11.9.17 Hillsdale Collegian by The Hillsdale Collegian

Michigan’s oldest college newspaper

Vol. 141 Issue 10 - November 9, 2017

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Hillsdale sets new GPA high

Construction workers place the cornerstone for the new chapel. Breana Noble | Collegian

College dedicates chapel cornerstone New building’s foundation rests upon ‘For God and country’ By | Breana Noble Editor-In-Chief A crane lifted an L-shaped cornerstone and placed it into the southwest corner of the under-construction Christ Chapel on Tuesday to a round of applause. The stone proclaims in Greek and Latin: “For God and country.” Rev. Adam Rick, Hillsdale College chaplain, blessed the cornerstone during a dedication ceremony, immediately following Convocation. Provost David Whalen said the event marked the spiritual significance of the new chapel and religious founding of the college. “This ceremony recognizes the unique nature of this building as set apart, as sacred to God,” Whalen said. “The building of this chapel is very much an act of gratitude, and we trust, we hope and pray that generations and genera-

tions of warm gratitude will be given to God for all of our blessings.” The $28.5-million chapel — due for completion in May 2019 — will be 27,000 square feet and hold up to 1,350 people for large lectures, music concerts, and Convocation. “You can’t read the story of Hillsdale College without understanding freedom, high learning, character, and God,” Arnn said. “Those four things are an integrity. They are part of a whole. They always have been. Because the whole has an integrity, the college thrives.” Before the cornerstone was set in place, Jo and Jack Babbitt, the leading benefactors of the building, fixed into the chapel’s wall a Bible, the ceremony’s program, the Honor Code, and the college’s Articles of Association to be preserved there in perpetuity. “All those things are per-

manent things,” Arnn said. “They are part of the record of the making of this college and this chapel.” It may also be a testament to the dedications of other cornerstones on campus. Senior Hans Noyes, who is doing a project of Hillsdale’s religious history for a public history project to be put on display in the Heritage Room, said he learned a Bible was placed into the foundations of Central Hall, as well. “It’s neat they’re paying homage to that,” Noyes said. Jo Babbitt said Psalm 118:22 explained the significance of the dedication: “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” “I hope God’s wisdom and knowledge will be built up on that cornerstone — Christ alone and cornerstone,” she said.

By | Breana Noble Editor-In-Chief Hillsdale College students set the highest average all-campus GPA since 2007 with an average of 3.343 last spring, surpassing fall 2016’s record of 3.34. Provost David Whalen made the announcement on Tuesday at the first-ever Convocation held in the Searle Center, as the college gathered together to honor scholarship, excellence in instruction, and the college’s religious heritage. A faculty committee selected Assistant Professor of Chemistry Courtney Meyet to receive the Emily Daughtery Award for Teaching Excellence, which recognizes a junior member of the faculty each fall. “I was absolutely surprised,” Meyet said. “I was definitely humbled by it; I don’t think I deserve it. It is one of the sweet high points of my career.” Whalen once again awarded Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and Alpha Tau Omega fraternity the Greek scholarship cups. Kappa earned a 3.44 and ATO a 3.259 average GPA last semester, respec-

Gov. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska visited campus on Monday to speak at a luncheon hosted by the Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honorary and the President’s Office. In his talk, entitled “Taming the Leviathan: Reducing the Size and Scope of Government,” the governor discussed how he has applied his business experience, which includes serving as the Chief Operating Officer of TD

Ameritrade, to state governance.

Q: Nebraska is the only state to have a unicameral legislature. Do you think this is an effective system of government? A: Like any system, it’s got pluses and minuses. On the plus side, I am told we are less polarized than other state houses, and I think that makes it easier for us to work on different solutions.

From my perspective, one of the challenges a one-house system presents is that I’m the only check and balance in the system. So it puts a lot more pressure on the executive branch when it comes to bad bills that might come out of the body to try and stop those. Q: I want to talk about the death penalty repeal bill, which you vetoed, which was followed by a veto override, and then ended up on the

ballot last November after you helped get enough votes for a petition. Why is this issue important to you? A: The death penalty is an important tool to protect public safety, in particular for protecting our law enforcement officers, and I also think about it from the standpoint of our corrections officers. We ask our corrections officers to go into our prisons,

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Stockford wins mayor elections with 56% of vote By | Kaylee McGhee City News Editor City Councilman Adam Stockford was elected mayor on Nov. 7, carrying 56 percent of the vote and defeating incumbent Scott Sessions. Hillsdale residents also voted on four open city council seats. City Councilmen Will Morrisey and Bill Zeiser ran unopposed, holding their seats in Wards 3 and 4. Ray Briner, a senior credit analyst at County National Bank, took Ward 4’s seat and writein candidate Greg Stuchell surged ahead in Ward 1, taking the seat Stockford vacated in order to run for mayor. “I am excited, humble, and grateful for the public support,” Stockford said. City Clerk Stephen French said voter turnout was abnormally high, more than double Follow @HDaleCollegian

more than 17 percent of the county voted. French said candidates’ focus on the local economy could have contributed to the turnout. “The city has had contested elections before, so I’m not sure what was different about this one,” French said. “Both Adam Stockford was elected mayor on Tues- candidates did day, winning 56 perecent of the vote. good camCity of Hillsdale paigning.” Stockford’s campaign what it had been in years focused on growing the local past. Hillsdale normally sees economy. He said this issue 7-8 percent voter turnout in resonated with voters. local elections, but this year

anonymously written poem called “Golden Keys” from a book he had as a child. Although the four keys — good morning, if you please, goodnight, and thank you — seek to teach young children the importance of manners, Barnes compared them to how people should approach the challenges they face. “I trust you see here the hints of these four keys: the creating of a problem, the search for its solution, the laying to rest of the puzzle, and the welcoming back of a insight,” Barnes said. “What puts our place in the right place when we are committed to truth is not a technique of verification but a disposition, and the golden keys prepare us to express it. I am speaking here of reverence.” Valuing tradition, specifically liberal arts, enables the college to pursue truth and serve eternal ideals, Barnes said. From the sound of it, Hillsdale, just as its motto says, will continue to do just that. “The college is doing pretty well,” President Larry Arnn said. “We’ll have college again next year.”

The chamber choir performed at Tuesday’s convocation. Matthew Kendrick | Collegian

Q&A: Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts

-Compiled by Brooke Conrad

tively. KKG President Maria Thiesen, a senior, said the sorority placed extra emphasis on academics last semester during the recruitment process, at chapter meetings, and a new academic structure that prioritized accountability in grades and study table times as well as incentivized good work. “We were really happy to keep the scholarship cup,” Thiesen said. “I think we’ve fostered an environment of positive academic growth. It’s great to see that work pay off.” Overall, women at Hillsdale once again had higher grades than the men, earning an average 3.425 to their 3.260. All average GPAs increased from the spring semester. Because of scheduling conflicts with College Baptist Church, Convocation was moved to Searle. Coordinating with events there, the college moved the event from Thursday to Tuesday. Assistant Professor of Psychology Collin Barnes, selected as Professor of the Year by the class of 2017, spoke on the pursuit of hidden truth. He framed his talk around an

“All they have to do is look around them to see how it’s going. This election was a reflection of that,” Stockford said. Stockford said he plans on getting right to work and that his campaign promises were not just promises. He said he wants to begin by shifting the city’s economic focus to an industrial one. “Everything I said during the campaign I meant,” he said. Hillsdale resident Natasha Crall said Stockford will bring a strong, much-needed presence to the city. “Mayor Stockford is a man with a vision for the future of this city, and his experience will serve the city well,” she said. “I am excited to see what his leadership brings to the table.”

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Hoath pleads guilty By | Kaylee McGhee City News Editor Ashley Diane Hoath, 27, pleaded guilty to second degree murder on Oct. 31 — days before she was supposed to testify in a jury trial regarding the murder of 37-year-old Jeremy Alan Barron. The details of the plea bargain have not been released. A group of Amish children found Barron’s body in April, while riding their horses through a wooded area near Reading. Shortly after being arrested, Hoath admitted to police she wanted Barron dead. She told police in a recorded interview that he was an abusive boyfriend who took her children from her. According to police records, she said she sat by while her friend Jay Clark shot Barron four times in the back of Clark’s Chevrolet Tahoe. “‘Tell her you are not going to hurt her again,’” Hoath recalled Clark saying to Barron in a police document. When Barron didn’t reply, Hoath said Clark looked at her and asked “Get her done?” “Yeah, get her done,” Hoath responded, before four gunshots rang out. On Oct. 5, Hoath requested a motion to suppress these statements and others made before and after her arrest. Hoath’s attorney, Zach Rusk, said in a court testi-

mony that his client had not slept in the two days leading up to an interrogation led by Michigan State Police Detective Sergeant Nathan Horan, who used a polygraph, or lie detecting machine, at Hoath’s request. Horan testified at the hearing and said Hoath was obviously lying about not being involved with Barron’s murder, scoring a negative 18 on the polygraph compared to the American Polygraph Association’s dishonesty standard of negative 4. “I said cut out the act, and let’s talk about this,” Horan said in a court testimony. During cross examination, led by Hillsdale County Prosecutor Neal Brady, Hoath denied conspiring to murder Barron with Clark. She said she felt pressured to give into Horan because of his aggressive interrogation tactics. “I just wanted it to be over with,” Hoath said, who now faces up to life in prison. “He was verbally attacking me.” After allegedly shooting Barron, Clark dumped his body in the woods and burned the rifle and backseats of his truck to hide the evidence. He faces charges of first degree murder or open murder, using a firearm to commit a felony, concealing the death of a person, and carrying away a corpse. If convicted of first degree murder, he will serve a life sentence in prison. Look for The Hillsdale Collegian

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Student Fed approves funds for Shapiro By | Emma Cummins Collegian Reporter Student Federation allocated $3,000 to Young Americans for Freedom so the group can bring prominent conservative speaker Ben Shapiro to campus. Shapiro is known for his no-nonsense attitude and has made headlines for speaking at liberal-leaning colleges. “Ben Shapiro is a staunch defender of freedom, justice and pursuit of truth – everything Hillsdale stands for,” YAF president and junior Luke Barbrick said. “His big goal is to teach the next generation of Americans the founding principles of America. That’s what YAF is here for, that’s what Hillsdale is here for, so we share a common mission.” The YAF chapter on campus has worked to bring Shapiro to campus for about a year now, and hopes to bring him in next semester. The club came to the federation for financial assistance with Shapiro’s speaking cost, about $20,000. Through fundraising, YAF was able to raise $1,000. Due to the club’s high activity and success on campus, the YAF national organization gave the chapter $10,000, an unusually high amount to give. The club asked for $7,500 from the federation, with hopes that this would leave only a small gap for the club to fill through fundraising. The finance committee of the federation only approved $3,000 at the meeting. The federation was hesitant to give such a large amount since future requests down the

line also required due consideration. The finance committee already has three more proposals they will discuss in their next meeting. Barbrick and YAF are still devoted to moving forward with this event. “We’re planning to go back to the fed at some point, hopefully this year, and see if we can get some more,” Barbrick said. “We have some plans right now. The students have started writing letters asking for donations and someone is setting up the GoFundMe page. My goal is before we meet with the Student Fed the next time that we can have something to show.” Although the federation has had a budgetary surplus in the last few years, upgrades and generous disbursements toward campus improvements have required the federation to become more fiscally responsible. Until now, the federation has been spending while the budget has been at a deficit. Federation Treasurer junior Ross Hatley provided some clarity on why the federation was unable to give the requested amount and how that may be due to the timing of the proposal. “The YAF proposal is ill-timed for two reasons: it’s coming at a point where we are now conscious that we do have a budget and we’re seeking to maximize the benefits that that budget can bring across a variety of campus organizations. We’ve been very good, and campus organizations have been very good about making themselves more financially

responsible,” Hatley said. “We no longer have that brief moment of ‘let’s spend whatever we want.’” The federation has only about $5,000 of security, according to Hatley, and this comes along with a new method of spending for the federation. “The second reason we’re in this position is that the federation has been transferring the way that it does accounting,” Hatley said. “It essentially means we pay our expenses up front and we get our income on a semesterly basis. So that means in this fall semester we are in a onetime cash pinch. Once we get past this transition and we rebuild our cash cushion with our successive layers of income, we’ll be able to operate normally.” As of right now, the numbers for the student federation budget are the smallest they have been in a decade. However, this does not mean YAF cannot return to the federation and ask for more. Delta Tau Delta representative and finance committee case officer junior Adam Cieply expressed the opportunity for reconsideration. “We told them: ‘Come in at the end of the semester, after everything has come through,’” Cieply said. “Maybe we can make the difference that we didn’t give this semester.” Regardless of the next student federation’s interaction with YAF, the current student federation hopes its assistance will help YAF bring Shapiro to campus.

“The $3,000 was a vote of confidence that YAF will make this work because they’re dedicated to bringing Ben Shapiro and they are dedicated to forwarding freedom on this campus,” Hatley said. YAF’s request was not the only one granted, however. Both the Anime club and the Federalist Society asked for full club status approval. The new club approval process usually takes about two semesters. The club first gains temporary status for one semester from the federation and then presents again for full approval the second semester. Federalist Society President senior Jacob Weaver spoke on behalf of the club at the meeting. Weaver described the many benefits the club brings to campus, such as LSAT prep, discussions on law topics, and assistance on law school applications. The club has about 113 members, with 130 people on their email list. The second club up requesting full club status was Anime Club. The club meets once a week to discuss and watch anime and consists of around six consistent members. Both clubs received unanimous approval for full club status. The federation also passed five amendments, which seek to clarify the standard operating procedures and bylaws, would allow nonofficial clubs to receive Student Fed money, and allow the federation’s Treasurer to view club’s account balances. The proposed amendments are included on the right.

A2 Nov. 9, 2017 AMENDMENT 1: Repeated sentence Strike out Constitution III.B.3 and renumber as necessary. Explanation: Due to an error in previous amendments to the Constitution, a sentence appears in the Constitution twice. This amendment removes the extra sentence. No rules or procedures will change. AMENDMENT 2: Senior Class 1. In Constitution I.A.3.a., after “funded by the Student Federation,” insert, “and the senior class.” 2. Insert in Constitution as II.D.2: “The senior class shall be fully autonomous from the Federation except for the Federation’s annual budget allocation.” Explanation: Student Federation treats the senior class as a Federation organization (like the publications) in that it directly allocates funds to them, but they are not actually mentioned in the Constitution. This amendment makes the Constitution reflect this. No rules or procedures will change. AMENDMENT 3: Alcohol and Federation Funds In Constitution I.A.3.c., after “alcohol,” insert, “unless this rule is waived for a specific event by one of the Federation advisors.” Explanation: The Constitution prohibits Student Federation funds from being used for alcohol, but some events indirectly sponsored by the Federation provide alcoholic beverages. This amendment allows the Vice-President of Student Affairs or the Student Activities Director to override the prohibition. AMENDMENT 4: Funding Proposal Procedure 1. Insert a new section after I.A.3.b. (renumbering as necessary), with the title of “Outside Organizations”, with the following text: “All other organizations at Hillsdale College that are not described in subsections a and b shall be ineligible to receive funds from Student Federation unless the following procedure is followed in its entirety: a. “The funding request is

submitted to the Federation at least four weeks prior to the final vote. This requirement may be waived by a two-thirds vote of Finance Committee. b. “The Finance Committee recommends funding with a two-thirds vote, which shall be the initial motion for the Federation. c. “The Federation does not amend the Finance Committee recommendation to a higher amount except by a two-thirds vote. d. “The Federation grants the request by a two-thirds vote.” 2. Insert as a new section after II.B.2 (renumbering as necessary): “Grant monetary requests of outside organizations if the procedure is followed as described in I.A.3.c.” 3. Insert as a new section after the above section (renumbering as necessary): “Disburse student fees to acquire material assets for capital improvements projects intended for the benefit of the general student body.” Explanation: The Constitution does not grant to Student Federation the power to direct funds to capital improvements projects or to clubs not under its direct jurisdiction. This amendment allows the former and prohibits the latter except through a detailed procedure. AMENDMENT 5: Treasurer job description 1. In Constitution III.C.2, after “all checks,” insert “and disbursements.” 2. In Constitution III.C.2, after the second paragraph, insert a new paragraph: “The president and treasurer shall have the ability to view on-campus account records of organizations defined in sections a and b of Article I.A.3, given reasonable cause.” Explanation: This amendment broadens the treasurer’s responsibility to include electronic account transfers in addition to checks, and it authorizes the treasurer to view account balances of student organizations under Student Federation’s jurisdiction if there is good reason to do so (e.g. a funding request or an inquiry from a club).

Faydra Shapiro speaks on Israeli Defense Forces soldiers Jewish-Christian relations visit campus to share stories By | Sutton Dunwoodie Collegian Reporter Modern challenges and the future trajectory of a 2,000 year-old-conflict were the subject of two lectures given last week by Faydra L. Shapiro, executive director of the Israel center for Jewish-Christian Relations. Shapiro the discussed Jewish-Christian relations as part of the Gershom Lecture Series. The Gershom Lecture series began in 2014 to explore Jewish-Christian relations and are funded by a gift from Messianic Rabbi G. Robert Chenoweth. During her first speech, “The Next Fifty Years: What Might a (More) Mature Model of Jewish-Christian Relations Look Like,” Shapiro encouraged listeners to broaden the Jewish-Christian dialogue. “I know several Jewish organizations whose claim to be deeply involved in Jewish-Christian relations really means they are engaged with and interested in only one kind of Christian,” Shapiro said. “That is, the kind of Christian who is perceived to be on our side.” Shapiro advocated for the expansion of the Jewish-Christian dialogue to include groups that may not support all actions of Israel. “A more developed model

of Jewish-Christian relations would contain room for principled disagreement about Israel,” Shapiro said. “A particular attitude towards Israel should not be a criterion of participation in the Jewish-Christian encounter.” Junior Jerry Hewitt, a Christian studies major, said he gained an appreciation for the complexity of Jewish-Christian relations from Shapiro’s speech. “Israel isn’t just a nation, but a group of people, just like we are,” Hewitt said. “We have a lot of differences but we have a similar background and an intertwined tradition.” Prior to this week’s lectures, Shapiro had been a featured speaker during the winter break tour of Israel sponsored by Passages. Matt Sauer ‘16, currently an admissions counselor and a graduate of Hillsdale College, heard her speak during that trip two years ago. “In Israel, Shapiro’s speech was very general and all about making the most of our experience in another country,” Sauer said. “This speech was about now that we are back in our own country, how are we going to apply what we learned to this future Jewish-Christian dialogue.” Shapiro’s second speech, “The Unique Challenges and Possibilities of Jewish-Chris-

tian Relations in Israel,” explored how the unique Jewish majority in Israel made Jewish-Christian relations different from Jewish-Christian relations in other parts of the West. “It is said that the test of a democracy is the vigor with which it protects the rights of its minorities,” Shapiro said. “For the first time, Jews are responsible for minorities in the Jewish State. Some of them are Christian.” Shapiro said this reversal of the traditional power dynamics that have existed in most of the West creates issues only found in Israel. “We Jews have our own Jewish fundamentalists who would like to see a more ‘Jewish’ Jewish State,” Shapiro said. “The question is not about them. The question is how the Jewish State pursues its responsibility for upholding the religious rights and freedoms of Christians.” During the question and answer session following the speech, a student in the audience asked Shapiro what the final goal or purpose of having a Jewish-Christian dialogue was. “There is no one simple goal,” Shapiro said. “It is simply our responsibility as part of our continued participation in the West

By | Lillian Quinones Collegian Reporter Two Israeli Defense fighters visited Hillsdale on Saturday to share their experiences in the Israeli Defense Forces and ended their speaking tour of the United States after giving over 35 talks at college campuses. Brought to campus by the student club SHALOM, Students for Middle Eastern Discourse, Carlos and Shir each served three years as IDF soldiers in Israel, and for security reasons their last names remain unprinted. Sponsored by Stand With Us, a pro-Israel organization dedicated to combating Anti-Semitism, Carlos and Shir’s visit mark the second time IDF soldiers have visited campus since last spring. “It’s a very unique opportunity to hear from IDF soldiers and my hope is to raise awareness for Israel with them being here,” Emily Rinaldi, President of SHALOM, said. Both Carlos and Shir said they hoped Hillsdale students in attendance could take their stories and counteract the inaccurate portrayal of the nation of Israel often represented in the media and public imagination. Raised in Bogota, Colombia, Carlos attended Jewish

This Thursday, two professors will debate the idea of American interventionism in foreign affairs. The event will be on Thursday night at 5:30, in Lane 124, and is open to both members and non-members of the Alexander Hamilton Society. Dinner from House of Barbecue will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Hillsdale College Professor of History Darryl Hart will be facing off with Gerard Alexander, politics professor from the University of Virginia and visiting scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. “I look forward to meeting Dr. Alexander,” Hart said. “He

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where her father owned a supply store and employed many Palestinians. In November 2001 when Israeli-Palestinian fighting intensified around them, Shir’s parents did not flee from the danger. “When I asked them why they wouldn’t leave, they told me, ‘You can’t surrender to terror.’ We believed our presence in the Gaza strip was important,” Shir said. Shir enlisted in the army from February 2010 to May 2013 and rose to the rank of first lieutenant. Returning to the land her family was forced to evacuate, Shir coordinated ground forces and organized supplies to the IDF troops crossing the Gaza border at the time. Speaking from her experience of working alongside Palestinians in her father’s store, Shir believes that reconciliation with Palestine is a very plausible reality. “My main message is to encourage speaking with the other side. We truly believe that this peace is achievable through dialogue,” Shir said. “My hope is for the people in Gaza to rise up and say ‘Stop.’ I think that once they do rise, the road to peace will be very clear to them.”

