ScholarWorks @ SeattleU (Seattle University)

Damjanac, Milan

Seattle University 
ScholarWorks @ SeattleU 
The Spectator Online Newspapers 
1-22-2025 
2025-01-22 UREC Outdoors Debuts Exciting Winter Programming 
Milan Damjanac 
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online 
The Spectator • January 22, 2025 • https://seattlespectator.com/2025/01/22/urec-outdoors-debuts-
exciting-winter-programming/
UREC Outdoors Debuts Exciting
Winter Programming
Milan Damjanac, Staff Reporter
Winter is here! With the new season (and quarter), UREC
Outdoors is gearing up to get students involved in all of the
beautiful recreation that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
With winter comes snow, and UREC will be initiating their
programs for snowshoeing and snow sports, with
transportation and both single-day and multi-day trip
opportunities. Toward the end of the quarter, as spring rolls
around, they will start transitioning toward more
backpacking and climbing trips.
They provide most gear rentals free of charge if you are
attending one of their trips and rent them out at a low cost
to students who want to go out on their own. For example, a
snowshoe rental is $5 for a week, whereas at REI, it would
cost you $24 for a day and an additional $8 per day thereafter.
Ski and snowboard programming this quarter will involve shuttle vans taking students to Snoqualmie Pass for night skiing on
Thursdays and Crystal Mountain day skiing on Sundays. UREC does not rent ski equipment or passes, but using the shuttles is free,
as long as you register ahead of time.
This quarter, UREC Outdoors will also be putting on a 5Point film festival. The festival will be an opportunity to showcase the work
of underrepresented students in the outdoor space.
According to Kevin Sutton, the associate director of UREC Outdoors, the festival will have a heavy focus on representation.
“It’s fantastic, because the people that actually are out there recreating that are marginalized and disenfranchised are the ones that
are the focus,” Sutton said.
The festival will also have representatives from various outdoor organizations and companies, including the forest service, so
attendees will have the ability to learn more about the outdoor and recreation industries and network.
This quarter, UREC also hopes to reach out to students that might be interested in the outdoors, but not fully utilizing the resources
that the school provides. Sutton argues that the structure that the program provides makes it so that a lack of experience may not
be a detriment, but even more reason to get involved.
“[If you are scared or nervous] this is like the best opportunity, because our staff are trained to show you the ropes and make you an
expert at doing it,” Sutton said.
Natalie Schorr
UREC Outdoor leaders stop for a snack break
There is also flexibility within the program to help students with independent trip planning. 
“If there’s any kind of trip that just a general student wants to do, send us an email, and we
will try to make it happen. If it’s something that we can’t do, but you are still interested in doing it, we have the resources to help you
plan the trip for yourself,” Sutton encouraged.
Additionally, UREC’s mission goes far beyond just putting students on trips. They also strive to create community and connect
students through a shared love of the world around us.
Nikki Bashaw, a fourth-year environmental studies major, is a manager of the outdoor program and a manager of facilities at UREC.
She reflected on her experience within the program before and after starting to work there.
“Coming out here into a community that really values connection and that student forward mentality has been a really supportive
way to get to know different people on campus… At the end of the day, we’re not really doing anything that difficult. You’re just
going out to experience the nature and to connect with some people that you would never normally have a conversation with,”
Bashaw reflected.
Students can get more involved than just participating; UREC Outdoors is currently seeking to hire new Outdoor Leaders on
Handshake. Leaders, even if they don’t have experience, will be trained in outdoor and leadership skills to take other students on a
wide variety of trips.
According to Barbara Makowski, a fourth-year computer science and finance double major who also works as an outdoor leader,
highly recommended the position.
“I think this is a great way to gain leadership. As long as you are open to learning and you want to show others the outdoors, apply!”
Makowski encouraged.
So, whether you just want to find a ride up to the mountain, explore a new outdoor hobby, be part of a new community, or even work
to enable other students to pick up outdoor skills for the first time, UREC Outdoors has been working hard this quarter to make
those opportunities accessible to all.
So, get out there and go outside! More information can be found at seattleu.edu/life-at-seattle-u/university-recreation/outdoors.


