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By: DVG At Simpson University we have new staff working in the music Department, bringing new exciting possibilities for the students and other audiences. Michal Yelverton is the newly selected Director of bands which includes marching band, jazz band, and concert band director here at Simpson University. During my interview with Yelverton, he expressed his thoughts regarding the school and the community saying, “It has been very everybody is very nice, I'm so I'm excited about everything that's going on, and I look forward to the things that come as we start our process, to the new marching band for our school.” Yelverton said. Matthew Bergeron, a senior commercial music major student, offered a few comments about Yelverton. “He knows how to play a ton of instruments, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass, just a heck ton of instruments. Amazing personality, always positive. I've never seen him without a smile. I just know he has a lot of hopes for the future of the music department.” Bergeron said. Yelverton shared great enthusiasm towards the direction the school is dead with the band program. Yelverton is really looking forward to seeing all sorts of students join. He had some comments regarding some of the freshman and other people he encountered. “A lot of hidden talent that I'm finding out as well. Also, for next year's marching band, we have scholarship money.” Yelverton said. He looks forward to seeing a lot of students join the band and share that there are no limits on who can join. He also shared that there are scholarship opportunities coming up next year and greatly encourages students apply to the band program. “You can get a horn for under $150, to get them for $99 or $75 brand spanking. New brand new, beginning horn, I'm especially the trombones and trumpets.” Yelverton wanted students to know that all it takes is the will to join to participate in the band. There are only 30 slots, and they appear to be filling up quickly. “It's not just the marching band students or do you got on if you are a engineer major, come play a horn. If you are a business, that's wonderful.”

By: Jonah Alvarez At Simpson University, the cafeteria is more than just a place to grab a meal. Students Coleton Hansen and Dylan Harms both eat at the cafeteria around twice a day, sometimes three, and while they both had positive things to say, the Caf’s hours remain an important issue. “Sometimes we get out of practice, like 7 p.m., 8 p.m.,” Hansen said. Hansen believes an 8:30 p.m. closing time would give athletes more time to eat after practice. Harms, a second-year student at Simpson University, said he has already seen improvements in the cafeteria’s hours. Last semester, the cafeteria closed at 6:30 p.m., leaving many athletes searching for food off campus. “We would never get dinner and we’d have to go to like Chipotle or something,” Harms said. This year, weekday dinner has been extended until 7:30 p.m. Cafeteria Director Terry Braun said the change was made in part to accommodate athletics and limited practice space on campus. “When football came on board, we bumped fall hours to 7:30,” Braun said. The cafeteria also remains open between most weekday meal periods, allowing students to grab cereal, salad, or make a sandwich. Harms said this helps students whose class prevents them from eating during regular mealtimes, although he would still like breakfast to remain open later. Beyond the hours, variety was one of the cafeteria’s most praised qualities. “They’ll bring in good curry, they’ll bring in some Spanish food, Mexican food,” Harms said, “I think the diversity is really good.” Hansen also praised the freshness of the food compared to his previous school. “It’s cooked right then and there,” Hansen said, “I think the food is fresher here.” Harms said the quality can occasionally be inconsistent, mentioning undercooked rice as one example, but added that student sometimes criticize the cafeteria too much when the food is not “top tier.” Braun said the cafeteria, “follows a four-week rotating cycle,” and uses SAGE-approved recipes. He also identified, “variety,” as one of the cafeteria’s strengths. The cafeteria provides the “FreeStyle” station as another option for those with allergies or dietary restrictions. Braun said the station avoids major allergens, while there are also labels on the menu that identify if a certain ingredient are in the food. Student feedback also plays a role in the cafeteria’s decisions. Students can use the SAGE app, as well as scanning the QR code on the napkin bin to view the menus and give feedback. “We can’t please everybody,” Braun said, “but the more we can make sure are happier, it’s a better year for everybody.” One concern Hansen raised was the congested serving lines, especially during busy meal times. Braun explained that rushes are difficult to avoid when large groups of students leave class at once, particularly on chapel days, but staff have opened additional food stations to help reduce congestion. Braun plans to make the cafeteria experience more engaging through monthly special events. Some upcoming events are Octoberfest and pumpkin carving contests, Friendsgiving, and a late night meal during dead week before finals week. Despite areas for improvement, both students recognized positives in their daily cafeteria experience. Hansen especially praised the kind staff who greets him everyday. “They’re all very, very nice,” Hansen said. As the cafeteria continues to improve, student feedback will remain important in making it a better experience for everyone at Simpson University.

