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Collegian The Award-Winning Grove City College Student Newspaper
Vol. 107, No. 2
In remembrance of 9/11 College commemorates 20th anniversary Ayden Gutierrez News Editor
“An act, I think, of great evil that will probably change the world forever.” The words of Dr. John Moore, the college’s President during the attacks of September 11, 2001, ring true to this day. The attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, were monumental in our nation’s history. With this year marking the 20th anniversary, the college hosted several events to honor all of those that we lost during the terrorizing attacks. The college released a virtual exhibit on Monday. Within that exhibit are quotes, photos, oral history recordings and an archive of first-hand accounts and recollections from our very own alumni, faculty and staff. President Paul J. McNulty ‘80 spoke on Wednesday in Pittsburgh at The Foundations in American Leadership lecture series, presented by the college’s Institute for
Faith & Freedom. Due to McNulty’s role as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, he oversaw the prosecution of dozens of terrorist cases, including Zacarias Moussaoui. A special Chapel presentation was held Thursday night in Harbison to allow students to consider the wisdom in remembering events that took place when they were small children, or in many cases, not yet born. Tomorrow, a special halftime tribute will be held during the night football game. Following the conclusion of the contest, a fireworks show will also be held on lower campus. During the various attacks on Sept. 11, 2,996 people were killed, two of whom had relations with the college. Grove City College alumnus Charles Droz ’71 was one of the 2,996 lost during the attacks. He was a passenger aboard the American Airlines Flight 77 that crashed into the Pentagon. On the morn-
ing of the attacks, Droz was on his way to Los Angeles to meet with clients for his job as vice president of software development for EMSolutions, an Arlington, Va., firm. Ruth E. Ketler was also a victim of the Sept. 11 tragedy. Ketler was Director of Research for Fiduciary Trust International. Her office was located near the top of the South Tower at the World Trade Center. Ketler was the granddaughter of Weir C. Ketler 1908, the college’s president (1916-1956) and Ellen (Bell 1914) Ketler. She was also cousins with many Grove City alumni, including Bruce W. Ketler ’71, who was a professor of business from 1977 to 2018. Today, September 11 is a day to recount the horrific attacks from a personal standpoint. Everyone has a story about where they were when the attacks happened. However, that cannot be said for over half of our student body. We are now at the point when students either
THE COLLEGIAN
Students plant American flags on the Quad in fall 2014 to mark 9/11. were not born yet or were too young to remember anything about that terrifying day. For these students, that
day lives on through the lives and stories of their faculty, REMEMBRANCE 9
Masking measures in effect Ayden Gutierrez News Editor
Students gather in Harbison Chapel to sing worship music together at the Opening Convocation chapel service.
MATTHEW SCHOONOVER
Chapel changes in the works What can the student body expect?
Ashley Ostrowski Copy Editor
How does one become wise? How does one live with wisdom in today’s world? What do these questions have to do with chapel? To start, there has been discussion about upcoming changes this spring semester regarding the chapel program, which is now called the Christian Formation Office. “What we’re about is far more than the chapel as a building or a series or service,” chaplain Donald Opitz said. “Christian Formation
describes the work of campus ministry on and beyond our campus.” The Christian Formation Office is also excited to announce that they have hired some new members to the team. Charis Byun has been hired as administrative and care coordinator, Daniel Snoke is now the Music and Worship Coordinator and Ben Makin has an interim role working with the Men’s Ministry and Mentor Program. As to the chapel schedule, the series will consist of three different chapels a week. There will be the usual Tues-
day and Thursday services, as well as a service on select Thursdays at 7 p.m. The chapel credits requirement has also been reduced from 16 to 12 for the fall and spring semesters. So, where does wisdom fit into all of this? “Wisdom is a key theme in the core curriculum review. We want to equip students with familiarity with the biblical idea of wisdom. In many ways, Jesus is a wisdom teacher. We want Grove City students to grow as wisdom leaders in their church, family, field and friendships,” Opitz said. The Tuesday chapel series
is on the Beatitudes and is called “Wisdom from the Source,” which explores the character of Christ and how we can follow His example in wisdom. Thursday morning services are called “Wisdom Lit for Life” and will explore the wisdom literature of the Bible. Thursday night services are called “Word to the Wise.” They are bringing in a variety of speakers to talk about learning wisdom and developing a Christian worldview for life. CHAPEL 5
Masks are back to their mandatory state starting today. President Paul J. McNulty ’80 sent an email to the campus community Wednesday night stating that masks are now required indoors until further notice. According to McNulty, 13 new students tested positive for COVID-19 by Tuesday of this week, adding to the 42 positive cases from last week. The COVID-19 Positive Test Dashboard, which was last updated Monday, shows the semester total has now reached 71 cumulative positive cases. “At that pace, we would be approaching 100 cases within the first three weeks.” McNulty said. “Keep in mind that we had less than 250 cases all of last year. We need to slow the spread of the virus for the sake of those who might be more vulnerable to its most significant threats and to manage our limited resources.” McNulty’s communication Wednesday explained that there are a few exceptions to the mask requirement. Masks will not be needed when one is: ■ Dining, but masks should be worn until one is actually eating ■ Exercising ■ Alone in an office or study area where there is obvious social distancing ■ In a residence hall room alone or with a MASKS 3
Editorial
Page 2
The award-winning Grove City College student newspaper, Sept. 10, 2021
From the Tower
May we never forget
As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches tomorrow, students have a chance to reflect on and honor those who lost their lives on that tragic day (even if they don’t remember it). It’s easy for professors to commemorate the annual holiday because they instantly recall where they were when they first heard the news. Throughout the years, I’ve always heard my history teachers tell stories of the exact locations they were at and the intense emotions they felt as they were anxiously watching their TVs. But what about current Grove City College students? None of us remember the events of that day, and half of the student body wasn’t even born yet. So how do you show respect when you never had the opportunity to vividly experience this national tragedy firsthand? It’s hard to commemorate something you don’t fully understand or appreciate. I was only six months old when all this unfolded. It’s hard to imagine a time before 2001 when you did not have to worry about enhanced airport security. I always find it interesting when an old movie or TV show follows a character with their family walking right up to the airport gate without having to go through a TSA line. When I was younger, I was so confused by this because I never got to experience that. My dad later clarified this for me and told me stories of how less stressful an airport used to be. And this is only one effect of how 9/11 changed the world forever. Another outcome was that America stationed troops in Afghanistan for the past 20 years (as long as I’ve been alive) until recently. That’s a whole other topic I won’t get into, but the point is I never grew up in a time when America wasn’t at war in the Middle East…and now it feels strange that is no longer the case. Each year, it’s easy to take 9/11 for granted and this year is no different. When you don’t have an emotional scar from that day, it’s tempting to overlook its significance, shrug it off and move on. But others who have been deeply impacted by these events (maybe people you know) take the time to remember those lost friends, coworkers and family members they lost. Instead of letting the 20th anniversary pass us by without much thought, take some time to reflect as well. It’s the least each of us can do. It’s imperative that we always remember the 9/11 attacks, what they meant for our country and how they impacted the rest of our lives, so this hopefully never happens again. Let’s never forget.
David Zimmermann
Editor-in-Chief
Collegian Staff Editor-in-Chief
David Zimmermann
Managing Editor Caleb West
Section Editors News Ayden Gutierrez
Community Noel Elvin
Perspectives Clark Mummau
Sports
Emily Rupczewski
Austin Branthoover Tara Brick Landon Fairchild Shelbi Henkle Claire Josey Eve Lee Jane Monaghan Lauren Ness Ashley Ostrowski Julia Pratt Jessica Reynolds Henry Scardina Bryce Snyder Syd Travis Zachary Wood Alex Zeilstra
Staff Writers
Photo Chief
Matthew Schoonover
Scott Amon Connor Schlosser Isaac Willour
Design Chief
Staff Photographers
Chris Murphy
Kathryn Miller
Grace David Dan Kabakjian Lizzy Linnik Nolan Miller Olivia Ortman Max Pargeon Gracie Turnbaugh
Copy Editors
Staff Adviser
Copy Chief
Joanna Thorpe
Business Manager
Alex Andersen Katherine Bennett
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 Sports Editor Emily Rupczewski for her strong reporting resolve and commitment to making the issue the best it can be. The Green Eyeshade Award honors student contributors that demonstrate consistency and excellence in their work.
