THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022
2022 PHOTO EDITION
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Thank you to ‘The Post’ and our readers NATE SWANSON DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Back row from left to right : Carrie Legg, Zoe Cranfill and Alaina Dackermann Front row from left to right : Dylan Townsend, Nate Swanson, Jesse Jarrold-Grapes and Clay Stark. (NATE SWANSON | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)
Thank you, dear readers, for supporting the mission carried out by The Post through the stories we publish to inform and engage Ohio University’s student body and the Athens community. As time winds down, I can attest that the staff I have been given the privilege to lead has left a monumental impact on my life while I have watched our freshman and sophomore photojournalists grow into finding their photographic voice. Each and every one of our dedicated visual storytellers have impressed me with their sheer talent and drive. Whether it’s Election Day or Super Bowl Sunday or even a snow day, the images I have seen from our photojournalists give me confidence for the future of The Post and the leadership that will take over after graduation day. This year’s photo editor, Jesse Jarrold-Grapes, has been my rock. Since our first assignment together when I mentored him back in 2019, his ambition and creativity has cemented his place as a one-
of-a-kind photojournalist. Jesse, your big ideas, lightning-sharp energy and overall presence never fail to make me smile knowing how far that will take you. Our shared compassion and sensitivity in editing the right photos for stories, discussing the state of photojournalism and laughing about life, among other things, make it bittersweet for me to leave Athens and The Post after making endless memories and connections here. But rest assured, I have the utmost faith in the marks you will make and the mountains you can move as you fill in the shoes as director of photography. The photo staff is in good hands. This year’s photo edition is an ode to the universal language of imagery by portraying moments from this year’s most crucial news, uplifting stories of life, culture and community, the energetic athletic matches that bring everyone together, as well as an additional photo essay about moving forward. Please enjoy this collection of work made by our esteemed photojournalists — the eyes of Athens.
COVER PHOTO BY AKASH PAMARTHY Violet Emery, 15, student at Athens High School tries to make bubbles at the Paw Paw festival in Albany, Ohio on Sept. 18, 2021. (AKASH PAMARTHY | FOR THE POST)
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Abby Miller MANAGING EDITOR Bre Offenberger DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR Matthew Geiger EDITORIAL NEWS EDITORS Emma Skidmore, Ryan Maxin ASST. NEWS EDITOR Molly Wilson PROJECTS EDITOR Taylor Burnette SPORTS EDITOR Jack Gleckler ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Ashley Beach CULTURE EDITOR Riley Runnells ASST. CULTURE EDITOR Kayla Bennett OPINION EDITOR Mikayla Rochelle ASST. OPINION EDITOR Hannah Campbell THE BEAT EDITOR Madyson Lewellyn ASST. THE BEAT EDITOR Emma Dollenmayer COPY CHIEF Anna Garnai SLOT EDITORS Anastasia Carter, Will Cunningham, Bekah Bostick, Isabel Nissley ART ART DIRECTOR Olivia Juenger ASST. ART DIRECTOR Trevor Brighton DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Nate Swanson PHOTO EDITOR Jesse Jarrold-Grapes DIGITAL WEB DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Brianna Lender AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Jack Hiltner ASST. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Claire Schiopota DIRECTOR OF MULTIMEDIA Noah DeSantis BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Andrea Lewis MEDIA SALES Grace Vannan 2 / APRIL 21, 2022
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WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR COLLEGE AMBASSADORS
Olivia Christiansen Lindsay Katz Abby Blashinsky Kat Keber Allison Jalowiec Mackenzie Kress Jolie Hansen Faith Lucas Hayley Boyd
THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 3
Moments in Pictures City Council Candidate Damon Krane looks at preliminary election results at The Skull in Athens, Ohio, on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021. (CARRIE LEGG | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) A grad gets excited after walking across the stage at the Class of 2020’s Graduation Ceremony held at College Green on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021. (RYAN GRZYBOWSKI | FOR THE POST) Ohio University students ride down Jeff Hill in a move-in cart as snow piles up in Athens, Ohio, on January 16, 2022. (RYAN GRZYBOWSKI | FOR THE POST) A Cincinnati Bengals fan cheers on Joe Burrow, Cincinnati’s Quarterback, from The Banks in Cincinnati Ohio on Feb. 13, 2022. (ZOE CRANFILL | FOR THE POST) Kai Caesar extends his arm out to the crowd of protesters while speaking to President Sherman about the performative responses to racial attacks and hate crimes on campus. (NATE SWANSON | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)
4 / APRIL 21, 2022
THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 5
NEWS BRIEFS
