The official student newspaper of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1923.

The Spectator
The official student newspaper of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1923.

The Spectator
The official student newspaper of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1923.

The Spectator
Isabella Matczak

Isabella Matczak, News Editor

Isabella Matczak is a third-year English and journalism student and this is her fifth semester on The Spectator. She thoroughly enjoys any horror/vampire-related films, walks in the forest, cats, reading, thrifting, volleyball and playing the ukulele.

All content by Isabella Matczak
“Mya Cinnamo did a phenomenal hitting job,” Bailey Leeke said. “I was just really proud of her for stepping up in that role offensively … We were all just in such a good mood, and then seeing Mya just go out there and kill it was awesome."

UWEC volleyball sweeps UW-Platteville Pioneers

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
November 5, 2025
“Right now, the only thing everybody will talk about is AI,” Mounika Vanamala said. “Because all our lives or all our activities of the day are involved on the web … it is very important that we keep ourselves secure and the systems that we are using secure.” (Photo courtesy of Unsplash under Creative Commons license)

Mounika Vanamala to discuss AI-generated phishing attacks at Faculty Forum

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
October 29, 2025
“I do think it's important to emphasize or point out that even if the categories have different names, students are still going to get a robust foundation that's so important to a Blugold education,” Mary Hoffman said.

Board of Regents proposes general education requirements across Universities of Wisconsin

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
October 22, 2025
“No one's really keeping score,” Chris LeGrand said. “We just do it for fun. We always like to say the audience wins because they get a really great show.” (Photo used with permission from Andy Nagle, La Jolla Booking Agency)

Pablo Center to present ‘Beatles vs. Stones: A Musical Showdown’

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
October 21, 2025
“This is our responsibility,” Marra said. “If we don't do something about this, we're complicit in this issue. We're losing species. Future generations will not have the ability to enjoy birds just like we are enjoying birds."

Peter Marra presents ‘Understanding and Responding to Threats to North American Birds’ at UWEC

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
October 21, 2025
“We hope SWSE will inspire Indigenous peoples everywhere to seek out both their cultural stories and their connections to their peoples’ sacred places,” McInnes said. “This film was meant to be a love song of sorts for young Indigenous people to come home.” (Photo by Alejandro Miranda, Bravebird Productions)

UWEC to screen ‘Sacred Wisdom, Sacred Earth’ on Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
October 8, 2025
“(Leeke) is somebody who wears her heart on her sleeve,” Wudi said. “She’s authentic; you don’t usually have to guess what’s going on with her, and I think that’s really a positive thing.” (Photo use with permission from Lilly Steward)

Blugold volleyball player awarded WIAC Athlete of the Week

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
October 3, 2025
“This is a really unique grant because there aren't a lot of grants that are for the offices that support people in applying for external funding,” Benson said.

UWEC awarded $1.6 million grant from National Science Foundation

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
October 3, 2025
Blugolds Violette Culp running alongside opposing runners. (Photo used with permission from Dan Schwamberger)

Blugold cross country starts season off strong

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
September 25, 2025
UW-Eau Claire raised banners highlighting individuals of Latinx heritage such as Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, an American environmental activist and hip hop artist.

UWEC to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
September 24, 2025
“We've built up a place where they can continue on the work that we've been doing for the past however many years, and we feel confident in the fact that they're able to do it,” Consiglio said.

Farewell to UWEC student body president, vice president

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
May 8, 2025
“Short film is a medium that can express a lot and allows for a lot of creative freedom,” Zook said. “I think right now when we’re sort of bombarded by overproduced Hollywood movies, more and more artists are turning to film and doing really creative things within that genre.” (Graphic created by Anna Zook)

UWEC Short Film Festival: Take two

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
April 29, 2025
For her research, Muschinske said she used materials such as plat maps, surveyor notebooks, newspaper articles and essays from different historical archives and museums in the area.

Thursdays at the U presents ‘What’s in a Name?’

