277 15 4146 https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/5d204f5742d267d69c2f4df3e5ab71a4.pdf 2433360f45d234043df455a23cebb3e2 PDF Text Text The Beacon - February 11, 2026 THE BEACON Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member Wilkes University - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Volume 78, Issue 14 “The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow.” Wilkes clubs and organizations gather for Club Day 2.0 Various clubs and organizations came together on Feb. 3 to showcase all they have to offer for the campus and its students. For more pictures, see pages 12 and 13. Continued on pages 12-13... How are folks dealing with the frigid weather? page 3 Fork Around and Find Out: review of Margarita Azul page 8 1 Editorial: accessibility on the Wilkes campus page 14 Wilkes Athletics: spring sports previews pages 19-21 �The Beacon - February 11, 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: Feb. 4 By Alli Lussi Staff writer Student Government met on Feb. 4 to discuss fund requests for clubs and discuss club and member of the month. The meeting started with the Treasurer’s report at $51,764.21. Biology club is now club of the month and member of the month is Alton Smargiassi. The meeting then went into external business. First, was a fund request for money to purchase giveaways items for Late Night Lift. Late Night Lift is an event that is in collaboration with nursing and pharmacy students. The event is for a late night workout, but also has a health fair aspect to educate students on being healthy. The motion was passed and the money has been allocated to Late Night Lift. Another fund request was presented for Lambda Kappa Sigma’s convention that they will be attending in the summer. LKS is an organization that “elevates women in pharmacy” and strives for academic excellence. LKS has been a part of many fundraisers and also community service events, such as Student Government’s Big Event. The convention takes place in Wichita, Kansas. The organization gave the board a few possible options on how much money can be allocated, as well as letting the board know that they are open to different ideas on the amount of funds that can be allocated. A motion to allocate funds to LKS for the convention was passed. FBLA came in for week one of one to present a fund request for a conference the club will be attending. Wilkes FBLA is known for placing at these conferences, so FBLA stresses the importance of going to this event. FBLA is the only business club on campus. The board discussed possible allocations, and also raised a few questions about when the convention is happening and if the club can provide more details on parking and meals. The board will decide next week if funds will be given out to the club. The meeting was adjourned and Student Government will meet again on Feb. 11. Beacon Briefs: Upcoming campus events Farley Library Adds New Libguides 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. *** Transcribe-A-Thon to be Held The annual Douglass Day Transcribe-AThon will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 13 in the library lobby. This is the seventh year Wilkes is particiapting, in Honor of Black History Month. No prior transcription experience necessary! Join us at any point during the session for as long as you'd like. Lunch is provided. *** 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) *** Colonels Cupboard Extends Hours The Colonels Cupboard has extended its hours to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. *** From Wilkes to Washington Students in the Bonner Leader Program are collecting books for a service project during their spring break trip to Washington, DC. Donate new or gently-used books by dropping them in any of the boxes around campus before Feb. 20. Email alicia.burns@ wilkes.edu with questions. Table of Contents News..................2 Life, A&E............7 Opinion............14 Sports................19 Upcoming Events: Spring 2026 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 - February 11, 2026 News 3 Students sound off about snowy weather, favorite activities Record low temperatures have kept January snow from melting By Thaelis Andujar Assistant News Editor As winter settles in on Wilkes University’s campus, cold temperatures and frequent snowfalls have sparked strong reactions among students. From snow lovers eager to bundle up to others counting down the days until spring, opinions on the season vary widely. To get a sense of how the Wilkes community is feeling, The Beacon took to campus to ask two simple questions: Do you like the current winter weather, and what is your favorite winter activity? For some, the cold is a welcome change. “I love the cold. I love playing in the snow,” said Ty Jahnigen, a freshman football player and mechanical engineering major. “I’m from Virginia, so I came up here for the weather.” Mother Nature surely has not disappointed Jahnigen this season. A late-January snow storm dropped more than a foot of snow in Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding areas, moving Wilkes to an online schedule. While the month of February hasn't been as snowy, freezing cold temperatures -- sometimes following below zero -- have not allowed much of the January snow to melt. Others were far less enthusiastic the Jahnigen. “I hate it. That’s an easy answer,” said Colby Bennedict, who was visiting campus but is not currently a Wilkes student. Several students fell somewhere in the middle, expressing tolerance rather than excitement. “I can’t say I’m a massive fan,” said Michael Santini, a junior education major. Lucas MacKing, a junior engineering major, echoed a similar sentiment. “I mean, what are you gonna do about it? At this point I’m just used to it.” For some, getting used to it means waking up earlier to allow cars to warm Beacon file photo Wilkes University remains a snowy campus after a January storm dumped snow on the region. up and defrost. For others, it means “I love to go skiing with my friends,” a sophomore environmental science embracing the winter weather. For those said Hannah Zhao, a second-year major. Cole Larcinese, a sophomore spoken to, the cold, moreso than the pharmacy student. snow, seemed to be the issue. For others, winter is a time to slow psychology major, shared the same Multiple students were very direct down. “I like to sleep, watch movies, and activity, while Brett Townsend, a about their dislike for the cold. play Roblox,” said Yaira Perez, a first- sophomore finance major, said he enjoys “skiing with friends.” “Hate it!” said Cassandra Snyder, a year education major. Whether students love the cold, hate it third-year pharmacy student. Student-athletes often find ways to or have learned to live with it, winter is Kendyl Keefer, also a third-year stay active indoors. pharmacy major, agreed. “Personally, I play basketball, so I play clearly leaving its mark on campus. While spring may still feel far away, Cora James, a senior majoring in a lot while it's cold. Or we just find warm criminology and psychology, added, “I places to eat,” said Anya Richet, a first- the National Weather Service reports absolutely hate the cold.” year biology major and member of the that Wilkes-Barre will see a slight break in the frigid temperatures that hit last Despite mixed feelings about the women's basketball team. weather itself, winter still brings Snow sports were a popular choice week. Temperatures are expected to hold in the low-30s this week with a high of 38 opportunities for activities students among several students. “My favorite winter activity is degrees predicted for Saturday. enjoy–especially those involving snow snowboarding.” said Leon Schikowitz, or staying cozy indoors. �The Beacon - February 11, 2026 News 4 Kappa Kappa Psi seeks donations for Ruth's Place By Juliana Kresge Special to the Beacon For the month of February, Kappa Kappa Psi is hosting a supply drive to support Ruth’s Place Women’s Shelter through Volunteers of America Pennsylvania. Kappa Kappa Psi is a co-educational band honor society, and the Wilkes chapter is heavily involved in local community service. “Kappa Kappa Psi is built on service, and this drive is one way we can extend that mission beyond music and into our community,” said Beck Urie, Kappa Kappa Psi’s vice president of service noted. Serving Luzerne County, Ruth’s Place provides social support for women experiencing homelessness and/or domestic violence. According to the Volunteers of America Pennsylvania website, the shelter offers “a safe home, social relationships…and connections to jobs and opportunities to build life skills.” A wide variety of supplies are needed. “Even small donations can make a big difference," Urie said. “Items like soap, shampoo, and household supplies are things many of us don’t think twice about, but they are incredibly valuable to organizations like Ruth’s Place.” Donations can be dropped off at the boxes inside the SUB and outside the POD (in Stark Learning Center). Donations can also be sent to the VOA PA center at 25 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18702. Supplies can be purchased directly through Give Hope Street Outreach Wish List Amazon Registry. Requested supplies include gift cards, perishable and nonperishable food items, coffee products, bottled water, cleaning supplies, personal care products, sleepwear, socks, undergarments, towels, washcloths, N95 face masks, over-the-counter medications, storage containers, trash bags, journals, planners and pens. "Ruth’s Place, established in 2003, provides 24-hour lodging and services to women experiencing homelessness in the area," the VOA website states. "(It) not only offers emergency shelter, but an environment where women are supported and encouraged. "The program provides safe, temporary, and short-term emergency shelter for women experiencing homelessness; coordinates with other service providers and volunteers to provide services that address the basic physical, financial, health, and spiritual needs... and assists women to form and follow a permanent housing plan to quickly achieve stable, long-term housing." Pan-African flag raising ceremony held on campus By Brooke Lare Staff writer “You do have a voice. You are heard,” said Dr. David Ward, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs during the Pan-African flag raising event on Feb. 3. Faculty, alumni and students gathered in the E.S. Farley Library to share testimonies, encourage dialogue and celebrate African culture. Rashida Lovely, the assistant director for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Pan-African Coalition, was a key speaker at the event where she, along with several others, took stand to share testimony. “It was never meant to be polite or comfortable,” Lovely states in reference to the flag, “It represents refusal to be fragmented.” Moe Woodard, assistant professor of game and emergent technology (integrative media) and adviser, closed out the speeches with immense gratitude. “I feel my ancestors,” she said. “Rest is like a weapon, they don’t want us to be rested. Not ready to fight.” As she encourages peers to celebrate their Blackness everyday, not just one day or in the shortest month of the year. Photo courtesy of Wilkes University �The Beacon - February 11, 2026 News 5 RHC and RAs hold "The Final Game Watch Party" Leah Smith Editor-In-Chief To celebrate the biggest game in all of football, the Wilkes Residence Hall Council and resident assistats hosted “The Final Game Watch Party” in the JPAC. Before Super Bowl LX began, attendees entered through the decorated doors with blue streamers. Then, they had a chance to enter a Super Bowl prediction door prize. If they guessed the winning team correctly, they had a chance to win a gift card. Abigail Malin was the winner of the raffle door prize. You can’t have a Super Bowl party without comfort food refreshments. The event offered pizza and wings from Franco’s, Tostito’s Scoops chips with sauces and homemade Banana Chocolate chip cookies by RA Mercedez Farr. Students came to the event for different reasons. Some watched as fans of the sport, and others were there simply for the entertainment value. The latter applies to Farr, who is also a sophomore pharmacy major. “I’m not really rooting for anybody. I’m just really here for the ads and halftime show” Farr stated. Farr wasn’t familiar with halftime show performer Bad Bunny’s music catalogue, but she was excited to see him perform due to the fact that he is the first Latin male artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. Michael Santini, a junior secondary education and history major was also not rooting for anyone simply due to team/city loyalty. “When you grow up in New York, you’re either a Jets or Giants fan, otherwise you’re excommunicated by the NY sports fans” Santini said. Other students were in for the competitive spirit such as Adrianna Aziz, a P2 Pharmacy major, who rooted for the New England Patriots. “I have a bet I’m trying to win. I need them to win this,” Aziz said. Of course, there was also support for the Seattle Seahawks at the event including from Gabe Sawayrnski, another P2 Pharmacy major. “I just don’t want the Patriots to win, not a fan of them. Otherwise, I’m just here for the vibes,” Sawarynski stated. The event was a good time filled with dramatic reactions to big moments during the action of the game as well as enthusiasm and cheering during Bad Bunny’s halftime show performance. At the end of the game, the Seattle Seahawks took the victory ending the game with 29-13. We’re Looking For NEWS WRITERS! BUILD YOUR RESUME WITH WRITING EXPERIENCE CONTACT: leah.smith1@wilkes.edu OR andrew.marshallsay@wilkes.edu �The Beacon - February 11, 2026 News 6 Grant allows for studying forest management and birds By Brooke Lare Staff writer �� Photo courtesy of Wilkes University �� The Beacon - February 11, 2026 7 Life, Arts & Entertainment Life, Arts & Entertainment Have any events or artists to be shared? Contact Life, Arts & Entertainment Editor: Kailey.Vogel@wilkes.edu The Mental Health Beacon: Resolution revolution By Gina Harrison Assistant Professor Passan School of Nursing Jan. 1 has come and gone. We’re now deep into the winter months, far removed from the excitement of the New Year and the optimism it often brings. New Year’s resolutions are a longstanding cultural tradition. They are a symbolic fresh start meant to help us become our best selves. These resolutions often focus on change, with common goals including improving fitness, losing weight, studying more effectively, getting organized or saving money. Yet as the weeks pass, the motivation behind these resolutions tends to fade. Many people struggle to maintain momentum, and some can’t even recall their original resolutions by the end of the year. Despite how common the practice is, there is surprisingly limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of traditional New Year’s resolutions. One reason resolutions fall short is that they are frequently vague or focused only on the outcome. Statements like “I will get an A in sociology” or “I will lose weight” sound motivating, but they don’t provide a clear plan of action. Without structure, even the most well-intentioned goals can feel overwhelming or unattainable. Inadequate goal setting doesn’t just lead to abandoned resolutions, it can also create unnecessary stress, frustration, and pressure. When goals feel too big or unrealistic, giving up can seem easier than pushing forward. There is a well-established framework for setting effective goals, known as Goal Setting Theory, developed by psychologists Edwin Locke and Gary Latham in the 1990s. According to their research, effective goals should be: • Specific • Challenging but attainable • Aligned with persistence and effort • Supported by existing or learnable strategies The theory also emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between performance goals (focused on outcomes) and learning goals (focused on skill development and growth). For example: Instead of “I will get an A in sociology,” try “I will dedicate two hours each week to studying sociology.” Instead of “I will lose weight,” consider “I will increase my physical activity to 20 minutes, four times per week.” Research suggests that goals are most effective when they are meaningful, manageable, and focused on the process, not just the result. As the saying goes, it’s about the journey, not the destination. Today, there is no shortage of goalsetting tools. Acronyms like SMART goals have been around for decades, while newer digital tools, from fitness trackers and health apps to gamified platforms (feed the raccoon) offer fresh ways to stay engaged. While these tools can be helpful, they are only effective if paired with intentional, realistic goal setting. Everyone has an opinion on how to set goals, but one factor consistently matters most: belief in yourself. Confidence and self-trust play a critical role in follow-through. Being your own biggest supporter can make the difference between giving up and continuing forward. If you’ve forgotten your resolutions or lost some of that New Year’s excitement, don’t worry. You haven’t failed, you’re simply human. Revisit your goals, refine them and focus on small, actionable steps. Most importantly, remember this: You don’t need a new year, a Monday or a new semester to make meaningful changes. Growth can begin at any time. �The Beacon - February 11, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 8 Fork Around and Find Out: Margarita Azul By Alli Lussi News Assistant Editor & Nicole Steinberg Staff writers This week for Fork Around and Find Out, we went to a popular Mexican restaurant, Margarita Azul, located on Parrish Street in Wilkes-Barre. Upon arrival, we realized that there was very little parking, as there is only street parking for this restaurant. Finding a parking spot led to a short adventure in the snow as the snowbanks were very large lining the streets. The outside of the restaurant was very nice despite this. There are huge letters that spell out “Margarita Azul” lining the fence on the property. I took a peek behind the fence and noticed they have a huge outdoor seating area and patio, where people can sit and enjoy their food outside when the weather is nice. The restaurant itself is very modern, but has a home-like feel. The bar area (which is where we sat) was beautiful, and I quickly noticed how clean this place was. The bar had multiple TVs on the walls among its artwork. We ordered Mexican Coke and Sprite for our drinks, which came out in glass bottles. Nicole has never had Mexican Sprite, and shequickly realized it is very good. We ordered spicy chicken flautas for our appetizer, which are tortillas stuffed with chicken, then rolled up and fried. Ours were served with a creamy sauce on top and a green sauce that had a citrusy, earthy flavor. The flautas were very good, as they had a really good crunch to them. They also had a nice kick, but weren’t too spicy. Our entrees came out quickly after the appetizer, and I noticed that the portions were huge. I got tacos with birria. I was a little confused when the waitress brought my entree out, because I am used to birria tacos that are fried on a pan or grill with the broth from the meat on the side to dip the tacos in. These tacos were just the standard taco with birria meat inside. Even though they didn’t look like I expected them to, the flavor of the meat was unbelievably good. The meat was a little dry, but flavor wise, it was amazing. Nicole got a chicken pineapple quesadilla and an order of french fries. The quesadilla was really good Spicy chicken flautas and Nicole said she loved the idea of pineapple with the chicken. The quesadilla was served with another green dipping sauce, along with sour cream. Nicole was very happy with her choice of entree. Overall, this place really killed it with our review, the restaurant was super Photo/Alli Lussi clean, the service was outstanding, and the food was excellent. We also thought the restaurant was in a really good area, as it is only about five minutes away from campus. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone on campus. Multicultural Student Coalition presents: “The Golden Affair” By Kaydia Wright LA&E Assistant Editor Love is in the air on campus and will soon be on the dancefloor as well. From 6 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 13, the Multicultural Student Coalition (MSC) will host a Valentine’s Soiree. This year’s theme is “The Golden Affair” and is inspired by the novel “The Great Gatsby.” “The theme was inspired by the elegance and glamour of the era and developed during one of our board meetings,” said MSC president and event coordinator Charlene Dixon. “Our goal [for the dance] was to create a romantic and sophisticated atmosphere while giving students the opportunity to dress up and enjoy a unique, immersive experience that blends vintage style with modern campus culture.” Even though it’s a Valentine’s dance, the MSC didn’t want to put love into one category. “We wanted to create an environment where students could celebrate all forms of love, not just romantic love, but also the platonic love found in friendships and campus connections, so that everyone feels included regardless of relationship status,” Dixon said. Students should expect to see “1920s-inspired décor, themed photo props, a live DJ, an Olive Garden– catered pasta bar, a sparkling cider tower and a chocolate fountain and desserts from Lady G’s Creations in Scranton.” Anyone can attend as long as they scan the suitable code to enter. For more questions and information on the event, email Charlene Dixon at charlene.dixon@wilkes.edu. �The Beacon - February 11, 2026 9 Life, Arts & Entertainment Created by Nikki Steinberg See Page 11 for solution �The Beacon - February 11, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 10 �� By Juliana Kresge Staff writer Immigration is currently a hot-button national issue, but many Americans know very little about the immigrants in their own communities. Recently, Wilkes’ Sordoni Art Gallery hosted a screening of the WVIA film “Making NEPA Home.” WVIA is the PBS and NPR affiliate for Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Making NEPA Home” covers the experiences of immigrants and refugees in the region. The hour-long documentary premiered on Oct. 16 on the PBS station WVIA-TV. WVIA News notes that “Making NEPA Home” is part of the station’s We Stand Against Hate programming, which “shines a light on stories of resilience, unity and cultural diversity.” The We Stand Against Hate initiative began with the special program “Holocaust Warnings: American Antisemitism and Extremism” that first aired in July 2023. Filmmaker Kara Washington directed and produced “Making NEPA Home.” Washington serves as WVIA’s promotions coordinator. “Making NEPA Home” focuses on four refugees in particular: Taras and Kateryna from Ukraine, Mwefu from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Josué from the Dominican Republic. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Taras and Kateryna and their children left their Kyiv home. After the Congolese civil war, Mwefu spent two decades in African refugee camps. Josué made a dangerous journey across land and sea to escape police corruption. Each interviewee discussed the hardships of learning English and leaving their families behind. All said that they felt safe living in the United States. The documentary also featured local aid organizations. When the Trump administration cut federal funding to nonprofits nationwide, the groups suffered heavy financial losses. Volunteers explained why their work is so important. They teach English classes, provide free legal assistance, and generally help immigrants enter American society. “Making NEPA Home” refutes the myth that immigrants are lazy or criminal. Taras and Kateryna, Mwefu, and Josué all shared their hopes for the future. They expressed both a longing for their country of origin and a desire to build a new life in America. The film ends on an optimistic note with Scranton’s June 2025 celebration of World Refugee Day. After the screening, Kara Washington hosted a Q & A session. “We began filming in January 2025. A lot has changed since then,” Washington said, noting the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration crackdown. “One woman we interviewed ultimately decided not to appear in the documentary because she was worried about her immigration status being jeopardized.” kalen.churcher@wilkes.edu Washington’s own experiences as an immigrant informed the project. “I came here by choice, not out of desperation. But I understand the experience of leaving your homeland.” She mentioned a fun privilege of living in America. “In the Bahamas, we import almost everything. There are no big-box stores. When my mom visits me here, she brings a second suitcase to go shopping at TJ Maxx. She has a collection of American nutcrackers.” Washington concluded with some thoughts on the Bahamas. “I miss the Bahamas and would like to return someday. But for now, I am staying here. The people are so kind because they are descended from immigrants themselves. NEPA is my home.” “Making NEPA Home” is currently available under WVIA Original Documentary Films at wvia.org. It is also on WVIA’s Youtube page. �The Beacon - February 11, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 11 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 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: Afraid of the DarkMotionless in White Kailey Vogel: Feels Like the First Time- Foreigner Mollie Kuhar: Rocket Man- Elton John Nikki Steinberg: Lover, You Should’ve Come Over- Jeff Buckley Andrew Marshallsay: One More Time- Daft Punk Jake Mills: Biggest Part of MeAmbrosia Vin Santoro: In on It- Superheaven Thaelis Andujar: Mami- Rommulas Shawn Carey: Grey Guitar- Joyce Manor Natalia Williams: Who Knew- Eminem Topher DellaBella: Call Back- Don Toliver Freeze: Renegade- MAHIRO The Honors Program Student Committee is holding a Soda Tab Collection Drive. Please collect soda tabs and drop them off in the collection box at the Honors Office. All donations will be given to the Ronald McDonald House. �The Beacon - February 11, 2026 1 C B U L Y A D SPRING 2026 1: Student clubs and organizations designed tables with information and giveaways at Club Day 2.0. 2: The Nursing Student Organization took a moment from talking with students to pose for a picture. From left, are Anthony Vissotski, Moragn Hermanofski, Erin Somerville and Lauren Whitman. 3: Kappa Kappa Psi members spoke with students about the community work. 4: Dana Messner interviews students attending Club Day 2.0. 5: Wilkes’ Space Club was represented Dylan Kiwak, Sean Papke and Alexa Helstowski 6: From left, Mark Albrecht and John Koch (Back Mountain Trail) chat with Jack Thompson. 7: Members of Wilkes Now had no qualms about smiling for a photo. 8: Education Club members Samanth Bonilla, Taylor Sparks, Diana Lopez Garcia, Madeline Pardue and Erin Danko represented their 2 12 �The Beacon - February 11, 2026 4 3 6 5 7 8 13 �The Beacon - February 11, 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. Accessibility on campus tough at times Wilkes University has many measures set in place to ensure that students with disabilities can have equal access and opportunities to various campus amenities. Yet, it is important to note that on occasion accessibility on campus is not up to par. To start, credit needs to be given to the efforts that are made by university. Students and residents are very fortunate to have access to education and housing in many historic buildings dating back to the midnineteenth century. Since there are so many unique buildings with rich history throughout the city of Wilkes-Barre, they are protected under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. For many of these mansions, such as Kirby Hall, elevators can not be installed into the old building, thus many students must resort to the stairs. The same can be said for older mansion style housing options on campus such as Roth, Waller, Catlin and Weiss. Residence Life and Registrar have been very understanding in moving classes and residents to more accessible spaces such as when they change the location of an English class to Breiseth or when a student is moved to Evans, both of which have elevators. Even the Office of Academic Success provides accommodations guaranteed to students through the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Some of these accommodations include note taking services, extra time on tests and various tutoring services to ensure that all students have equal advantage at their education no matter what. Lastly the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts received its renovations over the summer of 2025 to ensure that the building could be equipped for all audiences with its installation of an elevator. The lobby has even received new light fixtures and speakers to accommodate individuals who may be easily overstimulated during lectures or shows. The campus has so many great modes of accommodation present for students, but there are times when the accessibility is not handled appropriately nor as efficiently as it should be. A few examples that many familiar with campus may have seen on their average school day may include: when door buttons fail to open the doors, when elevators are out of service in the parking garage and when the main elevator of the SUB only functions for the second and first floor on weekends. This last one is especially concerning considering the dining hall with food access is located on the third floor, which causes issues for students and faculty members who have difficulty ascending the staircase to access this basic necessity. Last year, students may remember the prolonged period that the elevator for the Cohen Science Center was down. This may seem like an inconvenience for students who do not want to walk to the fourth floor. However, it poses a severe issue for members of the campus community who are unable to climb the stairs, whether it be a student in a wheelchair, a faculty member with a cane, an athlete on crutches or even a student with visual impairment. Especially in these times of winter, snow and ice are major concerns for all students. The sidewalks near Michillini Hall and the area next to Evans Hall were particularly dangerous for students. The consistent extreme single digit temperatures did not help these conditions by any means. However, it took many days to shovel out pathways from residence halls and the sidewalks nearing the Greenway. For all students alike, a slip on ice could be very serious resulting in a multitude of possible injuries. Signage and other forms of caution are important in times like these to ensure that students are aware of the dangers and can be pushed towards safer, alternative routes. Though Wilkes can not control the weather, they can significantly help through means of communication and efforts at clearing areas quickly and with careful attention. Disabilities come in all shapes and sizes and can easily be overlooked even unintentionally. That is why it is important to push for stronger accommodations on campus to ensure that all students are seen and feel safe and equal. 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 - February 11, 2026 Opinion 15 Concerns over the fate of journalism By Leah Smith Editor-in-Chief The purpose of journalism is to inform people what is happening in the world. In the case of The Beacon, of course, this pertains to things happening on campus and around Northeastern Pennsylvania. However, I can’t sit by my desk, writing and editing articles and stay silent anymore. What is happening to journalism not only in this country but around the world terrifies me. I’m deeply disappointed in this political administration for a number of reasons. Specifically, I’m deeply disappointed by the fact that this administration has made it their mission to attack journalists and news media. This country prides itself in its freedoms. Freedom of speech and press being amendments in which every American, regardless of political loyalty, applies to their lives everyday. It shouldn’t matter whether or not you ally yourself with left-wing or right-wing politics, news media and journalists should not be attacked for doing their jobs. They are public servants and giving people the information that they need to see. There have been various events that motivated me to write this article. One of the most recent and popular examples are the arrests of Don Lemon, Georgia Fort and other journalists who were arrested for their coverage of an antiICE protest at a church in Minnesota back in January. Although Lemon, Fort and the other journalists have been released, it’s still disheartening to see that even though Lemon and others were only in attendance of the protest to do their journalistic duties, the DOJ hit them with charges including violating the FACE Act. According to the DOJ, the FACE Act prohibits those in peaceful protest to threaten, obstruct or injure someone who is trying to access reproductive health services or exercise their right of religious freedom at a place of worship. As seen in the coverage of the anti-ICE protest at Cities Church in Minnesota, Lemon, Fort and the other journalists involved have made it explicitly clear that they were not participants of the protest, but simply there to cover the events as objective journalists. However, that didn’t stop federal agents from arresting them. This is troubling to learn about because not only were Lemon and the other journalists arrested for doing their job, but as we’ve seen over and over again, the administration is attacking and attempting to silence journalists and news media for informing the public on information that has to do with the current administration and their actions. I think it is quite telling how the administration is choosing to deliberately attack and censor journalists and news media for doing their job as informative watchdogs for the public. Meanwhile, they’ll spin their own story, either on the news or on social media, that contradicts the objective truth. I would argue this includes what the administration has said about the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota. Not only are we seeing this attack on journalism in person but it’s also happening on social media. With the recent purchase deal of TikTok by major U.S. investors such as Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX, there have been issues regarding censorship on the app including the account ban of awardwinning Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda. According to Al Jazeera news network, Owda’s account was banned due to her coverage of the genocide happening in Palestine. Owda would report from Gaza and inform her 1.4 million followers of the events happening in the war-torn territory. Although her account was only banned for a day, Owda believes that TikTok only gave her access to her account back due to the public outcry and international media attention. Despite Owda regaining access to her account, her videos are listed as “ineligible for recommendation.” This comes as a disappointment but no surprise considering that Oracle, one of the biggest U.S. investors that bought TikTok, is heavily in support of Israel with Shmulik Hauser, the head of Oracle’s sales division stating that it doesn’t matter to them if they lose customers for their support for Israel. Not only are they vocally pro-Israel, but according to the ICE Acquisition Manual, their software products are also used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Another instance that comes to mind is when CBS pulled the 60 Minutes segment, “Inside CECOT” back in December. This segment focused on personal accounts of Venezuelan migrants that were deported to an El Salvador prison called the Terrorism Confinement Center also known as CECOT. The footage was put online after the segment was featured on a news network app in Canada. These examples and more are the reasons why I’m terrified for the future of journalism and news media as both a journalist and as an American citizen. However, those fears will not stop me from doing my job on informing you all about what happens here on campus and beyond. If you’re reading this and you’re angry with what’s happening in this country and around the world, do not let fear run you over and prevent you from speaking up. Now, more than ever, do we need to come together and let our voices be heard. Whether you’re a journalist, a content creator, an artist, or simply a person doing what they can to get by, you have the right to speak up against the fascism spreading wild in this country. Go out there and help others, go out there and tell the world how you feel, go out there and participate in demonstrations, protests and community aid because tyranny only wins if everyone under their rule conforms to them and stops expressing themselves. What concerns you most about the future of journalism? Share your thoughts. Email: Leah. Smith@ wilkes.edu �The Beacon - February 11, 2026 Opinion The Icebox presents: Welcome to the gauntlet By “Freeze” Opinion Staff Writer Greetings, challengers. It seems we are all living in the Icebox recently. Stay warm, but not too warm! How do you choose a fighting game main? Pick a character you vibe with. Someone that you can relate to or simply like for their design. It really is that simple. Some games have a fairly large selection, so going for your style is a great way to narrow things down. It’s also not the end of the world to be committed to a character. There is no shame in maintaining multiple characters or deciding to drop a character entirely for another one. Don’t forget that you play to have fun! I’ve decided to properly discuss my favorite character from each fighting game that I regularly play. This is how I choose to develop my “gauntlet”. First, “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate”...I’m sure many of you already know the answer here. It is none other than Solid Snake, the first third-party character to be introduced in the Smash franchise and arguably the trailblazer for its direction moving forward. While that is most certainly a great reason alone to love Snake, I main him because I have always thought he was ver y cool. In Smash, Snake is rather unconventional in design compared to his game of origin, “Metal Gear Solid.” Masahiro Sakurai designed his version of Snake as an ode to both Solid Snake and his predecessor, Big Boss. As a result, the Snake we see in Smash is actually a hybrid, donning the outfit of Solid while sporting facial hair like Big Boss. Furthermore, the soundtrack and references are sporadic to the franchise’s games, though more attention is paid to “Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater.” Beyond his brilliant design, his moveset is all stage control, technicality, oppressiveness and explosions. That’s exactly my flavor. Cardboard box included. The first character in my fighting game gauntlet is most certainly Snake, but from Smash alone you may notice I have two secondar y characters: Mr. Game & Watch and Wario. The former is a cute little guy who reminds me of my days as a comic writer. It just so happens that he is now one of the top-tier characters. Wario, on the other hand, is a ruthless fellow. I enjoy that his goals are always straightforward and material, offering a lucrative shadow to the beloved Mario. Wario is just right by my standards. The next series is my current favorite fighting game, which I discussed in last week’s issue of the Icebox . “Tekken” features the Mishima family and its long-running, sinister front, Kazuya Mishima. I’m not going to sugarcoat it; he’s a badass. Kazuya resembles a high-class, intimidating Yakuza member. He takes what he wants by force and barely loses control of something once it’s in his grasp. Kazuya’s “Devil Gene” enables him to become even more terrifying, though he doesn’t even need its power to prove his point. As a matter of fact, he is willing to throw hands with anyone, including his own family members, a giant panda and the entire United States militar y, without batting an eye towards the demonic power within him. The devil laying dormant in Kazuya gives him one glowing red eye, which has become a signature of his and yet another reason why I think he is so cool. Most of the dialogue from Kazuya involves him creatively belittling his opponents or completely dismissing threats as if they are just ever yday, bothersome events like waking up before your alarm rings. If that’s not convincing enough, Kazuya’s theme and moveset are as iconic as “Hadouken” from “Street Fighter.” The female cast in “Street Fighter” is impressive, just as the previously mentioned games. Specifically, Jurihan had caught my attention. To be honest, I think she just reflects my liking for characters who just do whatever they want and may be slightly insane. Her moveset is ver y focused on close combat and using dynamic brute force with the legs. For female characters in Street Fighter, it’s all in the legs. If you like female characters, you should play “Skullgirls”. In this game, I enjoy Ms. Valentine, who is a deadly nurse. I think I relate to her because of my own career field, but also because she has an equally nurturing and dangerous aura about her. Aside from Juri-han in Street Fighter, my most consistent main character is definitely Akuma. Did you know that he appeared in Tekken 7? He was even relevant to the plot of the game. It’s a fair decision by Bandai Namco and Capcom, considering Akuma is the evil, mirror version to Ryu, though they share ver y similar goals. Akuma’s moveset is similar to Ryu, but his appeal is about the villain’s energy that some may prefer more. This is not far from the mirror representation by my favorite fictional character of all time, Venom. I always tr y to find a way to mention my symbiote idol. In another game by Capcom, “Marvel vs. Capcom 2,” the iconic pair of Eddie Brock and Venom is a playable character, which is just about the best decision the developers could have made. Venom, as you may know, is essentially an Akuma to Spider-Man. That’s not the entire reason I think of Venom so highly, but nonetheless I am always grateful he is in the game. On the topic of darkness and shadows, the next game to talk about is “Mortal Kombat.” This game isn’t really a traditional fighting game, but 16 the character designs are consistently amazing. In the latest installment, I believe Sub-Zero was portrayed in an interesting way. I am still conflicted about it to this day, but I have to admit it’s rather amusing that he’s a complete jerk . Bi-han as Sub-Zero has always been evil in past games, turning into the chaos-ridden Noob Saibot. The same happens in this game, except there is nobody to take the title of Sub-Zero after him. Due to this change in the stor yline, I have to accept that I like both Sub-Zero and Noob Saibot equally, whereas before I was only interested in the former. I guess this only makes sense, considering I am “Freeze” and my gauntlet is mostly made of shadowy characters and objectively rude people. Sub-Zero is apparently not considered a ninja, but you know who is? Chipp Zanuff from “Guilty Gear” who is filled with bright, encouraging energy. I enjoy his fluid playstyle, even if his health depletes too quickly. I tend to gravitate towards shinobitype characters in video games, so Chipp was a great pick . However, I once again find myself tethering to Venom-like beings, which in this game is Zato-1. Zato1 is a human with a symbiote-like creature that’s named Eddie...sound familiar? Anyway, his playstyle is actually technical and oppressive, which brings me full-circle to Solid Snake. That’s about all the characters you should expect to see from me if you attempt “Freeze’s Fighting Game Gauntlet”. When I look back at my favorites, I realize I definitely have a type. I could write a fan-fiction stor y about all of these characters and it would make total sense. This revelation is as cool as the weather. That’s why this is the Icebox . �The Beacon - February 11, 2026 Opinion 17 Consuming content in an internet-focused world By Shawn Carey Opinion Editor The internet has fundamentally changed the way we consume and enjoy content. Whenever this topic is brought up most people refer to the rise of streaming platforms, such as Netflix and HBO MAX. We all have had the invention of social platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook. What I find most interesting however, is the rise of user created content and the platforms that allow us to share said content. Originally, it was only art and videos that were widely shared, mainly on websites such as YouTube and DeviantArt. Much of the content shared was based around fandom culture such as video games, animation, comic books and so on. There was a sweet sense of community surrounding the entire thing, you were able to be as nerdy as you wanted. We had people making video game guide videos, posting fan art and creating short flash cartoons. As the years went by, the people creating content started to get somewhat of a following. Hundreds of thousands of people started to idealize these individuals, causing them to become a new type of fans. They became internet celebrities. A lot of these personalities also started to profit from their works. Sites like YouTube started to run advertisements, which gave creators the opportunity to earn some revenue via midroll ads. Not to mention, the amount of merch a handful of creators started to produce. The internet sphere got larger and larger, causing the niche online content many have grown accustomed to becoming much more popular. A once fun hobby and means of self expression started to become more and more like a business, essentially a full time job. The mid 2010s saw a rise of a new type of content, live streaming. As the name suggests, live streaming is the act of broadcasting video and audio content over the internet in real-time or near real-time, allowing viewers to watch and interact with the content as it is being captured. Twitch was the first major website to give users the ability to live stream. Most of the streams on the site were of users playing video games while making small talk with the viewers. The main appeal of streaming, or at least what I imagine the main appeal being, is the creator’s personality. Streaming allows for users to have close and friendly conversations with a creator, which creates the illusion of a relationship. Parasocial relationships are onesided, psychological bonds where a person invests emotional energy, time and interest into a media figure, let that be an actor, musician, artist and in this case, online creator. As the 2010s went on, live streaming got more and more popular. It was a fairly gradual transition, that would be until 2020 when a little something called the pandemic started. Everyone was stuck inside, unable to go out and see their friends. A sense of shared loneliness overcame the population, especially among young people. I think you can tell where this is going. Everyone was online trying their best not to die of boredom, doing everything in their power to stay entertained. This is where streamers came to the rescue. Streaming filled the need for social interaction that we were missing. It allowed viewers to feel closer to creators through direct, unscripted and real-time interaction. Furthermore, the medium started to evolve past gaming. Live streaming expanded to include music, news, cooking, shopping and more. Now, streaming is bigger than ever. Everyday we have individuals going live, earning the viewership of thousands of people. The idea of making a living online moved way beyond earning a few bucks. People weren’t just making a living, they were making a lucrative amount of money. I’m talking enough to buy sports cars, mansions, one of a kind pieces of art and so much more. They were no longer internet celebrities, they were full on famous. As is the case with most celebrities, drama started to boil. Arguments arose over the nature of content, personal politics, friendships, loyalties, controversial opinions and pretty much everything else under the sun. This tends to lead to the usual callouts, flexing and comments. I know there was a lot of history there, but I think the context is important. Each and every time I open social media I can’t help but see countless posts talking about the newest piece of streamer drama. It’s always “he said this about him” and “she got caught streaming with him.” It is infuriating. I understand that I’m going to sound like an angry old boomer here, but I don’t understand it. Streaming seems like nothing more than a cesspit of egos and vanity. It’s a headache with no end. I mentioned earlier that I know a lot of people watch it for that sense of conformity and real-time interaction. That being said, I don’t understand how anyone can spend longer than a few minutes watching these objectively unlikable people. Speaking of which, sites such as Kick give horrible, terrible people a platform to spread their hateful ideals. As dramatic as that sounds, it’s one of the things the website prides itself on. Unlike Twitch and YouTube, there are very few rules on what a creator can say. You can be as hateful, racist, bigoted, as you want. A good chunk of the major streamers on the platform are actually ex-Twitch creators who got banned for breaking the terms of service. I’m well aware that not every streamer is like this. Honestly, I found myself watching the occasional stream myself. That being said, I think it says a lot that it’s so popular among younger viewers, especially compared to something like television. It’s full of drama, pettiness and unapologetic hatred. I’m not expecting it to stop anytime soon, however I can only hope that it can get better. Have an opinion you want to share? Email editor Shawn. Carey1@ wilkes.edu �The Beacon - February 11, 2026 Opinion A review of "Purple Rain" by Prince By Natalia Williams Staff writer When Latin artist Prince Royce announced the concept of his new album, I was concerned but kind of excited. “Eterno," released on May 16, 2025, contains popular American hits and Royce took them and turned them into bachata, which is the style Royce does. I usually love when a Latin artist does this because I love hearing what these hits would sound like in a different style and language. He did this already with the song “Stand By Me,” and it became one of Royce’s most iconic songs. When I saw the tracklist, I was excited but curious how he would flip these songs. I haven't listened to it in full, only certain songs when it was released, so I am very excited to dive into it completely. Here are my track by track thoughts on Prince Royce’ “Eterno”. 