OU announces faculty bonuses, students react to Ohio’s concealed carry law EMMA SKIDMORE NEWS EDITOR OU announces new bonuses, pay increases for faculty, staff Ohio University recently approved one-time bonuses in 2022 and merit-based salary increases for 2023. Due to ending the current fiscal year in a surplus and after approval from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees 3200, eligible full-time employees will receive a $2,000 bonus. Part-time employees will receive a prorated amount. Salary increases for the next fiscal year will apply to employees hired before Jan. 1, 2022. Increases will come from a raise pool made up of 2% of the salaries for all eligible employees. An additional 0.5% may be set aside for deans, vice presidents and vice provosts. Administrative employees who already received a salary increase on or after Jan. 1, 2022 will not be eligible for the increase, though exceptions can be made. Students share thoughts on new statewide gun laws Ohio recently passed a law that would allow handgun owners to conceal carry a gun without a permit, but at Ohio University, it’s still illegal to carry a gun on the premises without prior authorization. Maxwell Burton, a freshman studying journalism, said he
would feel unsafe if guns were allowed on campus. Burton said it is scary to know anyone can be carrying a gun with them and believes there is no reason to have a gun that contains more than five bullets. However, Matthew Smrdel, a senior studying chemical engineering, said concealed carrying on campus is the best way to deter criminals. Additionally, Smrdel said a low number of people would have a gun regardless because of other age restrictions. When the bill goes into effect, handgun owners are permitted to keep their guns locked inside cars while on campus.
while the infrastructure grant has up to $500,000 available. Service Safety Director Andy Stone said now that the allocation program is going away, Athens will have to compete against other communities for the larger programs the CDBG offers. The body also heard an ordinance authorizing street paving and various repairs in 2022.
@E_SKIDMOREGS ES320518@OHIO.EDU
City Council holds public hearing to discuss grant programs Athens City Council met Monday night and held a public hearing regarding the community development block grant, or CDBG, program. Money for the CDBG program comes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It is then distributed through the Ohio Development Services Agency Office of Community Development. Council President Christine Knisely said Athens works in conjunction with the Hocking Athens Perry Community Action Program to apply for program funding. An example of that is the allocation program, which has been successful in the past but is now phasing out. The allocation program will supply a grant of $150,000,
POLICE BLOTTER
Power line damaged by fallen tree, tags stolen off trailer KENDALL WRIGHT FOR THE POST Blinded by the light Deputies responded to Athens Township from a report of a flash observed and a loud noise heard in a neighborhood. Once deputies patrolled the area, it was determined that a large tree had fallen and snapped a power pole, causing the power line to break, which caused the transformer to arc and flash. The location and outage had already been reported to AEP upon the deputies’ arrival, and no further action was taken. Remember to cut your tags The sheriff’s office was contacted by a resident of Glouster, who reported that someone had stolen his trailer tags. A deputy spoke with the complainant, and a report was taken. “Yoohoo, big summer blowout” Sheriff’s office deputies responded to a suspicious person/vehicle complaint in York Township. Deputies made contact and determined that the trailer being pulled had a tire blowout, and the driver was trying to get the trailer parked and safely off the roadway. The driver was also trying to call friends in the area for assistance. The driver told officers that he knew the property own6 / APRIL 21, 2022
ers and would contact them the following morning to make them aware of the situation. He also said he would make the proper arrangements to have the trailer moved. No further action was taken. Cutting ties The sheriff’s office received a call from a woman who complained that within the past few weeks someone had cut the catalytic converter off her vehicle. There are currently no leads in this case. Mystery item Sheriff’s office deputies responded to U.S. Route 50 near Harmony Road in Athens for a report of an object in the roadway. Deputies patrolled the area, but the roadway was clear. Butt-dial Sheriff’s office deputies responded to Salem Road for a 911 hang-up call. Upon arrival, deputies spoke to all who were present and were informed everything was fine. One party checked their phone and found it was an accidental pocket dial. No evidence of any criminal act or assistance was needed, and deputies resumed patrol. Let the sun in A call was made to the sheriff’s office to report broken windows on a large structure in The Plains.
Once deputies responded to the scene, they were unable to make contact with the owners of the property. Watchdogs Deputies were requested to be present in The Plains for a staff meeting. Members of the staff were concerned about the potential of someone to be unruly during the meeting. No incidents occurred during the meeting, and deputies resumed patrol. Keep your eye out A Stewart resident walked into the sheriff’s office to report the theft of their utility trailer. Deputies took a report, and the case is under further investigation.
