The Collegian – September 4, 2015

Collegian

The Page 5 Friday, September 4, 2015

The Grove City College Student Newspaper

Vol. 102, No. 1

GCC comes out on top

Grove City College ranked highly by Money, Forbes and Princeton Review Molly Wicker News Editor

This summer marked a banner season for Grove City College, as numerous organizations ranked the College as one of the nation’s top institutions.

In July, after researching 736 colleges and universities that have higher-thanaverage graduation rates and bond ratings, indicating

financial stability, Money magazine ranked Grove City College high on their list of “Best Colleges.”

Despite the ever-shifting national standards for postsecondary education, for nearly 140 years since its founding, the College has held true to its mission to provide students with a rich academic tradition at an amazing value, all in a Christian community.

Based on educational quality, affordability, and alumni earnings, Grove City College ranked among the top ten Pennsylvania schools, putting the college in the top 12 percent nationally.

The College was also identified in the top 50 schools on the list of “Most Affordable Private Colleges” and “Best Colleges You Can Actually Get Into.”

The Washington Post re-

cently published an article indicating the ranking system used by Money as one of the most reliable when seeking to “answer the return on investment question,” something plaguing the mind of many high school seniors and their parents.

For parents of current college students, the list also provides helpful information in determining a student’s job placement potential.

The evidence that Grove City College is a sound financial decision for students and parents continues: the College’s own nationally ranked Career Services Office offers research and internship opportunities and an extensive alumni network, working hard to ensure a 95 percent job and graduate school placement rate six months RANKING 2

College raised $95 mil. after four years of fundraising Molly Wicker News Editor

After nearly four years of fundraising, a $7 million contribution to Grove City College helped meet and surpass the goal of the College’s largest and most successful capital campaign.

Grove City Matters: A Campaign to Advance Grove City College raised a record $95 million.

Support for Grove City Matters came from Grove City’s expansive alumni base and a network of friends of the College who have pledged themselves to the historic mission of providing a rich academic tradition at an amazing value in a community of Christian learners.

Notable gifts to the campaign included: $4.5 million from the Richard King Mellon Foundation for STEM Hall, $3 million for the Christian activities building from Jayne and David R. Rathburn ’79, chairman of the College’s Board of Trustees, $1 million from Richard G. Staley ’62 for STEM Hall and the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and $7 million from an anonymous donor.

“For nearly 140 years, Grove City College has been committed to the mission of preparing young men and women to be exemplary citizens through an extraordinary education impacting heads, hearts and hands.

The success of this capital campaign makes it clear that this mission is valuable and important to thousands of individual donors. Each gift is a validation of the great work the College is engaged in,” President Paul McNulty said.

Jeff Prokovich ’89, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, echoed a similar sentiment saying, “We are enormously grateful to everyone who gave to Grove City Matters and gratified that the College is where they decided to dedicate CAMPAIGN 2

Freshman arrival

PATTY FOLKERTS

Members of the Orientation Board moved freshmen (and everything but the kitchen sink) into their residence halls on August 20. The arrival of a new crop of students prompted Perspectives contributor Thomas Kutz to offer some unsolicited advice to the campus newbies.

See his “Dear Freshman” letter on page 10.

English Department welcomes new faculty, new chair Kathleen McAlister Contributing Writer At the close of last year, Drs. James Dixon, Diane Dixon, and Janice Brown retired and the Grove City College Department of English lost 78 combined years of experience.

While missing those academic giants, Dr. H. Collin Messer, this year’s new Chair of the Department, expressed his excitement for the new year and the new additions to the department.

“So far, a week in, it’s been great. We’re really thankful for the new faculty,” said Dr. Messer.

Drs. Sarina Moore and Kristin Waha, professors of literature coming to Grove

City College from Calvin College and University of California, Davis, Messer respectively, are equally thrilled to join the other English faculty. Both have enjoyed their first week of teaching at the College.

“It’s been delightful! I’ve enjoyed engaging with the faculty and the students,” Dr. Waha said, mentioning that the feeling of community and the opportunity for interaction is one of the factors that drew her to this position, as well as the opportunity for

teaching such a wide range of material. “I’m still looking for different ways to get more involved in campus life, whether through organizations or the department.”

“It’s been a great first week, just meeting students.

I love the quality of questions they have, their curiosity and liveliness. I’ve also been surprised by how many students I have had come and introduce themselves to me,” Dr. Moore said.

In an effort to integrate the new faculty, or as Dr. Messer has phrased it, “enfold them,” the faculty has been getting to know each other and sharing their thoughts and dreams for the English Department going forward.

“We’re all vibrant char-

acters, but we have always deeply cared about each other, something we really want to continue,” Dr. Messer said Before classes began, the entire English faculty, including the new writing professors, went on a retreat together. They are planning another half-day retreat for Labor Day. “It’ll be a time to talk about the dream for the department after losing the Dixons and Dr. Brown, who shaped this department, down to the curriculum with Brit Lit and Literary Criticism,” Dr. Moore said.

Both Dr. Waha and Dr. Moore mentioned classes they would love to one day ENGLISH 2

Life

The Lens

E!

Perspectives

Sports

Is she really going out with him? Facebook page will tell you.

Page 3

Shaking and signing, freshmen get to mingle at the Graffiti Dance.

Page 6

The Beatles have been a classic for ages, ever wondered why?

Page 6

Unraveling perceptions of the Confederate flag.

Page 9

Men’s soccer program facing an exciting challenge.

Page 12

The Collegian

Page 2

Violence and social media A reflection on the Virginia shootings

Molly Wicker News Editor

The slaying of two journalists on Wednesday, Aug. 26, as they broadcasted live to television audiences in Virginia has been seared on the screens and the minds of everyone involved. The gunman was a fired television reporter with a history of conflicts, his rage stoked by perceived racial injustice.

On Wednesday, when he sought revenge against two former colleagues, the shooter Vester Lee Flanagan used social media to record his crimes live from multiple angles before posting them online for the world to see.

According to authorities, Flanagan, age 41, waited until Alison Parker and Adam Ward, two young journalists at WDBJ in Roanoke, were on air to shoot and kill them, all while recording the scene with his own video camera.

After escaping the scene of the crime, he wrote about the shooting on Twitter, uploaded his video to Facebook, and sent a letter to ABC News, in which he spoke of his admiration toward mass killers as well as describing the hardships he faced as a black man.

The day began in the most routine of ways. Parker, a reporter, and Ward, a cameraman, were working on a story about the 50th anniversary

of Smith Mountain Lake, an idyllic reservoir in Virginia.

The two stood on a balcony overlooking the lake, talking with the executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The shooting began around 6:45 a.m., and Flanagan uploaded the disturbing video onto the Internet shortly after. He wrote on Twitter, “I filmed the shooting see Facebook.” The 56-second video uploaded there was apparently filmed using a body camera worn by the gunman.

The video shows Flanagan waiting until the journalists were on air before raising a handgun and firing at pointblank range, ensuring their almost-immediate death.

The station’s own footage shows Parker screaming and stumbling backward as shots ring out and the camera falls to the ground. Eight distinct shots can be heard before the broadcast returns to a confused and stunned anchor in the studio. Parker, age 24, and Ward, age 27 were pronounced dead at the scene.

A third member of the crew was wounded and underwent surgery, but was expected to survive. Flanagan shot and killed himself hours later after being surrounded by police on a local highway.

Both social media accounts used by the shooter were registered under his previously known name, Bryce Wil-

liams. They were both shut down within hours of the incident.

