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The Clocktower

Annual Security Report and Fire Safety Report

What’s new and why is it important?

Every year, Campus Safety Director Dustin Sauder revises and releases an Annual Security Report and Fire Safety Report. What is in this forty-seven page document? Why does it matter? This report includes a lot of valuable information for your safety. But what is all in here? What are the important highlights?

The first thing you will notice from going through this report is how safe Union campus actually is. In 2021, we had a total of zero criminal offenses in on and off campus housing.

We also are reminded of some very important rules regarding fires and fire safety. If you are ever working with different types of materials, the first thing to remember is to keep heat, fuel and oxygen separate. If there is a fire, remember to pull the fire alarm first, and then call 911. Do not use the elevators, and never put yourself in jeopardy to use a fire extinguisher.

Along with useful information on what

to do in different scenarios, we are provided with some safety tips: “Never prop doors open, especially fire doors and exterior entrance doors,” “Walk on designated walkways that are well lit. Report poor lighting to the Campus Safety Department at 402-486-2911. Avoid shortcuts through areas with poor lighting,” and “Walk with confidence. Show that you are aware and in control. Body language works!” Campus Safety can help you in many ways, not only through on-foot patrols during the night, but they also provide an escort service during those evening and night time hours.

Campus Safety golf cart

©Christopher Jacobo

Lastly, we are reminded of our responsibility to help keep our campus a safe place, and take the necessary steps to keeping the campus as safe as possible. I would encourage each student to look through this handbook, and read about all that is applicable to them.

If you ever need help on campus, you can call 911, but if you have questions for information, non-emergency issues, or parking concerns, you can call Campus Safety at 402486-2911.

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

Upcoming events this October

Here is what you can expect

ife at Union has been very fast-paced lately, with loads of fun activities lurking around every corner. The last two years have made it difficult to socialize, but with recent declines in Covid-19 infections, it is becoming safer and safer to lay down the textbooks and have some fun. There are many events coming up that you should know about, so I have compiled some of them here.

Preview Days – October 6 - 9

We all have different stories of how we arrived at Union, but for many of us our first interaction was with Preview Days, a fun weekend event for high school students and others to come experience Union for themselves. The campus will be hosting the largest preview event we have had in a long time. Even though enrollment staff will be busy giving them a warm welcome, don’t feel embarrassed to wave and say hi to all the new students in town.

Mental Health Awareness Week

This week, our campus is focusing on an all-important and yet often overlooked topic—mental health. From therapy dogs to exercise sessions and even a guest speaker, there is something for everyone!

Andrew

The week will be wrapped up with an exciting Power Pac weekend featuring motivational speaker, DeMoine Adams, a former Nebraska football player who also played for the Green Bay Packers, 49ers, and Tennessee Titans.

Warrior Volleyball Games – October 7, 11

The Warriors are doing pretty well this year, and they get to prove that again this week as they face off against two other teams on the same day. Both are home games in the Thunderdome, so be sure to wear some swag and cheer for your team.

The volleyball team will also travel to Overland Park, KS to play Kansas Christian College.

Warrior Soccer Game – October 8

The Warrior soccer team will play Calvary University in Kansas City, Missouri. Pray for the team as they travel and play.

Campus Potluck – October 12 Enjoy sharing food together with the Student Life office!

Fall Break

It is not too long before we get some time off from classes to enjoy fall break. Enjoy resting and recuperating from the stress of class and catching up on assignments.

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

CPR classes are back

Saving lives one class at a time

Acardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills training course has opened up its registration for new and returning students.

These classes are currently being offered on the Union College campus. Multiple majors that are present on campus require this certification. These include the nursing, physician assistant, international rescue and relief and occupational therapy assistant programs. Scheduling for CPR classes outside of Union’s campus is possible, however communication between the individual and the school must be established first. This can be done through contacting the international rescue and relief program for more additional information.

The CPR course is also available online. However, there is a $31 fee which will be paid directly to the American Heart Association, the organization responsible for the course’s existence. Once an individual has completed their course, a survey will be required in order for a certificate to be issued. A skill check will also be required for students who have completed the online course in order to ensure that students have thoroughly understood and mastered the skills taught. The skill assessment will cost at least $30. This skill check will take place in-person at the most convenient time.

