By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer

By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer

By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer

All content by MJ Rivera
Production class, Photo by Andrea Ecklund

Student fashion designs are about to hit the runway in ‘Opulence’

MJ Rivera, Scene Editor
May 31, 2023

Student designers in the apparel, textile and merchandising (ATM) program will be showcasing their looks in this year’s fashion show titled “Opulence” on June 3 in the Milo Smith Tower Theater in...

Continue Reading
Cindy Tran Sewing Design. Photo courtesy of Andrea Eklund

Student fashion designs set to hit the runway in ‘Opulence’ show

MJ Rivera, Scene Editor
May 28, 2023

Student designers in the apparel, textile and merchandising (ATM) program will be showcasing their looks in this year’s fashion show titled “Opulence” on June 3 in the Milo Smith Tower Theater in...

Continue Reading
The decline of local newspapers: How journalism is affected

The decline of local newspapers: How journalism is affected

MJ Rivera and Mykah Koke-Filimaua
May 24, 2023

Local newspapers are becoming few and far between. Mike Gallagher worked at Ellensburg’s local newspaper, The Daily Record, for 25 years as a reporter and managing editor. He said journalism is different...

Continue Reading
The Pearl porch seating on a sunny afternoon. Photo by MJ Rivera

Ellensburg’s history has some interesting and scary stories

MJ Rivera, Columnist
May 17, 2023

You already know Ellensburg is a small town and home to CWU, but do you know the history of the buildings you see around town? Inspired by the upcoming historic pub crawl, I wanted to share a few stories...

Continue Reading
Girls holding hands with pride flag painting, Photo courtesy of Pexels.com

Traveling the world through film: The LGBTQ+ film festival displays global perspectives

MJ Rivera, Scene Editor
May 10, 2023

Students and faculty members shared deep conversations about the representation of the LGBTQ+ community through perspectives in the film “Rafiki'' at the first LGBTQ+ film festival night on May 4. The...

Continue Reading
Photo courtesy of Pixels

How bedroom pop has given young musicians a more personalized way to make it big

MJ Rivera, Columnist
May 10, 2023

The term “bedroom pop” emerged in the mid 2010s and refers to music that can be made from the comfort of someone’s bedroom, using computer programs that anyone can learn.  NBC’s Olivia Roos...

Continue Reading
Doctor panel. Photo by MJ Rivera

Doctor panelists and community members weigh the role of medication in addiction treatment

MJ Rivera and Zileni Milupi
May 3, 2023

Friendly chatter, free food and educational discussions created a welcoming atmosphere as attendees walked in the Hal Holmes Community Center for the Doctors Talk Addiction seminar on April 28.  Hosted...

Continue Reading
Kylie Copeland (L) and Hannah Roswell (R) on their way downtown. Photo by MJ Rivera

Girl power at Girls Night Out: Highlighting women-owned businesses and togetherness

MJ Rivera and Zileni Milupi
May 3, 2023

A warm breeze blew through the downtown streets of Ellensburg as local businesses filled with people participating in the girls night out event. The event took place on April 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. in downtown...

Continue Reading
Front Door of Greenhouse

Plants to Plates event aims to educate people about the relationship between humans, tools and food

MJ Rivera, Scene Editor
April 26, 2023

The CWU Biology greenhouse and Museum of Culture and Environment drew connections between humans, tools, food and sustainable eating at the Plants to Plates event on April 22. Linnea Stavney, the manager...

Continue Reading
Frankie the cat. Photo courtesy of Libby Williams

Having pets in college: CWU community members share stories

MJ Rivera, Scene Editor
April 18, 2023

Life as a college student can be busy, but for those who love animals, having a pet in college is worth the extra responsibility. Archie, a kitten just a few days old, was found left outside in the...

Continue Reading
Root sculpture. Photo by MJ Rivera

Bringing art and communication together with “Roote Wordes”

MJ Rivera, Scene Editor
April 12, 2023

Seattle-based artist and sculpter Rob Rhee sat down with CWU’s writing curriculum coordinator and lecturer Matt Martinson at the front of a packed room in Randall Hall on April 6 to discuss his exhibit...

Continue Reading
Elliptical pic. Photo by MJ Rivera

Trying to lose weight in college while caught between diet culture and body positivity, difficult but not impossible

MJ Rivera, Scene Editor
April 5, 2023

A sweet old therapist of mine told me how damaging diet culture is for people, especially for women in college like myself. According to the Jan. 2022 issue of the Women’s Studies International Forum,...

