The Collegian – Jan. 31, 2014

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Collegian

The

Est. 1891

Friday, January 31, 2014

The Grove City College Student Newspaper

Vol. 74, No. 11

Just the facts

Hard data on campus dating Louis Petolicchio Staff Writer

Apparently, many single, female super-seniors really do feel like everybody has somebody but them. At least, that is one of the findings of a study done by several students in Dr. Christian Ola’s Business Statistics Class. Juniors Chesterton Cobb and Ford Reinalda, along with sophomore Abigail Mathes and freshman Timothy Lowrance, decided to do a study to see whether or not someone’s relationship status would affect their awareness of the number of relationships around them. Their findings were not exactly what they expected. Originally, the team postulated that Grove City College students “in a relationship would overestimate the number of people actually in relationships,” Cobb said. After receiving survey results from 225 people, nearly 10 percent of the campus, a close to even number of male and female respondents, and a representative spread across different class years, the group was satisfied they had enough results to present an accurate picture of the campus population. “We made sure to also ask questions about the respondent’s own relationship, letting us see what the actual numbers were for campus, before we compared them to people’s perceptions,” Cobb said. “We’re really happy that we were able to collect our true data at the same time as the surveys.” However, the results blasted their hypothesis out of the water. According to their research, approximately 44 percent of the campus is currently entangled with a significant other, and while only 27 percent of the respondents guessed between 40 and 50 percent, over half were within 10 to 15 percent of the correct answer. Unfortunately for their hypothesis, relationship status seemed to play little to no role in how correct the respondents were. “Oddly enough,” Cobb remarked,“The results broke along gender lines more than relationship ones.” It turned out that, in general, men were better at assessing the percentage of relationships on campus than women were. Even discounting the wildest outliers, which were almost entirely women, the men still had a marginal lead when it came to correctly judging the percentage of relationships on campus.

COURTESY DAVID MARR

Students traveled to many parts of the globe over winter break on short term mission trips. Above, a congregation worships in Hato Mayor, D.R. during the ICO Dominican Republic trip. For more pictures from ICO D.R., see our photo spread on pages 6-7.

FROZEN: Cold cripples campus Emily Bartlow To think back to the days of yesteryear, when snow storms left the world blanketed in white, is to think back to the most anticipated day besides Christmas: the snow day. The typical snow day meant freedom from the rigors of grade school and was spent on a wintry playground of white powder, complete with sledding and hot chocolate. Grove City College students revisited a similar scenario when the College announced a severe weather warning on Tuesday, Jan. 7 during its bitterly cold intersession. The negative 13 degree temperature accompanied by a negative 38 degree wind chill left the College little choice but to shut down campus. With just Hicks Café and the Physical Learning Center open for food and fitness, students refrained from gallivanting through the icy outdoors and sought shelter in their heated dormitories. “It was pretty darn cold. I felt like I was in Alaska or even in North Pole,” sophomore Sooyoung Jung said, an international student from Seoul, South Korea. Although snow is prevalent in South Korea, she had never experienced anything quite so extreme. Other students embraced the snow day mentality. “I made a lot of hot chocolate and coffee, and borrowed my roommates’ blankets for most of the day,” sophomore Ryan Braumann said. “It was super chill,no pun intended, and another one would be especially appreciated.” Braumann’s desire for yet another snow day came close to fruition just this past Tuesday, as Grove City faced another onslaught of subzero temperatures. Although classes remained in session, the College sent an

email warning of the dangerous conditions, even providing a shuttle service for students living in the apartments and off-campus houses. Students taking the shuttle were not only spared the painful walk to upper campus, but they were also warmed by hot chocolate, donuts and their cheery bus driver,Wayne, all provided by the College for their morning commute. “It felt like we just boarded the bus for the first day of school,” senior shuttle-goer Chelsea Tarolli said. While most students followed the College’s weather advice by insulating themselves from head to toe, one student was said to have been spotted roaming the campus with nothing more than shorts and flip flops. Many students questioned the College’s decision for warranting a snow day over intercession, yet not during this week’s comparatively low temperatures. The College’s president, Dr. Richard Jewell ’67, explained that due to intercession’s unique circumstances, including nearly half of its students commuting, versus the 95 percent on-campus student body during the regular semester, the College felt more compelled to cancel classes for the commuters’ safety. While snow days are seemingly ordinary occurrences for local schools and community colleges, the College has only called a weather emergency four times within the past 21 years, two of which were during Jewell’s tenure. Jewell also noted that “the snow and ice storms of 1993 and 1994 were unprecedented,” with the most snow of the century occurring on St. Patrick’s Day in 1993 and a record -22 degree temperature in 1994. The school also closed Feb. 14, 2007 for a monumental ice storm. Although a lawyer at the time,

News

Life

E!

Perspectives

Sports

The libertarian saga continues. Read about how YAL and SFL are playing nice. Pg. 2

Women’s housing groups are not banned because of a brothel law. The truth at last, on Pg. 4

After two years of waiting, Britain’s most famous detective is back. Pg. 8

Professors should make sure to serve true students rather than catering to Subsidizers. Pg. 11

The swimming and diving teams’ overall records are deceptive. Read about how they really stack up. Pg. 12

RELATIONSHIPS 3

Contributing Writer

CAROLINE BENNETT/THE COLLEGIAN

Tuesday’s particularly low temperatures didn’t stop College functions. Campus was shut down for a day during intersession, though, due to the cold as well as travel complications. Jewell expounded upon the severe weather conditions faced across western Pennsylvania, specifically the 28 inches of snow which buried the Pittsburgh area in mid-March of 1993 and the Antarctic temperature of minus 22 degrees during the winter of

1994. Although not nearly as severe as history proves, this exceptionally cold winter has given students a further sense of responsibility, not only with their studies, but also with taking proper precautions.


The Collegian

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Jan. 31, 2014

‘Northside and Beyond’

COURTESY PETER CALABOYIAS

The work of Peter Calaboyias, professor of art at Grove City College, will be displayed at the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild in Pittsburgh. The paintings, sculptures and other pieces in the exhibit, titled “Northside and Beyond,” reflect Calaboyias’ time teaching in Pittsburgh’s North Side, as well as his Greek heritage. Calaboyias’ work has been displayed around the world, and his sculptures stand on several college campuses across Pennsylvania, including the recently unveiled “Pythagorean Pi” at Grove City College. His sculpture “Tribute,” which was commissioned for the 1996 Olympics, also still stands at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta. The exhibition will run through March 21, and a reception and artist talk is scheduled for February 20 from 6-8 pm.

World News Libertarian groups unite Roundup SFL and YAL resolve differences Compiled by Megan Baak

OLYMPIC TORCH ARRIVES IN SOCHI AMIDST TERROR THREATS The upcoming Sochi Olympics have been the target of several terrorist threats in the past few weeks. The Olympic torch arrived in Russia’s volatile Dagestan region amid heightened security on Monday. The torch reached the republic one day after a threat assessment by the U.K. government suggested the probability of an attack before or during the Sochi Games was “very likely.” Russian security forces are still hunting for at least five suspected terrorists who they fear are plotting an attack against the torch relay or the Games as a whole.

BLOOD OF POPE JOHN PAUL II STOLEN On Saturday, a relic containing drops of late Pope John Paul II’s blood was stolen from the Church of San Pietro Della Ienca in Italy. Italian police speculate the thieves may want it for satanic rites. Strangely, the thieves only stole the vial of blood and left everything else intact. Only three of John Paul II’s relics contain his blood, all of which are considered of great religious value.

22 PEOPLE KILLED IN ATTACK ON NIGERIAN CHURCH Suspected terrorists killed 22 people by setting off bombs and firing into the congregation in a Nigerian Catholic church in Waga Chakawa village on Sunday. Afterward, they burnt houses and took residents hostage during a four-hour siege. On Monday, a separate assault by suspected members of the dangerous group killed at least 40 people in the northeastern Borno state. No one immediately claimed responsibility for either attack.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES BEGINS INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS Southwest Airlines, which has become the largest domestic flight service in the U.S., began selling tickets Monday for international flights. The change will be the start of a significant shift for the low-cost domestic airline. Starting July 1, travelers will be able to fly Southwest to Aruba, Jamaica and the Bahamas, setting up stiff competition with larger carriers that currently fly to those areas. International travel is overtaking domestic when it comes to growth, which encouraged U.S. airlines to focus on overseas flights to boost profits.