2025-01-22 UREC Outdoors Debuts Exciting Winter Programming

Noor Ahmed, Hadia

Seattle University 
ScholarWorks @ SeattleU 
The Spectator Online Newspapers 
2-19-2025 
2025-02-19 How To Level Up Your Campus Gaming At the Esports 
Room 
Hadia Noor Ahmed 
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online 
The Spectator • February 19, 2025 • https://seattlespectator.com/2025/02/19/how-to-level-up-your-
campus-gaming-at-esports-room/
How To Level Up Your Campus
Gaming At the Esports Room
Hadia Noor Ahmed, Staff Reporter
Immediately when you enter Seattle University’s Esports
Room, you’re met with a space that is full of people laughing
around each other’s PCs as they play virtual games while
engaging in a vibrant community space. 
The Esports room is nearing its two-year mark as it only
opened in Feb. 2023.
Mordi Giday, a fourth-year finance major who is a staff
member in the Esports room, explained that the room is
accessible for anyone wanting to play video games. For
those who want to get into the sport, recreationally or
competitively, the space is available for all levels of gamers. 
“The thing is most people don’t really know that this room
exists most of the time. So it’s not like they don’t know how
to play video games, it’s just more so they never knew there was a
space we built to come play video games,” Giday said. 
While the Esports room doesn’t hold traditional lessons on how to
start playing, as a staff member, Giday ensures they are there to
help and walk anyone through the process. 
“We always welcome newcomers and we can share tips and
whatnot from fellow gamer to wannabe gamer,” Giday said. 
The Esports room itself is under Seattle U’s UREC center, but
Seattle U’s Esports and Gaming Club (EGC), the largest student-run
club on campus, also has strong ties to the room. 
Chris Paul, a professor of communication and media as well as the
advisor for EGC, talked about the importance of community spaces such as the Esports room. Before it was built, Paul reminisced
on how gamers struggled because everyone would play from their dorms and there weren’t any opportunities to create connections
or physically play with others. 
“We finally have a space where people can play together and actually interact and it makes it better, right? Because then they can
actually see each other and spend time with each other and it’s another place where people can get together at SU,” Paul said.
Eve Labriola
Three people play Valorant together in the Esports
room.
When asked about what advice he would give to newcomers wanting
to enter the Esports room, Paul’s strong advice was to bring a friend. 
“Walking into a new gaming space is really hard, it’s really difficult,
and it’s even harder when you’re by yourself because you don’t have
anyone to play with. But if you can find a wing person to go in with
you, all of a sudden it’s you and someone else so it’s not as polarizing
that all eyes are on you—might be on both of you—but it’s not just on
you,” Paul explained. 
Starting a new hobby or skill is always an intimidating process, but
starting out with someone who you already trust and enjoy each
other’s presence makes the experience much more doable. Over
time, that allows you to build the confidence to enter spaces such as
the Esports room on your own and perhaps start making new friends
as well. 
Elyza Cabanos is a second-year forensic science major and the event coordinator for EGC. For anyone intimidated by the sport of
gaming, Cabanos says you have to just; 
“Jump into it and don’t let your fears hold you back because for me I was really scared to just start talking to people but I think you
just have to get that confidence and just join in on the events. Especially our social events or just going to the esports room.”
Cabanos expressed encouragement to those looking to find friends or play video games, whether it’s through the Esports room or
the EGC.
“It’s a place where everyone, both social and competitive-just anyone who likes games- can go into and make friends. I personally
made a lot of friends through the club and through meeting people in the esports room. So I think it’s a great place to just build
community,” Cabanos said.
A strong thread throughout all three interviews with Giday, Cabanos and Paul was not to linger on the actual technicality of esports
and gaming (though yes, you might enjoy yourself more if you’re interested in playing), but to come with an open mind and expect to
be welcomed warmly and make lasting friendships. 
Students play games at the Esports room computers.
(Eve Labriola)


2025-02-19 How To Level Up Your Campus Gaming At the Esports Room

Desai, Priyanshu

Seattle University 
ScholarWorks @ SeattleU 
The Spectator Online Newspapers 
4-30-2025 
2025-04-30 Welcoming the World Through Sport: Why Cricket 
Belongs at Seattle U [OPINION] 
Priyanshu Desai 
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online 
The Spectator • April 30, 2025 • https://seattlespectator.com/2025/04/30/welcoming-the-world-
through-sport-why-cricket-belongs-at-seattle-u-opinion/
Welcoming the World Through
Sport: Why Cricket Belongs at
Seattle U [OPINION]
Priyanshu Desai, Guest Contributor
Seattle University is full of energy, culture and global voices
—and I absolutely love that. From vibrant classroom
debates to lively multicultural events, we’re a campus that
truly celebrates diversity. But there’s one place where we’re
still playing catch-up: sports. With cricket exploding in
popularity right here in Seattle, I believe it’s time for Seattle
U to seriously consider welcoming cricket into our athletic
culture. 
Cricket is the second most popular sport in the world,
watched and played by over 2.5 billion people. From India
and Pakistan to Australia, the UK and the Caribbean, it’s a
sport that carries deep meaning for so many. For many
international students, cricket is more than a pastime, it’s a
connection to home. In Seattle, this connection is growing
stronger by the day. Thanks to the launch of the Seattle
Orcas, our city’s own professional team in Major League Cricket (MLC), we’re seeing how cricket is no longer just an ‘international’
sport—it’s becoming a Seattle sport too. 
A perfect example of this growing love came during a recent event at Bellevue Downtown Park. In the middle of the workday, over
1,200 people gathered just to celebrate cricket, meet the Seattle Orcas and take photos with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy.
That number speaks volumes. It tells us that cricket has an audience here, and more importantly, it has a community. Soma
Somasegar, co-owner of the Seattle Orcas, said it best.
“One of the reasons we were excited to bring cricket to Seattle is because we think there is an amazing amount of people that are
passionate for the sport here,” Somasegar said. 
This isn’t just hype—it’s a movement. State Representative Vandana Slatter added to this idea.
“Cricket is more than just a sport. It is a unifying force that transcends boundaries. It brings together people from different
backgrounds, cultures and beliefs,” Slatter said.
That’s the kind of impact Seattle U should be embracing—not just for the sake of athletics, but for the social and cultural value it
brings to our campus. 
Ahmed Abdirashid Abdullah
With Seattle U’s growing international student population, integrating cricket into student life would make many of us feel more
represented. For students coming from countries where cricket is practically a way of life, having it on campus can strengthen the
feeling of belonging. It can also be an exciting cultural experience for domestic students who’ve never played or watched the sport
before. Sports have always been a great equalizer, a place where language barriers and cultural differences fade away. Cricket has
the power to create that kind of space here. 
Beyond inclusion and connection, let’s focus on the broader benefits. Hosting cricket matches or tournaments at Seattle U could
bring in local fans, community leaders and families. It opens the door to sponsorships and partnerships with growing organizations
like Major League Cricket. Imagine Seattle U-branded cricket gear, cultural game days and intercollegiate friendlies with other
universities getting into the sport. These aren’t just fun ideas, they’re real opportunities for revenue, student engagement and
campus pride. 
Seattle U wouldn’t be alone in embracing cricket. Across the United States, numerous colleges and universities have recognized the
sport’s growing appeal and have integrated it into their athletic programs. Organizations like American College Cricket (ACC) have
been instrumental in promoting the sport at the collegiate level, with over 90 member colleges participating in regional and national
tournaments. Universities such as the University of South Florida have established successful cricket teams, with the USF Bulls
winning national championships in 2014 and 2016. Additionally, institutions like Haverford College maintain varsity cricket teams,
preserving the sport’s rich history in American academia. 
The 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, marked a significant milestone in American cricket history. The
tournament attracted record-breaking crowds, with approximately 190,000 fans attending matches across the country. 
High-profile matches, such as the India-Pakistan clash in New York, drew sell-out crowds and garnered substantial media attention.
The USA team’s historic victory over Pakistan further ignited interest in the sport, showcasing the nation’s potential on the global
cricket stage. These developments underscore cricket’s growing footprint in the U.S. and highlight the opportunities for institutions
like Seattle U to be at the forefront of this cultural and sporting evolution. 
Introducing cricket at Seattle U is more than adding a new sport; it’s about embracing our diverse student body and enriching our
campus culture. By aligning with the city’s growing interest in cricket and recognizing the sport’s global significance, Seattle U can
take a meaningful step toward inclusivity and innovation in athletics. 
Cricket is rising. Seattle is listening. And I believe Seattle U should be part of that journey, not just as a spectator, but as a proud
player in the story.


