The official student newspaper of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1923.

The Spectator
The official student newspaper of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1923.

The Spectator
The official student newspaper of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1923.

The Spectator
All content by Kendall Ruchti
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[Photo] The Book Report

Story by Erica Jones, Currents Editor
April 8, 2018
This past semester, several different artists were featured as part of the series: Eyes of Eau Claire.

[Photo] Eyes of Eau Claire

Story by Elizabeth Gosling, Currents Editor
December 13, 2017
College and backpacks go hand in hand: The academic luggage is a staple for toting textbooks to and from campus. Since 1938, zippered packs have provided students an outlet for outward expression — showcasing styles with clean lines or elaborate embellishments. Aside from the functionality, personal choice in backpack design is surely a timeless trend on campuses across the nation.

On the street with Kendall Ruchti

Story by Kendall Ruchti, Photo Editor
December 5, 2017
Nothing depicts holiday fashion better than a thick sweater and traditional festive vest. Enveloped in layers, UW-Eau Claire students opted out of the classic winter coat and gravitated toward a cozy cover-up. Paired with wool mittens and a woven hat, this minimal layer is sure to keep you warm during these lighter seasonal temperatures.

On the Street with Kendall Ruchti

Story by Kendall Ruchti, Photo Editor
November 28, 2017
Head: On the street with Kendall Ruchti Subhead: Exploring Eau Claire’s fashion trends. This week: Weaving warmth Kendall Ruchti Photo Editor Cutline: Bad hair day? No worries! Knit caps have popped up on campus this week, flaunting their overarching functionality characteristic. Originally designed for hunters, fishermen and outdoorsmen, the Scandinavian-style headwear peaks during midwestern cold months. Whether you’re looking for a neutral blend of fibres or eccentric patterns, each hat is bursting at the seams with unique personality. Bad hair day? No worries! Knit caps have popped up on campus this week, flaunting their overarching functionality. Originally designed for hunters, fishermen and outdoorsmen, the Scandinavian-style headwear peaks during Midwestern cold months. Whether you’re looking for a neutral blend of fibers or eccentric patterns, each hat is bursting at the seams with unique personality.

[Photo] On the street with Kendall Ruchti

November 14, 2017
The first signs of snow have graced the grounds of Eau Claire, causing students to unleash their favorite winter weapon: Combat boots. While some may be at war with the chilly weather, the lace-up footwear is said to provide good traction and versatility, making it the perfect pairing for midwest temperatures. The boot can be worn in shades of black or brown, folded up or down, but the one irrefutable constant is the undeniable parallel of comfort and style.

On the street with Kendall Ruchti

Story by Kendall Ruchti, Photo Editor
November 7, 2017
With winter weather creeping in, the utilitarian puffer jacket has made a strong impact on student fashion. The functional fabric repels water and forms to figures, making it a popular choice for Wisconsin’s coldest campus. The voluminous coat can have a dramatic silhouette or a cropped, bright figuration, and it’s sure to embrace heat and tackle trends during this chilly season.

On the street with Kendall Ruchti

Story by Kendall Ruchti, Photo Editor
October 31, 2017
“The Other Brothers” plays a mix of jazz, blues and swing music. Their set is comprised of both covers and original pieces.

[Photo] Local jazz band “The Other Brothers” takes on the Acoustic Cafe

Story by Taylor Reisdorf, Freelance Writer
October 23, 2017
The students of UW-Eau Claire had one trend on the brain this week: baseball caps. A fad once limited to sports fanatics has impressed the masses, proving prominence among the student body. While viewed by most as a staple in American history, the rounded-crown reigns supreme in the eyes of college fashion.

On the street with Kendall Ruchti

Story by Kendall Ruchti, Photo Editor
October 17, 2017
UW System President Ray Cross said the proposal is intended to provide more access to education while centralizing and supporting administration.

[Photo] UW System proposes merging two-year colleges with four-year institutions

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
October 13, 2017
In a proposal released on Oct. 11, UW System President Ray Cross proposed merging two-year UW Colleges with four-year universities. The UW System Board of Regents will vote on the proposal on Thursday.

