The Collegian, Nov. 10, 2023

WSOC wins it all

Fall Photo Contest winners

Live, Laugh, ‘Love Actually’

SPORTS

PHOTOSPREAD

ENTERTAINMENT

Girls get PAC title

The

@Collegian_GCC @gcc.collegian The Collegian: The GCC Newspaper Friday, November 10, 2023

Grovers capture campus beauty

Holiday film reviewed

Collegian The Award-Winning Grove City College Student Newspaper

Vol. 108, No. 8

Rockwell renamed

Violet Whitmore News Editor

Rockwell Hall’s renovations are not the only change the building is undergoing this year. As of last week, the College announced the building’s new name, Smith Hall.

In honor of tech entrepreneur and alumnus William W. Smith Jr. ‘69 and his wife Dieva Smith, Rockwell Hall of Science will now be named Smith Hall of Science due to the Smiths’ strong commitment to the foundational values of the college and

generous donation towards the renovation of the building.

The renovations are part of the Impact 150 Anniversary Campaign for Grove City College, the first phase in the campaign that will require $48 million to complete by 2025. “There’re only a few really top-notch conservative Christian schools in this country and Grove City’s really one of the best of the best. I can’t think of a better place to donate funds to help it grow and succeed in its mission going forward,” Bill Smith said.

Rockwell Hall was originally built in 1931 as the first academic building on Upper Campus. The building features a 100-foot-tall clock tower, a Foucault pendulum and classrooms and office spaces for scientific exploration. Originally named The Hall of Science, it was dedicated in 1966 to a former member of the College Board of Trustees and president of Rockwell-Standard Corporation of Pittsburgh Willard F. Rockwell Jr. after a donation for renovation purposes.

“I think in this world today, a strong science and techno-

logical approach is mandatory for a college like Grove City to be a leader in because this is how they can continue to maintain their relevance going forward.”

Bill Smith credits the college for the successful career he’s had as the founder of Smith Micro Software. He earned a degree in Business Administration from the college, and over the years has developed a reputation as a trusted multi-national software solution provider to ROCKWELL 3

Grover The Grove is alive with returns home the ‘Sound of Music’ from Israel Mia Gallagher Staff Writer

Violet Whitmore News Editor

On a study abroad trip one usually prepares for disasters like a lost passport or wallet, not territorial warfare.

RODRIGUEZ Junior biblical and religious studies major Joshua Rodriguez, however, has experienced firsthand the terrifying threat of the Israel-Hamas war and was unexpectedly forced to end his semester study abroad.

“I heard that Israel was at war when I woke up to air raid sirens and missiles were exploding over my campus in Jerusalem on Saturday, Oct. 7,” he said. “It was later that day, I believe, when Prime Minister Netanyahu officially declared a state of war with Gaza.”

In August, Rodriguez arrived at Jerusalem University College in Israel and began studies in biblical Hebrew, biblical archaeology, biblical geography, Ancient Near Eastern history and a focused course on the Qumran Dead Sea Scrolls.

GROVER 2

The hilly landscape of Western Pennsylvania is truly alive with the Sound of Music as the Grove City College Theatre Program presents its rendition of the beloved production this week.

The production, under the direction of Professor Betsy Craig, looks to continue the tradition of excellence CRAIG the Grove City’s theatre has built. With all four shows selling out a week before opening night, it promises to be a memorable experience for all fortunate enough to be in attendance.

The Sound of Music shares the timeless story of Maria, a novice nun-in-training turned governess, and her experience working for the Von Trapp family. Set against the scenic Austrian landscape, the Von Trapps slowly learn to see the joys and fullness of life despite the looming threat of global war. This moving tale of lasting love and sensational song is sure to leave audiences longing for more.

The cast and crew of the production have been working round the clock since September to bring this show to life. From the long hours of rehearsal to days spent

TAVA DERR

Maria (Mary Margaret Bargery) sings with the Von Trapp children in the Theatre Department’s 2023 production of ‘Sound of Music.. on set design and the weeklong effort of tech week, this weekend’s performances will showcase this hard work and talent coming to fruition.

“The most memorable part of the show has been the sheer scope of this produc-

tion. There is so much going on at all times, from working with four incredibly talented kids under 10 to the absolutely brilliant nuns who create the most gorgeous music, to the hardworking people in the costume shop who tire-

lessly work their magic, to the insanely resilient tech crew who are the backbone of this show, to the directing and stage managing crew who bring a beautiful vision SOUND OF MUSIC 3

Editorial

Page 2

The award-winning Grove City College student newspaper, Nov. 10, 2023

From the Tower

What’s in a name?

When I heard that Rockwell was going to be renamed Smith Hall, I was initially surprised. It was my understanding that the name Rockwell was as old as the college itself. What I came to learn was that the iconic building had actually only been called Rockwell Hall since 1966.

Before that, it was simply known as The Hall of Science It made me wonder if we give names too much power.

Sure, there’s the familiarity and tradition of a name like Rockwell, but does changing the name really change what the building represents?

As it is noticeably engraved on the front of the building, the building stands to honor “The discovery of truth, the development of character.” I believe that such purposes transcend a name.

I think of it this way; Smith has the same goals for the Hall as those who came before it. It will still serve as a place dedicated to the discovery of truth and the development of character. The mission of this school transcends the changes this campus undergoes. It is a purpose that is not limited by facility or title, and it’s legacy self-sustains regardless of who walks the halls or what the Halls are named.

Thousands of students have studied in Buhl Library, lived within the walls of MAP or Ketler and sat in the pews of Harbison for chapel services. As a new freshman class is ushered in, an old senior class is ushered out. While each class and each student bring something different to this school, one thing stays notably the same- this is Grove City College.

Change is not something of which we should be so scared. There are certain unchangeable truths that are so firmly rooted in the foundations of this college that a name change like Rockwell’s is something that we should welcome with optimism and excitement.

Introspectively speaking, if we become so upset by a name change and believe it must mean that the college itself is changing in a way we do not like, I believe this reflects poorly on ourselves. Do we truly allow external things such as a building’s name to affect the way we study within it?

Grove City College’s mission is one that has withstood the test of time and even attempted revision from outside influences. It is my belief that regardless of physical changes on the campus, this mission will perservere.

Emma Rossi

Editor-in-Chief

Collegian Staff Editor-in-Chief

Business Manager

Managing Editor

Copy Editors

Emma Rossi

Ayden Gutierrez

Section Editors News Violet Whitmore

Maercy Campion

Mia Gallagher Melody Shillito Kathryna Hoyman Hannah Williams

Staff Writers

Entertainment Vincent Clay

David Smith Dom Puglisi Garret Gess Mia Gallagher Abigail Joyner Hunter Oswald Brae Sadler Helena Ritenour

Sports

Staff Photographers

Community Emily Fox

Perspectives Grace Scheller

Joel Sledd

Tava Derr Joel Sledd

Photo Chief Grace David

Copy Chief

Hannah Welker

Staff Adviser

Nick Hildebrand

The Collegian is the student newspaper of Grove City College, located in Grove City, Pa. Opinions appearing on these pages, unless expressly stated otherwise, represent the views of individual writers. They are not the collective views of The Collegian, its staff or Grove City College.

the Green

Eyeshade Award This week’s Green Eyeshade Award goes to News Editor Violet Whitmore for her resourcefulness, creative flexibility and engaging news writing.

The Green Eyeshade Award honors student contributors that demonstrate consistency and excellence in their work.

WHITMORE

Sledd’s brother on a stroll through Pittsburgh walking across the Roberto Clemente Bridge.

JOEL SLEDD

Finding beauty in new beginnings Joel Sledd Sports Editor

Moving from the state of Indiana to Pennsylvania was a culture shock for me. When I moved from Indianapolis to Cranberry Township in December 2020, I thought transitioning to Pennsylvania would be a lot simpler than it was. I would just need to meet new people and establish new relationships. However, I severely underestimated just how vastly different Pennsylvania would be.

As I near my third anniversary of moving here, I have recognized a lot of quirks about Pennsylvania and its people. These are not necessarily bad qualities, but they are certainly foreign to me, a non-Pennsylvania native.

The first major difference I noticed was the geography.

Of course, Indiana was very flat with very few elevation changes. Pennsylvania is the opposite. After spending so much time here, I never realized how monotonous other states were in comparison. I was able to drive on a large,

GROVER

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“I chose to study in Israel in order to learn more about God’s Word and the land that it is set in. There is so much rich geographical, cultural and even geological significance that Western readers miss when reading God’s Word. I wanted to try and learn as much as I could about these differences,” he said.

When the acts of terrorism occurred, Rodriguez remembers the fear as well as the togetherness that only strife can inspire. “The environment there was one of faith and dependence on the Lord. The first day we were in the bomb shelter we were singing praise and praying together. Everyone has handled it remarkably well.