Interventionism debate on Thursday By | Carmel Kookogey Collegian Reporter

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schools growing up and played on a Jewish soccer team that was ranked second best in the country. Despite learning Jewish practices within a devout family, Carlos struggled to feel conviction in his Jewish identity, asking as a high schooler, “Why do I need to learn Hebrew? Why do I need to study Israel’s history? What does it all mean to me?” He carried these questions with him in his senior year high school trip to Israel. There for the first time, Carlos placed his hand on the Western Wall, and though “it sounds cliche, I felt a connection,” Carlos said. Inspired by the example of his grandfather who fought in the initial clashes with Palestine as the nation of Israel was established, Carlos enlisted as an Israeli Defense Fighter in August 2006 with his threeyear commitment ending in February 2009. “I will be forever proud to be part of an army that protects their own citizen’s lives and others,” Carlos said. “I don’t want to see Palestinians suffering anymore, I don’t want to see Israelites suffering anymore.” Prior to the Gaza strip being given to Palestine in 2005 as part of the Israeli-Palestine peace settlement, Shir grew up in a small town in Gaza

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and I have emailed a little bit about this, and I’m always interested to hear how the audience, in this case I would assume largely students, respond to these matters.” Hart taught the U.S. History of Foreign Policy course in the summer, and has done projects with Foreign Policy Research Institute, a think tank in Philadelphia. Junior Pearce Pomerleau, president of the Alexander Hamilton Society Hillsdale chapter, explained that the society is a national organization whose purpose is to educate college students about issues impacting foreign policy, including in current events. “For all of [Hillsdale’s] wonderful [foreign policy] curriculum, not much of that

is focused on what’s going on right now, especially right now, out in the world,” Pomerleau said. The debate will be structured into two 10-minute opening statements from each speaker, two rounds of five-minute rebuttals, with a question and answer segment to follow. Freshman Callahan Stoub, a club board member, said the society brings life to campus. “A lot of times when there are speakers, it’s more of a lecture, and people have been sitting in class for four hours that day already,” Stoub said. “But getting the two different opinions, and developing an idea, and looking for solutions, is what really makes debates exciting.”

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Carlson speaks on hope for the future American family By | Josephine von Dohlen Assistant Editor The future of the American family is bright. Or at least it will be. According to Allan Carlson, a scholar and former Hillsdale professor, the American family undergoes cycles of strength, followed by periods of decline, and the American family could see a cycle of strength in the upcoming future. Carlson delivered his remarks to an audience at Hillsdale on Nov. 2 in a talk on the history and future of the American family. The talk was based off his most recent book, “Family Cycles: Strength, Decline & Renewal in American Domestic Life 1630-2000.” “Certainly, the status of the family in America in the early 21st century is no laughing matter,” Carlson said. “The nation’s marriage rate is at an all-time low.” Looking at the American past, Carlson notices cycles of family strength followed by a decline within the family, with each lasting about 50 years starting in 1630. “These periods of strength all involved early marriage, with an average age of near 20 for women, and 23 for men,” Carlson said. Other factors contributed to these periods of strength, according to Carlson: nearly universal marriage, high birth rates, parenthood, complementary gender roles, flourishing small home economies, and stability. Periods of weakness had influencers such as late marriages, a higher percentage of unmarried adults, smaller families, more divorce, loss of family economic independence, and weakened homes, Carlson said. “These cycles are unique to the American experience,” Carlson said.

Carlson is the editor of “The Natural Family: An International Journal of Research and Policy.” His background in the family has resulted in the publication of “The Natural Family: A Manifesto,” which he co-authored with Paul Hero in 2007. From 2008 to 2013, Carlson taught as distinguished visiting professor of politics and history at Hillsdale College. Carlson’s visit to campus was sponsored by the history department, Catholic Society, and Students for Life. “We brought him in because the pro-life movement’s relationship to the development of the American family are closely related,” Students for Life President junior Kathleen Russo said. “It is important to be well-rounded in understanding this complicated emotional issue.” According to Catholic Society President junior Sammy Roberts, Catholics care tremendously about the family and recognize its necessity as a social institution. “Teaming up with SFL for this talk was a no brainer,” Roberts said in an email. Roberts said Carlson’s optimism in his conclusion was most appealing to the Hillsdale audience. “Conservatives tend to focus on the worst of social developments and speak only of our decline as a civilization,” Roberts said. “Dr. Carlson’s cyclical understanding of the waxing and waning of the traditional family, along with his proposal that the traditional family may be on the verge of a revival, sounds a note of hope that too often grows silent in the ears of conservative students. As long as people continue to live and reproduce, the family always has a foundation upon which it may be rebuilt.”

Ricketts from A1

the property tax base in those counties it will run through, giving them the ability to build roads and schools and so forth. And frankly, we’ve got 29,000 miles of pipeline already crossing our state, and pipelines are shown to be one of the safest ways we can transport materials like this.

and without that additional sanction of a death penalty, we put our corrections officers at risk. And so that’s why I personally think it’s important for protecting the public safety. Q: In your speech today, you talked about your efforts to run the government like a business and that you treat citizens like customers; can you talk more about this approach? A: I’ll give you an example from our Department of Environmental Quality. For our general air construction permit, we reduced the time to issue a permit from weeks or months to just a day or two. We’ve also put some of those processes online so we can streamline the process and allow customers to input the data themselves. So by focusing on things like that and starting to treat people like customers, it starts to change that mentality with regard to how I do my job. Q: I wanted to talk a little bit about the Keystone Pipeline—how do you respond to landowners who are concerned about it? A: We have a Public Service Commission who is reviewing the pipeline application, and they will rule this month whether or not that pipeline serves the public interest. I think they will, because it’s important for our country, for energy independence. But it’s also good for Nebraska; it’s going to create a couple thousand jobs while they’re building the pipeline, and it will create some ongoing jobs afterwards, and it will also help

things to know from this week

-Compiled by Brooke Conrad

Q: What are some of the most important issues in Nebraska right now, and what do you hope to accomplish by the end of your term? A: Our whole vision for the state of Nebraska is to grow. Forbes already ranks us the No.1 state for regulatory environment, and we know that’s a big deal when companies are thinking about expanding or moving to Nebraska. We also have to focus on controlling our spending, so that we can deliver tax relief, and we’ve done that. I’ve reduced the growth of government by 90 percent; it was growing at 6 percent before I took over as governor. Q: Outside of politics, what do you like most about living in Nebraska? A: The best thing about Nebraska is the people. Nebraskans are just incredibly warm, generous, hospitable, friendly people that care about each other. Q: You also are on the board for the Chicago Cubs. How has the season gone this year? A: Well, we made it to the playoffs for the third year in a row, and that hasn’t happened in over a century. So while we fell short of getting to the World Series, it was still a very good year, and we’ll look forward to re-tooling the team next year to be competitive again.

Man opens fire on church in Texas on Sunday Devin P. Kelley, 26, opened fire during a morning service in Sutherland Springs, Texas on Sunday, killing 26. It was later discovered that the U.S. Navy had failed to record the gunman’s history of domestic violence, which would have prevented him from obtaining his firearm.

A3 Nov. 9, 2017

Students rehearse for the Opera Workshop. S. Nathaniel Grime | Collegian

In brief:

Zombie run on Saturday By | Allison Schuster Collegian Reporter

Opera Workshop opens this weekend By | S. Nathaniel Grime Assistant Editor The classic comedic operetta “The Pirates of Penzance” is coming to Hillsdale this weekend. Hillsdale College students have been busy preparing all fall for this semester’s Opera Workshop production. The effort is entirely student-driven, with senior music major Jonathan Henreckson directing the performance for his senior project. “I thought this was a really good opportunity for people to do Pirates of Penzance,” Henreckson said. “It’s always been my favorite Gilbert and Sullivan show, and I just wanted other people to have a chance to be involved.” The show has three performances this weekend, beginning on Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m., at McNamara Rehearsal Hall in the Howard Music Hall. Performances are also Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. Ticket reservations

can be made by contacting the Sage Box Office either by phone or email. Henreckson, along with assistant director senior Elena Creed, are in charge of organizing the set, costumes, lighting, and staging, in addition to directing. “We wanted to keep the time commitment to a minimum,” Creed said. “Being able to fit rehearsal for a full-length show into less time has been a challenge.” Creed, a theater major, said a typical theater production involves 15 hours of rehearsal per week, whereas opera workshop has rehearsed only six hours per week. Opera Workshop allows students who may not be involved in acting to get an experience on the stage. “It offers a different perspective from plays,” junior Katie Buursma, a chorus member, said. “It allows people besides the theater department to be involved in

a production.” Junior Miles Garn plays the part of Frederic, the play’s male protagonist. Freshman Julia Salloum plays Mabel, the female protagonist. Juniors Emily Walker and Thomas Ryskamp are accompanying the entire show on the piano. “I really love getting to work with the cast,” Henreckson said. “As it went on, working with freshmen, sophomores, seniors, it’s been really fun getting to know people and getting them to shine on the stage. Henreckson encouraged students to come to one or more of the performances, promising it won’t disappoint. “The show is so enjoyable. It has humor, it has sorrow, it has pirates, it has policemen,” Henreckson said. “You get to see a bunch of young actors shine on the stage and see how far they’ve come. You’ll go away, without a doubt, humming, whistling, and singing the tunes.”

Mock trial team takes first

By | Philip Berntson Collegian Reporter The Hillsdale College mock trial team dominated its competition in the Windy City last weekend, taking first and sixth at the University of Illinois in the Chicago Illini Tournament. Team 1106 snagged its first trophy for 1st place this season with a perfect record of 8 wins and 0 losses. Team 1107 scored an honorable mention, sliding into 6th place with a record of five wins, two losses, and one tie. “We are in good spirits because the 5.5-2.5 record would get the team hypothetically into opening round of championships,” said Lauren Eicher, a sophomore and member of Team 1107. “We have some work to do on case theories and our presentation, but the improvement from Saturday’s rounds to Sunday’s was already evident.” Team 1106, gave an even better performance. Not only did it achieve a perfect score, but the team, captained by junior Nathan Cheng, won seven of the eight rounds by double digits. Cheng also scored his first Outstanding Attorney Award with 19 ranks. Twenty ranks is the highest an individual can score in one tournament. “We were all very excited for him and proud of his hard work on the team,” Eicher said. “Nathan is going on the Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program next semester so we were excited he ranked so well.”

If you thought spooky season was over, you’re dead wrong. Campus Recreation and Intramurals is hosting its fourth annual zombie run this Saturday at 7 p.m. at Hayden Park. The 1.5 mile run will feature zombies as well as a haunted house, which was just added last year. “Last year we took the zombie run in a new direction,” senior Michael Howard said. “While it used to just be a run, we incorporated a haunted house/barn for the first time last year. It was a huge success and we’re hoping to build on that this year.” Campus Rec events have grown within the last five years in terms of the number of events and the turnout from Hillsdale students. Last year there were around 110 runners and 45 zombies. This is their biggest single-day event of the year by far, according to Howard. Each year the Zombie Run turns into a bigger and better event, according to senior Margaret Odell. “Last year the event made Campus Rec as an organization more relevant on campus,” Odell said. “It was the catalyst to us being taken seriously.” Although they have been planning the event since the beginning of the semester, Campus Rec is working to set up every night this week. If interested in becoming a zombie, contact Margaret Odell at modell@hillsdale. edu. Runners should be at Hayden Park at 7 p.m. The event is free to students, and cider and donuts are provided afterwards.

Bookstore collects cans

By | Maria Speckhard Collegian Freelancer

The bookstore and the GOAL program are teaming up to support the Hillsdale community with a canned The Mock Trial team won first place at its tournament last week. goods drive. Nonperishable Lauren Eicher | Courtesy food items can be donated at the bookstore on Tuesday. Team 1106 tried out a new Hillsdale’s teams are seen as They will be distributed by defense theory this tournacompetitive teams,” Eicher Salvation Army and High ment, swapping the “big-man said. “Both teams are excited Rise, an organization that defense theory,” in which to work hard and prepare for they cede part of the prosecu- the tournament in December. works to benefit residents of tion’s allegations against the We plan on scrimmaging with Hillsdale’s High Rise apartments. defendant in exchange for a 1106 to better our perforStudents will receive 20 defense centered on of one of mance before we face more percent off one bookstore the team’s strongest witnesses: difficult teams.” item per can donated. The senior Anna Fair Matthes. Freshman Julia Powell, a real incentive though, says “Anna Fair puts on an witness for Team 1107, said amazing performance. It she has been well-pleased with coordinator of trade books Angie Berry, is that “there’s just brings you to tears every the season so far. no better feeling than giving time.” said junior Natalie “The mood at tournaTaylor, an attorney for Team ments is probably my favorite to the community.” She estimates this is the 1106. “We were a lot more put part: it’s high energy, fun, fifth can drive the bookstore together this weekend. You and something humorous is has held, with varying decould really tell that everyone always bound to happen in grees of success. wanted it.” a round. And after spending “One year we only had Both teams learned over two full days and a long bus about five boxes, and some the weekend they were invited ride home with your teamyears guys have had to come to participate in the Yale mates, you grow really tight,” Invitational tournament this Powell said. “I think this type with truckloads,” Berry said. The bookstore has made December. of tight knit community really special effort this year to “This is very exciting symbolizes what Hillsdale is promote the can drive, even because it shows that both of all about.” placing a radio ad on the airwaves. Claire Gwilt, a student volunteer for Salvation By | Jacquelyn Eubanks Army, works directly with Veterans Hall of Fame Inc. to help veterans. the people to whom the Collegian Reporter “It’s a part of local history Associate Dean of Men donations go. The Hillsdale County “They are so grateful for that needs to be told, and a lot Jeffery Rogers, who served Veterans Hall of Fame will be everything that the Salvation of people recognized, attend26 years in the Navy, said he holding its annual award and Army is able to offer them,” ed, or worked for Hillsdale and two other veterans will induction ceremony at 7 p.m., College,” Yoder said. Gwilt said in an email. be folding the American flag Nov. 9 in the Phillips AuditoThe drive, said Berry, is Seven annual awards will at the ceremony to honor all rium. an opportunity for both the also be presented by Hillsdale those who have served in the bookstore and Hillsdale ColTen soldiers, a veteran for College graduate and retired military. lege students to help those in each war from the War of Air Force Col. John Williams “What about the guys need. 1812 to the Iraq War, will be and commemorative coins who never got a thank-you?” “We’re just so thankful inducted, as well as one miliand blessed to be able to tary unit, according to a press marking the 100th anniversa- Rogers said. “We do this to support the community,” release from Roger Yoder, the ry of World War I will be sold remember those.” Berry said. founder of Hillsdale County at the event. Proceeds will go

10 veterans to be inducted into hall of fame

Ikea coming to southeast Michigan A Macomb County Executive confirmed on Monday that Ikea is interested in opening a new store in southeast Michigan. The possibilities include Macomb County and Oakland County, although Ikea has not yet released a formal statement on its plans.

iOS 11 causes autocorrect problems iPhone users have complained that Apple’s new iOS 11 update, launched in September, autocorrects the lowercase “i” to a capital “A.” Apple said it will fix the problem in its next software update.

Disney, 21st Century Fox discuss merger Twenty-First Century Fox Inc. has recently held talks with The Walt Disney Co. about selling most of their company to Disney in order to focus on news and sports, rather than on entertainment. The talks are currently not happening but could resume in the future.

Trump visits South Korea During his first trip to Asia, President Donald Trump addressed the parliament in Seoul on Wednesday, criticizing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The day before he called Pyongyang to “make a deal” with him.

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Check with student activities before you plan events The opinion of The Collegian editorial staff

Abortion is not an ‘um’ issue By | Madeline Fry Culture Editor In a cute sailor jacket with “je t’aime” embroidered in white thread over the heart, Hillsong Church pastor Carl Lentz discussed faith and politics on “The View” talk show last week. Despite his charming nod to French tenderness (and its $2600 Saint Laurent price tag), he forgot to extend his “I love you” to all people — only to those who are already born. When host Joy Behar asked Lentz if it was a sin in his church to have an abortion, Lentz hedged. “Um,” he started. “That’s the kind of conversation we would have, finding out your story, where you’re from, what you believe. Yeah, I mean, God’s the judge.” On Tuesday, after backlash over his non-answer had percolated for more than a week, Lentz retreated via Twitter, writing, “I do believe abortion is sinful.” But this reaction came a little late. Abortion is not an “um” issue. Instead of explaining the values of his faith, the megachurch pastor dodged the question at the moment when he had a chance to reach an audience beyond the 7,000 attendees of his New York City church. Worse, moments before, Lentz complained to the show’s hosts that people think disagreement with each other means the end of a conversation. He must agree, however, because instead of risking the ire of Behar, he refused to take a stance on an issue where he should’ve expressed clear principles. “People have to live to their own convictions,” he added. If I believed that, I’d spend my weekends shopping for thousand-dollar jackets, not wresting myself from a sleep-deprived stupor to attend church on Sunday morning. Last year, I spent the summer attending Lentz’s church in New York City. But, as I realized by August, going to church felt more like fitting in than embracing uncomfortable, but essential, truths. When Behar asked the talking Saint Laurent jacket whether abortion was an issue with two distinct sides, Lentz was quick to paint himself as a judgement-free safe space — and offend all pro-life Christians in the process. “Some people would say it is,” he said. “I think to me I’m trying to teach people who Jesus is first, find out their story. Before I start picking

and choosing what is sin in your life, I’d like to know your name.” So those who say abortion is immoral — aloud, and not just on Twitter — cannot also explain who Jesus is, listen to others’ stories without judgement, and learn and speak their names? Nope. We’re those Christians, you know, not the cool ones — the ones who have convictions and don’t shop at Saint Laurent. Having a conversation with someone about her background, determining the best way to explain truth to her, is acceptable. Scrapping moral standards altogether is not. Lentz may not have read this in “Always Only Dodging the Question” or whatever he keeps on his nightstand, but learning who Jesus is includes learning what he teaches. And he teaches reverence for all human life. As Advent and the Christmas season approach, many Christians will hear a particular story from the gospel of Luke read in church: Mary, carrying Christ in her womb, visits her cousin Elizabeth, who knows without words the miracle Mary bears within her. How does the Holy Spirit choose to share this spiritual wisdom with Elizabeth? Through her own unborn child, the infant John the Baptist, who senses the presence of God’s son and leaps within her womb. “In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!’” (Luke 1:42-45). At this, Mary praises the Lord in a beautiful prayer, the Magnificat, repeated in churches today. But not Hillsong, probably. Scripture reading is limited to whatever passages strike the pastor as suitable for his sermon. Plus, the prolife undertones might offend somebody. Lentz may hope to draw in more believers by sidestepping doctrine, but I’m sorry I ever attended his church. Next time he has the opportunity to witness to non-Christians, maybe instead of spending almost $3000 on a jacket, he could buy himself a few books on theology.

“Having a conver-

sation is acceptable... scrapping moral standards is not”

Madeline Fry is a senior studying French.

Saturday was busy. The Sigma Alpha Iota women’s music fraternity had its fall concert. Mauck and Koon residences had a joint costume party. Delta Sigma Phi fraternity held a Halloween party. Olds Residence’s glow party was also on Saturday evening. Kappa Kappa Gamma and Chi Omega sororities had their date parties. The Suites had scheduled a karaoke night with catering from Saucy Dog’s Barbeque. Because Kappa had re-

served the student activities office’s speakers, however, the Suites had to abandon the musical portion of its event. “We’ll be watching the schedule next time,” senior Duncan Voyles, Suites house director, said in an email. Having a variety of options to enjoy is great, especially for a small school like Hillsdale College. There’s something for everyone. But having too much on one evening can decrease attendance of events, spreading

the 1,500 students on campus thin. There are a limited number of weekends per semester for all of the parties, music concerts, theater performances, and sports events; but clubs, Greek houses, and residence halls should communicate with the student activities office staff to find a good weekend to hold an event, and alert them when they plan on holding an activity. Student Activities Director Ashlyn Landherr said the of-

fice knows about events when students submit information to be included in the email newsletter or reserve equipment. “We’ve looked into creating a calendar with all of the student activities on campus,” Landherr said. “That’s a goal.” To make that goal a reality, students should help out the office, send its staff an email, and work to make the most of campus events.