Rupczewski
LIGHTSTOCK
The wonders of His love Clark Mummau Perspectives Editor
Recently, I’ve been studying 1 Peter, and it has been wonderful to study this book. The book is a circular letter addressed to churches in modern-day Turkey that were experiencing persecution, but its purpose is so much broader than just the suffering that Christians experience. “Since many of the exhortations in Peter concern faith and obedience, it may be suggested that the purpose of Peter is to encourage the readers to grow in their trust in God and their obedience to him throughout their lives, but especially when they suffer,” Wayne Grudem writes in his commentary on the book. In particular, I think the first 12 verses of 1 Peter form the basis for understanding the rest of the letter, because Peter frames the understanding of responding to suffering, relationships and our behavior in a proper understanding of the Gospel of Christ. Peter begins the letter by defining the Christians to whom he is writing. He calls them chosen sojourners, people set apart by God who are travelling through a land that is not their home. However, that is not all who Christians are, and Peter also identifies us by the Trinity. We are Christians “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood,” (1.2 English Standard Version). This verse explains both our origins and purpose as being with God and in following him. The idea of sprinkling with Jesus’ blood calls to mind Moses establishing the cov-
enant with Israel and the ordination of priests, which should remind us that we are a new covenant through Jesus and that we are also all priests under Jesus, our Great High Priest as Hebrews explains. From here, Peter starts to unravel some of the mysteries of the Gospel and how the Gospel changes us. However, he starts by praising God, because it’s only because of God’s mercy that we ever could be saved (v. 3). As he explains our salvation, he continually refers to sanctification and glorification, but he also references justification by including Jesus’ resurrection as a key factor in our “being born again to a living hope” (v. 3). Peter begins by providing Christians with hope for their glorification in “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven for,” us (v. 4). Like Jesus said, our treasures in heaven will not rust or become moth-eaten, and thieves cannot steal it. God has our eternal life secure. In verse five, though, he further explains who we Christians are. “By God’s power,” we “are being guarded through faith for a salvation,” Peter writes (v. 5). It’s not our efforts that merit us salvation, it’s only through God’s working in us. This beautiful reality should free us from striving after salvation and free us to live fully knowing that we are indeed saved. And, indeed, Peter says that we should rejoice in our salvation, even if we are experiencing troubles (v. 6). Very few of us at Grove City College, or even in America face persecution at all like firstcentury Christians faced, but that does not excuse us from rejoicing in our salvation. Whatever the tests of our faith look like, though, they should reveal the “tested
genuineness” of our faith, which has a value that exceeds all material possessions, and this faith should, when all our earthly trials are complete, result in “praise and glory and honor” when Jesus is revealed (v. 7). Grudem explains that the next verse “implies a personal daily relationship with the ascended Lord Jesus…, a strong personal involvement in the act of believing, and carries a sense of resting oneself in Christ,” despite not having seen Christ. Again, Peter notes that we rejoice in our participation with Christ, showing just how much we should rejoice in Christ. Verses 10-12 highlight the final aspect of the wonders of salvation: how it has been revealed to us. The Gospel was first preached in part to Adam and Eve, and then to Abraham, and all throughout history, Israel had been waiting for the Messiah, but it was eventually revealed through the prophets that the Messiah would come later, suffer and die, but then bring glories to those who follow Him. This Gospel is so marvelous that even the angels long to understand it. Peter begins his epistle with a stirring reminder of God’s grace in saving us from our sins through His Son’s sacrifice, but his description focuses heavily on the joy and glory found in salvation. Peter is looking ahead to heaven, and this focus should encourage us to live in obedience to Christ as people sojourning through this world. This message rings equally true for us today, and we must live in obedience to Him that overflows from joy in how God will save us. The Gospel is glorious, and we cannot learn too much about it. Let us rejoice in the God of our salvation, knowing our eternity is secure because of Christ’s sacrifice.
News The Collegian,
Sept. 10, 2021
Page 3
Students to pitch innovative business ideas Amber Flynn
Contributing Writer
THE COLLEGIAN
Students grabbed their hotdogs from Wieners Gone Wild, the first of four Food Truck Fridays two years ago. Today starts the return of the beloved event which will continue for the next three Fridays.
Food trucks give students culinary variety once again Ayden Gutierrez News Editor
This year has seen the resurgence of many things our society deems normal: inperson classes, full-capacity sporting events and maskless lives, just to name a few. Yet for the college, there is one event that has yet to be added to the rebirth list: Food Truck Friday. But that changes today. Food Truck Friday makes its glorious return to campus today. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a food truck at STEM Hall, East Terrace. John Coyne ‘04, Associate Dean of Student Life, said that this idea was originated by President Paul J. McNulty ’80 a while ago. “Food Truck Friday was an idea that President McNulty had a few years ago,” Coyne said. “Mr. Scott Gordon, Director of Student Activities,
took the idea and ran with it and has been instrumental in shaping what it looks like today.” What used to be a college tradition to all is now a firsttime event for over half of the student body. Due to the severity of the pandemic during the 2020-2021 academic year, Food Truck Friday unfortunately had to take a year-long hiatus. “I think the students (and employees) who remember Food Truck Fridays from two years ago are really excited for the opportunity,” Coyne said. “Excited not only to purchase a unique lunch on these Fridays but also to interact with fellow students and employees whom they might not otherwise get to interact with.” The upperclassmen have anxiously been awaiting the return of Food Truck Friday. For junior Eric Schneider, it
has been far too long. “I’m pretty excited that they’re back,” Schneider said. “It’s a nice break from the dining halls here and there. I will definitely be in line when they come back.” President McNulty sent out an email at the beginning of the semester with the Food Truck Friday itinerary. That email listed the varying kinds of food trucks that will be coming to the college each Friday through Oct. 1. Today’s feature is Ash and Kris Kitchen; they will be serving gyros and more Greek cuisine. Sept. 17 will be Shanalica Concessions, which is known for their “bombs,” a fried pastry packed with ingredients. Sept. 24 will be Haitian Sensation, serving delightful creole cuisine. On Oct. 1, the Chick-Fil-A truck will serve its usual chicken sandwiches, bagged potato chips and
bottled lemonades. Freshman Noah Vesey said that his upperclassmen friends have prepared him for the event. “My friends have been talking about it nonstop,” Vesey said. “I definitely have high hopes for Food Truck Friday now.” Coyne noted that he wants students to be appreciative of the work that goes on behind the scenes to make this event so great. “It is also important to acknowledge our Operations and Maintenance teams who work behind the scenes to make this event a reality,” Coyne said. The schedule could change in the coming weeks depending on the COVID-19 case count on campus. Students are advised to be aware of any sudden changes or cancellations to the event.
Finance column
Avoiding financial bug bites
Karsten Lagerquist Contributing Writer
Recently, I had the unfortunate privilege of paying a $20 fee to my bank thanks to a silly mistake. I have had a standard debit card set up for a couple of years now that draws directly from my checking account. If I ever try to withdraw more than the account balance, I get hit with a NonSufficient Funds (NSF) fee. This is the mosquito bite of personal finance. It isn’t a regular occurrence, but it was the result of the flurry of recent school-related purchases. Although $20 is not the end of the world, it is certainly unnecessary. Not only is that cash I could have used elsewhere, but it also has the potential to affect my credit
MASKS
continued from 1 roommate(s) ■ Teaching or presenting when there is social distance between the speaker
score down the road. In thinking about concrete ways to avoid similar events in the future, I was reminded of a few simple practices that are effective prevention tactics. These practices of awareness are good for personal finances in any scenario with any type of account, card or cash. First, having a set time to check your account balance helps to create a healthy rhythm. My spending often happens all at once before large events, so I might not need to replenish my checking account for weeks in between. That is where I’ve gotten in trouble. If it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind. Making it a five-minute piece of my Monday-morning routine would easily solve that problem. Creating records of spend-
ing is another essential habit. During the summer, I kept an Excel file that compiled all of my working hours on one sheet and my expenses on a second sheet, which provided a reliable form of account tracking, statement verification and trend identification. Let’s take each of those in turn. With regards to account tracking, it is important to realize that charges do not always show in your account immediately when you use a card. It is possible that you might check your account one day only to have the balance updated to its actual amount a few days later. Having your own records allows you to have a timely, accurate knowledge of your balance and potential action needed. Statement verification is
similar. Keeping track of the places you have used your card and how much you have spent allows you to check your account statements and ensure that all charges are legitimate. In general, making a conscious effort to track spending should help you to realize your own spending habits. You may spend more than you notice at places like Starbucks or Coffaro’s. I would not have asked to pay an unnecessary $20 fee and certainly will not seek it out in the future. Regardless, thinking about it has made me realize the benefits and importance of simple practices that allow for better stewardship of resources. You may be wondering why I haven’t been doing these things already; I am too. I certainly will now!
and the audience ■ When everyone in the room is vaccinated “I rarely fail to mention in my communications that Grove City College is a special community,” McNulty
said. “That doesn’t mean we all think alike on every complex issue, especially this one. But it does mean that we value virtue, which includes humility and selfless regard for
others.” McNulty said he wants the campus community to accept this change in policy as the school works its way through this momentary spike in COVID cases.
