The
ISSUE 88.17
Clocktower UNION COLLEGE
MARCH 26, 2014
ACROSS THE UNIONVERSE UNION’S NEW PODCAST Are you not-sosecretly fascinated with something? Then the new Union College podcast Across the Unionverse (ATU) EMILY is for you. ATU is a WOOD new podcast series led by Scott Cushman, director of digital communication, and me. This series is similar to a radio talk show but can be downloaded over the Internet. In ATU, a guest—which can be a Union employee, alumnus, or current
student—sits down with Cushman and a student co-host to discuss his or her fascination with a certain topic. You can download episodes directly from iTunes or find them online at www.ucollege.edu/ unionverse. ATU has already released several episodes, including Ben Tyner, professor of history, discussing his interest in propaganda; Kylie Schnell, a 2011 graduate, talking about teaching and forming friendships in Nepal; and Jill Morstad, professor of English, discussing how her work as a dog trainer connects to
her classroom. Union has some fascinating people, and this format allows their perspectives to be shared with a larger audience. Think “With long form interviews—and I mean, literally chatting for an hour—people are able to really talk about their passions and obsessions. It’s very humanizing, and I’ve had these kind of breakthrough moments while listening to someone talk about something they’ve clearly thought a lot about when I see it from a completely new perspective. That’s a true gift.” - Scott Cushman you don’t have time to listen? Podcasts are an easy way to keep your brain busy while cleaning or exercising. Podcasts are on the rise: iTunes garnered over one billion podcast subscribers last summer. ATU might not make the top charts, but that is not its goal. ATU enables Union to share what makes each Unionite individual. EMILY WOOD is a sophomore studying communication.
Union’s new podcast features guests across the Unionverse–our own campus.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE ► WHO’S A HIPSTER? OPINION, PAGE 2
WISDOM FROM ALUMNI
ELIGIBLE BACHELORS & BACHELORETTES
ADD THIS CLASS TO YOUR SCHEDULE
ON CAMPUS, PAGE 3
SPECIAL INTEREST, PAGE 4 & 5
ON CAMPUS, PAGE 3
OPINION
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HIPSTER HYPERBOLE THE OVER-APPLICATION AND EXAGGERATION
“Man, that guy with the forearm tattoo, skinny jeans, and vinyl collection is such a hepcat!” says no one. Instead, we lump those MICHAEL who exhibit certain ROHM outward traits and behaviors into the rapidly-broadening community that is “hipster.” Most who lob hipster grenades into Urban Outfitters, record stores, and artisan bakeries do so with an infuriating level of ignorance. Media, both social and otherwise, paints a caricature of what a hipster is, and often we look no further than the ironic tee-shirts, hand-frayed cutoffs, and non-prescription lenses before plastering the person—a human being as unique and enigmatic as ourselves—with the label. And labels do today what they have done for centuries: dichotomize and
dehumanize. They incited violence in Nazi Germany and Rwanda. They came across the ocean with the Africans, the Irish, and the Chinese. They silence migrant workers, teenage mothers, and ambitious women. Ultimately, they isolate us, pairing like with like, until we are reduced to one homogenous community trapped in a bubble, the people inside oblivious to the thousand other bubbles floating away. The label “hipster” has been cast wide and carelessly applied. Indeed, its meaning is nebulous to the point of being both positive and pejorative; it has turned into a lifestyle to obtain or from which to abstain. The term itself evolved in the 1940s from the earlier “hepcat,” a word defining those of the jazz community, someone with style and panache, someone who “got it.” Jack Kerouac appropriated it in the Beat Generation and shifted its meaning into the counterculture. It lay dormant for
a while, resurfaced in the late 1990s, and evolved into the current definition which applies, at its broadest, to anyone who mocks the mainstream, practices irony and disinterest, and is particular about their coffee. The original intent of this article was to define ”hipster,” to create a set of rules and requirements for who can be claimed by the category. But that only perpetuates the stereotype, the mindless labeling that replaces our identity with a stamp on the forehead. Instead of further solidifying stereotypes, I want to follow in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln, who once said, “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.” If that makes me a hipster, so be it.