100 Campus Drive Grove City, Pa. 16127 Phone: 724.458.2193 collegian@gcc.edu

Louis Petolicchio Staff Writer

Whatever hatchet, real or imaginary, that there could have been between Students for Liberty and Young Americans for Liberty, has been buried and forgotten as the two groups merged together late last year. The two libertarian activist societies raised some eyebrows last semester as students wondered why such a small campus needs two seemingly identical groups. After officer elections were held at the end of the semester, the nearly complete overlap of officers and members led to the two organizations officially merging for the coming year. The two clubs, chartered members of their larger, respective national organizations, actually do have some distinct differences. “SFL is all about education and awareness. The YAL’s main objective is to coordinate and inspire activism,” current SFL vice president and YAL founder junior Scott Alford said last fall. Former SFL vice president senior Dan Amico echoed the sentiment last semester, saying that while YAL tends to revolve around specific political activism, “Students for Liberty pro-

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motes an activism of ideas.” Since the more educationfocused SFL chapter has been around longer and is officially recognized by Grove City College, the merger is unofficially taking place under its name and auspices. “Since the two groups have basically merged, there is no need for having two groups with separate recognition,” current SFL president, sophomore Jon Nelson, said. The YAL’s lack of official recognition from the school was a major handicap for activities last semester. “They weren’t recognized as an official organization by the administration, and that kept them from doing very much,” former SFL president, senior Rob Clark, said. Aside from a few table events, YAL did not have a chance to host many activities on campus. However, Alford was quick to reinforce the fact that this is not a case of one group absorbing the other, but an equal merger, citing similar incidences at much larger schools like the University of Kentucky. “YAL is not going to cease to exist,” Alford said. “We’re simply going to be working together on everything from now on; pooling the resources we get

from our national charters. Each group has its own strengths and advantages, and now we can use them together.” Alford said that contrary to rumors, there is no kind of animosity between the two organizations whatsoever, mostly due to the fact that they comprise almost entirely the same people. He added that they will be holding joint meetings like similar merged groups at other campuses do. Both Alford and Nelson look forward to being able to utilize the resources and connections from both groups to help better spread a message of liberty both on campus in the surrounding area. Aside from sending representatives to the SFL regional conference in February and the YAL state convention in March, the joint SFL/YAL organization looks forward to hosting more speakers and events on campus this coming semester. They will continue to hold meetings every Monday night, where they plan on fostering more student led discussions or faculty led presentations.

Claire E. Healey Dan Johnson Josh Evans Stephanie Pitman, Cristina Totten Grayson Quay, Katie Koller Kyle Burko, Esther Hoyt Ian Mikrut, Jessica Smith Chelsea Tarolli Andrew Eissen, Catherine Fitzhugh, Megan Hays, Holly Spofford, Michayla Wicker Megan Baak, Zoë Gowen, Kara Halin, Ryan Hampton, Brad Hummel, Mark Mariani, Louis Petolicchio, Breanna Renkin, Paul St. Jean, Jacob Sziráky Marissa Candiloro Caroline Bennett Sarah Logie Nathan Bergey, Oliver Kent, Kirsten Malenke Erika Bastian Michael Trombly Kara Halin, Emily Hicks Victoria VanBuskirk Nick Hildebrand


Jan. 31, 2014

The Collegian

Taking steps toward diversity Josh Evans News Editor

With its predominantly white student population, few people associate multiculturalism with Grove City College, but the Office of Multicultural Recruiting and Retention is working to change that. Dr. Lorie Johnson-Osho, director of the office, has been working to recruit and retain more minority students, working closely with the College’s admissions office. “I see us as an extension of the admissions office, although our focus would be multicultural students,” Johnson-Osho said. The office uses college fairs, high school visits and other recruiting activities with community organizations in order to make minority students more aware of the College. The addition of Chastity Williams, the office’s recruiting specialist, has further helped with this goal. “I don’t think a lot of people in the community, in diverse areas, are aware of the College, so I’ve spent a lot of time just trying to tell people about Grove City College,” Johnson-Osho said. In fulfilling the retention

component of the office’s mission, Johnson-Osho has planned numerous activities to help students embrace multiculturalism on campus, several of which will be held next month. The office, in partnership with the Office of International Education, will be hosting a winter film festival throughout February that Johnson-Osho hopes will stimulate discussion. The Office of Multicultural Recruiting and Retention will also hold a chapel service in memorial to Nelson Mandela on Feb. 21 to honor his achievements and contributions to the world. Additionally, the office is holding a Unity and Diversity Brown Bag program on Feb. 13 to discuss issues surrounding diversity. Johnson-Osho, who is in her fourth year at the College, has already made major strides in increasing diversity. Since she began her work, the percentage of minority students enrolled at the College has increased from five percent to seven percent, and her new goal is to increase that number to 10 percent. However, Johnson-Osho noted that the participation of all of the College’s students and staff

is needed to encourage diversity. She encourages students to attend the office’s events to help open a dialogue about aspects of multiculturalism. Johnson-Osho has also made recommendations to the College administration about marketing approaches that might be more effective in attracting more diverse applicants. “The College has done things the way that they’ve done them since its establishment, but now we’re asking, ‘have you thought about maybe changing the way our advertising is, our search pieces and our admissions materials, in order to attract more students?’” she said. Johnson-Osho believes that interaction with new ideas from different cultures can be of great benefit to students, helping their education better prepare them for life outside the college bubble. “I think we’re moving toward a world that’s more diverse, so having exposure working with all different types of people is important to the campus,” she said.

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RELATIONSHIPS from page 1

While generally inconsequential, relationship status did play a very minor role when it came to distinguishing which demographics were the most accurate in ascertaining how many campus couples were holding hands on a regular basis. According to the results, the most likely to guess correctly were senior males in a relationship, while the most unlikely were, as previously mentioned, unattached super-senior women.

The final, confirmed hypothesis, which stated, “At Grove City College, there is a definite correlation between gender and perception of the percentage of students in a relationship on campus,” left some people scratching their heads. The research may be a topic of conversation among students in the coming semesters. For students still unattached and terribly worried about their predicaments, not to worry: over half the campus is single too, and Valentine’s Day is still two weeks away.

COURTESY CHESTERTON COBB

Launch your international career through Peace Corps service.

PEACE CORPS AT

GROVE CITY COLLEGE Thursday, Februar y 6 OFFICE HOURS

3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

INFORMATION SESSION

5:00 p.m.

Both events will take place in PLC Room 115 Learn more from Grove City College Peace Corps recruiter Karen Corey kcorey@peacecorps.gov

Peace Corps

peacecorps.gov - 855.855.1961


Life

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Jan. 31, 2014

Senior Spotlights Why aren’t women’s housing groups allowed? Stephanie Pitman Life Editor

Scott Alford

Learning perspective, having Contributing Writer both fraternities and men’s housing groups live on campus makes Many students have wondered the job difficult. They must find how “Freedom’s College” can excellent housing for communipermit men’s housing groups, ties of independent men who all but not women’s groups, to exist live together without being broon campus. The classic explanaken up in the space left on fration upperclassmen provide to ternity and housing group halls. freshmen is simply that they are This seemingly unfair regulanot permitted under Pennsylvation for women may be a blessnia state law. Upon further invesing in disguise. The tigation, however, this current CLP setup acclaim does not hold up. The brothel rumor was “the most tually enables the inAt Grove City Colwidespread piece of university dependent women on lege, housing groups folklore making the rounds.” campus to have wider are collections of peoselection of living opple that are primarily Puritan “blue laws” of the 17th tions and a greater opportunity tied together through a privilege century, which placed heavy to choose the community that of living together. These housworks best for them. ing groups were distinctive from regulation to prevent immoral While College-mandated limcampus fraternities and sorori- behavior. No such state law for its may often seem arbitrary to ties because men desired groups over 200 years can be produced students, in this case, limits may to lived together with block from the Commonwealth of actually enhance the freedom of housing without the same com- Pennsylvania despite the wide women. Under the current stanmitment involved with fraternal citation of its existence. So why have women not been dards, women have a multiplicity groups, like pledge. When the first men’s housing allowed to form housing groups? of communities that can co-exist group appeared on the College It is time to dust off the Crimson without working around a dozcampus in the late 1960s, no Student Handbook, which ex- en more communities granted counterparts emerged for female plains, “the physical constraints living privileges. Perhaps at long block housing. Rumors quickly of our residence halls would last the women’s housing myth circulated that the state of Penn- make the addition of another can take its residence elsewhere. tion for why the College prohibits women’s housing groups. However, this “Grover myth” is false.Two decades ago, Richard Roeper commented in the Chicago Sun Times that the brothel rumor was “the most widespread piece of university folklore making the rounds.” While the origins of the myth are muddled, it is likely rooted in

sylvania banned women’s housing groups because they could be mistaken for brothels. For generations, this explanation has served as the primary justifica-

CLP (community living privilege) group determinate to the residential experience of our independent student population.” From the Student Life and

Write for The Collegian Interested in writing for The Collegian? The Collegian provides excellent opportunities for students who are interested in journalism careers, in writing and in exploring campus events and issues. All sections welcome new writers. Email the Collegian at collegian@gcc.edu.

