UNION COLLEGE
ISSUE 91.18 | 04/26/2017
| PC: Integrated Marketing Communications and Emily Wood
#UNIONUNITED: CONNECTING THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE T he human need to connect is as fundamental as food or water. Our social environments shape us, and we suffer greatly when our relational bonds are threatened. My last year at Union has been messy and at times pure chaos, yet everything tied together to fulfill my needs.
I started working four years ago for The Clocktower as a way to grow; I’d say I’ve earned my petals. But, I can’t take credit. This newspaper wouldn’t be possible without the students who write, editors who give feedback and designers who spend hours (HOURS) putting everything into layout. Without a sponsor who supports and readers who correct mistakes, The Clocktower wouldn’t exist. And, ultimately, without God I wouldn’t have a purpose to bring everything together. Student newspapers serve many purposes. This past year reminded me why I believe having student led programs is fundamental to institutions–connecting the campus and capturing the college experience.
I’ve made this last issue different than standard news. Inside you'll see that not just one detail highlights Union. Pieces play together to connect our unique college experiences. Relationships ribbon through every story. My next chapter in life is about to begin, one with new jobs, marriage, Colorado living and more. I know my experience from Union will help me continue excelling as I leave this college in the West. I hope as you read you'll see Union College as a special place, one where we as humans can fulfill our deepest needs spiritually, emotionally and academically. Yes, there are challenges. Union isn't perfect. But then again, none but Jesus are. In the words of Azar Nafisi, “You get a strange feeling when you’re about to leave a place. Like you’ll not only miss the people you love but you’ll miss the person you are now at this time and this place, because you’ll never be this way again.”
Emily "Emy" Wood is a senior studying communication.
[ W H AT ' S I N S I DE] MISSION
S E N IOR S TAT I S T IC S
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OPPORTUNITIES | page 15 |
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EDITORIAL
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ED IT O R I AL S TAF F
Edi t o r-in - Ch ie f E mi l y, 'Em y,' Woo d A ssist a n t Edit o r Jam es C l ag ue Soc ia l M e d ia Edi tor M ay l i na G r aham La yo u t Edit o r s H annah G reg g D an i c a Ey l enst ei n Ph o t o gr a p h e r s Z ach Mor r i son S haron C ur r an Jo rrd an Bi ssel l NEW S
New s Edit o r S te fa ni L eep er Cam p u s N e w s S ean Hend r i x Comm u n it y/ Wo r l d Ne w s Carol i ne G uc hu H OUC/ S e n a t e Au tu mn Mot t F reela n c e Wr it e r s D an i c a Ey l enst ei n M ay l i na G r a ha m LIFES T Y L E
Life s t yle Edit o r R i a C ar r i g er Spe c ia l In t e re s t Ama nd a Mc C ar t e r Cul t u re / R e la t io ns h i p s Kat i e Mor r i son OPI NI O N
Opi n io n E dit o r Gabr i el Fl ec ha s H u m o r O pin io n Kevi n N i ed er m a n Poli t ic a l O pin ion Jo na t ha n D eem er Spo r t s O p in io n Tyl e r D ean SOCI AL ME DI A
F a ce b o o k /Cl o c k t ow er ASB Snapc h a t @ asb uni onc ol l eg e Read O n lin e cl o c k t ow er.uc ol l e g e . e d u Read t h e pr in t i ssu u.c om / c l oc k t o we rA S B
he most valuable lesson I’ve learned in life is to make plans knowing none of them will happen. If you had ever asked if I was planning on running a student newspaper, I would have laughed. In fact that’s exactly what happened when I was first asked if I was applying to be The Clocktower Editor-in-Chief. Not in a cynical way, but in a “I couldn’t possibly do that” kind of way. However, good friends, mentors and the subtle leadings of God have a way of putting us on paths we didn’t see ourselves capable of walking.
in the details and the moments I bite off more than I can chew. It’s my mission and vision to bring you a publication that unites us together as students, peers and children of God. May the next year be one of the best we ever have. Humbly, Gabriel Flechas P.S. If you have an interest in joining us on this journey, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m happy to answer questions. You can email me personally, fill out the form on squirrel hub and/or send an email to cltower@gmail.com. I’d love to have a conversation!
I’m beyond excited for the year to come. The year ahead will be one of growth. In the words of my predecessor Emily from her incoming letter, “I’ll make plenty of mistakes as editor-in-chief. Please forgive me in advance. But know that each article and issue produced is done with you, the students and readers, in mind.” Please forgive me in advance for the small typos I miss, the occasional error
J
onathan Deemer, Tyler Dean and Cameron Cizek all have one thing in common with each other— The Clocktower. While each wrote about disparate subjects (politics, sports and art) they did so for Union College’s semi-weekly student newspaper, under the leadership of this year’s Editor-inChief Emily Wood. Together with other writers, photographers, section editors and designers, they worked hard to both entertain and inform readers of issues on campus and beyond.