The shooting and the chilling video which followed marks a new chapter in the intersection of social media, violence, and journalism. Social media is a huge part of the lives of everyday Americans, and there seems to be growing evidence to support the role that social media plays in gun violence, both directly and indirectly. Similar to the cyber-bullying phenomenon of the mid-2000’s, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube have become a platform for ordinary people to perpetuate their violent tendencies.

A 2012 story published by ABC News explores the ways in which Chicago gang members used social media sites to promote violence, make threats, “call out” rival gangs, and recruit members.

In Roanoke, the killings place into sharp focus the role of social media in spreading hate and violence.

While Twitter faced backlash over their auto-play feature, which rolls video regardless of whether users want to see them or not, Parker’s boyfriend used his own Twitter account to publicly declare his love and devotion to his slain fiancé. The contrast is striking. How does social media, a place where narcissism, fame and a desire for notoriety become a platform for a killer and a lover, just

mere hours apart?

One expert claimed that “sites such as Twitter and Facebook encourage the instinct of human beings to draw attention to themselves as well as fueling any tendencies to self-absorption.

They can serve also as an echo chamber, fanning even the most deluded beliefs and distorted theories, while normalizing deviant behavior through the discovery of likeminded people.”

Yet, it is all too easy to blame a form of media for flaw in human nature other deeply-rooted problems in society. Over the year, this and other unprompted killings have raised a host of ethical and moral questions over social media, media rights, viewing obligations and even the standards for journalism.

As people grapple with these questions, it is ignorant to use faulty judgement to permanently damn social media.

Social media, like iphones or email accounts, is a byproduct of the modern age of communication, an; as such, it can be used for good or evil. It can unite people for a common cause, encourage community, and diffuse power, but it can also be a ticking time-bomb, a place where people are caught in a web of lies and deceit. Like most things in the world, it is tainted with the stain of a fallen people.

RANKING

PATTY FOLKERTS

Opening Convocation

President Paul J. McNulty addresses the College in Harbison Chapel at Opening Convocation.

Social work program receives early recognition Molly Wicker News Editor The Grove City College Department of Sociology recently received numerous accolades for their fledgling program in social work, led by the department’s Dr. Lisa Hosack. oAlthough the program began only two years ago,mthe Social Work Degree Guide ranked the program as 14 on a nationwide list oh Christian collegesaoffering social work degrees.

The Social Work Degree Guide i, the leading online resource for information about educational and career options in social work and recognized Grove City College’s social work program due to its unique approach.

“I think the ranking validates the overall direction where we are currently headed.“We have a social work minor which includes foundational courses in the discipline, but if we receive the approval of the College Board in November, we will enter into candidacy for national accreditation for a BSW program in early 2016.”

Dr. Hosack said.

Because Grove City does not offer a major in social work, students are encouraged to pursue a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in social work. This allows students to focus on the broader spectrum of sociological thought that social work fits into. In addition to traditional field-work classes, the College’s program

allows students to “explore topics in white collar crime, the sociology of religion, and the sociology of deviant behavior.”

More and more Christian colleges are developing social work programs, which appeal to students pursuing thgse professions.

“My sincere hope is that we have a fully accredited social work major which attracts students to Grove City College who desire to learn how to integrate their faith and the incredibly rich discipline of social wor“. Our goal is to prepare students not just to practice competently, but to have the skills to thoughtfully integrate aspects of a biblical worldview with the complexities of social work practice,” said Hosack.

after graduation, with alumni receiving starting salaries that average $46,000. Overall, the College boasts an 85 percent graduation rate and a tuition bill that is nearly half of those at comparable institutions.

Forbes recognized Grove City College as one of “America’s Top Colleges,” ranking it as 224th overall out of 650 colleges and universities recognized as top schools.

Forbes looks for satisfied students, low student to faculty ratio, four year graduation rate, and institutional longevity. The college also came in as number 166 on the magazine’s list of Top Private Colleges in the nation and number 97 in the Northeast.

The Princeton Review expounded on some of these characteristics in its own reviews of Grove City College.

On a scale of 100, overall academics rated 82, with a rating of 90 for accessibility of professors and 80 for interesting professors. The campus’s quality of life rated 79, with survey responses indicating that the school is wellrun, students are friendly, and career services are professional. Admissions selectivity rated 88. According to student surveys compiled by the Princeton Review, Grove City College “keeps traditional values and top-of-theline academics at the heart of everything it does” and is a “wonderful” and “uplifting” community where “people can further their education, grow relationships, and learn true humility and grac .”

What is unanimous is this: Grove City College students are some of the most dedicated, motivated, and conscientious members of this generation.

Sept. 4, 2015

ENGLISH teach, including a Global Jane Austen course in India, using Dr. Waha’s background in comparative literature and Indian literature, as well as Dr. Moore’s expertise in 19th Century British Literature.

Another new feature of the department is the foray into the realm of social media.

Dr. Messer has recently started an English department Instagram account, gccenglishdept, and Dr. Moore has begun a Facebook page as a way to connect with students and alumni and continue the conversation about great literature and its importance.

“It’s a great way to communicate with students, publicize events and good work, and expand the community conversation on what we’re doing in our discipline,” Dr. Moore said.

“We’re hoping to connect with alums, as well as giving prospective students a feel for the culture of the department,” Dr. Messer said.

For the upcoming year, Dr. Moore mentioned, the English department is looking to start a Twitter account, and perhaps a student blog to provide opportunities for public writing.

Dr. Messer is also looking to bring in writers throughout the year to speak.

“It will help connect the narrative to the real life predicament,” he said.

The first engagement is Sept. 16, featuring an afternoon talk at 4 p.m. and an alternative chapel at 6:30, at which best-selling author Anna Whiston-Donaldson.

She will be speaking about her book, “Rare Bird: A Memoir of Loss and Love,” as well as addressing different forms of writing, her background in blogging, and her experience with grief.

As for plans for the department as a whole?

“We are going to continue to care about literature and continue to see the great value in this literature and the conversations it inspires,” said Dr. Messer.

CAMPAIGN their charitable gifts.”

The campaign was kicked off in May 2011 with the aid of former First Lady Laura Bush. Grove City’s 8th President Dr. Richard G. Jewell ’67 launched the campaign in May 2011 with a celebrated kickoff event that was attended by the likes of Former First Lady Laura Bush.

Jewell continued to lead the campaign for three years.

The fruits of his hard labor and the generosity of donors can be seen in all areas across the campaign, including the completion of Rathburn and STEM halls. In addition the Grove City Matters Campaign raised more than $37 million to establish 130 new scholarships. It also generated more than $4.3 million for the Center of Vision and Values. The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation also benefitted from the Campaign.

Combined with the previous Change & Commitment campaign, the College has raised more than $160 million in a little over a decade.

Life

Sept. 4, 2015

Page 3

Is the Yik Yak problem back?

Thoughts on new Grover relationships page

Rio Arias Contributing Writer Like most freshman counting down until movein day, I spent a lot of time thinking about what kinds of people I would meet at college and how to get to know them.

What better way to learn about others’ interests than through social media?

When a new page emerged on Facebook in early July titled “GCC STATT- Single, Taken, or Are They Together?” whose aim was to anonymously inquire about the romantic interests of students at Grove City College, it seemed like the best insight I could gain before I moved in.

But as it started calling out students by name and asking about their intentions, it seemed to parallel Yik Yak more and more, a site that was almost banned from the College entirely.

So is this new page recreating a problem that is still blowing over? The controversial site, Yik Yak, gained extreme popularity by allowing users to create anonymous accounts and post harsh judgements about their peers without accountability.

It targeted everyone from professors to students with embarrassing and vulgar comments, and many schools have either felt victimized by it or removed it from their campus altogether, as Messiah College did last year.

Yik Yak received a bad enough reputation across the nation that it has been publicly quoted as “the meanest social media” by various news outlets and was the source of bullying at my own high school in Virginia.