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Did you know? Notable Alumnus

Breanna Renkin Staff Writer Grove City College graduate George Clark Southworth was born Aug. 24, 1890 in Little Cooley, PA. Upon graduating from the College with a physics degree, Southworth studied at Columbia University. Additionally, he earned a doctorate degree and taught at Yale University. Despite his scholastic achievement, Southworth is most well-known for discovering waveguides. After working

at the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, he began investigating shortwave radio propagation. Within three years, Southworth could transmit a message through copper pipes as long as 20 feet. The first transmitted message read, “Send Money.” The Bell Phone Laboratories housed the project after Southworth created a waveguide with a length of 875 feet, and Southworth stayed there until he retired. Furthermore, Southworth has written extensively about

waveguides and other types of waves. All of his work can be found in “Principles and Applications of Waveguide Transmission.” For

his

accomplishments,

Southworth was awarded the Morris N. Liebmann Memorial Award in 1938, which honors people who have made “important contributions to radio communications,” as well as the IFFE Medal of Honor in 1963. At the age of 81, Southworth died on July 6, 1972.

Things 2 Do Friday, Jan. 31 Tri-Rho Extravaganza, 8:30 – 11:55 p.m. Hicks Café

Sunday, Feb. 2 Vespers “The Nazareth Road” 5 – 5:50 p.m. Harbison Chapel

Wednesday, Feb. 5 Camp Fair 1 – 4 p.m. The Great Room

Thursday, Feb. 6 Office of International Education and Diversity Film Festival

As May 17 approaches and the time comes to say goodbye to the Class of 2014, seniors are inclined to look back on their college years to reminisce upon fond memories and to reflect on their lives.These seniors have undergone four years of “rigorous academics,” and will soon have a prestigious degree to prove it. The following interviews provide a taste of what the current seniors have grown to love about Grove City College and what they have learned in preparation for life after their college careers.

Name: David Seip Hometown: Alloway, NJ Major: Biology Favorite memory of college: “Definitely not organic chemistry … I really liked OBOB —‘I know what you’re thinking!’” Favorite part about the College: “I really just liked hanging out with my friends ... it really is one of my favorite things to do. And sassing people.” An important lesson learned: “Be careful around strangers!” Favorite professor: “Dr. Homan. I have so much respect for that man.” Favorite class: “Exercise leadership- it was a very fun class!” Name: Sandra Kraynik Major: Molecular Biology Hometown: Harrison City, PA Favorite memory of college: “Meeting my fiancé, Chris Gibbs, or any time I was with my closest friends doing even the most mundane things.” Favorite part about the College: “The people. We have an incredible community here, and it is such a blessing. I don’t think we would all have grown in the ways we have without the people!” An important lesson learned: “Be confident in your Godgiven abilities. Figure out what they are, and take the time to develop them.” Favorite professor: Dr. Ralph Carlson Favorite class: C.S. Lewis: Christian Apologist Name: Allen Scheie Major: Physics and Philosophy double major Hometown: Cincinnati, OH Favorite memory of college: “Singing hymns with the GCC physics majors at a physics conference in Orlando.” Favorite part about the College: “The unashamed commitment on the part of many students and faculty to a Christ-centered life.” An important lesson learned: “Life ought to be more than work; you have to make time for the important things in life or they’ll slip away.” Favorite professor: Dr. Fair Favorite class: Mechanics I Name: Patrick Donoughe Major: Mechanical Engineering Hometown: Summerhill, Pennsylvania Favorite memory of college: “It is really hard to pinpoint a single memory. I would say that being able to live with two of my best friends, Chris Gibbs and Joe Diani, for my senior year has provided me with a memorable year thus far and many more memories to come.” Favorite part about the College: “Grove City is an environment unlike any other. The thing I’ve come to appreciate most at GCC is that no matter what challenges you face, they almost always challenge you to grow closer to God.” An important lesson learned: “I have always believedw that God has plans for everything, but Grove City has really driven that home. Life can be hectic at GCC with everything seeming to happen at once, but no matter what I had going on, or what I thought was important, everything has always worked itself out.” Favorite professor: Dr. Erik Anderson Favorite class: “Capstone Senior Design, HPV team. I have enjoyed getting to work with a team of fellow engineers to design a specialized bike for a teen in the community who has trouble riding a normal bike.”

GREEN EYESHADE AWARD You don’t need to write to join our team! For more information about being a Collegian photographer or artist, email collegian@gcc.edu.

This week’s award goes to senior Louis Petolicchio for his consistent contributions to news and perspective sections and his willingness to write several stories for an issue multiple times.

Louis Petolicchio

Each week, The Collegian editors select a reporter, photographer or staff member who has made a valuable contribution to the paper. The Green Eyeshade Award makes a valuable addition to a portfolio or résumé.


Jan. 31, 2014

The Collegian

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‘Wicked’ excursion still popular

Stephen Dennis Contributing Writer

The 10-time Tony awardwinning musical “Wicked” has returned to the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh for a celebration of its tenth anniversary. Since the musical is a segment of Grove City College’s “In Town” Showcase Series, the College is taking a busload of students and members of the public to the 7:30 p.m. showing on Jan. 30. Melissa MacLeod of the College’s Alumni Office runs the Showcase Series program, whose mission is to connect the artistic side of the College with the students and public. The Alumni Office has brought acts such as B.E. Taylor and Julie Fowlis to campus and hopes to host future appearances by groups such as Golden Dragon Acrobatics and comedians like Jim Gaffigan. The addition of the “In Town” program to the Showcase Series was dictated by a desire to expose students to shows and performances that occur off campus. These tours take place once in the spring and once in the fall. Tour groups currently only travel to Pittsburgh, but the hope is to expand to Cleveland in the future. Charlene Shaw of the Alumni Center is thrilled with the response so far. This is the second time “Wicked” has been a sellout show for the program. As with all school sponsored activities, the College is interested in adding an educational aspect to the trip. In past events, these opportunities have included interviews and back stage tours. For “Wicked,” the Show-

WIKICOMMONS

case Series is trying something new. In cooperation with the Benedum , Lee Flynn, who played the part of Dr. Dillamond in both the Broadway production of “Wicked” as well as the Pittsburgh production, will be putting on a workshop for 20 handselected students. During the workshop, the participants will have the opportunity to experience what it is like to audition on Broadway and to have a personal critique undertaken by Flynn. The musical is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, which tells the story of the Wiz-

ard of Oz from the perspectives of Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (The Good Witch of the North), detailing the events that happened before, during and after the classic film. It is a story of unlikely friendship and political corruption. The original Broadway production of “Wicked,” which is still in production, has become one of the most successful musicals of all time, holding the distinct honor of being the only musical to gross more than both $2 and $3 million in a single week. “Wicked” is now the eleventh longest running Broadway show.

Alison Luff plays Elphaba and is no stranger to theater. She has been in Broadway productions of “Ghost: The Musical,” “Scandalous” and “Mamma Mia.” Gina Beck portrays the part of Glinda. Her acting experience includes four different roles in four productions of “Les Misérables” and over a half dozen other touring shows. The two leads are not the exception to the talent seen in this production, but the rule. Even small roles like the Flying Monkeys bring a whole new appreciation for the characters. The special effects are top notch. From flying bubbles to

soaring broom sticks, the effects are believable and add a new level of feeling to the show that transports the viewer to the Land of Oz. Unfortunately for any students who would like to attend, the show is already sold out. However, since this is the second time a trip to “Wicked” has been sold out without issue, it is reasonable to hope that the next time “Wicked” is in Pittsburgh, the students of the College will once again be there. “Wicked” performances will continue until Feb. 9.

