Bethel College Collegian, April 2022, Vol. 110, Issue 12

THE

COLLEGIAN Friday, April 29, 2022 | Volume 110, Issue 12 | North Newton, KS

A Mudslam team, complete with goggles, slides into the muddy mess of the volleyball court in one of the many matches on April 24. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel

2

BBQ club active in community service

4

Editorial: Science majors deserve a B.S.

8

10

BCMC works to welcome students be involved

Senior athletes reflect on fouryear careers

12

Choir preps for finals series of performances

2 NEWS

Barbecue Club prepares homeless shelter meals BETHANY POWLS Editor-in-Chief

For those who were out and about the Green on Sunday, April 10, a couple of people at a time were out managing a smoker throughout the day. The newly created Bethel Barbecue Club recently partnered with the Community for Justice and Peace (CJP) to put together a meal for the homeless shelter.

“This project got started when CJP reached out to us asking if we would be willing to make the food for the homeless shelter if we were provided the funds to cover the cost of food. After agreeing that CJP would cover the cost of the food itself, we agreed to do all of the cooking of both the meat and the sides. As far as getting contacted by the homeless shelter I believe that was all done entirely through CJP,” club organizer Sebastian Formento, junior from Texas, said.

The process of cooking the meat itself is extensive and required a trial before the actual event, so that the team would be as prepared as possible for the real deal.

“We have an amazing group of people that are a part of the Bethel Barbecue Club and we actually got started with prepping this event on Saturday night in order to prepare the food before we would cook it on Sunday. After doing so we were able to get the cooking started around 7:00 a.m. Sunday morning... This looked like getting the smoker fired up and keeping a close eye on both the temperature of the smoker as well as the internal temperature

of the meat itself,” Formento said.

Both the temperature of the smoker and of the meat were key to the success of the project, as members of the club have learned through previous research and some experience.

“The most important step that we have throughout this whole process though is making sure that, once the meat has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit that we then take the meat off of the smoker and wrap it in aluminum foil and dowse it with our special blend of apple cider vinegar and water then get the meat back onto the smoker until it is finished cooking,” Formento said.

Those working with the meat spent about a day preparing and keeping track of temperatures; these hours were entirely voluntary.

“The cooking process took place over the span of around 13 hours beginning at 7:00 AM and finishing around 8:30 PM,” Formento said.

The meal itself was received well and both the Bethel Barbecue Club and CJF received positive feedback for their work.

“In my opinion, this project was a massive success! Not only were we able to give back to the community and provide some good food for the residents of the homeless shelter but we were also told that the food was thoroughly enjoyed by them as well! The process for this looked a lot like what you could experience in a family cookout!” Formento said.

For other questions about the Bethel

Barbecue Club, Formento has extended the invitation to reach out to himself, Sam Wilson, senior from Minneapolis, Minn., or to Isaiah Bartel, sophomore from

Andover. The group continues to invite new members to the organization to make events like this possible.

Isaiah Bartel, sophomore from Andover, and Sam Wilson, senior from Minneapolis, Minn., season a slab of meat to go in the smoker. Photo courtesy of Sebastian Formento

SGA met on Sunday, April 24 in the chapel. The Senate of the Student Government Association voted on the following: • Bill to Grant Samuel Wilson Funds from the ISR Account • Bill to Grant Jensen Roth Funds from the ISR Account • Bill to Grant Various Choir Students Funds from the ISR Account • Bill to Purchase a table for the Haury Balcony • Bill to Form Campus Mentorship Program • Bill to Form a Textbook Sharing IPAD Program • Bill to Approve Funding for the Payment of the Collegian Debt The next meeting will be the budget hearing held on Sunday, May 1.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns or ideas regarding anything you think SGA should address, please feel free to reach out to any SGA member or send comments to sga@bethelks.edu or through the website, bethelsga.wordpress.com

NEWS 3

Sundquist Estate donates $7.25 million to Pathways LOGAN DEMOND Staff Writer

On March 30, 2022, the college announced a $7.25 million gift from the estate of Dorotha and Grant Sundquist.

This was announced in a special press release given by President Jon Gering and hosted in the atrium of the Will Academic Center.

In its 135-year history, Bethel College has never seen a single gift this large.

According to the official press release, this gift “will go to Bethel’s endowment to be used for student scholarships.”

In his remarks to the public, President Gering deemed this a “transformative gift” that “will be used to provide direct financial support for career and vocational development of students in all academic majors through the Career Pathways program.”

Dorotha (Huebert) Sundquist was a 1957 graduate of Bethel College; now, her

legacy as a student is joined by her legacy as a supporter and her impact will live on for years to come.

“I want to tell students how Dorotha exemplified Bethel students,” said Megan Kershner, director of career and leadership development.

Kershner has been influential in the allocation of the donation.

“Her adventurous spirit and critical thinking skills served her well in several positions in life (teacher, lab technician, and business owner).

Sundquist scholarships will help provide job skills, ethics, and education for students’ future endeavors. Career Pathways is one way to serve students gaining skills and career experience,” said Kershner.

With the Career Pathways program in just its second year, this gift will affect students who join the program in the coming years as Bethel transitions to its highly contested work-college format.

Students will simultaneously attend

class and work campus jobs, which will ideally lead to jobs related to their desired field. During this experience, students will receive tuition money and small compensation for their work.

As the press release reads, “Dorotha Sundquist was ahead of her time in applying her knowledge, curiosity and interest in her life’s work.”

Her generous gift to the college will allow students the same opportunities to blaze trails in their respective fields of interest.

However, aside from those participating in the work college format, it is not obviously clear whether current students will immediately feel the benefits of this donation or if the general campus will have to wait a bit for the effect of this donation to take place.

While President Gering claimed that a “portion” of the gift would go towards Career Pathways, the full amount was put into the college endowment, and a portion

of its earnings will go towards funding student scholarships and the Career Pathways program.

Gregg Dick, endowment controller, spoke in layman’s terms and defined an endowment as “money given to the college that is invested to use its earnings,” which defines the college endowment fund as a whole.

These funds are spread among various scholarships, programs and departments.

