and outcomes can sometimes push the joy of learning into the background. Intrinsic motivation, by definition, is a bit more fun. It is driven by enjoyment, curiosity, satisfaction, or personal interest. When motivation is intrinsic, the activity itself feels meaningful or fulfilling, rather than simply a means to an end. Ideally, you have chosen an educational path that aligns with your interests and reflects something you genuinely want for yourself. Shifting your focus from the grade to the learning process can make the work feel less daunting. Engaging with the process, not just the outcome, can still lead to strong academic performance while also creating a deeper sense of purpose and connection. So, is one type of motivation better than the other? Much like a game of cards, this is the dealer’s choice. Each of us is motivated differently, shaped by a unique blend of personality, experience, and circumstance. Most of us rely on a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation at different times. The key is learning to recognize what motivates you, and how to work with it, especially during seasons when motivation feels hardest to come by. Whatever your motivation, I wish you a wonderful and successful spring semester. I have included some questions you may wish to consider regarding what motivates you. �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 12 Wilkes University’s Multicultural Student Coalition One World Celebration Photos by Kailey Vogel MSC hosts its annual One World Event for campus students MSC hosts its annual One World Event for campus students. �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 (Above) With a variety of flags displayed, decorations illustrated the spirit of a One World celebration. (Below) Dancing was a highlight of the celebration, with members of the Lincoln University’s Reconstruction Step Team also performing for students. (Above) Josh Ermeus thanks students for their attendance and introduces the Reconstruction Step Team. (Below) Food was catered from local restaurants to immerse students into other cultures. 13 �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 Opinion Editorial Staff 2025-26 MANAGERIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief - Leah Smith Managing Editor - Andrew Marshallsay Adviser - Dr. Kalen Churcher SECTION EDITORS LA&E - Kailey Vogel Opinion - Shawn Carey SECTION ASSISTANTEDITORS News - Thaelis Andujar & Alli Lussi LA&E - Kaydia Wright Sports - Jake Mills DESIGNERS Photographer - Shannon Slominski STAFF WRITERS Nikki Steinberg Topher DellaBella Natalia Williams Brooke Lare Vin Santoro 141 S. Main Street Clayton and Theresa Karambelas Media & Communication Center Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 Phone - (570) 408-5903 www.thewilkesbeacon.com Want to advertise in The Beacon? Contact: Kalen Churcher at kalen.churcher@wilkes.edu or Leah Smith at leah.smith1@wilkes.edu The Beacon Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member Opinion 14 Have an opinion or want to write a guest column? Contact assistant opinion editors: shawn.carey1@wilkes.edu Our Voice Each week, The Beacon’s editorial board will take a stance on a current issue. Why do popular TV shows end so badly? Have you ever watched a TV show you loved that couldn’t stick the landing? Chances are, you probably have and not just once. There was “Game of Thrones”, “Squid Game”, “The Umbrella Academy”, “Lost”, “Supernatural.” Now, “Stranger Things” has joined the club of popular shows that have failed to satisfy their massive fanbases. It’s always a shame to see TV shows gain so much attention and then watch them fall from grace in real time. Social media has made this experience even more harrowing, especially in the case of “Stranger Things,” where some fans were left believing that the show’s finale wasn’t real. This caused “the conformity gate” theory that caused Netflix to crash due to the collective belief that a new episode would come out to reveal the show’s “true ending”. However, this was not the case and the show’s finale that came out on New Year’s Eve was indeed the true series finale. This begs the question, why do so many popular tv shows end up having bad series finales? The answer is simple: bad writing. Bad writing is definitely a major part of why so many shows end so poorly and that can span from mischaracterization, poorly written dialogue or a disappointing climax that inevitably leads to a disappointing conclusion. A combination of these elements end up making a pop culture phenomenon into a pop culture embarrassment. Why is that common? Several things can lead up to the bad writing fever for final seasons, and there are three big reasons why this occurs. One, the show has become too big for its own good. Two, the writers either leave halfway through or are replaced with new ones. Three, the writers simply run out of ideas and get lazy. The first reason has become more prevalent and it’s really not on the writers but on the company that owns the show. There are several examples for this, but Netflix is a big culprit, and it’s simply because the shows are the foundation of the platform. They need the shows in order to keep making money the way they are. Instead of letting their big shows end, they create spin-offs. This isn’t to say that spin-offs are a bad thing, “Better Call Saul” is a great spinoff to “Breaking Bad,” but that isn’t because the show is trying to recapture the cultural significance of its predecessor. It’s because the writers of “Better Call Saul” give the audience additional context to a character that’s already loved by fans. They also expand on not only Saul Goodman’s character but the entire setting of “Breaking Bad”. When it comes to spinoffs in the present, this isn’t the case. Most companies just order spinoffs to try and recapture the popularity the initial show had, and most of the time, they fail. That’s why the finale of “Stranger Things” and “Squid Game” were so baffling. Netflix didn’t want the money to stop coming from shows they already knew were a hit. It doesn’t help that “Stranger Things” was meant to be something else entirely before Netflix realized how popular it has become. So, yeah, a big reason why so many shows end so badly is because of poor