By: Mackenzie Tataryn On Sept. 25, students gathered for Simpson University’s annual Davenport Derby, a campus tradition where residence halls team up to decorate couches on wheels and race them to the finish line. This year, the third floors of Thompson and Irwin celebrated the victory. The floors were led by their resident assistants, Keegan Perches and Angela Junokas. Together, the two floors prepared their couch to resemble a nest incorporating their building’s floor theme, “The Nest”. The design was intended to create a home for the university’s mascot, Reggie the Red Hawk. The team spent a week preparing for the race, working on the couch’s design, and taking team shopping trips to gather supplies. One of the team’s biggest advantages was its couch because it was so small and lightweight. However, the team faced a major setback when a handlebar fell off after the first race. “We had to secure it back before our second race and couldn’t find the right drill bit to use for the screws,” Junokas said, “But we got it back on eventually, and everything was good from there!” Despite the last-minute setback, the team secured the handlebar and finished the race. Junokas said she was surprised and excited when the team won, especially because she had mainly focused on making sure the couch simply stayed together throughout the race. “I was super shocked and excited when we won, I was so focused on making sure that the wheels would stay on, so actually winning didn’t really cross my mind,” Junokas said. Perches, on the other hand, predicted the team’s victory earlier that day. He shared his prediction during a text interview. “I couldn’t believe it when we won because I remember telling Noah Bryerton earlier in the day that we were going to take it all, and it really happened,” Perches said. Beyond the win, both RAs said the derby was a great opportunity to connect with fellow students and build community. Junokas encouraged students interested in participating next year to help wherever they can and enjoy the experience. “Just get as involved as you can, see where you can help out, and come for the vibes,” Junokas said. Perches also encouraged students to take part by highlighting the memories created during and leading up to the event. “I really think they should because you make amazing memories,” Perches said. For the third floors of Thompson and Irwin, this year’s Davenport Derby was a memorable experience. It was a chance to work together, represent their floor and ultimately celebrate a victory.

By: Spencer McDermott Simpson football battled Valley City State in a high scoring Frontier conference showdown on September 26. After an abrupt stop on the first offensive series of the game, the Red Hawks were pretty much unstoppable throughout. Things got going with a 55-yard touchdown pass from Ya’J Vance to Ivan Huerta. Unfortunately, Valley City’s offense answered immediately after.  Both offenses continued to dominate as the score sat at 24-21 Valley City ahead with 51 seconds remaining in the first half. The Red Hawks took the ball 90 yards in 6 plays capped off by a trick play 1 yard pass to King Wade making the score 28-21 going into the half.  The elite offensive play on both sides continued through the second half, eventually leading to a tight game in the late 4th quarter. Valley City had a 10 play 75-yard drive that amassed 5 minutes and 33 seconds, leaving the score at 45-44 Valley City. With 2:59 left, the Red Hawks offense was faced with a huge drive ahead of them. They drove right down the field. On a pass play, Ya’J Vance took off for a 16-yard touchdown run. The offense then went for 2 and failed to score, making the score sit at 50-45.  After the score, Velly City State got the ball back with 33 seconds remaining. They threw up a pass and when it mattered most, the Red Hawk defense came through. Defensive back William Weathington jumped the route and intercepted Brayden Medeiros' pass. The stadium lost its mind, and the Red Hawks ran the clock out securing the win.  Running back, D’ante Benjamin had a monster performance with 17 carries for 198 yards and 3 touchdowns. “When our offense gets settled in and comfortable we can't be stopped. In the running back room, we all love and uplift each other regardless of who's in,” Benjamin said. “To keep the running game rolling we just have to be consistent everyday with our attention to detail and our work ethic. Having the drive to be the best rushing offense in the nation,” Benjamin said. After this game, the Red Hawks had a tough road game where they traveled to College of Idaho, who is currently ranked #1 in the nation. They lost 56-14, but one thing about the ball club is how they respond to adversity. They followed things up the next week with a thrilling 36–35 walk off win against rivals Southern Oregon. The Red Hawks now sit 3-3 with playoff hopes alive. #11 ranked Carroll College rolls into town for a markee homecoming game this Saturday.

