Track on top of PAC
Indoor season ends with Wolverines at No. 1 SPORTS
Collegian
New president picked Bradley J. Lingo ‘00 to take office in July
Emma Rossi Editor-in-Chief
The Board of Trustees announced Monday that Bradley J. Lingo ’00 will be the new president of the College.
It is anticipated that Lingo will assume his presidential duties in July 2025. A formal installation ceremony will be
held during the 2025-2026 academic year. The board and staff will work with Lingo over the coming months to meet with members of the community and support him and his family as they move to Grove City College and transition into the role.
Lingo currently serves as the dean of Regent University Law School. Under his leadership, Regent Law set records for enrollment, median incoming GPA and LSAT
Grovers’ gratitude abounds
scores, U.S. News rankings and employment outcomes.
Prior to joining the Regent Law faculty in 2019, Brad was a litigation partner at King & Spalding LLP and an attorney in the Washington D.C. office of Gibson Dunn.
After graduating with highest honors with a degree in business-economics from the College, Lingo earned his law degree at Harvard Law School. At Harvard, he served as executive editor
Fuller to publish ‘Mere Economics’
Ben Jones Staff Writer
On April 1, professor of economics Dr. Caleb Full er ’13 will be publishing a co-authored book alongside Samford University’s Dr. Art Carden, entitled “Mere Economics: Lessons for and from the Ordinary Business of Life.”
The book’s title is an al lusion to C.S. Lewis’ classic work “Mere Christianity,” re flecting its core purpose — re lating fundamental economic principles within a Christian worldview, making them both accessible and relevant to those who may not have a background in economics.
of the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy, the flagship academic journal of The Federalist Society. He also served as a law clerk to Hon. Morris S. Arnold on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
“Grove City College prepared me to be its President by forming me into the person I am today. Grove City’s values are my values – and they are my values because of the profound impact that my
time at Grove City had on my heart, mind and soul,” Lingo shared.
“I want to make sure that future generations of Grovers get the same Christian, conservative, excellent, affordable education that so profoundly shaped me. I want it to be a place where students are known, loved and discipled … and where they learn to become excel-
Rathburn’s estate donates record $70 million
Matthew Purucker Staff Writer
Grove City College received a $70 million donation from the estate of David R. Rathburn ’79, former Board of Trustees President, that will support the College’s financial aspirations like never before.
As announced in a March 4th news release on the College’s website, the College will use this gift to offer greater student financial aid, fund campus building projects and increase the College’s endowment.
“David’s gift is transformational and is the largest onetime gift ever received by the College. This gift will benefit our students for generations to come,” Vice President for Advancement Jeffrey Prokovich ’89 said.
The Rathburn legacy donation contributed to the College’s Impact 150 fundraising campaign seeking to accumulate $185 million to commemorate its 150th an-
niversary in 2026.
The estate plans for about $52.5 million (75 percent) of the donation to increase financial aid for students, stretching the College’s endowment to $270 million. The College currently spends $12 million per year on need-based and merit-based scholarships, which reach 70 percent of students, and it will raise the percentage of students receiving aid and the amount given in future years.
The remaining $17.5 million (25 percent) will support future improvements around campus.
“The next president will, Lord willing, open a field house for football and lacrosse. We’ll have a new field house behind the stands, a bubble-like dome over the soccer practice field, which will give us indoor practice space in the winter, and we’ll have a new baseball field right across the street from
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Bibza to deliver Baccalaureate address
Dr. Fuller had been considering the idea for such a book for quite some time, reflecting on how best to articulate economic ideas in a way that would resonate with Christian audiences.
The project remained in his thoughts until, during a long drive home to visit family, he happened to hear Art Carden on a podcast discussing a very similar idea — the
desire to write a book that would explain economics in a manner comparable to how “Mere Christianity” explains theology.
Recognizing their shared vision, the two professors of economics soon agreed to collaborate on the project and co-author the book, combining their knowledge and teaching experience to make the subject more widely understood.
Emma Rossi Editor-in-Chief
Grove City College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 will cap his 11 years of service to the College this spring by delivering the commencement address to the graduating Class of 2025.
McNulty, who is retiring this summer, will speak at the College’s 145th Commencement at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10 on campus.
“Without question, my favorite part of this job is the joy of building relationships with students. The commencement address will be the last opportunity to impact a very special segment of our students at a unique moment in their lives, which is an enormous privilege. I’m praying that my thoughts will be of some benefit to them,” McNulty said. He will be joined on the
graduation weekend rostrum by Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies Dr. James Bibza, a longtime faculty member who had a profound impact on McNulty when he was a student.
At McNulty’s request, Bibza will be the speaker at the Baccalaureate Service at 7 p.m. Friday, May 9.
“I consider it a great honor to be chosen to be the Baccalaureate speaker. I was frankly overwhelmed when President McNulty came to my office to ask me to be the speaker. It is a very humbling request, and I hope to do my best to show that he has made a wise choice,” Bibza said.
Bibza began teaching at the College in 1977 and McNulty, and his wife, Brenda (Millican ’80) McNulty, were among his earliest students, sitting beside each other while they studied the book
of Romans. McNulty said he remembers the class fondly and still has his notes from Bibza’s lectures.
“Dr. Bibza has significantly impacted thousands of lives in his nearly 50 years of excellent service, and this is a well-deserved honor. He’s also a faithful steward of the scriptures, a caring pastor, and a delightful communicator. I know the graduates will benefit greatly from his message. As one of my former professors, it will be especially fitting to share the stage with him in my last commencement ceremony,” McNulty said.
The admiration is mutual. Bibza said McNulty was a standout student. “I did see potential in him, but he has grown in ways of service to his country and his Lord that go well beyond anything that most anyone could have seen. Paul has taken the gifts God has given him and has used them in tremendous
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EMMA ROSSI
Sophomores Maren McIntire and Cecilia Landis joined their peers in writing personal thank you notes to the College’s donors in SHAL atrium on Wednesday’s ‘Thank A Donor Day.
MCNULTY
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From the Tower Women after war
In honor of Women’s History Month, I thought I’d use this week’s From the Tower to honor The Collegian’s first female editor-in-chief, Isabelle Blyholder, class of 1919.
Blyholder took the job in 1918 when World War One was coming to an end. Women across the country were fighting for the right to vote, and the Flu of 1918 was killing people around the world.
Blyholder was also class treasurer and a member of the Philokalian literary debate club. This women’s debate club often took on the topic of women’s suffrage. The 19th Amendment would not be passed until after she graduated.
Isabelle went on to be a teacher and later served on the College’s Alumni Council from 1951-1961. She served her Alumni Association area chapter as secretary and treasurer until the 1970s.
One of her most scandalous editorials was published on April 21, 1919, titled “The Girls.” She critiqued the numerous rules that were strictly for women and not men, including earlier curfews and “lights out” hours for women, meaning they had fewer hours to study.
These rules continued into the 1960s. Freshmen women still had curfews until 2005.
I could summarize her article, but its better in her words. Here is “The Girls.”
Emma Rossi Editor-in-Chief
From the Archives : The Girls
This is a “girly” article. It is of the girls, for the girls and by a girl. Will the gentleman all step to the rear of the auditorium for the present? Will the ladies kindly remove their hats? Thank you.
My subject is Girls. We hear too little about them nowadays. Oh yes, I hear you say, “Well the war has brought women to the front.” Indeed it has. But there are still a few isolated spots on the universe where Girls are kept in the background and our own little college is one.
True our boys are sometimes heard to admit that they couldn’t have done this or that if the girls had not stood by them, yet with the majority it is a very reluctant admission. In the college activities the girls are on the job. They act on committees, they provide entertainment at the college functions, they rank high in scholarship (as this year’s honor students will bear witness) and they are never too busy to do one more thing. They do every last thing the boys can do, and they do it more efficiently too. Now don’t think I’m slamming the boys. They do well, poor things, - but I wish to impress upon you, gentle reader, as the novelist says, that the College Girl takes second place to none and she is ready right now to stand forth and say it.
