‘Reagan’ comes to town Dr. Kengor’s book inspires bio-pic, show times inside ENTERTAINMENT
Collegian
McNulty retiring
President enters 11th and final year in office
Grace Scheller Managing Editor
President Paul J. McNulty ’80 announced the 2024-25 school year would be his final year as Grove City College’s president in an email to the campus community.
“King Solomon reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Guided by this wisdom, I have decided that this coming academic year will mark the end of my season as president of Grove City College,” he wrote.
In an interview with The Collegian, McNulty said the decision was in his thoughts and prayers long before the announcement.
“It wasn’t something we just decided this summer. I think we’ve been going through a discernment process for at least the last two years. It had primarily to do with where we are in our life right now in relation to our family. We are going to be involved in a more extensive way with our children and
grandchildren.”
McNulty and his wife, First Lady Brenda (Millican) McNulty ’80, have children and grandchildren living across the U.S. and in Ireland.
“This is the kind of job that is really demanding in the sense of living on campus,” he said. “I’ve always believed that the right way to do the job is to be really engaged with campus life. It wouldn’t feel right if suddenly we weren’t coming out and being around as often. It takes fully supporting the students in that way.”
Community has been a big theme of McNulty’s tenure, along with the College’s Christian identity and a commitment to growth.
“I hope that there is an appreciation for what has been accomplished and how it’s defined us more clearly and who we are. I hope there is some memory of how much I cared for the students personally and how important it is to enrich their spiritual experience here,” he said.
While he reflects fondly on his term, McNulty said he’s looking toward his final year and the future with excite-
All Campus worship
Campus upgrades continue
Violet Whitmore News Editor
If you thought you were busy this summer, think again -- Grove City College has you beat. Over $4 million was spent on campus improvements this summer, including updated facilities, improved areas for socializing and pickleball courts — in just two and a half months’ time. The entryway to the Physical Learning Center was desperate for a revamp after decades of linoleum, according to Vice President for Operations Susan Grimm. The College invested $500,000 into the project, allowing the College to add accessible entrances, a vestibule, new carpeting and flooring and sanded down, refinished floors in the Wolverine Arena.
Increased accessibility and student interest in sports motivated the project. “The entrance had become outdated, and we receive thousands of people through those doors,” Grimm said. “With having big events in the arena, such as commencement, and sports as an important part of our campus, it was rewarding to brand the area so when people walk in, they see GCC sports.”
President Paul J. McNulty ’80 is a major supporter of the improvements, noting that the new entrance will impress prospective students and signify the College’s dedication to its athletic facilities. “If you’re a prospective athlete and you walk in and see that big ‘G’ on the floor and the new carpet, it feels like it has a Division One vibe to it, and lets students know ‘these folks are serious about this.’”
Kathryna Hoyman Copy Chief
This fall, the College welcomes eight new faculty members into departments.
“We’re extremely thankful to have such a stellar group of new faculty members beginning this fall. These new colleagues are both brilliant teachers and scholars, but also wholly committed to the GCC core mission of excellence in Christ-centered education,” the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Peter M. Frank ’95 said.
The new faculty members are:
The previously cramped Lincoln Dormitory patio also underwent major renovations this summer, expanding the space behind the men’s residence for more socialization opportunities. The College introduced a restored fire ring, two fire tables, electrical outlets for future events and additional Polywood furniture. The new space is nearly three times its prior size.
“Lincoln, Ketler and Hope-
W. Matthew Henderson, Associate Professor of Sociology – Henderson’s specialization is the sociology of religion. He holds a Ph.D. in sociology from Baylor University and earned both a B.S. and M.A. from the University of Houston. Before joining
MCNULTY 6
LUKE PAGLIA
Students gather around the newly constructed Lincoln patio fire pit. The new area was expanded to allow more opportunity for student socialization.
JACK HERMAN
Students gather on the Quad to worship this past Tuesday. All Campus Worship is an annual event that brings upperclassmen and underclassmen together to praise the Lord.
FACULTY 6
MCNULTY
From the Tower
First edition
What a year to be at Grove City College. There’s truly no place like this College, and no campus that operates culturally and socially like ours.
What we’ve done with this first issue of the Collegian, volume 110, is provide you, our dear reader, with a broad overview of what this semester holds, as well as what happened in the Grove City College community while we were on summer break.
Headlining on page one is a story on President Paul J. McNulty ’80, who is finishing his 11-year stint as college president at the end of this year. Managing Editor Grace Scheller had the opportunity to sit down with the President and talk with him about his time at Grove City and what he looks forward to this year.
