BC Collegian_Friday, November 5, 2021_Vol. 110_Issue 5 by Bethel College

THE

COLLEGIAN Friday, November 19, 2021 | Volume 110, Issue 6 | North Newton, KS

Students participate in DivCo’s dream catcher night where they had the opportunity to learn about the orgins and importance of the craft while making their own dream catchers. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel

IMS responds to Moodle crash, student emails

Editorial: Pranks foster community

Students internships and job placements

Winter athletics alter scheduled breaks

Bethel’s ageold kettles and coffee pots

2 NEWS

Literary magazine YAWP! to return spring semester ARRAN KEARNEY

Staff Writer

As the fall term draws to a close, students will very soon begin to turn their attention to their spring studies. A subject that will likely be re-introduced in January is “Literary Magazine Practicum.” This subject is taught by Associate Professor of English, Siobhán Scarry, who is returning from a sabbatical next term, and is comparable in many ways to the “Journalism Production” class that works alongside the Collegian. This class supports the college literary magazine YAWP!, which is typically run under the auspices of the English department since 2015. Many underclassmen could be unaware of the magazine’s existence, since it did not publish in the 2021 spring term. Scarry said that the magazine “had to cease production for a year due to the administration’s decisions regarding faculty teaching loads,” in which the English department had to make significant adjustments to its curriculum and staff. The magazine’s somewhat unique name is taken from a nineteenth century poem (though the word itself can be traced back to around the fifteenth century) by the celebrated American writer Walt Whitman who, in his “Leaves of Grass,” declared that “I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable, / I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.” Scarry described “yawp” as a “kind of authentic human sound, something that

can’t be translated or pinned down. Good writing and art is like that -- authentic, raw and open to interpretation -- so it seems a fitting name for a literary magazine.” The magazine is led by students, and relies on student involvement. Bethany Powls, senior from Garnett, has been named as the Editor-in-Chief for the coming semester, with Allison Weaver, junior from Hesston, acting as the Assistant Editor. The publication seeks to accommodate any works of art that students, staff or alumni submit, including “poetry, short stories, creative nonfiction, photography, painting,” Scarry said. However, it invests the most importance in celebrating and publishing the work completed by current students at the college, and helping those students discover and develop their artistic talents. The magazine has also hosted events throughout the spring term in the past. Scarry described how YAWP! has previously hosted “a night of surrealist parlor games... and drive-thru poetry booths at Mojo’s where students could order up poems to be written on the spot.” There is also always a release party on the night that the magazine is published. The course, Scarry noted, “makes a lot of room for student-led initiatives” in an effort to boost student involvement and interest in contributing to and upholding the literary traditions of the college. Students will be able to sign up for this class before the start of the semester. The course offers students the opportunity to write for the magazine, to engage in the editorial processes and to gain experience

of working for a popular and complex publication. Scarry extends an invitation to all kinds of students to join in with YAWP!’s work, saying that “students on this campus

are so interesting and talented. We want to see what you’re making and creating!”

Co-editors of the 2016 edition of YAWP! pose with the President White in front of Mojo’s. Photo courtesy of Bethel College

SGA met on Sunday, November 14 in the chapel. The Senate of the Student Government Association voted on the following: - A bill to grant Kendra Gooden Funds from the ISR Account - Approved - A bill to approve funding for Waterbottle Refill Stations - Approved - A bill to appoint Karellys Porras to Secretary of Diversity Council - Approved - A bill to grant Oscar Gonzales Funds from the ISR Account - Approved - A bill to appoint Sebastian Formento to position of Junior Senator - Tabled 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

Professors utilize free online resources during COVID BRETT ESCH Staff Writer

While the previous school year proved to be fearful and anxiety-inducing in more ways than one, it could also be considered helpful for one group of Bethel College’s community in particular: professors. That’s because — as many students have recently started to notice — the schoolwide use of free online resources (formally known as Open Educational Resources, or OERs) has taken a massive jump this fall. And this isn’t by accident. “The easy accessibility is a big advantage. Students don’t need to fall behind because they have not yet received the necessary materials. Resources that are available on the web are quickly available, which means that one doesn’t need a long timeline to prepare an assignment,” said Professor of Psychology Dwight Krehbiel. Krehbiel’s sentiment toward OERs

was echoed by other professors that rely on external resources to effectively teach the concepts that are fundamental to their respective course. “For [some] classes, I have used PhET simulations. These free simulations enable students to explore scientific concepts and perform virtual laboratories. I also include YouTube videos of concepts on my Moodle page that students can use to get additional clarification,” said Professor of Chemistry Kathryn Layman. Utilization of these OERs, Layman notices, results in “greater conceptual understanding.” However, the purpose behind her use of free resources is much greater than grades — it’s to level the playing field. “The students that take advantage of the PhET simulations and videos tend to have better conceptual understanding. There may be greater productivity from students who can not afford textbooks and additional course resources,” Layman

said. “I simply want to minimize the financial burden on my students and make sure that everyone has access to the required resources,” Layman said. Peter Goerzen, assistant professor of Bible and religion, has gravitated to OERs as of late due to students’ comfort level with them. “Providing resources accessible online, whether OERs, fair use scans posted to Moodle, or E-books available through the library, seems to lead to a substantial increase in resource utilization and preparation,” Goerzen said. Gathering relative resources online, though, is not as simple of a task as one may expect. Krehbiel was the lone respondent to claim it is easy. Layman and Goerzen, however, do not feel the same. “In the areas I teach, OER projects tend to be fairly eclectic, and not much by way of current, accessible introduction. It

takes a good deal of time to find the right resource, vet it, assess its likelihood for persistent availability, and build it into the curriculum,” Goerzen said. “[It’s] harder as I must … find reliable sources. This can take hours,” Layman said. Despite this, the overwhelming evidence to support the effectiveness of OERs more than makes up for the potential time and energy that must be invested to find them. And when it comes down to it, that is what is most important. “For research projects where students need a particular number of quality sources, OERs can often contribute a source or two. It’s also excellent for primary research, as numerous archives make searchable scans of their holdings available to the public,” Goerzen said.