President Gering’s live press conference to the campus was released March 30, 2022.

C. Henry Smith oration contest returns to in-person TRISTAN ENGLAND Staff Writer

A staple of Bethel College history is returning after a short hibernation from COVID-19, and is returning stronger than ever.

Since 1974, Bethel College has participated in nationwide contests focused on the talent and creativity of the students of Mennonite colleges.

The C. Henry Smith Peace Oratory contest returned to campus this year, inviting Bethel students to write their own orations about Christian peace positions.

While participation is not as widespread as it could be, the competition itself is new in its origin and is looking for more Bethel College student participants in the future, with hopes that it will become more of a well-known event.

They are then invited to compete with student from other Mennonite and Brethren in Christ colleges.

Contest winners receive a grand prize of $400, with the runner up receiving a $200 prize in the local division at Bethel.

Named after the late C. Henry Smith, a Mennonite historian and professor, the contest honors his special focus on the aspects of the peaceful Christian, and more specifically, Mennonite actions throughout history.

After a brief closing due to the rapid circumstances of the pandemic and an online contest in 2021 with pre-recorded videos, the contest is finally back to its live and in-person format.

To help gain publicity, the speaking competition was part of a Convocation presentation and was streamed on the college’s Youtube channel on April 18 of this year.

Similar to the recent forensics Convocation, this contest featured a preliminary round with three judges, then a final round with a different set of three judges, all chosen by the Kansas Institute

for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR).

Pieces were judged on a possible 100 point maximum scale based on the aspects of content, theme, delivery and other key techniques that contribute to a successful speaking experience.

This year, the event was coordinated

by Bethel College KIPCOR Director Eva Lapp, who has already begun focusing on making the contest a long lasting tradition at Bethel and one that students can look forward to participating.

“While this is my first time coordinating the contest at Bethel, I would really like to shift the contest in future years so that the final live round is an evening event held in Krehbiel Auditorium. I think that setting and time of day is more accessible for engaging the broader community,” said Lapp.

Lapp also hopes to include former Bethel winners by having alumnus participant as judges, which would

incorporate former Thresher competitors from the past 2-3 years.

“We’ve been delighted to have strong interest from those folks. It’s a neat approach for us because it’s not only reconnecting alumni with current Bethel events, but it also provides a nice full-circle experience for people who participated as students in the past!” Lapp said.

With the continuous watchful eye of Director Lapp and the constant support from the Bethel Community, it’s only a matter of time before the C. Henry Smith Oratory is back up to its pre-COVID strength.

4 EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL All science majors deserve a Bachelor of Science considering that the name of the major represents an entire field of science.

After talking with several others about this topic, I concluded that this classification is not common knowledge.

When chatting with biology majors, I also found that the reasoning behind this classification is not well understood.

I myself am a biochemistry major -which is offered as a Bachelor of Science, -- so, while this topic may not concern me, it does concern many of my peers.

Students studying biology typically have future plans of applying to and attending graduate school and/or med school, performing scientific research/ field work or working in the field of health.

Each of these, along with other careers related to a degree in biology, are more prominently involved with the sciences.

When applying to such a job or MIKI HARKINS school, a Bachelor of Arts degree may not Web/Social Media Editor look as appealing to the person receiving the application, as these applications are If one were asked to name the likely to be for a position that relies heavily majors offered under the classification on a knowledge of the sciences. of a Bachelor of Science at Bethel, a few I fear that classification this puts guesses might be chemistry, biology and biology and psychology majors at a maybe even psychology. disadvantage when it However those comes to their future. guesses would only The catalog, be 33% correct. which can be found Biology and on Thresher Connect, psychology are both “When applying to such a lists the following considered degrees job or school, a Bachelor majors as a Bachelor of that fall under a Arts degree: art, bible of Arts degree may not Bachelor of Arts. look as appealing to the and religion, biology, I was only communication arts, person receiving the recently made English, English aware that a biology application...” education, history, major at Bethel history and political is considered a science, mathematical Bachelor of Arts sciences, music, degree rather natural sciences and than a Bachelor of psychology. Majors to be taken with either Science degree. a B.S. degree or a B.A. degree include This comes as a surprise to me biochemistry and molecular biology,

business administration, elementary be recognized for their work in these education, health and physical education challenging courses by receiving a B.S. and social work. degree.

Many of these Converting biology to may seem out of a Bachelor of Science place, but when degree would likely researching the benefit all students reasoning behind studying biology. It the classification could give them better of these majors, chances when applying “Maybe it is time to I found that the for their dream jobs or catalog states, dream schools. reconsider this policy, “the B.A. degree The biology so that biology students is a broader, more requirements also may be recognized for general degree, appear to have a more the relevance of their while the B.S. specialized focus degrees reflect studies and have a better on the study of life, more specialization which qualifies it to be shot at success!” in the area of Bachelor of Science. concentration.”

To act upon this While these suggestion might be majors fit under challenging, but it is not this definition of impossible. a B.S. degree, I In order to change can’t help but feel this policy, a request like this is an odd must be approved by definition for “science.” the department, followed by the approval When comparing the class of the division and finally the approval of requirements for biology to those subjects the Educational Policies Committee. considered for a B.S. degree, I found that The final decision would be made by there are slightly fewer upper level courses faculty vote. Maybe it is time to reconsider required for biology. That is the only this policy, so that biology students may difference. be recognized for the relevance of their This difference boils down to only studies and have a better shot at success! two upper level classes when compared to the biochemistry and molecular biology major requirements.

Miki Harkins is a junior biochemistry major.

However, biology students (as She is also the Web/Social media Editor for the with any student) typically take other Bethel Collegian. recommended upper level science courses in addition to the ones that are required.

Biology majors are also required to take 45 credit hours, with 31 of them based in biology and 14 based in math and the physical sciences.

These science courses can be very demanding and I feel that students should

THRESHPECTIVE 5

THRESPECTIVES The Collegian impact on campus, students, community Content evolution drives journalism Student journalism, at its core, serves a purpose far heavier than what meets the eye. Information BRETT ESCH consumption is Staff Writer at an all-time high and the expectation for those who provide this information to the public have never been higher.