2025-04-30 Welcoming the World Through Sport: Why Cricket Belongs at Seattle U [OPINION]

https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/barrow.production.bepress.com/24621964_2025-06-12-1759968000/files/2025-05-07%20Arte%20Noir%20Champions%20Vibrant%20Black%20Art%20and%20Central%20District%20Culture%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Spectator.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAYVUS7KB2IXSYB4XB&Signature=3M%2B7axCZIn6BAeNL2qF3gHadLy8%3D&Expires=175234320

Seattle University 
ScholarWorks @ SeattleU 
The Spectator Online Newspapers 
5-7-2025 
2025-05-07 Arte Noir Champions Vibrant Black Art and Central 
District Culture 
Milan Damjanac 
Seattle University 
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online 
Recommended Citation 
Damjanac, Milan, "2025-05-07 Arte Noir Champions Vibrant Black Art and Central District Culture" (2025). 
The Spectator Online. 1512. 
https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online/1512 
This News Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Newspapers at ScholarWorks @ SeattleU. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in The Spectator Online by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks @ 
SeattleU. 
The Spectator • May 7, 2025 • https://seattlespectator.com/2025/05/07/arte-noir-champions-vibrant-
black-art-and-central-district-culture/
Arte Noir Champions Vibrant
Black Art and Central District
Culture
Milan Damjanac, Staff Reporter
On the corner of 23rd and Union lies an establishment
bursting from the seams with the culture and history of the
neighborhood it is within. Arte Noir, a combined shop and
gallery, is in every way tied to the community it lies in.
Through developing, supporting and showcasing
contemporary and historical Black art, Arte Noir serves as a
catalyst for the Black community in Central District and
Seattle.
Arte Noir, which literally means “Black Art,” started off as
an online publication by Vivian Phillips, a veteran in the
Seattle arts community. In September 2022, they opened the brick-
and-mortar location, which further put into practice many of the
goals of the publication. Now, the two work in tandem as one
nonprofit organization with the goal of supporting Seattle’s Black
art and artists.
The physical location is a naturally lit, open space with two distinct
sections. Part of the location is a store, where Arte Noir’s
merchandise and various artists’ products are displayed. These
products include things from prints to sculptures to skincare to
books, and anything that is made by an artist includes a QR code to
their social media or website.
The other part of the store is a gallery displaying the higher-end art,
with various paintings, photographs and multimedia pieces on the
walls. Like a museum, they have artist descriptions and some text
explaining the themes or context of the art. Many of these pieces are also for sale. Because of the large price tags associated with
things like paintings, many of the art pieces are also offered in smaller, more affordable prints.
The blending of the commercial and artistic aspects of art is an intentional decision made to best support Black artists. Often, the
high art world can look down upon the commercial side of art, which heavily disadvantages underprivileged artists who have lots of
talent but don’t have the financial or institutional backing necessary to survive. 
Arte Noir unapologetically uses the space to create pathways to both give Black art the credit it deserves, but also to allow the
Nicole Baltimore
Nicole Baltimore
artists to survive and keep creating. Phillips made clear that supporting Black artists is absolutely necessary and allows us to
appreciate their work.
“Simply celebrating them didn’t do much for their economic status. In order to sustain our capacity for celebrating Black artists, we
have to sustain Black artists,” Phillips said.
In addition, creating a space specifically to celebrate Black art allows for Black artists to freely and unapologetically display
themselves and their work. 
Carlyn Ferrari, an associate professor of English and African and African American studies, highlighted how a highly discriminatory
art world can often impede the expression of Black artists in order to conform to Western aesthetic standards, and how being able
to avoid that is a huge positive for the artists involved.
“This space existing for Black artists is great because they don’t have to advocate for why their art matters, it’s already assumed
that their art matters and deserves to be celebrated,” Ferrari said.
Arte Noir also provides workshops and works with artists to develop their art and products, donating 100% of net proceeds back to
the artists. Further, they have programs that help provide resources for artists, like an upcoming recording studio that will train and
enable young artists to produce audio and musical work.
While providing assistance to Black artists is undeniably a part of their mission, it is shortsighted to view Arte Noir as only there to
help struggling Black artists. It is also a way to celebrate the vibrant, successful and incredibly talented Black art scene within the
city. Phillips spoke to how the nature of the establishment is fundamentally additive, and not trying to make up for something
lacking within the scene.
“Having been involved in all those things over the course of many years gave me an opportunity, I think, to not so much as plug a
hole in the ecosystem. But to elevate an element of the ecosystem of the arts,” Phillips said.
That element of pride in what the Black community has accomplished, especially in a historically Black area like the Central District,
is a clear sentiment among everyone involved with the organization. Marcus Mitchell, a guest services associate, shared how
meaningful Arte Noir is to the community.
“To have a Black space that’s owned by Black women from the neighborhood, it’s one of those things that comes full circle. It’s
needed to show that we’re still here, and that the Black community is still thriving, even though a lot of people don’t think there’s
Black people here in Seattle,” Mitchell said.
Ferrari echoed just how important it is to dispel the myths that Black art, people or culture are somehow declining or absent from
Seattle.
“I think the narrative of ‘there are no Black people there’, is really harmful, and that’s part of what Africatown and Arte Noir are
trying to do, in terms of reminding people that there is a vibrant Black community that can be supported,” Ferrari said.
Black art has been here and is here to stay—that much is clear. Arte Noir is working hard to celebrate artists and support Black
creatives in Seattle. They offer an excellent way to both gain awareness and appreciation about Black art in Seattle, along with
providing a clear way to support the artists and the scene itself.