writing. However, the real culprit here are the companies that become so greedy with their most popular IPs, that they don’t realize that their most popular products need to keep up with high quality for their high volume of viewers. Letter to the editor policy: The Beacon welcomes letters to the editor from differing viewpoints. Letters must contain contact information, including name, city, state and phone number. Phone numbers will not be published but may be used for verification purposes. All letters to the editor must be sent using one of the following methods: Email: leah.smith1@wilkes.edu Phone: (570) 408-5903 (Voicemail: 30 seconds or less, please.) Mail: 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766 Attn: The Beacon �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 Opinion 15 A review of “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” By Leah Smith Editor-in-Chief Horror movies as of late, have been on a roll. Honestly, I’d say that horror movies have been on a sort of a renaissance in their own right. The most recently criticallyacclaimed horror film of 2026, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” certainly does not sleep on the great success the genre has been receiving. “The Bone Temple” is the most recent entry of the “28 Days Later” zombie horror film franchise and is the sequel of 2025’s “28 Years Later”. I have been a big fan of this series since I first saw “28 Days Later” one day in quarantine and boy, what a time to watch a zombie horror film. “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” does not shy away from the franchise’s philosophical dissection of humanity and its savage origins. If anything, this film takes a deeper dive into the systems that mankind has developed to answer the questions they have when it comes to fear and life itself. This film picks up a bit after “28 Years Later” ends. Right from the first scene, this film reveals to you all of the gritty and dark edges of humanity and how faith can be manipulated by fear. The film explores themes of fear, faith and spectacle and there are several moments in which those elements juxtapose themselves. This is shown between the two characters, Dr. Ian Kelson and Jimmy Crystal. Kelson is portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, who is most known for his role as Lord Voldemort from the “Harry Potter” franchise. Crystal is portrayed by Jack O’Connell, who horror fans probably know best as Remmick from “Sinners”. Fiennes and O’Connell put on excellent performances that not only embody the most authentic and raw versions of their characters, but display the juxtaposition of spectacle and humanity. O’Connell’s character is a cult-leader who manipulates his followers into believing that their actions are acts of “charity” to please a higher deity meanwhile Fiennes’s character is a doctor, who through his expertise, is able to cause a miracle in the most hopeless of times. There are two scenes in particular that left me in disbelief in the best way possible. There is a scene in a train with an infected man, portrayed by Chi Lewis-Parry, that was experimental and shocking, I have never seen a scene like that in a zombie film before. The other scene is in the moment where the cult meets Kelson for the first time. It’s truly something to behold. Fellow metal heads are definitely going to love that scene. The got opinions? cinematography and editing are out of this world. If you’re a fan of horror or of the “28 Days Later” franchise, I highly recommend watching this film. It’s really something special. If you haven’t seen any film from the franchise yet and are interested in seeing this, my personal guide to this series is to watch “28 Days Later” first and then hop onto the new trilogy. There is “28 Weeks Later” in the franchise as well, but I’d say that entry doesn’t impact the franchise much. It’s truly a shame that this movie isn’t doing well at the box office despite the critical acclaim. So far, it’s one of the best movies to come out this year. I’m really hoping screenwriter Alex Garland is able to complete his vision for this subversive journey back into the “28 Days Later” franchise. �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 Opinion 16 The Icebox presents: Tekken’s new era By “Freeze” Opinion Staff Writer The final volume of the “Icebox” is upon us. I will be graduating this spring, which means my time at Wilkes University and working for The Beacon is almost over. For this final semester, I will only be talking about the most important games in my life. Strap yourselves in readers, for the final issues will not be of lesser quality. As many of you know, I love fighting games. I was the captain of Wilkes’ official team for “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” for three years. However, some of you may not know that I recently retired from Smash and have stepped back from the scene. However, I have not stopped playing fighting games. Fighting games are fun. You can enjoy them even if you are unskilled. Most people start to play fighting games for three simple reasons. First, the game looks fun. Second, the characters look cool. Finally, the special mechanics in the game might be attractive to a frequent gamer. These same criteria are what make me like some fighting games more than others. Although I tend to play anything in the genre, there are only specific titles that I feel are worth a time-investment. My frequent titles as of late are “Street Fighter 6” and “Guilty Gear: Strive”. Sometimes I will indulge in “Mortal Kombat 1,” but that is casual. However, there is one fighting game that has firmly caught my interest. It has amazing character designs, an interesting plot, a killer soundtrack and it’s a classic. Bandai Namco’s “Tekken” is a fighting game franchise that is known as one of the titans in the community. It has been around since the 90s and introduced the revolutionary threedimensional aspect of a fighting game. That same feature became one of Tekken’s signatures. In addition to this new style to the arcade scene, Tekken introduced the Mishima family who have represented the franchise for decades. I’m not going to sugarcoat it: forward, neutral, down, down-forward, punch. This is the input for the infamous “Electric Wind God Fist” performed by members of the Mishima family. It is practically the motto of the Tekken franchise itself. It gained popularity because it is the notorious precursor to countless deadly combos in the game, but also because the input itself is rather difficult and unconventional. The Mishima family is rather important. Like most other players, I took interest in Tekken because I wanted to know more about this family. The plot of all Tekken games revolve around the Mishima family in some way. The key players are Heihachi, Kazuya, Jin and now Reina. In the beginning, Heihachi was the original protagonist who mistreated his own son, Kazuya, out of fear for the latter’s potential. In this context, “mistreated” refers to throwing Kazuya off a cliff so that Heihachi could eliminate a “Devil Gene” that he feared his son inherited. Talk about good parenting. Despite Heihachi’s efforts, Kazuya survived and turned out to be very evil, even without the Devil Gene in consideration. He wanted to dissolve all of his father’s power in the world. Heihachi was the leader of the Mishima Zaibatsu, a powerful organization originating in Japan until Kazuya took over and denounced his own nationality. Kazuya’s Devil Gene enables him to take on a devil form and harness electric power. Afterward, Kazuya and Heihachi spend several games fighting each other, throwing each other off of cliffs, and all-around giving others a bad time. Eventually, players meet Jin Kazama, the current protagonist of the series. Jin, like his father Kazuya, possesses the Devil Gene but is inherently a good person thanks to his mother, Jun Kazama. It’s a miracle that a good person like Jun Kazama could fall in love with a terrifying, completely evil soul like Kazuya let alone have a child with this man. There are, of course, several other characters that appear in the franchise. It’s common for most of the roster to be strongly against Kazuya, who effortlessly makes everybody his enemy just by being who he is. When you throw all of the characters into the mix, the Mishima conflict quickly becomes a threat to global stability. You can probably guess that my favorite character is absolutely Kazuya. I mean, he’s so badass! How can you not like him, right? More on him in the next issue. After many years, a girl named Reina appears in Tekken 8 who awakened her own Devil Gene. It turns out that she is not just a random girl. She is one of Heihachi’s illegitimate children. Somehow, Heihachi Mishima managed to fall in love with not one, but two different women who could pass down the Devil Gene. Let’s hope he learned his lesson already! Now, let’s discuss why Tekken is entering a new era. First, the actual status of the game and the community has drastically changed in recent weeks. The long-time director and producer of Tekken, Katsuhiro Harada, has officially retired from the franchise. He has not only led Tekken since its beginning, but also he has done wonders for the franchise. Harada connected the world with his work. He allowed Tekken to make the jump from the arcade to modern gaming. He’s done extensive research to properly represent different nationalities in the game. Finally, Harada channeled the essence of Tekken itself and possessed an admirable personality to show the world. With Harada gone and Bandai Namco on the warpath to moneymaking, Tekken is destined to fall apart. Unfortunately, it seems it already has. Tekken 8 is consistently labeled as impressive but still inferior to its predecessor, Tekken 7. Even top players say they really dislike the game direction. The DLC and seasonal systems result in horrendous characterbalancing. In the current state it’s not too fun to play the game competitively. For this reason, I am reserving myself to play more casually. The one thing that I can respect about Bandai Namco’s recent executive decisions would be the choices in marketing. When the game first released, there were ads in places you would not expect. For example, a partnership with “Karate Kid: Legends” had Tekken posters plastered in different scenes. During my visit to Tokyo, I was able to see Tekken’s popularity in Japan for myself. Even a full year after release, I witnessed an abundance of merchandise and advertisements. After all, Tekken is one of the many gaming treasures of Japan. Finally, the ending of the Tekken 8 plot is the biggest giveaway about this new era. Kazuya and Jin have a final showdown, where they both obtain maximum power. This showdown was unlike any other, because it ended in Jin’s victory and the extinction of the Devil Gene from both father and son. Jin conquered his Devil Gene and combined it with the Kazama clan’s power, resulting in an Angel form he used to defeat, but not kill, his father. Afterwards, both father and son became normal human beings. Of course, Reina is still out there with her Devil Gene. Perhaps she will be the protagonist of Tekken’s next installment. As of now, there is a big measure of uncertainty of the franchise’s success. Many Tekken players are concerned that the series will go into the dumps or get poorly rebooted in the near future. �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 Opinion 17 DC Comics’ Renaissance of Zatanna Zatara By Leah Smith Why you should read Zatanna comic books Editor-in-chief As part of DC Comics’ latest comic initiative, “All-In”, the company will release what they call act two of the “All-In” initiative called “Next Level”. This next phase of the current DC Comics era is set to take place after the conclusion of “DC K.O.,” which is the ongoing multiversal tournament event set to conclude on March 4. What “Next Level” will bring is a wave of brand new comic runs featuring characters that are beloved by DC Comics fans including, but not limited to, Batwoman, Deathstroke, Firestorm, Lobo and Zatanna. These new comic runs are especially exciting since most of the characters haven’t been featured prominently on their own for some time Except of course, the mistress of magic herself, Zatanna. For those who don’t know who Zatanna is, Zatanna is the daughter of Giovanni Zatara, who’s is known as one of the most powerful magic users across the DC Universe. He trained Zatanna to not only follow in his footsteps but to exceed the power