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The Clocktower

International Club and Student Association host World Pageant

Union students display cultures at annual show of diversity

Dozens of students, staff and faculty went wild with cheers, screams and applause as contestants made their way down the catwalk in the Thunderdome to compete in the 2022 World Pageant, hosted last Saturday by the Student Association and International Club.

While the organizers made the finishing touches to the event, attendees began by

sampling international foods catered by local restaurants including Mexican, Italian and Asian entrees.

For the first segment of the evening, contestants displayed their outfits on the runway. Judges made note of the bright and beautiful costumes while the audience cheered in anticipation. The contestants walked or danced to music. The outfit

Left: Alexander Rodriguez and Cherryl Figueroa Cruz competed for Mexico and were crowned 2022 World Pageant King and Queen ©Shelby Jongema

portion was followed by an intermission performance from Diana Judge, while the performers got ready for the next part.

For the talent portion, the contestants brought the evening to a new level with traditional performances from their represented country. The first contestant Genesis Barahona-Rivera performed a poem about El Salvador. She was followed by Fortune Ogulere singing while representing Nigeria. The next contestants were Erin Cramer, Charles Metz and friends, who did a choreographed circus production of the opening song from the movie The Greatest Showman, representing the United States. Next up were Alexander Rodriguez and Cherryl Dianna Figueroa Cruz who performed a traditional Mexican dance in full dress. Karsang Gurung followed them with a dance representing Nepal. Arlyse Wash completed the talent portion with a dance performance representing Antigua and Barbuda.

After an informative Q&A session and a show-stopping interlude dance from Lily Papalii and family, the judges announced the winners. Wash came in third place and Gurung came in second. Rodriguez and Cruz won first place and were crowned World Pageant King and Queen. All contestants and attendees had an amazing time together for the last social event before finals. The show is a great representation of the diversity of our campus community and the many cultures we all come from.

Charles Metz is a sophomore theology major from Lincoln, Neb.

Christmas party inbound

activities to bring on the Christmas Season. From me and the rest of the SA team, I want to wish everyone a successful finals week and a merry Christmas.”

Information on

the campus-wide Christmas

party

It is everybody’s favorite time of year. Christmas is a great time for many things: snuggling up in a blanket, drinking some hot chocolate and sharing the Christmas cheer with all who hear. To promote that Christmas cheer, Student Life and Student Association are teaming up to bring Union College a Christmas party.

The party will be held Thursday, Dec. 8, and will include many things. To start off, there will be a concert from the Union College Symphonic Winds in Woods Auditorium, with food and hot drinks provided. After that, everybody is going to journey over to the Clocktower, where the Christmas tree will be lit.

There is going to be a contest to win prizes. The Christmas attire raffle will determine three winners to be announced at the Clocktower after the lighting of the Christmas tree. Make sure you wear something especially festive, whether it is an ugly sweater or a Christmas costume, come dressed for the holiday!

Make sure to stop by and pick up your free SA shirt during the Christmas party. There will be more chances to receive your shirt, but this is going to be a great way to show it off before you head home for the holidays. Find the SA team handing out shirts throughout the duration of the event.

Jacob Sanchez, the Student Association Social Vice President, said, “Bring out your best elf ears and ugly sweaters and join us for a night of food, fun and

Andrew Schwartz is a senior business administration major from Lincoln, Neb.

Christmas tree ©Chris Jacobo

A new event is coming to Union College

10. The service will start at 7 p.m. at the College View Church after the closing of the Sabbath.

The commencement of the December graduates will take place the next day, Dec. 11. The service will start at 11 a.m. and will last until 1 p.m. Just like the nursing pinning service, it will take place at the College View Church.

Nursing Program Director Elysia Ockenga shared that the nursing graduates who will appear during the service are Stella Amal, Lilly Blecha, Kaylie Dengel, Petra DeVorss-Behrends, Faith Dominguez, Sherry Costa, Gabriella Hanson, Sarah Johnson, Janelle Lira, Seth Martin, Samuel Ortiz, Juan Rejino, Rebecca Rose, Arianna Shuck, Taryn Spence, Jodi Theye, Baylee Thiel, Daniela Villarreal.

“It’s a wonderful blessing to be a part of this service and celebrate alongside our nursing graduates,” said Ockenga.

With the coming end of the semester on the horizon, tensions are high, adrenaline is pumping and everyone is scrambling to get ready for the dreaded moment almost all students despise: final exams. On the bright side however, this month is hosting two very important events for students in their respective fields. These are the December graduation as well as the nursing dedication service which happens at the end of each year.