By Jonah Alvarez Being a collegiate athlete is already a busy lifestyle, and adding faith and academics into the mix creates a greater challenge balancing multiple responsibilities. College athletes spend hours practicing, lifting weights, traveling, watching film, and competing while also having to keep up with classes and schoolwork. For Christian athletes, there is another important part of life they are trying to prioritize- their relationship with God. Three Simpson University athletes, Michael Wood, Malachi Fuller, and Moriah Bowles, all have different stories, but they all share one thing in common- their faith in Jesus Christ. Faith comes first for Michael Wood. Michael Wood is a basketball player at Simpson University who came to Simpson after playing at a junior college. Simpson was an easy choice. “Definitely my faith. That’s an easy question to answer,” said Wood when asked what brought him to Simpson. When deciding where he wanted to continue his basketball career, Wood has interests from other schools even at the Division II level, but Simpson offered something more important to him- faith. Wood studies business with an emphasis in data science and AI while also balancing basketball, and multiple jobs on campus. With such a busy schedule, Wood believes priorities are important. “Number one is my faith, of course,” Wood said, “Just everything that I do has to be wrapped around my faith.” Wood starts his mornings getting into the Word. School is second, and basketball is third. Game day: Wood starts his game day mornings out in the Word, gets shots up, goes to his classes, tries to not work those days, watches extra film, and prepares mentally for the game. Wood’s identity is outside of basketball. For Wood, basketball is something he takes very serious but does not let it define who he is. “I can fully say that my identity is in Jesus Christ,” said Wood. An injury led Malachi Fuller to Simpson Fuller’s journey to Simpson looked a little different. From starting his collegiate baseball career in Oklahoma, to Sacramento, Fuller is now in Redding, Calif. at Simpson University. Fuller is a baseball player who first learned about Simpson after playing against them in 2024. A year later, he broke his hand while playing baseball and was unsure if he was going to continue playing after that. Must fight through adversity. Fuller began questioning whether baseball was still part of God’s plan for his life. “I was praying, just asking God, like, is this His plan that He has for me?” said Fuller. Eventually a door opened at Simpson. “I really think God just answered prayers,” said Fuller Currently studying history and plans to become a high school history teacher, Fuller is also an RA and involved in student life on campus. Like Wood, Fuller puts his faith first. “I don’t think there would be any point in playing baseball or any sport without God,” Fuller said, the reason I’m playing is to glorify Him.” ‘They are more than just teammates.” "Being on a team with 68 other guys,” Fuller sees it as an opportunity to share his faith. He believes one of the best ways to share his faith is by leading by example and having “accountability without judgement.” Game day for Fuller: 8am to 6pm Long days mean missing class, and less alone time with God, especially with the double headers at the NAIA level. “There’s so many opportunities for us to pray and spend time with the Lord,” said Fuller, “it’s just, do we choose to, and do we think about it?” Basketball is not Moriah Bowles’ Identity. Moriah Bowles is a women’s basketball player at Simpson who also transferred from junior college. From JUCO to Simpson. Bowles had a connection through her junior college coach who knew the Simpson basketball coach, Anthony Taylor. Recruitment conversations were not centered around basketball. “We talked about faith a lot on my phone call. We barely talked about basketball,” Bowles said. Bowles studies biblical studies at Simpson, which allows her academics and faith to always connect. Although basketball is very important to Bowles, she has learned that her performance on the court does not determine who she is. “My identity is not in basketball,” Bowles said. That perspective comes from her experiences much deeper than a basketball game- Bowles lost her mother at 3 years old and has seen grief throughout her life with her family. “My faith doesn’t move anymore,” Bowles said. Because of what she has experienced, a bad basketball game does not shake her faith. Bowles believes loving people is one of the biggest ways she connects with God, so showing her teammates her faith is how she shows love to her teammates. Even on game days, Bowles reminds herself that basketball is only one part of her life. “it’s just another day,” said Bowles, “I happen to get to play the sport that I love.” Sports is what might have brought these three to Simpson University, but their faith is what continues to guide them throughout life.