Citizens, not government, can solve gun violence By | Stefan Kleinhenz Special to The Collegian In the wake of another mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, the cry to government to prevent these events is once again at the forefront of our national conversation. Gun violence joins the problem of racism as one of the greatest challenges we currently face as a nation — a problem we expect government to fix. We can all agree we want change, but let’s assure we are looking for proper solutions and that we are searching for change in places where they can actually be found. The essence of human prosperity is the ability to overcome adversity — our American spirit is founded and built upon this nature. By reforming laws, our ancestors defeated the burdens of violent attacks through war, and conquered the struggles of those who were oppressed — both issues resolved by government intervention. Today we face similar challenges through the expression of violence and oppression, but they bear different burdens and call for different solutions. The issues our generation face are gun control and race relations. We are called, as were those who came before us, to unite and root out the issues that threaten our community, but we cannot expect the solutions of yesterday to solve the problems of today. Some historical threats

manifested themselves as threats to the nation as a whole and called for a response from the federal government because it fell under its jurisdiction; whereas the current threats we face, for the most part, affect such a small segment of the population that intervention from the state would be ineffective and, in some cases, even immoral. For example, a foreign entity attacked Americans 0n 9/11 and therefore called for the unity of our nation under the leadership of government. With the approval and request of the people, President Bush, as the ommander in chief, took measures to increase national security in order to assure such horrors never take place again. This was seen through dramatic changes to airline security, the Patriot Act — “Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism” — and ultimately the declaration of war against terrorism. The actions were fitting for the nature of the challenge. From the time of the abolition of slavery to the Civil Rights movement, there is no dispute that the path to freedom for the oppressed had to come from the hands of the legislative body. It was the laws of the land that encouraged and allowed for the oppression of African Americans. It was within government’s power to change it. Changes to institutional racism came when Congress enacted the 13th, 14th, and

15th amendments to the Constitution and passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The actions were fitting for nature of the challenge. Natural security threats and racism were conquered by our ancestors and have evolved into what we now know as gun control and race relations. With it, the issues have advanced from a context where government was the most powerful force, to a situation where we as individuals hold the true power for change. In recent years, the tragic events of mass shootings have risen, and with them, the supplication of the people to government to prevent these tragedies — through the regulation of guns — has been prominent in our culture. In an idiosyncratic sense, the subjugation of the racism seen in today’s world faces a similar cry. We naturally turn to government because it is the most powerful friend we know, and it served as the solution to the problems of the past. We become angry that our government doesn’t solve the problem, but that assumes that government is vested with the power to do so. President Dwight Eisenhower said, “I think people want peace so much that government had better get out of their way and let them have it.” No matter how much we desire it, no level of government regulation or intervention will solve gun violence or racism because the challenges of our time are not fostered by

the threats of foreign powers or the laws of government. These issues arise from cultural hatred. And people change culture, not government. When viewing these two issues only through the lenses of our contemporary existence, ignoring their vast history, we fail to serve those who come after us. The natural progression of these issues has inherently called us to act, because in our days the power of change rests within our area of control, not government’s. The collective power of individuals who unite against a problem far surpasses that of government. President Ronald Reagan said, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” Our plea for help, in regards to gun violence and racism, should not be to government, but to ourselves. Issues of the law belong to the government, but issues of humanity belong to the people. Leo Tolstoy said, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” Are we concerned with cementing our legacy in the government archives, or in the hearts of men? Photo Caption The hour has come where it | Name Aven our generation must decide if the law of government or the nature of humanity is to blame for the violence and oppression we see — and subsequently, decide who is called to action. Stefan Kleinhenz is a freshman studying the liberal arts.

Fact checking doesn’t tell the whole truth By | Nicole Ault Assistant editor Your mother may have told you that a half-truth is a lie, but she wasn’t a professional fact checker. At the Washington Post, fact checkers slap statements with up to four Pinocchios, and fact-checking site PolitiFact has a “Truth-OMeter” with six shades of true and false — including, heaven forbid, “Pants on Fire.” Fact checkers like these are getting a high-profile boost: Two weeks ago, Google announced a partnership with the Poynter Institute’s International Fact-Checking Network in order to increase the number of fact checkers, expand fact checkers’ presence internationally, and provide fact-checking tools to IFCN signatories. Fact checking has cropped up in dozens of sites and columns in recent years, claiming to root out fake news and politicians’ false statements. In themselves, these are noble endeavors. But promoting fact checking as a special branch of journalism is the wrong way to deal with these problems. Though touting themselves as neutral arbiters of truth, fact-checking sites aren’t bastions of objective truth. Bias appears in deciding whom to fact check, what statements to fact check, and what sources to use in evaluation — and readers, recognizing this, are skeptical. A 2016 poll by Rasmussen Reports found that 62 percent of voters distrust media fact checking candidates’ statements. Among Trump supporters, distrust skyrocketed to 88 percent. In part, this is because some fact checkers haven’t

skirted the bias of regular media. A 2013 George Mason University study found, for example, that PolitiFact declared 54 percent of Democrat statements to be true but only 18 percent of Republican claims. Maybe Republicans lie more, but that statistic “probably has more to do with how the statements were picked and the subjective bias of the fact checker involved than anything remotely empirical,” wrote Peter Roff for U.S. News & World Report. But media consumers, on both ends of the political spectrum, perpetuate the problem. Research has found that confirmation bias — the tendency to believe reports that confirm beliefs, no matter how true the reports are — is exacerbated when it comes to politics. During the 2004 presidential election, an Emory University neurological study of a group of Republicans and Democrats found that participants of both parties were far more critical of statements made by the other party’s candidate than those made by their favored politician. And they used the parts of their brains associated with emotion, not reason, as they judged the claims. Fact-checking sites, then, are unlikely to change people’s minds on matters of fact. But fact checkers don’t just deal with matters of fact. “Calling it ‘fact checking’ is meant to convey an extra degree of objective authority, but ‘fact check’ journalists do not limit themselves to questions of verifiable objective fact,” writes columnist James Taranto for the Wall Street Journal. “Sometimes their

‘rulings’ are mere opinions on matters about which they do not know the facts, or that are not factual questions at all.” As an egregious example, Taranto points out PolitiFact’s response to Obama’s claim that, under the Affordable Care Act, Americans who like their insurance plans can keep them. In 2008, Taranto notes, PolitiFact declared this statement “true” on the basis of Obama’s own claims about the program. In 2009 and 2012, as people started losing their plans, the fact checker called it “Half True.” In 2013, PolitiFact bashed the statement as its “Lie of the Year.” What else are fact checkers telling us today that, five years from now, will be debunked? Statistics — generally deemed “facts” because they’re numbers — aren’t clear cut, either. At a meeting last month with residents in Charleston, West Virginia, the Washington Post reported, PolitiFact representatives demonstrated their methods by looking at a claim from Bernie Sanders that less than 10 percent of the defense budget goes into fighting international terrorism. PolitiFact representatives explained how they evaluate the statement, presenting expert opinions and budget analyses that cast doubt on the claim. But in the end, the audience had mixed conclusions about the claim’s truthfulness, some calling it “false,” some “mostly false.” “See, this fact-checking thing, it isn’t so easy, is it?” the Post reporter concluded. “Facts” are ambiguous, and fact checkers’ methods allude to that. Between shades of

falsehood — or Pinocchios — the reporter’s arbitrariness inevitably slips in. One Washington Post reporter even wrote about “wavering” between delivering two or three Pinocchios to a claim by EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. Suddenly, fact checking looks just like regular journalism: at best, an attempt at objectivity, delivered from the reporter’s non-objective point of view. But by dubbing itself “fact checking” and splashing the name across special web pages, the practice removes itself from journalism. Fact checking signals the end of a conversation: Here are the facts, case closed. True journalism advances discourse — not by claiming to have indisputable facts, but by pointing out nuances and contributing other viewpoints and information. It recognizes that political debates are chock-full of philosophy and experiences that can’t be whittled down to numbers but can still be true or false. (Truth, after all, runs deeper than facts.) Good journalists have always been fact checkers of their own work. They should continue to be so, and, through good research and reporting, they can evaluate claims made by others, too. But they shouldn’t call it fact checking and relegate it to elite corners of the media. Fact checking shouldn’t be the special forces of journalism — it should be at the heart of it. That probably won’t look so simple as a scale of four Pinocchios. But it will get us closer to the truth. Nicole Ault is a junior studying economics.

Opinions Conservatives must fight media’s censorship of pro-life content www.hillsdalecollegian.com

By | Chandler Lasch Web Editor Censorship of conservative ideas has increased recently across social media platforms, and even the iTunes App Store, and conservatives are right to fight back. Even people who don’t agree with their ideas should be concerned about this restriction in discourse. Conservatives deserve a chance to have their ideas heard. Pro-life organizations have been especially censored. Live Action— a pro-life group known for their videos of animated abortion procedures and investigative journalism exposing Planned Parenthood for covering up sex trafficking and other horrors— is not allowed to have sponsored content on Twitter, meaning they cannot advertise on the social media platform. The Susan B. Anthony list, a non-profit organization that

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supports pro-life politicians, faces the same restrictions. The censorship began earlier this year when Twitter told Live Action that their advertisements would not be allowed unless they removed “offensive” and “inflammatory” content. Rhetoric calling for the defunding of Planned Parenthood falls under these vague rules, according to Twitter. SBA list was told that the phrase “killing babies” was not allowed in a video advertisement. Twitter had previously halted advertisements from Rep. Marsha Blackburn, because she spoke about her desire “to stop the sale of body parts” by Planned Parenthood. Twitter later allowed the advertisements, but only after they were criticized for it, proving that if people speak out, change is possible. “Twitter was wrong to censor Rep. Blackburn’s ads, and only did the right thing

when they were subjected to media scrutiny,” said Lila Roe, the president of Live Action. “Twitter must now lift the ban on similar advertising from Live Action and SBA List. Twitter has significant power as a media channel to influence public opinion, and just as with Representative Blackburn, they have no business silencing the pro-life voice.” Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood is allowed to run their ads. In a similar case, Human Coalition, a pro-life group dedicated to providing longterm care for pregnant women in need, has saved the lives of more than 7,000 babies, according to their Twitter page. The organization had a mobile application for four years, which was downloaded twenty thousand times. On the app, people could see prayer requests for women considering abortion, with posts such as “Someone considering

abortion in Detroit, Michigan scheduled an appointment with a center.” Users could then anonymously indicate that they were praying for the situation. The app was removed from the iTunes Store this summer. According to Human Coalition’s website, the removal came without warning, although the app had been criticized by pro-choice members of the media in the weeks preceding the decision. When Human Coalition reached out to Apple, the company did not answer their questions about why the app was removed. “There is a growing trend in the U.S. to attempt to deter or silence Americans who oppose the fatal discrimination against pre-born children,” Brian Fisher, the president of Human Coalition, told Fox News. “This move by Apple is not surprising, though it is a deep disappointment.” It isn’t just pro-life views

which are being censored. Prager University, which produces videos offering a conservative perspectives on a wide range of topics, recently announced that they had filed a lawsuit “to stop Google and YouTube from unlawfully censoring its educational videos and discriminating against its right to freedom of speech.” More than 50 PragerU videos have been moved into “restricted” mode, meaning some users won’t be able to watch them depending on their settings, or “demonetized,” meaning ads cannot run before those videos and PragerU misses out on the revenue they would have generated. While the “restricted” videos typically contain content that is inappropriate for younger audiences, the PragerU channel contains no such content. Some of the videos that are restricted include explanations of the sixth commandment, the founding of

Israel, and “Why Did America Fight the Korean War.” “Watch any one of our videos and you’ll immediately realize that Google/ YouTube censorship is entirely ideologically driven,” said Dennis Prager, the founder of PragerU. “Their censorship is profoundly damaging because Google and YouTube own and control the largest forum for public participation in video-based speech in not only California [where PragerU is based], but the United States, and the world.” If you think these organizations shouldn’t be censored because of their beliefs, there are three petitions you can sign. Go to liveaction.org/ twitter-petition, prolifeapp. com, and prageru.com (click on “Petitions”). It’s important to fight for these voices to be heard. Chandler Lasch is a senior studying history.

Senate should scrap ‘blue slip’ process for court nominees By | Zachary Rogers Special to The Collegian Democrats are using the blue slip process to obstruct the nomination of U.S. Circuit and District Court judges. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, should not allow this to continue any longer. He can and should reform the blue slip policy. The American regime is one in which the will of the majority prevails without trampling the rights of the minority under equal law. The Senate Judiciary Committee uses the blue slip, a Senate custom, to seek approval or disapproval of the home-state Senators

on judicial nominees.The judiciary committee sends a blue slip to these Senators, who may return it with a positive or negative opinion or it may not be returned at all. Local judges have a significant impact on the home-state of Senators and this system allows them to make their opinion known. The blue slip originated out of senatorial courtesy, the deference and respect one Senator affords another. This includes the practice of allowing Senators from the home-state of the nominee — originally of the same party as the president — to block nomination to a post within the state. The Senate typically gives deference to the stance of the home-state Senator.

The first known use of the blue slip occurred in 1917 and its practice has varied over time. For example, in its first iteration from 1917 to 1955, the blue slip allowed home-state Senators to express their objections but they could not derail a nomination. The Judiciary Committee could still move forward on a nomination, and the objecting Senator would be able to air his complaint on the floor. This custom has varied in practice over time. It is not a sacrosanct tradition nor a Senate rule. It is a means for the opposition to give advice, not control the process. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, wrote in October for

National Review Online that he is ready to prioritize the appointment of judges. Nominees who are passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee will be made a Senate priority. The chairman of the Senate judiciary committee sets the policy covering the blue slip. Grassley should not hesitate to modify the policy as necessary to further deliberation and allow for the nomination of judges who will shape the legal system for decades to come. Zachary Rogers is a student in the Van Andel Graduate School of Statesmanship.

Sen. Chuck Grassley has the power to change “blue slip” rules, and he should use it. Flickr

Letter to the Editor

By | Jo Kroeker

The Modern Church

Dear Editor,

Sophomore Garrison Grisedale argued that Conservatives ought to fight back against the hypocrisy of Hollywood and battle the Left in a culture war in an article titled “Trump shows conservatives how to fight and win a culture war.” President Trump ought to serve as a model, according to Grisedale. Grisedale wrote that Trump demonstrates a way to fight back and win. He defines winning as accomplishing “the delegitimization of today’s elites.” I have objections to the “warfare” terminology that only leads to greater animosity between Americans on the Right and the Left, but putting that aside, Grisedale does not explain what the goal of Conservatives and Trump should be in this so-called war, aside from delegitimizing elites. He connected this with the Weinstein scandal, in which Trump played no part, and Trump’s angry tweets at athletes. The only actual victory he pointed out was the election itself, but clearly this is differ-

ent from winning the culture war if it’s still being fought. Perhaps another victory was when Pence walked out of a football game, something which Grisedale admits was “criticized as a political stunt,” though it did frame Pence as a fighter. So what should Conservatives be doing? Like many on both sides of the aisle, Grisedale ignores the possibility that our goal should actually be to convince those who disagree with us. Angry rants on Twitter may earn us retweets from the choir we’re preaching to, but what good is that? And walking out of a football game when everyone knew players were going to kneel beforehand — did anyone who sympathizes with the players actually think that made Pence’s position worth reconsidering? (Don’t get me wrong; if you don’t like players kneeling, I think you should stop watching games. This move was much more dramatic, not to mention expensive.) Trump is not a good leader for Conservatives if we want to persuade those on the other side. Such a persuasiveness

requires a calmness, self-control, and respect for others that Trump does not have. Grisedale mentioned the recent Weinstein incident. Hollywood may be hypocritical if it can defend Weinstein and condemn Trump for his famous comments which, while they don’t make him a rapist, showed a disgusting attitude towards women’s bodies. When Conservatives look at the Left in Hollywood who defended Weinstein, we see hypocrites. When the Left looks at the Right claiming to care about women and defending Trump, they see the same thing. You may argue that isn’t fair, but it doesn’t matter. You won’t convince them. I understand the relief that Conservatives feel at having a president who is just as frustrated at the Left as we are. But he should not be the leader we want to look to when it comes to changing hearts and minds.

Supporters of secularization appeal to the self-centeredness of students in order to attack the Judeo-Christian values that define the liberal arts’ pursuit of truth. This self-centeredness is the desire to subject truth to personal feelings rather than the objective will of what the founders described as the “Laws of Nature and Nature’s God.” It has destroyed this virtuous pursuit under the false pretenses of “inclusivity” and “diversity.” Secularization would unleash this Orwellian culture onto our campus. How can Hillsdale live up to its mission if it adopts this culture? Just look at the consequences of secularization at schools such as Oberlin, St. John’s, Swarthmore, and Denison. Blake’s op-ed touted these schools as examples of secularized liberal arts institutions with religious backgrounds. Yet, all four of these schools have become cesspools of trigger warnings, safe spaces, and identity politics. At Swarthmore, students have been taking classes such as a seminar on “Fat Justice and Feminism,” which teaches

them to fault Ronald Reagan for the troubles of fat people. Denison University is run amok with divisive race hustlers and Black Lives Matter activists. One of its professors even claimed that stating “all lives matter” is “covert” white racism. After becoming a secular institution in 1964, Oberlin College has reaped the poisonous fruits of its decision. It has included safe spaces for feminists feeling unsafe about a female conservative speaker coming to campus and even considered a policy mandating transgender sensitivity training for the sake of “inclusivity.” Despite being known for teaching the great works of western society, St. John’s College has not been immune to the consequences of secularizing as it has promoted a student study group examining the “depravity of whiteness.” From these documented incidents, it would be utterly laughable to claim that these secularized institutions are even pursuing truth. When examining Estep’s article, I thought of Oklahoma Wesleyan University president

Dr. Everett Piper’s speech at the 39th Annual National Conservative Student Conference. In his speech, Piper echoed the warning reflected in Richard Weaver’s 1948 book, “Ideas Have Consequences.” In light of the recent desire to secularize our school, my fellow Hillsdale students and faculty ought to heed this warning. It is no wonder Piper declared at YAF that higher education in America is in a crisis as many more of these institutions act as progressive indoctrination centers after falling into the trap of secularization. Hillsdale is among the few that do not even face these incidents since it aims to educate rather than indoctrinate. Based on the actual consequences of secularizing, why should our school even consider this terrible idea?

Chandler Lasch is a senior studying history.

Secularizing Hillsdale would lead to progressive education By | Doyle Wang Special to The Collegian

Secular ideas have wrought devastating consequences upon colleges that are easy to see. Yet there are students even here at Hillsdale who want our school to follow the recent secular trends of our culture. One of these students, Blake Estep, last semester wrote an op-ed titled “The Importance of Identity, Why Hillsdale College Should Consider Secularization.” Estep proposes to secularize our school by dissolving its religious affiliation and ending its identification as a “Christian institution.” He argues that Hillsdale’s religious identity discourages non-Christians from attending, thereby limiting religious dialogue to a “majority Christian perspective” and hindering its pursuit of truth. Advocates of secularization claim that ending Hillsdale’s religious connections would make the college more “inclusive” for non-Christians and foster a diverse student body.

Contrary to these claims, Hillsdale is succeeding in its mission of pursuing truth and opening its door to all. It is not taking any coercive action to limit the diversity of religious dialogue on campus. The very existence of God can be up for debate here on campus. Even with its religious affiliation, the student body actually contains a variety of faiths, including Catholicism, Anglicanism, Calvinism, Lutheranism, Mormonism, and Judaism. Opponents may allege that the first five of these are Christian, yet they teach different principles and doctrines whereas the Bible instructs Christians to be of the “same mind” and “same judgment” (I Cor. 1:10, NKJV). Besides letting good ideas to be taught, Hillsdale’s self-proclamation as a “Christian institution” allows for a strong presence of religious liberty not often present at most other institutions. The very Christian ideals emphasize on freedom and its strong connection to truth. The apostle Paul wrote that “where the spirit of the Lord is, there is

liberty” (II Cor. 3:17, NKJV). Jesus Himself proclaims to be “the way, the truth, and the life” (Jn. 14:6, NKJV) and that the truth shall set men free (Jn. 8:32). With this biblical principle ingrained within its identity, Hillsdale manages to foster a lively environment of civil discourse and religious tolerance not seen today in most other institutions. Another false claim labels the college as a “self-imposed echo chamber” that prevents students from knowing why they hate ideas such as communism and moral relativism. In fact, classes in the politics, philosophy, and economics departments give thorough examination of these ideals. One class, Modern Political Philosophy II, focuses on the arguments of subjectivist thinkers such as Hegel, Nietzsche, and Marx. The Koran is discussed in the Western Theological Tradition core class. Estep’s op-ed even admitted that the college is “generally inclusive” of non-Christian students. Unfortunately, it is not enough for the opponents of Hillsdale’s religious identity.

Doyle Wang is a sophomore studying politics. He is a George Washington Fellow.

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Hillsdale County Election Results HILLSDALE MAYOR

Adam Stockford 473 70.81 percent Scott Sessions 371 24.11 percent

HILLSDALE CITY COUNCIL Ward 1

Ward 3

R. Gregory Stuchell 101 Ted Jansen 82 Dennis L. Wainscott 55

Ward 2

William Morrisey

Local business owners speak out against Meijer, hinder progress A motion that could increase the City of Hillsdale’s income by levying taxes on the incoming Meijer grocery store planned to be built in Fayette Township failed to carry at a Nov. 6 Hillsdale City Council meeting, after local business owners spoke out against the the plan. Called a 425 Agreement, the re-zoning arrangement would allow the City of Hillsdale and Fayette Township to share tax revenues from the Meijer corporation. Additionally, it would allow the city to offer water and electric services to Meijer via the Board of Public Utilities. City Manager David Mackie spoke in favor of passing the agreement. He advised the council to consider that the way the city treats Meijer will signal to other corporations looking to move into the area the degree to which Hillsdale is open for business. “If we basically turn Meijer down, which is a good Michigan-based business, the likelihood of us finding another business, whether it be manufacturing or anything else, is going to be very slim or unlikely,” he said. Councilman Bill Zeiser voiced his agreement with Mackie, stating that it would be foolish for the city to turn away a big business that could provide jobs and revenue in the city. Councilman Adam Stockford abstained from voting or partaking in the discussion, because his employer, Elwood Staffing, often does scouting

for Meijer locations. Councilmen Matt Bell and Brian Watkins were not present at the meeting. A large gathering of local businesses spoke out against the agreement, fearing that it might threaten their livelihood by adding a another competitor in an already crowded field of grocery stores that includes Market House, Kroger, and Wal-Mart. Speaking through tears and in a voice cracked with passion, Market House owner Brett Boyd pleaded with the city to vote no on the 425 Agreement. “What makes Hillsdale county unique is the family owned businesses that we are so blessed to have in our midst,” he said. “My main concern is not just about Market House and the grocery business that could be impacted, but it’s the downtown. It’s the heart of Hillsdale, the heart of Jonesville. If you look at these folks who have a long history of giving back to the community, they’re at risk. They will be threatened. They will be threatened.” Last year, Boyd opened a Biggby Coffee franchise next door to Market House, adding another competitor to a downtown already saturated with local coffee shops such as Checker Records and Jilly Beans. Other business owners such as Rich Galloway of Current Office Solutions, Kevin Conant of Here’s to You Pub and Grub, and Jane Stewart of Smith’s Flowers reiterated Boyd’s comments and urged the city to consider the welfare of local businesses.

