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

THE

COLLEGIAN Friday, November 5, 2021 | Volume 110, Issue 5 | North Newton, KS

CAs and students consume Halloween treats at one of the Residence Life dorm events on October 28. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel

Unknown flyers planted on campus vehicles

Editorial: Leftovers, waste and opportunity

Origins of three selective choral ensembles

Basketball teams aim for new goals

Kauffman Museum hosts vaping exhibit

2 NEWS

Unknown source distributes McPherson party info TRISTAN ENGLAND Staff Writer

In the last few years, Bethel has continued to update security on and around campus. The Student Government Association (SGA) has worked to update lighting on campus and has added a few Talkaphone emergency towers, with the potential for more. In regards to general community security, the North Newton Police Department headquarters can be found directly across Main Street and officers regularly patrol the outer streets of campus. Despite these security measures, Bethel remains an open campus that comes with the consequences of that. On October 9, posters advertising a “Stoplight Party” in McPherson on October 9 were found on student and faculty vehicles parked outside of Voth, Warkentin and Haury. Stoplight Parties are events where people wear a color or take a colored cup based on their relationship status. The colors correlate to those on a stoplight; green represents that the person is single, yellow is for “it’s complicated” or “talking” and red means the wearer is taken. However, the party was not a Bethel sponsored event, and an email issued to all students Friday, October 8, asked students not to attend for their own safety. This flyer’s origin is unknown, and how it ended up at Bethel remains a mystery.

Bethel may or may not have been the only campus these flyers appeared on, and it is unknown if local colleges such as Hesston College, Hutchinson Community College and Tabor College also received the same invitations. In an email to students in residential living spaces, Coordinator of Residence Life Larry Rice clarified that the part was in no way connected to the college and advised students to proceed safely. One of the biggest concerns many had with this party was how vague the advertisement was. Some students suspected that this may have been a human trafficking plot, as people were required to show up wearing a color that signified if they were alone. With one major interstate and three highways running through it, McPherson is a prime target for human trafficking. The next major city along Interstate-135, Salina, is even more dangerous, with Interstate-70 running through the north side of the city. I-70, according to the Federal Highway Administration, is 2,153 miles long, and stretches from Utah to Maryland, making it the fifth longest Interstate highway in the United States. The concern is high for the safety of students at Bethel, and while no reports of Bethel students going to this party or reports of missing persons as a result of this party have surfaced at this time, the origin of the advertisement and the host of the party remained unknown to students and faculty. The National Human Trafficking Hotline reported 92 cases and 225

victims of human trafficking in Kansas in 2019 alone, and although numbers diminished in 2020 due to COVID-19 precautions, almost 90 cases have been reported in Kansas in 2021 already. Bethel, often in the form of CA meetings and emails from the coordinator of residence life, asks their students to make safe and responsible choices when it comes to attending

events advertised on campus without approval. In the event that students attend an unsanctioned activity, it is recommended that they use their own judgment in regards to safety precautions and actions.

The flyer in question, which was distributed onto car windshields in all three residential parking lots. Photo by Emily Brandt

October 24: - Approving funding for a third Talkaphone emergency tower on campus - Granting Thomas Kucera funds from the ISR account October 31: - Appointing Arran Kearney to Sophomore Senator - Granting Oscar Gonzalez funds from the ISR account - Granting Sandy Dao funds from the ISR account - Granting Annie Carlson funds from the ISR account

WEBSITE: https://bethelsga.com

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 through the website or email.

EMAIL: sga@bethelks.edu

NEWS 3

Board of Directors meet, address endowment issue

JOSUE COY DICK Staff Writer

The Bethel College Board of Directors met this year during Fall Fest and discussed a variety of issues, including college finances, the structure of the Board committees, and the Six Strategic Priorities. The entire board usually meets twice a year, with executive committee meetings once a month. The main task of the board is the fiduciary responsibility of the college. The board is composed of several committees. In a brief interview, President Jon Gering highlighted the tasks of a couple of these committees: the Futures Committee and the Financial Affairs Committee. This fall, the Futures Committee took up the challenge of reshaping the way the board functions in a process called committee restructuring. “Every once in a while, it is helpful to go back and ask, ‘Are the committees of

the board doing what they are supposed to be doing?” Gering said. Currently, the primary role of the board is to receive reports from the president and the administrative cabinet and approve items when necessary. However, to better reflect the composition of the board, priorities of the college and Gering’s preferences for processes, the p resident and the board are looking for a different way of working together. “[We want to] start addressing and having more dialogue about the big questions the college is facing,” Gering said. Another committee, the Financial Affairs Committee, had several tasks including approving the external audits (which they do every year) and setting tuition and room and board rates for the upcoming year. In addition, this year, the college has experienced a large increase in the endowment, which is money the college sets aside that functions as an investment.

The committee had to ask: do we need to look at our endowment spending policy to make good use of the increased endowment? Several members of the board also held a lunch and chatted with six Bethel students about the Strategic Priorities. The board and the president met one year ago and outlined six strategic priorities, and then the Strategic Planning Committee created a more detailed road map. The conversation with the students focused on campus real estate and infrastructure priority, but branched off from there to address several other concerns. Some concerns were raised on how making changes to the campus real estate and the over commodification of a college education can affect tuition. Jesse McMichael, a sophomore and a firstgeneration student from California, had comments. “I feel as though [the topic of firstgeneration students] was brought up but

was sort of pushed to the side of how we feel about the new things we are trying to accomplish at Bethel and how the cost of those things can play a big role in the families of first generations, especially coming from my perspective where I am completely independent (meaning I pay for my own schooling),” McMichael said. A new committee will be formed to finalize the strategic priorities, and in April the BOD will approve a more detailed final strategic plan. A full overview of all the work done by the Board of Directors cannot be covered in this short article. In the future, it is likely that more decisions will be made regarding these topics, especially as they relate more to the student body. President Gering will send out the usual public-facing messaging report on what happened during the board meeting to faculty, staff and Student Government Association leadership.