The Clocktower began printing in 1927. In another decade it will celebrate a hundred years of publishing. This will indeed be a celebration. A number of high schools and college campuses are closing their student newspapers due to rising print costs, lost readership and/ or conflicts between student newspaper staff and institutional leadership. These
Gabriel Flechas is a sophomore studying business administration and engineering.
closures come at a great cost to society, a price that will be extracted over time by the way we communicate and conduct ourselves as a democracy. Newspapers have long held an important role in the democratic process of the U.S. James Franklin, Ben Franklin’s older brother, launched The New England Courant in 1721. Newspapers of that time were sponsored by political parties and were used to reach their loyal partisans—not so different from Twitter monocultures of today. The power of the media became evident by the mid nineteen-hundreds. Television, radio, along with print newspapers and news magazines, became the primary sources by which the public learned of key information about the world, nation and community. The media sways public opinion. We need leaders who understand the power and responsibility of communication, people who are able to
EDITORIAL
gather facts quickly and accurately, evaluate the quality of information and the share with others what they come to understand. They must know how to use new technologies like Twitter and Facebook. We need individuals who are willing, and able, to grapple with the growing complex political and social issues we face today with clarity and integrity. There should not be a time when fake news is news. Education through formal classroom training and on the job experiences,
like writing for The Clocktower, is one of the best ways to ensure the next generation of leaders are ready. College offers a safe place to practice. It’s a place to learn how to be inclusive, yet unique. It’s a place to try out ideas and language that unite people toward a common goal. It’s also a time to experiment with the best ways to provide necessary feedback for both correction and healing. As Union College professor Chris Blake says, “Communication is life.”
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This concludes my second year as faculty sponsor for The Clocktower, Union College’s student newspaper, and to quote myself, “I have enjoyed working with the students on The Clocktower and I look forward to seeing what the newspaper team does next year.”
Pat Maxwell is an associate professor of communication.
REFLECTIONS FROM ASB PRESIDENTS W
e have come to another close of another great year. How wonderful it has been to be your president this year. I have only a few words to leave with you, my dear friends. This year has been a blessing, primarily because of the bonds of friendships I have witnessed sprout upon our campus. Yes, ASB has done many events that were new and exciting but what truly remained was relationship. I hope you remember that no man or woman
U
nion College family, I’m incredibly honored to serve as your Associated Student Body president for this upcoming school year. As you all know, Union College is a unique place. It’s a source of pride not only for us as students, faculty and staff, but also for our alumni and the entire Lincoln community. Although many things make Union so special, two always come to mind: family and home. When you step on Union’s campus, a sense of familiarity and belonging is immediate. This is the feeling of family Union is so good at creating and incorporating into everyday campus life. One of the joys of being part of the
is an island. We need each other. Our feelings may get hurt, but we must always remember to set aside pride for the sake of relationship. I pray that we may continue to learn how to live in harmony with the diversity God has richly blessed us with. It’s not enough to simply be; we must be proactive with unity. May we not classify each other but truly aim to understand our fellow brothers and sister from any walk of life because we would expect the same done to us.
president: “Carry yourselves in such a way that when the people of the world are sitting, you will be standing, and when the people of the world are standing, you will be outstanding, and when the people of the world dare to be outstanding, you will be the standard that begins to change the part of the world that you are in.” Be great. I love you all.
Saying goodbye is a little hard, but here is my final admonition to you as
David Kabanje is a senior studying theology.
Union College family is never having to go far to find a warm smile, even on the coldest day. It always brightens my day when I hear from one of our sister schools how warm and friendly our students are and how that makes it a such a joy to visit our campus.
job as ASB President is not to go by my own agenda, but to listen to the voices of the students and fight for what we need.
Naturally, because of the family you develop, Union becomes home. Union is a safe place for students to find themselves and develop into who they really are. Because of this environment and the mentorship provided by the wonderful faculty and staff, every student is enabled to find God’s path. Home is a place of belonging, something everyone can find here. As ASB President, it's my goal to ensure Union continues to remain a family and everyone feels at home. My
Being the voice and ears of the student body is why I serve, ensuring that every student who attends Union College is able to experience the spirit and community found here. To our incoming and returning students, I look forward to seeing each and every one of you and welcoming you with open arms to what I call home. I truly hope everyone who attends our great school wants to go back to Union again, “the college in the West.”
Anthony Gann is a junior studying business administration.
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C U LT U R E
A MISSION WE CAN BELIEVE A
s members of the Union College community, we aren’t exactly the most qualified individuals to speak to differences between our school and its secular counterparts. Sure, we may be experts on Union College culture, but many of us have little exposure to public universities and their distinct atmospheres, especially considering most of our student body attended Adventist high schools in the past. So when it comes to discussing the topic of “what makes Union so special,” often times I feel somewhat unfit to speak on the subject with authority. Therefore, the best perspectives I can offer are those of my close friends who have had exposure to both Union College and outside communities. One such example is my girlfriend, who attends the University of Nebraska, Omaha. She has told me of entire days where she failed to speak even a single word to anyone at her school. Granted, she lives off campus, but still—an entire day? By contrast, when she walks with me across our campus, it’s rare that we make it from Prescott to the Student Center without encountering one of my friends with whom I exchange at least a greeting. Some may say that this is due to nothing more than a small student body. I disagree. So then, what is it that makes us different? Is it that we have the name of the Seventh-day Adventist church on our signs? Is it that we are simply better and kinder human beings than our public university counterparts? Without a doubt, Union’s spiritual atmosphere is exceptional and should be treasured. But even past our religious roots, I think it’s more than
Pictured is the College Building in 1890. Though campus looks different today, the vision remains the same. | PC: Integrated Marketing Communications
that. I think there’s something deeper, something that is directly responsible for making Union as special as it is. It’s our mission statement. I know. Boring, right? But everything we love about Union College can all be traced back to this solitary grouping of words. “Inspired by faith in Jesus Christ and dedicated to a personal studentfocused community, Union College empowers students for learning, service and leadership.” Sure, many places have missions statements, many far more eloquently worded than ours. But what makes ours so special is that we all—every student, teacher and staff member— believe in it. What good is an idea if its adherents don’t practice it? In a similar manner, our mission statement wouldn’t be worth the paper it’s printed on if we failed to live out the simple ethos.
