Welcome to The Cascade, your source of news, culture, and student life at the University of the Fraser Valley.
Having consumed 12 grapes at midnight underneath a table dripping with alcohol from a ferocious flip cup tournament — I write to you anew. Those green grapes burst under the pressure of my teeth but even more so from the weight of my desires. In theory, I’ve made no resolutions, but I have crafted quite a few plans. One such of those plans began brewing last year, at a Cascade public pitch meeting, and this issue is the result.
Issue 33.01 strays from the norm by showcasing our photographer, Joshua Sulpico, on the front and back cover. Sulpico’s documentation of our evolving campus through film will be a snapshot in time for the future archives that map out UFV’s development and its subsequent impact on the Fraser Valley. On p. 11, you can find more work from Sulpico with a featured photo essay and written contributions from The Cascade staff, thinking in less literal ways, about what it means to be under construction.
On p. 10, we have a call to action on women working in the trades. A personal story about labour work translates to wider conversations about gender pay gaps, sexual harassment, and agency. You can follow up that read with our coverage of CHASI’s Swiftie Scholar on p. 16, where we interview attendees and get the scoop on the UFV community’s reception from CHASI’s resident girlboss, Chelsea Klassen.
If you’re looking for more action, the men’s and women’s basketball weekend is recapped on p. 15, significant games as both teams gear up for play-offs in early spring. Then, slow it down with our winter wildlife watch on p. 17, as our culture editor highlights seasonal birds in the valley.
Our Arts in Review section will leave you with a list of must-watches and reads, with a 2024 movie round-up, as well as reviews of the highly anticipated Nosferatu (2024) and Normal People author Sally Rooney’s latest release, Intermezzo (2024).
We hope you like it, and please, let us know what you think. Send an email to managing@ufvcascade.ca — we’d love to hear from you.
Kiara Okonkwo is a writer and creative. She received a diploma in Screenwriting from Vancouver Film School and is pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Media and Communication Studies. Kiara values self-expression and authenticity.