Now to bring my ramblings down to a concrete case - let me ask you gentlemen, in all fairness, who ought to be more afraid in the dark - a man or a woman? You say, “A woman, of course, she is of the weaker sex.” Well, if she should how does it happen that the boys of our college are granted lights ALL NIGHT and we poor, weak, trembling maids are left in the dark? There is a serious side to this question too.
No one can go to college and do anything at all outside of regular studies and go to bed at 10 p.m. If one uses the afternoon doing outside work one MUST study at night. Nor does it hurt one to do so occasionally, provided all other things are equal. But they are not equal. Do you men ever think that when a young lady comes into class with all her lessons well prepared she has sat up a half, three quarters or a whole hour longer than “lights” with only the dim flickering rays of a candle to aid her. Surely such a situation makes the God of eye doctors laugh. Just why boy’s eyes are valuable and girl’s are not is the question the girls would like you to solve for them.
Lastly, kindly use your influence gentlemen, to have an ROTC established among the girls as we would like to have our choice between Gym and no Gym. Meaning, of course, that after a reasonable number of years of faithful service it should be optional.
Kindly remember that while “the boys” were away the girls swung things through and they are no weaklings. So well did they do it that no really vital traditions of GCC have been abandoned and like all other mortals, even men, we crave recognition.
Isabelle Blyholder ‘19
First Female 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
Entertainment
Catharine Runion
Sports Mia Gallagher
Photo Chief
Luke Paglia
Princess dresses and combat boots
Kathryna Hoyman Copy Chief
While at my brother’s graduation from the Marine Infantry Officer Course (IOC) before Christmas, I saw a young girl who left me with a great impression.
She looked to be between the ages of four and five and was presumably the daughter of one of the commissioning officers. I watched the girl’s young mother (probably more than was polite) as she hurried between caring for her excited small children and meeting countless officers to whom her husband was introducing her.
The girl wore a princess dress, which understandably could have felt wildly inappropriate at such a momentous event but somehow didn’t, her attention fixed throughout the reception by the act of zooming one of her brother’s tin toy cars around the officers’ combat boots as they talked.
At this same event, a colonel gave a speech on the potential imminence of serious conflict, a brutal contrast to the innocent picture of the girl in her dress.
My dad was an officer in the Army for thirty years, so this scene of a carefree child at a military event was nothing unusual to me, but observing that contrasting image re-
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lent at whatever work they are called to do,” Lingo said.
Copy Chief Kathryna Hoyman
Business Manager
John Remaniak
Copy Editors Anastasia Brown
Olivia Emerick
Kendall Lambrecht
Bonnie Pittman
Jesse Richardson
Staff Writers Dom Puglisi
Matthew Purucker
Madison Lynch
Christa Bashinski
Ben Jones
Garrett Gess
Staff Photographers
John Hake
Staff Adviser
Nick Hildebrand
“Brad brings a vibrant commitment to Christian orthodoxy, tight alignment with the College’s conservative vision and character, extraordinary professional experience and sophistication and a keen understanding of higher education and the challenges and opportunities facing Grove City College,” Chairman of the Board of Trustees Edward D. Breen ‘78 said.
During his time as a student at the College, Lingo served as the Student Government Association’s executive vice-president of student affairs, a role that he sees transferring into his presidency.
“I think that being a part of those conversations as a student will provide helpful per-
minded me exactly how it felt to be that child. At countless change-of-commands and promotions, I was that little girl, always in an extravagant dress, crawling around the legs of officers in their cammies or dress blues.
I remember that point of view distinctly – hundreds of pairs of khaki combat boots as far as the eye could see, and how they made such great hills for my toys to stand upon. The officers, who looked like great giants from my angle, conversed with each other in words that I couldn’t comprehend and had no care to.
My stuffed animals looked dashing wearing an airborne officer’s maroon beret, and the little cups of sparkling punch my mother would give me tasted like nirvana. Those were the only details that I could grasp as significant at the time.
The complete protection I felt around those officers at that age is a sentiment still tangible to me today. As far as I was concerned, I, alongside the rest of my country, was perfectly safe. The U.S. military in my eyes was composed of real-life G.I. Joes, each who cared and fought for the individual American with utter selflessness. I was so unaware that even soldiers could be selfish and that the American military was not free of corruption.
Instead, I viewed them all as extensions of my dad, who would come home from his battalion to sit with us at
spective now that I’ll be sitting on the other side of the desk. I’m just glad I won’t have to answer questions about why we have Saturday classes and can’t walk on the grass,” Lingo said.
In the classroom, Lingo had professors, like professor of political science Dr. Paul Kengor and professor of economics Dr. Jeffrey M. Herbener, who will now be his colleagues. He also remembers several people at the College that served as mentors to him, like Dr. John A. Sparks ‘66, Dr. Charles Dunn and the late Nancy Paxton ‘54.
Many of Lingo’s fondest memories of his time at the College include creeking his friends, playing basketball in the IM rooms and leading New Life studies at George Junior.
“I think my single sweetest memory is from Palm
dinner in his OCP uniform, unconsciously displaying to his watching daughter that the competent soldier transformed seamlessly into the gentle father I knew so well.
Now I just turned 20, and the speech the general gave at the IOC graduation resonates with me more than the sparkling punch.
Sober reality has rightfully corroded my original belief in the infallibility of the U.S. military, a force I saw as making the honorable call without exception and invariably being commanded by sound judgment. In place of my initial naïve perspective is a gravely accepted understanding of every soldier’s susceptibility to human error, from mere lapses in judgment to utterly self-centered motives.
The military addresses the extremes of human nature, in the soldier’s capacity to kill and share in violence as well as partake in the ultimately divine action of laying down one’s life for another.
Observing my dad, along with my brothers and uncle and friends, revealed to me from a young age the individual people behind the stoic faces of soldiers standing at attention. It is these such individuals, fully capable of both personal fault and great sacrifice, who are fighting for us, training in bases across the U.S., patrolling the skies and seas domestic and abroad, watching foreign BOOTS 5
Sunday of my sophomore year. We found a church to attend while on an ICO trip to Chicago. Everyone in the church started marching around, waving palm fronds and shouting Hosanna. Our whole ICO team joined in. That’s Grove City at its best,” Lingo said.
Now, as he returns to the College, not as a student but instead as the president, he hopes to see a continuation of the College’s unique combination of institutional freedom and academic excellence that takes place in a Christian community.
“I hope to see Grove City establish itself as the premier Christian college in this nation. And I expect that to happen. But if we disciple students, inspire them to pursue excellence and launch them to serve and lead across this country – that’s success,” Lingo stated.
KATHRYNA HOYMAN
Hoyman and her father in the Naperville Daily Herald Veteran’s Day paper, Nov. 12, 2005.
Collegian wins Keystones
The Collegian claimed four Student Keystone Media Awards for photography and column writing.
The awards are presented by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association to recognize student journalism that “provides relevance, integrity, and initiative in serving readers.
Photo Chief Luke Paglia, a sophomore, won two awards, earning second place for his feature photo “Dancing Days” (above) and second place for his photo story “Saturday Night Lights.”
Staff photographer senior John Hake earned second place for sports photo. Editor-in-Chief senior Emma Rossi earned an honorable mention for her columns.
“I am extraordinarily proud of The Collegian staffers who won individual Keystone awards and the entire team of dedicated and talented student journalists who labor to produce this award-winning newspaper. Like Coach DiDonato says, ‘each of us needs all of us.’ Emma, Luke and John contribute mightily to the quality of every issue of The Collegian and it is wonderful to see them recognized for their good work,” said Collegian advisor Nick Hildebrand.
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the back parking lot of (the) PLC, where, right now, it’s an IM field,” President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said.
“There are already some really exciting things on the table for development that will be happening,” he expressed.
The College will also use some of the Rathburn money to renovate the men’s residence halls, among various other projects.
