BC Collegian_Friday, September 24, 2021_Vol. 110_Issue 2 by Bethel College

THE

COLLEGIAN Friday, September 24, 2021 | Volume 110, Issue 2 | North Newton, KS

Students volunteer to clean up the Community Garden on Bethel’s annual Service Day. Photo by Chase Dempsey

Discussion of on-campus employment

Editorial: The ethics of liberty and safety

Fall Festival is back in-person for 2021!

Cross country thrives under new leadership

Salvaging the tradition of Herman Bubbert

2 NEWS

Ending distinction between work study and campus jobs JOSUE COY DICK Staff Writer

For decades, Bethel has qualified for and received federal dollars through a federal work study program that provides financial aid to eligible students through campus jobs. Megan Kershner, director of Career & Leadership Development, shared that last year 40% of students held at least one job on campus, most of them working two jobs. 65% of those students were eligible for federal work study dollars. Clark Oswald, director of financial aid elaborated on the federal work study program. “In order to receive federal funding for work study positions, we have to meet certain criteria. For example, so many of our campus jobs go towards community service… we also have to have a reading tutor,” Oswald said. Several factors go into student eligibility for federal work study dollars, including FAFSA EFC (expected family contribution) and the amount of financial aid a student is receiving, including any Bethel or outside scholarships. “I’ve had students in the past tell me, ‘well my FAFSA says I can have a job’; but if they are getting a certain amount of aid, it can bump you out of federal work study eligibility for that job,” Oswald said. Up until this year, Bethel College has had a few campus student worker positions that were available only through federal work study funding. For the anonymity of the relevant departments and students, the specific number is unavailable. Oswald commented on these

different opportunities on campus. “Federal work study eligible students would be eligible for both the federal work college positions and college funded work study opportunities,” Oswald said. Kershner explained that this changed for this academic year, and now any student is eligible for all jobs. “This year all positions will be advertised to all students regardless of their federal work study eligibility,” said Kershner. Last year, on the budget side, departments had to allocate some money from their own budgets to pay for student workers who weren’t eligible to receive federal work study funding. Kershner explained that this year Bethel continues to receive federal work study funding, but the budget for campus jobs is put under an overall campus employment budget. Within this collective pool, one part includes federal dollars, and the other institutional dollars. Students, however, do not see that difference when applying for a campus job. The dollar amount in the collective pools is calculated by the number of FAFSA eligible students on campus, and the campus demand for student labor. “All the departments submit a request, a student labor request. How many students they need working, how many hours per week,” said Kershner. While details are unknown, Bethel’s goal of becoming a work college will not affect federal work college jobs or funds. The federal work college program will simply be an additional means through which the college can provide financial aid to students.

Bryce Wilson, junior from Sterling, shelves books during his shift as a library worker. Photo by Josue Coy Dick

SGA met on Sunday, September 19 to discuss the following topics: - Swearing in new senators - Updating the ice machines in Haury and Warkentin - Locations for water bottle refill stations - Washing machines in Haury and the mods - New talkaphone towers - Approval of SGA budget 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 email or website.

WEBSITE: https://bethelsga.com

EMAIL: sga@bethelks.edu

NEWS 3

Student needs determine switch to Moodle platform JENNA MAHONEY Staff Writer

In the spring of 2020, the Bethel College campus saw a major change to its learning system. The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic forced campus to shut down and Bethel had to send students home for the semester. This left administration scrambling to find a learning platform and management system for students to keep track of their work at home. With many other evolved learning platforms available such as Canvas, Google Classroom, Schoology and Moodle, ThresherConnect had previously caused widespread confusion among students. Thus, Bethel adapted to a new website for online learning. Robert Milliman, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty, was at the head of this switch. “During the rush to online learning we were using all different sources for

learning management. The faculty decided that we should just use one system and we found that Moodle would be the best because ThresherConnect would be too inferior as a learning management system,” Milliman said. The faculty and administrators then took a vote to officially determine which system would be best to use further. With any vote like this, there are always a lot of different viewpoints to be heard. “I was rather neutral in the vote. I wanted to do what was best for the students. A lot of the feedback I received was things the professors heard from their students. Most students were confused by using two different systems since grades were entered into one and everything else was on the other,” Milliman said. For students already using ThresherConnect, having to alternate between two platforms was not an easy adjustment. “More or less of the confusion was just because students were confused why

things were in different places. I could tell all students and faculty heavily supported Moodle,” Milliman said. When the switch happened, students were confused on where to find information. For example, grades were found on ThresherConnect and all of their assignments and announcements were on Moodle. “As a campus, we have a package with a company called Jenzabar. Basically with Jenzabar, all the grades reside in that system. That then means that all the midterm and final grades have to be entered into ThresherConnect because it is connected to Jenzabar. Jenzabar is how all of the final grades get put onto student’s transcripts,” Milliman said. Using the Jenzabar package made it more difficult to fully switch from ThresherConnect to Moodle, without having to post grades on both sites. “Jenzabar does not make it easy for us to use any other learning management system to enter grades. Professors can

enter grades into Moodle as well, though,” Milliman said. One source of bewilderment for students was the lack of information from faculty on ThresherConnect. “I thought ThresherConnect was more for the students coming from different countries to connect on campus. I had no idea that it was actually a thing for us to use,” Jordan Boone, first-year from Gardner, said. With every big decision like this, there are always people who think the decision should have been made differently. “I am not aware of any opposing professors against Moodle. We made the consensus to switch as a whole. There could always be people that just have not said anything, but I think it was the right decision to make for the students,” Milliman said.