News also has the inside scoop on campus updates, like a larger Lincoln patio for smellier cigar nights, and the striking new PLC atrium and arena floor. In Community, you can read about what Grovers have done abroad this summer and what opportunities overseas look like in the Office of Global Programs.
Our Photospread features white-shirt-clad Orientation Board soldiers serving the almost 600 new students on campus.
As is only fitting for a new year at Grove City, there’s an article about Ronald Reagan in Entertainment. Professor of Political Science Paul Kengor made his red-carpet debut last week when, “Reagan”, a movie based on his book about the beloved president, premiered.
Sports has previews for the reigning champions of PAC fall sports, and more about the teams rallying to give the title another go.
There’s plenty to look forward to on the calendar in the coming months. I, for one, am excited to experience my first election season on campus. I can imagine this is a Political Science major’s Olympics.
We have exciting campus guests this semester as well, including former Vice President Mike Pence of course, who will join McNulty in teaching the Institute for Faith and Public Policy’s inaugural class.
These first eight pages of Volume 110 are just the beginning of what the staff and I hope to be a comprehensive catalog of life at Grove City College and the surrounding community.
We look forward to providing a platform for student opinions, spelling out the facts for our readers, and digging into the exciting happenings awaiting us this semester.
Emma Rossi Editor-in-Chief
Collegian Staff
Editor-in-Chief
Emma Rossi
Managing Editor
Grace Scheller
Section Editors
News
Violet Whitmore
Community
Emily Fox
Perspectives
Grace Scheller
Sports Mia Gallagher
Photo Chief Luke Paglia
Copy Chief
Kathryna Hoyman
Business Manager
John Remaniak
Copy Editors Bonnie Pittman
Kendall Lambrecht
Sophie Spilak Olivia Emerick
Anastasia Brown
Staff Writers
Dom Puglisi
Garret Gess
Abigail Kengor
Brae Sadler
Helena Ritenour
Kristiana Shirk
Staff Photographers
Blaise Kilmartin
Jack Herman
Staff Adviser
Nick Hildebrand
The Collegian is the student newspaper of Grove City College, located in Grove City, Pa. Opinions appearing on these pages, unless expressly stated otherwise, represent the views of individual writers. They are not the collective views of The Collegian, its staff or Grove City College.
the Green eyeshade award
This week’s Green Eyeshade Award goes to Managing & Perspectives Editor Grace Scheller for her dedication to this 2024-25 staff.
The Green Eyeshade Award
honors student contributors that demonstrate consistency and excellence in their work.
Dear freshmen...
Kathryna Hoyman Copy Chief
Dear freshman,
Here I am, reporting live, fresh off my first year of college. It hasn’t even been a week since the end of my spring semester, so by the time anyone reads this, it will be three months in the future.
I never thought I’d be back to writing this soon into summer break, but I guess the 60+ pages I wrote in the past three weeks just wasn’t enough.
I don’t even know how to talk about my first year. Maybe I will by the end of summer, and if so, you can find me and hear what I have to say.
When people ask about my freshman experience, I always hesitate. How do I even begin to talk about this past year?
Because so much happened. That’s the nature of freshman years. It begins with the hectics of OB and doesn’t end until the last finals in the spring.
In the fall, I bounced around nearly every club imaginable. I took up a double-major, consumed literature at a wild pace and wrote a near-unethical number of
papers.
Then came spring semester, which was even crazier. Harder classes, more responsibility, more decisions and more opportunities.
And I met so, so many people.
Friends back home kept saying I was living my best life. And yes, in so many ways I was. I love this school; I love these professors and classes and experiences and friends.
“The prime of living and the prime of youth.” That’s what I called it in one of my hasty journal scrawlings.
Yet-
I lost what felt like half my hair to stress. I was hurt by people and I hurt people. I got grades I never thought I would see on my transcript. I lived off a more limited amount of sleep than I thought possible.
Now that it’s over, I don’t know how to feel. Everyone says I’ve changed so much, but most of the time I still feel 17. But oh, that was a lifetime in a year.
I would be obviously amiss if I said that everyone shares the same experience here at the College. Sure, to an extent we are all placed on common ground – we sleep in the same buildings, take the same HUMA courses, eat the same food.
Yet some of us bring in unresolved trauma, social anxi-
ety or destructive habits.
Many will wrestle with their faith apart from their parents and will have to relearn what it means to take up one’s cross and follow Christ. Some will have to pinch pennies for gas money and others will come face-toface with impossible personal standards. Some will have a less-than-ideal roommate, or friend, or health situation. No one could say that college isn’t intense. With the potential for growth will come extreme demands, and with success in many areas will come failure in others. Between students and faculty, this experience is the combined efforts of thousands of people. There is so much here to see and to do, so many opportunities for growth, so much fun and learning.