The Elevator Pitch Contest (EPC) is being held again this year, and idea entries will be accepted online until Sept. 17 from all Grove City College students. The EPC is an annual contest sponsored by Beans on Broad and the Community Foundation of Western Pa & Eastern Ohio, where students from all majors can present their ideas for a business venture in either the social or commercial enterprise category. Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (EI), Yvonne J. English ’97, and her team express the goal of the competition to be to “teach students to communicate effectively and allow their charisma and positive characteristics to shine through in just a short two-minute pitch.” The EPC is about showcasing students’ ideas in a competitive learning environment. This competition is not limited only to entrepreneurship majors. Last year, English reported, competitors came from 20 different majors. Timothy J. Sweet ’85, the entrepreneurship chair, explained how people value innovation in every discipline and “you never know how well you’ll do until you try something like this.” He valued the ability of this competition to stretch students’ creativity in a relatively low-stakes environment, leaving room for all types of students to get involved. “The bottom line is that the Elevator Pitch Contest is an easy way to exercise your innovation muscle and hone your communication ability, which are valuable skills to have regardless of your major. Plus, if you need help preparing a good pitch, please reach out to me; my EI team would be happy to coach you,” English said. The sense of the competition is for students to try and pitch an idea that will leave the judges interested. From the EPC, competitors can gain valuable experience in presentation, innovation and networking. Money is also at stake. First place in either category wins $500, second place wins $400 and third place wins $300. The commercial category also gives prizes to fourth and fifth place. Ideas can also win the fan favorite award with a $100 prize. Students interested need to submit their idea for a business venture at the college’s entrepreneurship website by clicking on the REGISTER NOW button by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17. After the initial entry, the ideas are then pitched in a video by Oct. 1. Finalists will be announced Oct. 22. The final round will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10 in Sticht Auditorium as well as being live streamed.
Community The Collegian,
Sept. 10, 2021
Page 4
Upcoming Events...
What’s fresh at the Grove?
On Campus:
Food Truck Friday Ash & Kris’ Kitchen Friday Sept. 10, 11:15 a.m. - 1 p.m. South end of STEM
Beta Patio Night Friday Sept. 10, 7 p.m. Lincoln Patio
Football Game vs. Bethany Saturday Sept. 11, 7 p.m. Robert E. Thorn Field
Fireworks
Saturday Sept. 11, after the football game Robert E. Thorn Field
Omicron Lawn Pre-game Cookout Saturday Sept. 11, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Lower Campus
On The Town: New Castle Music Festival
Saturday Sept. 11, 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. Cascade Park 1928 East Washington Street New Castle, PA 16101
Live Music Jay Wiley
Sunday Sept. 12, 3 p.m - 6 p.m. Big Rail Brewing 2158 Mercer Butler Pike Grove City, PA 16127
Market at the Park (Farmer’s Market) Every Thursday, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. 58 West Main St Grove City, PA, 16127
CONTRIBUTED
College Young Life leaders are looking forward to being able to retun to their ministry.
Back to school
Young Life ministry returns Scott Amon Staff Writer
While some clubs were able to maintain some sense of normalcy through weekly meetings and regular programs last academic year, other groups were virtually derailed from their mission. Young Life found itself in the latter group, but starting this semester the group has been infused with new vitality. Young Life is an international organization that works to bring Christianity to high school, middle school and college students through various outreach programs. To achieve this goal, senior Nathan Martin, president of the college’s Young Life chapter, wants group leaders to build personal connections with the students. “We do this (outreach) by praying for our kids and schools, going where they are at and providing a trusting and fun environment where they can hear about Christ,” Martin said. The atmosphere at a Young Life meeting is lighthearted, warm and most of
all, fun. Senior Jael Compton, vice president of the college’s Young Life chapter, described meetings as a “party with a purpose.” “Club is basically a huge fun event that helps kids get comfortable and have fun, ending with a presentation of the Gospel,” Compton said. The onset of the pandemic created uncertainty for Young Life, because different schools had different policies on what groups were allowed to remain active. This uncertainty made it difficult for leaders like Martin and Compton to live out the mission of Young Life, but it was not impossible. Martin, for instance, was still allowed to keep in contact with students. “I still coached cross country and with parent permission could hang out with the guys that I know,” he said. Compton added that the Grove City Young Life chapter was fortunate and continued in-person meetings with students. “Many schools could still do in-person ministry, and it really was a case-by-case instance. Grove City Young
Life, for instance, could continue running smoothly,” she said. Although Young Life was allowed to come together this past year, the road is not yet clear. There are still hurdles to vault. According to Martin, students at the local schools have had less contact with Young Life than in groups past. “We have not run consistent events at our schools in over a year. There have been two classes of students that have graduated. Our schools look different, and our approaches are different too,” he said. Covid cases continue to rise in the Grove City area, but many opportunities present themselves to Young Life. One such opportunity involves decreased Covid restrictions and sporting events. “Schools are now reopening their doors so we can continue normal, pre-Covid contact work, and sporting events are now letting spectators come, which is huge,” Compton said. Despite the potential difficulties this academic year
presents, both Martin and Compton are enthusiastic about the future of Young Life. “I am so incredibly pumped for this school year and seeing how the Lord is going to be working in Mercer County through Young Life’s ministry,” Compton said. Martin echoed Compton and sees the past year of restrictions as a learning tool. “I think we have the awesome opportunity to use the past year as a stepping-stone into great conversations with kids about how much Jesus loves them,” he said. Young Life is ready to re-engage its students now that there are fewer restrictions hindering the group. Through Young Life, Grove City students participate in something much greater than themselves, according to Compton. “I think that Young Life is the best form of ministry and that college is the most selfish time of our lives, so we should give it away to the Lord. Give your life away, because there is no call greater than sharing the Gospel,” Compton said.
Do they have to be sexy?
How important is physical attraction in a relationship? - Sheepishly, Wondering Grover
Dear Wondering Grover,
Dear Dr. Love
This is a truly timeless question, young Grover. Well, I guess if you go back to the old days, people didn’t really have a choice; you basically had your cousin, your neighbor or someone else you were set up with. Well, times have changed my friend, and this is the age of choice and variety. Nowadays, the ability to find what physical attributes you like are just a swipe or a click away…woof. The reality is that physical attraction is an essential part of a romantic relationship. Although, just because
the attraction isn’t there right off the bat doesn’t mean it can’t be developed. I know, I know. You’re one of the four and a half people causally reading this article, and you’re thinking, “Mysterious Dr. Love guy say what?” But that’s the truth: physical attraction can be developed over time. If you are starting off a relationship, I would say finding the other person to be sore on the eyes will cause a rougher start. But if you get to know their personality, humor and heart – that changes the game. For couples that begin their relationship based
purely on physical attraction, it has been proven time and time again that they wear out, get bored and become distanced as they both get formless, gray and wrinkled. Everyone gets old and everyone won’t be the stunning bombshell they once were, but personality can be refined, buffed and shine through the years as the relationship is developed and strengthened. And for my fellow monotheistic-Jesus-loving Grovers, let me say that as you grow spiritually and continue to see how you both push each other towards Christ and learn to love each other better and better, the
bond between your souls and your chemistry will only be deepened. Man, that was a long sentence but no regrets. Don’t feel shallow for wondering about physical attraction; it’s how we’re designed and just the reality of a romantic relationship. Just don’t focus on the things that won’t last, kid. Auspiciously,
Dr. Love Love M.D.
The Collegian,
Sept. 10, 2021
Page 5
Taking the mission back home Emma Whiteford Contributing Writer
Looking in from the outside, Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, appears to be an average small town. This summer, however, sophomore Grace Anne Shaw chose to view her hometown as a place that needed to be revived by the gospel. As a double major in BibliSHAW cal & Religious Studies and Social Work with a minor in Missional Entrepreneurship, Shaw desires to share the gospel wherever she goes. Early this summer she was sent on a mission back to her small hometown. Shaw served as a part-time intern at First Fruits Farm on the days she was not working at her family’s orchard. First Fruits Farm is a local nonprofit dedicated to giving 100 percent of their produce to those in need. First Fruits Farm had planned to advertise their internship at the college in the spring of 2021, but COVID-19 halted that plan. Nevertheless, the God who overcomes all obstacles sent Shaw to their door instead. “Don’t underestimate God’s ability to use your surrendered servant’s heart,” Shaw said. “Especially if you are saturating your mind in the Word. Expect His spirit to get your attention and lead you into situations where you will get the amazing honor of giving glory to Jesus Christ.” Shaw’s intern role at First Fruits involved working
Community Editor The Chapel Department is slowly changing throughout this and next semester, and one of the biggest additions are weekly convocations. When explaining why he wants to make convocation a weekly event, President Paul J. McNulty ’80 emphasized the importance of encountering wise speakers during one’s college career. His goal is to bring bright, interesting and wise voices to campus. “The ‘Faith for Life Lecture Series: Word to the Wise,’ will be focusing on taking our faith a little bit deeper, focusing on the implications for faith in life and culture,” Opitz said. “This series will not be a worship service; rather, it will have a cognitive focus, thinking through what these implications mean for our daily life, work and relationships,” Opitz added. This series will take place on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. in Harbison Chapel for a total of eight times throughout the semester. McNulty kicked off this series last night with a 20th anniversary of 9/11 remembrance service. On Sept. 23,
CHAPEL
continued from 5
different chapel options offer the students the ability to choose where they most want to grow in their faith. Students will have a choice in the spring semester’s chapels as well. Students will have the opportunity to attend weekly worship services on Wednesdays or on For-
Dr. Constance Nichols
Chair of the Education Department CONTRIBUTED
Sophomore Grace Anne Shaw worked this summer at First Fruits Farm, a nonprofit charity that gives all of their produce to those in need alongside volunteers of dif- in the congregation both one- pressed her desire for greater ferent backgrounds and en- on-one and in small groups unity between the churches, gaging in gospel-oriented for the purpose of growing in resulting in a plan for a comconversations with them. their faith. munity picnic. In addition to her internInspired by the idea of serOver 60 people attendship, Shaw was committed to vant evangelism, the women ed and found community reviving her community. As of this small dying church and fellowship between the attendance at her home also dedicated a Saturday churches while at the picchurch dwindled and CO- to a volunteer car wash for nic. However, it did not end VID-19 caused outreach op- the simple purpose of lov- there. portunities to end, the pur- ing people well and raising “The plan for the future,” pose of her church began to awareness for Jesus. Shaw said, “is to move tofade. Another problem Shaw wards deeper connection and Moved to help her dying wanted to address in Stew- content of conversation and church, Shaw met with her artstown was racial recon- ultimately to deeper actions pastor and laid her ideas on ciliation. With the help of of ministry.” the table. others, Shaw set out to unite While many look at StewThis sparked the reimagin- the body of Christ in Stewart- artstown and see an average ing of worship formats, com- stown across denominations small town, Shaw looked at munity and service events, and races. her home and saw a mission in addition to a mentorship They recognized an ideal field. program for the women in opportunity in four churches “When we make ourselves the church. of different denominations available to God,” Shaw said, Entitled “Woven,” the and varying races located “He will make His power mentorship program insti- on the same street but com- perfected in our weakness in tuted fellowship opportuni- pletely lacking in relation- ways we couldn’t have imagties between young women, ship with one another. Shaw ined. He can do a lot with a ages 15-20, and older women met with the pastors and ex- little.”