Through the decades, individuals have dedicated their careers and livelihoods to this school’s continued success. And, through the entirety of its existence, the people who gave back in such indescribable ways so as to secure the promise of knowledge and education for future generations. What do you and I have in common with each and every one of them? We all believe in the mission. At some point in our time here, maybe without realizing it, we have all contributed to the cultivation of a culture and environment that we can be proud to call home. Naturally, the personality of that culture has varied, and even clashed, at times. But time and again, what brings us together at the end of the day is our shared belief in what Union is and what Union can be. I think that’s what makes Union College so special.
So I suppose, in a way, it’s the people. 125 years ago, founders had a vision for the institution we attend today.
Jonathan Deemer is a sophomore studying biomedical science.
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CULTIVATING CULTURE IS IN OUR HANDS T
witter blew up recently with videos and stories of a man who was violently removed from his seat on a plane because United Airlines overbooked that flight, volunteering him to be moved to another flight. All across the world, people began boycotting United, memes taunted the employees and instantly the story became the cornerstone of jokes on late night TV. Go ahead, Google “United Airlines drags man off plane.” People on the plane cringed, flinched and yelled as three men removed him from his seat. Here’s the problem: Nobody protected him or volunteered his or her seat. There was outrage all around the world after it happened, but not enough outrage as it happened. That's our story: we often watch things happen and then react after. From the moment college begins, each person has the opportunity to influence and evolve, contribute and observe. At Union College, it can be easy to watch things unfold and then react after. Fortunately, every avenue for practicing personal passions is available. Campus Ministries wants to get everyone involved. Jobs will be created if someone comes in with fires blazing to fill that need. ASB has plenty of positions where a business major can learn finance, an event planner can be social vice, or a lawyer-to-be can run senate. Union aches for students to work on campus. Seriously, I walked into Dr. Toews office during freshman orientation and
he asked if I had a job. When I said “No” he told me I could start on Monday. Working on campus, ministering, leading, etc., allows students to create and cultivate the culture they wish. Did you catch that? Students create culture at Union College. If we want a hostile environment where people look away when they walk past us, don’t greet each other, and have their headphones in as they walk everywhere, we can have it. If we want a community where people are divided by ethnic backgrounds, we can have that.
Fine arts is just one avenue students can use as an outlet.| PC: Integrated Marketing Communications
Or, we can create a community of people who love serving, involvement and change. If we want Union to be a place of proactivity, social justice, and quality education, we can absolutely have that. If we want a space where people gather together in the name of Jesus, worship wholeheartedly and grow as disciples, we can have it. Maybe the scary thing about Union isn’t that it’s so restrictive; maybe what's so scary is that we have so much freedom. I've seen Union College students graduate and become rockstars in their field. Maybe privilege and circumstance gave them a leg up. Or maybe they worked hard and learned a ton while in school, preparing them for life after graduation. Union gave them opportunities to grow, thrive and become.
Rich Carlson shares a story in Campus Ministries. | PC: Integrated Marketing Communications
There's something special about Union; you can become what you want with support and empowerment from the faculty and staff. That's what makes Union, Union. I hope what you love about Union is that you can determine what is and what could be.
Students give back through service with Project Impact. | PC: Integrated Marketing Communications
Abner Campos is a senior studying theology
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C U LT U R E
CREATIVITY IS IN THE AIR A
h, spring at Union College. The crisp feeling of rain that eventually leaves a familiar earthy scent. The sun that warms the plants around us to wake them from hibernation. These things are what make me pumped to be a student of Union College. However, other than the amazing ambiance of spring, the creative atmosphere of Union College makes me equally, if not more, excited to be a Unionite. Union College’s celebration of creativity, from musical performances at vespers to student exhibitions in the McClelland Gallery, permeates our everyday lives on campus. Senior theology major Abner Campos says,“Union has done a great job in giving me opportunities to practice what I learn or want to learn in the field of design,” Campos adds, “Campus Ministries, Humanities Division, and Ministry Clubs and others have allowed me to practice what I learn.” These opportunities are important because they show a value in artistic expression across multiple departments across our campus. Union’s creative environment, to me, develops an ecosystem of creatives in which students influence each other. For example, Campos describes how this affects him creatively. “Students have surrounded me with a creative community. They have been my greatest resource for inspiration and empowerment,” Campos adds, “Alumni like Steven Foster, Aphee Messer and Zack Post have been super influential—I know that I still take after them.” I find that this is increasingly the case for my creative life as well. Peers express new ideas about art with me and, in turn, inspire me to branch out into new and exciting areas of artistic expression I might’ve not otherwise pursued.