Before this philanthropic act, the most generous donor in Grove City College history provided the naming gift for the construction of Rathburn Hall, the Christian activities center, in 2011. He regularly contributed to the Nu Lambda Phi/Brett A. Hardt ’79 scholarship endowment, which began the same year. Also, to support faculty scholarship, Rathburn established the Jewell, MacKenzie and Moore research fund. Rathburn died of cancer
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ways that he should be proud of,” Bibza said.
McNulty became the College’s ninth president in August 2014, returning to his alma mater after a 30-year career in Washington, D.C., as an attorney in public service and private practice.
In 2006, the United States Senate unanimously confirmed McNulty to the position of Deputy Attorney General, the second in command at the U.S. Department of Justice and the Chief Operating Officer of the department’s 100,000 employees.
Von Mises economics archive goes digital
Violet Whitmore News Editor
Invaluable economic research was preserved digitally last month by Grove City College through the new virtual Ludwig von Mises collection.
Home to the country’s leading Austrian school economics program for undergraduates, the College has promoted research in Austrian economics and its physical von Mises archive for nearly 50 years. Now, the online collection can be accessed at any time by scholars and researchers off campus.
it, is high. Having it all online creates a valuable resource for the economics community. Prior to digitization, it could take months for us to meet a request for a researcher. Now we can provide these resources to everyone,” Walczak said.
The archive is home to a vast collection of photos, newspaper and journal articles, personal notes and more from von Mises, and consists of over 20,000 pages from his life after he left Austria.
ning where he showed that this is not an arrangement for a modern economy that is workable at all,” Herbener said.
The digital archive will preserve Austrian tradition for generations to come, according to professor of economics Dr. Shawn Ritenour.
in February 2024. Rathburn was an accounting, business administration and political science major at Grove City College, graduating magna cum laude. While at the College as a student, he was part of the student government, the Nu Lambda Phi fraternity and the choir. Also, he was a sports announcer for the former WSAJ (now WBN).
Rathburn later returned to the College to serve for 28 years on the College’s Board of Trustees (17 as president) and was granted chair emeritus status after retiring from the board in 2020.
“David lived a life in service to his alma mater. His commitment of time, talent and treasure to the College is immeasurable. His name will be forever included with the Pew family and others as we reference our amazing benefactors. His presence is already missed,” Prokovich said.
He also served from 2001 to 2005 as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and was a leader in our nation’s response to the terrorist attacks of September 11.
McNulty also worked for more than 10 years as a senior attorney in the U.S. Congress, including as Chief Counsel and Director of Legislative Operations for the House Majority Leader and Chief Counsel for the House Subcommittee on Crime.
He received Grove City College’s Alumni Achievement Award in 1998 and an honorary doctorate in 2007.
Austrian economist and author Ludwig von Mises is a world-renowned leader in the Austrian school of economics. His personal papers were acquired by Dr. Hans Sennholz in 1978, an economics professor at the College who was a student and friend of von Mises.
College Archivist Hilary Walczak ’09 oversaw the digitation of von Mises’ work, allowing researchers from around the world to have access to the documents.
“Usage, or the desire to use
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Lewis’ book “Mere Christianity,” which served as a direct inspiration for their work, was written with the intent of breaking down complex theological doctrines that are central to the Christian faith and explaining them in a way that non-theologians could easily comprehend. In a similar fashion, “Mere Economics” is structured with the goal of making economic thought and reasoning clear to those who do not have formal training in the subject.
Their ultimate objective is to “make economic principles accessible to Christians who aren’t economists to further the creational mandate,” Fuller said.
Fuller further explains that economic thought is not merely an abstract academic discipline but is directly connected to the creation mandate that God has given to humanity in the book of Genesis. He emphasizes that good economic decisionmaking and sound economic policies play a crucial role in ensuring responsible stewardship of the Earth’s resources, while, conversely, poor economic practices and flawed economic reasoning
The impact of the digital archive is not only economic but also historic. Von Mises’ career lasted through two World Wars and the Cold War, all of which affected his records.
Dr. Jeffrey M. Herbener, chair of the College’s Department of Economics, notes the significance of historical context on von Mises’ orthodoxy.
“He gave us the explanation of the business cycle – why we see these ups and downs in the economy and what policies should be implemented to mitigate or even eliminate them. He gave a devastating critique of socialism and central plan-
can lead to widespread harm and devastation.
According to Fuller, one of the key themes of the book is the idea that there exists a long and traceable intellectual tradition of Christian economic thought that stretches from the medieval Spanish scholastics all the way to the present day. He believes that this tradition provides valuable insights into the proper handling of economic matters and continues to offer relevant wisdom for contemporary economic challenges.
He also draws from the research of a distinguished Grove City College alumnus, economist and professor Dr. Peter Boettke ’83 who has studied what he calls “mainline economics”— a tradition of economic thought that has maintained its intellectual integrity across generations.
“What our society needs now, more than ever, is economic wisdom. We need people to understand how the economy really works. We’re trying to break down the barrier between the artificial ‘classroom’ and the ‘real world’,” Ritenour expressed.
Dr. Caleb S. Fuller ’13, associate professor of economics, shared that scholars will be able to apply archives to various academic fields.
“Mises was interested in the most foundational questions in social science. He is interested in anthropology. What is a human being? What is the nature of the human person? Why is it that some societies are so fabulously wealthy while other societies languish in squalor?” Fuller said.
For more information on von Mises or to access the archive, visit gcc.historyit.com.
Grove City College itself has a deep-rooted connection to this Austrian school of economic thought, particularly through the contributions of Dr. Hans Sennholz, a direct student of Ludwig von Mises, one of the founding figures of Austrian economics. Dr. Sennholz taught at Grove City College from 1956 to 1992, leaving a lasting impact on the school’s economic philosophy and academic culture.
While these ideas may already be well understood among students majoring in economics, “Mere Economics” seeks to introduce such essential principles, including mainline economics, to a broader audience in a way that is engaging and easy to grasp.
In discussing his motivations for writing the book, Dr. Fuller clarifies that it is not intended to serve as a traditional economics textbook. However, he hopes that it will be widely used by students and professors alike in introductory principles of economics courses, offering a supplemental resource for discussion and helping to bridge the gap between abstract economic theories and their practical, real-world implications. Accompanying the book, an online blog has been created, providing additional content and insights for readers. Those interested in exploring more about the book’s themes and discussions can visit mereeconomics.com to view the blog.
LUKE PAGLIA
Since 1978, the College has owned over 20,000 documents from Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises. Last month, they became available digitally for the first time.
Life & legacy of Rathburn
Remembering the man behind the greatest donation in College history
Emily Fox Community Editor
Former Board of Trustees
Chair David Rathburn ’79 recently made headlines for gifting the College with the largest donation to date in Grove City College history.
Even after his death, Rathburn continues to be a champion for Grove City College students, and the $70 million gift will continue to serve Grovers for years to come.
Rathburn’s gift is a source of gratitude, and it is also a lasting memory of a person who recognized the value of a Grove City education and spent his life supporting the College’s mission so that future generations will continue to experience a secondary education grounded in Christian values. The man behind the money will long be an example to students of what it looks like to use the education, talents, relationships and resources given to each individual by God to glorify Him and to serve His greater purpose.
Dear Dr. Love,
The College years Rathburn was a Grover-achiever through and through. During his years as a student, he studied accounting, business administration and political science. He was a brother of the Nu Lambda Phi fraternity, and he served the campus community as a member of the Student Government Association.
He sang in the choir and also lent his voice to WSAJ announcing College sporting events. He graduated in 1979 and began working with Price Waterhouse after graduation. Business endeavors post-grad
Rathburn’s success is a testament to the power of alumni networking. After his time at Price Waterhouse, Rathburn took on a position as former Board of Trustees
Chair Albert A. Hopeman Jr.’s assistant at Hopeman Brothers Marine Division.
In 1991, when he was just 33 years old, he became the president of the company and then purchased the company
in 2001. He founded his own marine furnishing company, U.S. Joiner, using the assets of the Hopeman company, according to articles found on the College website and a 2024 edition of the GeDunk.