he had. In the current continuity, Giovanni Zatara is dead but Zatanna lives on to continue her father’s legacy of being a stage magician and a powerful magic user. Her most iconic ability is that she talks backwards to cast spells. I am over the moon that we are getting a brand new run for Zatanna because not only is she one of my favorite comic book characters, but the run will also be written and illustrated by Jamal Campbell. Campbell is a gifted artist who is most known for his exteriors that are usually featured on variant covers. However, he has done interior work including Joshua Williamson’s Superman and his own run of Zatanna that came out last year. Campbell’s Zatanna run was one of the best comic runs I read in 2025. Not only is the art exceptional but Campbell’s voice for Zatanna matches the whimsical edge of the zany and complex magical world of the DC Universe. Campbell also puts Zatanna into a different role than she’s had before in which she’s a mentor for a group of magic apprentices who also happen to be her stage crew for when she goes on tour as a stage magician. I really enjoy that aspect a lot since I think that Zatanna should gain a prominent leadership role such in more stories. It seems that DC has been giving Zatanna a major push in terms of comic book appearances and relevance. Not only was Jamal Campbell’s first Zatanna run from 2025 a major boost for her, but 2024’s “Zatanna: Bring Down the House” by Mariko Tamaki was also enjoyable. “Zatanna: Bring Down the House” is a five-issue mini series under DC’s black label imprint. This story takes place out of the main DC continuity but still has that zany edginess that Zatanna embraces. I’d honestly recommend this book as a first read for any new comic readers who want to get into the character because even though this story takes place outside of regular continuity, Tamaki perfectly captures Zatanna’s values for independence and confidence. On top of that, the art by Javier Rodriguez is gorgeous and displays the mind-bending world of magic in the DCU. Aside from the two recent solo comic runs she’s had, Zatanna has also been playing a larger role in recent DC Comics events including the current “DC K.O.” event. “DC K.O.” is a multiversal tournament in which the competitors must eliminate their opponents through fights and challenges. Whoever wins will be deemed King Omega and will not only have the power to defeat Darkseid, one of DC’s big bads, but will also gain the power to rewrite reality. Zatanna was chosen as one of the 36 challengers; however, she lost in issue three of the event to the Joker. It’s still cool to see Zatanna in one of these events. Not to mention, she played a big supporting role in the last big DC event, “Absolute Power”, which was the prelude to the current “All-In” era DC is currently in. Zatanna went through a lot in that event including teaming up with Superman in his run where she had to fight to get both her powers and her soul back. Overall, I’d say that this renaissance era for Zatanna Zatara has been quite a success -- a shocking one at that because as a huge fan of this character, I was not aware until the new comic run was announced that Zatanna was getting this much love from DC Comics. I’d really love to see her make her first live-action film appearance in James Gunn’s DCU in the future. Make sure to check out the upcoming Zatanna run by Jamal Campbell coming to comic stores on April 29. Screenshot from DC Comics website. �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 Opinion A review of "Purple Rain" by Prince By Natalia Williams Staff writer A new semester means new album reviews. This week, I got the idea to review this album due to the fact that it is currently trending on social media because of the last episode of “Stranger Things.” If you haven’t guessed it yet, the album that I am reviewing this week is Prince’s “Purple Rain.” Now, this isn't my first time listening to this album, as I did grow up with Prince, this album and the movie “Purple Rain” my entire life, but I haven’t listened to it from front to back in a while. So, in honor of the album trending and Prince making a comeback, here are my thoughts on one of the most iconic albums of all time. 1. “Lets Go Crazy”: 9/10 This song is a perfect album opener in my opinion. It is upbeat and gets you excited for what it is to come. The sound is definitely 80s pop which is one of my favorite eras of pop music. This song was the opening scene and song for the movie “Purple Rain,” and it is one of my favorite movie openings. I remember this song being a favorite of mine when I was little so when I do listen it brings back a lot of memories. I love the guitar breakdown at the end in this one and I love the production as a whole. Overall this song is a great starter and I give it a 9/10. 2. “Take Me With U”: 7/10 At the start this one has a different vibe from the first but doesn’t stray away from that 80s pop sound like mentioned earlier. I don't listen to this one much at all, so listening to it again is like a first time listen for me. The strings in this one are probably my favorite part because I love a good string ensemble. Overall, I have no strong thoughts about this one. I don't think it's a repeat for me but it isn't a bad song at all. I give this one a 7/10 only because I don't see myself listening to it often. 3. “The Beautiful Ones”: 10/10 From the start this is a different vibe than the last two. It is much more R&Besque without being R&B if that makes any sense. This one has so many memories in my mind so this one is special nostalgia wise. The scene where he performs this song in the movie is one of my favorite parts of the movie. I have no clue why but it makes me giggle. Overall such a great song and that is why it gets the first 10/10. I am obsessed with the guitar in this song and his vocals at the end really sell the emotional value of the song. 4. “Computer Blue”: 7/10 This is another one that I don’t listen to often or at all. I don’t remember this part of the movie exactly but aside from that it isn't a bad song. Once again, like all of the other parts, the guitar is amazing. In the beginning, I could be going crazy, but it sounded very familiar to “Beat It” by Michael Jackson. After researching and prior knowledge of how Prince operated, he most definitely did not sample it, but it was something that caught my attention. Overall, this song follows the same vibe as the other three tracks which I appreciate. I don't see myself replaying this song often but it is a great song. 5. “Darling Nikki”: 10/10 We have made it to the part of the album where they are back to back bangers. I vividly remember this song from my childhood (which is wild because I should not have been listening to this song when I was little) but it is so good. I vividly remember this part of the movie as well. This one is slowed down much like “The Beautiful Ones” but they have two completely different meanings. I am in love with the instrumentals and production of this song. Overall, I have been obsessed with this song for years which makes it earn first 10/10. 