“It’s a very hard decision, probably one of the hardest,” Mayor Scott Sessions said. When it came time for council to vote, Zeiser motioned to pass the 425 Agreement. A long silence followed, and no one seconded the motion. At last, Mayor Scott Sessions cleared his throat and said: “Alright, motion fails to carry.” As the meeting was drawing to a close, Councilman Bruce Sharp said he chose not to vote for the agreement because of Boyd’s speech. “I will always support local businesses first,” he said. “We are family in this town and we will always be that way.” Zeiser said he foresees much growth for Hillsdale if council continues to make these sorts of decisions. “Presumably that Meijer will open in Jonesville or somewhere nearby,” he said. “The only difference is we won’t get any taxable revenue from it.” Mackie confirmed this statement, saying that Meijer could potentially partner with another city for taxes and utility services. After the meeting, Zeiser told The Collegian that the motion for the 425 Agreement is not necessarily dead because council did not vote on it. He also mentioned that even if it was dead, the City of Hillsdale and Fayette Township could potentially restructure the agreement and bring it up again soon. “It’s still an open issue,” he said. “I’ll do everything I can to help it along.”

BPU director announces retirement By | Scott McClallen Assistant Editor

Hillsdale Board of Public Utilities Director Mike Barber announced his plan to retire effective Jan. 1, 2018, in a letter given to City Manager David Mackie during Monday’s city council meeting. “I would like to thank my BPU board and the city council for allowing me this opportunity and their support for the past few years,” Barber’s letter said. “Working with both of these bodies has

been great and I feel we have accomplished a great deal.” Sessions said he enjoyed working with Barber and that the city would miss him. “I just want to thank him for everything he’s done for the city,” Mayor Scott Sessions said. Barber has worked for the the BPU for 39 years. He was appointed interim manager of the BPU in October 2015 when Nate Rusk was fired for not disclosing the full costs to the HBPU board of directors of rebuilding the BPU’s power

Bill Zeiser

159

Ray Briner Penny Swan

143 128

Ward 4 92

53 percent 47 percent

LITCHFIELD MAYOR

Local business owners opposed the city’s plans to reach a 425 agreement, which would have allowed Meijer to move into the City of Hillsdale. Kaylee McGhee | Collegian

By | Nic Rowan Assistant Editor

42 percent 34 percent 23 percent

generation plant’s diesel generators on Baw Beese Lake. Barber was appointed the director of the HBPU in January 2016 by the Hillsdale City Council upon the HBPU board’s recommendation. “Mike stepped up to help BPU in the time of need,” Mackie said in an email. “We wish Mike and his family all the best as they enter into a new phase of their life.” Barber did not respond to requests for an interview and the BPU declined to comment.

O.R. Smith

LITCHFIELD CITY COUNCIL Open Ballot

Don Bannock 74 Kevin Collins 72 Rick Siebert 66

Election from A1

Zeiser said he is looking forward to working with Stockford because he will be a proactive, positive, public face for the City of Hillsdale. Having worked with Stockford on the city council, Zeiser said the mayor-elect brings new ideas to help grow Hillsdale’s economy. “Stockford is uniquely situated,” Zeiser said. “He understands what it takes to bring employers in and get people jobs.” French said he wasn’t surprised by the election results, but Stuchell’s victory in Ward 1 did shock many residents — including Stuchell. “It was a huge surprise,” Stuchell said. “I thought my advantage would be a low voter turnout, but it was so high that I didn’t think I had a chance.”

He said write-in campaigns are nearly impossible at a state and federal level, but his victory proved that citizens were looking for another option. Stuchell entered the race six weeks before the election, and described his campaign as “neighbors talking to neighbors.” “I only spent $200 on the campaign total. I had cards made with a picture of my family on them, and we went door to door talking to people,” Stuchell said. Stuchell’s decision to run for city council was last-minute. The city council’s initiative to allow medical marijuana dispensaries downtown — unanimously rejected in a Sept. 18 meeting — motivated him to get involved. “It’s a moral issue,” Stuchell said. “That’s not the kind of business you want in town. I knew I had to do something.”

35 percent 34 percent 31 percent

Some residents have voiced concerns about Stuchell’s victory. “I am saddened to see someone who has never shown any interest at all in local politics until the marijuana initiative came up get elected,” Hillsdale resident Penny Swan said. “There is a huge amount of knowledge that goes into being on council and not something that should be done on whim.” Stockford said that he looks forward to working with Stuchell and the other elected city council members. He said he intends on appointing a mayor pro-tempore as well as assigning new committee appointments. “It’s time to get right down to business,” Stockford said. “I want the surrounding communities to know the City of Hillsdale is open for business.”

Hillsdale County Democrats host governor hopeful By | Kaylee McGhee City News Editor The Hillsdale County Democratic Party held a meet-and-greet with Shri Thanedar, a Democratic candidate for governor, in its meeting on Wednesday. Jessy Vigelow, vice chairman for the group, said the Hillsdale County Democrats invite all Democratic candidates in order to get the Democratic voice out and provide more options for voters. “We get a lot of positive feedback,” Vigelow said. “A lot of our members like the difference in thoughts. They like the out-ofthe-box views the various candidates offer.” Thanedar told The Collegian he hopes to appeal to both sides of the political spectrum and that his history as a small business owner and immigrant helps him bridge the divide. “Someone like me would come in and say, ‘What is the right thing to do?’ instead of

focusing on a particular ideology,” he said. Born in India, Thanedar said he grew up in a financially struggling family, giving him a unique political perspective. He said he understands the anger and frustration expressed by the working

compassionate alternative. “I wouldn’t squander money or use taxpayer dollars inefficiently,” Thanedar said. “And I would do all of this with a heart of compassion, which we haven’t seen in Lansing for the past seven years.” The election is more than a year away, but the chairman of the Hillsdale County Democrats, Mike Sutton, said it is never too early to start giving the candidates attention. Sutton said the group will endorse the candidate that wins the primary election on Aug. 7, 2018. Vigelow said despite Hillsdale County’s Republican edge, the Democratic group doesn’t see it as a battle. “We’re just trying to stand up for Democratic values. We want to get the Democratic voice out there in Hillsdale County,” she said. “It’s small but fierce.”

“We want to get the Democratic voice out there in Hillsdale County. It’s small but fierce.” class in the 2016 presidential election. “There was a lot of anger from the working poor,” he said. “Their lives have not improved over the last 10 to 20 years.” Thanedar said even though Hillsdale County is predominantly right-leaning, he can offer a financially savvy and

City News

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A7 Nov. 9, 2017 Tritchka’s visual for what the black bear sculpture will eventually look like. Madeleine Jepsen | Collegian

The Baw Beese Black Bears Sculptor Heather Tritchka begins project for new statue By | Madeline Jepsen Science & Tech Editor

(Top to Bottom) Sculptor Heather Tritchka and her daughters pose with a bear cub; Another image of the future black bear sculpture. Heather Tritchka | Courtesy

After finishing the Winona statue installed in Mrs. Stocks Park in June, local sculptor Heather Tritchka ’98 set her sights on a new project: sculpting native Michigan animals for an installment at Baw Beese Lake. She will begin sculpting the first animals, a mother black bear and her two cubs, this December and said the finished sculptures will be unveiled in fall 2018. “This idea has rolled around in my head for a lot of years, and I spent a lot of time on that walk,” Tritchka said. “So after Winona was done, I said, ‘Yeah, I think it’s time to go after that idea.’” Although the exact location for the sculptures are yet to be determined, Tritchka said she envisions the life-size bears in an opening off the trail with a couple of benches where parents can sit down while kids interact with the piece. The mother bear will be

Deer diagnosed with deadly disease, horses at risk By | Nicole Ault Assistant Editor A deer found in Hillsdale County last month tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a disease carried by mosquitoes that’s particularly threatening for horses. “It’s not terribly frequent, but it does occur and is something we know is a possibility in ruminant populations,” said Rebecca Burns, health officer at the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services notified the agency the week of Oct. 13 of the diagnosis, which was the first EEE diagnosis in the county this year, Burns said. According to the Michigan Emerging Diseases website, seven horses in Michigan have been diagnosed with EEE in 2017. There have been no cases of humans with the disease

this year, although people are susceptible. Those under the age of 15 and over the age of 50 are most vulnerable to the disease, but no more than 5 percent of human infections result in illness, which typically includes flu-like symptoms. Even fewer human cases are severe, and about a third of those are deadly, the website says. For horses, EEE symptoms include loss of awareness, incoordination, lethargy, and muscle paralysis, Burns said. According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, EEE fatality rates for horses ranges from 75 to 90 percent. It’s common practice to vaccinate horses against the disease every year, said Assistant Professor of Chemistry Courtney Meyet. She said she’s not too concerned about the disease cropping up locally since she has vaccinated her five horses.

As the cold weather wards off mosquitoes, the disease is less of a threat, Meyet said, noting that it’s best to vaccinate horses in the spring. The high cost of vaccines probably deter some people from doing so, she added. She said she spends about $500 on a full set of vaccines for her horses. Betsy Teetor, owner of Teetor Equestrian in Hillsdale, likewise said she wasn’t alarmed because she’s vaccinated her horses. “I heard that it was found in a deer and made note of it. But I haven’t changed anything about my horse management or worried about it at all,” she said. In general, that’s the attitude people should take, Burns said. “People should not be overly worried, but it’s a good reminder for them to vaccinate their horses and take precautions for themselves,” Burns said.

The recent Eastern Equine Encephalitis diagnosis could have a deadly effect on horses in Hillsdale County. Courtney Meyet | Courtesy

standing on her hind legs, her head raised to assess potential danger to her two cubs, who will sit next to her, oblivious to any bystanders. “I want the momma bear to be looking down the trail so that if you’re walking along the trail and catch a glimpse of her, you’re like, ‘Oh, what is that?’” Tritchka said. “Then as you get closer, I want the little bears to be interacting and not paying any attention to you and tussling over a berry branch or something cute and cub-like.” Hillsdale’s recreation department director, Michelle Loren, said planning for the statue is in the baby stages right now, but the statues will be an asset for the city. “We’re very excited,” Loren said. “That would be a huge addition for the whole park system, and the interactive statues will make the trail even more inviting.” Tritchka said she plans to sculpt the bears in clay during the winter in a studio space at 42 Union St. donated by

Rough Draft, and will have open studio times so the community can see the statue’s progress as Tritchka sculpts the clay. Rough Draft owner Carly Hubbard ’16 said the idea to donate studio space arose after the Heritage Foundation, which is helping fundraise and organize the black-bear statue project, used Rough Draft as a meeting space while working on the Winona statue project. “They were just looking for space, and I thought it was a cool way for the community to also be able to see the progress,” Hubbard said. Tritchka estimated the black bear project will cost $15,000 to $20,000 more in foundry expenses for the statue to be cast in bronze due to the size of the sculptures. Several grants have already been secured for the project, and anyone wishing to contribute to the project can send donations to the Heritage Foundation through P.O. Box 168.

Over Labor Day weekend, Tritchka and her daughters visited Oswald’s Bear Ranch in the Upper Peninsula, where Tritchka observed how black bears move and interact with their environment. Tritchka said they were able to pet a cub and throw apples to fully grown bears. “I wanted to see how they move and what it looks like so the statue’s gestures are realistic,” Tritchka said. “I’ve been doing a lot of bear anatomy research just to make sure I get the orientation of the joints, and what their shoulders are doing when they stand up on their back paws.” Tritchka said community members are welcome to stop in and talk with her once she begins the sculpting process in her studio space in December. “Everyone’s welcome to stop by Rough Draft and watch the progress,” Tritchka said. “If they want to help slap on clay, that would be great.”

By | Brendan Clarey Senior Writer More than 60 people gathered at Johnny T’s Bistro on Tuesday to celebrate the anniversary of President Donald Trump’s victory and learn what they can do to support the president. “The Michigan Trump Republicans primary focus is to keep the Trump voters engaged,” said Matt Maddock, who is running for the Michigan House of Representative next year and identifies as a Trump Republican. The evening started with the Pledge of Allegiance and a blessing before pizza was served. Members of the local community, Hillsdale College students, and several candidates for various political positions including Republican gubernatorial candidate Patrick Colbeck turned out for the event. Many wore “Make America Great Again” hats and T-shirts. One student, Avalon McKinney, a sophomore studying religion and Spanish, was the county co-chair for the Michigan Republicans last year. She has worked at rallies and targeted millennial voters around the state. “This event is a celebration of a victory that was

very hard to obtain last year, commending people for their hard work and trying to unify the Republican party under the president,” McKinney said. Carla and Dustin Adams attended the event to celebrate Trump and meet with those in the community who also support the president. “We wanted to see all the people in the community that support him and hopefully get some new faces, but we’re trying to drain the swamp,” said Carla Adams. Dustin Adams said that he likes what Trump has done to reform the courts. Meshawn Maddock, Maddock’s wife and a Republican national delegate for Trump, talked about the mission for Michigan Trump Republicans, stressing the importance of winning Michigan in 2020 starting with action now. “Michigan is crucial,” Maddock said. “That’s why we’re here.” Maddock also stressed the importance of local elections and encouraged everyone to sign up as precinct delegates. Grant Strobl, the national chairman for Young America’s Foundation and University of Michigan Young Amercans for Freedom president, also gave a speech where he

demonstrated the adversities that he’s seen Trump supporters overcome at the University of Michigan: student protests and “stymieing” from college administrators. He said he’s optimistic for the future of free speech on college campuses. He also addressed the Hillsdale students in the room. “You guys are so fortunate to be at such a bastion of conservatism here,” Strobl said. “But we all have to fight together. We have to encourage any young person you know stand up for what they believe in because if they don’t stand up for what they believe in on their campuses, nobody will.” The evening ended with a speech by candidate Maddock and Marian Sheridan, where they encouraged people to get involved right now in “the conservative revolution” to restore the government back to the people. They again stressed getting involved in local governments as precinct delegates. “Trump can’t do everything in Washington, D.C. alone,” said Maddock earlier in the evening. “He needs people in every state to pass the baton to, and that baton is the policy of America first and what he’s campaigned on at the state level.”

Locals celebrate anniversary of President Donald Trump’s victory

A8 Nov. 9, 2017

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Follow @HDaleSports for live updates and news

Volleyball

Football Saturday, Nov. 4

Hillsdale

Upcoming

saturday, nov.

Lake Erie 2:00 PM

Malone

Stats

17-25 comp, 229 yrd, 1 td Chance Stewart 19 att, 130 yrd, 2 td David Graham 5 rec, 104 yrd Trey Brock Christian Shepler 6 att, 82 yrd, 2 td 1/1 fg. 5/5 pat Joe Philipp 8 tkl Dan Shanley

Saturday, Nov. 4

Upcoming

Hillsdale Ky. Wesleyan

7:00 PM thursday, oct. 16 g-mac tournament quarterfinal

03 00

friday, oct. vs. findlay

SEASON LEADERS Kills Digs Aces Assists Blocks

Sunday,

nov.

Hillsdale Trev. Naz.

03 00

Kara Vyletel- 313 Taylor Wiese- 504 Taylor Wiese- 33 Lindsey Mertz- 874 Alyssa Van wienen- 13

Swimming

Men’s Basketball

Upcoming

Results Wednesday, nov. 1 (Exhibition) Hillsdale - 44 Michigan State - 75

Saturday, Nov. 11 vs. Findlay/Lewis at University of Chicago 1:00 PM

Women’s Cross Country

Men’s Cross Country Results

Results

Midwest Regional 1st: GVSU - 58 2nd: Southern Indiana - 72 10th: Hillsdale - 314

Midwest Regional 1st: GVSU- 46 2nd: Hillsdale - 81 3rd: Walsh- 105

Upcoming Saturday nov. 18 NCAA Division II Championships at Evansville, IN 11:00 AM

Men’s cross country closes WHO IS CHARLIE season at Midwest Regional THE CHARGER? By | Madeleine Jepsen Science & Tech Editor

The themes of this season for the men’s cross country team have been improvement and effort, and the fruits of the team’s work paid off with a 10th place finish at the Midwest Regional meet. “As a team, that was the best performance we’ve had all season,” senior captain Nathan Jones said. “It was good to have a positive note there at the end. You look at where we were at Michigan State at that very first meet of the season to where we finished, you definitely saw us make some strides. That’s going to happen with a young team, and it’s good. We were able to keep moving forward and getting better. I’m proud of those guys. We could’ve just thrown in the towel, but we kept battling.” Hillsdale finished the meet with 314 points, led by junior Nick Fiene, who placed 41st overall with a time of 32:46.4. Freshman Mark Miller placed second on the team and 51st overall with a time of 33:02.9. Miller said the transition to a 10K race for regionals was easier, since he and the other freshmen were able to apply the learning experience their earlier transition to collegiate-level races. “The distance was pretty tough, but not as tough as the transition from 5K to 8K, just because we had guys reiterating the same messages of not going out too hard,” Miller said. “It was better than I thought it would be, but it was still tough.” Junior Eli Poth took third

place on the team and 65th overall with a time of 33:18.9. Assistant coach R.P. White said Poth was able to overcome challenges from earlier in the season to finish the season with a strong race. “Honestly, probably the biggest shift was Eli Poth,” White said. “He’d been working a lot of different things in training, and I think he finally hit his full stride athletically and ran an awesome race.” Also scoring for the team was Jones, who took 68th overall with a time of 33:23.3, and sophomore Nicholas Wondaal, who took 99th place with a time of 33:57.9. Head coach Andrew Towne said Wondaal and the freshmen did an excellent job adapting to their first 10K race. “It’s a totally different animal for them, and I thought they managed that really well,” Towne said. “No doubt they’ll continue to improve as they go on, but they managed that first one really well.”

White said he was impressed with the team’s level-headed adherence to the race plan at regionals. “For as many people on the team that had never raced 10,000 meters before, they seemed to have a pretty good grasp on being more conservative up front and gain a lot of ground in the middle of the race,” White said. “It was really cool to watch them absorb everything I’ve been preaching at them.” Towne said the team made incredible strides over the course of the season despite injuries, and will head into indoor track season with the team near fully recovered. “Like I told the guys last night, they put forth incredible effort, but we just didn’t have our full team on display so that made it hard,” Towne said. “By the same token, I think everyone’s excited for indoor to show what we really can do with everyone back and healthy.”

The men’s cross country team finished its season with a 10th place finish at the Midwest Regional. Evan Carter | Courtesy

Students relate to school mascot in profile submissions By | Joel Meng Collegian Reporter

For the first time, someone has told the story of Charlie Charger. The college bookstore announced freshman Cal McNellie as the winner of the competition to tell the life story of Charlie Charger. Senior Mary Dorroh took second, and sophomore Jacob Damec took third. The official biography of Charlie Charger can be read on Charlie’s page on the Hillsdale Chargers’ website. Gwendolyn Buchhop ’11, community relations coordinator for the Hillsdale Athletics Department, initially came up with the idea. “I wanted to add a little more dimension so that when people see Charlie they have a story in mind,” Buchhop said. “If the winner was a student or maybe a faculty member, not part of the athletics department, it would help people to think, ‘I’m a Charger. I may not put on a uniform every weekend, but I’m a Charger.’” Buchhop took her idea to Ashlynn Landherr ’16 and Hank Prim ’17 in the student activities office who helped set up a partnership with the bookstore for prizes and publicity. “It’s a way to do a campus-wide event,” Landherr

said. The bookstore pushed the message to students through posters around campus as well as emails. “We just love to support the campus community and we’re thrilled to help however we can,” said Angie Berry, trade book coordinator. The top three contestants found out about the contest through the bookstore’s advertising and crafted their stories in different ways. “I was inspired by Johnny Cash’s song ‘A Ragged Old Flag’,” third-place winner Damec said. “I conceived of Charlie as an American war hero who takes down people who don’t like America.” Damec said he feels a close connection to Charlie. “I feel there’s a combining of souls when I see Charlie on the football field,” Damec said. “We share a bond of love for America” Second place winner Dorroh wrote her entry at 2:30 a.m. while listening to The Strokes. In her piece, Charlie searched the world to find the peppiest pep band and ends up at Hillsdale College. “I wanted to write something that celebrated the pep band,” Dorroh said. “We’re at every game, and while we’re not athletes, we’re special. Sometimes not many people besides the pep band, cheerleading squad, and Charlie show up.”