1. “Dancing in the Moonlight” (Original by King Harvest): 8/10 Since I wasn't familiar with the original “Dancing in the Moonlight,” I was sure to listen so I knew what to expect. I think Royce did really well with this one in my opinion. It fits the essence of the original song well and although it is a bachata, the production is similar to what the original sounds like. As for an album opener, I think it fits well. It is a great upbeat song and it is a great song to start with. My favorite part is definitely the “breakdown” at the end with the claps. I love when a song has a good breakdown. Overall, I think he did justice with this one. I don't think I'd replay this song or listen to it often but it's a strong starter. 2. “How Deep Is Your Love” (Original by the Beegees): 10/10 When I saw that he was covering this song…I got very nervous. The original is one of my favorite songs of all time, and I was very intrigued to see if he was going to pull it off, which he did. I love the way he did this one. I believe this was the first single to be released from the album, and when I first listened to it, it got me very excited to hear how he did the other tracks. Like the first one, although production and style is very different, it fits the song so well. The lyrics in Spanish fit the same story as the original and I love it. This one definitely deserves the first 10/10 because he genuinely killed this cover. 3. “Stuck on You” (Original by Lionel Richie): 9/10 Like with a few other songs on this album, I was not familiar with the original so I did listen before and this another one where he did really well. I am not a huge fan of the original, but this version made me like it a little better. One thing that I love about this album so far is that even though he turned these into bachata, he kept the main sound of the song and didn't mess with the production too much, other than changing the genre. I think this one will be a song I revisit frequently and I think he did Lionel Richie justice with this one. His voice fits very well with this song and I love it. 4. “Right Here Waiting” (Original by Richard Marx): 10/10 I absolutely love the original “Right Here Waiting” so when I saw this on the tracklist, I held it to a very high standard and thankfully he exceeded my expectations. I love this song as a bachata...like I love it. It makes the story more…dramatic? I don't know if that makes sense but there is a lot more feeling in this song. This is common in bachata, which is a genre of love, heartbreak and emotions. He definitely killed this cover which earns the second 10/10. He made Richard Marx proud, I think. 5. “Cant Help Falling in Love” (Original by Elvis Presley): 7/10 This one is the first one where the production sounds a bit different than the original. The melody is the same, but the beat is different from the original. I am not a fan of the original, but this version I love. It kinda sounds like he made it his. Rather than the other ones having the same vibe, this one is different. I would definitely gravitate toward this one more than the original. This song is gorgeous as a bachata and I really like how he did this one. Really solid cover. A few points docked just because I don't like the original…but this one is great. 6. “All Out of Love” (Original by Air Supply): 8/10 This is another one where I was not familiar with the original. I listened to it and I think this is another great one. He went back to having the same vibe as the original with the production but it isn't a bad thing. This is like the other tracks where it is amazing in Spanish and a bachata. I actually love this one and I can see myself listening to it often. Nothing too strong on this one, it's a great cover. 7. “If Only for One Night” (Original by Luther Vandross): 9/10 When I saw he was covering a Luther song I'm not going to lie…I was petrified. I can never imagine a Luther Vandross song, let alone this one in Spanish or as bachata, but much like the other ones this one shocked me. I actually love it…a lot. I think his voice sounds amazing on this one and I think the bachata is perfect for a song like this. So far he has been killing these covers and I am glad we are on a roll. I love the original one so I had high expectations and he definitely met those expectations. He also kinda changed the vibe just a little bit production wise but the way he did the intro was gorgeous. 8. “Yesterday” (Original by the Beatles): 5/10 This one just doesn't do it for me. I don't know exactly what it is, but so far this is the weakest on the album for me. I can’t see myself repeating this one at all actually. I love the pre chorus and the chorus but other than that I can’t see myself listening to this one. It's not bad at all, just not for me. 9. “I Want It That Way” (Original by the Backstreet Boys): 3/10 Absolutely not. When I saw this on the tracklist as a huge Backstreet Boys fan I was so excited to hear this is in Spanish and as a bachata. Sadly, this is the first one that doesn't meet my expectations. I really dont think it's Royce, I just dont think this is a good song to be turned into a bachata. I really wished I liked it but as of right now…this isnt it for me. 10. “My Girl” (Original by The Temptations): 5/10 This is another one that just doesn't sound good with a bachata beat. It's better than “I 18 Want It That Way,” but it is another one that I don't think I'd be repeating. I like his voice on this one and the strings add a very nice touch. I don't have any other strong thoughts, its an okay song but just one I wont listen to or revisit. 11. “Killing Me Softly” (Original by the Fugees): 9/10 He killed this one. Like the other tracks this one surprised me as a bachata. I really like his voice on this one and it's probably my favorite vocally. He kept the same vibe but it is definitely different from the original, but it fits very well. The melody is really pretty with this production and I think his voice is why I love this one. Overall this one was really good. 12. “I Just Called To Say I Love You” (Original by Stevie Wonder): 10/10 Wow. This one is so good. I love the original and I am so glad he did it justice because this is a classic. The double key change…love. This is another one where his vocals really shine and it makes the song 10x better. I am obsessed with the production of this one. It fits so well. Overall, probably my second or third favorite on the album. 13. “Go Your Own Way” (Original by Fleetwood Mac): 4/10 We have made it to the album closer and I am not a fan. I really don't like the original so I am not sure if that ties into my thoughts. I don't think this song is good as a bachata. The guitar in the beginning scared me because I thought it would go on, but once we got into the production for the rest of the song it was alright. As for closer, I don't think it fits. I would switch this song with the first track. This won't be a song I will be revisiting, but I respect him for trying something new. I give the album a 8/10. I really like the concept of the album since I love crossover albums. A lot of these tracks are very solid but there are a few misses. I definitely respect him for doing this because turning classics into a whole new genre and vibe is very bold to do. Overall, this isn't my favorite Royce album, but he did really good with this. �The Beacon - February 11, 2026 Sports 19 Sports Want your sport covered? Deserve to be Athlete of the Week? Contact the Assistant Sports Editor: jake.mills@wilkes.edu Wilkes baseball gearing up for the 2026 season By Andrew Marshallsay Managing Editor BASEBALL SCHEDULE 2025 was a memorable year for the Wilkes University baseball team. The Colonels amassed one of the best records in program history, going 28-12, with a record of 19-5 in Landmark Conference play. That conference record led to a regular season title, albeit an unofficial title, given that the conference does not officially recognize a regular season champion. Either way, it’s been a successful first two seasons in the Landmark, and the team aims to compete at the highest level as they begin the chase for a conference title in a few short weeks. “I think last year they knew they belonged [in the Landmark],” Head Coach Mike Guy said. “They could be anybody on any given day, and anybody could beat them on any given day.” After a great regular season, the Colonels were unable to capture a Landmark championship title, losing to Elizabethtown and eventual conference champions Catholic. Guy discussed what occurred during the Landmark playoffs. “I think some experience, or should I say, inexperience–first time getting into the Landmark playoffs in our history, since we’ve only been in it for two years so far. “I think we competed and battled, we had a chance to win both games.” Now, the page has turned. Although the snow still covers the diamond at Bruggeworth Field, the team is gearing up for the 2026 season, beginning play later this month. There have been a number of incomings and outgoings. The Colonels lost a few key pieces in their lineup, but they’ll enter the upcoming season with a whole new group of freshmen and transfers. With a large group of returning upperclassmen, Guy has been impressed with their culture going into the upcoming season. “I think our upperclassmen do a phenomenal job,” he said. “Between last year and this year, two of the best team cultures and camaraderie ...continued on page 22 FEB. 21 12:00 P.M. - VS LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE FEB. 22 12:00 P.M. - VS ARCADIA UNIVERSITY FEB. 26 3:00 P.M. - VS THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY MAR. 10 4:30 P.M. - VS ITHACA COLLEGE MAR. 14 12:00 P.M. & 3:00 P.M.- AT SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY MAR. 15 12:00 P.M. - AT SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY MAR. 17 3:30 P.M. - VS LYCOMING COLLEGE MAR. 18 3:30 P.M. - AT PENN STATE HARRISBURG MAR. 21 12:00 P.M. & 3:00 P.M. - VS MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY MAR. 22 12:00 P.M. - VS MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY MAR. 25 5:00 P.M. - AT UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON MAR. 28 12:00 P.M. & 3:00 P.M. - VS DREW UNIVERSITY MAR. 29 12:00 P.M. - VS DREW UNIVERSITY MAR. 21 3:30 P.M. - AT LYCOMING COLLEGE APR. 3 12:00 P.M. & 3:00 P.M. - AT ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE APR. 4 12:00 P.M. - AT ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE APR. 8 5:00 P.M. - VS UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON APR. 9 3:30 P.M. - AT KEYSTONE COLLEGE APR. 11 11:00 P.M. - VS ELMIRA COLLEGE APR. 11 6:00 P.M. - VS HOBART AND WILLIAM SMITH COLLEGE APR. 14 3:30 P.M. - VS LYCOMING COLLEGE APR. 18 12:00 P.M. & 3:00 P.M.- AT JUNIATA COLLEGE APR. 19 12:00 P.M. - AT JUNIATA COLLEGE APR. 21 4:00 P.M. - VS MISERICORDIA UNIVERSITY APR. 22 5:00 P.M. - AT UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON APR. 25 12:00 P.M. & 3:00 P.M.- VS CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA APR. 26 12:00 P.M. - VS CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA APR. 28 5:00 P.M. - VS CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA APR. 29 4:00 P.M. - AT KING’S COLLEGE (PA) �The Beacon - February 11, 2026 Sports 20 Wilkes softball preparing for the upcoming season Another season of Colonels softball is on the horizon, and the team has a plethora of positives to build on from last season. The Navy and Gold are coming off a successful campaign in the Landmark Conference, going 10-6 in conference play and advancing into the second round of the conference tournament. This was a big improvement from their inaugural season in the conference after going 7-9 in 2024. The Colonels return almost all players including senior and 2024 Landmark Pitcher of the Year Lauren DeMarco, who finished last season with a 1.70 ERA and a 9-4 record. “I’ve been working on adding two more pitches to my arsenal since the beginning of the offseason, so I’m very excited to work on those more as preseason continues, and as the season progresses,” DeMarco said. The senior right-hander is close to a career milestone as she is looking to eclipse 300 strikeouts this season, along with a few other personal goals. “The main personal goals that I have for this year is to bring my career ERA under 1.50, and to surpass 300 career strikeouts”. Junior Mia Butka also returns in the rotation, she has been productive both on the mound and in the batter’s box. Butka finished the season with a .370 average with 37 hits and 23 runs, on the mound she went 6-6 with a 2.55 ERA. “We had consistent practices in the fall, which allowed me to stay on track, especially with pitching and consistency,” she said. “We had a playday in the fall, and our team played really well. We had two games, and we won both games”. Butka also discussed her personal SOFTBALL SCHEDULE By Jake Mills Assistant Sports Editor goals for the upcoming campaign. “Personally, I want to positively contribute to the team and our success again by building off my success at the plate and the mound from last year, and also keep working hard and making plays in the field.” The Colonels also return seniors Olivia Dougher in the infield, outfielder Hana Cross, and Maddy Maloney who was a transfer from Lackawanna College last season and contributed finishing with an average of .280 and 21 hits. The lineup only lost three seniors in 2025–Kayla Burleson, Evan Sherrick and graduate student Hannah Boyd. Bella Peters was the only senior in the pitching rotation last season. The lineup returns sophomores Talia Piragas, Paige Randazzo and Allyson Stafursky who all had over 75 at bats last season. The main goal for the team this MAR. 19 4:00 P.M. & 6:00 P.M. - VS IMMACULATA UNIVERSITY MAR. 21 1:00 P.M. & 3:00 P.M. - AT MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY MAR. 24 4:00 P.M. & 6:00 P.M. - VS PENN STATE HARRISBURG MAR. 28 1:00 P.M. & 3:00 P.M. - AT DREW UNIVERSITY MAR. 30 4:00 P.M. & 6:00 P.M. - AT WIDENER UNIVERSITY APR. 1 3:00 P.M. & 5:00 P.M. - AT LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE APR. 4 12:00 P.M. & 2:00 P.M. - VS ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE APR. 7 4:00 P.M. & 6:00 P.M. - VS UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON APR. 11 1:00 P.M. & 3:00 P.M. - AT HAVERFORD COLLEGE APR. 12 1:00 P.M. & 3:00 P.M. - VS MISERICORIDA UNIVERSITY APR. 15 3:00 P.M. & 5:00 P.M. - AT LYCOMING COLLEGE APR. 18 1:00 P.M. & 3:00 P.M. - VS JUNIATA COLLEGE APR. 19 1:00 P.M. & 3:00 P.M. - AT MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY APR. 22 3:00 P.M. & 5:00 P.M - AT KING’S COLLEGE (PA) APR. 25 1:00 P.M. & 3:00 P.M. - AT CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA MAY 2 1:00 P.M. & 3:00 P.M. - VS SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY season is to build off the success of the past, and apply that to their play in 2026. DeMarco stated that she thinks the team has high aspirations to make some noise in the Landmark. “I definitely think our team has the potential to go very far in the Landmark Conference this year. Coming off of such a high from last season, especially for getting so far, I think we need to keep pushing ourselves to the limit at lifts and practices to get stronger every day, and to tweak any little things that may need to be worked on.” Butka also stated that building off success is key to taking that next step in 2026. “We need to stay consistent and disciplined throughout the entire season. That means bringing energy and intensity every day, not just in big games, and holding each other accountable. Continuing to focus on the fundamentals and staying united as a team will be huge,” she said. “Something really important that our team does is take it one game, even one inning, at a time. I think we have the talent to have an even better record than 10-6 in conference play, and we just need to really want it.” The Colonels will open up their season during spring break in Myrtle Beach when they compete in the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic beginning on March 1 and ending on the fifth. Their first contest in the tournament will be against the Badgers of Vermont State University Johnson, first pitch is set for noon. The team will return to home field on March 19 then they take on Immaculata in a doubleheader, starting at 4 p.m. from the Ralston Athletic Complex. �The Beacon - February 11, 2026 Sports Wilkes women's lacrosse looking ahead to 2026 season By Vin Santoro Sports Writer WOMEN’S LACROSSE SCHEDULE Wilkes women's lacrosse is ready to get back on the field and enter a new era with their new additions to their coaching staff. Taylor Drumheller was hired to become the sixth head coach in program history and brings extensive experience to the Colonels' program with previous coaching experience at Juniata and Hendrix College. Drumheller leads a young roster with 18 players heading into the Landmark Conference and a group that is excited to get things underway with their first game on Feb. 21. New opportunities are here at Wilkes and Drumheller preaches that for this season and getting the program in the right direction. Setting standards and focus on a day to day basis is important for this young team as they will be competing hard every single day. “The consistency of our message, team standards being transparent with each other, and collaborative conversations”, Drumheller said. Taylor Sparks, Chloe Bierfriend, and Dayvne Bonvie are some players to watch this season with their leadership and compete on the field. “We have truly grown in many ways but two of the biggest that are seen are the improvement of our skills and the team environment," Bierfriend said. Our stick skills and lacrosse IQ have developed because we worked on the basics first instead of running headfirst onto levels we weren’t ready for." Taylor Sparks, who is their top point scorer returning is a player that will be a player to rely on for scoring and creating offensive pressure. The Colonels welcomed four new players to their roster for their 2026 season campaign with two returning seniors and young talent too. Drumheller touched on the biggest takeaways from the offseason and fall ball and what she expects from her team. “Willingness to grow and learn, and move the program forward, focus on competing every rep, the little things mean a lot, and work ethic.” The Colonels have an exciting team and are filled with energy heading into this season. Drumheller preaches the family atmosphere and that the team is all in for this campaign. The Landmark Conference is full of talent across the board, but the Colonels have lots to offer despite being projected to finish last in Landmark play. Some ways to improve this season for the 21 Colonels are limiting turnovers and getting off to hot starts to the game and not falling behind in games. Winning the possession battle will be key in order to get as many chances as possible to get shots on the cage and test their opponents defenses. Culture is changing quickly and players are buying into the commitment to become a better team this season. The 2025 season is a season in the past and the goal is to improve and get better. The Colonels will play a mix of home and away games through the months of February and March before getting into Landmark Conference play. The Colonels open up their conference slate of games against Juniata on March 21. The Colonels will begin their season at home against University of Pittsburgh Bradford on Feb. 21 from Schmidt Stadium. FEB. 21 12:00 P.M. - VS UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT BRADFORD FEB. 25 4:00 P.M. - AT GWYNEDD MERCY UNIVERSITY FEB. 28 1:00 P.M. - VS BRYN MAWR COLLEGE MAR. 4 5:00 P.M. - AT SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE MAR. 7 1:00 P.M. - VS NOTRE DAME OF MARYLAND UNIVERSITY MAR. 11 7:00 P.M. - AT ELMIRA COLLEGE MAR. 14 1:00 P.M. - AT KING’S COLLEGE (PA) MAR. 18 4:00 P.M. - VS SUNY POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE MAR. 21 1:00 P.M. - AT JUNIATA COLLEGE MAR. 25 5:00 P.M. - AT SUSQUEHANNA COLLEGE MAR. 28 1:00 P.M. - VS CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA APR. 1 7:00 P.M. - AT GOUCHER COLLEGE APR. 8 7:00 P.M. - VS DREW UNIVERSITY APR. 11 1:00 P.M. - VS ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE APR. 15 4:00 P.M. - AT UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON APR. 18 1:00 P.M. - VS MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY APR. 22 7:00 P.M. - VS LYCOMING COLLEGE �The Beacon - February 11, 2026 Sports 22 Seahawks soar to Super Bowl LX win over New England By Topher DellaBella Sports Staff Writer The Seattle Seahawks are Super Bowl LX champions, defeating the New England Patriots 29-13 on Feb. 8 from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. The game started off pretty slow with the Seahawks taking the lead 3-0 at the end of the first quarter. The game continued with neither team scoring a touchdown, but the Seahawks kicked another two field goals, expanding their lead to 9-0 at the end of the half. The third quarter also ended with no touchdowns, but with another Seahawks field goal making it 12-0 to end the frame. In the fourth quarter, there was action in the end zone when Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold hit his tight end A .J. Barner for the first touchdown of the game, extending Seattle’s lead to 19-0. On the Patriots’ next drive, they finally got on the board as New England quarterback Drake Maye found Mack Hollins in the endzone making the score 19-7. After a scoreless drive and an interception by Seahawks safety Julian Love, the Seahawks kicked another ...Wilkes baseball, continued from page 19 that I’ve been a part of in college athletics.” Acclimating the new group of freshman and transfer players has seemed to be fairly easy thus far. “They’re not really looked at as freshmen,” Guy said. “Our upperclassmen have, you know, taken them everywhere they go, whether it’s a MLB or NFL game, or just hanging out and including them and everything. The Colonels had their high-flying lineup in 2025, with key contributors all throughout, but on the mound, the Colonels had impressive outings from what seemed to be every pitcher on the staff. field goal increasing their lead to 22-7. When the Patriots got the ball again, Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon forced an interception that linebacker Uchenna Nwosu took back for a touchdown. This increased the Seahawks lead to 29-7 late in the fourth quarter. Then, once the game seemed like it was already over, Maye threw the last touchdown of the game to his running back Rhamondre Stevenson, shortening the Seahawks lead to 2913. The Patriots went for the two-point conversion, but were unsuccessful, sealing the Super Bowl 60 win for Seattle. The Super Bowl MVP was Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III. Walker rushed for 135 yards on 27 carries. He also caught two passes for 26 yards. Walker is also one of only three players with multiple rushes of over 25 yards in the Super Bowl. As for the Patriots, Maye had to have the game of his life to win this game, but was squandered by the defensive prowess of the Seahawks Some of it is to blame for Maye, but a lot of the offensive failure for the Patriots had to do with the offensive The Colonels saw the emergence of A.J. Levandoski, as well as continued solid play from Zach Lloyd. The two starting pitchers have become the two aces of the pitching staff, and are aiming high going into this season. “One of the ways we can build on the success of 2025 is to look past it and focus on what’s in front of us,” Lloyd said. “Each team in conference play is going to be very tough, so understanding our roles and trusting in each other is going to lead us to goals as a team and as a staff.” The main goal for the Colonels, obviously, is to win the Landmark title. “Most importantly, the goal is to put ourselves in a position to win games consistently and make a deep run when it matters most,” Lloyd said. The Vince Lombardi Trophy (Erik Drost) line allowing a total of six sacks against said defense. When all was said and done, Darnold finished with 19 completions on 38 attemps, throwing for 202 yards. Jason Myers, who was a contender for MVP made all five field goals, as well as both PATs he attempted. For the Patriots, Maye threw for 295 yards, completing 27 out of 43 passes and throwing two touchdowns and the two interceptions. All in all, this is the end of football until the fall and fans are already eager for this upcoming season. As for now, the NFL's 32 teams aim their sights to the draft, taking place in April from Pittsburgh. Have an idea for a sports story? Let us know about it. Email Jake.Mills@wilkes.edu The Colonels begin their season on the 21st against Lebanon Valley in front of the Bruggeworth faithful. From there, The Colonels will have a pair of home games before going down to Florida for their annual spring break slate of games. After that, it’s back to the grind as Wilkes chases a Landmark Conference title. �Sports The Beacon - February 11, 2026 23 Headshots courtesy of Wilkes Athletics. RENEE NG Forward - Women's Hockey From Jan. 24-31,, Ng scored ﬁve goals including a hat trick. It's Ng's ﬁrst time being named AOTW this season. Season Stats: CAM LOWE Forward - Men's Hockey From Jan. 24-31, Lowe scored ﬁve points (4G, 1A) in three games. It's Lowe's second time being named AOTW this season. Season Stats: 15 G, 5 A - 20 P in 19 GP this season. 37-15 on faceoffs. 9 G, 8 A - 17 P in 20 GP this season, on pace for 22 points in the regular season. Talk about your performance in last Saturday’s game against Stevenson to clinch the playoffs. Talk about your performance this past weekend. (Jan. 30-31) We started off slow in the first period, mainly because of the travel and how sick everyone was, but the second period was when I woke up and found the back of the net. Who is your role model? Sidney Crosby, because he’s turned into a great leader on and off the ice and he has great edge work and stickhandling abilities. Any speciﬁc goals for the remainder of the season or any that you hit this season already? Winning the MAC Championship and having a Frozen Four appearance. Our team played with confidence and trusted their abilities. We supported one another through Attitude and effort. Who is your role model? Oilers captain Connor McDavid. How do you prepare for a game? Before games, I like to focus on what worked well in previous performances and try to build on that mindset. I also stick to my usual warm-up routine to get both mentally and physically ready to compete Any speciﬁc goals for the remainder of the season? Our main goal is to win a MAC championship. �The Beacon - February 11, 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 This is Wilkes University's Beacon Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the Beacon's predecessors, The Bucknell Bison Stampede, 1934-1935 and The Bucknell Beacon, 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>. Missing Issues: 1947 August 8th 1947 September 5th 1947 October 3rd 1947 October 17th 1947 October 31st 1947 November 21st 1947 December 19th 1948 September 9th 1950 April 28th 1953 April 10th 1962 February 2nd 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 February 11 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/711dac1a845ab1e2e56dd9199527636a.pdf 43cbedbf9ed33c89285f439c72ccbede PDF Text Text The Beacon - February 18, 2026 THE BEACON Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member Wilkes University - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Volume 78, Issue 15 1 “The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow.” MSC celebrates the Roaring 20s at Valentine’s soiree Attendees came together, dressed in their best attire for a pre-Valentine’s Day celebration. More on page 9. Wilkes campus celebrating Black History Month page 3 Fork Around and Find Out: review of Amberdonia page 9 Editorial: Super Bowl Halftime Shows page 14 Milano-Cortina Olympics: Team USA Update page 20 �The Beacon - February 18, 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: Feb. 11 By Alli Lussi Staff writer Student Government met on Feb. 11 to discuss fund requests for multiple clubs, as well as dealing with internal business. The meeting began with the treasurer’s report, which stands at $46,562.42. FBLA came back for week two of two for a fund request, which will assist with paying for travel to a March conference. FBLA is known for participating in community service, as well as participating in the Alcohol Awareness walk. After careful consideration, Student Government decided to allocate partial funds to help with travel for the conference. The Marketing Department then presented, to speak on what the department does, as well as how students can be active in the department. The Marketing Department works with branding and advertising for the university, as well as the website. Information can be submitted at wilkes. edu/story, to share campus happenings. Nicole Langan presented on CODIE, the university's Council on Diersity, Inclusion and Equity. Langan explained that surveys will be sent out to students, faculty and staff in hopes that people will share their experiences on campus and what CODIE can do to improve experience. On March 10, CODIE will be in the SUB with refreshments brought by Abide. Langan strongly encourages students and faculty to attend and meet the council. Kappa Psi presented a fund request for week one of one. Kappa Psi is a pharmacy fraternity, and at Wilkes they fall under the Delta Omicron chapter. Kappa Psi will be attending a conference in April and asked for funds to aid travel expenses. Kappa Psi has participated in multiple community service events, including working with the food bank and donating to Ruth’s Place. The International Student Committee presented a fund request for funds to assist in expenses for an event that will be held in April. The event will feature different foods, games, and plans to host approximately 50 students. The board will decide next week if funds will be allocated for the event. RHC proposed a constitution change for the club. The plans for this change is the better the standards in which a Hall Ambassador must fall under. This change will implement a point system for events attended during a semester for each ambassador.Changes will be set next week per Student Government approval. The Student Government will meet again on Feb. 18. Beacon Briefs: Upcoming campus events Farley Library Adds New Libguides The Farley Library staff reminds faculty and students that Libguides are available from the Library Homepage. They are 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. It offers a wide range of scholarly resources. The Library is always open to suggestions regarding additional Libguides. Contact the Library at ask.librarian@wilkes.edu for more information. *** Resume Tips Offered The Spring Internship Fair is one month away. Is your resume ready? Career Peer Ambassadors are popping up across campus to give quick tips and collect resumes for review. Check them out at from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 18 or 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday in the Simms Starbucks. Can’t stop by? Email it to interns@wilkes. edu. *** Kappa Kappa Psi Seeks Donations for Ruth's Place Kappa Kappa Psi is hosting a month-long supply drive this February to support Ruth’s Place Women’s Shelter through Volunteers of America Pennsylvania. Donations go directly toward helping women access everyday essentials, personal care items, and small comforts that make a big difference during difficult times. Drop physical donations in the boxes located in the SUB and outside the POD. *** Colonels Cupboard Extends Hours The Colonels Cupboard has extended its hours to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. *** From Wilkes to Washington Students in the Bonner Leader Program are collecting books for a service project during their spring break trip to Washington, DC. Donate new or gently-used books by dropping them in any of the boxes around campus before Feb. 20. Email alicia.burns@ wilkes.edu with questions. Table of Contents News..................2 Life, A&E............7 Center..........12-13 Opinion............14 Sports................19 Upcoming Events: Spring 2026 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 - February 18, 2026 News 3 �� By Mollie Kuhar Special to the Beacon Every February, Black History Month is celebrated as a time to recognize the contributions, struggles and achievements of Black Americans. As Dr. Chris Kovats-Bernat, director of Africana Studies, emphasizes, the designation is “an essential opportunity to honor the contributions, struggles and achievements of Black Americans-not as a footnote to history, but as central to the American story.” Black History Month began in 1926 as a week-long celebration to honor the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, according to the National Park Service. Douglass and Lincoln had impactful contributions in the fight for African-American rights. However, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a prominent African-American historian and educator, shaped what Black History Month is today. Woodson worked toward equal education and aided in founding the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. He established “Negro History Week” during the second week of February and worked to preserve and establish that Black history holds its rightful and important place in American culture. At Wilkes, Erica Acosta, director of Diversity Initiatives, spoke about what is important about celebrating Black History Month. “Black History matters now more than ever,” she explained. “We are responsible for preserving the impact of our ancestors and recognizing the contributions we still make today. “Our voices deserve to be heard, and our history deserves to be remembered.” Acosta explained that the preservation of African-American History is part of celebrating Black History Month, but we must also remember this month is in honor of every modern achievement and every one that will follow today. Dr. Kovats-Bernat discussed how “at a predominantly white institution, this month takes on particular significance.” Photo/Leah Smith Africana Studies Program Director Dr. Chris Kovats-Bernat addresses an audience during one of the many campus activities held to celebrate Black History Month. He explained how this month “is a being held throughout the month. For 2 p.m. in the Henry Student Center. Dr. Scott Hancock, associate professor chance for us to examine how we create example, in the Farley Library, there is space for Black voices, experiences and a Black History Month display featuring of history and Africana Studies at Gettysburg College, will speak at 6 p.m. scholarship in our classrooms, residence African-American authors. On Feb. 19, the Multicultural Student on Feb. 24 in the Jean and Paul Adams halls and campus organizations.” Dr. Kovats-Bernat brought up Coalition will host an all Black-Owned Commons. awareness about the number of African- Business Pop-Up Shop from 9:30 a.m. to American authors placed -- or not placed -- on a syllabus. "Are Black students finding genuine community and support here, or merely inclusion in name?” Diversity is not only about inclusion, he The Wilkes University Archives is post by Ella Villani, a junior musical said, but incorporation...incorporating celebrating Black History Month by theater major with a minor in dance. all races, voices and minorities into honoring Wilkes College’s first African Villani has been adding new materials education, which will translate into American graduate, William Crowder. that were found in the Dorothy individuals' everyday lives. Crowder's tenure at Wilkes was Dickson Darte Center in summer 2025 Black History Month presents an marked by numerous musical to the Theater Collection. opportunity for everyone to reflect on contributions and achievements. From Read Villani's blog post highlighting the "systems and structures" that shape his involvement in theatrical and Crowder’s musical legacy at Wilkes. Wilkes and the campus community. This musical productions to his leadership Those interested can also listen to his includes processes like hiring practices, and participation in student activities, music composition of Man Against designing curriculum and programming it was evident that Crowder made a the Sky that has been digitized and campus events. made available on the library's Omeka lasting impact on our institution. To help celebrate Black History His legacy is highlighted in a blog Digital Repository. Month, a variety of activities are �� The Beacon - February 18, 2026 News Novelist Amor Towles to speak at Max Rosenn lecture By Brooke Lare Staff writer Wilkes University will welcome bestselling novelist Amor Towles to campus on March 15 for the annual Max Rosenn Lecture in Law and Humanities. Towles is known for his novels, "Rules of Civility," "A Gentleman in Moscow" and his latest novel that came out in 2024, "Table for Two." His latest became an instant bestseller with the New York Times calling the novel, “a winner.” Towles will speak at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center at 2 p.m., followed by a book signing. The event gives students and community members an opportunity to engage with the best-selling author for his character-driven fiction and thoughtful commentary on society. “He’s an observer of our culture,” said Dr. David Hicks, director of the Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing at Wilkes University. “He’s someone who thinks about liberty and integrity and the kinds of moral questions that we might be lacking in our conversations today.” Hicks will moderate the lecture. “Let’s get the creative writing guy,” he said in regards to his role as mediator. However, Hicks is a published author himself and the director of the Wilkes creative writing masters program. Hicks is excited to ask his own questions. “I have no idea what he’s going to say. I have no idea what I’m going to say, either.” Hicks is aiming for a live conversation designed to be fluid and conversational rather than scripted. “Ask him anything. It doesn’t have to be about reading and writing. His perspective on the world is really interesting.” Alongside this, Hicks hopes Towles will share his creative process and research approach. While research is a key part of Towles’ writing process, Hicks hopes that the conversation will touch on the balance between writing under deadline and finding meticulous specified research. For students, Hicks believes that students hyper focus on deadlines and word counts which limits the development of stories. Although Towles’ novels are rooted in historical settings of New York and Russia in the 1920s and 30s, he is known for his modern outlook and approach. His stories explore the navigation of social expectations which in Hicks’ point of view, is an essential talking point for college students and the community alike. “There’s a general lack of compassion and empathy in our world,” Hicks stated. He hopes Towles’ attendance 4 will foster conversation on mending the issue. The event is open to Wilkes students and community members. Hicks said bringing community members into the audience allows students to feel part of something larger than themselves and removes the presumed classroom outlook. Hicks believes that although campus life is important it can serve as a ‘bubble.’ He places importance on their future standing as community members, encouraging a broader perspective to the lecture. “Reading makes you a better person — more tolerant, more open-minded, more empathetic,” Hicks said. “It genuinely makes us better people.” The Max Rosenn Lecture is free and open to the public, with registration required. Allan Hamilton Dickson Spring Writers Series' speakers announced By Mollie Kuhar Special to The Beacon As the Spring semester kicks off, the last week of February means the start of the annual Allan Hamilton Dickson Spring Writer Series. A longstanding tradition hosted by the English Department, it features a wide variety of poets, directors and writers. Guests will speak about and share their published work, providing an opportunity for the community to experience and engage with different authors Janae first-hand. This spring series will feature Brionne Janae, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah and Lauren Klein. Living in Brooklyn, New York, Brionne Janae is a poet and the author of Because You Were Mine (2023), Blessed are the Peacemakers (2021) and After Jubilee (2017). Janae was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award in Lesbian Poetry and won the 2020 Cave Canem Adjei-Brenyah Northwestern University Press Poetry Prize. A Southern California native, she is a teaching artist and enjoys spending time with her two dogs. She earned her MFA at Emerson College and her B.A. at U.C. Brionne Janae will be visiting Wilkes on Feb. 25. Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, a National Book Foundation’s ‘5 Under 35’ honoree, is a young and powerful fiction writer who grew up in Spring Valley, New York. Debuting in 2018 with Friday Black, he has written over 12 novels. He is the winner of the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award and the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing, a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction and a New York Times bestselling author. Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah will speak on March 25. The final 2026 Hamilton Dickson Klein Spring Writer Series author is researcher and writer Lauren Klein, a professor of data & decision sciences and English at Emory University. Co-author of Data Feminism, she has also co-edited Debates in the Digital Humanities and is set to release her book Data by Design: From the History of Visualization to the Future We Need in Fall 2026. At Emory, she also directs the Digital Humanities Lab and the Atlanta Interdisciplinary AI Network. In both early American history and today, Klein has researched breakthrough methods in questioning gender, race, and justice in the world. Klein will share her words and ideas with the campus community on April 25 and 26. Which speaker sounds the most interesting? Email kalen. churcher@wilkes.edu �The Beacon - February 18, 2026 News 5 Student input sought regarding belonging and engagement By Thaelis Andujar Assistant News editor The university is seeking feedback to a recently-released draft of its Community Belonging and Engagement Strategic Plan. The plan outlines a five-year roadmap aimed at embedding belonging and engagement into every level of campus life. The Spring 2026 draft plan is now open for a 30-day campus feedback period before final approval and implementation in Fall 2026. According to the document, the plan’s purpose is to “foster a supportive, welcoming campus climate” by aligning student, faculty and staff development with the university’s mission. It emphasizes creating “a sense of security and acceptance that allows individuals to thrive” while encouraging active participation in campus life. The plan is different from other engagement strategies. “Unlike past initiatives that were led primarily by one office, and that office would be the Office of Diversity Initiatives, this plan invites the entire campus community to be a part of fostering belonging and engagement,” said Dr. LaFleur Small, associate provost for Academic and Diversity Affairs. Small explained that the new framework addresses concerns about unclear strategy and limited resources in prior initiatives. “This plan addresses some concerns that exist before about the lack of clear strategy and resources. We’re aiming to translate discussions into actionable outcomes,” Small said. “It’s the first time we’re trying to create a process whereby we can push for community change and move in the right direction.” The plan incorporates belonging into core institutional functions, including hiring practices, curriculum development, leadership evaluation, student support services and community partnerships, rather than treating it as a stand-alone initiative. “By weaving these values into all areas of campus life, we create shared responsibility,” Small said. “So the whole entire campus is responsible for creating real and sustained cultural change. It’s not just the responsibility of the Office of Diversity Initiatives, but all of us as a campus community to create a space where everyone feels comfortable.” She added that the strategic plan reflects the university’s existing mission. “Our mission reads: to empower our students, with transformative educational experiences, civic values, and transferable skills through mentorship, individualized opportunities and innovative teaching and scholarship in an inclusive environment. The creation of this strategic plan allows us to live our mission.” The framework is built around five pillars: Workforce Excellence, Inclusive Culture, Equitable Policies and Systems, Community Engagement and Data-Driven Accountability. Under Workforce Excellence, the aims to expand outreach and recruitment efforts, diversity hiring panels and strengthen leadership development programs. The Inclusive Culture pillar focuses on ongoing training, climate assessments and the expansion of employee resources groups such as the Faculty Advisory Council and University Staff Advisory Council. It also calls for work-life balance policies and trauma-informed wellness resources. Equitable Policies and Systems includes auditing human resources policies, revising promotion and tracking advancement data to ensure fairness and transparency. Community Engagement emphasizes partnerships, volunteerism and universitywide town halls to maintain dialogue and accountability. The fifth pillar, Data-Driven Accountability, outlines the development of a public dashboard and annual reports to track representation, retention, engagement metrics and climate survey results. Small said transparency will be central to the plan’s success. “We aim to be very transparent with students and the campus community,” she said. The plan includes quarterly monitoring reports from task force leaders as well as annual evaluations measuring progress toward established goals. “There’s several touch points,” Small said. “At least quarterly, there will be some reports that we’ll be asking the task force leaders from each of the areas to provide to the steering committee. We’ll get reports highlighting some success, highlighting some challenges, any necessary adjustments that may need to be made.” Annual evaluations will incorporate surveys and focus groups involving students, faculty and staff. “We should be able to get feedback from the students, faculty and staff through surveys, focus groups throughout the course of the five years, and we can make adjustments to the action plans as necessary,” she said. A centralized dashboard will allow students to visually track progress over time. “In the strategic plan, we have a centralized dashboard, a reporting system that will be developed,” Small said. “It allows you to track progress visually and very transparently. I anticipate that we will have that established by the end of the first year.” While several pillars focus on faculty and staff development, Small emphasized that those efforts directly affect students. “Endeavors designed for faculty and staff success ultimately lead to student success,” she said. Retaining talented faculty and staff, she explained, strengthens instruction, research and campus engagement. “If we attract and keep talented faculty and staff at the institution, it ultimately will impact the student experience, student educational and social experiences,” Small said. The plan also includes commitments to mentorship programs, inclusive curriculum development, equitable hiring practices and student involvement in decision-making. Students can expect to see strengthened relationships with local organizations as part of the Community Engagement pillar. “Students will see Wilkes continuing to work and supporting local organizations such as the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, the NAACP, the city of Wilkes-Barre,” Small said. “Something we already do, but we will continue to strengthen these relationships.” These partnerships aim to expand civic engagement opportunities and reinforce the university’s role within the broader community. Although faculty and staff have provided feedback so far, Small said student input has been limited. “So far, no student feedback. We want student feedback,” she said. “If this can spark some student interest, I’d be very excited. "So far the response has only been from faculty and staff. We’ve got no student feedback, and I strongly encourage, and we want to solicit student feedback.” The draft will remain open for campus review for 30 days before the Steering Committee finalizes revisions. When asked what students should take away from the plan, Small offered a direct message. “They belong here,” she said. “This plan is to send a message to all students that we see them and we value their experience. And that they should be supported and empowered to fully engage in campus life and that they can bring their authentic selves into our community.” If approved after the feedback period, the final Community Belonging and Engagement Strategic Plan will take effect in Fall 2026, guiding university policy and culture through 2031. University leadership says the plan is intended not as a symbolic document, but as a measurable, evolving framework designed to create long-term, institutionwide change. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to review the draft and submit feedback before the close of the comment period. Links to the draft and the survey are available through Today@Wilkes. Steering Committee members for the effort include: **Erica Acosta, MA, MBA- Director, Office of Diversity Initiatives **Kelly Beishline, MBA- Associate Director, Human Resources **Dr. Kalen Churcher- Associate Professor of Communication & Media Studies **Dr. Helen Davis- Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences **Dr. Todd Hasting- Assistant Professor of Undergraduate Nursing **Dr. Jamal Ghorishi- Professor of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering **Dr. Ross Novak- Assistant Dean of Student Services for Online Programs **Elias Dixon-GilbertMulticultural Student Coalition Vice President & Student Athletic Advisory Committee President **Dr. La Fleur Small- Professor & Associate Provost of Academic & Diversity Affairs �The Beacon - February 18, 2026 News 6 Bonner Leaders turn pages into purpose with book drive By Thaelis Andujar Assistant news editor The Bonner Leader Program is turning pages into purpose this February with a new campus-wide book drive aimed at supporting incarcerated individuals in Washington, D.C. “From Wilkes to Washington: Empowering Change Through Reading,” the initiative invites students, faculty and staff to donate new or gently used books before Feb. 20. Collected books will be delivered during the Bonner Leaders’ upcoming spring break service trip to Washington, D.C., where students will partner with DC Books to Prisons, a nonprofit that distributes free books to incarcerated people across the United States. Donation boxes are located on the first floor of the SUB, at the entrance of the library, on the first floor of Breiseth Hall and outside the POD in Stark Learning Center. Those interested can scan the QR code on the flyer for a list of most-needed genres or contact alicia.burns@wilkes.edu to schedule a pickup. According to Alicia Burns, Bonner Leader Program coordinator, this is the first time Wilkes has hosted a book drive specifically benefiting incarcerated individuals. Burns stated that this event has not been done before. The idea came as she and the Bonner Leaders began planning their annual spring break service immersion. “As a part of identifying nonprofits in Washington, D.C. to support in preparation for our spring break trip, I was trying to find areas of need that we have not spent time serving for,” Burns said. “Supporting the education of inmates and preparation for the release of inmates is something that I just have always been passionate about. So when I found this organization I asked the freshmen if that’s something they would want to support and there was no hesitation,” she continued. The Bonner Leader Program is a nationally recognized civic engagement and service initiative that provides students with opportunities to serve their communities while developing leadership skills. At Wilkes, Bonner Leaders commit to ongoing community service during the academic year and often participate in service trips during breaks. Organizations like DC Books to Prisons play a critical role in bridging educational gaps within the prison system. Access to books can provide incarcerated individuals with educational resources, vocational preparation materials and opportunities for personal growth. Many incarcerated people rely on donations because access to books inside correctional facilities can be limited by cost, policy restrictions and availability. Burns emphasized that education and reentry preparation are often overlooked areas of service. “Supporting the education of inmates and preparation for the release of inmates is something that I just have always been passionate about,” she said. The project reflects the Bonner Program’s broader mission: to address systemic inequities through service and advocacy. By collecting books on campus and transporting them to Washington, D.C., students are engaging in a tangible act of support that extends beyond Wilkes. Freshman Bonner student leader Joanna Elick said she was on board from the start. “This book drive is important because I believe everyone deserves access to books and the opportunity to learn,” Elick said. Elick also spoke about her interest in design, which fueled her enjoyment to help. “I wanted to help not only for that reason, but also because I enjoy creating flyers and posters.” The drive encourages donations of new or gently used books in approved genres. Because materials must meet prison guidelines, donors are urged to scan the QR code on the flyer to review specific requirements before dropping off items. Burns said she hopes the event also sparks conversation on campus. “I mean, how many humans have books just sitting around that they’re just going to either donate to the library, which is also a great cause, or just throw them away, unfortunately,” she said. By redirecting those books to individuals who may not otherwise have access to them, the Bonner Leaders are turning an everyday object into a tool for empowerment. The initiative also highlights the connection between Wilkes students and communities beyond northeastern Pennsylvania. While Wilkes University is rooted in Wilkes-Barre, its service impact often stretches across state lines. “I spread the word as much as I could through conversation, hoping to spread the word,” Elick said. “Helping others and seeing the impact of my actions is incredibly rewarding!” Donations will be accepted through Feb. 20, ahead of the Bonner Leaders’ departure for Washington, D.C., over spring break. Anyone with questions can contact Alicia Burns directly via email, and those unable to visit a drop-off location can arrange a pickup. For more information about the nonprofit partner and its mission, visit dcbookstoprisoners.org. As the yellow banner on the flyer reads, the goal is simple: spread the love of reading. Through a collective campus effort, the Bonner Leaders hope to remind incarcerated readers that their education, growth and futures still matter, one book at a time. �The Beacon - February 18, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 7 Life, Arts & Entertainment Have any events or artists to be shared? Contact Life, Arts & Entertainment Editor: Kailey.Vogel@wilkes.edu The Mental Health Beacon Valentine’s shmalentines – Be your own valentine always By Gina Harrison Assistant Professor Passan School of Nursing One of the most important relationships that you will ever have is the one that you have with yourself. Valentine’s Day focuses on the romantic, external relationships that society places so much emphasis on. The truth is that we, as a society, are exhausted by these romantic expectations. There has been a serious push back against the Valentine’s Day trap in the form of things like “Galentine’s day” or “Palentine’s Day” to focus on the nonromantic relationships we cultivate in our lives. These versions of Valentine’s ask us to demonstrate the value of our friendships instead of our romantic relationships. Even though friendships and relationships are important, there is a relationship even more significant, and that is the one that you have with yourself. Think of the effort that you put into others to give them recognition on these pseudo-holidays and all year round. You spend your hard-earned money and precious time crafting an expression of love through purchases of flowers, cards and even expensive dates. Have you ever thought of putting that kind of effort and care into yourself? Self-love is not a new concept, but it is a challenging one. It is the practice of recognizing your own worth without having to prove it, earn it, or perform for it. It is loving yourself without expectation. There is a myth of what it means to love yourself. Self-love does not mean that you are extremely confident or no longer self-conscious. It simply means that you choose to accept yourself, as you are, and treat yourself with kindness and love. It does not come with a new personality or a complete change in your attitude. Selflove is subtle, beautiful, and ultimately allows you to accept who you are, as you are. Practicing self-love is particularly difficult when life is messy, hard, or even uncertain. That is why it is important that you begin to practice self-love regularly so that you are prepared to meet yourself with grace and love when things are tough. Self-love is not selfish. It does not mean that you honor yourself, your opinions and your feelings at the expense of others. It means that you value who you are enough to care for yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally. This practice is beneficial for your health. It helps you to identify and maintain a secure relationship with yourself. Understanding and loving yourself allows you to recognize and maintain healthy relationships and healthy boundaries with others. It also gives you the clarity to make choices that align with your true needs and values instead of choosing what others demand of you or what society expects you to do. Self-love creates the space that we need for rest, growth, creativity and honesty. It helps us to remember that we are enough. Spend some time working on it and see what develops! And, as Queen Bey says, “The world will see you the way you see you and treat you the way you treat yourself.” �The Beacon - February 18, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 8 �The Beacon - February 18, 2026 9 Life, Arts & Entertainment Students have a “Roaring Good Time” at soiree By Leah Smith Editor in Chief Love was in the air, coated in gold and luxury at the Valentine’s Soiree hosted by the Multicultural Student Coalition. The JPAC was packed with attendees dressed to impress with lavish 1920s inspired fashion. Upon entering through the black and gold streamer decorated door, each entrant was given a yellow rose to symbolize friendship. Then, all the attendees were welcomed to a table consisting of fun Roaring 20s themed accessories such as masks, gold necklaces and the favorite of many, a handheld fan. Attendees were offered glasses of sparkling apple cider and food catered from Franco’s. The food consisted of various pasta dishes, side salads, homemade cookies and a chocolate fountain accompanied with strawberries, marshmallows and pineapples on skewers. Many patrons enjoyed the food including Craig Conville and Nicole Corino, a couple who came to the soiree for a fun date night. “I love supporting MSC so I figured it would be a fun Valentine’s date,” Conville said. When it came to the desserts, Corino was a big fan of the strawberry parfaits that were offered. “They’re so cute and the strawberries were delicious!” Corino stated. After dining and mingling, the participants went to the dance floor where the DJ kicked off the night with jazzy instrumentals and jazz covers of pop songs. As the night continued, dance party favorites were played such as “The Cupid Shuffle” and “The Cha-Cha Slide”. Many patrons including Isabelle Bender, a psychology major and CJ Bidini, a sports management major who attended the event dressed as a gangster and flapper couple. Bender especially wanted to attend the event for the Roaring 20s aesthetic. “I was so giddy, I literally screamed out loud I knew I needed to go to this. I’ve always wanted to go to a 1920’s themed party,” Bender said. Bindi wanted to tag along and made his gangster attire from clothes he had at home. “I threw on a suit shirt, grabbed some suspenders and I found the hat in my closet, so I figured it would work as a mob sort of thing,” Bidini said. Photos/Leah Smith Above: attendees enjoy sparkling cider. Below, everyone dancing to “Cupid Shuffle” Fork Around and Find Out: Amberdonia Bakery By Aliison Lussi News Assistant Editor and Nicole Steinberg Staff Writer A popular bakery in Kingston features European desserts, brick oven pizza, hot chocolates and other hot specialty drinks. This week, Nicole and I went to Amberdonia to try the pizza and desserts that everyone raves about. The bakery is located in an old bank building at 685 Wyoming Ave. in Kingston. Upon entry into the bakery, you are immediately greeted by the staff, who are very nice to talk to, along with the Oldworld European theme that decorates the building. We were quickly seated at a table and given menus. The menu isn’t huge as they only serve salads and pizzas, but the choice of pizza and salad ranges. I ordered a Shirley Temple as my drink, which came in a bottle. It was absolutely delicious. Nicole ordered a black cherry cream soda, which she raved about and said was very good. For main courses, I settled with a Romeo and Juliet pizza, which was a pizza that had crushed tomatoes and mozzarella, which is topped with prosciutto and basil. The crust was really crunchy and I love that they use crushed tomatoes instead of a typical pizza sauce, so you can really taste the flavors in the dough and the cheese. Nicole ordered a Little Italian Devil, which is a pizza that is topped with crushed tomatoes, Italian sausage, basil, peppers and cheese. Nicole really enjoyed the pizza, she said she liked the crunch and said that it reminds her of the brick oven pizza she would get in her hometown. The atmosphere in the bakery is amazing, the staff is wonderfully nice. The bakery is also very clean and isn’t too crowded so you can really soak up the theme of the building. Overall, the experience that we had at Amberdonia was phenomenal, and we will definitely be back for pizza soon. Below: Some of the desserts offered at Amberdonia Bakery. Left: Romeo and Juliet and Little Italian Devil pizzas. Photos/Alli Lussi �The Beacon - February 18, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 10 The Darteboard: On stage and inside the Darte Center By Anthony Kehs Special to The Beacon After more than half a century without one, Wilkes has a theatre club officially returning to campus. The original club, known as Cue ‘n Curtain, was founded in 1943 and served as a theatrical outlet for students at Wilkes. While the new organization is currently operating under the title of “Theatre Club,” there are hopes to eventually reclaim the historic name or nickname in honor of its roots. The previous iteration of the club dissolved in 1970, leaving a noticeable gap in opportunities for students interested in theatre outside of the academic department. The club’s revival began when Ella Villani, a junior musical theatre major and the club’s president, started looking for ways to fundraise for SETC, a theatre conference where musical theatre majors travel to Tennessee and audition for various theatre companies. After reaching out to Dr. Jon Liebetrau, chair of the Division of Performing Arts for advice, she was encouraged to pursue fundraising through a student organization. That suggestion quicklygrew into something bigger: the realization that many students had been craving a creative, low-pressure theatre space that existed beyond classes and productions tied to the department. The goal of the Theatre Club is to create an inclusive environment for students of all experiencelevels who love theatre, performance, and collaboration. While the club hopes to eventually produce a full show, current restrictions mean that a traditional production is not yet possible. Even so, the year is shaping up to be full of exciting events. Plans include open mics, karaoke nights, workshops for new works, collaborative writing sessions with peer feedback and maybe even a Shakespeare-with-no-rehearsal or 24-hour production challenge. Looking ahead, Villani’s biggest hope is to end the year with a cabaret-style showcase on the Greenway, where every member can perform a song, scene, monologue, or original piece. With deep nostalgic roots and a fresh, student-driven vision, the return of the Theatre Club marks an exciting new chapter for campus creativity and community. Anyone who has questions or is interested in joining the Theatre Club, can contact Ella Villani at ella.villani@ wilkes.edu. *** Although a jarring title, Urinetown hits its mark with commentary on capitalism, b u r e au c r a c y, a n d climate change. Set in a future where a devastating drought has made water scarce, Urinetown tells the story of atown where citizens must pay to use public restrooms. When fees become too high for the poor to endure, a young hero named Bobby Strong challenges the wealthy elite who control theresources. Through song and dance, the story unravels, revealing secrets no one will expect Urinetown uses parody as a vehicle of storytelling, referencing musicals that came before it like Les Misérables, West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, The Threepenny Opera, and many more. Sophomore musical theatre major Antonio Torres stars as Bobby Strong, Urinetown’s protagonist. “The best part of rehearsing this show has been experimenting with the crazy material we’regiven. We’ve had tons of laughs over just playing in the sandbox and seeing what we can come up with,” Torres said. Junior musical theatre major Sarah Pugliese plays Penelope Pennywise, who sings “A Privilege to Pee,” one of Courtesy of the production The cast of Urinetown can be seen this weekend at the Dorthy Dickson Darte Pentre for the Performing Arts. the show’s most recognizable songs. “Urinetown is for everyone. From the silly jokes to the deeper meanings, everyone will be able to find a part of this show that they can relate to, whether it be grounded in comedy or the reality of the world today,” Pugliese said. Sophomore musical theatre major Gabby Greffen plays Little Sally, the show’s quasi-narrator, often supporting Officer Lockstock, the narrator of Urinetown, played by the writer of this article. “From Urinetown, we can learn that everything is not always as it seems and that there are always going to be people who push the limits and don’t understand when enough is enough,” Greffen said. The cast features Torres (Bobby Strong), Anthony Kehs (Officer Lockstock), Cally Williams (Hope Cladwell), Alby Lopuhovsky (Caldwell B. Cladwell), Pugliese (Penelope Pennywise), Greffen (Little Sally), Hope Jacobus (McQueen), Jacob Cintronelle (Officer Barrel), Caleb Flannery (Senator Fipp), Elias Brix (Dr. Billeaux/Tiny Tom), Abby Olander (Cladwell’s Secretary), Elena DiSciullo (Mrs. Millenium), John Quick (Joseph “Old Man” Strong), Geanna Kirchner (Josephine “Old Ma” Strong), Rocco Pugliese (Hot Blades Harry), Charley Cain (Robby the Stockfish), Gabbi Howe (Billy Boy Bill), Sammie Gashi (Little Becky Two-Shoes), Isa Mendez (Soupy Sue), Carolynn Jewell (Ensemble), Caitlin Barton (Ensemble) and Ella Villani (Ensemble). Urinetown is directed by Sean Patrick Gibbons and associate directed by senior musical theatre major, Maddie Meier. The show runs at 8 p.m. on Feb. 19, 20, and 21 and at 2 p.m. on Feb. 21 and 22. Tickets cost $20 for general admission, $15 for non-Wilkes students and seniors, and are free for anyone with a Wilkes University ID. To purchase tickets for Urinetown, visit http://www.wilkes.edu/theatre or visit the box office an hour before showtime at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts located on the corner of West South and South River streets. �The Beacon - February 18, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment The Honors Program Student Committee is holding a Soda Tab Collection Drive. Please collect soda tabs and drop them off in the collection box at the Honors Office. All donations will be given to the Ronald McDonald House. 11 �The Beacon - February 18, 2026 Colonels Big Plans for Spring Break Wilkes’ campus is buzzing with the anticipation of the long awaited Spring Break. Most students are looking forward to the beloved interlude in the Spring Semester to take time for themselves away from the chaos that is the middle of the semester. While many plan to relax at home, or pick up hours at work, a few Colonels have exciting trips planned to learn and explore outside of campus. First-year student Cece Ruyak, a member of Wilkes’ Kappa Kappa Psi chapter, a national honorary fraternity for university band members, plans to attend the Northeast District Convention for Kappa Kappa Psi. “This convention is a great way to meet fellow brothers and become closer with current ones,” said Cece, “Band is such an important part of my life and I cannot wait to spend time with my band friends.” Several other members of Kappa Kappa Psi will attend the convention alongside Ruyak and enjoy one of the many alternative Spring Break trips Wilkes has to offer. Second-year student, Krisha Patel plans to attend the Geoexplorer’s trip to the Southwest where members will visit interesting sites such as Zion National Park, the Valley of Fire, the Grand Canyon, the Amboy Crater, the Botanical Gardens in Phoenix, Arizona and more. “I am going because I enjoy hiking and visiting national parks,” said Patel, “I think this trip will be a great way to meet new people as well.” Students on this trip will visit multiple states including Arizona, Utah and Nevada where they will learn about different minerals and rocks on several hikes through the scenic monuments these states have to offer. 12 �The Beacon - February 18, 2026 \ Senior Samara Carey and eight others with the Office of Civic Engagement are going on a venture to Seattle and Tacoma, Washington to build homes for Habitat for Humanity, a global nonprofit Christian housing organization. “I am doing this because I am a last semester senior graduating in May and I have always wanted to do this, so I saw my chance and took it,” said Carey. “I really do love community service and I feel like this is a good experience to grow with.” While in Washington, students will spend a week going to different locations throughout the states to assist in building three homes for three separate families. Aside from Wilkes’ alternative Spring Break options, senior Leo Egbe is going to enjoy break in Puerto Rico with his roommates. “We wanted to do something different instead of going home and being bored,” said Egbe. “We are going to San Juan and plan to do a lot of things like spend time on the beach, go on a jungle excursion ziplining, go out to eat a lot and get on a boat.” 6 Egbe said he plans to make a lot of memories, have some good times and make the most of the trip as it is going to be hard to get his friends back together in one place after graduation. First-year student Josh Tobon is also going on an excursion of his own with his friends on a road trip to Louisville, Kentucky to visit a friend. “The importance of this trip is fun,” said Tobon. “I like it a lot because to me it represents how close we’ve all grown together over the course of the last two semesters. Even if we’re really far away from each other, no matter the distance, we’ll still all be good friends.” Tobon, including others’ plans for Spring Break, highlight the possibilities a week off can hold. Whether you are building homes across the country or relaxing on a beach this Spring Break, be sure to take time for yourself to reset and relax to come back and finish the semester off strong! 13 �The Beacon - February 18, 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. Halftime show highlighted love over hatred After winning big at the Grammy’s including album of the year with his recent release, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos),” Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny or, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio took on the honor of performing at the Super Bowl halftime show. In recent years, the Super Bowl has been a highly televised platform for artists such as Bad Bunny and even Kenrick Lamar the year prior, to contextualize political themes and statements through their words and visual appeal. Last year Kendrick Lamar utilized red white and blue to represent America and use this platform to discuss political issues in the country such as mass incarceration and even racial inequality as present in the lyrics of many of his rap songs. In lieu of America’s 250th anniversary, Bad Bunny continued this patriotic homage by incorporating Puerto Rican culture throughout his music, choreography and visual set up, yes that includes the individuals who were dressed as tall grass. The whole performance felt like a block party or a close knit celebration from the opening to the wedding celebration. Other artists that joined Bad Bunny included Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin who continued to aid in the cultural celebration through their clothing and in Gaga’s case her new rendition of “Die With a Smile.” Some other celebrity appearances included Cardi B and Pedro Pascal who showed their appreciation and support for the lively party and welcoming energy. Bad Bunny never lost sight of his roots. Not only was the performance a dedication to his homeland and the culture it provides to enrich the United States, the child actor towards the end helped represent Benito Antonio’s younger self. The ending of this performance was by far the most powerful as Bad Bunny held up a football with the words “Together, we are America” as the jumbotron displayed the message “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” This is especially important historically as well as today in our political climate. Bad Bunny had spoken out against United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during his Grammy acceptance speech. In the now viral speech, Bad Bunny said, “Um, before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out.” He continued his speech by saying, “We’re not savage. We’re not animals. We’re not aliens. We are humans. And we are Americans,” which is exactly what his halftime show encompassed. This halftime show is here to remind Americans, especially U.S. citizens, that they are just one portion of America ,and Bad Bunny thanks many Spanish speaking countries in both North and South America to do this. Americans are the ones willing to put in the work and reflect on the past and present of its culture for their country. Puerto Ricans have just as much influence on the United States as any other citizen and Bad Bunny proved this through his electric performance just in time for America’s 250th birthday. 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 - February 18, 2026 Opinion The Icebox presents: The speedrun gauntBy “Freeze” Opinion Staff Writer As some of you may know, I am a big fan of speedrunning video games. Although I am not particularly good at it myself, I have a few titles that I really enjoy playing for the purpose of creating records. I call this my own speedrunning cup. The ver y first one to mention is the “Mario Kart” series. A lot of people may not be familiar with the speedrunning potential this series has. It all started when people were literally shattering barriers in “Mario Kart Wii” and skipping entire sections of the racetrack to achieve the lowest possible time. These skips became known as “ultra shortcuts” and are considered a staple of the Wii version. Many ultra shortcuts exploit the in-game boundaries set by developers, while others involve glitches that bypass coding involved with lap-counts, ground speed and even item usage. The Mario Kart Wii speedrunning community has been around for almost two decades now, which is as old as the game itself. While the community peaked at some point before 2014, there is still news to be heard. The latest record was set only a few months ago on Luigi Circuit, the ver y first course, where a player discovered a jaw-breaking boundar y glitch and beat the previous record by a full minute. Today, people are investigating the limits in “Mario Kart World”, which has introduced a number of platforming mechanics for the karts. This is the closest the series has even been to replicating the insanity from the Wii. A lot of speedrunners are testing the many ways you can make use of legal jumps and intended outcomes to achieve the fastest records. As with most games, there is an ideal combination of character and kart, but even that ver y fact has been thrown into question now. The idea is that different weight classes can handle jumps with var ying levels of ease, so there isn’t a common denominator for the best choice per track . This type of thinking is what sets apart a speedrunner from the average player. xI have tried my hand at replicating some of the tricks I have seen online, but I have a lot to learn. First-person games are an interesting categor y in the speedrunning community because they all have ver y different objectives. One title I enjoy is “Superliminal”, which is a perspective-focused puzzle game that has the exact same progression with ever y attempt, but still relies on the user’s ability to adapt quickly. Another first-person title is the ever-so popular “Minecraft”. The goal is to beat the Ender Dragon as fast as possible. Some players like to speedrun the same seed until they achieve a thoroughly quick record. Personally, I like to create a new world and “speedrun” in the sense that I am playing for speed and not leisure. Surprisingly, this approach makes you better at the game as you are forced to be more resourceful and not spend too much time building things. When you enable hardcore mode, you know that you only have one shot at what you are doing. This mentality may be stressful to a lot of people, but it’s an exhilarating experience to me. The genre with the most speedrunning potential is the platformer, simply because it is predictable yet complex . The removal of “random factors” from platformers make it more reliable to validate a record. The opposite of that would be seeding in Minecraft or the luck you have when opening chests in a game. In a game where ever ything happens the same way at the same time, it’s easier to rank the records among players. My favorite independent platformer has to be “N++”, a classic indie title where you play as a stickfigure ninja zooming through a labyrinth of dangerous obstacles. The game is pretty minimalist, but it does ever ything right when it comes to a straightforward platformer game. Each level is designed so you can see the entire thing on screen and choose your own path. There are many obstacles like lasers, spikes, missiles and enemies that force you to get creative. Luckily, you can double jump, cling to walls and increase your momentum on ramps. There is an exit door in ever y level that needs to be opened, sometimes with multiple steps. The game also supports up to four players, which I have tried with my friends before. It’s ver y intriguing how this game makes you completely synchronized with the people you are working with. Speaking of four players, have you heard of “Overcooked” speedrunning? Before the pandemic, my friends and I used to speedrun this game together. All of the levels have an earnings quota, but some are designed so that the timer doesn’t start until you submit your first dish. After figuring this out, my friends and I developed our own strategy to speedrun a game by cooking almost an infinite number of dishes. Even in levels where that exploit could not be used, we became so synchronized with each other that we could probably play the game blindfolded and still set an impressive record in quota amounts. This game is an example of a speedrun that is more achievementoriented than it is time-oriented. One more platformer I play frequently for speedrunning is, of course, “Super Mario Bros.” Specifically, “Super Mario Maker” is a great place to show off your skills in the popular franchise. This game allows players to create their own levels, pushing the limits of “impossible” beyond what you can 15 imagine. If you don’t believe me, I highly recommend a YouTuber called “LilKirbs” who is highly regarded in the Mario speedrunning community for several different games. The last time I checked, I hold at least thirty different world records in “Super Mario Maker 2”, though I expect most of them to be dethroned by now. In any case, it feels nice to beat a difficult level and claim a fast record at the same time. Finally, there is a specific set of games published by Nintendo with a lot of speedrunning potential that has repeatedly piqued the interest of even casual gamers. The “Odysseyverse” currently consists of “Super Mario Odyssey ” and “Donkey Kong Bananza.” I have no doubt that this game series will include more titles, and I am hoping the next installment might shine the light on Wario. “Super Mario Odyssey ” is what people regard as the ultimate 3D-platformer with the most creative game design, beating even its predecessors “Super Mario 64” and “Super Mario Sunshine.” Despite how old this game is by the year 2026, I still play it repeatedly, hoping to set my own personal record. Last year, “Donkey Kong Bananza” broke the internet before the game even released. Fans waited a long time for a new Donkey Kong game and this title, the indirect sequel to “Super Mario Odyssey ”, was exactly what was needed. Furthermore, speedrunners rapidly found ways to exploit the game’s barriers and set a speedrun world record of under one hour in just six months. As a college student I have less time to focus on speedrunning, but after I graduate I plan to pick up different games to test my own abilities. I hope to submit a record on “Speedrun.com” someday. �The Beacon - February 18, 2026 Opinion 16 Looking back on the career of Dwayne McDuffie By Leah Smith Editor-in-Chief If you grew up watching early-mid 2000s cartoons like “Static Shock” and “Justice League Unlimited”, Dwayne McDuffie was the reason those shows not only existed but why they stand the test of time in popular culture today. In honor of Black History Month and to honor McDuffie’s legacy on the week of his birthdate and unfortunate death, I wanted to write this article to not only praise McDuffie and his works but to talk about why he should be placed in the pantheon of the greatest comic creatives of all time. He should be among big name comic book legends like Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Alan Moore because McDuffie was and still is the unsung comic and cartoon writing legend that shaped our childhoods but doesn’t get enough credit for it. According to McDuffie’s IMDb profile, McDuffie was born on Feb. 20, 1962, and grew up in Detroit with his mother, Edna. He started his writing career working as a copy editor for a business magazine called Investment Dealer’s Digest. A friend got him connected with Marvel Comics and ended up working there with assistant editor, Bob Budiansky. McDuffie helped develop the company’s first superhero trading cards and wrote the series, “Damage Control” which was a mini-series about an insurance company that specializes in repairing the messy aftermaths of the superhero battles that occurred in New York. Not long after, McDuffie left Marvel after being dissatisfied with the company for not representing minority groups realistically in their storylines. He became a freelance writer which led him on the journey to the creation of Milestone Comics. According to the Milestone Media website, McDuffie, accompanied by Denys Cowan, Derek T. Dingle and Michael Davis, created the company in the late 1980s because they were fed up with the way black characters and other minority groups were being represented in comics. During that time, black characters were racially stereotyped and either had minimal roles in stories or were cast aside to dedicate more space for white superheroes. These men not only wanted to create black superheroes that were portrayed realistically, but they wanted to have control of the narrative from a business standpoint. The four of them created the “Dakotaverse” named after the fictional city in which the Milestone characters existed in. Heroes such as Static, Icon, Rocket and Hardware were born and still exist to this day thanks to the company that now owns the Milestone imprint, DC Comics. In the documentary, “Dwayne McDuffie: Larger Than Life”, McDuffie was placed as a leading writer for the Warner Bros. cartoon series, “Static Shock” based on the Milestone character, Static. Despite his lack of animation writing experience, WB animation executives were extremely impressed with McDuffie’s script for the pilot episode. While he worked on “Static Shock”, McDuffie worked on one-off scripts for other Cartoon Network shows like “Teen Titans” and “What’s New, Scooby-Doo?” “Static Shock” began in 2000 and ended in 2004 with four seasons. What made this show special was that it not only captivated young audiences with an exciting superhero cartoon, but it pushed the boundaries of children’s television restrictions. This was because alongside the usual superhero conflicts, McDuffie also wrote about real life conflicts such as racism and gun violence. After “Static Shock” came to an end, McDuffie was chosen to write the episode, got opinions? “The Brave and the Bold” for the first season of the “Justice League” cartoon series after co-writer Paul Dini suffered a hand injury and Rich Fogel was busy with other projects. After the success of his script for the episode, McDuffie was placed as the lead writer and story editor for the show’s second season. McDuffie’s goal with both “Justice League” and “Justice League: Unlimited” was to flesh out the characters by not only giving them superhero conflicts but reallife ones as well. After a life of several successes in the comic and animation industry, McDuffie passed away on Feb. 21, 2011 after complications with heart surgery. McDuffie had just turned 49 the day before he died. Although McDuffie’s life was taken away so suddenly, his legacy still lives on. I was introduced to so many of my favorite comic book characters from his shows such as Green Arrow, Black Canary, Huntress and so many more. As someone who grew up watching both of the Justice League cartoons, I can say that McDuffie’s writing set the precedent for how DC’s characters and worldbuilding is being written today. �The Beacon - February 18, 2026 Opinion 17 Tired of the same-old, same old video games By Shawn Carey Opinion Editor PlayStation’s first “State of Play” of the year aired this past week on Feb. 13. As I do with most video game showcases, I decided to tune in. I try my best to keep up with the video game industry, watching these news shows when they happen. Now, I’m not talking in the sense of gameplay or story or anything like that. I’m speaking strictly from a visual standpoint. It seems like every new game is trying their hardest to look as realistic and generic as possible, bouncing between one of two aesthetics. These games are constantly going for the same two aesthetics. They’re either going for a dark fantasy style, in the same vein as “Dark Souls” and “Elden Ring,” or a sci-fi futuristic vibe, in the same vein as “Destiny.” That being said, they also tend to reuse the same handful of gameplay genres. Yes, I understand that’s a rather harsh thing to say. The last thing I want to do is discredit the skills and talent of the people responsible for creating these games. These games objectively look good, the graphics are cutting edge and top of the line. I also have to assume they’re very fun to play, I can’t say that for certain however. That is mainly due to the fact that I don’t want to play them because of their similar aesthetics. I and many others value games that are unique and different, let that be from a gameplay, visual, story, or musical stand point. Some of my personal favorites games are “We Love Katrimari,” “Okami,” and “Persona 5.” Each of these games are oozing with personality, it’s impossible to not have a good time playing them, at least I think so. The term “soul” is tossed around fairly frequently when discussing video games. While this isn’t a recognized term in the industry, it’s still used by many players and developers alike. "Soul" usually refers to a design philosophy or passion from the developers that is evident in the gameplay. You’re not making a game just to make a game, you’re creating a special experience for the player, something you can’t get anywhere else. Let’s look back at one of the previous games I mentioned, “Okami.” Developed by Capcom, “Okami” is an action- adventure game originally developed for the PS2. It's heavily inspired by Japanese mythology, and it shows in every corner of the game. The game is made to look like a traditional Japanese ink painting. It’s absolutely incredible. Once again, I’m not trying to discredit any developer; however, I think it says a lot when the general gaming community is referring to your games as “soulless.” Now, is this done on purpose? Are they trying to make their games look like everything else on the market to earn a quick couple of bucks? Maybe. I can’t say for sure that they’re trying to copy one and other; however, games take a long time to make and tend to be rather expensive. I honestly think it’s a case of trying to appeal to as wide of an audience as possible. They’re trying to make a game that anybody can play and enjoy. While understandable, they do have to make their cost back somehow, the end product tends to appeal to no one. There’s this quote often used among authors that goes something like this. "If you speak to everyone, you speak to no one,” which is often paraphrased as "a story for everyone is a story for no one." It highlights that when messaging is too broad or general, it fails to connect with anyone on a personal level. To be effective, stories and marketing must be targeted to specific audiences. The same goes for video games. Make the game that you would want to play, a game that you yourself would spend money on. I also believe it has something to do with the standardized use of Unreal Engine. Pretty much every midsize game uses Unreal. Most notably including “Fortnite,” “Black Myth: Wukong,” “Final Fantasy VII Remake/Rebirth,” and the “Gears of War” series. Many of the games that use Unreal tend to have a visual uniformity, leading to the issue I know that I’m saying this for a third time now, but once again, I mean no offense to the devs. All I can say is that as someone who plays video games fairly often (a gamer if you will,) I would like to see more wild and bizarre ideas. I want to tune into a video game showcase and be actually excited to see new announcements. Weigh in on what is -- or isn't a creative video game What's the very best vs. what just doesn't make the cut Email shawn.carey1@wilkes.edu �The Beacon - February 18, 2026 Opinion 18 Album review: So Bad it's...better than good By Natalia Williams Staff writer It is no secret to anyone in my life that I love Michael Jackson…more than anything in this world. So, when I was trying to figure out what album I wanted to review this week, I realized I haven't reviewed any of his albums yet which is crazy to me. With the new biopic coming out on April 24. I knew I had to do at least one. It won’t be the only one I review, but I think this one is an amazing start. After the release of “Thriller,” one of the greatest -- if not the greatest -- albums of all time in my opinion is Bad. Its release was highly anticipated by fans all around the world. Now, “Thriller” changed pop music forever, but I truly believe “Bad” was the album that truly solidified Michael's impact on the music genre. I am a Michael Jackson encyclopedia so I will also include some lore drops for some of the songs. Let's start with a lore drop. So, the iconic album cover…was not supposed to be the album cover. There is a picture of Michael with a lace cover over his face inspired by a 1924 photo of Gloria Swanson. This picture was supposed to be the album cover, but CBS executives rejected the concept since they thought it didn’t fit the vibe of the album. Which thank goodness they rejected it because we got the iconic one of him standing looking like the king he is. Anyway, without further ado, here is my track by track review of one of the greatest pop albums of all time. 1. “Bad”: 10/10 The word iconic will be used so many times in this review so be prepared. This is one of my favorite title tracks from Michael and it is the perfect opener for the album. It already has a different sound from “Thriller” and I love it. Fun fact, this song was supposed to be a duet with Prince, but Prince did not want to sing the opening line, “Your butt is mine,” so he just didn't do the song…lol. which makes me mad every time I think about it because it could've been one of the greatest debates and ended the feud speculations. Anyway, this song earns the first out of many 10/10s. Although I do not listen to this song that much, it is still perfect. The fact that it is very overplayed has a factor in me not listening to it often…but it is overplayed for a reason. The production of this song is insane and like many of his songs, the bass line is amazing and one of the most recognizable. The short film for this one is also very good and one of his best. It is 18 minutes long and was directed by Martin Scorsese. It tells a true story of a kid and it is a very sad case when you read it. Overall, this is an amazing way to open this album and I cannot wait to listen to the rest of it…for the 10,000th time. 2. “The Way You Make Me Feel”: 10/10 Another 10/10. I fear every song will get a 10/10 but it's deserved. Another one of Michael’s most iconic songs and short films as well. The melody to this song is one of my favorites from him. The song is extremely catchy and the vocals are so good. My favorite part of the song is one line “Just promise baby you’ll love me forevermore.” It is such a specific part but a part of my brain is scratched so well by the way he sings it. My favorite time has come… lore drop time. The short film of this video had actual Crips and Blood gang members in the background of the music video which I find very interesting since they are rivals. Another lore drop that is unnecessary but, this was one of the first pieces of lore I learned about this song. When he performed this on tour, he had a female actress/dancer strutting across stage. During a MSG tour stop of the 1988 “Bad” tour, the actress from the music video Tatiana Thumbtzen, made a big no no during her appearance and kissed Michael before she walked off…she then got fired and replaced by Sheryl Crow. Frank Dileo was not playing any games. Anyway, this song is one of my favorites of all time and deserves a 10/10. 3. “Speed Demon”: 7/10 This song aggravated me so bad as a kid. It still does if im having a bad day and it comes on shuffle, but I do like the song. I think it's the only weak song on the album but just because it is the weaker link it doesn't mean it is a bad song whatsoever. He doesn't make bad songs. It is insanely catchy and I sing the chorus at least once everyday. I don't have much thoughts on this one other than it was one of my favorite songs to play on the Michael Jackson: The Experience WII game. If you're wondering…of course there is lore. Michael got the inspiration to write this song because he got a speeding ticket on the way to the studio. The short film to this is also cool because although it came from getting a speeding ticket, and it solidified the theme of him trying to escape the crazy media. The short film is 10 minutes long but it is truly like you're watching a movie and it is one of my favorites from him. Overall, not my favorite off the album but it's still a solid track. 4. “Liberian Girl”: 10/10 Oh. my. Goodness. Pop perfection. This song is one of the most perfect songs that has ever been released. The transition from “Speed Demon” to this one is so smooth and the Swahili in the beginning with the instrumental following is just golden. The production of this song is so so perfect and I need to hear this song blasted at the loudest level it can go. There isn't that much lore that I know of for this track, but it is rumored to be about Diana Ross. I take this rumor with a grain of salt, but it's a rumor that is heavily associated with this song. I also heard that it could be about his good friend Elizabeth Taylor, which just doesn't make any sense but that’s something I've also heard. The short film for this song features the biggest stars at the time and it is one of my favorites of his. My favorite part is definitely after the second chorus where he just hoots and hollers because I love to hoot and holler with him. Overall, this song is just perfect and top 3 for my favorite songs on this album. 5. “Just Good Friends” (feat. Stevie Wonder): 10/10 Everyone (my dad) thinks this is one of the weaker songs off this album and he is just loud and wrong. This song is so FUN. It is one of my favorite songs to listen to when I am having a bad day because Michael and Stevie Wonder are just so fun. I bust a move everytime I listen to this one and I think you will too if you listen. My favorite part of this song is the chorus because once again… the way Michael sings “Baby loves me though she never shows she cares” is so good. The song feels like a true collaboration. I love it because two legends are on one song. I wish this song got more recognition outside of the Michael fandom. Unfortunately…no lore on this one. The footage of them recording this song is my favorite though because they look like they are having so much fun and I have FOMO when I watch it because I would like to be in the room busting a move. 6. “Another Part of Me”: 10/10 Another 10/10. Deservedly so. This is another very fun one and heavily underrated. This is one of my favorites from when I was a kid and it has carried through as one of my favorites to adulthood. I love the vibe of this one and when it is performed on the “Bad” tour it is one of my top choices for live performances because he looks like he's having fun, the band looks like they are having a great time ,and the crowd is electric. I truly want to get up and dance when I listen to this one. Lore time: This one was featured in a short film written by George Lucas called “Captain EO.” The film was released in 1986 and it was shown at Disney theme parks from 1986 to 1998. The movie is so cute and it is definitely a comfort film for me even though it is short. Overall, such an amazing track and I hope it gets more recognition after people dive into Michaels discography after the biopic releases. 