The Bethel Collegian is no exception to these standards – which is why I am ecstatic to get to work in succeeding Bethany as the paper’s Editor-in-Chief, starting next fall.

Since the time I joined the club as a staff writer in August, one word kept circling back into my mind each time I exited a weekly planning or critique meeting: potential. I was captured by the illustrations that ran through my head of what The Collegian could (and should) mean to the Bethel College community.

I recognized a hunger among the student body for up-to-the-minute news and a sense of belonging in the vast world of information and reporting.

And now, I feel honored to be given the opportunity to lead The Collegian into a new era – one where media isn’t limited to newspapers or social platforms, but is instead considered a web of communication vehicles that connect us to each other and to the world.

Spearheading this shift in philosophy will be a renewed focus on getting news into the hands of you, the students, quicker and more efficiently than The Collegian ever has in its history. With an emphasis on digital content at the forefront of my mission, we’ll aim to transition to a new type of media organization – while incorporating elements of the past – in

order to build strong relationships with each other and with the Bethel student body, administration and the larger Newton and greater Wichita community.

Needless to say, forging a new path for the club won’t be the easiest or smoothest process, but I couldn’t be more excited to take on the challenges that’ll present themselves alongside the excellent staff I’ll have the privilege of working closely with as we strive for a more involved and connected future of The Collegian.

But we can’t do it alone – after all, it’s you, the students, that we have a common interest in telling the stories of.

We want to hear from you, to listen to you and to hear your thoughts on what you would like The Collegian to mean to you. Without you, our work means nothing and that is, ironically, the finest privilege a journalist holds.

So what does student journalism stand for? It stands for truth. It stands for holding an institution accountable.

It stands for keeping the population that institution serves informed. It stands for telling the stories that make the Thresher experience what it is today. And most importantly, it stands for conversation, connection and community – the principles that will guide my leadership of The Collegian from now until it’s my turn to select my successor.

I can’t thank Bethany enough for allowing me to take the foundation she has built to the next level. Now it’s time to get to work, and I can’t wait to hear all of your stories.

Brett Esch is a sophomore communication arts major. He is also a staff writer for the Bethel Collegian.

Journalism connects people, fosters community When I first arrived at Bethel the singular word that I heard uttered most frequently was “community.”

BETHANY POWLS According to most Editor-in-Chief people, community is the tenet that holds the foundation of this college together, the glue. It is the buzz word used by administration and admissions to bring future students to this college.

It is the community that I believe makes on-campus newspapers particularly relevant to our society.

Fast paced news, breakneck in its introduction to the public, is popular because consumption is equally as rapid. However, in a burgeoning technological age that sometimes fails to connect people in meaningful ways, it is important to maintain an on-theground presence to both provide the nostalgia and informative aspect of community.

When I first joined The Collegian as a writer my first year, my initial assignment was to interview newly inaugurated President Goering. I was absolutely terrified. And yet, the experience in itself introduced me to one of our primary administrators and his lovely secretary, in addition to countless other professors and faculty members he recommended for other pieces of my article.

The research was extensive, but I emerged with new contacts and new faces on the sidewalk who still bid me an enthusiastic “good morning” four years later.

Since becoming the Editor-inChief of the newspaper, this has been

less the case. I have not had quite as many opportunities to engage with the broader campus in the way that my writers get to. It is, however, one of my favorite memories from my time at Bethel. When new writers come to me and tell me that they’re having a hard time working up the courage to interview others, this is the story I always tell them.

This is, truly, what I believe community is and what it can look like.

And it was created for me because of the newspaper. Aside from the good that comes from writing and producing articles that inform the student body — as well as the broader community — I am grateful for the growth I have seen within my team as they practice networking skills.

These skills will, undoubtedly, be incredibly influential in their future careers: practicing communication, building relationships and learning the ins and outs of a social environment in which news is disseminated on a regular basis.

The Collegian, then, is a reflection of decades of this community-building work on the account of both writers, editors and their readers. If you look back at dozens of older issues, worn and faded in their nostalgia, you see human interest. You will see the investigation and the intrigue of life on campus.

You will see writers connecting with students, faculty, staff and other linked persons. You will see community in action. This, I believe, is the value in campus newspapers.

Bethany Powls is a senior English and history major. She is also the Editor-in-Chief for the Bethel Collegian.

6 COMMUNITY

Word on the Street

Thresh-ious memories: What are your favorite moments of the 2021-2022 school year?

Trae Gehring

SENIOR “One of my favorite moments was my recital, seeing so many people come to support me and live music during COVID, and especially to hear how much people liked it. Another one would be my mod and our significant others going to Gala and the jazz concert together, then hanging out as one big group of friends and exchanging Christmas presents in the mod.”

Lia Groves

JUNIOR “One of my favorite moments of this year was when I watched the Twilight Saga for the first time. My mod couldn’t believe I hadn’t seen them before. We watched them all within two or three days.”

JUNIOR

Edel Miller

“Pranks this year have been one of my favorite memories. In the mods, 6C pranked our mod by putting a ‘garden’ on our balcony.

It was actually a lovely prank and I really enjoyed seeing it every time I walked out the door.”

Madison Terrell

FIRST YEAR

“One of my favorite memories from this year would have to be freshman orientation. I am not very good at being extremely social but I found it very easy to get along with my orientation group and it was a great way to get to know campus as well!”

Letters to the Editor: Responses to threshpectives on the work college model Megan Kershner, Director of Career & Leadership Development The Career Pathways program is more than just working a random on-campus or off-campus job for scholarship money, and let me explain as succinctly as I can.