Pay attention: Gordon combats a distracting world Zoë Gowen Staff Writer How does one of Grove City College’s most popular professors and notable celebrity keep his sanity on the College’s hectic campus? The answer is in fact quite simple: concentration for the task at hand. Dr.T. David Gordon was born in Richmond, VA where most of his family still resides. He went to Roanoke College in Salem,VA where he received his bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. His emphases were psychology, religion, English literature and Greek. He attended Westminster Seminary for three years to complete his master’s degree in theology, then received his Ph.D. from Union Theological Semi-

nary in Virginia. Gordon taught Greek and New Testament classes at Gordon Conwell for five years. Eventually he felt called to become a pastor in New Hampshire until he accepted a position at the College in the biblical and religious studies department in 1999. Gordon teaches classes in Greek, New Testament and media ecology. He is the Outing Club advisor as well as the advisor for the College’s Gun Club. In his spare time he enjoys outdoor activities as well as occasionally singing in the Bach Society concert. While other opportunities to teach have arisen, Gordon expressed his contentment at the College. Between his satisfaction through teaching on campus, coupled with his wife’s com-

munity involvement, Grove City seems to be the right place. Gordon offers one piece of advice for students: “Attentiveness,” he said. “When we lose our capacity to attend to someone, we lose our intellectual capability as well as impair our social abilities.” Gordon believes that it is a Christian’s job to encourage others. However, encouragement is not possible when their lives are filled with distractions. Gordon argues that being distracted with one’s self, personal tasks and surroundings leads people to be distracted from what really matters. “You can’t feed the hungry if you can’t see that she’s hungry,” Gordon said. Gordon encourages students to embrace tasks one at a time. Putting off distraction, like email or cell phones, naturally devel-

ops attentiveness, according to Gordon. “Some people are so used to be[ing] distracted that they don’t even know that they are,” Gordon said. After experimenting for six months, purposefully not listening to background music, Gordon discovered that he appreciates music even more. “Human sensibilities are still plastic,” Gordon explained. “They’re still shapeable.” Christians should not be attentive to others out of duty only, Gordon said. Rather, they should look to celebrate God’s created order and thus celebrate Him. “God made the world beautiful,” Gordon said. “He also gave us five senses to notice the beauty. The Psalms are split into two categories: Psalms of deliverance and praise for the world

NATHAN BERGEY/THE COLLEGIAN

God created.To care little for the world, to not notice or be attentive to it, is to not care properly.”


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Through the Lens

ICO DR

Jan. 31, 2014

We’re highlighting one of the many Inner City Outreach winter trips. These photos illustrate some of the work students did in Hato Mayor, in the Dominican Republic.

Recent ICO Trips Carillos de Poas, Costa Rica Hato Mayor, D.R. Montego Bay, Jamaica Osomo, Chile Pespire, Honduras Santo Domingo, D.R.


Jan. 31, 2014

Through the Lens

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H AT O M AY O R COURTESY DAVID MARR AND JOHN HERMESMANN


Entertainment

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Jan. 31, 2014

The game is back on

Abigail Marsan Contributing Writer

Although fan theories about the new series abound, audiences can be certain of one thing: the hiatus is over, and England’s favorite detective is back. On Jan. 1, the third series of “Sherlock” premiered in the UK and, starting Jan. 19 through Feb. 2, PBS is airing the three episodes in the U.S. each Sunday night. Because of the busy schedules of the lead actors Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes) and Martin Freeman (John Watson), finding time for filming was difficult. Both men were busy with other projects, including their involvement in the Hobbit films. For fans, it was a long and arduous wait filled with theories, rumors and speculation. Now, two years after the second season’s cliffhanger ending, the new series has finally arrived. One of the biggest changes to the third series is the introduction of Mary Morstan, played by Amanda Abbington, the real-life girlfriend of Freeman. She enters the scene as Watson’s clever and sassy girlfriend (soon-to-be fiancé), who manages to be interesting and involved without being overbearing or ruining the dynamic between Holmes and Watson. Fans have reacted positively to Morstan. The writers expertly integrated her into the story in a creative way without letting her pull the crime-solving duo apart. In an interview for the BBC, Abbington gives her take on Morstan’s relationship with Sherlock and Watson, saying that “she wants them to be together as well… and I think Sherlock re-

ally likes Mary — he sees something in her that’s a bit different.” The third series premiered with “The Empty Hearse,” an episode that follows Sherlock’s return to London, prompted by Mycroft informing him of a potential terrorist threat. Viewers get to enjoy his complicated reunion with Watson and are given an explanation as to how Sherlock faked his death at the end of series two. But soon, a new case arises when Morstan receives a threatening text. The episode manages to combine a welcomed sense of comic relief after the drama of “The Reichenbach Fall” with enough intensity and case-solving to make it fit perfectly with the expected mood of the show. “The Sign of Three” captures Watson and Morstan’s wedding, where Sherlock is faced with a new challenge: delivering his best man speech. In addition, another case arises for Sherlock when he discovers that a man has been killed with no trace of a weapon. The killer might even have a second target. The episode is filled with heartwarming moments, comical scenes and all the dramatic tension for which the audience hopes. The series finale, “His Last Vow,” holds life-changing decisions, huge twists and the edge-of-your-seat scenes that audiences have come to expect from “Sherlock” finales. In the episode, Sherlock and Watson go up against a new threat in the form of Charles Augustus Magnussen, a blackmailing genius. The episode is fast-paced and more focused on action than mystery solving, yet still thought of as a satisfying and emotionally intense series finale.

Pick of the Week

If You Wait Claire McCray WSAJ Contributor After numerous EP releases and song remixes, London Grammar finally makes its long awaited album debut with “If You Wait.” Composed of soaring and atmospheric soundscapes, “If You Wait” is the perfect album for chilly winter days and lazy Sunday afternoons. London Grammar conveys emotional lyrical content similar to that of Florence + the Machine, through IMDB.COM

The new series gives fans a noticeable shift in the focus of the episodes. While each episode has its intense scenes and casesolving, the third series gives an emotional reprieve through its humor and light-heartedness. The third series is also less caseheavy and more character-heavy than other episodes. The series satisfies with its mixture of drama and comedy. There are plenty of familiar faces, yet also new ones that only add to the storyline. While there is no way to know yet how long the wait

will be, co-creator of the show, Steven Moffat, has told “The Telegraph” as well as announcing at a screening that he and Mark Gatiss intend to produce a fourth and fifth series of the hit show. He has also said that, while they would like to release the next series with a much shorter wait than the previous two-year series gap, the actors’ schedules are unpredictable. For now, fans have to savor the third series and hope that they will not have to wait as long for the fourth.

an ambient and minimalist platform comparable to that of The xx. The results produce

a

down-tempo

debut album that is incredibly emotive and will leave listeners

wanting

more.

The album opens with a unique introduction by lead singer Hannah Reid in “Hey Now.” Backed by a fragile melody, Reid’s vocals shine and take precedence over all other parts of the track. Album standouts include “Wasting My Young Years” and “Metal & Dust.” “Wasting My Young Years” encapsulates emotions associated with the uncertainty of life and romance. A simple piano melody and minimal electronics create a haunting tone meshed with the lyrics, “You crossed this line/ Do you find it hard to sit with me tonight? / I’ve walked these miles but I’ve walked ‘em straight lined/ You’ll never know what it was like to be fine” and “Don’t you know that it’s only fear / I wouldn’t worry, you have all your life / I’ve heard it takes some time to get it right.” The ethereal vibe and minimalistic approach con-

TEASER-TRAILER.COM

‘Desolation of Smaug’ Jacob Sziráky

Not the book? Not a problem

Staff Writer

First of all, if you have not seen “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” then you should go down the hall to visit the English major who most assuredly has the theatrical version, directors cut, extended edition, and enjoy. However, for those of you who have seen the first installment of this tale, read on. “The Hobbit” is the tale of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), a stuffy hobbit set in his ways who reluctantly joins a troop of dwarves led by the “wandering wizard,” Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen). The dwarves tell Bilbo of the dragon Smaug (voice of Benedict Cumberbatch), who attacked their home, stole their treasures and killed most of their kin in a fiery holocaust. The dwarves, with Bilbo along as

their burglar, set out to reclaim their treasure and their homeland. The film differs considerably from the book on which it is based. Peter Jackson, the director, took many liberties with his film adaptation. Some components were added from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Silmarillion,” but other elements were simply invented to fill up the films in the trilogy. While the basic plotline is very similar, many details have been exaggerated or invented. The film begins with a flashback of Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), the grandson of the great dwarf king under the mountain, meeting Gandalf the Grey before the adventure begins. Gandalf presses Thorin to begin his quest to reclaim his home.Then, the film flashes forward to where the events of the first film left off. The second film can be divided into two different parts.