[Photo] UW System Board of Regents passes policy that punishes students who disrupt freedom of expression

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
October 13, 2017
Every trend has its outliers — the rebels of the fashion world. It is these individuals who contrive the most pivotal evolutions in the art of street style. These people don’t fit in a category: They make their own. From bell sleeves to tulle skirts, these five UW-Eau Claire students took September by storm, paving the way with their liberating senses of style.

[Photo] On the street with Kendall Ruchti

October 10, 2017
The unrefined 90s vibes continue into fall this week with powerful prints that command attention. From flannel shirts to miniskirts, plaid jacquards juxtaposed with the raw, metallic exterior on campus evoke a sense of edge and unabashed cool.

On the Street with Kendall Ruchti

Story by Kendall Ruchti, Photo Editor
October 3, 2017
Volume One’s The Local Store will host the Night Market every Friday until Oct. 20.

[Photo] Shop, eat and unwind at the Night Market

Story by Taylor Reisdorf, Freelance Writer
September 25, 2017
On the Street with Kendall Ruchti

On the Street with Kendall Ruchti

Story by Kendall Ruchti, Photo Editor
September 19, 2017
Steve Spingola gives his presentation “Psychology of Homicide” at Volume One last Friday.

[Photo] ‘Psychology of Homicide’ presentation at Volume One

Story by Brittany Farr, Staff Writer
September 18, 2017

On the street with Kendall Ruchti

Story by Kendall Ruchti, Photo Editor
September 14, 2017
President of UW-Eau Claire’s Black Male Empowerment group, Collis McCloud, led their weekly meeting Wednesday night and discussed topics of community involvement and future goals.

[Photo] UW-Eau Claire’s Black Male Empowerment group provides awareness of diversity

Story by Sydney Purpora, Editor in Chief
September 7, 2017
Gosling enjoys reading in her free time, but the hobby seems to fall on the wayside during college.

[Photo] Books are not meant to be disliked

Story by Elizabeth Gosling, Currents Editor
September 5, 2017
Housing code, city council, City-County Health Department.

[Photo] Housing code revisions aim to improve rental properties in Eau Claire

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Staff Writer
May 10, 2017
Jesse McCartney gave an energetic and sentimental performance, singing twelve numbers from old albums and new.

[Photo] Jesse McCartney and fans get ‘Back Together’

Story by Deanna Kolell, Staff Writer
May 8, 2017
Jenna Johnson, this years Devroy Forum speaker, is a political reporter for The Washington Post tasked with covering Donald Trump.

[Photo] Devroy Forum marks 20 years, speaker extolls the value of accurate reporting in the Trump era

Story by Gabriel Lagarde, Staff Writer
April 30, 2017
Professor Jessica Miller teaches French 430, which focuses on French language diversity around the world.

[Photo] UW-Eau Claire French Program gains national recognition

Story by Faith Hultman, Op/Ed Editor
April 26, 2017
Eau Claire students broke in seven events with two making it all the way to semi-finals. Pictured above are the three Western Kentucky University NFA members who tied for first place in the Lincoln Douglas debate.

[Photo] UW-Eau Claire hosts 46th Annual National Forensics tournament

Story by Hillary Smith, Staff Writer
April 18, 2017
With the warm weather that hit Eau Claire last weekend came a rise in high-risk drinking and loud partying for some students. Eau Claire County ranked second worst in the state for binge drinking, according to a recent study by UW Health.

[Photo] Eau Claire County ranks second worst in Wisconsin for binge drinking

Story by Anne Sandell, News Editor
April 12, 2017
Highlights from the 43rd annual Viennese Ball

Highlights from the 43rd annual Viennese Ball

Story by Kendall Ruchti, Photo/Multimedia Editor
April 12, 2017
Two of Cuomo’s pieces are among the 63 total featured works.

[Photo] Array of student work featured in university gallery

Story by Hillary Smith, Staff Writer
April 11, 2017
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[Photo] Eau Claire celebrates April Fools’ Day with citywide pillow fight

Story by Nicole Bellford, Copy Editor
April 3, 2017
Garfield Avenue project construction began over spring break, causing numerous inconveniences to students, staff and faculty, including a water main rupture, decreased access to lower campus walkways, as well as constant loud noise and unpleasant-smelling dorms.