6. “When Doves Cry”: 100/10 My. Song. Forever. I remember listening to this song very frequently when I was little and it has been in my top 20 for favorite songs of all time. This was one of the songs on this album featured in “Stranger Things” which is why it is trending which makes my eyes twitch but I can't gatekeep this song…sadly. The vibe goes back to the 80s pop sound and back to the upbeat sound. This is definitely my favorite song on the album and that is why it breaks the scale. I always say I am dramatic when I break the scale on songs but this one deserves it. I am kinda happy it is trending because people will discover the album as a whole, but my eye twitches because people will immediately think I discovered this song from “Stranger Things”...but I did not…I’ve known this song since birth, I know ball and musical greatness. Anyway, it's an amazing song. 7. “I Will Die 4 U”: 9/10 This half of the album is incredibly nostalgic and I vividly remember this song from childhood. This was one of the ones my family would have on repeat and it would come on the radio more specifically, 105.3 WDAS which is a radio station that plays R&B throwbacks. This song is on the slower side but still has an upbeat feel to it. Like the other songs, I love the production of this one a lot. Overall, no strong thoughts on this one great song. 8. “Baby I’m a Star”: 10/10 The transition between this one and “I Will Die 4 U” isn’t something I noticed until now. It took me by surprise and I was very confused for a second. This one is another track that was trending for a few due to the dance the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have and people were doing on TikTok. I love this song, it is upbeat and makes me want to bust a move. This is very niche but when I was a dancer this was a song that was often used in a lot of competitions, which makes sense it is a great song to choreograph too. This is the second to last track which I think should've been higher, but it doesn't bother me that much. This part of the movie is again, one of my favorites and I think it was the perfect choice to end the movie with. This one gets another 10/10. 9. “Purple Rain”: 100/10 This one is probably one of the most 18 iconic Prince songs. When you think about Prince, this is probably the first song you think about. This one was also featured in “Stranger Things” which also prompted the song to trend. Specifically on TikTok, the lyrics “I never wanted to be your…weekend lover.” and “Such a shame our friendship had to end.” Anyway, this song is one of the most perfect songs of all time in my opinion. The title track at the end makes sense for this album. I can't explain why, but in my head it belongs at the end. It closes the album perfectly. The minute or two guitar solo in this song is absolute perfection and is the reason why this song broke the scale again. I constantly repeat it over and over. It is just too good and I think it is one of my favorite guitar solos of all time. The entire eight minutes of this song is straight perfection and deserves to be listened to in its entirety. Overall, this song is in the top 10 of my favorite songs of all time and once again…no, I did not discover this song from TikTok or “Stranger Things”...this is another one I've known since birth. Overall, I'd give this album a solid 10/10. The tracks flow together so nicely and the album tells a complete story in my opinion. The movie is also phenomenal and I 10/10 recommend. I hope people discover this album and Prince as a whole rather than just the two trending tracks because it is just amazing. This album is incredibly nostalgic for me and it will continue to be on my list of my top 10 best albums of all time. What should Natalia review next? Let us know! �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 Sports 19 Sports Want your sport covered? Deserve to be Athlete of the Week? Contact the Sports Editor: andrew.marshallsay@wilkes.edu Wilkes football: 2025-26 season in review By Andrew Marshallsay Managing Editor Another season has come and gone, and now for the Wilkes University football team, the focus moves on to 2026. With three consecutive bowl appearances in their first three Landmark Conference seasons, the Colonels have impressed thus far against new competition since leaving the Middle Atlantic Conference in 2023. ‘One Team-One Family,’ ‘A Brotherhood,’ and ‘We Over Me’ are just some of the ways Wilkes football players describe their team. However this past season, those quotes were on display every time the Colonels were on the field. Finishing the campaign with a 7-4 record, and their second bowl win in three seasons, it was a memorable season for all involved. After a 2-2 start to the 2024 campaign, the Colonels were able to eventually pull it out and finish with a winning record, but losing in their bowl game. This season began like an almost carbon copy of 2024. Going 2-2 in the first four games of the season, the Colonels then went 4-2 in conference play, clinching a bowl game berth and eventually grabbing a huge win on the road at Shenandoah University. One player that proved to be clutch all year was kicker Nick Volpone. Volpone was able to stay nearly perfect for the entirety of the campaign on field goals and extra point attempts. His near perfect season started in the Mayor’s Cup game against King’s College. After a two day delay due to thunderstorms, the