My name might sound familiar because I was an ASUW senator for the college of Arts and Sciences. I ran for senate because I like to help others. I am a nurturer by nature and so friends and family have come to me for advice in the past.

I have always thought the Branding Iron needed an advice column and so here it is. I am clearly not a professional, but I would like to help by giving readers who submit questions my help.

Here is how it works: Although I am writing under my real name, question submitters may use pseudonyms. The questions will need to be submitted via university email accounts to my email. Yes, this means I will have your name, but I promise to be completely confidential unless I believe you are about to harm others or yourself.

My qualifications are based on my life experiences. I have been through a lot. I have seen a lot. I have done a lot. I do not judge. Readers can ask me anything. I will answer all questions the best I can and I would like to impart my knowledge with others.

However, I do not expect readers to blindly trust me, so I will give you the gist of my story.

I am a firm believer in overcoming obstacles life throws at you. I am the oldest of three children and my parents were alcoholics. I was not forced to take care of my younger siblings, but it was something I did. I enjoyed hot meals, a clean house and clean laundry so I took care of my family. What I did not realize was that I was actually enabling my parents’ irresponsible behavior. Hindsight is always 20/20.

In ninth grade, I began to realize what was going on. I realized that the reason my parents did not want to take me to my friends’ houses to hang out was because they would be too drunk to pick me up.

My mom quit drinking three years ago when I transferred to UW. I think this happened because I was no longer living at home and someone had to pick up the slack. Coming to college was a pretty easy adjustment, but I have definitely struggled with some personal issues. My parents are getting divorced because they no longer have things in common. My dad wants to drink and my mom has hit her midlife crisis. She wants to get out and do things. I don’t blame her.

Among the typical stresses of collegiate life like worrying about classes, grades, time management and a social life; I have experienced more. I was sexually assaulted over spring break last semester by someone I had once considered a close friend. (Yes, I’ve gotten help from professionals on the matter. I have also discussed it with law enforcement. Something I highly recommend anyone in a similar situation should do.)

At this point in my life I feel as though I can tackle anything. I would like the opportunity to help others feel the same. So if you need advice, submit a question.

Branding Iron

The Branding Iron is a Student Media project. Student Media gives University of Wyoming students valuable experience in writing, editing, advertising, sales, graphic design, photography and production through its publications with the guidance of professional staff members. If you find a mistake in an article, e-mail us at bi@uwyo.edu. We will make sure to torture the poor soul until it's corrected. Just kidding. We probably won't do anything, since we're busy studying for finals.

More Posts - Facebook - YouTube

Photo: Dyann Diercks

With up to 125 personnel cuts looming over the heads of University of Wyoming employees, it is easy to forget that faculty and staff have been fighting a three-year long battle with the UW administration.

Specifically, university employees have applied and been denied raises in wages over the last few years.

UW President Tom Buchanan and the university administration have not been able to give these raises to employees because of the budget cuts the university has been experiencing, both this year as well as in 2009. In fact, Buchanan requested an additional $9.7 million dollars in January to be allocated to fellow university employees. The state Joint Appropriation Committee stated that it does see the logic in salary raises, because by giving out additional pay raises it would lead to the unemployment of others at the university to make up for the difference.

However, patience among university employees has been wearing thin over the last four years and the budget cuts only worsen the already negative morale around campus.

Employees deserve pay raises for their dedication and hard-work at the university. By denying the staff deserved compensation for the labor they do, the school finds that it is only hurting itself. The wage differences that professors see between UW and another university will deter academic research leaders and innovators from this campus – deteriorating the high level of excellence that our school can still pride itself with. With the many faculty members, who share and educate students in classes and labs, the risk of losing them is something the university and its students cannot afford.

Some general grief felt by employees even translated into proposals for walk-outs among the staff.

During the 2012 spring semester, an email calling for such measures was circulated among staff members. One staff member in the email was Office Associate at the Gender and Women’s Studies Department Wendy Perkins.

“How far are we willing to go to express our discontent?” said Perkins. “I have a faculty acquaintance who has suggested a two-hour walk-out. A walk-out by staff and faculty at the UW campus and other state offices. A show of force by state employees to make a statement of how important we are to the functionality of government entities and our value.”