MICHAEL ROHM is a senior pursuing a personalized degree in international relief and communication.
UPCOMING EVENTS SUN 23
MON 24
TUE 25
WED 26 LEAD Committee, 2:30 p.m. @ Administration Building
30
31 UC Production “50 Years Later,” 2 p.m. @ Woods Auditorium
ACA summer application deadline
1
2 Chapel, 10:30 a.m. @ CVC
Student Recital, 7 p.m. @ Engel Hall
THU 27
FRI 28
Last Day to Withdraw and Receive a “W”
SAT 29
Vespers, 7:30 @ CVC
CVC services, 9 a.m. and noon
Preview Days (through the 30th)
V2, 7:30 @ CVC
UC Production “50 Years Later,” 7 p.m. @ Woods Auditorium
UC Production “50 Years Later,” 8:30 p.m. @ Woods Auditorium
3
4 Homecoming Weekend
5 Homecoming Weekend
Homecoming Weekend
Vespers: Hanging of the Golden Cords, 7:30 p.m. @ CVC
CVC services, 9 a.m. and noon V2, 7:30 p.m. Club Night
ON CAMPUS
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THE PERKS OF BEING ALUMNI “I can’t wait until I graduate and get a life of my own.” I use this phrase so often you could call it my mantra. This CHELSEA sentence motivates me ZUMWALT and makes me feel like all my hard work will be worthwhile. In anticipation of Alumni Weekend (April 3–6), I spoke to several alumni who gave me insight into their post-Union College lives. “The bills are simply fantastic,” Chris Daum informed me. “It feels so good to know where all my hard-earned money is going—that all those hours of labor help me pay to heat my house, eat, and not much else.”
Trevor Pahn explained that the job market was his favorite part of being out of college. “The easy [student] hiring process at Union is overrated. I much preferred the countless interviews I went to, only to end up working at a ski equipment store.” Maybe these testimonies aren’t so motivational after all. I sought out some more positive alumni to shed light on what was quickly becoming a dark subject. “I love to read and go camping. Now that I’m working, I don’t have to worry about homework,” explained Betsy Norton. “I finish my work day, and then I can chose what I really want to do. I even have weekends off to go backpacking in the mountains and surfing on the coast. I definitely do not miss homework.” Adam Bartzatt agreed: “I love that
once I leave work, I’m done with work for that day. I don’t have to continue worrying about additional things I have to do. I can come home and relax.” Though college is often stressful, we can push through our responsibilities by imagining what it will be like to finally graduate. Just don’t forget that there are good and bad aspects to any area in life. Appreciate the time you have here at Union as you look forward to the future. With that in mind, make the alumni feel welcome as they return for Alumni Weekend. You may even glean some wisdom from them. CHELSEA ZUMWALT is a senior studying nursing and pre-allied health.
PHILOSOPHY, CALLING, AND THE FUTURE Sometimes college life lacks intellectual breakthroughs. It is frightfully easy to complete papers, pass tests, and slog through projects without SPENCER recognizing how our WAY studies connect to our lives. But some classes prioritize what is truly relevant, cultivating our abilities to think deeply and logically defend our choices. Last semester, I took a new class called Reading in Humanities. Union’s academic dean, Dr. Malcolm Russell, proctored this class, which was co-taught by Joellyn Sheehy and Sarah Dawson. These three co-wrote a syllabus, selected a reading list, and led class discussion. Each week the class read about topics that are often overlooked at the undergraduate level. Reading in Humanities was an
intellectual breakthrough. My ability to intentionally reflect my personal philosophies in my daily interactions improved, and, by extension, my ability to live well did too. This class drew a connection between the deep questions we ask and the lives we live every day. This class asks what you believe, picks it apart, and gives you the information to compare your beliefs to those of others. It then explores how beliefs become actions and results—how your worldview guides your choices and shapes your reality. Then it closes with a conversation about how history predicts the future and how we can use our beliefs, our understanding of others’ beliefs, and our calling to mold the future to its highest potential. Dr. Russell hopes to continue this class next year under the title, “Philosophy, Calling, and the Future” or something similar. The goal is to refine the original syllabus to cover philosophy, connect
philosophy to individual calling (discover with the Quest for Calling program at www.ucollege.edu/calling), and relate these topics to the future. This class needs your involvement. If you are seeking connections, if you’re pursuing a calling, if you’re pondering the future, or if you simply think this class would be worthwhile, stop by Dr. Russell’s office in the Dick Building or email him at marussel@ucollege.edu. The syllabus and class will continue to be written and led by students. If you are interested in taking or teaching it, tell Dr. Russell. Ask him questions, learn about the class, and find out how it fits into your schedule.