Vaccination boosters for COVID-19 on the horizon LOGAN DEMOND Staff Writer

The pandemic is back like it never left, because it never really did. “But what makes it incredibly more frustrating is that we have the tools to combat COVID-19, and a distinct minority of Americans - supported by a distinct minority of elected officials - are keeping us from turning the corner,” President Biden said in his September 9th address to the nation. It is no secret that the current administration has exhausted its resources in an effort to vaccinate the nation. Vaccinations are safe and effective in combating COVID-19, helping drastically reduce the number of COVID-related deaths. Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Pfizer vaccine, information which is wellknown.

While the bottom 25% of the nation refuses to get the vaccine, according to President Biden’s remarks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended a booster shot eight months after receiving the second dose for those who have gotten the jab. “The goal is for people to start receiving a COVID-19 booster shot beginning in the fall,” according to the CDC’s vaccination booster web page. This would require a series of further approvals and recommendations. “If the FDA and ACIP recommends a booster dose, people who were first to receive a COVID-19 vaccination when they became available in early 2021 are likely to be the first people eligible for a booster,” said the website. Following the vaccination rollout plan, elderly adults and those who are at risk of death if they contract the virus will receive their booster shot first. The United States is set to offer this

booster to combat the ever-evolving virus and stop the spread of the Delta variant. These boosters will likely be available for those who received the Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations. However, those who received the Johnson & Johnson jab will not be administered a booster due to a lack of data that comes as a result of its late entrance to the market. It is likely that, in the coming weeks as a result of more data, a booster will be available for these individuals. While booster shots are recommended, their creation does not mean that the vaccines are not working. Beyond that, if an individual received their second dose more than eight months ago, it does not mean that their vaccine is ineffective. “However, with the Delta variant, public health experts are starting to see reduced protection against mild and moderate diseases,” the website said.

Just as the initial two doses of the vaccine are free to all Americans, the booster shot will also be free. The booster shot is not only being promoted by the United States, either. The British government announced a plan to provide booster shots to thirty million front-line workers and those who are at-risk according to a Washington Post article published on September 14th. The Washington Post also reported on the British government’s “Plan B.” The aforementioned plan details that the government is “prepared to reinstate restrictive measures, including mandatory mask-wearing in crowded spaces and the use of vaccine passports to allow people to go to events and large nightclubs.”

4 EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL On the ethics of liberty and safety think the past two years have made it clear most federal politicians do not care about said human rights. My point is that this “mandate” (like the others) is not in the enumerated powers of the president (See Article II of the U.S. Constitution). It is also not an enumerated power delegated to the general government. Only Congress can make laws, and those laws must be pursuant to the U.S. Constitution. Otherwise, it is in the hands of individual states (See Amendment X of the U.S. Constitution), and I am so proud of those that are standing up to protect their people. Additionally, no general government official can violate a state’s constitution. The Kansas State Constitution both protects religious liberty/religious exemption (Amendment BETHANY POWLS VII) and cites citizens as the ultimate Editor-in-Chief source of authority (Amendment II). It is imperative that citizens keep their The events of the past month have left power. What is sacrificed now, will require quite a few people on unsettled footing as a lot of fight to get back. I would rather not far as their job and basic livelihood goes. have to fight, thank you very much. While much of my audience probably does Now that this groundwork is laid, not agree, a president issuing a federal Bethel students might be thinking: “Why mandate requiring federal employees does this matter?” to be vaccinated (or else) screams While no one can theoretically make totalitarianism. you take a vaccine, the school Thus, when accepts federal funding. Your someone tells me “private” institution takes it’s “time to write “The point is to make so much money from the something that you think about federal government that it’s matters to the how much we have possible administration will student body,” then feel pressured to force all compromised as a it is time to do just student and faculty workers society.” that. to vaccinate, test weekly, or First, let’s lose their jobs. chat about this If you thought this could “executive mandate” for federal employers. never be a reality, think again. Go inform yourself if you haven’t already, As far as exemptions go, I’m at a loss because this stuff is so, so important. as to why they are suddenly not a “good If you do know what I’m talking about, enough” reason to get this vaccine. then here is a fairly obvious statement: Know that if anything about this It directly violates basic human rights. I vaccine is against your religious, medical,

philosophical beliefs or any other banned her from campus. The video of conditions and convictions, you are more her final class was then censored from than entitled to a “no.” Youtube. As for employers, it is not within I understand it is within human the federal government’s power or right nature to want to control what we think to make you enforce this mandate or we can control, but sometimes that is not refuse exemptions. the ethical decision to You can and should make. You cannot force “It is imperative that grant your employees one medical procedure exemptions. citizens keep their power. and not expect it to Also, it is What is sacrificed now, spiral out of control important to note from there. that you will have to will require a lot of fight The point of this to get back. I would pay your employees editorial is not to argue W o r k m a n ’ s rather not have to fight, about the effectiveness Compensation and thank you very much.” of vaccines, hospital can be sued in the procedures, alternative event of adverse remedies and natural reactions. immunity. The point Exemptions are important because is to make you think about how much we they are foundational to values, to personal have compromised as a society. Let us not experience, and to critical thinking skills. compromise any more, for the love of all I’m not sure I’ve ever encountered a time things good and holy. in my life when people were so quick to One of the most profound quotes of discredit and dismiss others’ incredibly the founding era comes from Benjamin legitimate perspectives. Franklin. He said, “Those who would give This dismissal is honestly a horrifying up essential liberty, to purchase a little concept and the complete antithesis to temporary safety, deserve neither liberty one of the primary focuses in my Bethel nor safety,” which to me is a very clearly humanities courses: Empathy. defined statement despite a difference in Here’s a thought: Once a vaccine context. is mandated and everyone has taken For those who call these words it (willingly or unwillingly) regardless irrelevant in the twenty-first century, I of medical, philosophical or religious don’t really care. Franklin’s statement exemptions, who gets to pick up the rings truer now than it did two hundred pieces? Who takes the liability for the and fifty years ago. The ability to choose damage done? Who gets to decide what a medical procedure rather than have it other medical procedures are mandated? forced upon you is one of these liberties. I apologize for my bluntness, but who Would you sacrifice that for temporary gets to decide? If this moves forward, it security? will probably not be you. Recently, a professor of ethics in Canada was told that she must vaccinate. Bethany Powls is a senior English and history Her decision? She chose to educate her double major. She is also the Editor-in-Chief for students one last time on the power of the Bethel Collegian. ethical decision making and personal choice before her university fired her and

THRESHPECTIVE 5

THRESPECTIVES Response to withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan Trump’s contribution to Afghan withdraw Long before the reality television star became President of the United States, Donald Trump ran a LOGAN DEMOND campaign filled Staff Writer with promises. During his reelection campaign, the slogan ‘Promises made, promises kept’ was donned at every rally. Although he didn’t win, one of these promises was kept. Love him or hate him, Trump ran a masterful campaign, branding himself as a man of the people. His rallies were filled with taglines that excited voters. What did they want? They wanted out of Afghanistan after nearly twenty years, and so did Trump. While much can be debated about whether or not President Trump was truly for the people, he delivered on this campaign promise. The Biden Administration’s hand was forced by the Trump Administration to remove troops from Afghanistan. The former president agreed to a deal with the Taliban outlining the complete withdrawal of troops by May 1, 2021 in February of 2020. While his loyal followers take to Twitter to denigrate the current administration’s actions in the Middle East, they fail to acknowledge that it is Trump who delivered the goahead orders to remove US troops from another country’s civil conflict. It’s important to acknowledge President Biden is not God’s golden child for carrying out an agreement made by his predecessor. The Biden Administration has rewritten several Trump-negotiated deals over the last nine months.

Before Congressional Republicans argue that the Biden Administration needed to reenter Afghanistan following the murder of thirteen soldiers, it is important to consider President Trump’s negotiations with the Taliban in 2020, which continued after initial talks were canceled due to the murder of an American service member. President Trump wanted to achieve what two presidents before him failed to do: end the war. A comparison can be made looking through the lens of history at Lyndon Johnson and his continuation of the Vietnam War. President Johnson knew the war was destined for failure, but because of the United States’ role in the execution of Diem and the potential spread of communism, Johnson felt a desire to make wrongs right and do what no one thought possible, ending a civil conflict the United States had no stake in. While it is easy to make these assertions retrospectively, the same is true of the war in Afghanistan. The United States succeeded in completing the mission it came with in mind. What was left was a conflict out of American control. No easy time to withdraw exists because there are no easy times in the Middle East. The Biden Administration did what no other administration had been able to. While this success comes with a drop in approval ratings ahead of midterm elections, it is a success nonetheless. “If not us, who? If not now, when?” President John F. Kennedy Logan DeMond is a junior history and political science major. He is also a staff writer for the Bethel Collegian.

Biden’s sub-par removal of troops The war in the Middle East started shortly after the attack on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. A grieving CHARLOTTE America was EHRMANN sent into hyperCopy Editor vigilance over the threat of Al Qaeda on their home soil. In 2003, President George W. Bush sent troops into Iraq in response to the attacks. Now, nearly twenty years later, President Biden called for the removal of troops from Afghanistan. The full removal was set to be done by September 11, on the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 attack. While I believe the removal of the troops in the Middle East was long overdue, I do believe Biden did not go about it in the right way. First, by setting the date for September 11, he made an already politicized foreign military decision, even more politicized. Americans will forever be hyper-vigilant about that date and any policy or legislation mentioning 9/11 or terrorism. Adding this particular date to the removal of troops felt opportunistic to sell his specific agenda regarding his foreign policy in the Middle East. The deadline for the withdrawal cheapens the whole ordeal. In the political climate following the attack on the Twin Towers, neoconservativism was at an all time high. This led to a political era of overactive legislation, such as the Patriot Act. An act that all except two senators voted for. This act was introduced onto the Senate floor a month after September 11, 2001. The timing of the bill and the

state of grief America was in led to an unprecedented success with its passage. Biden was in the Senate at the time and even voted for the Patriot Act. This is to say of all politicians, and especially a man in his power, he should have understood what adding that date does to policy. Maybe he did understand what he was doing, it would not surprise me if he purposely added the date to add more significance. Because of his understanding, and the fact that he made the deadline that date, I believe the whole withdrawal of troops was cheapened. I am not saying the troops should not have been withdrawn, and I am not offering much of an alternative to how it should have been done. As our commander in chief, President Biden owes it to the American public to do better with his foreign policy. Especially in regards to one of the biggest foreign policy disasters that the United States has been involved in. We as a nation have been involved in the Middle East longer than we were in Vietnam. Both ended fairly similarly as well, with the United States withdrawing after wasting military resources. I do not know what is in store for foreign policy regarding the Middle East, but I hope President Biden does better. Charlotte is history and political science and psychology double major. They are also the Copy Editor for the Bethel Collegian.

6 COMMUNITY

Word on the Street

What are some of your favorite Fall Fest memories from previous years? SENIOR

Annie Carlson

“I would have to say my favorite Fall Fest memories include singing with Woven and the Concert Choir, watching the football game, and hitting up the Thresher Shop and Mojo’s because my dad pays! I also really enjoyed doing the Fall Fest scavenger hunt last year with Andrew Goodman.”

Allen Jantz

PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION

PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH

Brad Born

“‘Suck ‘n’ Blow’, circa late 1990s. Competing as the one requisite faculty member on a student group’s “Anything Goes” team. Each team member raced to a big bowl of canned pudding, sucked up as much as possible into our cheeks, then ran back to blow out that foul effluvia into the team’s jug. First team to top off their jug won. Ah! The innocence of sharing a communal vat of banana pudding without fear of contagion! Good times.”

LIBRARY SERVICES

Renae Stucky

“Back in my early career, classes were canceled on Friday afternoon. During that time, an “Anything Goes Competition” was held. Each team had to have a faculty/staff member and teams dressed up in themed costumes (e.g., bridal party). My favorite events involved a relay eating strange foods (I particularly enjoyed downing jars of baby food). A good time was had by all!”

“My favorite Fall Fest memory was made when I worked with Loren Reusser at his kettle corn booth. Loren has such a fun, positive energy. Working with him made for a great day and a special memory.”

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 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

Rudeen serves up a Spikeball club on campus

ARRAN KEARNEY Staff Writer

An interesting new activity has overtaken the Green at 5:55 p.m. every Wednesday evening, as students gather together to play one of Bethel’s lesserknown sports: Spikeball. Though, indeed, this regular Wednesday activity is something new, its chief organizer, Seth Rudeen, senior from Osage City, has always played spikeball on campus. Some might have seen him on the Green last spring, though during colder months he retreats to the library. Maintaining silence in the library while diving around attempting to hit a small ball onto a trampoline is, Rudeen admitted, something of a challenge. However, it is a challenge he is willing to undertake. “Dude, I love Spikeball,” Rudeen said. Obviously, this being a serious publication, we pressed Rudeen for more details, namely, how much he loves the sport of Spikeball. Rudeen was quick to provide a succinct turn of phrase remark. “I love Spikeball more than a nice rain in spring, but probably less than my family,” Rudeen said. When questioned as to whether his love of Spikeball was equal to that of his mustache, Rudeen failed to provide a definitive answer. Rudeen responded to and validated recent rumors about an official spikeball club, regarding the weekly Wednesday games. “A Spikeball club will be starting as soon as the student government has appointed its new members,” Rudeen said. Membership currently rests between eight and twelve students, though Rudeen is eager to attract new players, including those who have never played before. He believes that as many as 32 students could be accommodated on any given Wednesday, as long as they arrive on time. Rudeen explained why the club is scheduled at such an odd time: 5:55. “If you ask people to turn up for 6:00 p.m. then they won’t show until 6:15, but

you can’t schedule it any earlier because that would just be weird,” Rudeen said. Spikeball is traditionally played with two teams of two players, standing across from each other over a circular net. The sport is comparable to tennis, in that the teams must play until they either foul or fail to return the ball. Seth’s Spikeball partner is Jeff Kaufmann, alum of 2020. Rudeen poked at his partner’s skill. “[I’m] probably better than him at Spikeball. In his defense, Jeff is practically blind,” Rudeen said. Their team’s name is usually MTC, which stands for “More to Come.” Rudeen elucidated the meaning of his team’s witty acronym. “When we whoop [other teams], there’s always going to be more to come,” Rudeen said. It was at this moment that Rudeen launched into a lengthy story about when MTC played a pretty good Spikeball team

in some tournament, somewhere. He and Jeff “practically blind” Kauffman were somehow able to put together a triple-diving play, through which they gained a point against a premier standard player. Rudeen rated the dives Olympic-standard. The truth of this claim may be verified very soon. Rudeen is planning a Spikeball tournament for Fall Fest, following the tournament that took place three weeks ago. That competition saw eleven teams enter. Rudeen is hopeful that the October event will see many more. Regarding the future of Spikeball at Bethel, Rudeen speculated that the College would probably begin recruiting athletes for a program in two years’ time. He hypothesized that he would probably be asked to lead the program, and admitted that this was his main motivation for starting the Wednesday club in the first place. He predicted that he would graduate and then come back to

build the program. “[I’m] already scouting talent amongst the students and staff. Mark Jantzen probably has the most potential. I’m planning on sending him a letter of intent in the near future,” said Rudeen. On a more serious note, there seem to be growing opportunities for those who want to involve themselves in the sport of Spikeball. “[I’m] hoping that the college will sponsor me to go to the inter-collegiate spikeball tournament in Dallas in the Spring,” Rudeen said. In the here and now, however, Rudeen is simply eager to involve as many people as he can in the sport, asserting that decent eyesight and basic mobility are really the only things anyone needs in order to take part.

Participants gather for a group photo after the Spikeball tournament on September 4. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Kauffman

THE BETHEL COLLEGE COLLEGIAN

8 FEATURES

Fall Festival 2021: Resuming old traditions in-person ALLY WEAVER Staff Writer

Throughout the years, one can think of many notable comeback stories: Seabiscuit, Robert Downy Jr., Kim Kardashian, etc. With the dawn of the 2021-2022 school year, students are about to witness another great comeback story: the resurrection of Fall Festival. Due to COVID-19 concerns, Fall Fest’s 50th anniversary (2020) passed largely unnoticed. The weekend came and went, with one of the only events to transpire being the homecoming football game. The storied event, which began in 1970, is known for being a celebration of education, diverse cultural traditions, special foods, fine arts and homecoming

alumni. The event is often regarded for its impressive attendance: generally, there are more than 5,000 attendants annually. So, what can undergraduate students expect from Fall Fest? The Director of Alumni Engagement Brad Schmidt weighed in to give the Collegian the 411. “We’re gonna have a lot of people here on campus. Campus is gonna be packed,” Schmidt said. He emphasized that, while some students may perceive the festival as being primarily for alumni or community members, one of the core purposes is to provide a fun and engaging environment for students. “We want students to come out, be a part of it, meet our alumni, get involved and just really enjoy the weekend,” Schmidt said.

Students participating in the 2018 Fall Fest production, Little Women, were photographed during warm-ups. Photo by Charlotte Ehrmann

There will also be a variety of competitive activities, both traditional and new. For students, staff and community members, there will be both a disc golf and spikeball tournament on campus. For non-competitors, alternative entertainment isn’t hard to find. There are sporting events to watch, such as a women’s soccer game and the homecoming football game. Fine arts-wise, there are a number of cultural events. On the Prairie Sky Stage, a number of ensembles are set to perform: Woven, Open Road, Jazz Band and a selection from Newton High School, to name a few. Brad Shores’ famous Tropical Shores Steel Drum Band and several Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts (BCAPA) performances are to take place across campus.

The Kauffman Museum will be offering free admission for the duration of the weekend, and will host a bird walk on Saturday morning. A new exhibit will be debuted at the Robert W. Regier Gallery in the Fine Arts Center, and the fall play, “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)”, will be having its opening weekend during Fall Fest. “Good music, great people,” Schmidt said. On the more leisurely side of things, new folks on campus can expect a lot of food, a key part of Fall Fest. Picture a sea of tents on the green, each offering delicious fall foods and delights: burgers, hot links and sausages, ice cream from Salted Creamery, caramel apples and kettle corn, to list a few. Different groups and associations also take responsibility

Musicians perform on the Prairie Sky Stage at the 2019 Fall Fest. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 for different treats; for example, Student Activity Council’s curry station and the Alumni office’s meats. “Bethel College Women’s Association brings out pies and pastries and all those good things,” said Schmidt. In Bethel tradition, there are Mennonite heritage foods such as verenike, borscht, and New Year’s cookies. For students unfamiliar with the Mennonite tradition, Fall Fest is a great way to get acquainted with the most delicious aspects of the culture. If that wasn’t enough to whet one’s appetite, Fall Fest is scheduled in conjunction with the City’s Taste of Newton event. In a similar atmosphere to that of Fall Fest, over 55 different businesses get together to show off their skills in the kitchen. This event takes place on Thursday, September 30th, right before Fall Fest weekend. As much as the campus would like to return to ‘normal,’ for safety’s sake, COVID-19 will be addressed by the College for Fall Fest. “We have to wait and see what status we’re in, where we’re at on the day of. Obviously, COVID causes changes rapidly. If it were tomorrow, we’d require masks indoors, and we’re planning for

FEATURES 9 that. We’re looking for outdoors, not requiring masks,” said Schmidt. Ultimately, in Schmidt’s eyes, the choice comes down to the choices of different leaders of ensembles and the importance of respecting others. “There are a variety of opinions here and different responses [to regulations], so I’d just like to remind people that we do have different opinions but we all share the same space…. We’re wanting people to be respectful of what other people decide, masks or not,” said Schmidt. His personal favorite Fall Fest traditions include “seeing people having fun… eating a big ole plate of verenike, [and] I enjoy watching the music on the stage… there’s just something about the energy of live music,” Schmidt said. What he’d really like new students, community members and staff to know about Fall Fest is simple. “I just want people to come out and have a good time, you know? …. We really want our Bethel students to feel that Fall Fest is just as much for them as the community and our alumni, so we want students to come out and meet our great alumni and work on those connections that will help them as they move on from Bethel,” said Schmidt.

Students and alumni walk around the Green to visit booths at the 2016 Fall Fest. Photo by Vada Snider

The 2015 Fall Fest king and queen were featured in the Collegian alongside Bethel’s former president. Photo by Caleb Allen

Students cheer in the stands of Thresher Stadium at the 2016 Fall Fest football game. Photo by Vada Snider

THE BETHEL COLLEGE COLLEGIAN

8 FEATURES

Fall Festival 2021: Resuming old traditions in-person ALLY WEAVER Staff Writer

Students participating in the 2018 Fall Fest production, Little Women, were photographed during warm-ups. Photo by Charlotte Ehrmann

Musicians perform on the Prairie Sky Stage at the 2019 Fall Fest. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel

Students and alumni walk around the Green to visit booths at the 2016 Fall Fest. Photo by Vada Snider

The 2015 Fall Fest king and queen were featured in the Collegian alongside Bethel’s former president. Photo by Caleb Allen

Students cheer in the stands of Thresher Stadium at the 2016 Fall Fest football game. Photo by Vada Snider

10 SPORTS

Veteran coaches lead cross country team to success

The cross country team at the starting line before the men’s race. Photo courtesy of Bethel College Athletic Department ARTHUR MAHRER Staff Writer

On any given day of the week (and even on weekends), students and faculty alike may encounter groups of students running through the Green, along the Sand Creek Trail, or even local neighborhoods. Likely, these students are members of the cross country team, training for their next meet, the most recent of which was held in the field just past Thresher Stadium. These individuals who have dedicated a major part of their college careers to the daring sport of cross country, form a contingent of runners, who (with military-like discipline) run

across pastures for the sporting glory of the Bethel community. The onset of the fall season is representative of the cross country team’s hard work. This is potentially a sign for greater Bethel representation at the 66th NAIA national men’s and women’s cross country championships on November 19 in Vancouver, Wash. Despite the slightly below mid table positioning - Bethel men’s and women’s cross country occupy eighth and seventh place respectively - the most recent performance of both programs seems to suggest otherwise. The Carol Swensson Invite hosted by McPherson College on September 10 is a testament

MEN’S SOCCER SEPT. 25 . . . . 7:30 PM . . . . . HOME

to the drive of both men’s and women’s Cross country as they each placed fourth overall. Individual performances during the invite are indications of the positive energy the season is starting with as six runners, both women and men, placed in the top 15 at the invite. Natalie Graber, senior from Divide, Colo., picked up a second place finish and Alexandra Mendoza, first year from Parachute, Colo. placed sixth in the women’s race. Mauro Campos, first year from Talca, snatched a third place finish, Luke Schmidt, first year from Newton, sixth place, Arran Kearney, sophomore from Birkenhead, in seventh place, and Tobin Wise, first year from

Pleasant Hill, Miss., in thirteenth. This early success is a credit to the new direction of the cross country programs. Their coaching structure is divided between two new coaches: Amber Russell and Mark Nelson. While Amber Russell specifically oversees the recruitment of cross country runners and coaching of long distance track athletes, Mark Nelson takes over the direction of the cross country programs with a focus on the recruitment of track and field athletes. The collaboration of veteran coaches is a testament to the grueling sport. Russell’s achievements include coaching two individual state champions,

leading Valley Center High School Cross Country to the state championships 11 times and being a nominee of the Lifechanger of the Year award. This experience is complemented by Mark Nelson’s successes in the sport, including his direction of the University of Fayetteville’s cross country team, helping 33 runners achieve NAIA All-American status, helping the team break 65 school records, as well as producing three national champions, with a national top ten finish. Bethel’s cross country athletes, with the tacit expertise of their new coaches, are reaching to lay claim over the mountain.

The cross country team supporting each other before the race. Photo courtesy of Bethel College Athletic Department

UPCOMING EVENTS

WOMEN’S SOCCER SEPT. 25 . . . . 5:00 PM . . . . . HOME

vs BETHANY

VOLLEYBALL

FOOTBALL

SEPT. 29 . . . . 5:30 PM . . . . . AWAY

SEPT. 28 . . . . 7:00 PM . . . . HOME

SEPT. 25 . . . . 1:00 PM . . . . . AWAY

SEPT. 29 . . . . . TBD . . . . . . . AWAY

at FRIENDS

vs YORK

at OTTAWA

at FRIENDS

OCT. 6 . . . . . . 7:30 PM . . . . . AWAY

OCT. 1 . . . . . . 7:00 PM . . . . AWAY

OCT.1 . . . . . . . 6:00 PM . . . . HOME

OCT. 6 . . . . . . 5:00 PM . . . . . AWAY

at McPHERSON

at AVILA

vs BETHANY

at McPHERSON

vs BETHANY

SPORTS 11

Coach weighs in on international recruitment BRETT ESCH Staff Writer

For Bethel College Athletics, the past few years have been filled with unprecedented amounts of success — conference championships, NAIA playoff runs and plenty of ‘Roll On’ chants. The student-athletes that have contributed to this success come from all different walks of life. Some are Kansas born-andraised. Some are from out of state. And some are, quite literally, calling America ‘home’ for the first time. “Coming to college in the United States is a life-changing experience for them,” said Head Tennis Coach Gabe Johnson. Johnson has seen the impact these students have on their respective teams and the Bethel College community as a whole firsthand. “What being here at Bethel is doing for their language skills, networking, education, and understanding of humanity — it’s going to change the course of

their lives and what they’re able to do,” Johnson said. The first step in creating these opportunities, though, is the same as with any domestic student: recruiting. “Typically, [the international student-athletes] hire a recruiting service that shares their information with colleges they think the student would be a good fit for,” Johnson said. On the academic side, JDaijon Sumpter, who serves as the transfer and international admissions counselor, navigates the labyrinth that is ensuring an international student’s eligibility. “We work closely [with the coaches] in the recruitment process of international studentathletes. There’s a huge difference in transcripts when it comes to the grading scales of international and domestic students. … I could have two international student-athletes from the same country have completely different transcripts and grading scales because of the cities they’re from,” Sumpter said. Michael Cech, sophomore from Modlany, Czech Republic,

was recruited by Johnson to play tennis for the Threshers. “I wouldn’t say the recruiting process was hard. Coach Johnson made that side of it really easy on me. Converting my high school transcripts to fit Bethel’s requirements and taking the SAT was definitely stressful, though, just because of how much time it took to get done,” Cech said. However, his relationship with Johnson made the stress all worth it. “Coach Johnson is the reason I’m here. Obviously, I talked to coaches from different schools, but he had my attention right away. You could see how much he loves Bethel and loves what he does,” Cech said. As for his pitch to prospective international student-athletes, Johnson had some words of advice. “I just try to tell them this is a place where you’re going to feel welcomed and like you belong. Even when you’re far from home, you’re going to have a team, professors, and campus that cares about you,” Johnson said. The work doesn’t stop when the student arrives on campus,

though. Retaining these players requires a similar amount of effort. “Getting our players engaged in the Bethel community is huge. A lot of that happens naturally when you’re hanging out in the dorms or in the Caf. It takes the individual efforts of everyone on campus to make people feel welcomed — just like with any campus newcomers,” Johnson said. And now with a year under his belt, Cech is grateful for the opportunity Bethel College has presented to him. “[Being at Bethel] has probably been the best experience of my life,” Cech said, “although I miss my family every day, I’m enjoying my time here. My team is my second family — and I love our team spirit and support of each other. This community has always made me feel at home. I’ve gotten to know new people and make new friends, and I couldn’t be more excited to see how Bethel will do in the coming years, not only in athletics, but in all aspects,” Cech said.

Pizza Hut partners with Bethel football for tailgate ANNA RANZINGER Staff Writer

This year Bethel College Athletics has partnered up with Pizza Hut for an exciting deal! This deal will be a nice addition to our game day routines and the general tailgate experience! “The Pizza Hut game day is a part of our mission to get Bethel more involved with our community. We were looking for a local partner to invest more into Bethel College Athletics,” Drannon Lennox, senior from

Norman, Okla., said. He commented that Pizza Hut is actually quite a large space for many people. Pizza Hut wanted to make it a space for not only Bethel College students, but also friends and family. They want it to be a nice place to sit down and enjoy some pizza and watch replays of the games. In addition, the move could prove to be a smart promotional move for the restaurant. Bethel’s involvement with Pizza Hut is only the beginning.

The goal is to create as much of a community experience as possible for the North Newton and Newton. “They are for sure going to be playing the home football games and I can only imagine that other sporting events will be played there too. The current deal we have with them is four dollars for single topping or seven dollars for a specialty,” Lennox said. Drannon also reported that in the future Bethel will be looking for more partners to expand the game day ritual.

“From a student athlete’s perspective I think it would be really cool. I think the more local businesses we can get to keep up with Bethel, the better. And not only with student athletes, but everyone. I think it would just be really cool,” Lennox said. In the future, tune in to the local Pizza Hut for some more participation opportunities and be on the lookout form Lennox’s emails on the updates.

The Sideline

SCHYLER ENTZ Sports Editor

NATALIE GRABER XC AND TRACK How are you feeling going into your senior season? “It’s taken time to get used to the training and mileage that we do, but I think it’s really starting to come together for me. I just want to do my best this year and enjoy the last Cross Country season that I’ll have!”

What are you’re goals for the season? “It would be great for me to go under 20 minutes for the 5k so I’m hoping that I can maybe get there by the end of the season.”

What has been your favorite memory throughout your years in cross country? “The overall atmosphere of cross country itself [is my favorite memory] it is different than any other sport I played before and it has such a unique culture.”

12 ENTERTAINMENT

Herman Bubbert: An investigation of Bethel’s prolific prankster APRIL POWLS Staff Writer

The students of Bethel College have been dealt a grave disservice. For years, part of the welcome to Bethel College that usually happens during orientation week was a presentation over Herman Bubbert. Unfortunately, with the recent retirement of Dale Schrag, who annually introduced dear Mr. Bubbert, the presentation was removed from the program. Thus, many students do not know the name “Herman Bubbert” and never would otherwise. This is a tragedy that must be rectified. Who is Herman Bubbert? Is he a man, a student of Bethel College or perhaps a faculty member? Is he a myth, a fable made up by students to explain certain happenings? Perhaps a legend, an icon of Bethel college instrumental in defining the college itself? The answer is all three! Herman Bubbert is a fictional character rumored to have been created around the 1960s or maybe earlier here at Bethel College. He was enrolled in classes and was supposedly married to Wilcia Knutz, another fictional entity, after his college career and embarked on many other adventures abroad. The coffee shop and hang out spot that came before Mojo’s was even named after him (Bubbert’s - the sign can be found hanging in Mojo’s). He was said to have been a rather stocky individual. The truth of Herman Bubbert is that he is a Pooka, a fairy creature of Celtic origins that was often created on campuses across the United States in the 1960s. But why was he created? What was his purpose? As stated in the student report written in early 1975 (by a group interested in oral history called the “Diggers”) titled The Hermeneutics of Herman Bubbert, “Herman’s major interest is causing grief to those in positions of authority or those involved in keeping the peace and tranquility.” This all started with a little bit of mischief. Herman was enrolled in classes. Students would take tests for him and complete assignments in his name. Schrag recounted the Bubbert legend. “When the professor, nose in the grade book, would call out Herman Bubbert,

some student would be designated to say ‘here,’” Schrag said. Herman eventually came to “live” in the residence halls where he was extremely popular. He received numerous phone calls and there were often notes to him tacked on a bulletin board in the front of the building. He even had a mailing address. After time, his character began to resemble that of the students’ themselves. The “Diggers” stated that he was, “an outstanding student with particular interest in mathematics, science, sociology, religion, and history.” However, despite all of his interests, he never gave up his social life. The report also says that he was involved in student affairs and had an active social life, but he is not known today for his academic and social prowess. “Despite all his respectable qualities, he is best known for his ingenious pranksome character that has added humor and vitality to the college campus,” Schrag said. The “Diggers’’ made careful note of this and for sure, his pranks were legendary on Bethel Campus. He definitely earned his reputation. Herman was involved in many outrageous pranks. Herman and his friends turned the benches around the fountain into “Bench-henge,” they reenacted a Bible story with cardboard cutouts in the Caf starring the Bethel College staff, smuggled a cow in the Head Librarian’s office and many, many more. Herman was never the inspiration of these pranks, but more of an afterthought, a scapegoat for these shenanigans. No matter the prank, Herman and his crew always followed the strict code of Bethel prank culture. 1. The prank must be creative and original. If it’s been done before, you shouldn’t do it. 2. Every attempt should be made NOT to damage either college or personal property. 3. The prank should be in “good taste,” not morally offensive. 4. The prank should NOT be done during especially busy times on the campus (e.g., Fall Festival). 5. The participants should make