There is obviously a certain amount of tension, stress and frayed nerves.”

It is important to Rodriguez that the differences between news coverage and the reality of the situation are highlighted. “There is a confusion of terms: war

flat piece of land here in Pennsylvania and it made me homesick. This is not at all a slight against this state, as the unique geography adds to my appreciation of this state’s natural beauty.

Another improvement I found when moving here was the food. Indiana was never lacking when it comes to good food, but the Strip district in Pittsburgh is my favorite hotspot in this entire state. Visiting so many authentic restaurants and stores in a centralized location gave me an appreciation for the history and culture of Pennsylvania. There are certain foods this state can do very well consistently. Then certain foods are just terrible.

The concept of a gas station restaurant was not new to me, but it was nowhere near as popular in Indiana. GetGo gas stations were just entering the market in Indianapolis just before I moved out, so I was never accustomed to them. In Pennsylvania however, my peers just can’t stop talking about Sheetz.

Every time I try to make plans with friends, someone always wants to do a Sheetz run. I don’t know how Sheetz has convinced everyone their overpriced, mediocre food is

worth the trip, but I applaud their ability to fool everyone.

Besides a select few items, I can usually find the exact same product for a cheaper price within a short distance.

Seeing the prices in a Sheetz convenience store raises my blood pressure and I do not understand how they have achieved such a loyal fanbase surrounding their product.

Moving away from food, the sports culture here is impressively loyal. As a sports fan myself, I really appreciate the passion fans here display for their team. While Indiana only has the NFL and NBA, Pittsburgh has three professional teams, and the competitive culture of eastern Pennsylvania is fun to be a part of. Despite this, I will always be an Indianapolis fan and I will be celebrating when the Indianapolis Colts defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 17.

Western Pennsylvania, despite all its quirks, has been nothing short of great. The people I have met here have been very generous and I am very grateful to have lived here. I do not know where I will go after I graduate, but this place has played a big part in my future.

versus acts of terror. The news seems to be portraying things as if the Hamas are on equal standing with the IDF. They’re not.”

“The Hamas gained control of certain portions of southern Israel (a failure on the part of the IDF in intelligence and reaction time), where they probably made it further than they expected and chose to massacre anyone in their path. The IDF, after gaining control, is now flattening Gaza.”

He emphasizes the fact that many innocent lives will be lost, and Hamas has little regard for the gravity of the situation. “Pray for the civilians caught in the crossfire.

Hamas does not care about its people and is shooting civilians trying to flee the country; they don’t want to lose their human shields.

“We can see this demonstrated with Hamas placing their missile silos under hospitals and schools. Hamas leader Isamil Haniyeh is quoted saying, ‘Women, children, and elderly must die in Gaza to help our fight against

Israel’,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez notes the situation cannot simply be reduced to politics and legislation. “While land-agreements and cease-fires are a necessary part of this world, true shalom cannot be accomplished without Jesus Christ.

I think there can only be one proper response, and that is the Christian response: the Gospel. The only hope for peace in this and any other situation is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

“There has been so much bloodshed on both sides and only the atoning blood of Christ can ultimately stop this. We, as Christians, ought to pray for peace. We ought to pray for justice, not vengeance. We ought to pray for God’s people to share the Gospel there and wherever they are with boldness.”

Rodriguez safely returned to the States on Saturday, Oct. 14, and is currently continuing his studies on campus.

News The Collegian, Nov. 10, 2023

Page 3

Miller explores Christian Nationalism Emma Rossi Editor-in-Chief

Georgetown professor, renowned political theorist and former White House staffer Dr. Paul D. Miller visited the college as a guest of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) MILLER to speak on his newest book, “The Religion of American Greatness: What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism” last night.

Miller lectured an audience on the effect Christian nationalism has had on the nation and its culture, clarifying the differences between

true patriotism and nationalism. In an interview with InterVarsity Press (IVP), Miller explained, “The difference is that when asked how to define America, patriotism prioritizes the principles while nationalism prioritizes the culture.”

This distinction serves as one of the major tenets of Miller’s newest publication, in which he explores the social and political movement that has been central to his career.

Prior to his position as Professor of the Practice of International Affairs at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, Miller served as Director for Afghanistan and Pakistan on the National Security

Council staff, an intelligence analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency and a military intelligence officer in the U.S. Army.

This extensive resume has given him a front-row seat to how Christian nationalism has damaged the image of America in both the minds of the people and the international stage.

He further explained, in his conversation with IVP, that, “Patriotism is the love of country, of our home and of all things familiar to us. I am using love in a very specific and Christian way: to love is to desire the good of the other.”

Within the framework of Christian love, Americans are to accept the nation as it

is, while both hoping for and working toward a future of peace and justice. “I desire the good of the United States and of my fellow Americans.

That means I love and accept them as they are, and I also want to see them live amidst the blessings of peace and justice,” Miller said.

“Desiring the good of the country means that I want to see us strive towards greater measures of peace and justice, to recognize our past failings and turn from them.”

Alternatively, nationalism does not have a foundation in Christian love. Instead, it creates a false image of an ideal America, which causes its subscribers to lose sight of reality. “Nationalism does not accept the country as

it is; it strives to make the country and its people into a certain kind of country and a certain kind of people, ones that conform to their preferred cultural template of ‘Anglo-Protestantism,’” Miller explained.

He connects this preferred cultural template to the notion that nationalists are left floating in a sense of abstract idealism and imagination.

“You often hear a kind of odd self-hatred from nationalists: they can’t love America as we actually are because we’ve departed so far from their vision of what we should be.

They can only love America insofar as we abide by their imagination of what America used to be.”

SOUND OF MUSIC continued from 1

to life, and so, so many more people,” freshman Hannah Jen, who portrays Louisa Von Trapp in the production, said.

“It’s almost impossible to list all the effort that has gone into telling this story, and we are beyond grateful for each and every person who’s poured their time into it. I’ve absolutely loved having this opportunity to be part of something so grand.”

Joining Jen on stage is an incredibly talented cast excited to bring this show to life. The actors and actresses playing the feature roles– junior Noah Godfrey, junior Mary Margaret Bargery, junior Susan Meland, sophomore Andrew Hoover and four local children (Dr. Mayo’s son Ezra Mayo, the daughters of vocal professor Sasha Piastro-Tedford, Ava and Chloe, and Vera Stillwaggon), have worked tirelessly to truly learn their roles and embody the unique characters they play.

“My favorite part of working on this show is being part of the little found family that the Von Trapp kids have made. I feel like I’ve gained two older siblings and four tiny children, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. While rehearsals have been long and sometimes exhausting, it has been so much fun to work with these kids and to form this special type of bond with so many people,” Jen said.

The comprehensive effort and attention to detail put forth by the cast and crew is sure to create a memorable viewing experience for one and all. Through song, dance and dialogue, each viewer will find themselves transported into the whimsical world they’ve managed to create.

“I hope that everyone who came to see our production can take away the friendships and love we all have for one another as a whole. We have spent a lot of time and energy together and that is something that is indescribably valuable,” junior Roben Pitcher, a member of the props and run crew, said.

“To those who come and watch the musical: I hope that you walk away not only feeling happy, but also with a sense of hope. Sound of Music is such a pure story about finding a glimmer of hope in the midst of chaos and despair, and this is a sentiment that will continue to echo throughout all of our lives,” Jen said.

TAVA DERR

Above: Maria (Mary Margaret Bargery) and the Von Trapp children perform ‘Lonely Goatherd.’

Below left: The Baroness Schrader (Whitney Leonard) and Max Detweiler (Johnny Adkins) on stage.

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wireless carriers and cable companies.

Smith now supports the Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation and Computer Science programs at the College. Smith hires many alumni and post-graduate students to work with the company.

“I didn’t know when I was in Grove City that I was going to be founding a tech company or become the chairman and CEO, but the College gave me the skills and the moral compass that was required,” Smith said.

“You work a lifetime and if things work out, you have the opportunity to make a gift like this. It is part of giving back. It is part of saying thank you because this is where I got my start.”

“Bill’s and Dieva’s extraordinary generosity should inspire everyone whose lives were impacted by Grove City College to give back to this great institution,” said chair

of the College’s Board of Trustees Ed Breen ‘78, who announced the news on Friday, Nov. 3 at the Impact 150 Launch Celebration held at alumni-owned Gecko Robotics in Pittsburgh.

“It should also clearly impress friends of the College of the value of a Grove City College education. Their support for this historic project will make it possible to equip countless students in the years to come to serve ot ers with the highest proficiency and purpose,” Breen said.

Impact 150: The Anniversary Campaign for Grove City College is a historic fundraising campaign designed to position the College, which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026, for the next century and a half. The $185 million campaign prioritizes student financial aid and investments in existing infrastructure and new construction. For more about the campaign, visit giving.gcc.edu.

