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

Star Diavolikis

Star Diavolikis, Editor in Chief

Editor in Chief - Spring 2022

News Editor - Winter 2022

News Editor - Fall 2021

Scene Editor- Spring 2021

News Senior Reporter - Winter 2021

Staff Reporter - Fall 2020

All content by Star Diavolikis
Senior Goodbyes: I have had fun while here, but I believe I am ready to move on

Senior Goodbyes: I have had fun while here, but I believe I am ready to move on

Star Diavolikis, Editor-in-Chief
June 1, 2022

I have only spent two years here at CWU, and my experience has been extremely confusing. While I have been acknowledged for the work I have done and how hard I have fought to be here, I have also witnessed...

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First Pow Wow in Two Years

Star Diavolikis, Editor-in-Chief
June 1, 2022

The Yakama Nation had their first pow wow for the first time in two years: the Legends Casino Pow Wow. The pow wow was held from May 27 to May 29, with over 100 dancers performing in their respective...

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Courtesy of CWU Flickr

Where’s the “Diverse” in “Most Diverse Campus”? Part two

Star Diavolikis, Columnist
May 25, 2022

A previous opinion piece I wrote expanded on one example regarding the lack of diversity in a simple setting such as a school event, but this piece wasn’t enough. There are still banners outside of Brooks...

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Editorial: University responds to removing copies of The Observer

Editorial: University responds to removing copies of The Observer

Star Diavolikis, Editor in Chief
April 20, 2022

We received a lot of responses to our editorial last week titled “Censorship is alive and well: Business administration discarded The Observer.” This editorial discussed a situation involving the College...

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The shelf stands empty after the College of Business Dean and Associate Dean recycled copies of the paper on preview day.

Editorial: Censorship is alive and well

Star Diavolikis, Editor-in-Chief
April 13, 2022

Over the past weekend, we received a report of the College of Business Dean Jeffrey Stinson and Associate Dean Keke “Coco” Wu actively attempting to throw our papers in Shaw-Smyser into a recycling...

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Letter from the Editor

Star Diavolikis, Editor-in-Chief
April 6, 2022

Hello! My name is Star Diavolikis, and I am the new Editor-in-Chief for The Observer for spring quarter. I have been on staff for five quarters, with this being my sixth. I am proud of the work we have...

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Cat in the Hat is inspired by Abraham Lincoln

Cat in the Hat is inspired by Abraham Lincoln

Star Diavolikis, Columnist
February 23, 2022

Cat in the Hat is undoubtedly inspired by Abraham Lincoln in many ways, shapes and forms. Even a simple thought of comparing the two brings many similarities. Starting with the obvious, both are taller...

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Courtesy of CWU Flickr

Where’s the “Diverse” in “Most Diverse Campus”?

Star Diavolikis, Columnist
February 16, 2022

With the university flexing the title of being the “Most Diverse Campus in Washington,” it really doesn’t seem like it is. Granted there are efforts from organizations and offices such as the Diversity...

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Funding and staffing concerns raised among theatre students

Funding and staffing concerns raised among theatre students

Star Diavolikis and Libby Williams
February 16, 2022

Students in the Department of Theatre Arts are expressing concerns over possible funding and staff reductions they say would negatively impact the program. These students have spoken out at public meetings...

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Courtesy of https://www.cwu.edu/news

CWU announces free COVID testing

Star Diavolikis, News Editor
January 12, 2022

In an email sent to all students, Student Health Services (SHS) announced three free COVID-19 testing clinics scheduled for this week in SURC room 140. No appointment is necessary, however tests are only...

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Remembering those who passed

Remembering those who passed

Star Diavolikis, News Editor
November 24, 2021

In 2021, a total of eight CWU students and staff passed away, including two professors and six students. Of the six students, two were athletes. The Observer staff wants to commemorate those who have passed...

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All photos by Katherine Camarata

Missing and Murdered Native American and Indigenous Women’s march spreads awareness on campus

Katherine Camarata and Star Diavolikis
November 18, 2021

“Where are our sisters? We pray for you everyday. We miss you. We love you. Creator, watch over our sisters. Bless their beautiful families. Each day we pray for our missing sisters. Light their way...

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Courtesy of CWU Cheer/Stunt Team Facebook page

Blewett Pass accident causes fatality of CWU student

Star Diavolikis, News Editor
November 9, 2021

Kyra Nelson, a 23-year-old CWU student from Wenatchee, passed away from an accident on Blewett Pass Saturday afternoon. Her 2007 Toyota Corolla crossed the median line into oncoming traffic, spun, and...

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Brooks Library defaced with homophobic slurs and partisan political statements

Brooks Library defaced with homophobic slurs and partisan political statements

Star Diavolikis, News Editor
October 22, 2021

Brooks Library staff discovered Sharpie grafitti throughout the library consisting of “partisan political statements and homophobic language,” according to the Dean of Libraries Rebecca Lubas. This...