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
April 16, 2025
“(The event) just kind of reinforced for me to still be thinking about other people,” Selby said. “Learning how to be active in the community and making sure that people are getting what they need and what they deserve.” L-R: Ava Loehrke, Caidyn Schulz, Norah Selby, Alaina Rupple, Audrey Wood. (Photo by Jordyn Bowe)

UWEC students host Free Family Night at the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
April 16, 2025
“Honestly, anytime that I get to be with these girls is memorable,” Patterson said. “Since it's my senior year, I work hard to savor every moment and being on this team has been such a blessing.” (Photo used with permission from Nick Hoven)

Blugold softball splits a doubleheader with the Pointers

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
April 15, 2025
“I think all students should visit the bird museum because it just has such an incredible number of species in it, a lot of which you would never see otherwise,” Carlsten said. “Even if they just take a quick stroll through the museum, they will find a new favorite bird or get a laugh … There is something for everyone there.”

Relocation of James Newman Clark Bird Museum to come with challenges

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
April 8, 2025
The exhibit had a Hmong Alumni Spotlight section to tell the stories of some of the first Hmong students to attend UW-Eau Claire.

PHOTOS: UWEC celebrates 50 years of Hmong history in Eau Claire

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
April 8, 2025
“I think the stand-up came from the complete desire to live life and to just go see as much as I possibly can,” Kelly said.

Comedian Ryan Kelly performs live on campus

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
April 2, 2025
The street ambassadors wear bright yellow and blue gear to be easily identified while working in the downtown area. Back row L-R: Jeremy Hampton, Peyton Bunce. Front row L-R: Stephney Brick, Amy Sell.

New Street Ambassador program establishes in downtown Eau Claire

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
April 1, 2025
Police Blotter

Police Blotter

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
March 13, 2025
“Before this play, all the plays were this grand story of a hero saving the princess from the evil bad guy,” Tenson said. “It was this spectacle of theater, whereas this is a peek into someone’s real life.” (Photo by Tim Mather)

UWEC takes the stage with ‘A Doll’s House’

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
March 7, 2025
“Everybody likes the ghost story around the campfire,” Bertram said. “I think the closest we get to that on a regular or an easily achievable situation, to sit with strangers in the dark and hear weird stories, is to go to a cinema and to experience that.”

A Night of Horror Film Festival to haunt Micon Downtown Cinema

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
March 5, 2025
“The event fosters a sense of connection within our community, allowing people to support both the arts and animal welfare at the same time,” Weidman said. (Photo by Rebecca Styer, DCHS social media coordinator)

The HeART of Dunn County: fundraiser and art market

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
February 26, 2025
Lauren Meudt works to lose her defender with the help of a screen by Anna Koth.

Blugolds defeated by Warhawks in last regular season game

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
February 26, 2025
A few members from Blugold Radio attended the 2025 WBA Student Forum on Saturday, Feb. 22 at Lambeau Field.

Wisconsin Broadcasters Association recognizes UWEC students

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
February 18, 2025
“I don’t know when the first time we showed ‘Rocky Horror’ was, but it’s been decades,” Martin said. “I love so many parts and I’ve seen it so many times.”

Campus Film Series presents ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
February 12, 2025
“I think this change will give new experiences to students in the honors college … research and study abroad experiences that are funded in part from the Cosby donation,” Carney said. “My and Dr. Fielding’s hope is that more students will graduate with university honors.”

UWEC officially establishes Mark Stephen Cosby Honors College

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
February 11, 2025
“The alumni awards are an elite group of individuals that have graduated from or have shown great love for the university,” Larson said. “There are less than 550 recipients from over 100,000 graduates to date.”

UWEC Alumni Association awards seven individuals

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
December 12, 2024
This is me in a nutshell (literally). I proudly wore my cat sweater to Mr. Kitty’s Cat Cafe.

Tastemakers

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
November 26, 2024
“Without this support, we would be unable to provide the services and programming that we do,” Colleen Marchwick said.

Finance Commission discusses organized activities allocation

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
November 20, 2024
“The biggest thing that college volleyball has taught me here is my mental game,” Stanwood said. “I’ve learned how to become a positive, calm leader and do what I need to for my team.”