By: Mackenzie Tataryn It is only the fourth week of the school year, but some seniors are already feeling the effects of senioritis. Senioritis often sets in during the final months of high school or college, when graduation is close enough to feel real and motivation begins to decline. But for some Simpson University seniors, the feeling is approaching much earlier. “I’m just feeling less motivation," senior Bella Balsano said. “Normally every fall semester I come back from summer rejuvenated, ready to go, super excited to get my work done and get ahead and I just am not feeling that this semester.” For Balsano, the shift has been noticeable. She described senioritis as a combination of decreased motivation and procrastination, feelings she has already begun experiencing during the first month of her senior year. Malachi Fuller, another senior, expressed similar feelings. “Yes, I am feeling senioritis,” Fuller said. “Just classes especially, I feel like I don’t want to do any work.” While lack of motivation can be part of senioritis, Fuller believes other factors are contributing too. He said arriving early for student leadership training meant spending a few weeks without any schoolwork, allowing him to fall into a more relaxed routine. Despite senioritis already kicking in, both seniors are still looking forward to making the most of their last year at Simpson. Balsano said she is most excited about making memories, attending events, and going on trips with friends. Fuller is looking forward to his final season of baseball, as well as getting married. Although the end is near for the Class of 2027, both seniors are excited to make the most of what they have left.

By Shelby Arellano As the Simpson student population reaches record highs, available spaces to park have not only become harder to come by, but also a daily gamble. For many, the commute to campus has transformed from a routine drive to a high-stakes scavenger hunt. Enrollment numbers for Simpson University are at an all-time high, creating a daily struggle for both commuters and residential students to find a place to park. What was once a minor inconvenience has become an ultimatum for many students– they either show up an hour early or risk being late to class. Arianna Hanners, a sophomore who was a residential student last year and a commuter this year, speaks on how the parking situation differs from her experience last year. “Parking was hard enough last year. I would have to park in the gym lot because there was never enough room in residential. Now that I commute, I have to show up around 30 minutes early to class to make sure I find a spot,” Hanners said. Brent Thompson, the Chief Operating Officer (C.O.O.) at Simpson University. Thompson was interviewed via email. “Simpson University has 1,185 students’ university-wide this fall, including 840 traditional undergraduate students, the largest traditional undergraduate enrollment in the university’s 106-year history,” Brent Thompson states referencing the total number of spots. “College parking demand is generally evaluated based on actual peak usage rather than total enrollment. Not every student is on campus at the same time; not every student drives, and residential students use parking differently from commuters,” Thompson replies when asking for the stats. “For that reason, simply comparing total university enrollment with the number of parking spaces does not provide an accurate picture of parking demand,” Thompson replies. “Simpson University currently has 811 parking spaces across campus. Those include 285 residential parking spaces, 186 spaces in the gym lot, 167 spaces in the North Lot, 109 street parking spaces, and 64 spaces in the Phoenix Charter area. Parking demand varies by location and time of day,” Thompson goes on to mention. “At certain times, demand can be concentrated around particular buildings while spaces remain available elsewhere on campus. Part of our ongoing review is looking at how parking is distributed and making sure we are using our total parking capacity as effectively as possible,” Thompson went on to mention. The administration looks out for peak usage patterns. They also look out for distribution strategies- the theoretical availability for spaces offer little comfort when students are already running behind schedule. Many students wonder what some solutions were in regard to the parking situation. 