Convocations commence
Noel Elvin
Seven questions with…
Opitz will continue the series speaking on the house of wisdom. These speakers include a mix of speakers from offcampus as well as some of Grove City’s own revered faculty. The first off-campus guest, Cherie Harder, President of the Trinity Forum, will speak on Sept. 30 on the topic of “becoming wise” and how conversation and investigation are a big part of that journey. “We want these to be igniting great conversations on campus,” Opitz said. David French, a notable journalist and author of “Divided We Fall,” will be speaking on Oct. 21 approaching the topic of “wisdom in the whirl.” “How do you stay wise in the midst of everything else going on?” Opitz said. “We can easily become broken down and confused and angry. We’re living in a time of terribly political tensions.” After speaking last fall, Andy Crouch, author of “The Tech Wise Family” and “Culture Making,” will be returning to campus on Oct. 28 about being “tech-wise.” Crouch will explore the fruit and toxicity of the techno-
logical social media world, presenting how (although technology helps us to stay connected) it also wears us out. Duffy Robbins will present the topic of “ministry-wise,” and Dr. Jarrett Chapman ‘04 will talk about being “education-wise.” The Chapel Department desires to bring big name speakers campus in order to expose students to the best and brightest and who they should be reading or listening to. However, Opitz also wants students to connect with the best and brightest professors on campus. Many students don’t get to hear the words of wisdom from faculty outside of their department. Chapman not only has a love for his field but also a mission mindset in the field of education, Opitz said. The theme of wisdom is threaded through the entire Chapel Department this semester, with the goal of eliminating fragmentation by sticking to one topic all semester long and integrating familiarity within all chapel series. Opitz said this change will set a steady theme for the rest of the fall. Two other new series in-
clude “Jesus Sage: Wisdom from the Source” on Tuesday mornings and “Wisdom Lit for Life” on Thursday mornings. The theme of wisdom was chosen because it is a key theme in the college’s core curriculum and will help to build student understanding of biblical wisdom. “It’s a big thing that runs all the way through the Bible,” Opitz said, “and the Bible tells us over and over again that we should desire wisdom above anything. It’s sweeter than honey.” The goal of the Chapel Department with these series is to provide wise guides, mentors and deep friendships to build a student’s faith. Deep friendships are built through great conversations, which is what Faith for Life talks hope to ignite. The dialogue that flows out of this series is what matters. “We want to create wonder and deliberation that causes deep conversation,” Opitz said. Thursday’s goal in chapel is to challenge students to think widely and deeply about what their faith means and how they should live it out. The Faith for Life lecture series will shift to Wednesday evenings in the spring.
mation Fridays, where students can participate in an educator-led group of 10-20 students to form and grow their faith. Formation Friday groups could range from a Bible study, a book discussion or address ideas of Biblical reflection through prayer. Opitz says that with a choice, students can develop their
faith in the way they see fit. There will also be a firstyear chapel series in Ketler Auditorium in the PEW Fine Arts center for the first three weeks of the semester. Chapel services are also available on Livestream for both Tuesdays and Thursdays. Some students might be sad to hear that the Vespers service will no longer oc-
cur every Sunday night. “Unfortunately,” Opitz explained, “there were some students who enjoyed Vespers, but the numbers weren’t high enough to continue the weekly services.” There will be a couple of Sunday vesper services this semester, along with a homecoming service and the Advent candlelight service.
What do you listen to on the ride home? Whatever happens to be on National Public Radio. Fresh Air and All Things Considered are two of my favorite programs. What are you currently reading? Malcolm Gladwell’s “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference.” What’s something you’ve been pondering lately? How our campus needs to be more connected to our community. Not just through service opportunities but through genuine connection and collaboration. Especially now, when our actions --or inability to act -have an impact on the entire health and wellbeing of our surrounding community, we should be mindful of what it means to love thy neighbor with a selfless agape love. Favorite restaurant? Blackout Burger. We know the owners and most of the staff. They are very generous to our local schools and host a lot of fundraisers aimed at helping with things like inclusive sports. Name a movie that makes you emotional. Literally all of them. I cry at every movie. What are you looking forward to today? Watching my daughter run in a cross-country meet. Favorite class you’re teaching right now? Asking an education professor to pick a favorite class is like asking a mother to pick a favorite child. I love all my classes. Teaching is my great joy, and teaching teachers is a dream.
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Stay updated with our social media @Collegian_GCC @gcc.collegian The Collegian: The Grove City College Newspaper
Through the lens,
Through the Lens
Feb. 22, 2019
The Collegian,
Page 6
September 10, 2021
Service with a smile Orientation Board helps turn the page into freshman year Text by Matthew Schoonover Photo Chief
Photos by Grace David Collegian Staff Photographer
The Orientation Board (also affectionately known as OB) is one of the most devoted and loyal student-led groups on Grove City College’s campus. OB is made up of 100 students and is focused on helping incoming freshmen plug into the campus community as they transition from living at home to collegiate life. OB accomplishes this goal primarily by holding events that offer space for engagement with peers, opportunity for social growth and development while keeping their spirits up before and during their first week of classes as freshmen. Their primary goal can then be seen as a jump start to college life at Grove City. Students on OB are the first upperclassmen that parents and all freshmen see when they arrive, which is why the spiritual character of the Orientation Board is so crucial. Every spring, the board goes through a selection process much like the process of a job application with a company; an upperclassman applies and has a series of interviews which investigate the applicant’s ability to engage socially within a Christian context. OB cares about the quality of their members because freshmen can come to them as brothers and sisters in Christ for prayer in an hour of need and those who cannot lead freshmen with the love of Christ are just not cut out for the position. Rather than just a group that makes lots of noise in the evenings to annoy 75 percent of the student body, OB is a group of devoted students that can break the ice for freshmen
Matthew Schoonover
The Collegian,
Sept. 10, 2021
so that they can show Christ’s love in a student who feels alone, confused or just generally unhappy. In a sense, it is a student led ministry group that helps lead freshmen in their first few weeks of school and has the tools to make intentional conversations with freshmen and encourages them to grow spiritually and socially while being a full-time student at Grove City College. The events that are held almost every evening are made to give a space where students can engage with each other but also give room for deeper relationships as students progress through the semester. OB does not last forever, though. Just like in Charlotte’s Web, Charlotte leaves Wilber at the end of the story because Wilber no longer needs her to live and thrive in his community. OB serves to introduce freshmen into college and as the events come to a close, OB members slowly return to normal Grover life while hopefully maintaining some of the bonds they gained through the process. OB is one of the most impactful ministry groups on campus that allows students to coordinate events, reach out and engage with students in small moments but also gives time and space to have a fun time with friends to grow in the faith at Grove City College. Transitions are hard. Moving away from home and coming to a new place all alone is why students need Christ and friends that pour the love of Christ into their lives. The point of OB is not to cause an annoyance on campus but to reflect the love of Christ through long-lasting connections that freshmen make in their first few weeks on campus.