The first part of the film follows the dwarves through the forest of Mirkwood and the halls of Thranduil the Elf King. The second part brings them to Laketown, where they meet the smuggler Bard (Luke Evans), and finally to the Lonely Mountain where they confront Smaug. Perhaps the largest deviation from the novel is the romance that blossoms between Kili, one of the dwarves in the company, and Tauriel, a skilled wood elf archer. Despite the deviation, the romantic connection adds a fair amount of depth and makes the characters more relatable to the audience. Thus far in the franchise, viewers only see conflict and camaraderie between the characters of the film, but the romance adds a whole new dynamic for the dwarves. More controversy is also created because a love triangle

forms between Kili, Tauriel and Legolas (Orlando Bloom), the prince of the wood elves. From a cinematic standpoint, this film is a work of art. The fluid motions of Smaug as he wanders and hunts in the mountain are both natural and beautiful. The animation and set design required for the ragged Laketown and beautiful Dwarven halls are vivid and intriguing. Finally, the massive Warg and Orc armies are portrayed with computer generated images. Such technical skill involved in these images makes the film one the most ambitious in terms of production design. . For fans of “The Hobbit,” the worst news is that this filt does not complete the story. The third and final installment will not be released for another year. In the meantime, fans must sit tight until they are “there and back again.”

tinues in “Metal & Dust,” with Reid’s other band members supporting her voice through dynamic contrast. The lyrics, “And so, you built a life on trust/ Though it starts, with love and lust/ And when your house, begins to rust/ Oh, it’s just, metal and dust,” open the song with feelings of romantic reflection and continue with the urgent lyrics, “We argue/ We don’t fight,” justifying a failing relationship in either the past or the present. London Grammar is a blissful blend of ambient and ethereal styles that create a unique form of downtempo pop. Full of wistful lyrics sung with a powerful and contemplative voice, “If You Wait” is a mesmerizing album that leaves the listener wondering what London Grammar will release next.


Jan. 31, 2014

The Collegian

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‘Wolf of Wall Street’ raunchy yet relevant Grayson Quay

Entertainment Editor “The Wolf of Wall Street,” directed by Martin Scorsese, tells the story of Jordan Belfort, a man who, in the fine American tradition of Ben Franklin and Ayn Rand, conflates virtue with the ability to generate wealth. The film also contains a new record of 506 f-bombs and more nudity than a CivArts PowerPoint. Also, over the course of the movie, Belfort and his friends consume, in his words, “enough drugs to sedate Manhattan, Long Island and Queens for a month.” Belfort, a child of the middle class, starts work on Wall Street with a sense of ambition that is quickly thrown into high gear through his interactions with veteran stock broker Mark Hanna (Matthew McConaughey), who steals the show for the one scene in which he appears. Hanna tells Belfort that his approach to the job is all wrong. The focus should not be to make money for his clients, but to keep them buying stocks while pocketing the commissions. Hanna prescribes cocaine to stay focused and frequent masturbation to relieve tension. Then, Hanna begins pounding his chest and humming in what is described on the film’s soundtrack as “The Money Chant.” Belfort joins in. This is the first example of the film’s portrayal of the drive to make money as a universal throb of humanity. Later, when Belfort brings to-

gether a team to start his own firm, he pitches the idea by telling them that the one thing everyone wants is to make money. A few of the guys protest. What about the Amish? What about Buddhist monks? Belfort brushes these examples aside. He is talking about the average man. Belfort’s first crop of brokers are small-time weed dealers from his hometown, including his money-crazed friend Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill). Soon, Stratton Oakmont, the intentionally high-toned name Belfort gives to his firm, grows and begins to rip people off even more audaciously. The film’s screenplay wisely refrains from boring viewers with stock market jargon. Belfort, in one of his numerous narrations, begins to describe his largest caper, involving the initial public offering of Steve Madden Shoes, but then stops, realizing that the ins and outs do not matter. What does matter, Azoff screams, is “23 million dollars in two hours!” Belfort does not mind ripping people off. Anyone whose goal in life is not to get rich by any means necessary is a miserable failure and a lazy, stupid peasant who should, as Belfort says multiple times, go get a job at McDonald’s. When he first meets with FBI Special Agent Patrick Denham (Kyle Chandler), Belfort flaunts his lifestyle, then kicks Denham off his yacht, throwing a stack of money equal to an FBI agent’s yearly salary after him while telling him to enjoy the subway ride

MIDNIGHTREVIEW.CO.UK

home to his fat, ugly wife. In contrast, Belfort surrounds himself with the finest cars and women, including but not limited to his wife Naomi (Margot Robbie). DiCaprio’s performance has already won him a Golden Globe and will likely earn him his first Oscar. With the bulk of a three-hour film focused on him, he constantly surprises viewers. One minute he is making a bombastic speech to his brokers, the next he’s dancing, and the next he’s attempting to crawl to his car after taking too many Quaaludes, not to mention a particularly memorable scene involving a candle and a dominatrix named Venice. He makes us laugh, blush and recoil. As a narrator, DiCaprio’s Bel-

Quiet release, loud applause

fort is reminiscent of Ray Liotta’s Henry Hill in “Goodfellas” (1990). Both narrators show the audience a world that is at once depraved and seductive. At Stratton Oakmont, Belfort gets all his employees to join him in the Money Chant. He hires single mothers and recent college graduates buried in debt. They start with nothing and end up millionaires. The office is an amoral zone full of sex, drugs and general debauchery. Both Belfort and his employees come to see what they have built as the true embodiment of “the land of opportunity.” The film has been accused of glorifying Belfort’s corrupt and opulent lifestyle, but these critics fail to understand that

Scorsese’s real mission is to make a deep incision into the dark heart of the American Dream. For Belfort, the ability to make money is, to quote Ayn Rand, “the only system of morality that’s on a gold standard,” and his talent for doing so makes all things permissible for him. The true outrage, Scorsese shows, is that people tend to agree. Today, Belfort works as a motivational speaker. The final shot of the film lingers on the rapt faces of his audience. Scorsese is accusing Americans. A culture that thinks Belfort is worth listening to may be more depraved than the man himself.

Winter Film Festival Throughout the month of February, the Office of Multicultural Recruiting and Retention and the Office of International Education will be hosting a free film festival. At 7 p.m. each Thursday, a film will be shown in Sticht Lecture Hall to promote awareness of diversity and related issues.

February 6

“The Passion of the Christ” Introduction by Dr. Stanley Keehlwetter

February 13

BEYONCE.COM

Ryan Hampton Staff Writer

When you are one of the most recognizable celebrities on the planet, it is difficult to do anything in complete secrecy, but Beyoncé’s release of her selftitled fifth album took the world by surprise. In contrast to her husband Jay Z’s release of his most recent album (the instantly forgettable “Magna Carta Holy Grail”), Beyoncé quietly uploaded the album and its accompanying video album to iTunes on Dec. 13, without having released any prior singles. Regarding the album’s unorthodox release, Beyoncé asserted that modern releases are “all about the single, and the hype” and that there is “so much that gets between the music and the art and the fans.” She wanted fans’ first exposure to her album to be an “immersive experience.” Ultimately, the risky strategy has paid off to the tune of more than 3 million album sales to date and widespread critical acclaim. Hailed by many as her best work, Beyoncé’s fifth album is also her most sonically diverse album. While it features songwirting and production from a bevy

of pop and hip-hop mainstays such as Timbaland, The-Dream and Jerome Harmon, Beyoncé also incorporates other talents like virtually unknown producer, Boots, whose darkly atmospheric work on “Haunted” renders it an album highlight. Beyoncé also has a knack for seamlessly incorporating sounds perfected by other artists into her own work, as evidenced by standout track “Mine,” a Drakeassisted number produced by the Toronto rapper’s longtime collaborator, Noah “40” Shebib. One of the most personal tracks on the album, “Mine,” features lines such as “Been having conversations about break-ups and separations/ I’m not feeling like myself since the baby,” an apparent reference to struggles with postpartum depression. Elsewhere, the album’s lyrical content is equally frank. Songs like “Blow” and “Drunk in Love” (a track featuring Jay Z which benefits from the work of producer Detail as well as Beyoncé’s supremely confident delivery), both center around the emotional and sexual satisfaction Beyoncé derives from her marriage. Mid-album cut, “Partition,” would have been at home on a Destiny’s Child album with its trap instrumental and lines like

“See me up in the club with fifty-eleven girls/ Posted in the back, diamond fangs in my grill.” Beyoncé seems comfortable navigating through her most hip-hop oriented solo album, “Beyoncé,” even after enjoying crossover appeal for more than a decade. The album also includes some eccentric twists such as the sampling of a quote from Nigerian poet Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on feminist track “Flawless.” Beyoncé even features her own daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, on the final track, “Blue.” The 32-year-old queen of pop has achieved a major victory with her new album. Despite a non-existent marketing campaign, the “immersive experience” Beyoncé hoped for has been achieved in the month and a half since the album’s release. Most pop albums are indeed disposable because of the amount of hype and number of singles that precede their releases, but Beyoncé has created a blueprint for album releases that will likely be imitated in the future. Of course, the strategy was predicated on the finished product being something worth devouring whole, and in this regard “Beyoncé” exceeds the expectations of many and delivers her best work to date.