Moodle crash draws attention to IMS services LOGAN DEMOND Staff Writer

Bethel’s Information and Media Service (IMS) takes a lot of heat. This semester in particular, though, there seems to have been a heightened focus on the technological pitfalls on campus. One of the most obvious glitches has been with the administration’s golden child, better known as Moodle. Moodle is an online learning management system, introduced to Bethel College students in the spring of 2020, when students were sent home to complete their semester due to the pandemic. While there are mixed reviews on the site, it has remained in use ever since. While Moodle has had its fair share of complications in the past, this semester witnessed a sitewide crash that left students unable to access course content, even alerting students that they were not enrolled in any courses.

Moodle crashed for an entire evening, even into the next day, on both the smartphone app and the online site. Disaster struck from the professors’ end too, with courses appearing minus rosters and previously entered grades. Furthermore, the site has been known to complicate assignment submissions, the posting of grades and announcements. While Moodle resides in distaste among some students and faculty, Adam Haag, director of information & media services, remains unfazed. “We have received a couple support tickets this semester regarding issues with Moodle’s performance but these appear to be unrelated incidents. However, we are still monitoring for any further issues,” said Haag. Another alarming issue receiving buzz around campus is the sudden inability to send mass emails to the student body. Just over a month ago, students were able to add each residence hall as an

email recipient. This, however, was simply a mistake, according to Haag. “Students have always not been allowed to send mass emails utilizing campus mailing lists. However a loophole was discovered this semester and it was closed. This action was taken with direction from the Student Life office,” said Haag. While it is likely only a short time before students find another loophole in the absence of Student Announce (the mass email chain able to be utilized by students) and residence hall mailing lists, the action is prohibited. It is important to note, however, that neither of these issues fall directly on the shoulders of IMS. IMS employees simply work with what they have, fixing unexpected issues as they come. Typically, their response time is rather fast and they are always willing to extend a helping hand—even coming to your dorm room to fix a technical issue.

As the year wears on, there are new technological developments students will be more than happy to hear. In the classroom, enhancements are also in the works. “IMS is working on a number of projects to improve campus technology. Most notably is the planned deployment of new Wi-Fi, which should be ready by next fall. Additionally new display systems are being worked on for Krehbiel Auditorium and Memorial Hall,” said Haag. As the temperature cools down and the semester wears on, tensions begin to rise. As this takes place, it is important to remember to not place the blame on IMS. Rather, thank them for their contribution to your experience as a student and remain optimistic for the changes and improvements that lie ahead.

4 EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL Pranks foster community and college experience stacking picnic tables on top of each other or taping Jon Gering’s face on the pictures in the Caf. These are examples of funny and harmless pranks that give everyone on campus a laugh. I tend to hear about these things for days after the prank occurred from many different groups of students. We all get to experience laughter and something out of the ordinary together. I believe this strengthens and builds more community within our campus. Bethel’s strong community values were a large factor in my commitment to attending Bethel. I have grown up knowing how close and connected you feel to the professors, other students and staff, as my parents are both alumni. Each professor and the students in general will always make you feel welcomed and that you have a place on this SCHYLER ENTZ campus. I see that built in the classroom, Sports Editor during campus events or athletic or fine arts events. I would first like to put out a happy I also see community being built belated National Jon Gering Day to within friend groups, practically college everyone! families. I have personally created my own As we walked Bethel community and into the Caf this I’ve only grown stronger past Sunday with them. morning, we were From experiencing “Good pranks, I believe, my own Bethel family, I greeted with new additions on the understand the pranks should not be reckless door and the and antics that are apart and damage any sort pictures hung being within your of property; rather, they of around the Caf. “community.” Knowing should create laughter At first glance, how fun a tasteful you couldn’t even prank can be and seeing and community among tell the Caf looked the laughter it brings others.” any different, (hopefully) is what but the subtle, brings the friendships hilarious additions closer together. made the prank so A campus-wide worth it. prank only spreads that closeness farther With my two years at Bethel, I have and wider. loved the subtle pranks that have been This experience reaches everyone pulled around campus, whether it be and everyone can enjoy the laughter that

it brings. Everyone can participate in My mom recalls multiple little pranks the delight and connections can be built pulled on her mod that strengthened through that. her Bethel community and built new Odds are students relationships. chatted with someone Since these new because of experiences have this unexpectedly truly gone on for unifying prank! generations, it is safe The main to say that pranks are thing I would like included in the Bethel to stress is that “We all get to experience experience. these pranks were Bethel is unique laughter and something made intentionally in that we have a out of the ordinary harmless. Good small school and a together. I believe this pranks, I believe, close community, so strengthens and builds should not be things like pranks are reckless and damage more community within quickly made known any sort of property; and word gets around. our campus.” rather, they should Everyone knows create laughter and about it, and I mean community among everyone. others. At larger Making a mess universities, you and leaving others to won’t be able to get clean it up is where I everyone’s attention draw the line on tasteless pranks. Hurting with a harmless prank or perhaps get away others and making others from our Bethel with it as easily. Our small community community clean it up is not enjoyable or holds the power to create a fun pranking ethical. I would also never want pranking experience. to be banned, as it truly is enjoyed by I know I will remember these pranks, many, including myself! the same way my parents remember the Looking at a whole college experience pranks during their days back at Bethel. - and especially the Bethel experience - I It has become a part of my Bethel always expected prank culture to be experience and truly has helped me widen included. Knowing pranks have occurred my community. for generations (for example, the classic These simple pranks have made cow in the old library, or putting googly my long days and weeks interesting eyes on the president’s faces), I also have and uplifting and I wouldn’t trade it for heard many stories about pranks from my anything. parents, who attended Bethel. My dad told me that, once, someone stole all the spoons from the Caf, but he Schyler Entz is a sophomore Elementary recalls that they were soon put back. Education major. She is also the Sports Editor There was an infamous food fight that for the Bethel Collegian. occurred during a meal, and my father is still upset that he was gone that evening and missed the whole event.