SPENCER WAY is a senior studying business administration.
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AMBER ALAS
SPECIAL INTEREST UNION’S MOST ELLIGIBLE BACHELORETTES Union College has diverse, independent, and respectable bachelorettes who strive for successful futures. Most don’t waste their time with relationships if they know it won’t go anywhere. They are hard-working women who desire to earn their degrees and get one step closer to their dream job, and if that special someone comes along, then great!
One of our bachelorettes, Vernée Norman, says, “Enjoy being single—not because you’re ‘free’ but because you have the confidence to appreciate life with or without a love interest. Be your own special someone. How can you have a love life if you don’t even have a life? I’m going after my goals and know that I’ll meet someone along the way who will make me love life even more, just because they’re in it.” Here are some of the beautiful bachelorettes of Union College:
Vernée Norman Laura Peterson Deanna Morgan
Major: Advocacy communication and second language studies, emphasis in Spanish Class standing: Senior Worst date you could imagine: One of the main ways I connect with people is conversation, so a date that has little conversation or interaction, like a movie. Pet peeve: I don’t like it when people aren’t clear about their intentions. Interested? Take the initiative and let me know; I’ll return the favor. Favorite gift: Time What sign do you give to your date to show you’re not into it? I try to be optimistic and keep an open mind about dates even if I’m not initially interested. If things get bad I’ll suggest we do something else and make up my own date on the spot. If it’s still not working, I’ll end our time together quickly.
Major: Biology
Major: Nursing
Class standing: Senior
Class standing: Junior
Ideal first date: Something fun and different, like laser tag, astronomy tower, or a sporting event, then food or coffee. The general idea is an activity first to make things comfortable, then time to sit down and get to know each other. Props are given for creativity!
Ideal first date: Paint ball—I’ve never been!
Worst date: Movie. Pointless. You don’t get to know the person at all, which seems to be the whole idea of going on a date. Pet peeve: Slow drivers and people who walk slow. Favorite gift: Coffee. Lots of coffee.
Worst date: My date took me to a horror movie in theatres and made me pay for my ticket. I hate horror movies. Pet peeve: People who say they’re going to do something but never follow through. Favorite gift: Yoga pants or my Polaroid. What sign do you give to your date to show you’re not into it? I lean back, start playing with my phone, and don’t make as much eye contact.
What sign do you give to your date to show you’re not into it? I get really quiet— usually because I think that if conversation ends, the date will too. AMBER ALAS is a senior nursing student.
SPECIAL INTEREST UNION’S MOST ELLIGIBLE BACHELORS If you tuned into the latest season of The Bachelor on ABC, you got to experience Juan Pablo in all of his bronzed, muscled, accented glory. You were also treated to a dose of self-centeredness
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and heartless apathy. (“It’s okay, it’s okay...” No. It is NOT okay, Juan Pablo.) To counteract the distasteful emotions this Venezuelan hunk left us with, the following list has been compiled, showing that all hope is not lost.
KATIE MORRISON
Eric Bing
Cody Cowin
Zach Morrison
Major: Biomedical Science (pre-med), emphasis in Exercise Science
Major: Business Administration, emphasis in Finance
Major: Business Administration, emphasis in Accounting
Class standing: Senior
Class standing: Junior
Class standing: Sophomore
Go-to pick up line: “Are you religious? Because you are the answer to all my prayers.”
Go-to pick up line: “When I first saw you, I looked for a signature because every masterpiece has one.”
Go-to pick up line: “You’re beautiful. Wanna go out with me?”
Ideal first date: Cooking together! It’s a great way to get to know someone by facing a challenge, learning about their patience level, and getting a tasty meal at the end.