“The Pursuit of Happyness” Introduction by Dr. Lawrence Walker

February 20

“The Kite Runner” Introduction by Dr. Eric Tuten

February 27 “Invictus”

Introduction by Dr. Samuel Stanton

WIKIPEDIA.ORG, IMPAWARDS.COM, AND IMDB.COM


Page 10

Perspectives

Jan. 31, 2014

Stepping out on the waters Emily Thompson Contributing Writer “So, what are your plans for next year?” This question is a commonly heard one for seniors. If I had the audacity, I would have used this response a few dozen times over the course of the last few weeks: “I hope to grow in my relationship with the Lord and further His kingdom as I serve others.” My recent conversations with family members and friends have been peppered with well-meant, but wearing questions regarding what seems to be a looming and precarious future. What I am leaving is safe and familiar, and the anxiety I feel regarding this impending transition is great enough without incessant reminders of the discrepancies between where I am now and what I do not know about where I will be eight months from now. Think of Timothy, the student of the apostle Paul. When Paul writes his last letter to Timothy, he is in Rome and knows that his death is imminent. Paul’s reference to Timothy as his “dear son” reflects their close relationship. I cannot help but read this final correspondence with a sense of Paul’s emotion as he writes for probably the last time to this young man in whom he has invested so much time, training

and affection. Given the context in which Paul is writing, it is in some ways astounding how short this letter is. Equally impressive is the clarity of focus of his message. What might be considered Paul’s farewell to his student is, in fact, hardly that. There is little reminiscing and no remorse as Paul uses his precious final words to exhort Timothy and to remind him of the value of the truth of the gospel. Paul is consciously freeing Timothy to go and do what he was made to do, essentially telling Timothy that he no longer needs Paul because he is fully equipped for the work that God has prepared for him to do. The story of Timothy is a powerful one to consider as we seniors find ourselves in similar situations. Throughout the last four years we have been nurtured and taught by faculty members, coaches, mentors and friends. There are relationships which will be very difficult for me to leave behind at the end of this year because I am afraid of losing the support they have provided in so many areas of my life. But just as Timothy’s ministry did not end when Paul stopped mentoring him, ours does not end when we leave Grove City College. Paul employed his last words to encourage Timothy to continue in what he had been taught. As we step into the next

season of our lives, we must recognize that what we have gained here is not meant to be left here; rather, it is intended to be taken and passed on to others through us. Like Timothy, we have been equipped in order that we might go out, not only able to defend our faith, but also able to live it

Staff Writer For some, it is the landmark event that empowered women across the nation to assert their independence and to choose their own destiny. For others, it was the day that the United States government endorsed the cultural movement of exterminating an entire class of people. Regardless, the decision of Roe v. Wade is still widely disputed today. Just over 41 years ago, a watershed Supreme Court case decided that the illegality of abortion was violating rights of privacy and due process. It declared, in a 7-2 decision, that a woman has the right to decide whether or not she wishes to terminate her pregnancy. This decision split the nation into pro-life and pro-choice sides, and the last four decades have been spent in virulent debate about the subject. However, with healthcare, the economy, national security and continuing conflict overseas occupying the forefront of most American minds, the issue of abortion became something of a forgotten, back-burner issue over the last few years. Or at least it was, until the filibuster of Texas Senator Wendy Davis this past summer. Opposing sources like to claim that our generation is either the most pro-life generation or, conversely, the most pro-choice generation since the decision of Roe v. Wade. However, a poll taken last year on the website Gallup indicates that Americans are as sharply divided as ever on the subject, evenly split down the middle, with the pro-choice sentiment only 9 percent more prevalent among our generation,

and 3 percent less prevalent in American adults overall. Further, the past 10 years’ data fluctuates widely. The point is, this battle is one that is not going to go away if we ignore it, and more importantly, neither side has the upper hand. Pro-choice victories include more and more respected people and organizations declaring that fetuses are not actually children, and pro-life victories include the march of medical technology steadily rolling back the “age of viability,” the stateprotected age when an unborn child can be kept alive outside of the womb. It is easy to lose focus of the debate in a primarily pro-life institution like Grove City College, but it is important to keep in mind that both sides are extremely passionate for what they see as a good cause. For the prochoice movement, it is about preserving women’s rights, a precious commodity only gained in the past hundred years or so. Much ado is made of the fact that “rich, old, white men” are trying to re-assert their power over women and their wombs. The fact is that there are just as many “rich, old, white men” who are actively campaigning for pro-choice movements. It is not strictly a male conspiracy either since the narrow plurality of American woman is often found to be staunchly pro-life. The pro-life movement is about human rights in general. To the majority of pro-lifers, the fetus is its own human being and deserves the same rights and protections that we demand for every other member of humanity. Whether considered an unborn child or merely having the potential to become a child, the pro-life movement sees it as an innocent life to be guarded, and

understanding that will enable our faith to undergird all that we say and do. I do not intend to mitigate the conspicuous lack of practical application in what I have written thus far regarding the ever-present question of next year. My purpose is not to give advice,

THEAMERICANSCHOLAR.COM

and preach it for the good of others. In light of this, though a facetious (and perhaps slightly impudent) response to the ubiquitous question regarding the future, the above reply may not be so far from the truth if we have in mind the grander purpose for which we are being prepared. In this season, I feel the unpredictability and instability of

Looking back on Roe v. Wade Louis Petolicchio

life. I grieve the loss of the good I have known in the last four years, and, quite frankly, there are moments in which it requires much effort for me to regard the future with hope. But no matter how tempting it is to ruminate on the anxiety I feel right now, it does no good to rest there.

to this movement, the legalization of abortion is seen as nothing short of genocide. Even though both sides are much more complex and multifaceted than their opposing numbers like to paint them, the issue is still ultimately very black and white: should someone be allowed to kill a fetus — or baby? The matter strikes particularly close to home for me. At least one prenatal physician, after some early ultrasounds and testing, became convinced that even if my mother could successfully carry me to term, I would not have been born a healthy, normal child, and he advised her to abort the pregnancy to save herself the trouble. This story is not unique, and there are many others who have led rich and successful lives after coming close to never existing in the same way. Luckily for myself and my younger brother, my mother found a new doctor. Whether you consider them a fetus or an unborn child, they are not just simply glorified “tumors” as some like to claim. They are genetically unique entities that, at the very least, have the potential to become people. At the moment, it seems that the only thing that decides their humanity is whether or not the mother wishes to keep it. The issue is far from being resolved and continues to divide America, but it goes beyond women’s rights alone, and extends to the right to allow or deny someone life. This issue is not just for women. It is an issue for everyone who has ever been born; it is an issue for people. Whether for or against it, everyone has a right and obligation to at least familiarize themselves with what is still a critical national issue.

I could not stay at the College another year, not because my time here has not been favorable and formational (both of which it most certainly has been), but because the College and all that it has to offer is not an end point. Our time here is intended to prepare us and to equip us to take the next step with confidence, knowing that we have been given the resources and

but to remind you of all that you have already been given and to encourage you to engage these resources and your faith wherever you may be at this time next year. “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it …” (II Timothy 3:14).