@KENDALLKWRIGHT KW229520@OHIO.EDU
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What mysteries lie in our ever-expanding universe, waiting to be uncovered? Join Dr. Hee-Jong Seo from Ohio University’s department of physics and astronomy as she takes us on a tour of the universe, its secrets, and the scientists who are working to bring those secrets into the light. This talk will be followed by a brief q&a segment. This is a hybrid event and will also be streamed over Zoom. If you plan to attend virtually, please register ahead of time at ACPL’s online events calendar or in person at the library, and a Zoom link will be sent to you shortly before the event.
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THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 7
Culture of Athens TOP LEFT: Drag King AJ Spanks transforms from feminine to masculine during his performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” during the Drag Show at Baker University Theater at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, On March 21, 2022. (Aliza Dutt | For The Post) BOTTOM LEFT: Candles are lit during Hillel’s Shabbat service and dinner in Athens, Ohio, on Feb. 18, 2022. (Dylan Townsend | For The Post) TOP RIGHT: Union St. around college green was filled with people sharing various cultures via food, goods and traditions. International Week Street Fair was held on Saturday April 9th, 2022. (Ryan Grzybowski | For The Post) BOTTOM MIDDLE: Cat Tillis picks raspberries at the Ohio University Student Farm. (Zoe Cranfill | For The Post) BOTTOM RIGHT: The crowd inside Bagel Street Deli cheers as Michael Fitzpatrick wins the second heat on March 18, 2022. (Ryan Grzybowski | For The Post)
8 / APRIL 21, 2022
THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 9
Taking the Stage
TOP: Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real perform at the Hocking Hills Music Festival on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. (Ashlynn McKee | For The Post)
10 / APRIL 21, 2022
BOTTOM: Finneas performs at the Temptleton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021. (Ashlynn McKee | For The Post)
Aly Michalka, right, and her sister AJ perform in the Ohio University Program Council Annual Concert in the Baker Ballroom on March 24, 2022. (Zoe Cranfill | For The Post)
Lost Flamingo Theater Company present The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Union Bar in Athens, Ohio, on Saturday. Oct. 23. (Ashlynn McKee | For The Post)
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Resilience on the road of recovery RYAN GRZYBOWSKI FOR THE POST
Mutual support reunites a lifelong friendship. Charles Smith hugs Ashley after seeing her inside Dollar General in The Plains. Natalie takes Ashley home after her shift at work. Ashley works full-time as a cashier, which allows her to sit while working. Ashley and her niece play a game outside as her niece gets knocked out of the game. Ashley’s holding her cigarette off the side of the porch. The blue heart ring was given to her by a friend from sober living and her pink ring she bought herself to commemorate six months of being sober. Ashley and Natalie stand on the porch smoking and talking about the outdoor furniture and what they would like to do to decorate her side yard. Ashley talks to her sister Kate before she came over for dinner and Natalie’s daughter and Kate’s can play and enjoy the night. Ashley Woods puts away her clothes after moving into her friend’s Natalie Hoffman’s house in The Plains after living at Serenity Grove for the previous 5 months.
