The Collegian – February 22, 2019

Moving on

Irreverent humor

Basketball teams win in PAC playoffs

“Tartuffe” production brings the laughs

SPORTS

The

@Collegian_GCC @gcc.collegian

The Collegian: The GCC Newspaper

Friday, February 22, 2019

What to watch for

Oscar predictions before Sunday’s show

COMMUNITY

FEATURE

Collegian The Grove City College Student Newspaper

Vol. 104, No. 14

WESLEY KINNEY

Swimmers dive into James E. Longnecker Pool during the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championship last weekend. Grove City College hosted the championship, with the men’s swimming and diving team taking first place.

Taking a victory lap Swimming and diving takes awards at PACs

Aly Kruger Sports Editor

Grove City College’s swimming and diving teams capped another successful season with a conference championship and multiple individual awards at the Presidents’ Athletic Conference championships last weekend, which the Wolverines hosted in the James E. Longnecker Pool.

The men’s swimming and diving team captured its 19th all-time PAC championship Saturday night by finishing the three-day conference championships with 948 team points. Grove City scored 25 more points at this year’s championships than it did while winning the 2018 conference meet.

“We’ve been rooting for a men’s team comeback for four years,” junior Anne

The Collegian wins awards

Shirley Dassow said. “It was so satisfying to get to see the guys stand up on the podium with the PAC trophy.”

“The men’s team had great leadership and vision this season,” Dassow said, “and the women were so happy to see that drive turn into a PAC title.”

The women’s team also had a successful weekend, sweeping the two individual awards. Dassow won Most

Valuable Performer for the second consecutive year while sophomore Reilly Diggins won the league’s Most Valuable Diver award. Seventeenth-year head coach Dave Fritz also earned the conference’s Coach of the Year award in a successful week for the Wolverines.

Diggins qualified for the NCAA Regional Championships in both 1- and 3-meter diving, after winning the

News Editor

IVY NOWAKOWSKI

SWIMMING 11

Austrians present a few of their favorite things

Rio Arias

The Collegian won two first place 2019 Student Keystone Press Association awards from the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association. Junior Ivy Nowakowski won with the above photo of Luke Leone ’18 for Feature Photo, and Alyssa Jackson ’19 won for her coverage of the tragic Tree of Life shooting.

1-meter diving competition Saturday night.

Sophomore Calvin Brouwer also qualified for the NCAA Regional Championships after his victorying the 1650-meter race.

Dassow won the 200 butterfly Saturday night with a time of 2 minutes, 2.77 seconds, which surpasses the NCAA provisional qualifying

Grove City College hosts its 15th annual Austrian Student Scholars Conference (ASSC) today and tomorrow.

The conference, designed to highlight undergraduate work in the field of Austrian economics, will feature presentations on research done by students and professors from various universities.

“We want to give undergraduate students a chance to present at an academic conference in an environment that isn’t overly critical,” Dr. Caleb Fuller, professor of economics, said. “It gives the opportunity to present original research to a peer audience and is especially helpful for students going to pursue a master’s degree in economics.” Fuller added that engag-

Bradley

Bylund

ing constructive criticism in a professional setting would also help students going into the work force.

The Grove City College economics department requires all economics majors to research and develop a paper during their senior capstone course, Economics Colloquium, which is offered in the fall. The students then present it at the ASSC in the spring semester, so that they can gain experience and learn from the work of other student economists. Most students take the capstone course their senior year, but some are eager to research

and present their work earlier.

“I want to be an economist, so I really appreciate the opportunity to practice the craft,” Tegan Truitt, a sophomore economics major, said, “and I’m really interested in the thesis of the paper I’m presenting. I’m sure that the feedback and criticism I receive will help clarify my personal views.”

Not all student presenters are from the College, however. Those wishing to present their research can submit it to the economics department, at which point a committee reviews it for acceptance. The committee is made up of professors Dr. Jeffrey Herbener, chair of the economics department, Dr. Shawn Ritenour, profesAUSTRIANS 3

The Collegian

Page 2

The Grove City College student newspaper, Feb. 22, 2019

Analysis

Editorial

The taste of victory

James Sutherland Editor-in-Chief

The Collegian won two first place awards in the Keystone Student Press Association’s statewide 2019 contest last weekend.

Alyssa Jackson ’19, our former and sorely missed Managing Editor, won in the General News category for her outstanding coverage of the tragic Tree of Life shooting, and junior Ivy Nowakowski won for Feature Photo with her beautiful picture of Luke Leone ’18 acting in the last year’s production of “End of the World with Symposium to Follow.”

Those two awards do not stand alone; they reflect all the great work The Collegian staff did last year.

There is almost too much to take a full count. Senior Aly Kruger, our Sports Editor, wrote a superb piece in December on the football team’s transformation from perpetual losers to bowl winners in just three years under head coach Andrew DiDonato.

In March, junior Cat Anderson, our former News Editor, reported on how the education department is preparing its students for how to deal with school shooters after the Stoneman Douglas shooting.

Senior Karen Postupac, Editor-in-Chief last year and now Design Chief, has been pumping out creative and breathtaking designs all year long. She and our Managing Editor, sophomore Grace Tarr, designed a fun feature page about Grovers’ favorite Christmas songs.

She designed the pages that went with Alyssa’s piece, creating powerful, quiet pages that spoke to the gravity of the tragedy.

All this ignores the incredible day-to-day, week-to-week work that our staff puts in.

They do not give awards for that stuff, but that does not make it any less important.

Our copy editing staff, led first by Jim DeVries ’18 and now senior Jessica Cameron, has cleaned up the writing. Our staff designers churn out well-made, fundamental pages every week.

Our section editors have worked with writers to cover the campus in interesting and unique ways.

Part of why I love The Collegian so much is how it brings together every part of campus. We have English, history, political science, computer science and communications majors on staff. We have staffers from every part of the country, from Maine to Arizona. Our staff comes from a variety of backgrounds and interests and convictions.

We all bring our unique skills and interests to the table.

We all have different and complementary strengths, which combine to form a better newspaper.

Our staff are some of the most dedicated, hardest working, caring and intelligent people I know.

Working with them every day is a humbling and challenging experience, one of the best of my life.

I am proud of winning these awards, not because I did much to earn them, but because they are recognition of our wonderful staff.

We always strive to put out a newspaper that represents Grove City College’s community and values, and we will always continue to do so.

Collegian Staff Editor-in-Chief

Business Manager

Managing Editor

Copy Editors

James Sutherland Grace Tarr

Section Editors News Rio Arias

Community Paige Fay

Perspectives

Michelle Jeffries

Sports

Aly Kruger

Photo Chief

Wesley Kinnery

Design Chief Karen Postupac

Copy Chief

Jessica Cameron

Nathanael Curry

Gabrielle Capaldo Natalie Dell Britney Lukasiewicz Lauren Ness Elizabeth Stevenson Honora Sweeney

Section Designers Shaun Jorstad Hannah Stiller

Staff Writers

George Daugharty Anna DiStefano Katheryn Frazier Emily Geiger Connor Schlosser David Smith Mackenzie Stine Price Styer Joshua Tatum Mallory Trumbull

Staff Adviser

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

Green Eyeshade Award the

This week’s Green Eyeshade Award goes to Wesley Kinney for his fantastic photography and infectious attitude. Keep up the good work Wes! The Green Eyeshade Award honors student contributors that demonstrate consistency and excellence in their work.

Wesley Kinney

NBC NEWS

AOC goes to Washington America’s youngest congresswoman leads the charge Grace Tarr

Managing Editor The 2018 election brought many surprises, most notably the rise of congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, dubbed AOC, which reflects in many regards President Donald Trump’s political career.

The political upheaval of the 2008 election was closely followed eight years later by the surprising nomination and election of Trump. The wave of Republican elections in 2016, however, was counteracted in the last election cycle by a Democrat takeover of the House and dominance on the state-wide level.

It seems however far one side swings in an election, the opposition pushes the bounds of their ideology farther and their grasp for power becomes more ardent.

AOC was one of the outstanding freshmen congresswoman to win in 2018.

AOC gained popularity for her socialist platform. Her victory that surprised many, with both sides heralding a new era in American politics.

