Pulling an upset Volleyball takes down Thiel
Orchesis rehearses ‘Timeless’
SPORTS
The
@Collegian_GCC @gcc.collegian The Collegian: The GCC Newspaper Friday, November 5, 2021
Preparing for the big stage COMMUNITY
‘Dune’ drops
Thoughts on part one
ENTERTAINMENT
Collegian The Award-Winning Grove City College Student Newspaper
Vol. 107, No. 8
Debate team tackles abortion Ayden Gutierrez News Editor
Princess Winifred the Woebegone, played by freshman Mary Margaret Bargery, is hoisted by a number of knights.
MATTHEW SCHOONOVER
‘Once Upon a Mattress’ debuts
Musicals return from intermission Ayden Gutierrez News Editor
The fall musical has returned to campus, as the Grove City Theatre Department will be performing “Once Upon a Mattress.” The play debuted on campus Wednesday, Nov. 3, and will end tomorrow evening. “Once Upon a Mattress” is a musical version of the fairy tale, “The Princess and the Pea.” Princess Winnifred is an ungainly, brash girl competing for the hand of Prince Dauntless, whose domineering mother Queen Aggravain has declared he must marry a “true” princess before anyone else in the kingdom can marry. “Once Upon a Mattress” was originally a book written by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer. It opened off-Broadway in 1959 and then moved to the theatre district shortly after. Junior Kaylee Shafer, who plays Queen Aggravain, believes that theatre offers its participants a unique perspective on life. “Theatre is an opportunity for individuals to come together and experience a
living, breathing, different world for a couple of hours,” Shafer said. “Musical productions transport people into reflection, entertainment and a much-needed escape from reality.” Grace Scheller, a freshman at the college who plays The Jester, believes that the show will provide a good laugh. “The show is silly and ridiculous, and it’s meant to invite people to enjoy themselves,” Scheller said. “Live theatre has disappeared due to COVID, and what better way to bring it back than with ‘Once Upon a Mattress.’” Elliot Eyre, a sophomore who plays Sir Harry, got involved with theatre for a number of reasons. “I got involved with Grove City Theatre because I’ve always loved everything about theatre and musicals,” Eyre said, “and I was super excited to have the opportunity to work with the many talented individuals that also have this passion.” He added, “This show is just a fun time. It’s not heavy or philosophical; it’s just a relaxed comedy. In such a difficult and taxing time in MUSICAL 3
MATTHEW SCHOONOVER
The Grove City College Debate Team has had a rich and successful history. That success has carried into the 2021 academic year. The team has won several competitions, yet arguably their greatest victory is how they handled themselves at a recent competition. Two members of the team, senior Reese Overholt and freshman Benjamin Anastasi, were assigned with debating in favor of abortion at a recent competition in regard to Texas’ abortion ban and a return to safe and free access to abortion. This assignment is something that debate coach and history professor Dr. Jason Edwards has never seen. “As to the unspoken rules of debate, I have been coaching debate at the collegiate level for 16 years or so and I have never before seen abortion be the topic. It just isn’t done,” Edwards said. Overholt, the debate captain, was one of the two members tasked with arguing in favor of this topic. He was shocked to see such a topic be presented. “This is my fourth year doing debate, and I have never had to debate about a topic as complex and contentious as abortion,” Overholt said. “I was also obviously very disappointed that my partner and I were assigned to debate in favor of the resolution, which advocated for a repeal of Texas’ abortion ban and a return to safe and free access to abortion,” he continued. “I knew that debating this topic at all would be very difficult, and I honestly just prayed for wisdom with an issue like this.” After entering an official protest with the tournament director, which was ultimately declined, the team discussed their options. “Given the resolution and what it asked us to argue, Ben opted not to debate that round, and I fully supported his decision,” Overholt said. “I opted to go forward with the round alone, because I believe that one of the most helpful aspects of debate is to help students thoughtfully engage with views which we
Prince Dauntless the Drab, played by junior Justin Folger, holds the pea that kept his beloved awake.
DEBATE 3
Submit your fall images of Grove City College to news@gcc.edu by Nov. 5. The contest is open to students, faculty and staff. Submit up to to three photos. Include Name, Class Year/Job title, Submission title, and Instagram handle. Entries will be featured on the College’s social media and the top photos will be published in The Collegian. First place winner will receive a prize and, of course, bragging rights. Sponsored by The Office of Marketing and Communication and The Collegian. Follow Grove City College for more info:
Editorial
Page 2
The award-winning Grove City College student newspaper, Nov. 5, 2021
From Ketler
The quarantine life
Writing this editorial, I find myself stuck once again in quarantine. After two months of an apparent return to normalcy on campus, I almost forgot what it felt like to be trapped in the confines of my room. Last year was a long one for me, mostly characterized by my time in isolation. Being placed into my room in Ketler at least 10 different times and even taking a trip over to the hotels for a week was not a fun time. Though I’m grateful that the college stopped using the hotels for quarantine space, I hoped never to experience the feeling of forced isolation again during my junior year. But here I am…sitting in my room without any symptoms. Of all the times I’ve spent in quarantine, not once have I been symptomatic. And that’s the frustrating part. I’m not sick, but I must isolate myself from everyone else and attend class online, while other students who are coughing can go to class without reporting themselves. It’s like you’re considered sick until proven healthy, and when you’re actually sick, you’re not called out on it. I realize COVID has been a part of our reality for the past 20 months, but there must come a point when this virus becomes the new flu. It’s just going to be the norm from now on. Students cannot be constantly fearful regarding the virus, because these worries are largely unfounded in the COVID numbers. According to a July 2020 Templeton-Gallup study, the data among 18–24-year-olds showed that the percentage of total deaths from COVID is 0.1 percent, while the age group’s worry of the virus sat at 59.1 percent, demonstrating the perceived risk of contracting COVID as much higher than the actual risk. However good the intentions of the college are, the current data does not reflect a genuine concern. College students have the lowest rate of infection compared to older age groups. I appreciate the efforts of the college to minimize the spread, but it should be up to the students to take care of their personal health during their time here. What that looks like can be as simple as eating healthy foods, taking supplements (such as zinc and vitamins C and D) and exercising. Despite never having been to the Mole Hole, I can only empathize with those sent there. Spending all your time in one room without the freedom to go outside for a walk or to interact with others sounds like a mental health nightmare. What if a student struggles with anxiety or depression? Not being able to change scenery sure doesn’t help with that. Heck, what if a student is actually sick and can’t recover because of the environment he or she is forced into? It’s not like you’re being checked on 24/7; you’re all alone trying to maintain your sanity by passing the time. The COVID quarantine protocols of the college may not be as strict as most schools and universities, but the current measures aren’t great either, especially for those without symptoms. If we’re to move forward, we need to learn how to live with this virus without the fear of being quarantined.
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
Photo Chief
Matthew Schoonover
Design Chief Chris Murphy
Copy Chief
Joanna Thorpe
Business Manager Kathryn Miller
Copy Editors Claire Josey Eve Lee Lauren Ness Syd Travis Zachary Wood
Staff Writers
Scott Amon Emma Rossi Connor Schlosser Sarah Soltis Isaac Willour Emma Whiteford
Staff Photographers Mia Campagna Grace David Dan Kabakjian Eve Lee Maya Lindberg Nolan Miller Olivia Ortman Max Pargeon Gracie Turnbaugh Caleb Warrick
Staff Adviser
Nick Hildebrand
The Collegian is the student newspaper of Grove City College, located in Grove City, Pa. Opinions appearing on these pages, unless expressly stated otherwise, represent the views of individual writers. They are not the collective views of The Collegian, its staff or Grove City College.
Green Eyeshade Award the
This week’s Green Eyeshade Award goes to News Editor Ayden Gutierrez for stepping up to carry his section this week by demonstrating quality writing and reporting. The Green Eyeshade Award honors student contributors that demonstrate consistency and excellence in their work.