Besides making specific people the target of its posts, STATT is much different than Yik Yak. STATT asks questions and welcomes comments about what is actually known to be true about various couples.

STATT’s most defining feature, however, is that it always has something positive to say about the students it references.

It makes sure that all posts have honest intentions, and even makes jokes about how well-liked certain students are. All posts are prompted by messages submitted by students to the page and then the legitimate ones get posted.

So, is the situation

healthy or awkward?

Though the page is sometimes wrong about students’ relationship statuses, in one case resulting in a contradictory reply, it does not compare with Yik Yak’s derogatory nature.

Students seem interested in what is going on, as is reflected by the 165 people who liked the page.

When I showed my roommate the page, she actually laughed and said “that’s pretty cool, and funny to see what people are doing.”

The page is just a reflection of every student’s curiosity in what is going on around campus, without the harshness or lies that are often associated with rumors or Yik Yak’s aggressive posts.

STATT is much different than Yik Yak because it seeks only to build others up, as well as to have fun and see what is happening in the romantic arena of the College. It is a safe environment where students can send questions and have them posted with the hopes that someone who knows the truth will set the record straight. If you have not seen the page, check it out! You never know who the next hot topic may be!

GROVE CITY COLLEGE

Members of New Life attempt to recruit new members organization Fair. The Organization Fair is an opportunity for freshmen to get invovled with different groups on campus. The Orientation Board, like the Organization Fair, attempts to acclamate new students to campus.

Orientation Board takes the stage OBOB brings laughter to campus

Ethan Pazko Contributing Writer Orientation Board, more commonly known as OB, is a campus organization that acclimates freshmen and transfer students to the rigour and environment of Grove City College. Every Grove City College student is intimately familiar with OB’s role on campus and its annual events.

Perhaps the most heralded of all events is OBOB, which stands for “Orientation Board Off Broadway.” In this momentous occasion, all OB members present a skit with varying themes. This

year, the Outreach Committee presented “Screwed Up History,” a play which misconstrued renowned historical people and events.

The Social Committee presented “An OB Tale,” in which the ghost of OB past, present, and future aided in revealing to the main character, a college student played by sophomore Matt Hogan, how OB enhanced his college career for the better.

“An OB Tale” concluded with a choreographed version of Michael Jackson’s hit song “Thriller” led by junior Emily Fletcher.

Senior Grace Leuenberger, famed director of OBOB, commented on the event.

“After completing 24 hours of rehearsals in Crawford Auditorium, the OBOB team was relieved, grateful, and excited to present a successful production to both upperclassman and the freshman class of 2019.”

A randomized poll of freshmen students found OBOB to be a delightful hit. Michael Kennedy, a freshman from Youngstown, Ohio, said, “OBOB was a great way to lighten the mood. It gave the incoming freshmen time to sit back, relax, and have a good laugh.

“The acting was spontaneous but well cast. A flavorful masterpiece,” Emily Paszko, a freshman accounting ma-

jor said.

Among one of the most popular acts of the night was “Peanut Butter Doctor,” in which senior Zachary McClelland spread peanut butter with his bare hands onto the armpits, beard, feet and stomachs of four other OB members. The PB doctor then removed all of the previously applied peanut butter from the OB members’ bodies, and proceeded to make a sandwich that Vice-President of OB, Coby Bartolucci, devoured ravenously.

This act received tremendous acclimation from a dumbfounded audience.

Transfer student John Mark Weisman said of this act,

“Peanut Butter Doctor was awesome. It was a good way to get everyone acclimated to college.”

Also commenting on the “Peanut Butter Doctor” and other acts, freshman Natalie Slick said, “OBOB was very funny, the actors did a good job. I love OB and plan on joining next year.”

All in all, OBOB 2015 was a night few will forget, as expressed by Assistant Director Schuyler Kitchin. “OBOB was a great success. From the scripts to the acting to the lights and the curtain, it flowed smoothly, due mostly to the direction from Grace Leuenberger.”

Life

Page 4

Sept. 4, 2015

A one bun invasion: the bunvites Man buns take over Grove City College Joshua Fried

the man bun agreed that it

Contributing Writer There is an invasion on the Grove City College campus.

The man bun seems to be surfacing across the heads of men everywhere, but was it not enough for the European soccer haircut to take the rest of the U.S. by storm? How should one feel about this invasion? While the man bun is taking over the College in exponential proportions, these “bunvites” should be asking this question: how do girls feel about this invasion?

The answer to this question first comes across as quite depressing for the bunvites. The results of a small, random survey revealed that roughly 25 percent of Grove City College girls approve of what is called the “man bun.” With only one in four girls approving of the man bun, these bunvites may find themselves in a rough corner.

However, the bunvite population of the College may

depends upon the situation.

As one girl explained, “I think the man bun can be very attractive if he has a surfboard under his arm and is hanging out on the California beach.”

While many bunvites go for soccer player Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s look, the average Joe can’t quite pull off the same style.

Whether they are playing soccer with their friends, catching waves with their mates, or just relaxing on the Quad alone, they are rocking their own look and should not let anyone tell them how to wear the legendary man bun. Ultimately, the bunvites

Swedish soccer player Zlatan Ibrahimovic rocks the man bun.

STATIC.SPORTSKEEDA.COM

should take heart and realize that the man bun is the look

take comfort in knowing

with the female population

Eighty-five percent of the

that they have more game

than the initial poll revealed.

women who disapproved of

of a winner.

Stay awesome, bunvites.

Creating a culture of openness

Pearl Scakzi

Contributing Writer Another year has begun.

New friendships and groups once only dreamed of by eager freshmen, have begun to take shape, molding seemingly unbreakable bonds and unforgettable memories.

One particular freshmen men’s hall has turned these dreams of social connections into a reality. For instance, they have embraced the “open-door policy,” the universal symbol of an invitation to socialize. Therefore, if one member feels restless he could merely walk down the hall into any open door expecting to meet new friends. One room in particular, which wishes to remain anonymous, has been deemed the “hangout room.”

The inhabitants own latte makers, juice squeezers, guitars, and games, alluring surrounding dorms to enter and discuss their days over a fresh latte while playing monopoly. In addition, this room has invited and organized other floors to participate in soccer and nerf gun battles. Occasional jousting matches transpire resulting in twenty or more men taping pillows to their bodies, jumping on skateboards, and attempting to knock each other down.

Another room, which also wishes to remain anonymous, is located just above a dumpster. While most would be disgusted with the constant odor, these men have transformed their room

into the communal dumping zone. Neighboring dorms will use their study break to waltz into the open door and casually throw their trash bag out the window. To further prove how this hall goes beyond the norm of college dorm life, a new frenzy of cat posters has ensued. Cats in different colored clothing clinging on a pole with the overused phrase “Hang in There,” shake the societal expectations of a typical college men’s dorm.

However, while this hall is known for games, freshly squeezed orange juice, and unusual decorations, it also places a huge value on Bible studies. On a weekly, and often spontaneous, basis, the hall encourages each other to communicate and grow on a deeper, more spiritual level. There isn’t a template, assigned reading, or particular person that dominates the study. Rather, they have agreed to let the Holy Spirit direct their time. In order to establish a relaxed form of worship without a formal schedule or chapel credit, they plan to begin co-ed studies.

College freshmen are told that the friendships formed in this environment will last a lifetime. However, this requires a convivial community which creates memories, stays spiritually connected, and perhaps designates a room as the trash dump. If this open integration occurs, the freshmen class will transform the campus with new ideas, new stereotypes, and new beginnings.

