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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

Xander Fu

All content by Xander Fu
Holmes dining renovations costing over $100,000 were paid for via Fund 573.

[Photo] Where do student meal plan dollars go?

May 30, 2018

Holmes dining renovations costing over $100,000 were paid for via Fund 573.

Eric Scamser climbs to the top of the Alpine Tower. He aims to climb as often as he can before graduation.

[Photo] Challenge course celebrates 10 years

May 30, 2018

Eric Scamser climbs to the top of the Alpine Tower. He aims to climb as often as he can before graduation.

Josh, played by Dylan Eckstein, relives his first time hunting. He is haunted by the spirits of the people he killed.

[Photo] A Debate Ahead of its Time

May 30, 2018

Josh, played by Dylan Eckstein, relives his first time hunting. He is haunted by the spirits of the people he killed.

Peoples' Pond in Ellensburg has its own disc golf course by the water.

[Photo] Disc golf on the rise in Ellensburg

May 23, 2018

Peoples' Pond in Ellensburg has its own disc golf course by the water.

The 50-year CWU time capsule sits in the alumni office in the first floor of Barge until it gets buried.

[Photo] Be a part of CWU history with SAA

May 23, 2018

The 50-year CWU time capsule sits in the alumni office in the first floor of Barge until it gets buried.

The multicultural center is a part of a proposed SURC expansion. According to Executive Director of Student Involvement Jeff Rosenberry, the expansion should be completed in three to five years.

[Photo] Expansion plans progress

May 23, 2018

The multicultural center is a part of a proposed SURC expansion. According to Executive Director of Student Involvement Jeff Rosenberry, the expansion should be completed in three to five years.

CWU Theatre's production of "Legally Blonde: The Musical" is based off of the movie of a similar name. It stars Aubrey Schultz, Jeff Rowden and Jakob Wachter.

[Photo] Bend and Snap

May 16, 2018

CWU Theatre's production of "Legally Blonde: The Musical" is based off of the movie of a similar name. It stars Aubrey Schultz, Jeff Rowden and Jakob Wachter.

Andrea Terry, who has worked at the C-Store since fall of 2017, recalls an instance when someone purchased 4 cases of 12 oz. cans of Red Bull at once in an effort to clear out their meal plan money. This totals over 250 dollars.

[Photo] C-Store stocks up for spring spending spree

May 16, 2018

Andrea Terry, who has worked at the C-Store since fall of 2017, recalls an instance when someone purchased 4 cases of 12 oz. cans of Red Bull at once in an effort to clear out their meal plan money. This...

An Ellensburg police officer performs a traffic stop at around 1 a.m. on a Thursday night.

[Photo] Keeping the Peace

May 16, 2018

An Ellensburg police officer performs a traffic stop at around 1 a.m. on a Thursday night.

A player prepares to take a swing with the bases loaded and amidst changing weather while playing in the evening on May 8.

[Photo] Intramural softball in full swing at CWU

May 9, 2018

A player prepares to take a swing with the bases loaded and amidst changing weather while playing in the evening on May 8.

Jeff St. John is one of two officers being promoted.

[Photo] CWUPD continues restructuring

Miles King, News Editor
May 2, 2018

Jeff St. John is one of two officers being promoted.

Actors read their lines into two microphones during their performance on Tuesday, April 26.

[Photo] War at Home

May 2, 2018

Actors read their lines into two microphones during their performance on Tuesday, April 26.

Theresa Moyle, after hittin the ball, runs to first base in a game against Western Oregon University.

[Photo] Softball gears up for GNAC tournament

May 2, 2018

Theresa Moyle, after hittin the ball, runs to first base in a game against Western Oregon University.

Former NASA astronaut, Jose Hernandez details his journey in achieving success as a child of a working migrant family.

[Photo] From outer space to CWU

April 25, 2018

Former NASA astronaut, Jose Hernandez details his journey in achieving success as a child of a working migrant family.