Gutierrez
UNSPLASH
Women as a reflection of the Holy Spirit Noel Elvin
Community Editor We live in a world that has experienced, throughout history, a perpetuating cycle of leadership idolization that has diminished the importance of vital, non-leadership roles. Women have rightfully begun standing up for their rights as human beings over the past few centuries, which has slowly phased into them striving for roles of leadership. This has occurred primarily because the secular world has propagated the idea that a position of leadership matters more and deserves more respect, therefore, diminishing the traditional roles of mothers and housewives. As such, the feminist movement has run with this ideology by attempting to prove that women can do everything typically associated with men, degrading the traditional roles of women through idolizing those of men. Women were created as a helper for men as clearly stated in Genesis 2:18, saying, “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’” Similarly, John 14:16 states that the Holy Spirit was gifted to humanity as a helper, saying, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.” Throughout the Bible, the Holy Spirit is described as a helper (Romans 8:26, John 14:16, 26), guide (Galatians 5:15, John 16:13, Romans 8:14), gift (Acts 2:38) and interceder (Romans 8:26). Similarly, the Bible describes women as helpers (Proverbs 31:20, Genesis 2:18) and with that comes a
reflection of the Holy Spirit, who beautifully represents the position of the woman as helper, comforter and guide. Male and female were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and so, both man and woman reflect God in different ways. God is not solely God the Father, and that is what has gotten most confused in our broken world. We have been raised in a world that has idolized positions of leadership over all else, falsely telling women they are lesser beings because they don’t hold positions of leadership. Further, this world has historically abused leadership, unjustly placing women beneath men through abuse of their leadership. We have been raised in a culture that looks at people in high positions of leadership as gods with the utmost authority. Along the way, we have forgotten that God is not simply a leader, but also a helper, guide, comforter, nurturer and even a servant. In Mark 9:35, the Lord himself admonishes us as follows: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” The modern world has devalued the role of the women and has convinced society that someone is more important if they are a leader. This, however, is a biblically unsound claim. God is not simply God the Father – He is composed of three entities: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. None are greater than any other, none are more important than any other and none are more valuable than any other. All three are necessary for the whole of the Trinity to operate properly, as well as the church and all of creation. Without one, the Trinity, church and all of creation fall apart. Yet, each serves their own distinct purpose. As an equal part of the
Trinity, the Holy Spirit is just as important and necessary as God the Father for the Trinity to function as intended. And so is the same with man and woman. Neither is greater than the other, neither is more important than the other and neither is more valuable than the other. They are both necessary for the family and all of creation to operate properly. Without one, the family unit and all of creation crumbles. Yet, both serve their own distinct purpose. Leaders were never intended to be above their helper but rather to come alongside them. The structure was built so that man and woman could come alongside each other as equals to create a whole, while each serving in their own position. First Corinthians 11:11-12 says, “Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.” Both man and woman are interdependent on each other, and each reflects a different part of God. This does not mean that women cannot have leadership attributes or that men cannot have caring and nurturing qualities. God the Father still lovingly cares for us (Psalm 68:5), and the Holy Spirit still convicts and judges us (John 16:8). So also, men can still lovingly care for their children, and women can still correct and lead. These positions we were created to fulfill, man as leader and woman as nurturer, were not meant to limit or restrain us but rather to structure the family unit so that it would operate with honor towards everyone. After all, the Bible states that God favors no one, as all people are made in His image.
News The Collegian,
Nov. 5, 2021
Page 3
Cost speaks on American politics
systems around them to benefit them. This idea resulted in Cost comparing Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson’s ideas regarding politics. Hamilton viewed the people as a group of natural aristocrats, using George Washington as an example. Hamilton believed that there will always be people like George Washington, and our government should enable people like him to secure justice. This style of government would be elitist, with its leaders serving life terms. Jefferson believed that we should educate people to be able to govern themselves. Jefferson had faith in the masses, whereas Hamilton had faith
in the elite. That’s where Madison truly separates himself, according to Cost. Madison had studied at the College of New Jersey, which is now known as Princeton University. He had faith in nobody, and he compared his idea of government to the idea of an umpire in a baseball game. The umpire secures justice no matter of a player’s status or talent, and that is exactly how a government should be carried out, according to Madison. Madison believed that diverse people could be trusted to govern. When a diverse people are united, each faction will have its own beliefs and negate opinions from the
other side, Cost explained in Madison’s view. However, Madison believed that eventually, an idea would be presented that nobody would negate and would presume as a basis of compromise. Therefore, Cost refers to Madison as America’s first politician. Is this how politics work today, Cost asked. According to Cost, we love to have a martial outlook on Politics, which is why Cost described today’s political landscape as a warzone. “We have a truly destructive view of politics,” Cost said. “Political discourse has been hijacked by extremists on both sides.” Cost gave many reasons as to why we have a destructive view of politics. Cost said that it is dehumanizing; it fails to take into account the frequency of elections, and that it is profoundly dangerous to national unity. Believing that the constitution is a framework, Cost comparing it to a vehicle. You can’t drive a car if you do not know how to operate it. Like the car, the constitution is not an end. It requires us to engage with it, as well as deal charitably with our opponents. Cost warned that we do a horrible job at the latter, which is very alarming.
“I decided to take the tactic of arguing that Texas ought to repeal the law based on an appeal to federalism,” Overholt said. “In other words, Texas’ law conflicted with federal Supreme Court jurisprudence. Federal law is the highest, most supreme law in the United States, so state law ought to conform to it. Out of respect to the rule of law, federalism and the validity of our constitutional system, I argued that Texas ought to repeal its law.”
Despite the challenging topic for that round, Overholt and Anastasi had a successful day at the competition. “My partner and I won three of the four preliminary rounds, and we won in both semifinals and finals,” Overholt said. “Ending up first in the tournament was certainly a happy surprise, and I was very pleased and proud of Benjamin, as this is his first year competing in college debate. I told Dr. Edwards that
losing a round where I had to debate in favor of abortion is by far the happiest I have ever been to lose a round.” Edwards added he was proud of how his team handled the situation. He said, “In terms of character building, it did allow our students to find out something about themselves as they had to wrestle with how to best apply their moral convictions when doing so comes with a tangible and immediate cost.”
ors and anxieties and just feel and worry about what the character, in this case Larken, is feeling. As an audience member, you get caught up in the story and the show, which is a fun escape from reality!” Glickert also mentioned that the musical is very upbeat and positive. “This musical is really cheery and bright. There are a couple of love stories in Once Upon a Mattress,” she said. “Not to play into the cheesy fairytale language, but I hope the audience leaves feeling lighthearted and knowing that love can overcome challenges and that love is fun.”
The mute King Sextimus, played by Dr. Michael Rawl, struggles to communicate with Prince Dauntless, played by junior Justin Folger
Senior wide receiver Cody Gustafson had 13 passes in 131 yards and recorded his 1,000th yard for the season. Gustafson now ranks third in program history for most yards at 1,046 with two games yet to go in the regular season. Ehst also completed 19 of his 37 passes for 202 yards. Senior safety Patrick Mark had seven tackles as well as junior linebacker Curtis Freyermuth, who also had an interception and contributed significantly to Grove City’s defense. Grove City honored 23 seniors last Saturday, and DiDonato had nothing but encouragement for his senior class. “The 30 games prior to these seniors coming into
freshman camp the program was 4-26,” DiDonato said. “In their last 30 games the program is 24-6. This has been an amazing turn around. These seniors have laid so many bricks to turnaround our program. More importantly, they’ve been fully committed to growing spiritually, socially and academically. I look forward to talking with future teams about the impact of this class.” With Grove City’s loss to W&J, and both Westminster and Carnegie Mellon wins over the weekend, Grove City was bumped down to second in the PAC at 5-2, leaving the remaining three with 6-1 records in a three-way tie for first place. But there are still two more games of the regu-
Ayden Gutierrez News Editor
Jay Cost spoke on Wednesday night at an event hosted by the Institute of Faith and Freedom, focusing on the wisdom of James Madison’s view on politics. Cost, a well-known author, recently published his book titled “James Madison: America’s First Politician.” Cost spent most of the evening detailing the content of the publication, along with tying it to America’s political landscape today. “Our politics are pretty screwed up today,” Cost said. “Our current leaders don’t know what to do.” Cost began by asking the question, “Why does government exist?” He answered that it exists primarily to secure justice. Noting that we need justice to endure as a society, Cost then discussed the idea of government becoming an agent of injustice; he referred to this as one of the biggest problems of government. Before James Madison, Cost recalled, politics was viewed as a science. The science of politics believed that human beings are predictable, meaning that if you know them, you can design
DEBATE
continued from 1
oppose.” According to Overholt, the resolution did not actually require him to say abortions were good or beneficial. Overholt believed he could thoughtfully engage with truth and morality to come up with an argument that did not violate his moral convictions in the arguments, even if he personally did not arrive at the same conclusion.
MUSICAL
continued from 1 everyone’s lives, I hope the audience takes away a feeling of mental rejuvenation, that we’ve been able to relax everyone and entertain them with our lighthearted musical.” Junior Audrey Glickert plays Lady Larken in “Once Upon a Mattress.” Glickert got involved with the musical simply because of her love of theater. “I love the escape that it brings for both the cast and the audience,” said Glickert. “As a cast member, I get to be someone else for a couple of hours onstage. I can leave behind my personal stress-
FOOTBALL
continued from 11 the game, Trusky found an opening and ran 23 yards to the endzone, putting Grove City within four points of the Presidents 28-24 lead. Grove City took back possession after a deflection from junior linebacker Ryan Fleming landed the ball in the hands of senior defensive end R.J. Debo for the interception. W&J put an end to the possession with an interception of their own. A comeback looked possible, but the clock ran down before the Wolverines were able to see the endzone again. Though it was not the Senior Day the Wolverines had hoped for, it was still a statistically promising game.
MATTHEW SCHOONOVER
Jay Cost addresses a crowd about James Madison.”
MATTHEW SCHONOVER
lar season to go. “We are a team that has a clear identity and vision and have been continuously getting better at what we do,” DiDonato said. “We are closer than we’ve ever been to the top of the conference. We often talk about ‘Discipline equals Freedom.’ As we continue to stay disciplined living in that identity, we can continue to make strides going forward.” The Wolverines continue to build and will take their mission on the road for their final two games of the season. Grove City will take on Case Western Reserve with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. tomorrow in Cleveland.