I could write a whole extra article on do’s and don’ts for freshmen, and maybe I will. But for now, my advice is this: This year will be a lot, embrace that. Embrace the intensity, the rollercoaster, the living faster than the speed of light. A mass of friendships, stress, knowledge, growth, opportunities, heartache and exhaustion are heading your way.
Grip the saddle of your bronco—four years, or eight seconds, of the wildest ride of your life.
TIMBERCREEK WAITER
Kathryna at the famed Timbercreek in Grove City, Pa. in her freshman year with her family.
Grover wins abroad
Student
Entrepreneur reaches top ten in Portugal
Emily Fox Community Editor
Grove City College sophomore entrepreneurship student, Leyla Zwolinski, placed in the top 10 at the European Innovation Academy’s (EIA) startup competition in Portugal this past summer.
Zwolinski served as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for her team’s startup, Tutorberry, an online tutoring service for K-8 students that pairs tutors with students based on their personalities and learning styles.
The EIA was founded in 2013 and relies on partnerships from top universities and internationally successful companies including Standford University, UC Berkely and Google. The nonprofit has hosted upwards of 25,000 students from over 85 countries over the past 10 years. Participants are mentored by representatives from some of the globe’s largest companies including Google, Disney, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft as they launch their startups in just 15 days. Teams have the opportunity to earn scholarships and seed funding for their companies.
The college sent four students to compete in Portugal including Zwolinski, senior Karis Mall, junior Megan Dewing and sophomore Emily Haught. After arriv-
ing in Portugal, contestants were given the opportunity to share their business ideas with over 300 other competitors to form teams composed of five members. It was here that Zwolinski met Tutorberry’s CEO, senior UC Berkley student Jubeen Park, and joined her team.
“Jubeen had the initial idea for Tutorberry. Her canvas on Expo Day didn’t say much more than ‘personality-based tutoring for K-8 students.’ As someone who
tutored all through middle and high school, it caught my eye as something I have experience with and am passionate about.
“During my time as a tutor, I observed that each students’ needs were different, so finding a way to personalize their experience – potentially through their personality style – intrigued me,” Zwolinski said.
Zwolinski’s team came from universities across the globe, including Washing-
ton University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Coimbra. Working with a team of students originating from various countries came with its challenges and learning experiences over the course of the competition.
“There were times when the language barrier got in the way of us moving along as quickly as we would’ve otherwise, but slowing down to make sure that everyone was on the same page re-
ally helped us have an even clearer understanding of what our goal for Tutorberry was. I found it helpful for me to remember that each of us was there to learn. I worked to do everything I could to ensure that everyone on my team had a great experience as well.”
“The emcee of the event kept telling us that after the program we would have couches to crash on all over
Freshmen finish first week at Grove
Emily Fox Community Editor
The first week of the fall 2024 semester has come to an end and the class of 2028 has officially completed their first week of classes at Grove City College.
The new class of Grovers is capped at 607 students consisting of 565 freshmen and 32 transfer students. With the arrival of the freshmen, the College’s combined total population of both undergraduate and graduate students reached 2,380, according to the registrar’s office.
“I am so thrilled to attend Grove City College this fall and am excited to be part of the vibrant, loving and very
welcoming Grove City community,” freshman Sadie Johnson said.
“I’ve met so many amazing people on campus already, and I’m so excited to continue to make new friends and really embrace much of what Grove City College has to offer.”
This year, just over half of the freshmen left their home states – and some even their home country -- to join the College community. Students traveled to Grove City from 38 states, and five students embarked to the U.S. from other countries, including Canada, China, South Korea, Namibia and Vietnam,
WHAT’S FRESH AT THE GROVE
In PFAC ...
Robotics Sept. 1 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. The Engineering Department kicks off a robotics program for high schoolers. In Crawford... OB Talent Show Sept. 5
8 - 10 p.m.
Come watch new grovers share their talents Thursday night. In SHAL Courtyard... Street Dance Sept. 6
8 - 10 p.m.
Bring your friends and enjoy good music and dancing next Friday.
EIA
Leyla Zwolinski and her team placed in the top 10 at the European Innovation Academy’s startup competition in Portugal this summer.
BLAISE KILMARTIN
Today marks the end of the class of 2028’s first week of classes at Grove City College.
Welcome week fun
OB welcomes the class of 2028 with engaging activities to start the year off
The freshman class of 2028 arrives at Grove City College in style as they transition into a new season in their lives. A weekend filled with Orientation Board events shows the freshman class what the College atmosphere is all about.