7. “Man in The Mirror”: 100/10 I'm still speechless at this song. It is incredibly beautiful and most of all so important. The message is incredibly strong and makes people self reflect, which I love. It is one of the songs that I listen to when I need motivation for anything, and it is a record that will always be relevant. “If you wanna make the world a better place take a look at yourself and then make a change” is a lyric that is so powerful and this song makes me cry all the time. The key change gives me goosebumps and it is my favorite part of the song. This is a song that the entire world needs to listen to on a daily basis especially in today’s climate and it is such a timeless and important song. ...continued, page 24 �The Beacon - February 18, 2026 Sports Sports 19 Want your sport covered? Deserve to be Athlete of the Week? Contact the Assistant Sports Editor: jake.mills@wilkes.edu This past week in Wilkes sports: Feb. 11-15 By Andrew Marshallsay Managing Editor It’s been a memorable season thus far for the winter sports teams of Wilkes University. Soon enough, the winter season will come to an end, and for two groups of Colonels, the Landmark Conference (LC) season did come to a close. Elsewhere, one particular spring team began their season. Here are the latest scores from the past week in Wilkes sports. Feb. 11: MBB vs. Drew, 92-82 L WBB @ Drew, 61-55 L Feb. 12: MSWIM @ LC Championships, fifth place after Day One WSWIM @ LC Championships, seventh place after Day One Feb. 13: MSWIM @ LC Championships, fifth place after Day Two WSWIM @ LC Championships, seventh place after Day Two, one individual first place winner (Emma Miller) #15 WIH vs. King’s, 8-1 W, Nina Hudakova tied program record for singleseason goal-scoring WWREST @ Ithaca, no team score MWREST @ Ithaca, 29-10 L MIH @ King’s, 3-1 L, clinched MAC playoff berth Feb. 14: MSWIM @ LC Championships, sixth place after Day Three WSWIM @ LC Championships, seventh place after Day Three MWREST @ Messiah, seven Top-Eight individual finishers MVB vs. Kean, 3-1 L MVB vs. Hartwick, 3-2 L MBB @ E-Town, 81-74 W WBB @ E-Town, 73-39 L MIH @ Alvernia, 3-2 W #15 WIH @ Alvernia, 9-1 W, Hudakova broke the single season goal scoring record. (21 goals). MLAX @ Del. Valley, 8-4 W Feb. 15: MSWIM @ LC Championships, finished sixth place overall WSWIM @ LC Championships, finished seventh place overall This Week: Feb. 18: MLAX @ Marywood, 4 p.m. MBB @ Scranton, 6 p.m. MVB vs. Neumann, 7 p.m. WBB @ Scranton, 8 p.m. Feb. 20: MIH @ Misericordia, 4:50 p.m. #15 WIH @ Hood, 7 p.m. Feb. 21: WWREST @ NCAA Regionals, TBD WLAX vs. Pitt-Bradford, Noon MVB @ Bard and Mt. Aloysius, Noon and 2 p.m. BASE vs. Leb. Valley, Noon MBB vs. Goucher, 2 p.m. MLAX @ FDU Florham, 3:30 p.m. WBB vs. Goucher, 4 p.m. English Premier League check-in; race for title still open By Brendan Williams Sports Writer The 2025-26 Premier League season is well underway, and as it begins its final stretch, the race for the title is still very much open. Arsenal currently sit top of the table with 56 points. Manchester City are a close second with 50 points and Birmingham-based Aston Villa are in third place with 47. The race for Champions League qualification is also heating up with a rejuvenated Manchester United sitting in the last qualification spot in fourth place on 45 points. Chelsea, under new manager Liam Rosenior are lurking right behind them with 44 points in fifth. Liverpool and Brentford sit in sixth and seventh respectively on 39 points, both vying for a possible Champions League place. This January saw several changes to both squads and managers. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was sacked on New Year’s Day, after a few disputes with the board of directors. Manchester United sacked Ruben Amorim, a manager who supporters of the club either trusted completely or loathed, following a turbulent two seasons at the helm of one of the most successful clubs in England. The main headliners of player transfers this window surrounded Manchester City of course who splashed the cash through the signings of Bournemouth starman Antoine Semenyo and Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi for $76 million and $24 million respectively-a combined $100 million. Bournemouth immediately followed the departure of their main creative outlet by signing 19 year old Brazilian wonderkid Rayan for $30 million from Brazilian side Vasco de Gama. They also secured the signing of midfielder Alex Toth from Ferencvaros for $13 million. Despite only being 20 years old, he has already represented his nation of Hungary 11 times on the international stage. Crystal Palace have not been so lucky unfortunately. After winning their first major trophy in the club’s history in the form of a 1-0 win against Manchester City in the FA Cup final last May, the club’s best run of form came at the end of October, where they were unbeaten in five matches. The club’s brightest star, Eberechi Eze departed to Arsenal over the summer window and that combined with a serious lack of creative talent or flashy players has stopped Palace from continuing their hot run of form at the end of last season. Palace boss Oliver Glasner has also publicly announced his desire to leave the club at the end of the season to pursue new challenges, no doubt stemming from the fact he received no support from the board with essential signings for the new season. This January, Palace were surrounded by more drama after their star striker JeanPhilippe Mateta tried to force a move to Italian side AC Milan, but the deal fell apart after a failed physical. Palace brought in two big names this window, Brennan Johnson from Tottenham and Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers. A club who had a more successful January was Aston Villa. They signed 19 year old Brazilian Alysson Edward from Gremio for $10 million, 17 year old talent Brian Madjo, a Luxembourg international, for $13 million from French club Metz, and 28 year old Tammy Abraham from Turkish side Besiktas for $22 million. Abraham returns to Villa for the first time in eight years having previously spent the 2018-19 season on loan from Chelsea and helped them secure promotion to the Premier League from the Championship via the playoffs. �The Beacon - February 18, 2026 Sports 20 Milano-Cortina Olympic games - Team USA check-in By Jake Mills Assistant Sports Editor The first week of Olympic games have concluded and Team USA has had their share of highs and lows so far throughout the Milano-Cortina Winter Games. From dominance in the preliminaries for ice hockey to a sweep of speed skating, the U.S. has made its mark so far. Team USA’s men’s hockey team went 3-0 in the preliminary round beating Latvia, Denmark and Germany. For the women’s team, they outscored opponents 20-1 in their four preliminary games, before beating host nation Italy 6-0 in the quarterfinal. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck leads in men’s goaltender stats with a 1.00 Goals Allowed Average and a .952 save percentage Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs leads in points with three goals and two assists through three games Let’s have a look into some of the medal results from this past week, the USA currently has five gold medals which is third so far behind Norway and Italy who have 12 and seven Here are the medal winners so far, as of Feb. 15: Alpine Skiing Breezy Johnson, Gold (Women’s Downhill) Ryan Siegle-Cochran, Silver (Men’s Super-G) Women’s Combined Team - Bronze Cross-Country Skiing Ben Ogden, Silver (Sprint Classic) Jessie Diggins, Bronze (Women’s 10km) Curling Mixed Doubles, Silver Figure Skating Team Event, Gold Ice Dance, Silver Freestyle Skiing Elizabeth Lemly, Gold (Women’s Moguls) Jaelin Kauf, Silver (Women’s Moguls) Jaelin Kauf, Silver (Women’s Dual Moguls) Alex Hall, Silver (Men’s Freeski Slopestyle) Elizabeth Lemley, Bronze (Women’s Dual Moguls) Luge Ashley Farquharson, Bronze (Women’s Singles) Snowboard Chloe Kim, Silver (Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe) Speed Skating Jordan Stolz, Gold (Men’s 500M) Jordan Stolz, Gold (Men’s 1000M) �The Beacon - February 18, 2026 Sports 21 Major league baseball: 2026 season preview By Vin Santoro Sports Writer The Major League Baseball (MLB) season is around the corner, but the off-season moved slower than expected, especially with big names like Kyle Tucker, Pete Alonso, and Kyle Schwarber. Fans anticipated these stars to fly off the free-agent board. With new faces ready to dominate, excitement is high, even amid talk of the Dodgers potentially three-peating. In the American League (AL) East, the Yankees largely stayed the same, leaving fans questioning the process of their team, while other teams made notable moves. The Blue Jays signed Dylan Cease to bolster their rotation, lost Bo Bichette, but added Kazuma Okamoto from Japan, keeping their offense strong. The Red Sox, who made significant moves to their team such as they strengthened their rotation with Garrett Crochet, Sonny Gray, and Ranger Suarez, while trading for Wilson Contreras at first base to provide help defensively. The Orioles are a young, talented team and surprised many by signing Pete Alonso, which should help them compete. The Yankees hope to replicate 2025’s success, with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon eventually returning to form a top rotation in the American League. The Rays, back in their own stadium, traded Josh Lowe but will rely on young talent this season. In the AL Central, the Detroit Tigers stand out, led by Tarik Skubal, Framber Valdez, and Casey Mize. The Twins remain in rebuild mode, unlikely playoff contenders, while the Guardians’ unpredictability leaves fans questioning their competitiveness. The White Sox added Murata Murakami to strengthen their lineup, and the Royals, led by Bobby Witt Jr., could make noise; Witt has MVP potential if he continues his impact. In the AL West, this division is up for grabs as the Seattle Mariners have their elite arms led by Luis Castillo, the Astros have a solid lineup with Hunter Brown as their ace, the Rangers traded for Brandom Nimmo and Mackenzie Gore to round out their rotation. The Athletics locked up their young players for years to come including Jacob Wilson and Tyler Soderstrom. The Angels, led by Mike Trout will try and compete this A basket of Major League Baseballs (Arturo Pardavilla) year, but with minimal involvement in free agency, it will be tough to win games in the west. Turning to the National League, the Dodgers are the team to beat in the NL West, adding superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker and former Mets closer Edwin Diaz. The Padres have talent and one of baseball’s best bullpens but face a tough road against the Dodgers. The Diamondbacks acquired Nolan Arenado but lost Corbin Carroll to a broken hamate bone. The Giants added Rafael Devers last year and recently signed contact hitter Luis Arraez, improving an already solid offense. The Rockies, a young team, face a loaded division, making competitiveness challenging. The National League (NL) East experienced chaos, highlighted by Bo Bichette’s signing with the Mets for three years and $126 million, after the Phillies thought they had him. Despite losing Alonso to Baltimore and Diaz to the Dodgers, the Mets bolstered their team with Bichette, Freddy Peralta, and Luis Robert Jr. Juan Soto remains a star, though Francisco Lindor’s surgery is a concern. The Phillies lost Ranger Suarez to Boston but re-signed Schwarber, providing significant power after his 56-homer season. The Braves, when healthy, have a phenomenal lineup, though durability will dictate their success. The Nationals rely on young stars James Wood and CJ Abrams but remain in rebuild mode. The Marlins, led by Kyle Stowers and Sandy Alcantara, show promise but still have holes to fill. In the NL Central, offseason moves reshaped the division. The Cardinals shipped off Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray, and Willson Contreras and are in full rebuild mode. The Pirates added Marcell Ozuna, Ryan O'Hearn in free agency, and also built a young pitching staff led by CY Young winner Paul Skenes, with strong potential. The Brewers traded Caleb World Series Trophy (Erik Drost) Durbin and Freddy Peralta but aim to return to the playoffs, relying on Jacob Misirowski in their pitching staff. The Cubs traded forEdward Cabrera and signed Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract, though losing Kyle Tucker weakened their offense. The Reds are considered underdogs with their minimal moves in free agency, but have intriguing pieces to their roster such as Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene on the pitching side, and they brought back a familiar face in Eugenio Suarez. Across MLB, several trends emerge. Teams are blending young talent with key veteran acquisitions, while historically dominant teams like the Dodgers remain favorites. The season promises excitement, home runs, and standout performances across all divisions. With strategic trades, free-agent signings, and emerging stars, 2026 looks poised to deliver one of the most entertaining MLB seasons in recent memory. Fans should watch closely as rotations settle, lineups develop, and young stars step into larger roles. �The Beacon - February 18, 2026 Sports 22 The Time Has Come: MAC hockey playoffs soon approach By Andrew Marshallsay Managing Editor �� Photos by Steve Finkernagel (right) and Vin Santoro (left). Design by Andrew Marshallsay �� ¡� �� ¢�£� �� £� �� The Beacon - February 18, 2026 Sports 23 ATHLETES OF THE WEEK Headshots courtesy of Wilkes Athletics. LOGAN MAHA Men’s Volleyball MALIYAH WARREN Women’s Basketball What’s been your impact on the team so far in your ﬁrst year? Talk about your performance on Feb. 7 An impact I believe I have brought to the team is bringing steady energy and competitiveness to every practice, helping push the team to work harder and stay focused. I felt like I was able to contribute on multiple fronts. .Overall, it was a complete team effort, and I think our ball movementreallyallowedeveryonetobe involved. Do you have any pre-game rituals? Blasting music in the locker room with the team. Nothing too speciﬁc, just hanging out with the guys, whether we’re in the gym before games or relaxing at the house before going over to the gym. Who is your role model? My father is my role model because of the man he is, and I work every day to live up to his example Any speciﬁc goals for the rest of the season going forward? As a team, we set a clear preseason goal to make the playoffs and make a real run.Personally,I’mfocusedonimproving every day and, over time, putting myself in a position to hopefully earnAll-American honors Do you have any pre-game rituals? Who is your role model? My role model is my grandfather. He motivates me every day to be better. Not just as a player, but as a person. His guidance and encouragement push me to work harder, stay focused, and always try to improve in everything I do. Goals for the rest of the season ? For the rest of the season, my main goal is to win at least three of our last four games and continue improving as a team. Personally, I’m focused on stepping up my game and earning a spot on an all-conference team. I want to keep contributing on both ends of the ﬂoor while helping my teammates succeed as well. �The Beacon - February 18, 2026 ...continued from page 18 8. “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”(feat. Siedah Garret): 100/10 Another song to break the scale…and it greatly deserves it. I love a Michael ballad so much and this one is probably my favorite. This song is incredibly nostalgic since it was my favorite song when I was little. It is so incredibly pretty and the vocals from both Michael and Siedah are amazing. The song has been recorded in French and Spanish which is featured on the Bad 25 album and I am obsessed with both, especially the Spanish version. Hearing him sing in Spanish warmed my Latina heart and he did so well. I also know a little French… thank you Michael. Now the lore to this song is kinda crazy… not really but we missed out on a great collaboration. This song was originally supposed to be a duet with the GOAT Whitney Houston but it was rejected because her label thought it would clash with the promotion of her second album release. I also saw it was proposed to Barbra Streisand but I am not 100% sure on that part. I think Whitney would’ve KILLED this song but Siedah did amazing on this one. Also, on the single version of the song there is a spoken part in the beginning of it and it makes me laugh everytime because I have never heard him talk like that. He makes sensual remarks to a woman he is 24 laying next to. Due to length, I won’t put the full transcript in but the first time I heard it I laughed so loud…sorry Michael. In a 1987 interview with Ebony Jet, he explained he was in bed “with cover and everything” when he recorded that part of the song which makes so much sense. Overall, fire track and It will forever be my favorite. 9. “Dirty Diana”: 10/10 We went to a completely different vibe with this and it was perfect. The intro with the bass and the high hat really gets me going and the overall production is spectacular. I love listening to the stems on this one because each instrument really plays a huge role in this one. The guitar in this is one of my favorite guitar moments and the addition of the strings is absolutely amazing. Of course we have lore on this one so… this song has been rumored to be about Diana Ross (once again) and surprisingly Princess Diana which is wild to me. This song is not about either though…It is a story about groupies. This story is one of my favorites though, when Michael performed for Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1988 at Wembley Stadium, they met before the performance and Lady Di asked if he was performing this song. He said he had taken the song out of the show out of respect for her but she was bummed because that was her favorite one… she had good taste like I knew she would. He also said they were really good friends and often talked on the phone till the late hours of the night and they bonded over their shared experiences of the media scrutiny.. Anyway, it is a very iconic song and I think it is one of his best. 10. “Smooth Criminal”: 7/10 Rating a 7 hurts my heart but it's not a favorite of mine. This is one of the most recognizable songs and much like “Bad”, since it is overplayed it is a factor of it not being my favorite. The song isn't bad at all. The production is insane and I love the bass line on this one. I really don’t have much thoughts on this one, but I do have lore… nothing crazy though. The line “Annie are you okay” came to Michael from a CPR training mannequin, the Resusi Anne. I am not CPR certified but apparently people who are being CPR trained are told to say “Anne are you okay?” while practicing on the doll. I'm not sure how true that part is but the inspiration of the lyrics is true. Another piece of lore is that the short film was not supposed to be what it is. He originally wanted it to be like a western theme but ultimately landed on what we see today. The club and the 60s type vibe. When you listen to the lyrics it is actually a dark song despite the high tempo dancey vibe of the song, but although it is an upbeat song, I get the eerie part from the bass line. Overall, it is a great song, just not a favorite. 11. “Leave Me Alone”: 10/10 Now…if you would've asked me what I would rate this song two weeks ago it wouldn’t be a 10. This song has been hitting so hard this week that I had to put it at 10. As an album closer, I would say…not my favorite choice but, I also don't know where else I would put this one. The production of this one isn't anything spectacular in my opinion so I don't have any comments on that aspect. There isn't any lore to this one that I know of but the message is about the media scrutiny that he faced with the short film containing images or props from rumors about him like sleeping in a hyperbaric tank and having the elephant man's bones in his house…crazy I KNOW. The short film also includes props from magazines with crazy tabloid headlines emphasizing the message and theme of the song…leave him alone…just leave him alone. We also get an appearance from his pet chimp Bubbles which I love. I am really glad this song has grown on me because I can love and appreciate it now. Overall, this album is literally the most perfect album, which earns its overall rating of a 10/10. Each song tells a different story whether it be fun, impactful or reflective of Michael's life. There is so much lore surrounding this album especially with the extra tracks we got on Bad 25, the 25th anniversary album. I wish I could've included the tracks here but this is already incredibly long. This album is definitely a Pop staple and has shaped pop music in so many ways. It showed innovation, style, displayed Michael's writing skills more and solidified Michael's title as the King of Pop. � 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 This is Wilkes University's Beacon Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the Beacon's predecessors, The Bucknell Bison Stampede, 1934-1935 and The Bucknell Beacon, 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>. Missing Issues: 1947 August 8th 1947 September 5th 1947 October 3rd 1947 October 17th 1947 October 31st 1947 November 21st 1947 December 19th 1948 September 9th 1950 April 28th 1953 April 10th 1962 February 2nd 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 February 18 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/1bc6648cafd6e50de0a377f6e73f592e.pdf 7a50855637b482f48f11449010929a34 PDF Text Text The Beacon - March 18, 2026 THE BEACON Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member Wilkes University - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Volume 78, Issue 17 1 “The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow.” Everyone’s a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day The Ceol Mor Pipe and Drum Band is a parade tradition, and the band certainly didn’t disappoint at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Wilkes-Barre. Wilkes University students had an opportunity to watch as parade participants marched through campus, along South Main Street. Author Amor Towles visits Wilkes University page 6 Fork Around and Find Out: The Scratch Kitchen page 10 Editorial: shopping at small businesses page 14 Women’s hockey moves on in NCAA tournament page 19 �The Beacon - March 18, 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: March 11 By Alli Lussi Spring 2028. Student Government met on March 11 to discuss a few fund requests and the nominations for the next Student Body President position. That position witll be a replacement position for the current student body president, Adam Butterwick. The meeting began with the treasurer’s report, which is sitting at $38,508.69. The first presenter was Dr. Ruth Hughes who went over the process of the Middle States self-study, which will begin in April. Dr. Hughes explained that there will be a forum at 11 a.m. on April 7 in SLC 105, open to any students who would like to be more involved with the selfstudy process. The final review of campus will be Christian Fellowship Club presented a fund request for a women’s conference happening later on in the semester in Doubling Gap, PA. CFC is a club that helps members build a closer relationship with God. CFC participates in fellowship with other students, as well as fundraising to be able to send their members to different types of conferences and events. The club is asking for $810 and will find out the verdict on possible allocations next week. A fund request for the Big Event was presented for funds to actually put on the event as well as giveaway items that will be given out beforehand. The Big Event is the largest community service event on campus. The event will take place on April 18. Staff writer Check-in will start around 8:30 a.m. and every group will have a check-in time. There will also be breakfast from Aramark and lunch from Caribbean Paradise. The board will decide next week if funds will be allocated to the Big Event. The last order of business were Student Body President nominations. While this week was week one of two, general board members submitted the first round of nominations for the position. John Tondora and Alton Smargiassi have accepted nominations, and they will deliver speeches at next week’s meeting. The meeting then went into committee work and concluded shortly after. Student Government will meet again on March 18. Beacon Briefs: Upcoming campus events Shopping Bags Needed The Colonel’s Cupboards is currently out of shopping bags. The cupboard is specifically looking for eusable plastic or paper shopping bags. Donations can be dropped off directly at the Colonel's Cupboard. *** Space & Astronomy Club Host Conspiracy Night Interested in conspiracy theories? The Space and Astronomy Club will hold a conspiracy night on March 20. It is highly encouraged that those who are interested make a presentation about their favorite conspiracy theory. Don’t worry! This isn’t a competition, and it’s not graded; it’s just for fun. Room location and time will be announced later. Please use this link (https://forms.gle/7qTbvngfyx2rfQXm6) to sign up and make a PowerPoint/Google Slides presentation. *** Library Celebrates Women's History Month The Farley Library is celebrating Women’s History Month with a new book display applauding the achievements and progress by both famous and everyday champions of equity. Titles include In Defense of Witches, Fly Girls, and The Woman They Could Not Silence. Additional resources can be found at the Women’s History Diverse Voices Reading List which offers scholarly books, essays, novels, and poetry celebrating the contributions of women, also and by contacting the Farley Library Reference Services. *** Manuscript & Theater Movie Night: The Princess Bride The Manuscript Society and Theater Club will be hosting a joint viewing of Rob Reiner’s The Princess Bride at 5 p.m. on March 19. There will be pizza, popcorn, and an “As You Wish” ice cream sundae bar. The event will be hosted on the first floor of Kirby Hall. No RSVP is required to attend, but if you know you are coming ahead of time, please email either magazine@wilkes.edu or sydney.ahrberg@wilkes.edu to give a sense of how much pizza to order. All are welcome Table of Contents News..................2 Life, A&E............7 Center..........12-13 Opinion............14 Sports................19 Events: Spring 2026 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 - March 18, 2026 News 3 �� By Thaelis Andujar Assistant News Editor At first glance, E. coli is often associated with foodborne illness and contamination warnings. But new research conducted at Wilkes University is helping reshape that perception by exploring the bacterium’s potential environmental benefits. Assistant biology professor Matthew “Skippy” Jennings and a team of undergraduate students recently published research examining how E. coli can help produce calcium carbonate, a compound widely used in industries such as food production, cosmetics, paper and steel manufacturing. The findings, which highlight a more sustainable way to produce the mineral, were published in the peer-reviewed journal Public Library of Science’s journal PLOS ONE. The research focuses on understanding how microbes can precipitate calcium carbonate, the primary mineral found in limestone. Calcium carbonate is an essential material in a wide variety of products and manufacturing processes, but traditional industrial production methods are energy intensive and release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Jennings and his team are investigating whether microbes could provide a more environmentally friendly alternative. “Right, so we study microbes that we collected from caves and these microbes help to precipitate calcium carbonate which is the main mineral that makes up limestone,” Jennings said. “So, calcium carbonate is used in a lot of different industries but the traditional way of making it is very energy expensive and releases a lot of carbon dioxide.” Instead of relying on those traditional processes, the research examines whether microbial activity could produce the mineral naturally. “So, we’re trying to figure out how do these microbes precipitate calcium carbonate. If we can figure that out, can we increase the rate at which they make it and then potentially use them to make calcium carbonate for industrial purposes rather than relying on the energy intensive process which produces a lot of CO2,” Jennings said. While the project ultimately focuses on microbes collected from caves, the research initially uses E. coli as a model organism. According to Jennings, the bacterium’s genetic accessibility makes it easier to study and manipulate in a laboratory setting. “E. coli has a lot of useful genetic tools that you can use to manipulate it,” Jennings said. “The fact that it’s so easy to work with, more easy than the cave strains we were collecting.” By conducting experiments on E. coli, researchers can identify the genetic mechanisms responsible for calcium carbonate production and later apply those insights to other microbes. “So the idea is: do all the genetic manipulation in E. coli and based on what we found that’ll guide our research. Currently what we’re doing is trying to manipulate the cave strains to do the same thing but now we know what to look for and what to do,” Jennings said. The findings have already produced unexpected discoveries. One of the most surprising results came when researchers identified a gene connected to the process. “The most surprising thing is that the gene we identified is a transporter but it’s not a transporter of calcium it’s a transporter of zinc,” Jennings said. “So we were expecting to identify some calcium transporters as important but that turned out not to be the case.” Beyond improving industrial efficiency, the research could also have broader environmental implications, particularly in the fight against climate change. According to Jennings, the microbial process not only avoids releasing carbon dioxide but may actually help remove it from the atmosphere. “Well, we know from stable isotope labeling that when the cave strains make calcium carbonate the carbon comes from CO2,” Jennings said. “So not only are we not releasing CO2 because we’re not using the intense heat necessary to Photo/Wilkes University Africana Studies Program Director Dr. Chris Kovats-Bernat addresses an audience during one of the many campus activities held to celebrate Black make calcium carbonate, we’re actually a list, like this is what we need to do and capturing carbon from the atmosphere then they just do it on their own.” Students involved in the research and turning it into a mineral.” are currently completing their senior This dual effect, reducing emissions capstone projects, which include while also capturing carbon, could make presenting their findings and conducting the microbial process especially valuable final experiments. for industries looking to lower their “Right now they're actually working environmental impact. with the cave strain itself and we're “So attacking the problem of CO2 in again using what we learned in E. coli. the atmosphere from two directions, not We're trying to figure out what genes releasing as much of it and also capturing are involved in the cave strain and can some of it to put into calcium carbonate,” we manipulate them so that they make Jennings said. “So there’s potential for more of the calcium carbonate than they other industries that don’t use calcium normally do,” Jennings said. carbonate to perhaps use these as a way According to the university, students to offset the carbon dioxide that they involved in the research also gained do release by just capturing some and experience presenting their findings at turning it into rock.” scientific conferences and contributing Undergraduate students played a significant role in the research process. to a published academic paper. Although the research was recently Jennings worked closely with biology published, the project itself has been students throughout the project, developing for several years. providing training and gradually giving “Well I started the project when I was them more independence in the lab. a postdoc so I was a postdoc in 2018 so “So I was already working on this since then off and on,” Jennings said. “I project before I came here so I already continued working on it when I came knew what I wanted to do but Sara and here so I guess it's so about eight years.” Bisma joined me pretty early in their The work also experienced careers here at Wilkes,” Jennings said. interruptions during the COVID-19 “So the first year was me training them in what to do and then these past two ...continued on Page 5 years I’ve basically just been giving them �The Beacon - March 18, 2026 News 4 What fighting in Iran means for the United States By Leah Smith Editor in chief At the time of publication of this article, the U.S. will have reached three weeks since America–alongside Israel–has initiated a war against Iran. Although the initial strikes on Iran on Feb. 28 that sparked this war were not authorized by the U.S. Congress. What is happening is being categorized as a war. Much has happened since the start of this war including the targeted attack on former Iranian supreme leader, Ali Khamenei who was killed during the first wave of Israeli and U.S. airstrikes. On Feb. 28. President Trump took to Truth Social confirming the death of Khamenei and called for the overthrow of Khamenei’s regime. Iran has chosen Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as his father’s successor. However, according to AP News, Trump was unhappy and claimed that this decision is, “unacceptable to me.” Also, on Feb. 28, the U.S. struck an Iranian all-girls elementary school killing more than 170 people including school children. According to AP News, the U.S. Central Command was relying on strike coordinates using outdated data by the Defense Intelligence Agency. There have been several casualties on all sides. As a result of several ships being left stranded on the Persian Gulf, being unable to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz, oil and gas prices have been skyrocketing in America, leaving civilians more frustrated with rising costs for necessities. According to a statistic from AP Business, the price for oil per barrel sits at $93.22. Wilkes associate professor of history and Honors Director, Dr. Jonathan Kuiken, has written a book about a similar situation but in the United Kingdom in the PostWWII period titled, “Oil for Britain: The United Kingdom and the Remaking of the International Oil Industry, 1957-1988.” Kuiken explained that the book is about the shift in control over oil and energy and how Western companies went from that control and shifted to Iran and Iraq and the seizing of their oil. “A lot of what happened then is what is being reflected now. The book discusses more than business, it goes into the politics and geo-politics about oil and seizing control. I joke that whenever something in my area of expertise becomes relevant that’s usually not a good sign.” Kuiken stated. On gas prices, Kuiken mentioned that it is difficult to predict because oil is a volatile market and explained the complex situation that is the narrow neck of the Strait of Hormuz which is shared between Iran and Oman. “There are hundreds of tankers waiting on the other side of this Strait. If the possibility that 20% of the world’s oil supply could be disrupted for any length of time, it will impact us.” Kuiken said. From the rising tensions of the war, several Americans have concerns about a US military draft returning. Those concerns have especially arisen since White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, addressed the potential of a draft in a press conference and on an appearance on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures on March 8. Leavitt stated that, “Trump does not remove options off the table.” If a draft were to happen, this would mean that nearly all male U.S. citizens and immigrants from ages 18-25 would be required to register for the Selective Service. Contrary to the concerns, Wilkes associate professor of political science, Dr. Ben Toll, does not think that a draft is possible due to the fact the war is so unpopular as well as the idea of a draft. “The draft hasn’t been utilized since Vietnam, which was 50+ years ago and has been unpopular since then. I think the draft is being thrown around more as a threat than as an actual thing the administration would do.” Dr. Toll said. On top of that, Dr. Toll added the fact that the 2001 Afghanistan war and 2003 Iraq war did not have a draft and also those wars had congressional and public support. “It’s more like a signaling game they’re playing with Iran, like a flame war to threaten Iran with boots on the ground.” Toll stated. Additionally, Dr. Andreea Maierean, a Wilkes associate professor of political science also agreed that a draft is unlikely. “For college aged Americans, the biggest impact right now is uncertainty and concern, but unless the conflict turns into a prolonged war that requires more troops, I find it unlikely.” Maierean said. Maierean, whose studies specialize in democracies and elections disclosed the impact of the war of the upcoming midterm elections. She examined public concern over economy, leadership and national security as elements that are typically influenced by war. “The key factors of course are how long the war lasts, whether American troops suffer more casualties and whether the conflict pushes energy and consumer prices any higher. If the war continues and people feel more economic pressure, it will likely hurt the Republican Party.” Maierean said. These three professors encourage students to attend their upcoming panel discussion event happening on March 19 at 11 a.m. in Breiseth 107 to discuss the war in Iran. She got into real estate and even became involved in the solar industry, working for a company that was acquired by Tesla. Eventually, she followed her mother to Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Everything I have learned along the way has made me successful," she said. When asked, "How did you learn your value as a female entrepreneur?" She responded, "A male has never been asked that question," and that women can never let the doubt of misogyny affect them. "Men are hired for their potential, and women are hired for their achievements." Woodard is an assistant professor in the Integrative Media and Art Department at Wilkes. She graduated from Wilkes with a degree in theatre and, struggling to find work, realized her true path was in education. So with a PhD in education with a concentration in STEM from Drexel University, her research centers on supporting Black girls' creativity through culturally responsive computing and coding education. Dr. Woodard's work has been presented at the American Educational Research Association and the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education, and published in the Journal of Science Education and Technology. In her answers during the conference, she expressed a strong belief in maintaining one's mental health, and that it is especially important in succeeding. Dr. Woodard also spoke about how important confidence is, and that "imposter syndrome is very real," but that it's important to be confident in oneself and know you belong. Morel started in hospitality, experimenting in culinary arts, but was discouraged by professors to pursue hospitality while having a family. After having her second child, she returned to school and decided to study entrepreneurship. When she bought her first house, she stated she had a "light-bulb moment" and realized she wanted to go into real estate. She strives to help people of all backgrounds buy property. She said, "Don't ever give up, keep studying, keep going at all, because in entrepreneurship you're going to get a lot of “nos.” But if you really want something, keep at it." She also states, "If a door closes, it is keeping you from something negative." Morel also spoke about her balance of work and personal life. "I used to work seven days a week–nonstop" but that it negatively impacted her family and her life. Morel then provided her solution: she keeps clear boundaries with clients about her business hours and preserves time on the weekends to spend with her family. Students, faculty learn from panel of women entrepreneurs By Mollie Kuhar Special to The Beacon The Multicultural Student Coalition hosted on March 13 a Women and Entrepreneurship Conference, for Women's History Month. The event included featuring local, innovative women like Michelle Pack, Dr. Moe Woodard and Amy Morel. After an introduction by the MSC executive board, each speaker spoke about their past experiences entering the field of entrepreneurship, especially as women. Pack is a financial services professional and entrepreneur, and began in executive corporate leadership. Now, she works primarily with professional women and business owners, helping them build wealth strategically. She worked in Maui, Hawaii for three years and started her own pet care business after leaving. �The Beacon - March 18, 2026 News Wyoming Valley Mall hopes to 'bring the mall back' By Alli Lussi Assistant News editor The Wyoming Valley Mall was once a busy shopping area for people all over the Wyoming Valley. As online shopping began to take over, people’s interest in going shopping in person slowly dwindled, leaving the once thriving mall, empty, with stores beginning to close and move out of the area. The Wyoming Valley Mall has suffered for years, with people complaining that there are no “good” stores in the mall. “Some stores I would like to come to the mall would be stores like Abercrombie & Fitch, Apple, Cabela’s, and more skiing and snowboarding stores,” said Logan Sincavage, a firstyear student from Wilkes who is also local to the area. Still others have also complained about upkeep of the mall's parking lots. However, both the general manager and assistant general manage of the mall both agreed that the end goal with the mall is to return it to 100% occupancy. Management has been working hard to get stores back into the mall, with some new additions that will hopefully bring the shoppers back. “We’ve had some issues with COVID of course, and various owners over the last few years.” Joseph Ohrin, general manager explained. With the mall being under new ownership, the management team hopes to “bring the mall back.” By using Facebook and TikTok, along with other forms of social media, the mall has been able to promote events, ...continued from Page 3 pandemic when laboratory operations temporarily shut down. Even so, Jennings says the long timeline has allowed the research to evolve and grow as new students joined the project and new experiments were conducted. While the project has already produced significant findings, Jennings believes including an Easter Egg hunt which will take place on March 21. The mall posts TikTok videos quite frequently to give updates on events that will be happening, as well as updates on stores that are opening in the area. Breanna Yashkus, the mall’s assistant general manager, said that she feels since posting on social media, foot traffic has been increasing. “People say they come here because they appreciate the commentary online.” The mall will be opening a Mayhem Amusements Arcade, which will have games such as Ms. Pac-Man and Space Invaders, said Ohrin in an email. The arcade will be located in the former Zumiez location. Abide, a local coffee shop in downtown Wilkes-Barre, is also opening another store in the Wyoming Valley Mall, “Mateo’s.” Both managers show gratitude for the turn-out for the past events that have been held over the last couple months, as well as the crowd from Black Friday. On Sept. 19, the mall will also play host to the Vinnie Memorial Walk. The retro mall walk will honor Vinnie Madl, also known as Vinnie the Mall Walker. Prior to his death in 2021, Madl used to walk around the mall for exercise, jingling his keys as he went. For those who grew up with the Wyoming Valley Mall, Vinnie was a legend. For more information on the Wyoming Valley Mall, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. there is still much more to learn, particularly about the unique microbes found in cave environments. “For me I'm more interested in seeing how unique the microbes that live in caves are compared to other types of microbes,” Jennings said. “So if we can identify some unique features about them that set them apart or allow them to survive in caves compared to other types of bacteria that 5 Management at the Wyoming Valley Mall in Wilkes-Barre Township hopes to "bring the mall back" by attracting new stories to fill its vacant spaces and hosting various community events, including holiday activities and craft fairs. The mall has also upped its social media presence, engaging customers and potential customers on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Photos/Alli Lussi might give us a better understanding of the microbial ecosystems of caves compared to other places that are not well studied.” Jennings also encourages students interested in research to get involved early in their college careers. “I would say don't wait, you know even if you're a freshman and you're interested in research, reach out to professors who are doing research that you are interested in and see what their situation is,” Jennings said. “The sooner you start the more likely it is that you'll get to do some interesting stuff.” As the project continues, Jennings and his students hope their work will contribute both to scientific understanding and to the development of more sustainable industrial processes. �The Beacon - March 18, 2026 News 6 From Philly to Luzerne County, Asad's Hot Chicken now open By Brooke Lare Staff writer The grand opening of Asad’s Hot Chicken drew massive crowds Friday afternoon as locals packed the parking lot to celebrate the chain’s first location in the Wyoming Valley. On March 12, the rapidly expanding Philadelphia based, Nashvillestyle chicken brand opened its 16th location in Wilkes-Barre. To celebrate the launch, the restaurant offered free meals from 3 to 7 p.m., drawing residents from across the valley eager to try the viral hot chicken spot. By 2:55 p.m., the strip mall parking lot was already full. Cars circled for spaces while others parked creatively wherever they could. A line of customers stretched across the entire length of the plaza. Music from 97.1 blasted from loudspeakers while the crowd waited. Customers played games and competed for prizes hosted by the station, giving people something to do as the line slowly crept forward. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony featured Asad Khan alongside WilkesBarre Mayor George C. Brown. As the pair cut the ribbon, the crowd erupted in cheers while a drone hovered overhead to capture the moment and the enormous turnout. The first customers had arrived much earlier in the day. One person at the front of the line reportedly got in line just before 11 a.m. to secure their spot. In the massive line, college students and older adults made up much of the crowd, though families were also present. Children played hand games while waiting, and people rotated turns sitting on a nearby bench to rest their legs. A host from 97.1 walked along the line interacting with customers and keeping the atmosphere lively. Despite the long wait, the mood remained upbeat. Strangers quickly began chatting with one another. “We’re almost there!” and “ You can’t give up now!” could be heard across the crowd as people encouraged those around them to remain patient. People were seen laughing and smiling at the wait time, impressed with the community turnout. Members of the Wilkes-Barre Police Department were also on site to help manage traffic and ensure the event ran smoothly. However, there were no issues during the event, with one officer even joking and laughing with a group of customers waiting in line. As the crowd slowly moved closer to the entrance, the smell of freshly cooked hot chicken drifted outside each time the door opened, making the wait even harder. Once inside, you’re transported into an urban hub with bright colors, a DJ booth and vibrant seating. By the time I reached the counter at 4:30 p.m., my ticket read Order #6017. I had joined the line at 2:55 p.m., and the order numbers were already well into the thousands. The massive turnout showed just how excited the Wyoming Valley was to welcome Asad’s Hot Chicken to the area. Despite the cold temperatures, hundreds of people waited patiently for hours, proving that if opening day was any indication, the restaurant’s newest location may quickly become one of the valley’s busiest food spots. Asad’s Hot Chicken is open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. with the exception of Friday and Saturday, when the restaurant is open until 3 a.m. first knew his path was writing fiction, in his 1st-grade classroom. After a visit from a poet, Towles explained that he was so infatuated with writing, stories, and poetry that he knew it was his passion. Towles explained that he liked reading The Hardy Boys growing up, but he later became drawn to deeper psychological thrillers in his teen years. Throughout high school, he wrote constantly, and stated he was always on “the hunt” for literature. Moving to New York City at 20, Towles said he felt “a little lonely, and a little claustrophobic in the city… so I got involved in an investment firm… and didn't write for almost twenty years.” But he knew he would feel unfilled by fifty if he didn't return to the world of literature. Spending seven years writing a novel he claimed he “did not like very much,” he eventually published Rules Of Civility in 2011 at age forty-six. Students at the Q&A asked him about his writing process and where he draws inspiration from. Towles said his stories are inspired by small, personal experiences. For example, he explained that during his time in NYC, he was walking in Central Park when he spotted a man roller-skating, standing out from the crowd with perfect posture and stature, which inspired him to write I Will Survive, a short story in Table for Two. Following this up, Towles described that he does not research or write about things unfamiliar to him. “ I don't know these worlds well enough to create with confidence,” providing an example of his passion for Russian culture, which aided him in writing A Gentleman in Moscow. American novelist speaks as part of annual Rosenn Lecture By Mollie Kuhar Special to The Beacon On March 15, the Wilkes-Barre community gathered to gain inspiration, stories, and knowledge from the awardwinning author Amor Towles at the annual Rosenn Lecture at the Dorothy-Dickson Darte Center. The Rosenn Lecture Series honors the Honorable Judge Max Rosenn and was established at Wilkes University in 1980. Towles is a bestselling American novelist and author of four novels: Rules of Civility, A Gentleman in Moscow, The Lincoln Highway, and, most recently, Table for Two, along with several other published short stories. With over eight million copies sold, each of his novels has been New York Times bestsellers. Towles graduated from Yale and received an MA in English from Stanford. After twenty years working as an investment professional, he now writes full-time. This spring, Amor Towles spoke with Wilkes students in a short Q&A session before the lecture. He spoke about when he �The Beacon - March 18, 2026 7 Life, Arts & Entertainment Life, Arts & Entertainment Have any events or artists to be shared? Contact Life, Arts & Entertainment Editor: Kailey.Vogel@wilkes.edu The Mental Health Beacon Spring Break (No, really, it’s time to take a break) By Gina Harrison Assistant Professor Passan School of Nursing Spring break is a long-standing school tradition, particularly for colleges and universities. Taking advantage of spring break is more than just cutting loose and partying. It is a break in the often stressful and strenuous work that students (and faculty) are putting in. The break often coincides with warmer temperatures that can give us all the itch to get outside and enjoy the weather now that the deep, dark and heavy winter days are behind us. I hope that you are returned and refreshed from your spring break. If you spent your time working or studying, you missed an important opportunity for you to work on your mental health. Spring break is meant to provide a reboot. Interestingly, breaks are actually very good for your mental and physical health. Breaks allow you the opportunity to restore and maintain balance for your mental and physical health. They help you to make sure that you are getting adequate sleep and exercise, which improves your cognition (ability to think). Stress impairs your ability to think which can have negative consequences. When should you take a break? After engaging in sustained activity, 30-45 minutes is the time to take a break. Continuing your work without a break may result in decreased attention and decreasing productivity. There are many ways to take a break that don’t necessarily require a lot of effort or funding. Some small ways to take a break. include taking a walk, going outside, touching grass or grabbing a 20-minute nap. Micro breaks are between 1 and 5 minutes. During a micro break you can move your body, stretch, meditate, socialize or take some time for yourself. Interleaving is another way to break. This is the process of switching tasks, to give yourself a break from one task with another. Breaks are personal. If you don’t like socializing, don’t spend a break doing that. Do what feels good and refreshing for you. Make sure that when you are working hard or getting in a major study session you set an alarm for taking breaks. What happens if you don’t take a break? While not taking a break won’t necessarily harm you, it certainly won’t help you either. Constant stress and anxiety may lead you to the dreaded burnout. Burnout is considered a syndrome, not a diagnosis, that is caused by chronic, unmanaged stress. Burnout differs from general stress and can also cause physical symptoms. These symptoms may include headache, stomachache, sleep issues (too much or too little) and even weight changes. Burnout is characterized by three main components: exhaustion, cynicism and decreased efficacy. Exhaustion can be physical, mental or both, it is feeling drained of energy, lacking motivation and sometimes withdrawal from things you enjoy. Decreased efficacy is a general decline in your work, productivity and sometimes a sense of hopelessness. And lastly, cynicism. Cynicism is often seen in a negative attitude, alienation from family and friends, irritability and insensitivity toward your work, friends, and loved ones. Bottom Line School is hard. Work is hard. Sometimes, life is hard. Don’t slide into burnout by not taking care of yourself. Healing from burnout is possible, but taking breaks will help you avoid it altogether. Be kind to yourself and schedule some breaks. �The Beacon - March 18, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 8 �The Beacon - March 18, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 9 WUPB serves up mac & cheese with a side of magic By Kaydia Wright LA&E Assistant Editor With Spring Break out of the way and the semester halfway done, Programming Board started off spring with a magical event. Magic-Roni and Cheese was held on March 12. Different types of mac and cheese were served during a performance by comedy magician Trent James. The night was filled with laughs and good food. The event began with the attendees grabbing mac and cheese from three different local establishments: Mission BBQ, Chick-filA,and Wawa. “We chose these vendors because [the Programming Board members] took a vote on our favorites...plus the fact that they delivered and were local, not that hard of a choice, said Jenny Nguyen, one of the event organizers. “We felt this event was a good way to incorporate some food and a show because we don’t do shows that often,” Nguyen continued. “We normally do stuff like bingos, so it’s nice to bring a show and support vendors.” The event took nearly a month of planning. James, a comedy magician, has been performing for quite some time. He has been given more than 20 awards. He is the youngest to have received the Milbourne Christopher Award, a prestigious award given to many notable magicians, including David Copperfield and Penn & Teller. “They only give a few of these out a year to professional magicians and there’s such a long list of incredible people. Now, I’m not saying that because I’m in it, but more that I feel so lucky and honored to be included,” James said. He also revealed during his show how magic actually runs in his family. “My dad is an amateur magician. When he was a kid, he was in magic a lot, then he got out of magic for a while. After my brother and I were born, he picked up the hobby again.” Programming Board will continue to have events every Thursday night, with their next one being Hobbies Bingo on March 19. Follow WUPB on Instagram @wilkesupb. Photo/Kaydia Wright Trent James performs a trick with help from sophomore Ella Villani. Sordoni Art Gallery opens new exhibit, “Why am I sad? By Julianna Kresge Staff Writer This month, Wilkes’ Sordoni Art Gallery will open two new shows including a show with a deeply personal subject matter. Why Am I Sad? by Dana Stirling runs from March 24 through May 17. This photography exhibition explores themes of depression and the immigrant experience. On March 26, at 5 p.m., Stirling will host an Art in Context Lecture at the gallery. A reception will follow. This event is open to students and the public. Stirling is an Israeli-American photographer. Her work has appeared in numerous galleries in the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel. In addition, The Guardian, Buzzfeed News and other publications have featured her work. Stirling and Yoav Friedlander co-founded Float Photo Magazine in 2014, and Stirling serves as its editor-in-chief. Friedlander also co-founded the Rust Belt Biennial- a photography show that features artists from the United States’ Rust Belt. (The deindustrialized Rust Belt region includes Pennsylvania and much of the Midwest). Wilkes’ Sordoni Gallery hosted the first Rust Belt Biennial exhibition back in 2019. I spent most of my time inside my room. I felt alone both outside those walls and inside of them.” Stirling explains that she had a difficult childhood and that her mother was clinically depressed. Alone in her room, still life photography became an important outlet for On her website, Stirling reveals the inspiration behind Why Am I Sad? “Growing up back in a small town in Israel, self-expression. “Photography allowed me to take my inner dialogue and bring it out by using still life as my personal coded language.” Stirling struggles with depression herself. Why Am I Sad? examines her complex relationship with mental health. Images include abandoned toys, wilting flowers and rural landscapes. Several photos ironically contain yellow ‘smiley faces.’ Many viewers may relate to the loneliness and melancholy expressed in the pieces. Others may appreciate their quiet beauty and simplicity. The other new exhibit, Formal/ Informal: Innovations in Portraiture, examines the evolution of portraits in terms of cultural and artistic context. The exhibit is curated by the Syracuse University Art Museum. These portraits, going back into the 19th century, contrast traditional modeled portraits with the formal and informal views of the modeled subject. The result of this collection is meant to embrace the variety of emotions humans can feel from being captured on a portrait which tells the story of society and the human condition as a whole. �The Beacon - March 18, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 10 Fork around and find out: The Scratch Kitchen By Nicole Steinberg & Staff Writer Allison Lussi Assistant News Editor A cozy breakfast spot in the Wyoming Valley, The Scratch Kitchen on North River Street in Plains Township has become a popular destination for locals who are interested in a hearty and homemade breakfast. Alli and I took a trip to Scratch Kitchen to see what the raving reviews were about. Immediately upon entering, the restaurant had a welcoming and classic diner atmosphere. The friendly staff greeted us with a smile and pointed the way to our table where we would be eating our meal. After being seated, we were handed our menus and the search began through breakfast foods like pancakes, eggs and homemade biscuits and lunch options. Starting off our order, we decided on mozzarella sticks. They came out crunchy and crispy. The cheese in the middle was Cooper cheese, not commonly found inside mozzarella sticks. It made for an interesting yet amazing taste. Alli ordered the homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, as well as two eggs over medium. The dish was delightful. The eggs were prepared perfectly; the biscuits were fluffy and the sausage gravy was savory. Paired up with the eggs, the dish made for a warm and satisfying start to the day. I ordered the Mel’s Diner Cheeseburger, also commonly known as a breakfast burger. It was a burger patty with an egg, cheese and two strips of bacon. Upon arriving at the table, the burger looked delicious, and it tasted better than it looked. Although the burger patty itself was slightly dry, the egg, cheese and bacon made up for it entirely. Although the staff can be a little slow, the atmosphere and the food made up for it. The relaxed and comfortable atmosphere of The Scratch Kitchen adds to the full experience. Overall, our visit to The Scratch Kitchen was a good one. With great portions leaving us with leftovers and the comforting diner aesthetic, we can see why so many people flock to this restaurant. Photo/Nicole Steinberg The Mel’s DIner cheeseburger from The Scratch Kitchen was as tasty as it looked and hit the spot on a dreary day. The Scratch Kitchen is located on North River Street in Plains Township. It features a variety of breakfast and lunch items, with breakfast served all day. �The Beacon - March 18, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 11 MSC hosts Ramadan dinner for students By Leah Smith Editor in Chief The Wilkes Multicultural Student Coalition recently held a Ramadan dinner, recognizing the Islamic holy month. According to the Islamic faith, Ramadan is celebrated on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. During Ramadan, Muslims partake in fasting, special prayers and community gatherings. The Ramadan dinner held by MSC recognized the tradition of iftar, the evening meal that breaks the daily fast. The event kicked off with Director of Diversity Initiatives Erica Acosta welcoming guests and emphasizing the importance of celebration, of religious expression, and of community building. “Iftar is about breaking fast, embracing community and strengthening bonds,” Acosta said. After Acosta’s opening remarks, MSC student leader Noor Almeky took to the podium to demonstrate the invocation also known as the prayer invoking a higher deity. In this case, this invocation was to Allah, the Arabic name for God. Following the invocation, Almeky’s father and the event’s keynote speaker, Dr. Ibrahim M. Almeky, taught the audience why Muslims believe in the teachings of the Quran and how the three monotheistic religions are not so different. “What’s interesting is that in Christianity, they say peace be with you but with Islam, we say peace be upon you. Very similar but different,” Almeky said. After Almeky’s speech, Muslim attendees were invited to pray on the prayer mats that were laid out on the floor next to the stage. During this time, Almeky led the ritual as the participants followed him in unison. At the end, the participants shook Photo/Leah Smith Member of the Wilkes University Multicultural Student Coalition serve attendees at a recent Ramadan dinner for university students. hands and greeted each other, highlighting the community-bonding roots of Ramadan and Islam. The breaking of the fast began with practicing Muslim attendees drinking water and eating dates that were provided on the tables. The dinner was catered by the local Jerusalem Halal Market and consisted of green salad, lamb, chicken, rice and Photo/Leah Smith Photo/Leah Smith potatoes. Members of the Wilkes community enjoyed Dr. Ibrahim M. Almeky served as the keynote Haneen Almeky, dinner from the local Jerusalem Halal Market speaker for a recent Ramadan dinner Noor’s younger sister, that consisted on lamb, chicken, rice and sponsored by the university’s Multicultural stated that this event potatoes. Student Coalition. means a lot to her. “This is about sharing your religion. When you connection. bringing people together from “It’s very nice to spend share information like that it’s different cultures, like a spiritual time with family and friends, fascinating.” �The Beacon - March 18, 2026 12 F o y b t i s b e s e s e a w p A land e Ir ilkes W �The Beacon - March 18, 2026 13 6 �The Beacon - March 18, 2026 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. Underappreciated: flea and farmers markets In a world where shopping for groceries feels like you’re spending an arm and a leg for a week-long supply of necessities and where subscription-based services keep upping their prices in what seems like a never-ending cycle of price gouging, what could possibly save us from having to check our bank apps and count our cash whenever we need or want to spend money? The solution: small businesses. Small businesses come in all shapes and sizes whether it’s an independent store on a block in Wilkes Public Square or they’re based in a farmers market or flea market. The top-selling reason why small businesses are the best when it comes to purchasing items is the fact that they are people first and not corporate first. The biggest problem when it comes to buying things off of corporations such as Amazon or Walmart is that their intentions come from making their CEOs wealthier and wealthier each year. Their products and locations may be convenient, but at the end of the day, these corporations thrive off of the exploitation of their employees to keep them alive. The ethicality of small businesses tops that of the big companies by far and the fact that the owners of most if not all small businesses usually come from people simply trying to make a living by making things that they’re passionate about is admirable. Small businesses are human inside and out and one of the best places to go to find your next favorite small business are farmers markets and flea markets. Given a bad rap because of the typical small or dingy locations that these markets take place in, farmers markets and flea markets are some of the most intriguing and special places to visit. These marketplaces are the definition of finding a diamond in the rough because these places are not nearly as advertised compared to Walmart, Target, Amazon, and other corporations. However, the kind of products you can find at these markets mean a lot more than what the corporations can sell. From nostalgic knickknacks to freshly grown produce, farmers markets and flea markets offer a variety of different products that come from the heart. The best part about these items is that they typically come at low prices. The best finds usually are the necessities such as freshly grown foods from humble farmers and gardeners, but of course you can find other fun trinkets and collectibles that you couldn’t find anywhere else especially at a convenient price. Some of the best farmers markets and flea markets around Pennsylvania include the Freeland Marketplace in Freeland, Q-Mart in Quakertown, the Circle Flea Fair in Scranton, the Merchants’ Village in Pittston and Jake’s Flea Market in Barto. Some of these are an hour or two away from the Wilkes-Barre area but they’re certainly worth the drive. There’s even going to be a Farmers Market open on the Wilkes Public Square starting on June 18. Some of these places may only be open during the weekends, but these marketplaces are worth checking out because you can guarantee that these vendors are from passionate hardworking people who are only trying to make the best product for other hardworking people. 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 - March 18, 2026 Opinion 15 The Icebox presents a Guide to Japanese By “Freeze” Opinion Staff Writer Nihongo wo benkyoushitai desu ka? (Do you want to study Japanese? ) Then you have come to the right place. For years, I have been interested in Japanese culture. Now that I have visited the countr y and made plenty of Japanese friends, I decided to master the language. In the year, I have climbed from an absolute beginner to a lower-intermediate level of proficiency. Of course, I still have a long way to go. However, I have spoken with a lot of people with a similar ambition and the one common question is always about what resources to use to learn the language. This issue of the Icebox will break it down for you if you want to get serious. Even if you do not care much about learning Japanese, I bet my guide will provide you insight on finding the right resources for your desired language. Spoiler alert: the answer is not Duolingo! The first thing to know about Japanese is that it has three character systems, called kana. That may seem unnecessar y, but each of the three serves an essential function that actually makes the language much easier to read and write. Kana follow a certain stroke order, meaning you must write them a certain way to use them effectively. Hiragana is the most basic kana. It is used to write pretty much anything in Japanese. There are 46 hiragana, each of which is a character that represents a sound. The interesting thing about these sounds is that they are entire syllables. The English alphabet does not have sounds like “shi” and “tsu” and require multiple letters to represent the Japanese alphabet. When you write Japanese in English letters, it is called romaji. Hiragana are by far the most common kana used in Japanese writing. Katakana is the exact same thing as hiragana. Each character represents the same 46 sounds. The difference is that the characters look more linear and distinct from the round hiragana. The other main difference is that katakana are used to write words that are borrowed from other languages. Many words in Japanese are borrowed from English, and things such as brand names or the names of foreigners are written in katakana. The fun thing about this character system is that if you ever forget a Japanese word for something, you could probably “pronounce it in katakana” and a Japanese person would understand what you are saying. The third kana is the most difficult and complex . Kanji are characters that were taken from the Chinese writing systems. One kanji represents some kind of image or symbolic meaning. This symbol can appear as part of a word or even inside of a more complex kanji. For example, “ame” is the kanji for rain. This means when it appears as part of a word the definition may relate to rain. The complicated thing about kanji is that it does not follow its own rules. Studying kanji is one of the most difficult parts of learning Japanese. Some kanji don’t have a consistent meaning or pronunciation in compound words. Others sound so similar to each other that memorizing the symbol and conveying it is absolutely necessar y. The next thing about Japanese is that the structure of sentences and the essential grammar rules are vastly different from English. When you learned Spanish in high school, it was rather easy because it’s another Latin-based language. However, languages like Arabic and Mandarin are the most difficult to learn for English-speakers. Japanese fits into this same categor y. The first thing you can do to learn grammar is open a Japanese textbook made for English-speakers. My top recommendation is Genki I and II. This textbook covers ever ything you need to know to get started. It is better to pair this textbook with the associated workbooks and designated Anki decks for vocabular y. However, there are still a few issues. The textbook wants you to learn Japanese as an Englishspeaker. It often uses examples that are unnatural in the language. It is better to understand the grammar points from a textbook but learn the actual usage in other places. That’s where the best strategy of all time comes into play. Immersion learning. You have to become the language yourself. Watch movies, listen to songs, read books and speak to yourself only in Japanese. No subtitles allowed. Unless they are Japanese subtitles, of course. Do ever ything you can in the language you want to learn, as if you were a baby. That’s how you mastered your native language, isn’t it? Well, it still works with other languages too. While immersing yourself, it is good to take notes of things that appear frequently. If you see words or kanji you don’t recognize, you can mark it down for later. You should also tr y to replicate things you hear, just like a baby would. Be careful not to indulge in the same media too often, or it will become obvious that you aren’t actually learning. If you want to really boost your progress, I recommend reading “Tae Kim’s Guide to Japanese Grammar,” which is a completely free blog that outlines ever y grammar detail in Japanese that is out there, including slang and filler words. The blog is a great way to rapidly get a grasp on grammatical concepts so that you can recognize them in the wild and diversify your own sentences. This is especially helpful when you want to get out of the “the cat is brown” phase. The other resource for rapid memorization is Anki. This is flashcard software available on all devices that uses a technique called “spaced repetition”. You can make your own Anki flashcard decks or download prepared ones online. I have never been one to study using flashcards, but I can assure you that using Anki for Japanese is an absolute must. The best usage for Anki would be kanji, of course. It is important that you learn to write kanji and recognize it in the wild. Suppose you followed my advice up until this point. You have learned grammar and practiced it through the Genki books. You have been watching anime, listening to podcasts and reading Japanese articles or manga when you can. You took plenty of notes from the guide by Tae Kim. You have been using Anki to reinforce your memor y of vocabular y and kanji. What do you think may be missing at this point? The answer is output. You absolutely need to start producing your own Japanese, or you will never know the language. Breathe Japanese through writing, speaking and conversing. Since I have visited Japan and have a lot of Japanese friends, it is easier to find opportunities to speak Japanese. For a new learner, there are plenty of resources online to connect with Japanese people. Many of them may also want to practice their English. There is a program here on campus that invites students from Japan to attend Wilkes during summer and spring breaks. I highly recommend you check it out. Ganbare! Ikuzo! (Do your best! Let’s go!) �The Beacon - March 18, 2026 Opinion 16 New releases mean binge watching and streaming By Shawn Carey Opinion Editor The next two months are seeing the much anticipated releases of three Amazon Prime superhero shows. The first to be released is “Invincible” season 4, followed by the fifth and final season of “The Boys” and then ending off with Sony’s “SpiderNoir.” As a massive fan of these three properties myself, you can imagine that I am rather excited for these three upcoming projects. That being said, I am somewhat disappointed with how they’re handling the release of what of the shows I listed. Unlike “Invincible” and “The Boys” “Spider-Noir” is going to be releasing all of its episodes all at once instead of doing weekly releases. Now, I know that at this point I should be used to this, after all, this has been the norm for a number of years at this point. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have been doing this for years, they were the original ones that popularized the concept, the idea of “binging” a show. Inherently, there is nothing wrong with this. I myself have sat down and marathon through a show before. If you’re really into a show I am not going to blame you for binge watching. All that being said however, I do feel like it somewhat lessens the watching experience. I know that I’m not the first person to say this and I definitely won’t be the last. This is a topic that has been covered countless times. “Weekly episodes are better because they allow the show to stay in the culture zeitgeist for longer, they build excitement, they give the viewer some time to breathe.” While that is of course true, and I agree with all of that, I want to talk about how we got here in the first place, how we got to the point where we actually want to wait to see new episodes of our favorite shows. As I mentioned before, binging as we know it today started due to streaming services. The proliferation of platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime allowed users to watch multiple episodes without waiting, making it a “normal” way to consume media. Being able to pull up the next episode at the press of a button was new and exciting, you didn’t have to wait a week. I also believe the very way we now consume our media has a lot to do with it. Today’s culture demands us to always be in the “know.” Spoilers spread so quickly now that we can’t afford to see a movie or show a little later after release. We are being pressured to watch these new shows as soon as possible if we don’t want to be spoiled. Speaking from personal experience, thank goodness I watched the “Stranger Things” finale when I did, because I saw posts about it within the hour of it being released. We are unable to enjoy something according to our own time, we must treat our entertainment as a full-time job. Whenever a service releases a show in full, especially a highly anticipated one, they know it’s going to get watched. It has to get watched. You have to watch it. Everyone has already seen it. That being said, we also tend to forget about it pretty quickly. Yeah sure, it may be a hot topic for a week but the online world moves quickly, it can be quickly forgotten about and replaced by the next big series. Weekly releases foster a shared community experience, allowing viewers to discuss, theorize, and avoid spoilers got opinions? together. This format builds anticipation, prevents the “blur” of binge-watching and makes shows feel more like a special, longlasting event rather than a fleeting, oneweekend experience. I still remember when “Wandavision” was airing. After every single new episode the internet was flooded with theories about what was truly going on and how they thought the show would end. It also just feels good to have something to look forward to every week, or have something you can make small talk about with your coworker. You can also just appreciate the show more. Instead of trying to get to the end as quickly as possible, you have something you have to wait for, something you have to earn by waiting. It’s also just healthy, as silly as that sounds. You don’t waste away looking at a screen for hours upon hours. Once again, I’m not against the idea of binge-watching a show. I’m not going to let something as silly as this ruin “SpiderNoir.” That being said, I can’t help but wish that it followed in the steps of its peers and also released episodes weekly, especially considering the show’s genre, that being an intense noir crime drama. �The Beacon - March 18, 2026 Opinion 17 Swords v. Wands: Battle of the chosen ones Answering the debate of Harry Potter vs. Percy Jackson By Aster Rowland Opinion Writer How do you like your chosen ones? Dead by the end of the book? A ladies’ man? Fighting the institutions that put them there in the first place? The trope of the chosen one is very popular in the mainstream, probably because it feeds that desire to be needed or scratches that itch to get thrust into random fantasy shenanigans. But who did it best? Wars have been waged over Percy Jackson or Harry Potter for years, but let’s let the facts speak for themselves. We’re going to decide which author wrote it best: Rick Riordan or J.K Rowling? The Percy Jackson series was written by Rick Riordan and published in the summer of 2005. The series follows Percy Jackson, a seemingly normal 12year-old boy from New York who has been kicked out of multiple schools for behavioral issues. After an incident at a museum, Percy is transported to Camp Half-Blood, and it’s revealed that he’s the illegitimate son of Poseidon, god of the seas. The camp is for all the children of the Greek Gods. The series consists of him and his friends fighting Greek monsters and protecting mortals from looming threats like the Titan Kronos. This series expanded into a universe with not only Greek Gods, but also Roman, Egyptian and even Norse Gods. The books have been adapted into a musical, two movies and a Disney+ streaming series. The Harry Potter series was written by J.K Rowling and was published in the summer of 1997. The series follows Harry Potter who initially lives under the stairs in the home of his aunt, uncle and cousin in London who treat him extremely poorly. One day, he’s greeted by a man named Hagrid who knew his birth parents and informs him that he’s a wizard. Hagrid invites him to Hogwarts, a school for wizards. The overarching plot of this series is the evil wizard Voldemort (who’s so evil you can’t say his name) trying to take over the wizard world. These books have been adapted into nine movies, a musical and a video game. So, what makes these guys the same? Well for starters, they’re both minors who had magical destinies thrust upon them. They both have female sidekicks who are smarter than them (Annabeth Chase and Hermione Granger), they both have older male guidance (Chiron and Hagrid), they both initially had crappy home lives (Gabe Ugliano and The Dursleys) and they both saved the world. They are also extremely loyal to their friends and families. So, what’s the difference? In the initial Percy Jackson series, the reason that there are so many young demigods willing to join Kronos in his crusade is because they feel abandoned by their own godly parents. So, when the gods offer him godhood and immortality, he turns it down in favor of making sure that the gods acknowledge their kids more. He asks to expand the camp from its only 12 cabins to 20 and include the minor gods. He also demands that they claim their kids by the time they turn 13, because previously kids would be unclaimed well into adulthood. He makes them all swear on the River Styx, which if broken has cosmic consequences. In Harry Potter, the reason that Voldemort was able to rise to power was because of the large amount of corruption in the Ministry of Magic. Many of the wizards in positions of power misused their magic for personal gain. There was also the wizard equivalent of white supremacy going on, in which people believed that if both your parents weren’t wizards, then you were inferior to those whose parents were. Harry Potter combated these issues by becoming Head of Magical Law Enforcement. I can only assume it was to fight corruption from within. Rick Riordan was on a mission with his series, the idea of Percy Jackson being born from his son Haley being bored of classic fairy-tales. Haley has dyslexia and ADHD, and ironically, so does every demigod in the series. The in-universe explanation for this is that ADHD is a demigod being hardwired for battle, and dyslexia because demigods more naturally read ancient Greek. He wrote the series as a whole to make children with learning disabilities feel seen. In the Percy Jackson TV series, he cast Leah Sava Jeffries, a black girl, as Annabeth Chase. This enraged long time fans of the books because they had all envisioned her as white because the books describe her as blonde with gray eyes. It got so bad that he put out a statement on his Instagram defending the casting choice, saying that he was always committed to “diverse and inclusive casting.” Also, that compared to every other girl who auditioned, Leah perfectly fit how he envisioned Annabeth to be. In his expanded universe, he has a host of LGBTQ+ characters and characters of color. Even his publishing company, Read Riordan, is dedicated to showcasing diverse authors and letting them tell stories from their cultures. On the other hand, J.K Rowling has only 10 confirmed non-white characters, and does a poor job of representing them. The only Asian character’s name is Cho Chang, and she is stereotypically placed in Ravenclaw, which if you don’t know is the group with the overachievers and smart people. There is also the issue of the house elves. The house elves are servants to old wizard families, and ‘servants’ is putting it lightly because they are literal slaves. The only person who thinks this is wrong is Hermione, but when she speaks about it, she’s mocked. Also it turns out that the house elves actually like being slaves which is odd. Let’s also not forget the antisemitism found in the goblins. The goblins in the books are described as greedy with hooked noses and the movies do not help, with a Star of David being visible on a rug and a Nazi propaganda-like poster in the background. Meanwhile, Rowling herself is wildly transphobic online, to the point where she has actually assisted the U.K. in enacting anti-trans legislation. I believe that the better chosen one is Percy Jackson and that the better author is Rick Riordan. Percy is a kid who didn’t want to be thrust into this life, but at the end of every series he’s in, he learns something new and promotes positive change. As does his writer, Rick Riordan. There is nothing cooler than creating a best selling book series just so that your child can feel seen. Got an opinion to share? Email kalen.churcher@ wilkes.edu or shawn.carey1@ wilkes.edu �The Beacon - March 18, 2026 Opinion A review of "The Romantic" by Bruno Mars By Natalia Williams Staff writer Bruno Mars is back and better than ever. His album “The Romantic” was highly anticipated after the announcement of the album. He released the single “I Just Might” on Jan. 9, and it gave listeners a preview on what was to come. I am a huge fan of Bruno Mars so I am ready to see what he gave us. Here is my track by track album review of “The Romantic". 1. “Risk It All”: 9/10 Oh my goodness. When I first heard a clip of this song on TikTok, I immediately fell in love. With the bolero style and his vocals…this song is amazing. The lyrics are so cute and sweet and follow the album title to a T. I can definitely see this song being the first dance song for a ton of weddings. This is a different style that I've heard from Bruno but I think he did it so well and I am so hyped to see what comes next. This one is a great album opener and I am ready to hear the rest of the record. 2. “Cha Cha Cha”: 8/10 I am already loving the track order for this album. This song wasn’t like a seamless transition, but it fits the vibe of the first one so it goes so well. I have always loved Bruno's albums because they are so cohesive and it's hard to explain, but he finds a theme, a vibe, a style and sticks with it for that one album which I appreciate. The lyrics of this song also fits the album title and I love that cause it's like he's telling a story. My favorite part of the album is the chorus. I love the rhythm of the end of the chorus and it makes me want to dance. His vocals are once again top tier. I don't see myself revisiting this song often, but it is still really good. I can see myself blasting this on an island though…it's giving me island relaxation vibes. Overall, great song and we are starting off really strong so far. 3. “I Just Might”: 7/10 This one is a completely different vibe from the last two tracks tempo wise, but it still fits together so well. This one is growing on me. It wasn't a favorite when it first released but after listening to it more and more it is definitely on track to becoming one of my favorites. This song gives me old school disco vibes a little bit. Not really heavy disco but like a little. When I listen to this song I immediately think of a roller skating rink and everyone skating to the beat of this one. Overall, I think after a few more listens it will definitely become a favorite but as of right now, I do not see myself revisiting this one. 4. “God Was Showing Odd”: 7/10 So, so cute. The songwriting on this album so far is so cute and sweet and makes me want to get married. The writing fits the album title, and I love the vibe of love…cause who doesn't love love. This one isn't really a favorite of mine, but the bridge…amazing. This one will definitely have to get listened to again so hopefully it will grow on me. Already repeating while writing it is growing on me slowly but surely. I love the pre chorus and the chorus, it is definitely going to be stuck in my head for hours. I think I can see this song being a wedding song this year and for other years as well. Overall, good track, just not a favorite of mine 5. “Why You Wanna Fight”: 10/10 Immediately got quiet storm music vibes from these songs. I have been waiting for a slower, smooth, R&B esque song and I finally got it. This heavily gives me Luther Vandross vibes, and I am in love. The chorus is probably my favorite part and the vocals in this track are amazing like always. This one is probably my favorite song on the album so far. I love when Bruno does slower tracks like this one. It reminds me of “Versace on the Floor” theme wise from the“24k Magic” album. Overall, I am so happy I got my slow track and this one will definitely be repeated often. 6. “On My Soul”: 8/10 One word. Motown. This gave me Motown-style vibes so quickly, and I am obsessed with it. I think he sounds so good on this type of production. The melody of this one is very catchy and I can see this getting stuck in my head really quickly. Aside from the production of this one, it may be one that has to grow on me but It wont take long. This one reminds me of “I Just Might” production wise slightly but I love the cohesive sound of the album. Overall, nothing too strong about this one, solid track. 7. “Something Serious”: 5/10 I don't know why but this one isn't giving me anything exciting. I like the melody of this one and the writing, but it's nothing new or exciting for me. I really don't have much to say for this one. It is an OK song, just not one I can see myself revisiting often. 8. “Nothing Left”: 10/10 Another slow song and I am not complaining. I love his “ballads” and I like this one a lot. I love, love, love the prechorus, chorus and the production of this one The melody is also another favorite of mine. This is a song I can definitely see myself revisiting and I am 100% adding it to my on repeat playlist. The guitar breakdown is what made this one a 10/10. I am a sucker for a good guitar solo and this one gave me that. Vocally this one might be a favorite as well. Overall, probably my second favorite song on the album and this song live may be life changing. 9. “Dance With Me”: 9/10 The lyrics to this one are beautiful and almost made me cry. I don't know why 18 but this one made me very emotional even though I am not in love. This one is definitely one I will be hearing at weddings once again, but I won't be mad at it because it is a beautiful song. The melody of this one is gorgeous and the build up in the second verse to the second chorus is my favorite part of the song. It is another slower song so it is immediately one of my favorite songs on the album. I think this is a great song close to the album because it is like the sister song to “Risk It All” in my opinion. Overall, gorgeous song and it makes me want to get married and fall in love. With that, I'd give this album a solid 8/10. It is a solid Bruno album…just not my favorite one. Personally, I don't think anything he releases can beat “24K Magic” in my ranking because that one is just way too good. I love the cohesive theme and sound of this album because that is something I don't see often, but I did get a little bored about halfway through the record and I was waiting for a track that would blow me away and I just didn't get that. The slower songs are definitely my favorite and I can see myself revisit those. Overall, I am so happy Bruno is back and although he won't release another record for a few years, I am patiently waiting for that day to come. What should Natalia review next? Email natalia.williams@ wilkes.edu �Sports 19 Sports The Beacon - March 18, 2026 Want your sport covered? Deserve to be Athlete of the Week? Contact the Assistant Sports Editor: jake.mills@wilkes.edu Wilkes women’s hockey moving on to NCAA quarterfinals By Andrew Marshallsay Managing Editor After a tightly contested matchup against Adrian College, the Wilkes women’s hockey team is moving on in the NCAA national championship tournament. The final score was 2-1 after an evenly-matched 60 minutes of hockey. Off the back of a stellar performance from Audrey Milne, as well as goals from Jordan Ferry and Abby Bush, the Colonels clinched the first tournament win in program history. Coming into the contest, both the Colonels and Bulldogs were almost deadeven in every statistic. Wilkes came into the contest with the second-highest goals per game average, while Adrian was third in that category. From opening puck drop until the 18-minute mark of the first period, both goaltenders were shutting down chances left and right. Milne was showing why she was the two-time MAC championship MVP with yet another great performance between the pipes. On the other side, Kiera Stack traded save-for-save with Milne as the two sides remained even. At 18:27 into the opening frame, the Colonels struck first as Jordan Ferry lit the lamp and sent the Toyota Sportsplex into a frenzy as the hosts went in front. Ferry and Lily Zingaro combined on a breakout play, with the latter dropping a pass back to the Colonels center, who then fired the puck home past the far side of Stack. A little over six minutes into the second period, the Colonels doubled their lead, this time with a goal from first-year center Abby Bush. Bush and Nina Hudakova played their own version of tic-tac-toe as three passes between the pair resulted in Bush firing home Wilkes’ second goal of the afternoon. Adrian found a lifeline minutes later while on the power play. After a mad Jordan Ferry in the handshake line after her goal. Photo/Josh Ermeus Photo/Andrew Marshallsay The Colonels celebrate after moving on in the NCAA tournament. scramble in front of Milne, the puck found the stick of Courtney Ben, who flung it in to cut the deficit in half. In the third period, goaltending was the name of the game as Milne and Stack combined for a whopping 21 saves in the final frame. With about 90 seconds left in regulation, desperation set in as the Bulldogs pulled their netminder in favor of the extra attacker. However, the Colonels defended their zone, and any hope of an Adiran comeback was squandered. Wilkes will take the drive to upstate New York on March 21 to face off against Nazareth University. A team the Colonels have struggled with in the past, the Golden Flyers have won all 11 previous contests against the Navy and Gold. Head Coach Dave LeBaff emphasized his belief in the team ahead of next week. “We’ve fought so hard to get back and play them [Nazareth], and they know they’re one game away from a Frozen Four,” he said. “I expect this team to show up in Rochester, New York next week and lay it all out in a line, and regardless of outcome, be proud of everything that we did. "And I think if we play our game and we continue to do everything we’ve been doing, it’s going to be pretty hard to stop this group and I have a deep belief in that.” Puck drop in Rochester, N.Y. is slated for 3 p.m. from the Tim Horton’s Iceplex. The winner of the game will move onto the Frozen Four, with the chance to clinch a berth in the NCAA Championship final. �20 Sports The Beacon - March 18, 2026 Trio of men's hockey players sign pro contracts in the SPHL By Vin Santoro Staff Writer The Wilkes men’s ice hockey season has concluded, but the team received great news with forwards Cam Lowe, Jack Lee and Matt Carlson receiving pro contracts. Lowe and Lee join the Quad City Storm, while Matt Carlson starts his professional hockey career with the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs. Both teams are part of Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL). Lowe had a strong career with Wilkes; he finished with 87 points in his four years with the Colonels, which is fourth all-time in program history. He tallied a careerhigh four game-winning goals in the 202526 season. Lowe was known for his quick transitioning with the puck on his stick and forcing defenders to make him a difficult player to defend. His edgework helped him maneuver through lanes and help set up the Colonels for goals and offensive pressure. The Colonels’ former winger was named Conference Player of the Week on Oct. 31, 2022; UCHC Player of the Week; and MAC Offensive Player of the Week on Jan. 16, 2023. Jack Lee, who was banged up for most of his career, had a strong senior season, finishing over a point per game (1.11), and was a clutch player for the Colonels, notching multiple multi-point games to help Wilkes win 15 games this year. Lee’s high hockey IQ helped him set up his teammates, finishing with 17 assists, which was good enough for top-three on the team. Lee also had a clutchness factor in his game, finishing just behind his friend Lowe in game-winning goals with three. Lowe and Lee reunite in their hockey careers and now line up together in Illinois, suiting up for the Storm. Lee also returns to his home state, as he hails from Naperville, IL. Matt Carlson, captain for the Wilkes Colonels, had a strong senior campaign, finishing with his highest point total this year with 28. Carlson also added multiple power-play goals in his career, finishing with 12 in his career with the Navy and Gold. This year, it was all about setting his teammates up for success. He led them both on the ice and during discussions on the bench, showing strong leadership. Offensively, he contributed 18 assists, while also helping defensively by keeping the puck out of the net, finishing the season with an impressive +18 rating. In addition, Carlson owned the faceoff dot as he finished with a 58% rating throughout his four-year career. He finished eighth all-time in program history with 74 point. He was named Second Team All-MAC as a first-year player during the 2022-23 season. Jack Lee exits the offensive zone in a game against Misericordia. Carlson also earned several weekly honors during his career, including UCHC Rookie of the Week on Feb. 20, 2023, UCHC Player of the Week on Dec. 12, 2022, and MAC Offensive Player of the Week on Dec. 12, 2022, and Jan. 27, 2025. Currently, all three players have contributed in their early professional careers thus far. As of March 15, Lowe and Lee have combined for three goals and two assists in four games played for the Storm. Carlson has appeared in five games for Roanoke, scoring twice in that span. Photos/Andrew Marshallsay Cam Lowe controls the puck in a game against King's College. Matt Carlson celebrates after scoring a goal against Hobart. �The Beacon - March 18, 2026 Sports 21 This past week in Wilkes sports: March 10-15 By Topher DellaBella Staff Writer MEN’S LACROSSE SCHEDULE It’s been a great spring season so far for our sports teams at Wilkes University. As one winter sports season comes to an end, several other spring sports are continuing their seasons with much competition. BASE Vs Ithaca College 3/10 6-11 L BASE @ Susquehanna 3/14 University 5-3 W BASE @ Susquehanna University (DH) 3/15 23-22 W MVB Vs Marymount University 3/11 0-3 L MVB Vs Rutgers-Newark 3/14 0-3 L MLAX Vs King’s College 3/11 21-9 W MLAX Vs Mount Saint Mary College 3/14 11-4 W WLAX @ Elmira College 3/11 18-3 W WLAX @ Kings College 3/14 16-4 W MWREST @ NCAA Championships 3/13 - 3/14 Jaryn Hartranft finished the tournament 1-2 wrapping up his college career. WIH NCAA Championships Vs Adrian College (First Round) 3/14 2-1 W This Week: BASE @ Penn State Harrisburg 3/18 3:30 p.m. BASE Vs Lycoming College 3/19 5 p.m. BASE Vs Moravian University (DH) 3/21 12 & 3 p.m. BASE Vs Moravian University 3/22 12 p.m. WLAX Vs SUNY Polytechnic Institute 3/18 4 p.m. WLAX @ Juniata College 3/21 1 p.m. MLAX Vs Alvernia University 3/18 7 p.m. MLAX Vs Juniata College 3/21 12 p.m. MVB Vs Drew University 7 p.m. MVB @ Southern Virginia University 3/21 2 p.m. SOFT Vs Immaculata University (DH) 3/19 4 & 6 p.m SOFT @ Moravian University (DH) 3/21 1 & 3 p.m. WIH NCAA Championships @ Nazareth University (Quarterfinals) 3/21 3 p.m. WTEN Vs Catholic University of America 3/21 3:30 p.m. MTEN Vs Catholic University of America 3/21 1 p.m. FEB. 14 1:00 P.M. - AT DELAWARE VALLEY UNIVERSITY FEB. 18 4:00 P.M. - AT MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY FEB. 21 3:30 P.M. - AT FDU-FLORHAM MAR. 3 7:00 P.M. - AT ARCADIA UNIVERSITY MAR. 7 1:00 P.M. - AT LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE MAR. 11 7:00 P.M. - VS KING’S COLLEGE (PA) MAR. 14 12:00 P.M. - VS MOUNT SAINT MARY COLLEGE (NY) MAR. 18 7:00 P.M. - VS ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY MAR. 21 12:00 P.M. - VS JUNIATA COLLEGE MAR. 25 4:00 P.M. - VS SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY MAR. 28 1:00 P.M. - AT CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA APR. 4 1:00 P.M. - VS GOUCHER COLLEGE APR. 8 1:00 P.M. - AT DREW UNIVERSITY APR. 11 1:00 P.M. - AT ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE APR. 15 4:00 P.M. - VS UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON APR. 18 1:00 P.M. - AT MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY APR. 22 7:00 P.M. - AT LYCOMING COLLEGE �The Beacon - March 18, 2026 Sports 22 Winter 2026 US Olympic medal winner check-in By Brendan Williams Staff Writer The United States enjoyed multiple medal wins at this year’s Olympics and Paralympics. From the men’s ice hockey team’s first gold medal since 1980 to the women’s ice hockey team’s undefeated run to gold to figure skater Alysa Liu’s rise to fame, here’s a rundown of medals won. Gold Olympics Breezy Johnson (Alpine skiing, women's downhill) Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, Ilia Malinin, Madison Chock, Evan Bates, Ellie Kam, Danny O'Shea (Figure skating,team event) Elizabeth Lemley (Freestyle skiing, women's moguls) Jordan Stolz (Speed skating, men's 1000m & 500m) Elana Meyers Taylor (Monobob) Mikaela Shiffrin (Alpine skiing, women's slalom) Women’s Ice Hockey team Alysa Liu (Figure skating, women's singles) Alex Ferreira (Freestyle skiing, men's halfpipe) Connor Curran, Kaila Kuhn, Christopher Lillis (Freestyle skiing, mixed team aerials) Men’s Ice Hockey team Silver Ben Ogden (Cross country, men's sprint classic final) Alex Hall (Freestyle skiing, men's slopestyle) Korey Dropkin, Cory Thiesse (Curling, mixed doubles) Ryan Cochran-Siegle (Alpine skiing, men's Super-G) Jaelin Kauf (Freestyle skiing, women's moguls, Dual moguls, women) Madison Chock, Evan Bates (Figure skating, ice dance) Chloe Kim (Snowboard, women's halfpipe) Ethan Cepuran, Casey Dawson, Emery Lehman, Conor McDermott-Mostowy, Jordan Stolz (Speed skating, men's team pursuit) Mac Forehand (Freestyle skiing, men's Big Air) Ben Ogden, Gus Schumacher (Cross country skiing, men's team sprint) Jordan Stolz (Speed skating, men's 1500m) Bronze Paula Moltzan, Jacqueline Wiles (Alpine skiing, women's team combined) Ashley Farquharson (Luge, women's singles) Jessie Diggins (Cross country skiing, women's 10km freestyle), Elizabeth Lemley (Dual moguls, women) Kailie Humphries-Armbruster (Monobob) Corinne Stoddard (Short track, women's 1500m) Mia Manganello (Speed skating, women's mass start) Lailie Humphries-Armbruster, Jasmine Jones (Bobsled, two-woman) Gold Paralympics Para Cross-Country Skiing Oksana Masters (Women's Sprint - Sitting, Women's 10km - Sitting) Jake Adicoff (Men's Sprint Classic Style Visually Impaired, Men's 10km Classic Style - Visually Impaired, Men's 20km Freestyle Visually Impaired) Sydney Peterson (Women 10km Classic Style - Standing, Women 20km Freestyle Standing) United States (4 x 2.5km Relay Mixed) Para Snowboard Noah Elliott (Men's Banked Slalom - Lower Limb 1 Impaired) Kate Delson (Women's Banked Slalom - Lower Limb 2 Impaired) Para Biathlon Kendall Gretsch (Women's Sprint Pursuit - Sitting) Oksana Masters (Women's 7.5km Sprint - Sitting) Silver Para Cross-Country Skiing Sydney Peterson (Women's Sprint Classic Style - Standing) Para Snowboard Noah Elliott (Men's Snowboard Cross - Lower Limb 1 Impaired) Kate Delson (Women's Snowboard Cross - Lower Limb 2 Impaired) Para Biathlon Kendall Gretsch (Women's 7.5km Sprint Sitting) Para Alpine Skiing Patrick Halgren (Men's Super-G Standing) Bronze Para Cross-Country Skiing Kendall Gretsch (Women's 10km - Sitting) Oksana Masters (Women's 20km - Sitting) Para Snowboard Mike Schultz (Men's Banked Slalom Lower Limb 1 Impaired) Brenna Huckaby (Women's Banked Slalom - Lower Limb 2 Impaired) Para Biathlon Kendall Gretsch (Women's 12.5km Individual - Sitting) Para Alpine Skiing Andrew Kurka (Men's Super-G - Sitting) �The Beacon - March 18, 2026 Sports 23 Snapshots of Wilkes baseball, Fort Pierce, Florida Photos by Andrew Marshallsay Jake Miller launched a towering home run in the Colonels' developmental game against Albright. 