The widespread acceptance of socialism has been a gradual shift in America. Senator Bernie Sanders managed to garner much of the youth vote in 2016, and the election of AOC is emblematic of socialistic policy’s growing popularity.

The widespread appeal of AOC is perhaps predictable.

“And yet as with Trump, her instincts aren’t totally

wrong; something is amiss in America that needs to be fixed,” Dr. Caleb Verbois, professor of political science.

Obama won on a campaign promise of hope and change, Trump won on the promise of restoration and Bernie’s voters expressed their frustration in the chant, “enough is enough.” AOC has simply continued this trend of recognizing that something is wrong in America.

The success of these politicians stands in contrast to leaders’ slogans like Hillary Clinton (“Stronger Together”), Mitt Romney (“Believe in America”) and Ted Cruz (“Together, We Will Win”).

These slogans focused on an optimistic outlook on America, but denied the very real discontent across both sides of the isle. In 2016, Republicans were discouraged by the unaffordable Obamacare, rising national debt, weak national defense and a sense of invisibility among Washington’s elite (particularly the Clinton Campaign’s snub of the importance of the Midwest). It was Trump’s open acknowledgement of the issues facing America, particularly in foreign relations, that helped his campaign.

Like Trump’s 2016 victory, AOC tapped into discontent and a growing sense of worry regarding America’s trajectory. She did not sugarcoat her message. From the beginning of her campaign, AOC has been direct and biting in her rhetoric.

AOC presents her plans

with a boldness and certainty that won the support of many on the left.

“The claims AOC makes, the degree of confidence with which she says them, the level of belief from her supporters and the amount of outrage from her opponents, are all striking,” Verbois said. “2020 Democratic candidates came out in support of her Green New Deal so quickly one doubts they even read the proposal. There is a basic mob level of appeal to her presentation and arguments – just like there is with Trump – that should be concerning.”

Verbois said, “There is more in common between AOC, Bernie, Obama and Trump than one might expect.” The language of restoring or creating a new America features prominently, and voters are ready to vote for the politician that offers that change.

Politicians are tapping into what marketers have known for decades – to sell a product, you must first foster or latch onto a sense of discontent. Recent political victories suggest that Americans are ready to buy what politicians are selling, whether or not the product works.

America is discontented.

Voters are looking for solutions. In the end, Verbois said, “people will pick the person with a bad solution over the person with no solution.”

Letters to the Editor Policy Space will be provided for Letters to the Editor. However their inclusion is at the discretion of the Editor-inChief.

Letters will be printed as submitted unless the editors choose to delete words or portions that are in poor taste, libelous or unnecessary to convey essential meaning. Letters should be no longer than 400 words (typed and single-spaced).

The editors may condense longer letters.

Letters must include verifiable contact information, such as an email address.

Anonymous letters will not be accepted. The author’s

name will appear with the letter. Statement of fact and opinion in letters to the editor, editorials and commentaries are the responsibility of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of staff, the college, its faculty or staff or the student body.

Letters must be received by 5 p.m. on the Monday prior to the publication. All letters to the editor will be considered for publication from students, faculty, staff and alumni.

To be accepted for publication, a letter must meet one of the following criteria: it relates to an article pub-

lished in or issue discussed in paper; it contains information of interest to all, or a segment of our readership (alumni, parents, donors, students, faculty and staff); it relates to college news or policy.

We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, correct grammar and punctuation, and length. We will not publish unsigned letters.

We will not republish a letter that has appeared in another publication in part or in whole. Letters will be printed in the next edition of the paper in which space is available.

News The Collegian,

Feb. 22, 2019

Page 3

Relationships not politics

Collegian Staff

Two Grove City College students traveled to Washington, D.C., last month for the National Association of Evangelicals’ Christian Student Leadership Conference.

At the “Justice, Mercy and Humility in Public Life” conference, junior Emmanuel Agladima and senior Madeline Myers heard diverse speakers from the world of politics and religion, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Sen. Mitt Romney and Russell Moore of the Southern Baptist Convention. The speakers discussed faith in public life, evangelical political engagement, immigration and more at the U.S. Capitol and other D.C. landmarks.

“We were excited to send two students who are interested in social welfare policy to this important conference, which emphasized the value of forming relationships with those who hold different viewpoints and the critical role of humility in leadership,” Dr. Lisa L. Hosack, professor of social work, said.

Agladima, an international student from Lagos, Nigeria, said he went to the conference to learn about how policy is made and see what

Rio Arias

News Editor

GCC

Senior Madeline Myers and junior Emmanuel Agladima traveled to Washington, D.C., last month for a national evangelical leadership conference. it takes to become part of the process.

“It was a wonderful experience,” he said.

“It was encouraging to hear policymakers talk about the importance of their faith in Jesus and how they are able to form deep relationships with senators in the opposing parties.

They emphasized the importance of bipartisanship and finding coming grounds and that it takes humility and respect to be able to this.”

“I went to the conference because I want to

work with government offices to ensure that all people have their civil rights and equal opportunity in this country. I wanted to learn more about the processes and institutions that bring those protections about,” Myers, a psychology major from Cuyahoga Falls, Oh., said.

“I took away that bipartisanship is important and not many of us do it well, including myself,” Myers, who is also pursuing a minor in biblical and religious studies, said. “People

are bigger than issues and we must look at them as humans, not a collection of ideas we do or do not agree with.

Those issues do mean life or death and other huge consequences for people, to be sure, but frivolous combativeness will not make progress.”

Agladima, who is majoring in biblical and religious studies with a minor in social work, had a similar reaction to the conference.

“One big thing I took away from the conference is the Importance

of building relationships with people who hold views opposing views and the need for Christians to be involved in public life, be it through constant prayer for the country or working directly in politics,” he said.

Other colleges and universities represented at the NAE conference included Asbury University, Bethel University, Calvin College, George Fox University, Olivet Nazarene University, University of Northwestern and Wheaton College.

Ayers writes the book on marriage

Jules Wooldridge Contributing Writer

Grove City College professor Dr. David J. Ayers published a new book on Christian marriage this month.

“Christian Marriage: A Comprehensive Introduction.”

Dr. Ayers is a professor of sociology and the College’s Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Ayers has a doctorate in sociology from New York University as well as 30 years of experience working in the field of sociology, teaching marriage and family classes and studying classical theology and social science.

He has written two other books, many articles and several chapters in other scholars’

AUSTRIANS continued from 1 sor of economics and Dr. Caleb Fuller, who joined the department last year.

The three professors then make decisions about which papers will be a part of the conference and send out their acceptances.

“Anyone can submit a paper,” Fuller emphasized, “even people who

Prof pens chapter

books.

In his book, he draws on the Bible, Ayers recent sociological studies and his own experience in order to paint a portrait of the classical Christian view of marriage.

Ayers presents his solid understanding of the classical church’s views of marriage with clarity, looking at social history and research.

It discusses the whole process of marriage, from dating life to engagement, pre-marital counseling, marriage, sexuality, and living and aging as a team; he goes on to talk about unmarried Christians, divorce, remarrying, pre-marital sex and gay marriage.

Ayers wrote “Chris-

tian Marriage: A Comprehensive Introduction” with a pastoral heart, intending to help and inform church leaders, pastors, and counselors.

He seeks to address misunderstandings about marriage and explain the Christian institution for a modern audience that does not understand it.

In the book, he describes the institution of marriage as one meant for human flourishing. It is a creational ordinance, one not established by humans— a covenant created by God, that comes with “expectations and demands,” and is not merely a human social construct as many today believe it to be.

Ayers explores the institution, as well as the

experiences it brings that cannot be found without it.

With this book, Ayers seeks to fill an empty space that he has seen in today’s intellectual and popular market of learning.

The books about marriage that start with God, as he explains the institution itself did, are few and far between, rare even in Christian libraries.

Most books on the subject, too, he says, often rely on poor, misinterpreted social science, which do not and cannot give a complete or accurate picture of biblical, Christian marriage.

In today’s world, Ayers has as have many others, seen and experienced a great deal of change in society’s

ideas about marriage.

There are a great many thoughts and ideas present in the cultural consciousness, and very few of them are not troubling to a Christian who understands the concepts found in Ayers’ book.