Rathburn sold U.S. Joiner to J.F. Lehman and Company in 2011 but continued to serve as CEO of the new parent company, Trident Marine Services. A 2011 Daily Progress report regarding the sale called U.S. Joiner “the leading American designer, installer and outfitter of interiors for military and commercial ships and oceangoing vessels” that held multiple contracts with the U.S. military.
In 2010, Rathburn and his then wife, Jayne, purchased Glenmore Country Club in Virginia after a former head of Glenmore Associates was arrested for embezzling $738,000 from the club. The Rathburns helped pay off the Kenswick subdivision developer’s debt by purchasing the club that they had been members of for 18 years,
according to a 2010 Daily Progress article (updated in 2013).
Rathburn was successful with businesses in several industries. He owned a real estate business as well as running the country club and serving as the CEO of Trident Marine Services. Rathburn named his rental properties in the Outer Banks after songs written by the Eagles, which he considered to be his favorite band. A continued commitment to Grove City
Throughout his life, Rathburn remained constant to his alma mater. In 1992, he was elected to the Board of Trustees, and in 2003, he became the board’s chair. Rathburn saw Grove City through periods of transition during his time on the board, including four College presidencies and the College’s decision to leave the federal student loan program.
Rathburn was also the interim president of the College between the presidencies of Dr. John H. Moore
and J.D. Richard G. Jewell. Students will likely recognize Rathburn’s name from his namesake, the College’s Christian ministry building. Faith & Philanthropy Rathburn was a deeply faithful Christian through the end of his life and used his influence and resources to serve others. He was a member of the executive committee of the board of the Virginia Institute of Autism. He was also an elder of the Presbyterian Church and attended First Presbyterian Church of Charlottesville Virginia.
A lasting legacy
David Rathburn’s legacy will be carried on by his two sons, Mark ’08 and Tyler ’18, as well as the countless Grove City College students who will benefit from his generous donations. Rathburn was an individual who embodied the values of Grove City College by spending his life serving the Lord in his vocation throughout every stage of his life.
Sent, delivered, read three hours ago...
I really like this guy, but he’s a terrible texter. I’ve tried to talk to him about it, but he doesn’t seem to get it. I think he likes me, but I really value communication, so it really bothers me that he takes so long to answer my messages. What should I do?
-Ghosted Grover
My good friend who goes to a large public school (and who will remain unnamed) had this exact same problem with the last guy she dated. She used to get so confused because the guy would act so different in person.
They would have such good conversations when
they saw each other, but over text she felt like she was trying to talk to someone who wanted nothing to do with her. She would text him something and he would reply after HOURS. Now, from outside looking in (or her looking back on this time), you might think the obvious answer was star-
ing her in the face: he liked her enough to be friendly in person. but was not interested in her past being friends. Of course, she came to Dr. Love to solve her problem, and I’ll tell you exactly what I told her.
I will say that this isn’t always the case. Some people are just really bad at texting. I have definitely been guilty of this many times, especially since I have been in college. Life gets so busy.
I don’t really have the time to be on my phone all day because I have classes, meetings and work. Then, by the time night comes, I’m swamped with homework, studying and extracurriculars. Sometimes I will be convinced I sent someone a text, but then I realize I ac-
tually haven’t texted them in two weeks (it happens!).
(To my friends reading this, I’m not ignoring you, I promise. I’ll get back to you after writing this <3).
If you have brought this up to him many times before as something that bothers you and he still hasn’t made a noticeable effort to text at least a little more consistently, then I might have some bad news for you. I think the phrase “if he wanted to, he would,” applies here. For example, if he’s posting on his story all the time or you see that his Snap score keeps going up, then there’s room for suspicion here.
If he’s like this with his family and his best friends, then I think it’s a problem that he might need to work
on personally. There is also the chance that he is just very present in his life (which is a GREEN flag in my opinion). Instead of seeing him active on socials or otherwise, he might just be hanging out with friends or locked in on the second floor of the stacks. If that’s the case, then please ignore everything that I wrote in the last paragraph.
Hoping your future is full of frequent communicator
Dr. Love Love
David Rathburn ’79 recently gifted the college with 70 million dollars. Above is a photo of Rathburn (first row, third from right) with his fraternity, Nu Lambda Phi, as a student at the College.
Abigail Kengor Contributing Writer
12 kids and counting...
Theater season has again descended upon our town’s school scene, and the Grove City Christian Academy (GCCA) is set to add a valuable contribution to this spring’s repertoire.
Hop over Broad Street and along the train tracks any evening next weekend to enjoy GCCA’s production of “Cheaper by the Dozen.”
In recent years, GCCA has staged memorable performances of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Nile” (2024), Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (2023), Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” (2022) and Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” (2021).
With these past casts’ recurring stars plus a few new faces (and a dog), “Cheaper by the Dozen” is scheduled to be a beautiful addition to their record. This heartwarming comedy may very well bring tears of laughter, tenderness, sentimentality and sorrow as we follow the dramatic human experience of the Gilbreths’ twelve children growing up in 1920s New Jersey.
Written by Frank Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, “Cheaper by the Dozen” tells the true story of the hardships, hilarity, aches, antics and affection faced by their family.
From silly sibling squab-
bles and rebellious teens to family illnesses, there is always a lively adventure afoot in the Gilbreth household. A fourteen-person household may sound unbearably chaotic, but it is well-managed by Mr. Gilbreth (Elijah Aldstaadt, “Murder on the Nile,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,”“Little Women,” “The Importance of Being Earnest”), a professional efficiency consultant, and his faithful wife (Madison Michael, GCCA debut) who helps him in his constant efforts to minimize.
For example, the seconds spent buttoning a shirt from
top-to-bottom versus from bottom-to-top is seen as notable. Nonetheless, the comical chaos of daily life will still provide constant confusion and bumps in the road to the efficiency, order and perfection that this father desires.
The drama only intensifies as the oldest daughters Anne (Dylan Nichols, “Murder on the Nile,” A “Midsummer Night’s Dream”) and Ernestine (Lily Hasenplug “Murder on the Nile,” “Little Women”) get swept up in the teenage vanity of the roaring ’20s.
Much to their father’s chagrin, daring makeovers
result in dashing (or sometimes downright daffy) dates; the girls are growing up. As Father learns the new challenges of an aging family, the family too will discover the challenges of their father’s age. How will this loving family deal with one of the greatest hardships of life?
Come find out next weekend and maybe bring a handkerchief (and refreshment money) in hand.
The play is co-directed by Mrs. Faith Fedor and Mr. Matt Nichols with the help of Erik Mitchell, the student director. The play will be shown at 7 p.m. at 105 Mill
Street, March 27 through the 29, with an additional bargain matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday the 29. Tickets are $5 for all students (that includes us, GCC!) and $8 for adults for all evening performances.
Tickets don’t come cheaper by the dozen, but they do come cheaper for the Saturday matinee, at a flat rate of $5 for all.
Tickets can be purchased at the door, but they’ve been known to sell out. So, secure them in advance at https://www.grovecitychristianacademy.com/arts/drama!
Students clothe the community
Mia Gallagher Sports Editor Vocation.
We’ve all heard the term and know that’s what our four years at Grove City College should prepare us for.
So often, we find ourselves fixated on the first part of our vocational callings – service to God and his Creation. But in doing so, we sometimes lose sight of the other purpose for our lifelong mission: service to those around us.
And for elementary education majors like seniors Sarah Pindel and Abigail Roetering and junior Amelia Bach, their vocational call to give back to others impacts the most innocent and impressionable of humanity: its children.
Well, that’s exactly what this trio has set out to do with their brand-new service initiative, Outreach Outfitters. The program, inspired by a class assignment for EDUC 440, “Leadership for Teach-
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beaches and holding down the forts all over the world. While certainly not without exception, I do believe that our country has been re-
ers,” seeks to provide clothing, hygiene products and school supplies to school-age kids and teens in need.
“The idea of Outreach Outfitters mostly came from our student teaching experiences. One of the schools I was placed in had a whole classroom set up as a giant closet for students who might need a change of clothes, shoes, coats, etc.,” Pindel said.