70 new parking spots are one of the new additions to parking this year. “We resurfaced the gym parking lot over the summer as part of our ongoing work to maintain and improve campus parking facilities. We also added more than 70 parking spaces across campus this summer, so we entered the academic year with meaningfully more parking capacity than we had last year. “Thompson states. Thompson continues to inform us of the thought process that goes into evaluating further parking discussions. “We’re continuing to review parking patterns and practical improvements such as signage, space designations, enforcement, and additional or reconfigured spaces where appropriate. We want to evaluate parking over a representative period and make decisions based on actual usage patterns,” Thompson said. The disconnect between administrative data and the daily struggle to find parking leads to Thompson answering what the plan is moving forward. “Our focus is on whether that capacity meets actual parking demand, particularly during the busiest periods of the day, rather than simply comparing the number of spaces with total university enrollment,” Thompson continued. This data could impact future decisions about parking infrastructure. “We’ll continue monitoring how our parking areas are being used, where demand is highest, and where capacity remains available. If that data shows additional capacity is needed, we can evaluate where and how additional parking would make the most sense,” Thompson concludes. Ultimately, the finding suggests that a responsive strategy must be employed in order to optimize parking to the best of its abilities, whether that is now or based on real time usage or needs.

By: Spencer McDermott The Simpson Football team traveled down to Southern California to take on Whittier College in a week 2 matchup. The Red Hawks won the coin toss. They took the ball down 85-yards on the opening drive, capped off by a 3-yard rushing touchdown from D’ante Benjamin. The Whittier Poets then struggled to do much of anything in the first half on offense. With strong defensive performances by Charlie Walden, Caleb Utter, Kenyon Hawkins, Emre Norcross, and Mike MacNeill, the Red Hawks were able to get right back to work on offense. On the final drive before the half-ended quarterback Ya’J Vance threw up a 27-yard pass that freshman receiver Ivan Huerta caught with one hand leaping into the air. The play left the stadium in shock as the Red Hawks confidently went into the locker room up 28-7. As the second half began, running back Eli Cortinas took a handoff 70 yards to the endzone on the first offensive snap. From there, the game got out of hand as the Red Hawks rushed for 342 yards on the ground. This helped the team get a huge 56-14 blowout win. Interviewing quarterback Ya’J Vance, I asked him what he thought of the game and where he sees things headed for the team. “We are a good team, but we can be better on all cylinders. There is so much to learn from that game, and we need to play to our level and not theirs.” “As an offense we need to fall in love with the process and hard work and not focus on the successful result we had. We build by knowing that it wasn't good enough, we can always be better even when we are at our best,” Vance said. With leaders like that it is tough to not get excited about where this football program is going. First year Head Coach Trevor Utter has things headed in a great direction.