In the midst of the anxiety that comes with a major change, the emotions of leaving home for the first time, and the excitement of making new friends and memories, the freshman prepare for the new academic year that awaits. by Luke
Paglia, Photo Chief
Blaise Kilmartin
Blaise Kilmartin
Blaise Kilmartin
Blaise Kilmartin
Jack Herman
Blaise Kilmartin
Blaise Kilmartin
Blaise Kilmartin
Blaise Kilmartin
Blaise Kilmartin
man Halls don’t have common spaces to congregate in,” Grimm said. “While we can’t fix that at this time, adding an outdoor space was an attempt to provide community space, even if it is seasonal. It can be used by all students just to hang out, or it can also be used for an event. It will be exciting to see how students will want to use it.”
Pickleball court construction began in May but will not be finished until later this year. To ensure the courts
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the College, Henderson was an associate professor in the Department of Sociology and Family Studies at Union University in Jackson, Tenn.
Rachel K. Kohler, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering – Kohler, who specializes in bone mechanics and biomedical imaging, will teach general and biomedical engineering courses. Kohler completed M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in biomedical engineering at Purdue University and earned her B.S. in mechanical engineering from Liberty University.
Karen P. Luong, Assistant Professor of Biology – Luong will teach general biology and environmental science and develop a plant science curriculum. Her specializations are plant pathology, plant disease epidemiology and microbial population genetics. She earned a Ph.D. in plant pathology at Penn State University, a B.S. in plant sciences from Cornell University and an A.A.S. in horticulture from Finger Lakes Community College.
Ian P. MacFawn, Assistant Professor of Biology – MacFawn will teach multiple courses, including General Biology and a newly developed upper-level course in Biomedical Science. He specializes in cancer cell biology, immunology and biomedical research methods. He received his B.S. from the College of William & Mary and completed his Ph.D.
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according to Vice President of Student Life and Learning Larry Hardesty.
Most students graduated from public high schools (48 percent), 27 percent went to Christian schools and 20 percent were homeschooled. The class of 2028 has a gender gap of 10 percent, with 55 percent male students and 45 percent of the class being female.
Biblical names continue to be the trend on campus, with the most popular name for female students being Hannah and the most common name for men being a threeway tie between Caleb, Joshua and Luke.
“I am so excited for this class of new students! They have already proven themselves to be invested in the community on campus, and I can’t wait to see where God leads them,” junior Orientation Board member Mary Golias said. “It is encouraging to witness a class that is eager to make new friends wherever they go. I am looking forward to watching
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the world, and it really is incredible to think I do have friends now who live all over the world!” Zwolinski said.
As CMO, Zwolinski researched the problem that Tutorberry’s services sought to solve, developed marketing strategies targeting parents and helped her team design the user experience for Tutorberry clients. She had
will last for years to come, lengthy processes are involved, one of which includes waiting for the asphalt to turn off gas so the top coating can be applied for greater longevity.
Despite noise concerns about the courts from residents across Wolf Creek, the College will continue to build the courts, but with the addition of a fence and fabric to buffer sound. The fence will be installed in the next two weeks, followed by an acoustical fabric on the north side of the courts.
Other projects from this summer include carpeting
in Phillips Field House and hallways in Hicks Hall, new stair treads in Memorial and Hicks halls, painting jobs across campus, new maintenance and mechanical system upgrades and new furniture in MAP café.
“It’s things like renewal and restoration that we’ve been more conscious about as part of this idea of enhancing the student experience,” McNulty said.Hopeman Halls don’t have common spaces to congregate in,” Grimm said. “While we can’t fix that at this time, adding an outdoor space was an attempt to provide community
space, even if it is seasonal. It can be used by all students just to hang out or it can also be used for an event. It will be exciting to see how students will want to use it.”
Pickleball court construction began in May but will not be finished until later this year. Preparing the surface to last for years to come is taking additional time, Grimm said. To alleviate noise concerns about the courts from residents across Wolf Creek, the College is adding a fence and fabric to buffer sound, Grimm said. The fence will be installed in the next two
in cancer cell biology from West Virginia University. He recently completed a postdoc fellowship with the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Immunology.
J. Louise McCray, Senior Lecturer in English and Writing – McCray will teach literature and writing and serve as Assistant Director of the Writing Center. She studied literature in the United Kingdom at the Universities of Exeter, Cambridge, and Edinburgh, where she earned her Ph.D. and published her thesis as “Godwin and the Book: Imagining Media, 1783 to 1836.”
Elizabeth “Liz” J. Rupnik, Visiting Assistant Professor of Education – Rupnik will teach
these students flourish in all their respective majors and extra-curriculars.”