However, peers are not the only influence. Staff also bring unique and educational creative experiences that contribute to Union’s creative environment. Senior studio arts major Hannah Ashburn goes through the staff members that have made a significant impact on her creative life. “I learned the classic side of drawing and illustration from Mr. Mac. I learned the necessity of critique and how to loosen up when sketching from Amy Smith. I learned the complexity of color from Joyce Bingaman, and formed connections with Julia Noyes as my design teacher to help me volunteer at local art functions.”
| PC: Abner Campos
Ashburn adds, “Each professor has challenged and helped me grow in my understanding of art and change the ways that I see my and others art.” Ashburn’s experiences parallel mine in many ways. Each staff member, with the goal of expanding my artistic education, has not only succeeded but has gone above and beyond by expanding my overall creative identity. Staff and students alike are what contribute to the amazing creative atmosphere of Union. However, we must remember an important catalyst for this environment—the Fine Arts Division.
| PC: Hannah Ashburn
Ashburn hopes to have the Fine Arts Division grow and develop in the future. She adds, “One of my dreams is to have the art department grow, have enough interest for a Fine Arts club, and to hopefully one day showcase the student work on the walls of various departments!” I hold a similar hope,and that the creative atmosphere of Union with it will grow too! This atmosphere allows me to feel free to creatively express myself in any area of my life. From my day-to-day tasks at work to classes, artistic expression is cherished and praised.
| PC: Hannah Ashburn
Cameron Cizek is a sophomore guest writer studying computing.
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WHY I LOVE UNION, SPORTS EDITION W
hen first introduced to our small school in the middle of Lincoln Neb. the average person would likely not see a sports school. However, if you look beyond the surface, Union can quickly become the perfect sports environment. For many of us, our first introduction to Union was through a sports tournament in high school. Every year, both in volleyball and basketball, the pinnacle of the season is the Union tournament. Without knowing it, I (and I’m sure others) developed a love for the Thunderdome, and for the announcing voice of Buell Fog echoing annually through the gym. With little effort you find yourself going back year after year to watch the next waves of athletes.
Even when students don't agree on teams, sports ignite friendships. | PC: Jorrdan Bissell
From the first week of school right up until finals, there’s constantly an intramural sport or a set of class games happening. While these aren’t unique to Union, it’s always fun to play against friends and people you know. The community isn’t something you can get anywhere else. Then the real sports seasons begin. The Thunderdome is filled with passionate cries of "UUUUUUUUUNIONNNNNNNN!" from superfan Roger Stern and his echoing chorus of students in the bleachers. For me, these games are much more meaningful because I have friends playing. At a large sports school, it would be challenging to get to know more than a couple of the athletes. And then there’s the student center. A place filled with sports fans from all corners of the country, and all regions of the globe. I have countless memories of watching games, participating in debates (read: arguments and trash talk). These have fostered fun rivalries and tremendous friendships that I wouldn’t have made if not for time spent in the student center.
Attend a Warriors game and Roger Stern is likely cheering. |PC: Integrated Marketing Communications
It’s indisputable that sports can bring people together. It’s also indisputable that our campus is close to begin with.
For me personally, it’s the culture at Union in conjunction with sports that has given me the chance to form incredible, lifelong friendships. This is what makes Union so great. I can walk anywhere on campus, see someone I know and make conversation about some sort of sport with them. I can wear bright orange and blue every day and get away with it (though it certainly draws its fair share of sarcastic comments from fans of subpar teams). I can step outside the dorm on a sunny day and interrupt a game of catch to get in a throw of my own. I can sign up for any intramural sport and know that I’ll get a chance to play and contribute. I can go to the student center on any given night and find sports on the T.V. and good people to converse with. The whole school year can go by without a single day void of sports. That’s why I love Union.
Tyler Dean is a junior studying business administration.
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EXPERIENCE
FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCES BRING US TOGETHER A
s the year winds down, I think it’s fair to say we’ve all had our fair share of experiences—life lessons, if you must. We've had moments of great strength and moments of despairing weakness, classes we loved and classes we loathed, good habits we formed or didn’t embrace at all. All together, these comprise what define our time at Union. And for some reason, a new group of students decided to embark on their next adventure at Union College. Whether coming from high school or transferring from another college, these young adults decided to spend their year here. I surveyed many first-year-at-Union students to understand what they will do differently next year out of the experiences they've garnered this year. What I expected wasn’t anything like what I received. Here’s what our firstyear friends had to share.
“ Everyone strives to be a better student.
“
Alyse Maxwell, a freshman prenursing major, said, “I had an idea of what college is like, but hearing is way different than experiencing. I made immature choices. Next year, I plan to put myself more out there, use the strong qualities God has given me, and work on my weaknesses. There's always room to improve and challenge myself.”