THRESHPECTIVE 5

THRESPECTIVES Should residence halls close over breaks? Breaks pose traveling challenges Closing the dormitories, and the entire campus, over holiday periods is probably not a sustainable practice for Bethel ARRAN KEARNEY in the medium-toStaff Writer long term future, and especially in the case of the Christmas holiday. It is now common for many colleges across the United States to allow students to stay in their dorms over Christmas. Such students would need special dispensation and have generally traveled to the college from overseas. For many international students, though I gratefully count myself as an exception, traveling to and from the college – sometimes to countries that lie on the other side of the world – is difficult and very expensive. While spending Christmas at home is undoubtedly desirable, it is not always feasible. Most students would only be able to travel following their final exams, and (since almost all of these students are athletes) the college will expect them to return in early January for training and competitions. Many of these athletes have to spend exorbitant amounts of money getting home for only a few days. While any time that can be spent with families over Christmas is precious, sometimes fitting it into the college schedule simply isn’t feasible. This, it should be noted, is only really a concern for the Christmas and potentially the Thanksgiving breaks. The summer holidays are a far different question. The Christmas break is just long enough for the college to expect everyone to travel home, and just short

enough to make traveling home deeply inconvenient to international students. Other alternatives to traveling home are difficult to find. Securing short term accommodation, especially as a non-U.S. citizen, is practically impossible, and not something a student would want to be dealing with during the semester. Larger and more multinational colleges have already recognized the difficulties that the holiday periods place on their international students. Bethel College is yet to recognize the problems that international students face, though that’s not necessarily its own fault – there are still relatively few international students on campus. However, the numbers are growing. Bethel no longer just recruits from Kansas and the surrounding states; it takes in students from across this country and the world. This is a result of intentional policies enacted by the college, designed to boost our athletics programs and make us more competitive within the NAIA. This is all well and good, but if these policies are to be pursued then the College cannot hold onto its old way of doing things. If it wishes to grow its recruitment of international students then it has to make itself more welcoming and accommodating to their needs. The changes would not be difficult to implement. A small amount of accommodation could be set aside for students, while the rest could be closed as normal. This small change would mean a great deal to those who will have difficulty traveling to and from college over the Christmas break. Arran Kearney is a sophomore history major. He is also a staff writer for the Bethel Collegian.

Athletics compromise student breaks As we approach the holiday season, many people are making plans to go home and celebrate. APRIL POWLS The college Staff Writer will also make preparations for the holidays, leaving some students wondering where they will end up sleeping over the holiday season. Every break longer than three days results in the dorms shutting down. For breaks (such as Thanksgiving break) that are about a week long, dorms will have a soft shut down. However, for the longer Christmas Break, it is assumed the dorms will be shut down completely; locks changed, lights off, heating and cooling gone. This is good, because Bethel College is able to save a little bit of money on heating and cooling for the dorms. Another important benefit of shutting down the dorms is that hard working students are happily forced to go home for the break. I will personally enjoy sleeping in my own bed and not having to share a shower, toilet, or sink with ten other girls. Although some students might not have an amazing relationship with their families, it is important for them to be able to take a break from the non-stop of college life, which brings me to my next point. Some students will not be allowed to have much of a break this winter. I have a few friends whose athletic teams will be starting practices again on the December 26. THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS.

To me, this is outrageous. They are allowed one week to spend with their families and give their minds and bodies a well earned rest. And then they go right back to practice to compete in games that are over break. It is my personal and controversial opinion that games should NOT be scheduled over break. Give these athletes a break, for pity’s sake! I know some who really love their sport who may be upset with me for this, but if one really is devoted to their sport then coaches should be able to trust their athletes to be self motivated enough to do workouts over the break to stay in shape. That brings me back to dorms. If the dorms are shut down over break, where will these athletes live? I don’t know what’s been done in the past, but I’ve heard that they’ll be moved into one of Warkentin Court’s empty stacks to live together as a team. But what about their food? How much will they have to pay for off campus food? Often, cheaper meals aren’t the best for their bodies, which will need energy for their daily practices. Sure, the college saves money for shutting down the dorms and the Caf, but they’re also hurting their students by expecting them to stay at college when they’re supposedly on “break.” As a non-athlete, I understand that there may be some angles that I don’t see, but as a friend of those who practice sometimes two times a day, I wish the people I care about could get some rest. April Powls is a first year art major. She is also a staff writer for the Bethel Collegian.

6 COMMUNITY

Word on the Street

What are some of your family-favorite holiday food traditions? SENIOR

Noah Ballesteros

“My favorite memory is that every year, when I was younger, I would wake up at 7 a.m. and make tamales with my grandma and mom. Meanwhile, my grandpa would always tell us how wrong we were doing them.”

SOPHOMORE

Isaiah Bartel

SOPHOMORE

Mussawir Ahmed

“We celebrate Eid, a Muslim celebration twice a year. We have a special morning prayer on this day and pretty much just have a big feast and give gifts to family and friends. Back home we compare it as Christmas for Muslims I guess. Muslims from all over the UK would take the day off to go to the mosque in the morning and then pretty much chill with family and celebrate the rest of the day.”

FIRST-YEAR

Emil Benavides

“On Christmas Eve, my family and I go to my grandparents house. Every year, we have King Crab legs and pie for dinner. Then we all open gifts and my dad always gets two can of black olives.”

“My great grandma used to make ‘cheesy goop’ which is like lasagna. We have that for dinner after our Christmas Eve church service every year. I think it is the best when it is served with Hawaiian rolls!”

Letters to the Editor The Bethel Collegian will accept letters of up to 250 words. The editor reserves the right to reject or edit letters for purposes of clarity, good taste and accuracy and to prevent libel. Letters attacking a private individual will not be permitted. Anonymous letters also will not be accepted. Letters must include a signature, address and phone number.

EMAIL: collegian@bethelks.edu

THE

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

STAFF

BETHANY POWLS

ALLISON WEAVER

NATHAN GARBER

CHRISTINE CROUSE-DICK

LIZ ALDERFER

CHARLOTTE EHRMANN

KYLE BELVIN

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

FEATURES 7

Beyond Christmas: Exploring, celebrating nonChristian centric holiday traditions on campus LOGAN DEMOND Staff Writer

College is a melting pot of students from various countries, backgrounds and religions, each student bringing with them a distinct set of past experiences. For college students, the holiday season may look many different ways. Activities and events around campus surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas, however, are primarily rooted in Christian tradition. While it is easy to overlook nonChristian centric traditions during the holiday season, they play a vital role in the Bethel College community. Adam Gouro is a senior business major from Niamey, Niger attending Bethel on a basketball scholarship. Gouro’s size and stature do not go unnoticed on the court as he wreaks havoc in the paint, and his booming voice, which radiates positivity, is hard to miss around campus and in the caf. What many do not know, however, is that this Thresher hoops star is a practicing Muslim. Growing up in Niger, a landlocked West African country, Muslim traditions played a large role in Gouro’s life. Gouro took time to describe two traditions that are a staple of his life back home: Ramadan and Eid Al-Adha. While these traditions do not fall on the calendar dates of Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years, they are hallmarks of his religious upbringing. Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer for Muslims, is observed annually during the ninth month of the Muslim Calendar. Because the Muslim calendar year is shorter than that of the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan begins ten to twelve days earlier each year, allowing the holy month to take place during every season over the course of thirty-three years. Gouro detailed the end of Ramadan and the yearly celebrations that ensue. “At the end of Ramadan, the

whole family gets together to celebrate. Everybody cooks food. We begin with a morning prayer and spend the rest of the day together,” Gouro said.

“Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer for Muslims, is observed annually during the ninth month of the Muslim Calendar.”

The second holiday Gouro mentioned, Eid Al-Adha, pays tribute to the story of Ibrahim and his son Ismael. As the story goes, Allah asked Ibrahim in a dream to offer up his own son, Ismael, as a sacrifice. Faithfully obedient, Ibrahim did as Allah said and tied up his son, blindfolded himself, and, after stabbing him, removed the blindfold to find a dead ram and Ismael at his side. This story resembles the JudeoChristian story of Abraham and Isaac. “On the day of Eid al-Adha, every Muslim sacrifices a lamb. First, we share the meat with the poor people, then we can eat it ourselves,” said Gouro. While the college offers students access to the interfaith room, it’s hard to find events on campus that highlight Muslim traditions. While there is no obligation to do so at a private Mennonite institution, it remains important to spotlight the diversity among us. Another example of campus diversity comes from Josue Coy Dick, first year from Newton. While Coy Dick is a Mennonite, he grew up with his grandparents celebrating Jewish holidays. “For me, an important reason for celebrating Jewish holidays is as a

reminder of the diverse understandings of the world, but also, as a Christian, the similarities between Judaism and Christianity,” said Coy Dick. Coy Dick highlighted both Passover and Hanukkah. Passover celebrates the Hebrews’ liberation from Egyptian slavery, lasting seven or eight days. During this time, Jews are not to eat leavened bread, only unleavened bread known as matzo. This fast represents the suffering the Hebrews endured while held captive. “If you have never attended a Seder (Passover), I highly recommend it. I think KIPCOR has hosted them before, and it is not uncommon for Jewish folks to hold Seders to which non-Jewish people are welcomed, invited and encouraged to attend. Anti-Semitism is a serious problem today and attending a Seder is an excellent way of educating oneself about different cultures and a fine way of showing solidarity with Jewish members of our community,” said Coy Dick.

“Eid Al-Adha, pays tribute to the story of Ibrahim and his son Ismael... On the day of Eid al-Adha, every Muslim sacrifices a lamb. First, we share the meat with the poor people, then we can eat it ourselves.”

Hanukkah is another Jewish celebration. These eight days in winter celebrate the re-dedication of the Holy Temple, consisting of a nightly lighting of a Menorah and the exchange of gifts. Coy Dick says that these holidays are important to him.

“They are very applicable to our world today. They are stories of resistance and liberation that resonate with the lived experience of many oppressed peoples today. They are stories that provide hope in a world full of pain and suffering,” Coy Dick said.

“Hanukkah is another Jewish celebration. These eight days in winter celebrate the re-dedication of the Holy Temple, consisting of a nightly lighting of a Menorah and the exchange of gifts.”

Stories like Adam Gouro’s and Josue Coy Dick’s exist all over campus. While Bethel College is a Mennonite institution, it is home to countless ethnic and religious backgrounds. There are a handful of ways staff, faculty and students can recognize these traditions. One of these ways is the writing and sharing of this article. Another is by simply asking. In researching this article, students have been more than happy to share information about religious traditions, taking time out of their day to go into detail regarding celebrations. This may also be achieved by stepping out of your comfort zone and attending events on campus that emphasize cultural and religious traditions.

THE BETHEL COLLEGE COLLEGIAN

8 FEATURES

Student internships, job placements extend experience beyond classrooms BETHANY POWLS Editor-in-Chief

As a self-proclaimed liberal arts institution, Bethel prides itself in providing students with both education and the appropriate amount of experience for their designated fields. This often manifests itself in the acquisition of internships and job placements, which serve to provide experience in chosen fields.

“My internship is at KWCH-TV in Wichita, where I serve as a meteorology intern… it does provide crucial learning and experience opportunities related to my career of interest, which is in the realm of meteorology… I plan on getting my MS in Atmospheric Science at the University of Kansas following graduation from Bethel, so I thought it was crucial in getting infield experience before continuing my education,” Jerod Kaufman, senior from Moundridge, said.

Kaufman shares imaging from his internship with KWCH-TV. Photo courtesy of Jerod Kaufman

Usually internships are located near campus in order to accommodate busy schedules, in addition to the schedules provided by said internships, which can be pretty rigorous depending on the job. “A day at work typically consists of me sitting down and looking at current satellite images and weather model data. I then use these to create a weather forecast for the next 10 days, in which I predict cloud cover, high/low temperatures, and wind conditions. After comparing these predictions with the meteorologist there, I create/edit graphics for presenting on TV. To finish, I rehearse my forecast monologue in front of the TV camera. It’s tough work,” Kaufman said. Kaufman’s internship is not required in order to fulfill his degree in mathematics. However, other departments are required to complete an internship or job placement experience. “My Field Experience placement is at Schowalter Villa in Hesston, engaging with the Assisted Living residents to listen to their life journeys and support them through the pandemic. This class is part of my Human Services (Social Work) minor degree,” said Linda Moyo, senior from Newton. Moyo’s job is located in the Assisted Living area, where she visits and engages with the residents. “Depending on the eagerness of the particular resident, I have spent from as little as an hour to up to 2 hours engaging with them in the comfort of their homes. On any given day, I do not try to visit more than two individuals because whole-

heartedly listening to someone open up emotionally and intake all of who they are requires an abundance of mental energy. My particular placement, unlike others, is extremely hands-off because I am engaging with residents and listening to their life stories which most of the time include confidential information,” Moyo said. Moyo has a supervisor that she consults with on a regular basis to make sure that her work is aligning with her career aspirations and the requirements of her degree. “What is so beautiful and unique about my placement is that I get the privilege to listen to residents’ triumphs, struggles, silly memories, wisdom, and much more. In addition, I get to experience an entire lifetime of various individuals’ life experiences while making sure I do my diligence in making sure that they feel seen, heard, and understood,” Moyo said. Ally Weaver, junior from Hesston, is serving her internship at Wichita’s channel 12 KWCH Eyewitness News station for her communication arts degree. “My typical day starts with me arriving at the station and spending about half an hour gathering story ideas to pitch at the 2pm production meeting with all the reporters, producers, and varying managers. Then, I go out to report a story with one of the reporters! They show me how they put different types of stories together, how to use the newsroom software to edit and compile audio and film, and give me pointers on how to be natural when reporting on camera. It has taught me to be very forthcoming if I want something—persistence pays off when trying to get sources for stories, be first on the scene to report breaking news,” Weaver said. For all three of these students, internships and job placements have provided meaningful experience. “The most memorable moment of my internship so far has been my first day recording a shot. All of the sudden, there was breaking news - a water main break in Wichita - and everyone was in an uproar trying to get reporters in appropriate places. The feeling in the newsroom was so electric! I got to go out and record a ‘live shot’ among all the chaos, which was an invaluable learning experience,” Weaver

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021 said. For Kaufman, being involved in a workplace that could potentially resemble a future workplace was crucial. “My most memorable moment was probably when I created my first forecast. It was scary to make my own calculations and compare them to what Peyton Sanders (the meteorologist there that day) had. Needless to say, we weren’t 100% in agreement with numbers or conditions, but it was still a pivotal experience for me in that I could do something that I have always dreamed of doing,” Kaufman said. The education program at Bethel also includes a job placement experience of sorts. Students are required to spend their final semester of college completing work as a student teacher. Adam Kroeker, fifth year from Augusta, is student teaching at Moundridge Middle and High School. “Completing my student teaching will be the last step in finishing my Art Education degree at Bethel... My days are pretty busy but also pretty fun! I enjoy getting to know my students and seeing what they are able to create in the art classroom! My cooperating teacher and I will discuss the day before school begins and after,” Kroeker said. Annie Carlson, senior from Freeman, S.D. is interning at Axtel Clinic in Newton and serves as a scribe for her supervisor, Dr. Dunlavy, among other things. “I have scribed a little, roomed patients and enrolled patients in research studies,” Carlson said. While quite a few majors (like Carlson’s biology major) do not require internship experience, nor do many of them offer it, internship and job placement opportunities are still available for students. For more information, please contact Megan Kershner, director of career and leadership development at mkershner@ bethelks.edu. “I strongly urge that all students pursue internships in a field that interests them the most. Internships give you realworld experience, the knowledge that you might not be getting from a class lecture, and most importantly it gives you the chance to learn about yourself. All these benefits then guide you in figuring out what it is you want to do with your life,” Moyo said.

