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Murray: Chasing consistency

Winning a national championship is the peak of college football.

That’s it — straight up. It’s the ultimate achievement. One team, every year, gets to claim that they did what no one else could. They reached the mountaintop.

Except, that’s not the most difficult task in the sport.

No — the most difficult thing to do is find continuity. Just one team (Georgia) has successfully defended its title in the College Football Playoff era. Only eight National Football League teams have ever gone back-to-back.

That stems from an insatiable desire for instant success; one that will see the successful teams poached for staff and players in an effort to grab a slice of their glory. A rolling conveyor belt of players prevents the six or seven-year mega contracts that stabilize professional teams.

How does Oregon — a historically successful team, but one without sustained success in the College Football Playoff era — continue to challenge for a title without losing that ability to consistently contend?

Ducks head coach Dan Lanning explained.

“It’s a new team,” Lanning said after April’s Spring Game. “Anything that happened last year has nothing to do with next year other than the continuity of the coaching staff.”

It’s easy to assume that this year’s edition of Oregon’s men in green is just a recast version of last year’s success story. Transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel could be pinned as a like-for-like Bo Nix replacement. Former Texas A&M University receiver Evan Stewart fits into the mold of speedy, slight receivers that Oregon receivers coach Junior Adams favors.

It can’t just be that.

The Ducks’ offense has more tape on it than ever before. It’s one of the biggest reasons that consistency is so hard to come by in sport: once one team starts to figure out how to attack your weaknesses, it’s out there for everyone to see. The system has to adapt and evolve. Change is demanded.

That doesn’t mean that last year was a wash — instead, Lanning said after the Spring Game, “You want to see growth, you want to see them keep developing…raising their own standard of play. You know what winning football is to them. I think we have a group that’ll embrace that.”

What the Ducks did exceptionally well in the offseason was develop a roster that will maintain those key tenets of their philosophy — a dynamic, fast-paced offense that prioritizes a passing attack in order to enable a revamped running game. They retained 100-carry back Jordan James alongside a returning Noah Whittington to anchor the backfield.

This is a curious year. Ignore everything coming out of the Oregon camp; the transition to the Big Ten conference will be a change. It’s one that the Ducks are fit for, yes, but no longer will they be able to rely on their ability to put up (a 2023 average) 41.4 points per game.

“It’s not rocket science,” Ducks offensive coordinator Will Stein said after a fall practice. “Everybody wants air yards and all this BS crap. Let’s score touchdowns. How do you score touchdowns? Get it to your playmakers fast. That’s it…When our quarterbacks figure that out, like Bo [Nix] did last year, you throw for 45 touchdowns and 4500 yards and you score a ton of points.”

But the team that did that had flaws. Teams knew how to beat the 2023 Oregon Ducks — the Washington Huskies did it twice last year. What they don’t yet know is how to pick apart the 2024 edition.

The Ducks’ goal is a national title. Don’t get it confused. What lies in the (possibly very near) future, though, is a level of notoriety and respect that only the constant contenders demand.

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Philip Phillips Named President-Elect of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Philip Phillips, Ph.D., professor of English and associate dean of the university honors college at Middle Tennessee State University, was recently elected to serve as president-elect for The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. The election took place immediately following the 2024 Phi […]

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How Students Embracing Crypto in Colorado May Change State’s Future Financial Landscape

In recent years, cryptocurrencies have transitioned from niche digital assets to mainstream financial tools. Colorado is leading this shift, with a growing number of students diving into the world of digital currencies. This trend is set to significantly impact the state’s future financial landscape, influencing local economies, investment practices, and technological innovation.

 

Colorado students are increasingly engaging with cryptocurrencies, driven by both academic interest and practical applications. Universities in the state, such as the University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University, have incorporated blockchain and cryptocurrency courses into their curricula. These programs provide essential knowledge and skills to navigate digital assets, nurturing a new generation of crypto-savvy professionals.

 

As students become more familiar with cryptocurrencies, they not only invest in digital assets but also contribute to the technology’s development and application. When investing, managing, and securing digital assets is crucial for students involved in cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies are stored in digital wallets, which come in software (hot wallets) and hardware (cold wallets) forms. Hot wallets are connected to the internet, providing ease of access for transactions, while cold wallets offer offline storage and enhanced security against theft. A safe and secure digital wallet is vital for safekeeping crypto (source: https://bestcryptowallet.com/). Using these wallets ensures that students can protect their assets and manage their investments effectively.