An appointment must be scheduled for the skill check and can be done through the Union’s website. A cancellation policy is available. In the case that a student needs to cancel or reschedule their appointment, everything must be made in advance by at least 24 hours before the original skill check appointment. If a student were to

Parents weekend ©Christopher Jacobo

reschedule their appointment less than 24 hours in advance, there is a $10 fee.

In order to receive a physical certificate, it is required for anyone who has completed the course to receive an email from the American Heart Association. The email contains a link that will lead to an external site with the CPR certification.

8 reasons that you should join a music group

The school year has settled and we have shifted comfortably into our routines. You have learned your schedule and know how much time it takes you to do homework. You have joined your clubs and scheduled your extracurriculars. Now there is something missing this year for you. Somewhere in your journey, you stopped playing music (or chose to never start). Now you are suffering the consequences of a lack of music in your life. There is a solution for you, right here at Union College. Join a music group. Here is why you should:

ON THE RADAR

CPR Training

Robert Tengker is sophomore nursing major from Redlands, Calif.

WED. 10/5/22

Movement 2 Music | Atruim, 5 p.m. THURS. 10/6/22

uGather | CVC, 10.30 a.m.

PA Whitecoat Ceremony | CVC, 6 p.m. FRI. 10/7/22

Warriors Volleyball vs. Trinity Bible College | Thunderdome, 4 p.m.

Family Worship | CVC, 7.30 SAT. 10/8/22

Alumni Basketball Game | Thunderdome, 7.30 p.m. SUN. 10/9/22

Warrior Soccer vs. York University | 49er’s Field, 4 p.m MON. 10/10/22

Student Recital | Engel Hall, 7 p.m.

©Pexels

1. You would be instantly cooler

People may consider band or orchestra players to be “nerds” or “introverts,” but then you watch the Christmas season come around. Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Mannheim Steamroller are selling tickets for hundreds and every radio station is playing them.

2. Playing music makes you smarter

Research proves that musical training builds intellectual skills, raises IQ, improves memory and develops creativity. This could be the miracle you need to pass statistics.

3.

Music relieves stress

Music students statistically have less test and performance anxiety. It is also a “class” where you show up and just have fun.

4. Almost every instrument is needed

I was drafted into band with my only music experience on piano. A bit of instruction in percussion, and I was in. If you only play guitar, there is a guitar group. Orchestra can always use another violin. If you didn’t bring your cello to Union, we have extra that you can borrow. If you don’t play any instruments, we have a great choir for the people who love to sing.

5. Looks good on your resume

Being in a music group builds your teamwork skills, improves your selfconfidence and shows that you are capable of making commitments. These are top qualities that employers are looking for, according to recent NACE research.

6.

Music groups are great communities

You will connect with people and have a support group that doesn’t come from your normal classes.

7. You will join just in time for Christmas preparations.

Eggnog is in the dairy aisle, Costco has Christmas trees up and I’ve started listening to Christmas music. Band and orchestra have just started practicing for their Christmas concert. This year,

the Unionaires are performing Handel’s Messiah. I know most of us have heard that, if not sung it already.

8. Your parents would be proud of you Now your parents will see you choosing an extracurricular and taking initiative. This would also give them an excuse to come to Union College and see you perform. I personally believe that joining a band is the reason that I am my father’s favorite child, rather than my sister who did not join band.

Contact ramon.araujo@ucollege.edu for more information. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Orchestra: MW 6:30-8:00 p.m. Band: TR 12:30-2:00 p.m. Choir: MW 12:30-2:00 p.m.

Annelise Jacobs is a junior communication major from Peru, Maine.

Union College Band ©Annelise Jacobs

God save the Queen

Elizabeth II’s cultural impact

“Doctor Who” (1963-1989)

The serial “Silver Nemesis,” released in 1988, heavily revolved around the Queen. The name of the serial is a reference to her Silver Jubilee or 25 years on the throne. She makes a brief appearance when the Doctor and Ace sneak into Windsor Castle and find the Queen walking her Corgis, which she was known for having several of throughout her life. They try approaching the queen for help but are seized by the royal guard before they can get anywhere near her.