The nursing pinning service holds a purpose for many individuals especially for the students who are in the nursing program. Starting in 1949, the pinning ceremony is an event where nursing student graduates receive their pins, a thousand dollars and a well deserved welcome into their very own respective vocations. This event will take place Dec.

ON THE RADAR

THURS. 12/8/22

Senior Poster Presentation | Dick Building Lobby, 12 p.m. Christmas Extravaganza | Woods, 5:30 p.m. FRI. 12/9/22

CNTRD Vespers | Woods, 7:30 p.m. SAT. 12/10/22

IRROC/IRR Party | 6 p.m. Nursing Dedication | CVC 7 p.m. SUN. 12/11/22

Graduation Commencement | CVC, 11 a.m.

Ahchen Edwards Recital | Engel Hall, 6 p.m. MON. 12/13/22

Exams Begin!

A December nursing pinning ceremony and graduation are coming soon.

“Nursing school requires a lot of time and effort to be able to meet the standards that are required to graduate. I am proud of each graduate and the hardwork and dedication they have put forth to get to this point. It’s wonderful to see them meet the goal that they have been working towards for so long.”

In order to participate in the graduation, students must complete their graduation requirements and make sure everything on their bulletin is completed. Students who have questions may visit the Records Office or their academic advisors. Graduated students are able to order personalized graduation announcements to send to friends and family. These announcements can be ordered from CB Announcements. The cost will vary depending on the selection and delivery may take up to two weeks.

Robert Tengker is sophomore nursing major from Orlando, Fla.

Nevertheless, these are what make it the art of competition.

Warrior wrap-up

A writer’s recount of Union athletics so far

It would be an understatement to say that Union College has had a fair run of sports and games since the fall semester commenced. With vivid details, I still recall the first time I picked my pen to write for the sports column, and boy, what a ride it has been! From the athletic soccer team out on the open field to the energetic band of volleyball players and exciting basketball tussles, the school has had moments of magic, wins, and losses.

I remember staying up one night, rewatching the highlights of my one favorite soccer games of the season. The Warriors had gained a swift victory of 5-2 in that game, and what a scenery it was to see the Warriors befitting their magnificent title. Before that game, they had experienced a loss, one that was discouraging and disheartening. Perhaps I was too harsh on them when I wrote an article about the loss, but I now see it as a gentle nudge in the right direction. Now, look at me, smiling like a proud dad or a writer, I guess!

The volleyball team continued to impress me throughout the season. Their form, stance and teamwork didn’t go unnoticed. How can I begin to describe the powerful shots of Nyanbay Puok or the fantastic wingman that’s Emma Trumble? Truth be told, the volleyball team won my ink this year.

Moving on to the men’s basketball team, all I can say is ferocious! They seem to have an excellent player for each position

Warriors Basketball ©Joseph Lee

on the court. I was highly impressed when I watched the Alumni game. It was blood rushing, exciting, and I yelled like there was no tomorrow. Basketball Warriors for the win!

Acrofest was another milestone in the plethora of mind-blowing events Union College athletics has offered! The surreal display of gymnastics that thrilled a frenzy audience was unmatched!

Fall was undoubtedly filled with different experiences and games. But wait, what am I saying? We’re still in fall! Disregard my rush of things; I’m already celebrating the new year in my head. One might be tempted to close the curtain on what’s left of Union’s cinematic experience, but no friend, it doesn’t end here. Just as winter is coming, I believe there is more to see from the Warriors in the coming days.

Fortune Ogulere is a freshman English major from Mbaise, Nigeria.

different. Well, I’m here to help! Here are some not-quite-Christmas movies, but you can still use the excuse that they are still technically Christmas movies.

Iron Man 3 (2013)

The third and final installment in the Iron Man trilogy sees Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark working to bring down a global terrorist organization led by the mysterious Mandarin while simultaneously struggling with the post-traumatic stress following the battle of New York in The Avengers. As a result of his post-traumatic stress, Stark attempts to cope by building countless Iron Man suits, straining his relationship with his girlfriend Pepper Potts. The film deals with the more serious ramifications of being a hero, while also having some very good comic relief along with some amazing twists to keep you on your toes.

