Picture this: You graduate from EWU’s Urban & Regional Planning program and immediately land a job at a thriving consultancy, where your boss is also an EWU grad, your colleagues are fellow alumni, and current EWU students work alongside you, gaining real experience. Sounds too good to be true? Meet Nexus Planning Services.

When Your Entire Team Shares an Alma Mater

Nexus Planning Services is an incredible success story of the skills and dedication of EWU graduates. As of summer 2025, the team was fully staffed by EWU alumni, undergraduates, and master’s students. Principal Planner Ryan Hughes, AICP, earned his Urban Planning degree from EWU. Associate Planner Kurtis Johnson? A EWU Master’s graduate. The planning technicians, David Grechko and Anthony Maucione? EWU students. Operations Coordinator Lara Estaris? Also, an EWU student.

This isn’t a coincidence—it’s the EWU network effect in full display. When successful alumni hire from their alma mater and create opportunities for current students, everyone benefits. Students get real-world experience before graduation, recent grads find immediate career opportunities, and the region gets planning professionals who understand local needs and challenges.

Spokane’s Hidden Planning Goldmine

Here’s what many people don’t realize: the Spokane region is absolutely buzzing with planning opportunities. Washington State’s Growth Management Act requires comprehensive plan updates every eight years, creating consistent demand for planning services. Add in climate action planning requirements, tribal planning needs, economic development initiatives, and infrastructure projects, and you’ve got a region where planning skills are consistently in demand.

Ryan Hughes, AICP, with 18+ years of international planning experience, chose to base his practice in Spokane precisely because of these opportunities. “There is no limit to what an empowered community can accomplish,” he says, and the region offers countless communities ready to be empowered.

Real Experience, Real Impact

The Nexus model gives EWU students something many programs can’t: immediate professional experience with meaningful projects. Students have had the opportunity to work on tribal economic development plans, comprehensive plan updates, and climate resiliency projects—not just classroom exercises, but work that shapes real communities throughout the Northwest.

Kurtis Johnson’s EWU experience included projects with the Spokane Transit Authority and recovery planning for fire-damaged Malden, Washington. That experience translated directly into his current role in comprehensive planning and community outreach. David Grechko supported tribal economic development while finishing his bachelor’s degree. Anthony Maucione jumped from Gonzaga’s engineering program to EWU’s planning master’s program specifically because of opportunities like Nexus.

Beyond One Firm: A Regional Network

Nexus is just one example of the opportunities waiting in the region. The Spokane area needs planners for:

• Municipal Government – Cities throughout Eastern Washington need planning staff
• Tribal Planning – Multiple tribal nations require specialized planning expertise
• State Agencies – Washington State Department of Commerce, DOT, and others hire regionally
• Economic Development – Regional development organizations constantly seek planning professionals
• Environmental Consulting – Climate planning and environmental compliance create ongoing opportunities
• Transportation Planning – Regional transit authorities and DOT projects need planning support

The state-mandated planning requirements alone create steady demand, but add in federal infrastructure investments, climate initiatives, and regional growth, and you’ve got a planning job market that’s both stable and dynamic.

Your Network Starts Day One

What makes EWU special isn’t just the education—it’s the network you join. When firms like Nexus are founded and staffed by program alumni, when current students work on real projects, when recent graduates immediately find meaningful work, you’re not just getting a degree—you’re joining a robust professional community.

Lara Estaris, born to immigrant parents and passionate about racial equity, social justice, sustainability, and environmental stewardship, found her place in this network while still completing her degree. The values-driven approach she brings reflects what the program cultivates and what regional employers value.

Why This Matters for Your Future

The planning profession is experiencing unprecedented demand nationwide, but the Spokane region offers something special: a tight-knit professional community where EWU graduates support each other, create opportunities, and build careers that make real differences in their home communities.

When you choose EWU’s Urban & Regional Planning program, you’re not just choosing an education—you’re choosing to join a network that will support your career from day one through professional leadership. The success of Nexus Planning Services proves that EWU graduates don’t just find jobs in the region—they create them, lead them, and use them to build stronger communities.