“Paddington” Sketch (2022)

Afew weeks ago, I was finishing work for Project Impact and checked my phone. I then saw the news: Queen Elizabeth II had died at the age of 96. The woman who had dedicated her life to service to the United Kingdom for over 70 years had just passed away. Now, 70 years is a very long time. For some perspective, she likely took the throne before your grandparents were born, or at least when they were children. When I saw the news, I immediately called my grandmother to tell her. My grandmother is 77 years old, meaning she was only 6, about to turn 7, when the Queen ascended the throne. My grandfather is 70 years old and hadn’t even been born yet. Due to her long life and reign, she had a massive cultural impact on media, literature, and more. Here is a look into some of her appearances in pop culture:

“Minions” (2015)

The main plot device in the first installment of this spinoff franchise was that the antagonist, Scarlet Overkill, wanted to steal the royal crown of the Queen. In this movie, the Queen is depicted in her early forties, as the film was set in 1968. The queen is usurped from her throne by Bob after he pulls the Excalibur sword from the stone. After Overkill is defeated, the Queen is restored to the throne and rewards Bob, Stuart, and Kevin for their efforts.

Just a few months before her passing, in commemoration of her Platinum Jubilee, or 70 years on the throne, the Queen made a small video where she was having tea with the famous bear, Paddington. After Paddington accidentally drank all the tea, they shared marmalade sandwiches before the clip ended with Paddington congratulating the Queen on 70 years on the throne.

The late Queen was a massive icon to our generation and even a few generations before. She lived from one 20s decade to the next and definitely made her mark on the world. She is not likely to be forgotten anytime soon. Her memory will live on for generations to come.

Evan Majors is a sophomore English major from WinstonSalem, N.C.

©The Daily Beast

Queen Elizabeth II and Paddington

So many grocery stores!

Where should I go?

Grocery stores have been around for 106 years. Today, we have countless stores around the nation that are regional, like Safeway, Save A Lot and Publix, or more nationwide like Costco, Sam’s and Walmart. With so many grocery stores out there, the question is, “which one?”

Most grocery stores are known for something, whether it is Save A Lot, where you know you’re going to get a good deal on at least one thing in your cart, or Target, where you know that you aren’t going just to get food. I think someone should invent a manual on how to shop in different regions of the United States. For example, in Lincoln, Nebraska, we have Aldi’s, Costco, Russ’s Market, Sam’s Club, Super Saver, Target, Trader Joe’s and Walmart, just to name a few.

The issue is that if I am going grocery shopping, I could pick one of any of these stores and buy a product that is only sold in that store. This can cause problems because what if I like that product and I can only go to that specific store to get it? I could find eight different products like that and spend just two hours in the car commuting from one store to another to just get those products.

I find that Walmart is where I go when I don’t exactly know what I want. I go there for general items like milk, cheese and bread. I will buy the majority of the things I need there because it is on the cheaper end. Then I will go to Trader Joe’s for those more specific items.

This got me thinking. Why don’t people just go to one store? Why isn’t it possible for a person to just go to Target or Hy-vee for all of their groceries? Every grocery

store has its community, and where you are from and how long you have been in Lincoln can really influence what store you go to. I find that those Hy-Vee goers are local and dedicated to the company because of the prices. Who wants to pay more for something that you know is cheaper at a different store? That is why I don’t go to Hy-Vee on a regular basis.

I find the people wanting to save money go to Super Saver, Walmart and Aldi’s. Those are the best stores for you if you want to save some cash. If you like to empty your wallet as fast as possible, go to the local Trader Joe’s or endless amounts of Hy-Vees for those “deals” that will never end.

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

Hy-Vee ©Joseph Lee

A post-Roe v. Wade Nebraska

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, issued on June 24, 2022, overturned Roe v. Wade and the constitutional right to an abortion within the United States. Because of this decision, regulation of abortion is left to be determined by state and federal legislation. Federal legislation overrules state, but there are no current laws passed by Congress that directly relate to abortion.

Current laws in Nebraska restrict abortion after 20 weeks postfertilization, except for cases of medical intervention needed to prevent death or serious injury to the pregnant individual. The law, Nebraska Revised Statute 28-3, 106, was passed by the Nebraska Unicameral in 2010.