 

The growing student engagement in the cryptocurrency space could have significant economic implications for Colorado. The influx of young, tech-savvy individuals into the crypto sector may stimulate local economies. Startups and tech companies specializing in blockchain and digital currencies might see increased interest and investment from this emerging talent pool. This could lead to job creation and economic growth, enhancing the state’s reputation as a hub for innovation.

 

Additionally, as students become crypto investors, they may bring fresh capital into the market. This increased investment can drive demand for local businesses that accept cryptocurrencies, potentially boosting spending within the state. The acceptance of digital currencies is expanding; in Colorado, cryptocurrencies are now used to purchase food, book travel, and even participate in gaming and gambling activities. This practical use integrates digital currencies into everyday economic activities, enhancing their utility and appeal.

 

Students embracing cryptocurrencies are also likely to influence financial practices and investment trends in Colorado. Their new perspectives challenge traditional investment strategies and introduce fresh dynamics into the investment landscape. The growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies among mainstream financial institutions and businesses further highlights this shift. Students may advocate for greater integration of digital assets into traditional financial systems, potentially leading to new financial products and services tailored to crypto investors.

 

The focus on cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology among Colorado students is likely to drive technological innovation in the state. Universities and research institutions are becoming centers for blockchain research and development, where students and faculty work on cutting-edge projects. This environment fosters innovation and experimentation, leading to new applications and solutions benefiting various industries.

 

Blockchain technology’s potential extends beyond cryptocurrencies, including applications in supply chain management, voting systems, and healthcare. As students engage with these technologies, they may contribute to advancements with broad impacts on the state and the wider economy. Colorado’s leadership in blockchain research and development could attract further investment and talent, reinforcing its status as a tech hub.

 

However, the rise of crypto engagement among students presents challenges. The volatile nature of cryptocurrencies requires young investors to navigate significant risks, including potential financial losses. Financial education and responsible investing practices are crucial to managing these challenges effectively. Additionally, as the regulatory environment around cryptocurrencies evolves, students and emerging professionals will need to stay informed about legal and compliance issues to navigate these changes successfully.

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Philip Phillips Named President-Elect of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Philip Phillips, Ph.D., professor of English and associate dean of the university honors college at Middle Tennessee State University, was recently elected to serve as president-elect for The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

The election took place immediately following the 2024 Phi Kappa Phi Biennial Convention, held virtually Aug.1-2.

During his 2024-2026 term as president-elect, Phillips will serve on the Society’s 12-person board of directors. His election represents a six-year commitment to the Society including successive terms as president and past president.

“I am fully committed, both personally and professionally, to the mission of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi,” Phillips said during his remarks to delegates at the Society’s convention. “I know firsthand the value of recognizing and promoting academic excellence, and especially supporting the scholarship, creative activity, study abroad opportunities, and community service projects of our students who represent the full range of disciplines,” he said.

Initiated into Phi Kappa Phi as a faculty member at MTSU in 2011, Phillips has been an active leader of Phi Kappa Phi at the local and national levels. He served on the Phi Kappa Phi board of directors from 2018-2020 and again from 2022-2024. He has been a member of the bylaws committee, finance and budget committee, fellowship committee, and the strategic planning taskforce.

“I am thankful for the presence of our president-elect, Philip Phillips, whose dedication and new ideas continue to invigorate our national board,” said Society President Sharhonda Rush. “Phi Kappa Phi’s governance structure thrives on the close collaboration among the president, past president, and president-elect. This teamwork ensures seamless and resilient leadership that continues to propel Phi Kappa Phi forward.”

Phillips holds both master’s and doctoral degrees in English from Vanderbilt University, and a B.A., also in English, from Belmont University. At MTSU, he has served as graduate admissions director for the English department and chair of the academic master plan committee for the university. He serves as immediate past president of his chapter. Outside the university, he has been a member of both the diversity and research committees of the National Collegiate Honors Council, a member of the editorial board of The Edgar Allan Poe Review, and founder and director of the Great Books in Middle Tennessee Prisons program.