Colonels took the win off of a Volpone field goal in the dying minutes. “This season was personally extra sweet after having the opportunity to seal the deal in the Mayor’s Cup to start the year,” Volpone said. The way the season ended for Volpone was poetic in more ways than one. He King prepares his offense for a play against Catholic on Oct. 14, 2025. started off his senior season with the aforementioned field goal over King’s, and he ended his collegiate career with a game-winning field goal with mere seconds remaining in the game against Shenandoah to clinch the bowl game win. “With all the great coaching and big plates by the team, I was able to keep this form and use those opportunities to make a direct impact. It was amazing to end my career with another game-winning kick to put us over Shenandoah in the Cape Henry Bowl,” Volpone stated. Nailing 14 out of 16 on field goal attempts, Volpone finished his collegiate career with 28, according to Wilkes Athletics record books. However, he was perfect in PATS, nailing all 26 extrapointers he had the chance to take. Another player that seemed to always make a difference was quarterback Cooper King. Following the departure of Xavier Powell after he graduated last season, King won the starting job out of training camp, and had it for the entire year. It was a season of firsts for King, most notably it was his first season as a collegiate starter. And for the senior, the transition from backup to starter didn’t seem to be any issue. “The transition was easy. Not starting for three years made me more knowledgeable about our offense and over the position of quarterback,” King said. He led the charge for the Colonels offense, which proved to be quite potent at times despite being young. "We were young as an offense, and it took us a little white to find our identity, but towards the middle of the season, we started executing and putting the pieces together. To be able to finish 7-4 with a postseason win to close out our season, that meant a lot to us as a team, especially the seniors who played their last game ever.” For Biever, he cited the growth of the team as one the things he was most impressed with. “From guys like Cohen Creswell who was a sophomore this year, who we recruited as a linebacker who led the league in sacks. His work ethic shows everyone else what they need to be doing,” Biever said. “Leaders like Tyler Wetzel and Rob Barbieri do a really good job at keeping those guys in line, doing what they need to do and showing up everyday, I think it’s just a really consistent approach for a young football team to come out and learn every rep, every opportunity, every moment we get together to get better and compete.” As for now, the team will only grow in size as the Colonels set out for their end of semester recruiting trips. With more than 40 new recruits expected to hit the field next season for Wilkes, their strength in numbers will only continue to improve. The Colonels will begin the next phases of their 2026 season this upcoming spring with spring camp. Then, later in the summer, it’s go time as the Colonels chase a Landmark Conference title. Volpone prepares for a field goal against Catholic on Oct. 14, 2025. Photos by Jake Mills �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 Sports 20 Super Bowl LX preview: New England vs. Seattle By Vin Santoro Sports Writer Super Bowl 60 (SBLX), featuring the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, will feature a physical, backand-forth battle with championship stakes on the sidelines. This game is full of excitement and opportunity for both teams. Seattle is searching for its first Super Bowl win since 2013, while New England is looking for their first Lombardi trophy since 2018. The last time these two teams met in the Super Bowl was in 2015, where the Patriots won 28-24. Back then it was Russell Wilson and Tom Brady, but tis time around, it's a clash between MVP candidate Drake Maye and Sam Darnold. The Seahawks signed Darnold, their current quarterback, to a three-year contract this past offseason. Over the last two seasons, Darnold has won the most games out of any active quarterback and has brought Seattle to their first Super Bowl in 11 years. The story of Darnold is an inspiring one, as he was once with the New York Jets. He was then traded to the Carolina Panthers, where he had a short stint before the San Francisco 49ers picked him up Darnold to back up Brock Purdy. Darnold then signed with the Minnesota Vikings and won 14 games last season. The Vikings decided not to retain Darnold because they wanted to see what first round pick JJ McCarthy had after being out with an injury his first season in the NFL. Now, Darnold is one win away from being a Super Bowl champion with Seattle. In his eighth season with his fifth team, amongst quarterbacks such as Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield, and Lamar Jackson in the 2018 draft class, Darnold has made a Super Bowl before all of them. Drake Maye, quarterback of the Patriots, has been an MVP candidate all season and continues to find different ways to win without relying on eyepopping statistics. Maye has thrown four touchdowns and two interceptions, and now leads New England to a match vs the league's top-ranked defense. Mike Vrabel has done a tremendous job with the Patriots in his first season as their head coach and has put himself in the conversation as Coach of the Year. Previously, the last two seasons have been uncharacteristic by Patriots' standards as they finished with a record of 8-26. Immediately after hiring Vrabel, they won 14 games this year while defeating the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, and Denver Broncos in the playoffs. Vrabel has changed the culture in New England and has restored their old ways of winning. Seattle’s defense in the playoffs has been very successful in forcing turnovers and getting the ball back to the offense, which will be something to look forward to in this Super Bowl. Will Seattle’s defense dictate the outcome of the Super Bowl? Or will Maye and his rushing ability be able to avoid sacks while using his athleticism to his advantage? Maye has had issues with ball security this postseason. In each game, he has thrown an interception along