College soon proves itself to intense study, but you don't have to study solo. | PC: Zach Morrison
Maxwell is absolutely right. Diamonds only form under pressure, and challenging yourself by getting out of your comfort zone is a surefire way to apply the pressure. Abigail Beaven, a pre-physical therapy major, added to the list of things to improve upon. “Next year, I will definitely do more scheduling! I really didn't do any this year, and it's a bit of a miracle I never forgot an assignment or turned anything in late. I'm also going to try to find a balance between work and friends.” Beaven makes a good point. Miracles do happen, and balance is the key to life. Words to live by, if you ask me. Senior and transfer nursing major Zachary Krall chimed in, “Based on friendships I developed in my first year, I'll be spending a lot more time with them in my second and final year here. I see myself avoiding extra time at a minimum wage job and spending more time relishing in the moment here in Lincoln, especially since it is my last year of college. ” I couldn’t have said it better myself. Despite popular belief, Lincoln does host tons of fun activities to do with friends. Sometimes you just have to
look a little harder. However, you don’t want to spend too much time exploring the city when your scholarly duties call. Freshman Eugene Carle, an international rescue and relief major, explained, “I can sum up my entire year in one word: busy. In high school, I was able to do sports, music, school,and have plenty of time left over, which was definitely not the case for my first year of college. So, one thing I will do differently next year is to try and not do everything.” The first year of college life seems to determine what one learns from a given experience and takes away for the next year. From what I’ve found, everyone strives to be a better student. It’s something we all experience. Perhaps we’re not as different as it may seem, and experiences really do create common ground which brings us together.
Sean Hendrix is a senior studying biomedical science.
EXPERIENCE
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SENIORS IN STATISTICS A
s we reach the conclusion of the 2016-2017 school year, the time comes for when we must say a bittersweet goodbye to our graduating seniors. For those of us moving on and even for those of us staying here at Union, we remember all of the memories we’ve made over the last year and remember the times we’ve shared together. Below, you can see the results of 55 seniors who were surveyed on the moments that made up their time at Union College. While some of the survey’s results were expected, such as a small portion of seniors who have gotten engaged during their time at Union, others were surprising. The majority of seniors said their sophomore year was their best year of college, with junior year close behind. Some of the responses were comforting in knowing that no one was alone in failing a test, pulling all-nighters or even crying in a professor’s office. These many moments of the last four years have made our seniors who they are today; both the good and the bad, from failing a test and crying in a professor’s office to falling in love and getting engaged. All of these moments have made up the Union experience. Did you work as a student missionary, task force, or study abroad with ACA?
No 80%
Have you cried in a professor’s office?
Have you failed a test?
No 85.5% Yes 14.5% Have you gotten engaged?
Yes 20%
No 80% Yes
20% Junior 29.1%
How many times have you switched your major?
1 36.3%
2
5.5%
3 10.9%
Sophomore 30.9%
0 47.3% Have you fallen in love while at Union?
No 18.2%
Yes 60%
No 80%
20% Yes
Maybe 36.3% Yes 45.5%
No 52.7% Yes 47.3%
Are you moving out of Nebraska after graduation?
5-9 | 20%
15 1-4 | 43.6%
What was your best year of college?
%
6.4
1 +|
Freshman 21.8%
Yes 60%
Do you have a job lined up after graduation?
10-14 | 1.8%
Senior 18.2%
No 40%
No 40%
0 | 18.2%
How many all-nighters have you pulled?
Have you broken any of Union’s rules?
Amanda McCarter is a sophomore studying biomedical science.
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EXPERIENCE
THE JOURNEY TO TEACHING A
s the end of the school year quickly approaches, it starts getting harder to remember every task and assignment we have to complete to finish strong. And, as we’re crossing off things on our to-do lists, it’s easy to forget that professors are also human. In this spring fever they struggle just as much as us. We students may think it’s easy (and slightly pleasurable) for professors to hand out dozens of assignments and lecture for long periods of time. In reality, professors want a better future for their students and have our best interests in mind. They spend hours behind-the-scenes planning, scheduling—and of course the dreaded grading.
she began her teaching experience at Union as an associate professor of education. “I remember setting my siblings and stuffed animals in a row and teaching, she says. “We turned one of our old chicken coops on the farm into a little school house. For as long as I can remember, I was always teaching.” Bollinger’s background to teaching isn’t the only crazy story some of our professors share. For instance, some of the most interesting ways professors have found their calling and passion for teaching have been in career fields completely different from being in the classroom.
Despite leaving the school setting for a while to focus on healthcare, Dr. Holdsworth soon found himself in Union College’s religion department, teaching Christian ethics, New Testament Greek, and other similar courses which he has now been teaching for eight years. “The desire and calling to teach was what led me to change career paths,” he summarizes.
Ever-evolving careers seems to be the norm with our favorite professors. For instance, Dr. Corraine McNeil originally wanted to become a medical physician, but eventually found her love for insects and teaching—in the most unusual way.
After graduating in 1971 from Union College with a secondary education degree, Kathy Bollinger, professor of education, moved around Southern California and Washington. After teaching in various schools and academies she found herself back in Nebraska, working at College View Academy for 23 years. Teaching has always run through her blood, and eventually she realized her calling to Union College. In 2002,
Before making the move to Lincoln, professor of religion Dr. Benjamin Holdsworth spent 13 years in healthcare, doing everything from marketing to business development in Florida’s Adventist Health System. One day he decided on a career change.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to teach, but I always knew I wanted to become a teacher. My mother was a teacher and while growing up I went to classes with her,” the associate professor of biology shares. “My mother is my biggest role model, and she had the biggest impact on me.”