An attempt to pass legislation further restricting abortion took place during April 2022. The proposed law, Legislative Bill 933 or “The Human Life Protection Act”, would place a total ban on abortions except for cases of medical intervention. The law also would make it a felony to perform an abortion. LB 933 was a “trigger” law, meaning it was written to go into effect after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

The bill was introduced by State Senators Joni Albrecht and Mike Flood along with 23 cosponsors. The bill stalled in the Judiciary Committee where it didn’t have the votes to advance to debate by the full legislator, but a majority vote by the legislature bypassed the committee vote in an action known as a “pull motion.”

On April 6, the bill failed in the first-round of debate. Opponents to the bill launched a filibuster and after eight hours of debate, the vote was 31-15, which is two votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to end a filibuster and for the bill to continue.

Governor Pete Ricketts had stated his intention to call a special legislative session to pass legislation restricting abortions to 12 weeks if Roe v. Wade was overturned, but did not when only 30 senators showed support for legislation. 33 votes would be necessary to pass the bill.

Abortion is an important issue in the upcoming November midterms, especially in the race between Republican incumbent Don Bacon and Democratic State Senator Tony Vargas for Nebraska’s 2nd congressional district.

The 2nd district, composed of the Omaha–Council Bluffs metropolitan area, is a battleground for Democrats and Republicans. During the 2020 election, the district awarded its electoral vote to Joe Biden, while Don Bacon held his seat in Congress.

A large issue for both the Republican and Democratic parties is generating voter turnout during midterm elections. The Democratic party currently holds a majority in the House of Representatives and the Senate is evenly split between the two parties. Often the party holding the presidency will see voter response to the prior election result in losing seats in Congress, but the Democratic party hopes that the response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade will increase both voter turnout and support for the party in the midterm elections.

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

Planned Parenthood

©Reef Peckham

Dobbs v. Jackson gives power to the state

The “natural” fallacy

Green leaves, lush landscapes, earthy browns and delicate flowers – these are all symbols that may come to mind when the word “natural” is heard. The overwhelming consensus is that products containing this imagery are safe, secure and worthy of trust. In stark contrast, descriptive words like artificial or chemical may evoke concern or feelings of aversion. While the negative connotation surrounding these words is completely baseless and illogical, the stifling grip it has on the public is far from fictional.

In 2016 a psychological experiment was conducted, giving participants a choice between treating an illness with a drug labeled as “natural” or “synthetic.” Out of the 1,200 participants, 70% selected the natural option despite both drugs being equally safe and effective. Shockingly, 20% percent of individuals chose the natural drug even when it was reported to be less safe than the synthetic version.

This is not to say that nature hasn’t provided many beneficial products. Morphine, aspirin, and penicillin have all been derived from compounds existing in the natural world. The problem rests in the belief that because something is “natural” it is inherently better and safer than the artificial alternatives. The National Institutes of Health states that many herbal and dietary supplements fail to show any benefit upon being studied. These medications are also not without side effects. In 2004, the FDA banned several plant derivatives that were being used in supplements that were associated with severe liver damage, heart problems and overall death risk. Additionally, the FDA has found numerous “all-natural” treatments that have contained hidden and dangerously high doses of prescription drug ingredients.

There is no reason to be inherently concerned with items containing chemicals or labeled synthetic. Chemicals are the building blocks of life; everything from a phone to the human body owes its existence to these compounds. While some chemicals are toxic, many of them occur in nature also. Snake venom, poisonous mushrooms and arsenic are all products of nature that can be incredibly deadly. Furthermore, most conventional medicine is subject to higher standards of safety and production.

While opting for an “all-natural” cold cure is most likely not going to cause any serious harm, the implications of demonizing synthetic products could be serious. Creating doubt and fear around traditional medications and health practices may prevent individuals from receiving quality treatment. Just like all other cognitive biases, it is worth critically evaluating what forms the foundation of our beliefs and how that impacts our actions.

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

Why is there bias towards products marketed as all-natural?