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Perspectives The Collegian, Sept. 10, 2021
Page 8
What makes a culture of life? Isaac Willour Staff Writer
Texas’ essential ban on abortions after six weeks is wonderful news. In a moment when the Taliban are executing pregnant women in Afghanistan and the New York City sewers are quickly turning into The Day After Tomorrow, it’s refreshing to have political news that’s actually worth celebrating. Babies in Texas that otherwise would have died will have their right to life respected, and that is a good thing. As people of faith, we should be thankful that the value of human life is recognized by a society that touts the virtue of liberty and the strength of individual potential. Laws that protect life are to be celebrated unapologetically. However, while we’re celebrating, it’s worth thinking about what the end goal of the fight for life looks like. The goal of a truly pro-life movement is not a society where abortion is merely illegal but unthinkable. In the same vein, a pro-life society is not merely a pro-birth one. Many systems surrounding childbirth, including foster care and adoption agencies, are in dire need of repair. Neglecting to advocate for reparation of those systems only gives legitimacy to the refrain of abortion advocates; they say that the pro-
WOLFGANG MORODER
life crowd “only cares about the fetus until it’s out of the womb.” The right to life isn’t only about abortion — honoring it requires examining everything from the death penalty to physician-assisted suicide, and the burden lies on the advocates of life to get that moral consistency right. Another facet of a pro-life society is that it unites the people within it around the right to life, instead of dividing them along partisan or gender lines. Saying that all Democrats are “baby-killers” is an absolute falsehood. We’re fighting for the right to life. Our allies are going to come from everywhere on
the political spectrum. Deal with it. It is similarly false that abortion is merely a women’s issue. We’re rational people; we don’t have to listen to people gravely declaim that “men shouldn’t be making laws about women’s bodies” while simultaneously defending Roe v. Wade. The Texas law, while admirable, rides the line when it comes to dividing society. The structure of the law essentially makes Texans bounty hunters, tracking down abortionists for a payout. It should be immediately obvious the social division this is capable of causing.
Now the astute reader will say, “Protecting life is worth dividing society over!” That astute reader would be correct, but you can’t have it both ways. You can’t simultaneously unite society over the right to life and demarcate society on a pro-life and pro-choice line. Watch what happens in Texas. If it goes well, as many anticipate, it will be an indication that our culture is shifting in a pro-life direction; this may lead to the overturning of the legal dumpster fire of Roe v. Wade. If it goes poorly, babies’ lives are still saved, and we should celebrate that as-
pect. But note that America isn’t at that place yet and we have to keep pushing with the same fervor that we have since 1973. What happens going forward is a helpful guide to where we are on that journey. The right to life is the most fundamental right of any society dedicated to human flourishing, and liberals and conservatives have both demonstrated willingness to honor it. We can applaud the Texas law and the Court’s stance on it. But is America truly on the road to a broader acceptance of the value of life? Only time will tell.
An irresponsible teen An alarming event, not an alarmist agenda for a government Ben Seevers
Contributing Writer The Federal government has been living like an irresponsible teenager for the past year and a half. The swathes of unemployed and the many businesses teetering on the edge of bankruptcy have seemingly justified the excessive, reckless spending the government engaged in with their so-called “COVID Relief Bills.” With conditions staying the same or worsening for many people, the efficacy of these spending programs is called into question. Do they really work, and more importantly, where are they getting the money from? These questions are intertwined, as we shall see. The necessity of these bills is questionable, considering that the government has shut down many of the businesses in need of aid and unemployed much of the country. If the government avoided this to begin with, they would not have needed to administer “aid.” The aid itself is destructive to their ends. Here we are over a year later, and the government is clearly still trying to fight the virus. Why then has the government been trying to ease people into the new normal? People shouldn’t be at ease. According to the government, they should be fearful. If they get a decent income for being unemployed due to COVID-related reasons, what incentive do they have to be cautious? What incentives do the businesses have to create new contingencies for lockdowns or global pandemics, if they are just going to be bailed out? No incentive at all. The government policy of bailing out the workers and businesses has potentially created perverse incentives throughout this ongoing pandemic. Of course, this has all been to garner votes and amass political
power. No surprise there. However, this is only the beginning. The greater issue lies in where they are getting the money. The money is essentially being created ex nihilo (out of nothing) by the Federal Reserve in order to pay for all of these programs. The money supply has shot up tremendously over the past year and a half, and it has continued to climb with no sign of stopping. The Trump admin started it, but the Biden admin has only fueled the flames. We are seeing the negative effects right now through high inflation. This is only the start. As the government spends more and more of the money currently sitting in reserves, the inflationary pressures on the economy will continue to grow. Additionally, the massive purchasing of financial instruments from the private sector by the Federal Reserve has increased the amount of money available for large corporations to take out in loans. Consequently, the average person has been able to do so as well, but corporate aid and bailouts by the government and banks has been much more prevalent. This means that we get it later, after it has lost much of its value. It is a scam. They give us bread-crumbs and expect us to vote for them in return. Meanwhile, they fill the pockets of corporations. The government has had this mission throughout the entire pandemic: to make you dependent and to enrich themselves and their donors – the elite. All of this is more than unnecessary; it is scary. Nobody could have predicted such large governmental growth two years ago, but here we are. It will drain our resources and reduce us to serfs at worst. At best we will continue to lose our purchasing power at a fast rate and continue to see the state of the world worsen. Anyone and everyone should be opposed to more relief. It isn’t needed, and it will only make things worse.
Shelbi Henkle
Contributing Writer Hurricane Ida cut through Louisiana on August 29 and brought the second strongest storm to hit the state since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Ida is also the fifth strongest hurricane to make landfall in the United States. The hurricane brought high winds, flooding and a wake of destruction. Post Katrina, Louisiana invested $14 billion into levees and floodgates which held around New Orleans, but the infrastructure such as the electrical grid and plumbing failed. Ida managed to destroy several levees around Louisiana resulting in massive flooding and many casualties. Louisiana has a long road to recovery and rebuilding. During Hurricane Ida’s approach, the evacuation plans established after Katrina were not put into proper effect. New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell claimed that there was not enough time to put a mandatory evacuation route into effect or to turn the highways into evacuation routes. Most districts were under voluntary evacuation, leaving many susceptible to the wrath of the storm. In 2005, Katrina breached 50 of the levees around New Orleans, resulting in 80 percent of the city flooding. Overall, Katrina took roughly 1,200 lives and cost $100 billion dollars in damage. Currently, Ida is estimated to cost $80 billion, and the death toll continues to climb. Due to these massive, destructive hurricanes coming more frequently, it is crucial that the Gulf of Mexico states continue to invest in protective measures. Katrina garnered more response from the media and greater presidential presence than Ida, but this hurricane is indicative of how future hurricanes will be viewed as products of climate change.
On Friday, Sept. 3, President Joe Biden surveyed the damage. He propositioned a $1 trillion infrastructure bill to aid climate change-related catastrophes. Upon arrival, Biden said, “We came because we want to hear directly from you all, what specific problems you’ve been dealing with.” Biden seeks to improve defenses of hurricanes and minimize the damage they inflict. The climate change conversation was once again ignited with the question of how to prevent further change in a shifting ecosystem. Biden went on to address crowds in front of their destroyed homes. “We not only have to build back, we have to build back better than it was before,” Biden said. “Better than it was before, so when there’s another superstorm, there’s not the damage done.” This is definitely easier said than done. Hurricane Larry is currently moving through the Atlantic Ocean, and hurricane season carries on through November. Policy regarding the rebuilding of Louisiana is rife with the polarizing arguments regarding climate change, reshaping how policy is created around natural disasters. Hurricane season is a normal occurrence when storms are generated by warm air. They gain energy as they progress through the Pacific Ocean until they make landfall. The Left likes to catastrophize these storms and classifies them as an example of climate change, despite hurricane season being a routine result of water and wind currents. How one utilizes crises to support their alarmist agenda is concerning and should be carefully reviewed to find the truth in the propaganda. The concerns for the environment are valid. We should be taking care of the planet, but we should not be cherry-picking examples of crises to prove a point.
The Collegian,
Sept. 10, 2021
Page 9
It’s not about us
Jake Aspacher Contributing Writer
The images and sounds of Sept. 11th have been indelibly marked on the minds and hearts of Americans for the past 20 years. By October of 2001, the United States had inserted military forces into Afghanistan to destroy al-Qaida and capture or kill Osama Bin Laden. In December of 2001 the Taliban government was overthrown and al-Qaida was run out of Afghanistan. Dr. Samuel Stanton, professor from the college’s Political Science department, commented, “It was at this point the United States entered mission creep.” With other conflicts across the globe and shifting goals, the United States’ mission in Afghanistan slowed. After initially fulfilling part of its pre-insertion goals, the United States government shifted its outlook to include “nation building.” Dr. Stanton shared that this came about due to the political views of different individuals in government who believed that democracy should be instilled across the globe. This transition placed the United States armed forces on a back foot. Instead of being out front
chasing down their enemies, American soldiers found themselves engaging in “nation building,” a mission that they were neither trained for nor intended to carry out.
commented that the “nation building” model that the United States utilized in Afghanistan fundamentally misunderstood the cultural setting. There are signifi-
“As Americans look at what has transpired and turn to the future, they must not allow politics or hubris to keep them from seeing the new challenges presented.” Suddenly, soldiers who were trained to dominate the battle space were bound by red tape and rules. While trying to fight for their lives, they were tasked with a mission they were not equipped to complete. While the initial operations in Afghanistan ousted al-Qaida, they later returned and have been training, working and moving around Afghanistan for years. Aside from killing Osama Bin Laden in 2011, the United States’ other core goal has not been met, according to Wesley Morgan, an independent journalist and the author of “The Hardest Place.” Many people are quick to blame one administration, because there is a natural desire to have someone held accountable. Morgan argues that many individuals, administrations and government organizations are at fault for the failures and mistakes made in Afghanistan. Stanton and Morgan both
cant social, historical, political, economic and religious differences that fought the United States’ efforts to instill democracy in the region. The events of the past weeks raise questions: what do we do now as a country? What do we do now as Americans? We may be tempted to be drawn into the political implications, the global ripple effects and the threats that might come from the events in Afghanistan. “The most important thing for true Americans is to not look through the lens of domestic politics–this is not about us—it is about something much bigger,” Morgan said. The events in Afghanistan over the past two weeks are tragic. They are the culmination of 20 years of losses, victories, failures and accomplishments. The United States will have to deal with having the Taliban in control of Afghanistan.
