Culture

Taking spooky crafts to the next dimension

The Makerspace, located on the 3rd floor of King Library, was decked out for Halloween. Paper bats and garlands hung from the ceiling and fake spiders were strewn about. Candy buckets adorned most of the tables. Some of the staff also embraced the Halloween spirit with t-shirts showcasing a skeleton or black cat.  On Friday, Oct. 25, King’s Makerspace hosted a Halloween-themed event for students to make “creepy crawly crafts.” The Makerspace offers students an area to use the numerous available machines and be creative. The machines, including 3D printers and electronic cutting machines helped students make stickers and heat transfer vinyls and sewing machines. They could design book covers and bind the books themselves, personalize tote bags or clothes with the heat press and make a sewing circuit. 

Spooky spectacle: the author behind the mask

  After graduating from Miami University in May, Holly West wasn’t sure what kind of job she’d get. She certainly wasn’t expecting it to be spooky. She has been working as an actress in a Halloween show at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio since September. In the show, called “Midnight Syndicate: Creatures of Darkness,” West plays a mannequin that comes to life.

What does Family Weekend mean to international students?

The excitement and promise each August holds for new and returning students is accompanied by the pain of goodbyes. For an international student, this goodbye can be especially difficult. Most international students only see their family over winter and summer breaks and in some cases, international students go years without seeing their families. The International Student Orientation Program begins two weeks before classes start, according to Miami’s Division of Student Life. They learn how to navigate the university, manage their classwork and form their social lives in a new country, Santiago Lopez, a first-year student from Argentina explained.

The "Good Morning Miami" autumn essentials

 As we begin trading humidity and blaring sunshine for falling temperatures and leaves, it’s time to unveil the list of “Good Morning Miami” autumn essentials, which ensure a productive and pleasant day.  

‘Between Shades of Gray’ author talks totalitarianism and Stalin

The first question for New York Times bestselling author Ruta Sepetys was not about her own historical fiction works but another “shades of grey” book that came out the same year as her debut novel.  The “Between Shades of Gray” writer turned toward the audience with a hand under her chin and a wry smile.  “Lithuania has never looked so sexy,” she said, before bursting into laughter and breaking character. The audience roared along with her. 

Don’t DHOP me now: Pancakes for a cause

 On Sunday morning, the sun shone down as Tri-Delt began its annual Delta House of Pancakes (DHOP) fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Under the Uptown park pavilion, they set up tables to serve pancakes, bacon, sausage and coffee.  

Out of the closet on Miami’s campus

What's it like being a member of the LGBTQ+ community at Miami?  For many LGBT students, sideways glances are all-too-common. During Out Week, Miami students spoke about their experiences with LGBT acceptance across campus and how Miami works to make the university a safer, more friendly place.  

Three dimensions, six sides, infinite possibilities

If it wasn’t for junior Oliver Miller, MU Cubed wouldn’t exist. Not only is Miller the president and founder of the organization, he’s also the president of the university’s League of Geeks. Miami University’s Cubing Association provides an outlet for any student with a love for solving Rubik’s cubes, or anyone wanting to learn without having to peel the stickers off.

Encounters: Small Town Blues

  Starting his first year at Miami, Matt was stepping into tradition. A third-generation Miamian, he felt he was entering the annals of his family history. His father loved this place. His mother did, too. His grandfather couldn’t stop talking about it. Matt hated Miami. 

300 words: telling stories in seconds

Some stories delve deeply into the lives of their subjects. Others seek to capture the human condition in just a few words. Modeled after journalist Brady Dennis’ 300 word stories that explore the unfiltered intimacy of the everyday, these pieces, written by first-year students, offer a glimpse into the untold experiences of college life.  

Reflecting a rainbow: Prism non-profit widens access to music

Colby Taylor has had a busy few months. The first-year music education major has been working since July to start a nonprofit organization with the help of just a few friends. The organization, called Prism Marching Arts, aims to give special needs students an opportunity to learn to play an instrument and perform in a marching band.

I can’t believe it IS butter: Apple Butter Festival celebrates 55th year

The satisfying sound of crunching leaves beneath shoes, the sight of warm pumpkin spice lattes clutched in hands everywhere and the scents of apple and cool, crisp air littered the senses on Saturday, Oct. 5 at the 55th Apple Butter Festival. 

Humans of Oxford: He doesn’t just speak for the trees

Colorful culture, creative crafts at 6th annual Chinese Festival

On the warm evening of Friday, Sept. 27, the Miami University Confucius Institute (CIMU) hosted the 6th annual Chinese Festival to celebrate Chinese culture and language. The Oxford Uptown Park was alive with rich colors, beautiful music and fascinating traditions of Chinese culture. 

‘Investigating the Paranormal’: Debunking myths and solving mysteries since 2018

Tarot cards. Rune stones. Electronic voice phenomenon recorders. A Ouija board.  These items and more lay scattered across a table in the front of Upham 002, placed there by Jeb Card. The archeologist and assistant teaching professor brought this equipment in for his 5o students to examine and dabble with. 

A spotlight on student talent

This past Friday, Miami Activities and Programming (MAP) did something they had never done before. They hosted an open mic night, with the door open to all kinds of talents including poetry, singing and stand-up comedy.  

Pets of Oxford: Hedgehogging the spotlight

About a year ago, Miami University senior Rebecca Burnham, bought a new pet hedgehog on a whim. Her friends were interested in getting hedgehogs and Burnham wanted one, too. So one night they found an ad on Craigslist for newborn hedgehogs, still pink and only an inch long, and they contacted the seller to see the tiny pets.

Do you remember the 21st night of September? Red Zone does.

Red Zone is an area upstairs in the Armstrong Student Center typically used as a hangout for watching sports with friends. However, on Sept. 21, Miami Activities and Programming (MAP) took over to host a karaoke night for about 20 people.

Environmental interests: Putting her energy towards sustainability

When junior Allison South started her first year at Miami University, she came in with her major undecided and unsure about which extracurricular activities to get involved with on campus. But just two years later, she’s juggling the University Honors Program, a major, two co-majors, a master’s degree, six student organizations and three intramural sports. 

Archery club hits the mark for veterans and newcomers alike

Boxes of arrows and a pile of archery bows rest on a bench as Archery Club President Justice Hubbard greets the people arriving to the band practice field. Veteran archers and new club members gather to send arrows flying across the field during the club's Saturday practice.