[Photo] Construction along Garfield Avenue disrupts university life, but promises a better campus in the future

Story by Gabriel Lagarde, Staff Writer
March 29, 2017
Roy’s Barbershop employs three full-time female barbers who work to provide customers with a traditional barbershop experience.

[Photo] Local barbershop credits good business partly to female staff

Story by Erica Jones, Chief Copy Editor
March 29, 2017
Before becoming Chancellor, Schmidt spent time working in Congress and in leadership positions at institutions in Minnesota.

[Photo] Familiar Faces: ‘Chancellor Jim’

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Staff Writer
March 28, 2017

Fire Ball 2017 in Review

Story by Kendall Ruchti, Photo/Multimedia Editor
February 28, 2017
The UW-Eau Claire 2017 Fire Ball showcased 15 drag queens from all over the nation. Each act portrayed the theme "Pulse" as a tribute to the shootings at the Orlando nightclub.

Low attendance at theatre events is becoming a big issue. With technology and social media on the rise, people do not want to spend the money or put in the effort to attend events in person.

[Photo] The digital world’s impact on theatre attendance

Story by Alexandria Martin, Staff Writer
February 22, 2017
Written word is often an avenue where people can best express themselves.

[Photo] Opportunities will also await students passionate about the arts

Story by Deanna Kolell, Staff Writer
February 21, 2017
Throughout her 16 years performing as a drag queen, Ophelia Junque (Justin Brunner), has participated in roughly 250 shows across the nation. The 2017 Fire Ball will be her sixth year as a performer with the university, as one of a select few who have been a part of the show since its kickoff.

[Photo] UW-Eau Claire employee shares her journey with the Fire Ball

Story by Sydney Purpora, Currents Editor
February 21, 2017
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[Photo] Familiar faces

Story by Anne Sandell, News Editor
February 14, 2017
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Luke Jarocki shows off renaissance garb; his cape and scarf made by his sister and hat a gift from his mother.

Community members gathered in Phoenix Park Saturday to support Planned Parenthood while hundreds of anti-abortion rallies across the country protested agains the organization.

[Photo] Eau Claire community rallies to support Planned Parenthood

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Staff Writer
February 13, 2017
On Feb. 8 Gov. Scott Walker outlined a plane where more than $100 million in new funding would be committed to the UW System.

[Photo] Gov. Scott Walker plans to increase education funding

Story by Hillary Smith, Staff Writer
February 9, 2017
Assistant Chancellor Mike Rindo said Geopiers are being installed and the project is going according to schedule.

[Photo] Confluence Project price tag up to $47 million

Story by Erica Jones, Chief Copy Editor
February 9, 2017
Though many trees along Garfield Avenue were chopped, more will be planted this spring and after construction is completed in 2030.

[Photo] Campus tree removal known to some, surprise to others

Story by Hillary Smith, Staff Writer
January 25, 2017
UW-Eau Claire’s Cabaret “Unboxed” performance showcased a variety of student’s skills in dancing, singing and directing.

[Photo] UW-Eau Claire Cabaret ‘Unboxed’ performance celebrates centennial year

Story by Alexandria Martin, Staff Writer
January 25, 2017
The question continues to arise when students are forced to stay on campus during breaks from academics.

[Photo] Competing while school isn’t in session: Is it too much?

Story by Parker Reed, Sports Editor
November 28, 2016
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[Photo] Starting fresh

Story by Trent Tetzlaff
May 12, 2016
The sixth Sculpture Tour Eau Claire unveiled 34 new sculptures from artists around the world. Ron Simmer’s piece, “What the Nose Knows” is at the intersection of North Barstow and East Madison Street.

[Photo] New sculptures unveiled for next Sculpture Tour

Story by Brian Sheridan, Op/Ed Editor
May 11, 2016
Mascot Coordinator Eric Schreiner introduced a bill Student Senate passed Monday night in the Woodland Theater to prevent Blu the Blugold from choosing sides in Senate campaigns.