Krampus (2015)

Merry Christmas… ish

Christmas movie alternatives

It’s that time of year again: Santa, gifts, family, Sprite Cranberry, and of course, Christmas movies. With all the holiday festivities, you might get tired of all the Christmas-themed movies. I get it. You want to watch something else, but unfortunately, your mother has the Hallmark Channel playing all hours of the day. You’re sick of it and want something

Michael Dougherty’s rather unconventional Christmas film is unique as it opens the doorway to blending genres that have not been blended very much over the years: Christmas, horror and comedy. As the name suggests, the film is based on Krampus, a legend in Alpine folklore who is the opposite of Santa. Rather than rewarding nice children, Krampus punishes naughty children. This film makes for a good choice because it does many things to set itself apart from all other Christmas movies. It also carries a PG-13 rating, so it contains many horror elements that you horror fans out there seek, yet it’s still somewhat familyfriendly, so you can watch it with your younger siblings.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

The debate is still ongoing: is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? Tim Burton’s unconventional blending of completely different holidays works so well that this film is a timeless classic.

It’s the classic story of Jack Skellington of Halloween Town growing tired of Halloween and later discovering Christmas Town. Despite its darker theme, this is the most family-friendly option, so even smaller kids can enjoy this film with you.

So you see, not all Christmas movies are about the small-town girl who goes to find herself in the big city and has a chance encounter with a rather attractive man from her past. Hopefully, these suggestions will help you escape this genre and enjoy the holiday season the way you want!

The haunter of Whoville

The hater of Christmas

There is one person during the holidays that is guaranteed to be on the naughty list. No, it isn’t your brothers or sisters, it’s the Grinch! This present-snatching, tree-stealing, green mess of a person is back for the holidays.

The Grinch has been around for 56 years and has been given three different films showcasing his chaos around Christmas time. He dislikes everything about the wintery holiday, from the lights and decorations that we put on our houses and trees, to the small sugary cookies that we bake. As the Grinch says in the 2018 film, “The presents, this is our enemy. You will want to unwrap it and play with it…but you must not!”

The Grinch sees Christmas for what it is: a joy-bringing holiday that happens every year involving repetitive music lyrics, presents, and cookies. Yet he hates all of it. Despite his grumpy Christmas hate, I don’t think the Grinch is a bad person. I see the love that he gives his dog Max. I think that he has a dark side just for this one specific time of the year.

Evan Majors is a sophomore English major from Lincoln, Neb.

Our favorite sadness-struck green creature has been portrayed in film several times, all by different actors. Two are very famous in our era. One is Benedict Cumberbatch, who voiced the Grinch in the 2018 rendition by Illumination. The other was played by Jim Carrey in How the Grinch Stole Christmas by FilmFlex. Both actors did a great job portraying the green negativity bringer, but they are very different from each other.

How might a British actor correctly portray a grumpy, self-centered creature

Nightmare Before Christmas ©IMDB

with sarcastic comments and Who-hating attitude? I think it’s a little bit skill-based. It also helps that Cumberbatch had a bit of a history with his work in Sherlock (2010). Then you have Carrey, bringing his wit and personality to this vengeful creature and knocking it out of the park. The comments, attitude and especially the eyebrows gave the audience everything that they were looking for in a cynical, pear-shaped, Christmas-hating creature.

Overall, I don’t think the Grinch is that bad. He has Max to love up to him and make him turn that frown upside down. Sooner or later he will turn good, and maybe his heart wil grow and stay three times bigger for good! Then we can all rest easy this holiday, knowing our presents aren’t in someone’s sight and all our Christmas trees are safe. Happy Holidays!

Nebraska responds to an outbreak of avian influenza

6.8 million chickens infected

Gabriel Sanders is a sophomore English major from Apopka, Fla.

An outbreak of avian influenza has spread across the United States affecting more than 52.7 million birds in 46 states. Nebraska is the second most affected state with 13 outbreaks infecting 6.8 million birds as of Nov. 27. The disease is known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and is commonly referred to as bird flu. HPAI spreads through nasal and eye secretions or manure. It is transmitted through wild birds or contact with infected poultry, equipment, or caretaker’s clothing and shoes.

Chickens

©Mark Stebnicki

The Grinch

©IMDB

This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in Nebraska since 2015. The outbreak started in March and declined during the summer before cases flared up in September. Farms are taking precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the avian flu, but the disease is difficult to control. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture leads the response along with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Officials establish a 6.2-mile control zone around affected areas according to national policy.

In response to the disease, farms have to kill and dispose of the infected birds in order to limit the spread of the disease. The U.S. The Department of Agriculture and veterinarians typically oversee the process. A preferred method is using a spray water-based firefighting foam to cut off their air supply while the birds are in a barn. If the birds are in cages or the ground is too cold for the first method, the USDA recommends sealing the barns and piping in carbon dioxide. A final resort is called ventilation shutdown, which includes stopping the airflow into the barns and allowing temperatures to rise to a level that the animals can’t survive. This method has received great opposition from animal welfare groups that argue it is inhuman.