Mechanical engineering continues to be the College’s most popular major, with over 60 students joining the MECE movement. The Exercise Science Department is growing, accounting for almost 6 percent of the class. Elementary education is the third largest discipline among the Class of 2028, with 23 students joining the department.
Almost half of the freshman class are studying in the Hopeman School of Science, Math and Technology. The School of Business and the Calderwood School for Arts and Letters almost split the rest of the class evenly with 26 percent of students continuing their education in humanities disciplines and a quarter of the class choosing business related fields.
“God has given each of our new students gifts, talents, skills and abilities, and my great hope is that they will lean into nurturing and growing them during their time at Grove City College. They have been called to
the opportunity to network with potential investors during the competition.
The company has continued to be successful postcompetition, “I believe Jubeen has launched in California, where she lives. We have 350+ signups, and that number is growing, so we have high hopes for future growth,” Zwolinski said.
Zwolinski’s EIA experience not only gave her the opportunity to develop her entre-
courses related to her speciality, elementary and early childhood education. She completed a Ph.D. in early childhood at Concordia University Chicago and earned a B.A. in elementary and early childhood education from Slippery Rock University. She has been an Early Education Center teacher at Grove City College for the past 12 years.
Nate G. Scholten, Assistant Professor of Education – Scholten specializes in secondary teacher preparation as well as social studies and civics education. He completed graduate work at Baylor University, earning an M.S. in education and Ph.D. in curriculum and teaching, and has a B.A.
be faithful students during these next four years, giving focus to learning and preparing for their possible future callings as employees, leaders, parents, believers and community members,” Hardesty said.
“With that said, my hope is that they will use this time to grow not only their intellect, but as whole beings – confident in who God has made them and expecting of His desire to use them in a broken world.”
According to a survey of 280 students collected by the Admissions office, the top five reasons the class of 2028 chose Grove City were the College’s academics, Christian character, career outcomes, the campus community and the school’s conservative values.
The class of 2028 is certainly impressive, and the College expects that they will only continue to grow into their success surrounded by the support of Student Life and Learning, the academic faculty and the student community on the Grove City College campus.
preneurial skills, but it also allowed her to experience the sights and culture that Portugal has to offer, “The city was beautiful, and the food delicious. I highly recommend the Portuguese pastry, pastel de nata! I think I had one every day!”
Students interested in getting involved with the EIA can contact the Entrepreneurship Department or visit the nonprofit’s website at www.inacademy.eu
weeks, followed by an acoustical fabric on the north side of the courts.Other projects from this summer include carpeting in Phillips Field House and hallways in Hicks Hall, new stair treads in Memorial and Hicks halls, painting jobs across campus, new maintenance and mechanical system upgrades and installing new furniture in MAP café.
“It’s things like renewal and restoration that we’ve been more conscious about as part of this idea of enhancing the student experience,” McNulty said.
in secondary social studies education from Spring Arbor University. Gustavo Velázquez Lazcano, Assistant Professor of Spanish – Velázquez specializes in Mexican and Chicano/a children’s and young adult literature. He completed a Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures at the University of Florida, an M.A. in Spanish at Ohio University and a B.A. in Literary Studies with a concentration in creative writing at Mexico’s Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro. In addition to these eight, three professors who taught for the first time at the College last spring will experience their first full year of teaching at the school this fall.
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ment and hope.
“It goes without saying that I am looking forward to this year. I feel like we are on a really good trajectory. We have identified ourselves and strengthened our values as a Christian college which is important for us to nurture. We have tremendous financial support, and our momentum has been terrific. I’m not shutting down or slipping away. I want to go out strong. This will be a year of ‘all in,’” he said.
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and field and baseball teams earned All-Region and AllAmerican honors, demonstrating the immense talent and dedication to come out of the athletic department last year.
“Our expectations are always that our student-athletes will seek excellence in the classroom as well. We
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for the Malone Invitational, while the women’s team will open PAC competition at the Thiel Invitational in Sharon, Pa.
These hires are: Charles E. Cotherman ’06, Assistant Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies – Cotherman, who also serves as the Executive Director of the Center on Rural Ministry, earned a M.Div. from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in religious studies from the University of Virginia. Cotherman serves as pastor of Oil City Vineyard Church.
Alden C. McCray, Assistant Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies – McCray teaches systematic theology and specializes in constructive and historical theology, with expertise in the doctrine of God. McCray completed a Ph.D. at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, where he undergraduate and master’s degrees. Before coming to Grove City, McCray taught at a seminary in London.