He explains, “After much prayer and guidance I determined I needed to do at least three years of pastoral ministry. I pastored and worked on my masters at the same time, then got my PhD at the University of Durham in England shortly before I officially started teaching here about eight years ago.”
“My game plan was to become a doctor,” she states. “I would make lots of money; I loved biology and the medical stuff, so it seemed fitting for me.”
Coming from a Jamaican household, Dr. McNeil explains there was always the pressure to go to medical school, and she was happy to explore the idea.
EXPERIENCE
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TEACHING CONT. But, things don’t always go as planned. During her second year of college at the University of Florida, Dr. McNeil had the opportunity to participate in a summer research project which focused on sea slugs. As bizarre as it might sound, that summer Dr. McNeil finally realized that teaching and science were her true passions.
You might be like me and can’t help but wonder why such brilliant minds came to the Midwest. Dr. Mark Robison, professor of English and chair of the Humanities Division, explains his strange move. “I grew up on the West Coast. West Coast people tend to have the idea that the Midwest is boring,” Dr. Robison elaborates. “It took some time to get settled into the landscape, but I learned to love it here. Lincoln is a great community and has a high quality of day-to-day living.” A simple conversation is what opened the option for Dr. Robison to leave the Pacific Northwest and fill a teaching position at Union. “I didn’t set out to do what I’m doing now, but everything ended up working out,” explains Dr. Robison. “It wasn’t until my first teaching job that I found out I really enjoy being in the classroom and interacting with students.”
Each professor’s journey is different. These are just a few stories behind how our professors got to Union and what they do. The main reason they teach? Us! Their love for students and desire to help shape our future is what keeps them going. Take some time and get to know some professors that are normally out of your division; they want to get to know you, and their story could even inspire you. Professors featured in their offices from left to right: Kathy Bollinger, Dr. Ben Holdsworth, Dr. Corraine McNeil and Dr. Mark Robison. | PC: Zach Morrison
Caroline Guchu is a sophomore studying communication.
THUMBS UP/ THUMBS DOWN graduating —Colin King
cumulative final tests —Laryssa Schnell
protecting the baby owl —Esther Pervis
gender stereotypes —Crissaya Wood
for thumbs up —Robert Chapman
to laundry —Alex Wredberg
having thumbs —Giovanni Agra
getting through general chemistry—Leslie Lopez
the caf not serving mozzarella sticks —Marveen Gentillon
being a ginger —Connor White
my new PC build —Alex Jensen
finishing another year of theology—Jason Woll
the weather —Jill Donald
leaving for the summer —Ryan Millsap
shaving my legs —Hannah Gregg
packing my dorm room —Emily Wood
people who randomly buy you food—Charmaine Ang
double worship credits —Giovanna Chavez
12
EXPERIENCE
ADVICE FROM SENIORS G
raduation is right around the corner for some, and for the rest—well, it’s another good-bye to some of Union’s most familiar faces. But have no fear—if you’re not yet graduating, you’ll be joining their ranks as alumni soon enough! As we look forward to that awesome day, some seniors reflect on their experience at Union, and hope their advice can help those still riding on the struggle bus. As evidenced in these reflections, whether you’re graduating today or tomorrow, always strive to do your balanced best. James Canarsky—Mathematics Talk to your teachers! Most of the faculty I have interacted with are more than willing to talk to you about questions or things you don't understand in their class. Take advantage of this. Don't get a bad grade because you didn't ask a question!
Daniel Ikpeama—Music Performance Be open to anything—not everything, but be open to random opportunities. Be ready to pursue what it is you want to do. Look for opportunities, and make opportunities. You never really know what you’ll be able to do … If you confine yourself to one thing, especially in music, you’ll find it’s that much harder to find a job. Be ready to do whatever.
Eliezer Roque-Cisneros— Theology Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
Jessica Santee—International Rescue and Relief Take every chance you can to practice your skills, be involved and build relationships with the instructors. Most of all, have fun and love what you do!
Giovanna Chavez—Psychology Do an internship. It's not a requirement, but it has been so helpful in getting a feel for the field and narrowing down what you want to do after graduation— grad school, work, etc.
Abner Campos—Theology Dylan Smith—Computer Science Start internships as early as you can and to try to do a lot of your own research/side projects during your free time. Both of those things add more to your learning experience than sitting through a class lecture ever could.
Stefani Leeper—Communication Write out all of your assignments in a schedule book! And don’t forget to appreciate your professors—believe it or not, they can be the ties who help you secure that dream job or internship. Speaking of which, actively seek out an internship early on in your college career. Finally, make time to participate in at least one Union College drama production, and be an active volunteer in the community, doing so will build your character.
Aldwyn Montaque—Graphic Design Just put in the hard work. At first, it’ll be terrible, it’ll be ugly. But, if you put in the hard work, you’ll eventually find your style.