with six total fumbles, three of which he lost. New England’s road to the Super Bowl has been much different than Seattle’s. Coming off a 10-7 win over the Broncos, where the home team did not have starting quarterback Bo Nix due to a season-ending ankle injury. Seattle is coming off a dominant win over the 49ers and a gutsy win over the Rams. Super Bowl LX will be one to remember as both of these teams clash against each other for the first time since 2015. RHP Shawn Armstrong - one-year contract with Cleveland (CLE) UT Willi Castro - two-year contract with Colorado (COL) RHP Kyle Finnegan - two-year contract with Detroit (DET) RHP Kenley Janson - one-year contract with DET RHP Tatsuya Imai - three-year contract with Houston (HOU) OF Lane Thomas - one-year contract with Kansas City (KC) RHP Kirby Yates - one-year contract with Los Angeles Angels (LAA) RHP Edwin Diaz - three-year contract with Los Angeles Dodgers (LAD) OF Kyle Tucker - four-year contract with LAD RHP Pete Fairbanks - one-year contract with Miami (MIA) 3B Christopher Morel - one-year contract with MIA C Victor Caratini - one-year contract with Minnesota (MIN) 3B Bo Bichette - three-year contract with New York Mets (NYM) 1B Ryan O’Hearn - two-year contract with Pittsburgh (PIT) RHP Dustin May - one-year contract with St. Louis (STL) 3B Kazuma Okamoto - four-year contract with Toronto (TOR) RHP Dylan Cease - seven-year contract with TOR TRADES: 3B Nolan Arenado - traded from St. Louis (STL) to Arizona (ARI) RHP Shane Baz - traded to Baltimore (BAL) from Tampa Bay (TB) RHP Sonny Gray - Traded to BOS from STL IF Luisangel Acuna - traded to CWS from New York Mets (NYM) RHP Edward Cabrera - Traded to CHC from Miami (MIA) OF Josh Lowe - traded to Los Angeles Angels (LAA) from TB OF Luis Robert Jr. - traded to NYM from CWS RHP Freddy Peralta - traded to NYM from Milwaukee (MIL) LHP Ryan Weathers - traded to NYY from MIA 2B Brandon Lowe - traded to PIT from TB OF Gavin Lux - traded to TB from CIN LHP Mackenzie Gore - traded to Texas (TEX) from Washington (WSH) Major League Baseball: Free agency & trade tracker By Andrew Marshallsay Managing Editor The Major League Baseball (MLB) offseason is in full swing. With free agent signings and trades galore, teams are gearing up before they take the diamond in the spring. FREE AGENT SIGNINGS: RHP Mark Leiter Jr. - one-year contract with the Athletics (ATH) RHP Raisel Iglesias - one-year extension with Atlanta (ATL) RHP Robert Suarez - three-year contract with ATL 1B Pete Alonso - five-year contract with Baltimore (BAL) LHP Ranger Suarez - five-year contract with Boston (BOS) 3B Alex Bregman - five-year contract with Chicago Cubs (CHC) RHP Seranthony Dominguez - twoyear contract with Chicago White Sox (CWS) LHP Caleb Ferguson - one-year contract with Cincinnati (CIN) CONTRACT EXTENSIONS: RHP Raisel Iglesias - one-year extension with (ATL) OF Cody Bellinger - five-year extension with New York Yankees (NYY) DH Kyle Schwarber - five-year extension with Philadelphia (PHI) C J.T. Realmuto - three-year extension with PHI RHP Michael King - three-year extension with San Diego (SD) 1B Josh Naylor - five-year extension with Seattle (SEA) �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 Sports 21 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins: Mid-season check-in By Andrew Marshallsay Managing Editor It’s been a season to remember thus far for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Head Coach Kirk MacDonald’s Penguins currently sit with a 27-12-2-2 record, second-best in the Atlantic Division, as well as third-best in American Hockey League (AHL) standings. The Penguins have been able to find success in almost every facet of their game this season. However, their National Hockey League (NHL) affiliate Pittsburgh Penguins and East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) affiliate Wheeling Nailers have, too. This has led to a number of call-ups, reassignments and trades involving Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Penguins legends Sam Poulin and Valtteri Puustinen were both traded within the last two months. They were the longest serving players on the current roster, as they both made their debuts in 2021. Both ranked highly on the all-time scoring lists for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, with Puustinen finishing his Penguins career fourth all time in points while suited up for the Black and Gold. There have been a number of other moves too involving top-scoring forwards Danton Heinen and Phil Tomasino, who were traded to Columbus and Philadelphia, respectively. Both had very productive, but relatively Vatteri Puustinen, Phil Tomasino and Gabe Klassen celebrate a goal against the Charlotte Checkers on Dec. 14, 2025 Penguins defense has been led in large part by their young guns, Chase Pietila, Owen Pickering and Finn Harding. Veterans Alex Alexyev, Sebastian Aho, and captain Phil Kemp have been solid all season when they’re in the lineup. However, like their forwards, the Penguins defense has been no stranger to the injury bug. On the goaltending side, it’s been the Sergei Murashov and Joel Blomqvist show this season. Murashov, already has shown Pittsburgh what he’s made of, playing in a number of games already this season for the big club. Blomqvist has NHL experience as well, playing the majority of his 2024-25 season in Pittsburgh. For both this season though, they rank near the top in all goaltending categories. Murashov and Blomqvist have been exactly short stints with the Penguins, and were a big factor for their success in the first half of 2025-26. But the normal faces have done their jobs to the surprise of no one. Avery Hayes, Rutger McGroarty, Tristan Broz and Avery Hayes have all contributed in big ways this season. All but Hayes have been in the NHL at points this season as well for Pittsburgh. For Broz, he’s set to represent Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton in the AHL All Star Classic. However, Broz is out of the lineup after suffering an injury, and his status for the time Avery Hayes with the puck in the offensive zone against the Charlotte Checkers on Dec. 14, 2025 Vatteri Puustinen lines up ahead of an offensive zone faceoff against the Charlotte Checkers on Dec. 14, 2025 Photos