Ryan E. Miller ’99, Assistant Professor of Business Analytics – Miller, who previously served as an adjunct professor, will teach courses such as Statistical Methods I, Data Visualization and Quality Management in the Department of Management & Marketing. He completed a Ph.D. in business with a focus on supply chain management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He earned his MBA from Robert Morris University and holds a B.S. in Marketing Management and Economics from Grove City College.
The search process for the College’s 10th president hasn’t officially started, but McNulty has some advice for his successor.
“I want to make sure our new president has an appreciation for how sincere and caring our campus is. I’d like to tell them to throw themselves into it. Don’t hold back. You’re in for constant rewarding conversations and tender moments. You’re going to pinch yourself at the fact that this is what you do for a living. You are in for some fun,” McNulty said.
are blessed to have faculty members that work with our athletes, adjust schedules around athletic travel and take the time to get to know and support our athletes and coaches. This award is as much a faculty award as it is a student-athlete award,” Gibson said.
“Come be a part of Wolverine athletics! We will have over 130 home competitions this year and we need support at all of them. We are sure you will find our competitions exciting, and you will find that our athletes strive to compete at a high level while reflecting what Grove City College is all about,” Gibson said.
NICK HILDEBRAND
The new additions to the Grove City College faculty.
Kengor’s Reagan
Prof-inspired biopic hits screen
Dom Puglisi Staff Writer
Grove City College has been placed on Hollywood’s radar this summer with anticipation of a new film based on a book written by the College’s very own professor of political science Dr. Paul Kengor.
“Reagan,” starring Dennis Quaid as the former president, premiered last week. The story of how Kengor’s book made it to the silver screen starts in the summer of 2004, when the professor met producer Mark Joseph.
“It began with a phone call from the Rock River in Dixon, Illinois in the summer of 2004 from Mark Joseph. That’s the river that a young Ronald Reagan patrolled as a lifeguard for seven summers, seven days a week, from the late 1920s through the early 1930s. He saved the lives of 77 people at that river,” Kengor said.
Joseph explained his love for the book and his desire to
make it into a movie. Kengor had already started a followup to the book, entitled “The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism.”
The movie features elements from both books.
During their phone call, both men agreed the movie should feature the very river that Joseph was calling Kengor from, which Kengor explained as playing a significant role in the structure of his book.
While Dennis Quaid is a recognizable name, current students may be even more familiar with the actor who plays young Reagan.
“(T)he young Reagan patrolling the Rock River in the film is played terrifically by actor David Henrie. Some of our Grove City College students will remember David as the older brother of Selena Gomez’s character in the Disney Channel show, ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’,” Kengor said.
The film has garnered much buzz, both positive and
negative, with Quaid calling out cancel culture coming after him for his choice to take the role of the Republican president.
Some supporters of the movie say that it seems that social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram are purposefully blackballing the movie and suppressing its presence on their services.
It is not a novelty for conservatives to rally around films that represent their ideology. Movies like “The Sound of Freedom” become box office hits and cultural phenomena due to their uniqueness when compared to the typical progressive media released.
It seems as though “Reagan” may be on the same track, as Quaid has run a media blitz, appearing on Joe Rogan’s podcast and Ben Shapiro’s podcast while promoting the film.
Kengor hopes the film will “teach current generations about a time in America when there was genuine uni-
ty…”
“Moreover, as you’ll see in the film, his peaceful crusade to defeat Soviet communism without firing any missiles — and in fact winning the Cold War — is truly one of the great, feel-good stories of the past 50 years, if not in all of U.S. history,” Kengor said.
“Liberals and conservatives alike are longing for a president like Ronald Reagan again.”
If Grove City College students want to get in on the action and see the film, as well as support Dr. Kengor, the Guthrie will be playing “Reagan” at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1 with a special opening by Dr. Kengor before the Saturday showing.
Later this semester, there will be a special showing for the College students on Sept. 14 at the Guthrie, with tickets on sale in Breen Student Union for $10, including popcorn and soda.
Post Malone goes country
Dom Puglisi Staff Writer
In a world that is constantly pushing the idea of genres into more blurred territory, it feels as though every month a major artist is doing a 180-degree genre switch.
This month, with the release of his new album “F-1 Trillion,” we got the flip of Post Malone, from SoundCloud rapper extraordinaire to certified country star.
The album instantly hits you with a list of features long enough and successful enough to pack the seats at the CMAs. Clearly, Posty desires to enter this new genre with a little clout on his side, banishing the poser allegations by teaming up with what has been described as “the country Avengers.” These features gener-
ally add to the quality of the songs that they sing in. For instance, Luke Combs’s hyperbolic boasting in “Guy For That” lends the song a quirky uniqueness it would lack otherwise.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Dolly Parton’s presence in “Have The Heart” ruins the song with Parton’s terrible vocals clashing with Posty’s. Her sexually charged lyrics also come off as very cringe, considering the singer’s age.