About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff, and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in the United States, its territories, and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. In special cases, students with an exceptional GPA, and faculty, professional staff, and alumni who achieve scholarly distinction may also qualify. The Society’s mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”  For more information, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Media Contact
Hope Lemoine
Marketing Coordinator
hlemoine@phikappaphi.org
225-923-7781

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Lora Becker to Serve as Past President of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Lora Becker, Ph.D., professor of psychology and director of the neuroscience program at the University of Evansville, will serve as past president of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines—for the 2024-2026 biennium.

Becker’s new role follows her two-year term as president, which came to a close at the Society’s 2024 Biennial Convention, held virtually Aug.1-2.

Under her direction, Phi Kappa Phi saw a successful 2022-2024 biennium that included the distribution of more than $2 million in awards, induction of nearly 40,000 new members, installation of five new chapters, rollout of a new membership management system, and launch of a new strategic and fundraising plan for the Society.

“Lora’s wisdom and guidance were invaluable as our organization emerged from a global pandemic and undertook changes to better serve our chapters and members,” said incoming Society President Sharhonda Rush during her closing remarks at the 2024 Phi Kappa Phi Biennial Convention. “I’m glad that Lora will remain on our board as past president, where she’ll continue to serve as a valuable advisor to me and everyone on Phi Kappa Phi’s national board of directors.”

“As I transition out of the role of Society president, I’m struck by the talent, professionalism, and thoughtfulness expressed by our board of directors this past biennium,” Becker said. “I am confident in the leadership of our new president, Sharhonda Rush, along with the amazing and dedicated staff at the Phi Kappa Phi national office, to carry us into the future. I have learned so much over my 10 years of service to Phi Kappa Phi.”

Becker has been active in the Society since 2014 at the local, regional, and national levels. She has held a number of roles within the University of Evansville chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, including president, a position she assumed in 2015. Becker was also chair of the 2016 biennial convention credentials committee and served as chair of the national bylaws committee for the 2016-2018 biennium. During the 2020-22 biennium Becker served as the convention planning committee co-chair, budget and program review committee chair, chair of the executive director search committee, and a finance and budget committee member.

Becker received her B.S. in biology and psychology from Wright State University. She earned an M.A. in psychobiology from State University of New York at Binghamton where she also received her Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience. Becker’s primary research activity seeks to understand human and animal emotions, and she has conducted behavioral neuroscience research with undergraduate students for more than 20 years.

About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff, and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in the United States, its territories, and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. In special cases, students with an exceptional GPA, and faculty, professional staff, and alumni who achieve scholarly distinction may also qualify. The Society’s mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”  For more information, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Media Contact
Hope Lemoine
Marketing Coordinator
hlemoine@phikappaphi.org
225-923-7781

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Scoreless draw precedes UH soccer’s first win of the season

Sophomore goalkeeper Olivia Dietrich holds shutouts against SFA and Tarleton. Dietrich moved to ninth in Houston history for career saves. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

On Thursday, Houston soccer walked away from their game against Stephen F. Austin University with two zeros on the scoreboard. On Sunday, they celebrated their first win of the season against Tarleton State University.

In the 83rd minute of Sunday’s match, graduate forward Ramsey Davis took advantage of a gap in Tarelton’s coverage to end the Cougar’s scoring drought. The lone goal gave Houston a 1-0 advantage.

Sophomore goalkeeper Olivia Dietrich showed out in the two matches and kept opponents at bay. She moved up to ninth in program history for career saves following her five saves against SFA.

Sophomore midfielder Aryanna Jimison made her season debut on Thursday before leading UH in shots on Sunday.

The Cougars will look to keep the forward momentum when they take on University of Texas at San Antonio in Houston on Thursday, Aug. 29.

sports@thedailycougar.com


Scoreless draw precedes UH soccer’s first win of the season” was originally posted on The Cougar

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Burgess Owens Talks Education at 2024 Congressional Series

 

The Hinckley Institute of Politics and Sutherland Institute kicked off their 2024 Congressional Series on Tuesday with a conversation with Congressman Burgess Owens, where he discussed his views on DEI, the value of a four year education and K-12 policy.

Education Policy at the College Level

Owens spoke on H.B. 261 and DEI regulations in response to an audience member who pointed out “a discrepancy” between his views on ‘state control’ and his opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion.

In response, Owens shared his memories of being the third black student to attend the University of Miami. 

“The minute we go back to judging each other based on skin color, our religion, maybe our southern character, we’re headed down a dark and hideous path,” he said. 