Ideal first date: A picnic on the beach!
Pet peeve: Lack of accountability and promptness. Just be on time and be respectful of others’ schedules. Qualities you look for: Tenderness and a host-like mentality. Also, someone who loves adventure! One thing Union should know about me: I love people and will do anything to help someone in need.
Pet peeve: Not enough winking ;) Qualities you look for: Smart, over 6’5”, someone with a sense of humor who can laugh at herself. If she likes long walks on the beach, that would be a plus. One thing Union should know about me: My eyes are the color of mystery, tinted with intrigue. Why I’m still single: It’s either because I’m too short or because I’m not tall enough.
Ideal first date: A nice dinner, fro-yo, and bowling. Maybe some stargazing (code: cuddling) if it’s going well. Pet peeve: Bad breath. Blech. Qualities you look for: Someone who can make me laugh. One thing Union should know about me: I work out. Sometimes. Why I’m still single: I’m bad at starting conversations. My b.
KATIE MORRISON is a junior studying business administration.
CULTURE SKRILLEX IS BACK FROM RECESS
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When you mutter “Skrillex,” you can expect a variety of different responses. There’s the brostep bro who “loves the STEVEN skrill,” or the unaware FOSTER spirit who wonders what a “Skrillex” is. Then there’s the fan who has been alongside Skrillex the whole time. I am a proud member of that group. The year was 2014, and Grammy award-winning artist Sonny Moore, or Skrillex, announced a surprise new album, Recess, which was just released on March 18, 2014. The announcement was made alongside a new single called “Coast
to Coast” featuring Chance the Rapper. Chance supplies all of the vocals on this rap ballad, and Skrillex supplies the bass and drums. The rap is not overproduced with Sonny’s signature bass-wobbles or drops. It’s not dubstep. Skrillex has been producing a variety of different sounds over the last three years. Each time he does, he surprises me with a completely new and unique sound. Sonny has teamed up with Kaskade, Damian Marley, Alvin Risk, and The Doors to produce electro-infused House, Reggae, Classic Rock, and more since releasing Bangarang. Last year, he teamed up with Boys Noize to form the side-project Dog Blood, and released a handful of great
EDM (Electronic Dance Music) tracks. This genre-defying artist hasn’t stopped there. In 2011 Skrillex co-founded record label OWSLA, and in 2012 he joined forces with EDM producers Diplo and A-Trak to create POTATO, a YouTube channel devoted to EDM music, documentaries, video premiers, and stories. Whether or not you love, hate, or don’t even know who Skrillex is, he’s produced a sound for you. Be on the lookout for the release of Recess in the near future.
STEVEN FOSTER is a junior studying communication.
A BROMANCE THAT SPANS BUDGETS If ’70s tracksuits and stiff shoulder pads emanating the odor of mothballs get your pulse racing, you’re not alone. Macklemore and Union’s own Ryan Nelson (pictured right) join your affinity for thrift shops–$2 price tags don’t diminish their cool factor. Nelson has a laidback CASSANDRA style all his own where labels are never the focus. JOHNSON When Nelson seeks for a partner to peruse the aisles of Goodwill, however, he doesn’t turn to friend Matt
Atkinson (pictured left) for help. In Atkinson’s words, “It’s all about the label.” In his endeavors to emulate yacht owners or frat boys, thrift shops aren’t his store of choice. Although their fashion differences are outlined in the chart below, there’s one similarity between the sophomores’ styles: individuality. A more accepting environment than some, Union is the perfect place to cultivate whatever your “thing” is. No matter what you spend, you can define your distinct style, whether it’s pastel sweaters or flamboyant Hawaiian shirts.
Matt Atkinson
Ryan Nelson
Style motto:
“Frat style with pastel colors. I like to act like I own a yacht.”
“I do my best to match my pants with my beanie.”
Outfit origins:
Polo, Ralph Lauren, and Sperry
Goodwill and various thrift stores
Favorite labels:
See above.
“What are labels?”
Pros of style:
“Looking fresh to death.”
Style that appears effortless–because it is.
Cons of style:
“It ain’t cheap to look this fresh.”