[Photo] University Senate and Student Senate disagree

Story by Andee Erickson, Copy Editor
May 4, 2016
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[Photo] Devroy Forum 2016: foresight and reflection

Story by Gabriel Lagarde, News Editor
April 28, 2016
The Student Office of Sustainability is pushing UW-Eau Claire students to reduce their use of one-time use plastic water bottles after universities like UW-Stevens Point banned the sale of all plastic bottles on campus.

[Photo] Campus organization pushes students to buy fewer plastic water bottles

Story by Thomas Hensen, Chief Copy Editor
April 28, 2016
Junior CSD student Emmy Gerome poses for a photo with the Autism Speaks mascot at the 11th annual 24-hour event for the Epsilon Alpha chapter of Alpha Xi Delta.

[Photo] Alpha Xi Delta teeters up and down while speaking out

Story by Brian Sheridan, Op/Ed Editor
April 28, 2016
Director of Academic Affairs Mathew Riedel introduced the bill Student Senate approved to continue funding Blugold Differential Tuition.

[Photo] Student Senate approves over $10 million to fund high impact experiences

Story by Andee Erickson, Copy Editor
April 20, 2016
Coordinator of Outreach and Inclusivity Ashley Sukhu and Director of Campus Affairs Colton Ashley will serve as student body president and vice president 2016-17.

[Photo] Student Senate presidential candidates debate as election nears

Story by Andee Erickson, Copy Editor
April 14, 2016
SENATE DEBATES: Student Senate discussed the pros and cons of holding a referendum to ask if UW-Eau Claire should become smoke and vapor free.

[Photo] Students will vote on smoke and vapor free campus policy

Story by Andee Erickson, Copy Editor
April 13, 2016
Senator Ethan Fuhrman introduced a bill to Monday night to hold a referendum addressing the campus policy for tobacco use.

[Photo] Survey results in favor of tobacco-free campus

Story by Andee Erickson, Copy Editor
April 7, 2016
eachers fight back against the UW System for their right to tenure policies.

[Photo] Board of Regents approve tenure changes

Story by Andee Erickson, Copy Editor
March 31, 2016
The university offers a number of variety of resources, both to educate students and to help those affected by mental illness.

[Photo] Sparking conversation about mental health on campus

Story by Angel Vang, Copy Editor
March 17, 2016
Student Senate passed two bills Monday night. Senators approved revisions to Student Office of Sustainability bylaws as well as a $2000 special allocation to fund the Hmong Student Association’s Culture Core held March 7.

[Photo] Student Senate adds a non-Senator position to the Student Office of Sustainability Commission

Story by Andee Erickson, Copy Editor
March 16, 2016
Tommy Adams, the founder and owner of Urban Roots Skatepark, said he acquired many of the ramps for his indoor park from the local YMCA located in downtown Eau Claire.

[Photo] Local skateboarder opens a new indoor skatepark

Story by Andrea Montgomery, Staff Writer
March 10, 2016
Blugold swimmers Jessica Short and Sam Senczyszyn, friends since elementary school, are two of the 11 competitors being sent to the national meet.

[Photo] Two freshman Blugold swimmers look to be the future of program

Story by Ellis Williams, Sports Editor
March 10, 2016
The Fulbright grant enables students to explore global opportunities

[Photo] UW-Eau Claire ranks 14th in nation for winners of Fulbright Award

Story by Faith Hultman, Staff Writer
March 10, 2016
Foster Gallery’s exhibit “Color, Sign and Faith,” features the works of four Thai artists across several mediums and is on display until March 17.

[Photo] Foster Gallery showcases art forms highlighting Thai culture and faith

Story by Sadie Sedlmayr, Staff Writer
March 9, 2016
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[Photo] ‘Cabaret’ to open this weekend

Story by Stephanie Kuski, Staff Writer
February 24, 2016
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[Photo] ‘Clue’ in review

Story by Sadie Sedlmayr, Staff Writer
March 2, 2016
Researchers will be utilizing high-tech equipment in the Material Science labs located in the ground floor of L. E. Phillips Hall.

[Photo] A prestigious grant to the UW-Eau Claire chemistry department may open doors for research and students

Story by Gabriel Lagarde, News Editor
March 3, 2016
Student Senate heard from the co-chairs of Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Implementation Team about the current state of the plan.