1B Devin Markert prepares for a game against Arcadia. Sophomore utilityman Mark Nazar hit the splits to secure the out at second base against Albright. The Colonels went 2-3 during their spring break trip, with wins coming against Albright and Lebanon Valley. �The Beacon - March 18, 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 This is Wilkes University's Beacon Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the Beacon's predecessors, The Bucknell Bison Stampede, 1934-1935 and The Bucknell Beacon, 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>. Missing Issues: 1947 August 8th 1947 September 5th 1947 October 3rd 1947 October 17th 1947 October 31st 1947 November 21st 1947 December 19th 1948 September 9th 1950 April 28th 1953 April 10th 1962 February 2nd 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 March 18 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/9aeac0f046ff1a8acbb5f614a9f543dc.pdf 9c51b82e56fa08370f2155f78225df16 PDF Text Text The Beacon - March 25, 2026 THE BEACON Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member Wilkes University - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Volume 78, Issue 18 1 “The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow.” Discussing the latest U.S.-Iran conflict Photo/Brooke Lare Wilkes professors and students came together to discuss the ongoing U.S.-Iran conﬂict this past week. More than two dozen people attended the event that included the opportunity to ask questions. University receives nursing care grant page 5 Fork Around and Find Out: The River Grille page 9 Editorial: who’s the best Spider Man? page 14 NFL Free Agency: winners and losers page 20 �The Beacon - March 18, 2026 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: March 11 By Alli Lussi Staff writer Student government met on March 18 to discuss fund requests and to finalize nominations for the upcoming elections that will decide the next student body resident. The meetings began with the treasurer’s report, at $36,935.71. The meeting then went to the week two of two Christian Fellowship Club’s fund request. A few members of CFC will be attending a women’s conference in April. The conference will be focused on the Book of Exodus and will only have underclassmen attending. The club asked for $675 after finalizing the amount of people attending the event. After a brief discussion, the board decided on full allocation for the club. The next order of business was a fund request for Big Event. Big Event is the largest community service event at Wilkes. Volunteering will begin at 10 a.m. and will conclude around noon. Food will be provided for all volunteers as well as a T-shirt. The first 100 students to sign-up will also receive a zip-up hoodie. Transportation will also be provided by the university. The presenter requested $10,750, and after consideration, the board decided to allocate the full amount to Big Event. After all presentations were concluded, the board’s attention then went to Adam Butterwick, the Student Body President, who asked the board for the last time if they wanted to nominate anyone for the elections for his replacement. The board did not have any new nominations, so the two nominees both had time to present their speeches. Alton Smargiassi spoke first, highlighting his involvement in the university outside of being in Student Government. Smargiassi is a part of the chamber singers, has been in Student Government for two years, as well as being a political science student in pre-law. Smargiassi spoke about his goals for if he wins the election, speaking about how he plans to strengthen the E-board for Student Government, as well as having an open line from all students directly to the board. John Tondora then spoke about his involvement in the university. Tondora has been a part of Student Government since his first year. He is a biology major and is also a part of Middle States section 4. Tondora spoke about his goals if he were elected president, speaking about how he would like to use all resources available to better the student experience on campus. The meeting then went to committee work and then adjourned shortly after. The Student Government will meet again on March 25. It's On Us PA initiative provides university grant From a press release State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski today announced that Wilkes University has been awarded a $21,795 grant through the Commonwealth’s “It’s On Us PA” initiative, a statewide effort aimed at preventing sexual violence and supporting survivors on college campuses. The funding is part of a broader $1.7 million investment by Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration to 43 colleges and universities across Pennsylvania. The It’s On Us PA program focuses on fostering safer campus environments through education, prevention strategies, and enhanced support services for students. “This funding is an important step in ensuring students at Wilkes University have access to the resources, education, and support they need to feel safe on campus,” said Pashinski. “No student should have to worry about their safety while pursuing their education, and initiatives like It’s On 2 Us help create a culture of accountability, awareness, and prevention.” The grant will support efforts at Wilkes University to raise awareness about sexual violence, promote healthy relationships, and expand access to resources for survivors. Programs funded through It’s On Us PA often include campuswide education campaigns, bystander intervention training, and strengthened support systems for those impacted by sexual assault. The It’s On Us campaign, originally launched as a national initiative, encourages students, educators, and community members to take an active role in preventing sexual violence and supporting survivors. In Pennsylvania, the program brings together campus leaders and communities to ensure students have the tools and knowledge to stay safe. Pashinski emphasized the importance of continued investment in programs that protect students and strengthen campus communities. “By investing in prevention and support, we are sending a clear message that sexual violence has no place in our schools or communities,” Pashinski said. “I’m proud to see Wilkes University leading the way in creating a safer environment for its students. “I would also like to thank Governor Shapiro and his administration for saying ‘It’s on us’ to combat campus sexual violence,” Pashinski continued. “If you see something, say something!” Supported by state funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the state budget, the grant reflects the commonwealth’s commitment to preventing sexual violence and supporting survivors on college campuses. For more information about the It’s On Us PA initiative, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s website. Table of Contents News..................2 Life, A&E............7 Center..........12-13 Opinion............14 Sports................19 Events: Spring 2026 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 - March 25, 2026 News 3 Wilkes expands AI education through Google partnership, upcoming campus summit By Thaelis Andujar Assistant News Editor Wilkes University is advancing its commitment to career readiness and innovation through a new partnership with Google, bringing expanded artificial intelligence resources and training opportunities to students across all majors. The university recently joined the Google AI for Education Accelerator program, a national initiative aimed at strengthening AI education and workforce preparation. Through the program, Wilkes students, faculty and staff will gain free access to a wide range of Google AI tools and professional development resources that are typically subscription-based. These include Google’s AI-powered platforms, such as Gemini, as well as certification courses offered through Coursera. Woojun Lee, associate dean of the College of Business and Engineering, said the partnership was the result of a deliberate effort by university leadership to bring cutting-edge educational opportunities to campus. “We wanted to find a way to become part of the AI accelerator program,” Lee said. “So I applied for the AI accelerator program on behalf of the college of business and engineering… and we were selected as part of the program.” The initiative is part of a broader global investment by Google in AI education and workforce development. “Google invests, I think, more than a billion dollars to enhance AI education across the globe,” Lee said. “They are investing on behalf of Wilkes University by giving us free AI resources, including Gemini… students and faculty and even alumni can access those resources for free.” A key component of the partnership is access to Coursera, an online learning platform that offers industry-recognized certifications in areas such as data analytics, digital marketing, cybersecurity and project management. These certifications, which typically require a monthly subscription fee, will now be available to the Wilkes community at no cost. “If you wanted to gain those certification and training through Coursera by yourself, you will be asked to pay… $60 or something,” Lee said. “But if you are using [a Wilkes] account… you can get that single discipline. “Any major and any student and faculty, even staff, can actually get that access,” he said. Faculty across campus have already begun exploring ways to integrate AI into their courses. According to Lee, programs are being customized to align with different academic fields, allowing “Our goal… was to become a leader in AI education in this region,” Lee said. “We are giving our students an opportunity to become excellent… expertise in AI related jobs… so that they will help them to land the job.” ~Woojun Lee, associate dean of the College of Business and Engineering education for free.” University administrators say this access provides a significant advantage for students entering an increasingly competitive job market. Abel Adekola, dean of the College of Business and Engineering, emphasized the value of combining traditional degrees with additional credentials. “This will be an added value… for our students when they have a degree and they can say that they have a certificate in AI,” Adekola said. He also noted that Wilkes is among a select group of institutions in the region participating in the program. “We are one of the few universities around here that is part of this,” Adekola said. Although the partnership was spearheaded by the College of Business and Engineering, both Lee and Adekola stressed that the initiative is designed to benefit the entire university community. “No matter what you study these days, AI is part of your generation… AI is becoming a must know,” Adekola said. Lee reinforced that accessibility, noting that the resources extend beyond any students to apply AI tools in disciplinespecific contexts. “She wanted to incorporate that program into her courses so that she is able to teach AI and educational leadership to her doctoral students, which is now happening,” Lee said. Beyond academics, the partnership also enhances students’ professional visibility. Certifications earned through the program can be directly linked to platforms such as LinkedIn, allowing students to showcase their skills to potential employers. “Once they complete the certification, they can be automatically linked to your LinkedIn account,” Lee said. “You can actually showcase your skill set… without showing proof, it is hard… but now you are able to showcase your credentials.” University leaders believe these opportunities will play a key role in shaping students’ career outcomes over the next several years. “Our goal… was to become a leader in AI education in this region,” Lee said. “We are giving our students an opportunity to become excellent… expertise in AI related jobs… so that they will help them to land the job.” Looking ahead, Lee said the university hopes to see both improved employment outcomes and continued innovation in teaching methods. “I hope that in five years… many of our students will get a better job thanks to those experiences,” he said. “At the same time, we can innovate our curriculum… not only changing how we think, but also how we teach our students.” As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, Wilkes administrators stress the importance of adapting to new technologies rather than resisting them. “AI is not a threat,” Lee said. “AI will replace you if you are not innovating… but AI will strengthen what you do… and make everything… efficient.” To further introduce students and the campus community to these emerging opportunities, Wilkes will host the “AI Summit & Emerging Careers and Conference” on, April 10 from 12 to 2:30 p.m. at the Simms McHale Athletic Complex. The event will feature keynote speakers and discussions focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence across industries, as well as its impact on future career paths. The summit is expected to provide students with additional insight into how AI is shaping the workforce and how they can take advantage of the new resources available through the Google partnership. It also serves as an opportunity for students from all majors to engage with professionals and better understand how AI skills can be applied within their fields. With expanded access to AI tools, free professional certifications and new campus programming, the Google AI for Education Accelerator represents a significant step forward for Wilkes University. For students, faculty and staff alike, the initiative offers both immediate resources and long-term opportunities to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world. “Please take advantage of these great resources,” Lee said. �The Beacon - March 25, 2026 News Women's and Gender Studies Conference to be held By Thaelis Andujar and Leah Smith News assistant editor & Editor in chief Wilkes University will be holding a Women’s and Gender Studies Conference on March 31. The conference is in collaboration with King’s College. Women’s and Gender Studies is a minor program at Wilkes that critically analyzes gender. The program introduces students to the history of feminism and new ideas about how society should look at gender. The event will be held in the Henry Student Center, and will feature many speakers ranging from students, to professionals of the topic. Wilkes students like English major Sydney Ahrberg will be presenting at the conference. Ahberg is one of many students in a group with Dr. Amy Sopcak-Joseph, an associate professor on global cultures. Aherberg’s topic is titled, “The Politics of Disseminating Captivity Narratives in Colonial and Early America” and will examinine early American captivity narratives. Specifically, colonial America’s beliefs and how they influenced representations of Indigenous peoples and women. “I think that between myself and the other students presenting, we give a really thorough explanation of gender dynamics in colonial America for Indigenous, colonial, and enslaved women.” Ahberg said. Additionally, Ahberg noted what she wanted students to get most out of not only her presentation but the conference as a whole. “I hope people learn something new. I hope that attendees also come away from the conference thinking about how these historical discussions connect to our lives today.” Another student presenting will be Patrick Height who will be presenting the topic, “Pink-Collared Jobs: The History and its Effects”. This topic will be going into the old term, “pink collared jobs” that was popularized in the 1940s during WWII. Height will be navigating the jobs that were associated with women during this time period and how the term, “pink collar” was made to differentiate women and men in the workplace. More about the conference topics and presenters are on the Wilkes University website. On March 30, the day before the conference, there will also be a keynote address from Dr. Lucia McMahon, who will speak on the early American woman, and how there were limited opportunities for women to get educated. McMahon is a professor at William Pat t e r s o n University, in New Jersey. While her specialties lie in history, philosophy, and liberal studies, McMahon also studies women’s history and advocates for the recovery of “relatively ‘unknown’ women’s voices and experiences.” The conference will be an all day event, starting at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 8 p.m.. The event coincides with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, which will be paired with presentations about women’s affect on American history. The goal of the event is to empower women and encourage them to 4 continue to stay educated. For more information, contact Dr. Jennifer Thomas. �The Beacon - March 25, 2026 News Wilkes University awarded funding for nursing program 5 Enhancements to the nursing simulation labs at Wilkes will allow nursing students to be even more prepared before they enter the workforce full time. Mollie Kuhar Special to the Beacon Wilkes University recently received $500,000 in federal funding, part of the $1 million allocated to northeastern Pennsylvania by Sen. John Fetterman. The gift, when combined with a previous $750,000 in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding, paves the way for renovations to the Clinical Nursing Simulation Center in the Stark Learning Center. The move is expected to place the university at the forefront of nursing education innovation. More than 750,000 hospital errors occur annually, with approximately 10% proving fatal. This costs the United States more than $17 billion each year. Wilkes aims for the upgraded simulation center to offer immersive, cutting-edge and risk-free training environments. Here, future nurses can confidently learn, make mistakes and improve their skills, all while guaranteeing patient safety in practical situations. Wilkes' Passan School of Nursing offers an accelerated nursing program (ABSN), allowing students to earn a BSN in four years. The upcoming improvements promise to introduce state-of-the-art simulation spaces, advanced hospital equipment and a realistic home-care setting. A goal is to ensure that students are prepared to meet the continuously evolving challenges within modern healthcare with certainty and compassion. Some of the upgrades that students will be gaining access to include testing bays, manikins and hospital beds. These advancements from this investment give students a more accurate insight into patient care in the real world and to learn from mistakes without risking safety of the patient. Across the United States, a projected shortage of over 63,000 nurses nationally and 8,000 in Pennsylvania by 2030 (Health Resources and Services Administration) reinforces the urgent need for creative solutions. “Our students will really experience what nursing care is like," said Joyce Victor, associate professor of nursing at Wilkes. "They will learn what to do and what not to do. That gives us confidence that students will have the skills that they need and that patients need. “The bottom line is that we’re preparing to provide patients with really awesome nurses.” The $1.25 million total of RACP and federal funds in the Clinical Nursing Simulation Center will keep highly qualified nurses close to home. The majority of Wilkes University ABSN and BSN students stay in Pennsylvania after they graduate, according to a university news release. �The Beacon - March 25, 2026 News 6 Wilkes professors hold panel on war with Iran By Brooke Lare Staff Writer �� What topic would you like to hear Wilkes professors discuss? Email leah.smith1@ wilkes.edu �The Beacon - March 25, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 7 Life, Arts & Entertainment Have any events or artists to be shared? Contact Life, Arts & Entertainment Editor: Kailey.Vogel@wilkes.edu RHC hosts St. Patrick’s Day themed area party By Kaydia Wright LA&E Assistant Editor With the cold winter months being left in the wind, the Residence Hall Council decided to have some fun on St. Patrick’s Day. On March 17, the RHC hosted a campus wide Area Party from 6-8 p.m. The event featured food, games and even a surprise karaoke at the end of the night. With how much thought and effort went into this event, it took a lot of brainstorming by the RHC team. “My council and I really looked into what our residents were interested in doing,” said Amy Martinez, RHC president. “We really wanted to bring all of the areas together, whether they were from Towers or Evans.” She also explained how they chose the date. “We decided that St. Patrick’s Day would be a day where we could get everyone together and do a good theme for the Area Party.” The JPAC was covered in green decorations, and there was a door prize that attendees could only enter to win if they were wearing something green. “My favorite part of the night was the end of the night when someone asked to do karaoke,” Martinez mentioned. “In the beginning, there were students having fun, playing games, and some won prizes. But at the end of the night, we really got to know each other. “I personally got to know some new names and faces that I hope to be seeing in RHC or around campus.” However, there was also a lot of hype for the party the week before with RHC’s Spirit Week. “For Spirit Week, we wanted to get everyone involved since Spring Fling is coming up this Friday.,” Martinez said. “So we wanted to get some students involved, get to know RHC, and be able to come to the Area Party as we wanted a good turnout and Spirit Week was the best way to do it.” RHC will host more events this semester, with the next one being a Rita’s Ice Pop-Up on March 26 from 11 a.m. to 1pm at the SUB. To find more events follow RHC on Instagram @wilkes_rhc. �The Beacon - March 25, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment Fork Around and Find Out: The River Grille By Allison Lussi News Assistant Editor This week for Fork Around and Find Out, I went to the River Grille in WilkesBarre, a popular spot for the locals. The River Grille will occasionally have live music along with brunch on the weekends, and it is also known for its bar and signature cocktails. This week for the River Grille, I decided to go per my father’s request, as he doesn’t really go there a lot and I have actually never been. The parking lot is huge, and because it is also close to a McDonald’s, there is a little bit of traffic when pulling into it. The inside has a darker aesthetic with nice hanging light fixtures. The restaurant is very spacious with a relatively large bar area. The building is well lit and the staff was super nice. We started dinner by ordering our drinks, we all just stuck with water, which was brought to our table as soon as we sat down. We then looked through the menu, the menu isn’t super big. I appreciate that. Their menu has, in my opinion, a very good selection from what they have without overdoing it. We ordered the cheese curds for our appetizer. To my surprise, the cheese curds were very large in comparison to other cheese curds that I have had before. Cheese curds are basically just mini mozzarella sticks, with marinara sauce to dip. These cheese curds were a 9/10, absolutely amazing, I will be ordering these again. I then ordered the quinoa bowl with steak, located on the smaller plates part of the menu. I got my steak cooked mediumrare and when my bowl came out, it was so beautifully put together. The bowl had beans, guacamole, roasted corn and tomatoes and it was very good. I really enjoyed the bowl because it wasn’t super heavy and had a great blend of flavors between the guacamole and the actual steak that they put in the bowl. I would give the quinoa bowl an 8/10. We then wrapped dinner up, and got the check. Their prices are very fair for the amount of food you get. Overall, I was very happy with the experience at the River Grille. 8 Photo/Allison Lussi The quinoa bowl with steak was as delicious as it was visually pleasing. Art in context presentation to be held March 28 Thursday’s presentation by Dana Stirling is free and open to the public. A brief reception will follow. Join the Sordoni Art Gallery at 5 p.m. on March 26 at 5 pm for an Art in Context Artist lecture featuring Dana Stirling. A brief reception will follow with a free wine/beer bar. Stirling is a fine art photographer and the Co-Founder & Editor of Float Photo Magazine since 2014. She is currently based in Queens, New York. Stirling earned her MFA in photography, video, and related media from The School Of Visual Arts in 2016, following her earlier BA in Photographic Communications from Hadassah College Jerusalem. Dana Stirling’s work has been prominently featured in group exhibitions in the United States and internationally, including reputable venues such as Panopticon Gallery and Saatchi Gallery. Her photography has gained recognition in various publications, including Buzzfeed, Feature Shoot, Der Grief Magazine and others. �The Beacon - March 25, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 9 �The Beacon - March 25, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 10 Manuscript Society, Theatre Club host Princess Bride screening By Leah Smith Editor-in-Chief Wilkes students gathered at Kirby Hall on March 19 for the Manuscript Society and Theater Club’s screening of the late Rob Reiner’s classic film, The Princess Bride. Prior to the screening, members of the Manuscript Society gathered snacks, ice cream, drinks and pizza from Franco’s to provide beverages for the viewers of the screening. Before the film was shown, the Manuscript Society’s adviser, Dr. Mischelle Anthony, addressed the students. “Make sure to check out the open positions for the editing team for Manuscript which also include tuition scholarships.” said Anthony, who is also an associate professor of English, . After Anthony informed the attendees about the editing team opportunities, students relaxed and enjoyed the film, with some audience members shouting out the film’s iconic lines such as, “Inconceivable!” The Manuscript Society’s assistant editor and head planner of this event, Kylie Kilvitis, stated that this event would be the last event of the semester for the Manuscript Society before finals arrives. “We wanted to put this event together for people to just chill and kick back to a classic movie,” Kilvitis stated. Additionally, Kilvitis said that the event was planned a year prior where the Manuscript Society wanted to screen a film that was an adaptation of a book to fit with the club’s creative writing background. “It was a unanimous vote; it’s the best book to film adaptation if you ask me.” Kilvitis said. Although it wasn’t intended at the time of voting for the film screening, Kilvitis also gave a shoutout to the director of the film, the iconic Rob Reiner who died in December. Freshman biology major, Autumn Evancavich is a member of the Manuscript and although she wasn’t a part of the voting process, she is a huge fan of the film and was happy with the choice. “It’s just so iconic, and I have so many exams coming up. Having this chill time and meeting new people is such a great opportunity,” Evancavich said. Similar to Dr. Anthony’s message at the beginning of the event, Evancavich was happy the event had a great turnout and wants more people to consider joining the Manuscript and show up to future events. “The Manuscript is amazing and it’s so impressive that we got this event done.” Evancavich stated. Manuscript Society and Theater Club Princess Bride film screening poster. Top right image: A scene from “The Princess Bride” viewed in the Kirby Salon. Middle right: Liz Keller and Karah Cruise indulging in ice cream before the film begins. Bottom image: Dr. Mischelle Anthony addressing the attendees about open Manuscript positions. �The Beacon - March 25, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 11 The Mental Health Beacon Stop talking and really listen to the world around you By Gina Harrison Assistant professor Passan School of Nursing Communication is an essential part of human interaction. Exchanging information helps us to solve problems and build important relationships. It seems straightforward but communication can be difficult. Rules change depending on context, individual lived experience and body language. Being a good communicator is a skill that can be acquired. It takes practice and patience. There are important components of communication. These may differ based on schools of thought. For this article we will focus on five. The sender, the receiver, message, medium and feedback. The sender begins the communication process with information which can be a question, command or an idea for others to consider. The sender must ensure that they are using a form of communication that can be understood by the receiver. The receiver will then interpret the sender’s message. The message itself is the information, this can be supported with the use of body language, tone, and context. In our digital age, we now must also consider the medium. For example, text or messaging apps. Finally, to close the communication loop, there will be feedback. Feedback occurs once the message has been received and understood. We frequently picture communication occurring in face-to-face format; however, it goes well beyond that. Digital communication can lead to confusion due to personal interpretation of messages. For example, the text from your bestie comes through in all caps, you think they are: yelling at you, really it is excitement or an error. There is no way for you to view the context of the text thus you apply meaning to it. This can lead to miscommunication and frustration. Working to improve your communication skills begins with your messaging. Try to use clear and concise language when you are communicating with others. Including insignificant collateral information or flowery language may result in confusion or your receiver losing the purpose of communication. Additionally, you should make sure that your body language is in line with your message. For example, if you are conveying a positive message with a scowl on your face, your receiver may be confused by the mixed messages. As the receiver, if you are crossing your arms and looking anywhere but at the sender, you may be conveying disinterest. Arguably, the most essential skill you can develop for communication is listening. Listening can be difficult, particularly if the message elicits an emotional reaction. Make sure that you are actively listening and not just waiting for your turn to talk. Being a good listener allows us to understand the message through active engagement, compassion and maintaining a nonjudgmental attitude. If you are not sure what the message is or means, ask for clarification. Our personal experiences and background heavily influence how we interpret messages. We must make sure that we are not misinterpreting the message due to our experience. As a member of the campus community, you are building friendships and relationships that will last a lifetime. Your peers, faculty, staff and other campus community members build a network of support that can connect us together, help us build our lives and our careers. Communication is the key to making that possible. Make sure that you are out there and communicating with our campus community. �The Beacon - March 25, 2026 12 Hobbies, Laughs and a Whole Bingo cards students used for Bingo night. a Emm y , y c ma add Phar macy, M y l r er in Ey ing - Pha v a G r ke ht, o rig y, Ari Pic t t f e l ac From - Pharm . y k Aftu - Biolog r e Bak Students in action playing bingo. From left to right, Madison Wall - Political Science, Bonnie-Jade Kinsman - Psychology, Mira DiMassimoPsychology, Delaney Borek - Criminology, Cecilia Ruyak - Environmental Science. �The Beacon - March 25, 2026 13 Lot of Bingo in the JPAC! Crochet set prize won by Craig Conville. Overview of the students who attended bingo night. From left to right, Becca Earnst - Marketing, Abigail Malin - Psychology, Kota Brown - Psychology, Vanessa Coyle - Sports Management. Standin g up fron t with t he mic is Loga n Colon na. �The Beacon - March 25, 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. Who is the best live action Spider-Man actor? With the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s fourth Spider-Man installment, “SpiderMan: Brand New Day” coming out on July 31, an age-old debate has returned: Who is the best Spider-Man? This question has sparked up once again after the trailer released on March 18. Diehard fans of the webslinging hero believe that this film will be the most accurate to the comics of all of the Tom Holland Spider-Man films. This is because the trailer showed footage of Tom Holland finally portraying Peter Parker as he is in the comics: broke and alone. All of the Spider-Man actors have their pros and cons, because if we’re observing them all under the lens of comic accuracy, none of them really come close to how Peter Parker is like in the comics perfectly. Starting off with Tobey Maguire, his version of Peter Parker is quite perfect when it comes to how Stan Lee and Steve Ditko created Peter Parker back in the ‘60s. When he’s Peter, Maguire exudes the nerdy wallflower qualities that Parker should have. He’s a nerdy outcast which was always Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s intention so to have that be shown in the first big liveaction film of Spider-Man is quite a treat. His portrayal of Peter Parker may be exemplary, but as Spider-Man? There’s much to be desired. The biggest gripe with Tobey Maguire when he puts on the suit is that he’s still too nerdy even as Spider-Man. Not to say that Spider-Man isn’t corny or nerdy when he’s out fighting crime, there’s just not enough of the balance between goofy Spider-Man and a cool Spider-Man. There’s some decent fight scenes he has across his trilogy, but compared to how modern Spider-Man films pit him against his coterie of supervillains, it doesn’t come close. Now, onto Andrew Garfield’s SpiderMan. Right off the bat, his Peter Parker is not great. He’s not really an outcast because in his duology, he doesn’t get bullied by Flash Thompson and with the random skateboarding montage from his first “The Amazing Spider-Man” film, he gives off more as a punk bad boy than he does as a nerdy outcast. How’s his Spider-Man? People have said that his Spider-Man vastly outshines his Peter Parker and while this is true to a degree, his Spider-Man still isn’t that great. The greatest sin his Spider-Man commits is that he starts becoming Spider-Man out of vengeance for Uncle Ben rather than justice. Yes, Maguire does this to an extent in the first one, but he wasn’t Spider-Man yet. Garfield’s Spidey is much more sinister in the fact that this is his motivation to become Spider-Man. On top of that, whenever he jokes around during battle, it feels off-putting, especially since on screen, civilians are in peril while he’s joking around. Like, you’re a superhero, go do your job. Now, the last and current live action Spider-Man, Tom Holland. Tom Holland’s Peter Parker works quite well especially for the modern day. He feels less like a nerdy stereotype and has at least one friend to banter with. His Spider-Man is also good, especially since his fight scenes far exceed that of the previous two and he’s able to still crack jokes and be witty while also doing his job and saving people. However, the only really good villain Holland’s Spider-Man has had was the Vulture played by Michael Keaton. Mysterio was wasted in “Spider-Man: Far From Home” and of course, the returning villains from the previous films were fun to see again in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” but those aren’t really Tom Holland’s villains. Like said, there’s no perfect live-action Spider-Man, but each of them have qualities that any person can enjoy, which is the fun part about superhero adaptations. So, who do you think the best SpiderMan is? 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 - March 25, 2026 Opinion The Icebox presents: Studying abroad in Japan By “Freeze” Opinion Staff Writer If you have tuned into the most recent issues of the Icebox, you probably know that I have finally introduced my interests in the country of Japan. Here at Wilkes, I was able to take things a step further and visit the country for educational purposes. Today, I will talk to you about a study abroad opportunity offered at Wilkes that you do not want to miss out on. As an Honors student and recipient of the Stephen’s Scholarship, I was able to go on a fully-funded trip to Japan for three weeks in the summer of 2025. This was possible due to the wonderful professors at Wilkes University and the program director from Tamagawa University in Tokyo, Japan. The program director, Tetsu Nakamura, works very hard to welcome international students to the Tamagawa campus every year. He created the “Study at Tamagawa” which is open to a maximum of 15 students from Evergreen State College, Drexel University and our very own Wilkes University. Tetsu-sensei’s program has been running since 2024. The program focus, as of today, is “Current Issues in Japan.” Students attend lectures everyday about concerns in Japan regarding the economy, culture, arts, education, opportunities, preservation, technology and international relations. Each lecture is conducted by a new professor, according to their specialty, which means a student has the chance to meet many Japanese professors. There is also a class that introduces the Japanese language. The program also invites a dozen Japanese students from Tamagawa University, which is the host location to the program. These students are usually involved in cultural studies or international programs, but anyone from any major is welcome to attend. The Japanese students are very friendly and responsible for showing the international students around Tokyo. Finally, the program includes field trips to Hakone and Asakusa, where students can experience Japanese culture and history and learn directly from very reputable guest speakers. At the end of every lecture day there is plenty of time for students to make their own plans and go on excursions. If you require more information, you can visit the official website for the international program at Tamagawa University. There, you will find information about the program and the application. You will also see videos of the previous years and special interviews of me and my friends. If you need information about scholarships and funding from Wilkes, you can contact Dr. Andreea Maierean from Wilkes. My own experience in Japan is simply indescribable. There are no words that can truly capture how extraordinary it was for me. For perspective, I have traveled to a dozen countries and none of them even come close to my experience studying in Japan. I highly recommend studying abroad as your approach to visiting a country for the first time. Living like a native is much more authentic than falling into tourist traps. I could talk about my experience for hours, or pages, but I want to highlight the true value that this program offered me and contrast it to regular tourism. The key factor about this program is authenticity. Everything that I was able to accomplish with Tamagawa University enabled me to see a part of Japan left invisible to tourists. A lot of people idolize Japan without acknowledging its many faults. While the country is generally in a better place than the United States, there are still many problems and consequences of being a Japanese citizen. These are the kinds of issues I learned from professors at Tamagawa University, even outside of lecture hours. My Japanese classmates also provided insight on what life is like as a young adult in the grand city of Tokyo. To be more specific, Japanese people are very hard-working and tend to treat even the most mundane tasks with a sense of artistry. However, it is that expectation of them which became the driving force for the development of Japan as a country. As a result, it is basically the default option to be working all day everyday. This is the reason many Japanese people choose not to get married or have children, and that a lot of them commit themselves entirely to work. The younger generation, however, is against this culture and wants to diversify the workforce more. Rather than salaryman after salaryman, the youth in Japan want to present more independent opportunities that are common here in the United States. This was yet another theme that I learned about while studying in Tokyo. The final project of the program was to work in groups and discuss how to develop the country and address the issues in Japan. Aside from the nuances in Japan, I was able to truly grasp the culture and learn more about the city which I only previously admired from afar. Tokyo is spectacular. Technology is used very effectively, and the people have all kinds of character. Each night, I took it upon myself to visit a different part of Tokyo, even if my classmates were too tired. When you’re traveling, there is no such thing as being too tired. The friends I made during this trip have become lifelong buddies of mine, both from the American universities and from Tamagawa University. Our friendship was so great that many of the students went out of their way to be welcoming. For example, I was able to go to Tokyo 15 Disney Sea with a few of my Japanese friends. We also frequently ate dinner together and went out for karaoke. Recently, two of my Japanese friends visited New York City. As a way to return the favor, I made my way over there to show them around. I also drove them to Philadelphia so we could reunite with our buddies from Drexel. Spending time with friends in Tokyo is one of the best things you can do. If you are traveling there, I recommend having someone tag along or making friends in Japan beforehand if possible. However, even the experience on your own is amazing in its own way. There are many sights to see, many things to buy and lots of different foods to try. Food is probably the number one reason to go anywhere. I spent a few hours each day on my own, walking around the city or visiting sites that didn’t fit in the program schedule. I even attended BeatCity Japan 2025, which is a Japanese national beatboxing competition and a qualifier for the Grand Beatbox Battle. It was during this event that I met Japanese people with the same niche hobby. We ended up having a fun time despite the language barrier. The citizens of Japan are simultaneously the kindest and most critical people you will ever meet. When traveling, the skills of crosscultural conversation and reading the room are very important. In Japan, these skills are required at an extreme level. If you are interested in going to Japan to have an experience like mine, or possibly better, then I highly recommend studying abroad at Tamagawa University. Special thanks to Tetsu Nakamura, director of International Studies at Tamagawa University, and all of the staff who were very welcoming and accommodating. �The Beacon - March 25, 2026 Opinion 16 What to know about Lobo ahead of “Supergirl” film By Leah Smith Editor-in-Chief �� ¡�� ¢�� £� � �� ¤� �� £� Image from DC Comics Next Level press release. Artwork by Jorge Corona. �The Beacon - March 25, 2026 Opinion 17 The reason why Magical Girl cartoons rule By Aster Rowland Opinion staff writer Magical Girls. You can’t beat them, and unfortunately, you can’t join them. That’s why they live on TV though, to inspire younger girls and give older girls something to aspire to cosplay (at least in my case). What sucks is that there seems to be a need for a champion, but why? If you’ve ever seen Winx Club, W.I.T.C.H, Sailor Moon, Madoka, either version of SheRa or my fave Miraculous Ladybug, please keep reading. First off, no one would win. In their given universe, they are the most powerful forces of nature. Some teams are literally themed around the four elements, or abstract but powerful concepts. Take Miraculous Ladybug for example, Ladybug and Cat Noir are powered by the gods of Creation and Destruction respectively. Another example are the Winx; Bloom’s powers stem from the Dragon Flame, which quite literally created the Magic Dimension (think the Big Bang, but with a dragon) not to mention she and the rest of the Winx are the guardian fairies of their respective planets. In She-Ra, the princesses are all connected to crystals that power the planet. The whole thing would come to a stalemate, assuming they even fought in the first place. These shows also feature relatable characters such as Usagi Tsukino, the real name of the pretty guardian herself, Sailor Moon. I mean, who doesn’t relate to a girl simply trying to get through school who isn’t afraid to show her love for her friends, for boys and for candy. Think about it: How did you learn about girl code, the ‘magic’ of friendship, the idea that you are redeemable no matter how far you strayed? You picked it up from these shows! These girls typically only fight other girls if they’re actively doing harm to the people and communities around them, and even that’s after trying to reason with them initially. In the Ben 10 series, there is a character named Charmcaster and she’s typically an antagonist. There are moments where she works with the main characters, and without fail, Gwen Tennyson (the magical girl protagonist) always tries to convince her to switch sides, and get help for her evident mental health struggles. It’s a sad but sweet lesson about how you can’t help someone if they refuse, but you do what you can in the good moments. In She-Ra, it takes 5 whole seasons for Catra to see sense about the Horde, but every time she and Adora interact, she has hope (that admittedly falters sometimes) that Catra is a good person deep down. She literally ends up being a key piece in the defeat of Horde Prime. My final point, albeit a silly one, is the inevitable redhead convention. Almost every team has a redhead, and they’re also usually the most powerful? Different story, different day. But off the top of my head, Will Vandem (W.I.T.C.H), Bloom (Winx Club), Gwen Tennyson (Ben 10), Erza Scarlet (Fairy Tail. That last one’s a bit of a stretch, but I digress. Redheads are like 2-3% of the population, I think they would all just kiki (colloquial term for party) and complain about how dumb the boys in their lives are. To conclude, in reference to all magical girls in the multiverse, each individual is too smart and too much of a girls girl to start/get into a fight with each other. In my head, they did the Across The Spiderverse thing where there’s a multiversal HQ, and they do team ups. Okay, I’ve said ‘magical girl’ more times than I can count, I hope you had fun reading. Got an opinion you want to share? Email shawn.carey1@wilkes.edu �The Beacon - March 25, 2026 Opinion 18 A re-review of: Sabrina Carpenter's "Man's Best Friend" By Natalia Williams Staff writer Back in November, I reviewed Sabrina Carpenter’s album,"Man's Best Friend” when it was first released. After a few months of listening and gaining more favorites, I realized that the review I initially gave was absolutely insane. A lot of the takes on that review is just simply wrong and I will admit, I completely underrated that album as a whole. With fresh new ears, here is my track-by-track re-review of Sabrina Carpenter's "Man's Best Friend” album. 