GROVE CITY COLLEGE ORIENTATION BOARD

Moving in with McNulty

College President Paul J. McNulty does his part to get the class of 2019 settled into campus on move-in day.

Connect with us!

Twitter: @GCC_Collegian Facebook: The Collegian - The Grove City College Newspaper

Entertainment

Sept. 4, 2015

Page 5

‘Inside Out’ is an emotional ride

A children’s movie for all ages

Greg Arcuri Contributing Writer During

the

summer

a

Disney/Pixar family movie swept the world by storm.

Inside Out follows an 11 year old girl named Riley and her five emotions.

Digust, Fear, Joy, Anger, and Sadness control her day to day life. They do things such as protect her from disgusting food, worrying about everything, and finding joy in everyday tasks. Sadness

as you might assume is the lonely one not feeling welcomed among the emotions, especially Joy. Now it wouldn’t be a great movie if there was not some twist thrown in. On her first day of school, Sadness accidentally creates a sad core memory, and through all the chaos Joy and Sadness end up separated from the group on various islands of memories. The other three emotions, Anger, Disgust, and Fear, attempt to maintain normal behavior, however,

they are not able to keep the balance.

While lost on various islands Sadness and Joy discover Bing Bong, who is Riley’s long lost imaginary friend. He is a wonderful comedic character and through his aid and sacrifice the two emotions return to Riley just in time. They save her from running away and through Sadness everything returns to normality.

The movie offers a wonderful insight into a child while also giving a physical

form to common emotions.

The movie is a true feel good movie and through laughs and crazy inventions (such as the cart that Joy and Sadness use to propel themselves back to their HQ), Disney has once again created a movie for the ages.

The movie also brings a star-studded cast with Amy Poehler and Phyllis Smith.

Anyone can relate to this movie. Do you remember being afraid of the dark or being angry with someone?

How about not wanting to

http://n3rdbomber.com/

eat vegetables? Disney does a great job giving these emo-

tions physical form and a specific color such as green for Disgust and purple for Fear. The characters not only embody their emotions, but also have little quirks that make each of them truly memorable. Disney/ Pixar’s newest hit is one for the books. You will not be disappointed watching this movie with a few friends and a gang of emotions.

The evolution of Atticus

Jake Sziraky

A timeless novel moves with modernity

Entertainment Editor To Kill A Mockingbird has been a beloved novel since its initial release in the 1960s.

Librarians who were working at the time will still tell you how every available copy would fly off of the shelves.

People could not get enough of Harper Lee’s novel. Now

over 50 years later, it is still a cherished and culturally relevant story. One of the things that made this great American novel so unique was that it was a stand-alone

http://media.npr.org

work, with the exception of a classic film starring Gregory Peck. There was one story, one narrative, and that was it. It was bitter sweet. The story was left with its initial integrity, however there was nothing else. Until 2015.

Despite the enormous success with her first novel, Lee said that the book was not true to her initial vision. Apparently it had to go through a tremendous amount of editing before it was allowed to be published. In fact the title wasn’t even supposed to be To Kill a Mockingbird; Lee wanted to call it Atticus after the father figure and arguably the main character of the story.

The character of Atticus meant a lot to Lee because it was loosely based off of her own father, Amasa a small town lawyer in the deep South. Even though the novel was not autobiographical, it was certainly at least partially inspired by Lee’s own childhood. Her father was not the only person from her youth that made it into the novel. The character of Dil

was based off of her life-long friend and occasional cowriter, Truman Capote, who was responsible for the novel Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the classic “In Cold Blood.” And of course Scout was based off of Harper Lee herself.

To Kill A Mockingbird was not Harper Lee’s first crack at writing. Initially she wrote another tale a lot like To Kill a Mockingbird, but Lee did not have it published. It was after this first attempt that she went on to write her masterpiece.

Even though the novel is based in the deep South and the late 30s, it is still a timeless classic that unites us all.

It is a tale of the innocence of childhood, growing up, dealing with disappointment and injustice, and ultimately redemption. To Kill a Mockingbird should not be condemned to middle school reading lists and book clubs but should be read and cherished by all.

http://tokillamockingbirdquotes.org

Page 6

Through the Lens

Graffiti dance!

Sept. 4, 2015

GCC ORIENTATION BOARD

During orientation week, freshmen got to shake their booties and sign each other’s shirts.

GCC ORIENTATION BOARD

GCC ORIENTATION BOARD

GCC ORIENTATION BOARD

LIESL MCCLINTOCK

The Collegian

Sept. 4, 2015

Page 7

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Entertainment

Page 8

Pick of the Week

Seven Summits Nic Giorgi WSAJ Contributor

We human beings inherently have a thirst for adventure; we love picturesque vistas and exhilarating treks into the great, white unknown. Unfortunately, sometimes, especially as a broke college student, it can become difficult to scrounge up the funds for something new and surreal. Circumstances of this variety call for one to live vicariously.

Seven Summits by Milagres, formerly known as the Secret Life of Sofia, is an international adventure lasting just under an hour delineating the fictitious tales of traversing the “Seven Summits” of the world. Relying heavily on visual description and story-telling, the listener follows the “protagonist,” Tom, while going about his mountaineering trip across the world. One hears about great highs and despondent lows characterized through an accident that Tom endures. Ironically, Seven Summits became a form of premonition for the writer, Kyle Wilson, who actually fell victim to a fairly severe climbing accident in 2010, four years after the album was constructed.

Stylistically, Seven Summits falls somewhere between indie and progressive whenever finding a suitable categorization melodically. Utilizing both electric and acoustic guitar, various keyboard samples, and a simple cord progression, the listener can nearly find himself entranced in the track at hand, visualizing the distant horizon from Tom’s eyes. Seven Summits also boasts a variety of unique tracks, ranging from swooping, up-beat tracks to melancholic down-tempo tracks ruminating over lost time and effort.

There are a few standout tracks on the album, each forming a crest in the arch of the narrative.

To begin the album, one is immediately enlightened to the idea of a “great fall” with the track “Fifty Fourteeners;” juxtaposing some fairly gruesome lyrics to resonant and atmospheric instrumentals.

Then there’s “Weathering.” The track comes to life with a steady drone, which feels akin to the static of a wayward radio. At this point, one can sense the faint hopelessness of the mere adventurer, reminiscing over his wife and child from whom he removed himself. Finally, the album terminates with “Seven Summits,” the “great fall” suffered by Tom. We hear a shorthand account of the search and rescue bringing him back to safety. A tragic tale, indeed, but, nonetheless, worth delving into for the sake of good art.

It was 50 years ago today... http://2.bp.blogspot.com/

Celebrating the anniversary of the Beatles’ album ‘Rubber Soul’

Levi Garry Roberts Contributing Writer December 3rd, 2015 will mark the 50th anniversary of one of the Beatles’ most influential albums, Rubber Soul. Recorded in just four weeks to meet the Christmas season, this release made it clear that these young boys were maturing and sitting squarely in a transitional period. That is to say, they started out clean cut and cute producing shallow pop love songs that fit into the late fifties but ended their career embodying the stereotypical sixties hippy and drug movements. Where is the middle ground between these two polar opposites? Rubber soul. Circa 1965, this release deserves a grandiose birthday celebration.

The name Rubber Soul was derived by Paul McCartney from a slang term once used to describe Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones: plastic soul. A caucasian individual singing soul at the time was often referred to as “plastic,” due to the association of traditional soul with black musicians. The iconic album cover is actually the byproduct of an accident, believe it or not. The Beatles would determine album covers at the time by having an artist/photographer project images onto a record sleeve sized board so that they could properly visualize how it would appear. While shuffling through picture after picture from a photo shoot, the four Beatles found themselves dissatisfied with all of their options. At one point, the slide operator accidentally knocked the image backwards a bit, which created a distinct elongated effect. Immediately, Paul shouted “Ah! Can we have that? Can you do it like that?” which resulted in the cover art we enjoy today.

