By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer
By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer
ARMY 2024-2025
By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer
Lee Beck

Lee Beck, Assistant Copy Desk

Assistant Copy Desk – Spring 2024

Staff Reporter – Winter 2024

All content by Lee Beck
The ensemble cast for "John Proctor is the Villain."

‘John Proctor is the Villain’ Commentary on power over women’s voices

Lee Beck, Scene Editor
November 21, 2024

The play “John Proctor is the Villain” is “A very nuanced piece with a lot of levels,” Emily Rollie, associate professor in the theatre and film department, co-coordinator of the BFA performance...

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Rehearsal of ;The Rocky Horror Picture Show'

‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s’ community and legacy at CWU

Lee Beck, Scene Editor
November 11, 2024

Neo Klosterman, senior theatre performance major and director of this year’s annual shadowcast of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” wanted this performance to reflect the resistance involved in the...

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Preacher Lawson. (Photo courtesy Campus Activities and Preacher Lawson)

Preacher Lawson on his origins and comedy in the modern era

Lee Beck, Scene Editor
October 25, 2024

Preacher Lawson, three-time “America’s Got Talent” finalist, actor and stand-up comedian, is currently traveling across the continent of North America on his Funny as Bleep tour. The tour’s second...

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Buddy the parrot, local celebrity, dies at 41

Lee Beck, Scene Editor
October 9, 2024

Ellensburg icon Buddy the grey parrot died after a short illness on Aug. 24 at age 41. Her memorial service was held by Brookside Funeral & Crematory last Sunday, Sept. 29. Ellensburg Pet Center...

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President Jim Wohlpart speaking at the State of the University Adress.

The State of your University: Wohlpart says $26 million lost due to low enrollment

Astor Powell-Pedersen and Lee Beck
October 9, 2024

President Jim Wohlpart revealed that CWU has lost $26 million in tuition money due to enrollment decline at his annual State of the University Address (STU) on Oct. 4 in the SURC Ballroom.  Wohlpart...

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Judas the Beslayer

A Decade of Drag

Lee Beck, Scene Editor
October 3, 2024

  In 2014, CWU was given a five-star rating in Campus Pride’s Top 50 LGBT-Friendly Colleges & Universities. That same year, Aquasha DeLusty, CWU Alum and professional drag queen began what...

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Pets for all at PUNCH Projects

Lee Beck, Staff Reporter
March 7, 2024

Unconditional Love is Emotional Support

Lee Beck, Staff Reporter
February 29, 2024

Anyone who has loved an animal knows how emotionally beneficial it can be. Coming home to an excited dog, cuddling with a fuzzy cat or even watching a clumsy frog fumble at catching a worm. The joy of...

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CWU Dance Company Fosters Independence and Friendship

CWU Dance Company Fosters Independence and Friendship

Lee Beck, Staff Reporter
February 22, 2024

Teamwork makes the dream work! At least, that’s true for CWU’s dance company, Orchesis. With the help of two staff directors, the dance company is entirely student-run. Because of this aspect, it’s...

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CWU Graphic Design Student’s Art Featured on City Bus Stop

CWU Graphic Design Student’s Art Featured on City Bus Stop

Lee Beck, Staff Reporter
February 18, 2024

Junior Graphic Design student Amy Walker’s art has been immortalized on the Central Transit bus stop near the SURC.  Walker entered their piece back in December 2022 after seeing a newsletter from the...

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Amanda Hebeler y Sarah Spurgeon: ¿Por qué no decirlo simplemente?

Lee Beck, Periodista
February 10, 2024

El silencio de archivo es un fenómeno entre historiadores en el que la documentación se distorsiona, ya sea involuntaria o voluntariamente, causando confusión sobre un acontecimiento histórico, persona...

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Marie Marchand/Photo by Sami Jo Photo

Connection Through Poetry

Lee Beck, Staff Reporter
February 8, 2024

Art is everywhere in Ellensburg, whether it be murals on the side of historic buildings, or music ringing through the summer air. But, where can we find Kittitas Valley’s literary arts? Look no further...

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‘The Unchosen Ones’: An Exploration of Empathy, Resilience and Sustainability

‘The Unchosen Ones’: An Exploration of Empathy, Resilience and Sustainability

Lee Beck, Staff Reporter
February 2, 2024

“The Unchosen Ones” is an exhibit currently in the Museum of Culture and Environment by Minnesotan photographer R. J. Kern. The photographs feature young 4-H participants and the animals they were...

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Amanda Hebeler and Sarah Spurgeon: Why Don’t We Just Say It?

Amanda Hebeler and Sarah Spurgeon: Why Don’t We Just Say It?

Lee Beck, Staff Reporter
January 24, 2024

Archival silence is a phenomenon among historians in which documentation is distorted, either unintentionally or intentionally, resulting in confusion about a historical event, person or place. A prime...

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Where’s the “Art” in Architecture?

Lee Beck, Columnist
January 21, 2024

As of late, there’s been a trend in architecture to make buildings minimalist, modernized and efficient. While I believe this can do a lot as far as energy conservation as well as accessibility, a lot...

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