Community The Collegian, Nov. 10, 2023

Page 4

Imago Dei hires new director

Upcoming Events...

What’s fresh at the Grove?

Sophomore Class Pancake Breakfast

Helena Ritenour Staff Writer

7:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 10 STU Commuter Lounge

The Sound of Music

7 p.m.

Nov. 10 And 5 p.m.

Nov. 11 PFAC Auditorium

Spicy Soup Night 7 - 10 p.m.

Nov. 10 Ketler Rec

Game Night 8 - 10 p.m.

Nov. 10 STU

Senior Preview Day Nov. 11

All Campus Capture the Flag 1 - 3 p.m.

Nov. 11 Quad

AO Glow 8 - 11 p.m.

Nov. 11 Lincoln Lawn

The Christian Response to Social Problems in Uganda 7 p.m.

Nov. 13 SHAL 314

All Athlete Worship 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Nov. 14 Crawford Hall

MAP North RA, Meg Daughtery, poses with her residents at the Freshman Formal.

MEG DAUGHTERY

RAs dedicated to residents Emily Fox

Community Editor College is a major transition, and one of the biggest adjustments freshmen experience is moving away from home for the first time. A college dorm not only serves as a home away from home, but also impacts various other areas of student life. That’s why residence life is such a major consideration when choosing a school.

With 96 percent of students living on campus, the Resident Life program is one of the most prominent programs at Grove City College.

The ResLife staff consists of professionally trained Residence Directors (RDs) in every building as well as almost 90 Residence Assistants (RAs) assigned to each hall of the dorms, according to the Grove City College website.

The program also directs residents to other programs within Student Life & Learning, as well as the Counseling Center, Career Services, Christian Formation, Academic Support and Campus Safety, according to Director of Residence Life, Thomas Biro.

“Residence Life values individual human flourishing and communal thriving. We aim to be a program which takes seriously the Apostle Paul’s exhortation in Romans 12 to act like followers of Christ (love, honor, forgive, pray, practice hospitality, etc.), and President Paul McNulty’s call to put Christ at the center of campus community,” Biro said.

“Residence Life’s mission

WILLIAM HERMAN

The RA staff of Lincoln visted the Pittsburgh Zoo during RA training last August. is to connect, cultivate and challenge through engaging students in conversation and programming opportunities grounded in faith, hope and love. We desire to create a supportive community for students by connecting students with God, others and resources which foster holistic development, cultivating skills outside the classroom and challenging students to grow and pursue God’s call on their lives.”

Each RA undergoes training before each school year to prepare them to serve students.

“Resident Assistants return to campus early in

the fall and spring and go through an extensive leadership development program which consists of training in mental health first-aid, conflict management, emergency preparedness, CPR/ first-aid, active shooter and spiritual formation. During the year, RAs are provided with additional leadership development opportunities through weekly mentorship meetings with RDs and their RA team and monthly training sessions with faculty and staff,” Biro said.

The college’s residence life program creates a meaning-

care of with a conversation between the two of you. If you don’t say anything, the issue won’t be resolved.

The tension will continue to rise if you ignore it. He may think he’s just being friendly. If you’re noticing this is different from how he treats the rest of your friends, it would be advisable to ask him specifically why. If it is making you uncomfortable, he should understand the boundaries of your relationship and stop immediately after you have that conversa-

tion with him. If he doesn’t, then I would definitely have another, more serious and direct talk about your relationship boundaries. If you are close with your roommate, limited contact between the two of them will be difficult to enforce. You shouldn’t have an uncomfortable friendship and an uncomfortable relationship.

Don’t sacrifice your happiness just because you don’t want to ruffle your boyfriend’s feathers. If he truly cares about you, he will take

A month ago, the college hired Kendall Hunter, the new director of the renamed Imago Dei Center. The Center, formerly known as the Multicultural Center, is the college’s new effort to create a place where people from diverse backgrounds and cultures are welcome.

Kendall Hunter is a HUNTER graduate of Westminster College. Following his graduation he worked at Geneva College, before accepting the renewed position here at Grove City.

“I came to this college because I am given the opportunity to be a bridge builder,” Hunter said. “I would love for there to be a rhythm and a culture established here. I want this to be a place of understanding and refuge for all students. I want this to be a place that breeds conversations.”

Hunter said that being in the minority as a black man in a predominantly white community during his college years allows him to be able to hold some understanding for the students here. Hunter sees the mission and philosophy of the college’s center to be of utmost importance as well.

“If you’re coming from the scriptures, this should be important to you. The Lord has made all people, including those that are different ethnicities and races with intentionality and care, these things are for the glory of God,” he said.

The center will continue to work with several groups on campus and do bus trips.

“I want to work closely with S.E.A.D. as well as the PanAsian society, and I want to partner with them for some programs,” he said. However, Hunter also sees this center as being vital to the majority as the campus community. “I also plan to bring the majority students into the conversation,” he said.

Hunter said he plans to begin his work with conversaIMAGO DEI 5

RES LIFE 5

My boyfriend is flirting with my roommate The past few times my boyfriend has come to visit during open hours, I’ve noticed the dynamic between him and my roommate has changed. Over time it has gradually gotten worse, and now it’s obvious that he’s flirting with her. I want to talk to my boyfriend about it, but I’m concerned that it might ruin our relationship.

How should I approach the situation?

Self-conciously, Uncomfy Grover Dear Uncomfy Grover,

Dear Dr. Love I feel this is an issue that definitely should be taken

your feelings into account and act accordingly. If your boyfriend doesn’t stop flirting with your roommate, he may not be as invested in the relationship as you are.

If this is the case, it may be time to step back and reevaluate your relationship. I wish you the best of luck!

Auspiciously,

Dr. Love Love M.D.

The Collegian, Nov. 10, 2023

Page 5

Grovers hit the slopes Mia Gallagher Staff Writer

With the first flurries of snow gracing the grounds of the college, the time for wonderful winter activities has come.

No group on campus has been anticipating this frosty shift quite like the newly revamped Ski and Snowboard Club that eagerly looks to hit the slopes this winter season.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ski and Snowboarding Club provided avid snow-sport enthusiasts with a community to facilitate their activities. Though efforts were made in 2021 and 2022 to kick start the club, it was not until this past spring that this goal was made a reality. Now headed into the 2023-2024 season, the group is not only poised to return to the wintry peaks but also plans to maintain fellowship in the offseason as well.

“The Ski and Snowboard

Club is active all year round, so our members can stay active and connected. We hold monthly meetings but also host events, excursions and fundraisers multiple times a semester. In the spring semester, we hope to provide opportunities to ski every other week,” junior club president Alexa Peters said.

“Looking specifically at recreational events, we took a hiking trip earlier this semester, and in the future, we hope to go camping, kayaking, water skiing and, of course, skiing and snowboarding. When we are on campus, we host game nights

and other seasonal activities.”

This past week, the club held its monthly meeting, providing updates on current activities and opportunities for fellowship. Currently, the club’s membership sits at 30 members, and they are eager to welcome many more in the coming months. Whether you’re an expert ready to shred some powder, an amateur looking for a leisurely downhill trek or a beginner seeking to learn more, this group is excited to embrace you.

“There is no level of experience required to participate in the Ski and Snowboard Club. We welcome everyone.

Our executive team is more than happy to teach beginners and help participants through the process of renting equipment. If skiing or snowboarding is something you want to try, this is a great opportunity. As a group, we receive lower prices and

there is a team of people excited to help,” Peters said.

“Anyone interested in joining the club should look for us on Instagram to find out about our upcoming events.

Our meetings are open to anyone, and these are a great opportunity to hear about what we are up to and join our community. Students interested in joining are also welcome to email me, and I will answer any questions and point students towards our telegram chat and social media for all of our club’s offerings.”

The future of the college’s Ski and Snowboard Club is bright. This engaging community of winter sports lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will hopefully make a lasting impact on this campus for years to come. To get involved with the club or to keep up to date with future activities and events, be sure to follow @gcc_skisnowboardclub on Instagram.

Two clubs caring for the environment Jordan Ebling

Contributing Writer Students at Grove City College have many opportunities to get involved in things that they are passionate about and make a difference.

It seems like there’s a club for everything.

The Environmental Club and Garden Club are two that get students outside and thinking about how to conserve the great outdoors.

The Environmental Club is open to all students interested in working and serving to improve their environment. Junior Ashley Ewing is president of the club, which has more than 30 members, though she said only eight to 10 show up consistently for meetings.

When asked about sustainability at GCC, Ewing said that the most local sourcing for the dining hall is from the McNulty’s garden, which is tended by the Garden Club, which allows students to grow and cultivate produce while donating leftovers for

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ful environment for its staff members as well as the residents. It allows RAs to develop their character as well as skills that will benefit them later in life as they strive to guide and minister to their residents.