While their previous records were occupied by pop-

py love songs that related to teenagers, the Beatles were delving into slightly more serious subject matter with Rubber Soul. Even the songs that were about girls (…like the song “Girl”…) were still approached with a more mature tone, with the exception of “Run For Your Life.” John Lennon himself even admitted that it is the only song in his career that he regrets writing. It seems to vaguely hint at intent to murder one’s girlfriend if she is found to be unfaithful. Their recording company was highly pleased with the production of the album, describing the Beatles as more musically focused

and productive than ever before. The cumulative studio experience gained from recording their previous albums equipped them with a greater understanding of the possibilities of what could be done to a song. Their instrumentation styles were beginning to change with their increasing amount of sixties influences, such as folk music, Indian sitar music, Bob Dylan, and, as Ringo Starr put it, “I think grass was really influential in a lot of our changes.” It wouldn’t be until their next album, 1966’s Revolver, that significant influence from the psychedelic drug LSD translated into bi-

zarre and experimental songwriting.

This is a gorgeous album that can really only be done justice by listening to it from start to finish. Maybe this isn’t an album that you’ve given much of a chance, or maybe you just aren’t a Beatles fan. I encourage all to give it a listen, whether you’ve never heard of it or want to reminisce back to those good ol’ days of the mid sixties. Forget trashy and transparent modern music lacking talent or purpose yet being ubiquitous in the earbuds of the youth. Until next time, remember this: Think For Yourself.

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

STUDENT ASSISTANTS Are you a writer, graphic designer, photographer or social media savvy?

Grove City College's Office of Marketing & Communications is seeking several student assistants to support our writing, graphic design, photography and social media properties. You’ll be involved in all aspects of the Office's marketing and communications strategy to spread the word about the great things happening at Grove City College.

THESE PAID POSITIONS REQUIRE 6-10 HOURS PER WEEK. RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: • Writing news releases, student and alumni success stories • Providing editorial assistance to Office staff • Taking photos of campus events during evenings and weekends • Design web graphics and print collateral • Develop content and strategy • Create and maintain a social media posting calendar • Publish social media postings in consultation with staff • Assist with management of existing platforms • Monitor social interactions and commentary REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE: • Demonstrated familiarity with photography, graphic design using Adobe software, the use of social media marketing tools, excellent written communication skills, high level of commitment to the role and organization, and ability to manage projects independently

Please send your letter of interest and related experience no later than Friday, Sept. 11, 2015 to: Brad Isles, Web Content & Social Media Manager Carnegie Alumni Center THESE POSITIONS ARE FOR STUDENTS OF GROVE CITY COLLEGE ONLY.

Social Classified-2015.indd 1

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Perspectives

Sept. 4, 2015

Page 9

Unraveling perceptions on the Confederate flag

Tucker Sigourney Contributing Writer

No doubt a person such as you – the informed, newspaper-reading sort – will know about the recent controversies surrounding the Confederate flag.

You will know about the shooting at Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, and about the race-focused ideology of the suspected shooter and his affinity for the Confederate battle flag.

You probably know about the ensuing debate in the South Carolina state government regarding the removal of the Confederate flag that had been flying in front of the state house, and of its eventual removal on July 10.

You may even have heard about the other developments of the story, including choices made by major retailers to halt sales of the flag, various activists protesting against those retailers that do sell the flag, and other new groups that insist that the flag is not a symbol of racism and should not be dismissed.

But of course, you know all this, and you did not come to the perspectives section for news, so here are some opinions.

In defense of the anti-flag side of the debate: that flags, like all things that are first and foremost a means of communication, only mean what people believe they mean.

If I am flying a Confederate flag that my neighbor believes is a symbol of racism, it misses the point for me to say, “no, it commemorates the sacrifices of veterans,” just as if my neighbor is German and I fly a flag with the number 88 on it, I may not get very far in telling her that the flag is not a reference to the Nazis, but instead to my son’s Quidditch number.

When symbols are swept up with social movements, it is wise for users of the symbol to be aware that it may no longer send the message that they want it to send.

There is also this to be said for the other side of the debate: that flags – like words, patterns, gestures, and so on – will never completely detached from everything except their perceived meaning to a given person at a given time.

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Editor-in-Chief Liesl McClintock

Managing Editor Patty Folkerts

Section Editors

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All symbols have histories, and for those who use them it is often their histories that shape their meaning.

When that meaning is swept up in storms of indignation and politics and thereby changed beyond recognition, there is something tragic about it – like the cutting down of an old tree or the burning of a painting. Something almost irrecoverable has been taken from those who had associations with the flag, and even if those associations are ones of racism and injustice it seems that it is not the place of the masses to attempt crude historical revisionism via ignorance of history.

Here are my suggestions. Those who fly the flag should be aware of their audiences, lest they communicate to their neighbors something they do not want to communicate, and should exercise charity.

In a climate like that of the past few months, flying the flag will likely not speak volumes about states’ rights and community loyalty, and for this reason I do think the state house made the right decision is taking down its own flag.

Those who are offended by the flag and are calling for its removal from everything should, bluntly, stop being offended by the flag – that is, by the flag itself.

They should be aware of the possibil-

ity that the message being endorsed by one who is flying the flag may, shockingly, depend on the one who is flying the flag.

If a terrorist group begins using the “live long and prosper” sign, the police should be careful to target the terrorists and not the gesture itself, lest they accidentally arrest Mr. Spock.

So, too, if someone wants to spill fire on white supremacists, he should take care that he does not, out of social and intellectual laziness, also burn sweet old Mrs. Cuttingham next door, who wants no trouble but just happens to be proud of the fact her great-great-grandfather was a gun sergeant in Montgomery’s 14th Battalion.

There is an ancient proverb that reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press … “ I happen to be of the opinion that this is a good thing, not only for governments but also for groups and individuals, to refrain from restricting any person’s ability to speak without having good reason for doing so.

Tucker Sigourney is a Physics and Philosophy major.

We the students

Mary Elise Dugan Contributing Writer

If you were at the Organization Fair last Friday, you may have seen a booth for We The Students, which is in the process of launching its first chapter on Grove City College’s campus this fall.

But what is We The Students (WTS)?

We The Students is an oncampus constitutional study group that stimulates activity both intellectually and physically in spreading the meaning of freedom as created and guarded by the U.S. Constitution. WTS is dedicated to training its members to incorporate a useful contribution of the arts and sciences of American Constitutional government.

Students will be provided a superior education while developing a depth of reasoning and inspiration to follow the written words of America’s founding fathers.

We fundamentally believe freedom is worth fighting for, as demonstrated by our founders. That being said, we seek to limit government as defined by the Constitution. At the same time, we

100 Campus Drive Grove City, Pa. 16127

will promote the idea that responsibility is a requirement for a self-governing people.

There are a wide variety of lectures that have been planned out, including The Application of the Constitution in Correlation to Modern Day Politics, Globalization and World Governance, Taxation, Common Core Education Standards, and State Issues.

In addition to these lectures, there will be several workshops coming to campus, such as The Shaping of the Politician, Campaign Fundraising and Management, Online Journalism, Public Speaking, and Persuasive Speech Writing.

Meetings will be about an hour in length and will meet on a bi-monthly basis. Each meeting will begin with prayer and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance before moving on to all housekeeping matters. This would include schedules for lectures, workshops, fundraising for WTS, internship possibilities, attendance and future meeting dates.

Meetings will also be dedicated to discussing state and federal news and legislation going through respective

houses of Congress. We will see how those pieces of legislation adhere to, or stray from, their respective constitutions.