Grovers turn up in local election results Ayden Gutierrez News Editor
A select few members of the Grove City College campus community participated in the local elections on Tuesday. Students Ben Seevers, Edward Renner and Associate Proffessor of Music Dr. Jeffrey Tedford ‘00 were all candidates within a specific division of local government. Seevers ran for North Apollo Borough Council. Seevers, running as a member of the Libertarian party, received 137 of 351 total votes, or 20.95% of the total vote. Three seats on the borough council were up for election. Seevers was declared as one of the three winners. Seevers, who was elected for the first time, has big plans for his term in office. “Ultimately, I hope to show how private solutions can work to solve seemingly public problems, Seevers said. “I plan to do this by working with other council members to craft policies that are agreeable to both sides.” Renner ran for a one-year council seat in Sewickley, Pa. Renner, running as a member of the Republican Party, received 185 of the 477 votes, finishing in second place. Tedford, the Chair, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Orchestras at the college, won a seat on the Grove City Area school board. Tedford joins Constance Nichols, Chair and Professor of Education at the college, on the board. According to the Grove City Area School District’s website, The Grove City Area School Board of Directors is comprised of nine members who have been elected for a four-year term to create, evaluate and vote on policies that are needed to operate the school district. The school board hires the superintendent and evaluates job performance to ensure the needs of the district are met. The administrative team, led by the superintendent and principals, manage the dayto-day operation of the district. Open communication between the school district and the community are encouraged. Two additional alumni also secured election victories today. James Dudt ’07 won the Township Supervisor position in North Bethlehem, Pa. Karen (Martin ’90) Heater was elected to the city council in Hudson, Ohio. Heater received 3,316 votes out of 20,476 total votes, which secured one of the three available council seat positions.
Community The Collegian,
Nov. 5, 2021
Page 4
Upcoming Events...
What’s fresh at the Grove? Game-A-Thon 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5 Ket Rec
“Once Upon a Mattress” 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 5-6 Ketler Auditorium
Possum Escape Rooms 7-11:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5 and Saturday, Nov. 6 6-9:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7 Ketler, 3rd Floor, East Gable
Wells for Hope 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 Student Union
Vespers: Grace and Gratitude 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7 Harbison Chapel
24-Hour Worship 9 p.m. Tuesday- 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9-10 Harbison Chapel
Ministry-Wise Convocation with Duffy Robbins 9:25 a.m., 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 Harbison Chapel
Orchesis: Timeless 7 p.m. Thursday- Saturday, Nov. 11-13 Ketler Auditorium
Dancers practice in the PLC during tech-week in preperation for Orchesis, which begins Nov. 11.
MATTHEW SCHOONOVER
Orchesis portrays the timeless art of history Dancers walk a historical timeline Noel Elvin
Community Editor Dancing is a timeless art and is seen all throughout history. From Thursday, Nov. 11, to Saturday, Nov. 13, Fall Orchesis will portray history through dance, digging into an artistic view of specific world events. Beginning at Creation and ending with a portrayal of the Second Coming, the show will run like a timeline of history. Each choreographer chose an important event in history to portray in their performance. Some events include the fall of Troy, the invention of the printing press, the Civil War, the newsboys’ strike of 1899 and the terror attacks of Sept. 11. Current senior head Maria DiStasi and previous senior head Gabby Ross ’21 originally conceptualized the theme “timeless” for spring 2020. They chose events and choreographers to portray the historical timeline, but suddenly everyone was sent home due to the onset of COVID-19. When students returned to campus in fall 2020, DiStasi and Ross both decided it would be better to hold off on attempting the “timeless” show. There were still hesitations concerning the poten-
tial cancellation of Orchesis due to the uncertainties of COVID-19 and the look of another in-person semester. “We thought that timeless deserved a show where it could be put on in full and exactly how we imagined it to be,” DiStasi said. “We didn’t want it to be something that was kind of thrown together and unsure, because we really love the theme and think that it can do a lot.” DiStasi, alongside her two junior heads, Isabella Hill and Lurena Stewart, decided doing the theme “timeless” this year would be a great opportunity to rebuild the program after the impact COVID-19 had on the performing arts. DiStasi mentioned that participants in Orchesis have tripled this semester compared to last year. “We’ve been so blessed that everything’s been going so smoothly this semester,” DiStasi said. DiStasi has been a part of Orchesis since her freshman year and began dancing at the age of three. She will be dancing alongside Hill and Stewart in a trio as senior and junior heads to Harry Style’s song, “Sign of the Times.” Choreographers are enjoying the opportunities the theme “timeless” gives them to tell many different stories through dance. “I love how the theme al-
lows us to give tribute to our history,” sophomore Gianna Mamone said. Mamone’s lyrical dance will portray the tragedy of 9/11 to “Amazing Grace.” “My aim for this dance is to illustrate the peace and comfort that can only be found through God’s amazing grace,” Mamone said. “My dance displays America’s unification after the event of 9/11, where many heroes gave their lives, a sacrifice we will never forget.” The life, death and resurrection of Christ will be portrayed by senior Jessica Ewing’s dance to the song, “When Love Sees You,” by Mac Powell. Dancing for 18 years, Ewing has been a part of Orchesis since her freshman year. She said the song she chose to choreograph talks about Jesus’ interactions with people throughout His lifetime and how His past affinities for people connect to His continued love for humanity today. Ewing appreciates how the theme “timeless” provides the opportunity to weave both biblical and secular history into one show. “I think we have a tendency to separate the two and consider the Bible to be some mystical other world that occurred entirely outside of re-
ality,” Ewing said. “However, Jesus was a real person who was born in real time. God’s faithfulness and the broken state of the world is woven in through the entire show, all the way until the Second Coming.” Stewart choreographed a modern contemporary dance, portraying the moon landing, to an instrumental piece with audio news clips from the Apollo 11 mission throughout the background. Sophomore Olivia Foster, alongside junior Graham Goodrich, choreographed a swing dance to the song, “Gold Fever,” by Little Hurricane, representing the Gold Rush. Senior Kylie Syska choreographed a musical theater and jazz dance representing Shakespeare’s first play to “Welcome to the Renaissance” from the musical “Something Rotten.” DiStasi is excited that the show this year portrays a variety of styles and difficulty levels, saying that all the dances are unique. “We’re really wanting to be an inclusive organization where it doesn’t matter what style you dance,” DiStasi said. “It doesn’t matter if you have no experience or if you’ve been dancing your whole life; you are welcome to join.”
Prioritizing faith with your other half How important is spiritual chemistry? Scientifically, Spiritual Grover
Dear Dr. Love
Dear Spiritual Grover, Let’s go back to square one – What in the name of matrimony is spiritual chemistry? Great question. Spiritual chemistry has less to do with figuring out how a Catholic molecule bonds with a Pentecostal molecule when there’s a negative charge and more to do with understanding harmony with two people’s faith for positive outcomes. The challenge of knowing when you have spiritual chemistry comes down to knowing how to measure it. Do you need to have the same ways of worshipping? Is it essential to pray in the same manner? Or is it more about theology? I believe it comes down
to the question of faith: Are you both on the same page about your faith being the same priority in your lives? It is essential that both parties prioritize Jesus and that He is of equal importance to both parties. If one person looks to Christ for peace, purpose and direction while the other doesn’t give a rip, it’s going to be an uphill battle for the Jesus freak. Having a person who is chill or open to church isn’t enough. At the end of the day, you will need to be sharpened, supported and understood through the lens of faith. If the person you’re considering spending the rest of your life with lacks the drive to pursue Christ as
much as you, I’d pump the brakes and seriously consider the implications of that reality for your life. Sure, it can “work” when one person isn’t into the church stuff, but why replace “great” for “pretty good?” If you’re all right with settling in a relationship for the rest of your dying days, that’s one thing. However, if you have naive hopes of winning them over to be as excited about your Lord and Savior, think again. If your faith is the most important aspect of your life, you better make sure that the person whom you’re investing in is also centered on the same understanding for their life. To quote the
timeless hero Bible Man, “It’s all fun and games until someone loses an eternity.” A relationship with no spiritual chemistry is like trying to have a halogenation reaction with no electronegativity of the halogen atom… Sorry, sometimes I like to use big words to sound photosynthesis. Indubitably,
Dr. Love Love, M.D.