Editorial

The importance of the presidential search Dan Johnson Managing Editor The identity of the next president of Grove City College is important to students who attend the College in the future. It should be important for those who attend now, too. Whether the next president is in the position for 10 years or 30, the direction of the College is at stake. A large number of highprofile positions at the College have seen a change of face in a very short span. Provost Dr. Robert Graham was new to his position at the beginning of the academic year. Dean of Calderwood School Dr. David Ayers took up the post on the heels of Dr. John Sparks’ (’66) retirement over the summer as well. Concerned parties look to the immediate future as well. Vice President of Operations Thomas Gregg’s resignation tenders within the next month. Last, the retirement of College President Dr. Richard Jewell ’67 is effective at the end of the school year. All these positions are near the top of the administrative totem pole. These are influential positions within the College, but none so much as the office of president. Jewell has offered to continue to support the College in its fundraising efforts, but the fact remains that the face of Grove City College will be a different one in the very near

future. The future president will guide the College through a period that has seen increases in costs and increased questioning of the value of college education on the national level. There are a few big numbers the newcomer will need to address as well. Acceptance rates have risen of late (the acceptance rate was a lean 57 percent in 2006, as documented in the Middle States Report), and the College will look to increase the number of applicants accordingly. Fundraising will be another key focus. While a good portion of the “Grove City Matters” capital campaign has been met (over 78 percent of the $90 million goal at time of publication), there is a sizable sum of money yet needed to meet the scholarship and entrepreneurship goals. The president sets the tone for the rest of the administration, so the importance of the position should not be understated. The position is one central to the heart of the College and its many parts. It is why former students wanted to be heard in the decision. It is why some current students are pushing just as hard to be heard. The face behind the president’s desk is more than just a figurehead. That fact should not be lost on anyone considering the future of the College as well as its president-to-be.


Jan. 31, 2014

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Searching for a libertarian Jesus Dr. Gillis J. Harp and Dr. Michael Coulter Albert Schweitzer once commented that many scholars who had searched for the historical Jesus had, in a sense, looked down into a well and seen themselves. In searching for a Christian rationale for their ideal minimalist state, some religious libertarians appear to be indulging in a similar sort of well gazing. The case for a libertarian Jesus varies widely but often entails the observation that Christ never used coercive measures in helping people and that therefore any government intervention to help people — because it is coercive — is not following the example of Jesus and hence is immoral. The problems with this approach to such a complex subject are many, but at least three difficulties spring to mind. First, it surely overlooks the use of force when Jesus drove the money changers from the Temple. Moreover, the fact that Jesus never himself used state power to compel good behavior (an unlikely course since Roman authorities executed him for

sedition) is hardly a blanket argument against government intervention. Must Christians — because of the example of Jesus — oppose states enacting sabbatarian laws or limiting access to pornography? How about making drivers wear seatbelts? There might be prudential reasons for opposing such laws, but Jesus’ teaching doesn’t address them. In addition to punishing criminals, governments can use their power to do positive good, such as sometimes using force so that child support is paid by a non-custodial parent. Government can also use its power to discourage some harmful behaviors, such as divorce or public drunkenness. Nothing in Jesus’ teaching explicitly rules out these kinds of state actions. The Gospels do certainly offer ethical principles, such as the Golden Rule, but they don’t provide a blueprint for health insurance regulations or tariff policy. Second, in order to avoid a one-dimensional approach, one needs to ask not only “What would Jesus do?” but what is the ethical teaching of the entire Christian scriptures, Old and New Testaments? Portions of

the Pentateuch, the Prophets and the Pauline epistles shed light on what a Christian model of the state might look like. Yet, in this broader Biblical portrait, one finds little justification for either state socialism or the minimalist “night watchman” state popular among libertarians. The prophet Amos, for instance, is particularly sharp in his denunciations of magistrates exploiting and cheating the poor.Though most of Israel’s human kings failed miserably, the Old Testament conceives of government as serving not only a negative task but also a positive role in promoting justice among its people and demonstrating concern for the poor. This portrait is echoed in the New Testament. Political theorist Paul Marshall puts it well when he writes, “Jesus and Paul say more than merely that governments are servants. Paul says that they are ‘God’s servants for your good’ (Romans, 13:4) … This is the core of the gospel message for politics—that political authority exists for the good of the citizenry … that government is called under God to minister and administer justice for the benefit of all people and to de-

fend those who are oppressed.” Third, since Jesus laid out general ethical principles rather than a detailed political or economic model, it is especially important not to ignore how Christians through the centuries have sought to apply these principles in practical ways. If the New Testament is short on concrete applications, consulting the writings and actions of the Christian Church since the early centuries is essential. The portrait of the state that emerges from such an historical survey bears little resemblance to the rigid minimal state championed by some. For more than 2,000 years, Christians (and since the Reformation, both Roman Catholics and Protestants) have argued vehemently against separating political economy from ethical concerns and both have used the state to help the less fortunate. While Christians have emphasized the importance of individual charity, they have rarely assumed some abstract theoretical barrier that completely excludes state support for the poor or dispossessed. Perhaps one should not be too harsh in criticizing this particular libertarian project. Though mis-

guided, such efforts do represent a welcome departure from the position of one the movement’s most revered icons—economist Ludwig von Mises. Mises was no fan of Jesus’ economics. He asserted that Jesus’ “teachings had no moral applications to life on earth.” Mises contended that, “Jesus offers no rules for earthly action and struggle; his Kingdom is not of this world. Such rules of conduct as he gives his followers are valid only for the short interval of time which has still to be lived while waiting for the great things to come … In God’s Kingdom the poor shall be rich, but the rich shall be made to suffer.” As for the religion Jesus founded, Mises was convinced that “A living Christianity cannot, it seems, exist side by side with Capitalism.” He concluded bluntly that, “the clearest modern parallel to the attitude of complete [social] negation of primitive Christianity is Bolshevism.” So, Christian libertarians have one thing right: Mises was wrong that being a follower of Christ leads one to think or behave like a Bolshevik. But neither was Jesus a libertarian.

Profs, don’t cater to Subsidizers Mark Mariani Staff Writer Dear professors: It should be noted that this letter is written on the behalf of a specific group of students, and therefore a prefatory distinction should be made to avoid confusion. A few years ago, a professor made an interesting observation that identified two types of students at Grove City College: Students and Subsidizers. A Subsidizer is the student who might be engrossed in his computer, dozing off or whispering with his friends in the back of the classroom. He might ask you to repeat exact phrases so his notes can be complete for the upcoming exam, for which he will memorize everything, probably get an A and then forget all of it shortly afterward. The reason he is called a Subsidizer is because he makes learning for the Students cheaper through his generous $10,000 donations each semester. A Student, on the other hand, might range anywhere on the grading scale, pending certain factors. But, regardless of the grade, the Student will most likely be engaged in the class material, and probably spends much of his or her free time reading various books on all sorts of subjects outside of class. The Student devours lecture material and often raises insightful questions that allow for excellent dialogue. His papers are a joy to read, and it would not be uncommon for you to find the Student’s genuine interest an encouragement in your semester of teaching. Unfortunately, the Student is in the minority when considering all students on campus.

Affording outlying cases, there seems to be a miniscule amount of students engaged in lecture material while many others wish to be elsewhere. One common problem raised by a class geared toward Subsidizers is that Students feel intellectually leashed by certain lectures that provide large chunks of matter-of-fact information. Surely a list of rather straightforward facts could be as easily ascertained from a textbook. The purpose of lectures, as far as these Students are concerned, is not merely to gather straightforward information but to be shepherded through the hardto-understand information. Many lectures, however, fall short of allowing this, because many Subsidizers are only considering the “what” of the information and not the “why” that directs it. Understandably, given the sheer quantity of Subsidizers, you sometimes gear lectures toward the latter group. Students, on the other hand, can gather the “what” fairly well, albeit imperfectly, from the outside-class reading, yet want an opportunity to work out the inconsistencies that they have failed to resolve on their own. The Students really need you, the professor, to guide them with your expertise. But as it is, they are not free to ask their questions lest the class fall behind in the lectures. To avoid this concern, please consider taking the Student, not the Subsidizer, into primary account when you structure your classes this semester. Keep in mind that this plea is not simply for the benefit of the Students, but also for the Subsidizers. In structuring your classes toward the Students, Subsidizers can have their lack of interest

confronted by the cold hard reality of a bad grade. They cannot avoid such a grade through rote memorization and a thick stack of notecards. These are not methods of genuine learning; rather, they are methods of short-term knowledge acquisition. From this approach, Subsidizers will discover that which they do not want: a genuine education. However, you would ultimately help the Subsidizer in affording him this realization, so that he might realize this deficiency in his educational goals and alter course. With hope, the Subsidizer can become a Student through this proposed change. Meanwhile, the Students in the class will be wasting less of their time and will be allowed to thrive in an environment of learning you will have set before them. Both Student and Subsidizer can reach a point of enlightenment, abandon an inferior position for a much stronger one, or creatively synthesize facts in such a way that they have never considered. Professors, you know why you teach: you want to convey the beauty of your subject to pupils who can enjoy it alongside you. Remember that small pocket of Students who will take that knowledge into the world and make a difference with it. Take account for those Students who earnestly desire to learn your subject material, and for the Subsidizers who might become Students thanks to your dedication and passion. You have brilliant minds and the Student knows it, but he only has access to you during office hours; he wants to hear your deep synthesis in the classroom as well.