Owens added that the free market could decide DEI.

“If an institution wants to teach DEI, that is fine,” he said. “[They] just won’t have the federal funding. If the free market says that’s the way to go, I will venture not too many people will put their kids in a school like that.” 

During the discussion, Christine Cooke Fairbanks, the education policy fellow at the Sutherland Institute and conversation moderator, asked if college was still worth attending.

Owens said students leave college with debts that they can never repay, and their return on investment is typically poor. 

“That’s why we have the College Reduction Act,” he said.

The College Cost Reduction Act was proposed in January 2024. According to the American Council on Education, it’s a comprehensive bill that aims to overhaul the student loan process and restrain college costs.

K-12 Education Policy

Owens discussed the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), a proposed solution to the declining quality of education since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Districts in D.C. and Baltimore [have] zero proficiency in math … it’s not that they’re not talented enough to do it. They’re not being taught,” Owens said.

Owens added the ECCA will allow Congress to create a scholarship-granting organization (SGO). Those who invest in this SGO can receive a 1% tax credit. These investments will allow any child or parent to choose where the child goes to school without drawing funding from the school districts.

According to Invest in Education, ECCA grants scholarships to students that allow them to attend schools that meet their educational needs as determined by their parents.

Fairbanks asked Owens how Congress intends to “empower and equip” parents involved in their child’s education.

“We have been putting something together called the Parents Bill of Rights,” Owens said.

According to the bill summary, the Parents Bill of Rights “clarifies that parents have a right to know what is happening in their child’s school and maintain the right to make decisions about their child’s education.”

Owens explained that parents should have the right to know if their child is being taught something that goes against their core values, to know if there is violence in the school system and to protect their child’s privacy. 

“There’s no one who loves their kids more than their parents,” Owens said. “We all know that.”

 

a.walker@dailyutahchronicle.com

@Alina_Walkerr

The post Burgess Owens Talks Education at 2024 Congressional Series first appeared on The Daily Utah Chronicle.

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University of Minnesota students struggle with loneliness in a digital world

Arfa Ali, 20, a junior commuter student studying nutrition at the University of Minnesota, said going to student group events has helped her feel less lonely, but living off campus has made feeling connected difficult. 

“I really resented the U for a little bit,” Ali said. “I was like ‘I hate coming here, I don’t connect with people,’ and it didn’t make education fun at all for me.”

Ali transferred to the University from a community college in the fall of 2023 and said connecting with friends online has helped her feel less lonely. Seeing other people’s posts on social media doesn’t bother her, but if it did, she said social media could also have negative effects on loneliness. 

Several studies have found social media can help make new connections for young adults and college students, but when used to substitute social engagement, social media can increase feelings of loneliness. 

In March 2023, 39% of U.S. college students reported experiencing feelings of loneliness regularly, according to Gallup. A 2022 study by the American College Health Association found 53.6% of students experience loneliness.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy said the epidemic of loneliness and isolation is an overlooked but important U.S. public health issue in an advisory released on May 3, 2023. 

Some physical health risks of loneliness according to the advisory:

  • 32% increased risk of stroke.
  • 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults.
  • More than a 60% increase in risk of premature death. 

Murthy launched the “We Are Made to Connect” college tour to encourage social connection in students, emphasizing the importance of forming healthy relationships, according to a news release on Oct. 30, 2023. 

“Just like exercise and nutrition, our relationships with one another are fundamental components of our overall health and well-being,” Murthy said in the news release. 

What is loneliness? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines loneliness as feeling an absence of meaningful relationships or a sense of belonging, and feeling disconnected from others. Loneliness represents the difference between desired connection and actual connection. 

Dr. Liza Meredith, a psychology professor at the University of Minnesota focusing on counseling psychology and student mental health, said loneliness is about a person’s perception of connections with others. Students can feel connected to a few people but lack larger group belonging, or they can feel connected to their community but lack close relationships.

Meredith said loneliness can also lead to a cycle of depression and social anxiety, making it harder for students to reach out. 

“Because you’re feeling lonely, you’re also feeling sad,” Meredith said. “When you’re feeling sad, you can get stuck in your head, and that makes you more likely to hibernate in your own environment and not have some of the positive social connections that might build you back up again.” 