The Collegian,
Nov. 5, 2021
Page 5
Visiting MECE professor appreciates GCC’s mission Scott Amon Staff Writer
Not all the professors who teach at the college are fulltime faculty — some are visiting professors who teach a class or two per semester and then return to their previous institutions. Dr. James Mayhew is an example of a current visiting professor with an impressive background. Mayhew, a mechanical engineering professor, has taught in his field for the past 27 years, specializing in a wide range of topics, including aerodynamics, aircraft performance and design and wind tunnel testing. In a typical semester, Mayhew teaches at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Ind. However, he is now on a semester-long sabbatical. Prior to Rose-Hulman, he taught at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. While in graduate school, Mayhew heard about Grove City College from a friend, who was an alumnus. After coming to Grove City, he further appreciated the mission of the college. “After I became a professor and learned more about higher education from the inside, I became more impressed with the mission of Grove City College and the
ROSE-HULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Dr. James Mayhew is a visitng professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department. courage of the campus leadership team to stand on principle and trust God,” Mayhew said. A year ago, Mayhew was planning out his sabbatical and thought he would reach out to Dr. Michelle Clauss, chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department, to see if there was an interest in having him teach a few classes. “She enthusiastically supported the idea and worked with the college’s administration and MECE Department to make it happen,” Mayhew said. He is currently teaching two aerospace engineering electives, while also supervising a capstone design course here at the college. Outside of teaching, Mayhew is making the most of his time.
For one, he is auditing the final course in the HUMA series, Christianity and Civilization, taught by Dr. Paul Kemeny. The class impresses Mayhew in its dedication to help students think about Christianity by using assignments that help them “learn to understand others with different views, with the long-term goal of developing and defending their own worldviews.” He also plays viola in the college orchestra. Mayhew and his family are staying at the Cunningham House, which positions them close to campus activities. “We have spent many pleasant evenings on our screened-in porch, watching activities on the football field,” he said. “We’ve also explored some of the natural
beauty in the area by bicycle and kayak.” Mayhew also noted that his students are particularly warm to him, saying, “My students accepted me quickly and continue to engage with me in the classroom.” Mark Armour, a junior mechanical engineering major, is taking Mayhew’s Intro to Aerospace Engineering class. “Dr. Mayhew fits very well into Grove City,” Armour said. “It is a more rigorous course than I thought, but I have enjoyed the class, and I’ve learned a lot. I enjoy Dr. Mayhew’s personality, and I’ve also found him very friendly and helpful during office hours.” Armour mentioned another reason why Mayhew is teaching at Grove City this fall. “One of his missions while visiting is to investigate how Grove City College keeps the quality up and price of its programs down while also rejecting federal money,” Armour said. Teaching classes only this semester, Mayhew will head back to Indiana soon. Students hope Mayhew will return someday and continue to offer classes that excite the engineering students. Armour said, “I would love to see him visit Grove City College again for more aerospace classes.”
Crouch lectures on wisdom in tech Emma Whiteford Staff Writer
If you ventured into chapel last Thursday, you would remember listening to a man named Andy Crouch — an animated and renowned speaker with much to say on how to live wisely in a techinfused world. Our culture is drowning in what Crouch called, “the easy everywhere.” In the morning chapel service, he posed the question – “What does it mean to live in the body?” – and proceeded to discuss the role of discipline and training across all aspects of life. “Life requires strength,” Crouch said, adding that humans were made to train. He defined humans as heart-soul-mind-strength complexes, yet the techminded world of today tampers with these realities by suppressing the need to train and improve in them. “Quick responses diminish reactions of the heart,” Crouch said. “Because we have everyone else’s minds available to us, we don’t use our own. And convenience abolishes strength.” In a sobering look at reality, Crouch remarked that “the defining mental activity of our time is scrolling and the defining heart activity of our time is anxiety.” Because of this, “we have got to reclaim our humanity,” he said. “I appreciated that he addressed the crossover between physical and spiritual well-being and health,” sophomore Eden Kleiman said. “That is something not often touched on within the church.” His discussion continued into the evening service, in which Crouch explained that humans have always had tools that allow for extending their hearts, minds,
MATTHEW SCHOONOVER
Author Andy Crouch lectured in chapel on the impact of technology in the modern world. souls and strengths into the world. However, while tools have always existed, devices — tools that perform tasks for us but without us — are a new creation of this age and are the harbinger of “the easy everywhere.” “The easy everywhere” is the promise of devices, yet “the price of devices is boredom everywhere,” Crouch said. Obviously, boredom was not the goal of devices. So what was, and is, their mission? Crouch asserts that “technology is science plus alchemy.” The goals of alchemy were infinite wealth and immortality and the dream is still with us, though the pursuit of such things has faded. According to Crouch, “We want to do magic. We want to be able to just speak and have it happen.” But the magic never works as we imagine. Crouch asserted this dream is, in part, fueled by a dark, sinful principle known as Mammon,
which refers to “abundance without dependence.” This is the driving desire of the West. After all, the dream of having robots is the dream of having slaves. The age of technology promises that “if you have this kind of wealth, you don’t need anything else to get anything done.” This idea is fueling the chase to become like God. However, society stands at a crucial point where we can decide that we do not want the alchemist dream. Humans can strive for a different kind of advanced technology and develop instruments rather than devices. But how do we take this pivotal step in the right direction? In the morning service, Crouch encouraged two habits. The first: begin everyday outside to ground and focus yourself in reality. The second: work 24/6—this is the rule of working undistracted for 24 minutes and then getting up and performing a different task for six minutes.
In a discussion with sophomore Grace Anne Shaw, Crouch gave his advice on carefully using tech. He encouraged a disciplined routine of practicing a break from tech “one hour a day, one day a week, one week a year” in order to sever one’s natural dependence on tech, abundance and comfort. “I really enjoyed that he emphasized the importance of not being anti-technology while still recognizing the right and wrong ways to use tech,” sophomore Brooke Hosler said. Crouch encouraged his audience that society can still choose to harness instruments for the purpose of unfolding the mysteries of God’s world rather than using devices to become the gods of this world. “All this technology,” Crouch said, “was not meant to displace us but to fully engage us in God’s world. You were made for fullness. Do not let your devices rob you of this.”
Seven questions with…
Dr. Donald Shepson III
Professor of Christian Ministries What do you listen to on the ride home? I only live one mile from campus, so my ride is pretty short, but I usually do not listen to anything. After a workday of reading and thinking, it is nice just to sit quietly for a bit. If I walk home, I am listening to the birds; and if I ride my skateboard home, I am focused on not wiping out! What are you currently reading? I am currently working my way through the writings of G.K. Chesterton. I am stuck in the “Father Brown” section, although pretty interested in his ability to observe truth and listen to events as someone who refuses to be distracted by culture. What is something you have been pondering lately? Lately, I have been reading and pondering through the epistle to the Ephesians. I am preaching in a couple of weeks on chapter four, verses 17-32, so I like to have those verses fresh in my mind. They encourage the reader to put off the old, sinful self and way of life and put on the new and living life of Christ in us now. As a result, I am wondering about how that works and how I can do it effectively, to be “renewed in the spirit of your minds.” Favorite restaurant? My favorite restaurant locally is North Country Brewing. They have great food (ahem, and beer). When I was in college, I spent a lot of my summers hiking the North Country Trail in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, so I like remembering those trips. Name a movie that makes you emotional: I’ll give you two: “The Mission” and “Les Misérables.” Both are so powerful in their stories of grace and forgiveness. What are you looking forward to today? Tonight (Tuesday) is date night. So, I am looking forward to time with my love, probably at North Country Brewing. Favorite class you are teaching this semester? I am enjoying teaching HUMA 102, Biblical Revelation, this semester. The students are after it and working hard to understand the Scripture. I am proud of the good work and effort they are putting in. My prayer is that they would see the Lord in all the stories of God’s Word and be drawn to Him.
Through the lens,
Through the Lens
Feb. 22, 2019
The Collegian,
November 5, 2021
The Season’s Slums
Life drags on as papers, projects and tests become more frequent
Page 6
The Collegian,
Nov. 5, 2021
Photos & Text
Matthew Schoonover Photo Chief
The least favorite time of year is when the world becomes brown, weekly assignments become dogmatic, projects get bigger and papers are due. With finals on the horizon, the morale of students is at a new low. Study spaces like the library and the SAC are becoming more filled, and HAL seems to always have the sign saying, “We’re sorry, but there is no more room in the inn.” As students head into the crunch time of the semester, it’s important to keep in mind that it may be easy to get burned out, especially for Grovers. Taking breaks throughout the day is essential and hanging out with friends are some good ways to relieve all the onset stress brought on by all the work. It is certain: The midnight oil and both ends of the candle are being burned. The work load is getting bigger, and that cannot be ignored. Grovers have to make a choice. Do they rise above all the work and grow as a person, or do they crumble beneath all the pressure?