BRANDON FERRIS

Letters to the Editor policy Letters to the Editor should be sent to collegian@gcc.edu. They must be received by midnight on Sunday and must not exceed 300 words. The Collegian reserves the right to edit or hold any letter. Anonymous letters will not be printed.


Sports

Page 12

Joe Setyon

Jan. 31, 2014

Slow start leaves hope for future

Contributing Writer

The Grove City women’s basketball team, with a season record of 4-13 and a record of 3-8 in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference, continued their sluggish start to the season with a 112-49 loss Saturday at unbeaten Thomas More College (180, 11-0 PAC). It has been a disappointing first year under head coach Chelle Fuss in terms of wins and losses thus far, but it has not been without bright spots. Though Grove City has struggled mightily this year, the team has shown signs of improvement at some points, which it will look to capitalize on for the rest of the season into next year. For instance, junior guard Kelsey Shirey leads the team in scoring with 11.6 points per game as well as in assists, while also contributing an average of four rebounds in each contest. Shirey only scored eight points against Thomas More, but shot 50 percent (two of four) from behind the arc in an effort that displayed her propensity to catch fire from threepoint range. Another bright spot is sophomore forward Kathryn Erbelding, who is averaging 10.6 ppg and 5.9 rebounds per game. She scored six points on Saturday, shooting 3-6 from the floor, but also collected six rebounds. Forward sophomores Mary McDonald and Ausinette Rodriguez, forward seniors Annie Wells and Hannah Jo Coneby, and junior guard Cayley McClean have also proven that they are valuable players on the team.

DAVE MILLER/ADM PHOTOGRAPHY

Senior Louis Gabriele has been a stabilizing force for the men, while junior Richie Klimek (below) and sophomore Carolyn Eckendorf have led the Wolverines in diving.

Wolverines dominant in PAC

Ian Mikrut Sports Editor

DAVE MILLER/ADM PHOTOGRAPHY

Some bright spots have emerged in an otherwise forgettable season. Freshman guard, like Jackie Stewart, who could figure into the Wolverines’ future.

Even on Saturday when Grove City only shot 33 percent from the field and allowed nearly 62 percent of Thomas More’s shots to go down on their way to yielding 112 points, freshman guard Jackie Stewart stood out. Stewart has started 10 games this year, averaging 4.6 ppg and 1.9 rpg. On Saturday, Stewart scored 8 points, shooting three of five field goals. Grove City will certainly look to Stewart’s development as part of an attempt to improve in the future. The glimmer of what might be to come for this team was on display in the first half of last Wednesday’s home game against Westminster College. During those 20 minutes of action, the Wolverines played al-

most flawlessly, shooting 48 percent from the field and sinking 5-7 three-pointers. Shirey especially was on fire, scoring 18 points on 7-for-8 shooting. Even more impressive was the defense, which held Westminster to just 24 percent shooting. Westminster came roaring back in the second half to win by 10 points, but the first half of this game showed the Wolverines’ capability. It has been a tough year for the Grove City women’s basketball team, but fans should have hope. The Wolverines, led by an extremely competent coach and anchored by solid players all around, have the potential to turn things around. The only question that remains is when they will turn this potentiality into actuality.

Men’s basketball middle of PAC

Ian Mikrut Sports Editor

The Grove City men’s basketball team finds itself in an interesting position for the second half of a season that sees the Wolverines with an 8-10 overall record. With a 5-5 record in Presidents’ Athletic Conference play, the team is tied for fourth place in conference standings with Washington & Jefferson College. Prior to last week’s blowout loss to Thomas More College, the Wolverines had been on a two game winning streak. The 79-54 setback on the road saw Grove City shoot an uncharacteristic 41 percent from the field. A 26-7 run by Thomas More at the end of the first half certainly didn’t help Grove City either. “We’ve consistently been shooting the ball very well this season, which had been one of our goals coming into this year,” senior guard Evan Schell said. “It was really disappointing to come out so flat in a big road game, especially since we took a win from [Thomas More] at home

earlier this year,” he said. Schell scored seven points off the bench in just six minutes of play. Most of the success Grove City has found this season has been on their home court. The Wolverines are 6-2 when playing at the Wolvarena while only 2-8 on the road. While it is not necessarily surprising that a team would play better at home, the differentials in this case are particularly interesting. “We definitely enjoy playing here at Grove City,” junior guard J.T. Schwartz said. “The home crowd has been really great to play in front of in recent years. It’s really awesome to have people excited about home games.” Schwartz has been one of Grove City’s top offensive performers, averaging 9.8 points per game with 2.4 assists while averaging nearly two steals per game on the defensive end. The scoring duo of juniors Mitch Marmelstein and Brian Giesler has still consistently been the most effective threat of the Wolverine offense. With 224 points apiece on the season so far, they lead the team in

individual scoring at 13.2 points per game. Marmelstein also leads the team in rebounds and assists with 4.8 and 2.4 points per game, respectively. Giesler has made an astounding 57 three-pointers on the season, shooting .404 from deep range. While teams have definitely made adjustments to the Wolverine’s high-octane shooting offense, part of Grove City’s identity is depth in shooting. “Like we’ve said since day one, shooting is a significant strength we have on this team,” Schell said. “I think we definitely know who we are as a unit, and while teams have made adjustments on us we’re still playing our style effectively.” Grove City will close out the latter half of the schedule with seven more conference games and only one non-conference match-up. After Wednesday’s loss at Waynesburg, the quest for the Wolverines to contend in the PAC continues Saturday at home, where they have played some of their best basketball of the season, against Bethany College.

Although both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams are both hovering around .500 overall in their respective seasons so far (with the men sitting at 4-7 and the women with a record of 6-5), both teams are undefeated in President’s’ Athletic Conference competition at 2-0. Both records place the teams in a tie for first place in the conference. In the last conference matchup against Washington & Jefferson College, the men’s team dominated in a 150-134 win against the Presidents while the women’s team also took care of business at home, winning 150-133. Sweeps across events were plenty for the men’s team as senior Louis Gabriele won both the 100 and 200 breast stroke after posting times of 59.27 seconds and 2:17.86, respectively. Junior Richie Klimek won both the 1-meter and 3-meter diving competitions for the Wolverines by posting scores of 264.50 and 192 points, respectively. The women’s team also saw success coming from individual dominance of events. The women received a large boost in diving as sophomore Carolyn Eckendorf scored 210.95 points on the 1-meter dive and 250 points on the 3-meter dive to sweep both events. Junior Lauren Cassano won both the 100 and 200 backstroke events for Grove City, posting times of

1:02.63 and 2:17.01. Both teams’ relay races and individual medleys were successes as well, leading them to the big victory over another conference opponent. Though the nationally ranked No. 43 Grove City team struggled against No. 3 Denison University en route to 194-99 loss for the men and a 193-104 loss for the women, both teams were able to bounce back with wins against State University of New York at Fredonia. The Wolverines continue PAC swimming and diving action Saturday at Bethany College.

Support Your Wolverines! January 31 - February 8 Swimming and Diving Sat. 11 a.m. Pitt Quad (A) Sat. 1 p.m. Bethany (A) (Split Squad Meets) Women’s Basketball Sat. 1 p.m. Bethany (H) Mon. 7 p.m. Franciscan (H) Wed. 7 p.m. Chatham (A) Sat. 1 p.m. Saint Vincent (H) Men’s Basketball Sat. 3 p.m. Bethany (H) Sat. 3 p.m. Saint Vincent (H)


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