The war is far from over. A Taliban-controlled Afghanistan means that the United States and other western countries are going to have to work much harder to combat terrorist activities and maintain the relative peace and security that we have enjoyed over the last 20 years. Combating global terrorist activities is not something the United States stands against alone. Continuing to uphold that mission is going to require some learning and greater cooperation, diplomacy and communication with the United States’ allies. As Americans look at what has transpired and turn to the future, they must not allow politics or hubris to keep them from seeing the new challenges presented. The United States has spent 20 years trying to help Afghanistan and the people there who are oppressed or in danger. Despite the “end” of the conflict in Afghanistan, the fight against global terrorism and extremism remains. As America moves forward, we cannot forget the sacrifices of those who have fought to preserve freedom both here and abroad. The lessons taken from the past two decades in Afghanistan do not mean that we should give up on establishing peace or bringing justice to those who deserve it.
Word on the street...
What’s your go to food from Bon Appetit? Bishop Wolf “The perogies and kielbasa are the best.” Jacob Heasley “My freshman year, Friday night pancakes at Hicks used to mean something special. They were large and they were delicious. Their name has since been sullied by the hockey puck pancakes they’re currently serving on Friday nights.” Victor Shultz “The potatoes are slapping”
Malachi Abbott “I don’t have a favorite. They don’t have any good gluten free foods.” Cameron Colaneri “I feel like having a greater quantity of classic, simple meals such as hamburgers would be appreciated by the entire GCC community. I specified hamburgers; More turkey burgers would not have the same effect” Ellie Herrle “I really like the new pumpkin flavors that they have.” Judah Shay “You can’t go wrong with waffles.”
SHUTTERSTOCK
Cracks in America’s war record Ben Chamberlin Contributing Writer
In 1944 General George Patton gave a speech to the troops fighting in World War II, “Americans have never lost and will never lose a war, because the very thought of losing is hateful to Americans.” How true is this statement today? Prolonged war with a terrorist organization in a foreign nation is generally far more complicated than force-onforce conflict. Additionally, some wars begin for good reasons with clear plans and objectives but then morph from their original purpose and become difficult to exit. With that in mind, I want to simplify a very complicated situation. There are great costs to war. Those costs are not only matters of life and death but also of great expense. Real or perceived defeat can also be a cost and
can encourage more conflict. The appearance of weakness motivates enemies that may not have decided to attack. Vietnam is the first example of America choosing to lose. The United States, through poor policy and lack of resolve, pulled out before it was over and did not defeat the Viet Cong or their sponsors. The United States’ evacuation from Afghanistan is the second major example of America choosing to lose a war. A global power, leaving a largely won war against a terrorist entity, appears weak. As the saying goes, “Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.” Despite having dominated the war in Afghan for some time, both liberals and conservatives, including Donald Trump, have stated that the United States should leave Afghanistan. Trump set deadlines for the Afghan exit and is also to blame for the tragedy in Afghanistan. Then, the current administration stubbornly adhered to a fixed deadline and went
through with the retreat, even when the situation quickly fell into chaos. How can I say we have lost a war? One small detail demonstrates why pulling out of Afghanistan is America accepting defeat. Daily, the White House has reported the number of people “evacuated” from Kabul. The word “evacuate” is defined by Merriam Webster, in regard to military operations as, “to remove especially from a military zone or dangerous area… to withdraw from military occupation of.” While this may not seem important, it is in fact crucial. Reporting the number of people evacuated is creating a sense of control over a situation we have chosen to lose control over. As recently as one year ago, the Americans were not talking about “evacuations”; they were talking about reducing force presence, as seen in an article from The New York Times last June, “U.S. Troops in Afghanistan Reduced to 8,600, General Says.”
The word “reduced” seems like a small detail, but it is a very significant one. The change of the word “reducing” to “evacuating” makes it clear what the word “evacuate” means: “to remove from a dangerous area.” A nation does not evacuate when winning a war. The chaos brought by the evacuation, and the loss of control through poor planning makes the loss more tragic. A nation only evacuates when they are retreating from an enemy; America has just shown its enemies that it does not care about its allies. General Patton’s statement that Americans will never lose a war, as time has told, is not the case. The United States is at a critical point in its history. It must be careful it has not set a precedent of losing, as it gives heart to our enemies. Our nation has an opportunity to learn from the war, new lessons of history and a new resolve to pursue policies based on our national interests and the reality on the ground rather than politics.
REMEMBRANCE continued from 1
family and other notable individuals that were involved. “That evening, I was glued to the TV at home watching the news reports and hoping that survivors would emerge from the rubble,” Tom Gregg ’80, Vice President of Operations at the college during the attacks, said. “Later that week, a special memorial service was held in Harbison Chapel for the campus. I remember offering a prayer at that service.” “I was in Chapel that morning when an announcement was made of a plane flying into a building in NYC,” Roger Towle ’68, then Vice President of Financial Affairs at the college, said. “When I got back to Crawford Hall, the TV was on in the Admissions Office following the news for all of us.” Sept. 11, 2001 will be remembered as one of the worst days in the history of the United States. Through the stories, photographs and memories that we have, we can honor and remember the lives that were lost that horrific day.
Entertainment The Collegian, Sept. 10, 2021
Page 10
Entertainingly predictable Marvel breaks new ground with ‘Shang-Chi’
NBC NEWS
David Zimmermann Editor-in-Chief
The latest Marvel movie to hit theaters, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” was a surprise hit among critics and audiences alike. Rather than begin this new origin story with the title character, the film opened with the main villain’s backstory. In the first ten minutes, Shang-Chi’s father (aka
the Mandarin) showed off the power of the ten rings, two sets of arm bands that give their wielder mystical powers. An unexpected yet welcome decision, Marvel set the pace by showing the villain’s flawed humanity and how his motivations conflict with those of his son for the rest of the runtime. After setting up the villain, the film transitioned to Shang-Chi, played
Tunes from the Tower...
‘Wild World’ Chris Murphy Design Chief
UK-based Bastille’s second album, “Wild World,” is a hidden gem from what many people would consider a one-hit wonder. Most people might recognize their songs “Pompeii” or “Happier” if they heard them, but this album has neither. Instead, “Wild World” consists of mostly unknown songs about love, death, conflict, ambition and culture, built upon catchy progressions and moving tracks. Bastille is excellent at inoculating deeper themes in pop songs, making a listen through an album a two-fold experience of music and message. Tracks like “Warmth” and “The Anchor” are sincere love songs built on hard-hitting instrumen-
tals, while “Two Evils” and “Send Them Off!” unpack struggles of personal morality with haunting weight. “Winter Of Our Youth,” “Fake It” and “Power” are satisfying break-up songs, while “An Act Of Kindness” and “Blame” are gritty tracks about guilt and unease. There just are not many songs I would want to skip going through the album, both for the lyrics and the music itself. The album is an all-time favorite for me; I highly recommend it to anyone, despite their taste in music. Also, do not expect a relevant album every week. These are personal recommendations, not necessarily reviews. I definitely did not want to cover Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy.” That being said, hit me up if you know any albums worth covering.
by Simu Liu, whom the rest of the story focused on. At first, “Shang-Chi” moved at a quick pace, displaying all the martial arts action that audiences expected. And boy oh boy, did it deliver! The first act had some of the most engaging superhero fight scenes in recent memory, but the film slowed down as the story progressed; it culminated in an underwhelming CGI-infested third act.
