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The Student News Site of Colorado Mesa University

The Criterion

The Student News Site of Colorado Mesa University

The Criterion

The Student News Site of Colorado Mesa University

The Criterion

Alumni Nick Gumpert recently released “Starting,” the first of four books aiming to help young adults manage their mental health.

Short Stories for Mental Health

Charlene Clark, Art & Life Editor October 6, 2025

CMU alumni Nick Gumpert recently released his first book on Oct. 1, titled “Starting.” It’s a piece that discusses mental health management tools that many college-aged students may find helpful.  Gumpert...

Sophomore biology major Jack Loch reads his story “The Fly” at the Writers’ Guild open mic event. A total of 10 students shared their best pieces.

Put Down the Pen, Pick Up the Mic

Marigold Nugent, News Editor October 6, 2025

Last Friday in Arcadia, the Writers’ Guild closed out two weeks of zine creation with an Open Mic Night. A total of 10 speakers spent the night bringing works of literature to life and performing aloud...

Members of the Self-Defense club practice moves taught by president Minhatam La. Many participants expressed having fun while learning.

Self-Defense Club

Bonnie Duffy, Staff Writer October 6, 2025

Yet another new club was introduced to CMU this semester: the Self Defense Club. This group meets on Wednesday nights at the Grand Mesa Field from 7-9 p.m. The group is designed to teach members self defense...

“Refuge(e),” a documentary highlighting the experience of migrants who faced imprisonment when seeking asylum in the US, was screened at CMU on Sept. 25. It launched a successful divestment campaign in for-profit prisons.

CENTERING VOICES & LIVED EXPERIENCE

Julia Wildman, Editor-in-Chief October 6, 2025

The US has declared war on migration, and Sylvia Johnson’s documentary, “Refuge(e)” captures the stories of asylum seekers in New Mexico. Caught in the crossfire of the Trump Administration’s so-called...

Emma Gregory (left) played the seductive Elmire in the comedy play, while August Igoe (right) played the main character, Tartuffe. The CMU production had a total of six showings over the span of two weekends.

Reviewing Tartuffe

Marigold Nugent, News Editor October 6, 2025

CMU’s Department of Theatre Arts premiered its production of “Tartuffe,” a dramatic comedy by Molière set in mid-1600s France, on Sept. 25. The show follows a religious hypocrite, Tartuffe, played...

"REFUGE(E):" STORYTELLING TO INSPIRE ACTION

“REFUGE(E):” STORYTELLING TO INSPIRE ACTION

Teagan Meens, Photo Editor September 24, 2025

A documentarian with a track record of sparking change is showing the award-winning film “Refuge(e)” on Thursday at 6:00pm in the University Center ballroom. The film tells the story of two refugees...

Singing Kid Caravan’s original song “Character Development,” Sydnee Wyrwas-Longoria belts out a high note while Charles Reilly adds complexity on the drums behind her.

BEER IN HEADLIGHTS

Bonnie Duffy, Staff Writer September 21, 2025

The Alumni Field was filled with brew stands and beer tents of all different colors as patrons meandered around the venue, playing yard games and enjoying live music from local band Kid Caravan and a DJ...

CMU Swing Dancing Club members learn to dip as part of the advanced swing combo. They offer beginner and advanced combos each meeting for students of all experience levels.

BOOT SCOOTIN’ BOOGIE: DANCE FEVER CONTINUES

Dana Dial, Managing Editor September 19, 2025

The Get Rowdy County Dance club creates a welcoming environment for all students to kick up their heels and have fun. Both novices and advanced dancers can find a place to socialize and dance with friends. Vice...

32 student teams battled in the ASA spikeball tournament for the chance to win the top prize of $50 each. Friends of the competitors cheered them on.

ASIAN STUDENT SPIKEBALL ASSOCIATION

Charlene Clark, Art & Life Editor September 19, 2025

Bright, yellow, circular nets were scattered over the grass as roughly 70 students piled into Grand Mesa Field. A large whiteboard displayed a bracket-style tournament made up of 32 teams. A Spikeball...

A participant flaunts his flexibility and core strength at the Rock Wall in the Foster Field House. Aerial Arts Club hosts their weekly meetings there.

CLUB FEATURE: UP IN THE AIR

Clara Fisher, Staff Writer September 7, 2025

A daring group of students tests their flexibility, strength and bravery at Mesa’s  new Aerial Arts Club. As effortless as it looks, aerial arts requires a lot of upper body and core strength, balance...

An MCDC volunteer shows his group of about 15 dancers some of the footwork for the routine that night. About 50 people eventually came together and danced in unison.

STOMP ‘N SLIDE AT MAMA REE’S

Julia Wildman, Editor-in-Chief September 7, 2025

Line dancing has taken over Saturday nights at Mama Ree’s. Dozens of eager dancers learned how to shuffle, stomp and kick in unison with the help of Monument Country Dance Club (MCDC). MCDC volunteer...

Brian Krinke telling his story through the piano. He memorized all six pieces for the performance which signified his respect for the art.

REVIEW: STORYTELLING IN MUSIC

Layla Carlson, Staff Writer September 7, 2025

Assistant Professor of Music Brian Krinke stepped out onto the stage of the Asteria Theatre and graced his audience with a sentimental musical performance. He performed three piano pieces, two combined...

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