“All three of us have seen firsthand students in need.
We have been trained to realize that this need is not only physical, but it affects students’ mental health, confidence, social skills and academics too,” she shared.
“I am passionate about this project because I believe every student deserves to feel confident and prepared for school, regardless of their financial situation. No one should have to worry about not having clean clothes or basic hygiene
products,
especially when their focus should be on learning and growing,”
In pursuing this initiative, Pindel, Roetering and Bach hope to establish an ongoing donation network here at the College to support these children and young adults year after year. They also aspire to spread awareness about the challenges students face to inspire long-term support for those in underserved communities.
markably blessed with those who have made up the U.S. military throughout its history. Due to their humanity, the personal corruption of these individuals can never be out of the question, but we can serve our country in the
“I am passionate about this project because I believe every student deserves to feel confident and prepared for school, regardless of their financial situation. No one should have to worry about not having clean clothes or basic hygiene products, especially when their focus should be on learning and growing,” Roetering said.
“My heart goes out to these students because I believe that they deserve to be seen, loved and taken care of. By coming alongside them and
prayer that these individuals, each soldier, marine, airman and sailor, will be characterized by self-sacrifice, justice and a true propensity toward peace. In my own prayers I will continue to hold before me
- Abigail Roetering
supporting them, not only will they better be equipped to succeed academically, but they also will be able to regain self-confidence and hopefully see their own worth and capabilities as a student,” Bach added.
In order for this program to get off the ground, Outreach Outfitters is seeking donations of hygiene products and gently used clothing, and they need the College community’s help. They will be set up in the Breen Student Union next week on March 25 and 27 to col-
the idealistic vision of my younger self, of a military made up of individual heroes with the face of my dad, fighting for the greater good of all people. And my hope remains that for many generations, little girls in prin-
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lect contributions from the community and are more than willing to arrange other drop-off times to accommodate busy schedules.
To inquire further about the project or to set up a donation time outside of their hours in SAC, please reach out to their Instagram account @outreach_outfitters.
“By bringing the community together to support students in need, we can make a real difference in students’ lives and give them the resources they need to succeed,” Roetering said.
cess dresses can continue to comfort their stuffed animals during stormy nights, softly singing “For where’re you go, you will always know that the Army goes rolling along.”
WHAT’S FRESH AT THE GROVE
The cast of Grove City Christian Academy’s production of “Cheaper by the Dozen” will be performing next weekend.
ICO group serves in Arizona church over spring break
Time in Tucson
Over spring break, I had the opportunity to travel to Tucson, Ariz. I traveled as a part of the ICO Tucson group.
Over the course of the week, we served at Life in Christ Church. In our time of serving, we completed various construction projects at the church such as painting, re-flooring, and refurbishing a few picnic tables.
In addition to serving at the church, the group is also pictured at Tumamoc Hill where we hiked to the top.
Being a part of an ICO group is a lifechanging experience and I highly reccomend it.
by Luke Paglia, Photo Chief
Freedom of the press? Trump takes over White
Benjamin Jones Staff Writer
The White House’s recent decision to take control of the press pool undermines press freedom and democracy.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the Trump administration will take over control of who is allowed into the White House press pool, which entails exclusive reporting access to the Oval Office and Air Force One. This follows the barring of the Associated Press (AP) from the pool after the newswire refused to write the Gulf of Mexico as the rechristened Gulf of America.
This move removes authority from the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA), which has managed press pool access since
the 1950s, and places it in the hands of the administration.
By deciding which media outlets cover the president, the administration threatens the First Amendment and the watchdog role of the press.
A free press ensures transparency, accountability and truth. The press pool has historically operated independently, selecting representatives to cover presidential events. This autonomy prevents government manipulation of media coverage. Now, with the White House controlling press pool selection, the risk of censorship, favoritism and political bias increases, setting a dangerous precedent that compromises journalistic freedom. The First Amendment explicitly protects the press from government interference, and by taking control of the press pool, the White House directly violates this principle.
Government-controlled
media is not free press — it is propaganda. Excluding the AP from the press pool demonstrates that this change is about punishing independent journalism, not broadening media access.
Throughout history, authoritarian governments have sought to control the press to suppress dissent. By handpicking media access, the White House is dangerously close to this pattern, limiting objective reporting and enabling political manipulation. If unchallenged, future administrations could expand these restrictions to silence critical journalists, eroding press independence further.
The WHCA has safeguarded fair media representation for decades, ensuring press access is not dictated by political preferences. Removing its oversight injects partisanship into White House coverage and undermines press
House press pool
objectivity. WHCA President Eugene Daniels has rightly condemned this move, warning that allowing the government to choose its press corps destroys journalistic independence.
When reporters must appease those in power to retain access, they become government mouthpieces rather than truth-seekers.
The White House justifies this change by claiming it will include “new media” such as streaming services and podcasts. While media diversity is important, it should not come at the cost of allowing the government to select compliant outlets. True media representation must be achieved through fair policies, not political control.
Furthermore, adding new media should not mean excluding respected institutions like the AP, known for reliable, fact-based reporting. The decision to remove
the AP over its refusal to comply with political rebranding efforts proves this move is about control, not inclusivity. This takeover is a direct attack on press freedom, and if left uncontested it will set a precedent for future administrations to manipulate media access and stifle independent reporting. A free press holds leaders accountable — without it, democracy suffers.
The WHCA, journalists and the public must resist this authoritarian overreach. Government control over press access is a step toward totalitarianism. A free nation must not allow its leaders to dictate the narrative by controlling the press. Media independence must be defended, not just for today but for future generations who deserve a government held accountable by a vigilant, unrestricted press.
America depends on DEI
Madelyn Braho Staff Writer
DEI is the latest bogeyman being cracked down on by the Trump administration, despite very few people really knowing what it means.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a long-running effort to make sure that everyone gets a fair chance at economic success, especially those who have been put at a disadvantage due to circumstances outside of their control, like being part of a discriminated minority group or a lower economic status. Another term that is frequently grouped with DEI is affirmative action, which be-
gan after the Civil War to ensure that veterans were able to get jobs. This tradition continued after the World Wars and expanded to include those with disabilities. On the surface, DEI as a concept sounds like a reasonable thing – why wouldn’t we want to make sure everyone can get work? And yet, with the number of executive orders and actions from the Department of Government Efficiency taken against it in recent weeks, it seems not everyone agrees. The commonly stated reason for this seems to be a mistaken idea that DEI will give jobs to people who aren’t qualified, and that hardworking “legitimate” Americans will suffer. This isn’t what DEI does. One example of what DEI
actually does is improve hiring practices so they can counteract bias. Removing identifying markers like age, gender or name when assessing applications can reduce the unconscious stereotypes that hiring personnel operate with. Even something as small as laying down a carpet so musicians’ high heels don’t click in blind auditions can help everyone be judged on merit without other irrelevant factors coming into play. So much of what is done with DEI is about properly leveling the playing field so people are evaluated based on their skills – and that’s true regardless of job or person. We operate under a set of assumptions that don’t always match reality, and this
does everyone a disservice.
But the silent part of this conversation has been about intentional discrimination and bias. There has been a persistent myth that some groups of people simply will never meet the qualifications for a job, and that if they do, then someone is cheating. Black Americans in positions of authority have often been the target of this, as well as women in general. It should be obvious that this is nonsense. Terms like “welfare queens,” “urban” and now “DEI” have been used to quietly say what is blatantly untrue – some people believe there is something inherent about Black people that makes them of lesser value than others and undeserving of good and comfortable lives. Do not roll your eyes when people talk about DEI. Do not dismiss it as just another silly thing the government is doing, whether it is encouraging the DEI or making it illegal. It matters; it is a tool to help further the ideals of America – equality and prosperity for all. Our country has not done very well in the area of equality in the past, and whatever steps we can take to change this, no matter how small, should be encouraged. Our brothers and sisters, regardless of race, class or any other frankly unimportant detail, should be able to live safe and fruitful lives, and it is our job to make sure that is possible.
