Each year during the first Sunday in May, tens of thousands of people from around the world, such as from Kenya, gather in downtown Spokane to participate in Bloomsday, a 7.46 mile race around the city.

Bloomsday, which will take place on May 4 at 9 a.m., is not your average race. According to the Bloomsday website, it is “open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs and strollers.”

To help prepare students for Bloomsday and other runs, Eastern offers a class during spring quarter titled “Bloomsday Conditioning.” The class meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Roos Field, where course instructor Paul Limpf gives his students a pep talk and an assignment for the day.

“It’s a course designed to prepare people for Bloomsday, but my objective is to get people to enjoy running,” Limpf said. “If I can get people to like it or motivated to do Bloomsday, or a half marathon, then cool, my objective has been complete.”

Kelsy Nolan, an EWU senior has never run Bloomsday, but is excited to try it out after taking the class.

“I’ve learned new terms like strides and that hills are the key to speed.” Nolan said. “I am most looking forward to running [Bloomsday] with such a large group of people for inspiration.”

Limpf prepares the class for the 7-mile race by teaching them about strides and encouraging them to run a fartlek.

A fartlek, according to Limpf, is the Swedish word for ‘speed play.’ There are several different types of fartlek, but Cornell and the other students were encouraged to work hard for five minutes then take it easy for five minutes, go hard for four minutes then go easy for four minutes and so on.

Freshman Kayelah Nazario said she took the course because she loves to run and stay motivated.

“I’ve learned more about my endurance and how to make my speed increase and different workouts to build that up,” said Nazario.

During the first week of class, Limpf asks students to write down their goal for this quarter, their strengths in running and their weaknesses in running.

“Strengths are easy to build on because you know them and you can work with it. Weaknesses, I think for the most people is finding one thing you neglect. So I say, ‘How can we fix that?’, ‘What are you going to do to get to that point’ and ‘I can offer my advice to help to get you to that point.’”

Limpf encourages everybody to try Bloomsday, whether it is running or walking.

“Bloomsday is just a lot of fun. You have people lined up the entire course, there are bands like every half mile and there’s people barbecuing on their lawns.” Limpf said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re at the front end of the pack or in the last 100, you still get people to cheer for you and you still get a cool T-shirt at the end.”

Nazario reassures that the class has been worthwhile.

“People should take this class because you get to know people who love doing what you’re doing, and it’s a great way to stay in shape and get a quick tan on,” Nazario said.

What used to be nothing but white walls is now a room full of color, design and stories to be told.

The Visual Communication Design BFA Exhibition was held on April 18. Here, EWU seniors in the Visual Communication Design program, or the VCD program, showcased their final projects.

One of the largest pieces was titled “Reef Conversation,” and was designed by twins Thomas and Joseph McMicheal.

The brothers creation appeared to be a large rippling blue wave, standing well over six-feet tall, with facts and statistics about the diminishing coral and how humans can help to stop it.

This piece was inspired by information the McMichaels received while vacationing in Hawaii recently.

“People tend to think that the reef is only affected by people that live near it; however, it’s really caused by things like global warming,” said Joseph McMicheal.

In addition to their stationary wave, the brothers also created an interactive piece, which was shown on a computer, and displayed an aquarium. According to Thomas McMicheal, all of the fish were captive or sustainably sourced to add to the meaning behind their piece, like a vibrant purple and orange fish known as the Royal Gramma, and the coral was locally grown.

“We’re doing more of a traditional type of design, which is print design; we’re doing a new type of design, which is interactive web design; and then we’re doing kind of unconventional design by having the aquarium. We tried to apply design principles to that when we were considering the composition of our rockwork or color theory in our coral choices,” Joseph McMicheal said.

Another piece showcased was “Simply You” by Caroline Henriksen.

A tablet stood as the centerpiece on the wall, while surrounded by different colored cards that read things like “the protector,” “the counselor” and “the provider.”

Henriksen’s piece was an interactive game where guests could choose between a series of images to find out which card best represented their personality.