President Gering details new COVID-19 policy and impact BRETT ESCH Staff Writer

On Oct. 8, Bethel College President Jonathan Gering sent an email to the entire Thresher community to inform them of the new COVID-19 policy that will go into effect starting Jan. 6, 2022. In an announcement littered with virus-related buzzwords, one phrase stood out to readers: “All new students enrolled at Bethel and taking classes on campus, regardless of the number of credit hours, are required to be vaccinated for SARSCoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and other communicable diseases.” COVID-19 vaccine mandates have rapidly become common on many college campuses across the United States. And now, as a result of administrative decision-making, Bethel is no exception. “We listen to them. We do a lot of environmental scanning. What are other

schools in the nation doing? What are other schools in the state doing? … [The specific actions in] that email is kind of the tip of the iceberg. There’s a lot of conversation and thought that has gone into it.” Gering said. Just a calendar year ago, in Fall 2020, Bethel faced a quarantine crisis in the early stages of the semester. Many students on campus were either isolated and quarantined as a result of exposure. “We were about two beds away from having to close ... because [there were] so many cases, we just didn’t have any rooms left. That’s what I’m trying to avoid as well.” Gering said. There’s also financial considerations to be mindful of. Bethel’s federal grant for COVID-19 relief, Gering noted, has helped the college ‘generously’ through the course of the pandemic. However, those funds will run out in March 2022. A decision had to be made. “We’re trying to get to a place where

it’s costing the college less. That’s why there’s some shift in burden to having to go off campus, not on the college’s dollar… The quarantine action plan for unvaccinated students and testing — I think that’s the most important part.” Gering said. The quarantine action plan for unvaccinated students will require those who are identified as a close contact of a COVID-19 positive person to isolate off campus at their own expense. It’s a bold move by the institution, but one that possesses far more pros than cons. It is also a move that could impact Bethel’s incoming first-year class in Fall 2022. Gering acknowledged that the school considered this, but ultimately felt comfortable with the numbers. “We use what’s called a funnelbased approach. Starting with a number of prospective students, which we’ve already seen — and it’s exactly what it has been in previous years… So I’m not

concerned about that.” Gering said. Gering went on to explain that the policy offers medical and religious exemptions on a case-by-case basis. “The pessimists would say it’s one more hurdle that students have to clear. But the optimist says that, at least in Kansas, where there’s not a lot of schools requiring this, some students may actually gravitate towards a campus where they know there’s a vaccine requirement for new students.” Gering said. New employees of the school will also be required to be vaccinated. “We have a good product here.” Gering said. “I’m not concerned about losing [prospective students].”

4 EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL Leftovers, waste and opportunities to grow family. Many nights, if I ask “what’s for dinner?” the answer is “whatever we had last night.” When we go out to a restaurant, not a single scrap is left behind. And I mean not a single scrap. Those scraps come home with us, whether we’re going to eat them, or the dogs will. Nothing will be thrown in the trash! It’s often comical, because my mom will stop the waitress as they are collecting plates with bits of food just barely too big to call crumbs. Usually, the waitress or waiter looks confused when she asks for a to-go box. I can see it in their faces every time: “A to-go box for what? Two bites???” My mom knows she’s being ridiculous sometimes, and we all have a good laugh about it. However, I believe MIKI HARKINS it is good for me to have the constant Web/Social Media Editor reminder to be resourceful with my food Growing up, I have always been and aware of my waste. Having served at the Lord’s Diner, I taught to not waste anything, whether it have personally seen the impact a good is food, objects, money, etc. I‘ve heard meal can have on those who are less countless lectures, fortunate. (my mom I bring this up would call them because, as a student stories), about employee of the Caf, it the hardships “I bring this up because, pains me to dump tray my parents, after tray of perfectly as a student employee specifically my good food into the trash. mom, faced of the Caf, it pains me to I understand that during their dump tray after tray of some foods can not be childhoods. perfectly good food into kept and redistributed My mom the trash.” to students due to food grew up not safety rules, but perhaps always knowing if there is a way around they were going this. to have something Most dishes are to eat or a place wrapped and stored in the fridge for a to stay, and because of this, she has later date if the food safety rules allow, ingrained these three words in my brain: but some nights there is enough food “Do not waste.” thrown away to feed a group of at least Leftovers are a huge thing in my

ten.

only build community with our locals, I know this may not seem like much, but it can also help to build community but with North Newton within our campus. being so small, this Students could amount of food volunteer with could feed a decent wrapping/packaging sized group of locals the food if needed and “If the food can not in need. This is they could even help especially true of with transporting and be redistributed to the locals in need. distributing the food students and faculty Pizza nights if necessary. who pay for meal are especially tough The process of plans, maybe it can be for me to clean up saving the wouldbecause this is one considered a donation to be wasted food is of the items that can those in need. No profit beneficial for the not be kept. locals receiving it, but is going to be made off This typically it is also beneficial of it anyway, so why not for the Bethel means three-four trays of pizzas will benefit others if it can be community. be tossed at the end By carrying out helped.” of the shift. This this act of community much pizza could service, students can add up to around feel that they have 10 meals. This made an impact on could help out ten the lives of those hungry individuals or potentially even around them. 2-3 families! As recorded in Matthew 25:40, Jesus I am not trying to throw shade on explains, “‘Truly I tell you, whatever you the Caf, because they efficiently save did for one of the least of these brothers anything and everything that they can. and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” I am simply trying to suggest an So by serving others we are serving alternative. the Kingdom of God and therefore, the If the food can not be redistributed very mission of Bethel College is being to the students and faculty who pay for fulfilled. meal plans, maybe it can be considered a donation to those in need. No profit is going to be made off of it anyway, so why Miki Harkins is a junior bio-chemistry major not benefit others if it can be helped. With Bethel being a small, religious- at Bethel. She is also the Web/Social Media based college, I know they promote Editor for the Bethel Collegian. community and the act of serving others. Donating our leftovers is one way this can be done routinely on campus. Maybe this is something that can be coordinated with a local church or other non-profit organization. This helps to not

THRESHPECTIVE 5

THRESPECTIVES Is there value to books being banned or challenged? Banned books enhance classroom experience The first amendment grants us, as American citizens, the right to freedom of speech among a list of other freedoms. With this as LIZ ALDERFER the foundation of Opinion Editor what makes the United States the United States, why are pieces of literature, written by American authors, published in America, and read by Americans censored and banned? When a book is challenged, it means there was an attempt to remove or restrict it, whereas a ban is the removal of the material altogether. Books have been challenged and banned for decades, with the first Banned Book Week being celebrated in the 1980s when the American Booksellers Association showcased banned books at a trade show. Today, banned books are still showcased and Banned Books Week is celebrated at the end of every September. Now, I understand why some people may want to challenge or ban a book. Perhaps it is to protect a child from different ideologies, political topics or any list of controversial topics. However, one opinion of a book shouldn’t completely remove it from the market. Every person has their own set of values and may find worth in books others view as worthless. I especially believe no book should be banned, because books teach us so much. It is a privilege to be able to read and learn about other people’s values, experiences and beliefs. One book, which is continually placed on the banned books list year after year, is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The reasoning behind challenging this book is a result of “racial slurs, negative effect on students, a ‘white savior’ and its perception of the Black experience.” This book is one

I read in my high school English class and loved. I learned valuable lessons from the characters of this book, one of which was the value of integrity, among others. Imagine for a moment if books like To Kill A Mockingbird would be forever banned. Imagine a whole generation of students in the American school system missing out on valuable lessons just because one person or group of people didn’t like a book. What would we be doing to our society? What freedoms would we be compromising? Don’t get me wrong, I am sure there are books that, if I were a parent, I wouldn’t want my child to read. I am sure there are some that, as a future teacher, I wouldn’t use in my classroom. That doesn’t mean they don’t have any inherent value. Responsibility falls on the parents or teachers to decide what children should or shouldn’t be reading. For example, if a parent is challenging a book because of how certain race relations are portrayed, maybe they should sit down with their child and discuss the matter and come to a more productive conclusion rather than banning the book. In a world where people get offended over the smallest matters, it would benefit Americans and the Bethel community to read more people’s views, learn about their experiences and see the world from a lens different than their own. Unfortunately, we also live in a world where censorship, cancel culture and freedom are compromised on a daily basis. Let’s not harm our school systems and the future of our children by banning books and taking away an opportunity to grow and learn. Liz Alderfer is a sophomore Elementary Education major. She is also the Opinion Editor for the Bethel Collegian.

Challenged books offer societal understanding From September 26 to October 2, 2021, the American Library Association (ALA) celebrated its annual week in recognition of BETHANY POWLS “banned books,” Editor-in-Chief a category of literature that sparks insight and controversy. To clarify, the ALA does not “ban” books; rather, it recognizes and documents challenges made against certain books on an annual basis, compiling a list each year of books that have been successfully challenged and banned from school districts, libraries and curriculum. Even if a book is challenged it does not mean that it will be banned, and most challenges are unsuccessful. Because challenges are issued as a result of literary content, the idea of banning books is often curriculumcentric. However, as a broader society, it is enormously important to be aware of the ALA’s yearly banned books list, particularly as it relates to societal trends and historical relevance. I believe it is absolutely essential for people to read challenged (and often banned) books. I disagree with the concept of censoring or banning of literature on an institutional level and these lists highlight significant works of literature that raise cultural and social questions, many of which will not be addressed in both classroom and domestic settings. Are there books that I wouldn’t want my children to read? Yes, of course. However, setting a standard that incriminates specific literature containing specific ideas is potentially dangerous to all literature and all ideas. Additionally, I like to think an adult audience would be better prepared to learn from such

content and should be willing to engage with it. In many situations, classrooms have not always been adequately informative. I can personally think of many situations in which friends have openly admitted having a lesser knowledge of basic history simply because their middle-school and high-school teachers failed to provide them with thorough instruction. In this situation, reading Of Mice and Men (once banned) as an adult to better comprehend the social context of the Great Depression, migrant work and historical discrimination of the disabled is beneficial! As a humanities major, I’ve witnessed firsthand how literature often provides the historical context instructors and institutions will not provide. Banned literature often expresses social or political ideas in ways in which unchallenged books do not. 1984, a dystopian novel written by George Orwell and published in 1949, offers a unique critique of society, much of which many individuals believe to be prophetic in relation to the here-and-now. The Jungle, a critique written by Upton Sinclair in 1906, highlights the living conditions of immigrants in tenement communities and drew a lot of attention to that particular social issue. These novels, while useful for thinking about a variety of perspectives and historical scenarios, have been challenged and/or banned. I think we, as a society, should figure out what motivates our fear of banned literature and overcome it in order to appreciate the social, historical context of written works. Or, at the very least, we should be able to understand alternative perspectives. Bethany Powls is an English and history double major. She is also the Editor-in-Chief for the Bethel Collegian.

6 COMMUNITY

Word on the Street

What is your favorite NFL teams and Superbowl predictions? SENIOR

Brayden Francis

“The Dallas Cowboys are my favorite NFL team. Growing up, that is the team I grew up watching the most. In terms of Super Bowl predictions, I would love to see Dallas there, but I believe it’s going to be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Buffalo Bills that end up appearing at the Super Bowl.”

SOPHOMORE

Daniel Kaufman

JUNIOR

Taylor Dashney

“My favorite NFL team is the Philadelphia Eagles. I was a bandwagon fan from my dad at first and then they just kind of stuck with me. A few teams are doing very well so far in the season, including Kyler Murray and the Cardinals, the Bucs and the Packers. It will be interesting to see who goes to the Super Bowl this year.”

FIRST-YEAR

Peter Buller

“My favorite NFL team is the Kansas City Chiefs. I like the Chiefs because I am from Kansas and I really enjoy watching the Chief’s players, including Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill.”

“I am a Minnesota Vikings fan! My dad is from Minnesota and I have a lot of family there now. He indoctrinated my brother and I into the disappointment that is being a Vikings fan. But the Minneapolis Miracle was worth every second of disappointment that preceded and followed it.”

Letters to the Editor: Josh Kennell Bethel College needs to recruit more for the arts and academics Bethel College needs to recruit more for the arts and academics. We Threshers have a strong tradition of athletics. This is a good thing and should continue. We also have a strong tradition of excellence in the arts and outstanding academics. Recently, recruiting has been heavily focused on athletics and has neglected the artistic and academic side of Bethel. With less money and thought going towards the arts, music ensembles have gotten smaller. This makes Bethel less of a draw for potential students, and lessens educational opportunities for musicians here at Bethel. Academics have also taken a hit, as fewer students are focused solely on academics. Being a student who focuses primarily on academics, I feel I have few peers with similar interests. Many of the students pursuing similar career and academic goals as myself are also focused on athletics, which takes time and focus away from studying (though it mustn’t be understated how intelligent and hard-working many of these athletes are). Larger ensembles and more students interested in academics also serves to keep our faculty engaged and happy. Bethel’s faculty tend to be highly sought after, and many could easily leave for a different institution. As a result of the recent heavy recruitment to athletics, we have had successful sports teams, which is good and ideally should continue. However, the arts and academics at Bethel have been neglected. Going forward, Bethel needs to focus more on academics and the arts in recruitment.

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 2020-2021 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

An analysis of the first “Bethel Mennonite Convention” ARRAN KEARNEY Staff Writer

Though Mennonites are possibly one of the strongest factions on campus, there are various opinions amongst them about what the future of Bethel College holds for them. There can be no denying that the Mennonite population, including both students and staff, has declined over many years. There is no clear explanation as to what the causes of this might be, and how extensively it has affected Bethel in the present day. With an aim to identify all of the different opinions on this subject, something of a convention, involving Mennonite students and staff, was assembled on the evening of Monday, October 25. A summary of the discussion is contained herein. Many of those present believed that a main cause for the relatively small number of Mennonites on campus was the longerterm, systemic problems within the wider Christian religion. The problem, aptly summarized by one individual, is simply that “a lot of young people are losing interest in religion.” This certainly has had an impact on the presence of all denominations on campuses across the nation. If fewer young people are attending church, then less of them will practice their religion in college. This is in concurrence with another’s observation that “all Mennonite colleges have seen a decrease in Mennonite students.” The situation is not, perhaps, one that solely afflicts Bethel, and might instead be pinned on far wider and more uncontrollable factors. There was some push-back on this broad position, even from those who generally supported it. Some contributors argued that the Mennonite faith itself was causing, or at least accelerating, the decline in the Mennonite population on campus. Different factors were pointed to, such as the contentious arguments consuming the faith, with the most pressing issue being over LGBTQ+ inclusion.

These contemporary arguments are just the latest in a long line and, it was suggested, might be demonstrative of an ongoing problem afflicting the Mennonite religion, one of purpose and principle, preventing a slide into nondenominationalism. This lack of identity and authenticity might be what is driving young Mennonites from the church and from campus.

“Mennonites, it was generally agreed, play a vital part in upholding the spiritual and social life of the college, and still exert an influence far beyond their numbers.”

Linked to this idea was another; that Bethel might be suffering, as one said, “from increased competition from other colleges.” The emergence of other Mennonite colleges means that Bethel is no longer “the go-to choice” in Kansas. The major Mennonite institutions in the nation are competing over a dwindling number of Mennonites. It may be the case that a small private college such as Bethel would be unable to survive in modern times without diversifying its student body. There is a flip-side to this argument. One Mennonite asserted that “the campus is more ‘Mennonite’ now than when I arrived.” This use of the term referred less to statistics and more to the culture of the college which, as a plurality of the meeting agreed, still remains distinctly Mennonite. This culture certainly seems to transcend the decline in the population, and manifests in all areas of college life. In the words of one, “Bethel is still known for the things that it has always been known for.” Liberal arts are present in all features of Bethel life. It was interesting to note,

when a poll was taken of the room, that almost everyone present was studying in the humanities and/or was involved in college music, the bastions of a liberal arts college. Mennonites, it was generally agreed, play a vital part in upholding the spiritual and social life of the college, and still exert an influence far beyond their numbers. Many believed that institutional “Mennonitism” remains strong, and that the college’s welcoming statement—that Bethel “is rooted in Christian theology, sustained by Anabaptist distinctiveness, and guided by Mennonite values”—still holds true. There were concerns for the future, particularly about the College’s focus on recruiting for athletics. Athletics itself was not deemed the problem, though there were concerns that many in the student body, between the demands of classwork and expectations in performance activities, may not feel they have extra time to engage in optional activities, spiritual or otherwise. Several different speakers noted the recent lack of recruiting specifically

for academics, music and the arts. This may have had an indirect impact on the number of Mennonites entering in the college, since Mennonites have historically gravitated towards these subjects, rather than sports. However, other concerted actions by the college were highly commended, such as the decision to raise the legacy scholarship from $500 to $3,000. This will likely help to retain Mennonites long term. Other anxieties regarding campus life were brought up. One speaker noted that Mennonites “have a tendency to be a bit cliquey.” Certain activities, traditions and even areas (e.g. particular mods) on campus are known to be “Mennonite.” Perhaps the Mennonites themselves, through the way that they have been raised and the friendships that they have formed prior to their arrivals on campus, are unintentionally distancing themselves from other groups of students on campus.

Bethel’s stats on the Christian demographics of the students. Since there was no option for agnostic or atheist, those who identify are categorized as unspecified. Graphic by Michael Unruh

THE BETHEL COLLEGE COLLEGIAN

8 FEATURES

Choral excellence on campus: A history of three ensembles LOGAN DEMOND Staff Writer

Bethel College music maintains a great amount of anonymity around campus. As the student population has drastically changed since 1887, so has the makeup of what is popular among students. The argument that other activities such as musical groups have taken the backseat has been made, but the truth, however, is that the roots of musical groups on campus run deep.

If students did not already know, now they do: Bethel College is home to quite a few choral ensembles, three of which remain relatively selective. While it can appear that there is conflict between other activities and these ensembles, these groups are made up of students involved in many other endeavors. The Bethel College Concert Choir represents a multitude of students attending Bethel College for more than just music. Football, volleyball, track and field, cross country, tennis and

various clubs and organizations are among the many activities represented in the choir. Students share different leadership and membership roles in each of these. Concert Choir is not a small time commitment. This serious group of vocalists is made up of about fifty students who meet every day, giving up their noon hour, to perfect their craft. It is not uncommon to see choral students darting in and out of the cafeteria before the bells ring at 12:00

The Concert Choir performs at a church in 2015 in full concert dress. Photo courtesy of the Bethel College Concert Choir

p.m., or just before it closes at 1:00 p.m., to grab a quick bite to eat. While many students use this time for socialization, socializing takes the back seat during the year as the dedication to perfection and a history of tradition precedes the songbirds of Bethel College. “Bethel’s music groups are an important part of alumni engagement and outreach. Concerts on campus, performances at Fall Fest, choir tours and performances in churches consistently draw crowds. Our alumni,

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2021 especially our music alumni, take great pride in Bethel’s music groups and like to share memories about their experience. These groups are also a great student recruitment tool,” Brad Schmidt said. For a select group of men and women on campus, time commitments to the performing arts are even more extensive. In 2001, a small, all-male group of Bethel College students involved in Concert Choir were seeking more. In response, they loosely formed a group that came together twice a week to sing informally for the love of music. Today, that group is known as Open Road. Since 2001, Open Road has evolved to look slightly different. Continuing rehearsals twice-weekly, this group of vocalists is highly selective, performing at special events on and off campus. Being chosen as a member is considered a high honor among Bethel College musicians. As seniors graduate, new members are chosen to continue the twenty-year tradition. Since its inception, tens of members have performed and now live all across the nation. “I would describe the honor as one that follows the rich history of music

FEATURES 9 at Bethel College. Our members are taking part in a tradition of excellence in the fine arts that Bethel has historically taken pride in, so that is something I always keep in mind when I sing,” Jerod Kauffman, senior from Moundridge, said. Just as fascinating as the group itself, though, is the story of how this once informal group chose its name. Performing at a church one Sunday, the original members of the ensemble witnessed a homeless man enter the service. “He was receiving aid from the church. We listened to the man’s story and discovered that he had no name; he went by the alias of ‘Open Road.’ Because we were moved by his testimony and his evident joy of life, despite his suffering and disappointment, we decided to honor him by assuming his name, Open Road. That story and his image have stayed with us ever since that experience” the original members shared in an excerpt presented by Professor and Chair of Music, William Eash. The men of Bethel College are not the only ones with a rich musical history, however. Ever challenging itself to promote equality across gender lines, a number

of years later, a women’s ensemble go out and perform,”Annie Carlson, entered the scene under the name senior from Freeman, South Dakota, Avenue 8. said. While Eash was unable to Each of these performance groups determine the exact year the group not only provide opportunities for was formed and the meaning behind musically-inclined students on-campus, the original name, their rise to but serve as a strong recruitment tool, popularity on-campus and throughout continuing the tradition of excellence the community came at a rapid pace. in Bethel College music. Throughout the years that followed, Avenue 8 became what is now known as Woven. New members are chosen by current members based on their performances during Concert Choir auditions and rehearsals. Woven’s performances are the highlight of several campus events. “It’s an honor to be a part of Woven because it means that your peers recognized you as a strong singer. Also, since it is completely studentled, there’s definitely an added responsibility of not only representing Woven well, but also representing Bethel The 2014 Open Road ensemble poses for a concert College well when we promotional post. Photo courtesy of the Bethel College

Woven members from the Fall 2018 ensemble pose for a promotional photo in the FAC choir room. Photo courtesy of Woven

Members of the 2017 Open Road ensemble sing alongside the Jordan River. Photo courtesy of the Bethel College

THE BETHEL COLLEGE COLLEGIAN

8 FEATURES

Choral excellence on campus: A history of three ensembles LOGAN DEMOND Staff Writer

The Concert Choir performs at a church in 2015 in full concert dress. Photo courtesy of the Bethel College Concert Choir

Woven members from the Fall 2018 ensemble pose for a promotional photo in the FAC choir room. Photo courtesy of Woven

Members of the 2017 Open Road ensemble sing alongside the Jordan River. Photo courtesy of the Bethel College

10 SPORTS

Basketball teams aim for new season goals

New Coach Pringle chats strategy with the women’s team during time out at their home game on October 27. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel JENNA MAHONEY Staff Writer

As the fall basketball season begins, both the men’s and women’s teams have been in full swing with practice, conditioning and other activities to prepare for future games. The men’s team won the KCAC championship last season, with a conference record of 16-4, as well as competed in the NAIA national tournament. Additionally, the women’s team competed in the NAIA national tournament last season, with an overall record of 16-10. Now, both teams are looking

into pushing themselves even farther beyond maintaining their reputation from last season, with a change in leadership. The women’s team began their search for a new head coach last spring and found Derrick Pringle Jr. to be a good fit for the position. “I wasn’t scared (to be coming in as new head coach) but more excited for the opportunity/ privilege of being the head coach of the women’s basketball program. After watching Bethel play in the NAIA national tournament, I knew that this was a place I would want to coach. I admired how hard the young

MEN’S BASKETBALL NOV. 6 . . . . . . 6:00 PM . . . . . AWAY

women played and saw myself coaching at Bethel,” Pringle said. Having a new coach on staff means developing new goals for the team. “Our goal this season is to first build a family atmosphere/ culture and also compete for a KCAC championship. We return seven players from last year that competed in the opening round of the NAIA tournament. We believe we have the talent and experience to do so. We also have a desire to not just win for ourselves but for Bethel College,” Pringle said. After last year’s season, the team is in the competition for the KCAC championship and for the national tournament again. “I just want our players to play to their full potential. We aren’t necessarily looking to prove ourselves but maintain and continue the success we had last season. Bethel women’s basketball is in a great spot right now to be a contender every year in the KCAC and in the NAIA,” Pringle said. With the men’s team coming off of a KCAC championship and being a contender in the NAIA overall, this also puts a target on their back. “There are a lot of challenges for us this year. The conference is going to be the toughest I can remember. With all of those very good teams the target on our back

The men’s basketball team played against the Oklahoma City Stars on October 29 and ended the night with a win. Photo courtesy of Thresher Athletic Department

will be big. We will be a big game for everyone in the conference. So managing expectations for us and also being ready to compete every single night which can be challenging over the course of a long season. I think we are ready and excited for the challenge of trying to repeat as conference champions,” Jayson Artaz, head men’s basketball coach, said. Having that reputation comes with expectation from both Thresher fans and the other teams. All five of the team’s starters return this year, including key player, Jaylon Scott, senior from

UPCOMING EVENTS

Allen, Texas, who averaged a double-double every game last season. “We don’t really have set expectations for this year. I think expectations come from outside just because of the success we had last year and everyone coming back. Our program expectations are really that we just play to our core principles and then let the rest take care of itself. We will have different pressures this year, but that is definitely a good thing because that means that we were good. Now we just have to be prepared for everyone else’s best shot,” Artaz said.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL NOV. 5 . . . . . . 5:00 PM . . . . . AWAY

at CENTRAL

CROSS COUNTRY

FOOTBALL

NOV. 8 . . . . . . . TBD . . . . . . . AWAY

NOV. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AWAY

NOV. 6 . . . . . . TBD . . . . . . . . AWAY

NOV. 12 . . . . . 7:00 PM . . . . . AWAY

at FORT HAYS

KCAC CHAMPIONSHIPS

at ST MARY

at CHRISTIAN

NOV. 12 . . . . . 6:00 PM . . . . . AWAY

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

NOV. 13 . . . . . TBD . . . . . . . . AWAY

NOV. 13 . . . . . 12:00 PM . . . . HOME

at NAZARENE

NAIA CHAMPIONSHIPS

at WEST TEXAS

vs JOHN BROWN

at HASTINGS

Athletic department adds the “Stone Zone” LOGAN DEMOND Staff Writer

Bethel College is home to one of the most electric game day experiences in the conference, but there is always room for improvement. Because of this, the Bethel College Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) has been working hard behindthe-scenes to put the Thresher student section on the map. “We’re always looking for ways to make the game day experience better. We want our student section to be more dedicated, more involved, and all around better,” Drannon Lenox senior from Norman, Okla. said. In an effort to achieve this, a game day experience

subcommittee has been formed, consisting of six students and two coaches. “While Tori Riddick heads the subcommittee, Isaiah Bartel, Miki Harkens, Luke Schmidt, Hannah Harris, and Kyle Belvin are our student representatives. Coach Artaz and Coach Gogus represent the staff,” Lenox said. A number of ideas have been presented in these meetings. Roping off the student section in both Thresher Stadium and Thresher Gymnasium, designing official t-shirts, and creating new, simple traditions that students and fans can participate in during games are just a few of these ideas. While several of these changes have yet to take shape, the student section has been

renamed the “Stone Zone’’ and, if you’ve attended a football game at Thresher Stadium, the song “Shout” is played three minutes before the second half. This tradition piggybacks off of the University of Oregon’s tradition, encouraging spectators to get on their feet and dance. Building on these traditions, SALT hopes to purchase a banner representing the “Stone Zone.” They also want to be able to provide the cheer and dance teams with more Thresher goodies to throw out during the games. “All of these game day additions will be purchased by the Athletic Department and Booster Club. SALT simply provides them with the ideas,”

Lenox said. While these new traditions continue to unfold throughout the school year, Lenox reminds us that Thresher Nation is not in need of an overhaul, just a facelift. “Overall there is more involvement across all sports, but there is always potential for it to grow and get better. It’s in our hands to make this thing what we want it to be, and we need your help,” Lenox said. If you have a suggestion or questions for the subcommittee, SALT representatives welcome student input and feedback via email or upon seeing them on campus.