Ready to join a program where your classmates become your colleagues, your professors become your mentors, and your education becomes an immediate professional opportunity? The Spokane region’s planning community is waiting for you.

From the rolling hills of Moses Lake, Washington, to the bustling streets of New York City, Teal Delys has embarked on a remarkable journey that exemplifies the transformative power of urban planning education. As the Eastern Queens Team Leader at the NYC Department of City Planning’s Queens Borough Office (as of summer 2025), Teal brings a unique perspective shaped by both her architectural background and the comprehensive planning education she received at Eastern Washington University.

A Cross-Country Leap of Faith

Teal’s path to becoming a New York City planner required both determination and impeccable timing. “I was itching to go somewhere very different from where I had grown up and gone to university,” says Delys, a native of Moses Lake. “I chose New York because I have always been fascinated by the density, history, and multifaceted cultures of the city, and I was looking for a central location to explore career opportunities in the larger Northeast region.”

After completing her MURP degree in 2019, Teal initially faced challenges breaking into the competitive New York planning market. Undeterred, she moved to the city in the fall after her graduation, took a job in a movie theater bistro, and began attending networking events for professional planners while sharpening her resume. Her persistence paid off, as she landed a job just before the COVID crisis took hold and a hiring freeze was enacted.

From Architecture to Comprehensive Planning

Teal’s educational journey began with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies at Washington State University, which provided her with strong technical skills in design, engineering, and building modeling. However, it was her experience in EWU’s MURP program that fundamentally shifted her perspective on urban development.

“I completed my Bachelor of Architectural Studies at Washington State University before attending the MURP program at EWU,” Teal explains. “This experience taught me skills in the design, engineering, and modeling of buildings, but did not touch on aspects of the public realm, community engagement, and the history and theory behind urban planning and public policy.”

The transformation was profound. “During my time at EWU, my perspective shifted from an artistic and structural focus on the development of individual sites to understanding how physical features, like streets and buildings, and socioeconomic characteristics, like economic sectors, politics, and demographics, fit together to shape neighborhoods and the city as a whole.”

This broader understanding now serves her well in her current role, where she integrates both skill sets. “Today, I use both skill sets as a planner and urban designer to tie together community needs, development interests, and city government goals on planning studies and land use applications.”

Real-World Experience That Translates

One of the most valuable aspects of Teal’s EWU education was her hands-on experience as a Research Assistant on the North Spokane Corridor project. This work provided direct preparation for her current responsibilities in New York. “I worked as a Research Assistant on a grant for the community engagement process for the North Spokane Corridor, in which I helped create materials for public meetings, engaged with Neighborhood Councils, and made many maps analyzing data collected during engagement.”

This experience proved immediately applicable in her NYC role. “This experience directly translated to my first job with NYC DCP, in which I was a liaison for a community board and was responsible for communicating information between the department and the board to demystify planning processes, convey City priorities, and integrate community needs into studies and applications.”

Beyond specific project experience, the foundational knowledge she gained at EWU continues to inform her daily work. “Generally, I feel like my education in the program set me up to understand urban planning principles such as the relationship between housing, jobs, and transit, and issues in sustainability and resiliency that I use on a daily basis when evaluating land use applications and providing guidance to developers.”

The Spokane Learning Laboratory

Teal credits Spokane’s diverse planning environment as providing exceptional educational opportunities that would be difficult to replicate elsewhere. “Spokane offers a variety of neighborhoods that show urban planning trends through the decades, and the city is part of a larger area that includes many Native American tribes and small towns,” she observes.

This diversity creates unique learning opportunities. “I think this context offers an uncommon, if not unique, opportunity to study urban planning broadly or develop specific interests such as housing typology, infill development, transportation, and rural and tribal planning. Additionally, the welcoming and active professional community offers many opportunities to build a network.”