by Andrew Marshallsay being is unknown. After Broz’s injury, the center-core is thin, but players such as Gabe Klassen and Atley Calvert have remained steady in the faceoff dot and in general as well. Despite the number of trades involving the team, as well as a gluttony of injuries here in 2025-26, the Penguins have remained for the most part, steady. A big part of their game this season has been their solid defensive core. Possibly the deepest core of the team, the as advertised, and are proving quickly that they have bright futures. For Murashov, he’s set to represent the Penguins in the AHL All Star Classic next month alongside Broz. Returning to the ice this Saturday, the Penguins will look to get back into first place in the Atlantic Division with a matchup against Syracuse. Puck drop against the Crunch is set for 6:05 p.m. from Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza. �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 HAYLEE BOUCHARD Forward - Women's Ice Hockey Bouchard's eight-point weekend against Neumann (3G, 5A) helped the Colonels sweep their MAC rivals on Jan. 16-17. Thoughts on the games against Neumann? Throughout the two games, we sort of had a slow start but once we found our rhythm, we started to excel. Each line was impactful, whether they were setting up the next line for a solid shift, or finishing on their chances. Do you have any pre-game rituals? I get dressed left to right, and I always retape after warmups. Sports 22 COLIN ACKERMAN Guard - Men's Basketball Ackerman's 16 points and six rebounds in the Colonels' win against Goucher College on Jan. 16 earned him Athlete of Week. How does it feel winning back to back conference games and specifically your performance against Goucher Great to start stacking wins again especially in conference play. Both Goucher and Scranton were good team wins with great execution on both ends of the floor from all guys. Getting out to good starts allowed us to lead the majority of both games and play how we want to. Any pregame rituals? Who is your role model? Nothing crazy usually just go through the same warm up routine and walk through with the team on the court. Any specific goals for the remainder of the season or any that you hit this season already? My parents are my role models. My role model is definitely my grandpa, as he has inspired me to become the player and person I am today. As a team, we obviously want to win the MAC, and go as far as we can in the NCAA tournament. Who is your role model? Any specific goals for the remainder of the season? Most importantly making a deep playoff push and overall winning the Landmark �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 Sports WOMEN’S HOCKEY SCHEDULE OCT 31 3:00 P.M. – AT CORTLAND – CORTLAND, NY NOV 7 7:00 P.M. – AT KING’S COLLEGE (PA) – WILKES-BARRE, PA NOV 8 3:00 P.M. – AT KING’S COLLEGE (PA) – WILKES-BARRE, PA NOV 14 2:00 P.M. – VS LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX NOV 15 3:30 P.M. – VS LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX NOV 21 3:10 P.M. – AT HOOD COLLEGE – FREDERICK, MD NOV 22 3:30 P.M. – VS HOOD COLLEGE – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX DEC 2 6:00 P.M. – AT ELMIRA COLLEGE – ELMIRA, NY DEC 5 4:50 P.M. – VS STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX DEC 6 4:50 P.M. – VS STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX JAN 3 1:00 P.M. – AT UTICA UNIVERSITY – UTICA, PA JAN 4 1:00 P.M./4:00P.M. – AT UTICA UNIVERSITY – UTICA TOURNAMENT (CONSOLATION/FINAL) - UTICA, PA JAN 30JAN 5:0010PP.M. .M. – ATP.M. LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – ANNVILLE, PA SPORTSPLEX 3:30 – VS ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA JAN 31 3:00 PP.M. .M. – AT STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – STEVENSON, MD JAN 11 3:30 P.M. – VS ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX FEB 6 2:00 PP.M. .M. – VS NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX 16.M.6:00 P.M. – AT NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – ASTON, PA FEB 7 JAN 3:00 PP.M. – AT ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – GLENSIDE, PA JAN 17 2:00 P.M. – ATCOLLEGE NEUMANN – ASTON, PA FEB 13 3:00 P.M. – VS KING’S (PA)UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX JAN 23 6:00 P.M. – AT ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – READING, PA FEB 14 5:00 P.M. – VS ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX JAN 24 2:00 P.M. – AT ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – FEB 20 7:00 P.M. – AT HOOD COLLEGE – FREDERICK, MD READING, PA JAN 30 5:00 P.M. – AT LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – ANNVILLE, PA JAN 31 3:00 P.M. – AT STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – STEVENSON, MD FEB 6 2:00 P.M. – VS NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX FEB 7 3:00 P.M. – AT ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – GLENSIDE, PA FEB 13 3:00 P.M. – VS KING’S COLLEGE (PA) – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX FEB 14 5:00 P.M. – VS ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX FEB 20 7:00 P.M. – AT HOOD COLLEGE – FREDERICK, MD MEN’S HOCKEY SCHEDULE JAN 30 4:50 PP.M. .M. – VS LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE – TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX JAN 31 3:30 PP.M. .M. – VS STEVENSON UNIVERSITY – TOYO TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX FEB 6 7:00 PP.M. .M. – AT NEUMANN UNIVERSITY – ASTON, PA FEB 7 7:00 PP.M. .M. – VS ARCADIA UNIVERSITY – TOYO TOYOTA SPORTSPLEX FEB 13 7:00 PP.M. .M. – AT KING’S COLLEGE ((PA) – WILKES-BARRE, PA FEB 14 5:00 P.M. – AT ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY – READING, PA FEB 20 4:50 P.M. – AT MISERCORDIA UNIVERSITY – DALLAS, PA 23 �The Beacon - January 28, 2026 24 . . . R O F G N I K O O L E R WE’ WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS.. DESIGNERS..... MANAGERS...... News,La&E Opinion,Sports Graphics, Layout Distribution Advertising CONTACT: KALEN.CHURCHER@WILKES.EDU � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon, 2026 January 28 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Wilkes University retains copyright of this publication. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper