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Creson, Fern

Fragments 
Volume 66 Parallel Article 19 
2024 
Break 
Fern Creson 
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Recommended Citation 
Creson, Fern (2024) "Break," Fragments: Vol. 66, Article 19. 
Available at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/fragments/vol66/iss1/19 
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Break by Fern Creson 


Break

Needham, Carly P.T.

Seattle University 
ScholarWorks @ SeattleU 
Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Ultrasound 
Projects College of Nursing 
6-1-2025 
Pericardial Effusion Case Study 
Carly P.T. Needham 
Seattle University 
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Recommended Citation 
Needham, Carly P.T., "Pericardial Effusion Case Study" (2025). Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic 
Ultrasound Projects. 14. 
https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/dius-projects/14 
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the College of Nursing at ScholarWorks @ SeattleU. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Ultrasound Projects by an authorized 
administrator of ScholarWorks @ SeattleU. 
Case Study 
Pericardial Effusion 
Case Study 
 
Carly P. T. Needham 
 
 
Abstract 
 
This case study describes a 60-year-old male 
who presented to the Emergency 
Department with dyspnea and history of 
cancer with recurrent chemotherapy 
sessions. A@er a computed tomographic 
angiogram revealed a large pericardial 
effusion, a transthoracic echocardiogram 
was ordered for complete clinical protocol, 
revealing a swinging heart and a large 
circumferenDal pericardial effusion 
consistent with hemodynamic compromise. 
The cardiologist was immediately noDfied 
and soon a@er determined chronic effusion 
with onset of tamponade. An emergent 
pericardiocentesis procedure was 
successfully completed, with drainage of 1.3 
liters of metastaDc fluid from the pericardial 
space. The paDent returned for rouDne 
transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) visits to 
monitor pericardial effusion progression, 
due to the chronic state of effusion and 
metastaDc components found within the 
fluid. This case study emphasizes the 
importance of quality diagnosDc 
transthoracic echocardiography protocol in 
assessing the severity of pericardial effusion, 
pericardiocentesis therapy, and paDent care 
management.  It is important to remember 
that echocardiographic guidance and point-
of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) provides 
ideal addiDonal visualizaDon that may aid to 
the success of pericardiocentesis 
procedures.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Keywords 
Pericardial effusion, echocardiography,  
clinical protocol, paDent care management, 
point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS). 
 
Introduc8on 
 
Pericardial effusion is when the pericardial 
space surrounding the heart accumulates 
abnormal amounts of excess fluids and/or 
substances greater than the maximum 
normal amount of 50 ml.2 With 
overaccumulaDon of fluids into the 
pericardial space, pressures within the space 
may increase and become higher than the 
pressures within the heart chambers, 
resulDng in potenDal hemodynamic 
compromise and possibility of heart failure. 2  
       This case describes a large chronic 
circumferenDal pericardial effusion 
consistent with hemodynamic compromise 
in a paDent who recently received mulDple 
sessions of chemotherapy. A@er assessment 
of the paDent’s history, clinical signs and 
symptoms, potenDal eDologies, sonographic 
findings, and rate of effusion, the doctor 
called for an emergent pericardiocentesis 
and removed 1.3 liters of fluid and 
metastaDc substance. Due to the metastaDc 
quality of fluids presented and the paDent’s 
history of ongoing chemotherapy treatment, 
reoccurrence of pericardial effusion 
accumulaDon is probable.8 Follow up TTE 
appointments are necessary in managing 
Needham 2 
potenDal effusion accumulaDon and future 
medical intervenDon.  
       POCUS and echocardiographic guidance 
during a pericardiocentesis is not a 
requirement and remains an opDon for 
physicians. Although pericardiocentesis may 
be successful without POCUS or guidance, 
echocardiographic guidance has been 
proven a reliable tool, significantly lowering 
procedure complicaDon rates.4 
 
 
Case Report 
 
This paDent was a 60-year-old male who 
presented to the Emergency Department 
with dyspnea and history of cancer and 
chemotherapy treatments. He received a 
chest x-ray that revealed cardiomegaly and a 
computed tomographic angiogram that 
revealed a large pericardial effusion with 
largest measurement of 3.9 cm at the apex 
(See Figure 1). 
      A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) 
was ordered and immediately exposed a 
visually large circumferenDal pericardial 
effusion and swinging heart. Assessment of 
the pericardial effusion began with using the 
parasternal, apical, and subcostal windows 
of long axis, short axis, and mulD-chamber 
views.3 In each view, the sonographer swept 
through each plane, viewing as much of the 
pericardial effusion as possible.  Effusion 
measurements were collected revealing the 
largest measured space at 4.3 cm at the 
apex. This measurement was significantly 
greater than 2cm, quanDfying for a large 
pericardial effusion (See Figure 2).4 
     Atrioventricular valve respiratory inflow 
variaDon was assessed using pulse wave 
doppler and respirometer. Normally, the 
biventricular inflow velociDes are consistent 
during respiraDon; however, there was 
inflow variaDon in this case, showing 
decreased right ventricular inflow velociDes 
with increased le@ ventricular inflow 
velociDes during exhalaDon, and increased 
right ventricular inflow velociDes with 
decreased le@ ventricular inflow velociDes 
during inhalaDon (See Figure 3). 
       
 
 
Figure 1. (A) An image of a chest x-ray 
revealing cardiomegaly. (B) An image of a 
computed tomographic angiogram (CTA), 
revealing a large pericardial effusion with 
largest measurement of 3.9 cm at the 
heart’s apex. 
 
 
 
 
Figure 2. A two-dimensional (2D) TTE image 
in the apical four-chamber view showing the 
largest pocket of effusion measuring at 4.3 
cm at the apex. 
A B 
3.9cm 
 3 
     The normal pericardial space is filled with 
up to 50 mL of pericardial fluid, measuring 
less than 1 cm on 2D TTE. 2 In this case, the 
pericardial space was measured at 4.3cm, 
which quanDfied a large accumulaDon of 
fluid. 
 
 
   
Figure 3. Two 2D TTE images in the same 
apical four chamber view showing pulse 
wave doppler and respirometer pa`erns of 
(A) right ventricular inflow variaDon upon 
respiraDon and (B) le@ ventricular inflow 
variaDon upon respiraDon.  
 
     The heart chambers were assessed via 2D 
and moDon-mode (m-mode) doppler 
imaging for possible collapse, being that 
greater pressures in the pericardial space can 
cause this, especially within the lower-
pressure right heart chambers. Signs of 
hemodynamic compromise exposed right 
atrial systolic collapse and parDal right 
ventricular diastolic collapse.3  (See Figure 4) 
 
 
        
 
Figure 4. 2D TTE images in the subcostal 
four-chamber view with m-mode doppler 
assessment showing (A) right atrial systolic 
collapse and (B) right ventricular parDal 
diastolic collapse. 
     Right atrial pressure was assessed via 
inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter 
measurement and IVC collapsibility upon 
nasal sniff inhalaDon. Normally, the IVC will 
be less than 2.1 cm with exhalaDon and will 
collapse more than 50% with a sniff, 
suggesDng normal right atrial pressures at 
about 0-5 mmHg. In this case imaging 
revealed a dilated IVC of 2.63 cm and a 
collapsibility of less than 50%, suggesDng 
high right atrial pressures at about fi@een to 
twenty mmHg (See Figure 5). 
 
 
       
 
Figure 5. Two 2D TTE images at the subcostal 
long axis view of the IVC. (A) An image 
showing the diameter of the IVC with 
exhalaDon, measuring at 2.63 cm. (B) An 
image of the IVC, showing less than 50% 
collapse during paDent sniff inhalaDon.  
 
 
     HepaDc vein flow is assessed using pulse 
wave doppler, color flow doppler, and a 
respirometer, in which a normal hepaDc vein 
flow has li`le to no evidence of diastolic flow 
decrease. This case reveals hepaDc vein 
diastolic flow decrease upon exhalaDon (See 
Figure 6), due to higher intrapericardial 
pressures upon the right heart chambers, 
making it very difficult for venous return in 
the right atrium.  
 
 
 
 
A B 
A B 
A B 
Needham 4 
 
 
 
Figure 6. A 2D TTE image from the subcostal 
long axis view, using respirometer tracing, 
color wave doppler, and pulse wave doppler, 
revealing flow decrease in the hepaDc vein 
upon exhalaDon.  
 
 
       All TTE diagnosDc assessments 
quanDfied the size, locaDon, and distribuDon 
of the pericardial effusion and its effect on 
the heart’s hemodynamic funcDons. 
Following the complete TTE, the cardiac 
sonographer immediately informed the 
doctor of these findings; a large 
circumferenDal pericardial effusion 
consistent with hemodynamic compromise. 
Urgently noDfying the doctor of 
hemodynamic compromise is important so 
that the doctor can quickly review the 
paDent’s history, eDology, signs, symptoms, 
and characterisDcs of effusion, along with 
rate of accumulaDon and TTE images. A@er 
doing so, the doctor found tamponade to be 
imminent and iniDated for an emergent 
pericardiocentesis, with consent from the 
paDent. 
     Tamponade is a life-threatening amount 
of substance accumulaDon within the 
pericardial space. It is hemodynamically 
compromising to the hearts filling and 
funcDonality and can result in a detrimental 
decrease of cardiac output.6 
     The paDent underwent a successful 
pericardiocentesis procedure, with removal 
of 1.3L of fluid and metastaDc substance. A 
drain was le@ within the pericardial space 
overnight and a limited follow-up TTE was 
completed the next morning, showing trace 
pericardial effusion of less than 50mL, 
normal bi-ventricular size and funcDon with 
an EF of 68%, normal bi-atrial sizes and a 
normal IVC diameter of less than 2.1cm with 
a collapsibility greater than 50% upon sniff.  
     Due to the chronic effusion and the 
metastaDc components of this paDent’s 
eDology, follow-up 2D TTE appointments are 
necessary in monitoring the possible 
reoccurrence of pericardial effusions over 
Dme, miDgaDng the risk of cardiac 
tamponade.8 Informing the paDent of likely 
reoccurrence is important, for another 
pericardiocentesis may be needed in the 
paDent’s future. 
 
 
Discussion 
 
Large pericardial effusion and Tamponade is 
a life-threatening amount of fluid substance 
accumulaDon within the pericardial space. It 
is hemodynamically compromising to the 
hearts filling and funcDonality and can result 
in a detrimental decrease of cardiac output 
and potenDal heart failure.2 Immediate 
pericardiocentesis is needed to drain the 
excess fluids from the pericardial space 
when tamponade is present, allowing for 
regain of normal cardiac output and cardiac 
pressures.3,6 
     Echocardiographic guidance and POCUS is 
highly recommended for pericardiocentesis 
procedures; however, some physicians 
choose the blind pericardiocentesis opDon.  
 5 
These blind procedures are known to have 
higher complicaDon rates compared to 
procedures that are performed with 
echocardiographic guidance.4  
     Echocardiographic guidance provides 
viewing of the opDmal site of entry and 
needle angulaDon, locaDon and amount of 
fluid accumulaDon in real Dme, and can be 
used in verificaDon of catheter locaDon via 
agitated saline injecDon to confirm proper 
access within the pericardial space.3 It can 
also reduce the amount of radiaDon 
exposure in catheterizaDon lab procedures.7 
It’s encouraged that more physicians take 
advantage of echocardiographic guidance 
during pericardiocentesis procedures.  
 
 
Conclusion 
 
Large pericardial effusion may be presented 
with few symptoms and can be detrimental 
to the proper funcDoning of the heart, 
ulDmately lowering cardiac output and 
compromising one’s hemodynamic filling 
and funcDon. Quality and accuracy are of 
utmost importance when performing TTE 
protocol in assessing the severity of a 
pericardial effusion. A large pericardial 
effusion consistent with hemodynamic 
compromise can result in cardiac tamponade 
and prompt for emergent pericardiocentesis 
procedure. Echocardiographic guidance in 
such procedures should be highly 
considered, given the low complicaDon rates 
and many benefits provided for doctors’ 
visualizaDon. This case details the careful TTE 
evaluaDon needed in diagnosDcally 
providing quality images and accurate 
measurements to rule out or confirm 
hemodynamic compromising pericardial 
effusion. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Declara9on of Conflic9ng Interests 
 
The authors declared no potenDal conflicts 
of interest with respect to the research, 
authorship, and/or publicaDon of this arDcle. 
 
Funding 
 
The authors received no financial support for 
the research, authorship, and/or publicaDon 
of this arDcle. 
 
Ethics Approval 
 
Ethical approval was not sought for the 
present study because the informaDon 
provided is for educaDonal purposes and 
school assignments.  
 
Informed Consent 
 
Informed consent was not sought for this 
study because all case data were 
deidenDfied and/or aggregated and followed 
ethics commi`ee or IRB guidelines (also 
referred to as the Honest Broker System). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Needham 6 
 
References 
 
1. Apodaca-Cruz A., Villarreal-Garza C., 
Torres-Avila B., et al. EffecDveness 
and prognosis of iniDal 
pericardiocentesis in the primary 
management of malignant 
pericardial effusion. Interact 
Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 
2010;11(2):154-161. 
doi:10.1510/icvts.2010.232546.  
2. Azarbal, A., LeWinter, M. Pericardial 
effusion. Cardiology Clinics. 
2017;35(4):515-
524.doi:10.1016/s0733-
8651(17)30101-7.  
3. Il’Giovine, Z., Gage, A., Higgins, A. 
Cardiac tamponade and 
pericardiocentesis. Cardiology 
Clinics. 2024;42(2):159-164. doi: 
10.1016/s0733-8651(23)00097-8.  
4. Jones JD, Hill MA, Mand SK, 
Tschautscher C, Cathers AD, Kuttab 
HI. Prehospital ultrasound use to 
guide emergent pericardiocentesis: 
A case report. Air Medical Journal. 
2024;43(4):360-362. 
doi:10.1016/j.amj.2024.03.015  
5. Magon, F., Longhitano, Y., Savioli, G., 
Piccioni, A., Tesauro, M., Del Duca, 
F., Napoletano, G., Volonnino, G., 
Maiese, A., La Russa, R., Di Paolo, 
M., & Zanza, C. (2024). Point-of-care 
ultrasound (POCUS) in adult cardiac 
arrest: clinical review. Diagnos;cs. 
14(4),434.doi:10.3390/diagnosDcs14
040434 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6. Panneflek J, Barbarawi M, Maluf C, 
et al. The sleeping giant: A chronic 
large pericardial effusion. Journal of 
the American College of Cardiology. 
2025;85(12):4108.doi:10.1016/s073
5-1097(25)04592-9.  
7. Pislaru SV, Michelena HI, Mankad SV. 
IntervenDonal 
echocardiography. Progress in 
Cardiovascular Diseases. 
2014;57(1):32-46. 
doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2014.05.009  
8. Sharim J, Patel MP, Hoffmayer KS. 
Risk factors for recurrent pericardial 
drainage in paDents with malignant 
pericardial effusion. Journal of the 
American College of Cardiology. 
2020;75(11):1359.doi:10.1016/S073
5-1097(20)31986-0 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 


Pericardial Effusion
Case Study

Frances, Teagan

Fragments 
Volume 65 Lust Article 6 
2023 
Love as a Ball of Yarn 
Teagan Frances 
Seattle University 
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/fragments 
Recommended Citation 
Frances, Teagan (2023) "Love as a Ball of Yarn," Fragments: Vol. 65, Article 6. 
Available at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/fragments/vol65/iss1/6 
This Poetry is brought to you for free and open access by the Seattle University Journals at ScholarWorks @ 
SeattleU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Fragments by an authorized editor of ScholarWorks @ SeattleU. 
Love	as	a	Ball	of	Yarn 
By	Teagan	Frances
I	think	I	understood	love, 
	Before	I	had	ever	felt	it.	
When	I	could	visualize	a	feeling,	
Make	it	tangible	 
Like	a	ball	of	yarn	 
I	had	only	heard	tales	 
Of	how	long	and	tangled	 
It	could	be	 
But	I	had	never	known	 
My	limbs	wrapped	 
Within	a	thin	wooly	mess;	 
No	idea	of	beginning	or	end.	
No	exit	sign	 
Each	of	my	arteries	 
Cinched	by	a	cool	blue	thread	
My	life	could	stop	 
With	the	pull	of	a	string	 
And	there	you	sit,	
Knitting.	


Love as a Ball of Yarn

Flaming, James

Fragments 
Volume 65 Lust Article 12 
2023 
Set in Stone 
James Flaming 
Seattle University 
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/fragments 
Recommended Citation 
Flaming, James (2023) "Set in Stone," Fragments: Vol. 65, Article 12. 
Available at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/fragments/vol65/iss1/12 
This Prose is brought to you for free and open access by the Seattle University Journals at ScholarWorks @ 
SeattleU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Fragments by an authorized editor of ScholarWorks @ SeattleU. 
Set	in	Stone 
By	James	Flaming
I	don’t	remember	much	anymore.	Not	about	myself,	nor	the	world.	I	have	been	here	
for	so	long	my	memory	has	faded,	sinking	into	the	oppressive	darkness	that	
surrounds	me.	All	that	is	left	is	something	that	aches. 
If	I	can’t	remember	what	I	want. 
If	I	only	want. 
What	will	stop	my	consumption? 
It	wasn’t	always	like	this.	The	memory	of	before	slips	out	of	my	grasp	every	time	I	
reach	for	it,	but	for	so	long	I’ve	been	repeating	a	set	of	phrases	to	myself:	There	is	
light.	I	have	power.	I	was	adored.	If	I	don’t	stop	saying	these	things,	I	won’t	forget	it.	
At	least,	I	know	there	was	a	time	before	this.	I	will	grasp	onto	it	until	there	is	nothing	
left.	The	words	themselves	fade	in	and	out	of	meaning,	but	the	echo	of	their	longing	
remains. 
I’m	not	sure	if	there	were	more	than	those	three	phrases.	The	memories	ascribed	to	
these	words	are	hazy,	corrupted	by	repetition	and	time.	I	think	that-	 
I	think- 
I- 
 
I	can’t	remember. 
It	is	dark.	Water	drips,	a	steady	rhythm	like	footsteps,	sometimes	slowing,	getting	
further	away.	Who	was	it	that	left	me	here?	 
I’ve	tried	to	leave	before.	Two	steps	in	any	direction,	and	I	hit	something.	It	feels	like	
rock,	I	think.	I	have	nothing	but	my	own	hands,	so	I	claw	until	my	fingernails	crack	
and	are	wet	with	blood.	That’s	okay.	I	can	heal,	over	time.	Scabs	form	and	the	skin	
on	my	hands	regrow,	but	the	rock	cannot.	 
There	is	a	groove	here	in	the	wall	that	I	grate	at.	It’s	big	enough	for	my	shoulder	to	
fit	inside	of	it,	but	my	head	will	not.	 
How	many	hundreds	of	years	to	carve	my	way	out	of	here?	Enough	time	for	my	
mind	to	smooth	over?	There	are	jagged	edges	of	betrayal	in	my	chest,	someone	left	
me	here.	Will	that	wear	down	as	well,	or	will	pain	and	confusion	only	force	their	
way	into	the	cracks? 
 
Even	that	which	is	set	in	stone	will	erode,	and	I	am	not	sure	what	will	be	left	of	
myself	at	the	end	of	it.	 
 
  


Set in Stone

Coronel, Eimny

Fragments 
Volume 65 Lust Article 15 
2023 
The Dead of Wuthering Heights 
Eimny Coronel 
Seattle University 
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/fragments 
Recommended Citation 
Coronel, Eimny (2023) "The Dead of Wuthering Heights," Fragments: Vol. 65, Article 15. 
Available at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/fragments/vol65/iss1/15 
This Prose is brought to you for free and open access by the Seattle University Journals at ScholarWorks @ 
SeattleU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Fragments by an authorized editor of ScholarWorks @ SeattleU. 
The	Dead	of	Wuthering	Heights 
By	Eimny	Coronel  
Inspired	by	Emily	Bronte’s	Wuthering	Heights 
  
When	Catherine	woke	in	death,	she	found	herself	standing	in	Wuthering	Heights.	
Though	it	was	dark	and	cold	as	she	had	always	known	it	to	be,	its	utter	silence	was	
strange	and	unsettling.	And	it	was	empty,	void	of	any	soul	but	herself.	Hesitantly,	
then	frantically,	she	began	to	search	through	the	halls	and	the	rooms,	finding	no	
signs	of	life.	Even	the	manor	itself	was	bare	of	furniture	or	personal	items.	Finally,	
frightened	by	the	lonesome	silence,	Catherine	rushed	to	open	the	door	to	the	
outside	but	it	did	not	yield	to	her	efforts. 
 
“I’m	afraid,	Catherine,	you	cannot	yet	leave.”	Said	a	voice	behind	her.	 
 
Catherine	spun	in	an	instant,	searching	to	place	a	body	to	the	unknown	voice	that	
broke	the	maddening	silence.	The	being	that	stood	before	her	might	have	been	a	
man,	for	it	was	dressed	quite	like	a	gentleman,	with	a	locket	or	two	around	his	neck	
and	small	rings	over	gloved	hands—	but	would	not	be	mistaken	for	man	or	indeed	a	
human.	The	being	had	no	face.	Or	so	she	thought.	 
 
The	longer	Catherine	looked	the	more	she	was	able	to	discern	faint	features	within	
the	shadows.	A	skeletal	face,	without	skin	or	muscle.	Catherine	gasped	at	the	sight,	
falling	weakly	against	the	door.	 
 
“Ah,	yes.	I	have	been	told	my	appearance	may	be	quite	severe,”	said	the	being.	The	
face	flickered	then	blurred	until	it	solidified.	Now	there	was	a	shadowed	face—that	
of	an	older	man.	But	it	was	uncanny.	Stiff	and	expressionless	with	closed	eyes.	There	
was	no	movement,	no	color	or	breath	of	the	living.	 
 
“A	death	mask.”	Catherine	realized	at	last,	struck	by	bewilderment.	Now	she	was	
sure	who	it	was	that	stood	before	her. 
“I	hope	it	is	more	comfortable	for	you.”		 
 
“It	is	not.” 
 
“I	scarcely	am	for	most,”	said	Death,	though	not	in	any	way	sad	or	regretful.	When	
Catherine	made	no	move	to	respond	or	approach,	Death	retreated	further	into	the	
manor.	Emboldened	by	the	space	between	them,	Catherine	forced	herself	to	speak.	 
 
“Why	am	I	here?”	Morbidly	intrigued,	she	moved	around	Death,	noting	the	way	his	
head	followed	her	movements.	Though	the	eyes	on	mask	remained	closed,	it	seemed	
he	could	still	see	her.	“This	is	not	where	I	died.”	 
 
“It	is	true,”	mused	Death,	looking	around	curiously.	“You	died	elsewhere	but	your	
attachment	to	Wuthering	Heights	is	much	stronger,	hence	our	current	location.	I	
also	suppose	your	spirit	came	here	in	an	effort	to	locate	Heathcliff.”	 
 
“Heathcliff!	Yes,	I	must	return	to	him.	Why	will	you	not	let	me	leave	this	place?” 
 
Death	strode	soundlessly	to	a	window	and	parted	the	curtains.	“Look	out	there,	
Catherine—just	as	you	have	found	nothing	within,	there	is	nothing	good	to	return	to	
out	there.	Only	darkness.	Your	Beyond	needn’t	be	so.	All	you	must	do	is	leave	the	
living	to	themselves.” 
 
Standing	beside	Death,	Catherine	gazed	out	into	the	darkness.	There	was	nothing	
she	could	see	no	matter	how	she	strained	her	eyes.	“What	waits	for	me,	if	I	should	
go?”	 
 
When	the	darkness	began	to	confuse	her	vision,	Catherine	looked	instead	to	the	
heavy	lockets	around	Death’s	neck.	Within	the	chambers	lay	strands	of	dark	hair.	
Both	the	intricate	and	simple	rings	on	his	hands	were	inscribed	with	faint	names.	
She	idly	wondered	whose	they	once	belonged	to. 
 
“Right	now,	I	cannot	tell	you	what	waits,”	admitted	Death.	“You	are,	after	all,	still	
here.	However,”	he	continued	softly,	“you	could	come	away	with	me	and	move	forth.	
There	is	more	beyond	Wuthering	Heights.” 
 
Catherine’s	sigh	rattled	in	her	throat	as	she	dragged	herself	from	the	window,	
beginning	to	walk	deeper	into	the	manor.	“Not	for	me.	Not	while	he	lives.	I	will	not	
go	without	him.	Once	he	joins	me,	we	shall	leave	together	when	the	time	comes.” 
 
Death,	ever	at	her	heels,	tilted	his	head	in	question.	“Leave	together?	You	
misunderstand.	If	you	return	now,	there	would	be	no	leaving	Wuthering	Heights.” 
 
“So	be	it!”	Catherine	threw	her	hands	up.	“We	can	stay	there	for	whatever	is	left	of	
time.” 
 
“You	would	condemn	Heathcliff	to	a	true	eternity	in	Wuthering	Heights	as	your	
father	did	before	you.” 
 
“My	father	didn’t	care	for	Heathcliff	as	I	do.	He	would	be	with	me.	I	would	be	content	
and	so	would	he.” 
 
Death	gave	something	of	a	laugh.	“Content,	you	say.	Yes,	a	fitting	end,	I	would	think.	
Misery-making	keeps	Wuthering	Heights	standing	after	all,	and	all	your	tormented	
souls	would	not	be	out	of	place.	But	this	would	be	my	kindness	to	you—to	sway	you	
into	moving	on	into	the	Beyond.	Know	now,	Catherine,	it	would	not	be	wise	to	
return	to	him.” 
 
“I	don’t	care.	He’ll	want	me	there.” 
 
“Upon	your	death	he	wished	for	you	to	wake	in	torment,”	offered	Death	mildly.	 
 
“And	so	I	have!	Here!	Here	and	without	Heathcliff.	I’ve	gone	and	left	him	behind—
Again!”	 
  
Catherine	paced	the	room	in	agitation,	tempted	to	throw	something	at	the	
expressionless	and	compassionless	Death.	Before	she	could	grow	further	enraged	at	
the	lack	of	things	to	throw,	Death	spoke	again,	very	quietly.	“You’ve	also	left	behind	
a	child.”	 
 
Catherine’s	anger	alleviated	enough	for	her	to	remember,	very	suddenly,	that	indeed	
she	had	been	pregnant.	 
  
“Oh.	Yes,	I	did.	But	I’ve	had	to	leave	behind	many	things.” 
 
Death’s	silence	was	unsettling	the	longer	it	went	on	after	she	answered.	As	though	
she	had	offered	an	incorrect	answer,	or	if	he	found	himself	disappointed	in	her.	
Unable	to	stand	the	look	of	the	blank	death	mask,	Catherine	preferred	to	look	out	
the	window	into	nothingness.		 
 
“If	you	do	as	he	wishes,	your	spirit	would	drive	you	both	into…further	madness,”	he	
said	at	last,	mournfully	shaking	his	head. 
	 
“As	he	wishes?” 
 
Death	pressed	a	finger	to	the	lips	of	his	current	death	mask—a	young	woman—and	
both	stood	in	silence.	Then,	echoing	all	about	her	and	seeming	to	come	from	the	
very	walls	themselves,	came	the	devastated	voice	of	Heathcliff.	“And	I	pray	one	
prayer—I	repeat	it	till	my	tongue	stiffens—Catherine	Earnshaw,	may	you	not	rest	as	
long	as	I	am	living!	You	said	I	killed	you—haunt	me,	then!” 
 
The	words	rang	out	like	a	horrid	chorus	and	Catherine	might	have	collapsed	at	
hearing	his	voice	again,	and	in	her	emotion,	she	gripped	the	specter's	hand,	
unperturbed	by	the	sudden	chill	at	the	contact.	“You	heard	him!	You	did.	He	wants	
me	there!” 
 
Death	wretched	his	arm	away	with	a	huff	of	displeasure,	and	after	taking	a	moment	
to	straighten	the	sleeve	of	his	coat	and	brush	away	some	unseen	befoulment,	he	
spoke.	“A	fine	curse	from	Heathcliff!	Seldom	is	joy	found	when	the	dead	cling	to	the	
earth.	Other	spirits	like	yours	have	caused	a	great	deal	of	damage—” 
 
“I	do	not	care	for	them!”	Catherine	snapped.		 
 
The	expressionless	death	mask	regarded	her	silently	yet	again.	Death	became	so	still	
he	might	have	been	one	of	the	painted	figures	in	a	portrait	of	the	dead	that	hung	on	
the	walls	of	family	homes.	“No,	I	suppose	you	do	not	care	for	them.” 
 
Abruptly,	Death	pushed	past	Catherine	to	pick	up	a	chalice	which	had	appeared	
upon	a	table.	He	raised	the	chalice	to	her	and	Catherine	noticed	a	name	engraved	on	
its	bottom.	It	may	have	been	a	familiar	one	but	Death	was	quick	to	tilt	it	away.	 
 
“Then,	to	the	madness	you	shall	continue	to	wreak,	my	lady.”	The	death	mask	was	a	
man	now.	Sunken	eyes	and	a	narrow,	unsmiling	face.	“And	to	the	living	you	will	
continue	to	haunt.” 
 
Death	flicked	a	gloved	hand	at	the	door.	It	swung	open,	and	a	familiar	howling	of	
winds	began	to	enter	the	house,	but	still	Catherine	could	see	nothing	beyond	the	
doorway.	She	started	for	the	door	gleefully	before	pausing.	She	could	feel	Death	
watching	her	and	it	made	her	shiver,	even	dead	as	she	was.	 
 
“Well,	Catherine?” 
 
“Before—you	spoke	of	a	curse.” 
 
The	darkness	of	Death	was	beginning	to	engulf	the	hall	and	the	walls.	“Heathcliff’s	
prayer,”	he	said,	“called	down	a	curse	upon	himself	and	you.”	Death’s	voice	
darkened.	“And	as	it	is,	desecration	of	a	grave	must	not	go	unpunished.”		 
 
Catherine	lingered	in	the	doorway,	wondering	at	what	Death	spoke	of.	Grave	
desecrations	and	curses.	“You	intend	to	punish	us	by	allowing	our	reunion.	It	won’t	
be	so.” 
 
Death	did	away	with	the	pretense	of	death	masks	and	relics.	Now	he	was	a	shrouded	
figure	lingering	in	the	hallway.	When	his	voice	came,	it	was	a	mere	whisper	in	her	
ear.	“I	need	not	execute	punishment	when	you—living	or	dead—do	a	much	finer	job	
of	it	yourselves.” 
 
With	her	back	to	Death,	Catherine	finally	stepped	through	the	doorway,	certain	in	
her	decision	for	herself	and	for	Heathcliff.	For	what	would	Death	know	of	love? 
 
  


The Dead of Wuthering Heights

Johnson, Naia

Seattle University 
ScholarWorks @ SeattleU 
The Spectator Online Newspapers 
6-4-2025 
2025-06-04 Seniors React To Commencement Speaker 
Naia Johnson 
Seattle University 
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online 
Recommended Citation 
Johnson, Naia, "2025-06-04 Seniors React To Commencement Speaker" (2025). The Spectator Online. 
1548. 
https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online/1548 
This 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 • June 4, 2025 • https://seattlespectator.com/2025/06/04/seniors-react-to-
commencement-speaker/
Seniors React To
Commencement Speaker
Naja Johnson, News Editor
The 2024-25 school year is nearing its end at Seattle
University, and students are preparing to walk across the
stage at the upcoming commencement ceremony,
scheduled for June 16 at Climate Pledge Arena. The annual
event marks a major milestone for the graduates, who
gather with friends, family and faculty to celebrate the last
four years and their growth towards academic excellence.
In early May, students were notified of the commencement
speaker via email or other communication outlets. The
speaker selected for the undergraduate ceremony is
actress and University of Washington alumni Anna Faris.
Faris, a Washington state native, graduated from Edmonds-
Woodway High School and gained notoriety for her
comedic roles in films like “The House Bunny,” “Scary
Movie” and her work on the CBS sitcom “Mom.”
Seattle U’s past commencement speakers have included a range of public figures, including former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Doug Baldwin and National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. The university selects its commencement
speakers through a committee under the Board of Trustees, which reviews recommendations and finalizes the choice.
Despite Faris’ celebrity status, reactions among students were mixed. While some were excited by the news of hearing from a
Hollywood actress, others questioned the relevance of the choice.
Fourth-year Communication and Media Major Pasheen Johnson shared her reaction to the announcement.
“I learned about it from my friends group chat, cause I got the email and looked at it. I was like ‘Anna Faris at the graduation, what?’ It
was interesting.”
Johnson said she wasn’t immediately aware of Faris’ background or her connection to Seattle.
“I think I was a little confused, more shocked because I would’ve never guessed. I don’t know much about Anna Farris, I wasn’t sure
about what her connection would be here.”
Although the choice may be untraditional compared to previous years, Johnson said she’s ultimately excited to see a celebrity in
person at graduation.
“This is kinda cool that we’ll have a famous person,” Johnson said.
Matthew Mai
Abigail Fisher, a fourth-year sociology major, also heard the news through word of mouth.
“We were all like ‘Anna Faris, like OK, yeah.’ It was very much a ripple effect,” Fisher said.
Fisher said that while she understands the skepticism other students expressed, she doesn’t necessarily share those concerns.
“I definitely understand why people are like ‘why is Anna Faris speaking?’ I also don’t know what a commencement speaker is
supposed to be. I think it makes sense why she’s speaking, it’s a bit random, but I am not mad at it,” Fisher said.
She pointed out that many students might enjoy the surprise factor and welcomed the break from tradition.
“If you know who Anna Faris is, people would be kind of excited. I am familiar with her work, but other people were like ‘Who the
hell is that?’ As long as there is some kind of link to our school there isn’t a problem with having random speakers.”
Fisher mentioned that what matters most is whether the speaker connects with students on graduation day.
“As long as she’s a good speaker and is entertaining, I have no problem. I don’t really know who spoke in the past,” Fisher said.
Fourth-year Kinesiology Major Andrew Pascual, however, admitted he was unfamiliar with Faris and didn’t feel particularly moved
by the announcement.
When asked for his thoughts, Pascual replied:
“I respectfully have no idea who that is.”
He added that Faris’ Hollywood background didn’t necessarily resonate with him or relate to his academic experience.
“I don’t know too much, honestly, I am not into that field.”
Though some students might have preferred a speaker more connected to Seattle or to Seattle U, others said the value of a
commencement speaker can come from the inspiration they offer, rather than their resume alone.
As the class of 2025 prepares for life beyond college, many students say they are approaching the ceremony with open minds.
While reactions remain mixed, many students are choosing to keep an open mind and look forward to hearing Faris’ message on
graduation day.


2025-06-04 Seniors React To Commencement Speaker

Okonu, Kayla

Seattle University 
ScholarWorks @ SeattleU 
The Spectator Online Newspapers 
6-4-2025 
2025-06-04 The Central District’s New Garfield Superblock: 
Gentrification or Greater Good? 
Kayla Okonu 
Seattle University 
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online 
Recommended Citation 
Okonu, Kayla, "2025-06-04 The Central District’s New Garfield Superblock: Gentrification or Greater Good?" 
(2025). The Spectator Online. 1551. 
https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online/1551 
This 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 • June 4, 2025 • https://seattlespectator.com/2025/06/04/the-central-districts-new-
garfield-superblock-gentrification-or-greater-good/
The Central District’s New
Garfield Superblock:
Gentrification or Greater Good?
Kayla Okonu, Volunteer Reporter
For decades, a 100-year-old building at the corner of 23rd
and Cherry Street in the Central District has served as a
hub of Black culture. While restaurants, shops and barbers
all came and went, one thing remained consistent: they
were always Black owned, operated and appreciated.  
But six months ago, three businesses occupying the
building—a barber, an East African restaurant and Miss
Mary’s Flowers 4 U (the only known Black florist in the
entire Pacific Northwest)—fell silent. Within the following
weeks, they were abandoned, and today, only rubble
remains in their place.  
“We didn’t know anything about it, like getting totally
demolished, that happened super suddenly,” Marijke Keyser
said, a facilities manager at Coyote Central, a creative non-profit that
teaches art classes to local youth. Coyote Central was a longtime
neighbor to Miss Mary and the other businesses at 23rd and Cherry.
“I don’t know what’s going in next over there. Maybe more housing.” 
Keyser was correct. The Acer House, a short-story apartment
building coined as Seattle’s first “anti-racist private development,” in
an area that “hasn’t been gentrified,” is currently under construction
to fill the hole at 23rd and Cherry. According to their website, the
building will feature over 100 units, with thirty percent allotted to
affordable housing, and is slated to include Black-owned shops, a cafe
and childcare facilities. To reflect the historical significance of Black
culture in the Central District, the building will be designed in an
Afrofuturist style. 
The Acer House is the official kickoff to the development of the
Garfield Superblock Community Project, which will revamp the blocks surrounding Garfield High School by the “creation of a
pathway that integrates art and amenities that reflect the immense cultural diversity and rich history of the Central Area.” The park
improvement project, currently up for bidding, will include new playgrounds, fields, courts, restrooms, a climate-adaptive garden
Leila Bunker
Construction has begun at the site where the flower shop,
Flowers Just 4 U, used to stand.
Corner of E. Cherry Street and 23rd Avenue. (Leila
Bunker)
and a walkway of artwork reflecting the formative cultures of the Central District.  
But despite the Superblock Project’s anti-racist intentions, the effects of its development are striking an all-too-familiar chord
within the community, and gentrification is nothing new to the Central District. According to Harvard Law School’s Systemic Justice
Program, Seattle’s C.D. went from 73.4 percent Black in 1970 to a mere 18 percent Black by 2014, attributed to “many out-of-
towners [moving] to Seattle to pursue job opportunities big tech companies provided while taking advantage of the ‘affordable’
housing options.” 
The forced removal of the Black business owners at 23rd and Cherry for “affordable” housing is reminiscent of the many gentrified
areas of the C.D. While the project is community-forward and is intentionally honoring the cultural history of the neighborhood,
BIPOC residents are still being displaced, or at least significantly inconvenienced by the changes.  
“I hear so much about how, you know, just 30 years ago, this neighborhood used to be like all Black folks, right? You look at, like, the
demographic maps that we have in, you know, our building, and they show the population is all Black folks in the C.D. And now
everyone has been pushed out,” Atiyeh Assaf said, a market coordinator at Byrd Barr Place.  
Assaf, like Keyser and those at Coyote Central, was similarly shocked by the demolition at 23rd and Cherry and had no prior
knowledge of the Superblock’s development, only learning about it for the first time during our conversation.  
Byrd Barr has been a foundational element of the Central District for over 60 years, particularly in its efforts to fight for social
justice and against gentrification. Byrd Barr has a long-standing history in the C.D. as a “safety-net service” that provides food,
shelter, financial tools and more to Seattle residents. 
“Working to serve others and address these issues [social justice and gentrification] with gratitude, respect and dignity is the
essential mission of Byrd Barr,” Jo Moreau said, a third-year public affairs student at Seattle University and frequent food-packager
at Byrd Barr. “Volunteering at Byrd Barr has shown me how important it is to be an active part of my community.”
Because of their sizable impact on the local community and their efforts to create affordable housing and systemic change within
the Central District, it was a shock to Assaf that Byrd Barr Place had been left out of such a vital conversation. 
“Right now, Byrd Barr is, you know, we’re associated with that gentrification. And so it’s been really difficult to try to engage with
the community again and be like, hey, no, we’re still here, doing this good work,” Assaf said.
Assaf said that Byrd Barr has been working against rising gentrification rates for over six decades and is determined to continue
doing so for another. Though he is unsure about what the Superblock means for the future of C.D.and Byrd Barr, and whether its
development is a positive step toward restoring the cultural and economic value of the neighborhood or just another act of
gentrification under a progressive disguise, Assaf was confident in the one thing that unifies us all: resiliency.  
“I think the future looks bright because we’re not going anywhere. We’re a place where community shines bright, and I think we’re
seeing that community get stronger and stronger and stronger. And I’m excited for that, you know. It’s scary, it’s all impending, but
we’re gonna do it together,” Assaf said.
If you’re looking to get involved in the Central District and serve the community, you can register to volunteer at Byrd Barr here:
https://byrdbarrplace.org/get-involved/volunteer/  


2025-06-04 The Central District’s New Garfield Superblock: Gentrification or Greater Good?

Bunker, Leila

Seattle University 
ScholarWorks @ SeattleU 
The Spectator Online Newspapers 
6-4-2025 
2025-06-04 How Farm-to-Food Access is Making Our Food 
System More Equitable 
Leila Bunker 
Seattle University 
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online 
Recommended Citation 
Bunker, Leila, "2025-06-04 How Farm-to-Food Access is Making Our Food System More Equitable" (2025). 
The Spectator Online. 1545. 
https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/spectator-online/1545 
This 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 • June 4, 2025 • https://seattlespectator.com/2025/06/04/how-farm-to-food-access-is-
making-our-food-system-more-equitable/
How Farm-to-Food Access is
Making Our Food System More
Equitable
Leila Bunker, News Editor
According to
Feeding
America, one
in eight people
in Washington
state face
hunger, with
9.5% of the
King County
population
experiencing
food
insecurity.
Among cities
and
neighborhoods, residents of Auburn (34.6%), Kent (26.9%) and Tukwila (26.4%) experienced some of the highest rates of food
insecurity in the county. 
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as “limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally
adequate and safe food, or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways. 
The reasons surrounding food insecurity are complex. Poverty is often the main reason, but systemic inequities and structural
racism are major factors. In King County, Black and Hispanic households are disproportionately affected, as they are twice as likely
to have not enough food to eat.
Leila Bunker
Capitol Hill Neighborhood Farmers Market vendor, Fernandez
Farms, at the seasonal Tuesday market that runs from June 3 to
Sept. 30.
Schuh Farms lists the form of food
assistance benefits they accept,
which is the Women, Infants and
Children (WIC) Fruit and Vegetable
Benefits and WIC Farmers Market
Nutrition Program and Senior
Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
(Leila Bunker)
In response to food insecurity, the Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets is making fresh, local foods more accessible, regardless
of income. They make it possible to use various food assistance benefits with vendors.
“There’s this stereotype or understanding that farmers’ markets are expensive. They have a higher price point than most because
the farmers set their own prices, and I think it’s that understanding that farmers markets are only for people who can afford them,
[but that] is not at all the case,” Food Access Coordinator at the Neighborhood Farmers Market Joey Lu said. “We do really make
sure that everyone in the community is able to come to our market, and that’s great when we can get everyone supporting local
food systems.”
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), SUN Bucks EBT, SNAP Market
Match, Fresh Bucks, Farm Bucks, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Fruit and Vegetable Benefits, WIC Farmers Market Nutrition
Program and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program can all be used at their markets.
To determine where one can use their food assistance benefits, vendors have the food access currency they accept listed on
displayed informational flyers, where you can learn more about not only where your food is coming from, but the people who are
putting it on your plate. 
Mira Martin, a third-year civil engineering major at Seattle University, receives SNAP benefits. She likes to utilize the SNAP Market
Match at the Neighborhood Farmers Markets, which is a dollar-for-dollar bonus match.
“They match whatever money you get off your EBT card to pay for
fresh produce, so that’s veggies, cheese and some meats, and you get
these little coins that are like wood chips and pieces of paper that you
exchange,” Martin said.
According to a Washington State food insecurity survey from
February, groceries were the most common expense reported as
hard to afford in the past month. By the end of the year, the USDA
predicts that all food prices will increase by 2.9%. Although the
increase is lower than in previous years, it is still expected to exceed
the historical average, placing pressure on consumers.
As grocery prices continue to rise, food assistance programs are
becoming increasingly important for those facing nutritional
hardship. 
In addition to making it possible to use food assistance benefits, the
Neighborhood Farmers Market is partnered with Harvest Against
Hunger and PCC Community Markets to connect small Washington
farmers with hunger relief agencies in wholesale relationships.
The partnership is called Growing for Good (GFG). It was initially
created as a short-term solution for when the Neighborhood
Farmers’ Markets were temporarily shut down during the pandemic,
but has since evolved into a longer-term commitment and is
expanding into its sixth season of farm-to-food bank contracting.
By matching food banks and farms, the amount of fresh, high-quality,
culturally relevant and nutrient-dense produce is increased. Olivia
Jackiewicz, the farm-to-community program manager with Harvest
Against Hunger, highlighted how the community-based model for
GFG is unique in that it can target specific community needs. 
“We’ve brought in other farms to fit the needs of food banks who are requesting specific culturally relevant produce, so we brought
in OJ’s Produce who provides a lot of asian greens to support our food banks who have a lot of Asian clientele…It allows us to sort of
approach the participating hunger relief organizations and farms with a more human lens. In our food system, relationships are so
important, and because we’re able to meet people as humans, those relationships have just flourished,” Jackiewicz said. 
Various vendors set up for the Tuesday afternoon
market, with signage in the center ofthe walkway
displaying information about accepted food assistance
benefits. (Leila Bunker)
In 2023, 17 farmers delivered 33,603 pounds of produce to 24 hunger relief organizations. Three new farms and one new food bank
will be brought on this season. 
Washington’s small-scale farmers and food access programs form a vital network that supports both the economy and food security
statewide. However, due to a passed budget resolution that calls for a $2 trillion reduction in spending over the next decade and a
proposal to cut $230 billion from the SNAP, which provides nearly ten times the amount of food that local food banks do, food
banks and consumers would feel potentially catastrophic effects. 
Though Washington’s Department of Agriculture invests around $32.2 million annually in food assistance, it is essential that voters
support the seven key bills protecting food banks, senior nutrition, SNAP/WIC Fruit & Vegetable incentives, SUN Bucks, housing
security and the Working Families Tax Credit. Every call, text and letter helps preserve an interconnected system that ensures
nutrition access for all Washingtonians.


2025-06-04 How Farm-to-Food Access is Making Our Food System More Equitable

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)