Continue Reading
Students serve up their Ramadan dinner.

Ramadan dinner photo spread

MJ Rivera and Yohanes Goodell
April 5, 2023

Continue Reading
Keith Karns playing trumpet. Photo courtesy of Keri Kunz, CWU Hype

Continuing a legacy at CWU: Keith Karns, the new director of jazz

MJ Rivera, Scene Editor
April 5, 2023

From a lifestyle of traveling and playing jazz all hours of the day and night, to igniting a passion for jazz in CWU students full-time, Keith Karns is finishing out his first year as the new director...

Continue Reading
El evento Fresh Check Day nos recuerda que la salud mental es importante

El evento Fresh Check Day nos recuerda que la salud mental es importante

MJ Rivera and Zileni Milupi
March 9, 2023

Con abundancia de pizza gratuita y juegos recreativos, el evento anual Fresh Check Day en CWU sirvió para recordarnos sobre la importancia que tiene la salud mental, así como sobre los recursos disponibles...

Continue Reading
Aaron Balagot, Mid-Columbia Fisheries.

Ellensburg volunteer fair showcases various opportunities for students

MJ Rivera, Staff Reporter
March 8, 2023

The Pine Street event center was packed with CWU students, community members and over 25 local organizations and nonprofit groups for the Ellensburg Downtown Association’s volunteer fair on March 2.  There...

Continue Reading
Melissa Stockwell competed in the Paralympic Games and spoke at CWU about her experiences. Photo courtesy of Pexels

Paralympic competitor, veteran Melissa Stockwell shares story at CWU

MJ Rivera, Staff Reporter
February 23, 2023

Melissa Stockwell is an American veteran who fought in Iraq and competed in three paralympic games, according to her website melissastockwell.com, and she gave a speech at CWU on Feb. 22 in the SURC ballroom...

Continue Reading
Table Flowers.

Valentine’s Day Soireé

MJ Rivera, Staff Reporter
February 22, 2023

Students of CWU played games, ate brownies and got to know each other at the Valentine’s Day Soireé in the SURC Ballroom on Feb. 14. Freshman graphic design major Zoë Armstrong was playing a cup-pong...

Continue Reading
Fresh Check Day reminds us of the importance of mental health

Fresh Check Day reminds us of the importance of mental health

MJ Rivera and Zileni Milupi
February 15, 2023

With an abundance of fun games and free pizza, CWU’s annual Fresh Check Day served as a reminder of the importance of mental health and the many resources available for students on campus. This year’s...

Continue Reading
Rose bouquet.

Valentine’s Day is the best holiday

MJ Rivera, Staff Reporter
February 15, 2023

Valentine’s day is the best holiday because every type of love is worth celebrating. Pope Galasius declared Feb. 14 as Valentine’s Day near the end of the 5th century. The first Valentine’s note...

Continue Reading
What does it mean to not want to be like other girls? Photo courtesy of Pexels.

The hidden misogyny behind “not like other girls”

MJ Rivera, Staff Reporter
February 10, 2023

Most women have had a time in their life when they thought to themselves, “I’m not like other girls,” because they chose an alternative, better way of living that doesn’t involve so much pink lip...

Continue Reading
CWU Jazz Band. Photo courtesy of CWU Hype

Concert livens up the Bistro with jazz

MJ Rivera, Staff Reporter
February 8, 2023

Jazz music filled the 1891 Bistro as CWU’s jazz bands returned under the direction of Dr. Keith Karns. Jazz bands I, II and III performed a mix of ballads and uptempo jazz standards for students and...

Continue Reading
Sap in their Veins exhibit.

Sap in their Veins: stories of logging told by David Bayles

MJ Rivera, Staff Reporter
February 1, 2023

Sap in their Veins exhibit.

Exterior of Nuwave and Fortuity Cellars Tasting Room.

New waves spreading downtown: Nuwave Gallery and Fortuity Cellars open doors on 3rd

MJ Rivera, Staff Reporter
January 26, 2023

Nuwave Students and community members looking for a place to sip wine, admire art and get their creative sparks flying need look no further than Nuwave Gallery and Fortuity Cellars on the corner of...

Continue Reading
Customers enjoying the southern vibe Julep provides.

“Veganuary” in the ‘Burg: how to participate

MJ Rivera, Staff Reporter
January 18, 2023

“Veganuary” is a movement that was created to inspire people to try a vegan diet during the month of January according to the official website veganuary.com.  Veganism is a lifestyle that omits...

Continue Reading