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Perspectives The Collegian, Nov. 5, 2021
Page 8
Odd voting: Election upsets
Local elections play a bigger part than you think Corey Kendig
who wants to make a difference to run for local office, because these positions have “teeth” in the world. The duty to ensure that these tasks are performed are laid on you, the voter. By not voting for these, you forfeit the ability to play a role in whether your town can successfully run. Voter turnout during oddyear elections has always been low compared to its
even-year counterpart. Ironically, this means that your vote matters even more in these elections. In a presidential election year, voter turnout rates have averaged around 60 percent recently, while midterm election voting has been about 40 percent. Local election turnout varies depending on where you live, but it tends to be lower than midterm elections. Put into numbers, that means a town of 200 like my hometown receives maybe 70 votes, if they are lucky, in an odd-numbered year. One vote can make all the difference in a race of 70 votes. While there are still debates about whether individuals’ votes really matter in the federal system, there is no doubt that your vote matters locally. Filling out a ballot, even in odd-year elections, is the way to make a legitimate change in the world.
percent. If these trends continue, the midterm elections next year are likely to go even more to the Republicans. This week has also seen Texas’s near-absolute ban on abortions in the Supreme Court. Justices Barrett and Kavanaugh both seemed to doubt Texas’s law, which could mean that it may fail even with a 5-4 Republicanappointee majority in the Court. While this case may not succeed, the Court is set to hear a case on Dec. 1 about an abortion ban in Mississippi that could have the potential to reverse Roe v. Wade. While these events show a national shift to the political right, the G20 and COP26 are demonstrating a shift to the left in economic policy that will likely affect both international business as well as climate policies. The G20 summit in Rome left many uncertain about what climate policies would take effect, because no true measures were set to pursue carbon neutrality. Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said in his closing statement that “all of the G20 countries are committed to reaching the target by the mid-century,” but “China – the world’s biggest polluter – and Russia have pushed that target out to 2060,” according to CNN. CNN also reports that the official statement from the meeting “does pledge to stop financing new, unabated coal
plants internationally by the end of this year - a strong message to coal-reliant nations such as China, Russia and India. But the G20 leaders stopped short of agreeing to end coal power in their own nations.” At COP26 in Glasgow, the focus is on implementing the Paris Agreement and increasing support for climate financing . On Tuesday, around 100 nations pledged to cut their methane emissions and reversing deforestation by 2030. At the time of writing, COP26 is still ongoing. The tone of the meeting is set on needing to have radical change, such as limiting temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius, which shows an international shift of left policy. All of these changes show a world that is poised for change. In America, it is showing a rebuffing of the “blue wave” after the 2020 election and the progressive changes that were expected to follow that. Internationally, there is still a hope of greater change and new pushes for transitioning from fossil fuels, and this meeting has the power to effect change in the nations present. As the next year creeps closer and closer, the potential for new paradigms for national and international politics is right around the corner.
Contributing Writer I find it hypocritical that Americans often believe that their individual vote does not matter in elections. Yet, I often find by talking to those same people that they have no idea what is going on in their own towns, politically speaking. When the presidency and congressional seats are not up for election, Americans tend to be willingly ignorant. When I tell you this, I am speaking from experience, as I am ironically enough only aware of one elected official in my hometown. But I write to try to change your minds. From one ignorant person to another, please vote in your local elections. Local elections are an indi-
THE GAZETTE
vidual’s best chance at actually effecting change. While it is not likely that a president will make a change that affects your everyday life, local officials make these changes every day. These officials run public schools, control basic necessities, direct public funds and govern niche aspects of your life that you just expect to run smoothly. I talked to junior Ben Seev-
The Dems’ firewall suddenly crumbled Isaac Willour Staff Writer
I hate being the guy that celebrates too soon. People have somehow never developed the ability to figure out that you don’t celebrate until you actually win to avoid looking like an idiot. I’m aware that one of the options when you celebrate too soon is to carry on, pretend you never lost in the first place and create a blissful utopia, where the only people you listen to are people that will tell you that you won. Still, no prominent politician in the last five years would ever do anything that immature. That said, the Republican win in Virginia is a win worth celebrating, and Glenn Youngkin’s path to victory is an example of successful strategy for the right moving forward. Youngkin handled Trump properly - by not handling him and giving the former president the kid gloves treatment. In a 22-minute speech the day before the election, Youngkin didn’t mention Trump once, instead taking the time to outline his strategy, a message that ought to ring in the ears of Republican strategists across the country: “We’re going to have a whole new crop of Republicans come in and define a new way forward.” While a new strategy is an admirable move, Youngkin also got Trump’s endorsement, meaning that the Trump base was going to fall in line regardless of what Youngkin did with the endorsement, but he wasn’t flaunting it. The Right can succeed without Trump as an active presence, as long as he remains a passive one. To put it more cynically, the Dispatch reported on Wednesday, “Youngkin proved Republicans can win without embracing Trump, but only if Trump agrees.” In fairness to Youngkin, the Virginia win wasn’t just
due to the Right. Like Trump, Youngkin won after massive blunders from both Terry McAuliffe and more general anti-Republican opposition. Virginia was supposed to be a Democrat firewall. Youngkin’s opposition managed to screw it up, both by painting him as a Trump clone (he was not) and, in some cases, sending literal fake white supremacists with tiki torches to Charlottesville. Who doesn’t love a good throwback? In fairness, McAuliffe’s campaign distanced itself from the tiki torch stunt, but the damage was done. Add to that McAuliffe’s pre-election gaffe about education (“I don’t think parents should be telling schools what they should teach”? Really?), and you have the perfect storm. Mischaracterization, opposition incompetency and absolutely insanely distasteful public stunts, Youngkin was not facing a particularly unified or measured opposition. It’s a big win, but that’s not the best of the Democratic Party. The value of a unified movement and a fractured opposition isn’t the big takeaway from Republican upset in Virginia. The big lesson is this: when personalities retreat into the background, the Right can win in issuecentered elections. A purple state like Virginia was not a place for the Left to get lazy. They did, and they’re paying the price for it. It wasn’t about Trump, and McAuliffe isn’t exactly the picture of charisma. In the absence of huge personalities and huge blunders, issues like education and the economy can dominate the election, if early exit polls are any indication. It wasn’t about Trump, and it wasn’t about the Evil Commie Democrats Who Literally Eat Children Whilst Worshipping Satan. It was an issue election. Is this a sign of what’s coming? If it means a more moderate Republican party and elections dominated by issues as opposed to personalities, let’s hope so.
ers, who won a council position in his local district on Tuesday. “Local politics control your child’s education, your roads, bridges, utilities, street lighting, police, garbage disposal, and much more; all of these can be changed by you,” Seevers said, when I asked him why local politics matter. He also encourages anyone
A world poised for change Clark Mummau Perspectives Editor
This past week has been rather eventful, especially for an off-year election. The election brought about several key changes, and nations have been meeting at G20 and COP26, and all of these changes are signaling a shift in domestic and international politics. In Virginia’s election, two Republicans, Glenn Youngkin and Winsome Sears, won governor and lieutenant governor. Sears, a Jamaican immigrant and former U.S. Marine, was the first Black Republican woman elected to a statewide office in the state. She is now the first female lieutenant governor. Youngkin, a former businessman, beat the incumbent Democrat and is stressing “excellence in our schools,” by focusing on “choice within our public school system.” “This stopped being a campaign long ago,” he said. “This is the spirit of Virginia coming together like never before. The spirit of Washington and Jefferson and Madison and Monroe standing up and taking our commonwealth back.” New Jersey also demonstrated a shift toward the Republican party, even though Democrat Phil Murphy won the race. The state tends to lean solidly Democratic, but the election was very close with only about 20,000 votes between Murphy and Republican Jack Ciattarelli. In sharp contrast to the sharp rhetoric of “Abolish the Police” spoken in the past two years, Minnesota did not vote to replace the police department with a Department of Public Safety. While several mayoral elections, like those in New York, Boston, Buffalo and Cleveland, did have progressive Democrat victories, the elections in Virginia and New Jersey show a shift to the Right in light of Democratic President Joe Biden with an approval rating of 42
LIFEWATCH
The Collegian,
Nov. 5, 2021
Page 9
Three parables about salvation Asher Silvey
Contributing Writer Debating at the college is a common pastime for students, but this medium of discourse can sometimes get out of hand. Healthy discussion, where everyone is heard, is sometimes unheard of. Proverbs 18:2 reads, “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” I want to encourage an environment of discussing over debating, listening over lecturing and sharing over shoving. This is not to promote a culture of relativism, but truth can only be gleaned by hearing both sides. Proverbs 18:17 reads, “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” The following passages are three short stories on the subject of Salvation. They are imperfect parables meant to provoke the heart and mind. “The Brothel” Have you heard of the rich young ruler who, full of heart, took a carriage in the evening hours, rode down to a brothel, and cried, “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for
CARL BLOCH
that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” The ruler provoked much laughter among those in the brothel. Has he lost his way? Has he gone mad? Thus, they rejected his call and began to mock him. However, one of the prostitutes in the brothel was moved by his call and hesitantly walked up to him. She kneeled before him and
sobbed, “Lord, I believe what you are saying is true, and I yearn for this rest.” Hearing this, the ruler stormed out of the brothel, disgusted that his gesture was accepted only by a vile prostitute instead of the patrons, leaving the girl laying there sobbing. Returning to his carriage, he complained to his servant, “The feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy.” “The Affair” There once was a king with ninety-nine wives who deeply desired the hand of a fair lady, yet she was married to another. Determined not to let this scandalous risk dis-
courage him, he chased after the girl with all his heart, soul and strength because of his love for her. He did more for her than she could ever repay him. How could she resist him? Yet, he knew she was married. Despite the risk, the king asked for the lady’s hand. To his surprise, she responded yes! Overwhelmed by excitement, he neglected to let this puzzle him. But after some time had passed, he could not help but wonder if she truly loved him. Was she just so overwhelmingly compelled by his gestures? After all, he was the king. “The Good Fisherman” A man was sailing down from Ireland to England, and he fell among pirates, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead in the water. Now by chance, a fisherman was on his way back to shore. While on his way, he spotted the man under the water and when he saw him, he had compassion. Is he dead? Possibly. He could pull the man out of the water by force, but what if he resists? Would it be worth the trouble? What if the man does not want to be saved? The man will surely drown if he does not try. He could throw down his net and allow the man to climb up himself, but what if the man is already dead? Then that would be of no use. He decided it would be better to pass by him without offering a choice. The man drowned.