It is now the time of year when the weather gets cold, we add more layers, and most importantly, we get to watch the fall sports close out their seasons. This year the practice and playing fields have seen a lot of determination and team successes. As each group played their final few games, fans wait to find out which of the fall teams will all be participating in playoffs. Each program has had their fair share of victories and losses, whether that be in winning games or losing players to injury. Regardless of adversity, and despite some of the setbacks from the previous fall season, teams have had a smoother experience with handling adversity. One strength that each program has is their welcoming

environment and the drive displayed throughout all of the athletes, visible for regular practices and recruit visits. “We have seen some growth in some programs but also some regression in others. Overall the culture and talent of our teams are good! I hope to see strong retention, growth in mental and physical strength in the future. Next fall I would like to see it turn into more consistent results across the board for all of the programs,” Athletic Director Tony Hoops said. Katy Ponce, junior from Chino, Cali. agrees with this statement from Hoops. “This year, my expectation was to build on the momentum from our previous season’s accomplishments. In order for us to do this, each player will need to play with free will. We can not be afraid to make mistakes and we need to encourage and support

each other’s drive to succeed,” Ponce said. With quite a few of the players on each of the fall teams participating as veteran athletes, they have been able to compare progress from past seasons. The conclusion from said returning athletes is that many fall teams have made positive changes to their programs. It is also a reminder that there is always room for improvement, both for next seasons and for the remainder of the current seasons. “This season has been tricky for us with numerous injuries and a changing formation along with altering positions. These changes have served us well in some matches, but may have complicated the overall season,” Ponce said. However, the relationships among players remains central to team development and the carry over of progress to the next

The Sideline

SCHYLER ENTZ Sports Editor

HANNAH HARRIS SOPHOMORE DANCE

Fall athletic teams reflect on season progress ANNA RANZINGER Staff Writer

SPORTS 11

season. “At the end of the season, I hope that we can all look each other in the eyes and be able to tell that we gave it all we had. My hope is that we end this year with nothing but trust and respect for each other,” Ponce said. Hoops commented that the teams that have been struggling have what it takes to win, but consistency is what they seem to lack. “Some of the teams seem to be falling short this fall. Many of them came out with exceeding expectations and they are competitive, but it is consistency among them that is their greatest weakness. I look forward to how they all finish out this fall season,” Hoops said.

How as this season been so far for you? “This season for me has been pretty good so far!”

What are your personal Dance goals this year? “I set two goals for myself, which were to get more flexible, and more consistent with my turns in second. So far I have already gotten a little bit more flexible compared to the start of the season and my turns in second are hitting more often.”

What has been your favorite dance this season? “My favorite dance this season was our third dance, around the world.”

12 ENTERTAINMENT

Kauffman Museum educates community on vaping BRIANNA POWELL Staff Writer

Dating back to as far as 1996, Kauffman Museum has featured many special exhibits in their facility located just west of the college. The current special exhibit focuses on issues that are very present in the world today. Director of Kauffman Museum Andi Andres had some insight to share. “Our current special exhibition, Vapes: Marketing an Addiction, examines what we know about e-cigarettes–the new alternative to smoking. Vapes tells three intertwining stories: the rise and fall of cigarette smoking and advertising in the 20th century, the emergence of the e-cigarette in the 21th century and new marketing strategies, and the challenges of nicotine addiction and quitting,” Andres said. The exhibit has been utilized for educational purposes for the students here at Bethel College. “A number of Bethel classes have already visited Vapes: Media Analysis, FYS classes, Marketing, 2-D Design, Social Studies Methods. We are so pleased to have a resource that instructors can use in their classes. Moving students out of their normal learning environment can make concepts often learned in a textbook or lecture clearer in a different way. Students

are welcome to visit Vapes and the rest of the museum any time during regular business hours,” Andres said. In other news Kauffman Museum is also partnering with Bethel’s diversity council for an event being hosted in November. “We are working with the Diversity Council to host an event at the museum in November, Native American Heritage Month. Stay tuned for more information from the Diversity Council about that,” Andres said. Andres also speaks on the diversity within Kauffman Museum. The museum does not only just solely serve the Kansas community, but it also has multiple locations worldwide. “And... did you know that the Kauffman Museum rents exhibits to other museums all over the country? When Vapes comes down in January, it will move on to other locations in Kansas,” Andres said. Other than the presence that Kauffman Museum has on Bethel’s campus the question of ‘what relevance does Kauffman have on Bethel’s campus’ could also be asked. For this our very own Access Services Librarian (also a former employee at the Kauffman) Renae Stucky has some insight on this topic. “I think that the Kauffman Museum

is very relevant to students because it’s a great community resource and it tells the story of the area. Students that aren’t from here can get a feel of their ‘new home’ by being able to understand the people here, there is also a chance to learn about the physical landscape along with the culture,” Stucky said Stucky also promotes the educational advances that can be found for major specific topics.

“The Kauffman Museum is also a place for student workers. You can discover different careers there and also use it for research. If you are a historian, biologist or sociologist there are a ton of opportunities to examine artifacts, to be able to physically hold history in your hands,” Stucky said.

Kauffman Museum’s current exhibit is interactive and features information from a variety of perspectives, including statistics and historical developments. Photos by April Powls

ENTERTAINMENT 13

A guide to reading away chilly weather blues LIZ ALDERFER Opinion Editor

With the weather becoming chillier and the evenings losing daylight, one may pose the question, “What am I supposed to do now?” Well, the Collegian is here to help! There’s nothing nicer than an evening snuggled under a cozy blanket, perhaps with hot chocolate or cider in hand, and a good book to entertain during these long fall and winter evenings. You may be wondering why you would want to read after a long day of classes and dissecting the pages upon pages of homework assigned to you, but these recommendations from professors aren’t on the topics of English, mathematics, hermeneutics or any other fine liberal arts subjects. Keep on reading to see what Bethel professors recommend reading for leisure. Brad Born, professor of English, recommends a book he read this past summer, Indian Horse by the Ojibwe and Canadian author Richard Wagamese.