Despite the apparent pacing problem, this remains one of the most visually stunning films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), trading the typical gray-color palette for colorful environments. Whether the setting was in a bright forest or on the side of a neon-infused skyscraper, audiences could not help but become invested in the fight sequences. Humor has been a MCU staple for the past 13 years, and thanks to Awkwafina’s character, Katy, “Shang-Chi” utilizes comedy well when it comes to the lighter moments. The friendship dynamic between Shang-Chi and Katy delivered the biggest laughs as well as a surprise appearance from one particular MCU character. Without sacrificing the story’s more dramatic moments, Marvel Studios used kung-fu and comedy to make its latest entry feel surprisingly fresh for audiences’ enjoyment. Some of the most captivating story elements in this film were the characters, specifically the relationship between the hero and the villain. As Shang-Chi confronts his past, the Mandarin attempts to bring their family back together. What separates him from other Marvel villains is that he does not want to end
the world. Instead, his motivation is more human, more relatable. He wants to reunite his family at whatever cost. Meanwhile, Shang-Chi knows they cannot be a family again. The conflict between father and son intrigued me the most throughout the story. The fight scenes between them felt personal and honest. During these scenes, the story felt its most authentic, until the final battle undermined all that. Rather than fully realizing the dramatic tension between hero and villain, the film introduced demonic creatures that – you guessed it – were bent on destroying the world. This last-minute threat, complete with overbearing CGI, felt so out of place that the ending fell flat. Sure, Shang-Chi did save the day from monsters. However, the ending would have been much more cathartic if the story focused solely on how the son learned to overcome his fears and face his father. Despite this unfortunate setback, “Shang-Chi” is still a worthy origin story for its new martial arts hero, as it introduces a whole new corner of the MCU we have never seen before. That being said, I give this film an eight out of ten.
Worship actively Noel Elvin
Community Editor Daniel Snoke, the college’s worship coordinator, wrote a liturgical worship guide and songbook to accompany his newest album, “Speak Peace.” Through a desire to grow in his spiritual experiences and to pursue the Lord during worship, Snoke expressed worship not as a passive event but as an intentional time to meet our Father. “Speak Peace: Liturgical Worship Guide & Songbook” opens with Snoke’s reasoning behind writing a supplemental book in the first place. “Spirituality is not a rare bird or random experience,” Snoke said. “It is the expression of our union with Christ. As such, worship is both praxis and formation.” As a worship leader of 15 years, Snoke still felt spiritually fragmented. In realizing this, he began seeking ways to participate intentionally with the Lord during worship. “I wanted to be able to grow in my capacity for thankfulness, joy, anticipation, sorrow and even anger,” he said. “I wanted to learn how to join Christ in his sanctification of these parts of my spirituality and not just wait passively, like I wait for people to like my social media posts.” Snoke struck an important chord that is often overlooked in this field: worship is not a feeling. Many times, after experiencing that spiritual high, we only want to feel the flood of emotions related to worship. But Snoke is calling us to strive for much more than a spiritual high. He is calling
CONTRIBUTED
us to engage with the Lord at an active and cognitive level when we worship. He said, “Instead of passively waiting for spiritual experiences and clinging onto them with desperate scarcity, we can actively join Christ in his formation of our worship.” Snoke explained what he called “spiritual muscles,” as a way to participate with Christ in worship. These muscles include hope, reliance or anger, all spiritual expressions that God calls us to pursue, he said. “These virtues are the hands and feet with which we embrace Christ,” he said. These muscles must also learn to be ready to follow the Spirit, and therefore, must be engaged through practices, Snoke said. We can practice hope through remembrance, reliance through generosity and anger through contemplation; these are all forms of worship. Through these practices, we engage in a “mutual embrace with Christ.” Within this embrace we may experience trust, thankfulness and comfort. In his book, Snoke sum-
marized Dr. Robert Webber, a theologian and influential teacher of Christian worship, writing, “Worship is not just something we do on our own, or something God does to us, but it is an embrace between Redeemer and redeemed.” We shouldn’t expect God to do all the work, Snoke said. When we present ourselves before Him in worship, we must not wait but run to Him. “As God runs to meet us with open arms,” he said in reference to Hebrews 12, “we can lift our dropping hands, strengthen our weak knees and set a straight path to run directly into the embrace of a loving Savior.” “Speak Peace: Liturgical Worship Guide & Songbook” provides the steppingstones for individuals or worship leaders to step into meaningful praise through Scripture and prayer that align with each song. Every song follows the same structure: God calls, we respond; God reveals, we abide; God sends and we work. “Speak Peace: Liturgical Worship Guide & Songbook” will be available for purchase soon.
Sports The Collegian, Sept. 10, 2021
Page 11
Sports at a Glance
News
Four Grove City athletes earned PAC Rookie of the Week honors for their performances last week. Lydia Bennett of women’s cross country placed second last week’s dual meet with Franciscan. Volleyball’s Audrey Donnelly recorded 10 kills and 4 blocks Saturday against Augsburg. Football’s Nico Flati ran for 105 yards on 17 carries on Saturday’s win at Juniata. Men’s Golf’s Anthony Tambellini finished the Malone Invitational tournament with a with a two-day score of 153, and 10th place overall, and 3rd best on Saturday with a score of 73. MATTHEW SCHOONOVER
Junior forward Hailey Weinert, left, passes the ball to teammate Lydia Sedjo in Saturday’s match vs. Allegheny. Weinert scored the first goal of the game, which they won 2-0.
Women’s soccer stuns Emily Rupczewski Sports Editor
The Grove City women’s soccer team earned their first win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Allegheny College last Saturday. Grove City shut out Allegheny, a soon-to-be PAC member, with two back-to-back goals in the second half. The first goal came courtesy of junior forward Hailey Weinert, assisted by freshman midfielder Erin Venus. The Wolverines kept up the momentum, as sophomore forward Gianna D’Amato knocked in an unassisted solo shot minutes later. New this year for the Wolverines, freshman keeper Courtney Lisman blocked two shots from the Gators. Lisman replaces Wolverine soccer standout, Columbia Harkrader, as she takes on the responsibility of goalkeeper this season. “Courtney is a strong experienced keeper who is having to jump into some pretty tough competition right off the bat,” head coach Melissa Lamie said. “She was our only freshman to start on Saturday. Her learning curve at this level will be steep, so she will need to take it all in rather
quickly. Columbia was very experienced and really became a leader for us; Courtney is still finding her way out on the field.” Lamie sees Lisman as well on her way to becoming a team leader for seasons to come. “It feels great to get a first win at the collegiate level,” Lisman said. “I am starting to get adjusted to the new team and the people in front of me who make my job a lot easier. I am super grateful to have such a great back line and team overall.” The Wolverines last played Allegheny in out-of-conference play in September of 2019, where a scoreless double-over-time game resulted in 0-0 tie. Grove City will see more of Allegheny next season, when they join the PAC as full-time members and competitors. “They will be a good, tough team to add to our conference schedule,” Lamie said. “They will provide a challenge and make the conference more competitive right away. It is a great addition for the PAC and a nice close team for us.” So far, the women’s soccer team has seen and will see this weekend a great deal of non-conference play, which the PAC prohibited as part of its COVID-19 restrictions
last year. This year, however, the Wolverines will face many non-PAC teams as they to prepare for their conference schedule. “This coming weekend is put in our schedule intentionally to mimic and NCAA weekend,” Lamie said. She already has sights set on what could potentially shape up to be the team’s postseason. “We will play two topranked teams in our region on back-to-back days. This is exactly the schedule and level of competition we will face if we are fortunate enough to get to the NCAA tournament. We are trying to prepare for this weekend the way we would prepare for that. These are two very good teams that will show us a lot about who we are as a team at this point in the season.” “Going into this weekend, we know we have a challenge ahead of ourselves but are ready to play to the best of our ability,” Lisman said. “We prepare hard for every team and are excited to play Capital and Ohio Northern.” At 7 p.m. today, Grove City visits Bexley, Ohio, where they will face off against Capital. At 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, the team will continue their Ohio tour, as they visit Ohio Northern.
Men’s soccer picks up a win Emily Rupczewski Sports Editor
The men’s soccer team added the first win to their overall win column Saturday with a 2-1 victory over Houghton College. After a tough loss to Oberlin last Wednesday, the Wolverines’ win against Houghton proved that the depth of their roster and some shuffling of players may be a key part of their success. “On Saturday we used a lot of different players in the game, some who didn’t even play at all in the Oberlin game and some of those guys were key,” head coach Mike Dreves said. “The battle for playing time is really pushing some guys and that will be important going forward. First because we have numerous guys who can contribute, second because the competition just to get on the field automatically makes us better.”
Grove City started the game off behind at 1-0 but managed to settle the score at the 57:58 mark. The first goal for the Wolverines was the combined effort of sophomore forward Chris DeLucia who sent sophomore forward Hunter Hardin the ball to tie the game at 1-1. Grove City took the lead in the 86th minute, as junior forward Sam Belitz made the unassisted, game-winning goal for the Wolverines. Senior keeper Luke Greenway defended the Wolverines’ goal with one save. Backing Greenway was Grove City’s superb defense, who kept Houghton’s shots to a minimum, allowing just six shots total. Grove City ultimately outshot Houghton 10-6, and their tenacity earned them the 2-1 win over the Highlanders. Saturday’s trip to Houghton, a three-hour commute for the team, was the Wolverine’s first non-conference
trip since September of 2019. This was a bit of a travel change for a team who has only traveled close to home for the last year. “To be successful, you have to travel well,” Dreves said. “All of our conference matches are stacked up in October, so all of this is a great learning experience for our group.” PAC play will begin for the Wolverines on Sept. 29 at Washington and Jefferson. Now 1-1 on the season, the Wolverines will begin their weekend trip to Ohio to face off against Kenyon at 7 p.m. today and Ohio Wesleyan at 7 p.m. tomorrow. “This weekend will be extremely challenging and fun,” Dreves said. “We get a longer road trip, which is great for bonding, and we get to play two of the best teams in the country. Our hope is to improve on what we learned in our first two matches.”