PHOTOS BY RYAN GRZYBOWSKI
12 / APRIL 21, 2022
THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 13
Black voices are Athens voices
Sealonda Smith, left, works on a fade for a customer on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. (ALEX EICHER | FOR THE POST) Trevellya Ford-Ahmed, the communications and media director for the Mount Zion Baptist Preservation Society, at the previously named Mount Zion Baptist Church off North Congress Street, near uptown Athens, Ohio, on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. (JESSE JARROLD-GRAPES | PHOTO EDITOR) Members of Ebony Minds pose for a portrait in front of a mural in the Ohio University Multicultural Center in Baker University Center on Feb. 15, 2022. (ZOE CRANFILL | FOR THE POST) Duo Kev Marcus and Wil B. of Black Violin play at Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021. The American hip hop duo are from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Black Violin has performed at the Billboard Music Awards with Alicia Keys, been nominated for a Grammy and worked with Alessia Cara, 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne. (TANNER PEARSON | FOR THE POST)
14 / APRIL 21, 2022
The owner of Harvest of Athens dispensary, Ariane Kirkpatrick, cuts the ribbon to officiate the opening of the store on Sept. 20, 2021. (CLAY STARK | FOR THE POST) Students dance in joy to the Ark Band’s performance at the International Street Fair on North Green at Ohio University on April 9, 2022. (AKASH PAMARTHY | FOR THE POST) Ohio University Student Senate’s treasurer, Trinity Robinson, present during their weekly meeting on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. (ALAINA DACKERMANN | FOR THE POST)
THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 15
Sports In Snapshots TOP: O’Shaan Allison (0) gains yards during the game against Central Michigan at Peden Stadium on Oct. 9, 2021. (Clay Stark | For The Post) BOTTOM: Ohio University loses to the University of Kentucky 77-59 on Nov. 19, 2021 in Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. (Ryan Grzybowski | For The Post)
16 / APRIL 21, 2022
TOP RIGHT: Ohio middle blocker Caitlin O’Farrell (12) gets ready to spike the ball against Akron at the Convo on Oct. 22, 2021. (Clay Stark | For The Post) TOP LEFT: Cece Hooks celebrates with her teammates after breaking the record for all-time leading scorer in the MAC conference at Ohio University on January 22, 2022, in Athens, Ohio. The Bobcats defeated the Falcons 85-70. (Pearl Spurlock | For The Post) BOTTOM LEFT: Ohio third baseman Annalia Paoli (3) runs hard to first base after hitting a ground ball at Ohio Softball Field on April 5, 2022. (Clay Stark | For The Post)
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The Post’s Favorites TOP: Alpacas group together in curiosity for an impromptu portrait at The Alpacas of Spring Acres in Zanesville, Ohio, where 92 alpacas have been taken in for care under the wing of Al and Becky Camma. (Nate Swanson | Director of Photography) BOTTOM: Andrew Lewis smiles as his torso is signed by Stephen Kramer Glickman at the after-show VIP meet and greet on Nov. 6, 2021. (Nate Swanson | Director of Photography)
18 / APRIL 21, 2022
Ahimsa Largo dances with a friend, Brittan (9) at the Pawpaw Festival on Sept. 18, 2021. The festival is held at Lake Snowden in Albany, Ohio and has been going on for 23 years. (Tanner Pearson | For The Post)
The crowd at The Banks in Cincinnati, Ohio, watches the Super Bowl, Feb. 13, 2022 (Jesse Jarrold-Grapes | Photo Editor)
Nukhet Sandal, Associate Professor and Chair of Political Science at OU, shares how Turkey is involved in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, based on her expertise in Middle East political science on Monday, Feb. 28, 2022. (Carrie Legg | Staff Photographer)
THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 19
FROM THE SENIORS’ DESK
So long from the 2022 graduates of ‘The Post’ The college experience is full of ups and downs, and these past four years have been no exception. COVID-19, for our current seniors, was a disruptor to the middle years of college, but despite the trouble it caused, the finish line is here. In our last print edition of the academic year, some of our seniors wanted to say farewell and thank you to the people and things that have supported us during our time at Ohio University. They could not have done it without all of you. Abby Miller, editor-in-chief I’ve already said a big goodbye, but I want to thank everyone at The Post again for being the most incredible staff to work with. I’ve learned something new from everyone here, and I would not trade being editor-in-chief this year for the world. I didn’t know I wanted to go to OU until I decided I wanted to be a journalist and subsequently visited campus. At that time, I also had no idea what The Post was, but I left my campus tour with a copy of the tabloid and found myself flipping through the pages. From there, I only continued to discover more about myself as a person and a journalist and what I was capable of. I would have never imagined The Post being such a pivotal part of my life four years ago, but I’m endlessly grateful for it. Thank you, The Post, for everything. Matt Geiger, digital managing editor No one can say I didn’t party. Jillian Craig, senior writer If you ask any of my family members or close friends, “independent” is commonly used to describe my personality. When it came to finding a publication to join at OU, The Post is one that truly let me be independent. I’ve had the opportunity to freely explore topics I want to report, in addition to making valuable and lasting connections with my fellow Posties. Thank you to my family, friends, professors and The Post staff for supporting me over the past four years, and for continuing to support me in my post-college adventures. Bre Offenberger, managing editor I dreaded coming to OU. I wanted to get out of West Virginia and start anew, but I was still scared I wouldn’t make any friends or make anything of myself. That changed rather quickly after I joined The Post. These last four years have been the greatest of my life, thanks to this always hectic, always weird, always reliable publi-
20 / APRIL 21, 2022