By: Guinaiya Ayuyu Garcia Simpson University softball is bringing a new group of players to the team this season as the program welcomes nine transfers and five freshmen. For head coach Wayne Stower, this is the largest transfer class he has recruited during his time with the program. With so many new players joining the roster, the team will have a mix of experience and new energy heading into the upcoming season. Stower said one thing that stood out to him about this recruiting class was the players’ ability and desire to be at Simpson. “Probably their athletic ability to play the game and just desire to be here,” Stower said. The nine transfers bring experience from playing at the collegiate level already. At the same time, the five freshmen bring new athletic ability and the opportunity to grow within the program. “I think the transfers bring more experience and are more mature. The freshmen bring that athletic ability and the eagerness to fill holes in the lineup,” Stower said. The combination of transfers and freshmen gives Simpson a deeper roster going into the season. “I think the number of kids and the depth that we have makes me excited,” Stower said, “It gives us a lot of options for kids to play.” For the players coming into a new program, the transition can be a big change. Transfer player Megan O’Neal is one of the nine transfers joining Simpson softball this season. O’Neal said her decision to come to Simpson was mainly because of softball and the opportunity to play. “Well, it was all about softball,” O’Neal said. At her previous school, O’Neal said she did not get much playing time, which played a role in her decision to transfer. “At my last school, I didn’t get playing time, so here I’m hoping for something better,” O’Neal said. So far, O’Neal said her transition to Simpson has been positive. “It’s been good. I like the environment, and I like all the people here,” O’Neal said. O’Neal also noticed a difference in the size of the team. She said her previous team had around 25 players, while Simpson has more than 31 players on the roster this season. “It’s definitely been different,” O’Neal said. “My last school, I only had, like, 25 on my team, and this team is 31 plus.” Even with so many new players, O’Neal said the team has already started to build good chemistry. O’Neal said the team has quickly developed a positive environment as the players have gotten to know one another. “I think it’s really good, actually,” O’Neal said, “I haven’t had any issues with anyone. There’s no toxicity, which is really helpful.” Stower also believes the players joining the program want to compete and be a part of the team. With nine transfers and five freshmen, the Red Hawks have added a large group of new players who bring different experiences to the roster. For Simpson softball, the upcoming season will be a chance to see how the new players fit together. With a mix of new and returning players, Stower sees plenty of potential in this year’s team. As the season approaches, he is looking forward to seeing how the team comes together on the field. Junior Transfer Dallaney Unseth Pitching Shot By: Guinaiya Ayuyu Garcia

By Ryan Gavin While most students unwrapped gifts and celebrated the new year, many of Simpson’s basketball players were on the hardwood. Simpson university’s basketball teams, both men’s and the women’s, play full winter schedules. The men played a game just a week before Christmas, which left many scrambling to get home and spend time with their families. A game on December 29th meant the players were expected back on campus before most Simpson students. Photo: Simpson Athletics “It was kind of sad, especially since we had practice the very next day after Christmas,” Dylan Harms, a 6’5” guard from Sacramento, said of his time spent with family. “We had a game soon after (29th) and then we had one on New Year’s Day, so that was the main reason we had to come back,” Harms continued. An efficient 4-of-5 shooting night for Harms wasn’t enough, as Simpson lost the first game after the break 81-80 to Southern Oregon. However, they put it right with a 78-69 win over Pacific Union College on New Years Day, highlighted by a 24-point night from Harms. Winter break was hectic for 5’11” guard Jack Jillson, who’s flight back from San Diego experienced delays. “Coming back that day after Christmas, my flight got delayed over and over, so I actually showed up like 30 minutes late to practice,” Jillson said. Jillson has shared minutes on the floor with Juniors Preston Kilbert and Kellen Torrey, while averaging 10 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists per game. Of his time at home, he felt a sense of urgency. “I feel like I was trying to do things every single day, with no real time to chill,” Jillson said. “There was a bunch of stuff I had to check off with the holidays and everything,” Jillson continued. There were no signs of winter blues, however, as Jillson and his team improved a bleak 5-7 to 11-10 in the month following Christmas, aided by a 3-1 homestand. Simpson’s home form has been exceptional this season, with a record of 7-3. As the playoffs near, the Simpson University men’s basketball team looks to complete their first winning season since 2021-2022, and their first under coach David Cone. Photo: Simpson Athletics The girls team had a succesful winter as they improved to their best win percentage to date. Anna Marshall, Simpson’s leading scorer, had this to say of a short winter break. “It was nice going home, but I wish it was longer,” Marshall said, “I spent my time hanging out, and would go to high school practices just so I wouldn’t get out of shape,” She concluded. Simpson athletes show a strong commitment to their sport and school, and it shows. This week, Simpson’s men and women play for the CalPac title and a spot in the National Championship.