However, employees were warned that such a walk-out would only be seen as a denial to fulfill their workload, essentially suppressing any notions of protest.

As the student voice on campus, the Branding Iron staff puts into question the logic behind the disadvantageous wages employees at the university are forced to suffer as state revenues severely fluctuate throughout the years.

This dissatisfaction also comes in light of the recently increased salary for Cowboys Football Head Coach Dave Christensen, who is now paid approximately $1.2 million per year – more than any other state official in Wyoming and certainly more than many university employees’ combined salaries.

From a student perspective, investing $1.2 million into a single person for a sports team that has an average winning record at best is not worth the budget allocation. Rather, the university should invest more money into the hiring of top professors and employees for the university to raise the academic bar of our institution to even higher standards.

Branding Iron

The Branding Iron is a Student Media project. Student Media gives University of Wyoming students valuable experience in writing, editing, advertising, sales, graphic design, photography and production through its publications with the guidance of professional staff members. If you find a mistake in an article, e-mail us at bi@uwyo.edu. We will make sure to torture the poor soul until it's corrected. Just kidding. We probably won't do anything, since we're busy studying for finals.

More Posts - Facebook - YouTube

Forward Leonard Washington gets a talking to from an official during the Cowboy’s 72–62 win over the visiting New Mexico Lobos Saturday January 14th.

The Branding Iron selected a few photos from the semester that didn’t make it into the previous issues but still summarized a part of campus life. The University of Wyoming campus has had many events and weather changes, and the BI looks forward to chronicling many more to come. 

A student catches snow on his tongue in Prezy's Pasture Feb. 14, 2012.

Branding Iron

The Branding Iron is a Student Media project. Student Media gives University of Wyoming students valuable experience in writing, editing, advertising, sales, graphic design, photography and production through its publications with the guidance of professional staff members. If you find a mistake in an article, e-mail us at bi@uwyo.edu. We will make sure to torture the poor soul until it's corrected. Just kidding. We probably won't do anything, since we're busy studying for finals.

More Posts - Facebook - YouTube

Josh Messer was selected earlier this year by the Elections Committee to fill in for a senatorial spot for the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Although his time in ASUW has been short, he has managed to accomplish more work than some that have been affiliated with ASUW much longer. He has tackled issues like Wildcatter Safety and Equality, Election Reform changes, UW Gateway Center support and the ASUW Sustainability and Efficiency Bill. Some of these pieces of legislation were not successful, but the fact that he took some controversial issues and approached them head-on speaks volumes about his character and drive.

Joshua Messer

Because Sen. Messer could potentially be serving students in ASUW for a few years, we think that he will be amazing for ASUW, the university and its students. While ASUW has taken criticism in the past for not taking the time to listen to the students, Sen. Messer has taken the initiative to contact those in his college and actively attend RSO meetings in order to seek student opinions. His drive to represent fellow students and enact lasting changes cannot be overstated.

For a new senator to accept the responsibilities that he has, his work has been nothing short of amazing. We believe we speak on behalf of many senators in ASUW, when we say his drive and passion have amazed many of us.

We wanted students to be aware of this wonderful addition to ASUW. The future of ASUW looks quite bright with such a motivated, student-centered senator working to represent their voices.

While some of us that took the time to craft this letter are graduating in May, be assured that we will be watching from afar at the impact he will have on this leadership and campus.

ASUW, UW and the students should feel proud of the representation that Sen. Messer brings, and we wanted to take the time in this public forum to say that we appreciate all the hard work he has put in thus far, and we look forward to the future.

Joel Defebaugh,
Katie Drumhiller,
Noah Hull and Jaryd Unangst

ASUW Senators

Branding Iron

The Branding Iron is a Student Media project. Student Media gives University of Wyoming students valuable experience in writing, editing, advertising, sales, graphic design, photography and production through its publications with the guidance of professional staff members. If you find a mistake in an article, e-mail us at bi@uwyo.edu. We will make sure to torture the poor soul until it's corrected. Just kidding. We probably won't do anything, since we're busy studying for finals.