He may have to buckle down and buy a suit one day.
CASSANDRA JOHNSON is a senior pursuing a business pre-med degree.
EVERYTHING ELSE
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THUMBS UP/ THUMBS DOWN FROM UNION COLLEGE STUDENTS Alex Hirst:
to Biker Week.
Amilia Carlos: being done!
to education porfolios
Collin Hoffman: Sierra Clark:
to soy meat. to midterms being over!
Kristina Hammer: filtration system. Melissa Schiffbauer:
to Mexico’s water to Flappy Bird.
The Clocktower Staff Editor-in-Chief Copy Editors
Emily Syvertson Taylor Roberts Aphelandra Messer Sierra Clark Layout Editor Spencer Way Opinion Michael Rohm On Campus Chelsea Zumwalt Steven Foster Culture Cassandra Johnson Katie Morrison Special Interest Amber Alas Tyler Ellis Sports/Tech Dan Carlson Amanda Ashburn Student Spotlight Emily Wood Online Cody Blake Photographer Online Content Manager Megan Prescott Michael D. Steingas Sponsor
Feedback The Clocktower encourages reader feedback and strives to maintain accuracy. If you have comments, please email us at cltower@ gmail.com. The Clocktower is published weekly during the school year by the Associated Student Body of Union College, 3800 S. 48th St., Lincoln, NE 68506. The opinions expressed are the opinions of the writers and are not to be construed as the opinion of the editors, Associated Student Body, Union College, or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Under the direction of Dr. Mark Robison, professor of English and drama, Union students collaborated to create this one-of-a-kind drama production. Fifty Years Later aims to breathe life into civil rights stories by capturing their significance and retelling the stories through drama. Three more performances will be held in the Woods Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $7 for students, children, and senior citizens.You can purchase tickets at the Campus Store, online at http://rockpile.ucollege.edu/dramatickets, or at the door one hour before showtime.
Remaining Showtimes: Thursday, March 27, 7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 8:30 p.m. Sunday, March 30, 2:00 p.m.
Student Spotlight EXPERIENCE THE SPIRIT
UNION UNITED
HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU, LUIS! semester left to get to know the one and only Luis LaPorte. He’s got a pretty bad case of senioritis too, so I’m sure he won’t mind putting the books away for a minute and chatting with you. It doesn’t take more than a minute of talking with LaPorte to realize that he’s got a passion for people. As an elementary education major, the little ones are his cup of tea. But anyone can become a fast friend after a conversation with this enthusiastic guy.
Photo courtesy of Luis LaPorte
Live the life you love, love the life you live. These are the words that Luis LaPorte strives to put into practice every day. AMANDA “Your life is the only ASHBURN thing you’ve got,” says LaPorte. “Love every minute of it because you don’t get another.” While his time here at Union is drawing to a close, there is still some
Luis LaPorte balances his passions for teaching and music.
When I asked him what inspired him to become a teacher, he quickly answered, “My mom. She puts her life into her teaching,” LaPorte beams. “She has such energy when she’s at the front of a classroom. That has always inspired me, and I want to bless children in the same way.” Although teaching is a passion of LaPorte’s, singing is his greatest love. “I’m myself when I’m singing. I can reach others through my music. I sing to make a difference,” LaPorte states. Ultimately, his goal is to pursue music ministry as a career. But balancing two passions can be difficult. LaPorte’s advice for people pursuing multiple callings: “Don’t ever be afraid to dream big! It’ll take hard work and endurance, but God will help out.” Family has been a huge support to LaPorte as he pursues music. His parents have always taught him to be true to himself and reminded him not to forget where he comes from (which, if you’re wondering, is Puerto Rico). “I am Puerto Rican in every way possible,” laughs LaPorte. “I thoroughly embrace my Hispanic culture through food, music, and of course my language.” When it comes to music, he listens to “a little bit of everything,” which includes “anyone from Juan Gabriel to Smokey Robinson.” LaPorte follows the same rule when it comes to interacting with others too. He loves getting to know people from an array of cultures. And if he can touch their hearts with his music, then he gains a blessing as well.
AMANDA ASHBURN is a junior studying language arts education.