FEATURES 9

Kaufman is depicted on a computer screen for a forecast. Photo courtesy of Jerod Kaufman

Carlson beams for a photo during her internship experience at Axtel Clinic, serving as a scribe for Dr. Dunlavy. Photo courtesy of Annie Carlson

Ally Weaver sits proudly at the KWCH Eyewitness News desk. Photo courtesy of Ally Weaver

THE BETHEL COLLEGE COLLEGIAN

8 FEATURES

Student internships, job placements extend experience beyond classrooms BETHANY POWLS Editor-in-Chief

Kaufman shares imaging from his internship with KWCH-TV. Photo courtesy of Jerod Kaufman

FEATURES 9

Kaufman is depicted on a computer screen for a forecast. Photo courtesy of Jerod Kaufman

Carlson beams for a photo during her internship experience at Axtel Clinic, serving as a scribe for Dr. Dunlavy. Photo courtesy of Annie Carlson

Ally Weaver sits proudly at the KWCH Eyewitness News desk. Photo courtesy of Ally Weaver

10 SPORTS

Athletes compete over scheduled academic breaks

The cheer team, along with the dance team, attends basketball games in shifts through December. Photo by April Powls ANNA RANZINGER Staff Writer

With fall sports coming to a swift close, winter athletic events are starting to fill the calendar. Men’s and women’s basketball each opened their seasons at the end of October. There are still many games to come, but with that being the case, these teams typically have altered Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. When having to keep up with practice and game schedules this winter, athletes can not always afford to travel home during breaks.

If they do, they might have to return to campus early to get back into the swing of things. These athletes are very committed to their sports, which makes it easier to accept the altered break schedules. Jared Richardson, sophomore from Flower Mound, Texas, is a member of the men’s basketball team and will experience a slightly different Christmas break schedule. “My break includes coming back a few days after Christmas and starting workouts. I don’t really mind having my break altered because this is what I signed up for because I love

MEN’S BASKETBALL NOV. 23 . . . . . 8:00 PM . . . . . AWAY

basketball. So personally I feel that it is not a big deal but also who doesn’t enjoy spending time with their family and eating good food,” Richardson said. He also stated that their national ranking makes it easier to sacrifice other things like breaks. “We are a good team and we have potential to go far this season. So far this year we’ve been ranked number eight in the nation and NAIA and I believe we have a good chance of winning a national championship,” Richardson said. The basketball teams are not the only teams on campus who are experiencing some changes in their break schedules. The cheer and dance teams also have altered breaks. Neither season has started yet, but are expected to return late in the year and go into February of next year. Although the season has not officially started, the teams are practicing as if it has. Evelyn Manresa Lozano, senior from McPherson, said that both breaks, Thanksgiving and Christmas, are going to be a little different for them. “For our Thanksgiving break we have practice the day before break and the first day back from break and for our winter break, we will be coming back early and the people who live nearby will

The men’s basketball team will continue practicing and playing through November and December, despite breaks. Photo courtesy of the Athletic Department

be practicing at least 1-2 days a week on campus,” Manresa said. Manresa explained that she is excited for the dance team’s upcoming competitions. Like Richardson, she doesn’t mind the alterations to her break because of the love and passion that she possesses for her sport. This year, she is eagerly awaiting to show off their new routines.

UPCOMING EVENTS

“I am really excited for our routine, and the level of difficulty in techniques that we have this season. Our program is new but our coach, Kiley McCord, has been amazing,” Manresa said. All of these teams are ready to show everyone what they have been working toward. With winter sports starting up, expect to see crowds in Thresher Gymnasium.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL NOV. 23 . . . . . 6:00 PM . . . . . AWAY

at FRIENDS

MEN’S XC

WOMEN’S XC

NOV. 27 . . . . . 5:00 PM . . . . . AWAY

NOV. 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AWAY

NOV. 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AWAY

NOV. 24 . . . . . 5:30 PM . . . . . AWAY

at YORK

NAIA CHAMPIONSHIPS

at EMPORIA

at FRIENDS

NOV. 29 . . . . . 7:30 PM . . . . . AWAY

NOV. 27 . . . . . 3:00 PM . . . . . AWAY

at McPHERSON

at YORK

Soccer teams move to postseason period JENNA MAHONEY Staff Writer

At the beginning of the 2021 season, the Thresher women’s soccer team was predicted to be fifth in the KCAC, after making it to postseason play last year. Throughout the whole season, they had goals of making it to postseason play. “The biggest goal was making it to postseason play for the second year in a row and giving 100% effort 100% of the time. We went through some ups and downs but ultimately we feel that we achieved that,” Izzy Saenz, senior from Newton, said. The beginning of the season was a little different for the men’s team, as they were predicted to be seventh in the KCAC, and barely make it into the conference tournament. “Our biggest goal in the beginning of the season was to be top 2 in our conference. Sadly we weren’t able to achieve that goal,” Louis Etienne, junior from Wellman, Iowa, said. After a hard season for

both teams, the players were very excited to make it to the postseason. “It was a feeling of relief knowing we made it to the postseason but also a tough feeling knowing we had to play the number two team in the nation, OKWU, but we weren’t going to back down from the challenge,” Andrew Goodman, senior from Shawnee, said. For the seniors on this team, making it to the postseason was definitely a good feeling for their last games as Threshers. “Being a senior, making it to the postseason made me feel rewarded for all the years I’ve committed to soccer. It made me proud of my soccer career and excited for the rest of the team in the upcoming years,” Saenz said. In the past four years, the Thresher men’s soccer team only made it to the conference tournament twice. “It was only the second time we had made it to the playoffs in my four years at Bethel which is more than most people before me could say so I really enjoyed

The Sideline

SCHYLER ENTZ Sports Editor

JOSE ROJAS SENIOR MEN’S SOCCER How did you feel your senior season went? “My season didn’t go as expected but I’m glad to have met all of my teammates.”