More Posts - Facebook - YouTube

The nationwide event consists of paper bones laid out on the streets of the capitol of each state to show the vast amount of people killed by genocide every year. The University of Wyoming and the International Studies Student Club have coordinated the event for Wyoming.

The installation is in conjunction with the One Million Bones/Students Rebuild Day of Action. Students Rebuild is a collaborative initiative of the Bezos Family Foundation that inspires young people to connect, learn and take action on critical global issues.

Through the One Million Bones/Students Rebuild educational partnership, each artwork bone contributed will generate a $1 donation for CARE’s humanitarian relief and rebuilding work in Central Africa.

The bones laid out in the capital were made by Wyoming residents who had the opportunity to dedicate the bone to people. The laying of the bones performance will begin at noon.

A discussion of the event, contemporary cases of genocide and opportunities for continued involvement in the fight against genocide will follow at the Cheyenne Depot Museum Plaza.

Branding Iron

The Branding Iron is a Student Media project. Student Media gives University of Wyoming students valuable experience in writing, editing, advertising, sales, graphic design, photography and production through its publications with the guidance of professional staff members. If you find a mistake in an article, e-mail us at bi@uwyo.edu. We will make sure to torture the poor soul until it's corrected. Just kidding. We probably won't do anything, since we're busy studying for finals.

More Posts - Facebook - YouTube

The event allows students to hang out with friends and relax before finals begin. FNF hosts this event every semester and encourages all students to visit each station. FNF will take over the entire Union to host the event.

The Destressor will feature different activities all night. The event will feature a balloon artist, oxygen bar, free massages, video games and a photo booth. FNF will bring sumo suits, a bungee run, an obstacle course and inflatable basketball game. A Zumba class will begin at 9 p.m., followed by a yoga class at 10 p.m. and a belly dancing class at 11 p.m.

Refreshments and pizza will be served throughout the night. The movie feature of the night will be “Haywire.” It will be shown at 6:30 p.m., 9 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. in the Union Family Room.

ASUW will also host an event to help students before finals. It will host an outreach event in front of Half Acre Gym today from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. ASUW will hand out free pizza, cookies, sunglasses and finals materials, including both blue and green bubble sheets, blue books, pens and pencils.

Branding Iron

The Branding Iron is a Student Media project. Student Media gives University of Wyoming students valuable experience in writing, editing, advertising, sales, graphic design, photography and production through its publications with the guidance of professional staff members. If you find a mistake in an article, e-mail us at bi@uwyo.edu. We will make sure to torture the poor soul until it's corrected. Just kidding. We probably won't do anything, since we're busy studying for finals.

More Posts - Facebook - YouTube

The efforts of Pendleton qualified him for the U.S. National Team, the second time he has earned a spot in his career.

Pendleton wrestled in the 96-kilogram (211.5 pound) bracket.  His first match of the event was against JD Bergman of New York Athletic Club/Ohio ROTC, which he won in a 2–1, 3–1 decision. He won his next match as well, as he defeated Dustin Kilgore in a 1–0, 4–3 decision.  He lost his final match to Tommy Rowlands in the finals, losing a 3–1, 4–0 decision.

Three UW wrestlers also competed in the trials.

Outgoing senior Joe LeBlanc went 0–2 for the day in the 84-kilogram freestyle bracket.

Tyler Cox, who wrestled for Wyoming in 2011 and took an Olympic redshirt last season, went 0–2 in the Greco-Roman 55-kilogram bracket as well.

Michael Martinez, a current senior on the UW wrestling team, went 0–2 in the 55-kilogram freestyle bracket.

Branding Iron

The Branding Iron is a Student Media project. Student Media gives University of Wyoming students valuable experience in writing, editing, advertising, sales, graphic design, photography and production through its publications with the guidance of professional staff members. If you find a mistake in an article, e-mail us at bi@uwyo.edu. We will make sure to torture the poor soul until it's corrected. Just kidding. We probably won't do anything, since we're busy studying for finals.