To help ensure WTS’s constitutional focus, meetings will also analyze a section or article of the Constitution and discuss its significance and meaning. While dissecting the Constitution is of top priority, we will also discuss other founding documents to include The Federalist Papers, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and other works of our founders.

While the above covers intellectual stimulation, the end of each meeting will focus on practical matters like formulating action alerts to be sent to elected officials. In those alerts, we will discuss bills that they will be voting on, and we will remind our legislatures to vote responsibly and constitutionally.

This gives students the opportunity to interact with elected officials while influencing them to allow for their actions to match their rhetoric.

As mentioned above, with ongoing development, there is possibility for a WTS internship placement program.

News Molly Wicker Life Emily Bartlow Entertainment Jacob Sziráky Perspectives Colin Combs Sports Joe Setyon Photography Julia Williams

Design Chief Nate Pittman

Copy Chief Gabrielle Johnston

Copy Editors Mary Grace Brown Erin Pechacek Angell Fonner Becky Tzouanakis Gabrielle Johnston

Section Designers Karen Postupac Bri Doane Laura Counihan Margaret Heidenreich

Staff Writers Emily Bartlow Stephen Dennis Thomas Kutz Kayla Murrish Breanna Renkin Samantha VanSlyke Annabelle Rutledge Bradley Warmhold Tim Hanna Meg VanTil Colin Combs Elizabeth Broderick Jon Matt Josh Fried

Staff Cartoonists Rachel Leung

Photographers

be procured, and then made

Andrew Irving Rebekah Wheat Cameron Holloway Kirsten Malenke

available to students seeking

Laura Counihan

an opportunity to enhance their skills and grow in their

Advertising/Business Manager

knowledge. Internships may

Reagan Georges

vary in fields. Some oppor-

Staff Adviser

tunities would include the

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Through the spring semester, internship

placement

will

chance to write for newspapers, work for non-for-profit organizations,

or

perhaps

work directly for an elected official.

Ultimately, through this program, we believe that within the reach of his or her individual

potential,

each

student will develop a high

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.

GREEN EYESHADE AWARD

sense of honor and moral integrity by which society will be further augmented.

If after reading this article you find yourself interested in joining, please do not hesitate to contact Mary Elise Dugan at DuganME1@gcc. edu. All information regarding meetings, lectures, workshops, events, and internships will be sent to members via e-mail.

This week’s award goes to freshman Karen Postupac for her exemplary work in design.

The Collegian Green Eyeshade Award honors student contributors who have demonstrated consistency and excellence in their work.

Sept. 4, 2015

Thomas Kutz

Perspectives

Page 10

To the Freshmen To make much of time

Contributing Writer Dear Freshmen, It is finally here. You have been waiting so long to be a college student and now you have gone through your first two weeks of classes. It is important to keep a couple of things in mind as you embark on your first semester at Grove City College.

First, take your time and focus on building relationships, not getting into one.

One thing I wish I could do differently from freshman year would be to focus more

on making friends that will last for four years and less on trying to get a “ring by spring.”

A wise man once told me that the most successful relationships are ones that start as friendships, in which the two grow closer through time. Despite my reluctance, I realized that this wise man could not be more right, so relax. The people that I am still close with today are the people that I focused on forging friendships with during my first semester here. A friend of mine told me freshman year that he wanted to get to know as many people as he could.

“That’s what college is about – getting to know people,” he said.

Secondly, find your niche.

Try different things. Go to a club meeting and test the waters. Play an intramural sport, or five. See what you like and what you do not like.

If you never try, you will never know. After a while, you will figure out where you prefer to spend your time and where you fit in best. Before too long, you will find a place that is a little taste of home.

Thirdly, break the bubble.

At times it seems as if the campus is separated from the surrounding community by something we call “the

bubble.” We can get so comfortable here that we forget about the world around us.

If you have a chance to get off campus, even just for a walk to Little Caesars, McDonald’s, or Sheetz, do it. Go to the Guthrie for a movie.

Go have a cup of coffee at Beans on Broad. It is easy to get caught up in the campus and to ignore what is outside of our school community. It is healthy to get a taste of the real world from time to time.

Finally, there are two types of education: do both.

“There are two types of education. One should teach us how to make a living, and the other how to live,” John

Adams said. Pay attention in class and work hard because yes, even the humanities can teach you more than you ever thought they could. But also pay attention outside of class. Engage in deep intellectual discussions with your peers, get to know your professors, and prepare yourself for life after college.

College presents a wonderful opportunity to prepare yourself mentally and spiritually for the road ahead. Do your best to make the most of your time here and you will be just fine.

The not-so-great wall of America Jon Nelson

Contributing Writer Real estate mogul Donald Trump and Governor Scott Walker are both among over a dozen Republican candidates for president; however, they are the only candidates who support building a physical wall on the U.S.Mexican border to keep out illegal immigrants. Governor Walker even suggested that we should build a wall on our northern border with Canada in order to prevent terrorists from entering the country.

Most Republican candidates support “securing the border,” a vague phrase referring to taking steps to reduce illegal immigration.

Whether or not reducing the influx of undocumented aliens into the United States should be a priority is debatable. Many politicians and political commentators on the “right” say it is, but others believe that we have more important things to worry

about.

What is not debatable is whether or not the U.S. government should build a wall along its borders. Building a wall is simply a bad idea, for three main reasons.

First, building a wall would be financially irresponsible, and likely impossible. Constructing an actual, physical wall along either the Mexican or Canadian border would cost the government billions of dollars. A government that is already over $18 trillion dollars in debt cannot afford to make such a financially irresponsible decision.

Trump, Walker, and others who support constructing the wall may cite statistics referring the cost of combatting illegal immigration or fighting crime committed by undocumented immigrants, but neither of these costs would be reduced by a sufficient degree to make up for the cost of the wall.

In fact, immigrants are less likely than native-born citizens to commit crimes.

Those who oppose immigration offer anecdotes such as the murder of Kate Steinle by an undocumented person to prove that the government must crack down on illegal immigration. But anecdote is not the singular of data. Statistics show that Americans are much more likely to be harmed by fellow Americans than immigrants.

The second reason that building a physical wall along the nation’s border is a bad idea is that it will not achieve its purpose. Those who want to harm Americans are more likely to enter the country via legal means, not by sneaking across the border. All 19 of the 9/11 hijackers entered the United States legally, each acquiring either a student, tourist, or business visa.

Similar to the fearmongering of those opposed to immigration on the basis of crimes committed by illegal immigrants, those who want to secure the border to keep out terrorists ovverstate the risk. Terrorism, while por-

trayed by the media and politicians as America’s biggest danger, is actually pretty rare in the United States. In fact, an American is eight times more likely to be killed by a police officer than a terrorist.

A wall on the border will not keep Americans any more secure from terrorism than they are currently.

Building a wall on the border is a bad idea for a final, and more subtle reason. A wall on the border would perpetuate a false animosity toward immigration in general. More people may hold the opinion that we must keep foreigners out of the country.

One reason that people fear immigration is because they believe it is harmful for the economy. They fear that immigrants will “take American jobs.” This view is horribly misguided. Nearly all economists agree that immigration is a net positive for the economy. More workers means more productivity. Interestingly, the skills of both

highly-educated and noneducated immigrants tend to complement, not compete with, the skills of native-born Americans.

I agree with the Republican Party that the government needs to take steps to reduce illegal immigration, but Trump and Walker are mistaken for suggesting that we should build a wall along the border.

A more effective solution to the problem would be to reform our immigration system. Currently, it can take years and mountains of paperwork in order to earn permanent residency legally.