[Photo] Giving students an option more affordable than the i-clicker

Story by Andee Erickson, Copy Editor
March 2, 2016
Eric Jennings, the reference and instruction librarian at McIntyre Library, and Danielle Rockwell, a junior psychology student, encourage student voter registration with Register And Vote Eau Claire. RAVE registered students at the McIntyre Library from Feb. 22 through Feb. 29.

[Photo] Voter ID law returns in time for spring elections

Story by Lauren French, Editor in Chief
February 25, 2016
Senator Ethan Fuhrman, a member of the vacancies committee, explains how Senate elects officers during mid-session.

[Photo] Student Senate’s mid-session election process

February 17, 2016
Glidden has secured herself as the number one pentathlete in the country after receiving a culminating score of 3578, while also outperforming the competition in other indoor track events as well.

[Photo] Sarah Glidden ranks as the number one pentathlete in the country while also breaking UW-Eau Claire Women’s track records in the high jump and various other events

Story by Colette St. John, Managing Editor
February 11, 2016
The Black Student Alliance presented the Black History Month dinner reception Feb. 5, which honored African American veterans. BSA executive members Laura McDew, left, and Kiana Veal engage in conversation at the reception.

[Photo] Black History Month recognizes African American veterans

Story by Andee Erickson, Copy Editor
February 11, 2016
Director of Finance Mary-Laura Samples introduced the organized activities budget. Student Senate approved at the 6 p.m. meeting Monday in Dakota Ballroom. Tweet: Student Senate set a $1.17 million organized activities budget with a $131 organized activities segregated fee.

[Photo] Student Senate allocates $1.17 million to organized activities

Story by Andee Erickson, Copy Editor
February 10, 2016
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[Photo] Women’s Gymnastics defeats Hamline at home to build energy going forward

Story by Faith Hultman, Staff Writer
February 4, 2016
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[Photo] Student Senate push statewide activism for student welfare and safety

Story by Gabriel Lagarde, News Editor
February 3, 2016
President Jake Wrasse highlighted the details of his and Vice President Jordan Mabin’s trip to D.C during the first Senate meeting of the semester on Monday.

[Photo] Student representatives from the UW System met with legislators at the nation’s capitol

Story by Andee Erickson, Staff Writer
January 28, 2016
Anderson is rudely harassed on her way to class by a couple of scumbags with no manners.

[Photo] Stop catcalling women: it doesn’t make us feel good

Story by Alyssa Anderson, Staff Writer
January 27, 2016
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[Photo] A musical getaway: ‘Cabaret XXXVIII: Getaway’ in review

Story by Sami West, Currents Editor
January 27, 2016
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[Photo] Festival Eau Cinema participants tackle murder mysteries

Story by Amanda Thao, Staff Writer
January 27, 2016
Steven Schimmel, Ryan Mugan and Christian Leitner, pictured in the campus mall, have participated in the Blugolds' Cross Country program for their entire collegiate careers. Throughout their time with the team, they've not only become more disciplined in practice, but have focused on leading healthy lifestyles to improve.

[Photo] A trip down memory lane

Story by Meghan Hosely, Online Editor
December 10, 2015
Freshman point guard Maddie Dunathan warms up before the Blugolds home opener this season. Dunathan has been installed in the starting lineup in the last few games to help give the team some speed.

[Photo] Missing a piece of the puzzle

Story by Trent Tetzlaff, Sports Editor
December 10, 2015
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[Photo] Loen: Skill doesn’t win games; balance does

Story by Austin Mai, Editor in Chief
December 10, 2015
Junior Bree Meier looks to Sophomore center Erin O’Toole as she posts up in the paint against UW-Superior Saturday night in Zorn Arena.

[Photo] Blugold women’s hoops continues to push through one of the toughest Division III schedules in the country

Story by Trent Tetzlaff, Sports Editor
December 3, 2015
Junior Bree Meier looks to Sophomore center Erin O’Toole as she posts up in the paint against UW-Superior Saturday night in Zorn Arena.

[Photo] Finding the right combination

Story by Trent Tetzlaff, Sports Editor
November 24, 2015
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