2025-05-07 Arte Noir Champions Vibrant Black Art and Central District Culture

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Ahmed, Hadia Noor

Seattle University 
ScholarWorks @ SeattleU 
The Spectator Online Newspapers 
5-7-2025 
2025-05-07 My Met Monday Hot Takes: Looks that Slayed (and 
Strayed) 
Hadia Noor Ahmed 
Seattle University 
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online 
Recommended Citation 
Ahmed, Hadia Noor, "2025-05-07 My Met Monday Hot Takes: Looks that Slayed (and Strayed)" (2025). 
The Spectator Online. 1513. 
https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online/1513 
This News Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Newspapers at ScholarWorks @ SeattleU. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in The Spectator Online by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks @ 
SeattleU. 
The Spectator • May 7, 2025 • https://seattlespectator.com/2025/05/07/my-met-monday-hot-takes-
looks-that-slayed-and-strayed/
My Met Monday Hot Takes:
Looks that Slayed (and Strayed)
Hadia Noor Ahmed, Staff Reporter
Every first Monday of May, you can find me in comfy PJs
with an iPad open to Vogue’s livestream of the Met Gala
and my fingers scrolling between TikTok, Instagram and X
to keep myself as updated as possible. 
The theme of this year’s Met Gala exhibition, “Superfine:
Tailoring Black Style,” is based on the book “Slaves to
Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic
Identity” written by Monica L. Miller. A total of 12 sections,
each one representing a characteristic of dandyism and
dandy style: ownership, presence, distinction, disguise,
freedom, champion, respectability, jook, heritage, beauty,
cool and cosmopolitan. 
Colman Domingo quoted George C. Wolfe at a press conference before the Met Gala:
“God created Black people and Black people created style.” 
This year was culturally significant with a full Black host committee, excluding Anna Wintour, and many notable black artists
walking the blue carpet, and I loved every minute of it. 
Here’s how this is going to work: with 306 attendees, and it looks there’s only so much room we can cover, here are six of my
favorites. 
John Imah
I had no idea who you were before this Monday, but oh, I think you were my favorite menswear look. The founder and CEO of
SpreeAI, Mr. Imah also knows how to serve looks. Dressed by Sergio, Hudson Imah’s look was not shy of color, presence,  heritage
and distinction. The stark presence of the lilac color throughout his suit and cape-like jacket, nails studded with oversized metals
and big chunky orange beads around his neck in this look captivated me.   
Image courtesy of Getty Images
Dapper Dan 
A fashion legend, of course, turned up to this year’s Met in his own design. He wore a sequin-covered zoot suit embellished with
reminders of his home in Harlem. The Sankofa bird emblem on the back of his suit refers to an expression in Ghana, “Go back and
get it!” My understanding of the expression is that you can’t be afraid of going back to your past to understand and come back with
what you forgot to move forward. Dan’s whole outfit related to this message with his pinky ring holding a pyramid-cut diamond in
reference to the Italians of Harlem and a multi-strand gold chain necklace referencing the Latinos and West Indians of the
neighborhood. 
Burna Boy
An exuded champion, and for some reason, he’s receiving hate for it online. With a yellow dress shirt, dark red suit, tie and matching
oxblood eelskin cape, this is a man who is not afraid of expression, and in my opinion, life’s not just full of black and whites, so normal
people, please expand your color palette! Let me remind you of the Gala’s theme, “Tailored for you: embracing looks reflective of
one’s personal style”. Who cares if you don’t like the color Burna decided—this was a reflection of himself, and I think it was a
powerful display of African design. 
Ugbad Abdi 
A Somali, Muslim, Hijabi supermodel, Abdi is the current pinnacle of representation in fashion. She worked with Michael Kors to
create her look inspired by one of the ultimate fashion dandies, Andre Leon Talley, who passed in 2022. Inspired by Talley’s cape
obsession and dramatic flair, Abdi wore a stunning, sleeveless, silver paisley-patterned cape lined with fur on top of a gemstone suit
and pants with a tuxedo tie, keeping her sharp. In reflecting the themes of the dandy characteristics, Abdi oozed cosmopolitanism,
disguise and ownership. 
Laura Harrier 
Wearing a custom Gap outfit by Zac Posen, Harrier was ethereally dandy. I think this is a perfect representation of the fluidity of
dandy style and how it allows for so much expression. The silk white pants, cream vest and poofing sleeves were so well structured,
but instead of giving rigid, it gave an elegant angel with wings. 
Teyana Taylor
The mother of the carpet and I will die on that hill. While most of everyone did the theme justice, Teyana served the theme with
camp. Her pinstripe suit was an ode to the Zoot suit, an icon of Black culture in the 30s and 40s. Her cape was a showstopper with
“Harlem Rose” stitched on it, and someone referred to her outfit as “Harlem Renaissance,” and I couldn’t agree more. Taylor was
hands down the boldest dandy look on the blue carpet.
Just for a little extra critique fun, here are some looks I wasn’t really feeling. 
Eaddy Kiernan Bunzel 
Wearing  Balmain, a black dress made to look like a deconstructed tux or suit? I’m not sure she, or whoever styled her from Balmain,
understood that the tailoring aspect meant it should look flattering.
Law Roach
This one pains me, but sometimes the stylists don’t do justice to themselves. This year, he unveiled a new blonde look as well as a
velvet, custom-made Burberry suit. I’m unsure if the blonde is completely throwing me off or if the velvet is rumpy, but this wasn’t a
hit for Mr. Roach, who I usually love. 
Sofia Richie 
Her whole rebrand is this soft, clean girl style, but I feel like the Met Gala would be an exception to the norm. She wore a well-
tailored, white Tommy Hilfiger tied by a large bow in the back. It was understated, which is gorgeous, but this is a night of style, and
comfort zones should have been left at the Carlyle. 
Polishing off the night with some honorary mentions and Met Gala debuts. 
Lauryn Hill debuted in a butter yellow suit with a structured cape, Doechii wore a Louis Vuitton short suit tailored to be cool and
Keith Powers in BOSS wore his suit with beautiful jewels and chain details. 
Shah Rukh Khan debuted as the first male Bollywood actor at the Met Gala wearing Sabyasachi. And if I have to tell you who he is
(cough, cough, the most famous man globally), then, reader, you’ve disappointed me as much as the interviewers did Monday night.
Go do some research. 
To put a bow on all this, fashion’s biggest night had a turnout of looks I loved more than I hated. This year mattered more because it
wasn’t just a night of dressing to impress but a night to elevate Black culture and spotlight representation. 


2025-05-07 My Met Monday Hot Takes: Looks that Slayed (and Strayed)

Rushlo, Jake

Seattle University 
ScholarWorks @ SeattleU 
The Spectator Online Newspapers 
2-19-2025 
2025-02-19 Local Seattle Bands Light Up Neumos Stage in the 
Name of Charity and Community 
Jake Rushlo 
Seattle University 
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online 
Recommended Citation 
Rushlo, Jake, "2025-02-19 Local Seattle Bands Light Up Neumos Stage in the Name of Charity and 
Community" (2025). The Spectator Online. 1526. 
https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online/1526 
This News Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Newspapers at ScholarWorks @ SeattleU. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in The Spectator Online by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks @ 
SeattleU. 
The Spectator • February 19, 2025 • https://seattlespectator.com/2025/02/19/local-seattle-bands-light-
up-neumos-stage-in-the-name-of-charity-and-community/
Local Seattle Bands Light Up
Neumos Stage in the Name of
Charity and Community
Jake Rushlo, Staff Photographer
While snow
filled the open
sky on the
setting Seattle
skyline, it
wasn’t the only
thing in the air
that night.
Ever-present
was the
palpable
feeling of a
Seattle
community
coming
together to
support Youth
Care and eat,
drink and
dance the
night away at
Neumos Thursday night. Balcony Bridge-Benefit Concert for Youth Care organized by the headliner’s podcaster, producer and
guitarist Sean Moran, featured two other local Seattle Bands: Waxer, and the one and only Magenta Wave.
As Neumos filled for the show, local staple Ezell’s Famous Chicken catered to concert-goers. Ezell’s very quickly set the communal
and welcoming tone for the night, matching what Waxer’s Guitarist and Singer Cuinn Fey and Moran shared with me.
“Thursday was cool because you know, I had the community aspect of it. It was a fundraiser and also there was Ezell’s chicken there
which is awesome. Certain things like that multifacetedness make it more comfortable immediately,” Fey said. 
Moran echoed Fey’s sentiment, expressing the importance of togetherness at events.
“I do believe the core pillar of bringing people together and creating that sense of shared love and community is food, dance, and
music,” Moran said. 
Jake Rushlo
Magenta Wave’s lead guitarist Taylor Mastin.
Balcony Bridge Lead Singer Julian
Pearlman. (Jake Rushlo)
The benefit was organized to raise funds for Youth Care, described by their website as “a Seattle based non-profit providing
resources for the homeless.” I spoke with Moran on the topic, asking for his perspective on the process behind it. 
“They reached out with some dates and we got this February date and I’m like
let’s do it again, let’s do another benefit concert. So this time I decided to go with
Youth Care because I felt like Youth Care was much more localized to Seattle
specifically,” Moran said. 
Raffles were a major part of the night, with each segue between sets by local
artist JUL!ET a new chance to win sick prize packages from Neumos. Prizes
ranged from merch packages to monthly free Neumos concert tickets and a hand-
sewn astronaut, with all the proceeds going to Youth Care and their initiative. 
First up on the setlist was the amazing Waxer, a local underground band
established in 2018, made up of Cuinn Fey playing guitar with vocals, Peter
Holmes on the drums, Anthony Whitfield on the bass and Pete Stoessel on the
guitar. The band originated out of the UW house scene, emphasizing the
community feeling of the occasion.
“It’s an honor and you know, I consider Neumos a kind of legendary Seattle venue.
So just a personal bucket list that was super cool,” Fey said. 
Waxer effortlessly flowed through the first set of the night with warm indie rock
and jazzy undertones. They brought a honed and complex sound to a familiar
soundscape that I thoroughly enjoyed. Waxer has a film releasing at the SIFF on
March 20th. 
Following suit, Bellingham’s Magenta Wave took the stage. This gem of a band is composed of guitarist and Joshua Harmon-esque
singer Grayson Thompson, Taylor Mastin on guitar, Nathaniel McCurley on bass and Kellen Larsen on the drums. They brought
together a heart-wrenching yet endlessly genuine and energetic performance—an experience that can’t quite be faked—their hard
work and exchange of energy shined through every note. I caught up with Magenta’s McCurley, asking what the preparation and
their feelings were like leading up to their killer performance. 
“Dude, it was awesome. It was our first time playing on a bigger stage in Seattle like that. And we’ve been working really hard, we’ve
been doing a big recording and writing phase. So we have a lot of new material right now that we feel definitely reflects our time in
the garage just working on our songwriting and our depth and dynamism as musicians. So it felt like an opportunity that we were
excited to take and also ready to take,” McCurley said. 
On the bill for Magenta Wave: a Seattle tour being announced soon, alongside a new EP from the band.
.Finally, headlining the night was the local park king’s Balcony Bridge on the big stage. Balcony Bridge is made up of Julian Pearlman
on guitar, Moran on guitar, Jacob Longhurst on bass and Jack Moran on drums. The band gathered the energy of the night and dialed
it up. The clashing drums and guitar coupled with Pearlman’s stunning vocals made for a night that ranged between angelic soothing
riffs to high-pitched piercing, extended high notes that combined for a flawless set. One that only got better as the band
progressed. 
Up next for Balcony Bridge, the band might be taking a mindful approach to their shows and music. 
“We really wanna try to move people with the power of Julian’s singing voice as opposed to being so in your face, super excited to
tap into something more sensitive,” Moran said. “ The plan is less shows, we want to place more emphasis and importance on
[them],” he added, hoping to take a quality over quantity approach moving forward. 
The benefit was a memorable night, headlined by talented bands for a great cause and fueled by an even greater growth of a special
community on the rise. 
Balcony Bridge’s Sean Moran. (Jake
Rushlo)
Local Seattle based band Waxer.
(Jake Rushlo)


2025-02-19 Local Seattle Bands Light Up Neumos Stage in the Name of Charity and Community

Thompson, Kate

Seattle University 
ScholarWorks @ SeattleU 
The Spectator Online Newspapers 
2-26-2025 
2025-02-26 “Holding the Light” Choir Concert with Visiting 
Professor Larke Witten 
Kate Thompson 
Seattle University 
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online 
Recommended Citation 
Thompson, Kate, "2025-02-26 “Holding the Light” Choir Concert with Visiting Professor Larke Witten" 
(2025). The Spectator Online. 1531. 
https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online/1531 
This News Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Newspapers at ScholarWorks @ SeattleU. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in The Spectator Online by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks @ 
SeattleU. 
The Spectator • February 26, 2025 • https://seattlespectator.com/2025/02/26/holding-the-light-choir-
concert-with-visiting-professor-larke-witten/
“Holding the Light” Choir
Concert with Visiting Professor
Larke Witten
Kate Thompson, Volunteer Reporter
Seattle
University’s
choir
department
has been
gearing up all
quarter for its
winter
performance,
“Holding the
Light: A
Lenten Prayer
Concert,”
which will be
held March
14. 
The repertoire
for the winter
concert was
selected with the Christian season of Lent (the spiritual preparation for Easter) in mind. It focuses on themes of reflection, waiting
and dealing with life’s challenges.  
With music spanning classical and modern styles, Seattle U choirs have woven together multiple pieces into a historical journey. 
Seattle U Choirs is a program of three individual ensembles: University Singers, Chamber Singers and University Chorale. 
Their cumulative work from this quarter will be shown at the winter concert in a total of 12 pieces both in the different ensembles
and as a whole group. 
The director, Leann Conley-Holcom, was joined this winter quarter by Larke Witten, a guest conductor for the Chamber Singers
ensemble. Bringing Professor Witten in as a visiting conductor lightened Conley-Holcom’s workload to allow for the addition of a
conducting class in her schedule, and exposed choir students to a different teaching approach.
“It’s a real win-win situation. For graduate students to get the opportunity to get to work in a four year setting and also to get that
Lilka Clocksin
Visiting Professor Witten (left) and Director Conley-Holcom
(right).
Visiting Professor Witten.
on their resumes. But it’s mutually beneficial. Our students really benefit from learning from more than one teacher, more than one
teaching method or perspective,” Conley-Holcom said.  
Bringing in visiting directors like Witten can be a great form of networking for the choir department. It brings in ideas and
opportunities outside of the Seattle U campus. 
Witten started as a private voice teacher in Texas for about 16 years, where she also sang in a professional ensemble and conducted
a few small choirs. She then moved to the Seattle area with her family during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I decided I really wanted to be a choir director. So, I applied and was accepted at the University of Washington for their Chorale
conducting program. I loved teaching one of their choirs and also got to be an assistant for Chamber Singers at UW. Because of
those connections, I was able to get this job,” Witten said.
Witten has been working with the Chamber Singers ensemble this quarter, preparing them with a repertoire of four pieces to
perform at the winter concert. 
Witten worked to find songs that fit the voices of all the people in
the choir currently and came up with doing a historical journey, as
the songs guide the listener from the classics of Mozart to more
contemporary music.  
Chamber Singers will start with a piece by Mozart called “Miserere
mei, Deus,” inspired by his first visit to the Vatican and hearing the
music in the Sistine Chapel. This will be followed by a short piece in
German by Bach, “Zedern Müssen von den Winden.” Then, they will
lead to another piece, alongside the other two ensembles, titled
“Remembering Home,” by Orin Johnson, combined with the
African-American spiritual song “Sometimes I Feel Like a
Motherless Child,” which interweaves the ancient and modern
oppression and suffering of two peoples. 
Witten has enjoyed having the opportunity to conduct and work
with Seattle U’s Chamber Singers.
“Every day feels like a privilege. This is my life’s calling and I finally get to do it in this way. It’s a really amazing opportunity and I’m
really grateful that Dr. C was able to give me this opportunity,” Witten said.
The Seattle U Choir department is always eager to have more members and encourages any students interested to join the choir
community. Students in the program span all disciplines and many majors. The majority of the singers in the choir are not even
music majors or minors.
Jaylen Leonard, a second-year international studies and political science major, who’s a part of choir, encourages students to join
and come see the winter concert.  
“It’s a great community that’s only grown for me. It’s a place that really welcomes everyone and you’re a part of their family. We’re
always really there for each other,” Jaylen said. 
The concert will be held at Seattle First Baptist Church on March 14, starting at 7:30 p.m. 
Each ensemble will perform individually and as a collective alongside their Pianist in Residence, Susan Bloomfield, guest
instrumentalist Alna To, who will play the violin, and Sarah Rommel, who will play the cello. 
Kate Thompson interviewing Professor Witten (left) and
Director Conley-Holcom (right).


2025-02-26 “Holding the Light” Choir Concert with Visiting Professor Larke Witten

Editors of The Spectator

English

Spectator 2025-02-20

Ruiz, Kevin

Seattle University 
ScholarWorks @ SeattleU 
The Spectator Online Newspapers 
2-12-2025 
2025-02-12 Proposition 1A vs. 1B: The Future of Affordable 
Housing in Seattle 
Kevin Ruiz 
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online 
The Spectator • February 12, 2025 • https://seattlespectator.com/2025/02/12/proposition-1a-vs-1b-
the-future-of-affordable-housing-in-seattle/
Proposition 1A vs. 1B: The Future
of Affordable Housing in Seattle
Kevin Ruiz, Volunteer Reporter
King County residents voted Feb. 11 on a key affordable
housing measure. The measures that were on the ballot,
Proposition 1A and 1B were proposals set out to benefit
the Seattle Social Housing Developer (SSHD). Proposition
1A won with 58.24% of the vote over 1B. Both propositions
are focused on creating affordable housing in Seattle. The
major difference is where the money comes from. 
Proposition 1A focuses on taxing the wealthiest in Seattle
through a system known as an excess compensation payroll
tax. This would tax employers for all employees who are
making over $1 million per year. For every dollar made after
$1 million, the employer will pay a 5% tax. All that allocated
money will head to the social housing developer to build
affordable housing. The taxed funds will total over $52
million dollars per year for the foreseeable future.
Proposition 1B reallocates funds from a pool of money known as the payroll expense tax revenue. This is money that already exists
from business taxes throughout Seattle. It would allocate $10 million for the next five years to support the SSHD.
Jeff Paul, a public school teacher and board member of the House Our Neighbors organization believes that Proposition 1B steers
away from taxing the wealthy corporations. 
“This is why the Housing Development Consortium, which is the largest organization where those low income housing providers
come together in one coalition. They’re adamantly opposed to 1B and they support one because we already don’t have enough
funds for low income housing providers,” Paul said. “Why would social housing want to steal money from them when we could get
money from wealthy corporations instead? The second thing I would say is that we have a serious problem for housing affordability
for all kinds of people.” 
Proposition 1B is being backed by wealthy corporations like Amazon and Microsoft. Both companies donated over $100,000 to
Proposition 1B. Metropolitan Seattle Chamber of Commerce CEO Rachel Smith argues that 1B directs public money to the proper
place. 
“Proposition 1B focuses the use of public money on helping lower-income people, which is where it should go. Every study in the
region has concluded that we need to focus public housing dollars toward lower-income individuals, and we agree,” Smith said. “The
Seattle Social Housing Developer is not ready for primetime. It has one single staff person, has seen board member turnover, made
Matthew Mai
virtually no information available to the public, and there is no plan for how this organization is going to spend $50 million a year,
every single year, forever, starting in 365 days.”
The SSHD has received backlash for their lack of experience and track record with building a successful housing program, with some
questioning the funding of $52 million for a new organization. 
Paul objects to arguments against allocating funds to the SSHD.“I think that that’s a disingenuous argument. Personally, if you follow
that argument to its logical conclusions, then we can never start new things. We only can keep on working with the tools that we
have. We can create new ways of addressing problems,” Paul said. 
The Social Housing Organization is led by CEO Roberto Jiménez. Jiménez was appointed the CEO in 2024 given his track record
with building affordable housing in California and Oregon. Paul believes the argument made against the group is part of the same
idealism that has occurred in the White House. 
“We saw what happened at the national election. Jeff Bezos was literally up there standing behind Trump. These are the people who
fell out with all of us to keep making more money and to have access to power, and they want to do the same thing here,” Paul said.
This coalition has the largest grassroots coalition around housing, progressives, working people, people who are just trying to make
things better for the people of Seattle on one side, and big tech, big corporations on the other. That’s what is happening. We’re
fighting for the soul of the city.”  
King County voted for the ballot Feb. 11. Voters had options of yes and no for either proposition, and then the decision to vote for
either proposition regardless of whether they thought it should be enacted or not. 
Retired Journalist and Volunteer with the No committee George Howland Jr., is opposing both proposals and the lack of focus on
the homelessness crisis in Seattle.
“I say that the model of building housing and providing shelter for homeless people is not broken, it’s just really expensive, and we
need that money for the poorest of the poor, for those who are suffering the most. And it just breaks my heart to think of us moving
off in another direction and leaving them behind,” Howland Jr. said. 
Voters have decided that for now, 1A is the way. The results of the special ballot will no doubt be a key factor in determining the
future of affordable housing in the Seattle area. 