“My original project stemmed from the idea of personal growth and gaining insight into your own actions. So, I based it off of Myers-Briggs theory,” Henriksen said. “But rather than use something that is already been done, I focused on something that was more easily connectable, which was characterizing each personality type.”

Henriksen’s piece stood right next to another with the words “Tick, Tock, Tic…” above a park bench and pigeons painted on the floor.

Reesa Anderson was the designer for this piece, known as “A 3 o’clock Mystery.”

Placed strategically on the backs of the 2-D pigeons on the floor near the bench were the names of Anderson’s comic book character’s social media sites, which Anderson had created herself.

Anderson said that she incorporated social media because it is relevant to our culture.

“The goal of the piece is to kind of combine different platforms into a story and use these contemporary tools that we have with social media,” said Anderson.

Also going for a more modern piece was Joseph Snodgrass’ “The Education of the Modern World.”

According to Snodgrass, the large poster created from brown recycled paper was more of a map to the modern world and was broken down into three perspectives: the cosmos, the systems and the layers.

“The idea is to inspire intellectual curiosity. The ideal behind this is understanding this from a larger perspective,” Snodgrass said.

“For the BFA show we were asked to find a solution. Design is finding a solution, whether its visual communication, architecture or industrial design. So, that’s what I tried to do,” said Snodgrass.

The other pieces showcased at the exhibition were “When Hogs Fly” by Nate Johnston, “The Multifaced Project” by Lauren Campbell and “Worth” by Charlie Murphy.

EWU students dressed in slacks and blazers and put on their best manners as they learned how to properly handle themselves while attending a business lunch.

Eastern students had the opportunity to learn this and so much more during an etiquette luncheon on April 18. EWU’s co-ed business fraternities Alpha Kappa Psi and Beta Alpha, in partnership with career services, presented the luncheon in PUB 263.

The event began with a networking session, where students were able to small talk with other students and business professionals from entities like Washington Trust Bank and Kalispel Tribes.

According to EWU junior and Alpha Kappa Psi member Rebecca Madrishin, the idea was not only to learn about etiquette but also for students to network.

“We have business professionals coming, so we’re going to try and spread them out at each table so the students can mix and mingle,” Madrishin said.

Following the networking event, attendees were asked to take their seats, where they found a pamphlet with dining tips like how to set the table, body position while at the table and how to serve and pass food. Students were encouraged to follow them during their meal.

Some of these tips included not leaning over the table to reach your food, not laying elbows on the table, using both hands when wiping the mouth with a napkin and using both a spoon and fork to twirl long pasta.

The first course of a green vegetable and meat soup, also known as Wedding soup, and crackers was served, while career services director Virginia Hinch welcomed the audience. EWU students Susana Wang and Titus Mertens then introduced the keynote speaker, Eldonna Shaw.

Shaw is president and CEO of Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. She spoke about what to do while hosting a business lunch.

“Make sure you feel confident and comfortable. Look at yourself in the mirror before you leave and make sure you feel good,” said Shaw.

A marathon is 26.2 miles, the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, however, has vowed to run a little over six times that length for a good cause.

From April 18-20 the men of EWU’s Phi Delta Theta fraternity will start their 170-mile journey from their fraternity house on campus to the Wild Horses Monument in Vantage, Wash.

The 170-mile relay is known as the Iron Phi, which is the fraternity’s annual event to raise money for their philanthropic focus to fight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

According to the ALS Association’s website, ALS is more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This organization leads the fight in research to find a cure.

“ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects your motor skills. It can happen to anyone,” said Phi Delta Theta’s philanthropy chair Brandon Hoff.

Tanner Whitaker, a member of Phi Delta Theta and an EWU freshman, explained that the members would not be running the whole way.

“It’s like a relay race. One person will run three miles and then we’ll switch out,” Whitaker said.

On April 5, the sun was shining as the members of the fraternity each ran 3.1 miles around the Roos Field track to practice their portion of the relay.