Remember that your religion classes are not your relationship with Jesus. And, have a teachable spirit.
Rachel Gregerson—Pre-Allied Health Get to know your professors outside of class. It can help you understand them better during lectures.
Benjamin Baugher—Engineering Set your goals, focus on them and make certain these goals are strong enough to motivate yourself for at least four years.
Kaitlynn Toay—Biology My advice would be to avoid procrastination. Plan ahead, have a planner and write all of your test and project dates in it. Start projects early so you can finish a few days before the deadline. It'll take a lot of the stress out of college life and give you more time to do fun things, as well!
Autumn Mott is a sophomore studying communication.
E D U C AT I O N
13
UNION EXCELS WITH NCLEX SCORES U
nion College’s nursing program has been making headlines lately, and for good reason. For the second year in a row, Union College nursing students have achieved the highest first-time National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) passing rate in both the state of Nebraska and among Seventh-day Adventist nursing programs. The national average first-time passing rate in 2016 was 83.59 percent. Union College students excelled with a 97.06 percent firsttime pass rate. Richard Dien, senior nursing major, chose Union College because of this high pass rate. “The fact that we’re tested using the same types of questions on the NCLEX gets us to think like a nurse and immensely prepares us to be one of the many students graduating from a program that passes the NCLEX on their first try.” Excellence is Union’s reality for a number of reasons. According to Andrew Donohue, senior nursing major, Union’s program is unique due to its close attention to detail and thorough preparation. He said, “The nursing program does a great job of organizing the material we need to know into outcomes for us.”
The simulation center is one training method students feel prepares them for real world experiences. | PC: Integrated Marking Communications
graduation work, is to provide a hands-on, realistic approach to learning. On top of regular hospital clinicals and service hours, Union has incorporated a simulation program to help students become proficient in care techniques before trying them out on a real patient.
confidence level for when I’m actually out on the floor during clinicals, caring for patients. We’re faced with challenges we’ll experience soon as nurses.”
According to Tracy Hagele, the simulation center coordinator, many nursing schools incorporate a simulator experience into programs using a single patient simulation–one student working with one simulator.
Union works hard to provide not only what the job market demands, but also provides for the needs of its students, and that’s one of the many reasons why students love Union College. The dedicated instructors, welcoming environment and the constant strive towards success create an unforgettable experience.
“Even when I don't feel like I'm doing well I remember I'm in a program geared towards making me succeed, both in the short and long run. I have the confidence to keep going,” he said, “If 97 percent of graduates could pass their NCLEX on the first try then I can too.”
At Union, the high tech simulation center mimics a hospital unit, allowing students to work as a team to care for several patient simulators and live patients. During simulations, each nursing student talks with their patients, performs physical assessments, reviews patient charts with physician orders and lab results, retrieves and administers appropriate medications and records information on the patient's’ electronic health record.
Another core aspect to preparation and success for nursing students, not just in the NCLEX but also post-
Referring to the program, Hope Sajdak, junior nursing student, said, “The simulation process raises my
Jeremy Janke, junior nursing major, finds the professors unique and what he loves most about the program.
Donohue added, “Once we get out on our own, we’ll be light years ahead of other newly-graduated nurses.”
As Dien, summarized, “Whether it be the insane amount of tests we take, simulations we’re put through or clinicals at the hospital we experience, Union’s programs promote independent thinking and the assertiveness required to be successful.”
Danica Eylenstein is a junior studying communication.
14
E D U C AT I O N
MAKING THE CHALLENGE WORTHWHILE P
icture this: You’re on a panga boat off the coast of a small island in Nicaragua. You have no food. You have no water.
For 24 hours, you simply have sunscreen and the company of 21 other students. You shift every 10 minutes to prevent your whole body from going numb, but that proves unsuccessful after the first few hours. You watch the morning turn to afternoon and afternoon to dusk before dusk gives way to the power of the moon and stars.
Union was my first introduction to Seventh-day Adventists—I didn’t even know Adventism was a religion. Through this crash course in Adventism I’ve learned to keep an open heart and mind towards others—even when their way of life is different from my own. The thing I will miss most about the IRR program is that the chance to walk out of my comfort zone will not be so easy to come by.
I would never have had these opportunities to grow without Union and the IRR program. I also would not know what I want to do with my life. Through my education I’ve been able to put my passion for helping others into action. In Nicaragua I was given the privilege of collecting data while the group conducted medical clinics along the Rio Coco (the river that borders Honduras and Nicaragua). I was able to collect data on 1,300 patients. With the help of my instructors, I learned how to analyze the data to grasp a better understanding of the diseases seen in villages along the Rio Coco.
The stars become your only light to see the white capped waves off in the distance. Before you know it the powerful sun is overtaking the sky once more. You try not to think about the deep hunger pains and the headache you’ve been nursing for the last six hours.
I found my passion in public health and epidemiology because of the hands-on learning style of IRR. I’m extremely thankful for the IRR program and Union College as a whole. These last five years of my life have been full of laughter, growth, joy and adventure.