For years, higher education has been under intense scrutiny (and rightfully so) because of dramatic rising costs and graduates not being adequately prepared for the workplace. Take the 2018 NACE Job Outlook Survey, for example. Nearly 90% of students surveyed rated themselves as proficient in professionalism and work ethic, while only 42% of employers said college graduates were proficient in the same category. That is a huge disconnect. The survey gap is even wider in other foundational skills like communication and leadership. The pandemic has likely aggravated the situation instead of improved it. Career Pathways is how Bethel will address this challenge. While some claim that a work experience is yet another “add-on” to their already busy lives, what is actually happening is a culture shift on campus. One that focuses on experiences and reflection. Imagine receiving a scholarship that is more than double your hourly wage for a job you are currently doing. Imagine having space and time to reflect on what you find important and meaningful with your work. All experiences tell us something about ourselves, no matter how basic those experiences may seem. Imagine being able to talk with peers and mentors about what you are learning in your coursework and how it relates to your experiences and your future goals. Imagine being in an interview with a potential employer and perfectly answering questions that start with, “Tell me about a time you…” Imagine feeling confident that you are ready for life after college. Career Pathways will do just that.

Heidi Hoskinson, Vice President for Enrollment Management In 2012, Harvard Business School professor, Clayton Christensen predicted 50% of colleges and universities would close over the next decade. Since 2017, 35 colleges like Bethel have closed. The latest casualty, Lincoln College, will graduate its final class May 13 - 157 years after being founded in honor of our 16th U.S. president. Why is this happening? Costs outpacing tuition revenue due to deep tuition discounting, lackluster career-readiness preparation of graduates, proliferation of non-traditional programming (think online, etc.), a global pandemic and the decline of 18-year-olds nationwide are contributing factors. Here’s another: the inability of small, private colleges to differentiate themselves among similar competitors. This is Bethel’s reality. Try differentiating us from the 10 other schools lining the I-135 corridor in Kansas. We say similar things about ourselves; offer comparable academic programs, tout individual attention, close-knit communities and outstanding athletics.

The Career Pathways program flips the script for Bethel. Done right, it makes us a destination - different, unique and offering a greater return on investment to students and their families. It’s bigger than getting a job. It’s about offering a distinctive college experience that only Bethel has the DNA to provide. It’s about leveraging our fundamental values of academic excellence, service, faith formation and career development in an intentional, integrated way – and the only way to access it will be as a Thresher. In his work college model editorial, Logan DeMond wrote, “Buckle up, admissions. You’re in for a hard sell.” Actually, we think it just got easier.

FEATURES 7

Preparing to part: Seniors detail post-college plans APRIL POWLS Staff Writer

The end of the year brings many feelings. For some, it’s a time of stress. For others, a time of relief. And still others, a time of joy. For many seniors graduating on May 15, 2022, the end of the year rolls all of these emotions into one as they prepare to leave Bethel College for the final time.

Some already know where they’re going and others are letting the road take them where it will.

One Bethel student graduating in the next month is Emma Beachy, senior from Kalona, Iowa. This fall, Beachy will be beginning a fully-funded PhD program in musicology at the University of Michigan.

Beachy recently presented her senior seminar entitled, “Mary Oyer: Social Consciousness and Mennonite Music.” In how to uphold Bethel’s legacy, Beachy gave some progress-minded encouragement to present and future students.

“As students, we get to choose the traditions and legacies we uphold. I think there are good things about Bethel College, but there are also extremely harmful ones, and I hope that current and future students are able to get what they need from this institution and improve it without feeling beholden to a specific vision or legacy,” Beachy said.

Aside from Beachy, many seniors have been accepted to graduate schools.

One such student is Thomas Kucera, senior from Wichita, who is majoring in history and political science. At Kansas University, he will be pursuing a degree in Law. For Nino Mangiapane, senior from North Rhine, Germany, this last semester has been spent taking classes and interning at Everence, just down the road. Like many seniors around this time, Mangiapane has been busy applying to jobs and looking for a place to live.

“There’s some uncertainty right now. I’m still eagerly awaiting an answer from anyone I’ve applied to. Right now, my focus is on graduating and finding a job. From there it goes to finding an apartment,” Mangiapane said.

After graduation, Mangiapane

hopes to get a job that will help people, using what he’s learned from his time at Everence and his education at Bethel College.

“I think what a lot of people in business don’t think about is how their operations affect other people. Everence has taught me that it’s also important to look at the individual. You have to look at each person to assess what the best solution for the problem is. Each situation desires a different vocabulary and a different character of you,” Mangiapane said.

Still other seniors will be engaging in service this summer and next semester, rather than entering the workforce immediately.

“I feel like participating in service gives me a chance to practice thinking outside of myself and caring for others in the world, which is something I have had less opportunity to do in school,” Bethany Powls, senior from Garnett, said.

While Powls is headed to Alaska this summer in a ministry-related service opportunity, Rachel Miller, senior from Freeman, S.D., will be headed to San Francisco in September of this fall through Mennonite Voluntary Service.

“I first thought about doing a year of service the year COVID hit, and was unfortunately unable to do so at that time. I had no idea what my plans after graduation would consist of, and so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to take a year off and try to serve again,” Miller said.

Since growing up in a Mennonite household, Miller always knew about this program and felt she would be a part of it some day. Like Mangiapane, she hopes to be able to use her education in this experience.

“I am planning on working at a prenatal homeless shelter which will be very different and intense for me, but will push me out of my comfort zone and allow me to practice my social work skills. I am hoping to build stronger relationships with others and myself this next year as well as see how Christ can continue shaping my life for the work of others,” Miller said.

Another such senior who will be graduating on May 15 is Presten Fry,

senior from Inman. Fry’s story is a little bit different from most seniors. He first attended Bethel College in 1984, but dropped out after a time.

“My story is a little bit weird. I was struggling with a lot of personal issues and I had depression. I didn’t end up finishing and I quit Bethel at that time.

Later I had an opportunity to start my education again,” Fry said.

Now, after thirty-eight years, Fry is graduating with a long-desired bachelor’s degree in music. This was made possible through countless hours of class attended on the weekends, while he worked as a special education paraprofessional in the Shawnee Mission school district, during the week.

To students of Bethel College, Fry has some encouragement and wisdom to share, that he gained through his

experiences, knowing that many Bethel students will understand his struggle.

“I think it’s important to be gentle with ourselves and what we want. I didn’t know that I wanted to be a teacher but I needed to take a few steps to get there,” Fry said.

There are many seniors graduating next month that weren’t covered in this article. They’ve put in countless hours of studying, procrastinating and crying into their education, and now their journeys are coming to an end. However, this is just the beginning for the lives ahead of them.