The church as a whole, however, is being defeated on the public stage—in politics, education, and popular culture—as well as the private one—Christians’ own churches, schools, and homes.

As a whole, Ayers says that God’s people are not responding as well as they ought to be, and that they, too, have lost their grasp on the proper, classical Christian understanding of biblical marriage. In writing the book, Ayers seeks to rectify that loss.

aren’t enrolled in academic institutions, although those are rare.”

The economics department also solicits various professors and professionals in the field of economics as key-note speakers.

This year, two lectures will be given in lieu of important economists, one in memory of Ludwig von Mises, a pioneer in the field of Austrian economics, for

whom Ludwig von Mises Institute for Austrian Economics is named.

It will be delivered

by Dr. Per Bylund, professor of entrepreneurship at Oklahoma State University, on the topic of “what entrepreneurship means for economics.”

The other lecture will be delivered on Friday

by Dr. Anne Rathbone Bradley, vice president of Economics Initia-

tives at The Institute for Faith, Work and Economics. Bradley will share a lecture in honor of Hans Sennholz, who was Mises’s first doctoral student in the United States.

Sennholz is most notably known for being chair of the economics department at Grove City College for a number of years and as serving as president for the Foundation for Eco-

nomic Freedom after his retirement.

“The conference is advertised through the Mises Institute,” Fuller said, adding that the economics department uses various resources to reach out to interested students and professionals in the field of Austrian Economics.

“Most presentations are from undergraduate students, however,” Fuller concluded.

Dr. Jeffery Herbener, chair of the department of economics at Grove City College, authored a chapter in “The Economic Theory of Costs,” published

by Rout- Herbener ledge Frontiers of Political Economy in 2018.

Edited by Matthew McCaffrey, the book contains five sections on an Austrian theory of costs, and 11 chapters in total.

Each chapter features the work of a different economist. It covers topics such as casualrealist production theory, the income effect, economics calculation and Herbener’s own contribution, time and the theory of cost.

“I had never written anything on the theory of cost before,” Herbener said, reflecting on McCaffrey’s initial solicitation. Nevertheless he was willing to take on the challenge, and over one and a half years the two worked to bring together a vision for the chapter.

“The passage of time has two main implications for production costs,” Herbener wrote, explaining that only one of them has typically been incorporated into the theory of cost.

But the Austrian tradition incorporates the discount of time in the production structure, as well as the uncertainty of the future, while neoclassical economists have often missed the importance of the time structure in production, he said. Through his work, Herbener hopes to bridge the gap of understanding between the neoclassical and Austrian schools.

“The book presents an Austrian view that can be read and understood by mainstream economists too, and is for anyone who wants a better understanding of cost theory,” he said.

“I think quite a bit of the book could be read and used by students and intermediate microeconomics,” he said, acknowledging that the main audience would likely be other economists, however.

Herbener was not the only one proud of his accomplishments.

Dr. Shawn Ritenour, fellow professor of economics at the College, said “It is a joy to work with colleagues who continue to add to our understanding of the laws of economics,” in an online post on the Mises.org.

Community The Collegian,

Feb. 22, 2019

Page 4

‘Tartuffe’ hits the stage

Sarah Opst

Contributing Writer Grove City College’s theatre is showcasing “Tartuffe” at 7:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow night, as well as March 15-16, in the Little Theatre of the Pew Fine Arts Center.

A 17th-century comedy by the French playwright Molière, Tartuffe follows how a man’s gullibility in trusting a con artist creates havoc in his family. Head of the household, Orgon admires a beggar and self-proclaimed holy man, Tartuffe, and invites him into his home.

As his faith in Tartuffe increases, Orgon goes as far as betrothing his daughter, Mariane, to Tartuffe against her will. As members of Orgon’s household—his brother-in-law Cléante, his wife Elmire, and the maid Dorine—see through to Tartuffe’s treachery, they try to dissuade Orgon. Once Orgon finally begins to suspect Tartuffe, Tartuffe attempts retaliation.

Senior Brian Ferris stars as Tartuffe. Ferris is joined by freshman John Wishing as Orgon, senior Caroline Coulter as Elmire, sophomore Anna Porter as Dorine and senior Benjamin Eicher as Cléante.

Benjamin Eicher played key roles in “All My Sons” and “Brigadoon.”

“It’s actually just as hard as more dramatic shows like ‘All My Sons.’ The energy needed to be funny for an hour and a half is tough,” Eicher said.

He said the play is especially challenging because “all the lines rhyme and they’re in iambic pentameter like Shakespeare. It’s a challenge to make the lines seem natural and not like we’re reciting poetry. However, the jokes tend to land better because you can anticipate the next rhyme,” he said when asked about the unique challenge comedy poses as a genre.

The play follows a form of theatre called

IVY NOWAKOWSKI

Seniors Caroline Coulter and Brian Ferris act in Grove City College Theatre’s production of “Tartuffe” that shows this weekend. the play follows the adventures of con artist Tartuffe. commedia dell’arte.

Popular from the sixteenth to eighteenth century in Europe, commedia dell’arte often involves witticisms that were familiar to the contemporary audience, a situation in which parents interfere with a couple’s love, and characters as social types. These social types, or stock characters, in Molière’s plays “are foolish old men (in this show it’s Orgon), devious servants (Dorine, the maid), the voice of reason (Cléante), among others” Eicher said.

Caroline Coulter, who plays Orgon’s wife Elmire, has been in “Oklahoma,” “The Diviners,” “The Adventures of Flat Stanley,” “Anything Goes,” “The Phantom Tollbooth” and “The Music Man.” “I love acting in comedies or even being the comedic relief in some heavier shows,” Coulter said. “It provides a space for creativity! Which can be really challenging and also really fun,” she said.

The performance has been long in the making. The cast has been working on the play since the Fall semes-

ter, and they have held rehearsals Monday through Friday since the start of the spring semester.

After “All My Sons,” “Tartuffe” will no doubt provide a refreshing change. However, Molière is famous for saying that the “duty of comedy is to correct men by amusing them” and the play certainly still has something to teach.

“Tartuffe’s” long history attests to a moral that was initially controversial. When it came out in 1664, some religious circles interpreted the play as specifically making fun at religious hypocrisy in light of Tartuffe’s role as a man of God and the portrayal of Orgon as foolish for believing him. The Archbishop of Paris went as far as to threaten excommunication on anyone who attended. Though the “Sun King” Louis XIV enjoyed the play, he banned public performances in light of these reactions.

The original 1664 version of the play is now lost, but two revisions followed: one in 1667 and another in 1669.

The 1669 edition was

IVY NOWAKOWSKI

Senior Brian Ferris plays Tartuffe in the College’s production of the 1900 play, “Tartuffe.” successful, resulting in its publication; it is the version performed today.

Since by their nature, Grove City students are fond of a good lesson,

they should harken to Molière’s insistence that comedies are, in fact, for everyone despite genre tastes: “As the purpose of comedy is to correct the vices

of men, I see no reason why anyone should be exempt.”

Tickets for “Tartuffe” can be reserved under the Events tab on my.GCC.

dent activists across campus. Working directly with Student Life and Learning, Judith Wallhanger, Chair of the “Conservation Alliance,” fights for a school-wide policy of reduced Open Hours.

The arguments she cited, were “quality time with roommates, less work for RAs, and reduced wear and tear on shoes.”

Other emerging groups are Students

Against Destruction (SquAD), whose aim is to reinstate the rule banning students from walking on the Quad; Association of Interior Decorators (AID), whose aim is to “get rid of that nasty ceiling coating in the TLC;” and the brand new HELP, who want to “reduce the paralyzing amount of organizations incoming freshmen must choose from.”

Grover Life An occasional satirical feature exploring life at Grove City

Breaking traditions Some people say that, as members of a carefully curated conservative haven, Grovers are too steeped in tradition and values to truly embrace change.

This couldn’t be more wrong.

A recent trend has jumped Grove City lightyears ahead, rivalling even hot-beds of campus activism as Berkeley and Hampshire.