Then, just as you think you can’t last any longer, you hear the sweetest sound you have ever heard—the boat’s engine starting. You and your classmates make your way off the boat and onto sweet, sweet land. Now, what was this experience supposed to teach me? Who knows really. But because of it I now have a new saying: I’ve been through worse. My time at Union has been full of lessons learned, memories and adventures. My experiences at Union and within the International Rescue and Relief program (IRR) pushed me out of my comfort zone—and I’m not just talking about trekking through the jungles of Nicaragua or less than ideal bathroom situations.
Not to say my time as Union wasn’t challenging—many times I thought about giving up. But, the people and the experiences at Union made the challenges worthwhile. As part of the Nicaragua experience students assisted as firefighters. They got a little dirty. | PC: Meredith Nichols
There won’t be many more times I’ll be hanging upside down off the side of a building to practice rescuing my classmate. Nor will I be trekking through the jungle in the rain to provide medical care to a small rural village off the Rio Coco. I won’t be sitting on a boat without food or water for 24 hours again. Well, at least I hope not.
Meredith Nichols is a senior guest writer studying international community development.
E D U C AT I O N
15
REACHING FOR OPPORTUNITIES A
s you grow up, it’s natural to imagine college as this massively daunting period of life. Not only will you be surrounded by hugely successful and competitive peers but you’ll most definitely experience insecurity, feeling neglected, un-buoyed. College is a make-or-break time. You get lost, or find yourself. After graduating from high school, the pressure was on. Which would I be? In my years at Union College, I’ve participated in almost all the ways you can imagine. I played on the women’s basketball team for three years, served as an officer in two clubs, wrote for the school paper for four years. I nannied for a local family, worked three different oncampus jobs, sold doughnuts in a doughnut shop and completed two professional internships during my free summers. I studied abroad for a year in Italy, changing the total number of countries I’ve visited from one to thirteen. Union is small. Known for its familial atmosphere, we have less than 900 students. For a college campus, that’s tiny.
In fact, that’s one of the drawbacks to potential students. There are teenagers who think they need that college experience, that small-fishbig-pond feeling. Some believe they’ll miss out on key growth opportunities in such a tiny environment in the middle of Lincoln, Nebraska. But I can say confidently that I love Union College because of the opportunities it offers, opportunities that would be almost unattainable at other schools. Each year at Union has given me some new opportunity for intense growth. I remember back to my first collegiate job during freshman year, both terrified and exhilarated at the freedom my boss gave me to develop new processes for the campus-wide financial statements. I remember being captain for the basketball team during my junior year, and the pressure of being on a team with people who didn’t really share my love of the sport. I remember traveling through Europe during my year abroad, learning a new language and a new culture. My senior year has been filled with new opportunities, each opening the doors to three more. During the spring semester of 2016, my academic advisor recommended
Opportunities like "Is This Thing On?" allow students to be heard. | PC: Integrated Marketing Communication
Involvement can be taking a leaderhsip role or supporting a friend. | PC: Integrated Marketing Communications
me for an internship in Orlando, Fla. Because of the incredible experience I had and the people I met, I applied for a residency after graduation. Due to the opportunity Union gave me, I now have an amazing residency position waiting for me after graduation, something many college graduates don’t have the luxury of saying. Don’t get me wrong; I count myself incredibly lucky. Maybe my story isn’t the norm. But that’s the thing: it can be. Union College gives everyone the opportunity to get involved; converse with your advisor or division chair about your talents and dreams, or be on a team or in a club. Sure, on a small campus, you might feel like you never left boarding school/high school drama. But the perks and opportunities here are endless and life changing.
Katie Morrison is a senior studying business administration.
16
THE END
GAIN A FRIEND L
ess than a week of school left and like most students, I'm kind of freaking out, like, a lot.
cardiac monitoring, but it's a special program for a student to meet with a faculty mentor and talk about life, family, and God.
The past few weeks I've been spending a lot of time stressing over my classes, plans for the summer/ next year, finishing up worship credits and trying to figure where to store my entire dorm room.
Over the semesters I’ve been involved, I’ve bounced around meeting with a couple of different faculty mentors. But, the fall of my sophomore year, I found one that clicked.
Personal devotions have been few and far between, unfortunately. My mind is just as stressed as my body in thinking of all the things that need to still get done. I just need to vent to someone other than my friends. Thanks to Union, I have that option. A couple years ago, Campus Ministries started a program called Heartscan. Heartscan isn't a type of
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Now, having gone three semesters strong, she is one of my best friends and strongest supporters.
Take a moment and find a person that really challenges you spiritually while encouraging you to be you. Find a mentor and gain a friend.
Kasondra Reel is a junior guest writer studying nursing.
She encourages me as I figure out big decisions in my life, listens when I've had a really good week, and loves to hear about how my relationship with God is going. Union is an awesome school and has a special place in my heart. Opportunities for one-on-one relationships with people that lead me closer to God are my favorite part.
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I love this program so much.
I would never trade the experiences I have with my mentor for anything.
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http://www.puzzles.ca/sudoku_puzzles/sudoku_hard_288.html
Or talk to Gabriel Flechas.
The Clocktower encourages reader feedback and strives to maintain accuracy. If you have comments, please email us at cltower@gmail.com. The Clocktower, established in 1927 and sponsored by the Associated Student Body 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 opinion of the editors, Associated Student Body, Union College, or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.