Results
Football (1-0): W, Juniata (39-14)
Women’s Soccer (1-0): W, Allegheny (2-0)
Men’s Soccer (1-1): W, Houghton (2-1)
Women’s Tennis (1-1): W, Houghton (6-3) L, Edinboro (7-0)
Men’s Golf
4th place, Malone Invitational
Volleyball (2-3): L, Calvin (3-0) L, Otterbein (3-0) L, Augsburg (3-2) W, Kalamazoo (3-0)
Men’s Cross Country (0-1): 3rd/8 – 90 pts, Westminster Invitational
Women’s Cross Country (1-0): 5th/9 – 97 pts, Westminster Invitational
Upcoming Men’s Soccer:
Sept. 10, 2:30 p.m. at Kenyon Sept. 11, 7:00 p.m. at Ohio Wesleyan Sept. 15, 4:30 p.m. vs. Penn State Behrend
Men’s Cross Country:
Sept. 10, 6:00 p.m. at Chatham Invitational
Women’s Cross Country:
Sept. 10, 6:00 p.m. at Chatham Invitational
Women’s Soccer:
Sept. 10, 7:00 p.m. at Capital Sept. 11, 5:30 p.m. at Ohio Northern
Volleyball:
Sept. 11, 11:00 a.m. vs. Regent Sept. 11, 3:00 p.m. vs. La Roche
Women’s Tennis:
Sept. 11, 12:00 p.m. at Mount Union Sept. 15, 4:00 p.m. vs. Thiel Sept. 16, 3:30 p.m. vs. Penn State Behrend
Football:
Sept. 11, 7:00 p.m. vs. Bethany
WOLVERINE WEEKLY HONORS
Lydia Bennett Women’s Cross Country PAC Rookie of the Week
Audrey Donnelly Volleyball PAC Rookie of the Week
Nico Flati Football PAC Rookie of the Week
Anthony Tambellini Men’s Golf PAC Rookie of the Week
Sports The Collegian, Sept. 10, 2021
Page 12
See you on Saturday Team looks to build on week one win
Emily Rupczewski Sports Editor
The football team started off their season strong last Saturday with a 39-14 nonconference win against Juniata. Saturday’s game marked the first regular-season, outof-conference game for the Wolverines since they last faced Juniata in September of 2019. The Wolverine offense went to work, as senior quarterback Josh Ehst led the way. He completed 16 of 28 passes for 323 yards and one touchdown. Senior wide receiver Cody Gustafson caught 10 passes for 159 yards. In his first career college start, sophomore Scott Fraser impressed with five catches for 114 yards. “We are excited to get off to a strong start to the 2021 season on Saturday,” head coach Andrew DiDonato said. “Scott made his first career start and played well, having over 100 receiving yards. We look forward to seeing him continue to make big plays for us as this season continues.” The running backs performed seamlessly, with junior Clayton Parrish running for 71 yards and four touchdowns of 15 carries. Freshman Nico Flati stunned with the game-high 105 yards on 17 carries. “It’s impressive for a freshman running back to go over 100 yards rushing in his first career game,” DiDonato said. “Nico is a talented back, and we will build on this strong performance.” On Tuesday the PAC announced that Flati’s superb performance in last week’s
MATTHEW SCHOONOVER
Junior offensive lineman Vinny LePre gets into his stance and awaits the snap in a preseason scrimmage against Allegheny. game earned him PAC rookie of the week honors. The Wolverines walked away with 543 total yards and 24 first downs. Senior kicker Nick Morrow put the first points on the board with a 29-yard field goal in the first quarter. Parrish followed with a two-yard touchdown, as Grove City lead 10-0 in the first quarter. The second quarter saw the Wolverines notch a safety, a nine-yard touchdown pass by the Gustafson and Ehst duo and a clean extra point, courtesy of Morrow, which put the Wolverines up 19-0 at halftime. In the third quarter, Parrish scored again, putting
Grove City up 26-0. Parrish also added 13 points in the fourth, giving the Wolverines their 39 total points. Defensively, the Wolverines held Juniata scoreless until the fourth quarter, when the Eagles recorded their 14 points. Grove City also recorded a safety and limited Juniata to 39 rushing yards. Senior linebacker Nik Grabiec and junior linebacker Ryan Fleming each recorded sacks, while senior cornerback Branden Caffey and senior linebacker Parker Kilgore each walked away with 10 tackles on the night. A great way to kick off the season, the Wolverines look
to continue the momentum into their upcoming match against Bethany College. Tomorrow night, Grove City will host Bethany in their first home game of the season, as well as the annual white-out night game. Saturday’s game will feature a Sept. 11 halftime tribute show performed by the colege marching band with fireworks following the game. “The night game is an exciting event on campus each year,” DiDonato said. “We only play one night game each season which makes it a very special atmosphere. We’ve shared many exciting moments as a campus community during this event in
previous years. We look forward to making more memories this Saturday night.” Grove City last faced Bethany on Sept. 14, 2019, the season home opener, where they defeated the Bison 26-15. Ehst, Morrow and Fleming headlined the 2019 game. Looking to notch their first home win of the season, these three, along with Gustafson, Parrish, Flati and co. will take on the Bison at 7 p.m. tomorrow on Robert E. Thorn Field. “We’ve had many great games with Bethany over the years,” DiDonato said. “We expect another one of those types of games on Saturday.
Tennis brings on new coach Emily Rupczewski Sports Editor
The women’s tennis team has started the year off 1-1, taking their most recent loss to NCAA DII Edinboro University with a hard-fought 7-0 sweep. The Wolverines picked up their first win of the season last week against Houghton College, outscoring the Highlanders 6-3. The most notable addition to the Wolverines’ success is new head coach Nathaniel Horner. Coach Horner officially took over the position of head men’s and women’s tennis coach at the beginning of August. “Coach Horner is a strong, Christian coach (who is) excited about tennis and getting to coach at a Christian college,” athletic director Todd Gibson said. “We’re excited to see where things go.” Horner is a 2019 graduate of Bridgewater College, where he studied philosophy and religion and accumulated 79 collegiate victories. Post-graduation, Horner coached at the University of Delaware and as the tennis professional at Delcastle Tennis Center in Wilmington, Del. “The emphasis on faithdriven education has made me really thankful to be
here,” Horner said. Horner’s background in Christian athletics makes him a perfect fit for the coaching position, and he wholeheartedly supports the vision of the college’s athletic program. “To be at a Christian college such as Grove City means everything,” Horner said. “College sports are temporary, but faith lasts forever. I think we’ve done a good job as an entire athletic department recognizing that. Every team on campus, not just the women’s tennis team, has a culture that I think at the very least realizes the importance of pursuing excellence through faith. Quite frankly, I believe this is why we have had so much success in athletics.” The women’s team is comprised of six returners and welcomes a freshman class of seven. Senior captain Lillian Jeynes and junior captain Logan Fuss lead the team this year. Horner commends the leadership and talent that the captains bring to the table. “I think both have done a great job of competing hard and replicating what it truly means to be a Wolverine,” Horner said. Jeynes went 7-0 in doubles play last spring and will be
an integral part of the Wolverines’ success this season. Jeynes was an All-PAC honorable mention for her performance in last spring’s season. Alongside Jeynes, Fuss also earned All-PAC honorable mention for her sophomore spring season. Overall, she went 11-1 on the season and was undefeated in singles play, going 6-0. Senior Sydney Adams and junior Joanna Barham return to the court this year as well as sophomores Lexi Chappel and Kelsey Coleman. The veterans look to continue last year’s success, when they went 6-1 in PAC play, and aim for a PAC championship this year. Joining them is the considerably large but versatile freshman class. “Each first-year player has really fit in quite nicely,” Horner noted. “I think our returners have done a tremendous job of setting the bar high but keeping a team culture that every player feels a part of our family. I also think Sydney Adams, our senior chaplain, has done a wonderful job spiritually leading the younger players. What has impressed me the most from the freshman class is their eagerness to learn.” Horner’s vision for the team fits the Wolverines Ath-
MATTHEW SCHOONOVER
Junior Logan Fuss competes in last Saturday’s match against Edionboro. Grove City took a 7-0 loss, but are 1-1 this season. letics’ vison of playing for an audience of One, going after a PAC championship and beyond. “The women’s tennis program is doing great, the players are working hard,” Horner said. “There is a ‘pep in our step’ this fall, and I think it’s showing day in and day out… We are not the same team today as we were in preseason.
Hopefully, we will not be the same team today we are during the PAC tournament.” The women’s tennis team will visit Alliance, Ohio at noon tomorrow where they will face Mount Union as their last non-conference game of the week. PAC play begins at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15 with a home match against Thiel.