Edith Rojas, candidate for ASCWU President.

[Photo] ASCWU Elect looks to students for expansions

Matt Escamilla, Staff Reporter
April 25, 2018

Edith Rojas, candidate for ASCWU President.

Jackie Knight, with the theme of "Africa," won audience favorite as well as Wellness Center Best Message and Outfit at the annual CWU Condom Fashion Show.

[Photo] Rubbers and Runways

April 19, 2018

Jackie Knight, with the theme of "Africa," won audience favorite as well as Wellness Center Best Message and Outfit at the annual CWU Condom Fashion Show.

ASCWU candidates meet to debate in the Surc Pit.

[Photo] ASCWU candidates take the stage

April 12, 2018

ASCWU candidates meet to debate in the Surc Pit.

Bob Ferguson discussed how he combatted Trump's travel ban.

[Photo] Attorney General comes to CWU

April 12, 2018

Bob Ferguson discussed how he combatted Trump's travel ban.

Emily Gwinn presents a poem at Gard Vintners.

[Photo] PNW poets crawl toward creativity

April 11, 2018

Emily Gwinn presents a poem at Gard Vintners.

In celebration of Cesar Chavez's birthday, Jalisco dancers performed in the SURC Pit.

[Photo] CWU celebrates impact of César Chavez

April 4, 2018

In celebration of Cesar Chavez's birthday, Jalisco dancers performed in the SURC Pit.

Taelor Griffin passes the ball to first base in an attempt to out a Western Oregon University in the top of the fourth inning

[Photo] Softball ready for Western rivalry game

April 4, 2018

Taelor Griffin passes the ball to first base in an attempt to out a Western Oregon University in the top of the fourth inning

Two Easter related events were held on Good Friday, including a dog biscuit hunt.

[Photo] Springing into a ‘Burg’ Easter

April 4, 2018

Two Easter related events were held on Good Friday, including a dog biscuit hunt.

Halle Irvine practices pole vault in the field house.

[Photo] Irvine finds success close to home

April 4, 2018

Halle Irvine practices pole vault in the field house.

Ready player one: Real danger, virtual reality

Xander Fu, Photo Editor
April 4, 2018

If you have the mental age of nine, as I do, then you’ve probably dreamt of basking in the spectacle of a fisticuff brawl between the Iron Giant and MechaGodzilla. Or maybe what you’ve always wanted...

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Many athletics coaches found themselves moved haphazardly into Black Hall for an undetermined amount of time.

[Photo] Coaches' offices move across campus

February 24, 2018

Many athletics coaches found themselves moved haphazardly into Black Hall for an undetermined amount of time.

Hoeye (left) and Reynolds (right) have been dating for a few months and can't wait to enjoy Valentine's Day this together.

[Photo] A couple head over heels

Bryce Jungquist, Staff Reporter
February 8, 2018

Hoeye (left) and Reynolds (right) have been dating for a few months and can't wait to enjoy Valentine's Day this together.

Liliana Fausto and other demonstrators perform chants in the SURC.

Students march for Dream Act post-government shutdown

Xander Fu, Staff Reporter
February 2, 2018

A vocal group of about 20 students organized by Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlán (MEChA) marched in support of the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act and Deferred Action...

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Stroll downtown for local art and community

Xander Fu, Staff Reporter
February 2, 2018

As this week comes to a close, Downtown Ellensburg will see the monthly First Friday Art Walk, a first for the year of 2018. This is an event which, excluding January, occurs the first Friday of every...

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Martin Mattes scales the rock wall in the SURC Recreation Center for the Vertical Challenge.

[Photo] Wall Crawlers

January 25, 2018

Martin Mattes scales the rock wall in the SURC Recreation Center for the Vertical Challenge.

Taylor Baird, senior forward, performs a practice drill.

[Photo] CWU women top Vikings 77-73

Clayton Huber, Staff Reporter
January 21, 2018

Taylor Baird, senior forward, performs a practice drill.