From The Collegian to our 2022 graduating seniors, we wish you the best and a fond farewell. Thank you for your contribution and your example. Congrats, grads!

Nino Mangiapane poses with his official desk as an intern at Everance, where he has spent much of his semester working in preparation for a career. Photo by Tim Barcus

THE BETHEL COLLEGE COLLEGIAN

8 FEATURES

Bethel College Mennonite Church works to welcome students JOSUÉ COY DICK

Staff Writer

Bethel College Mennonite Church (BCMC), located on the southeast end of the Bethel College campus, attended by many Bethel College alumni, hopes to increase interaction between the church and Bethel College students.

Pastor Nathan Koontz commented on his vision for the relationship between BCMC and Bethel College.

“Bethel College Mennonite Church hopes to become a partner with Bethel College in creating a safe, healthy and just community for all those who live in North Newton,” said Koontz.

This hasn’t always been easy, and building relationships between Bethel

College students, BCMC and the broader North Newton community can be difficult because of the differences in demographics.

“The city of North Newton has been designed primarily to benefit white middle and upper-class people who are middle-aged or older. As a long termstable institution in North Newton, our church hopes to be a bedrock connecting organization that can help to amplify voices and experiences that may not come from the white heteropatriarchy and then help to move those stories and experiences into policy and cultural change,” Koontz said.

If you have ideas to share or stories to tell as we seek a safe, healthy and just community for all, please contact Pastor

Juniors Bethany Regehr, from Whitewater, Allison Weaver, from Hesston, and Lindsey Pfannenstiel, from Hays, beam with their drinks. Photo courtesy of Michael Unruh

Nathan Koontz.

As a part of BCMC’s broader efforts to build a relationship with Bethel and Bethel students, BCMC holds a Church College Relations Team.

Darlene Dick is a long-time member of BCMC, and a member of the BCMC Church College Relations team.

According to Dick, the team has been around for 10-12 years and has about five members. Dick shared about the origins of the team: “The BCMC Church College Relations Team grew out of the concern that the church should reach out to students rather than expecting them to come to us,” said Dick.

The team has coordinated many events over the years.

Some of these activities include: an ice cream and dessert social (often in the fall), donuts during winter finals, providing food for the Bethel College Food Pantry, hosting college students at members’ homes and providing scholarship money to students from the congregation who attend Bethel College.

In COVID years, BCMC collected non-perishable items (ranging from hand sanitizer to snacks and drinks) and had tables for students to pick up any of these items they felt they could use.

Last spring, in April, the church hosted and coordinated a very successful event, a collaboration with Campus Pastor Michael Unruh and Dean of Students Sam Haynes, called “Piña Colada on the Green,” which included games, cookies,

Members of the men’s soccer team enjoy BCMC’s “Piña Colada on the Green” event last April.

Photo courtesy of Michael Unruh

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 pina colada drinks, prizes, live music and even a bonfire.

Dick articulated that COVID has, however, slowed things down a bit.

“Many of the activities we’ve used to do have kind of taken a back seat the last few years, but we hope to become a lot more active again and we may still have another activity in late April or early May,” said Dick.

Additionally, in association with the push for implementing a work college, BCMC employs students to sing in the choir, to work in the nursery and to teach Sunday school. BCMC has also offered an internship program that has paid $500 per semester.

The internship has concentrated on anything from art to faith formation to ecological concerns, usually under supervision and guidance of one of the pastors.

Natalie Graber, senior from Divide, Colo., has had an engaging and beneficial relationship with BCMC. “I have always been approached by members at BCMC asking me how school is going and making an effort to make me feel welcome. They are always happy to see college students attending their services,” said Graber.

From her experience at BCMC, Graber commented: “BCMC is a community that will challenge you to grow in your faith but offer a safe and supportive place to do so.

I hope that in the future more students engage in this vibrant community and all that it has to offer,” said Graber.

Eli Regier, sophomore from Newton, has also had positive experiences with the church.

“Last semester, when the Concert Choir recorded a CD, we sang in the BCMC sanctuary as a way to social distance during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I have fond memories of having the windows open, hearing the birds sing, and making music with my peers,” said Regier.

However, Regier also shared that he wishes there could be more involvement and opportunities with the congregation.

“I think it would be great if BCMC was more involved on campus. Currently, they don’t have a large presence and I don’t know any students who attend there regularly,” said Regier.

FEATURES 9 Regier’s hopes for the future include increased involvement from students, suggesting that responsibility may lie with both parties.

“Perhaps this is by fault of us students, but I feel like BCMC could be more welcoming by reaching out and inviting students to come on Sunday mornings,” said Regier.

Students are invited to attend services and bible studies hosted by BCMC, and may offer their suggestions for further events to Bethel’s Campus Ministries.

Friends enjoy good company and spring weather at “Piña Colada on the Green.” Photo courtesy of Michael Unruh

Student athletes spend quality time with their teammates during this COVID-era collaborative event . Photo courtesy of Michael Unruh

10 SPORTS

Senior athletes reflect on four-year careers

Phillips and his father are picture together at the football senior night, where he was honored as a four-year athlete. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel LAUREN MCCREARY Staff Writer

As this academic school year comes to a close, most senior students begin to reminisce their college journey.

Four-year career athletes at Bethel look back on why they came to Bethel to play their sport and what made it worth the stay.

Four-year athletes stay dedicated to their academics as well as their teams, which have become their family.

Playing at Bethel comes with

the responsibility of rebuilding athletic program, being on a history-making team and (for others) continuing a winning tradition.

“I wanted to be a part of Bethel football because the team and coaches sold me on the idea of a brotherhood and it was all 100% true,” Marvin Phillips, a senior from Houston, Texas said.

The community support is something else students value about playing sports at Bethel.

Team atmospheres and coaches alike keep athletes willing to

strive for the good of the team.

The people at Bethel are largely the reason that most athletes want to stay throughout their academic career. Four-year athletes stay dedicated, while making sure they give back to those who have been supportive of them.