Meredith said loneliness and feeling a lack of purpose can lead students to existential questions that make living in the present moment difficult: What am I living for? Who are my people? What do I want to do? What difference do I want to make?

“Being lonely makes it harder to just feel present in your day-to-day life,” Meredith said. “It makes it harder to really just feel a sense of commitment and purpose and connection.” 

Meredith said people may experience fear of feeling lonely in group settings which will prevent them from going in the first place, further perpetuating the loneliness cycle.

Feeling connected makes people want to do things that, in turn, make people feel more connected, Meredith said. Loneliness works the same way but with the opposite effect. 

Social Media, Loneliness and Social Expectations

Dr. Jake Loeffler, a staff psychologist and outreach coordinator for the University of Minnesota student counseling services, runs workshops focusing on exposing students to their fears of social anxiety in a controlled environment, aiming to help students navigate some of the challenges that come with college life that can often perpetuate loneliness. 

“A lot of times, social anxiety comes from projecting negative ideas,” Loeffler said. “You imagine someone’s thinking something about you and it disrupts your ability to be yourself or makes you feel so much anxiety that it’s uncomfortable just to be in someone’s presence.” 

Loeffler also focuses on students’ relationships with social media, which he said can create unrealistic expectations for social interactions and norms, making their real lives less fulfilling. 

Loeffler said social media is a constant reminder of social ideals and can lead students to make unhealthy comparisons between their lives and what they see online. People are less authentic on social media. 

“We all in some ways have a social self, and we have a self that we allow those close to us to see,” Loeffler said. “That’s not anything new, but with social media, there’s this curated life that has become the norm.” 

Loeffler said college comes with many life changes thinat can result in students experiencing loneliness. For many students, living away from home for the first time, actively establishing personal values and identities, and developing social skills can make adjusting to college life challenging. 

Actions as simple as asking someone for help can lead to long-lasting friendships, he added. 

Minority Identities and Loneliness

The 2022 study by the American College Health Association found that 68.9% of students identifying as transgender or gender non-conforming reported experiencing loneliness, while 53.6% of students identifying as cisgender women and 49.8% of students identifying as cisgender men reported experiencing loneliness. 

Meredith said people with minority identities face more barriers to forming social connections because it is harder to find others who share their identities and interests. Social media can help people connect through unique interests and experiences, but social media can also have negative effects on loneliness for students, especially when students compare themselves to others. 

Liz Hwang, the undergraduate international initiative coordinator for the University of Minnesota international student and scholar services, said international students from countries with fewer students on campus can experience loneliness more than students who have a bigger peer group from their home countries on campus. She said many international students do face loneliness, but their experiences are diverse and cannot be generalized across the international student community. 

“White international students might have an easier time making friends than BIPOC international students,” Hwang said. “But also, white students might also have a hard time making international friends that might share an immigration challenge.”

Ky Nguyen, 23, an international graduate student from Vietnam studying counselor education, said finding a community among international students with shared values and experiences helped her feel less lonely. She added making friends is easier in graduate school compared to undergraduate because she has a better understanding of her goals. 

“It’s like a sense of belonging, we have the same values,” Nguyen said. “We also help each other improve.” 

Kelvin Mulyasasmita, 22, graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2023 with a degree in computer science and is from Indonesia. He said being an international student during the COVID-19 pandemic increased his feelings of loneliness. 

“I remember just being one of the two or probably the only one eating in the dining hall and that was definitely an experience,” Mulyasasmita said. “It wasn’t too bad, but it’s definitely lonely.”

“Very purposeless,” he added about his experience during lockdown. “I can’t talk with anyone. I don’t see anyone.” 

Hwang said more than 90% of students who attended Small World Coffee Hour — an event organized by international student and scholar services at the University — and filled out the event survey reported meeting someone and said the event helped them feel a sense of belonging on campus. 

How can Students Address Loneliness? 

Student Counseling Services offers workshops and group therapy sessions for University of Minnesota students including cultural and religious groups, mental health counseling and educational workshops. Loeffler leads an Attack Anxiety workshop and an Understanding Self and Others counseling group focusing on developing relationship skills and self-awareness. 

Addressing loneliness can also be about simple daily habits. 

Meredith said going to office hours, joining research groups and simply saying hello to people in class can help students feel more connected to their surrounding environments. 