The virus doesn’t threaten food safety or represent a significant public health threat. Infected birds are kept from entering into the food supply and proper cooking of eggs and poultry kills any virus present. The nationwide outbreak has led to an increase in the price of chicken and turkey. Avian flu is very rarely transmitted to humans and the risk is only substantiation for those who have job-related or recreation exposure to infected birds. The CDC does recommend avoiding direct contact with wild birds and avoiding contact with wild or

domestic birds that appear ill or have died (so think twice before holding a funeral for a dead robin).

Aubrey Benton is a junior international relations major from Smithsburg, Md.

Alcohol and cancer: A hidden consequence

Most Americans are unaware of the true impact of alcohol on the body.

Alcohol has integrated itself into every aspect of culture, serving as a social lubricant, escape and means of celebration for many. While some consumers are aware of the risks associated with drinking, many do not know the true impact of alcohol on the body. A recent study, published by the American Journal for Preventive Medicine, found that less than a third of adults knew that alcohol increases cancer risk.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) states that there is strong scientific consensus that drinking alcohol can cause several different types of cancer, leading it to be classified by the government as a carcinogen. Head, neck, esophageal, liver, breast and colorectal cancers have all been linked with alcohol consumption. This list will most likely only expand in the future, due to more research confirming causation. For heavy drinkers, the risks for some of these cancers are as great as a fivefold increase. Overall, the

evidence suggests that the more a person drinks, particularly regularly, the higher the risk of developing alcohol-associated cancer.

Experts have hypothesized several reasons for why this alcohol-cancer link may exist. During the breakdown of alcohol in the body, a chemical compound is created that can damage both DNA and proteins. Additionally, free radicals could be generated which would also damage DNA, proteins and fats. Alcohol may also impair the body from absorbing and breaking down key nutrients that are associated with cancer risk. Finally, alcoholic beverages can contain a variety of carcinogenic contaminants that are introduced during production and fermentation. Regardless of whether one is drinking beer, wine or liquor – alcohol itself will cause damage.

Unfortunately, studies have shown that stopping the consumption of alcohol doesn’t immediately lead to a cancerrisk reduction. Eventually, the risk will decline, but it could take years for the

that individuals who do not drink should not start drinking for any reason.

Because of the grave impacts of alcohol on the body, many have been petitioning for warning labels to be placed on drinks that would outline the risks of consumption. In the meantime, raising awareness on this issue is critical. Few things are more important than making smart and informed decisions about your health and lifestyle.

risk of the ex-drinker to become similar to someone that never drank. The NCI gives an example of how former drinkers had a higher risk for oral and pharyngeal cancers even after abstaining from alcohol for 16 years. Other studies estimated 35 years for risk levels to fully decrease. For all the reasons above, the federal government has recommended

Nicole Hardt is a sophomore biomedical science from Apopka, Fla.

Dangers of alcohol ©Reef Peckham

For all the reasons above, the federal government has recommended that individuals who do not drink should not start drinking for any reason.

The plague of the international student

The loneliness we see

Being an international student has never been easier. Compared to the past decades, there has been an increase in the exodus of scholars foreign countries to pursue a degree or career to find a path to better than their homeland.

Nobody talks about the price of loneliness that comes with pursuing an international education. There are many sacrifices that international students have to make. I’ve seen Americans, both old and young, say they don’t think they have the courage to leave their country and travel to another country for education.

A survey I recently conducted showed that most Americans have never left North America in their entire lives. Statistics show that a higher percentage might not leave their home cities up until their 50s. To understand an international student, look at it from their perspective. The traditional international student, straight from their home country, leaves behind their families, friends and loved ones. Some halt romantic relationships and exhaust resources to move to their chosen country. They arrive and the problems begin. Culture shock makes it hard to blend in. When they finally blend in, the lack of a cultural community makes college life more difficult.

Everyone is trying to figure out their lives while attending college and the international student wants to assimilate to the “norm.” They risk feeling or appearing as ungrateful to study across the world,

especially to friends and family that did not have the same opportunity.

A friend recently broke down in a fit of homesickness and loneliness. I had to tell her to remember her ‘why.’ A wise woman once told me, “When you have those days where nothing seems to matter and your heart is heavy on pain and loneliness, remember your ‘why,’ the family you’ve left back home, and it’ll strengthen you.” This is advice I’ve come to cherish so much, and I hope every international student out there remembers their ‘why’ in times of despair and loneliness.

This is not to garner sympathy or pity but to create awareness and encourage a sense of community among international and domestic college students.

Fortune Ogulere is a freshman English major from Mbaise, Nigeria.

Around the world

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