Bridging Coasts Through Professional Networks

Although she lives across the country, Teal maintains an appreciation for the relationships formed during her time at EWU. “Since I’m now located in the Northeast, my professional network is largely made up of local planners, but I’m always happy to hear from contacts in the Pacific Northwest and would feel comfortable reaching out to former professors and classmates should I return.”

Making an Impact in the Nation’s Largest City

As an assistant urban designer in the Queens Borough Office, Delys describes her role as multifaceted: “I am part borough planner and part urban designer. This means I split my time between urban design exercises, interfacing with residents of Queens and community groups, and guiding private development applications through the city land use review process.”

Her work encompasses the full spectrum of urban planning challenges, from community engagement to technical review processes. “I look forward to starting more community-based planning work (think parks, traffic conditions, and zoning) as we return to our offices,” she noted during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Eastern Queens Team Leader, Teal advanced to a leadership role where she can shape planning decisions that affect one of the world’s most diverse boroughs. Her work contributes to the NYC Department of City Planning’s mission to plan for the strategic growth and development of the city through ground-up planning with communities.

A Model of Persistence and Preparation

Teal’s success story demonstrates how EWU’s MURP program prepares graduates not just with technical skills but with the adaptability and comprehensive understanding needed to succeed in diverse planning contexts. Her journey from Moses Lake to Queens exemplifies how determination, combined with solid educational foundations, can open doors to opportunities in some of the nation’s most competitive planning markets.

As Professor Margo Hill noted, “She did amazing work while she was here at EWU to earn her Master in Urban and Regional Planning,” and Teal’s career trajectory continues to validate the strength of EWU’s planning program in preparing graduates for success on the national stage.

For current students considering their career paths, Teal’s story illustrates that with persistence, preparation, and the comprehensive foundation provided by EWU’s MURP program, even the most ambitious planning career goals are within reach.

From intern to office leader in just five years – that’s the remarkable trajectory of Aren Murcar’s career since graduating from EWU’s Urban and Regional Planning program in 2019. Today, he serves as Office Principal at SCJ Alliance’s Spokane office, overseeing a 20-person office comprised of planners, engineers, and landscape architects, and managing planning projects across Washington, Montana, and Idaho.

A Connection That Changed Everything

Aren’s path to success began in an urban design class taught by adjunct professor Bill Grimes, who owned Studio Cascade at the time. When a classmate’s summer internship opportunity became available, Aren stepped in – a decision that would shape his entire career. By the time he started his internship in Fall 2018, Studio Cascade had been acquired by SCJ Alliance, setting the stage for his rapid advancement within the firm.

“I definitely owe it to Eastern for setting me on this path and getting me connected to Bill in the first place,” Aren reflects. “Bringing in adjuncts from the field is a cool way to connect students with job opportunities.”

Building a Planning Powerhouse

The impact of EWU’s program extends far beyond Aren’s individual success. SCJ Alliance’s Spokane office now employs twelve other EWU graduates – five others from Aren’s own cohort, four recent graduates, and three from earlier classes. The firm continues to maintain strong ties with the program through ongoing internship opportunities and guest lectures where current students learn about real-world planning projects.

Finding Purpose in Small Town Planning

Originally drawn to the complex urban challenges of cities like Seattle, Aren discovered his passion lies closer to home. Working with smaller Eastern Washington communities has opened his eyes to the unique planning needs of rural areas, particularly as state funding increasingly prioritizes planning initiatives for smaller towns.

“I did not know I would like planning for small towns,” he admits. “But there is so much that is interesting about small town planning, too. You don’t have to go to a big city to have a really exciting planning job.”

Spokane’s Growing Opportunities

As Spokane experiences significant growth and housing challenges, Aren appreciates the city’s thoughtful approach to expanding from its urban core. The region’s position as Washington’s second-largest city creates unique opportunities for planners, especially in the consulting world, where smaller communities rely on private sector expertise for their planning needs.

“The Spokane region specifically is experiencing a lot of growth and challenges in terms of the need for housing,” Aren explains. “There’s a need to think about these things as we grow and make sure we’re doing it in a way that makes sense and is efficient.”

Staying Connected

Aren maintains close ties with the EWU program, meeting regularly with faculty to stay informed about current initiatives and contributing as a guest lecturer. This ongoing relationship reflects the strong sense of stewardship that program alumni feel toward their alma mater.

“That stewardship of the program is something that means a lot to the people that have gone through it,” he says.

Looking Forward

From a student in 2018 to an office principal in 2024, Aren’s journey demonstrates the power of strong academic preparation combined with real-world connections. His story continues to inspire current students while showcasing the diverse career paths available to EWU Urban and Regional Planning graduates.

Aren earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from EWU before completing his Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning. He is a certified member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

For Della Mutungi, the transition from graduate student to practicing planner was seamless – a testament to the real-world focus and relationship-building emphasis of EWU’s Urban and Regional Planning program. As a city planner, she draws daily on both the technical skills and professional networks she developed during her time at Eastern.

From Theory to Practice

The program’s studio class proved instrumental in preparing Della for her career. “The studio class gave me real-world planning experience that I was able to transfer to my planning job,” she explains. But perhaps equally important were the connections she forged with professionals while still a student – relationships that continue to benefit her work today.

“The relationships built while still in the program made my transition to the professional world much easier,” Della notes. “Working as a planner at the city, I have continued to work with most of the practicing planners I met while in the program, in one way or another. Work is much easier when faces are familiar.”

What sets EWU’s program apart, according to Della, is its holistic approach to planner preparation. “The program focuses not only on technical skills, but soft skills needed to thrive in the planning world,” she emphasizes. This comprehensive preparation proved essential as she discovered the complex realities of municipal planning.

The program’s mentorship component also provided lasting value, introducing Della to planners with diverse experience whom she continues to learn from and emulate in her current role.

Spokane’s Unique Planning Context

Working in Spokane has given Della insight into the distinctive challenges facing mid-sized cities. “Spokane is neither a big city nor a small town, which can present a challenge for planners when balancing the pressure to grow with the residents’ desires to preserve its small city identity,” she observes.

However, Spokane’s scale also creates unique opportunities for meaningful community engagement. “Because Spokane is a small city, it’s easier to build lasting planner-resident relationships and more responsive planning processes,” Della explains. This relationship-centered approach to planning aligns perfectly with the collaborative skills emphasized in her graduate education.

A Transformed Perspective

Graduate school fundamentally changed how Della approaches planning challenges. “Before grad school, I believed in best practices and universal solutions to popular city problems,” she admits. Through the program, especially her studio class, she came to learn that each city and neighborhood has unique needs and political realities, and that the best solutions are often those that are locally grounded.

This evolution in thinking reflects a deeper understanding of cities as dynamic, complex systems. “I also learned that cities are not a finished product. They’re ever changing, and are shaped by not only policies but also people, politics, and relationships,” Della reflects. “The planner has to learn how to negotiate the differences between these factors to achieve a desired goal for the community.”

Balancing Skills for Success

Della applies this nuanced understanding in her daily work, recognizing that effective planning requires more than technical expertise. “Technical skills are important, but contextual judgement and collaboration are equally crucial,” she notes.

The relationships Della built during her time at EWU continue to be a source of professional support and growth. She maintains connections not only with fellow alumni working throughout the region but also with her former professors, whom she continues to consult as she navigates complex planning challenges.

“I have continued to rely on some of my professors while practicing, and I’m very thankful for those relationships,” she says.

Della’s experience illustrates the enduring value of EWU’s approach to planning education – one that combines rigorous technical training with relationship building, contextual understanding, and the soft skills essential for effective community engagement. Her success as a municipal planner demonstrates how the program’s emphasis on local knowledge and collaborative practice translates directly into professional effectiveness.

Graham Zickefoose’s journey to urban planning began in an unexpected place: YouTube. After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho in 2018 and working as a content writer in Boise, Graham found himself searching for a career that truly called to him. It was through watching videos from the popular City Beautiful channel that he discovered the fascinating world of city planning.

“I decided to look a little bit more into what it would take to become a city planner myself,” Graham recalls. “Once I found out that I had that interest, then I had a reason to go back to school that I knew would lead me to a career that I wanted.”

This discovery led Graham to Eastern Washington University’s Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) program, where he graduated in 2023. As of summer 2025, he serves as an Associate Planner 1 with Spokane County Planning, applying the technical skills and comprehensive understanding he gained at EWU to real-world planning challenges.

From Student to Professional

Graham’s transition from graduate student to practicing planner was supported by the strong foundation he built at EWU. The program’s emphasis on technical skills, particularly Geographic Information Systems (GIS), has proven invaluable in his daily work. “I received technical skills that I apply almost daily at my job, particularly when it comes to GIS,” Graham explains. “Learning how to use GIS software to make data-driven planning decisions was one of the best skillsets I retained from EWU’s planning program.”

Even as a graduate student, Graham was already gaining practical experience in the field. He worked part-time as a planning assistant in Spokane’s Planning and Economic Development Department while completing his degree, giving him hands-on exposure to municipal planning processes. His commitment to financial independence—a value he developed growing up in a middle-class family in Boise, Idaho—drove him to fully support himself through graduate school via assistantships and part-time work.

The Spokane Advantage

Graham credits Spokane’s unique planning environment as a significant asset to his education and career development. The region offers students multiple pathways to gain real-world experience while still in school. “There are several planning offices, both public and private sector, as well as several smaller jurisdictions that can offer students real-world planning opportunities while they are still students in the form of internships, temporary work positions or studio projects,” he notes. “All of these are great resume builders, and help students form connections and networks that last into their career.”

This networking opportunity has proven particularly valuable in Graham’s current role. Working at Spokane County Planning, he frequently collaborates with planners from various jurisdictions—many of whom he first met as a student. “I know and have worked with many of the planners at the City of Spokane, the City of Medical Lake, and various private sector planners that I initially met as a student,” Graham says. “Even employed at Spokane County, having worked with planners elsewhere and understanding their roles and responsibilities makes interjurisdictional and consultant coordination much smoother.”

A New Perspective on Planning

The MURP program fundamentally changed how Graham approaches planning challenges. Rather than expecting simple solutions, he learned to navigate the inherent complexity of the planning process. “EWU’s program prepared me for how complex and multifaceted the planning process is,” Graham reflects. “Rarely is there a simple solution to a planning ‘problem.’ However, if I can expect this to be the case, I can prepare myself to contend with unforeseen challenges and roadblocks to the planning process.”

This preparation has served him well in his current role, where he tackles diverse planning issues across Spokane County’s varied communities and landscapes.

Looking Forward

Graham’s career aspirations extend beyond his current position. He hopes to eventually become a planning director, where he can take on leadership roles in improving living conditions in cities and communities. His journey from content writer to urban planner demonstrates the power of discovering one’s passion and pursuing it with dedication.

For current students and recent graduates, Graham’s story illustrates the value of hands-on experience, professional networking, and technical skill development. His success in transitioning from student to professional planner while maintaining financial independence serves as an inspiring example of what’s possible with determination and the right educational foundation.

As Graham continues to build his career in planning, he remains grounded in the practical skills and comprehensive understanding of planning processes that he developed at EWU—skills that serve him well in addressing the complex challenges facing Spokane County and its communities.

Graham’s story was originally featured in CNBC’s Millennial Money series in 2022, highlighting his careful financial planning and budgeting skills as a graduate student in Spokane. His commitment to fiscal responsibility and professional development continues to guide his career in urban planning.

Fresh from completing her Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning degree at Eastern Washington University in 2025, Cassidy Olheiser has seamlessly transitioned into her role as a Planner with SCJ Alliance, a prominent 100% employee-owned consulting firm specializing in planning, civil engineering, and environmental services across the Pacific Northwest.

Cassidy’s journey from student to professional planner exemplifies how EWU’s urban planning program effectively bridges academic learning with real-world application, preparing graduates to tackle the complex challenges facing communities today.

Building on Strong Foundations

The comprehensive education Cassidy received at EWU provided her with essential tools for success in the consulting world. “EWU’s urban planning program gave me a solid foundation in planning theory and best practices that I could build upon whenever I started my career as a planner,” she explains. This theoretical grounding has proven invaluable as she works with SCJ Alliance’s diverse clientele on projects that span municipal planning, environmental assessment, and community development.

What set Cassidy’s educational experience apart was the program’s emphasis on practical application. During her time at EWU, she had the opportunity to work on actual projects in the greater Spokane region as part of her core planning classes. These experiences weren’t just academic exercises—they became legitimate planning experiences she could showcase on her resume. “I had the opportunity to work on a few ‘real-world’ projects in the greater Spokane region for some core planning classes and was able to include those on my resume as planning experience,” she notes.

This hands-on approach to learning prepared Cassidy for the varied and client-focused work she now performs at SCJ Alliance, where projects are often tailored to the individual needs of communities and require creative problem-solving skills.

The Spokane Advantage

Cassidy credits the Spokane region’s dynamic planning environment as a key factor in her educational and professional development. The area offers an unusually rich landscape of opportunities for aspiring planners. “Spokane offers many opportunities for planners; there are many local governments within the area that employ planners, as well as consultant firms, to gain a wide range of experience,” she observes.

More importantly, the greater Spokane region is experiencing significant transformation, creating real-time learning opportunities for students and professionals alike. “The greater Spokane region has gone through a major transition and is facing new challenges and opportunities that planners are working on daily and that serve as a great learning environment,” Cassidy explains. This dynamic environment has allowed her to witness and participate in planning processes that address contemporary urban challenges, from downtown revitalization to sustainable development practices.

The Power of Professional Networks

One of the most valuable aspects of Cassidy’s EWU experience has been the professional relationships she cultivated during her studies. These connections have proven instrumental in launching her career and continue to support her professional growth. “The relationships I formed with peers, professors, and alumni helped me tremendously when interviewing for internships, which then developed into my career as a planner,” she reflects.

Understanding the long-term value of these connections, Cassidy actively maintains and strengthens her network. “I continue to keep and strengthen those connections I made to extend my network and develop my skills as a planner,” she says. This approach reflects the collaborative nature of the planning profession, where success often depends on building partnerships across sectors and jurisdictions.

Making an Impact at SCJ Alliance

At SCJ Alliance, Cassidy is part of a firm that has been nationally recognized for award-winning projects and as a great place to work. The company’s employee-owned structure and commitment to community-building designs align well with the values and collaborative approach she developed during her time at EWU. Working out of SCJ’s Spokane office, she contributes to projects that span the Pacific Northwest and beyond, providing both private and municipal planning expertise.

Her work encompasses the full spectrum of planning activities, from community engagement and code updates to comprehensive planning processes—all areas where her EWU education provided strong preparation. The theoretical foundation she gained in school, combined with the practical experience from her student projects, has enabled her to hit the ground running in the consulting environment.

A Model for Success

Cassidy’s smooth transition from student to practicing planner demonstrates the effectiveness of EWU’s approach to planning education. Her experience highlights several key elements that contribute to student success: strong theoretical foundations, hands-on project experience, access to a dynamic regional planning environment, and the cultivation of lasting professional relationships.

For current students and prospective planners, Cassidy’s path illustrates how engaging fully with both the academic and practical aspects of the program can create opportunities that extend well beyond graduation. Her continued commitment to professional networking and skill development shows how the learning and relationship-building that begins at EWU forms the foundation for a successful planning career.

As Cassidy continues to grow in her role at SCJ Alliance, she carries forward the collaborative spirit and comprehensive approach to planning that defines EWU’s program, contributing to projects that will shape communities across the Pacific Northwest for years to come.