Infrastructure: A national or local issue? Ben Seevers
Contributing Writer President Biden’s infrastructure bill is awaiting a vote in the House, and it should be completely rejected. Any sensible human being, regardless of what they believe in, should reject a welfare bill masquerading as an infrastructure bill, but the entire country is being fooled by it. The Democrats embrace it without question, and the Republicans reject it without even looking at the contents. The proposed bill seeks to expand social security, increase corporate taxes and invest in green initiatives. These do not fall into the common man’s understanding of what infrastructure is, and thus must be rejected. Real investment in infrastructure, such as funding for roads and bridges, is part of the bill, although it is a small part, so this is what I will be looking at. How much money should the government invest in our roads and bridges? Not a dime. In fact, our country’s infrastructure should be completely privatized. Residential roads should be ceded to abutting property owners and commercial roads should be auctioned to the highest bidder. The common argument for government funding of infrastructure is that it benefits the common good, because it provides vital public goods that would be absent in a free market system. This is nonsense. Almost $800 billion worth of goods were transported via truck in 2019 ac-
Word on the street...
Election Day was Tuesday. Did you vote? Lizzy Linnik
“I just forgot about it, and I’ve just been really busy, so yeah, that’s why I forgot. And then I saw it on Instagram, and I was like ‘oh I forgot to vote and send it in’, I didn’t even send in an absentee ballot either.” Austin Hollinger “No, I was going to have a clean voting record, but I missed this one, because I’m too lazy to get a mail-in ballot.” Hannah Tingley “I’m going to choose to not get fired up about this, but I personally get very upset when people don’t vote because I’ve lived in third world countries where people would have literally died to vote and they don’t and elections are rigged and so its like literally people have fought for this country so that we are free so that we have the privilege to vote and it is that, it is privilege, so to just throw that away is super entitled. It’s just my personal belief that if you don’t vote it’s wasting a privilege.” Tim Buonaugurio “I did because it was important for local elections back home, and I knew a lot of people who were running, so I was like ‘Yeah I’ll vote.’ I sent in my ballot. I almost forgot though, which is unfortunate, but I sent it in on time.”
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cording to Statista. Would industry neglect the roads if government were to yield control to the private sector? They most likely would not. Doing so would result in hundreds of billions of dollars of loss over time. Additionally, those that purchase the roads could charge tolls to industries that are shipping goods and travelers as well. They may even vary the price that is charged to each traveler given the difference between trucking and common travel. Both are different goods and often involve different sizes of vehicles. This differentiation may lead to a dynamism that many of the state’s turnpike systems lack. The private firm that manages the highways would be incentivized to minimize cost as well, unlike its public counterpart. Overall, a private system of highway management would be superior to the current
system, and any infrastructure bill worth its weight in gold will provide for it. What of privatized residential roads? Under a privatized system, each individual household has the right to maintain their part of the road and lacks the expectation that government will do it for them. Therefore, people will more than likely begin contracting with each other to pave stretches of shared road. Ideally, they would keep more of their money (if the government is not using it, they should refrain from taxing it), which would enable them to afford road maintenance more comfortably. The increased quality of the roads would reflect in the property value as well, which would act as another incentive to maintain it. Given that the people would be solely responsible for maintaining the roads, they may be incentivized to
decrease the cost of doing so as much as they can, resulting in alternative roads being constructed to relieve stress from highly trafficked roads. They may also decide to gate off their immediate community in order to limit the flow of traffic through their neighborhood. This logic can be applied to other forms of infrastructure, such as bridges, street lighting, public utilities etc. Ultimately, a good infrastructure should include privatization measures, and given that Biden’s plan does not, it should be wholeheartedly rejected. Unfortunately, Republicans and Democrats are bound to come to an agreement that will further socialize the system, and our country will continue to degrade. Therefore, we must make infrastructure privatization a local government issue. Only at this level can we make this vital change.
Edward Lyon “I totally forgot about that. I’m from North Carolina, so, no I did not. They do have mail-in ballots, but I didn’t. I genuinely just forgot about it because I was doing schoolwork.” Ryan Pirger “I did not. I forgot about it completely to be honest. Yep.” Grace David
“I didn’t vote, I really forgot that it was happening and also just didn’t really have the time, that’s really it. It’s really easy to get removed from voting when you’re on campus”
Entertainment The Collegian, Nov. 5, 2021
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‘Dune’ exhibits spiritual tones A sci-fi portrayal of a ‘potentially Messianic role’ Sarah Soltis Staff Writer
Director Denis Villeneuve’s long-awaited “Dune” weaves together prophecy, politics and space travel with a unique though unfulfilled spice. The recent science-fiction film mirrors Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel of the same name. The film, part one of two, and Herbert’s novel, first in a series of six novels, concern a future where humans and alien-like creatures colonize and fight over planets. The film centers on House Atreides, which includes Duke Leto, Lady Jessica and their son, Paul. Oscar Isaac plays the role of Duke Leto, an anxious but noble ruler. Rebecca Ferguson portrays his concubine, Lady Jessica, who is part of an all-female religious order called the Bene Gesserit. Paul, played by Timothee Chalamet, is brought up as heir of the House and of some of his mother’s powers. The mysterious emperor assigns House Atreides to replace the beastly House Harkonnen as rulers of desert planet Arrakis, envied for its sacred hallucinogenic “mélange spice,” which fuels intergalactic travel. Leto hopes for a peaceful and diplomatic move to Arrakis, but corrupt House Harkonnen works with the Emperor against House Atreides in their already tense and suspicious move to Arrakis. The Fremen, the planet’s native people, hide out on Arrakis, adapted to its harsh desert conditions and colossal sand worms. Zendaya stars as Chani, a Fremen young woman who appears in Paul’s vision-like dreams, haunting him until Paul and Jessica meet Chani and other Fremen in the last sliver of the movie. “Dune” begins with heaps
Copy Chief
The melancholic voice of Lana Del Rey returned to the scene for the second time this year with her recent release, “Blue Banisters.” Arriving on Oct. 22, after missing its two intended summer release dates, “Blue Banisters” presents the beautiful shades of Del Rey’s voice alongside her soulful lyrics, which are the most personal she has ever written. Every track on the album attributes the lyrics and melodies to the singer herself, with a handful of additional writers contributing to the 15-track lineup. This album comes with a purpose in mind. “I’m writing my own story,” she said. “And no one can tell it but me.” With personal perspective and rich vocals, “Blue Banisters” explores the frustrations of the limelight and the potential happiness of life. “Blue Banisters” follows “Chemtrails Over the Country Club,” which was released in March of this year, though only in chronology; the tone of the two albums vary notably in focus and production. While “Blue Banisters”
10th anniversary playlist Chris Murphy Design Chief
“Dune” released in theaters and on HBO Max on Oct. 22.
WARNER BROS. PICTURES
of promise. The film cinematically sings, though its story seems stuck in exposition. Shots of Arrakis’ slopes of endless and empty desert and swirls of spice and sand stream with light. Scenes of Herbert’s intricate, starfreckled universe flow with a certain expansiveness unmatched by most recent science-fiction films. Hans Zimmer’s score matches the film’s cosmic sweep, complete with sounds of bagpipes, scraping metal and Irish whistles. Though the film boasts many of Hollywood’s current favorite faces, each actor offers a surprising sincerity, especially Ferguson and Chalamet, with their complex and mystical mother-son relationship. The spiritual tones of the movie resound too clearly to be called “undertones.” Paul’s prophetic visions and growing mastery of “the Voice,” a power of the Bene Gesserit cult to command others, accompany his potentially Messianic role. As Paul’s mother and the people of Arrakis whisper throughout the film, Paul could be the “Kwisatz Haderach,” the
prophesied and planned-for male Bene Gesserit, predicted to bring peace to the fraught universe of “Dune.” Paul – a son born out of wedlock into both an age-old spiritual order and current physical kingdom, tested first by the universe’s severe religious leaders and then by his journey into the desert to face snakes and offer peace to an oppressed people – recalls Christ. Yet, Paul reverses the Christian portrait of a Messiah; the Kwisatz Haderach aims for a political, not beatific, reconciliation. Paul’s life begins, too, from a palace, not a stable. His path turns along the horizontal plane of present kingdoms and physical powers, not the vertical plane between supernatural and natural, between divine Creator and rebellious creature. Still, Paul’s position ought to spark especial consideration for the modern Christian, both in his departure from Christ’s character and in his relevance to conversations on ecological resources, capitalism and colonialism. Paul may not signify the ultimate cosmic reconciliation
awaiting the Christian, but he does signify an admirable hope for present reconciliation of peoples and their places. The film’s scenes of rapid interstellar travel and fighter plane chases may recall, too, another story in another galaxy far, far away. This only attests to Herbert’s genius: the first “Star Wars” film came out 12 years after Herbert’s novel, and George Lucas has admitted Herbert’s influence on his films. “Dune” pre-dates and offers more depth than Star Wars. Or, at least, “Dune” theoretically offers more: cut off at a bland middle-point, the film provides much foreshadowing but little fulfillment, even for a “part one.” Villeneuve has succeeded in world-building and thought-provoking themes but not in presenting substantial character development or forward motion in his film. He does not offer enough for his audience to feel satisfied with the first “Dune” or particularly eager for more at its end. As Chani aptly expressed to Paul, “It’s only the beginning.”