A University of Pennsylvania study found that undergraduates who reduced social media use saw improvements in mental health and decreased loneliness. Just being aware of screen time and social media use led to less time spent on social media apps and students experienced less anxiety and fear of missing out. 

A Harvard Health blog post said people should be mindful of social media use by considering why they use the platforms and what they hope to get from it. If social media is a substitute for in-person social interactions, reading a book, spending time outdoors or participating in creative activities could be alternatives that offer better health outcomes. 

Loeffler said educating students on setting boundaries with technology is essential in today’s digital world. 

“I think the tools that we’ve created can benefit us as a society,” Loeffler said. “But likewise, I think we’re susceptible to businesses and corporations marketing their products to us in a way that makes us addicted to them and has us buy into the idea that happiness has to have some kind of product involved with it.”

Minneapolis ranked among America’s top 10 loneliest cities in 2024, according to data from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The ranking was determined by tracking the number of one-person households in more than 170 areas with populations of 150,000 or more identified in the U.S. Bureau American Community Survey. 

Dr. David Nathan, an Allina Health psychologist, said in an interview with WCCO that loneliness has four categories: 

  • People with few social connections.
  • People who live alone.
  • People with no close friendships. 
  • People who spend time alone when they want to spend time with others. 

Nathan clarified living alone does not imply a person is lonely, but when a person experiences multiple of the above categories, loneliness can become a bigger concern. The important question is whether people are happy with their current level of social connections. 

Nathan said the social culture of the Midwest can explain part of Minneapolis’ rating among the “loneliest” cities. Minnesota social norms often reflect politeness and fear of offending others, making people less likely to freely discuss a wider range of topics and establish comfortable social connections.  

The tendency to stay home during the winter in Minnesota is also a big factor in people making fewer social connections, he added. 

Nathan said multiple studies have reflected increases in loneliness, especially among 18- to 22-year-olds. Social time is built in during high school, but many lose that structure after graduation and spend time learning how to manage their social lives in early adulthood. 

For those experiencing loneliness or looking to help someone they know, joining activity groups, cultural community organizations and social skill development activities in Minneapolis are helpful and accessible options, Nathan said. 

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board offers arts events, outdoor activities, health and fitness programs, and youth activities, among other social engagement efforts. 

Social connection doesn’t have to be all about human interactions. 

Getting a pet or interacting with animals can give people a meaningful sense of connection and purpose in life, according to University of Minnesota Physicians.  

Boynton Health’s Pet Away Worry and Stress, or PAWS, program gives University of Minnesota students opportunities to interact with registered therapy animals four days a week during the academic year. 

Loeffler said there is less tolerance for average social interactions in today’s entertainment-filled world. 

“There’s so many other options competing for our attention today than there used to be in forms of entertainment that we may deprioritize just having people to hang out with,” Loeffler said. 

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Former CSU tight end Dallin Holker secures official NFL roster spot

Miracles do exist.

Former Colorado State tight end, Dallin Holker, officially made the 53-man roster for the New Orleans Saints Aug. 27. The decorated athlete picked up an ankle injury toward the back end of training camp, but showed enough to stay with the team. Despite going undrafted earlier in the offseason, Holker finds himself a home in New Orleans.

In his final year at CSU, Holker was a unanimous pick for second-team All-American as well as first-team All-Mountain West. His six touchdowns in 2023 tied for an all-time record for tight ends within the program. He was also a finalist for the John Mackey Award, which is presented to the most outstanding tight end in collegiate football for a given year.

Even though Holker wasn’t picked from the draft board, the former Ram scored well at the 2024 NFL Combine. Within the tight end position, he ranked 4th in production, 10th in athleticism and 6th overall. 

The newly anointed Saint is currently listed at the bottom of the depth chart for his position with three players ahead of him. The severity of his ankle injury is relatively unknown, but reports haven’t reflected any seriousness thus far. A quick return to action is possible, but the work is far from over.

Holker will join Trey McBride as the only active NFL tight ends from CSU this year. Unlike McBride, he’ll have to fight just to stay on the roster. 

Reach Michael Hovey at sports@collegian.com or on Twitter @michaelfhovey.

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Sharonda Rush to Serve as President of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Sharhonda Rush, MBA, MPP, optimization consulting manager at BlackLine, has been named president of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Rush’s role as president follows her two-year term as president-elect, which came to a close at the Society’s 2024 Biennial Convention, held […]

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