THE INDEPENDENT

Hotels: the new Dorms?

Jimena Lopez

Back to school! While some Fort Lewis students were making sure they had their backpacks ready to go, others were making sure they had somewhere to sleep.

In August, some Fort Lewis students had to stay in a hotel, even though they were already registered for housing. Too many students were registered for housing, in comparison to the capacity of the buildings, according to the Fort Lewis housing department. 

“It is typical of every year for more people to request housing than is available,” Brett Polen, the associate director of residence life and residential education, said. Usually, there are enough cancellations by the time school starts, but this year's retention of students has been higher, he said. 

Back to school! While some Fort Lewis students were making sure they had their backpacks ready to go, others were making sure they had somewhere to sleep. In August, some Fort Lewis students had to stay in a hotel, even though they were already registered for housing. Too many students were registered for housing, in comparison to the capacity of the buildings, according to the Fort Lewis...

59th Annual Hozhoni Days Powwow

Written by Junior Parrish, Photographed by Donovan Riley and Junior Parrish

An event that brings joy and beauty, Hozhoni Ambassadors and First Attendant said.

Hozhoni is a DinĂ© word from the Navajo language which directly translates to beauty, balance and harmony, Selena Gonzales, 2024-25 Hozhoni Ambassador and First Attendant, said.  Stories from dancers and drummers highlight the community at the 59th annual Hozhoni Days Powwow, held in the Whalen Gymnasium on March 28-29.  “I’ve been to a lot of good powwows...

Testing Tampons for Women's Health

Written by Manhattan Adams, Photos by Manhattan Adams and Donovon Riley

Fort Lewis College chemistry researchers investigate heavy metals in tampons.

In 2024, Berkeley published a first of its kind study quantifying heavy metals in tampons. Researchers at Fort Lewis College quickly took action. “I was actually just scrolling and it came up on my news – this article that Berkeley had looked for the first time to see what metal contaminants there were in tampons,” said Dr. Callie Cole of the FLC Chemistry Department....

2025 Hawk Tank Gala

Written by AJ Repinski

Students from the southwest celebrate the end of the business competition. 

On Saturday night, rain poured down on Durango, and students, faculty and community members gathered to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hawk Tank competition.  At the annual Hawk Tank Gala, the competition’s winners were announced, and several thousand dollars were awarded to some of those who pitched business plans. However, the event was also a success for many others, as...

Students Test the Waters

Nels Christensen

Students take leaps for public health.

Starting in 2019, Fort Lewis College has been one of several universities awarded funds through the Environmental Protection Agency’s People, Prosperity and Planet (P3) grant program.  This grant is provided to support student-led research towards developments in technology to combat issues of public health and environmental challenges, according to the EPA’s...

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