Your humble reporter spoke to William Wright, the head of the Association of Stu-

dents for the Social Acceptance of Sac Trays When Eating in the SAC, or ASFTSAOSTWEITS. He said the purpose of the organization is to make students aware of the “rampant stigmas attached to minorities who freely choose to utilize trays.”

ASFTSAOSTWEITS, pronounced “Activist,” plans to hold a rally in the Student Union “sometime in the next month, like maybe in May.” After that, they in-

tend to move on to greater things such as “rooting out stigmatization surrounding trays in MAP.” In a final stage, they will move to the grimmest battlefield: Hicks.

Speaking of the Breen Student Union, a group known as Students Against Confusion (SAC), are working to unite and make consistent the ways in which students refer to the large brick building facing HAL. “Acceptable terms are ‘Breen Student

Union,’ ‘STU,’ ‘GeDunk’ when referring to the grill, or affectionately, ‘Old Breenly.’

No other terms should ever, ever be used,” the chair of SAC said in a written statement.

When asked about the similarly named Alum magazine titled, the “GeDunk,” President of SAC replied, “listen chump, if that’s to difficult for you, I suggest you give up journalism.”

These are only a glimpse into the vibrant network of stu-

The Collegian,

Feb. 22, 2019

Page 5

Crossing the country

SEAD attends racial reconciliation conference

Who said there’s NOTHING to do in Grove City?

Paige Fay

Community Editor Soaking up the California sun, a group from Grove City College’s Students Excited About Diversity (SEAD) is traveling to Biola University in La Mirada for the 2019 Student Congress on Racial Reconciliation Conference (SCORR) this weekend.

Seniors Lisa Ma and Brandy Ndirangu, junior Julia Wood and sophomores Elsie Becker and Anna Fitzpatrick are attending the conference along with Justin Jose, the College’s Director of Multicultural Education and Initiatives and SEAD advisor.

This year’s theme is “Legacy: Justice, Righteousness, Reconciliation.”

The conference will reflect one how these values are taught throughout scripture and church history.

SCORR will host expert keynote speakers and hold a variety of workshops to help students more fully understand race and ethnicity.

Workshops will cover topics such as: biblical solutions to racial and ethnic divisions, making the gospel relevant in a complex world, cross-cultural relationships and identity, criminal justice and effective student leadership.

This conference was founded in 1995 when Glen Kinoshita, Biola’s Director of Multi-ethnic Programs and Development, presented a vision for a conference that would bring together students from Christian campuses to discuss race and ethnicity in the context of

Tonight Women’s Basketball vs.

Washington & Jefferson 5:30 p.m., College Arena Tartuffe 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Little Theatre Pew Fine Arts Center All Athlete Worship 7 to 8 p.m., Crawford Auditorium

Saturday PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTIN JOSE

SEAD students, who attended SCORR last year, pose with advisor Justin Jose. This is the second year the group has traveled to California for the racial reconciliation conference.

Christianity and build leadership skills in conference participants.

“Following Christ is the bottom line, really.

Personal growth is another one. You will be enriched as a person with different perspectives. Thinking critically, being able to engage and communicate,” Kinoshita said. “How do students learn to live in this world? How do they learn to deal with complexity? How do they think critically?

SCORR is only a weekend, but we hope that it would enhance these things.”

Ndirangu, who has been involved with SEAD since her freshman year and participated in the conference last year, is attending SCORR because it is a place where she has learned to praise God for all the unique ways that He has created each person.

“This conference is a stepping stone in aligning my views on race and ethnicity in the right direction,” Ndirangu said.

“I use the words ‘right direction’ because the conference is biblically guided. My views of race have changed immensely since I came to college. I moved from a black African country to the USA which has its own history of racial divides. This conference is a way for me to understand where I live and allow Christ to shape my perspective.”

Fitzpatrick has also been involved with SEAD since her freshman year.

She was drawn to the warmth and welcome of the group and because it was centered on a Christian perspective of racial and cultural issues.

She grew up in several different countries

and hopes the conference will teach her more about the uniqueness and beauty of different cultures.

“I hope to learn more about what the Bible has to say about justice, redemption and reconciliation, and about the teachings of Jesus regarding these matters,” Fitzpatrick said.

“I hope to gain a better understanding of his vision for diversity and am very thankful for the experience to explore the important topic of racial reconciliation alongside other students from all different backgrounds.”

“It’s great to see other colleagues doing the same work as I do and be encouraged by them,” Jose said.

“And professionally, I hope to learn more about their topics and what they have to share and to utilize some of those things that I learn

to apply here to support students and develop educational programming.”

In addition to the conference, students and Jose will do some sightseeing in La Mirada.

They’ll go to the beach, eat at different restaurants and visit Jose’s family who lives in the area.

Jose said he hoped students had a good time at the conference.

“It gives me an opportunity to share with students another experience and culture that’s different from the one here at Grove City and show them that there’s a lot more than just what they encounter here,” Jose said.

“I want to encourage them to seek what is new and what is different and be willing to engage with that.”

Perspectives Editor

Friends and family flocked to Ketler Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. last Friday night for the first of two orchestra concerts this semester.

The orchestra started preparing for this concert during the fall semester. Consisting of 10 pieces, it featured various students and showcased high schools from Butler and Seneca Valley.

The three student conductors, Anna Shoenthal, Brandon Johnson and Maria Berezny, conducted pieces that they collaborated on with Dr. Jeffrey Tedford, the orchestra conductor. These students spent hours poring over scores and rehearsing to ensure they would do the best they could.

Shoenthal conducted two pieces Aaron Copland: “Hoe-down” from “Rodeo” and “Variations on Shaker Melody.”

“I chose the two piec-

es by Copland because I knew that they were old favorites and I appreciated their significance to American history” Shoenthal said.

The student conductors were honored to be able to share their love of music and conducting with the orchestra and audience.

“Being a student conductor was a fantastic opportunity and I will always be grateful for it,” Shoenthal said. The audience could see how important this experience was for the conductors. Berezny dedicated her performance to the Hickory High School students who lost their lives in a tragic car accident on their way to a Grove City College-hosted Young Life event.

Tedford tries to make each concert focused on the students.

“Three years ago, I restructured this concert so it was this student focused concert and I enjoy the opportunity to showcase our soloists

and student conductors,” Tedford said.

The concert also featured the two winners of the annual Concerto Competition: Meredith Stratton on oboe and Callie Roberts for soprano vocals.

Each piece chosen for the concert has a rich historical background.

“The curriculum is designed to give orchestra members a holistic view of music over a 4-year period including: classics, contemporary, pops, etc.,” Tedford said.

The conductor of each high school also directed a combined piece during the performance.

The orchestra concert was a great success.

“The concert was beautiful. Leading up to that evening, I started to feel overwhelmed by the details and all of the moving parts involved, but everything came together smoothly,” Sarah Dawson, the orchestra president, said.

Involving both high

schools required a lot of planning and meticulous attention to detail, but the result was worth the effort.

Whether you enjoy the sound of an orchestra warming up or enjoy sitting in fairlycomfortable chairs for an hour and a half, there is something for everyone. It provides a unique and memorable experience. “The GCC Orchestra program has a long history of inclusion of students from every major on campus” Tedford said.

Orchestra can reach and teach people in ways that other activities – like sports or sitting in a classroom – cannot. “Ensembles blend so many skills.

We look at the academic nature of music through the theory and skill required to produce sound. We also look at the science of balance and blend and dynamics. We also experience the humanity, history, and emotional connection that music

9 a.m., HAL Men’s Tennis vs.

Otterbein 10 a.m.

Women’s Lacrosse vs.

Taylor and IUP 11 a.m.

Women’s Water Polo vs. Occidental 11:15 a.m.

Men’s Lacrosse at Baldin Wallace 1 p.m.

Men’s Volleyball Tri-match 5 p.m.

Tartuffe 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Little Theatre

Orchestrating a good concert Michelle Jeffries

Austrian Scholars Conference

provides,” Tedford said.

Being in an orchestra allowed the students to grow into who they are today.

“Orchestra has taught me how to be a perceptive listener, a team player, and a leader,” Dawson said. The students are passionate about keeping music alive.

“Orchestra is important to keep playing the classics that everyone knows and has developed music to what it is today,” Ryan Dennis, a junior trombone player in the ensemble, said.