McNellie wrote the tale of Charlie Charger as a poem. “I grew up reading Dr. Seuss as a kid and started writing my own poetry in the fourth grade,” McNellie said. “It’s what I’m most comfortable with.” Charlie’s official biography tells of a colt who excelled at running, but sought more in life, deciding to pursue beauty and truth at Hillsdale College. “Charlie is a regular horse trying to find his way in the world and has a crisis of who he is,” McNellie said. “What’s important to him is Hillsdale College. This may be a metaphor for other students.” McNellie crafted the story shortly before the deadline and with the help of his friend, freshman Drew Rubick, who edited it. “When I heard I won, I was pretty excited. It’s cool to see my name on the website,” McNellie said. McNellie plans to use the prize to buy a scarf for his girlfriend. For people interested in the history of our school’s mascot, McNellie has presented an answer. Perhaps students can draw inspiration from Charlie’s tale. “Charlie will always support his Chargers — lose, draw, tie, or win,” McNellie writes. “For it matters not the scoreboard, what matters is within.”

Charger Chatter: Christian Shepler Christian Shepler is a sophomore from Mineral Point, Wisconsin. He is studying exercise science and is a running back on the Hillsdale College football team.

Charger Athletics | Courtesy

If you could play any other position, what would you play?

If you didn’t play football, what would you do with your extra time?

I love playing safety. I played a little bit of safety back in high school.

When I was younger, I was really into writing stories. Movie directing really appeals to me — a George Lucas, Steven Spielberg — the guy in charge.

When did you begin playing football?

Is football your favorite sport?

First or second grade, with a little bit of flag football, and I worked my way through, started playing tackle football in fifth grade.

It is. I’ve had a love for it since I was a little kid; the physicality of it, getting hit, the adrenaline rush you get. I loved watching NFL games, college games growing up, and I’ve had a passion ever since. My favorite team is the Green Bay Packers.

What is your favorite movie? My favorite sports movie is Rudy. My favorite non-sports movie is Hacksaw Ridge.

What is your favorite football memory?

What do you do before and after your games?

Every away game as a kid, fifth, sixth, seventh grade football games, my dad and I would always listen to the band U2 driving up and coming back.

I eat lots of carbs like pasta. I show up an hour before warm-up so I can ease into it, taping my ankles, putting on my gear. I vibe with the music playing in the locker room. For me to cool down, I go hang out with my family at Johnny T’s, and relax with a burger.

Why did you pick Hillsdale? It’s a first class-education, and I felt the college fit me both as a student and also as an athlete.

-Compiled by Rowen Macwan

Sports

www.hillsdalecollegian.com

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Charger Blue logs off after 20 years By | Stevan Bennett Jr. Sports Editor

When Andy Losik started ChargerBlue.com in 1998, he had to code the website by hand, line-by-line. Since then, the website has tallied more than half a million hits, as Losik spent 10-15 hours every week updating the unofficial internet home of Charger football. Now, after 20 seasons of game previews, recaps, recruiting updates, and more, Losik, a 1995 Hillsdale graduate and Charger football alumnus, plans to retire Charger Blue at the end of the 2017 season. “This has just been my way to give back and say thanks to Hillsdale for all that I got,” Losik said. “My days at Hillsdale are so invaluable to me, and the site was just my way to keep giving back and keep promoting the program.” According to head football coach Keith Otterbein, Charger Blue has become an integral part of the program over the past 20 years. “Andy has done a phenomenal job with Charger Blue for a very long time,” Otterbein said in an email. “The website

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starting linemen since Stewart took the reigns at quarterback three years ago. “Can’t say enough about what they’ve done for me,” Stewart said. “Just great guys that are so unselfish and willing to do whatever it takes for the team.” Junior wide receiver Trey Brock caught five passes for 104 yards, his sixth 100+ yard game this season. He had two touchdown receptions negated, the first when he caught a deep pass out of bounds, and the second when offsetting

has become a part of our rich football tradition and will be greatly missed by our loyal fans.” For Losik, Charger Blue has been a labor of love, as he wrote or curated all of the content that went on the site. He said the decision to lay the site to rest wasn’t an easy one, but he bids farewell to his beloved site on the best possible terms. “Twenty is a real nice, round number,” he said. “I’ve done this for a long time, and my daughter is 15 years old, and a lot goes into parenting, and watching her play her own sports and show her horse.” Losik started Charger Blue at a time when Charger Football information was not easily accessible on the internet, as the website predates sites like D2Football.com and The Collegian online. He said he feels that with the addition of these types of resources, and the quality coverage done on the official Hillsdale athletics website, it’s a proper time to make an exit. “Charger fans are in good hands,” he said. “Hopefully over the years I’ve helped show you where to go and get

your information, and you should be just fine.” Although there is far more information available then when Losik started, his contribution and passion will be missed, according to Andy Brown, the voice of the Chargers on WCSR and host of Time Out with Andy Brown. “Andy’s site has been a unique fixture for Chargers fans for all these years,” he said. “From the time I started calling the games, he has helped get my radio content out there and has been a major part of our Charger preview shows. His enthusiasm and feel for the program makes his contribution special.” Similar to others that have stepped away from large commitments to Charger football — such as Jim Eckhardt, who retired from calling games on WCSR in 2015 — Losik plans to remain as avid a fan as ever. “I feel like I’ve made a contribution, and it’s just time to just be a fan on Saturday afternoons, instead of having to live tweet out every touchdown, interception, and kick return. I can just go and enjoy it,” he said. “I appreciate the fact that so many people over

the years have made Charger Blue part of their Saturday, but it’s time for me to have some time to just enjoy it without the demands and the deadlines.” Losik, a teacher in the Hamilton Community School District, said he often found himself waking up early before school or before his wife and daughter woke up to work on the site. The benefits, however, far outweighed the work, according to Losik. “The feedback is the biggest reward of it,” he said. “It’s always been neat to get different emails and different perspectives of people that have seen it.” In addition to providing game previews and recaps, updating recruiting information, and keeping tabs on Charger Alums in the NFL, Losik used the site to promote Charger alumni events, the Gridiron Club, and fundraising efforts. “We had a couple of situations where members of the Charger family were facing some hard times, and we we’re able to raise some significant amounts of money through the site, just by bringing people together and making

penalties wiped out a 64-yard score. Brock still leads G-MAC receivers with 71 receptions and 1152 yards this season. His 2,957 career receiving yards are just 135 shy of Andre Holmes’ school record. Brock will be returning for his senior year next season. The Chargers’ defense flirted with its third shutout of the season, but the Pioneers cracked the scoreboard with a touchdown late in the fourth quarter with most of Hillsdale’s starters on the sidelines. Senior defensive back Spencer Nehls set the tone

with an interception on Malone’s second possession of the game. “The quarterback just made a bad throw, and it flew right into my arms,” Nehls said. “Sometimes you just get put in the right place at the right time and you’re able to make some plays.” Nehls, who missed multiple games in the middle of the season due to injury, is back on the field making an impact in his final games at Hillsdale. He said his final season has been the most enjoyable of his career. The Pioneers did not con-

vert a third down on offense until their fourth-quarter scoring drive. Malone went just 2-for-12 on third downs, and the Chargers improved their opponent third-down conversion rate to a leaguelow 28.5 percent. “We put an extra defensive back in those third-and-long situations,” Nehls said. “That’s been a great package for us. We’ve been able to get off the field because we have so much speed on the field. We’ve really been able to execute that at a high level.” Nehls also said the defensive line’s role in third downs

Men’s basketball cuts teeth against No. 2 MSU Spartans By | Mark Naida Assistant Editor The Hillsdale College Men’s Basketball team kicked off the 2017-18 season with a 77-44 loss to the Michigan State Spartans, the No. 2 team in the nation according to the Associated Press. Although the score didn’t look terribly impressive, when Hillsdale last played Michigan State in 2012, the score was similar: 80-58. The result of that season? A GLIAC championship. The Chargers’ defense blanketed the Spartans, holding them to just over one point per possession. Head coach John Tharp said that type of defensive efficiency is one of the team’s goals. Tom Izzo, head coach of the Spartans, agreed. “I thought they were very solid defensively,” Izzo said in a press conference. “John’s a good coach. I always thought he was a better offensive coach than a defensive coach. Maybe he is changing as he gets older.” Senior shooting guard Stedman Lowry, the Chargers’ leading scorer from last season, failed to score in the contest, but Tharp said he is always the primary target when teams prepare defensively. Sophomore forward Miles

Bridges, the Spartans’ leading scorer last season, shot 4-13 from the field and 1-5 from beyond the arc. “We held him to 10 points. He missed some shots, but he did it on both ends of the floor,” Tharp said. Sophomore guard Nate Neveau and senior guard Ryan Badowski led the Chargers with seven points each. Badowski also added four rebounds and Neveau had two assists. When Tharp looked up at the scoreboard with six minutes left in the first half, he leaned over to assistant coach Ryan Choiniere and exclaimed, “We are only down 12!” A score that close against a team like the Spartans is a credit to the defense, but Tharp said the Chargers have many areas for improvement. Hillsdale left points on the floor with their poor free throw shooting, making 11 of 21 shots from the free throw line. Tharp acknowledged the team had not shot enough free throws in their preseason practices. Additionally, the jeering of the Spartan student section made the Breslin Center feel more like a high school rivalry game than a collegiate exhibition. “Free throws will be a point of emphasis, there is no doubt about it. We will fix things but you can’t overreact

Senior guard Ryan Badowski drives to the basket in Friday’s exhibition against Michigan State. MaryKate Drews | Courtesy

at the same time,” Tharp said. Because it was an exhibition game, it was not a standard game with starters and bench players. Every team member played against the Spartans. “We are trying to figure out some of our rotations and we thought the only way to do that is to give some guys some opportunities in live action,” Tharp said. One of those players was freshman forward Austen Yarian, who had four points and four rebounds in 14 minutes. But against the athleticism of the Spartans’ forwards, Miles Bridges and Jaren Jackson Jr., Yarian had little luck inside, but managed to score from the charity stripe. Bridges is an Associated Press preseason All-American and Jaren Jackson Jr. is a 6-foot 11-inch freshman who is projected to be picked in the first round of the NBA draft. “I wasn’t expecting to guard those type of players during my first basketball game,” Yarian said. “In high school I was the bigger, stronger person out of everybody. But now, everybody is big, everybody is strong. Now I have to use my skill instead of my strength.” Yarian’s performance impressed Tharp. “He did some freshman-like things out there, especially with some of our rotations defensively,” Tharp said. “But I think he had an impressive start for his first college game against a top team in the nation.” Looking forward beyond last week’s exhibition game, Tharp is confident that the Chargers will improve. “Our defensive principles are sound, we need to rebound the ball better, we need to pick up our tempo offensively. Shots will fall for this team,” he said. The Chargers play two games this weekend in Canton, Ohio at Malone University in the G-MAC/GLVC Crossover Classic. They will play Southern Indiana University on Friday at 6 p.m. and the University of Illinois-Springfield on Saturday at 7 p.m.

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I’ll be able to make an impact for the team more than I did this weekend,” she said. Sawyer said the younger team members are looking to the upperclassmen for racing wisdom and mental preparation going into nationals. “It’s going to be exciting, it’s awesome we have so many younger people — that means when people graduate, the team will still be strong.” Freshman Maryssa Depies finished 24th overall in 22:14 and junior Allysen Eads right behind her in 28th with a time of 22:29.4. Over the last four to five years, Towne said Hillsdale has been inserting itself into the national conversation as a team to watch. Other midwestern teams such as Grand Valley State University and Walsh also factor into the national, not just regional, conversation, which is one of the strengths of the Midwest region, Towne said.

Andy Losik ’95 will no longer updated Charger Blue after the end of this season. Andy Losik | Courtesy

them aware of the situation,” Losik said. Losik said he’s thankful the college and the athletic department allowed him so much freedom with the project. “Hillsdale as a whole has allowed me to do this,” he said. “There are a lot of schools out there, even Division II schools, that are really strict about access and what is being said, and use of logos and publication, but Hillsdale has been tremendously supportive.” The project started as a

simple website with links to any available information about Charger football, but it grew into much more. “It started off as a little fun project,” Losik said. “Then it became a really huge part of my life.” Now, 20 years later, anyone connected to Charger football understands Losik’s contribution. “Thank you will never be enough to let Andy know how much his hard work and dedication means to Charger Football,” Otterbein said.

has been critical. “A huge part of our third down defense is that our defensive line has been able to put a lot of pressure on the quarterback, forcing quick throws and bad decisions,” Nehls said. Hillsdale made seven tackles for loss and junior defensive lineman Charlie Yost and sophomore defensive lineman Elliot Laisure collected sacks. Yost leads the team with four sacks this season. One more game stands in between the Chargers and their goal of finishing the season with four consecutive

victories as a tribute to its seniors for all of their years of hard work. Hillsdale travels to Painesville, Ohio on Saturday to finish its season against Lake Erie College (2-7, 2-4 G-MAC). The Storm are known for a reckless, hard-nosed brand of football. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. “We’ve got to treat them like any other opponent,” Shepler said. “It’s not going to be touch football. They’ll come up and smack you. We’ve got to be prepared to go through some tests and make sure that we’re focused throughout the week.”

This year, the top three teams from each of the eight regions automatically go to nationals. From there, eight teams are chosen at-large in a straight-line comparison of teams based on their overall regional ranking. This means that nationally, how a team compares could be different from how it compares regionally, since it could be ranked low regionally but high nationally, or vice versa. Traditionally, the strongest regions are the Midwest and South-Central regions, the latter including the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, which Towne said has strong runners because they are used to altitude running. Preparing for nationals, Towne said it’s important for the girls to realize that no matter who the women see in front of them, they have to move forward and never accept who is in front. “That’s important going into nationals because everyone is in your way,” Towne said. “We need to go in and

focus on ourselves because if we put everything together we’re as good as anybody.” There is one reason McIntyre can point to for the team’s success this season. “The whole team has run really well all season, and one of the reasons for that is that we’re laughing on the starting line,” McIntyre said. “We’re having fun: Almost right until the gun goes off, we’re making jokes, having fun, and treating each meet like just another race. If you build it up in your head, that’s not helpful.” Going forward, it’s just a matter of continuing what the team has done all season, she said. This includes their pre-run chant, which used to be “1-2-3-Chargers!” but inexplicably changed to “It’s pizza time.” “I think this is really what made a difference,” McIntyre said. “Nobody knows what it means, and yet we all know what it means — and it’s a real metaphysical problem.”

Charger Charger Chatter Sophomore running back Christian Shepler talks about his favorite sport, listening to U2, and his pre- and postgame routine. A8

NOV. 9, 2017

Farewell, Charger Blue After 20 years as the unoffical internet home for Charger football, ChargerBlue.com is logging off. A9

Men’s Basketball Chargers cut their teeth in an exhibition against the Michigan State Spartans, the No. 2 team in Division I. A9

The Charger offense racked up 566 yards of total offense on Saturday against the Malone University Pioneers. Jordyn Pair | Collegian

FOOTBALL SALUTES SENIORS IN VICTORY By | S. Nathaniel Grime Assistant Editor The Hillsdale College Chargers secured their first winning season since 2012 with a 45-7 victory over Malone University on Saturday. The win improved Hillsdale’s record to 6-4 and 4-2 in the conference. On a dreary, wet Senior Day, the Chargers dominated

the contest from the opening kickoff, building a 31-0 lead by halftime. “I thought we had a great week of practice,” head coach Keith Otterbein said. “Tremendous effort, intensity, attention to detail, fun, and enthusiasm. I anticipated playing well.” Junior quarterback Chance Stewart completed 17 of 25 passes for 229 yards and a

Junior Drew Callahan (left) celebrates with sophomore David Graham (right) after a Graham touchdon on Saturday. Jordyn Pair | Collegian

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY SHINES AT REGIONAL By | Jo Kroeker Features Editor For the fifth year in a row and the eighth time ever, the Hillsdale College women’s cross country team qualified for the NCAA Division II Championships after taking second at the Midwest Regional in Cedarville, Ohio. The team of girls that secured Hillsdale’s victory is young and learning as they run, head coach Andrew Towne said. In fact, four will be competing at the Nov. 18 championship race for the first time: three freshmen and sophomore Arena Lewis, who is a freshman “for all intents and purposes,” as health concerns cut down on her opportunities to race this year and last. “It probably wasn’t as good of a performance as Nashville, but it was still solid,” Towne said. “I think we had more better races at Nashville, but it’s certainly not a letdown — this is probably our second best.” Moving forward, the team’s biggest goal is to accomplish what they set out to achieve at the beginning of the season: get on the podium at the NCAA championships, he said.

The top seven runners from the G-MAC Championship meet in late October competed this past weekend. Senior Hannah McIntyre led Hillsdale, taking second overall with a time of 21:25.5, just six seconds behind Walsh’s Sarah Berger, this year’s regional champion. “Hannah McIntyre was tremendous,” Towne said. “That was her best race of the year, she really put herself in a position to win.” With two kilometers to go, it was just McIntyre and Berger, and as they ascended, Berger gapped her. “She’s amazing,” McIntyre said. “This is her first year running cross, I think she has untapped levels of challenge.” Overall, however, McIntyre said the race didn’t feel like a grind and she admitted she had fun. Lewis placed ninth overall with a time of 21:54 and freshman Christina Sawyer placed 18th with a time of 22:02. “Arena Lewis was solid, like she has been all championship season,” Towne said. “Christina Sawyer was great, along with Hannah, it was her most impressive performance.”

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touchdown. He also rushed the ball five times for 24 yards and a touchdown, his sixth rushing score this season. Four of those touchdown rushes have been quarterback sneaks near the goal line. “With how big our offensive line is, getting short yards is pretty easy,” Stewart said. “[Junior tight end] Drew Zwiers does a great job giving me a push too. We take pride in knowing we can pick up the short yards.” Stewart’s touchdown pass went to an unlikely target: senior offensive lineman Jake Bull. With a hefty lead midway through the third quarter, the Chargers lined up for a 1st-and-goal from the 1 yard line. Stewart took the snap, rolled to his right, and tossed the ball back across the field to Bull, who crossed the goal line for his first collegiate touchdown. Hillsdale’s sideline was euphoric as Bull celebrated with his teammates in the end zone. Otterbein said the play had been added to the playbook weeks ago, but once the Chargers had the ball at the goal line with a comfortable lead on Senior Day, he knew it would be an ideal opportunity

to use it. “It got to the point where it’s Senior Day, and everybody wanted the play to happen,” Bull said. “Coach started calling plays only to the left, our running back got down to the 1-yard line, and the stars kind of aligned for it. It was a really cool moment.” Bull, who was recruited in 2013 to play tight end at Hillsdale, has been a fixture at left tackle the previous four seasons. “I was a little skeptical at first, because I had never played O-line, and I wanted to be at a skill position,” Bull said of the switch. “But I just embraced it, and it’s been my favorite position I’ve ever played.” Sophomore running back David Graham rushed for two touchdowns in the first half, and now has 14 touchdown rushes this year. He finished the game with 130 yards rushing on just 19 attempts, averaging nearly seven yards per carry. Graham also caught two passes for 52 yards. His first reception went for 22 yards on a 4th-and-10 attempt during the Chargers’ first possession of the game. The next play, he

ran the ball into the end zone to open the scoring. Graham leads the team with 117.2 all-purpose yards per game. Sophomore running back Christian Shepler enjoyed the best performance of his Hillsdale career. He carried the ball just six times, but gained 82 yards and scored two touchdowns. His second score, a 45-yard rush, was the longest of Shepler’s collegiate career. “I think the biggest factor for any big day on the ground is the O-line,” Shepler said. “Just looking for those holes, and when you see that hole just bursting through it, making the most of it, and trying to get every yard out of every run.” In the midst of Graham’s breakout year at running back is Shepler’s under-the-radar productivity as a complementary back. He and sophomore running back Casey O’Brien split back-up duties to Graham. Though his two touchdowns were just his second and third of the season, Shepler is averaging seven yards per carry this season. “He’s really had a nice season,” Otterbein said. “As time has progressed, both he and Casey have really done a

nice job of getting the most out of their runs. We’ve got to be very pleased with three unproven backs heading into the season and being as productive as we have been.” Hillsdale gained 293 total yards rushing, its most in a game this season. Five of its six touchdowns came on the ground. “Going into the week, Coach Otter was preaching the fact that we had to control the line of scrimmage,” Bull said. “That’s something we always tell ourselves before the game. We want to take their will from them. Once you get an opponent to do that, you control the game at that point.” Bull is one of three seniors on the Chargers’ offensive line. He, along with center Danny Drummond and right guard Zach VanOrman, will be playing in their final collegiate game this weekend. “Any good football team starts on the line of scrimmage,” Otterbein said. “Throwing the ball, running the ball, it starts with the ability to block.” Bull, Drummond, and VanOrman have all been

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Volleyball sweeps two G-MAC tilts over weekend, improves to 24-3 By | Michael Lucchese Senior Writer In its first home matches since September, Hillsdale volleyball swept Trevecca Nazarene and Kentucky Wesleyan last weekend. The Chargers’ G-MAC record improves to 14-2, and their overall record stands at 24-3. They have won 17 consecutive matches since their last loss on Sept. 15. According to NCAA rankings released on Wednesday, Hillsdale is currently ranked third in the Midwest region. “We’ve been winning because we’ve had good game plans and solid executions,” head coach Chris Gravel said. “Everyone was happy to be playing at home again, too.” The Chargers started the weekend on Saturday against Kentucky Wesleyan, winning three sets in a row with scores of 25-14, 25-13, and 25-14. Overall, the team had a hitting percentage of .340. It capitalized on leads early in each set with an aggressive defensive effort, limiting the Panthers to .018. “This weekend our defense was all over the court. They were running down balls, picking up hard swings, they were outstanding,” freshman middle hitter Allyssa Van

Wienen said. “I think communication is a really big factor and this comes a lot from how well the team has connected and grown together, on and off the court.” Sophomore libero Taylor Wiese made 19 of Hillsdale’s 57 digs, followed by junior right side hitter Paige VanderWall, who added eight. Offensively, the Chargers played an efficient game as well. Junior outside hitter Kara Vyletel had 11 kills and a .417 personal hitting percentage. VanderWall had seven kills for a .462, and freshman outside hitter Maddie Clark provided four of her own. But against Kentucky Wesleyan, Van Wienen led the Chargers’ offense with 14 kills, a solo block, and three block assists. For her performance last weekend, Van Wienen was named the G-MAC’s player of the week for the second time this season — an impressive accomplishment for a freshman player. She currently leads the G-MAC for overall personal hitting percentage at .342. “I couldn’t have done it without my team,” she said. “It is an honor, but it’s an honor for all of us even more than it is an honor for me.” Gravel said that Van

Wienen is a key player on this year’s team, and he is excited for her to improve even more in coming seasons. Hillsdale went on to win their second match of the weekend on Saturday against Trevecca Nazarene with set scores of 25-10, 25-17, and 25-19. The team served particularly well against the Trojans with nine aces. VanderWall, Van Wienen, and senior outside hitter Jackie Langer each made two aces to contribute to the team’s success. “I think our serving really played a huge part because we were able to move the ball really effectively to get their defense on their heels,” VanderWall said. “Our offensive players also did a great job of putting the ball down as well which allowed us to capitalize on offense all around.” Van Wienen kept her strong weekend going, with 11 kills for a .524 hitting percentage. Langer followed her performance with 10 kills of her own, and Vyletel scored nine. Overall, the team had a .407 hitting percentage, thanks in part to the 44 total assists provided by freshmen setters Lindsey Mertz and junior Taylor Bennett. Wiese made another 19

digs against Trevecca Nazarene to lead the defense once again. VanderWall made 11 digs of her own, followed by Mertz and Bennett, each with seven. Up next, the Chargers will play the University of Findlay at the Dawn Tibbetts Potter Arena this Friday at 7 p.m. in what looks to be a challenging match. The Oilers are one of the few teams who beat Hillsdale earlier this season, in a fiveset nailbiter on Sept. 12. They currently lead the G-MAC in service aces, while the Chargers lead the conference in allowing the fewest aces. Findlay is currently ranked seventh in the NCAA regional rankings. “I think our biggest challenge will be that we will put too much emphasis on the fact that it’s Findlay,” Van Wienen said. “Yes, this match is important and determines who will host the conference tournament. However, we play best when we are relaxed and having fun, so in order to beat Findlay we must focus on playing our game and what is going on on our side of the net instead of putting the focus on what Findlay is doing on their side of the net.”