“Coming into this position, I knew that it was going to challenge me. I have never been good at healthy confrontation (or any confrontation, for that matter); being an RA requires me to get over myself and be okay with confronting people,” junior upperclassman RA William Herman said.

“The ability to take on conflict well and to approach issues with confidence has

IMAGO DEI

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tions about the current state of the campus community.

“The conversations that start now will grow down the line, this should be taken one step at a time, I want to

the food services to utilize.

Brenda McNulty, who oversees the Garden Club, said it came to be mainly by word of mouth, with roughly 30 participants. She said the garden originated with just three raised beds during Covid. It’s now expanded to double that, with higher fencing to keep pests out, and a place where the campus community can come together.

“We have an email list, it’s very old-fashioned … it’s so last minute because of weather, because of when I’m around. People write me right back if they’re excited and they know there’s only going to be room for like 10 people, there are people like, ‘I’ll do it!’”

She said even non-club members can get their hands dirty. “Anyone can go to the outside all on their own, at any time. There is a tub there with tools,” McNulty said.

McNulty elaborated on what the club does with the leftover harvest. “It’s supposed to go to whoever can use it… whatever’s left I take either down to the apart-

ments or I take a whole lot - like when I get a big thing of beans, and I don’t always pick them you know, students pick them; they leave them on my back porch here if they don’t want them if they’re just picking for the fun of it and I take them over to MAP … they try to make good use of it” The next project for the fall, McNulty said, will be planting garlic; separating the cloves from the bulb.

The club does not compost, according to McNulty, because of the smell and unattractiveness that can be produced, plus the risk of diseases present. “It’s risky,” McNulty said.

When asked if the Environmental Club is involved with composting on campus, Ewing said they talked about it, but “we were like we want to try and get recycling first.”

Ewing explained how the club discovered last year that Tri-County Industries, the company that disposes of the College’s garbage, did not provide recycling. “Any recycling was being put right

in the trashcan, so it wasn’t even trying to be recycled … everything was being put right in the trash.”

She noted there are possibly a few recycling bins on campus, but that the company refuses to pick them up. “If we wanted them to pick it up, we would have to sort through it ourselves, as a club.”

The Club plans to get in touch with the company to find out if they can implement recycling with clear restrictions, then make posters to inform the student body of what passes as recycling, and then work to include broader recycling classes.

She hopes they can organize a panel of experts to speak on recycling, to encourage students to “be stewards of the earth.”

Both Clubs are still accepting members who want to get out and get involved; those interested can contact the individuals mentioned and be included in the email lists today.

been a tremendous point of growth for me. Those kinds of skills carry over into many areas of life, whether it be friendships or a job.”

The influence and support from RAs can make a significant impact on their residents. Sophomore RA John Remaniak, who serves as a freshman resident assistant, explained that one of the major factors in his decision to become an RA was a desire to help freshmen through their transition and create fun opportunities for them as his RA did for him.

Remaniak prioritizes being present and available to his residents when they need support. He also has been intentional about creating a sense of community in his hall. “The more I could get

participation out of the freshmen early, the more trust and general community I was able to help build before their schedules started to get busier. Currently, it could be in the form of Bible studies, times going to swing dance as a hall or small group dinners.”

Junior RA Meg Daughtery discussed how her experience as a freshman RA has been rewarding. “I have the incredible opportunity to build individual relationships with my residents while also working to build community on my hall and within my building. I love hosting hall events like Bible studies and game nights!”

Grove City’s dedication to the Christian community creates a meaningful envi-

ronment for the residence staff and students. Remaniak described one such experience: “I would say one of my favorite memories has been having a two-hour-long discussion about Christianity in the hallway with about 17 residents getting involved,” Remaniak said.

Students interested in becoming an RA can fill out an application that has been sent to their email. Biro suggests they access the application through the Student Life tab on myGCC. Students must have three references to apply, and applicants must submit the application by 11:59 p.m. Jan. 28. RDs will conduct interviews with candidates February 5-9.

figure out what the pros and cons are for students here right now,” Hunter said.

To Hunter, listening is vital when it comes to change anywhere, including Grove City College. “We cannot tell someone what their needs are,” he said. “None of us

have the answers. We each have a different walk, and we are to love our neighbor as ourselves.”

Hunter encourages students to stop by his office on the second floor of the Breen Student Union to say hello, or to talk with him about is-

sues on campus. “I am most excited to hear students’ stories, and to learn how they came to Grove City College.

I want students to learn to love this place as their second home,” he said.

Seven questions with…

Dr. Russell Kosits Professor of Psychology Helena Ritenour Staff Writer

What made you decide that you wanted to become a professor at Grove City College?

The first time I dreamed of becoming a Grove City College professor was back in the 1990s when I beheld the beauty of the campus for the first time. While I remain captivated by GCC’s beauty, I’m especially grateful to be at an institution that strives to provide, as the mission says, an academically excellent, Christ-centered learning experience.

If you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be?

Some kind of big cat, I guess.

Which makes no sense because I’m probably more of a dog person.

What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?

My wife Missy makes a sweet potato casserole that everyone loves. It has an amazing brown sugar and pecan crumble topping.

What is your favorite quote?

While I’m tempted to quote Ron Burgundy, I’ll go with Jonathan Edwards, who defined the founding psychological tradition in America when he wrote, “God has given to mankind affections, for the same purpose which he has given all the faculties and principles of the human soul for, viz. that they might be subservient to man’s chief end, and the great business for which God has created him, that is the business of religion.”

What is your best childhood memory?

Walking between my mom and dad at Disneyland.

What’s your favorite movie?

The original Rocky movie.

What are you most looking forward to this semester?

Catching up with my grading!

Through the Lens

Through the lens, Feb. 22, 2019

Page 6

The Collegian, Nov. 10, 2023

Campus colors

The Grove City community captures the changing seasons for the annual Fall Photo Contest.

The Contest is sponsored by the College’s Office of Marketing and Communications. Winners were determined by an Instagram poll.

FIRST PLACE Emily Marasco

Paul Dingg

Emily Marasco Anna Galioto

The Collegian, Nov. 10, 2023

Page 7

Leyla Zwolinski

SECOND PLACE Abigail Haught

Paul Dingg

Rebecca Montoro Anna Mattix

THIRD PLACE Mia Campagna

Erin Swartfager

Perspectives The Collegian, Nov. 10, 2023

Page 8

Number 2 in college football, Number 1 in cheating Owen Heiser

Contributing Writer The University of Michigan’s football team is under investigation for cheating.

More specifically, they are being accused of going to their upcoming opponents’ games and taking videos of their sideline to know their signs.

Connor Stalions, a lower-level staff member of Michigan football, is at the center of the investigation as he bought more than 30 tickets to opponents’ games over the last few years. Many of these teams are members of Michigan’s Conference, the Big Ten. Maybe Stalions is just a big fan of college football, but it seems like he’s just a fan of stealing signs.

Stealing signs is part of sports; we see it often in baseball and football. There is no rule about looking at the other team during a game and figuring out their signs and signals. What is against the rules is illegally using technology to record and “spy” on another team and use that footage to your advantage.

This illegal use of technology is what Stalions did in preparation for numerous games.

According to ESPN, “It was known in the building that Stalions spent much of his time deciphering opponents’ signals, often watching television copies of opponents’ games.”

Coach Jim Harbaugh claims to have not known of any cheating going on. Of course he doesn’t, why would the head coach of a national-

MLIVE.COM

ly ranked team know what is going on within his program?

The cheating is evident, and Coach Harbaugh was aware.

This would not be the first time Coach Harbaugh has broken the rules of the NCAA as he faced a multi-game suspension earlier this year for a recruiting violation.

Michigan’s football team is now under investigation and will be during the playoffs.

Not only is there evidence, but a team that is being investigated during the playoffs should not take the spot of a team that won the right way without question.

Stalions announced his

resignation last Friday saying, “I do not want to be a distraction from what I hope to be a championship run for the team.” Why would someone resign if they did not do anything wrong? Stalions has been a Michigan fan his whole life and had dreams of becoming the head coach one

day. If he really did nothing wrong, why resign?

Michigan State should be banned from the playoffs and those who knew about the cheating should be suspended. A team that has evidence against them for cheating should not take one of the final four spots in the playoffs.

Grades: The new currency Melody Shillito Contributing Writer

One single aspect of everyday life can determine one’s level of success: money.

Ultimately, it is one of the overarching reasons people go through schooling. But what happens when a simple form of assessment, a grade, is a major factor of success? It then becomes a form of currency.

Today, the grading system in schools negatively affects students’ competence in the classroom, making it no shock to see students studying “just to get the A.” Is the value of a grade worth something, or have grades turned into a currency we are too invested in?