The incentive to enter the country legally is low, especially for poor, low-skilled foreigners who are simply seeking a better life for themselves and their families.

Congress should reduce the barriers to legally enter the country, encouraging legal, not illegal, immigration.

Bernie the friendly socialist

Colin Combs

Perspectives Editor While the Republican primaries have been a mess of candidates, with more than 17 possible candidates all hoping to be the next President of the United States, the Democratic primaries have been comparatively milder, with Hillary Clinton running basically uncontested.

Or at least that’s how it used to be until Senator Bernie Sanders entered into the scene.

Although she still maintains a considerable lead, Clinton has been dropping in the polls ever since Sanders announced his campaign.

According to the Huffington Post, Clinton has fallen from 61.2 percent in late April down to 49.6 percent.

In the same time period

Sanders has risen from a mere 8.5 percent to 21.0 percent, a considerable gain.

This combined with Clinton’s email server scandal under investigation may mean that the Democratic primaries will no longer be a one horse race.

But who is this dark horse entering the field? What does he believe? Why has he been so successful?

The short answer is this: Bernie Sanders is a really old self-proclaimed socialist who has made income equality and campaign finance reform his pet issues.

In striking contrast to the typical politican, Bernie Sanders seems to genuinely believe what he says. While most members of Congress are multi-millionaires, Sanders had an estimated net worth of $330,000 in 2013,

making him one of the least wealthy presidential candidates.

This sincerity has helped make Sanders quite the underdog in the upcoming race.

Unfortunately, there is such a thing as “sincerely wrong.”

While Sanders recognizes many legitimate problems with the economy and corruption in politics, his solutions are lacking.

Like all socialists, what he preaches is ultimately a philosophy of envy. What bothers him more is not so much how people become wealthy (i.e. whether by just or unjust methods), but the fact that they have wealth at all.

Whenever Bernie perceives a problem in the economy, his proposed solutions from his warped economic standpoint can only ever make things worse.

He correctly sees that big business is working hand in hand with the government.

His solution to this is to make the government even more involved with business.

Sanders sees how the current recession has made life hard for the lower and middle class. His solution is to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, making it harder for working families to find employment.

The senator worries about the poor state of healthcare in the U.S. as well. His solution is to make it a “right” and hand the whole thing over to a government bureaucracy.

Sanders is concerned about companies moving overseas in search of more favorable economic conditions. His solution is to impose a 90 percent top marginal tax rate and to raise

the U.S. corporate tax rate, which is already the highest of first world countries.

In almost every issue he addresses, the only possible solution Bernie can conceive is for the mighty hand of the state to reach down and simply shape society in his own image, regardless of whether the government is the cause of the problem in the first place!

Bernie Sanders brings a refreshing amount of authenticity to the caucus, and from his rapid rise in popularity it seems obvious that this is something the American people desperately want.

But his exceptionally poor understanding of economics means practically all of his policies can only add fuel to the fire, not extinguish it as he hopes.

Contributing Writers Colin Combs is a Junior Tucker Sigourney is a Senior Econonmics and Philoso- Physics and Philosophy maphy major from Auckland, jor from Pottstown, PA. New Zealand.

Jonathan Nelson is a Senior Mary Elise Dugan is a Junior Thomas Kutz is a Junior PoEconomics major from Political Science major from lice Science major from MeCleveland, OH. Chatham, VA chanicsburg, PA.

Sports

Sept. 4, 2015

Page 11

Catching fire

Women’s soccer looking to build off of PAC final run Thomas Kutz Staff Writer The Grove City College women’s soccer team (9-10-2, 8-1 PAC in 2014) will look to build upon an impressive Presidents’ Athletic Conference campaign in 2014 with another run in 2015. Head coach Melissa Lamie, entering her 23rd year in this position, returns with a promising outlook following a year that included both the most conference wins the team has had since 2004 and the fewest nonconference wins the team has had since 2005.

The team’s biggest loss is that of goalkeeper Kristi Lathrop, one of six seniors who graduated from last year’s team. Lathrop, the all-time school leader in shutouts, including eight last season, was named to the All-PAC first team. Holly Spofford, also lost to graduation, was named to the 2014 All-PAC second team.

However, The Wolverines return with plenty of talent, including an impressive sophomore class that yielded a couple of All-PAC honorees, Katherine Kouzelos (first team) and Linsday Hutton (second team). Additionally, sophomores Lacy Harkrader and Megan Van Kirk come off of

impressive freshmen seasons to support senior 2014 All-PAC first teamer Abby Mathes and company in the attack. Seniors Kristin Thomas (2014 All-PAC Honorable Mention) and Sammie Wild will also bring an extra element in the midfield and attack.

A mix of veteran talent and young rising stars will shape the back for the Wolverines. Junior defender Jordyn White will look to add to her 2014 All-PAC First Team honors with another impressive season. Sophomore defender Emily Flenniken will also be a key factor in the success of the Wolverines’ backline. Senior Madison Zajicek will be an anchor in the

School? Sports?

How about both?

GCC students excel at academics and athletics

Connor Lowe Staff Writer

How does a student athlete manage to balance succeeding in a rigorous academic environment while retaining optimal performance in a varsity sport? It is an ageold question without a definitive answer, yet it is one with which many athletes struggle. Grove City College is a difficult school academically, and when paired with countless hours dedicated to a varsity sport, the challenge can quickly become overwhelming.

Despite this, many Grove City College athletes not only manage but thrive in this tough academic environment. At the same time, they perform at a high level in their athletic spectrum. How are they able to do this?Every athlete interviewed for this story is a member of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference academic honor roll and agreed to share his or her advice on how to thrive in this unique college setting.

Sarah Gazica, a sophomore on the women’s swim team, said she owes a large portion of her success to her teammates. “I know that certain members of my team have really pushed me to work harder. They achieve so much, both in the pool and in the classroom, and it really challenges me and motivates me to do my best.”

Sociologist Jay J. Coakley

wrote in Sport in Society, “Studies have shown consistently that when compared with students who do not play varsity sports, high school athletes, as a group, generally have better grade point averages.”

For swimmer Sam Archibald, the latter couldn’t ring more true. “I know my grades are always better during the season. Sports force you to get work done and effectively manage your time.

There are certainly stressful crunch times, but I would advise my fellow athletes to plan their time around their practice schedule so that they use practice time to their advantage. You have to be on the field or in the water regardless of how much work you have, to let off some steam, release some energy, or have some fun,” said Archibald.

Time management is a theme when it comes to balancing sports and academics as almost all Grove City College athletes that were interviewed hinted at. Junior softball player Alaina Kunselman attributed all of her success to this key idea. “The best way to balance between sports and school is to always have a plan. I know ahead of time when our practices/ games are, as well as when I have assignments and tests, so I do my very best to plan ahead,” Kunselman said.

As a collegiate student athlete, there will be times

that become stressful; that is simply unavoidable. During these times, it ’s important to make sure that one has one’s priorities in order. For junior baseball player Cameron Lawson, it is during these times that one has to reach out for help.

“I would tell students struggling or incoming freshman to use the resources available here. Professors aren’t out to get you, and if you seek out their help they’ll be happy to give it. You have to take ownership and make the education yours, because it can make learning in general more enjoyable,” said Lawson.

Sophomore football player Mike Elder echoed these thoughts. “You have to stay up-to-date with your classes. Seek your professors for guidance, because all they want to do is to see you succeed.”

All of these successful athletes attributed their success to the same things: managing time, little procrastination, not falling behind and organization. They suggest takine advantage of the school’s resources and not being afraid to ask for help.