Head coach Randi Richardson-Thornley gives instruction for team drills during practice at Nicholson Pavilion.

[Photo] Richardson-Thornley takes over WBB

Simo Rul, Staff Reporter
January 18, 2018

Head coach Randi Richardson-Thornley gives instruction for team drills during practice at Nicholson Pavilion.

Joanna Richardson guards Sadie Mensing in a drill during practice.

[Photo] Wildcats take on the Vikings

Clayton Huber, Staff Reporter
January 18, 2018

Joanna Richardson guards Sadie Mensing in a drill during practice.

Student Success hires interim dean, begins permanent search

Xander Fu, Staff Reporter
January 11, 2018

William Schafer was appointed Dec. 19 as interim Dean of Student Success. He will serve in this position for six months, from January to June of 2018. A search committee for the position will begin early...

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Austin Pernell carries the ball down the field ahead of a TAMUC defender.

[Photo] Wildcats fall in the second round

Natalie Hyland, Sports Editor
November 30, 2017

Austin Pernell carries the ball down the field ahead of a TAMUC defender.

Former VP for Legislative Affairs JR Siperly talks with CWU students in Olympia, Wash. at last years lobby day.

Cats prepare to take on the capitol

Xander Fu, Staff Reporter
November 30, 2017

CWU’s Lobby Day, headed by ASCWU VP of Legislative Affairs Michael Scott, has been rebranded as Cats at the Capitol and is officially scheduled for Jan. 26. More than namesake has been changed. A new...

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Wildcat Women's Soccer ended their season with a win against Montana State University Billings resulting in a 1-9-2 record.

[Photo] CWU women’s fall soccer season ends

Simo Rul, Senior Sports Reporter
November 9, 2017

Wildcat Women's Soccer ended their season with a win against Montana State University Billings resulting in a 1-9-2 record.

A CWU Water Polo players practices treading and shooting during practice in preparation for their upcoming tournament.

[Photo] Water Polo set for fall tournament

Hanson Lee, Staff Reporter
November 2, 2017

A CWU Water Polo players practices treading and shooting during practice in preparation for their upcoming tournament.

CWU Women's Rugby collides with their Life University competitors during a home match. The women are currently 4-3.

[Photo] Wildcats shut out BYU on senior day

Jack Belcher, Staff Reporter
November 2, 2017

CWU Women's Rugby collides with their Life University competitors during a home match. The women are currently 4-3.

Senior Austin Pernell hangs on to the ball as he tries to break free of two defenders during the Oct. 21 game vs. UNA.

[Photo] CWU to face Azusa in rivalry game

Anna Eyears, Staff Reporter
October 27, 2017

Senior Austin Pernell hangs on to the ball as he tries to break free of two defenders during the Oct. 21 game vs. UNA.

Suiluanna A'au breaks free of her Life University opponents during a home match. A'au currently leads the team in tries.

[Photo] Women’s Rugby takes on BYU

Simo Rul, Senior Sports Reporter
October 27, 2017

Suiluanna A'au breaks free of her Life University opponents during a home match. A'au currently leads the team in tries.

Japan Stepney (back) guards Marc Rogers (front) during a scrimmage

[Photo] Wildcats to play Halloween doubleheader

Clayton Huber and Hanson Lee, Staff Reporters
October 27, 2017

Japan Stepney (back) guards Marc Rogers (front) during a scrimmage

Blade Runner 2049 Review

Blade Runner 2049 Review

Xander Fu, Staff Writer
October 12, 2017

I’m not a film critic. Whenever I watch a movie, I always go in with high hopes and usually come out with good feelings. Unlike many film analyzers (emphasis on the former syllable), I genuinely...

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Students and faculty must purchase a parking pass before parking on campus.

[Photo] Walk don’t drive to save green

Racquel Rollins, Copy Desk Chief
September 28, 2017

Students and faculty must purchase a parking pass before parking on campus.