Musicians gain lifelong skills from their participation in orchestra. It helps them to see the world in a different way and encourages them to persevere, to work hard, and to think critically. It helps them to excel and exercise their minds in different ways. Most evident at the concert on Friday, however, is the glory that the music gives to God.

Pew Fine Arts Center

Sunday Vespers 6:30 p.m., Harbison Chapel

Monday Blood Drive 9 a.m., KetRec Monday Night Dancing 9 to 11 p.m., PLC 283

Tuesday Grief Group 7 to 8 p.m., Rathburn

Wednesday Swing Dance 7 to 9:30 p.m., Crawford Auditorium

Thursday Warriors for Christ 9 to 10 p.m., Harbison Chapel

Perspectives The Collegian,

Page 8

Feb. 22, 2019

Washington goes green... ...in the worst possible way

Joshua Tatum

Contributing Writer The Green New Deal has been a Frankenstein’s monster of good intentions for a while now.

From the formation of the Green New Deal Group in 2008 to Jill Stein’s twicedoomed presidential platform of 2012 and 2016, the GND has been around the block a few times. It has taken freshman congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s bushy-tailed idealism, however, to fish the GND out of the trash (where it belongs) and bring it to the national stage.

But just what is the GND? In short, it’s a collection of off-

handed, multi-trillion-dollar proposals to save the world.

Including, but not limited to, going to 100 percent renewable energy, “guaranteeing a job…to all people of the United States” (!), free college for all, and – just as a cherry on top – providing healthcare, housing, and economic security for all. Oh, and don’t forget the “high-speed rail.”

That’s a lot of tax-backed promises.

Very few, the President included, can argue at this point that man-made climate change is not of at least some concern. Emphasis on “at least” and “some.” There is, as with most things, a spectrum. On one extreme is the apocalypse view which is that we have a century tops until the polar ice caps evaporate, Florida becomes the new Atlantis and all the penguins are dead. On the other extreme, is the recognition that

it’s maybe not the best thing that half of the Great Barrier Reef is gone, breathing air in Shanghai might give you a pulmonary disease, and little brown rats in Australia are going extinct. Your place on this spectrum is, of course, going to inform your response to climate change.

But Ocasio-Cortez’s GND is no response to climate change at all. It is a laundry list for a utopia. Indeed, many of these proposals seem to have nothing at all to do with pollution, polar bears or pulmonary diseases.

It is not immediately clear, for example, how free college for all would help the environment. It is clear, however, that free college would destroy higher education - and taxpayer’s paystubs.

And that is the cost-benefit analysis with many of these proposals. As a result, one can come to only one or two

conclusions. The first is that the GND is a strategic ploy meant to set a precedent for radical change by the majority party. The hope being that the compromises will yet surpass what would have ordinarily passed. The second is that Ocasio-Cortez and her crew hope to steer the Democratic Party further into the ditch of soft socialism, tossing hopes for a Democratic president in 2020 into the wind.

There ought to be a path for protecting the environment. It may come from the private sector, but it more likely has to come from government action. But the GND is the wrong solution. If it gets a conversation started – as it seems to have already – then its purpose is fulfilled.

But otherwise, put the GND in the recycling bin.

Brave warriors for the gospel Emily Geiger Staff Writer

On Sunday, Feb. 10th, there was a major victory for human reason.

Fox News host, Pete Hegseth, admitted to not washing his hands in years to his fellow hosts, after making a New Year’s resolution to be completely honest on the air.

He spoke with confidence and vigor, like a true hero.

“I don’t think I’ve washed my hands for 10 years,” he triumphantly exclaimed. I could only imagine how difficult that was for him to admit. Many people do not want to hear the truth. However, Hegseth did exactly what God instructs us to do.

In 2 Timothy 2:15, we are told “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

To the dismay of many Christians across the United States, Hegseth was ridiculed for his bravery.

He continued, saying: “Really. I don’t really wash my hands ever. I inoculate myself. Germs are not a real thing. I can’t see them, therefore they’re not real.”

Such a courageous warrior for truth.

As we know, germs are a concept developed by the liberal party made to get parents to vaccinate their kids, a proven method for causing Autism.

Hegseth makes a wonderful point, have you ever seen germs? Why is it that they are only visible under a microscope?

I think the obvious reason for this is that the Democratic Party has placed a fake hologram in microscopes in order to scare students into fearing for their lives.

If they worry about getting sick, they might push for universal healthcare, which would be the Republican’s nightmare.

You think that Hegseth’s colleagues would support him in this exhibit of honesty, but sadly, he was criticized.

“So you’re becoming immune to all the bacteria,” cohost Jedediah Bila sarcastically interrupted.

If that wasn’t disrespectful enough, she furthered the sass by yelling: “Someone, help me!”

Fortunately, Hegseth kept the belt of truth set firmly in place and continued to pour light into his misguided cohost.

“Exactly,” Hegseth replied.

“I can’t get sick.”

We need more people of our faith to proclaim the gospel, the same way Hegseth declares the gospel of human health.

The only people who wash their hands are those whose hands were covered in the blood of Jesus, and it is the true mark of a sinner.

The Collegian,

Feb. 22, 2019

Page 9

El Chapo conviction won’t end war

Connor Schlosser Staff Writer

“America’s public enemy number one in the United States is drug abuse. In order to fight and defeat this enemy it is necessary to wage a new allout offensive.”

When President Nixon announced this in 1971, it marked the beginning of the American “War on Drugs.” It was then made a priority that the United States would begin internationally policing against worldwide drug distribution.

Now, almost 50 years later, one of the highest priority targets of this conflict has finally been brought to justice. Captured officially in 2016, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman started his trial in November of 2018 and was found guilty of all charges this past week.

El Chapo, the founder of the “Sinaloa Cartel” based out of northwest Mexico, is known as

USATODAY

one the most powerful drug kingpins in history. He and the Sinaloa are solely responsible for the distribution of drugs such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana and crystal methamphetamine to several countries including the United States and reaching out as far as western Europe and South Africa.

In 2013, Guzman was ranked by Forbes at #67 for the most powerful people in the world.

He was also listed with a $1 billion net worth

in 2009. Guzman is responsible for violent conflicts between drug cartels and shootouts with his enemies, but also indirectly accountable for the overdoses and drug-related deaths of countless others.

The drug lord has been a difficult one to track and capture for decades. El Chapo has escaped maximum security prisons in Mexico not once, but twice.

From hiding in a laundry cart with his first escape to underground tunnels with his sec-

When loving Christ isn’t cool

Rio Arias

News Editor

Growing up in public school, being a Christian was never cool.

It was something that made me different, conservative, a prude, you name it. But being a Christian was nevertheless a label, and one I wore proudly – everyone knew my beliefs were important to me and they manifested themselves in my actions. I was highly involved in my youth group, where I met my best friend. I was also a youth leader and served on various missions’ opportunities, everywhere from Alaska to our local food pantry.

I also had friends who were quite different from me. I had Hindu friends describe their religious holidays to me, learned about the Catholic Church in my world history classes and took note of how my atheist friends explained creation.

And after trying to explain the Trinity to a Muslim, well, let’s just say people knew that I would never change my mind no matter how unfounded I might have seemed to them.

But a big part of my identity was the fact that being a Christian made me different, something that I would always have to defend if I was going to be taken seriously. It didn’t add points on our secular society, and if anything people had a lot of assumptions about what I must think or feel. Despite the challenge, it

was also tiring to be in a place where people saw me differently because of my faith. I wanted so badly to attend Grove City College, where I knew I would finally be around people who had Christ in the center of their lives.

Fast forward to freshman year. I’m surrounded by people going to chapel for fun or posting on Instagram about how good God is and what they’re reading in the bible. The people who seemed to be thriving the most were those who outwardly showed how much God was active in their lives. And though it took a semester or two to process it, I came to a startling conclusion - at a college full of Christians, being Christian was cool.

Now let me explain myself. There’s nothing wrong with talking about how God is acting in your life, or using public platforms to engage believers and non-believers alike because no one has an exclusively Christian following on social media. But to go from a culture where I feel like I was thought less of for believing Jesus was my personal savior, to a campus full of students who made missions trips and working at Christian summer camps feel mainstream, I was shocked.