Professor Margo Hill, JD, & Adjunct Professor J.D. Tovey III published an article titled Tribal Zoning, Sovereignty in Action that covers Federal Indian Law and Jurisdiction in the American Planning Association’s Zoning Practice magazine following a presentation they gave last year in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the National American Planning Association conference.

“Planners cannot understand or do good planning in Indian Country or work with tribal governments without knowing some American Indian history or understanding the concepts of tribal sovereignty. Tribes are often the largest employers in their county and own federal trust lands off reservation. Federal law requires tribal consultation for environmental reviews in “usual and accustomed areas” and consultation for historic preservation. Planners and local communities will increasingly”

Read the full article here.

In celebration of our college graduates, we reached out to our seniors for a little highlight and feedback from their time at Eastern. Congratulations on getting your degree! And welcome to the Eagle Alumni Family! Go Eags!

What is your major and minor/certificate and what made you choose that major/ minor?

My majors are in philosophy and political science. My minor is in psychology. I chose to major in philosophy because I am interested in life’s biggest questions, and also because I think philosophy teaches one how to think for themselves both critically and reflectively. I chose to major in political science because it has its foundations in philosophy, and because politics plays an essential role in civil life. I chose to minor in psychology because I am fascinated with the scientific facts and questions of the human condition, and I like learning about why we do the things we do. 

What is one of your favorite memories so far in your program/at Eastern?

One of my favorite memories in my time at Eastern was presenting at the EWU Spring Symposium in 2022. I recommend participating in the symposium to all students. It’s such a great experience and provides a supportive environment that allows one to hone their presentation skills. 

What’s one class that wasn’t in your major that you’d recommend?

RCLS 301: Overview of the Craft Beer Industry.

What is your plan after graduation?

My plan after graduation is to attend graduate school for a degree in philosophy!

What was the hardest assignment you’ve had to do and how did you get through it?

The hardest assignment I’ve had to do was my culminative essay for my philosophy capstone course with Dr. Kirby. I got through it by utilizing knowledge I had gained in previous courses and by taking advantage of Professor Kirby’s guidance and mentorship.

EWU’s Associate Professor, Margo Hill, published her article No Honor in Genocide: A Case Study of Street Renaming and Community Organizing in the Wake of National Decolonization Efforts in the Gonzaga Journal of Hate Studies.

The case study provides an example wherein Indigenous people have objected to a place-name that honors genocide and thus consequently employed strategies to change the name to one that reclaims the Indigenous narrative.

For over two centuries, settlers had named their towns and landforms as a function of the settler-colonial mentality, even though these places and landmarks already had established Indigenous names. The Sp̓oq̓ínš have always lived on these lands and interacted with their environment. Their cultural knowledge and identity are part of the landscape.

Tribal communities worked with urban Native Americans, non-Native allies, and City Council to challenge oppressive structures and change a name that honored genocide. These lands of the Inland Northwest were not acquired in a peaceful manner, but rather as a brutal attack on Indigenous villages and families. As part of society’s movement toward social equity, we need to critically analyze the teaching of history and the power relations of place-naming.

A special shout out to Dr. Larry Cebula for all great history teaching on Native American Issues and helping us with teach-ins.

Speech Acts in the Age of Normalized Violence: Understanding truth and meaning-making in the fight for social justice

Hosted Thursday, Feb 13th, 2020 | 12-2pm -| HAR 201

Natasha Lennard is a journalist and essayist. She is a columnist for The Intercept, editor for the Commune Magazine, and her work has appeared regularly in The Nation, Esquire, and The New York Times, among other.

She teaches critical journalism at the New School For Social Research in New York and is the author of Violence: Humans in Dark Times (City Lights 2018, with Brad Evans) and Being Numerous: Essays on Non-Fascist Life (Verso Books 2019)

The event was sponsored by the Political Science Dept. and International Affairs Program.

Head over to this link to watch the Freedom or Fascism Event