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I need to graduate. Where are my classes, CWU?

I need to graduate. Where are my classes, CWU?

Star Diavolikis, Columnist
October 7, 2021

Getting classes that meet your requirements to graduate should not be something to fight tooth and nail for. It should not be an issue whatsoever. I attempted to apply for as many classes as possible...

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This protest was the third protest on campus this week.

Anti-abortionists visit CWU to tell students about their beliefs

Star Diavolikis and Stephen Martin
October 6, 2021

A dozen members of anti-abortion groups Project Truth and Tiny Heartbeat Ministries visited campus on Tuesday, Oct. 5 to share their message of abortion being wrong. Their appearances were not related...

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Anders Clark, pictured, came to campus with Darrell to preach the same message.

Christian preachers return to campus

Star Diavolikis and Stephen Martin
September 30, 2021

This report involves details that could be upsetting for some readers. Keith Darrell and Anders Clark, two Christian men, visited CWU’s Ellensburg campus on Sept. 28 to share their message that students...

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How is the Yakama Nation doing with COVID-19?

How is the Yakama Nation doing with COVID-19?

Star Diavolikis, News Editor
September 30, 2021

With the delta variant of COVID-19 making its rounds in the United States, there is concern for how communities such as the Yakama Nation are doing. For an amount of time, the Yakama Nation reverted to...

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Students seeing problems in over-full classrooms

Students seeing problems in over-full classrooms

Star Diavolikis, News Editor
September 30, 2021

Now that fall quarter has started, students may have noticed slight changes in the COVID-19 procedures set in place by the university. One of these guidelines being while masks are required, no social...

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Why ‘Big Hero 6’ is an underrated movie

Star Diavolikis, Columnist
May 12, 2021

“Big Hero 6” has been tossed aside due to “Frozen’s” signature songs, when it deserved more respect. This movie touched on many subjects in ways children can understand, such as depression and...

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Why do people still throw fits about wearing a mask?

Star Diavolikis, Columnist
May 5, 2021

It has been just around a year of us all being in this pandemic. Masks have been here for at least 365 days, if not more. Why are people still throwing fits in regards to being told to wear a mask? I...

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The power of TikTok: Making dreams come true

The power of TikTok: Making dreams come true

Star Diavolikis, Scene Editor
April 7, 2021

Small businesses have sprouted on TikTok, many ranging from unique earring sellers to lip gloss sellers to special stickers. A scroll through the #smallbusiness tag on TikTok can show how well the app...

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Ditch your 3-in-1 body care, please

Star Diavolikis, Columnist
April 7, 2021

When you are told to have good hygiene, 3-in-1 body care should never be involved in your routine. A product that is good to use for shampoo, conditioner, face wash and body wash seems too good to be true...

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The noticeable pattern in Ellensburg City Council’s proclamations

The noticeable pattern in Ellensburg City Council’s proclamations

Star Diavolikis, Senior Reporter
March 9, 2021

Ellensburg City Council has released a number of proclamations over the last few months and many appear to be similar in the way they are written. In a March 1 meeting, the city council discussed and...

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Why do people still want to use my culture as their mascot?

Why do people still want to use my culture as their mascot?

Star Diavolikis, Columnist
March 2, 2021

I am so tired of having to defend my culture from those who only want to reap benefits from it while simultaneously refusing to address or help with any Indigenous issues. A recent bill passed through...

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The women who paved the way: Women’s History Month

The women who paved the way: Women’s History Month

Star Diavolikis, Senior Reporter
March 2, 2021

Women’s History Month starts in March, and many remarkable women deserve to be acknowledged in this month. Before Women’s History Month was established, International Women’s Day was a day celebrated...

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Board of Trustees endorses plan for fall instruction

Star Diavolikis, Senior Reporter
February 28, 2021

The Board of Trustees (BOT) unanimously endorsed a fall 2021 education plan which will allow students to return to in-person learning and near-normal capacity of residence halls, however, this plan may...

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Washington State Department of Health gives insight to the process of vaccine distribution in the state

Washington State Department of Health gives insight to the process of vaccine distribution in the state

Star Diavolikis, Senior Reporter
February 23, 2021

Questions, concerns and explanations regarding Washington’s vaccine rollout were answered in a panel hosted by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) on Feb. 18.  The DOH’s Secretary of...

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Flood in Barge Hall

Flood in Barge Hall

Star Diavolikis, Senior Reporter
February 22, 2021

Barge Hall flooded on Feb. 13 in the east end of the building due to a failure in the fire suppression system, according to a CWU notice. Since the flood, the Facilities Management Department (FMD) has...

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Miriam Bocchetti - HEP and CAMP director takes on national director role

Miriam Bocchetti – HEP and CAMP director takes on national director role

Star Diavolikis, Senior Reporter
February 9, 2021

Miriam Bocchetti, CWU’s current HEP and CAMP director and principal investigator, will be sworn in as the National President of the HEP and CAMP program this coming July. Since 2019, Bocchetti has been...