hosts an array of tempo and dynamic changes with each song, its predecessor delivered a softer sound of mostly stripped-back, acoustic tracks. “Chemtrails” exhibited the natural landscapes of Laurel Canyon and the Midwest in its lyrical themes and folk orientation but missed some of the sharp edges Del Rey is known for, leaving the album with a somewhat monochromatic overtone. While Lana expanded her repertoire with a few uncharacteristic falsetto performances, like “White Dress” and “Yosemite,” on “Chemtrails,” she excluded most of her signature deep reverberations and creative rhythms. Thankfully, “Blue Banisters” has much more in common with her 2019 album, “Norman F***ing Rockwell!” Although Laurel Canyon classics, like Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and The Mamas & Papas, stood as the muse for both “NFR” and “Chemtrails,” the former received greater acclaim for its dreamy sound and thoughtful production of all 14 tracks. Much like “NFR,” Del Rey’s latest album will capture your atten-
tion from start to finish. The LP opens with the silent drama, “Text Book,” delving into the tension of love lost and the search for fulfillment. The still showdown finds its resolution in the following track, “Blue Banisters,” for which the album is named. The title track, like the title track of the previous album, resides at the focal point of this record, revealing the presence of family and friends and the love they provide when others do not. This track has an especially beautiful melody behind the sentimental lines of a poet in reflection. An impressive mixture of dynamic changes and current cultural references, “Black Bathing Suit” draws the listener in with multilayered vocals and closes with an ironic critique of the critics. “By the way, thanks for the shoes…Your interest really made stacks out of it for me (so, thanks for that),” she sings. Among the many interesting arrangements featured on “Blue Banisters,” the Jazz Age outro of “If You Lie Down With Me” lends the imagination to a sentimental
time since gone. This song and “Nectar of the Gods,” both originally intended for her 2014 album, “Ultraviolence,” encompass the lulling hum and soft descension of her voice, while showing her devotion to a sound all her own. The indie rock outlier, “Dealer,” sounds the most surprising of all, with Lana nearly screaming in frustration at a selfish lover. This track features Miles Kane as the vocal balance and arbiter of change in progression. Minor tones fill the following tracks for a pensive mood leading to the closing serenade, “Sweet Carolina.” With the gentle sound of a lullaby, “Sweet Carolina,” a dedication to her expectant sister, who co-wrote the song along with their father, juxtaposes the sweet and sharp nature of Lana Del Rey. “Sweet Carolina” has some caring and some biting language over a dreamscape of melodies but closes the album with a personal note of solidarity. If all of that was not a sufficient indication, I think “Blue Banisters” is an excellent album worth all 61 minutes of your time and attention.
A sentimental reflection
Joanna Thorpe
Tunes from the Tower...
I feel like I’m a pretty hip guy overall. When it comes to media, I know a little about a lot and it keeps me in the loop. Relevant, if you will. But there’s a handful of albums that I’ve been listening to for years now from which I can recite most, if not all, of the words from every song. Throughout the semester, I’ve seen multiple posts from different bands I follow celebrating the ten-year anniversary of one of their albums. Once I saw the third post about a pre-teen album, I had to do some digging. Turns out, 2011 was legitimately one of the best years for modern music, and there are a billion albums from a variety of artists of all genres. A quick Google search brings up Adele’s “21,” Kanye and Jay-Z’s “Watch the Throne” and The Black Keys’ “El Camino,” among others. In response, I thought it’d be nice to make a playlist of songs from ten years ago. Anyone could go through and reminisce about these songs from when we were younger. Instead, I made one of the worst playlists I’ve ever seen. This isn’t even my fault entirely. I found the most popular songs and albums from that time, digging into bands that I enjoy, and put 18 of them in a set. I never thought I’d create a playlist containing Bon Iver, Arctic Monkeys and Wiz Khalifa, but here we are. The songs don’t particularly pair together well, and there’s stark contrast between the rap classics, such as Childish Gambino’s “Bonfire,” and some of my favorite indie songs, including Foster the People’s “Houdini.” But even then, each of these songs is reflective of the same point in time and represent a different element of that culture. Where would we be as a society without “Love On Top” or “Look At Me Now?” So, I don’t really recommend listening to this playlist on shuffle. There’s no connecting theme for all of the music in their own right. The playlist is meant to celebrate the different styles of music and how they’ve persisted throughout the last decade. There’s almost definitely music you haven’t heard before on the list and plenty of other albums celebrating anniversaries to explore. Scan the code below on the Spotify app to check it out.
Sports The Collegian, Nov. 5, 2021
Page 11
Sports at a Glance
Results
Men’s Soccer (9-9, 7-2, PAC): L, Bethany (2-1)
Women’s Soccer (10-8, 7-2): L, Chatham (1-0, OT)
Volleyball (19-11, 11-7, PAC): W, Thiel (3-2); L, Geneva (3-0)
Football (5-2): L, W&J (24-28)
Women’s Cross Country (1-0): PAC Championships 4th/10 --97 pts
Men’s Cross Country (0-1):
PAC Championships 3rd/10 --103 pts
Upcoming
Men’s Swimming & Diving: Nov. 6, 12:00 p.m. at Fredonia Nov. 6, 12:00 p.m. vs. Geneseo
GRACE DAVID
The men’s soccer team celebrates as they scored the first goal of the semifinal game against Bethany. Unfortunately, the Wolverines were not able to score after this goal, and ultimately lost 2-1.
Soccer squashed in semifinals Emma Rossi Staff Writer
Women’s soccer fell to the third seed Chatham Cougars 0-1 in overtime on Wednesday, Nov 3. at Don Lyle Field in the Presidents Athletic Conference semi-final match. The game was scoreless until the 94:11 mark, with five minutes remaining in overtime. The lone goal was scored by Chatham’s sophomore defender Aliyah Hunter off an assist from junior midfielder Greta Mort on a corner kick. Grove City outshot Chatham with a total of 11 shots on goal, tallying 22 total shots. The Wolverines also finished the game with nine corner kicks over Chatham’s four. Freshman goaltender Courtney Lisman had three saves, all recorded in the second half. This was the fourth straight season that Grove City has met Chatham in the Presi-
dents Athletics Conference Championship. When the Wolverine’s last faced Chatham on Oct. 16, the game also ended in a score of 0-1 in overtime, with Grove City coming out the winner. The women’s team rounded out their season with a 10-8 overall record and a 7-2 conference record, finishing with the second seed. The Chatham Cougars will now move on to the Presidents Athletic Conference Title match against the number one seed Westminster, who defeated fourth seed Washington & Jefferson College with a score of 4-0 on Tuesday night. The women’s championship match will take place tomorrow at Westminster in New Wilmington, Pa. Men’s soccer fell to Bethany 2-1 in regulation of their semi-final game on Wednesday at Don Lyle field. Scoring opened 43 minutes into the game by Grove City freshman forward Jor-
dan Rebsamen, whose first goal of the season was assisted by sophomore midfielder Chris DeLucia. Bethany tied the game at the 61:02 mark with a goal from freshman midfielder Sebastian Arrocain. Ten minutes later, Bethany’s freshman midfielder Arnold Fontes-Candida scored the ultimately game winning goal for the Bison. “The result against Bethany was really unfortunate,” Head Coach Mike Dreves said of the game. “The team played hard, and I thought we had enough quality to win. But a few mistakes combined with some good finishing by Bethany cost us. I am most sad for the seniors who have played their last game on Lyle Field. I am really proud of this group and will miss coaching them.” The Wolverines finished the season tied for the top seed in the conference with a 9-9 overall record and 7-2 in the conference.