Overall, the features in this album add to Posty’s country abilities, but how are his abilities on their own? Pretty darn good for a first timer.
Posty’s classic scratchy vibrato translates very well from the world of rap into the world of country, lending him an already instantly recognizable voice that stands
out against his features.
Songs like “Nosedive” show that Posty does in fact have the chops to pull off a very pretty melody, while tracks like “M-E-X-I-C-O” show his already-developed skill for exaggerated country storytelling. He also tackles a handful of different subgenres of country within this one album, from the sloweddown southwest cowboy sound of “Never Love You Again” to the Nicklebackesque country rock of “Finer Things.”
Posty does a bit of everything, and while he may be a jack of all trades, he is also a master of none. The songs sound good, and much like the other country songs you may hear on the radio. The only problem is that they blend a little too well with the country mainstream -- it’s
SIC brings the bands
Dom Puglisi Staff Writer
There’s currently a gap in the Grove City College community, and thanks to the Student Involvement Council (SIC), it’s going to be filled. Eric Fehr, the Assistant Dean of Student Life and Learning, described this “gap in the GCC experience.” This gap is that of live music, an aspect of the college experience that many schools possess, yet one that Grove City has not had for some years. Through the SIC and other student volunteers, bands such as The Gray Havens, Jordy Searcy and Andrew Peterson will be performing at the College this academic year. These artists will bring high-profile live music performances back to the College at an extent that hasn’t been seen since the pandemic.
In bringing these concerts to campus, Fehr wanted to emphasize the role of community at the College. Fehr envisions a Breen Student Union filled with students hanging out and building community through the bonding power of live music.
Fehr’s dream of live music becoming a staple of life at the College is just beginning. If all goes well, he plans on eventually bringing artists in every year and hopes to increase the number of concerts through smaller, regional artists while ultimately working to bring nationally acclaimed performers to our doorstep.
At the end of the day, Fehr’s question is, “How do we land what students care for?” The answer comes from students who are willing to bring ideas to him and SIC about what kind of musicians interest them and what live music they would want to see.
hard to see how Posty really stands out on his own.
The track that shows that this could change is “What Don’t Belong To Me.” Posty sings his heart out in this song, including some uberemotional scream-singing at the end and far more personal lyrics than any other track on the album. And all this is done in a song which is only his – no other artists are featured.
Posty has made a lane for himself in the country world, but I hope he uses it to push the boundaries a bit and get a little deeper. Still, he’s already on track to becoming an absolute country star.
Overall Rating: 61 Favorite Track: “What Don’t Belong To Me” Least Favorite Track: “Have The Heart.”
There will also be plenty of connection opportunities for students by volunteering to put these events on. These volunteers will do anything from set-up to merch sales and will experience VIP perks like meeting the band. Any students who have artists or bands that they would like to see perform at the College are encouraged to contact Fehr at fehrEJ@ gcc.edu.
In fact, it was the prompting of a student that connected The Gray Havens’ management to the College in the first place, ultimately resulting in their upcoming performance.
The Gray Havens will be at the College on Oct. 4, and students can pick up discounted tickets on TicketSwag by using code “GCC” for $10 off. Jordan Searcy will perform for free on Nov. 16 and Andrew Peterson will be here on Feb. 22 with tickets on sale on the College’s website.
REAGAN.MOVIE
Sports
Wolverines on top
Fall sports dominate PAC preseason rankings
Mia Gallagher Sports Editor
The Wolverines are kicking it back into gear as the fall sports season gets underway. Flying high after all the successes seen during the 2023-24 season, the Athletic Department and its studentathletes are ready to turn their preseason plans into performance results.
“Our expectations are always to compete for championships in every sport, and that won’t change. If anything, last year was affirming that we can achieve great things by doing things the Grove City way. As we look to 2024-25, we want to continue to play in ways that glorify God, and to utilize our gifts to seek excellence,” Athletic Director Todd Gibson ‘02 said.
With four fall teams looking to defend their Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) titles, and others poised to claim the championship for themselves, here is everything you need to know headed into the first weeks of the season:
Football
Following a hugely successful 2023-24 season –with the highlights including a 10-0 record, PAC championship, first program NCAA berth and tournament win and countless team and individual honors – the Wolverines enter the 2024-25 season ranked first in the conference’s annual preseason poll.