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Public universities waive SAT/ACT test requirement

Public universities waive SAT/ACT test requirement

Star Diavolikis, Senior Reporter
February 2, 2021

Applicants in fall 2021 will not need to provide SAT or ACT test scores to apply to CWU, according to a decision made by the Washington State Council of Presidents after assessing how the pandemic has...

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Skyward Sword is actually a good game

Star Diavolikis, Columnist
February 2, 2021

Legend of Zelda fans will know that Skyward Sword is one of the most unpopular games in the series. However, it is genuinely a good game considering the new features and characters it included. With...

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Bruce Tabb

Ellensburg City Council is in the works of combating local racism and discrimination

Star Diavolikis, Senior Reporter
January 26, 2021

The Ellensburg City Council is currently working on creating a commission dedicated to inclusion, diversity and equity, but it may not be established until late spring. Beginning in July 2020, a subcommittee...

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Please stop thinking Facebook memes are truthful

Please stop thinking Facebook memes are truthful

Star Diavolikis, Columnist
January 20, 2021

Facebook memes are never a reliable source, no matter if that right-wing or left-wing Facebook page claims to only tell the truth. Chances are these memes contain cherry-picked quotes, misleading statistics...

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Ellensburg and CWU police departments to receive funding for body cameras

Star Diavolikis, Senior Reporter
January 20, 2021

Residents of Ellensburg will soon see CWU and city police officers wearing new body cameras due to monetary requests being approved at the beginning of this month by Ellensburg City Council. According...

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COVID-19’s impact on the Yakama Nation

COVID-19’s impact on the Yakama Nation

Star Diavolikis, Senior Reporter
January 12, 2021

The Yakama Nation has implemented safety measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect their tribal members, such as shortening funeral procedures, limiting office hours in tribal businesses and...

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Kittitas County receives first shipments of COVID-19 vaccine

Kittitas County receives first shipments of COVID-19 vaccine

Star Diavolikis, Senior Reporter
December 18, 2020

The first doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine are being distributed in Kittitas County after emergency approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week. The first shot was given on Dec....

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‘Dialogues’ is starting conversations

‘Dialogues’ is starting conversations

Star Diavolikis, Staff Reporter
November 10, 2020

“Dialogues: Voices From Performance” is an ongoing series addressing racism within the performing arts. According to Natashia Lindsey, an assistant professor of theatre arts, there is an ongoing...

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My culture is not your Halloween costume

My culture is not your Halloween costume

Star Diavolikis, Columnist
October 27, 2020

Every year, I see white people and non-Native Americans post their Halloween costumes that are usually described as an “Indian Princess,” and this costume trend needs to die out already. You’re...

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Facts you dislike are not fake news

Facts you dislike are not fake news

Star Diavolikis, Columnist
October 27, 2020

With a large concern of fake news being shared, everybody needs to remember not everything they disagree with is fake news.  There is a clear line between fake news and the hard truth, and you cannot...

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Embracing the ‘L’ word

Embracing the ‘L’ word

Star Diavolikis, Staff Reporter
October 27, 2020

Grace Hendricks, a junior LGBTQ student double majoring in personal financial planning and in Japanese language, refuses to let anything stand in her way. Hendricks realized she identified as a lesbian...

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Blue light telephones scattered around campus are one of the safety measures to protect students.

CWU police ensures student safety at night

Star Diavolikis, Staff Reporter
October 20, 2020

CWU police are taking many measures in an effort to ensure student safety at night. This includes patrolling campus, offering a service that has police accompany a student to their destination and promoting...

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Students take opportunities on campus to exercise and demonstrate their political power.

As election nears, students get involved

Star Diavolikis, Staff Reporter
October 15, 2020

On campus, many students are expressing their political voices in different ways. This can include informational booths, protests and other demonstrations. Alexis Heng-Bentley, a freshman secondary English...

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A student out enjoying the unexpected rainfall.

Ellensburg sees rainfall after weeks of smoke

Star Diavolikis, Staff Reporter
October 7, 2020

On Sept. 23, Ellensburg had rainfall for the first time since classes started, bringing relief from the recently smoky air. This marks the beginning of the wet season for Ellensburg, as Ellensburg is in...

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It’s time we stand up for ourselves

Star Diavolikis, Columnist
September 29, 2020

It is time for Native Americans and all people of color to unify and combat oppression. KIMA Action News, a news station reporting for the Yakima Valley, covered a story regarding a Native American...

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To ensure safety the library archives had to limit the number of people allowed to visit.

Brooks Library implements COVID-19 safety measures

Star Diavolikis, Staff Reporter
September 22, 2020

Brooks Library has reopened for fall quarter, and due to COVID-19, the archives section has made specific adjustments. These include having to schedule an appointment, increasing sanitary and safety procedures...

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