What will you miss most about the soccer program? Members of the women’s soccer team hustle across the field during play. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel

The men’s soccer team takes a moment to celebrate on the field. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel

SPORTS 11

getting to be a part of the team that has gone back to back years to the postseason. It was a good feeling knowing my last game was competing in the KCAC tournament,” Goodman said. For the returners on the team who are looking forward to next year, it felt even better knowing what they need to work on in the future. “I was really proud that we were able to fight to make it into that playoff spot for the second year. We had a couple rough results that caused us to have to

win our last regular season game to get in, but we pulled it off and it felt amazing,” Colton Rothwell, sophomore from Wichita, said. Making it into the postseason is always exciting for teams, and this was no exception for both soccer teams. “I feel like we did achieve our goals this season and we have more to prove. I was excited (when we found out we made it) because our season wasn’t over yet and allowed us to continue to play,” Abby Edson, senior from Newton, said.

“I will miss the early morning practices and just the grind of progressing as a player.”

Did you meet any goals this season? “I don’t believe so. The only goal I had this season was to be the best teammate I could be to be able to reach the national tournament.”

12 ENTERTAINMENT

Kettles and coffee pots: Bethel’s age-old utensils MIKI HARKINS Web/Media Editor

Bethel College originated with one major structure serving quite a few purposes for the campus. Now known as the Administration Building, this building used to hold everything. It was where the President and students lived, where classes were taught and where chapel was held. It also housed the library. The very first classes of Bethel College began there on September 20, 1893. It was not until 45 years later that the construction of Memorial Hall began and was finally completed in 1942. Many students may not know this, but the current weight room in the basement of Mem Hall was actually first known as the dining room/cafeteria. A few appliances used in the kitchen in the basement of Mem Hall were carried over to the current caf when it was finished in 1979, and are actually still being used to this day! “[The steam kettle] is one piece of kitchen equipment that is still in use that was moved into the Student Center when it was completed. It had been used for about a year or so in the basement of Memorial Hall, so it is old,” Adam Akers, director of facilities said. This means that the large steam kettle

is about 43 years old. When the current kitchen was built, a specific transformer was chosen, so that it would have the capability to power the steam kettle. To replace it would cost over ten thousand dollars. “It is remarkable that it is still working after all of these years. Very few appliances last as long as this has with the amount of use that it has had,” Akers said. Luci Johnson, food service director says the steam kettle is used almost every day in the kitchen. “Mostly it is either used to just keep extra hot water on hand for making soups, sauces, rice, hot chocolate, etc., or to cook pasta. We cook large amounts of pasta at a time so the kettle works perfectly,” Johnson said. Because the steam kettle is so large, it best serves its purpose in the mass preparation of meals. “We also use it when we make everyone’s favorite Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup, or the Algerian Beef Stew that is new to the menu this year,” Johnson said. Akers believes that the large mixer used in the bakery and the meat slicer, also originated from the Mem Hall basement. “It is absolutely possible that those are just as old as the steam kettle is! We use the mixer daily, Monday through

The coffee maker currently housed in maintenance from the Mem Hall basement cafeteria. Photo by Miki Harkins

The infamous steam kettle and large floor mixer currently used in the Caf originated from the old Mem Hall basement cafeteria. Photo by Miki Harkins

Friday, when our baker is in to make all of her delicious desserts and also whenever we make mashed potatoes,” Johnson said. While a meat slicer does seem arbitrary, it bears some significance on Caf staff routine. “The Slicer gets used the least out of all of them, but still gets used at least 3 to 4 times a week to slice all the deli meat. We also use it to slice the meat for Phillys, Ruebens, and French Dip sandwiches,” Johnson said. One final appliance from the old Mem kitchen that has been kept and used until recently, is the coffee maker. It is stored

in the maintenance shop and still works. However, due to its age, it needs to be fixed every now and then before using. As a result, it is not used often.

Pictures of kitchen appliances that are currently in the Caf are kept by the maintenance department. Photos by Miki Harkins

ENTERTAINMENT 13

Bethel’s historic fall drag show a thrilling success JOSUE COY DICK Staff Writer

A queen dances under the bright, colorful lights. The crowd screams and cheers her on as they feel the music of Megan the Stallion shake the auditorium. This riveting experience was the second show in BeLonGTo’s historic new Drag Show Series. On Friday night, October 29, Daphne and Alex performed for a crowd of Bethel students and staff in Krehbiel Auditorium. Kendall Hiebert, junior from Goessel, is the current president of BeLonGTo and the primary organizer for this event. “It was a great turnout to have that many students there to share laughs and screams as the performers danced around the audience to their music, to me it meant that students got to see a new experience that most people don’t get a chance to see,” Hiebert said. For Hiebert, a drag show has layers of meaning that give shape to this form of entertainment. “Being able to have a drag show on

campus means that the campus is getting to see new and modern age experiences about the LGBTQIA+ community, and see how drag is more than just a performer on stage... instead, it is a story and history being told to an audience,” Hiebert said. Charlotte Ehrmann, senior from Wichita, and a member of BeLonGTo, had the privilege of “DJing” for the recent drag show. She commented on some of the reasons why this is only the third drag show to be held at Bethel College. “Part of it is just that we’ve been scared to do something like [a drag show]. It’s really putting ourselves out there and opening the club up, so I think previous presidents just didn’t necessarily feel comfortable exposing the club like that,” Ehrmann said. Drag shows are open to anyone, not just members of the LGBTQIA+ community, so they provide a great way for people who are not members of the community to get involved. Ehrmann hopes that drag shows will help open up the heterosexual community

to be more open minded and accepting. “[A drag show] is definitely an experience… It’s a really cool way of educating the masses on certain topics because it’s like hey…look at how fun this is, and people can connect through entertainment,” Ehrmann said. Ehrmann elaborated on how this form of entertainment has the power to liberate from toxic societal constructs. “Gender isn’t this binary thing we make it to be. It’s very fluid and drag kind of opens it up to people,” Ehrmann said. BeLonGTo is planning on hosting another drag show as part of their Pride Week in the spring. BeLonGTo is Bethel’s anonymous LGBTQIA+ group and is separate from the public GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) group. “BeLonGTo is meant to be our space on campus for the members who are of the queer community to have a space where we’re not infiltrated by people that are not members of the community, and so it’s kind of a safe space,” Ehrmann said.