Sabrina Carpenter ruffles more than just feathers
Maelyn Aiken
Contributing Writer
Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet” Tour has taken the world by storm, but has the world forgotten about her controversy in 2023? Being in pop music, it’s common for conflict to walk hand in hand with creativity. However, Sabrina Carpenter’s music video “Feather” released in 2023 might have crossed a line.
Carpenter is a singersongwriter best known for her acting on Disney Channel’s “Girl Meets World.” She has been in the spotlight for years, making her a role model for people of all ages. Over the years, her music has shifted from pop-driven to emotionally appealing and now shifting once again, but is this shift too controversial?
In her music video “Feather,” Carpenter decided to move away from her Disney Channel roots into something more mature and introspective. Her music video, filmed in the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, features church imagery and religious symbols which sparked controversy and raised questions about respect for the church, responsibility as a public figure and greater sensibility in the arts. At best the video was misguided, and at worst, deeply offensive. While artistic ex-
pression should be valued, it should not come at the expense of desecrating spaces held sacred by millions. The church is not a film set that should be used as shock value or to stir up controversy to get views. The church is a place of worship and reflection that is held as sacred. Church buildings are used for worship, sacraments and places of spiritual growth. The many harms from this video have gone so far as to set a precedent that these things are allowed within the church.
Carpenter’s company failed to accurately represent the video’s content to church officials, meaning that the resulting video misrepresents the church gravely. The video violated church policies, and the filming did not follow the Diocese of Brooklyn’s policies regarding church filming property.
The church was required to see the film’s scenes and script. “A review of the documents presented to the parish in advance of the production, while failing to depict the entirety of the scenes, clearly portray inappropriate behavior unsuitable for a church sanctuary,” the Diocese said, according to the Catholic News Agency.
There were multiple other things wrong with misrepresenting the church, including the use of dark images and inappropriate outfits. There was an unseemly use of church symbols such as altars, crosses and angelic
figures that were taken out of should be able to express awareness of symbols and sacred places within the arts and they respect they call for. As a public figure, Sabrina Carpenter must recognize the impact of her actions on her audience. It is critical for artists to recognize that their actions have real-world consequences and tic freedom with
Silver screen to center stage
Jesse Richardson Contributing Writer
From the way people act today, you’d think that movies are the only way to consume a story. Wouldn’t you be excited if a story you loved was made into a movie? What if it was being made into a play? Our society overlooks and neglects the art of live theater.
We seem to think that theatre is outdated and useless, and that movies are the superior form of media. The purpose of this article is not to demonize cinema. However, it is a sad truth that live theater is often overlooked in favor of movies when, in fact, the experience of watching a live theater production is
much more immersive, intimate and meaningful than going to a movie theater. Don’t believe me? Researchers analyzed the difference between audiences that watched movies at home versus in the movie theater. Audiences that attended the movie theater enjoyed the movie more and were more thoroughly engrossed than those that watched at home. What if we took this principle and applied it to live theater?
There is a lack of research on this subject (this lack of research itself evidencing the neglect of live theater), but we as an audience should consider it for a moment: what would going to a live show – where actors are tangible and the story is happening in front of you – do? If the trend of the previous study upholds, it stands to reason
that audiences would likely receive greater joy from live theater than from cinema due to its tangibly engaging nature.
But if live theater is so much better than movies, why are movies so much more mainstream? Unfortunately, popular opinions of theater characterize it as either childish or boring. The first comes from the perpetuation of the ‘theater kid’ stereotype. The second comes from a lack of knowledge of theater.
Theater is not just for children. Actually, most theater is written for adults. Obviously, William Shakespeare is the poster boy of theater, but if you only view live theater through that lens, you are missing worlds of stories. Theater is also the farthest thing from outdated or bor-
ing. Modern shows are being written every day, and older shows are constantly performed with a modern twist. There are hundreds of shows that can relate to audiences today. Even Shakespeare can be presented in a more relatable way. Just think of Grove City’s production of “Julius Caesar,” where the cast carried guns and dressed in modern clothing.
Another difference between live theater and cinema is that of price. Due to our ignorance of live shows and the popularity of movies, we tend to overestimate the price of shows and underestimate the price of movies. At my home movie theater, a movie ticket costs $15.00, and with the price of a popcorn and drink at roughly $12.50, I spend about $27.50 every time I go see a movie.
In fairness, half-price ticket days exist. However, at my local community theater, one adult ticket costs $32. That is only $5 more than what I’d usually spend going to see a movie.
The next time you look at a movie theater website and sigh over the lack of original options, consider finding your nearest community theater and see what they are putting up. Go see a show. Break the mold. Watch a stage play. I challenge you to give live theater a chance. Allow it to make you feel seen and heard in a way that the ‘big screen’ cannot. Closeness is not found in the 4k details of someone’s face. It is felt in the laughter and tears of an audience whose faces can be seen by actors.
Perspectives Policy
The purpose of the Perspectives section is to give a space for student voices. Here, student writers have the space to critique, question and analyze the world around them. Perspectives articles represent the views of the individual writer. They do not represent the views of The Collegian, The Collegian staff or Grove City College. While pieces in Perspectives are subjective by nature, The Collegian has standards for publication. Articles submitted for publication are expected to provide arguments of substance that rely on fact and are void of foundationally emotional and biased arguments. This is not a space to parrot party lines. Perspectives articles are expected to take original stances, and, where
applicable, consider the interaction of faith within their topic. This is a space where all voices can be heard. It is our goal as The Collegian staff that Perspectives reflect the diversity of thought represented on the college’s campus. Additionally, The Collegian will not accept a Perspectives article if the topic has not been reported on by the newspaper. This means that the publication of a submitted or proposed article may be delayed so The Collegian can provide a factual, unbiased context for the paper’s readership. If you would like to submit an article for publication or want further clarification of The Collegian’s expectations contact Editor-in-Chief Emma Rossi or Managing Editor and Perspectives Editor Grace. Scheller.
Gaga causes‘MAYHEM’
Pop icon displays every aspect of her artistry
Ana Geike Contributing Writer
Lady Gaga’s new album “MAYHEM” was met with definite expectations from faithful listeners. Gaga seems to have considered these expectations before uncharacteristically throwing them out the window.
The various ways this album strays from the artist’s typical concepts provides a fresh take on Gaga’s infamous, unconventional sound, but also serve as an interesting glimpse into what the she values about her past work and what she hopes to regenerate in her sound going forward.
The anticipation of “MAYHEM” was built across several pre-released tracks from the album and past imagery evoked by the album’s cover art. Prior to the release of the album, singles “Disease” and “Abracadabra” set listeners up for an album set in the wake of “The Fame Monster.”
Lyrics from “Disease” (“I could play the doctor, I could cure your disease”) even make a direct connection to “Bad Romance” (“I want your ugly, I want your disease”). These tracks embody the most traditional Gaga style of any on the album, with throbbing, electrified bass lines, streamlined and taunting lyricism and unpredictable vocals.
Even the cover of “MAYHEM” follows in the footsteps of “The Fame Monster,” featuring a portrait of Gaga set in black and white.
This similar and traditional vibe trails off with “Garden of Eden,” which hints at an ’80s sound that is continued later and to a greater degree in the album, hitting a peak in “Shadow Of A Man.” It segues into more familiar
sounds with a liveliness akin to “Chromatica” that underpins many other songs, such as “ZombieBoy,” “LoveDrug” and “Don’t Call Tonight.”
This variety of sound characterizes the album’s purposeful lack of classification, further showcasing the distinct styles of sound and general unpredictability that Lady Gaga has become famous for.
This being said, certain songs accomplish this better than others. “Vanish Into You,” which presents an appealing storyline and altered pace, is worth mentioning, along with the energetic banger “How Bad Do You Want Me” and the longpopular ballad “Die With A Smile,” a collaboration with Bruno Mars. While others
are also unprecedented, it is difficult to determine if Gaga intended them to be so to add to the mayhem of the album.