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B1 Nov. 9, 2017 Ellen Bryant Voigt | Courtesy

Culture Q &A with Ellen Bryant Voigt, poet without punctuation -Compiled by Hannah Niemeier Ellen Bryant Voigt, a poet who has been nominated for the National Book Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, among others, read her work and lectured on the poetry of Randall Jarrell last Wednesday and Thursday as part of the Visiting Writers program. Her work includes “Kyrie,” “The Lotus Flowers,” “The Art of Syntax,” “Messenger: New and Selected Poems,” and, most recently, “Headwaters.” She teaches at Warren Wilson College and lives in rural Vermont. In your most recent collection, “Headwaters,” you make an interesting editing choice for a writer interested in structure and rhythm: You avoid all punctuation. Why? What I found when I started writing this most

recent set of poems is that they had a very high degree of repetition to that extent that I thought was quite bad. So the first thing I went to cut out was that repetition, but when I did, there was nothing left. It wanted to be repetitive; it wanted to be full of refrain. So that became a formal problem: How, then, can you maintain that degree of repetition without it being slack and boring? One way is to have a longer, compulsive line that does not allow the reader to stop on any of those units; don’t honor them with that normal rhythmic system of the punctuation mark, but drive through all the way to the end of the line. So what I wanted was not to eliminate punctuation, but to eliminate what we call caesura: any artificial stop in the poetic line created by punctuation. Take out all interruptions and the reader isn’t allowed to stop

until the end of the line. That’s what I wanted, that kind of propulsion that then allowed me to maintain a higher degree of repetition and also allow me to shift tones more quickly, so that I could go from something comic to something not so comic within the same line. What do you think about trends in poetry that break with forms in other ways? [Avant-garde poetry] doesn’t interest me. There’s been a mistaken interest in a sort of mimetic fallacy, which is to say that the world is disjunct and therefore a poem should be disjunct. But would you also say that the world is full of boring people, and therefore all stories should be full of boring people? I think what art tries to do is to bring some new insight into whatever our condition is. So to me, that doesn’t really justify itself. It becomes clever,

and I’m too old to be interested in clever. I’m interested in shaken-to-the-soles-of-myfeet insight. I’m interested in learning something, being gob-smacked, bowled over. Certain natural images and themes run through your poetry — trees and birds, for example. Why do you keep coming back to these? My second book, I had a hard time putting it together because there was a tree in every poem. Every single poem has a tree. I said to myself, “Don’t do this again; leave the trees alone. Take the trees out and put some asphalt in there, or something.” But you’re drawn to the same things over and over again, because you’re trying to dig out something. What mistakes do young writers make? Right now, it’s a very divisive time, I think. And there’s a trend to ghettoize, to say: “I have the right to tell this story,

and you don’t.” And the flip side of that is that I am compelled to tell this representative story, that hasn’t been told yet. What that does is deny the power of the empathetic imagination, which I think is one of the chief functions of the art, is to try to get us to understand a little better what other people’s experiences are like. When you’re reading great work, there’s a resonance. And I think, then, to find those combined, where it’s a piece of work written by whomever, a Catholic monk [Gerard Manley Hopkins]: There he is, writing: “I wake and feel the fell of dark…” You kind of go, “Yeah, me too. Me too.” Here’s this vastly different person, and there’s this commonality of experience. That, to me, is such a gift. What advice do you have for those looking to develop their writing style? Do we all

have to go through 50 or 60 drafts of each poem, like you do? A lot of people begin writing poetry because they feel the need to express something. There’s something they feel, or have thought, or has happened to them, and they want to give it language and record it. And that’s perfectly noble. That’s a fine way to start. But that makes it an expressive art the same way a dancer performing in a ballet choreographed by somebody else is. Creative art is to make it: the pianist who no longer wants to just play Bach but is starting to write the music. That’s the place at which, it seems to me, everything is focused on gathering the tools you need and enlarging the soul sufficiently to increasingly be able to accommodate more and more of the world into your poems.

Memories from battle

Alumna Emily Goodling prunes grapevines by the Rhine River. Emily Goodling | Courtesy

From Mainz to Stanford: Alumna pursues German dream By | Anna Timmis Assistant Editor As a freshman, Emily Goodling approached Associate Professor of German Fred Yaniga at the freshman dessert to tell him that she, not satisfied with the English translation, wanted to read Thomas Mann in the original German. “It’s kind of that sense of never being completely satisfied that really describes Emily,” Yaniga said. “She always wanted more, she always wanted to learn more. Wanting to learn German for that purpose was just the first indication I had about her nature — her inquisitive nature — and her academic fire.” After two years of living in Germany, Goodling ’14 has just moved back to the U.S. to pursue her doctorate in German studies at Stanford University, hoping ultimately to teach at a school like Hillsdale. After just two years of studying the language at Hillsdale, Goodling learned to speak German at the level of an educated native speaker. Her German is now “indistinguishable” from that of a native speaker, Professor of German Eberhard Geyer said. After experiencing Germany during Hillsdale’s summer programs, Goodling said she “fell in love with Germany.” She said knew she would

have to spend time there to gain more knowledge of the language and literature. She graduated from Hillsdale as salutatorian, and was offered both the Fulbright and Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst German Academic Exchange Service scholarships, both highly competitive. She turned down the Fulbright and moved to the town of Mainz to pursue her master’s degree in comparative literature. Mainz sits on the border of wine country. There, she met the man she would marry, a winemaker. She also discovered German theater, which plays a crucial role in the country’s culture. Even in Mainz, a comparatively small city, the theater put on performances every night. Subsidized by the government, theater companies can afford to take artistic liberty and explore difficult questions. “German theater has a level of political awareness and involvement that you don’t see in America,” Goodling said. Plays and operas often explore social and political hot topics in “hard-hitting” ways. “Those things were very exciting to me, to see this connection between something in the arts and humanities like theater, and then the real world of political policy,” she said. When Geyer remembers Goodling, he said that in a

letter of recommendation he wrote for his past student, “My first line was, ‘Emily Goodling is the best student I ever taught in 36 years at Hillsdale College and nine years at State University of New York.’” Geyer noted Goodling’s aptitude to seeing connections across disciplines. “When she looked at a literary text, she looked at it from a musical, logical point of view,” he said. “So when we studied a certain author, she noticed that there was almost a symphonic structure in the text, a thing I’ve never seen.” She said having a grounding in the Western heritage from her courses at Hillsdale “was really helpful as I went to Europe where in many places — and especially in the theater — that European Western heritage is being critiqued and is subject to questioning.” Goodling said Germany changed and broadened her perspective on culture, and she hopes to to pass on this knowledge through teaching. “I think that America, unfortunately, has in many areas a sort of insular or isolated perspective on things that are happening in the world, especially because it’s such a big country,” she said. “That experience of living abroad really gave me perspective that I wouldn’t have been able to gain otherwise.”

By | Hannah Neimeier Senior Writer The 18-hour documentary series “The Vietnam War” opens with Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” setting the tone of casual American optimism at the outset of the ’60s. But it transitions to an admission of defeat: “America’s involvement in Vietnam began in secrecy,” the narrator intones. “It ended, 30 years later, in failure, witnessed by the entire world.” This is not a new thesis, but the documentary delivers it in a way nothing has before. The narrator and dozens of interviewees invoke it consistently, and the general arc of the story is familiar: By Episode 6, North and South Vietnam have split, American soldiers are losing optimism, and Lyndon Johnson is begging his advisors, in hapless good-ol’boy tones, to do something. Anything. The final four episodes follow this tailspin. The documentary directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick began airing on PBS this September, and is available for streaming on the channel’s website. Burns and Novick collected tens of thousands of photographs, videos, and audio from all sides of the conflict to immerse Ameri-

A new, 18-hour Vietnam documentary revisits the war. Wikimedia Commons

cans in what he called “a war we have consciously ignored.” The documentary succeeds stylistically, in classic Ken Burns style: the interviews personal and probing, the music (by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross) ominously optimistic and harrowing by turns, the images arresting thanks to the “Ken Burns effect,” and the cinematography characterized by the slow

pan-and-zoom that has been the director’s trademark since early in his career. “The Vietnam War” is not a pleasant viewing experience. The original optimism for the war unraveled quickly; in the first few episodes, Vietnam spirals into brutal violence and hatred on both sides. North and South Vietnam-

See Vietnam B2

Culture Corner See how Hillsdalians keep up with the culture

What book are you reading right now?

David Gaebler | Courtesy

David Gaebler, Assistant Professor of Mathematics: “My wife and I are slowly making our way through ‘Middlemarch’ by George Eliot. Eliot has a gift for creating believable characters and for describing their everyday interactions in a way that makes you think you’ve met someone very like them before. Her wry sense of humor results in numerous quotable zingers, but also in quieter reflections that are equally winsome. The novel addresses issues including the conditions of the working class, the place of women in society, and assorted religious themes, but mostly it describes humans acting like humans.” Compiled by Katarzyna Ignatik

Culture www.hillsdalecollegian.com

B2 Nov. 9, 2017

The ‘repercussion’ of design

Juniors Dylan Strehle, Judy Moreno, and Jessica MacFarlane star in “Proof.” Elena Creed | Courtesy

Visiting graphic designer shares why she creates art about the environment and why she never starts at her computer screen

-Compiled by Brooke Conrad An exhibit of graphic designer Kelly Salchow MacArthur’s work is on display in the Sage Center for the Arts until Nov. 19. Called “Repercussion,” the collection features digital designs with ecological messages. MacArthur is an associate professor of studio art and co-coordinator of graphic design at Michigan State University. She also competed in rowing in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. Why did you choose to emphasize environmental conservation in your exhibition? I think my awareness of environmental issues was heightened in that I spent 30 years rowing on different waterways around the world, so I’ve seen firsthand how we are either treating our natural resources and our environment well or not. Environmentalism just seems to be an urgent and imperative focus that I really believe should be brought to the forefront of dialogue. In my show, there are some large posters that are very bold and clear, and then there are also more subtle, personal approaches. I’ve learned in teaching at MSU that there are different kinds of learners, and so I may need to explain the same thing in six different ways. So I’ve kind of taken that approach in terms of how to convey the message of environmentalism in my work. What do you find most unique about graphic design, as opposed to traditional art? I think they are very related in that we are working with the same elements of visual form — point, line, shape, plane, and color. But I think graphic design perhaps is more explicit in terms of the messages that we’re conveying to the viewer. Graphic design relies on typography — words — and imagery, and a combination of those to create messages that will be understood

Math department teams with Tower Players for ‘Proof’

Kelly Salchow MacArthur poses by her work. Brooke Conrad | Collegian

by the viewer. Anytime we have words being included, there’s a clear message that’s being conveyed. You seem to prefer to do graphic design work by hand, instead of on the computer. Why is that? I really enjoy the process of creating something. When I began my undergraduate education in graphic design, the computer was just starting to be considered a possible tool for graphic design, so I ended up having to work by hand in a lot of my projects from beginning to completion. By the time I graduated, we were all taking the computer graphics class, but I’ve tried to work by hand as much as possible because I think I can figure things out more quickly that way. It’s more experimental, and it’s a more natural way to work, as opposed to the division between maker and object that the keyboard may introduce. Do you employ other kinds of art? As a graphic designer, I’ve been exploring how I can bring three-dimensionality into the work, and industrial

design and architecture helps me understand some of those ideas. I also regularly use my own photography in my work, so anytime you see photography in my exhibition, that’s my own photography. And I rely on drawing a lot in my process, so I’m starting with many, many sketches before I start to narrow down my idea. What brought you and your work to Hillsdale? I met [teacher of graphic design] Bryan Springer a year and a half ago at an AIGA [the professional association for design] conference. I think he looked at my work on my website and thought that I could be a possible candidate for an exhibition at Hillsdale. How do you think your work was received at Hillsdale? I heard some great questions. I was lucky enough to talk to a few students at the reception the other day. I heard a few people say that it was a show that was different than what they had seen at the Sage Center for the Arts, and I think that’s great.

By | Breana Noble Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Gregg, lecturer in math, gave the Tower Players’ cast of “Proof ” each a sheet of paper with a rectangle and a triangle in the center of it about a month before the play’s opening night, next Wednesday in Markle Auditorium. “Do math,” Gregg told the group. It turned out about as well as you would expect from a bunch of humanities majors: “I had no idea what was going on,” said junior Judy Moreno, who plays leading lady Catherine. “I didn’t feel any spark of creative genius. It was, ‘Oh my gosh, which random math facts from my childhood can I draw up?’” Audience members of Hillsdale College’s production of “Proof ” next week will not need to know the justification for the parametrization of Pythagorean triples that Gregg went on to explain to the cast. Having an understanding of the creative process that goes into mathematics, however, may help people understand the themes of genius and insanity that are central to the play’s plot. “Proof ” by David Auburn won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2001. It centers on what 25-year-old Catherine will do now that her mathematics genius of a father, Robert (senior Nikolai Dignoti), has died after she took care of him for years as his mental health declined. Her New York City sophisticate sister Claire (junior Jessica MacFarlane) and Robert’s protégé,

Hal (junior Dylan Strehle), contribute to Catherine’s self-evaluation of her own mental state. “There are things Catherine is going through that you as college students are dealing with, from being smart, being quirky, from having family members who are ill, maybe dealing with some mental illness, anxiety, depression,” said Michael Beyer, “Proof ” director and college lighting and production manager. Moreno said for that reason, she felt connected to Catherine immediately, despite the complexity of her character and the elusive nature of the mathematical world in which she grew up. “She feels like someone you know or someone you’ve been or someone you’re afraid to be at times,” Moreno said. She said she also has found ways to associate with Catherine’s more analytical nature, as well, as Gregg helped her and her castmates discover the creativity that goes into mathematics. “The majority of what we’re taught in school is not mathematics,” Beyer said. “It’s the result of mathematics. When you’re taught two plus two equals four, that’s not math; that’s fact. The mathematics was what it took to find that two plus two equals four. It’s equal parts creativity and science.” These are the first major roles that Moreno and MacFarlane are taking, creating a broad range of experience amongst the four cast members. Dignoti’s performance is his senior project. MacFarlane said the

dialogue has especially been challenging, since Auburn purposefully used uneven speech in a new-realism approach that projects the themes of instability into the characters’ conversations. “It’s not like Shakespeare where the ideas connect, and it’s in iambic pentameter,” MacFarlane said. “With this, it’s a lot of short sentences, and it’s meant to be awkward with awkward pauses. It’s a lot harder to memorize, because it’s not sequential.” The play’s mathematical themes will also be visually present on stage. Donald Fox’s downtown Chicago street set will feature symmetry and parallel lines. Different shapes will make up window glasses, the porch table will be hexagonal, and flowers will spring from circular pots. Those will help to fill space on the large stage, a challenge Beyer said he is facing with only four actors. A small cast, however, has created closeknit dynamic and is helpful for a short rehearsal time period — four-and-a-half weeks. “Proof ” plays at 8 p.m. from Nov. 15-18 with a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 18, which will have a discussion led by the mathematics department following it. Before the Nov. 16 show, Gregg will give a lecture explaining some of the mathematical concepts discussed. “The task of a mathematician is significantly more creative than you think,” Gregg said. “I want to give that experience of what it means to be a mathematician.”

Art to be ‘glorious to gaze upon’ By | Elizabeth Bachmann Collegian Freelancer Tomorrow night one apartment in Hillsdale will overflow with fine art, conversation, and clinking glasses as the Alpha Rho Tau art honorary holds its second ever art show. ART President senior Rachael Reynolds will host the event, called “Glorious to Gaze Upon,” in her apartment at 969 North Howell St. from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with appetizers and refreshments for attendees. “I think it is going to be a good time,” Reynolds said. “It will be great to enjoy each other’s company and appreciate the art the students of Hillsdale make while having a drink.” The exhibit will include contributions from most of the honorary’s 29 members, and, unlike the art displayed around the Sage Center for the Arts, all pieces for the show must be outside of class creations. Patrick Lucas, vice president of Alpha Rho Tau, said he is excited that the pieces in the show will be more personal creations. “In class you are all doing

the same thing, but in this show you can do something totally different,” Lucas said. “It allows us to apply what we learned in class to show what they have taken away from their art classes here.” At 8:30 p.m., Assistant Professor of Art Julio Suarez will select first, second, and third place winners. “When it comes to judging the show, I will be looking for work that is successful in merging technical proficiency with a personal and honest point of view,” Suarez said. In addition to this event, Alpha Rho Tau plans to host another art show in the spring in an effort to increase Hillsdale’s participation in the arts, even among those without experience in art. They have also opened up the honorary to anyone who has taken at least two art classes at Hillsdale. “I would say art is an expression that everyone needs in their life, whether they are creating or appreciating,” Reynolds said. “Art, for me, is an an outlet to put my thoughts into something tangible, and we want to encourage people…to participate and be a part of the art community on campus.”

Vietnam from B1

ese leadership splinters, and Americans find that guerilla warfare is something different than they imagined. “We think about how many times we get ourselves in scrapes as a nation because we’re always the good guys,” ex-marine Karl Marlantes said. “Sometimes I think if we thought we weren’t always the good guys, we might actually get in less wars.” Interviews with veterans — doctors, advisers, men on the ground; Americans, French, Vietnamese — give the documentary poignancy and depth. Veterans John Musgrave, Roger Harris, Dennis Stout, and 76 other witnesses of the war share first-person accounts, voice regrets, and likely reopen the war’s wounds. There are no Vietnam scholars; Burns has no time for talking heads. “My take on the Burns piece is that [the documentary] was highly informative, at the very least, and

A new documentary compiles dozens of interviews on the Vietnam War. manhhai | Flickr

fairly straightforward and even-handed,” Hillsdale College Professor of History Thomas Conner said. “The biggest benefit I can see in it is that it brought the Vietnamese perspective greatly to light — the politics, and most of all, their suffering. It’s easy for us Americans to point to the terrible toll in blood that we paid — nearly 60,000 dead. But, to the Vietnamese, the toll was immensely higher, probably to be numbered in the millions, and our focus generally has not been on that.” In his personal and often provoking interviews of veterans from both sides, Burns leaves — and always has left — space for emotional reactions to and re-creations of defining American experiences. For Burns, this is history: crafting a national narrative of perplexing or overlooked experiences that haunt the cultural conversation. In a September profile of Burns’s career, the New Yorker’s Ian Parker traced the director’s

ouevre and found a common thread. Burns’s subjects are classic American themes: baseball, the Civil War, the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. Burns tells America’s stories, for Americans, in the voices of Americans. Burns proposes no new academic theories, maybe, but he asks for an American reckoning. And the consensus in many of the documentary’s interviews seems to be that American involvement in Vietnam was a mistake. The task for America, through Burns, is to come to terms with the fallout. Burns claims it is time to raise the curtain of taboo, to bring Vietnam into the light of national conversation. While almost 20 hours of footage deepens our historical understanding, it merely adds another layer to an ongoing conversation: The shadow of Vietnam never moved, haunting for half a century our conversations about the American government’s role

in global politics. For Conner, Burns’s focus on the failings of Vietnam-era leadership is not bias; it’s been an integral part of the debate since the beginning. “Burns was properly critical of the American government when it most deserved criticism, and as one who lived through that era, I was quite impressed by his effort to portray the Vietnam war for everything that it really was, to all concerned,” Conner said. Since the 1960s, the debate has raged: Was involvement in Vietnam a mistake, a result of incompetence, or an outworking of American overconfidence and lust for power? According to the documentary, the answer to those questions seems to be, “Yes. All of the above.” It remains for the American people to voice their regrets and move on, or at least to understand what went wrong in Vietnam, and why.