“Let the sweat and competition rejuvenate you so that you can return to academics with focus and renewed dedication. Take care of yourself (basically sleep) so that when you do perform, you do so to the best of your ability,” Archibald said.

back, after starting 19 games for the Wolverines last season.

In goal, senior Nicole Lapia should capitalize this year after allowing just one goal in 128 minutes of play over six games last season. She looks to be in line for the starting role in 2015 for her senior season.

Last year, the women caught fire at the perfect time, winning eight PAC games after a rocky non-conference start. This year will be about catching fire again – hopefully beginning Friday, Sept. 4 at 4 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 5 at 2 p.m., when the women battle Franciscan University and Marietta College, respectively.

Player Spotlight: Ben Weaver Senior soccer player looks to go above and beyond in final season

Isaiah Reeves

Contributing Writer Hailing from York, Pa., senior goalkeeper Ben Weaver strives to make his last year his best in goal. As an electrical engineering major, the road to success in the classroom and on the field will be no easy task. However, according to Weaver, “anything worthwhile takes persistence, you just have to take it day by day and let God handle the rest.”

Weaver, also known as “Weaves” to some, made an immediate impact when he stepped foot onto the Grove City College campus. He was a part-time starter his first two years, appearing in 15 games and starting 14 of them. “Splitting time can be tough because everyone wants to play every game, but I only wanted the best for the team,” he says.

As a freshman Weaver possessed a 3-4 win/loss record and 1.15 goal against average, which are solid numbers for a freshman. The following year Weaver’s numbers and his game took a huge leap in the right direction. He finished his sophomore year with a 4-1 win/loss record and a .890 goal against average, good enough for second all-time in Grove City College history.

After that season, Weaver was finally able to earn a full-time starting role for the Wolverines. Practice and work ethic led to his breakthrough junior year and No. 2 ranking in the conference.

A full-time starter, he ap-

peared in 18 games last season with a 1.19 goal against average which ranked fourth in the conference, five shutouts ranking second, and a 77 percent save average which was also fourth.

He finished his junior year with an 11-4 win/loss record and played a pivotal role in the team’s championship run. Unfortunately, Weaver suffered a season-ending shoulder injury a week before the playoffs began, which cut his remarkable junior year short. The team rallied on to make it to the PAC championship, but suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to top-ranked Thomas Moore College.

Going into his senior year, Weaver needs just three wins and two shutouts to place him in the top five all-time in the history of the College.

With three years under his belt, anything is possible for Weaver and the Grove City College men’s soccer team.

“We know we have the talent, we just have to go out there and execute and take home the championship this year,” said Weaver.

Sports

Sept. 4, 2015

Page 12

An exciting challenge

Coach Dreves confident in men’s soccer chances

Thomas Kutz Staff Writer

When the final whistle was blown at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa. last fall, the Grove City College men’s soccer team (12-8-1 in 2014) fell short by a single goal to a Thomas More College team that played the better part of 90 minutes with one man down. Despite the searing memory of last year’s conference tournament championship game loss, men’s soccer coach Michael Dreves is confident in his team’s ability to perform on the big stage again.

“We have a great chance to do something special,” Dreves said of his team, which lost five seniors but gained eight promising freshman and returned most of its starters. “The top four is always the goal – to get to the [Presidents’ Athletic Conference] tournament and go from there.”

The Wolverines are predicted to finish second in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) this season. Last season’s 12 wins were the most the team has had since Dreves took over in 2006, and their six conference wins were second only to Thomas More’s seven victories. Dreves also has reason to believe that the success is here to stay. “We’re really balanced over the four classes. We have six seniors, six juniors, seven sophomores, and eight freshmen, and we have depth.”

The Wolverines return most of the 11 starters from last season, including PAC Conference Player of the Year Seth Loew. The senior forward will be a key piece to

The Grove City College men’s soccer team huddled together during a game last year. In the center of the huddle, wearing green and the No. 0, is goalkeeper Bean Weaver. The senior will look to finish out strongly an already fantastic college career this season. the attacking frame of the Wolverines this season.

Loew led the conference last season with 29 points, including a league-leading ten goals and second-best nine assists.

While losing senior defender George DeAugustino to graduation, the team will look to see contributions from other key returnees.

Sophomore defender Ben Ungerer was impressive in his freshman season, and he will be a big factor in the back for the Wolverines this year. The Wolverines also return junior defenders Nich

Leaman and Frank Hueber, two regulars for the team last season. Senior All-PAC Second-Teamer Justin Phillips will also show off his versatility as he will play a key role again this year.

The Wolverine attack will be strong again with Loew and junior forward David Wurmlinger returning up top. Junior Stephen Betteridge will anchor the central midfield again for the Wolverines. He will seek to capitalize this year as he did in the 2-1 overtime win in the 2014 PAC Semi-Final match at home vs. Waynesburg

University when he lifted the Wolverines to a berth in the PAC final with his spectacular goal in the 103rd minute on an assist from Wurmlinger. Senior Tim Shackleton should be a workhorse in the outside midfield for the Wolverines as well.

The sure hands of senior goalkeeper Ben Weaver will provide some clean sheets for the team. Sophomore goalkeeper Malcom Blake is also a capable goalkeeper – winning the PAC Conference Semi-Final in his first start last year as a freshman and performing well in the PAC

Final as well.

Eight freshmen join the team this year. Last year it was Baer and Ungerer who stepped up big for the Wolverines. The team will be looking for a couple of rising stars to step into some bigger roles as the season progresses.

“It’s an exciting challenge,” Dreves said of the upcoming season. The Wolverines host Marietta College in a Men’sWomen’s double-header on Saturday, Sept. 5. The women play at 2 p.m. and the men play at 4:30 p.m.

Score Check

GROVE CITY COLLEGE

Grove City took first place in their first meet of the season (Grove City Invite). Allegheny came in second place with 30 points, while Grove City beat them by five with a final score of 25. Senior Emily Rabenold continued her amazing career by winning the five-kilometer race, while Martha Mihm finished second. Overall, there were five Grove City runners in the top 10.

Support Your Wolverines!

Football Saturday, 12 p.m., at Juniata College Volleyball Friday, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., vs. Ohio Wesleyan University at Mount Union Purple Raider Classic Saturday, 10 a.m., vs. Denison University and 2 p.m., at Mount Union Purple Raider Classic Wednesday, 7 p.m.m at Allegheny College

Men’s Soccer

Women’s Soccer

Grove City College: 4 Allegheny College: 0 Grove City rolled to an easy 4-0 shutout win in their season opener at Allegheny. The Wolverines scored two goals in each half. Midfielder Franklin Tropiano scored his first collegiate goal, while forward Nate Curry collected two assists. Midfielder Jon Burton and forward Seth Loew also scored.

Finally, goalkeeper Ben Weaver stopped 11 shots in the victory.

Grove City: 0 Adrian College: 0

Volleyball Grove City: 0 Carnegie Mellon : 3 Grove City dropped their season opener to Carnegie Mellon by scores of 25-15, 25-17, and 25-16.

Laura Buchanan did have eight kills, while Natalija Galens and Jamie Robatisin each had four. Meanwhile, Amy Trageser had a team-leading 16 assists, and Jessica Althausen had 14 digs.

Sept. 4th to 10th

Men’s Tennis Saturday, 9 a.m. at Allegheny Tournament Women’s Tennis Saturday, 9 a.m., at Allegheny Tournament Thursday, 3:30 p.m. vs. St. Vincent College

Men’s Soccer Friday, 4 p.m., vs. Methodist University, at Geneva college Saturday, 4:30 p.m., vs. Marietta College Wednesday, 5 p.m., at Penn State University, the Behrend College Women’s Soccer Friday, 4 p.m., vs. Franciscan University Saturday, 2 p.m., vs. Marietta