“Even in the toughest of times, I felt like I couldn’t let my teammates down. I signed up to play collegiate volleyball, knowing it would be a hard commitment at times and I felt like I couldn’t quit on myself, my team, and my family/friends that were supporting me through it,” Mia Loganbill, senior from Hesston, said.

For a lot of four-year athletes, a winning tradition kept them competing. Bethel athletics is striving for a winning culture that follow the hard work of program athletes, and is a direct result of the time they put in. For seniors, their roles are often a little different as they are often looked up to for courage, guidance and leadership for their teams.

“Whether you love your coach or your teammates, stick around for them. Each year I had devoted my time to playing basketball and it was only right to stay all four years at a place where I felt like I had made a difference,” Alex Bearup, senior from Wichita, said.

Lessons and new

Kayla Newman, senior from Halstead, is pictured with her family at the basketball senior night, where she was honored as a four-year athlete.

Photo courtesy of Kayla Newman

perspectives come with the experience of playing a college sport. For some athletes, Bethel taught them how to behave in the adult world. They also learn how to be unselfish and to stick around for their team, even when it becomes difficult to do so.

Athletes make friends that last a lifetime, and understand the true meaning of what it means to be a part of a team.

“I have learned a lot on how to deal with adversity, stand up for my beliefs, and how to treat others and communicate with others. I have also learned how

to invest in my friendships and know my worth,” Loganbill said.

Advice from senior student athletes is simple.

“Enjoy every moment on your prospective field of play, give it every ounce of you, and remember your why,” Phillips said.

“Buy into your sport. At times it will be tough, but you signed up to be a collegiate athlete! Enjoy every minute with your teammates and play the game you love — it goes by too fast!” Loganbill said.

UPCOMING EVENTS TENNIS

APRIL. 29 TBA AWAY KCAC QUARTERFINALS APRIL 30 TBA AWAY KCAC FINALS

TRACK AND FIELD

APRIL 30 TBA AWAY SOUTHWESTERN RELAYS MAY 7 TBA AWAY KCAC CHAMPIONSHIPS

The intramural experience, student suggestions JENNA MAHONEY Staff Writer

With intramural dodgeball finishing up recently and intramural basketball currently happening, it’s time to get to know what else goes on with intramural sports and hear some students ideas for some possible new intramural sports to be implemented for next year.

If you’ve seen the emails about signing up for these intramural sports, a few of them requires there to be at least two women and two men on each team.

Teams can be made from students at Bethel, but if you were on the athletic roster for the specific sport being played, then you are ineligible to play it as an intramural.

The sports featured this year were ultimate frisbee, soccer, dodgeball and basketball, with basketball going on now. Many students want to see more sports added.

“One sport I would love to see added for intramural sports next year would be tennis. My reasoning behind it would be that everyone could get a team of six and you play duels against other teams of six, three doubles matches and six singles matches, like college tennis duals.

Obviously there isn’t a lot of time in the year to not have tennis practice on the courts on campus and do this instead, but it would be a pretty good idea. Tennis intramural would be really fun,” Jordan Twenter, first-year from Independence, Mo., said.

One of the struggles with intramural sports is finding times to play when the preferred spaces are available and not being used by in-season athletic teams.

Two soccer games went on at a time on the football field and two dodgeball games went on at the same time in the gym.

Ultimate frisbee was hosted at the football field as well.

These were often at odd times, however, as the spaces are usually being used. Sometimes, games would be on Thursday and Sunday nights, with games starting at around 8 p.m. and lined up all the way until 10 p.m.

Having games at these times often conflicted with other campus wide activities, as well as athletic practices, club meetings and homework time for students.

Many people also come to the games during these times to support their friends and watch some very competitive matches.

For basketball specifically, teams can have a maximum of ten people and the divisions will be split up between men and women teams. This year, there were not enough women’s teams signed up, so there is just a men’s division currently. The games are played Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Gabe Johnson, head men’s and women’s tennis coach, is in charge of all intramural sports this year.

If you have any questions about intramural basketball or ideas for intramural sports, contact him at gjohnson@ bethelks.edu.

Every year, the Student Activities Council provides the college with a fun team sport, but with an exciting twist: mud volleyball, or better known as Mudslam!

Mudslam is an annual Bethel College tradition in which students can form teams of up to eight people to compete against other teams. Each team plays two fifteen-minute games against opponents chosen beforehand.

These games are light-hearted and fun. All in all, the event is a good way to get out of your comfort zone and get muddy!

This event was not always executed in this fun, lighthearted way. In the past, Mudslam was more of a tournament-style event.

Teams would sign up and, instead of just playing two games for the fun of it, they would play as many

The Sideline SCHYLER ENTZ Sports Editor

MARVIN PHILLIPS SENIOR FOOTBALL

Annual Mudslam making memories and messes ANNA RANZINGER Staff Writer

SPORTS 11

games as they could win. As fun as it was, the competitive nature caught and kept the attention of many, bringing them back every year.

Alumna from the class of 2014, Maddy Hagan, had some cool insight on the tournamentstyle tradition of Mudslam.

“I really liked how competitive everything was.

When we would come out and get ready to play we could trust that everyone was in it to win it. My teammates and I meant business.

We were able to have fun and we made great memories! I am glad that we were able to play when it was in this style because I liked the competition aspect of it all.

We looked forward to kicking butt every year!” Hagan said.

As Hagan made it clear, some people craved -- and still crave -- the addition of competitive edge, but at the same time, others just like to

have fun with no expectations.

When asking current students about their thoughts on how Mudslam has changed from the tournament-style format to a two-game venture, we received a couple of different answers.

“I think that the tournament style format would be really fun to do. I know that the people I play with would take it a little more seriously if there was a larger goal for us to aim for. I also like how playful the whole thing is.

Sometimes we played in the mud more than we played volleyball. I don’t think anyone really minded though because I think that after it was all said and done, we had new memories and that was cool enough,” Sergio Torres, junior from Key West, Fla. said.

Most of the time, games end with wrestling in the mud or throwing mud over the net rather than the volleyball.

“There was this one time

during Mudslam that we were all set to play our opponents and then mud started getting thrown across the net. I am not sure how it happened but our mud fight with the other team turned into a mud fight with each other. We were wrestling and throwing each other down. It was really funny,” Torres said.