Hiebert poses with Daphne and Alex at the drag show. Photo courtesy of Josue Coy Dick

Traditional holiday celebrations return to campus ARTHUR MAHRER Staff Writer

The Christmas gala, an established Bethel college tradition, will be taking place this year on December 10. This will enable Bethel students faculty and staff to take a breather just before a week of final semester examinations. 2020 did not see the celebration of this tradition due to COVID-19. After Thanksgiving break, students were asked to remain off-campus for the rest of the semester, effectively erasing in-person celebration. “The Christmas gala is an opportunity for students to release tension before their final exams of the fall semester,” said Samantha Bond, coordinator of student activities and engagement. This event will have the jazz ensemble showcasing musical delights for students, faculty and staff to enjoy at the annual Christmas jazz concert. Landmark

Christmas galas over the years have included enjoyable performances from the jazz ensembles. The years 2017, 2018 and 2019 all included this tradition, and both the full ensemble and the jazz combo plan to perform. In 2017, the jazz ensembles (composed almost entirely of student musicians) were directed by Joel Linschied, instructor of music, and James Pisano former director of jazz studies at Bethel College. They performed a variety of compositions: “Switch in Time” by Sammy Nestico, “Nardis” by Miles Davis (arranged by Paul Murtha) and “Christmas Song” by Mel Torme and Robert Wells (arranged by Paul Jennings), as well as other jazz compositions The 2018 gala saw the direction of Ensembles I and II by Joel Boettger and Lucas Hullet, and both ensembles were directed by Joel Boettger, current director of bands, at the 2019 gala. Thus we will see a busy Music department in the

preparation for this year’s Christmas gala jazz ensembles. The Christmas gala is also an opportunity for faculty and staff to show appreciation to the students for their hard work. For example, President Goering’s house will be open for students to enjoy Christmas cookies after the meal and the concert. Additionally, the gala gives students the opportunity to dress up for the event, whether that be prom-style attire or themed pajamas. A photo booth will be available at this event, and professional photos taken during the meal are typically sent out to students afterward. Despite this, students are not required to wear special clothes, as the event is meant for student relaxation. It is common to see both formal evening dress and an entire group of friends dressed in flannel onesies. “It is totally fine if you want to wear

your pajamas and just enjoy the moment with your friends,” Bond said. Although not much has been announced in relation to this annual event, it is expected to deliver, as the planning committee is thinking of a new location for the event. Finally, other than Fall Fest, the Christmas Gala distinguishes itself as part of Bethel College tradition. The spotlight for this event is on the entire student body, with a special focus on the jazz ensembles. Faculty and staff serve the students their meal, and then all attend the concert together. It is intended to bring together the entire community, including faculty and staff, in the holiday spirit. In addition to the return of other in-person celebrations, the campus community can now anticipate gala before finals week.

14 GAMES

Lost in the sauce: The crisis of ranch deficiencies for college students LOGAN DEMOND Staff Writer

With the Aladdin Food Services wildly understaffed and supply shortages due to COVID-19 ramping up, it’s far past time to examine the critical nature of dipping sauces in the Caf. They’re a near necessity. Ranch, ketchup and honey mustard accompany the tasteless, dry entrees and side dishes served daily just as milk does cookies. A side of fries doesn’t hit the same without a cup of ketchup to dunk them in. Lately, however, the Caf has been caught with no ketchup on-hand, leaving the Aladdin staff with no option but to fill an empty syrup bottle with ketchup packets instead. “I just want my ketchup, man! Is that too much to ask?” said Rachel Geyer, junior from Kalona, Iowa. The same is true of honey mustard, a fan favorite at the salad bar — but not just for salad. Students are sure to fill up the tiny disposable cups with heaven’s yellow nectar, dipping their fries in them as they carry out conversations in the Caf. The unsung hero of the Bethel College Cafeteria, though, is undoubtedly ranch. Whether or not this is strictly a Midwestern delicacy is up for debate, but nearly every student, wherever they’re from, can’t get enough. When faced with a dry piece of chicken or undercooked pizza, drenching the entree in ranch is the way to go. But what happens when the ranch runs out, one might ask. Absolute pandemonium. Empty bottles are tossed aside, students are filled with frustration.

“If there’s no ranch, I probably won’t eat,” said Lia Groves, sophomore from Valley Center. “I love ranch as much as I love back scratches,” said Keegan Martin, junior from Yale, Okla. This love of dipping sauces is without a doubt concerning. With supplies running low across the country, let’s just hope there is no dipping sauce shortage.

Jessie Thomas is a senior from Halstead. Her major is English secondary education. She has a passion for art, with a love of digital media and creating characters like Amos. This comic, featuring Amos, was inspired by the crisis of what ranch deficiencies do to college students. In conjunction with Logan DeMond, junior from Larned, the two bring to light a true tragedy. If you would like to contribute a piece of artwork to a future issue of The Bethel Collegian, email us at collegian@bethelks.edu!

LISTINGS 15

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

Off-Campus Jobs

- Mojo’s Team Member - BIO130 Botany Lab Assistant

- YMCA Lifeguard - NMC Heath Nurse Tech - Dillion’s Associate - PMMA Dining Services

THE BETHEL COLLEGE COLLEGIAN

Activities for chilly evenings

All around campus, students have been busy occupying their time with a variety of events. In the warmer months, students could be found on all nights of the week participating in intramural sports. As intramural soccer comes to an end, cold weather (a.k.a. Indoor) events take precedence. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, DivCo sponsored an evening of making dream catchers. Photos by Lindsey Pfannenstiel

PHOTO FEATURE 16