More Posts - Facebook - YouTube

The Cowboys, along with 2011 Mountain West Coach of the Year Dave Christensen, welcomed back six athletes who earned All-conference honors, including Mountain West Freshman of the Year quarterback Brett Smith.

Also on the list were senior center Nick Carlson, senior wide receiver Chris McNeill and senior strong safety Luke Ruff, who all earned second-team All-Conference.  Sophomore cornerback Blair Burns and junior offensive guard Tyler Strong were named as Honorable Mention All-Conference.

The Cowboys will also welcome two new coaches to the coaching staff, defensive coordinator and secondary coach Chris Tormey, as well as linebackers’ coach Robin Ross.

In the second scrimmage on April 11, the final score came down to a sudden-death situation, with the score tied at 63.  The offense was given a fourth down ball placement on the two-yard line.

However, the offense was called for a false start, and the ball was moved back to the seven-yard line.  On the ensuing play, sophomore running back Kody Sutton was stopped at the one-yard line off of a screen pass, which gave the defense the victory with a score of 64–63.

Notable performances in the scrimmage included sophomore Trey Norman, who caught five passes for 47 yards and two touchdowns.

Junior quarterback Colby Kirkegaard threw for 254 yards for four touchdowns and two interceptions, with 27 of 48 passing.

Junior linebacker J.J. Quinlan led tackles with 10 total, one sack and one tackle for a loss.

True freshman punter Tim Gleeson had four punts for an average of 41.8 yards, the longest being 57 yards.

The first scrimmage, held on April 4, ended in a 72–41 defensive victory.  The scoring system used is unique, and awarded the offense and defense specific points for specific plays.

Wide receivers junior Robert Herron and junior Spencer Bruce were the top offensive performers, with 97 and 90 reception yards, respectively.  Bruce also held the biggest play of the day, a 64-yard touchdown pass from Kirkegaard, who is taking over the position as Smith is recovering from an injury.

Kirkegaard ended the scrimmage with 24 of 50 passes completed for three touchdowns and three interceptions.

As for defensive leaders, senior linebacker Korey Jones led the team with one fumble recovery and one interception, along with three tackles.

The Cowboys will continue their spring training, as they will conduct their third, and final, scrimmage this Saturday, April 21.

Branding Iron

The Branding Iron is a Student Media project. Student Media gives University of Wyoming students valuable experience in writing, editing, advertising, sales, graphic design, photography and production through its publications with the guidance of professional staff members. If you find a mistake in an article, e-mail us at bi@uwyo.edu. We will make sure to torture the poor soul until it's corrected. Just kidding. We probably won't do anything, since we're busy studying for finals.

More Posts - Facebook - YouTube

Cinderella 

2 oz. orange juice

2 oz. pineapple juice

1 oz. lemon juice

1/2 oz. simple syrup

1 oz. soda water

Add all of the above ingredients into a shaker with ice, shake well and pour into a glass.

This drink can also be made without being shaken. I prefer it not shaken as the juices sort of perfectly sit on top of each other creating a sunrise-looking beverage. This drink has all the tropical drink elements without the influence of alcohol.

If you are not a fan of pineapple juice, apple juice is a good substitute, but keep in mind it changes the drink significantly. Feel free to experiment with other fruit juices.

A Day at the Beach

1 oz. coconut rum

1/2 oz. amaretto

4 oz. orange juice

1/2 oz. grenadine

This beverage is perfect whether you are on a beach or are dealing with finals.

Add the coconut rum, amaretto and orange juice to a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain the contents of the shaker into a highball glass or short beverage glass. Top the beverage with grenadine, then garnish with strawberries or pineapple.

Just as in Cinderella, this drink can be made without being shaken. add the ingredients in the order listed above beginning with the rum and ending with the grenadine.

Branding Iron

The Branding Iron is a Student Media project. Student Media gives University of Wyoming students valuable experience in writing, editing, advertising, sales, graphic design, photography and production through its publications with the guidance of professional staff members. If you find a mistake in an article, e-mail us at bi@uwyo.edu. We will make sure to torture the poor soul until it's corrected. Just kidding. We probably won't do anything, since we're busy studying for finals.

More Posts - Facebook - YouTube