I couldn’t really figure out why, until my mom shared with me an article from John Piper where he talked about the danger of creating a cultural evangelical identity - one that enjoys our religion because it is mainstream.

Piper argues that as Christians we should have more in common with Russian and Arab Christians than with our fellow non-Christians.

I think that to the credit of our College community, however, we do actively seek out people who challenge us in our faith and who are maybe even more mature than we are, so that we might learn from them. I don’t know that I could honestly name someone who would prefer to hang out with a nonChristian because they had some similar interests, over a Christian who would encourage them in their faith.

However, Piper’s point about being comfortable still rings true one day, we will graduate and we won’t be in the bubble of Grove City life. Though we will still be surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ through our church bodies, we may not be comfortable all the time, especially in places of work or school. And we will be faced with a choice to either publically live out our faith in the real world or reserve it to when we are around like-minded people.

So just to clarify – there’s nothing wrong with sharing how God is providing for you in your life, or what your daily devotions taught you. But it is just a little bit easier to post that here when everyone is doing it, than in the secular world where people might think less of you for it.

ond, Guzman has found a way to escape the clutches of justice in his home country with the help of corrupt officials.

Guzman was extremely successful with his smuggling operations. Art Bilek, vice president of the Chicago Crime Commission said, “What Al Capone was to beer and whiskey during Prohibition, Guzman is to narcotics. Of the two, Guzman is by far the greater threat… And he has more power and financial capability than

Capone.” El Chapo’s network of violence, shadowy tactics and rapacity built the dark empire of drugs that haunts the U.S. to this day.

His legacy and web of influence extends well within the drug scene on American streets even following his capture. The Drug Enforcement Administration states, “Mexican transnational criminal organizations, including the Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco New Generation Cartel, remain the greatest criminal drug threat in the United States. The cartels are the principal wholesale drug sources for domestic gangs responsible for street-level distribution.”

The tremors of El Chapo’s chaos are still shocking the country.

According to the CDC, “In 2017, the states with the highest rates of death due to drug overdoses were West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia and Kentucky.”

Pennsylvania holds

the morbid statistic of 46.3 deaths per 100,000 persons, with a 16.9% overdose death rate increase from 2016 to 2017. And with the recent opioid epidemic likely inflating these numbers, the solution to the problem with drugs will surely take more than the capture of a kingpin.

Guzman will serve a lifetime sentence and will likely be put in a Supermax facility (given his history of escaping), but his Sinaloa cartel still has potent influence. Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations for the DEA said, “The conviction has done nothing to impact the Sinaloa Cartel because it remains the most powerful cartel in Mexico.”

Some of the drug lord’s associates are still at large and in operation. But for now, the capture and conviction of one of the world’s most powerful drug lords is nothing short of a victory for justice. We may have won a battle, but the ongoing war rages on.

Letter to the Editor:

Response to ‘V for Venezuela’ Daniel Díaz

Contributing Writer In the last issue of the Collegian, an article titled “V for Venezuela” was published, where the writer gave an introduction to the current political and economic situation in Venezuela. The article touched on Venezuela’s previous president, Hugo Chavez, whose ideals continue to influence the Nicolas Maduro led government and its officials.

The article summarized how the country currently has two separate governing bodies, the democratically elected National Assembly and the Constituent Assembly, elected from Maduro’s own supporters. It ended with a listing of the countries that have recognized the new interim president, Juan Guaidó, and those that continue to support Maduro.

First, I would like to thank the author for doing his homework on Venezuelan politics and accurately introducing the readers to the complex politics that have led to where the country is today. Venezuela is of particular interest to me because my dad is from the country.

Second, I would like to clarify a few points briefly mentioned in the article.

Venezuela’s economic decline has been primarily due to the Maduro Government’s complete mismanagement of the nation’s fi-

I am saddened by an increased awareness of the desperate state of the average person, who tries to use worthless money to buy non-existent goods. I am saddened by the average citizen’s apparent lack of power to bring about meaningful political change. nances and resources.

According to IMF projections, the inflation rate will hit ten million percent in 2019, and Venezuela is the twelfth most corrupt country in the world, according to the latest report of the Corruption Perceptions Index. It is believed that many high-ranking officials in the Maduro government, including Nicolas Maduro himself, are involved with embezzlement and drug trafficking.

Juan Guaidó is not a “self-proclaimed” president. Although he did swear himself in to be the Interim President of the country on Jan. 23rd, a symbolic day for Venezuelans, this move was prompted by several leading figures of the Opposition to satisfy the Constitution.

According to the Venezuelan Constitution, if at the end of the legislative year there has not been an elected president, an interim president is appointed who must call for new elections. The Opposition, so called because they oppose the government led by Nicolas Maduro, has generally been divided about how to deal with Maduro. However, Guaidó’s move in January has greatly unified them.

Last, I want to make

it clear that the conflict in Venezuela is not Right vs. Left or Capitalism vs. Socialism; it is a people who seek democratically elected leaders vs. a dictatorship that refuses to let go of power. At the very center of this struggle is a people that want Maduro out and their country back.

The current coverage of Venezuela among news outlets brings me both happiness and sadness. I am glad that my dad’s country is in the news and talked about more than ever, but I wish it wasn’t for these reasons. I am saddened by an increased awareness of the desperate state of the average person, who tries to use worthless money to buy non-existent goods.

I am saddened by the average citizen’s apparent lack of power to bring about meaningful political change.

I am hopeful, however, that recent political pressures from within the country and outside will soon bring the Maduro Regime to its end. Until then, please join me in praying that democracy would return to Venezuela and that food and medical aid can be given to the millions who have little of either.

Entertainment

Page 10

Feb. 22, 2019

ABC

“The Bachelor” is still in favor, even in its 23rd season. This season features Colton Underwood, a former professional football player. He first appeared on the 14th season of “The Bachelorette.”

Reality TV booms on streaming

Katheryn Frazier Staff Writer

“The Bachelor,” “Keeping up with the Kardashians,” “Duck Dynasty” and “Say Yes to the Dress” all fall under the umbrella of reality television.

People often have an instant reaction to the word “reality television,” whether it be love or hate. Negative claims against the genre mock the programming as it tries to pass off manufactured events as reality. Many hail reality television as a guilty pleasure. Common themes that occur among the genre are love, luxury and drama.

However, the surge in internet access has influenced many viewers to switch from the once stock standard cable to digital streaming services for entertainment.

The dramatic switch in how audiences consume content has made many younger generations think that reality

THE POOL

Reality T.V. has even found its way into the world of streaming. Netflix recently launched the show “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.” television is outdated and becoming slowly extinct. Contrary to this belief, the genre is not dying but instead has been transformed and transferred onto two of the largest and most accessible video platforms, YouTube and Netflix.

The dawn of video sharing has completely changed how audiences consume the entertainment industry, which includes reality television. YouTube features content makers that cover a variety of styles and interests including PewDiePie, Markiplier,

Lilly Singh, Rosanna Pansino and countless others.

Subscribers follow and become invested in the individual lives of channels. The success of YouTubers has even gained the attention and cultivation of talent agencies that similarly manage celeb-

rities.

In addition, Netflix has also created programs that can be categorized as reality television from “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” to “Queer Eye,” which are series that have garnered wide support and recognition. Common themes between YouTube and Netflix content are vastly mixed, but love, luxury and drama can still be found near the top.

If YouTube and Netflix have transformed the presence of reality television then shouldn’t networks be showing less and less of the genre? Not quite. Television networks still pursue the programming because of its lower production costs and simple narrative. In addition, the success that YouTube and Netflix finds in the genre has created more of a reason for cable networks to push reality television since audiences are still intrigued

with the model. It is also notable to point out that some reality stars are still prominent in entertainment, such as the Kardashians.

The main component that makes YouTube and Netflix more successful than cable networks is the price and model of digital platforms. Digital platforms are cheaper and more instant than traditional cable. “Binging” has also become more of a relevant factor to entice viewers to watch a series. Other big shot companies have tried to jump on the bandwagon including Disney, Amazon, DC Comics, AT&T, HBO and CBS. In the end, reality television may seem like a thing from the past, but it has instead found new ways to be reintroduced into the consciousness of viewers through new entertainment techniques and tricks. Love it or hate it, reality television is here to stay.