B3 Nov. 9, 2017

www.hillsdalecollegian.com

Science & Tech

Antibody analysis for autoimmune diseases

Student research helps develop new use for tool to screen Lupus antibodies By | Madeleine Jepsen Science & Tech Editor

In autoimmune diseases, the human body’s own defense system turns against itself, attacking healthy cells and their protein components. Junior Christine Ausherman spent her summer at the Van Andel Research Institute as part of their Frederik and Lena Meijer Summer Internship Program, where she worked on a new method to pinpoint which proteins are being attacked. Ausherman’s work focused on lupus, a disease in which the immune system’s antibodies — part of a defense mechanism that normally fights bacteria and viruses — fail to distinguish between foreign invaders and healthy tissue and attack the body’s own proteins. This autoimmune response can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from fatigue and joint pain to kidney inflammation. As many as five million people worldwide have a form of lupus, and approximately 16,000 new cases are reported each year, according to the Lupus Foundation of America.

For her summer research, Ausherman worked with a specific tool called a peptide microarray, which allows researchers to test an antibody’s interaction with a variety of different proteins at once. “Peptide microarrays are specialized glass microscope slides that display modified forms of proteins on the slide surface at very high density,” said Scott Rothbart, assistant professor in the Van Andel Research Institute’s Center for Epigenetics and lead investigator in the lab where Ausherman worked. “This allows us to monitor upward of 10,000 individual interactions simultaneously and comparatively on a single slide.” To test for protein-antibody interaction, the glass slide is flooded with an antibody. If the antibody attacks a particular type of protein, it will bind to the protein on the slide, while proteins unaffected by the antibody will remain untouched. Attached to the antibodies are fluorescent molecules that allow the researchers to see which proteins attracted the antibodies. “Then, we can look at the plate and see where the antibody binds,” Ausherman said.

“The antibody is fluorescently labelled, so if the antibody binds, that area will light up under a fluorescent scanner.” Ausherman’s microarrays focused on histones, a type of protein that helps package and store the cell’s DNA and can be attacked by antibodies in lupus patients. “It’s been known for a while that antibodies against histone proteins are markers of autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis,” Rothbart said. Using the histone peptide microarrays, Ausherman tested antibodies from lupus patients’ blood and commercial antibodies for their response to different histones. While she focused on the four most common types of histones, these histones can be modified in many ways with different chemical tags, and the tags will affect their interactions with antibodies, Ausherman said. By using antibodies from lupus patients, Ausherman was able to see if there was a common antibody response among the patients to particular modified forms of histone proteins. “The goal of the project was

to determine the utility of this new tool for the capture of antibodies from patients with lupus,” Rothbart said. “The histone peptide microarray is a platform we’ve helped develop over the last few years, and the capture of these antibodies is a new use for this tool.” While Rothbart said more work is needed to establish this microarray technique as a way to screen patient samples, he is optimistic that further work will allow the technique to be used as a clinical diagnostic and staging tool or as a way to identify new biomarkers for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. He said the technique may ultimately be applicable to cancer, too. “Where we’d ultimately like to go is to explore the use of this technology in cancer,” Rothbart said. “We’re a cancer epigenetics lab, and so I think an unexplored space in this area is the prevalence of histone antibodies in patients with tumors. With proof-ofconcept that this platform works with autoimmune cases, we’re excited for the prospect of applying this technology to other diseases as well.”

Seniors Julia Hoyda (pictured) and Luiza Wasilewski’s research monitored interseasonal squirrel activity. Julia Hoyda | Courtesy

Bright-eyed, bushy-tailed research

Students track gray squirrel activity in summer, fall months By | Sutton Dunwoodie Collegian Reporter While the squirrels scampering around campus are merely scenery for students’ walks to class, two senior biology majors have made the squirrels their research subjects for their ongoing animal behavior research projects. Seniors Julia Hoyda and Luiza Wasilewski’s project tracks the nut preference and caching activity of eastern gray squirrels — one of the six squirrel species in Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. For the project, Wasilewski monitored five locations around Hillsdale for five weeks during the summer, and Hoyda is monitoring them throughout the fall. The students placed trays containing seeds, cracked walnuts, and whole walnuts at each location. The researchers observe the trays and track how the squirrels react to them. They note what type of food is taken, if any, and what the squirrels do with the food. The project will shed light on how squirrels prepare for seasonal changes, according to Hoyda.

“Ideally, we’ll find the squirrels will not be as active in the summer as in the fall,” Hoyda said. “The squirrels should be more likely to choose the more nutritious walnuts in the fall than in summer.” Hoyda said the expected increase in the activity of the squirrels during the fall would be the result of the squirrels

The Download ...

Research reveals empty space in Great Pyramid of Giza A particle detector typically used for studying muons in physics research was directed toward the Great Pyramid of Giza, and the resulting data revealed a previously undiscovered empty space in the pyramid. The study, published in Nature, reported an excess of muons — a byproduct of cosmic rays striking atoms — indicative of a space about 30 meters across. Critics of the project said more work would be needed to determine whether the void is a room or a gap in the pyramid used for its construction.

Science in the news -Compiled by Madeleine Jepsen

Wasilewski. “I was originally interested in doing an animal behavior project that would involve field work,” Wasilewski said in an email. “The idea to study Eastern gray squirrels grew from those two interests and many conversations with my research adviser.” Hoyda elected to repeat the research Wasilewski had

Two seniors tracked the seasonal activity of Eastern gray squirrels at five locations around Hillsdale. Julia Hoyda | Courtesy

preparing for winter. Hoyda also said she expects the squirrels to be more likely to choose cracked walnuts rather than whole walnuts in the fall in order to save time that could be used to prepare for winter. The idea to research the nut preference and caching activity of Eastern gray squirrels originally came from

done during the summer in the fall in order to produce a cross-seasonal comparison of the squirrels’ habits. “This project will help me get my foot in the door, and I’ll be able to show I have completed research,” Hoyda said. “That experience is a lot of what graduate programs want to see.” Wasilewski said her re-

search adviser, Professor of Biology Angela Pytel, helped prepare her and Hoyda for the project and has answered their questions along the way. “Professor Pytel taught me how to prepare data collection and how to conduct field work,” Wasilewski said in an email. “She has also been an incredible source of support and advice throughout the research process.” Hoyda also said Pytel was always willing to lend a helping hand during the course of the project. “Professor Pytel has been really wonderful and is always there to give advice and answer questions,” Hoyda said. Both researchers said performing the research has helped them prepare for their future careers. Hoyda is currently applying to graduate schools and said she plans to earn a doctorate degree in neuroscience, while Wasilewski will take a gap year while applying to graduate programs and working. “I’ve certainly learned patience,” Hoyda said. “Not having results can be significant. Learning that and really experiencing that is important, especially for future research.”

Scientists develop ‘near universal’ flu vaccine Rapidly evolving viruses are a challenge for vaccinations, which must be updated to protect against current viral strains. Using the evolutionary history of different influenza strains, researchers developed a vaccine that incorporates genes commonly found in many strains of influenza. The vaccine allows cells to recognize these common elements of the influenza strains and prepare defenses against them. The vaccine has only been tested in mice, but the study, published in Scientific Reports, shows promise.

Alumnus Ethan Wiskur ’17 found one of his 11 samples of Flint water contained more than the recommended amount of lead. Madeleine Jepsen | Collegian

Research project measures lead in Flint water samples By | Cal Abbo Collegian Reporter Hillsdale alumnus Ethan Wiskur ’17 spent part of his summer working with Professor of Chemistry Mark Nussbaum, investigating a problem close to home: the lead levels in water from Flint, Michigan. “Being that I live near Flint, went to high school in Flint, and have many family and friends that live in the city, the water crisis has had a personal effect on me,” Wiskur said in an email. In 2015, the mayor of Flint declared a state of emergency due to lead contamination in the city’s water lines. The resulting lead exposure left many of the city’s 97,000 residents at risk for lead poisoning. A Virginia Tech study broke the story after Flint residents made complaints about water quality. The study, published by Virginia Tech News in 2015, found

the concentration of lead present in the samples. “ASV is a good technique for looking at trace levels of metal contaminants in water,” Nussbaum said. “I was impressed with his work…ASV involves pretty sophisticated analytical instrumentation.” Wiskur said he wanted to test more recent water samples to see if they still exceeded the EPA’s recommendations after looking back at some of the results from the original Virginia Tech study. Wiskur said one of the 11 samples he tested for his project contained more lead than the EPA standards deemed safe. Wiskur calculated the outlying sample twice, reporting lead concentrations of 21.7 and 20.3 parts per billion, or ppb. Both measurements exceeded the recommended EPA limit of 15 ppb. According to the EPA, one part per billion is roughly equivalent to adding one pinch of salt to a 10-ton bag of potato chips

“There are definitely homes in Flint that still have elevated lead levels in their tap water.” lead levels nearly double the maximum levels recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency and found poisonous levels of lead in some of the 269 tap-water samples tested by the researchers. Ultimately, the lead contamination prompted former President Barack Obama to declare a state of emergency for Flint in 2016 in response to the city’s water crisis. For Wiskur’s research, he collected 11 water samples from homes of his family members and friends in Flint. To test the samples for lead, he used a technique called anodic stripping voltammetry, or ASV. The procedure uses electrical charges to cluster the lead present in the water into a bismuth film. By measuring the electrical current spike from the lead, Wiskur was able to determine

Mail-order CRISPR kits allow ameteur scientists to edit genes The Crispr-Cas9 gene-editing tool, used by scientists to make precise changes to DNA, is now available to the general public through mail order kits. The kit allows users to modify bacterial DNA to give bacteria resistance to a specific antibiotic. Some researchers think CRISPR would allow amateur scientists to make meaningful contributions, some skeptics question whether this tool should be available to the general public.

— making it a suitable unit for measuring small concentrations. For children growing up in Flint, the lead contamination corresponds with irreversible damage to the nervous system, learning disabilities, and other health issues. Since the water crisis was exposed, the city of Flint has begun replacing old, corroded pipes with reliable ones, but the problem has not been fully resolved. While Wiskur said the sample exceeding EPA recommendations does not represent all of Flint, he said the city’s water crisis is far from over. He said he is concerned about the elevated lead levels that still pose a health threat to some Flint residents. “I can say that there are definitely homes in Flint that still have elevated lead levels in their tap water,” Wiskur said in an email.

2017 Climate Science Special Report released The U.S. Global Change Research Program published the 2017 Climate Science Special Report. The report indicates it is “extremely likely” that humans are the primary cause of warming on Earth since the 1950s. The report will be incorporated into the fourth National Climate Assessment to be released in late 2018. The previous National Climate Assessment was issued in 2014. The current report raises questions of how climate change alters atmospheric circulation and how these changes will affect weather patterns.

Features

www.hillsdalecollegian.com

B4 Nov. 9, 2017

To feed the Charger football team, moms play quarterback By | Jo Kroeker Features Editor When the RVs filled with families roll in Friday night and Saturday morning for a home game, the football players know it means one thing: Mom’s food. Well, and family, too. The post-game comfort-food buffet last Saturday punctuated the final tailgate of the season. Like every other home-game tailgate this season, slow cookers and Tupperware crowded the tables spread across the parking lot, and family members were excited to support their sons and brothers, feed them, and catch up. While tailgating is as common a national pastime as football, the home-game tailgating at Hillsdale is special because it’s hosted and coordinated by parents looking to make every player feel at home. “Good or bad, they can decompress and spend time with family, celebrating their wins or licking their wounds, so to

speak,” said Lisa Spampinato, junior H-Back Joe Spampinato’s mother, who helps organize the multi-family effort of feeding the team. “The boys are grateful, especially on days they didn’t win. It’s good for them.” The over-abundance of food (everyone always brings too much) includes mac and cheese, chili, pulled pork, snack food, buckeyes, cupcakes, cookies, and cinnamon rolls fresh out of an RV oven. But the food is not just for the players. Fellow mom and alumna Theresa Jones bolted for the chicken parm made by Spampinato, a personal chef. Jones, a former football athletic trainer for Hillsdale, chirps, “Did you want more food, dear?” and “Please, help yourself to anything.” She’s tailgated on and off since 2009, when her son came to play football at Hillsdale. Her daughter swam from 2012 to 2016, and now her youngest son Nate, a sophomore, is a linebacker. “I never expected all of my kids would end up here,” she

said. The food and family draws other athletes, too: Jones said the swim team got used to the families being around and would come to tailgate after Saturday morning practice. “This is so much fun. This is way better than any other place we’ve seen, this family-tailgating thing,” Jones said. “People get here at 9 a.m. for a 1 p.m. game. We have breakfast here, lunch, and dinner at the end of the game.” She said she was sad thinking about how boys from far away would eat in the dining hall while their teammates ate with their families. “That’s when we said, ‘We need to feed them all,’” Jones said. Texas native Ty Cox, a redshirt freshman quarterback, was eating with the Joneses. His family can only come up for one game a year, and this year, it was homecoming. “It’s definitely nice,” he said, balancing his plate in his lap. “You’re a college kid who needs to eat after a football game. Nate’s family is my sur-

rogate family. Every weekend, it’s ‘come to the tent and hang out with the Joneses.’” The number of RVs, families, and boys who come waxes and wanes, but the tailgate tradition goes far back. At its usual spot, The Gridiron Club, a group of football alumni who graduated in ’79, has tailgated every home game for the last 15 years. Members come from Hillsdale, Litchfield, and Toledo. “This is one way to keep up contact,” alumnus Tom Lorkowski said. The club supports the team financially too, Lorkowski said. Members run fundraisers and sell football squares, jerseys, and helmets. “What we’re looking for is for people to come and have a good time,” founding club member Rick Barker said. “Everyone is invited.” Spampinato has noticed five new RVs replace two that left; and while tailgating showings felt smaller last year, this year she’s noticed more football players coming out after the game. By her count,

Murals from B6

Resident Assistant Dustin Pletan said the other Galloway Residence murals stem from the Honor Code mural. Joel Meng | Collegian

the core group includes six to seven RVs, plus a few base camps — all of which fills the parking lot. One camper that’s new to the asphalt belongs to Tommy and Chris Mills, older brothers to wide receiver senior Timmy Mills. “We’ve developed a culture,” Tommy Mills said of the tailgate going on around him. The Mills bought a camper on Facebook Marketplace, and between December and April, they gutted, burned, and rebuilt it, transforming it into a tailgate camper that they debuted at the Indy 500 and claim is for sale. The Mills brothers agreed on two essential features of a tailgating camper: A TV and a sound system. For a tailgate, just add people and good food. “If you don’t have a grill, you’re worthless,” Chris Mills said. Timmy Mills said the tailgate — and a home-cooked meal — is something to look forward to. “There are a lot more fam-

scholar, and a hero with a bloody sword and blue paint and yelling.” “I’d add a dope picture of Churchill staring off into the distance with a cigar in his mouth, all in black and white,” sophomore Christian Betz said. Freshman Paul Kerrigan agreed: “Give him a big cigar.” Galloway does not have a set process for putting up murals, Pletan said. “Putting up murals isn’t a plan of the RAs. It’s ideas of our community made incarnate in technicolor on our walls,” Pletan said. Macwan has put a few ideas of his own on the walls of Galloway, including a mural depicting a large tree on a tall hill and a small tree on a narrow hill, separated by a bottomless ravine with only a small bridge across. Several birds fly near the leafy branches of the larger tree. “With the tree mural, I wanted to show there’s a gap between where we are and where we’re headed and that we need help to get there,” Macwan said.

ilies this year than my freshman year,” Mills said. A Facebook page called Hillsdale Charger Family Tailgate Group connects all the families and organizes the family effort. For away games, families make cookies. One mom writes a newsletter. Another is in charge of making lanyards that identify the players and their numbers, their parents’ names, and parents’ phone numbers — which is particularly helpful for the new parents. Another mom is in charge of creating buttons. Having the page helps a lot, Spampinato said, especially during the spring scramble to get new parents involved. “We’re happy to take up the parking lot; it’s amazing to be a part of something bigger,” Spampinato said. “If you can’t be there, you know there are other families who will...families that will welcome you.”

Residents of Galloway say that the murals inspire them and give them a sense of community. “The mural about how the good is the enemy of the great inspires greatness in men,” freshman Reed Lawe said. The murals, whether it’s the RA mural, baseball team mural, or the Honor Code mural, show how the dorm has been passed down, Lawe said. As the date for renovations to Galloway’s rooms and halls approaches, Galloway residents have mixed feelings. “The murals are a good way of saying goodbye before the renovation,” Wellemeyer said. Another resident thought the renovations would enhance the artistic significance of the murals. “They’re a good representation of human life because you put them up, and then they’ll be destroyed and no one will remember them,” freshman Trevor Vogel said. Residents appreciate the murals while they remain. “They add a lot of flavor to the dorm and make it more homey and less like a bunker,” said Kerrigan.

The world’s a book, and Hillsdale students read it

Students sink or swim in immersive programs, struggle with costs and credit transfers By | Josephine von Dohlen Assistant Editor One afternoon this past spring, Professor of German Eberhard Geyer sat down to coffee and cake at Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany with two of his Hillsdale students, seniors Lillian Martin and Rachel Smith. “It was so interesting to have that different cultural experience with the same professor that I have in Michigan, where we probably wouldn’t have engaged in that sort of activity, but it was just natural for us to do so in Germany,” Martin said. Martin and Smith spent the spring semester abroad through Hillsdale’s Saarland University Exchange Program. The program is one of eight study abroad progrms that the college offers in six countries: England, France, Germany, Spain, Argentina, and Scotland. While Hillsdale’s campus cannot boast a presence overseas, individual departments coordinate with schools abroad, providing students with immersive experiences and a greater sense of independence. Since each program is organized and headed by a faculty director, students benefit from a personalized approach to their goals and needs. However, this decentralization has some downsides: Because the programs vary widely, the courses don’t always transfer neatly, and the merit-based financial aid students enjoy on campus might not follow them abroad. The exchange program in Saarland immerses students in a large university setting: “They’re coming from a cushioned Hillsdale to a baby-swim situation,” said Geyer, who is the director of Hillsdale’s German study abroad programs. If a semester of swimming isn’t appealing, German students can travel and take classes with a Hillsdale professor for a month through the Würzburg program, through

which students earn five academic credit hours while traveling in southern Germany. “It is an intermediate to advanced language course,” Geyer said. “I think it gives students who have passed the language requirements the feeling that they could actually, after this intense program, continue living in Germany, that they could actually converse in the language. It is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel.” Like the Saarland program, the popular Oxford affiliation throws students into the Oxford University pond and lets them swim, according to Academy Headmaster Kenneth Calvert, who advises those involved in the Oxford Study Abroad Program. “It is not a Hillsdale-in-Oxford kind of thing, where we are sending our professors,” Calvert said. “The students are there to work with genuine Oxford University faculty.” Students who go to Oxford don’t live in a house owned and operated by the school, the model for Stanford University and the University of Notre Dame, for example. Nor will they learn under Hillsdale professors accompanying them. Instead, students experience the typical Oxford tutorial, where they work oneon-one or two-on-one with an Oxford professor. “Our insistence on making this exclusively a tutorial between the student and the professor is something that is somewhat unusual for Hillsdale College,” Calvert said. Each year, seven to eight Hillsdale students go to Oxford for a summer session or a semester. The Oxford Study Abroad Program accepts students from over 650 colleges and universities worldwide, placing the students into one of Oxford University’s 39 different colleges. The Spanish department partners with Spanish Studies Abroad, a center for cross-cultural study with affiliations in

Spain, Argentina, and other Spanish speaking countries. The company provides international students with opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the language and the culture. “We have worked with them for a long time because we have confidence in the quality of their academic instruction,” Professor of Spanish Kevin Teegarden said. “They use the some of the same books that we do, their courses match our requirements, and that sort of thing. We are very comfortable with them.” Since 2003, 144 Hillsdale Spanish students have studied abroad in a variety of different programs, most heading to Seville, Spain, where students

“How credits might apply toward a specific program is a decision made by the appropriate department chair,” McArthur said. “Each official program has a faculty director, and interested students should see the director to learn how the particular program works and what is necessary to participate.” Some Hillsdale students, however, opt to study abroad through other colleges. Junior Suzie Peyrebrune spent six weeks this summer studying at the University of Dallas’s Rome campus, where she took classes in both Literary Traditions and the Art and Architecture of Rome, participating in excursions with her group of about 60 students. “I think the classes that I