A grade most definitely does not measure achievement. Thomas Jefferson, William Shakespeare, Galileo and Plato did not receive Fs for their countless failures or As for their successes. The education system should focus on the journey and ex-

perience of learning, not the result of a letter grade.

There is one major obstacle between being accepted into college, earning a degree or even getting a job: grades. This is because grades are universally recognized and used as a form of comparison, separating good students and bad. The A-F grading system was not designed with the intent to motivate students to do their best, but instead as a streamlined form of communication between institutions and individuals. Essentially, grading is a form of feedback with some institutions relying on it more than others.

Today, a bad grade could be the difference between acceptance into graduate school or attaining an internship. This makes individuals overly concerned about them. The key to a highpaying job could correlate to having excellent grades, which may mean achieving a prestigious degree. This degree may qualify the possessor for a high-quality job, but this is not always the case.

Contrary to many beliefs, Google’s former Senior Vice

President of People Operations, Laszlo Bock, says, “GPA scores are worthless as a criterion for hiring, they do not predict anything.”

A perfect student in school could be the worst employee in a work environment since grades do not accurately show the ability of such a person.

A letter grade has also become a crucial part of a person’s social status. In addition, a competitive environment pins peers against each other, rather than against oneself. The need to outcompete peers for a grade overtakes the interest and enjoyment in learning.

Grades are numerical, which means they can only be applied to what is measurable.

This leads to the neglect of parts of a course that are not graded, although just as important.

Grades have been shown to make even the most responsible pupils do just the opposite of what is intended: cheat. The International Center for Academic Integrity surveyed 70,000 high school students nationwide between 2002-2015 and found that

58% had plagiarized papers, while 95% admitted to cheating in some way. The many motivations behind cheating mostly reflect an untrustworthy grading system.

It is important to remember that very few measures of adult learning are one-anddone. Driver’s tests, teacher licensing exams and SATs can all be retaken. Cheating would not be considered if students had the assurance of knowing they could redo work and learn from their mistakes.

Inflation. It is not just an issue in the economy, it’s also affecting grades.

“From 1963-2016, grade point averages have steadily increased, rising at the rate of 0.1 points per decade. Before the Vietnam War, C was the most common grade on college campuses. Now it’s A,” Evan Thompson, professor at the University of British Columbia, said.

It is not rare for instructors to hear desperate children pleading for more points after a poor assessment. This behavior is stimulated by the grading process but ultimately defeats the purpose of

a grade.

Money seems to be a big motivator for the rise in grade point averages, in both student and faculty aspects.

Students are treated as “consumers” feeling entitled to higher grades as they are paying a hefty price for their education. Professors face pressure to award superior grades as a representation of their quality of teaching. An inflated grade not only benefits the student but also the educator for their own money’s sake, whether it be their course evaluation or promotion.

Different approaches need to be taken. Students’ achievements are not comparable to one another. Albert Einstein once said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

The symbolic character that grades have been given has halted the competence of students in the classroom.

The entire purpose of education is to learn. However, we are too invested in the new currency: grades.

The Collegian, Nov. 10, 2023

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What keeps you going until it doesn’t Jordan Ebling

Contributing Writer You are what you eat.

Though cliché, it is an aphorism. When going to a liberal arts college, particularly one that does not accept federal assistance, you’re expecting quality. Why should that be different when thinking about the food we choose to eat? We desire to perform well in our classes, graduate with honors and get on the dean’s list, so why do we care so little about the nutritional value of the food we eat? Do you really want to pump and pay for cheap fuel?

I’m by no means saying you must eat completely clean all the days of your life.

I’m all about balance. Keep using your meal swipes at Chick-fil-A but incorporate unprocessed foods in your daily diet too.

Not all healthy foods are expensive either. With arrays of vibrant fruits and veggies,

there are plenty of nutritious options offered to Grove City College students on campus.

Some require peeling but the majority involve no prep!

Vitality Natural Health & Wellness Center is a holistic health center located on Broad Street. Owner Melissa Dengler, a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) suggested some tips for how college kids can be conscious of their wellness.

She notes the importance of eating three balanced meals per day, getting sufficient sleep and encourages the use of supplements like Vitamins C and D. She also explains why sustainable products are typically more expensive. The topnotch products featured in her store are considered by their sourcing, quality and ingredients. They must also be independently tested by a third-party organization and prescribed at therapeutic dosages to ensure their reliability, all while trying to be conscious of the cost.

She does caution students

on consuming excess sugar, which can lead to a plethora of health problems.

“Excess sugar consumption can increase your risk for diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Sugar also weakens and depletes our immune system. Every teaspoon of sugar that’s consumed can suppress your immune system for up to two hours,” Dengler said.

Why is this not acknowledged more, in a world inundated by carbohydrate-rich everything? A writing series in the Epoch Times mentions sugar’s detrimental effects on the brain.

Professor Kenneth Blum reveals that “when you have stress, the dopamine is released 100 times above the normal rate,” with the article noting that “excess sugar consumption can lead to consequences very similar to drug abuse.”

It makes sense why we are craving all these sweets with the stress ubiquitous in the college setting. A treat of ice cream or chocolate gives us pleasure after writing a paper

or taking a dreaded exam.

However, this can progress to unhealthy heights when there is no balance or adequate exercise.

“We are all biochemically unique, and what works for one person is not necessarily going to work for the next person,” Dengler said.

Alicia Koloski, the dietician with Parkhurst, shares the vision of having a balanced diet, but admits that a lot of people depend on fast food and processed meals and must contemplate whether “don’t eat anything or something.”

To clarify, I’m not saying that anyone should go hungry. As Christians, we are instructed to feed the poor but also care for them. I think we should do everything in our power to look at the longterm and consider the elongated health effects of the things we put in our mouths.

We value education for the long-term effects, so why not have the same attitude towards our bodies’ energy provider, our beloved food?

Remember your marytrs

Brae Sadler Staff Writer

On October 9, 2023, Jeffrey Hernandez jumped into the 9/11 memorial reflecting pools. Horrified bystanders witnessed his attempted suicide. Fortunately, he survived, sustaining only minor physical injuries. When the police arrived at the scene, they quickly apprehended him, and he was hospitalized. In the aftermath, people were asking why Hernandez decided to commit suicide. A few days later, Hernandez’s brother provided an explanation: mental illness. Hernandez suffers from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

It is likely his suicide attempt was a result of a psychotic break. In short, Hernandez’s story is a tragedy. However, it forces to reflect on 9/11

and how that day should be remembered.

For a few days, the story of Jeffrey Hernandez raced across the nation. 9/11 entered the national conversation as people were outraged by what Jeffrey Hernandez did.

He violated one of our nation’s most important memorials. Some grace is due to Hernandez since he was not in the right state of mind.

But it is important to consider the significance of the 9/11 memorial and how we remember the fall of the twin towers. We have national holidays like Memorial Day that are meant for honoring the dead. Unfortunately, 9/11 is not given the same reverence as other days.

The problem of not remembering 9/11 goes deeper. Americans are gradually becoming detached from that tragedy. There are not many practices in place to

pass the memory of 9/11 to younger generations. In my experience, little to no time is spent discussing the terrorist attacks in school. I was only taught about 9/11 as a historical event.

According to a 2022 poll from YouGov and More in Common, 15% of Gen-Z don’t know what “never forget” means about 9/11. As more generations are born, they will become increasingly separated from one of nation’s worst attacks. It will be just another historical event and not something to remember.

In the past, cultures were able to retain their collective memory. History was not an impersonal study but something almost tangible. In the past the anniversary of martyrs were days of mourning and prayer.

Vigils, fasts, and rituals were organized to immerse people in the events of the past. Indeed, this is what

days like Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day are for. Yet 9/11 is not given the same status. These days of remembrance are what keep us connected to our history. It has only been twenty years and we are already losing the connection with recent history. It is imperative to give the memory of 9/11 the same weight as other historical tragedies.

The memory 9/11 is not a lost cause; we can still honor it. If we preserve the traditions that keep history alive, future generations will know about the tragedy and victims of 9/11. We can start in Grove City. Inside the Grove City Historical Society on the intersection between Broad Street and College Avenue is a memorial to Ruth Ellen Ketler. She was the only Grove City resident to die in the 9/11 attacks. Go and remember her, we must never forget 9/11.

Obey the Ten Commandments Abigail Kengor Contributing Writer

We Christians seek to obey the Ten Commandments, highly valuing them as statements of God’s unchanging law. We recognize there were temporary Levitical laws and typically dismiss the continuation of these practices as archaic or overly scrupulous. However, two specific laws of the Decalogue have been misplaced in the Old Law by many Christians in our society. Somehow, an exception has been made for “thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain.” Likewise, “keep holy the Lord’s Day” has been forgotten, or at least diminished.