1. “Manchild” Old Ranking: 8/10 New Ranking: 10/10 This song grew on me so much. Much like the other songs on this album, it is just so much fun. In my past review, I said it sounded like the production of “Short n’ Sweet” and I don’t know what I was talking about to be completely honest. Yes, it sounds like a typical Sabrina type of style and production, but it is different from the prior record. The bridge is definitely my favorite song and it's the part that gets me the most hype. Overall, this song is definitely such a good album opener and deserves its 10/10. 2. “Tears” Old Ranking: 5/10 New Ranking: 9/10 Seeing that I gave this song a five is absolutely diabolical. Like mentioned in the first review, it is definitely disco vibes and I love it. I also said the lyrics don’t make sense and once again…I do not know what I was talking about. The writing is a typical theme for Sabrina and I genuinely do not know what was going through my head when I first heard this song. I am so glad I am doing this re-review because this song deserves its flowers. 3. “My Man on Willpower” Old Ranking: 10/10 New Ranking: 15/10 I may be dramatic with the new ranking but this song is just perfect. I did love it at first, thank goodness because this one is just too good. Like mentioned in the first review, the melody is definitely my favorite aspect of this song and the bridge is just so relatable. This one is so much fun and probably Top 3 for me on the album. This song is probably so fun and I hope she tours this album because I will be healed when I hear this song in concert. This one is another one where I was confused lyrically but much like track 2… what was I even talking about. Overall, it’s a fire track. I love her. 4. “Sugar Talking” Old Ranking: 7/10 New Ranking: 7/10 When listening to the album in full this is one I do skip frequently only because it's just not repeatable for me. It's a really good song, however I just need to be in a certain mood for it. Her vocals in this one, much like the other tracks, are really good which I do enjoy. I really don't have any crazy thoughts on this one, like in the first review, this one is just a track I don't replay or gravitate towards really. 5. “We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night” Old Ranking: 10/10 New Ranking: 20/10 Now this one 100% deserves the dramatic ranking. I remember when I first listened to this track I repeated it like five times and then it was the only song I was constantly listening to for like a month straight. The melody? Beautiful. The vocals? Astonishing. The bridge? Amazing. This is probably my favorite Sabrina Carpenter song of all time and probably in my Top 30 favorite songs of all time. For me, it is the best song on the album and I will never ever get tired of it. Overall, a fire track. 6. “Nobody’s Son” Old Ranking: 5/10 New Ranking: 10/10 A five out of 10 is wild…but I digress. I mentioned in the first review that this song wouldn’t be replayed…just loud and wrong. This track is one of the most replayed on the album. I can relate to the writing so much and that is what also makes it a favorite. This one is so much fun, especially the bridge. I bust a move every time this song is played and I am so happy that I can finally give it the rating it deserves. 7. “Never Getting Laid” Old Ranking: 8/10 New Ranking: 10/10 This one took a little longer to grow on me, but I'm so glad it did. The chorus is 100% my favorite part of the song and the vocals are amazing. When I listen to this album in full I always repeat this song at least five times. The melody is so catchy and this one always gets stuck in my head. I am glad I had positive thoughts about this one the first time because if I didn't it would've made me really mad. 8. “When Did You Get Hot” Old Ranking: 4/10 New Ranking: 6/10 Okay nothing really changed with this one either. I actually do not listen to this song at all and I always skip it when it comes on. It's not a bad song at all, it's just one that I don't vibe with. I mentioned that the lyrically we were getting weaker which is just wrong because although this album might not contain the greatest song writing in history, it's not bad at all. Overall, nothing much with this one, just not one I listen to. 9. “Go Go Juice” Old Ranking: 6/10 New Ranking: 10/10 I cannot believe I gave this song a six. She knew what was doing with this song and during a night out this song is so fun, like so fun. Saying that is an “okay song” in the old review is making me question my ear five months ago. I love this song so much and I am so happy it grew on me. 10. “Don't Worry I’ll Make You Worry” Old Ranking: 5/10 New Ranking: 7/10 Nothing new with this one either. A five is crazy cause it is such a good song this is just one I don't listen to often or at all. Another vocally amazing song and I love the writing to this one. The melody is still my favorite part and I can definitely see this one growing on me if I took the time to listen to it often. 11: “House Tour”: Original Ranking: 7/10 New Ranking: 10/10 Another diabolical original rating. This one is another one that I am obsessed with. I love the 80s pop sound even more and the addition of the kick really solidifies the era she was trying to emulate because every song had a strong kick, and I mean every song. It lowkey sounds like a Janet Jackson production and I am obsessed with it. I love the underlying meaning of the song only because it took me so long to understand what it meant. 12. “Goodbye” Original Ranking: 7/10 New Ranking: 10/10 In my original review, I said that this was a bad album closer and that was just a crazy take. This one fits as an album closer because I feel like it closes the story she was trying to tell in this album. This song was so relatable and an anthem for me for about three months and I replayed it for weeks and it just made me feel so much. At the end of the day, my original review was just so wrong and I am so glad I have a better ear now cause dare I say this is one of her strongest albums. The vibes are so fun and I remember mentioning it sounding like “Short n’ Sweet” and I take that back. I love the old school sound of the production and I think she executed it so well and modernized it amazingly. In my original ranking, which I take back…kinda. Some of the songs are vastly different from each other but they still fit one sound theme. tIn the first review, I gave it a solid 7/10 but that is now changing to 9/10. This is not a 10 just because there are skips, but other than that it is a great piece of work. �The Beacon - March 25, 2026 Sports Sports 19 Want your sport covered? Deserve to be Athlete of the Week? Contact the Asst. Sports Editor: jake.mills@wilkes.edu Women’s Hockey suffers overtime loss in NCAA Quarterfinals By Andrew Marshallsay Managing Editor The Wilkes women’s hockey team suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament this past Saturday against Nazareth. Despite a strong showing in goal by current athlete of the week Audrey Milne, the Colonels bowed out of the tournament, falling 2-1 against the Golden Flyers. A scoreless first period saw Wilkes and Nazareth trade scoring opportunities. In the first 10 minutes or so, scoring opportunities were hard to come by until the two sides figured each other out. Milne and Nazareth goaltender Mia Gonsalves combined for 15 saves in the first period. Late on in the second period, the Colonels broke through at 16:33. Megan Bell with a tremendous effort in front of her own goal poked the puck away and raced up ice. She found Gianna Pacilio on a two-onone, who then fired it home to make it 1-0. Nazareth answered back at 6:30 into the third period while shorthanded. Meredith Boettcher rifled it home past Milne on the penalty kill to knot things up at a goal apiece. The rest of the third period was as tight as it could possibly be. Both sides had the chance for the winner, with Nazareth almost scoring the game winner with just about six seconds left in regulation. Ave Meteyer had the net wide open but fired it against the post, with the puck ending up in front of Milne, who covered it up. To begin the overtime period, Wilkes’ penalty kill unit showed up largely as they denied Nazareth a power play goal. However at 4:33 into overtime, the Golden Flyers found the game winner. Logan Marchese picked up the puck after a Colonels turnover in neutral territory, and took it all the way to the net herself. Marchese then shot it between the legs of Milne, who got most of it, but almost like a slow motion video, the puck trickled across the goal line. Wilkes completed their best season in program history with a record of 25-21, recording just two losses all year. The Colonels went 20-1-0 in conference play, featuring historic seasons from Haylee Bouchard and Nina Hudakova. Bouchard was named the MAC player of the year and is a finalist for the Laura Hurd Award, which is given to the nation’s best player in Division III women’s hockey. Head coach Dave LaBaff was named the MAC coach of the year, and is a finalist for the CCM/ ACHA DIII coach of the year. Hudakova was named to the All-MAC first team alongside defenseman Hannah Franz. Milne was named to the second team, while Tilly Wierdsma was named an honorable mention. USA falls to Venezuela in thrilling World Baseball Classic By Jake Mills Asst. Sports Editor Eugenio Suarez was the hero as his RBI double in the ninth inning brought home Venezuela’s first ever World Baseball Classic title, as they defeated the heavily-favored United States. Venezuela joins Team USA, the Dominican Republic and Japan as the fourth winner of a WBC title in the tournament’s history. The score was 2-0 through eight innings as Venezuela’s scoring runs came from Maikel Garcia in the third, and a Wilyer Abreu home run in the fifth. In the bottom of the eighth and with the tying run at the plate, the United States’ fate was in the hands of Bryce Harper, who delivered a massive home run to deep center field to tie things up at two. However, Venezuela was unfazed. Suarez came to the plate with the goahead runner on second, and hit a double to center-field off a changeup from Garrett Whitlock changeup, giving Arepa Power the lead in the ninth. With one more shot to tie or take the lead, Daniel Palencia sent the USA home with silver after striking out two and forcing a pop-out. Eduardo Rodriguez got the start for Venezuela and pitched a little over four innings, allowing no runs and just a single hit. Nolan McLean started on the mound for the United States, pitching in four innings, while allowing four hits and two runs. Venezuela's performance on the mound was the key factor in their victory against a stacked lineup that included stars such as Harper, Aaron Judge, and Kyle Schwarber just to name a few. Team USA did not have a runner in scoring position all game, which contributed to their offensive collapse against a team many thought they would easily handle. Venezuela had to overcome some adversity to get to this point after losing to the Dominican Republic in pool play and a comeback win over Japan For now, Venezuelan players will hold onto the WBC title until the next edition of the tournament rolls around in 2029. �The Beacon - March 25, 2026 Sports 20 NFL free agency: Winners and losers abound By Vin Santoro Sports Writer NFL free agency is still rolling, but there’s already been some massive moves and big-time storylines across the league. One of the wildest moments this offseason so far came when a blockbuster trade involving star edge rusher Maxx Crosby fell apart. Crosby was reportedly heading to Baltimore, but after failing his physical, the deal was voided and he returned to the Las Vegas Raiders. It’s rare to see a deal collapse like that, and it immediately became one of the biggest headlines of free agency. Starting in the NFC West, teams were aggressive early. The Los Angeles Rams made a splash by trading for Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks took a hit, losing several key players, including Kenneth Walker, Tariq Woolen, Boye Mafe and Coby Bryant. They did bring back Shaheed and added Emanuel Wilson, but overall, Seattle lost more than they gained. The Arizona Cardinals made a shocking move by releasing Kyler Murray, while the San Francisco 49ers loaded up offensively, adding both Mike Evans and Christian Kirk. In the NFC North, there were plenty of changes as well. The Green Bay Packers lost Romeo Doubs and Malik Willis but added Skyy Moore. The Detroit Lions made moves to improve their offense, bringing in Isiah Pacheco to pair with Jahmyr Gibbs while also signing Tyler Conklin. The Chicago Bears reshaped their roster, losing Tremaine Edmunds and Kevin Byard but added Bryant and traded DJ Moore to Buffalo. The Minnesota Vikings now have Kyler Murray at quarterback after just one year of J.J. McCarthy, setting up a potential quarterback competition. Over in the NFC South, the Carolina Panthers were big spenders, signing Jaelen Phillips to a massive four-year, $120 million deal and adding Devin Lloyd. The Atlanta Falcons brought in Tua Tagovailoa and franchise-tagged Kyle Pitts while also hiring Kevin Stefanski as head coach. The New Orleans Saints added Travis Etienne and Noah Fant to boost their offense. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on the other hand, lost major talent, including Evans and Jamel Dean, though they did bring in Alex Anzalone. The NFC East has been very active, especially when it comes to the New York Giants. They hired John Harbaugh and brought in several former Ravens, including Isaiah Likely and Pat Ricard. The Dallas Cowboys tagged George Pickens, re-signed Javonte Williams and traded for Rashan Gary. The Philadelphia Eagles stayed relatively quiet, adding Tariq Woolen and keeping Dallas Goedert. Washington focused on defense, signing Leo Chenal and Odafe Oweh. Switching to the AFC, the AFC West saw major moves. The Raiders made a huge investment in their offensive line, signing Tyler Linderbaum to a threeyear, $81 million deal. The Chiefs added Walker from Seattle, but traded away McDuffie. The Denver Broncos made a late splash by acquiring Jaylen Waddle, while the Los Angeles Chargers stayed active, re-signing Khalil Mack and adding multiple offensive pieces. In the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens pivoted after missing out on Crosby and signed Trey Hendrickson instead. The Cincinnati Bengals strengthened their defensive line with Jonathan Allen and Boye Mafe. The Pittsburgh Steelers made several moves, including signing Rico Dowdle 'Blue 42!' by Geoffrey Fairchild and Jamel Dean while trading for Michael Pittman Jr. The Cleveland Browns focused on rebuilding their offensive line, adding Elgton Jenkins and Quincy Williams defensively. The AFC East had plenty of movement as well. The Buffalo Bills made headlines by adding DJ Moore and Bradley Chubb. The New York Jets were aggressive, trading for Minkah Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith while also adding Demario Davis. The Miami Dolphins went through a major reset, moving on from Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Waddle. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots added Alijah Vera-Tucker and brought in Doubs. Finally, in the AFC South, the Tennessee Titans made major coaching and roster changes, bringing in Brian Daboll and Robert Saleh while adding multiple former Giants and Jets players. The Houston Texans focused on protecting C.J. Stroud, adding Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith. The Indianapolis Colts brought back Daniel Jones and re-signed Alec Pierce, while the Jacksonville Jaguars stayed relatively quiet but lost Devin Lloyd. There are still plenty of big-name free agents available, including Stefon Diggs, Aaron Rodgers, Joey Bosa, and Bobby Wagner, so this offseason is far from over. With the draft coming up in less than a month in Pittsburgh, it’ll be interesting to see what teams get up to between now and then. �The Beacon - March 25, 2026 Sports This past week in Wilkes sports: March 18-22 By Andrew Marshallsay, Topher DellaBella Managing Editor, Staff Writer It was another action packed week of sporting events for Wilkes athletics last week. Some teams began conference play, while a certain group competed in the NCAA tournament. Here’s the latest scores from last week in Wilkes sports. March 18: Women’s Lacrosse vs SUNY Poly, 11-9 W Men’s Lacrosse vs. Alvernia, 8-13 L Men’s Volleyball vs. Drew, 2-3 L March 19: Baseball vs. Lycoming, 2-0 W March 21: Men’s Lacrosse vs. Juniata (senior day), 26-6 W Baseball vs. Moravian, 12-4 W Baseball vs. Moravian (DH), 9-8 W Women’s Lacrosse at Juniata, 6-19 L Men’s Tennis vs. Catholic, 1-6 L Softball at Moravian, 1-3 L Softball at Moravian, 2-0 W Men’s Volleyball at S. Virginia, 0-3 L Women’s Hockey at Nazareth (NCAA Quarterfinals), 1-2 OTL Women’s Tennis vs. Catholic, 2-5 L March 22: Baseball vs. Moravian, 5-4 W (10 innings) Upcoming this week: March 23: Baseball vs. Arcadia, 4 p.m. March 24: Softball vs. PSU Harrisburg, 4 p.m. Softball vs. PSU Harrisburg , 6 p.m. MVB vs. PSU Schuylkill, 7 p.m. March 25: Women’s Tennis at Scranton, 3:30 p.m. Men’s Lacrosse vs. Susquehanna, 4 p.m. Women’s Lacrosse at Susquehanna, 5 p.m. Baseball at Scranton, 5 p.m. March 27: MVB at Elizabethtown, 7 p.m March 28: 21 Women’s Golf at Marywood, 11:30 a.m. Baseball vs. Drew, 12 p.m. Women’s Lacrosse vs. Catholic, 1 p.m. Men’s Lacrosse at Catholic, 1 p.m. Softball at Drew, 1 p.m. Men’s Golf vs. King’s, 1 p.m. Men’s Tennis vs. Elizabethtown, 1 p.m. Men’s Volleyball at Juniata, 2 p.m. Softball at Drew, 3 p.m. Baseball vs. Drew, 3 p.m. March 29: Baseball Vs Drew, 12 p.m. Note: contest dates/times subject to change. For more info, visist www. gowilkesu.com �The Beacon - March 25, 2026 Sports 22 2026 Formula One season well underway By Brendan Williams Sports Writer History was made in China last week, as the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix produced the second-youngest grand prix winner in Formula One (F1) history. Kimi Antonelli, the Italian international racing for Mercedes, won the race at 19 years and 203 days, second only to current Red Bull frontman Max Verstappen–who won the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix at just 18 years and 228 days. After finishing in second place last season in the Constructor’s Cup last season , Mercedes has had a hot start to the new season with one-two finishes in the first pair of races this season. Antonelli did become the youngest F1 driver in history to take Grand Prix pole position in Qualifying, meaning he would be the first car in the lineup. Ferrari had a largely disappointing 2025 Constructor's Cup. After legendary English driver Lewis Hamilton left Mercedes for Ferrari at the start of 2025, many fans believed Ferrari would at last be front runners for the cup. What followed however, was a shocking mix of strategic and technical errors that left Ferrari in fourth place without a single grand prix win. Starting in Melbourne, the Italian team finished third and fourth, with Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc earning his first podium finish since Oct 26, 2025 by finishing third. Ferrari currently sit 31 points behind Mercedes who lead the constructors standings with 98 points. Newcomers Cadillac have yet to hit the ground running with Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas forced to retire at the Australian Grand Prix, later finishing 13th in Shanghai. Mexican driver Sergio “Checho” Pérez finished 16th and 15th in the first two races in Melbourne and Shanghai. The 2026 Chinese Grand Prix was also surrounded by controversy, with seven drivers retiring, with four cars not even starting. Last year’s Constructor Cup winners, McLaren are also having a disappointing title defense this year with Australian driver Oscar Piastri crashing out before his home grand prix, as well as having both cars out for the start of the Chinese Grand Prix. Defending world champion Lando Norris finished fifth place in the Australian Grand Prix, but both he and Piastri were disqualified before the Chinese Grand Prix due to separate electrical issues with their cars' power units. F1 rolled out new rule changes this year, a significant contributor to the controversy at the start of the 2026 season. The standard MGU-H engine was removed and the electrical component power was tripled to 350 kilowatts, making the power split roughly 50% combustion and 50% electric. This new change affects how the car drives with Verstappen even comparing the new season to “Formula E on steroids.” This comes from the fact the new electric batteries require drivers to carefully manage battery energy lest they “clip,” or suffer power loss on long straights. Overall, the start to 2026 has been a hot one. With surprises galore thus far, the rest of the season appears set to be an exciting affair throughout. �The Beacon - March 25 , 2026 Sports 23 ATHLETES OF THE WEEK Audrey Milne Goaltender, Women's Hockey Milne recorded shutouts in the MAC semi-final and final. She made a combined 67 saves in the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament. 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. Who is your role model? My role model is definitely my grandpa, as he has inspired me to become the player and person I am today. Any specific goals for the remainder of the season or any that you hit this season already? As a team, we obviously want to win the MAC, and go as far as we can in the NCAA tournament. Anthony DiFrancesco Attackman, Men's Lacrosse DiFrancesco scored a combined 21 goals in his last three games. The first-year has 37 points in 2026. What do you think has been the biggest factor in your success on the field this past week? I think the biggest factor has been the work our team has been putting in during practice and the way we have been playing together. My teammates have been putting me in great positions to score, and I’ve been focused on finishing the chances that come my way. How does it feel to share the single-game goal program record? It’s an amazing feeling and honestly something I didn’t expect going into the game. It means a lot to be part of the program’s history, but I also see it as a reflection of the team effort because I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my teammates creating opportunities. What are your goals moving forward? My main goal is just to help the team get a win. Whether that’s scoring, assisting, or doing the little things to help the team. �The Beacon - March 25, 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 This is Wilkes University's Beacon Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the Beacon's predecessors, The Bucknell Bison Stampede, 1934-1935 and The Bucknell Beacon, 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>. Missing Issues: 1947 August 8th 1947 September 5th 1947 October 3rd 1947 October 17th 1947 October 31st 1947 November 21st 1947 December 19th 1948 September 9th 1950 April 28th 1953 April 10th 1962 February 2nd 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 March 26 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 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/b8d201bdffb22ada74515379db36c50d.pdf 3d7496f442e3c5d90dfd35661b35dbad PDF Text Text The Beacon - April 15, 2026 THE BEACON Est. 1936 Wilkes University - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Pa. Newspaper Association Member Volume 78, Issue 20 1 “The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow.” Oil and gas prices climb as conflict continues Photo/Andrew Marshallsay Home heating oil, as well as gas and diesel prices in NEPA have skyrocketed since early March. In Wilkes-Barre, gas and diesel are hovering around $4 to $6 dollars. See page 3 for full story. Under the Baobob Tree: Preview page 4 Food Review Finale: The Anthracite Cafe page 11 Editorial: Are breaks really breaks? page 14 Sports: Spring season checkin page 19 �The Beacon - April 15, 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: April 8 By Alli Lussi News Assistant Editor Student Government met on April 8 to discuss both internal and external business. The meeting started with the treasurer’s report at $24,952.99. The meeting then went into the first presentation coming from SAE Baja Racing Club. The club came in for week two of two, to propose a re-recognition from Student Government for future funding. The club explained that the activities within the club are unique and would draw a lot of attention to the school. The board quickly approved the proposal and the club will now be a Student Government recognized club. PPHS presented next for week two for a fund request for BLS (basic life support) materials, so the program can provide BLS training for a discounted price. The board voted, and chose to allocate a full allocation of $2,426.44 to PPHS. Table Tennis club came in for week one of two for a proposal for recognition from Student Government. The presentation was brief, hitting on points that the club can be a potential intramural as well as a fun club for new friendships. The board loved the initial presentation, and will decide next week if the club will be Student Government recognized. A Student Government constitution change was also proposed, adding that general board members will be required to complete 20 hours of volunteer work for events. The board had a brief discussion and will consider the change. A decision will be made next week. The final budget request presentation was also discussed. Michael Santini, executive treasurer explained that the overall budget was cut $26,000 from last year’s budget. Clubs, including the MEGA council, will be receiving funding from this budget. The board approved the budget request. The general board then finalized nominations for executive board voting, and then voted for each member who will take the positions. Sabrina Lateef will be executive vice president. Aiden Morgan will be executive treasurer. Alton Smargiassi will be executive recording Ssecretary. Saraiya Zaheer will be corresponding secretary. John Tondora, elected student body president, has chosen Ian Kunec for parliamentarian and Griffin Viola for sergeant at arms. The board then nominated staff and faculty of the Year, as well as sent out the forms for the student body to vote. The meeting was then adjourned and Student Government will meet again on April 15. Beacon Briefs: Upcoming campus events South Asian Society to celebrate Holi Join the South Asian Society from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 17 in the Fenner Quad to celebrate Holi, the festival of colors. Wear clothes that can get messy from the color powder. Contact bisma.chaudhry@wilkes.edu with questions. *** Crystal, rock and mineral sale The GeoExplorers Club is holding a crystal, rock, and mineral sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, on the first floor of the SUB. *** Sigma Tau Delta collecting books Sigma Tau Delta is collecting new and gently used children's books and chapter books to support United Way's Annual Book Drive. Drop boxes will be located at Farley Library, Kirby Hall, and the SUB info desk. Donations will be collected from April 13 through 23 at 5 p.m. Contact madelyn.rex@wilkes.edu with any questions. *** University assisting with United Way annual book drive The Office of Civic Engagement and the University Staff Advisory Committee are partnering to assist the United Way of the Wyoming Valley for the 11th Annual Children’s Book Drive. Members of the Wilkes University community are asked to donate new or gently used children’s board, picture, or chapter books. Collection boxes have been placed in the following locations on campus: Henry Student Center, Starbucks, Stark Learning Center Lobby (near the POD). On campus donations will be taken until Thursday, April 23. Contact Jeanne Rabel (jeanne.rabel@ wilkes.edu) or Catie Becker (catherine. becker@wilkes.edu) with questions. *** Pain and addiction summit slated The Pain & Addiction Summit will be held in the Stark Learning Center on Friday, April 24. The full schedule of programming can be found at www.wilkes. edu/addiction. Faculty, staff & students are welcome to attend at no charge. Please call the Center for Continued Learning at ext. 4460 to participate *** Lavender celebration to be held This year’s Lavender Celebration will be held at 3 p.m. in the Miller Room. The celebration recognizes graduating LGBTQ+ students. Each participant will receive a lavender honor cord and certificate. To register for the event, check out Today @ Wilkes. This event is sponsored by the Wilkes University Gender and Sexuality Alliance and the Office of Diversity Initiatives. Please contact Dr. Helen Davis with questions. Table of Contents News..................2 Life, A&E............7 Opinion............14 Sports................19 Commencement 2026 Wilkes University's 79th annual spring commencement will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026. Commencement celebrates the university's Spring 2026 graduates as well as Summer 2025 and Winter 2025 graduates. Ceremonies will be held at the McHale Athletic Center (MAC) in the Simms Center at 169 South Main St. The graduate student ceremony begins at 10 a.m., doors open 9 a.m. The bachelor's degree ceremony begins at 3 p.m., doors open 2 p.m. The MAC will close between ceremonies for cleaning and preparation. Want your event featured in the calendar? Email: kalen.churcher@wilkes.edu �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 News 3 Conflict in Middle East equals higher oil prices in NEPA By Andrew Marshallsay Managing Editor On Feb. 28, the United States and Israel launched a joint-military operation in the Middle East, primarily. One result of the activities has been an increase in oil prices, leading heating oil and gasoline prices to skyrocket. February marked the second time in under a year that the two nations have joined forces to launch strikes in the region. In June 2025, Israel launched their surprise attack on Iranian nuclear depots and manufacturing plants, aiming to dismantle the country’s nuclear weapons effort, with the conflict lasting 12 days. Iran has seized control of the Strait of Hormuz, and foreign oil tankers in the strait have been fired upon, resulting in The situation in the strait as well as the Persian Gulf has escalated to the point where tankers are stuck and in some cases, surrounded by sea mines that have been placed in the water by the Iranian navy. Wilkes University professor of global economics Dr. Mona Pearl explained that a large reason for oil prices increasing is panic on the market. Dr. Pearl explained that people ‘get panicky.’ As the conflict goes on, the people who were invested in long-term oil markets take their money out. She went on to explain that as the United States releases more barrels from the strategic reserves and the market stabilizes, prices will track down eventually. Closer to home, NEPA has been no stranger to the rising costs of fuel around the country. Many first think of gasoline and diesel when they think of rising oil prices, however another largely used fuel in the area is heating oil. In Pennsylvania, heating oil is a fairly common source of fuel for households in the commonwealth. According to the Northeast Gas Association, approximately 13.5 percent of households in the Keystone State use fuel oil to heat their homes. Heating oil is used primarily by those in areas in which natural gas is unavailable, mostly in rural areas, such Photo/Andrew Marshallsay With the rising prices of oil globally due to the conflict in the Middle East, gas and diesel prices have seen a high increase as well. Gas prices in Wilkes-Barre remain at over $4 per gallon. The Sheetz on Highway 315 in Plains Twp, Pa. has had their prices go up. Right now, a gallon of gas is $4.25, with diesel tracking well over $6 per gallon. as Shickshinny. Resident and Northwest Area High School principal Ryan Miner says his costs have risen. “When we first moved in, oil was all we had for heat. We added the wood pellet stove so we didn’t have to use so much oil,” he said. Miner went on to explain that his oil bill rose from $2.95 on Dec. 26, 2025 to $3.45 a gallon on March 2. The rising costs to heat his home are no different than other places in Pennsylvania. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, heating oil in February was about $3.88 a gallon. Just over a month later, the average price for a gallon of residential heating oil has risen to $4.79, an almost one-dollar increase. However, local gas companies in NEPA have seen their prices rise further than the average. On Feb. 27, Button Energy, located in Mountain Top, Pa. was selling their heating oil for $3.97 a gallon, which was prior to the conflict’s beginning. As of March 23 that price rose over a dollar to $5.26 a gallon. More specifically, it’s a $1.29 increase. With no end in sight to ‘Operation Epic Fury,’ one can only assume that the price of oil will only continue to rise globally. For local residents and fuel distributors, it’s not a matter of if, but when they will have to cope with rising fuel costs. “If we get low, we have no other choice because it also heats our hot water,” Miner said. “It does make us try to not use it as much.” There have been rumblings of a ceasefire agreement, with Pakistan serving as the mediator in talks. For now though, the U.S. has said it’s going to use its navy to open Hormuz. Of course, gasoline and diesel prices have also climbed. In Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding areas, gas prices are well above $4 per gallon, with diesel more than $6. "The high gas prices has been hurting my wallet very bad as of late.," said Wilkes student Billy Searle. "Being a commuter who travels over 200 miles per week, at times it feels like my whole entire paycheck is just going into my gas tank." �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 News 4 Women, rideshare and risk: Staying safe off-campus and on By Thaelis Andujar News assistant editor Nikki Steinberg Staff writer As rideshare services like Uber expand and evolve, new safety features are being introduced in response to ongoing concerns, particularly among women. A recently launched option allowing women to request women drivers has sparked both support and debate, raising broader questions about safety for college students navigating campus life and surrounding communities. At Wilkes University, built-in safety measures offer students structured protections not always present in the surrounding city of Wilkes-Barre. “I think that women on campus have more options to be safe because of protections that are on campus,” Nicole Langan, director of residence life and Title IX coordinator, stated. She pointed to features such as “the blue light call boxes” and Public Safety escorts, noting that “there’s a way that if you don’t have your cell phone… you can call for help.” However, those protections exist within an open campus environment. “You have to be the same level of cautiousness, because anybody could get into our campus,” Langan said. This balance between structured safety and real-world exposures reflects a broader challenge for students: navigating spaces that are simultaneously protected and public. Langan emphasized that safety is not only about infrastructure but also about individual choices, especially in social settings. “Students going to parties and drinking definitely lowers their inhibition and safety,” she said. She advises students to “stay with a friend group” and recognize that alcohol can reduce awareness and decisionmaking. This concern is especially relevant during late-night hours, when students are more likely to rely on rideshare services rather than walking. National data highlights why safety Screenshot from Uber.com remains a pressing issue. Between 2017 and 2022, thousands of sexual assault allegations were reported on Uber, including 5,981 cases from 20172018 and 2,717 cases from 2021-2022. While reports declined over time, this coincided with reduced ride volume during the COVID-19 pandemic. More broadly, 400,000 sexual misconduct complaints were reported internally during that same period, equivalent to roughly one report every eight minutes. Data from Lyft reinforces the gendered nature of these incidents. In 2020, “81% of victims were women,” and “91% of rape victims were riders,” indicating that passengers, particularly women, face the greatest risk. Although Uber states that 99.9% of rides occur without incident, the scale of usage means that even a small percentage results in thousands or reported cases. According to the Hazleton City Police Department, the local area remains relatively safe but not without concern. “In the Hazleton area, we are fortunate to have a community that is generally safe,” Jessica Surkin, public information officer of the Hazleton Police Department, stated. “However… we do encounter incidents that impact women, including harassment, domestic-related offenses, and occasional crimes of opportunity.” Surkin notes that “a higher number of incidents” occur “during late evening and overnight hours,” particularly on weekends, times that align with increased student activity and rideshare use. The department has responded by increasing patrol presence and prioritizing “public safety education” and victim support initiatives. In response to long-standing criticism over safety, Uber has introduced a “Women Preferences” feature that allows women riders and drivers to be matched with each other. According to reporting from the BBC and other outlets, the feature is designed to help women “feel more confident” when using the service. The option allows women to request female drivers, reserve rides in advance, or set a default preference within the app. It has already been rolled out nationwide after pilot programs in major cities. Langan views the feature as a positive step, particularly for those who feel uncomfortable. “For anybody who would feel uncomfortable going into a car with a man, I think that that’s a nice option,” she said. However, she also acknowledged practical limitations, noting that most rideshare drivers are men. This aligns with national data showing that only about 20% of drivers in the U.S. are women, which may affect availability. The feature has also sparked controversy. Critics argue it may raise legal concerns about discrimination, while supporters view it as a necessary response to persistent safety issues. From a law enforcement perspective, the Hazleton City Police Department supports the initiative but emphasizes caution: “Any initiative that aims to increase personal safety and comfort is a positive step.” Still, officials stress that it “should not replace personal safety practices.” Despite technological advancements, both campus officials and police stress that personal responsibility remains critical. “Just letting a friend know… ‘Hey, hopping in an Uber,’” Langan said, can provide an additional layer of protection. Similarly, the Hazleton City Police Department advises riders to “always confirm the driver’s name, vehicle, and license plate,” “share your trip details,” and “trust your instincts, if something feels off, do not enter the vehicle.” Langan echoed this statement: “If you feel weird about the person driving the Uber, just pick a different Uber.” The introduction of women-focused rideshare features reflects a larger issue. As the Hazleton Police Department noted, “features like this highlight ongoing concerns about personal safety, particularly for women.” While companies like Uber are introducing new tools, experts agree that safety requires a collective effort. “Safety is most effective when it is a shared effort,” Surkin stated, emphasizing collaboration between law enforcement, private companies, and the community. For college students, especially women, navigating this landscape means balancing independence with awareness, both on campus and beyond. �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 News 5 Professor profile on Assistant Professor Dr. Kailey Rocker By Mollie Kuhar Special to the Beacon Dr. Kailey Rocker is an assistant professor of anthropology at Wilkes University, specializing in southeastern European studies and passionate about sharing the discipline’s diverse perspectives with her students. Dr. Rocker began her academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in sociology and anthropology from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. She then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning both her MA and PhD in Anthropology. After completing her graduate studies in 2022, Dr. Rocker specialized in subfields such as archaeology, biological anthropology and medical anthropology. Her anthropological research focuses on Albanian and Southeastern European Studies. Following her graduate studies, she served as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Graz, working in the 'Dimensions of Europeanization' field. “During this time, I enjoyed engaging in interdisciplinary conversations with scholars from across Europe and Eurasia–united by our research focus on southeastern Europe,” Dr. Rocker said. “I knew this was the field for me as early as my junior year of high school.” She explained that most students “don’t have the pleasure of discovering anthropology until university." However, she became intrigued by traditions, histories and practicies and wanted to better understand the cultural perspectives. “I was particularly interested in Mississippian mine cultures such as the Poverty Point people responsible for the impressive mound structures at the Poverty Point site in Louisiana,” she said. In her teaching, Dr. Rocker uses her own research to explain new concepts, methods, and theories. She finds that real-life examples–either from her work or other anthropologists–make ideas clearer and more engaging for students. In her most recent project, she studied how commemoration is practiced in Southeastern Europe by examining remembrance activities at memory sites in Albania connected to its socialist past. “This builds on my general interest in exploring how the past is framed, encountered, and used to shape the present and future.” She will explore this topic further in a course on historical memory titled 'Ghosts of Our Past,' to be offered in the fall of 2026. Dr. Rocker plans to develop a project focused on working with the Albanian diaspora in the NEPA region. She wants to learn more about the Albanian American experience in small cities and “how such places shape community, connection, and what it means to be Albanian today–as well as how this community shapes WilkesBarre.” She also wants to start a network of students, faculty, and staff with connections to Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia. “Networking is an important opportunity to create connections, learn about the region, and stay up to date on current events, happenings, and funding opportunities.” At Wilkes, Dr. Rocker joins the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences. Her courses will include ANT 101: Introduction to Anthropology, ANT 102: Cultural Anthropology, and ANT 298: Crossing Lines: Human Migration. Looking ahead to Spring 2027, she is developing an Anthropology of Crime course. She is also open to course suggestions from students interested in the Anthropology program concentration. Dr. Rocker hopes students will leave her courses with the ability to use an anthropological lens to understand their daily lives in a diverse, globally connected world. “Anthropology provides a framework to reflect on our cultural assumptions and experiences, and to strengthen connections across cultural backgrounds and differences.” As an undergraduate, Dr. Rocker benefited from supportive professors and now aims to offer the same support to her students. “I am where I am today because of the support I received from my professors.” �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 News 6 Africana Studies invites campus to gather “Under the Baobab Tree” By Thaelis Andujar Assistant News Editor �� The Beacon wants to know what YOU want to read. What news matters to you most? Email leah.smith1@wilkes.edu �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 7 Life, Arts & Entertainment Life, Arts & Entertainment Have any events or artists to be shared? Contact Life, Arts & Entertainment Editor: Kailey.Vogel@wilkes.edu Fork Around and Find Out: Anthracite Cafe By Allison Lussi News assistant editor This week for Fork Around and Find Out, I went to the Anthracite Cafe on Scott Street in Wilkes-Barre for a very special event, my 21st birthday. I was super excited for this review because not only did I get to review food at the Anthracite, but I also got the chance to review for the first time ever, an alcoholic beverage. The restaurant is very spacious, having two bars and multiple different rooms to sit in while enjoying their delicious food. The Anthracite also has a wing night, which happened to be the night we went. What’s special about Wing night is that it discounts wings to 80 cents a wing. I first ordered my drink, which was a lavender lemon drop martini. I had very high expectations for this drink, especially as this was my first drink ever ordering out at a bar. I also ordered water with a lemon to stay extra hydrated. The martini was very pretty looking. It was a pale purple and smelle delicious. I took my first sip and it was not exactly what I was expecting. It was very strong as far as the lavender flavor went. However, it was still good, in fact my mom shared it with me. The Anthracite also has various draft beers to choose from as well as craft beers. I settled with a Miller Lite for the end of my dinner since I shared the martini. (I would like to put out a disclaimer that I do not condone drinking and driving, and that I did have a designated driver for the whole entire night.) Our food then came out and we got a variety of wings and appetizers. I ordered a bacon ranch dry-rub wing and another called the sweet tooth. The wings were absolutely phenomenal. The wings were crispy and had so much flavor. The dry rub was so flavorful and had little bacon bits that added a nice smoky touch. The sweet tooth was maple syrup-based and equally delicious. It was the perfect sweet and salty combination. We also got macaroni and cheese logs, which are said to always be a hit and they were certainly right about that. The outside of the log is crispy and crunchy, and covered the restaurant’s rocket sauce and cheese sauce. To my surprise, my mom told the waitress that it was my birthday, so the restaurant gave me a free piece of cake and the owner came out to sing happy birthday to me. The staff was amazing and so nice. The overall experience of the Anthracite Cafe was amazing. The food