cation. I met my best friend here (love you, Riley); I sharpened my social skills here (now I don’t visibly shake when I interview people); I found myself here. I’d say there were more stressful days than peaceful ones during my time at The Post, but I wouldn’t trade any of them for the world. Mikayla Rochelle, opinion editor Oh boy. This is a hard goodbye. Being a Postie has been so pertinent to my college experience. The Post has given me great experiences and has helped me improve my writing, but that is not my biggest takeaway from this publication. My biggest takeaway is some of the best friendships I have ever had in my life. Spending countless hours each week in the newsroom goes by really quickly when you spend that time with your best friends. I never expected these four years to go so fast, but I am thankful for every minute of it, and I am thankful for The Post. Iana Fields, opinion writer As a bright-eyed freshman walking through the tables on College Green for the Involvement Fair, I was trying to find an organization where I could express my true self through my writing. When I attended my first information session for The Post, I felt out of my element as a creative writing major. For the most part, everyone had some background in journalism, whereas all I could offer was poetry. However, this didn’t deter anyone from teaching me, and if anything, more people encouraged me to write for The Post. Even though my time at college has been unconventional, I would like to thank The Post for allowing me to express myself without trying to change who I am and for supporting me. I am grateful for the people I have met and the friends I have made along the way. I also appreciate the learning experiences I have gained from working with The Post. Goodbye, everyone and I hope y’all keep spilling the tea! Riley Runnells, culture editor It’s not often you find a community of people who are like-minded yet still independent, funny but can be serious when necessary and create a sense of family when you’re far from your own. However, The Post gave me that. Meeting the people at The Post felt like finding my community on campus, and I’m forever grateful for that. Though I had countless incredible professional opportunities that I am beyond proud of, such as working on podcasts, starting a video series, writing nearly 700 stories and more, it’s the people I’ve met here and formed relationships with that have meant the most to me.
The Post brought me some of my best friends, my partner and some of the greatest colleagues I could’ve ever asked for. I was terrified to start over when I came to college, but The Post adopted me into its family, and I am so lucky to say that I’m a Postie. I worked on my journalism skills and built connections that will last a lifetime, and I can’t thank this publication enough for making it possible. I hope you all continue supporting student journalism, and I’ll miss working here with these incredible people so dearly. Noah Wright, former opinion editor Until about a week ago, the idea of not living in Athens and being part of the community at OU did not seem real to me. Leaving the place I have called home since 2018 seemed impossible. However, it turns out it is very possible, and as exciting as the prospects of a career and an adult life are, man is it hard to say goodbye. For the last four years, I have spent countless hours being with people I truly love. I’ve been lucky enough to have a stable, extremely close friend group that endured little change throughout my time here. I have The Post to thank for a good chunk of that friend group. Saying goodbye to Athens is going to be hard, but saying goodbye to these people will truly hurt. All that being said, it’s time for me to go. I cannot truly put into words how grateful I am for my time here and the memories I’ve made. These four years will be with me for the rest of my life. Mary Berger, former art director I remember putting my name on a signup sheet to be part of the design team one of my first weeks at OU. I had no experience in news publications before joining The Post, so I’m not sure what drew me into signing up. It may have been the welcoming Posties at the sign up table or the appeal of being a part of something that mattered at the university. Whatever it was that swayed me to step out of my comfort zone, I cannot be more grateful that I did. The Post gave me the opportunity to express myself in mainly art, but also when I occasionally wrote for The Beat section. This publication has also given me some of the greatest friendships I will ever know, and I am confident those will carry on after graduation. The Post has given me confidence in myself and my ability to do whatever I put my mind to. I can trace this back to the opportunities presented to me on the design staff and from my role as art director for two years, for getting me where I am in my career thus far. I could not be more thankful for my last four years at The Post. No matter how chal-
lenging or frustrating it may have been at times, I know this publication is one of the biggest influences on my work ethic, character and career. Jack Gleckler, sports editor It’s hard to fathom just how integral The Post has been to my college experience. I joined almost as soon as I stepped on campus, and many of the friends I’ve made here can be considered a family in their own right. I’ve been able to travel and cover sporting events I never imagined in areas of the country I’d never visited before. I can thank my time in the sports section for that. Athens is a special place, and The Post is a special publication. There’s little doubt in my mind that I’m only in my current position now because of the experiences I’ve had. Four years went by quicker than I anticipated, but it’s been four years I’ll never forget. Brianna Lender, web development director I joined in the fall and earned my section editor position in the spring of sophomore year. Then, COVID-19 slammed the door on us. However, I could not have felt more welcome once we were allowed back on campus this past school year. It was a whole new, yet exciting experience in-person and I’m so glad I was able to spend this last year making memories with all the Posties. When I started, my coding staff suffered in numbers from the remoteness of COVID-19. I had a small number of regular staff that would help out every other week that they could, but now I am happy to leave the coding team nearly triple the size it once was. I love each and every one of my “codies” for taking an interest in our small but mighty team, now bigger and mightier than ever because of you! Thank you to everyone for being so awesome and fun to work with these past years! No workplace will ever quite feel the same as hanging out in The Post newsroom. Colin Mayr, photographer You know, BACK IN MY DAY, during my freshman year, I found my friends and myself thanks to The Post. These past four years, I have grown to a point that I could have never dreamed of senior year in high school. I will be forever thankful for The Post and the opportunities it has granted me over these past four years.