Blugold volleyball player awarded WIAC Athlete of the Week

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
November 19, 2024
“My love of music and interest in music production led me to jamming with my friends,” Doyle said. “Hanging out and playing music made me want to make our band into a real thing.” (Photo by Brandon Wiley)

From behind-the-scenes to center stage: Gaff Mountain to perform at The Cabin

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
November 14, 2024
Nearly 4,000 students have taken part in the BMB under Dickerson’s direction. (Photo from UW-Eau Claire website)

Farewell to Blugold Marching Band director Randal Dickerson

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
November 14, 2024
Police Blotter

Police Blotter

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
October 30, 2024
“Granny’s Garden,” by Lee Leuning and Sherri Treeby is a permanent sculpture in Eau Claire. (Photo by Megan Zabel Holmes with permission by Visit Eau Claire)

Eau Claire Sculpture Tour calls to artists for next year’s additions

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
October 29, 2024
Admission for Sierra Link’s recital is free. Doors will open at 7:15 p.m. (Photo from Melanie Link)

From practice to performance: Student pianist Sierra Link to take the stage

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
October 29, 2024
Special Collections & Archives is located on the fifth floor of the library.

McIntyre Library named Wisconsin Library of the Year

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
October 17, 2024
“When college students come out to be entertained, they are also doing good in our community,” Thesing-Ritter said.

Field of Screams: Halloween fundraising events

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
October 10, 2024
According to former English student Kitty Stewart, the landscaping on the west side of Davies Center had become overrun with invasive plants and was in need of restoration.

Bineshiinh Ogitigaan: The Bird’s Garden

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
October 10, 2024
Easter goodies are displayed on the table with pride.

Nostalgialistic

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
October 2, 2024
Fourth-year midfield and forward player Elise Pinewski competing at a previous game.

The Storm defeat the Blugolds in women’s soccer game

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
September 24, 2024
Photo by iStock.

National Constitution Week

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
September 24, 2024
The documentary showing at the Pablo Center is free and open to the public.

Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
September 18, 2024
Samantha Fuchs sets up for a forehand hit.

Warhawks defeat Blugolds in women’s tennis match

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
September 18, 2024
The display is free and open to the public from April 26 to May 12.

Turning the Page

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
May 8, 2024
Appointments usually last about 20-60 minutes. Nurses help to assess the person’s foot and nail health, focusing on areas that need to be cared for. (Photo used with permission from Avery Shanahan)

Continuing Education holds foot and nail care clinic

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
April 24, 2024
Fifth-year Sydney Presler competing at a previous match. Photo by Spencer Flaten from UWEC Sports Information used with permission.

Women’s tennis has a double victory against Wheaton and Carthage College

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
April 24, 2024
CERCA is from April 22-26 in multiple buildings on campus. Access the schedule and locations on their website.

CERCA taking place on campus

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
April 23, 2024
The building at 329 Water St. that formerly housed Burrachos and Fast Fuel is now the new home of California Tacos

California Tacos moves down Water Street

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
April 3, 2024
Activities included bracelet making, nail painting, coloring, games and watching a movie. Snacks and mocktails were provided as well

QTPOC holds Sisterhood Soiree

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
March 12, 2024
“This event provides an opportunity to showcase our campus and the opportunities available for students interested in studying history,” Mann said.

Northwestern Wisconsin Regional National History Day competition taking place on campus

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
March 12, 2024
Police Blotter

Police Blotter

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
March 6, 2024
The sun seemed to shine a little brighter whenever I was there; colors looked more vibrant, the birds sang more cheerfully and even bees didn’t feel like a threat.

Nostalgialistic

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
February 25, 2024
Dave Minor, Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, and Jennifer McHugh as she accepts her award. (Photo used with permission from the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce)

Jennifer McHugh named Volunteer of the Year

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
February 24, 2024
This public event welcomed all ages to come appreciate the art and encouraged people to add to the collection while they visited.

Art for Racial Justice

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
February 14, 2024
Comedy and tragedy, poetry and passion, all fused into one masterpiece. (Photo by Buena Vista Pictures)

Cinephiles: ‘Dead Poets Society’

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
February 12, 2024
Police Blotter

Police Blotter

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
December 13, 2023
The Native Pride Dancers began their performance as a trio.

Native Pride Dancers perform at UWEC for Native American Heritage Month

Story by Isabella Matczak, News Editor
December 12, 2023
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