The CWU Water Polo club’s goalie during a practice at the Aquatic Center.

[Photo] CWU hosts Water Polo tournament

Kyvon Henry, Staff Reporter
May 31, 2017

The CWU Water Polo club’s goalie during a practice at the Aquatic Center.

Presidential candidate JR Siperly asks questions to state representatives on May 3.

[Photo] ASCWU Elections show importance of voting

Eric Rosane, News Reporter
May 25, 2017

Presidential candidate JR Siperly asks questions to state representatives on May 3.

Junior forward Sally Vlas trying to get the ball past the Seattle University goalkeeper during a matchup in the fall.

[Photo] Soccer looks to remain undefeated

Alanna Inzunza, Staff Reporter
May 17, 2017

Junior forward Sally Vlas trying to get the ball past the Seattle University goalkeeper during a matchup in the fall.

Members of the Boffering Club spar each other by the Recreation Center. They hope to be recognized as a club by fall quarter.

[Photo] Boffering Club in limbo without CWU approval

Natalie Baldwin, News Reporter
May 11, 2017

Members of the Boffering Club spar each other by the Recreation Center. They hope to be recognized as a club by fall quarter.

Reece-Bruya sits at her desk in Dean Hall with a stack of forms and applications that go through her office on a daily basis.

[Photo] Monica Reece-Bruya: Secretary Extraordinaire

Ryan Kinker, News Editor
May 4, 2017

Reece-Bruya sits at her desk in Dean Hall with a stack of forms and applications that go through her office on a daily basis.

In his years at CWU, Hubbard has had an impact on students and community members alike.

[Photo] Barto Hall Superman: Dale Hubbard

Ryan Kinker, News Editor
May 4, 2017

In his years at CWU, Hubbard has had an impact on students and community members alike.

Any student who receives a tuition waiver from CWU might not under the new RCM budget model enacted for next year.

[Photo] RCM budget to affect CWU tuition waivers

Racquel Rollins, Senior News Reporter
May 1, 2017

Any student who receives a tuition waiver from CWU might not under the new RCM budget model enacted for next year.

Service dogs serve in a variety of roles for students with disabilities, much like the dogs brought in for Paws and Relax.

[Photo] Off-leash dogs imperil service animals

Natalie Baldwin
April 20, 2017

Service dogs serve in a variety of roles for students with disabilities, much like the dogs brought in for Paws and Relax.

Barto residents partake in spikeball on a sunny spring day. Tuesday, April 18.  In the background, other students play volleyball with a net from OPR.

[Photo] Spring is in the air at Barto Lawn

Damian Day
April 20, 2017

Barto residents partake in spikeball on a sunny spring day. Tuesday, April 18. In the background, other students play volleyball with a net from OPR.

Campus Activities students Chris Martin, Alyssa Harrell, Mia Patterson and Alexis Everett greet students entering the SURC Theater for Monday Movie Madness.

[Photo] Campus Activities rolling forward

Samuel Beaumonte
April 20, 2017

Campus Activities students Chris Martin, Alyssa Harrell, Mia Patterson and Alexis Everett greet students entering the SURC Theater for Monday Movie Madness.

PowerlinesXander Fu_2

Collision results in broken powerline

Xander Fu, Staff Reporter
April 11, 2017

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[Photo] “Spectrum”

Miranda Cunningham, Scene Reporter
April 13, 2017

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[Photo] A stellar exhibit

April Porter, Scene Reporter
April 13, 2017

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[Photo] Heading to the top

Ben Ramirez, Scene Reporter
April 13, 2017

Former CWU president James Brooks dead at 91

Xander Fu, News Reporter
April 6, 2017

On April 2 former Central Washington University President James E. Brooks passed away at the age of 91. While active, Brooks’ administration saw campus growth in numbers: 20 buildings were added,...