Reagan Cowden, senior from Derby, agreed to an extent.

“I really like that Mudslam is a playful event for friends to get together and just have a good time with each other. I am glad that I was able to play this year as it is my last year! I have so many pictures of it and even more memories that I will cherish for a long time to come!” Cowden said.

Tournament-style or not, Mudslam is a fun way to bring the students at the college together for some friendly competition, sure to leave them full of laughter and memories.

What was your proudest moment of your BC football career?

“When we won conference the first time, and made the turn around from being 3-8 to winning conference.”

Did you have any goals coming in as a firstyear? Did you meet those goals?

“I wanted to play, it didn’t matter how much I was able to play in my first collegiate game in week 2 my freshman year, and that was the day of my life being out there on the field playing the game I love.”

What will you miss the most about this team?

“The camaraderie, the authenticity of everyone around me from the coaching staff to my teammates, I’ll miss them all dearly.”

12 ENTERTAINMENT

Choir wraps up semester with series of performances ARRAN KEARNEY Staff Writer

The Convocation on April 11 can be seen as something of a warm-up for the Bethel College Concert Choir, moving into the busy weeks ahead. The performance, fulfilling a long tradition of choir performances at Convocation, would not have otherwise been notable, had it not been for the fact that it witnessed several important landmarks.

It was the first “proper” performance by the choir for two years, since the beginning of the pandemic. They were able to sing indoors without masks, and in mixed arrangement. This Convocation performance was also the last that would be presided over by long-standing choirmaster William Eash, who will be retiring at the end the academic year after twenty-two years at the college.

Together with several other events, such as the recent women’s chorus concert and the upcoming Woven and Open Road joint performance, there are two major events remaining in the choral calendar.

The first will be the Masterworks concert, set to take place on May 1. This has been the main focus of the choir throughout this semester. This annual event will return in its full format for the first time since 2019 - there was a smaller scale production involving only two movements of Wolfgang Mozart’s Requiem in May of last year.

The famous Requiem will return this year in its full 40 minute format, accompanied by the more modern Gloria,

by John Rutter. The performance will involve the Concert Choir, combined with

THE

the women’s chorus, and accompanied by elements of the college orchestra.

Rehearsals have been demanding, considering all the other commitments the choir has, and will only become more so, with several three hour rehearsals scheduled in the run up to May 1.

All of this is, however, taking place in the shadow of a larger goal - the European Choir Tour, which will begin after the end of the academic year. This tour will encompass multiple European nations, including Germany, Poland and several Balkan states - starting in Berlin and finishing on the Adriatic coast.

Though there are concerns regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, which neighbors Poland to the east, the choir members nevertheless await their trip with eager anticipation.

Stephany Meyer, junior from Goessel, said that she was “most excited to visit Poland, because I’ve been reading about its history.”

Though her own reading of “Poland,”

by James A. Michener, was extracurricular, all of the tour members have been assigned certain topics (on famous events, places and people in European history) to research and write papers about prior to their travel. The choir will visit many of these places while on their tour, guided by Bethel’s resident European expert, Mark Jantzen, professor of history.

In that same vein, Seth Rudeen, junior from Osage City, said he was “most looking forward to the home stays interacting with real people will be a great way to witness all the European culture we’re learning about, in real life.”

Rachel Geyer, junior from Oxford,

COLLEGIAN

The Bethel College Collegian is a student-run newspaper published bi-weekly during the fall and spring semesters. The Collegian is funded by advertisement revenue and student fees. The Collegian will be digitally available to Bethel faculty, staff, students and community members for the 2021-2022 academic year. Feedback may be sent to:

collegian@bethelks.edu The Collegian, Bethel College, North Newton, KS, 67117

Iowa, also looks forward to forming new relationships, though hers are closer to home.

“I’m really excited to spend time with the choir…I feel as though I haven’t been able to form good relationships with many of my fellow singers through the pandemic, and the tour will be the perfect time to do that,” Geyer said.

Make sure to make it as many of the upcoming musical performances as possible. They will be awesome!

Bill Eash prepares the Concert Choir to rehearse the Masterworks pieces over the noon hour. Amanda Entz accompanies the Concert Choir throughout rehearsals.

Photo by April Powls

Students wait to start rehearsals for the May 1 Masterworks concert. The Concert Choir will be performing two large works. Photo by April Powls.

STAFF

BETHANY POWLS

ALLISON WEAVER

NATHAN GARBER

CHRISTINE CROUSE-DICK

LIZ ALDERFER

CHAR EHRMANN

CHARLES WALKER

JULIANNA SCHRAG

MIKI HARKINS

CAPRI STEVENSON-BISOM

SCHYLER ENTZ

EMILY BRANDT

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

FACULTY ADVISER

BUSINESS MANAGER

DESIGN/LAYOUT EDITOR

NEWS EDITOR

OPINION EDITOR

FEATURES EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR COPY EDITOR

WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR

ENTERTAINMENT 13

Bethel conspiracies: Is the Administration Building sinking?

APRIL POWLS Staff Writer BETHANY POWLS Editor-in-Chief

Bethel is a campus that houses around five hundred students, classifying it as an incredibly small campus. One of the primary identifiers of small campus culture is the rapid spread of information on campus through rumors. One such rumor has the potential to cause quite a stir.

When asked what his response would be if he found out that Bethel’s Administration Building was sinking into the ground, Peter Buller, first-year from Inman, was notably emotional.

“That is highly unfortunate. Rip… it had a good run,” Buller said.

Bethel students are incredibly

attached to the building, as it is the center of the campus and one of the few primary selling points. The structure was even acknowledged on newtonkansas.com as “completed in 1893 in the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style” and initially “designed by Proudfoot and Bird of Wichita.”

Once dubbed “the castle on the prairie” and first the home of many a class, housing and educating (single-handedly) over seventy students in 1893, it is now nearly abandoned save for the entirety of administration, a few student life offices and three rather lonely English professors, as well as the weekly Chapel gathering.

It can be safe to assume that the weight of carrying a plethora of people is not the reason for the caving of the structure.