Let us be clear: it is not quoting the Psalmist to express frustration at a fellow driver, regardless of how upset you may be. To exclaim “O my God!” in a non-prayerful

attitude is to take God’s Holy Name in vain. I’ve heard many a Jesus-loving friend exclaim this, and the only explainable disconnect is ignorance. But this controversial topic may be discussed another time.

The other topic hasn’t even reached such controversial proportions: keeping the Sabbath holy. Our Christian culture has provided poor resistance to the cultural reduction of this practice. The traditional observance of this law has been Sunday worship and the forgoing of servile labor, or work, for rest.

The beauty of this commandment, I was once told, is in the gentleness and care which the Lord insists on us having regularly. I agree, but there is more. Isolating “Sunday rest” as the fullness of our duty can contradict the whole commandment. I have seen this duty fulfilled by somnolent students skipping church and stressed students continuing their daily work because they find it more restful than doubling the

next day’s work. That’s been my own Sabbatical struggle: what is restful for me? How can I keep my Sunday the most restful? Compelling questions, but here’s the answer: it’s not about me.

It is the Lord’s Day, not mine, and I cannot place selfcare above respect for God. The words are, “keep holy the Lord’s Day.” We forgo work out of respect for His holiness and His commands, and it naturally follows that it is good for us. Rest is a beautiful consequence embedded within following the larger commandment.

Keeping holy the Lord’s Day means setting it aside as sacred and as His: we give the day to Him. This absolutely includes church and further entails what He did after His great labor: rest. We do not rest from charitable work, as Jesus made clear in His interactions with the Pharisees, but from the daily toil. And if, like me, you love your daily toil, choose a different restful activity you love; setting aside the daily

accentuates the sacred.

Especially as students studying what we love, the line between studying for joy and for deadlines can be blurred. If you find reading restful, select some Sunday reading that does not contribute to your grade for Monday. If you find baking restful, make a feast for your family, but don’t work the Sunday afternoon shift at your restaurant. If you live to play the violin, then play some hymns or work on your favorite Beethoven Sonata, just not the one you’re practicing in the orchestra. Save the homework and salaries for every other day of the week.

One final practical note: traditionally, the Sabbath is kept from sunset to sunset.

You can do likewise to prepare once evening falls for the work week, and at week’s end, approach once again the beautiful, holy gift of the Lord’s Day. Sunday is the best holiday—find the joys of the weekend applied to spiritual life.

Word on the street...

Ask the cast and crew: If you could do any show at GCC, what would it be?

Sarah Klein ‘27 I would love to see GCC perform Mary Poppins!

It’s a well-loved classic with great music and a beautiful set.

Plus, British accents are very fun!

Madelyn Braho ‘26 If I could do any musical here it would be Hadestown.

Besides the technical challenges and the costumes, which are both iconic and leave room for interpretation, it’s a beautiful and politically relevant show. A retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. It depicts a tragedy that somehow contains so much hope.

Also, the music is amazing.

Hannah Garry ‘25 If we could do absolutely any show at GCC, I’d have to say that we should do Anastasia.

It’s a beautiful show that could cater to a wide selection of audiences. The music is gorgeous, and I think audiences would really enjoy it. Plus, I think the theatre department has the right cast to fill all the roles.

The show would definitely be a success!

Alexandro Diaz ‘25 Jekyll and Hyde: The Gothic Musical Thriller because it’s my favorite and we have the talent, tech and creativity for it. It questions the limits of scientific curiosity and shows how the effects of ambition and overachievement can destroy the most important relationships in life.

Amber Willis ‘24 If I could do any musical at GCC, it would honestly be The Sound of Music.

I think our show is great for our audience, and good for all ages. We have an excellent cast for this show. I think it has a message of truth, which fits the ideals of this college.

It shows the individual struggles and triumphs of a family against evil, with a beautiful story of love uniting a broken family. I am so thrilled that we are getting to do this show!

Entertainment The Collegian, Nov. 10, 2023

Page 10

Winter music suggestions Dom Puglisi Staff Writer

Still ... at their very best!

The 1975 impress on extensive tour

ALTERNATIVE PRESS MAGAZINE

Vince Clay

Entertainment Editor This past week, pop-rock act The 1975 played a show at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, in support of their most recent album, last year’s “Being Funny in a Foreign Language”. The band, though somewhat lacking in traditional pop radio success, is actually no stranger to controversy and mainstream attention thanks to lead singer Matty Healy.

Across their discography, the band displays a knack for flipping old 80’s pop music tropes into cleverly written and chronically online artrock hits. They’re a band’s band and remain one of the only modern artists that my dad will actually listen to.

However, it would be a lie to say that the star of it all isn’t Matty Healy, because it is in fact all about Matty Healy.

Emerging from the blackand-white neon haze of early 2010’s Tumblr, The 1975 has slowly opened up creatively to subtly incorporate a variety of lyrical and production influences as diverse as authors like Jack Kerouac

or ambient artists like Brian Eno. At the same time, Healy had finished rehab and adopted an indulgent and edge lord-style online persona.

Rather accidentally, the band cultivated a fanbase of young adults who have not read a single quote from Nietzsche, yet claim to be experts on him, or who claim to “love the art of film” but have only watched Fight Club. Separating the art from the artist is one issue, but an even more prevalent problem in the age of TikTok is separating the art from the fanbase and the fanatical lead singer.

Oh, right- the concert.

Opener Dora Jar was everything a good opener should be: electric, lively and quick.

It is easy to see why the band picked her. Jar’s songs weave between electronic pop a la Billie Eilish, Emo, Pop-punk and Sad-girl singer-songwriter. During her first song, “Multiply”, she jumps into a split on stage during the guitar riff and the show is officially on the road. The crowd is in for it.

Afterward, the curtain parts to reveal the inside of

a house split open like a Barbie dreamhouse. Inside are various sitting rooms and bedrooms outfitted with TVs, illuminated from above by a neon sign that reads, “Still…

At Their Very Best.” The 1975 is here.

The show is slow to pick up as much of the opening hour is consumed with songs from the band’s newest album with some older ballads sprinkled in. It’s eloquent and feels sophisticated, thanks to the posh middle-class house for a set.

Between sips from an ambiguous glass bottle, Healy sings upbeat rock songs while sitting and watching TV in the living room.

During the slow numbers, an Instagram Reels-style “For You” page is broadcast on the screens, as if trying to keep the concertgoers focused through the use of slime reviews and Subway Surfers footage. As Matty Healy sings their song “Happiness”, he is engrossed in an Andrew Tate interview that has emerged on the living room TV. Midway through the show, a life-size, nude prostrate figure of Healy

himself is brought on stage, and he lies down and fondles it before continuing to perform the band’s hits.

For much of the audience, these artsy gimmicks are confounding and divisive. However, as the band moves through their best run of ballads, like “About You”, “Robbers” and “Love It If We Made It”, the show becomes a moving experience. Suddenly, the band’s schtick works; here’s a band that makes posh British rock music yet has their finger on the pulse of what makes current culture so confoundingly strange and tragic.

Despite any misgivings that were held in anticipation for the show, seeing crowds of young adults in Doc Martens, suit jackets and torn fishnets eagerly awaiting the band brought back the reality that despite the band’s recent cringe-inducing antics, what makes it work is the gothic and atmospheric rock ballads that have solidified their career. As Healy sings on the fan-favorite track “Robbers”, “I’ll give you one more time.”

The 1975 are still at their very best.

Live, laugh, ‘Love, Actually’ David Smith Staff Writer

Twenty years ago, “Love Actually” was released theatrically and has maintained a special place in our hearts since. But what makes this film a Christmas classic?

Well, I believe the answer to that question is Richard Curtis. His films, although hilarious, are profoundly relatable and rooted in substantial human experiences.

Curtis, who is known for writing some of the best romantic comedies like “About Time” and “Notting Hill”, incorporated his cunning style of writing into the backdrop of a Christmas setting. All the characters in “Love Actually” possess the same mannerisms and attributes as other everyday people: jealousy, love, grief, friendship and a sense of adventure. The list goes on. Even Hugh Grant’s character, David, the prime minister of the U.K., is significantly more relatable than any politician that comes to mind.

The first time I had seen “Love Actually” was not even close to Christmas. In fact, I watched it in July. I injured my hand at work and couldn’t play piano or guitar.

I needed a pick-me-up. My grandmother gave me the “Love Actually” DVD, saying

REFINERY29

she didn’t want it anymore.

The receipt from 2003 is still intact inside the DVD in case my grandmother wants to return it to Walmart.

“Love Actually” begins with a voiceover, commenting on the bleak outlook of the world. The speaker describes a scene at Heathrow Airport where love seems to flow, uncomplicated. People greet their loved ones, welcoming them home. The speaker, lastly, points out that the messages from the 9/11 victims were ones of love and not hate.