With roughly 140 players set to take to the gridiron this season – led by ninth-year head coach Andrew DiDonato – the team is prepped and poised to defend their title and make another run in the NCAA tournament.
The football team will open their season at home at 1 p.m. next Saturday, Sept. 7, against Geneva College.
Men’s Soccer
After just falling short to Geneva College in the PAC
final last fall, the men’s soccer team is ready to make another run for the conference title. The program, led by head coach Mike Dreves, enters 2024-25 ranked second in the conference’s preseason ranking.
The men’s soccer team will open their 2024 campaign at home this Friday, Aug. 30, at 6 p.m. on Don Lyle Field against Penn State Altoona.
Women’s Soccer
The defending PAC champion women’s soccer team is poised for another successful season. Under the direction of head coach Melissa Lamie, the Wolverines top the PAC preseason poll and are favored to go far in the PAC tournament.
The team will open their season Friday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m. against Washington College in Chestertown, Md.
Volleyball
Women’s Volleyball, the first of the College’s indoor
sports to take advantage of the updates to the PLC and Wolverarena, will open their season with two tournaments: one at Cedar Point’s sports complex on Aug. 30-31 and the other at Oberlin College on Sept. 6-7. They will face various DIII programs as they prepare for their traditional game schedule.
The team, led by head coach Leo Sayles, takes the court ranked third in the PAC’s preseason poll. After an early exit in the quarterfinals of the PAC tournament last fall, this promising squad looks to improve upon their 2023 record and find success in the tournament in 2024.
Women’s Tennis
Another team coming off a championship year, Women’s Tennis looks to keep it rolling this fall. Notching the
second spot in the conference’s preseason ranking, the team could once again upset No. 1 Allegheny College and defend their 2023 title. Led by head coach Nathaniel Horner and five seniors, the squad will open their fall schedule at home next Saturday, Sept. 7, at 1 p.m. against Alfred University.
Cross Country
Under the direction of newly appointed head coach Paul Collier, both the men’s and women’s Cross-Country teams hope to continue building on their tradition of excellence with stellar performances this fall. While their PAC preseason rankings have not yet been announced, news broke Wednesday that the women’s team has been ranked fifth in the 2024 NCAA DIII
USTFCCCA Mid-Atlantic preseason ranking. Both the men and the defending PAC champion women will be contenders for the 2024 title. Both teams are set to open their 2024 program at the PAC Preview Meet taking place next Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds.
Golf
After finishing fourth at their respective PAC championships last year, the men’s and women’s golf teams are eager to take to the course and improve upon their 2023-24 performance.
The teams, led by head coach Brad Isles, are set to open the fall portion of their seasons next weekend, Sept. 6-7. The men’s team will travel to Alliance, Ohio
Student-athletes receive recognition for academic and sports excellence
Mia Gallagher Sports Editor
The Grove City College Athletic Department concluded the 2023-2024 academic year with recordbreaking success – both on the field and in the classroom. This past May, the Wolverines clinched both the Men’s and Women’s Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) All-Sports Trophies. This achievement marks the
College’s eighth All-Sports sweep and breaks an 18-year conference drought since one school swept both trophies.
During the 2023-2024 season, the Wolverines tallied 10 conference titles and achieved a combined AllSports Trophy score of 207 points, setting a new conference record in the process. Individually, men’s conference titles in football, swimming, indoor and outdoor track and field and lacrosse allowed the men to total 108
team points and overcome runner-up Washington & Jefferson by 7.5 points.
On the women’s side, championships in soccer, tennis, cross country, swimming and lacrosse contributed to an overall team score of 99 points, edging out runnerup Westminster by 8 points.
“This award is the ultimate reflection of ‘Wolverines Together.’ This reflects the efforts of the whole campus supporting our program. Faculty, staff, maintenance,
grounds workers, administrators, students and fans all played a part in this award. When I look at the trophies, different memories and moments come to mind – all involving different people in different roles,” Athletic Director Todd Gibson ‘02 said.
Adding to their team triumphs in the athletic arena, the Wolverines also tallied accolades in the classroom and individually as well. During the spring semester, 105 Grove City student-athletes
earned their way onto the PAC Academic Honor Roll –the most Wolverines to make the list in a given semester. When combined with the 104 athletes recognized during the fall semester, the College led the conference with 209 honor roll selections for the 2023-2024 academic year. On an individual basis, multiple members of the men’s lacrosse, men’s track
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The Wolverine football team, lined up against Washington & Jefferson in this file photo, is ranked first in the PAC preseason poll.
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Women’s tennis is ranked second in the preseason poll.
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Woman’s soccer team is on top in preseason polling.