Animation evokes emotion Tara Steinheiser Contributing Writer

“Violet Evergarden” is an animated series that follows the life of young Violet as she reenters society as a civilian.

She was raised by Major Gilbert Bougainvillea in a camp of soldiers belonging to the Leidenschaftlich army after being found abandoned, presumably orphaned during a war between two large nations. Don’t worry, the series is set in a Germanic area with a lot of lengthy Germanic words, but the plot and events are easy enough to track without remembering any of them.

The series starts after a gory, cutthroat battle, in which Violet loses both of her arms, and Major Gilbert is missing, presumed dead by many. Violet is put under the charge of Colonel Claudia

Hodgins, a trusted friend of the Major.

After she’s given prosthetic arms and hands, it’s discovered that Violet needs more assistance than her missing limbs to progress in civilian society.

She begins work for Hodgins at CH Postal Company, responsible for private mail and ghostwriting services.

A skilled and established war veteran at the age of fourteen, Violet is tasked with learning the meaning and strength of emotions she was never taught or allowed to understand.

She quickly remembers that Major Gilbert’s last words to her were “I love you.” She knows there is a powerful weight behind these words, but can’t personally comprehend what the Major was trying to tell her. Because of this, she becomes a ghostwriter for the postal service, or an “Auto Memory Doll.”

These Dolls are tasked

with putting emotions into words for people all over the country and beyond. With the war finished, Violet goes about understanding the Major’s last words while exploring the world and elements of childhood she never had a chance to experience.

Watching this series with a group only enhanced the experience. Throughout Violet’s adventures to teach herself about emotions, it’s as if you’re joining her in learning these emotions for the first time. Most, if not all of the cast of characters have names derived from flowers, symbolic of their personalities and purposes within the story. Though often overlooked, this adds an element of beauty to the already skillful and captivating writing.

Set in an unfamiliar world with some unfamiliar circumstances, “Violet Evergarden” is

sure to create relatability in the personality flaws and struggles of the assorted people in Violet’s new life as an Auto Memory Doll. The series takes you on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the spectrum of emotions she faces, and will have you holding pillows close and looking to your friends’ reactions.

“Violet Evergarden” had its start as a light novel series written

by Kana Akatsuki and illustrated by Akiko Takase. It was first published on Christmas day of 2015 as a three volume set. The show is available on Netflix streaming services and was first released between January and April of 2018. “Violet Evergarden” is produced by Kyoto Animation, also known for the Free! series. Additionally, Kyoto Animation has an unnamed film set for release in January of 2020.

IMDB

“Violet Evergarden” features a young girl faced with war and loss, who journeys to understand the meaning of words. She finds love in the figure of her adoptive father, but also mourns when she loses him in battle.

The Collegian,

Feb. 22, 2019

Page 11

Women continue winning

Mallory Trumbull

Women’s Basketball Beat Writer

The Grove City College women’s basketball team advanced in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championship Tournament as they defeated No. 6 Westminster in a 76-40 decision Wednesday.

Sophomore center Laura Buchanan led the scoring with 17 points, while junior forward Kate Balcom and sophomore forward Jess Bowen scored 14 and 12 points respectively.

Prior to Wednesday’s contest, senior guard McKenzie Black commented on how excited the team is to host a playoff game for the first time.

“One of our goals this year was to host our first playoff game being a top three team,” Black said, “so that was awesome for us!”

She also talked about what having the ‘homecourt advantage’ would do for the team.

“I think it’ll give us some confidence going into the game. We play well on our court and it’s a familiar environment for us,” she said.

Black commented on what the team’s journey has been like this season.

“A lot of hard work.

GCC

Senior guard McKenzie Black dribbles the ball up the court against Westminster. Black scored 9 points, helping to lead Grove City to a dominant 76-40 win Wednesday.

It’s been taking each game one at a time because the PAC is very competitive this year,” Black said. “We, as a team, just work really hard at setting goals and achieving the little things to be successful.”

“We definitely want to capitalize on our defensive standards,” Black said. “We have about 7 defense-oriented goals we set each game. We also like to meet three offensive goals each game as well.”

Junior forward Kate Balcom also talked about the team’s defen-

sive strength.

“We like to pressure other teams for the entire 40 minutes and wear them down,” she said.

The Wolverines love to full court press throughout the entire game and feel that this leads to many of their steals. These steals are important to their offensive play because it allows them to capitalize on their opponent’s turnovers by converting them into points. Balcom talked about what the team has been doing to prepare for the

game.

“We’ve been really trying to focus on our team and pull out our strengths. We need to identify what offensive and defensive things we must do to be successful,” she said.

Balcom also stated what it’s like now that Thomas More isn’t in the tournament, after moving to Division II. “With Thomas More out, I think a lot of teams feel like they have a shot at winning the championship,” she said. “There’s a lot of excitement that many

Lax starts season with fresh faces Collegian Staff The Grove City College men’s lacrosse team opens its 2019 season Saturday at Baldwin Wallace College with a gaggle of new faces and high hopes.

The team, in its second season of intercollegiate varsity play, returned just seven members from last year’s team. Head coach Alex Jernstedt will have to balance the sixteen new players with the returners from last year’s 10-6 team.

While the lack of experience is daunting, Jernstedt is confident that the newcomers can have a big impact.

“The lack of varsity experience is certainly our biggest challenge, but if you look across all different college sports you can find plenty of examples of young guys having huge impacts on their program,” he said.

“I think of Duke basketball winning a National Championship with four or five freshmen in the starting lineup,” he said. “It just takes an exceptional amount of poise and commitment to learning for those guys to get in the swing of things quickly.”

“The leadership of the returning players will really make or break our season,” Jernstedt said. “Normally you would have about a 2-1 ratio of upperclassmen to freshmen so it’s easier to pour into the younger guys. For us we are 1-3 upperclassmen

GCC

Junior Henry Brannan will help lead Grove City’s lacrosse team this season. Brannan served as the focal point for the Wolverines attack last season. to freshmen, so the older guys have to be really intentional in the way they connect.”

One of those upperclassmen is junior Henry Brannan, the Wolverines’ offensive focal point. He returns looking to top his impressive performance last season, leading Grove City with 50 goals and 66 points last season, earning Ohio River Lacrosse Conference (ORLC) Offensive Player of the Year honors.

Two seniors will also help lead the Wolverines this year: midfielder Jeff Cypher and defender Jesse Shaffer.

Both men saw extensive action during the inau-

gural 2018 season.

Cypher played in all 16 games and accumulated 33 ground balls during the season. He also assisted two goals.

Meanwhile, Shaffer ranked third on the team with 24 caused turnovers. He made seven starts and played in all 16 games in 2018.

Junior starter David Calhoun returns as well. Calhoun helped anchor the midfield for Grove City in 2018 and will be an integral contributor at both ends of the field this spring. He tallied 13 goals and 11 assists last season in 16 games. Brannan, Calhoun and Cypher will be the team’s tri-cap-

tains this season.

Junior defender Dominic Quiggle will also look to earn a spot in the lineup in his first season at Grove City after transferring from Otterbein University.

Sophomore midfielder Andrew Kvasnovsky also returns after emerging as one of Grove City’s top rookies in 2018.

Saturday’s game at Baldwin Wallace kicks off at 1 p.m. Presidents’ Athletic Conference play commences March 30 against Thiel at Robert E. Thorn Field.

This is the first season of play in the PAC after the ORLC’s dissolution.

teams are feeling because the PAC title is up for grabs.”

Many of those hopes were realized as the women triumphed over Westminster on Wednesday.

Leaving the Titans an impressive 36-point deficit, the Wolverines crushed all worries of a possible loss.

Grove City closed its regular season schedule Saturday with a 65-53 loss at Washington & Jefferson. The Wolverines ended the season ranked third in the President’s Athletic

Conference. In Saturday’s contest, sophomore Jess Bowen led the team with a total of 15 points while junior Kate Balcom and senior McKenzie Black both added 10 points.