This is the second annual Iron Phi relay. Last year the fraternity raised over $6,500.

Since the beginning of the year, EWU’s Phi Delta Theta has raised over $10,000 for the ALS Association.

“We have four members that have raised $1,000 plus by themselves,” Janney said.

The members include Alek Behrends, Cory Blyth, Nick Shelford and Nick Sweeney.

According to EWU junior and president of Phi Delta Theta Scott Janney, ALS was chosen for their national philanthropy for a specific reason.

“Lou Gehrig was a Phi Delt. They still haven’t been able to find a cure, so that’s why we do it,” Janney said.

According to the Iron Phi website, “’We enjoy life by the help and society of others.’ This is, in fact, is our open motto and explains our chapter’s desire to help others through the Iron Phi initiative.”

To donate to the Phi Delta Theta’s philanthropy, visit ironphi.org and search for the chapter Washington Epsilon.

Get Lit! is the perfect place for aspiring writers with over 40 reading and writing events taking place in one week.

The 16th annual Get Lit! is a large literary festival run by EWU that will take place from April 7-13 at various venues in both Spokane and Cheney.

Get Lit! Director Melissa Huggins said the week is all about reading and writing, and will offer presentations from several authors and varied genres of books, like fiction, non-fiction and poetry.

“We present the events, and everything is free to students,” said Huggins.

The three ticketed events are the headlining speakers, Chitra Divakaruni, Gregory Spatz, Anthony Doerr and William T. Vollman, taking place at the Bing Crosby Theatre on April 11 and April 12 at 7 p.m. and April 13 at 11:30 a.m.

Even if students cannot make the headlining events, Huggins said there will be something for everyone to participate in.

“I might highlight that college students may be interested in the college poetry slam,” said Huggins. “The way those work is anyone can participate. You can sign up to participate at the event. It is completely free, and people are totally welcome to just watch as well.”

Tim Pringle, EWU graduate student and Get Lit! assistant coordinator, said he went to the festival as an undergraduate and was not disappointed.

“[The festival] was good. I didn’t realize how big it was. I came to see Patricia Smith at the Bing and found out that there were a bunch of other events going on as well. So, I went to like three more events,” Pringle said.

Pringle said this is a good event for students to expose themselves to new authors and readings.

“We just have a varied group of people coming, a really varied group of authors and presentations,” said Pringle.

Get Lit! staff writer and EWU graduate student Kyle Capogna agrees that the festival is a great place to branch out.

“You don’t often get opportunities like this, to go to readings for free. There is a real variety of the different kinds of writing here. It’s just a really cool opportunity and not every school has it,” Capogna said.

One event students may take advantage of is the exclusive writing workshop with author Anthony Doerr on April 11 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Riverpoint campus or the exclusive Q-and-A with author William T. Vollmann taking place at the Spokane Convention Center room 202A on April 12 at 1:45 p.m.

“We do offer free registration to EWU students. All they have to do is email us and then we can add them to the list,” Huggins said.

She added that, while some of the authors are nationally known, there will also be regional and local authors present, such as Trent Reedy and Rachel Toor.

“There are a lot of EWU professors participating, so that’s really exciting,” Huggins said.

For more information on the Get Lit! Literary Festival visit getlitfestival.org, or contact Huggins at 509-359-6977 or getlit@ewu.edu.

Students may acquire free tickets to headlining events by showing the ticket takers their student ID at the door, or by taking their student ID to the TicketsWest office near the Spokane Arena.

Senioritis is the crippling “disease” that seems to seep in around this time of year, with the symptoms of excessive laziness and lack of studying.

Fortunately, there are ways to avoid senioritis. EWU students weigh in on how they are staying motivated until graduation.

“I try to involve myself in other activities outside of school and stay active,” said EWU senior Abigail Wegley, who is also completing an internship and is a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority.

EWU senior Alli Mcdonald said seniors should realize how close graduation is. “I think for me focusing on graduation and it being so close helps,” said McDonald.