Organic groceries

©Reef Peckham

The giraffe plasma bank

Bringing hope to our long-necked friends

quickly developing plasma program arising to save the lives of captive baby giraffes. The giraffe plasma bank is becoming a huge deal especially amongst zoos and exotic veterinary practices. It started in 2017, when a giraffe named Lance was trained at the Columbus Zoo to voluntarily give blood, making the process less stressful and simple. Lance’s donations went to save the life of a baby giraffe who was given the plasma to help boost their immune system. Since 2017, Lance has donated over 20 liters of blood and saved the lives of 12 baby giraffes.

Giraffes are the tallest terrestrials on earth and the largest ruminant species alive today. Giraffes stay reproductively active year-round and have a gestation period of 15 months. Baby giraffes when born stand around 6 feet tall and have incredibly fragile long legs. The survival rate of wild born giraffe babies is only about 50% mainly due to predators, common birthing difficulties and malnutrition.

Many baby giraffes have difficulty nursing properly or difficulty standing to be able to nurse. The mother’s first milk produced, also known as colostrum, is critical to the survival and health of the baby. Colostrum contains immune-supporting agents to help the baby survive against bad pathogens and disease. Baby giraffes are extra susceptible to pathogens and disease if colostrum is not consumed quickly after birth. Also, due to their fragile bones at birth, baby giraffes can easily be injured if they fall, stand too quickly, fall out of the birth canal the wrong way, if they experience trauma or are stepped on. Because of all these many complications, even within the care of humans, the fatality rate of baby giraffes is still 50%.

All this considered, there is still hope for our long-necked friends. There is a new and

I spoke with a giraffe keeper at Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo about the plasma bank. The keeper informed me that 14-year-old Jawara, the only adult male giraffe at the zoo, is their top plasma donor and has saved the lives of four babies so far, including baby Kay at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. This was fascinating to me. As I stared at the impressive 19-foot majestic giraffe standing in the corner, I thought about how amazing it is that we are able to train such massive animals to donate life-saving blood.

The giraffe plasma bank is a fairly new developing program so there is not much detailed information as of yet. The plasma from donated blood is providing baby giraffes with the much needed immune support they may not have been able to receive from their mothers on time. This program is a growing success and definitely one to watch and get interesting stories from.

Myka Blake is a sophomore biomedical science major from Prescott, Ariz.

Giraffe

©Pexels

The famous atheist philosopher, Friedrich Nietzche, said, “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him.”

This statement speaks as if the idea of God has been eliminated due to scientific advancement, but is that true? Are science and God in opposition? What scientific proof can disprove the existence of God?

To start, if you want to disprove God, there would have to be an explanation for the natural world, which science cannot answer, because science is observation of the natural world, so where does that lead us?

If science is the answer to the natural world, the idea gets circular. It assumes science to be true by using science to prove science is the truth. Doesn’t that just sound confusing?

Believing in God is all about looking to the best explanation of all that is around. The natural world requires a cause, as it came into existence a finite time ago. So intuitively, a powerful transcendent creative Mind that instituted the cosmos is an inference to what we observe to be the cause of the universe. Belief in God gives clarity and understanding into the ideas of consciousness, morality, good and evil, uniformity and design down to the molecular level. Society has moved farther and farther away from the idea of the transcendent Creator.

So what is the response, as Christians and believers in God? The Apostle Peter said, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” What does that mean? The Greek word used for giving an answer is apologia, which translates “a defense of”.

This is where the idea of “apologetics” is derived. Apologetics is not about arguing people into the ground or beating religion over peoples’ heads, but it is about ensuring one’s faith and having evidence, reason, intuition, and logic to substantiate the faith. Christians are called to defend the faith. Don’t you want to be able to defend Christ and what He started? Do you want answers to the questions that you may have about God as well? If you have any questions and doubts about Christianity, God or religion, please reach out to the Apologetics Team in Campus Ministries, or scan the QR code to get more info. God Bless!

This ad paid for by the Apologetics Team. Visit our website to see advertising rates.

The Clocktower

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The Clocktower, established in 1927 and sponsored by the Student Association of Union College, is published weekly during the fall and spring semesters.

The opinions expressed are the opinions of the writers and are not to be construed as the opinions of the editors, Student Association, Union College or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.