However, the bowed steps on the way to the chapel are a testament to former

use, at least.

Nevertheless, the Ad Building is sinking, and the reason remains largely unknown. Based on further investigation, we have our own theories as to how this modern Atlantis might meet its entombed end.

1) It is possible that the stones of the building itself have minds of their own.

Like the wheat that the threshing stone threshed back in ye olden days, the stones of the admin building may seek to return to their origin, the land.

2) Another possibility is that the weight of all of Bethel’s secrets are slowly driving the building into the ground. For example, secret love confession have been carved into a variety of creative locations.

3) A final possibility is that the building isn’t sinking at all, the ground is just getting higher. We feel that this

requires no further explanation.

In all actuality, the sloping floors of the Ad Building are not as a result of the sinking of the entire building — this rumor, however, does bear some weight.

After recent consultation with expert sources that shall not be named (the librarians know everything) we have ascertained that recent seismic activity in the area is resulting in the dislocation of soil, and ultimately, the dislocation of parts of the foundation.

It is highly likely, however, that the earthquakes are being caused by the near tremorous footsteps of certain students, Daniel Kaufman, sophomore from Moundridge, being a prime example.

So, whether or not you have business in the Administration Building, be sure to tread carefully. The structure might not be sinking… yet.

Art students showcase their art in the annual art show LAUREN MCCREARY Staff Writer

On April 15, the Bethel College Art Department opened its doors to students and community members to share in their work through the annual art show.

“By my count, there are 56 students represented in the show,” said David Long, professor and chair of visual arts and design.

With so many students’ works on display, it is likely that viewers personally know someone on campus whose work is hung in the gallery, which will remain open until May 6, the final day of spring semester courses.

The featured works come from the last three semesters of art courses on campus: spring 2021, fall 2021 and spring 2022. The following classes contributed to the artwork exhibited in the art gallery: Painting, Drawing, Advanced Drawing (figure), Printmaking, 2D design, Film Photography, Digital Photography, 3D Design, Small Metals and Jewelry and Ceramics.

Each of these courses focuses on different aspects of art and design, and projects range from student creativity to assigned projects. Bethel College students

are required to take at least one art course to fulfill graduation requirements and are given the opportunity to display their work each year. This allows students to step outside their comfort zone and learn to appreciate art from a different perspective.

“In ceramics, I was able to track my progress in a way that isn’t done in a normal classroom. Being able to see myself getting better by the end of the semester made it fun,” said Chantz Scurry, senior from Ardmore, Okla.

Other students, like Marvin Phillips, senior from Houston, Texas, look forward to having others interpret their work through the art show.

“Having my work on display makes me feel appreciated. This is something that I put hard work into and is now being seen by others. I was able to express myself in a way beyond verbal communication. I hope people can see my vision behind the piece,” Phillips said.

Nalea Payton, sophomore from El Dorado, took Ceramics in the fall semester. Her work is also on display in the Fine Arts Center.

“I chose the piece because the color had turned out the best out of all my other pieces. It was one of the first pieces I made, so it’s not my best, but I had to

Students are invited to stop into the Regier Art Gallery and take a moment to appreciate the work of their peers. Photo by Capri Bisom.

save the other ones for Christmas gifts,” Payton said.

None of these students are art majors, but each found value in their experiences and took pride in their finished products.

Returning to its pre-COVID format, students and community members are welcome to enjoy these works once again.

While the gallery opened on April 15, a reception was held on Thursday, April 21 from 6-8 p.m. that welcomed many

art enthusiasts and offered assorted refreshments.

For students who would like to explore the gallery, Long asks that you not touch or handle the works of art, but did not comment on any further art gallery etiquette.

The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and again on Sundays from 2-4 p.m.

14 GAMES

Tic Tac Toe Diplomacy

Sudoku

Arthur Mahrer is a junior from Fort Pierce, Fla. His major is history and political science. In addition to writing for The Bethel Collegian, Mahrer has started a comic series featuring Norman and his alien friend, Blorg. This comic features Norman and Blorg in an intense game of tic tac toe in order to settle a bit of diplomatic business.

For more information, feel free to email Mahrer at arthurjmahrer@bethelks.edu.

LISTINGS 15

Career Pathways

THRESHER CLASSIFIED Direct all inquires to Megan Kershner in WAC 215 or check out Handshake to learn more about these job opportunities

Opportunities Available - Event Staff Coordinator

- Social Media Strategist

On-Campus Jobs

Off-Campus Jobs

- Game Day Atmosphere Coordinator

- Bible & Religion Assistant

- Sports Information - Photographer

- AV Student assistant

- Student Custodian

- YMCA Lifeguard

- Sports Information - Videographer

- Student Life Office Assistant

- AV Student Assistant

- Entry Level Production Worker

- Sports Information - Statistics

- Student Advancement Ambassador

- Orientation Leader

- Dillon’s Associate

- Student Chaplain

- Goodwill Associate

- BIO140 Assistant

- Seasonal Worker for Newton

- Summer Student Life Assistant

- Aflac Summer Internship

- Sports Journalist - Livestream Video Production - Athletics Graphic Design - Career Center Assistant

Steps to Take - Complete and save a program application provided by Megan Kershner - Select Apply within the position page on Handshake - Upload a resume, Program Application and your 2022-2023 schedule - Email Megan Kershner at mkershner@bethelks.edu with any questions * YOU MUST BE ENROLLED FULL TIME AND LIVE ON CAMPUS *

NEEDED

peacemakers, teachers engineers, administrators agriculturists, leaders support staff, nutritionists community workers and more ...

Find current opportunities

serve.mcc.org

Mennonite Central Committee

THE BETHEL COLLEGE COLLEGIAN

Mudslam makes a mess!

All students were invited by the Student Alumni Association to participate in the annually organized event, Mudslam! On the morning of Sunday, April 24, a firetruck rolled into the parking lot of Warkentin Court and hosed down the pit of mud. Students spent the rest of the afternoon competing in teams in several rounds of volleyball. However, it seems that volleyball was less of the focus in light of mud wrestling. Photos by Lindsey Pfannenstiel

PHOTO FEATURE 16