“ZombieBoy,” with its werewolf analogies and rather generalized pop theme, toes the line between an unserious pop song written with Gaga-like confidence and a cringey, forceful attempt to develop the album’s energy. In a similar vein, listening to “The Beast” feels like being held captive and forced to listen to what you thought was a modern-day take on a ’80s slow burn love ballad.
The result is a seemingly never-ending vacuum of monotone sound, and cringey, animalistic descriptions worsened by a nosedive into a conventional-sounding rock segment devoid of any
ADVOCATE
much-needed developments in prose. The finale, “Die With A Smile,” is certainly unprecedented in its rather un-“MAYHEM” clarity and prose, but this change is certainly welcome.
While it is tempting to downgrade an album entirely for the dubious quality of a number of its tracks, it is more important to appreciate this artistic freedom as an example of honesty. In entertainment, that can be hard to come across, especially in an industry whose purpose, at least in part, is to intrigue and please its audience.
After all, if there is anyone who has demonstrated the worth of being confident in who one is and what they aspire to show the world, it’s Lady Gaga.
‘The Giver’ isn’t giving
Emma Rossi Editor-in-Chief
Chappell Roan’s new single, “The Giver” feels like a half-baked resurrection of what The Chicks were giving us in the early nineties – but it’s still a good song.
It’s fun, it’s pop and its most definitely country, with a chorus of fiddles and a bass-bumping backtrack that bring the song to life.
Lines like, “Ain’t got ant-
lers on my walls/ But I sure know mating calls” and “Girl, I don’t need no lifted truck/ Revvin’ loud to pick you up” are a continuation of Roan’s typical clever and euphemistic lyrics. Roan’s seamless transition from pop to country is no surprise considering her roots in Missouri, which has inspired many of her most popular songs’ lyrics.
One of her most popular is “Pink Pony Club” which sings of her new life in Los
Angeles and what it means to her to leave her small southern town.
Now, it seems she’s reclaiming the sound of that small southern town and putting her own twist on it. Roan joins a list of artists that have turned their sound towards country.
Most recently making the switch is Beyonce, whose album “Cowboy Carter” was just awarded the Country Album of the Year at the Grammys.
Andrew Peterson’s Feb. 21 concert on campus was a perfect example of how one can do everything to the glory of God.
Crawford Auditorium was a full house; I had to go upstairs in order to squeeze into one of the last seats in the balcony. Peterson began his set with a pretty barebones set of instruments to back him up: a mandolin, guitar and keyboard. However, his minimalist instrumentation perfectly suited his style; he sang his tunes with incredible emotion, making it seem like he was letting the crowd peer into his own mind.
What struck me the most about the concert was how Peterson tied everything back to the Gospel. From songs about arguing with his wife (“Dancing in the Minefields”) to speaking to his son about becoming a man (“You’ll Find Your Way”), Peterson consistently tied every song to the message of Christ’s coming down to Earth for our salvation, whether that be in the lyrics directly or in stories told about the songs.
The concert almost felt like a church service in the best way possible, as the good news was presented to me over and over again. I have deep respect for how Peterson openly broadcasted his faith and made it clear that Christ is the center of his life.
The most affecting moment in my opinion was when Peterson sang “The Silence of God.” This song is about a time when he was very angry at the Lord and wondering why God would not just speak to him.
He visited a monastery in Kentucky called the Abbey of Gethsemani during this time of strife, and upon taking a sleepless walk in the forest one morning he came across a statue of Peter, James and John sleeping, while across from it lay another lonesome statue of Christ asking God to take the cup of the cross from Him.
What will be interesting to see is if Roan keeps on the country side of things or if she’s just trying on her country cowboy hat for kicks.
While “The Giver” is far from a bad song, it is far from the peak of pop that Roan is capable of.
Her vocals are only partially on display and the lyrics get repetitive throughout the song, leaving the listener wanting more from an artist we’re used to getting it from.
This helped Peterson realize what it meant to truly be alone and that Christ understood what he was going through. This story told via song was enough to bring a tear to my eye, and its unique presentation of struggle within the Christian walk was just one example of how this great performance turned Crawford Auditorium not just into a concert hall, but a place of worship.
Dom Puglisi Staff Writer
Baseball leaves Lions in the dust in commanding win
Emma Rossi Editor-in-Chief
Wolverine baseball holds a 9-6 record after their spring break tournament in Florida and more non-conference action to open their 2025 campaign.
On Tuesday, the Wolverines faced Penn State DuBois on R. Jack Behringer field. Thanks to stellar performances from Grove City’s bullpen, the Wolverines pulled through with a 4-1 win.
Five Grove City College pitchers combined for a twohitter.
Senior David Leslie, sophomore David Gallagher, junior Kenny Lavrich, sophomore Sam Bevin and junior Raymond Stierer all took to the mound, holding the Lions to two hits over nine innings.
Lavrich pitched the fifth inning and earned his first collegiate win. Stierer secured his first collegiate win with his pitching in the ninth.
Leslie struck out four men in his two innings on the mound. Gallagher yielded an unearned run in his two innings. Lavrich allowed one hit while striking out two in the fifth. Bevin pitched three perfect innings and struck out four. Stierer allowed a single but ended the game with a double play.
Last Saturday, the Wolverines fell to Houghton in a home doubleheader, losing 6-2 in the first game and 14-
12 in the six-inning second game.
In the second game of the day, the Wolverines took an early lead of 11-5 but a sevenrun sixth inning from the Houghton offense sealed the deal and the Wolverines took the loss.
Sophomore pitcher Bryce Trischler started and allowed two earned runs in a little over two innings. Sophomore pitcher Michael Earman followed with 2 2/3 innings of relief. He struck out three while allowing one run and two hits. Sophomores Wil Peters and Jack Houston both pitched in the sixth, as did Stierer. Peters was credited with the loss.
The Wolverines scored their 12 runs on only nine hits thanks to Houghton issuing nine walks from the mound. Sophomore DH Dan Luko doubled and singled. Senior right fielder Josh Minnich and freshman left fielder Braeden Coyle both added a pair of hits.
Earlier last week, the Wolverines secured two wins, one on Tuesday against Muskingum at home and one at Pitt-Greensburg on Wednesday.
The Wolverines held their own and squeaked by with a 5-4 win over Pitt-Greensburg. The 2024 PAC Newcomer of the Year sophomore pitcher Sam Bevin earned his season’s first pitching win. Bevin earned the pitching victory by allowing one run
in five innings. He struck out four and permitted four hits.
Senior third baseman Shane Cato and junior center fielder Nick Sampson both doubled and singled for the Wolverines, while senior second baseman Luke Vittone went 2 for 3 with three runs scored.
Grove City hammered Muskingum, taking the game 19-5. The Wolverines scored early in the game, securing an 18-1 lead by the fourth inning.
The Wolverines pounded out nine extra-base hits in the victory. Freshman DH Caleb Nutter went three for six with a grand slam, two doubles and seven runs batted in. Vittone belted a tworun homer in the first inning while going 2 for 3 while Bevin homered, singled and knocked in two runs.
Leslie struck out six men in six innings. He allowed two runs and three hits.
Over spring break, the Wolverines participated in the RussMatt Invitation in Florida. Grove City finished the tournament with a record of 5-3. Their most notable win was over the No. 24 ranked Aurora Spartans, whom they shut out 8-0.
Wolverine baseball returns to action in their first PAC game of the season, an away doubleheader against the Chatham Cougars. The first game will begin at 2 p.m. and the second is set for 5 p.m.
Wolverines sweep Bobcats
Mia Gallagher Sports Editor
After a successful spring training trip in Myrtle Beach, S.C., the Grove City College softball team returned to action last Saturday, March 15 with a statement sweep of the Pitt-Greensburg Bobcats.
The Wolverines opened the day with a hard-fought 4-1 victory in their initial matchup, capitalizing on two Bobcat errors at the top of the fifth to lift them to success. Extending the run deficit to four were junior center fielder Noel Anthony and junior pitcher Kyla Campbell, who batted runs in with a single and groundout, respectively.