was delicious and the drinks were amazing. I am so glad that I picked this restaurant to celebrate my 21st birthday. I give this restaurant a 9.5/10. Photos/Allison Lussi Clockwise from top: Lavendar lemon drop martini, macaroni and cheese logs and wings. WUPB celebrates small businesses in last bingo of semester By Lynzee Andreuzzi Special to the Beacon On April 9, Wilkes Programming Board hosted Small Business Bingo, which placed a special focus on the local community. By combining entertainment with community involvement, the event brought students together while promoting the importance of shopping local. For this bingo, the prizes added a unique twist that made the event stand out. Instead of just the traditional prizes, winners received items and gift cards donated by small businesses in the area. This allowed students to learn and discover local shops, restaurants and services they might not have explored otherwise. The prizes included a variety of items such as a hat and blanket from Abide Coffeehouse and a mug and gift card to Pour, both coffee shops in the area. Other prizes included vouchers for nearby restaurants and products from small boutiques and specialty shops. Additionally, there were more prizes including free gems, music posters, records, an old Nintendo 3DS, games and many more. This variety of prizes made each round of bingo more exciting than the last. Beyond the fun and competition, the event also served as a reminder of how important small businesses are to the local economy. Another aspect of the Small Business Bingo event was the sense of community it fostered. Students from different majors and backgrounds came together, shared laughs and bonded over the friendly competition. It was a break from the usual stress of classes and provided a welcoming environment where everyone could participate. The energy in the room was positive and lively, making it clear that events like this play an important role in campus life. Photo/Lynzee Andreuzzi Sarah McAndrew, Sociology major, holding the South Main Street Tattoo Basket. �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 8 Wilkes and King’s host women’s studies conference By Juliana Kresge Staff Writer Wilkes University and King’s College their annual Women and Gender Studies Conference on March 30 and 31. All events took place on the second floor of the Henry Student Center. Wilkes’ Director of Women’s Studies Dr. Jennifer Thomas and her Kings University counterpart, Dr. Jennifer McClinton-Temple, organized the multischool conference. This year’s conference theme was Gender and Citizenship: Past, Present, and Future. In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, speakers explored topics such as social progress and women’s roles in American history. On the first day of the conference, Dr. Lucia McMahon delivered the keynote address: “An Equality of Mind:” The Value of Women’s Education in Early National America. Dr. McMahon is a History Professor at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ. She has written several books, including Mere Equals: The Paradox of Educated Women in the Early American Republic. Dr. McMahon shared her extensive research on American women’s education in the late18th and early-19th centuries. Shortly after the American Revolution, a number of women’s boarding schools and colleges were established. Primarily located in the northeastern states, these schools almost exclusively catered to young white women from wealthy families. “Going to one of these schools was considered a great honor,” Dr McMahon said. “College events were open to the public, so the whole town would go and celebrate the accomplishments of these educated young women. They would recite poetry and ‘test’ their knowledge.” These institutions intended to make women both “useful and ornamental members of society,” as Dr. McMahon put it. Academic courses were adapted to appeal to traditionally feminine interests. For example, science textbooks taught that cooking involved chemistry. Instead of taking tests, students made needlepoint and other crafts to demonstrate their knowledge. In 19th-century America, women’s education was mostly considered frivolous and unimportant. Still, Dr. McMahon pointed out that some women learned truly useful skills and made the most of these early educational Wilkes student Noor Almeky delivers a presentation in the Savitz Lounge. opportunities. The well-attended keynote address set the tone for the conference’s second day. Wilkes and King’s students presented their research papers on a wide variety of subjects. Presentations began at 9:30 a.m. and concluded after 6 p.m. Session themes included The Politics of Labor; Global Perspectives on Gender; Equity in Artificial Intelligence; and many more. Audience members were encouraged to ask questions and critically engage with the material. For the session Global Perspectives on Gender, Kings students Grace Tedford, Dynastie Thomas, and Marissa Valdez compared human trafficking rates in the United States, Norway, and Afghanistan. “Norway and other Scandinavian countries have low levels of human trafficking because they combine strict regulation with a social safety net,” they noted. Subsequent groups compared female access to education in the United States, India, and Afghanistan; and contraceptive rights in the United States and Afghanistan. Wilkes student Noor Almeky hosted an informative session on the hijab, the head covering that many Muslim women wear. Photos/Juliana Kresge Dr. Lucia McMahon’s keynote address in the JPAC. “I choose to wear the hijab to show my commitment to my values,” she explained. This led to a thoughtful discussion about culture and religious beliefs. The day concluded with a small group poetry reading. The annual conference primarily attracts students taking Women’s Studies courses. However, everyone with an interest in women’s issues is welcome. �The Beacon – April 15, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 9 WEBS offers activity to de-stress before finals By Kaydia Wright LA&E Assistant Editor With finals coming up soon, it’s important to take time to relax and de-stress. With the help of the We’re Empowered By Science (WEBS) Club, many students got the chance to do that Friday with “De-Stress Under the Stars.” The activity let students go inside the StarLab Planetarium and experience a video explaining the Artemis space mission and how it can help to understand more about space and the moon. “I work with another club called ‘Science in Motion’ that actually owns this mobile planetarium and thought it would be a fun idea to bring it to Wilkes [University] for kids to experience it and use it as a fundraiser for WEBS,” said Miquela Langan, the WEBS director. Langan also mentioned that she enjoys seeing the direct impact event money has on students. “Usually the money we raise from these events is able to sponsor at least one scholarship for a student that comes to the WEBS summer camp.” This also isn’t the first or last time “De-Stress Under the Stars” has occurred on campus. “We usually do this at least once per semester, typically around the end of the semester,” Langan said. “This is so everyone can chill out before the last of their exams and finals begin.” For more information about upcoming events hosted by WEBS club or how to get involved, email miquela.langan@ wilkes.edu. At right: image inside the StarLab Planetarium. Photo by Kaydia Wright. �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 10 �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 Life, Arts & Entertainment 11 The Mental Health Beacon: Don’t be mad at me, but... By By Gina Harrison Assistant Professor Passan School of Nursing Don’t be mad at me, but… Anger is a common experience that is a normal part of the human condition. People may feel angry in response to a real or imagined threat or as a response to provocation. Anger is typically an unpleasant experience that leads to increased arousal (not that kind of arousal). The biological arousal seen with anger includes increased heart rate, sweating, increased respirations and muscle tension. This arousal comes from our nervous system which has been hard-wired to protect us. Anger causes activation of the sympathetic nervous system, commonly called “fight or flight,” more appropriately “fight, flight or freeze.” This type of bodily activation can be overwhelming. People that feel overwhelmed with anger also demonstrate less empathy toward others. Students are particularly at risk for feelings of anger due to the increased amount of stress from their responsibilities. If anger is considered a common experience, why does it have such a negative reputation? Increased frequency and intensity of anger can have negative social results. For example, anger may result in violence, aggression, mistreatment of others, maltreatment, intimate partner violence and even homicide. Anger cannot be eliminated. We have a biological use for anger. Anger helps you to stand up for yourself. It helps you to recognize threats and navigate social situations. It is important to recognize anger and acknowledge it. Anger avoidance can lead to rumination. Rumination occurs when we repeatedly think about negative emotions. It can also lead to aggression, which is a form of behavioral avoidance of anger. There is a limit to anger’s efficacy as a coping skill. Inability to regulate anger can result in antisocial behaviors. For example, we may not need our full sympathetic nervous system activated for traffic jams or long lines at Dunkin. Snapping out at the cashier or crashing out over the munchkins being sold-out can have profound consequences. These types of responses indicate impulsiveness and irrationality, which may negatively impact your relationships with others. It is important to remember that anger is temporary. Working on skills to understand and manage your anger can be helpful. Anger management helps you recognize your triggers and control your onent of managing your anger is to decrease the arousal that you are experiencing. Arousal can be reduced through counting, deep breathing, meditation and muscle relaxation. If you cannot immediately decrease your arousal, remove yourself from the trigger and take some time for yourself. A common misconception about managing anger is to “get it out” by jogging, punching a heavy bag, or even punching a wall. Research has shown that these methods are not effective in decreasing your state of arousal and may result in personal harm and even increased feelings of anger. Learning to manage feelings of anger can be beneficial for your mental and physical health. Practicing coping skills like deep breathing and meditation not only help you to manage feelings like anger but also stress, burnout, and irritation. Remember, these are skills you must practice often for them to be most effective. �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 12 Wilkes University Communication & Media Studies Department Presents: 25th annual Tom Bigler Journalism & Media Conference Bigler The 25th annual Tom Bigler Journalism & Media Conference was held on April 10 in the Karambelas Media Center and JPAC. The conference brings students from different schools across Northeastern Pennsylvania to explore the fields of communication and media. It also allows student media to showcase their work and receive awards from articles, photospreads, broadcasts and more. This milestone year not only marks a quarter of a century, but also showcases the changing face of media PALive host Chris Bohinski speaks to students and faculty about his experiences and career in the ﬁeld of communications. Dr. Kalen Churcher,conference coordinator and associate professor of communication & media studies, presents awards to high school students for their achievements in their respective areas. �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 13 High school students in the Speech and Debate workshop learned what goes into a successful speech. High school students listen to Dan Mattern and as part of the TV studio workshop in the Karambelas Media Center. Jim Reeser, city editor of the Citizen’s Voice displays the front page of the Citizen’s Voice website. High school students in the Zebra Communications workshop in Karambelas Media Center. High School students in the radio station workshop, part of Wilkes’ radio station, WCLH. �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 Opinion Editorial Staff 2025-26 MANAGERIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief - Leah Smith Managin Editor - Andrew Marshallsay Adviser - Dr. Kalen Churcher SECTION EDITORS News- Alli Lussi, Thaelis Andujar LA&E - Kailey Vogel, Kaydia Wright Opinion - Shawn Carey Sports - Andrew Marshallsay DESIGNERS Designer - Nikki Steinberg Photographer - Shannon Slominski STAFF WRITERS Topher DellaBella Natalia Williams Juliana Kresge Jake Mills Aster Rowland Brooke Lare 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. When did Easter break stop being a break? April and May are rocky times for college students. Known to many as “crunch time,” it is at this time when finals truly begin creeping up and assignments get thrown to the forefront of each student’s mind. The only saving grace in this time of chaos is holiday break where students can return home or take a quick trip away from campus to forget about all their school responsibilities and relax. The word break holds a connotation similar to that of a vacation or holiday, but the reality for college students couldn’t be any further from the truth. Instead, college students are expected to continue working on assignments, finish papers and study for exams that will be held the day that they return from break. Even if they don’t necessarily have work assigned specifically for the break, or they chose to procrastinate it adds up nonetheless. Yes, this break occurs only mere weeks before finals start and school ends, but the stress that looms over students can truly take away from their time at home. Especially in Wilkes University’s case the timing of Easter break for residents on campus can be an inconvenience. The holiday is Easter Sunday and for students traveling back home they lose valuable time with their families in the time it takes to travel back and forth and even less time doing work before Easter dinner. When classes recommence on Monday, students have to drive back on Easter to ensure they can get to their classes and submit any work that is due on time. A sophomore commuted two hours to return to his home in New Jersey for the holiday break. He shared his frustrations by stating, “I think that the expectation that professors have for students to ‘catch up’ on material during the so-called ‘break’ is a very high expectation. “While most of us have work or other activities during the break, it is really for the professors since they aren’t expected to have graded assignments returned to students after break,” he concluded. Even for commuters the work can be frustrating and a major inconvenience for similar reasons. Sophomore sports management major Jordan Medley claimed, “I feel like the workload during Easter break can differ with professors because certain professors make sure they don’t give any work that’s due the day we come back, but other professors like to give work and exams that are due the day we come back.” Medley went on to explain these differences in planning as, “annoying” and “stressful.” Jazmin High, a senior psychology major also shared similar thoughts on the Easter break workload. “I had some time to relax, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t working on school work and studying for exams.” said High. Additionally, High addressed the frustration of exams that were scheduled to be taken right after break. “I wiah more professors would assign exams before break so students can relax.” Overall, it’s hard to see why Easter or holiday break is considered a break due to the sheer amount of stress built up for students in such a small duration of time. With that being said, when did breaks stop being breaks? 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 - April 15, 2026 Opinion 15 The Icebox presents: Freeze’s top games By “Freeze” Opinion Staff Writer There are only three more issues of the Icebox left. It feels sudden, doesn’t it? Stay tuned for the grand finale, where I will be making a special announcement for my loyal readers. During three years of the Icebox, I have been able to introduce people to many different video games. I really like to promote the idea of playing a game for enjoyment, especially single player experiences. However, anyone can enjoy any game. I want people to understand that there are many types of gamers out there and that each of their tastes should be respected and considered. It’s about time that I provide you with my own comprehensive list of video games. Only the best of the best. The games that have truly changed my life. To make things short and simple, I will only mention my most favorite game for each genre. Super Smash Bros. is the first game, of course. Although it is categorized as a platform fighter, I consider it in its own category as “my favorite.” It’s a game that features Nintendo’s greatest creations and even borrows characters from a wide range of franchises like Sonic, Mega Man, Final Fantasy, Street Fighter, Tekken and even Minecraft. Not only is the game extremely fun for all ages, but it has done wonders for the gaming community. It spotlights unknown video game characters, helps others step out of their comfort zone and brings people together from different gaming backgrounds. You can thank Masahiro Sakurai, creator of Kirby, Kid Icarus and Smash. The next game is Mario Kart, which I categorize as a family-friendly party game. One of my earliest Icebox stories was about this game. For a more modern and diverse feel, I tend to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which is the current standard for competitive Mario Kart. However, I enjoy Mario Kart in a leisurely capacity these days. That’s why Mario Kart World has been absolutely perfect for me. The visuals, the landscapes, the music and the character options make it a unique adventure. Nintendo is definitely cooking with the newest 3D titles, such as Super Mario Odyssey, Donkey Kong Bananza and the open-world Zelda games. These should be your go-to if you are trying to get into Nintendo gaming. One of my favorite 3D Nintendo games, however, is Super Mario 64. Who doesn’t love that game, right? For me, there is a huge aspect of nostalgia that sets it above the modern games, which are arguably more fun to play and have more content. If you really want to stretch the definition of 3D Mario; however, my ultimate recommendation is actually Super Mario Galaxy. This game is probably one of the most well-directed projects that Nintendo has ever put out there. In the realm of 2D platformers, my favorite is actually an indie game called N++. This is a speedrun-heavy game with cool technical themes. You play as a ninja in a maze full of deadly, robotic obstacles. Each level is designed like some kind of elaborate death chamber, and the goal is to open the exit door and leave. Another major genre in 2D is called “beat-em-up” where you are a character on a screen full of enemies and your goal is to, well, beat all of them up. My favorite game in this genre is easily Castle Crashers. The game is handdrawn, has a soundtrack that goes hard for no reason and is playable for up to four people. The game also features a wide variety of weapons, magic, pets and playable characters. The levels are surprisingly difficult. Also, the game developers have a fantastic sense of humor. The game has been around for eighteen years and still holds to this day. There are other genres that require you to beat up characters, such as my most favorite video game genre. Fighting games are difficult to get into, but once you do it’s a lot of fun and you open yourself to many options. If I were to pick just one that I recommend, I would say Tekken due to personal bias. However, the game is actually not that kind to newcomers and is currently in bad shape for competitive play. Therefore, I will recommend Marvel vs. Capcom. It is a fighting game that you are surely able to enjoy. It has characters you would recognize and uses mechanics inspired by the Street Fighter series, which is also a great starter game into the mix. Perhaps the aforementioned genres do not interest you. Not to worry, because I indulge in almost everything out there. Do you like being creative? Minecraft. Enough said about that one. I don’t believe that game requires an explanation. Sometimes you may get bored of it. In that case I recommend switching it up. If you usually play for leisure, try a hardcore speedrun. If you usually play hardcore, try to relax a bit and build something nice in creative. Maybe you like puzzles? Well, there are way too many puzzle games out there. I recommend Superliminal, a first-person, singleplayer experience that has a very unique take on objects. The game teaches you about perception! Actually, it fits into its own unique category within puzzle games. Another major category are games such as It Takes Two, which is a twoplayer experience that you shouldn’t miss. I recommend playing that with your partner or a sibling. The first-person world of games opens up a lot of opportunities. My favorite shooting game, for example, is probably Rainbow Six Siege. I don’t really enjoy shooting games all that much, but this is the one that I consistently enjoyed the most. The reason is because the game isn’t just about movement and grinding for hours. It requires actual thought and strategy. My favorite games that have shooting mechanics are slightly different, however. I recommend Doom Eternal, Neon White and Cuphead as very enjoyable and non-competitive shooting games. Another first-person genre is racing games. I haven’t had the chance to play them lately, but I distinctly remember Forza being one of my favorite racing franchises. I believe Forza has a pretty accurate direction on how racing games should be made. However, I also recommend Need for Speed if you ever stumble across it at an arcade. Racing games often have realistic graphics, similar to stealth games. My favorite stealth game is, of course, Metal Gear Solid! It’s a franchise created by the genius Hideo Kojima. Many video games have some type of salute to the Metal Gear Solid series because the games are that influential. Another stealth game that fits into its own realm is Superhot, which I will categorize as my favorite virtual reality experience. It’s a game where you get to be an assassin, tearing apart glass enemies in small, enclosed spaces. The opposite of stealthy would be noisy. Rhythm games bring about the noise. I have a few recommendations, with Beat Saber being my favorite. The other ones are more for anime fans, such as Project Sekai and Osu. Both are easy to be good at. Honestly, I think these types of games deserve more attention. Finally, I would like to end this list with a mobile game recommendation. To be honest, mobile games are my least favorite in general. However, I would recommend Bloons as the most top-tier mobile game out there. You can’t go wrong with the classic monkey-vs-balloon game from all of our childhoods. That’s going to do it for this issue. I hope my recommendations sound interesting. This is merely scratching the surface of the Icebox if you will! �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 Opinion What to read ahead of “The Punisher: One Last Kill” By Leah Smith Editor-in-Chief �� 16 �� ¡�� ¢�� Hang in there. It’s almost summer! �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 Opinion 17 �The Beacon -April 15, 2026 Opinion 18 A review of "Thriller" by Michael Jackson By Natalia Williams Staff writer Michael season is still here and I have another Michael review. This week, I was in between two albums…Thriller and Dangerous. Dangerous is definitely my favorite out of the two, but Thriller is more iconic and recognizable and I have yet to do Thriller so here we are. Thriller released on November 29, 1982, and became a pop staple. This album remains the best-selling album of all time globally with sales reaching 70 million copies worldwide. This album changed so much in the music industry, including production and music videos. With this album, Michael became the first black artist to play on constant rotation on MTV opening the doors for many black artists. This album in my opinion is a blueprint to music videos and pop music. Although it's not in my top three rankings, the cultural impact this album has is undeniable. With that being said, here is a track by track album review for one of the greatest albums of all time. 1. “Wanna Be Startin Something”: 10/10 First of all, you know it's going to be good with that beat in the beginning. This song is perfection. This song is the best way to open an album because it gets you so hype and ready to hear what's next. This track is a classic and staple in music and is one of the most recognizable songs just with the bridge and the melody. My favorite part of this song is the lyric, “If you can’t feed your baby then don't have a baby, and don’t think maybe if you can’t feed your baby”... because hello…if you can't feed your baby then don't have a baby! Anyway, since this song is so overplayed I do not listen to it often, but when it does come on best believe I am on that dance floor busting a MOVE. 2. “Baby Be Mine”: 10/10 This song is extremely underrated and I don't understand how or why. This song is perfection and makes me want to bust a move every time it comes on. This is a song I listen to when I need to pick myself up and it works every time. The key change, vocals and production are like gold in my ears. I wish this song got more recognition because it deserves it. This is another song that my dad thinks is a skip and once again…just loud and wrong. Overall, if a perfect song had a definition, this song would be it. 3. “The Girl Is Mine” feat. Paul McCartney: 10/10 This song is CUTE. It has been one of my favorite songs since I was a kid and it has stuck with me until now. The vibe is different from the other two tracks since it is a slower tempo but it is OK because the song is just so good. This is the second song they've done together. I also find it kind of funny that Michael outbid Paul for the Beatles catalog. It's hilarious because Paul told Michael to invest in music publishing. Sadly, that did kind of strain their relationship. My favorite part of this song is when they banter back and forth. I quote “Paul, I thought I told you I’m a lover not a fighter” at least once everyday. Overall, not much thoughts on this song as a whole. It is one I repeat often and this one also deserves more attention. 4. “Thriller”: 5/10 Giving this track a five out of ten is actually making me sick, but I am tired of it. It is basically the Halloween song so every single year this song is played, and I do not listen to this song outside of Halloween at all. It is such a great song and a timeless classic that everyone will know until the end of time, but I cannot stand it. This music video is also a rite of passage in childhood because every child has to be traumatized by this music video at least once in their life. I remember my grandfather always scaring us with this video, and it took a while for me to not be scared. But once again…canon event. This video also had such a huge impact on the art of music videos since it told a whole story; it was a short film and that's what Michael did with all of his music videos after the Thriller era. Once again, this song is not bad at all…I am just so tired of hearing it. 5. “Beat It”: 9/10 This track run starting from Thriller are his most iconic and played songs so all of these are ones I do not listen to on my own. With the guitar solo and Michael in his red jacket, this is one of the most recognizable songs. When people think of Michael Jackson this is probably the one of the first songs they think of. There are times where I do turn it on because it's stuck in my head but when it does play on shuffle I skip. Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo is literal perfection and the highlight of this song. I want to learn how to play the guitar so I can learn his solo. The production of this song overall is amazing and I love everything about it. Overall, iconic, timeless and a classic that will forever be remembered. 6. “Billie Jean”: 10/10 One word…ICONIC. Although this one is in that track run of overplayed Michael songs, this one I do listen to all the time. The bass line is so recognizable and the overall production is perfect. This music video helped Michael become the first black artist on constant rotation on MTV, and it is the music video of my childhood. I vividly remember always watching this in my Nana's living room when I was little. The Motown 25 performance to this song is also iconic because it is the first time he did the moonwalk. For Michael's tours, whenever he put the glove and the hat on, you KNEW Billie Jean was coming. During MJ The Musical, the audience reaction to the actor walking out with the suitcase in the black jacket and opening the suitcase to reveal the hat and glove made me so happy because those two pieces of accessories are so iconic, and I was happy to see everyone pick up what was about to happen. Overall, Billie Jean is such a pop music and culture staple and it is another one that everyone will always remember. 7. “Human Nature”: 100/10 I don't think I can express in words how perfect this song is. The production is so dreamy and beautiful. The melody is so recognizable and is perfect. I do not listen to this one often just because it is overplayed, and I hear it everywhere. However when it does come on shuffle, I do not skip it. My favorite thing about this song is that on the “Bad” tour and other tours he's done after that, is for the lyric, “See that girl” he is so dramatic with the word girl and it sounds like “see that gurlaaaa.” There isn't much I can say about this song other than that it is just iconic. 8. “P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing)”: 10/10 This is probably Top 3 on this album for me because it is one I always go to and replay. I wish it was higher on the tracklist cause I think it would fit better, but other than that I have no negative things to say about this song. It is the end of the “overplayed” track run, but I will never get tired of this one. Overall, such a classic and one everyone has to know, even if it's just the chorus. 9. “The Lady of My Life”: 100/10 We have reached my favorite song on the entire album. This one is so underrated and I wish it was replayed more often because it is so good. This is a track that highlights his vocals. We really didn't get ballads on this one and even though it’s not like a slow power ballad it's still good. According to Michael in his autobiography Moonwalk, this song was the hardest song to make. Thank goodness they worked heavily on this song cause it sounds perfect. Overall, one of my favorite Michael songs ever and my favorite song on the album. Overall, I give Thriller a solid 10/10. Although a lot of the tracks are replayed very often, that's what happens when you make a perfect album. This is an album that will forever be remembered as the album that changed Pop music and the art of music videos. This album is so perfect with zero skips and easy to replay. Thriller…you will always be that girl. �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 Sports 19 Sports Want your sport covered? Deserve to be Athlete of the Week? Contact the Sports Editor: andrew.marshallsay@wilkes.edu Past the halfway mark: Wilkes spring sports check-in By Jake Mills Asst. Sports Editor With two weeks left in the spring semester, Wilkes University spring sports are past their halfway mark already. Let’s check in with our teams and see how they’ve been doing to this point. Both the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams are in their first season with new head coaches as Jordan and Taylor Drumheller take charge in 2026 The men’s team is trying to find their way as they are currently 4-10 on the year, but a bright spot for the Colonels this season has been freshman Anthony DiFrancesco, who has 30 goals through and 17 assists through 14 games played. The women’s team has had success this season after an 8-0 start which was the best in program history, but since starting Landmark Conference play, they have yet to win a game. Most notably for the Colonels this season, graduate student Alexis Guttilla leads the team in goals with 32. Softball currently stands at a 14-11 record and a 3-5 conference record. Most recently they split a senior day doubleheader against Misericordia. The team holds both current Athletes of the Week with Hana Cross and Mia Butka earning those honors, as chosen by the Beacon staff. Some seniors have also hit milestones this season as both Cross and Olivia Dougher both reached 100 career hits this season. Head coach Jackie Klahold also reached 200 career wins in the team’s win against Widener on March 30 After a few bumps in the road early on, Wilkes Baseball has gotten better each game. They are currently 12-3 in the Landmark, with their two ace pitchers Zach Lloyd and AJ Levandoski recently reaching 100 career strikeouts. Men’s Volleyball wrapped their season on April 2nd as they defeated cross-town rival King’s College in four sets. They finished the season with a 13-15 overall Colonels pitcher/outfielder Jack Veith on the mound against Albright in Fort Pierce, FL. record and did not eclipse a win in conference play Freshman Logan Maha led the team in points with 255.8, adding 178 kills in a very impressive rookie season. Spring seasons for both Men’s and Women’s tennis have been in full swing as well. The women’s team is currently 3-5 in their spring slate of matches, while the men are 1-4 overall as a team. Lastly, both the Men’s and Women’s golf teams are in the Spring portion of their seasons as well. The men are 2-1 while the women are 2-0. Kyleen McCance has continued her long-lasting run of form, leading the Colonels almost every time they’re in the tee box. There are lots of bright spots for spring sports here at Wilkes University so far. With under half a season remaining this semester, we’ll see how the squads fair the rest of the month. Tim Hartka takes a shot against King's College Photos/Andrew Marshallsay �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 Sports 20 Regular season near end, NHL playoff preview By Vin Santoro Staff Writer The NHL regular season is approaching the end, which means the playoffs are on the horizon. The Avalanche claimed the best record in the regular season, finishing with 114 points. The President's trophy curse has lived on, and a team has yet to win the Stanley Cup when winning the award since 2013. Many teams made impressive jumps and setbacks, with the Sabres putting it all together, the Panthers suffering injuries to their top players, and the Maple Leafs are at the bottom of the Atlantic Division. In the Metro, the biggest surprises were the Pennsylvania squads. Could the Battle of Pennsylvania be in effect for the first time since 2018? Dan Muse is a name to watch for the Jack Adams award for the job he has done in Pittsburgh. Vegas parted ways with Bruce Cassidy while being in the playoff picture. John Torterella will lead them into the playoffs, and this will be the first time he has been in the postseason since 2019. Edmonton might have the toughest path for an individual player because Connor McDavid will be without Leon Draisaitl to start the playoffs. The East is dominant, with four teams finishing with over 100 points. Three of those teams are all inside the Atlantic. Comparing the Eastern Conference and Western Conference, the east has more depth in terms of competition. The Western Conference is top-heavy with teams such as Colorado, Minnesota and Dallas. In the East, all the Atlantic teams are elite, and Carolina stands out for their consistency and well-coached squad. The Hurricanes have fared well against the other eastern teams with their conference-leading 32 wins and an outstanding 19-4-1 record against their Metropolitan Division opponents (swept Pittsburgh 3-0 and Flyers 3-0). Cole Caufield has been worth noting this season with 50 goals for Montreal, while Andrei Vasilevsky is back to peak form in Tampa, recording a 2.32 GAA and 38 wins. With Kucherov SECOND in points, Vasilevsky putting up elite numbers, the Lightning need to be caught in a bottle, or with their firepower, they can be a major contender to get back to the Stanley Cup Final. One downside is that they have been in the box more than any other team, with over a thousand penalty minutes this season. In the West, the Avalanche have been the storyline, with them leading in save percentage, goals against average, and their offense leads in goals for per game (3.72 goals for). Injuries to watch out for are Victor Hedman, who is expected to return on April 15, and Draisaitl, who is expected to be back on April 18. Edmonton continues to be a force on the power play, leading with a 30.3% success rate. Minnesota, Dallas, Vegas and Carolina are the other teams that have been dominant when having the man advantage. Goaltending is the most important, and the position can take over a series. Edmonton acquired Tristan Jarry in exchange for Stuart Skinner. The Oilers have gotten to the Stanley Cup in each of the last two seasons. Jarry is 2-6-0 in 8 games with a goals against average of 3.00 and a save percentage of .891 in the playoffs in his career. Can Dallas finally get over the hump? One of the biggest questions is whether they can reach the Stanley Cup. They have reached the conference finals in each of the last three seasons under Peter DeBoer, who is now with the Islanders. Jake Otteinger holds a 2.56 GAA and a .912 SV%. Is Buffalo going on a run, or is this a one-and-done? Regardless, the Sabres haven’t made the playoffs since 2011, and ironically, Lindy Ruff was under contract as their head coach. They have gotten great production out of their stars with Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been their best goaltender and could be their lead netminder once the playoffs start. The Carolina Hurricanes haven’t been able to get to the Stanley Cup final, but have put together great regular seasons. At some point, this core should be able to go on a run with how deep their team is. Their new additions, such as K’andre Miller and Brandon Bussi in the cage have done great things for the team. The playoffs will be full of energy and excitement. With new teams getting a shot to host the Stanley Cup, these playoffs are more optimistic. Does Dallas get to the cup after three straight conference final appearances? Can Carolina get over the hump? Will McDavid be able to get back to the Stanley Cup for the third consecutive year? Since Florida is out, a new champion will be crowned. The question is, who will be on that team? Many teams have shown this season that they have Stanley Cup aspirations, like Tampa, Colorado and Vegas. But for now, we wait until someone new lifts Lord Stanley’s fabled cup. Who will take home the Stanley Cup this year? Email andrew.marshallsay@wilkes.edu with your thoughts �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 Sports 21 Arsenal Football Club's potential slips By Brendan Williams Staff Writer WOMEN’S LACROSSE SCHEDULE Arsenal Football Club is in trouble. Still top of the Premier League table as of April 8 and quarterfinalists in the Champions League, one might wonder what could possibly be wrong? The answer is pressure. Arsenal are notorious around the footballing world for being serial “bottlers”, or missing out on trophies due to various tactical mistakes over the years. The 2025-26 season began with The Gunners winning their first two matches before losing their third to defending champions Liverpool. From there, they didn’t lose for nearly four months as their next loss was to Aston Villa in December. In the Champions League, they won all eight of their matches, scoring 23 goals and only conceding four. In recent times this season however, Arsenal seems to be losing its edge–an issue that has plagued them for years. After losing the League Cup final to Manchester City, they then lost the FA Cup quarterfinal to second tier side Southampton, reducing their potential historic quadruple to at maximum, a double. Their final seven Premier League matches of the season won’t be easy either. On April 11, they play host to Bournemouth, a club still vying for a place in a European competition. After, they travel to the Etihad to play the same Manchester City that just trounced them 4-0. Manchester City are nine points behind Arsenal at the time of writing, but have a game in hand. The onus is on The Gunners to not let another Premier League title slip out of their grasp. Another big concern for the club is their lack of attacking recruitment. Arsenal’s most recent transfers have been focused mostly on building up a strong midfield rather than a lethal front three capable of winning crucial matches. New striker Victor Gyokeres is currently the top scorer at the club with 11 goals in the Premier League while new attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze is tied for second place with Bukayo Saka at six goals. Arsenal's top scorers sit far behind the top three (Erling Haaland, Igor Thiago, and Antoine Semenyo) in the Premier League with their tallies being 22, 19, and 15 goals respectively. It is paramount that Arsenal not lose focus at the final leg of the season. A first Premier League title since the 2003-04 season and a first Champions League title in club history are both at stake. After finishing second place for three consecutive seasons, the pressure is higher than ever on the players to finally bring the elusive trophy to north London under Mikel Arteta. Manager since 2019, Arteta has enjoyed success in the FA Cup, winning it in 2020, and winning two FA Community Shields titles in 2020 and 2023. Yet his biggest goals have always been the last two trophies Arsenal still stand to win this season. With a minimum of eight more matches remaining in their 2025-26 season it will be interesting to see how the players and staff adapt to the mounting pressure. Premier League Table (as of April 12) Arsenal - 70 pts Manchester City - 64 pts Manchester United - 55 pts Aston Villa - 55 pts Liverpool - 52 pts Chelsea - 48 pts Brentford - 47 pts Everton - 47 pts Brighton - 46 pts Sunderland - 46 pts Bournemouth - 45 pts Fulham - 44 pts Crystal Palace - 42 pts Newcastle - 42 pts Leeds United - 33 pts Nottingham Forest - 33 pts West Ham United - 32 pts Tottenham Hotspur - 30 pts Burnley - 32 pts FEB. 21 12:00 P.M. - VS UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT BRADFORD FEB. 25 4:00 P.M. - AT GWYNEDD MERCY UNIVERSITY FEB. 28 1:00 P.M. - VS BRYN MAWR COLLEGE MAR. 4 5:00 P.M. - AT SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE MAR. 7 1:00 P.M. - VS NOTRE DAME OF MARYLAND UNIVERSITY MAR. 11 7:00 P.M. - AT ELMIRA COLLEGE MAR. 14 1:00 P.M. - AT KING’S COLLEGE (PA) MAR. 18 4:00 P.M. - VS SUNY POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE MAR. 21 1:00 P.M. - AT JUNIATA COLLEGE MAR. 25 5:00 P.M. - AT SUSQUEHANNA COLLEGE MAR. 28 1:00 P.M. - VS CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA APR. 1 7:00 P.M. - AT GOUCHER COLLEGE APR. 8 7:00 P.M. - VS DREW UNIVERSITY APR. 11 1:00 P.M. - VS ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE APR. 15 4:00 P.M. - AT UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON APR. 18 1:00 P.M. - VS MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY APR. 22 7:00 P.M. - VS LYCOMING COLLEGE �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 Sports 22 This past week in Wilkes sports: April 8-12 By Jake Mills Sports Staff Writer Believe it or not, the spring sports season at Wilkes is past its halfway mark. With just a few weeks to go in the semester, the teams keep on rolling. From the field to the diamond and to the fairways as well, here’s the recent happenings in the past week of Wilkes sports. April 8 MEN’S LACROSSE SCHEDULE Softball vs. Scranton (DH): 1-3 L Softball vs. Scranton (DH): 6-5 W Baseball vs. Scranton: 0-3 L April 9 Softball at Leb. Valley (DH): 3-11 L Softball at Leb. Valley (DH): 2-10 L Baseball at Keystone: 4-6 L Men’s Tennis vs. Moravian: 0-7 L Women’s Tennis vs. Moravian: 1-6 L Women’s Golf at the Husky Invitational: Kyleen McCance - tied for fifth place April 10 No events scheduled. April 11 Women’s Lacrosse vs. E-Town: 7-22 L Men’s Lacrosse at E-Town: 2-23 L Softball at Haverford (DH): 0-6 L Softball at Haverford (DH): 7-11 L Men’s Golf vs. Misericordia: 322-330 W April 12 Women’s Tennis at Goucher: Men’s Tennis at Goucher:1-6 L Women’s Golf at Scranton: Softball vs. Misericordia (DH): 10-4 W Softball vs. Misericordia (DH): 5-10 L Team Records (as of April 12): Baseball: 16-11 (12-3 Landmark) Softball: 14-12 (3-5 Landmark) Men’s Lacrosse: 4-10 (1-5 Landmark) Women’s Lacrosse: 8-6 (0-6 Landmark) Men’s Golf: 5-4-1 (0-2 Landmark) Women’s Golf: Men’s Tennis: 5-6 (1-4 Landmark) Women’s Tennis: Baseball vs. Elmira: 10-4 W Baseball vs. Hobart: 5-6 L FEB. 14 1:00 P.M. - AT DELAWARE VALLEY UNIVERSITY FEB. 18 4:00 P.M. - AT MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY FEB. 21 3:30 P.M. - AT FDU-FLORHAM MAR. 3 7:00 P.M. - AT ARCADIA UNIVERSITY MAR. 7 1:00 P.M. - AT LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE MAR. 11 7:00 P.M. - VS KING’S COLLEGE (PA) MAR. 14 12:00 P.M. - VS MOUNT SAINT MARY COLLEGE (NY) MAR. 18 7:00 P.M. - VS ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY MAR. 21 12:00 P.M. - VS JUNIATA COLLEGE MAR. 25 4:00 P.M. - VS SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY MAR. 28 1:00 P.M. - AT CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA APR. 4 1:00 P.M. - VS GOUCHER COLLEGE APR. 8 1:00 P.M. - AT DREW UNIVERSITY APR. 11 1:00 P.M. - AT ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE APR. 15 4:00 P.M. - VS UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON APR. 18 1:00 P.M. - AT MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY APR. 22 7:00 P.M. - AT LYCOMING COLLEGE �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 Hana Cross Outfielder, Softball Cross became the first student-athlete in program history to be named Landmark Athlete of the Week, earning those honors on April 6. How do you prepare mentally before a game? I tune out the background noise and focus on my goals for the game, listening to music and doing the same routine every game What's your favorite part about playing softball? Being a part of a team that always celebrates your successes and is there for each other during the difficult times. How has your team contributed to your success? My teammates motivate me, pick me up when things get tough, and celebrate wins together. Their energy and support make practices competitive and games enjoyable, which helps me perform my best What motivates you to keep improving? The team and my parents, always having my back and supporting me. Sports 23 Mia Butka Pitcher/Infielder, Softball Butka collected two hits at the plate and went five innings in the pitcher's circle in the DH against E-Town on April 4. Who is your role model? I would say my parents are my biggest role models. They’ve always supported me and pushed me to work hard, both on and off the field. They’ve taught me the importance of staying disciplined, having a strong work ethic, and keeping a positive attitude no matter the situation. Thoughts on your performance? tried to focus on staying composed and attacking hitters, and my defense really had my back the whole time. I gave up just one earned run on four hits and didn’t allow any walks, which I was proud of, but a lot of that came from the confidence I had in my team behind me. What are your goals moving forward? I really just want to make the most out of the rest of the games we have left with our seniors, and hopefully make it to the playoffs and make a run. �The Beacon - April 15, 2026 Sports DON’T SWEAT IT EARN SOME CREDITS REGISTER FOR SUMMER SESSION Enjoy the campus vibe with in-person classes or study wherever you are with online options. With five different sessions and start dates in May, June or July, you can hit the books and still have time to relax. PRESESSION | May 18 to June 5 FULL SESSION | May 18 to August 14 FIRST SESSION | June 8 to July 10 NINE-WEEK SESSION | June 8 to August 11 SECOND SESSION | July 13 to August 14 Make an appointment with your advisor and visit WILKES.EDU/SUMMER. Wilkes University is an equal opportunity institution. For information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit www.wilkes.edu/nondiscrimination. 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 This is Wilkes University's Beacon Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the Beacon's predecessors, The Bucknell Bison Stampede, 1934-1935 and The Bucknell Beacon, 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>. Missing Issues: 1947 August 8th 1947 September 5th 1947 October 3rd 1947 October 17th 1947 October 31st 1947 November 21st 1947 December 19th 1948 September 9th 1950 April 28th 1953 April 10th 1962 February 2nd 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 April 15 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/545e15abfa7b14641c92d22f14c8fd86.pdf 6cc8d460a8a76e987663edb9bfbb03d9 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 This is Wilkes University's Beacon Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the Beacon's predecessors, The Bucknell Bison Stampede, 1934-1935 and The Bucknell Beacon, 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>. Missing Issues: 1947 August 8th 1947 September 5th 1947 October 3rd 1947 October 17th 1947 October 31st 1947 November 21st 1947 December 19th 1948 September 9th 1950 April 28th 1953 April 10th 1962 February 2nd 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 April 22 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