Women’s Swimming & Diving: Nov. 6, 12:00 p.m. at Fredonia Nov. 6, 12:00 p.m. vs. Geneseo
Football:
Nov. 6, 1:00 p.m. at Case Western Nov. 13. 12:00 p.m. at Thiel
Women’s Basketball:
Nov. 12, 8:00 p.m. at Penn State Behrend
Men’s Basketball:
Nov. 13, 1:00 p.m. vs. Penn State Dubois
WOLVERINE WEEKLY HONORS
Julia Bauer Cross Country Second Team All-PAC
Emma Fiscus Cross Country Honorable Mention All-PAC
Lydia Bennett Cross Country PAC Newcomer of the Year & First Team All-PAC
Jonah DeWitt Cross Country Honorable Mention All-PAC
Nathan Warrick Cross Country Second Team All-PAC
Cross country finishes 3rd and 4th
Emily Rupczewski Sports Editor
Cross Country season for both the men’s and women’s teams has officially wrapped; the Wolverines competed in the PAC Championship meet at Chatham this past weekend. The women’s team ultimately took fourth place out of ten teams with 97 points, and the men’s team came in third out of ten with 103 points. Though it wasn’t the first-place team victory the teams had hoped for, several standout players were recognized individually for their hard work and performances this season. For the men, senior Nathan Warrick and freshman Jonah DeWitt were named as All-PAC honorees. War-
rick earned All-PAC Second Team and came in 14th place. DeWitt finished 15th and was named to the All-PAC Honorable Mention team. DeWitt was named PAC Rookie of the Week three times this year and has continued to earn conference recognition. DeWitt’s success this season actually surprised himself. “It felt pretty wild the first time,” DeWitt said about his Rookie of the Week honor, “let alone the other two times. Since I started running later than most other runners in high school, I never ran well enough until my last few races my senior year to stand out, so it was really cool seeing how much I’ve grown and improved as a runner since I started.”
DeWitt finished with a time of 28:55.86, while Warrick finished in 28:55.06. Freshman Ben Raduns finished 22nd in the race at 29:39.21, freshman Alex Hemmerlin finished 25th and freshman Max Thomas finished 27th. For the women, freshman star and five-time PAC Rookie of the Week Lydia Bennett earned PAC Newcomer of the Year. She finished the race in seventh place overall with a time of 25:8.55. Her seventh place finish also earned her First Team All-PAC. “I have had an incredibly amazing experience running with the team this year,” Bennett said. “I’ve never actually run cross country before, so I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but this season has been fantastic!”
Yes, you read that right. Bennett grew up spending her fall sports season playing soccer through middle and high school, then running track in the spring. Like DeWitt, she impressed the conference as a “walk-on” so to speak. “I initially was hesitant to join the team, because I didn’t think I’d be good enough and I wasn’t sure if I’d like cross country all that much. However, my brother, Matthew Bennett (’21), who is a recent alum and former XC member told me otherwise.” “I’m tremendously glad I joined the team and I’d say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. You hear this a lot in sports, but the team is truly like a family. It is indeed such a blessing to be a
part of the team.” Both DeWitt and Bennett will be running track for Grove City in the spring. Also for the women’s team, freshman Julia Bauer earned Second Team All-PAC honors. Bauer came in 12th in the race with a time of 26:05.79. Freshman Emma Fiscus was included in the Honorable Mention All-PAC team with her 21st place finish in 26:50.72. Freshman Sabrina Bergey finished in 29th place, and freshman Virginia Williams finished 30th. Though the PAC season is over, the cross country team will host their annual Twilight 5K today at 7 p.m. Grove City will lastly compete in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships on November 13 in Newville, Pa.
Sports The Collegian, Nov. 5 , 2021
Page 12
The women’s volleyball team celebrates after their 3-2 win over Thiel on Tuesday night. Their quarterfinal win advanced them to the semifinals against Westminster.
GCC
Taking down the Tomcats Volleyball battles to semifinals
Emily Rupczewski Sports Editor
In a nail-biter do-or-die quarterfinal match, the women’s volleyball team wiped the floor with the Thiel Tomcats in five sets (3-2). After Thiel repeatedly swept them this season, Grove City volleyball finally decided they’d had enough. In the first set, Grove City got on the board early, and back-to-back errors from Thiel and big kills from the Wolverines offense propelled them to a 12-4 lead in the first set. Thiel came from behind, but it wasn’t enough; Grove City secured the first set 2519, winning their first set against Thiel all season. In the second set, Grove City rallied back from a 1-7 deficit. The second set was battled point-by-point with a lead that rotated every serve and included multiple rallies. Though they finally reclaimed the lead at the 15-14
mark, the Wolverines ultimately dropped the second set 25-22. The third set saw four Grove City errors in a row that sealed their eventual 25-14 fate. Struggling, Grove City was finally able to side out at the 10-3 point, as junior outside hitter Faith Keating slammed a line shot putting the Wolverines back into the game. Eventually, Grove City found a rhythm at the 19-14 mark, threatening Thiel to call a timeout to break up any chance the Wolverines had at upsetting the Tomcats. It worked, as Grove City dropped the third set 25-14. Junior outside hitter Robyn Collier scored the first point of the fourth set for Grove City, as the Wolverines sought a new approach. The Wolverines found themselves up 7-1 in the fourth set, their last chance to stay alive in the conference. Grove City fought to force a fifth set as Thiel struggled against the hitters’ momen-
tum, big blocks and solid backrow. The Wolverines could not be slowed. Keating nailed the fourth-set coffin closed on the Tomcats with an imperative kill, at 25-17. In a crucial tiebreaker fifth set to 15, Grove City combatted Thiel’s out-of-system errors with precision shots onto the Tomcats’ court. With the Wolverines up 8-1, Thiel struggled to rebound and respond to Grove City’s unrelenting precision, but climbed back, attacking in frustration. With a 9-6 Grove City lead, Thiel called another timeout in attempt to break Grove City’s momentum, a strategy which saw success in the second set. This time, however, the Wolverines held their focus and roared back in response with a huge team effort. A kill by Keating sealed the deal for Grove City, and with their 15-11 win, the Wolverines moved on to face Westminster in the semifinals on Thursday.
“I am very proud of our team,” head coach Leo Sayles said. “They stuck to our game plan and saw it through. We also proved that we can ‘weather the storm’ when a team gains momentum, as Thiel did in sets two and three. We settled, returned to our plan and completed the task on the road in front of a packed house.” Freshman libero Mya Lathem was the unsung hero of the Wolverines’ success, keeping the backrow nearly spotless against relentless Thiel attacks. Though statistically the outside-turnedlibero put up a whopping 34 digs in five sets for Grove City, her court awareness, ability to read hitters and hustle on every play made the win possible. Freshman setters Kennedy Kerr and Katie Kenlein had a combined 40 assists, Kerr with 25 and Kenlein with 15. Offensively, the outside hitting duo of sophomore Eloise Augustine and Keating led the Wolverines in kills.
Augustine led the offense with a career-high 20 kills, while Keating put up 17 kills, 25 digs and three blocks. Sophomore middle blocker Anna DeGraaf made a strong defensive presence and put up four blocks and six kills. Freshman middle blocker Audrey Donnelly also put up three blocks and five kills. Collier had four kills. “I was also very proud of our reserves,” Sayles said. “Not only do we have the best, most energetic cheering squad, several players displayed a true ‘team-first’ mindset, as they stepped in at critical points of the game to help the team. This was a great team effort, and a great way to go into post-season.” With a quarterfinal win, fifth-seeded Grove City moved onto face first-seed, undefeated Westminster (180, PAC) in the semifinals last night. The paper was sent to print before the results were available from the game Thursday night.
Football drops to 5-2 Emily Rupczewski Sports Editor
In a pivotal Senior Day matchup, the football team dropped a close game to Washington and Jefferson College, 28-24. It was a tough match but an exciting one nonetheless. After a chaotic few weeks in PAC standings, W&J dominated the PAC, being previously undefeated until their loss to Westminster the week before. Until the game on Saturday, a 5-1 four-way tie between Grove City, W&J, Westminster and Carnegie Mellon made for incredibly tight standings. The Saturday game saw more strong defensive action from Grove City, but W&J’s defense was a worthy chal-
lenger. Grove City held W&J scoreless in the whole second half but came up short offensively. The Wolverines played from behind, as they spent most of the first quarter down 7-0. This changed with 7:44 left in the first quarter when sophomore wide receiver Ryan Heckathorn caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Josh Ehst. The Presidents were not slow to respond to Grove City’s 7-7 tie; it only took them the first 45 seconds of the second quarter to put up another seven points, followed by another seven on a 19-yard touchdown run. Down 21-7, the Wolverines were determined to answer back. With 8:54 to go in the first half, Ehst ran 14 yards
himself for the touchdown. Senior kicker Nick Morrow’s extra point made it 21-14, with W&J still in the lead. Insistent on keeping Grove City down, W&J managed to score one last time, making it 28-14 to end the first half. The second half saw a very strong effort from the Wolverine defense, who held W&J scoreless in the entire second half and saw lots of exciting action, but it wasn’t enough to clinch the win. Morrow added another three points to Grove City’s total with a 32-yard field goal in the third quarter. Down 28-17 after the first half, the Wolverines needed a way to score, and senior running back Zach Trusky was the answer. With 7:57 in FOOTBALL 3
MATTHEW SCHOONOVER
Senior quarterback Josh Ehst ran the ball himself and scored Grove City’s second touch down of the game against W&J.