an effort to minimize, not maximize, the amount of work the maintenance department will require to clean it up. Using these carefully placed guidelines, prank culture thrived on Bethel campus from then on. Schrag fondly recalled a prank that took place around 2008. The story took place during Interterm that year after a major snowstorm. At the beginning of the week, a perfect sledding slope had been mysteriously erected on the Administration Building steps. “On Monday morning I received an email from Herman Bubbert, suggesting that if I could convince the maintenance department to not remove the snow, Herman would get his friends to do it on Wednesday afternoon. The maintenance department agreed, and Herman’s crew did indeed remove the snow on Wednesday afternoon!” Schrag said. Unlike most pookas that existed during the 1960s, Herman Bubbert remained at Bethel College for generations. It is believed he was created simply for harmless fun, but The Hermeneutics of Herman Bubbert, suggests that there may be deeper motivations for his existence since he “would have died had he not served as a mood reflector for the campus.” His presence graced the very halls that students walk now in the form of the students that came before. However, in recent years his presence

has been lacking on the Bethel campus. A possible explanation for his recent decline could be the downsizing of the math department. Reports suggest that his roots may have originated from that very department, considering that the students that belonged to it were the biggest propagators of Herman Bubbert’s legend. It has even been suggested by Dr. Arnold Wedel, a suspected Bubbert creator, that a situation similar to Bourbaki helped to birth Herman Bubbert or at least nurture him into a fully formed character. (For those that are wondering, Bourbaki was a famous French general. It is also the name of a statue in a park where underneath, a group of anonymous French Mathematicians met, which ended up adopting the same name). Unfortunately, the truth may never be known. However, Schrag remains hopeful that Bubbert’s spirit will live on. “The most serious prankers have often been the strongest students,” Schrag said. May his legacy continue for the students of Bethel College.

(Above) Herman Bubbert once had his own address stamp. (Below) Administration members take part in a prank by sledding down the make-shift slide. Photo courtesy of John Thiesen

ENTERTAINMENT 13

Haury Hall residents create ping pong league TRISTAN ENGLAND Staff Writer

If you were to walk into the southern wing of Haury Hall on almost any given evening, it wouldn’t be uncommon to hear the sharp smacks of a ping pong ball against a paddle, followed shortly by a chorus of ecstatic cheers or disappointed moans depending on who won. Though the ping pong table has been a fixture in the basement of the Haury Hall lounge for many years, seldom has it been utilized as the room is more commonly used for movie nights and Student Life organized events. However, in the past month, a firstyear set out to organize all of this ping pong chaos into a unified league of players with tournaments and championships for all to partake in. But who is this ping pong patriarch? Peter Buller, first-year from Inman, is the organizer of the Haury Hall ping pong league and one half of the current

doubles champion. He recently decided to take the ping pong table and make it into something bigger. “I love to create a big deal around sports that don’t really matter. Stuff most people can play,” Buller said. Buller, in addition to quite a few other people, were involved in a Spike Ball tournament earlier in September. Once Buller found out that there was a ping pong table in Haury’s game room, an idea began to form. Luckily, he and his roommate, Ben Rudeen, first-year from Osage City, very quickly discovered their common interest in ping pong. “I knew that there was a ping pong table, I knew my roommate was good. I said, let’s start something,” Buller said. As of now, Buller has already organized one tournament with a second on the way shortly. Currently the league is only for doubles teams, but Buller hopes to add single tournaments soon.

“There’s rankings and a bracket; each team battles their way through [the tournament] to face off against the reigning champion. It’s kind of like UFC,” Buller said. Currently the league is freshmen only, but Buller has considered opening up for an invitational that would allow upperclassmen to compete.

Peter Buller and his roommate Ben Rudeen organize ping pong tournaments in the Haury Hall hub. Photos courtesy of Peter Buller

If you would like to add a team to the tournament or have more questions, message Haury_Pong_League on Instagram (check out their account for in depth details on all future tournaments) or talk to Peter Buller about adding your team.

14 GAMES

LISTINGS 15

Job Listings Off-Campus Opportunities

Assistant

Track Office Assistant

Back Alley Pizza

Helpdesk Technician

Gallery Assistant

USD 373

Cafeteria Utility Worker

Health & Physical Education Department

Carriage Factory Art Gallery

Museum Prairie Assistant

Assistant

Fair Chiropractic

AV Student Assistant

Intramural Facilitator

Hesston Pharmacy/Havey Drug

Athletic Training Aide

Men’s Basketball Office Assistant

Mid- Kansas Coop

Sports Information Assistant

Maintenance Department Assistant

Newton Pizza Hut

Sports Information Videographer

Student Groundskeeper

Newton Walgreens

Sports Information Statistics

Student Custodian

Newton Dillons

Sports Information Photographer

Sand Creek Trail Groundskeeper

Moxies

Football Ball Handler

Student Life Office Assistant

Hesston Golf Course

Ticket Taker Volleyball Line Judge

On-Campus Opportunities

Volleyball Volleywrite Scorer

Mennonite Library Archives (MLA) Student

Softball Office Assistant

Talk to Megan Kershner in WAC 215 or check out Handshake to learn more about these job opportunites.

THE BETHEL COLLEGE COLLEGIAN

You have been served Service Day is a beloved Bethel tradition in which all full-time students volunteer within the community. Here students are making care packages for MCC, maintaining the community garden and landscaping around campus. Photos by Chase Dempsey, Schyler Entz and Emily Brandt

PHOTO FEATURE 16