2022 Seniors
THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 21
the weekender Earth Day Parade to cap off ‘Earth Week,’ spotlight sustainability on campus ALEX IMWALLE FOR THE POST
Ohio University students, faculty and pawpaw fruit mascots will make their presence known this upcoming Earth Day as they line the streets to celebrate the environmentally-conscious holiday with the annual Earth Day parade. Sam Crowl, associate director of the OU Office of Sustainability, said the parade is the final event of Earth Week, seven days packed full of environment and climate-related events hosted by the Office of Sustainability. This is the second year the office has put on the parade after its debut in 2019, Crowl said. The event will begin Friday at noon on South Green and last about 45 minutes as the parade group makes its way across East Green, campus and Court Street, ending at Baker University Center. Crowl said several other environmentally-oriented organizations, such as the Pawpaw Festival and Passion Works Studio organizers, will assist by providing costumes and noisemakers. The parade expressly invites members of sustainability-related student organizations, local government officials and anyone with an interest in sustainability, Crowl said. “The parade is come one come all,” Crowl said. “Last time in 2019, I think we had about 20 (participants). I’m hoping we’re closer to 50 this year.” Crowl said the Earth Day Parade was brought to life three years ago by Vicky Kent, a former graduate student and Office of Sustainability events coordinator. Now that Kent has moved on from OU, Crowl, along with his team of student workers, have taken over the project and intend to uphold the tradition that Kent started. “(Vicky) brought a passion for doing things very visibly and out in the com22 / APRIL 21, 2022
munity,” Crowl said. “She brought that personality to the Office of Sustainability.” Directly following the parade, on the third floor of Baker University Center, Crowl said the office will host the Earth Day Conversations event. This will be one final Earth Week opportunity for students to interact with the Office of Sustainability and engage in a meaningful discussion. “There will be climate and sustainability ambassadors present,” Crowl said. “The Office of Sustainability will be present and will be able to engage with students who are interested in learning more about sustainability at the university.” Though the parade’s purpose is to celebrate Earth Day and raise awareness for the current state of our environment, Crowl said he also hopes the event will bring more attention to the Office of Sustainability. “(A lot of students) are not aware that the university has a sustainability and climate action plan which has very specific goals for the institution to reach in a five-year period,” Crowl said. Crowl said he works year-round with various campus offices to create individual environmental goals. Crowl said the parade is one more chance to shine a light on those programs. “We’d like to bring more attention to the fact that we exist,” Crowl said. “We see a lot of students who come in now with a passion or a real interest in sustainability … Depending on their academic program and who they’re connected with, they may not understand that we have an office here that supports many of these activities.” Kate Harmon, a sophomore studying environmental studies and the events coordinator for the Office of Sustainability, and Isabel Stitchick, a sophomore studying environmental studies and social media and marketing coor-
dinator for the Office of Sustainability, worked closely with Crowl in preparation for Earth Week and the parade. After a full year without in-person events, Stitchick said she missed the opportunity to physically gather people together for a cause. “This semester was our first experience with in-person events,” Stitchick said. “I’ve always just been really excited for the parade, so I think this will be a nice little ending to a good semester.” Harmon said she was glad to get involved with the event because it will be a tangible representation their work and something everyone can take part in. “I’ve always wanted to participate in a climate march,” Harmon said. “It’ll be really cool to see the community together.” The point of the event as a whole is to inform students of environmental issues and the preventative measures they can take on campus, Harmon added. “It’s more getting students involved and get-
ting them aware,” Harmon said. “We’re all in this journey together of loving our Earth and trying to fight for it.”
IF YOU GO WHAT: Earth Day Parade WHERE: South Green, Baker University Center WHEN: Friday, April 22, at 12 p.m. ADMISSION: Free
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