The film, which was mostly filmed around London, fol-

lows nine separate stories where different aspects of love are displayed. Most of the stories eventually converge, bringing the film to a suitable conclusion. Among the stories that are told are David (Hugh Grant), the handsome and newly elected prime minister who falls head over heels for a young staffer (Martine McCutcheon), Daniel (Liam Neeson), a recently widowed man who is left to raise a young boy, Sarah (Laura Linney), a graphic designer whose devotion to her mentally ill brother hinders her love life and Harry (Alan Rickman), a

married man who is tempted by his alluring new secretary.

There is one storyline that I’m most fond of: Jamie (Colin Firth) is a writer who just found out that his girlfriend is cheating on him with his brother. Crushed, he retreats to his French cottage where he meets Portuguese housekeeper Aurelia, who does not speak English. The barrier is hilarious and creates a palpable connection between the two. The scene where Jamie’s manuscript flies out into a body of water, both attempting to retrieve it, best exemplifies the relationship.

All these stories render a film that is like a somersault into the sea of romantic comedies. Even with its length of over two hours, the movie does not overstay its welcome. It is profoundly rewatchable, laugh-out-loud funny and sentimental and heartbreaking, bringing its audience to tears. But that is okay. The chaotic nature of “Love Actually” illustrates the complexities of how we all love. Yes, love is complicated. But it is also a wonderful thing worth attaining and maintaining once you have found it.

Multiple screenings of “Love Actually” are to be shown at AMC Waterfront 22 from Dec. 8 to the 13.

Now that we’ve officially entered the days of bonechilling cold and grey skies, our summer playlists aren’t going to cut it.

So, if you’re looking for some good albums for the colder weather, here are three recommendations to cheer up some rainy days.

“For Emma, Forever Ago” by Bon Iver: This album is basic in the best sense of the word. Recorded in isolation, locked away in a hunting cabin, in the middle of blizzardridden Wisconsin, the raw emotion displayed on this album is inspiring.

Stripped-down acoustic instrumentation paired with the somber falsetto of Justin Vernon makes this album feel like your grandpa is telling you stories, softly in front of the campfire. Favorite Track: Flume.

808s and Heartbreak by Kanye West: On the sleeker side of winter, this album feels cold and smooth as ice. Kanye’s chilling autotune-drenched vocals glide on the cold mechanical production as he sings of loves had and loves lost.

At certain points, the album is as frigid as a glacier (Love Lockdown) while at other times it feels more like some winter fun ice skating down a frozen river (Paranoid). All around the cold production and vocal delivery give this album an icy winter feel. Favorite Track: Streetlights.

Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division: If you’re feeling less like the warmth of Bon Iver or the sleekness of Kanye and more like the appeal of winter is already wearing off, this album is for you. This is an album that is the definition of a cold, wet and rainy day.

Downtrodden dejected vocals over sharp drums backed by groovy baselines abound across this album.

Sometimes on a rainy day, it feels good to be in a little bit of a bad mood, and this album is perfect for that mood. Within is a world of methodical post-punk that makes you feel like you’re not the only one who’s bitter in the cold. Favorite Track: Disorder.

THE GUARDIAN

Correction from Nov. 3 issue

Staff Writer David Smith should be credited with “Killers of the Flower Moon,” his review of Martin Scorcese’s newest film.

Entertainment Editor Vince Clay should be credited with “Spoiler alert: There’s an exorcism”

Sports Men take runner-up The Collegian, Nov. 10, 2023

Joel Sledd Sports Editor

The Wolverines men’s soccer team took runner-up for the 2023 fall season.

Fighting their way through a competitive conference, the men’s soccer team found themselves at the doorstep of the PAC championship.

Unfortunately, the No. 3 Wolverines fell to the No. 1 Geneva Golden Tornadoes in the title match 0-1.

The Wolverines outlasted several opponents to get to the championship.

With three regular-season games remaining, the Wolverines held a 3-3-1 conference record. The last three opponents were defeated by the Wolverines, securing them the No. 3 seed for the postseason.

Leading the team through the end of the season was fifth-year defender Matt Kimmich.

“The way everyone battled and fought through that stretch is something I’ve never seen from a team before,” he said. “The guys brought it every single practice and game, not giving up on the season. The soccer we

were playing at the end of the season was the highest level I’ve been a part of in my whole career. Things turned around and credit to Coach Dreves for his leadership to turn things around.”

The Wolverines entered the tournament with anticipation and a lot of momentum. The last game of the regular season was a 7-0 victory over Washington & Jefferson, featuring four goals scored in nine minutes. This win secured the Wolverines as the No. 3 seed for the tournament and knocked Washington & Jefferson out of contention.

Entering the first game of the postseason, the Wolverines found themselves facing No. 6 Allegheny at home. In the regular season, the Wolverines were defeated by Allegheny. With redemption on their minds, the Wolverines came back from a 0-1 deficit from a goal scored in the middle of the first period.

With an assist from junior midfielder John-Luc Harbour, sophomore forward Owen Zimmerman put the first point on the board for Grove City.

The game was heading to

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overtime with a score of 1-1.

With almost two minutes remaining in the first overtime period, senior forward Hunter Hardin scored the last goal of the match to seal the victory for his team.

Next up was the No. 2 Franciscan Barons. The Barons lost 3-1 in the regular season against GCC, and the postseason matchup would end the same way. Four different athletes would score one goal and sophomore goalkeeper Teddy Almeter prevented five shots from the Barons. With a final score of 4-1, the Wolverines would advance to the championship match.

“I thought we were impeccable this game from a defensive standpoint and our midfielders played such a good game. No one could touch them for the whole 90 minutes. Even though we were the lower seed, we never felt like the underdog in this game,” said Kimmich.

The No. 1 Geneva Golden Tornadoes secured a home game for the championship by defeating their last opponent. The Wolverines kept it close all game but ultimately lost to the Golden Tornadoes

Mercer County Cup

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Senior defender Ari Campbell in the PAC championship.

0-1 in the championship.

Despite the score, the Wolverines had a statistically good outing. Grove City outshot Geneva, getting six shots on the goal compared to Ge-

neva’s two. This was the first title game appearance for the Wolverines since 2018.

The Wolverines will close out the season 9-6-5.

SOCCER

pressed with the team.

“Every single person contributes to what happens on gameday, even if no one sees it.”

With the title of conference champions comes a shot at the NCAA D3 championship.

On Nov. 6, the drawings for the NCAA tournament took place. The Wolverines will play the 2022 runner-up Case Western Reserve in the first round. Grove City will play at 11 a.m. tomorrow on Case Western Reserve’s DiSanto Field in Cleveland, Ohio.

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the second-most goals in a single season for GCC women’s soccer.

“That’s a number from a player we haven’t seen in years,” said coach Lamie.

“She had a great year. So many players had a good year for us. Our senior leadership has been huge all year long. This senior class, they’re not just good players on the field – they’re a great group together.”

It isn’t just the seniors: Coach Lamie is very im-

SWIMMING RYAN BRIGGS

Thiel (left) and Grove City (right) Football Captains meet at the Mercer County Courthouse to pose for the annual Mercer County Cup photo. The two teams will face off tomorrow to determine which of the county’s colleges will win the cup. Wolverine senior captains from left to right quarterback Ayden Gutierrez, right guard Vinny LePre, linebacker Cole DeFillippo and safety Dom Magliocco.

Volleyball season ends Garrett Gess Staff Writer

In the PAC quarterfinals, the Wolverines fell to Allegheny 3-1 last Tuesday, ending a great season. The women’s volleyball team concluded their home schedule with a Senior Day victory over their PAC rivals, Geneva.

At one point, Grove City was 1-3 in PAC play, but the Wolverines rallied back to win four of their last six games to secure a playoff spot. The Geneva match unfolded in four sets, with scores of 25-17, 25-23, 12-25, and 25-21. This win secured a spot for the Wolverines in the upcoming conference tournament, consisting of six teams.

The victory was fueled by notable performances from various players on the team.

Freshman outside hitter Alayna Dorst highlighted her skills with 13 impressive kills.

Meanwhile, senior outside hitter Grace Kim contributed 11 kills, and freshman outside hitter Alexis Standford added 10 kills to the mix.

The Wolverines’ offense was orchestrated by sophomore setter Brooklyn Wire-

baugh, who notched up 24 assists. Junior setter Kennedy Kerr also played a pivotal role with 18 assists. Senior libero Erin Baldwin sealed the only ace for the Wolverines.

The defensive line was equally strong, with senior middle blocker Anna DeGraaf leading the team with six blocks. DeGraaf, in collaboration with Dorst, was responsible for the clinching point of the match. Junior middle blocker Audrey Donnelly contributed four blocks, and senior outside hitter Eloise Sutter added three blocks to the team’s impressive defense.

