— Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Basketball (@MastodonMBB) March 21, 2024
The first half of the game was close until the Mastodons went on a 20-4 run ending the half with a 12 point lead. Anthony Roberts capped it off went a dunk right before the buzzer.
— Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Basketball (@MastodonMBB) March 20, 2024
In the second half Bowling Green started to make a comeback. With 8:50 left in the game they led by two points.
After a missed free throw from Bowling Green the game was tied 75-75 with 37 seconds left in the game. Eric Mulder made a layup with 15 seconds left giving the Mastodons the win.
— Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Basketball (@MastodonMBB) March 21, 2024
The Mastodons had four players who scored double-digits. Corey Hadnot II finished with 10 points, Rasheed Bello had 11 points and two steals, Roberts had 17 points, and Jalen Jackson ended the night with 18 points and six rebounds. Jackson also took home MVP Honors.
The Cinema Center held a free screening of 20 Days in Mariupol and featured a Q&A with producer Michelle Mizner last month.
The film won best documentary this year at the 96th Academy Awards – the first time Ukraine has won an Oscar. The production covers the events witnessed by a team of Associated Press reporters trapped in the city of Mariupol during the first twenty days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Video journalist Mstyslav Chernov, photographer Evgeniy Maloletka, and producer Vasilisa Stepanenkothey captured the graphic damage the invasion caused and the lives that were lost during it. The film does not hold back from showing the violence and terror happening in the region, leaving audience members shocked and moved by the scenes displayed.
In the film, news broadcasts from around the world use the footage that reporters filmed while in Mariupol. News reports from Russia showed how they accuse the footage of being fake news or that the people trying to survive in Mariupol are paid actors.
After the screening of the film, Cinema Center held a Q&A with Mizner, the editor and producer of the award-winning documentary, and Ann Livschiz, professor in the department of history at PFW. Audience members were able to ask questions about the film, and news on Ukraine now.
Mizner works for Frontline, a television series produced by PBS covering a vast number of topics. There, she edits hour-long documentaries for the show. With 20 Days in Mariupol, it was her first time working on and editing a feature length film.
Mizner worked closely with Chernov, who was one of the cameramen capturing the footage and is the director of the project.
Mizner mentioned that she was working with Chernov directly via satellite phones during the twenty days. He would send the footage over whenever they had access to satellite connection.
At the same time, Chernov and his team were also trying to avoid the Russians, risking their safety to inform the world of what was really going on in Mariupol.
She describes the work process with Chernov as “making an album.” She says she was the “producer” of an album and Chernov was the artist “who brings vision or something integral to them.”
Mizner mentioned how much the film means to Chernov and the rest of the reporters who captured the footage. The camera crew are all from Ukraine and were deeply affected by what they witnessed and went through.
Mizner mentioned her own connection and passion for helping create the documentary.
“There are many things that I hope,” Mizner said. “One of those things I hope is journalism. We think about journalism, and what it takes to make good Journalism, and the risk they take to gather that information.”
When Chernov came to the United States, both were able to finish the film with the footage they had. They were able to put out the message and facts in the film from the footage they gathered, to let people know what was really happening in Mariupol.
The event was held at the Cinema Center, a not-for-profit theater that shows a wide range of independent films and hosts unique events. Every year, they host their own film festival “Hobnobben,” showing local independent films and others from around the country.
The Center has held multiple events like this in the past, showing a movie, then holding a Q&A afterwards, with people who are educated on the topic. The goal is to allow citizens and audience members to engage with the material and ask their own questions, creating a space to hold important conversations.
After the event, audience members formed a lengthy line to thank Mizner for her work and for coming to the Cinema Center.
Mizner mentioned that all Frontline films are available for free on YouTube.
“They are long formed and deeply reported documentaries,” she said. She strongly encourages others to check them out at Frontline’s website, as they are a terrific way to learn about America and the world.
Purdue Fort Wayne displayed artwork created by faculty members and put them up for sale, with all the proceeds going to the Department of Art and Design scholarships.
The “Creatives” art exhibition had an opening ceremony on Feb. 1 with 44 creative works by 22 members of the PFW community.
Friendship, by Htoo Doh, officer of PFW PoliceStand Tall, by Htoo Doh
This was an exhibition specifically for faculty and staff who maintain some kind of creative practice outside of their work on campus. This exhibition includes drawings, paintings, fiber arts, photography, glass art, and wood art.
The exhibition was coordinated by Derek Decker, the director of the Visual Arts Gallery and a professor at PFW. Decker has taught at PFW since 2012 and is currently teaching two classes this semester on top of running gallery events.
“To show the community, as well as our students on campus, some of the ways that art can influence your life,” said Decker when discussing the importance of this event.
He also discussed how many of the staff members use art to de-stress and connect to their creative side, apart from their role or department on campus.
Decker believes that art can always impact your life in a beneficial way, even if you are not a professional, and that should be celebrated.
“Instead of just seeing them as your engineering professor…no, that engineering professor also likes to wood turn,” Decker stated. “He also has, like we all do, likes and hobbies outside of what we do.”
Decker also discussed how this exhibition is an important way to humanize PFW faculty, and for the students to see another side of them.
One of the artists, Bruce Kingsbury, discussed the importance of this event, and displayed his piece Modest Femme.
Kingsbury is currently a professor in the biology department, and previously served in other roles such as associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and chair of biology.
However, he spends his free time creating unique artwork, like the one pictured here.
Modest Femme, by Bruce KingsburyFocus, by Laura Lydy, director of Guitar/String Studies
“It is a form of validation, that people appreciate what I do,” Kingsbury said. “I think they did a very good job and gave my piece some life.”
Kingsbury described this event as a great way to get to discuss his art with others as well as a great opportunity to bring people together and create interactions that benefit students and staff.
This event also benefits Kingsbury in another way. He said he experiences feelings of believing he should not share his art due to “imposter syndrome”. However, this event gives him an opportunity to experience people enjoying his artwork.
He also believes it has great impacts for students.
“I think it’s great for students to pursue their dreams, and this is a way that the college can help do that, and a way that I can help do that,” Kingsbury said after discussing how the proceeds from this event go to scholarships for PFW students.
These scholarships help current, or future, students pursue their passion for art. Just in the 2020-21 academic year, $91,213 were awarded from the Department of Arts and Design scholarships.
Lauryn Wulliman, a communications student at PFW, was also in attendance at the opening of the exhibition.
“They get to put their artwork out there and to show the world, especially students…something that they have put their heart and soul into,” she said.
Wulliman believes that it is essential for students to see and experience art in a way they may not usually do. She thinks this is beneficial in general, but specifically to non-art majors.
Wulliman also said that this event was very enjoyable, and she plans on attending next year. She also hopes that more students will take the time to come look at the artwork and meet the artists next year.
The exhibition was open from Feb. 1 to Feb. 25. Since the exhibit is now over, the artwork is no longer up for sale and the remaining artwork has been returned to their artists.
However, Decker reported that 16 pieces were sold from the “Creatives” exhibition. This totaled out to $1,199.04 put toward the Art & Design Student scholarship fund.
The Mastodons fought a tough battle in the Horizon League Quarterfinals, but fell short against number one seed Oakland University. The final score was 75-65.
Rasheed Bello finishes with 16 points. One of four 'Dons in double-digts tonight, but the #HLMBB road ends here.
— Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Basketball (@MastodonMBB) March 8, 2024
The Mastodons started the game with a quick lead, but Oakland came back with a 13-0 run with 10:50 left in the first half. PFW cut the lead to 11 at half-time.
— Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Basketball (@MastodonMBB) March 8, 2024
In the second half Oakland largest lead was 23 points. The Mastodons went on a late 14-2 run with 57 seconds left in the game. Quinton Morton-Robertson’s three-pointer cut Oaklands lead to six points.
— Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Basketball (@MastodonMBB) March 8, 2024
Oakland hit clutch free throws to end off the game. The Mastodons had four players with double-digits scoring. Rasheed Bello led with 16 points, Jalen Jackson finished with 15 points, Anthony Roberts had 13 points on the night, and Morton-Robertson put up 10 points.
The Mastodons finished the season 21-12 and Oakland improved to 21-11.
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 6, 2024
Halfway through the second half Robert Morris cut the Mastodons lead to five points with a 15-1 run, but around the five minute mark PFW went on a 10-0 run closing out the game. The Mastodons were led by Quinton Morton-Robertson who finished the night with 17 points and Jalen Jackson who had 16 points.
Quinton Morton-Robertson is last night's Toyota Player of the Game
— Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Basketball (@MastodonMBB) March 3, 2024
The Mastodons were led by senior Anthony Roberts who finished the night with 18 points and seven rebounds. He was also honored prior to the start of the game.
— Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Basketball (@MastodonMBB) March 3, 2024
PFW improves to 20-11 and Robert Morris falls to 10-21. The Mastodons resume play on Tuesday Mar. 5 against Robert Morris for the first game of the Horizon League Tournament. The game will take place at 7 p.m. at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Also available to watch on ESPN+.
The Mastodons lose a close game against the Milwaukee Panthers Sunday Feb. 25. The final score was 96-88. The game consisted of 10 ties and 14 lead changes.
— Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Basketball (@MastodonMBB) February 25, 2024
The Panthers went on their own run and tied the game up 74-74 with 8:22 left in the game. Milwaukee held the lead for the remaining seven minutes after their guard Dominic Ham hit a three-pointer.
The Mastodons leading scorer was Rasheed Bello who finished with 21 points shooting seven for 13 from the field. Quinton Morton-Robertson finished with 18 points and Jalen Jackson 16 points.
PFW falls to 18-11 and Milwaukee improves to 15-14. The Mastodons next game is Wednesday Feb. 28 at seven p.m. against Wright State. The game can be watched at Nutter Center and on ESPN+.
— Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Basketball (@MastodonMBB) February 24, 2024
The Mastodons started off hot, leading by 10 points with just five minutes of play. They held Green Bay to just 23 points at the half after one of their baskets was reviewed and overturned during half-time.
All good in Green Bay so far and Anthony Roberts is a big reason why.
— Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Basketball (@MastodonMBB) February 24, 2024
PFW shot 50.8% from the field and held Green Bay to 35% from the field. They also had the Mastodons score 10+ points including guard Jalen Jackson who finished with 17 points with eight for 15 from the field and guard Rasheed Bello with 16 points shooting six for nine from the field.
The Mastodons improve to 18-10 and the Phoenix fall to 17-11. PFW resume play on Sunday, Feb. 25, with a rematch against the Milwaukee Panthers at three p.m. at UWM Panther Arena. The game is also available to watch on ESPN+.
— Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Basketball (@MastodonMBB) February 17, 2024
The Mastodons were led by guard Quinton Morton-Robertson with 24 points. He shot eight for 11 from the field, making five three-pointers. For the year, Morton-Robertson has made 80 three-pointers, making him number seven in program history.
Most single-season made 3-point field goals in program history:
6. 81 – Matt Holba (2016-17) 7. 80 – Quinton Morton-Robertson (2023-24) 8. 78 – Kason Harrell (2016-17) 9. 77 – Bobby Planutis (2022-23) 10. 76 – Eric Wilson (1986-87)#FeelTheRumble#HLMBB
— Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Basketball (@MastodonMBB) February 17, 2024
The Mastodons held the lead for the entire first half, by 10 points after 20 minutes of play.
— Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Basketball (@MastodonMBB) February 17, 2024
With 10:36 left in the game, the Detroit Mercy cut the lead to four points, but the Mastodons went on a 7-0 run only allowing Detroit to be within nine points for the remainder of the game.
Four Mastodons scored double digits, including Jalen Jackson with 18 points and six assists, Rasheed Bello with 15 points and six rebounds, and Anthony Roberts with 13 points and six rebounds.
The Mastodons improve to 17-10 and Detroit Mercy falls to 1-27. PFW face Green Bay Phoenix on Friday Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at Kress Events Center. The game is also available to watch on ESPN+.
To kick off homecoming, PFW’s Student Activities Board held an event to warm hearts and bodies: Blankets and Bracelets.
The event was held on Feb. 6 and students gathered to tie blankets for charity and make friendship bracelets for themselves. A variety of snacks were offered and a mix of background music and movies kept energies up.
“We just wanted something kind of cozy and fun for homecoming week,” said Elizabeth Lassiter, SAB Chair. “You know, everyone’s starting to come back from break so we wanted to do a kind of event where people could kind of destress and do something for a good cause.”
That cause is the Rescue Mission, a nonprofit dedicated to “provid[ing]…a home for the homeless, food for the hungry and hope for their future,” according to their mission statement.
“Especially with it being really really cold… we want to make sure we take care of our Fort Wayne community and try to lend a helping hand,” said Sydney Coyne, fellow SAB Chair.
The event was a success and the Rescue Mission will be happy to receive the blankets by the students pic.twitter.com/sYR3pgd9Hj
There was a mild sense of surprise among the attendees that they were donating blankets made rather than the students keeping them, but students were given a PFW branded blanket to take home in exchange.
“I did not [know the blankets would be donated] but I’m not upset,” said PFW transfer student Kailani Johnson. “I love giving back to the community, especially because it was at no cost of my own except time.”
Kailani Johnson (Left) and friend Lilly Buchanan (Right) show off their finished blanket
That seemed to be the general opinion among the students. The line to enter wrapped around the corner before the event officially began and students continued to filter in throughout the night. The SAB hosts were pleased with the turnout, especially considering PFW’s large commuter population.
“To see so many students come out for an event after 5 p.m. is really really nice,” Lassiter said.
Lassiter has had her college experience improved by campus events and joined the SAB to spread the positive impact.
“To be able to be one of the people that helps people get out of their dorm, get out of their house and do something fun, it’s actually really fulfilling.”
And for Johnson, it was her first time attending a PFW event and it left a good impression.