EWU senior Jessica Linder agrees focus is a great tool.

“Your hard work is going to only benefit you in your future. It’s kind of like finals week, I knew I was so close to being done, but I wanted to make sure I gave it my all because when I’m done I get to celebrate and know that I tried my hardest to do the best that I could to finish strong,” Linder said.

According to the National Association for College Commission Counseling, there are ways a student can avoid the dreaded disease, as pointed out in the article “Tips for Senioritis.”

First, the NACC suggests planning ahead.

“The best tool is a calendar or a day planner. Write down all of your deadlines for applications, papers, tests and so on. Then note your other activities, your sports, drama or band rehearsals. Then, map out what you have to do,” said the NACC.

“I designed my schedule so I wouldn’t be taking a full load the last quarter in case I was super burnt out,” said Mcdonald, who agrees planning ahead is important.

In addition, the NACC suggests students should try to talk about feelings of anxiety or stress and avoid over-thinking.

“Useful people to talk to are your friends who are going through the same things you are, your parents, your guidance counselor and other adults whom you respect,”said the NACC.

The NACC’s final piece of advice is simply to have fun.

“I try to have fun and forget that I am a senior,” said Wegley. “These are the days I’ll always remember.”

Giving blood has the potential to save three lives every time.

“[The blood] gets divided into three different components, the platelets, the plasma and the red blood cells. So, one unit could potentially save three lives, depending on the recipients’ needs,” said Row Peters, Inland Northwest Blood Center’s Territory Manager and EWU alumna.

The College Assisted Migrant Program or CAMP held their annual Cesar Chavez Challenge Blood Drive on March 13 in the PUB MPR.

According to CAMP member and blood drive coordinator Jacqueline Cruz, students all over the country take part in the Cesar Chavez Challenge.

“Over 250 universities are participating in the challenge,” Cruz said.

Cesar Chavez was a leader in promoting equality for Hispanics through community service.

“It’s kind of like we’re trying to commemorate Cesar Chavez and his example on how he promoted equal rights. He is a historical figure for Hispanics and we’re kind of trying to follow his example with community involvement, like self-sacrifice and giving blood,” she said.

Peters said she was excited to partner with CAMP to make this event possible.

“It’s a big campaign to raise awareness for migrant workers, such as Cesar Chavez did in his lifetime. It’s a national campaign where students can compete for scholarships based on their goals,” said Peters.

Scholarships are based off of the percentage of donors and how it compares to the original goal. The set goals include categories such as registered donors, actual donors, first time donors and Hispanic or Latino donors.

After the event, Peters said there were 104 procedures performed and 131 products collected.

The blood drive was also dedicated in memory of Ashley Gonzalez and Nancy Zepeda Zarate, the two EWU students who lost their lives on Feb. 21.

CAMP volunteer Irvin Mendoza, who knew the two girls, said they were involved in a lot, including CAMP.

One of the donors, Alexis Mulalley, said one of the reason she decided to donate was because she  knew both Gonzalez and Zarate.

“I’m just here to support. I don’t need all [the blood],” said Mullalley.

“It’s something my mom and I have always done. She’s an EMT firefighter, so I’ve been able to see first hand how much it’s needed,” Mullalley said, who tries to give at least three times every year.

According to Peters, The Inland Northwest Blood Center is the only blood bank close to the Spokane area, and they are always looking for donors.

“We have a 150-mile area radius around Spokane that we service. We have about 35 area hospitals and need 200 donors a day on average to supply that need,” said Peters.

For students who were unable to donate that day, Peters said the will be offering more blood drives in the future.

“We’re here almost monthly. Our next drive is in April, on April 30,” Peters said.

Students can also donate by visiting the Inland Northwest Blood Center.

“Students could also always call our center and check out the website. We have more information [about donating] on our website,” Peters said.

For more information on donating blood to the Inland Northwest Blood Center, call 800-423-0151, ext. 1, or visit inbcsaves.org.