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Janet Campbell working in her office for Financial Aid in Barge 115.

Shared leave program helps CWU employees

Xander Fu, Staff Reporter
March 1, 2017

For Janet Campbell, customer service specialist at the CWU Financial Aid office, her diagnosis of breast cancer in October 2016 took her by surprise. “I’m super healthy. I donated a kidney three...

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Kodiak Landis currently leads the GNAC in the heptathlon, fifth in the NCAA.

[Photo] Landis continues to enjoy track

Ryan Kinker, Senior Sports Reporter
March 1, 2017

Kodiak Landis warming up with a light jog during an afternoon track practice.

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[Photo] Cartoons and Community

Daisy Perez, Scene Reporter
February 26, 2017

CWU freshman midfielder Riley O’Neil runs with the ball during one of their late night practices from all of the winter weather.

[Photo] The Wildcats and Cougs showdown

Diamond Martin, Staff Reporter
February 22, 2017

CWU freshman midfielder Riley O’Neil runs with the ball during one of their late night practices from all of the winter weather.

Dan Connelly (pictured) scales the wall during a practice. He is one of the top point placers on the CWU Climbing club roster. The team is currently ranked third in the standings.

[Photo] CWU climbing team gets ready to rock

Andrew Kollar, Staff Reporter
February 22, 2017

Dan Connelly (pictured) scales the wall during a practice. He is one of the top point placers on the CWU Climbing club roster. The team is currently ranked third in the standings.

CWU freshman catcher Jesse Unger takes batting practice during an indoor sessions.

[Photo] CWU heads to Oakland for series

Simo Rul, Staff Reporter
February 22, 2017

CWU freshman catcher Jesse Unger takes batting practice during an indoor sessions.

Xander Fu (7 of 7)

[Photo] CWU works to combat hate

Ray Payne, Senior News Reporter
February 16, 2017

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[Photo] Western extends CWU’s losing streak

Ryan Kinker, Senior Sports Reporter
February 17, 2017

he CWU swim club will be traveling up to Juanita High School in Kirkland, Washington for their first meet of the season.

[Photo] CWU swimmers dive into their season

Diamond Martin, Staff Reporter
February 15, 2017

he CWU swim club will be traveling up to Juanita High School in Kirkland, Washington for their first meet of the season.

CWU lacrosse player Justin Abercrombie runs across the Nicolson Pavilion Fieldhouse during one of their late night practices. Their season gets underway this weekend.

[Photo] Lacrosse looks for repeat playoff appearance

Natalie Hyland, Staff Reporter
February 15, 2017

CWU lacrosse player Justin Abercrombie runs across the Nicolson Pavilion Fieldhouse during one of their late night practices. Their season gets underway this weekend.

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[Photo] Wildcats hold off Nanooks

Natalie Hyland, Staff Reporter
February 10, 2017

Xander Fu (1 of 5)

[Photo] They have the brass

Tim Mitchell, Scene Reporter
February 9, 2017

Sadie Mensing has the ball during the first game of the year against Pacific Lutheran.

[Photo] Sadie Mensing begins to shine bright

Diamond Martin, Staff Reporter
February 8, 2017

Sadie Mensing has the ball during the first game of the year against Pacific Lutheran.

The pool got a makeover over break in order to accommodate CWU classes, clubs and also community members. One club that has been liking the upgrade is Water Polo.

[Photo] Pool repairs bring joy to Water Polo

Natalie Hyland, Staff Reporter
February 1, 2017

The pool got a makeover over break in order to accommodate CWU classes, clubs and also community members. One club that has been liking the upgrade is Water Polo.

The cold weather has not stopped the baseball team from getting their full workouts in, holding practice in the Auxiliary Gym.

[Photo] CWU brings young team to the plate

Simo Rul, Staff Reporter
February 1, 2017

The cold weather has not stopped the baseball team from getting their full workouts in, holding practice in the Auxiliary Gym.