Senior Laura Buchanan showed strong play by pulling down seven rebounds. Bowen and freshman Allison Podkul were close behind with six rebounds each.

Grove City faces off against W&J again today, in the PAC Tournament semi-finals in Latrobe, Pa. The game will tip at 5:30 p.m.

SWIMMING

ris and sophomore Jonah Sutter finished fifth with 337.75 points and freshman Garrett Dickhudt accumulated 281.00 points to take sixth place.

“This weekend my teammates truly lived out our women’s team motto—one team, one heart, one dream,” senior co-captain Sarah Haley said. “I’m so thankful that I could swim with such amazing friends these past four years.”

Grove City’s 878 team points are the most ever by a PAC runner-up in women’s swimming and diving.

Although the women’s team was defeated

by Westminster, a loss that ended the Wolverine 10-year streak, the team was pleased and optimistic. The Wolverines have won 16 PAC titles since 1993, including 10 of the last 11.

Overall, Grove City now has 27 all-time conference championships.

In addition to the 19 PAC titles, the Wolverines also won eight Penn-Ohio conference titles between 1955 and 1968.

continued from 1 standard. Dassow is the defending NCAA Division III champion in the 200 fly.

She also won the 50 free and the 100 butterfly at the 2019 PAC Championships.

Dassow, freshman Emily VanderWeele, freshman Jenny Baglia and junior Brittany Byer closed the meet by taking second place in the 400 free relay (3:34.38).

Three Grove City competitors from the men’s team also captured victories during Saturday night’s finals session.

Brouwer opened the session by winning the 1650 in a time of 16 minutes, 2.89 seconds.

Two men posted runner-up finishes for the Wolverines. Junior Josh Wakefield earned second in the 200 butterfly (1:55.98) and freshman Luke Mason placed second in the 200 breaststroke (2:07.15).

Three Grove City divers finished in the top six Saturday night on the 3-meter board.

Freshman Ryan Mor-

GCC

Grove City College’s men’s swimming and diving team won the PAC Conference Championship last week, which they hosted in the James E. Longnecker pool.

Sports The Collegian,

Feb. 22, 2019

Page 12

Track prepares for PACs Price Styer

Track Beat Writer The Grove City College ‘s indoor track and field teams made their final preparations for next week’s Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championships by competing in the University of Mount Union’s Tune-Up Meet, held Saturday at Peterson Field House.

For the women’s team, Grove City’s 800-meter relay team highlighted the day for the Wolverines by winning the event in a programrecord time of one minute, 51.82 seconds. Junior Katlyn Adams, senior Tabitha White, senior Elizabeth Donahoe and junior Rohanna Foote combined for the record-setting effort.

Donahoe also took second in the 400 meters with a time of 1:02.41. Sophomore Abbey Collins led Grove City’s field performers by taking third place in the long jump with a best mark of 16 feet, 1 3/4 inches.

Sophomore Karen Prem earned sixth in the mile and seventh in the 1000 meters with times of 5:29.79 and 3:20.85 respectively. Adams marked at 33 feet, 6 inches in the triple jump, good for seventh place.

White earned eighth in the 400, running in 1:07.83, one spot ahead of junior Madison McKivergan. McKivergan finished ninth in 1:07.85. Sophomore Emma Lizewski took ninth in the triple jump 33 feet, 1 inch.

For the men’s team, Grove City’s 800-meter relay team of sophomores Cameron Drake, Thomas Troxel, Christopher Sweeney and freshman Andrew Longjohn combined for a victorious time of 1 minute, 36.11 seconds, breaking the previous school standard of 1:38.38 set two years ago.

Troxel also anchored Grove City’s victorious distance medley-relay squad, which posted a time of 10:39.81.

Senior Aaron Bliss, senior Ryan Budnik and freshman Einar Trosdal joined Troxel on the winning foursome.

Sophomore Seth Ray led Grove City’s effort in the field events as he took fourth in the high jump by clearing 6 feet, 1 1/2 inches. Senior Ethan Conto earned fifth in the pole vault with a Grove City-record height of 12 feet, 10 inches.

Ray also finished sixth in the triple jump marking 41 feet, 6 inches, while sophomore Jared Gay placed sixth in the shot put with a best mark of 46 feet, 11 1/2 inches.

Drake earned sixth in the 60 hurdles with a time of 8.97 seconds.

Sophomore Kevin Ballentine took eighth in the pole vault 11 feet, 4 1/4 inches while freshman Micah Shaw placed eighth in the 1000 with a time of 3:14.10.

Saturday’s meet marked Grove City’s final preparation for this week’s Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championships. The PAC Championships will be held Thursday at Youngstown State.

KAREN POSTUPAC

Junior guard Nate Peters scored 18 points in Tuesday’s 81-75 win over Geneva. The Wolverines entered the PAC Championship Tournament as the second-seeded team, behind Saint Vincent.

On to the next round Men’s basketball tops Geneva in tourney’s first game

Mackenzie Stine

Men’s Basketball Beat writer Grove City College’s men’s basketball team captured an 81-75 win over Geneva College in the quarterfinals of the PAC Championship Tournament Tuesday night.

In the first ever postseason meeting between the two teams, four Wolverines had 10 or more points. Junior forward James Wells added an impressive 19 points to his season total.

Junior guard Nate Peters followed closely with 18 points.

Sophomore center Garrett Clark’s 11 points gave him a new career-high and senior guard Isaac Williams had 10 points to give the Wolverines the win. Grove City also outrebounded Geneva 45-42 which is critical to the strong defense the team strives for.

“Our success depends on great defense and rebounding,” head coach Steve Lamie said. “That is something we can control and that has been a part of our basketball cul-

ture for decades.”

Peters, one of the team’s captains, also mentioned that defense was critical to their success on Tuesday night.

“We got off to a very strong start defensively and didn’t let that energy down all game,” Peters said.

The team’s overarching mindset is something they believe sets them apart. Their ultimate goal is to play with freedom.

Achieving this according to Coach Lamie comes with “playing to a standard and focusing on the process” and having “selfless, coachable captains that are willing to walk the walk.”

Sophomore guard and captain Justice Rice also names the ability to “play free from start to finish, do all of the little things and play for each other” as reasons why the team was so successful in both the playoffs and throughout the season. Ultimately, Coach Lamie “was

very pleased with how the game went.”

“It is very difficult to beat the same team three times in the same season – especially when the teams are matched so evenly,” Lamie said.

Prior to playoffs, both Peters and sophomore forward Joe Meola felt like the team was ready. “We are extremely excited to be in the playoffs,” Peters said, “not every team in the conference makes the playoffs so we earned our spot and are ready to go.”

Peters said they earned their spot through resiliency, never losing more than two games in a row.

“Every time we have a bad loss or a bad practice, we always bounce back the next day,” Peter said.

Meola was also confident in the team’s ability, saying the Wolverines are a “dangerous team, especially as the season went on.” He attributes this to “a close bond” and “because we spend a lot of time with

each other.” This makes a difference he says, “because we all want to see each other succeed,” which lines up with the mindset of selflessness the team looks to cultivate.

Both Peters and Meola said the key to being successful in the playoffs is treating the games like they would any other game.

“We don’t need any more added pressure, so we have to do what we can to play relaxed and play free,” Peters said.

Meola adds the “need to focus and play fearlessly” to that list. While making the playoffs is exciting, Meola says they, “hope to be PAC champions.”

The home crowd has played a big role in the Wolverines success this year, Rice said. “The fans give us a huge adrenaline boost throughout the game,” he said.

The Wolverines returned to the court in the Championship Tournament Thursday night.

WOLVERINE WEEKLY HONORS

Junior swimmer Anne Shirley Dassow earned Most Valuable Performer at last week’s PAC Championships.

Dassow’s won three individual events, qualifying for the NCAA Regional Championships in the process.

Sophomore diver Reilly Diggins earned Most Valuable Diver at the PAC Championships. Diggins won the 1-meter competition, and qualified for the NCAA Regional Championships in the 1- and 3-meter competitions.

Head coach Dave Fritz won PAC Swimming Coach of the Year after leading the men’s swimming and diving team to a conference championship. Fritz is now in his 17th year as swimming and diving head coach.