“I was thinking about creating a new course about the literature of sport,” Born said. This book tells the story of a young First Nations boy who is separated from his parents and taken into a residential school, where he learns to play hockey, then grows into a young athletic star bound for professional NHL stardom -- all the while struggling to come to terms with a painful personal history. Lisa Janzen Scott, professor of education, recommends cozy mysteries. For those who are unfamiliar with the term “cozy mystery” it can be defined as a subgenre of crime fiction in which sex and violence occur off-stage, the detective is an amateur sleuth and the crime and detection take place in a small community. “Most of the detectives in these stories are women with careers and/or families, so they are characters I can relate to,” Scott said. Typically, cozy mysteries are written in series, which allows the reader to get to know the characters more deeply over time.

“Several of the series I read take place in bakeries, so recipes are often included and the best part is that these stories are entertaining, easy reads!” Scott said. Two books Scott looks forward to reading this fall/winter are: Murder in the Corn Maze by G. A. McKevett and Christmas Dessert Murder by Joanne Fluke. Chair of the Music Department and Choral Director William Eash, when asked about book recommendations, gave a plethora of books over a wide range of topics. One of his recommendations was Dune by Frank Herbert. This is a timely science fiction novel to read since a new remake of the 1984 film was recently released. Other recommendations include Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry, Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain and PrairyErth by William Least Heat-Moon among numerous others. “There are so many books I could recommend!” Francisa MendezHarclerode, professor of biology said. Anxious People and Things my Son

Needs to Know about the World, both written by Frederick Backman, are some of her new favorites. “They are funny (often laugh out loud funny!), touching, full of kindness, redemption and give me hope for this world!” Mendez-Harclerode said. Audio books are also one of MendezHarclerodes recommendations. Every summer, she used to listen to Freddy and Fredericka by Mark Helprin. “It is full of things that are close to my heart, a love of nature, the belief that life is a saga and we are here to serve others, and we can learn and become better versions of ourselves,” Mendez-Harclerode said. Discussing books with friends can also be a great activity. Perhaps consider starting a book club during the winter months to stay connected and share what you are reading. Be sure to check out the recommended pieces of literature discussed above this fall and winter or ask other professors, friends and family for more book recommendations!

Mullet Mania, a go-to hairstyle through the ages APRIL POWLS Staff Writer

As the semester continues to trudge on, new trends seem to make their debut as an added spice to the daily drudgery of school work. One such trend that has made a massive entrance on campus is the mullet. This “business in the front/party in the back” haircut has received mixed reviews from the general campus population, but it is clear that the wearer of such a haircut makes a statement! One such statement-maker is Bethel College’s Director of Alumni Engagement Brad Schmidt. Schmidt can often be seen in the Caf on visitation days or out and about campus in the admissions golf cart, sporting his mullet. Schmidt stated that over the years he’s had many different haircuts;

crew cut, fade, flat top, mohawk and long enough to pull back into a ponytail, but he claims that the mullet has always been his favorite. “My current mullet journey started during the COVID shutdown when I was cutting my own hair. Just decided to keep it going,” Schmidt said. Schmidt isn’t the only one sporting the mullet. Famous icons such as David Bowie, Benjamin Franklin and Patrick Swayze have all tried their hand at this iconic look for a variety of reasons. It’s not surprising that members of Bethel campus would seek to imitate the legends of the past. But why here? Why now? Well, one cannot truly know the motivations of the mullet, but perhaps history can shed some light on the situation. Contrary to popular belief, the mullet was not invented in the 1980s or 90s.

In fact, ancient literature suggests the mullet may have existed long before the Beastie Boys coined the term in their song “Mullethead,” released in 1994. In the time of ancient Rome, the mullet was called the “Hun cut,” fashioned after Rome’s enemies, the Huns. Wealthy teens would wear this cut and generally terrorize the general public, not unlike today. This style was reasonably popular and practical as well for Roman soldiers and Greek spearmen. It is and was the perfect style to prevent helmet hair and kept a soldier’s luscious locks out of enemy hands in a closer fight while also keeping their neck warm and dry. Since then, this practical cut has made appearances in traditional Native American culture as indigenous peoples fought against relocation, French revolutionaries as they plotted against

the aristocracy, American colonists as they revolted against British control, the 1980s (enough said) and finally, now at the height of political and social tension. Some would speculate that the mullet is a mark of world controversy and civil unrest. Regardless, in this time and on Bethel Campus, it serves as a harmless form of self expression amongst the stress of everyday life. As for Schmidt, the mullet expresses his source of motivation. “At some point, my hair will stop growing or fall out, so I’m going to enjoy it while I can. Life is short, so take chances, express your true self, and have some fun! Memento mori,” Schmidt said.

14 GAMES

Burnout Season 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 toll that rigorous academic expectations and social exhaustion places on students. Hang in there, folks! 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 - Admissions Office Assistants - BIO221 Anatomy & Physiology Teaching Assistant

- YMCA Lifeguard - Dillon’s Associate

THE BETHEL COLLEGE COLLEGIAN

Brought to you by Residence Life

Residence Life held many events throughout October, both festively fall and Halloween themed. CA Rachel Geyer, junior from Kalona, Iowa, sponsored an autumn wreathmaking evening complete with apple cider on October 25. The entirety of Residence Life staff hosted a themed food night on October 28 at each dorm, inviting students for fun, spooky goodies! Photos by Rachel Geyer and Lindsey Pfannenstiel

PHOTO FEATURE 16