2025-02-12 Proposition 1A vs. 1B: The Future of Affordable Housing in Seattle

Johnson, Naja

Seattle University 
ScholarWorks @ SeattleU 
The Spectator Online Newspapers 
2-19-2025 
2025-02-19 Seattle U Students Choose To Live On Campus Or 
Leave Rudy’s Nest 
Naja Johnson 
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online 
The Spectator • February 19, 2025 • https://seattlespectator.com/2025/02/19/seattle-u-students-
choose-to-live-on-campus-or-leave-rudys-nest/
Seattle U Students Choose To
Live On Campus Or Leave Rudy’s
Nest
Naja Johnson, News Editor
February of winter quarter is an important month for many
students on campus, as the second month of the quarter
and when midterms occur. It’s also the month when
students begin to select their housing assignments for next
year. 
Freshmen have the choice of living in the on-campus
residence halls Campion, Bellarmine and Xavier. Students
choosing housing for their sophomore year can pick
between these options as well as Chardin Hall, the Murphy
Apartments, Vi Hilbert Hall or the Douglas Apartments.
Then there are students who live off campus, through
independent living options such as renting apartments not
affiliated with the university, or staying with family.
A determining factor for students to decide to live off
campus is the cost of living and allocation of resources for
students. 
Zooey Redmond, a third-year history major, resides off campus for the current school year and plans to continue living off campus
for the remainder of her time at Seattle University. Redmond rents a condo with roommates and has not lived on campus since her
sophomore year.
Redmond chose to seek out off-campus living situations after being waitlisted by the housing committee on campus.
“I was going to apply to on-campus housing as a backup cause I was in the early stages of figuring out off-campus housing when I had
to apply for it. But they had no housing for me to choose from. They put me on the waitlist, but it was kind of like if they don’t have
enough housing for students, this is the sign I need to look for housing off campus,” Redmond said.
Redmond also discussed the housing rates on campus and how that weighed on her choosing to live off campus. 
“A large part of it is on-campus housing is so expensive. I lived in a triple both years I was on campus,” Redmond said.
Redmond also shared some of the benefits she has living off campus.
Ahmed Abdirashid Abdullah
“The benefits of where I live specifically are that I have a full kitchen and I have my own room. It’s five minutes from campus. The
best thing is the in-unit washer and dryer, I don’t miss having to fight 50 freshmen for the washers and dryers in Campion,” Redmond
said.
Overall, Redmond is pleased with her decision to live off-campus.
“It’s a really good deal and I live with people I like,” Redmond said.
In the middle, there are students who are torn between living on campus or living off.
Darlene Tumbaga, a third-year forensic psychology major and student from out of state, weighed in on what’s leaving her undecided
about where to live next year.
“Currently I am hoping to live somewhere off campus so I can stay here for the summer. That might not go well, since the prices are
high and once May hits everyone will be buying apartments so there’s competition there,” Tumbaga said. 
Tumbaga explained her main reason to live off campus would be because it would give her the most accommodation as an out-of-
state student, and because she is looking for permanent residence. 
“Being an out-of-state student, it’s just so much easier for me to stay here during the summer and start networking. It’s so
competitive being in the city,” Tumbaga said. 
Tumbaga is not yet entirely ready to say goodbye to her home away from home on campus.
“I love having a meal plan, it’s lowkey free money. I wouldn’t have to work for the money as much to buy groceries and food. My
backup situation would be to live in the Murphy Apartments,” Tumbaga said.
Feb. 20, Tumbaga along with thousands of other undergraduates will make a selection about their housing options and then receive
their housing assignments.
A student who isn’t as concerned about housing is Second-year Environmental Studies Major Daniel Herre. He is currently living in
the Murphy Apartments and plans to live in Vi Hilbert Hall next school year with a roommate.
Herre had an unconventional backstory for his decision to live in Vi Hilbert Hall next year.
“I chose it because the person I wanted to be roommates with filled out an application before me and I was able to slide in,” Herre
said.
Herre is confident that he will be satisfied with his choice next year.
“To be honest I don’t know what they look like, nor have I been in them. But it will be nice to have more space, I am comfortable
where I am right now,” Herre said.
Herre has described his experience with housing as overall positive but he does agree with Redmond about the high costs of living
on campus. 
“It’s been positive… It’s mostly just the cost, Murphy is pretty expensive and so is Vi but the quality has been fine,” Herre said. 
As the deadline for housing decisions rapidly approaches, students must weigh the pros and cons of various housing options and
make an important decision about where they will be living for the next academic school year. 


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