By Mackenzie Tataryn After a historic indoor season, Simpson University volleyball is transitioning to the sand courts. Photo by: Simpson Athletics The Lady Red Hawks closed the indoor Fall 2025 season with an overall record of 17-17, as the most successful women’s volleyball season in program history. Competing in the California Pacific Conference, they captured their first ever conference championship followed by their victory in the Continental Athletic Conference in Kansas. After their regular season, the girls traveled for their first ever NAIA National Tournament appearance where they faced the nation’s top ranked team, Eastern Oregon University, in the opening round. Although the season ended there, it was an unforgettable season for Simpson University. Now, many of the same athletes are continuing their season together, but in the sand. As the team transitions into their beach season, all but two players from the indoor roster return, allowing them to enter their season with strong chemistry. However, despite having some familiar faces, the beach season presents a new challenge: competing in the Cascade Collegiate Conference. The team began their season on Saturday, January 31, winning both duels against Sacramento City College and Lassen College. They will travel to Arizona next where they face Ottawa University, the defending NAIA Beach Volleyball National Champions from last year. This matchup looks familiar to the team as they face the no.1 ranked team in America yet again. Beyond their competitions, the future of beach volleyball at Simpson University might look different. Currently, the Red Hawks play at Caldwell Park, about 10-15 minutes off campus. However, conversations are ramping up about the possibility of building sand courts on campus. This development could drastically impact the program’s culture and recruitment. Student Body President, Sean Rodriguez, shared how this idea came to light. It began last semester when Trey Bumstead came into his office talking about Friday nights at Caldwell Park. Friday nights at Caldwell are notorious for bringing together a volleyball community. “Dude, why can’t we bring that here?” Bumstead wondered. After many conversations, the plan is to turn the fire pit which used to be a sand volleyball court, back into one. “Everyone could use it. Sand recovery is an idea, there are a bunch of different possibilities with it, not just beach volleyball,” Rodriguez said. This vision could mark a new chapter for Simpson athletics and strengthen the program’s long-term goals. Simpson Volleyball has a historic past and an exciting future.

By: Lana Lucin For Ines Moreno III, his passion started with singing, then dance, then beats, and finally lyrics. Photo Credit: Isa Heredia Moreno is a junior at Simpson University majoring in business marketing. Although his academic focus is in business, his true passion lies in music. Moreno aspires to become a music producer, inspired by his favorite producer, Pharrell Williams. Since he was 4 years old, Moreno knew he wanted to be an artist. It all started when he would watch American Idol and heard Adam Lambert sing. Lambert brought Moreno to music. After Lambert, Moreno was inspired by Michael Jackson’s dancing. Spending hours in his room watching videos and teaching himself the moves. Later, he found inspiration from the Black Eyed Peas, shifting his focus from lyrics to the beat and finding a love for beats. Finally, Tupac’s lyrics revealed to Moreno the emotional depth and storytelling power that comes from writing from the heart. “Music is something that can uplift a person’s spirit and can be a friend,” Moreno said. On Nov 1st, 2025, Moreno had his first concert, After Dark, presented by Jungala. This concert was a dream for Moreno that he did not think would happen anytime soon. Logan Haskell, his friend and visual director, ran the concert. “Ines is ambitious, always energetic, and on the road to greatness,” said Haskell. The concert unlocked a different side of Moreno that he did not think was possible at this point in his life. “The concert made me see a part of myself that was always there but I did not know,” said Moreno. As a business marketing major, Moreno hopes to one day own a business. He also plans to use his business degree in music. He feels that his degree may not right away help him with his music, but eventually will. Moreno’s ultimate dream regarding music would be to be a producer and songwriter, staying in California. One day he hopes to help artists in LA or the Bay Area. However, his ultimate dream would be to work with bigger artists like Kendrick Lamar or Pharrell Williams. Moreno offers two pieces of advice: “Understanding what you want and studying what you want to do as you're doing.” “If you have a passion for something, learn and do it you can’t just get caught up in the learning and not do it.” Find Moreno on: Youtube Instagram