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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

All content by Zileni Milupi
Amelia French on set, Photo by Caleb Cleland

Film students take risks with action for their short film final projects

Morgana Carroll and Zileni Milupi
May 31, 2023

Choreographed fighting sequences, arson, explosions and murder are major plot points in a few of the short films that film majors are working on for their final projects of the quarter in Production III....

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Jaeda Nelson builds a legacy as CWU’s first Wildcat Pantry coordinator

Jaeda Nelson builds a legacy as CWU’s first Wildcat Pantry coordinator

Zileni Milupi, Assistant Scene Editor
May 25, 2023

Inspirational, self-driven, inclusive and a change maker are a few of the words those who work closely with Wildcat Pantry Coordinator Jaeda Nelson used to describe her. As the first person to ever hold...

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Central theatre ensemble’s “Into the Woods” reminds us of the importance of community

Central theatre ensemble’s “Into the Woods” reminds us of the importance of community

Zileni Milupi, Senior Reporter
May 17, 2023

James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s popular adaptation of the classic Grim Brothers fairy tales and two-time Tony Award-winning musical, “Into the Woods,” finally took the CWU stage on May 12 after...

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Dr. Tarver (far left) and Dr. Wheeler (far right) with performers and audience members

CWU’s first-ever Black history and culture musical event celebrates “the bedrock of American music”

Zileni Milupi, Senior Reporter
May 10, 2023

Drill step, thought-provoking poetry and soaring operatic vocals were a few of the many highlights of CWU’s first ever Black history and culture musical celebration, held in McIntyre Recital Hall...

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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...

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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...

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Roberto Chavez presenting, Photo by Zileni Milupi

Culture corner’s Mexican cinema edition illustrates the universal language of storytelling

Zileni Milupi, Senior Reporter
April 26, 2023

Light snacks and an eager audience created a productive, discussion-filled environment centered around the cultural history of Mexican Cinema. The Diversity and Equity Center (DEC) hosted a culture...

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Choreographed hip-hop piece, Photo by Therese Young

Orchesis annual performance showcases student choreography across genres

Katherine Camarata and Zileni Milupi
April 26, 2023

Splashes of vibrant color and bright white lights echoed across an expansive white backdrop behind the stage of the Milo Smith Tower Theatre as audience members gasped, laughed and cried their way through...

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President Wohlpart at the Belonging in the Burg discussion.

Belonging in the ‘Burg discussion encourages progressive conversations among diverse groups in Ellensburg

Yohanes Goodell and Zileni Milupi
April 19, 2023

Friendly chatter and the scent of brewed coffee wafted across the Hal Holmes Community Center during the Belonging in the Burg: Building Bridges discussion on April 8. The Diversity Equity and Inclusion...

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Sonic the Hedgehog before (right) and after (left). Photo courtesy of the Radio Times

Twitter’s impact on the entertainment industry is a force to be reckoned with

Zileni Milupi, Senior Reporter
April 19, 2023

The rise of social media has seen a drastic change in the way we consume entertainment. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a surge in the number of social media platforms. We went from Myspace and Tumblr...

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ESC spring night market introduces students to traditional foods

ESC spring night market introduces students to traditional foods

Zileni Milupi and Yohanes Goodell
April 12, 2023

The Equity and Services Council held the Spring Night Market in the SURC corridor on April 6, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The event was a way for different clubs and organizations to fundraise by selling cultural...

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Baby goat at the Jensen Farms Easter Eggfest. Photo by Yohanes Goodell

Jensen Farms’ Easter Eggfest demonstrates the importance of quality time with family

Zileni Milupi and Yohanes Goodell
April 12, 2023

Laughter and squeals of excitement filled Jensen Farms as children played games and searched for candy-filled eggs during the second annual Easter Eggfest on April 8.    The event was open to all...

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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...

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Students at the find your voice conference.

CWU alumni return to inspire at Women in Business conference

Zileni Milupi, Staff Reporter
March 8, 2023

Words of motivation and tips for success filled the Wellington Event Center during the third annual Find Your Voice conference on March 3, hosted by CWU’s Women in Business Club to kick off Women’s...

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Students at the mardi dance. Photo by Zileni Milupi

Students tear up the dance floor at the Mardi Gras celebration

Zileni Milupi, Staff Reporter
March 1, 2023

Electronic dance music filled the SURC Ballroom on Feb. 25 as students hit the dance floor and enjoyed food at the Mardi Gras dance, hosted by Campus Activities. Planning process Law and justice...

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Ant-Man standing off with Kang the Conqueror. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

Are Marvel Movies Ruining Cinema?

Zileni Milupi
February 22, 2023

Over the past decade, Marvel movies have practically dominated Hollywood and made a huge impact on pop culture. Unsurprisingly, an older generation of filmmakers haven’t had kind words to say about the...

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Metal and wood harmonize in the work of Cozette Philips.

Nature shown through metal and sculpture: Sarah Spurgeon exhibit features Cozette Philips

Joshua Packard and Zileni Milupi
February 22, 2023

Behind every artist is a source of inspiration that is reflected in their art, as is the case for Interdisciplinary sculptor and metalsmith Cozette Phillips, whose work not only tells a story, but also...

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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...

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Over-the-Topera production returns with a competitive twist

Over-the-Topera production returns with a competitive twist

Zileni Milupi, Staff Reporter
February 8, 2023

This year’s Over-the-Topera, Death by Aria edition, was an operatic battle royale to determine whose vocals soared above the concert hall, featured for the first time in the production’s history at...

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CWU PolyFest annual event. Photo courtesy of CWU Flickr

The importance of identity based clubs

Zileni Milupi, Staff Reporter
February 1, 2023

Cultural and identity-based clubs are the heart and soul of extra-curricular activities on campus. When I came to the U.S. in 2019 to pursue my undergraduate studies, I had a somewhat decent idea of...

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