Further supporting game one’s offensive effort were
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three first-quarter goals, while Blythe and Robinette added two each. The Wolverines finished with a 40-13 shot advantage and forced 26 turnovers while committing 18. Robinette caused four turnovers, and junior defender Reese Hasley caused a season-high five. Senior goalie Elyse Kiggins made two saves in the win. Against Baldwin Wallace, the Wolverines came out hot, leading 10-6 entering the fourth quarter. However, the Wolverines were outscored 5-0 in the final period as Baldwin Wallace mounted a comeback for the win. Blythe led the Wolverine offense with four goals, while Robinette added three goals. Roetering, Wartman and Shilling each contributed a goal. Grove City held
senior second baseman Maci Linhart, who went three for four at the plate, and sophomore pitcher Abigail Meadors, who went two for three. Meadors also contributed eight strikeouts from the mound, only allowing six hits in the process.
Game two saw the Wolverines hit their offensive stride, clinching an impressive 13-0 shutout to secure the sweep. With Campbell putting up a commanding showing at the mound and a pack of Wolverines getting in on the scoring action, their performance bodes well for their upcoming conference matchups. Offensively, senior shortstop Rachel Zona paved the way at the plate, going two for two and batting three runs in. Linhart added to
a 5-3 advantage in the second quarter after Robinette scored two quick goals, both assisted by Blythe. Shilling’s unassisted goal extended the lead to 6-3, and Blythe’s goal with four minutes left gave Grove City a 7-3 halftime lead. Baldwin Wallace outshot Grove City 25-22, including an 8-2 margin in the fourth quarter. Senior goalie Kiggins recorded eight saves for the Wolverines. Wartman led with seven ground balls, followed by Shilling with five. Roetering and senior Sarah Jackson each caused three turnovers.
The top of the statistical chart this season includes Robinette with 19 goals and eight assists and Blythe, who contributed significantly with 12 goals and 14 assists. Shilling added 15 goals and three assists, while Roetering scored 11 goals and provided
Zona’s showing, also driving in three runs on three of her four at-bats. Their efforts were supported by senior first baseman Brooke Brodie, sophomore left fielder Evelyn Montone, senior right fielder Annkia Rinehart, sophomore Emma Covert, freshman Ellie Day and Campbell, who all posted hits in the victory.
At the mound, Campbell secured the shutout with six strikeouts, zero walks and only allowing four hits.
After a well-deserved week off, the Wolverines return to action tomorrow, March 22 at 1 p.m. for a home-opening doubleheader against Thiel. They will then travel to PittBradford on Monday, March 24 for a non-conference doubleheader.
five assists. Rowell played a pivotal role, with 10 goals and four assists. Stevenson made an impact with eight goals and six assists. Grove City has demonstrated impressive offensive depth in both scoring and playmaking throughout the season. Despite a 2-5 overall record amidst tough non-conference competition, the Wolverines have all their goals still on the horizon. They are 1-0 in the PAC and in the driver’s seat to control their destiny, being the preseason favorite to win the PAC. But the close number two in that coaches’ poll was Washington & Jefferson, whom Grove City will host at 1 p.m. tomorrow on Don Lyle Field. Grove City dethroned the top-seeded Presidents last season for the PAC Championship, and the Wolverines will look to affirm their “top dog” status.
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The Collegian, March 21, 2025
Top of the PAC Track and field finishes indoor season as champs
Mia Gallagher Sports Editor
After a long winter of hard work and dedication, both the men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams emerged from the PAC Championships last month as conference champions. The tremendous team effort was headlined by three Grove City College athletes – senior Lydia Bennett, junior Alex Mitchell and freshman Kiera White – earning all-conference honors, and Head Coach Jessica Cooper clinching Coach of the Year for both teams.
“Track is a long season. We start in September and have championships in February and May. There are a lot of highs, a lot of lows and a lot of work that not many people outside of the sport would notice. And so, to come away from the indoor season with a win for each team is a great culmination of that,” Cooper said.
Leading the charge for the women’s team was Bennett, whose dominant performances in the 800m, the mile and the 3000m events secured three of the six firstplace finishes for the Wolverines. Bennett, who earned PAC Track MVP for her achievements, found similar success two weeks ago at the All-Atlantic Championship meet with an impressive fourth-place finish in the mile.
Given her standout performances all season, Bennett was able to qualify for the NCAA Championship meet with a best mile time of four minutes, 56.30 seconds. She entered the two-day competition last Friday, March 14 at the 12th seed and managed to battle her way to a seventh-place finish in prelims to qualify for finals the following day.
Her subsequent seventhplace finish of four minutes, 52.30 seconds in finals not only broke her own school record but allowed her to gain All-American honors as well. Bennett is not the first indoor track and field AllAmerican in school history.
“This indoor track season has been extra special. I’ve always loved being part of a team, and there’s something about this team this year in
“I’m so blessed to have been awarded these incredible titles like All-American, PAC Champion and PAC Track MVP, but none of them compare to the neverfading, ever-secure, grace-filled title of ‘Child of the King,’”
particular that’s difficult to put into words… Powerful? Momentous? Custom-built? We’re extraordinary. We’re together. And we’re together in Christ,” Bennett said.
“Our team is strong proof of community success and I think that keyword – community – has played a huge role in each of our personal successes. Our team encourages, supports, challenges and holds each other accountable so well that it’s nearly impossible not to improve,” she adds.
“I’m so blessed to have been awarded these incredible titles like All-American, PAC Champion and PAC Track MVP, but none of them compare to the never-fading, ever-secure, grace-filled title of ‘Child of the King,’” Ben-
-- Lydia Bennett
nett said.
For the men’s team, individual victories by senior Ryan Lenhart in the weight throw and junior Alex Mitchell in the 4oom and 200m events helped lift the team to their second straight PAC title. Mitchell, who joined Bennett in clinching PAC Track MVP, continued to ride his success into All-Atlantic Champs with a fifthplace finish of 48.90 seconds in the 400m – which allowed him to punch a ticket to the NCAA Championship in the process.
At NCAAs, Mitchell secured an 18th-place finish in prelims with a time of 49.58 seconds. Although he fell just short of finals, his performance this winter and upcoming spring will set him
up well for renewed success in his senior season.
Looking to the spring outdoor season, both teams are ready and eager to find repeated success and secure their place at the top of the PAC.
“Moving into the outdoor season, my hope is that the team can continue to perform without pressure
knowing that we are pursuing something bigger than times, measurements and even championships. We're using our talents in a way to honor and glorify God,” Cooper said.
The Wolverines will kick off their outdoor season next weekend, March 28-29, with the Carnegie Mellon Invitational.
Lacrosse bests Barons in PAC opener
Garrett Gess Staff Writer
The Grove City women’s lacrosse team enters the heart of PAC competition after taking down their first PAC opponent, Franciscan (24-8), on the road last Saturday. Following the win, the Wolverines suffered a close loss at home to non-conference Baldwin Wallace (11-10) last Wednesday. Against Franciscan, Grove City surged ahead with 10 goals in the first quarter, eventually extending their lead to 16-6 by halftime. Sophomore midfielder Jess Robinette led the charge, scoring five goals and record-
ing two assists for a total of seven points. She was joined by two teammates with seven-point outings: senior midfielder Abby Roetering, who tallied four goals and three assists, and sophomore attack Taylor Blythe, who scored three goals and assisted four others.
Sophomore attack Gwen Shilling and midfielder Tori Stevenson each scored four goals, while junior attack Jackie Rowell netted two. Senior defender Amber Wartman contributed a goal and an assist, and freshman midfielder Mia Mygatt added another goal. Roetering sparked the offense with LACROSSE 11
Both the men’s and women’s track and field teams clinched PAC conference titles on Feb. 27 at the conference championship meet.
CARLISLE STOCKTON Senior Lydia Bennett clinched indoor track All-American honors.
JOHN HAKE
Senior Abigail Roetering, driving against Buffalo State defense in this file photo from March 12 match.