“That experience of going abroad and learning about other cultures, which forces you to reflect on your own culture, is an invaluable experience, and I think it should be part of a liberal arts education.” take classes with other Americans at the Spanish Studies Abroad center. “Most of our students have opted to go to the Seville program, I think mainly because students come back, and they’ve had a great experience, so they recommend it to their friends,” Teegarden said. “That is the largest Spanish program Hillsdale students go on.” According to Registrar Douglas McArthur, credits earned through Hillsdale’s official study abroad programs do transfer and are considered institutional credit that counts toward a student’s Hillsdale GPA. There is no guarantee that those same credits will also count toward a student’s programs of study, majors or minors, he said in an email.

took were very much in line with Hillsdale’s education, and the places that I visited were also very important to what I have learned at Hillsdale,” Peyrebrune said. Peyrebrune found the program through a high school friend, and she said her literature class will transfer as elective credit, and her art class will count for her fine arts core credit. For Peyrebrune, the program was attractive because of the location (Hillsdale does not have a Rome affiliation) and the inexpensive price. Several of Hillsdale’s study abroad faculty directors said the programs’ costs, which institutional financial aid often cannot cover, can present a difficulty for students interest-

ed in study abroad. Geyer said the Würzburg summer program can end up being a “very expensive month.” The Würzburg program costs $2,600 for Hillsdale College’s summer school tuition of five credit hours, as well as program services estimated around $1,700, in addition to flight and other costs abroad. “The Oxford program is very expensive, and it is prohibitive for students who want to go,” Calvert said. “I will have in a given year, have 25 to 30 students inquire after the program, and only 10 of them will go. It always, always has to do with money.” According to Teegarden, financial aid does not follow students off-campus. Rich Moeggenberg, director of financial aid, confirmed that financial aid packages assume full-time status for both the fall and spring semesters. “Generally speaking, merit scholarships can’t be applied to summer school and they can’t be applied to study abroad,” Moeggenberg said. There is, however, a variety of scholarships dedicated for study abroad within each department and program. Moeggenberg said there are scholarships for the modern languages of Spanish, French, and German, in addition to a long-time endowed scholarship specifically used for study abroad. One school of similar size and approach, Grove City College in Pennsylvania, which also boasts institutional independence from the government, has dedicated offices to study abroad programs, making it easier for students to find programs. Grove City’s Office of International Education aims to maintain their affiliate program costs around the same price as the typical semester on campus, plus additional airfare and housing costs, according to their website. At Hillsdale College, each program is run by its respec-

tive director and department as well as the business office, the registrar’s office, and the financial aid office, making it difficult to keep costs consistent across the board. “Only one time in all my years here, people from all departments sat down and talked about study abroad,” Teegarden said. “Our big concern then, and it’s still a big concern today, is cost. As far as I know, there has never been a concerted effort to raise money just for study abroad, and I think that’s really something our college ought to consider.” Despite the heavy cost, students say studying abroad enhanced their Hillsdale education. “Studying abroad showed me the importance of communication and how language can open up doors,” Martin said. “It was such a beautiful thing that the best friend that I made there is from the Canary Islands, and I had no idea that place even existed before. We communicated in German, even though her native language was Spanish, and her English was basically fluent so we could have resorted to English, but we were there for the purpose of challenging ourselves, and that’s what I gained from studying abroad, just challenging myself and putting myself out there.” Professors say that studying abroad is worth it, as the benefits to the college experience far exceed the costs. “It’s an important part of a young person’s education, especially if you’re a language major, but even if you’re in business or other fields,” Teegarden said. “That experience of going abroad and learning about other cultures, which forces you to reflect on your own culture, is an invaluable experience, and I think it should be part of a liberal arts education.”

Features An immigration conference with an unbiased approach

B5 Nov. 9, 2017

www.hillsdalecollegian.com

By | Joshua J. Paladino Opinions Editor

Hillsdale alumni’s home is a historical landmark By | Nolan Ryan Collegian Reporter

Alumni Jerry and Margaret Albert live in a 121-year-old historic house in Gaylord, Michigan. Gaylord Historical Society | Courtesy

Only three houses designed by the famous 19th-century architect George Barber exist in Gaylord, Michigan. Two married Hillsdale alumni live in one of them. Jerry and Margaret Albert now live in a 121-year-old historic house that is located less than 4 hours from Hillsdale. Their home became a Michigan State Historic Site in 1993 and joined the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. Jerry ’67, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Margaret ’68, from Johnstown, Ohio, met while they were students at Hillsdale. Jerry played football and baseball, and Margaret was a cheerleader. As an athlete, Jerry was required by Coach Frank “Muddy” Waters to take a dance class for agility, Margaret said. Margaret happened to be in the same class — and that’s how they first met. Jerry and Margaret were still students at Hillsdale, he a senior and she a junior, when they married. It was not Margaret’s father who walked her down the aisle, however: It was Hillsdale’s football coach, Frank “Muddy” Waters, who later was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. According to Margaret, her parents did not approve of her getting married while in college, so Waters stepped forward. Margaret and Jerry both knew Waters and his wife. The Alberts moved to Gaylord from Brooklyn, Michigan in 1987, several years before Margaret retired from teaching in the Jackson County schools. “I was a superintendent in schools in Jackson County,” Margaret said. “We moved up here, and I finished my teaching in Brooklyn, Michigan. I retired in ’93.” While she was initially hesitant to move to Gaylord

because there are fewer large cities that far north, Margaret said the historic home convinced her. “The only reason I would come to Gaylord was to buy this house,” she said. “It’s a Queen Anne, a George Barber house. George Barber was a famous 1800s architect. The house was built in 1896. It was gorgeous. It has a lot of woodwork, a lot of stained glass. We renovated everything. I did the history on it to get a state and national marker.” After buying their house in Gaylord, Margaret continued teaching in Brooklyn and living there, driving up to Gaylord on the weekends until her retirement in 1993. For their house in Gaylord, they brought in a home renovation company to do most of the work. “All I had to do was wallpaper,” she said. “I would come up each Friday, and on Saturday morning I would meet with the contractor. I gave them directions and told them how to do it.” But the wallpaper alone gave Margaret a fair amount of work to do. “This house is a 6,000-square-foot house,” she said. “I was really booking. We had put all our furniture in storage, so I had to wallpaper it when I got out of school. I got out of school on June 3, and the furniture came on June 29, so I had to book it.” After renovations, the home is now a three-story house. Margaret said they had the attic restored to be a living space, complete with their billiards table. “There were only four George Barber houses in Gaylord, and one has been torn down,” Margaret said. “Gaylord was the only town in the U.S. of its size that had four George Barber homes.” In order for her home to become a Michigan State Historic Site and make the

National Register of Historic Places, Margaret had to prove her house’s historic significance. So she did some digging on on the original owners. “I did the research on the people, and that’s what got us in,” she said. “I had to go show what we did: black and white pictures, color pictures. I had to prove it was built in 1896.” The previous owners were Frank and Rae Kramer, business people who owned a store in Otsego County, where the house is located, according to Margaret. Kramer opened his store, Kramer’s Big Busy Store, in Gaylord in 1882 and moved it to another location in the town in 1887. The Otsego County Herald ran a story on Kramer’s store in September 1905. “Mr. Kramer is one of our representative citizens; takes a great interest in the town and country: owns a fine farm north and west of town and gets much solid enjoyment out of life,” the article said. “He believes Gaylord’s future promises far more than its past.” Margaret said she has always had an interest in history. Her family has lived in Johnstown, Ohio for many generations and has a long history in the village. “I have a lot of my greatgreat grandmother’s things,” she said. “I’m part of the Daughters of the American Revolution.” Margaret has a unique claim of historically significant ancestors. “I’m from the Hatfields and McCoys,” she said. “Jeremiah Hatfield was my ancestor.” Margaret admires the beautiful history and architecture of their house. “It’s a lovely Queen Anne,” she said. “It’s the jewel of the north.”

Float along with Huck and Jim

Hillsdale College adds online course on Mark Twain Hillsdale College Online Courses is offering a new course on Mark Twain, his books, and short stories. Pixabay

By | Sydney Anderson Collegian Reporter The Mississippi River, which runs through the stories and novels of Mark Twain, connects the American Heartland. Like the mighty Mississippi, Hillsdale’s newest online course on the work of Mark Twain connects members of the Hillsdale commu-

nity from around the nation to Hillsdale College. “Twain is such a recognizable figure,” said Assistant Professor of English Kelly Scott Franklin, who’s teaching some of the video lectures. “He’s got a universally-appealing style, and he has written stories that everyone knows and loves.” Hillsdale College intro-

duced Mark Twain: Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, and Selected Short Stories to its offered free online courses in October. The class, taught by Franklin and Assistant Professor of English Benedict Whalen, consists of nine video lectures. After President of Hillsdale College Larry Arnn introduces the course with an opening lecture about Twain

Students locked themselves in the Dow Leadership Center for seven hours on Saturday to free their minds for a open-forum discussion about U.S. immigration policy. Assistant Professor of Economics Christopher Martin, who worked at the Institute for Humane Studies for 10 years before coming to Hillsdale, helped recruit students for the IHS conference. Martin said he reached out to a range of majors and opinions to enhance the conversation. IHS picked Christopher Freiman, associate professor of philosophy at the College of William and Mary, to lead the conference. This was the first IHS conference at Hillsdale, but Martin said he hopes to have more in the future. Martin branded the immigration discussion as a “Liberty Fund-style conference.” Liberty Fund conferences take an interdisciplinary approach — examining economics, politics, philosophy, and religion — to questions concerning human nature and liberty. “The purpose of the conference is not to push any conclusion,” Martin said. “It’s not a teleological conversation. The goal is free and open conversation.” Students said the discussion focused on the cultural and economic aspects of immigration policy. As a double major in economics and politics, senior Adrienne Carrier said she is torn between the “social contract” and “net economic benefit” views of immigration. The first view says governments have a broad duty to protect citizens, whereas the second view says governments should adopt whatever

Flowers from B6

policies create the greatest overall wealth. “Only certain people benefit from increased immigration, and there are poorer demographics harmed by it, and we need to consider that when looking at economics,” she said. “Net economic benefit doesn’t mean that people won’t get seriously hurt.” Students read an anthology titled “The Economics of Immigration,” which Carrier said analyzes immigration from a “libertarian perspective.” It included articles from Bryan Caplan, professor of economics at George Mason University and a voice for open borders. Senior Duncan Voyles said he supports free immigration but has reservations. “There are situations where some people lose,” he said. “I don’t think it’s good that they lose. It might be just, but it isn’t good. When those people lose, there should be institutions and people that step in and help them.” Voyles said people who support free immigration should not turn away from the real problems it causes. “I’m torn. Does the government step in to help people? Do private institutions step in to help people?” Voyles asked. “The government doesn’t do a very good job taking care of losers, but personally I believe the Church should step in and do it — in very real, tangible, concrete ways.” He suggested monetary assistance as well as providing education and job training as a way to assist in the transition for those who lose their jobs. Carrier and Voyles said many students worried about preserving American culture, even though no one could

define it. “Most American citizens can’t even pass a citizenship test,” Voyles said. “If we don’t have a clear conception of what immigrants should assimilate to, then we can’t ask them to assimilate.” Students read “We Wanted Workers” by George Borjas, professor of economics and social policy at Harvard University. Carrier described him as “a leading academic who is critical of immigration.” Carrier said “We Wanted Workers” shows that immigrants are more complex than their economic value. “They’re not automatons,” she said. “They impact their neighborhoods and people around them.” Voyles said America has sustained cultural diversity so far, although he doesn’t know if it will hold up to the country’s increasing pluralism. “One of the defining features of the United States is that there is individual liberty to pursue your notion of what’s right and to create a community around that notion,” he said. “Part of what makes the United States so attractive for immigrants is that they get to bring their culture with them, provided that they abide by certain general guidelines, like the rule of law.” Martin said IHS conferences provide a model for political discussion. “You don’t want to push an agenda because, first of all, it wouldn’t work. Secondly, it isn’t right. You want free people to come to beliefs because of reason and discussion.”

Jane Stewart greets customers and arranges flowers at Smith’s Flowershop. Julie Havlak | Collegian

She does have up to seven helpers, including Carmel Wright, 54, who has spent 32 years arranging flowers, six of them at Smith’s Flowers. “I did lots and lots of jobs, but I couldn’t find what I was good at,” Wright said. “And this is it, my knack, this is what I love doing. And I’ve been doing it forever, and I love it.” For Jessica Smith, 24, Stewart arranged blush-pink hydrangeas and roses for her wedding.

“I felt so comfortable, like I’d known her forever. She made it easy for me to tell her exactly what I wanted. I went there and said: ‘I want flowers. A lot of pink flowers.’ And she was like, ‘Ok,’” Smith said. “I didn’t really give her anything to go on, and she made it perfect.” After Stewart finishes working at Smith’s Flowershop, she is considering growing flowers for the industry. But in the meantime, she continues to be the

and the study of literature, Whalen and Franklin each teach four lectures on Twain’s works. Franklin teaches “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” and Whalen handles most of “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” “I think American literature is a great subject for the Hillsdale College online courses,” Franklin said. “Hillsdale College is so interested in how the United States has absorbed and transformed the Western Tradition, and I think our fans and partners and supporters out there will love this class.” Whalen agreed. “Because Twain’s works are so concerned with essential human truths, those essential elements carry import to political, artistic, and scientific realms,” Whalen said. “So I think in that way it fits within everything our public audience should care about. Whether they’re more political or artistic, I think Twain speaks to all of that through the truths that he captures and represents.” On-campus core and upper-level classes, such as English 360: American Renaissance and Realism, also allow students to delve into Twain’s literature. According to Wha-

len and Franklin, all types of people can enjoy Twain. “I enjoy Twain, both teaching him to the student body at large and then also to English majors in upper level classes,” Whalen said. “He’s rewarding across the board. He’s always funny, always delightful, both to students who just love literature and to those who are maybe a biochemistry major.” This class joins other online classes such as Great Books 101 and 102, Western Heritage, American Heritage, and Introduction to the U.S. Constitution. On top of the available core curriculum classes, Online Courses, a collaboration between Marketing and External Affairs, also offers classes on C.S. Lewis, Shakespeare, and Winston Churchill. With hundreds of thousands of people in one class, building a classroom community is something that is nearly impossible with online classes, proving to be one of the online classes’ only downfall. “Obviously the best scenario is being in the classroom because you can ask questions and talk to the professor,” Director of Digital Marketing Jonathan Lewis said. “I’m sure that’s what probably everyone

face of Smith’s Flowershop, selling teas, chocolates, and bouquets of flowers. “My most favorite thing is when I deliver to people, and they open the door with a huge smile on their face,” Wright said. “That right there melts your heart because you know you’ve done something that has made other people happy. And even with funerals, you know when you see a tear that it is special to them.”

wishes they could do, but this gives the people that can’t make it here or are past the college age that would still love to learn, the opportunity to. We’re just doing the best we can to allow people access to all the stuff we love here.” With 2.4 million enrollments and 1.5 million students (because one student can enroll in multiple courses), the classes are reaching people across the nation. These classes, however, aren’t just for people past college age. “Generally our audience is an older one, so it’s a lot of people who are continuing learning,” Lewis said. “Although we do get a lot of reports of homeschoolers using them or families using them, and sometimes those students matriculate here.” Comparing the media work he did for this class to the articles he writes, Franklin says that it’s satisfying to teach a really broad audience because it’s like expanding the classroom to the world. “I think prepping the lectures was a lot of work,” Franklin said, “but delivering them and recording them was a lot of fun. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

Nov. 9, 2017

The sojourner in the flower shop

By | Julie Havlak Assistant Editor Jane Stewart picked her first flower when she was three, and she never stopped. Her parents tended a massive garden, and she grew up hauling water from the lake for the plants, planting rows of crops, canning produce, and checking off the long list of chores that kept them fed. Every once in awhile, her family would go into town and into the local flower shop, where Stewart would stare inside a huge cooler, looking at the buckets of flowers. Today, she has that same cooler sitting in a corner of

her flower shop, and she is picking flowers for her customers. “I’ve picked my flowers my whole life, and I used to say that I would always have flowers on my table. And I have, my whole life,” said Stewart, who now owns Smith’s Flowers in downtown Hillsdale. “It’s just a thing, whether I had to pick them, grow them, even if they are dried. It just brings me so much joy. When I walk by my table, I reflect on it, and it makes me smile.” Stewart’s career with growing things began when she turned 16 years old and started working for Pittsford

resident Clare Monroe, helping him keep greenhouses. They made clippings of plants and even started their own breed of poinsettia, which they named the Red Emperor. “He was a very even-keeled man. He knew how to work with the public and with children, being a schoolteacher,” Stewart said. “He was always in that teaching mode, so he was always teaching me something about the soil, the earth, how to grow things, the sun, the greenhouses, germination.” After four years of working with plants, Stewart left Michigan and drifted around the

country, exploring different industries and different places. She moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked as a pasta and cheese manager for Fresh Fields before switching to buying cheeses. Eventually, she ended up making organic goat cheese and living in a log cabin in the middle of the woods, which she describes as “the best time of my life.” “I’m the sojourner type,” Stewart said. “I think life is interesting, and I think you should do more than one thing for sure. I’ve got four more years here at Smith’s Flowers, but then I’m going to go do something else. Maybe

Jane Stewart runs Smith’s Flowershop in downtown Hillsdale. Julie Havlak | Collegian

something with children.” When the recession of 2008 hit, Steward was working with her brother’s engineering business. The recession rocked Michigan’s automotive industry, and her brother’s business was no exception. “In the downturn of the economy, I needed something to do,” Stewart said. “So I had to think of something: Was I going to hold on, or try something new? And it was a good time to try something new.“ So she decided to buy Smith’s Flowers in downtown Hillsdale. The history of the shop intrigued her: Smith’s Flowers has been around since the late 1800s, and Stewart has learned all of its stories.

Inside:

Today, eight years later, she says business is thriving. Just last weekend, her shop arranged flowers for four weddings, a high school homecoming, an anniversary, a fraternity event, and a class reunion. On the average day, the backroom of her shop is filled with buckets of flowers, walls of vases, and spools of shining ribbons. The floor is strewn with leaves, and thick order forms are pinned to a board. Weekends are no break for Stewart, who spends the time labeling flowers, staggering buckets by recipe, and continually monitoring the flowers’ temperature.

See Flowers B5

A Hillsdale love story and a historic home with state, national significance, see B5

Upcoming renovations to Galloway Residence inspired students to paint murals on their dorm’s walls. Joel Meng | Collegian

Less like a bunker, more like a home By | Joel Meng Collegian Reporter On the white, flaking walls of Galloway Residence, students have added their own personal touches to the dorm they call home. Murals depict George Washington crossing the Delaware in blue and black silhouette, inspiring quotations from the pope or “The Office,” and even Muhammad Ali standing over a defeated opponent. Painted by residents past and present, murals cover the walls of every hall in the men’s residence. Any resident of Galloway can paint a mural, and as renovations to the 58-year-old dorm approach within the year, students are rushing to mark up

soon-to-be-repainted walls. The best known mural of Galloway adorns the wall of the second floor landing: the Hillsdale College Honor Code, signed by hundreds of Galloway residents. “We want the Honor Code wall to be prominent to serve as an anchor for the dorm,” head resident assistant senior Dustin Pletan said. In the evening after convocation, all the new freshman in the dorm go to the mural and sign their names, Pletan said. “The Honor Code wall is touching because it embodies the legacy that has been thrust on the residents of Galloway,” sophomore Rowan Macwan said. “The wall means so much more to me now than they did my first night here. Seeing so

many of the names of upperclassmen and alumni makes me appreciate being in this dorm all the more.” To Pletan, the other murals of the dorms are rooted in the Honor Code mural. “The Ricky Bobby mural about how if you’re not first, you’re last, takes the idea of honor and excellence and interprets it in an imaginative way,” Pletan said. “As residents think of new murals, The Galloway ideal of the Honor Code and being gentlemen, scholars, and heroes gives them inspiration.” “I’d add a mural of William Wallace,” sophomore Joe Wellemeyer said. “He’s the epitome of what Galloway represents: a gentleman, a

Campus Chic: The CCA team

See Murals B4

Hillsdale’s decentralized study abroad programs bring pros, cons, see B4

Home-game tailgates mean a slice of home for football players, see B4 Small-scale conference weighs worldwide effects of immigration, see B5

Who is your fashion inspiration? Paul Ryan.

Who are you wearing? Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, and Chaps. How do you decide what makes for good CCA hair? I think of Tom Holland on the red carpet. What is the general student CCA worker aesthetic? Stylish and Sensible.

Micah Perry Joel Meng | Collegian

What’s your favorite part of CCA wardrobe? I love matching my pens to my ties.

Alexandra Leonard

Joel Meng | Collegian

By | Joel Meng Does the microphone limit your ability to accessorize? The microphone is an accessory in itself. But it does mean you can’t wear something that restricts arm movement. You need to be able to move your arms with the microphone. Is there a student CCA worker fashion mantra? (Acronym is hot) High Fashion, On point, Team-Focused What is it like to wear heels all day? It’s given us all stellar calves. What’s something people might not know about the student CCA staff? We coordinate our outfits. We’ve done black and white, charger blue day, and American themes, especially during the Soviet Communism CCA.