Senior libero Gabby Lucas anchored the defense with 28 digs. Kerr collected 16 digs, and Kim displayed her defensive skills with 14 digs.

Dorst also played a role in defense with a dozen digs.

Gabby Lucas achieved a significant milestone, reaching a career total of 1,406 digs, which landed her in 10th place on Grove City’s career list.

Grove City finished 19-10 in the regular season, with a 5-5 conference record. They were the No. 6 seed in the PAC playoffs against Allegh-

eny. Despite losing the first two sets, Grove City showed remarkable resilience by staging a late comeback in the third set, winning with a score of 25-22. In the fourth set, the Wolverines managed to cut Allegheny’s lead of 18-8 down to 22-18. However, Allegheny won by taking the crucial fourth set with a 25-19 score.

Unfortunately, this marked the conclusion of the season for Grove City, ending with an overall record of 19-11.

The top leaders in key statistical categories were DeGraaf with 258 kills, Standford with 228 kills, and Sutter with 180 kills. In assists, Kerr recorded 556, while Wirebaugh had 460 assists and Lucas contributed 83. Kerr also led in service aces with 56, followed by Wirebaugh with 41 and Lucas with 30. In digs, Lucas had 466, Fisher with 452, and Kim with 401. For blocking, DeGraaf led with 95.0, followed by Donnelly with 70.0 and Standford with 56.0.

Grove City is set to bid farewell to key seniors such as DeGraaf, Kim, Lucas, Sutter and Baldwin will graduate from the team.

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1,157.5. With a dozen victories for the women, four individual athletes would win multiple events. Kerr, with some competition from Penn State Behrend, still swept all women’s diving events. Led

by Hasse with three firstplace victories, the women closed out the first meet of the season with a win.

The Wolverines have seen some personnel changes.

Coach Fritz talks about the biggest changes in the swim-

ming and diving program.

“For the men, because we brought in a much larger freshman class than the senior class we graduated, we’re a younger, deeper team. For the women, the freshman class has talent, but it’s a smaller group so we’re relying on upperclassmen to continue to develop and establish the expectations for the freshmen.”

Next up for the men and women is a home meet tomorrow at 1 p.m. against Saint Vincent on James E. Longnecker Pool.

WOLVERINE WEEKLY HONORS

Emma Herrmann Women’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Year

Alayna Dorst Women’s Volleyball Offensive Player of the Week

Britta Lagerquist Women’s Soccer 1st Team All-PAC

Emily White Women’s Soccer 1st Team All-PAC

Sports The Collegian, Nov. 10, 2023

Page 12

New coach for WBB Joel Sledd Sports Editor

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CHAMPIONS

The women after winning their first PAC championship since 2019

Joel Sledd Sports Editor

After an impeccable performance at home, the Wolverines bring home yet another PAC title for GCC athletics.

On Nov. 4, the Wolverines defeated the Franciscan Barons 4-2 to establish themselves as conference champs.

Led by head coach Melissa Lamie, the Wolverines will finish the year with a 14-4-1 record and a clean 11-0-1 record in conference matchups for the 2023 season.

Entering the postseason, Grove City was placed as the No. 1 seed of the PAC, earning them a first-round bye.

In the semifinals, the Wolverines would squash No. 5 Waynesburg 3-1 to advance.

Franciscan entered the title match with a lot of momentum on their side. They would upset No. 3 Saint Vincent to knock them out of the tournament in the first round. The Barons would then travel to face the 14-4 Westminster who was ranked No. 2 for the tournament. Franciscan would win 2-1 to face the Wolverines for the title match.

The Wolverines would defend their home against the red-hot Barons for the PAC championship.

The Barons brought their momentum into the match, scoring the first goal 22 min-

utes into the first period. In the past, the Wolverines have struggled to form a comeback when down a score early.

However, this problem was fixed by Coach Lamie and the team.

“There were a few games in the season where we were down in the first half, and we ended up winning the game. In past years, that was something we couldn’t overcome but this year, we had a change of mentality,” said junior goalkeeper Courtney Lisman.

Coach Lamie noticed a change in the team this year, stating, “For the last two years we have struggled when we get down a goal and have not been able to come back.

They definitely changed that mindset this year. They were not going to quit when they got down.”

Freshman midfielder Tori Stevenson would answer with her own goal just eight minutes later to tie the score 1-1.

Junior midfielder Emma Herrmann set up the Wolverines with a 2-1 lead after scoring on a penalty kick late in the first period. Entering the second half, the Wolverines immediately recorded a goal just 17 seconds in the second period. A goal by junior forward Britta Lagerquist set up the Wolverines with a 3-1 lead.

A minute and a half later, a

GRACE DAVID

Junior midfielder Emma Herrmann in the championship match. goal by Franciscan shortened the lead to 3-2. Finally, at the 66:52 mark, Herrmann scored her second goal of the game. The Wolverines would close out the match and win the PAC title 4-2.

“It was special for us to see the seniors finish out the sea-

son with this. Just being able to win it for the seniors who put so much in the program was a big deal for us,” said Herrmann.

Herrmann scored her 20th goal of the season, which is

200 free, six of the top seven in the 500 free, 10 of the top 12 in the 100 butterfly just to name a few.”

The women had 10 total victories at Allegheny to defeat them 142.5-85.5. Junior Mikaela Jenkins took first in both women’s butterfly races while junior Kamryn Kerr remained unopposed for all the women’s diving events. Senior Liz Hasse won the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 57.22. The match was closed out by another GCC victory for the women’s 200yard freestyle relay with a final time of one minute and 44.44 seconds.

“Based on the top times in the conference, we’re strongest as a team in the butterfly

events relative to the other schools, but we also have athletes ranked in the top 3 in nearly every event,” said Coach Fritz.

For the first match of the year, the Wolverines faced Penn State Behrend at home for the Fall Classic meet. The men and women would win the match to mark the first victory of the year.

Three individual athletes would win multiple events for the men for a 1,512-943 victory. Sophomore Will Sterrett won four separate events while Einolf took three.

The women would fare just as well, winning 1,242.5-

SOCCER 11

Wolverines get back to swimming and winning Joel Sledd Sports Editor

Starting off their season with two dominating performances, the Wolverines swimming and diving teams began for the men and women. Competing against the same opponents, the men and women hosted Penn State Behrend for the first match of the season. The team then traveled to Allegheny to defeat them in another significant victory.

The men won their first conference meet 130-40 for the win over Allegheny. The Wolverines went completely undefeated in all 14 events for the men, and three athletes would each win two in-

dividual events. Sophomore Caleb Einolf won the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke. Freshman Owen Hancock swept the 100 and 200-yard butterfly events, while freshman Bryce Pope took first in the 500-yard freestyle and the 200-yard individual medley.

Entering his 15th season for the Wolverines’ swimming and diving, head coach Dave Fritz ’94 returns for another year at the helm of a successful athletic program.

“The men are clearly much better than the rest of the conference across the board,” he said. “For example, the men own six out of the top eight times in the 50 free, the top five times in the

SWIMMING 11

Returning to the courts of the college is the women’s basketball team, refreshed and ready to win. Women’s basketball will start their regular season with the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic in York, Pa. Taking the helm of the team this season is head coach Jason Baker. Coach BAKER Baker enters his third season coaching women’s basketball.

He spent the last two seasons as assistant coach for the Wolverines, but now he gets to take command of the team and lead the new generation through Grove City’s culture.

Coach Baker, excited to take the role, commented, “It’s exciting, we have a lot of really good players and a great group of girls. They’re working really hard so it’s extremely exciting.”

Five freshmen have joined the roster for the 2023-2024 season. Graduating only one senior from last year’s roster, the team will consist of many of the same athletes from last year.

“I have been really impressed with our freshmen,” said Coach Baker. “They have great attitudes, they work extremely hard, and they are really picking things up quicker than I anticipated.”

The Wolverines are introducing a new scheme on offense and defense for this.

Implementing a new system for offense and defense is never easy, but the Wolverines have been adapting.

Coach Baker was surprised by how quickly the new system was picked up by the athletes, stating, “It’s a big change, and they’ve handled it very well. A lot of players will have the freedom to go make plays. We just have to be disciplined enough to be in the right spaces. So hopefully we’ll let really good athletes play in space.”

Finding leadership on the team was not an issue. With three seniors and many more juniors, the team remains experienced. The upperclassmen have contributed a lot to the successful integration of the freshmen.

Coach Baker’s biggest concern was the implementation of new offensive and defensive schemes. However, the team has not had an issue with this. The Wolverines even had extra practice to prepare.

“This year was really nice because we were allowed some preseason days for practice for the NCAA, and so those four days we used in the preseason was very helpful,” Coach Baker said.

The Wolverines’ season will begin on Friday, Nov. 10 in the Coaches vs. Cancer classic where they will play Mary Washington College in York, Pa.