October 2015 by Spring Arbor University's The Pulse

ILLUSTRATION BY Courtney Rykse

THE

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PHOTOS BY Nate Bortz

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Editor’s Note I’ve never considered myself to be someone who particularly enjoys being afraid. You know the type: always ready to watch a horror film, get in line for a roller coaster, sneak into an abandoned building. I, on the other hand, prefer the more subtle spooks of scares such as campfire ghost stories, whispered in the flickering light of the flames—or, under the flashing string lights of a Lowell Hall Halloween event, as was the context in which the best scary story that I’ve heard since my arrival at SAU was told. As an RA, it was my job to, before handing out candy to the costumed college girls who arrived at my door, require their completion of a challenge. “Tell me a scary story,” I prompted them, “and then I’ll give you candy.” One girl in the back of the group began to speak. A man went into the woods one day, and soon became terribly lost. He’d wandered far and, though he tried desperately, couldn’t find his way out from among the trees. Tired and hungry, he finally stumbled upon an empty cottage. He entered and decided to stay the night. Although the man was exhausted, he struggled to fall asleep. He couldn’t help but feel like the people in the portraits along the walls of the bedroom were staring at him. It was as though their eyes had followed him as he’d walked through the room to get into bed. And now, with the blankets pulled up to his chin, they stared at him still. Nevertheless, he drifted into sleep, and didn’t awake until morning. Upon his awakening, though, he was alarmed to observe that where, the evening prior, portraits had been, now, were only windows. Needless to say, the girl had her pick of the stash. Eventually, I wrote a poem about the story, and read it for the Oak Tree Review. I was obsessed with the implied horror, the indistinct feeling that the story gave me that made my stomach turn. Although our October issue isn’t brimming over with ghosts and goblins, or even Halloween-themed at all, the “Pulse” staff

The Pulse Staff & Contributors Editor-in-Chief Katlyne Heath News Editor Elizabeth DeGraaf Features Editor Amber Cekander A&E Editor Carly Thompson Sports Editor Dana Sebald-Van Doren Design Editor Kayla Williamson

PHOTO BY Kerri Conrad

Social Media/ Photography Editor Nate Bortz

KATLYNEHEATH

Lead Copy Editor Alexa Matthews

hopes that you’ll detect the chilling elements of our stories nonetheless. In the following pages, you’ll find details about the reallife frights of human trafficking, domestic violence, and school shootings. Find out what the science students have been brewing in Whiteman-Gibbs on page 6. Chat with Jake about scary movies on 17, and let Nate tell you how the future is now one page over. Though “The Pulse” is probably better kindling than reading material for a campfire, its contents should suit a warm corner of your dorm room (or office) pretty well. So, grab a handful of candy and a blanket, and enjoy what our staff has been hard at work putting together this October.

Business Manager Corina Cekander

EDITO RINC H IE F

Cheers! Katlyne Heath

Marketing Manager Luke Roberts Designers Kim Bigos Libby Buckland Andri Hill Ali Westra Copy Editor Hannah Sutter Staff Writers Elizabeth Brendle Sarah Dean Jacob Fisher Erin O’Conner Hannah Shimanek Guest Writers Mary Sramek

Editor-in-Chief

CORRECTION: In our September issue, the “Athlete of the Month” article was written by both Kylie Ambu and Dana Sebald-Van Doren. Sorry for leaving out your name, Kylie!

October 30, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

NEWS

Let’s Get Tech Savvy

AL E XA M AT THEWS access to virtual labs. Virtual labs exist to SAU-contained documents. We now have the LEA DCOPY E DITOR

e’ve all noticed the new email system that we had to learn how to operate this fall, but what most students don’t know is that this is only one of quite a few technological changes that Spring Arbor University (SAU) has provided for its students this year. Chief technology officer Chris Blackstone was ready to tell “The Pulse” all about these changes. Regarding the new Office 365 email system, he explained that the reasoning behind the switch was to give students easier access to their emails. Another new system at SAU this year is Chromecast. For a number of SAU-offered courses, this program has replaced various teaching stations that used to be offered by the university and helps to ensure that students have a better learning experience, whether they attend SAU’s Spring Arbor campus or one of the other various satellite campuses throughout Michigan and Ohio. Chromecast helps students to better connect with each other and more easily access information and help, no matter where they are. This year, SAU students have also gained

help those who are not physically able to get to an SAU campus to still get the educational experience they deserve. These labs can be accessed online by any SAU student, although off-campus students will likely benefit most from them. In the future, we can also expect to see progressions in SAU’s cloud storage. “The goal of this idea is to give students the ability to access their SAU files from everywhere—from their own laptops, to their home computers, their phones, etc.,” said Blackstone. Cloud storage will allow students who have been working on assignments on SAU-based computers, such as those in White Library and the Cougar Den, to be able to save and work on them from any computer, whether it is another SAU desktop, their laptop or even their home computer. The university was able to purchase these new programs with money from students’ technology fees. “The thought behind getting these new systems was to build up the accessibility available to students and to make their learning experience go smoother. We will no longer have to go to specific labs or rooms to access

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luxury of less disruptions and the ability to do our work whenever and wherever,” said Blackstone. The students who will benefit most from these changes are those who are involved with SAU satellite sites, because the new technology helps them connect to main campus. The best part of these upgrades is that they come at no additional cost to us: our access to Office 365 email is free, and our yearly technology fees cover our use of Chromecast and virtual labs. For more information on SAU’s new technology, contact the helpdesk in the technology center.

NEWS

The Fight to End Human Trafficking STAF F WRITE R

his month, Spring Arbor University (SAU) held its third annual human trafficking conference. It commenced on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 10, with prayer, a documentary viewing and presentations by two keynote speakers: Kathy Maitland and Joyce Dixson-Haskett. Maitland is the executive director of the Michigan Abolitionist Project, and DixsonHaskett is a front-runner in the advocacy for children of incarcerated parents. As a part of her address, Dixson-Haskett shared her powerful testimony of the life she once lived in the realm of sex trafficking. Following Maitland and Dixson-Haskett’s keynote addresses, workshops were held, in which seven speakers presented. Some workshops were informational and factdriven, while others focused on testimonials. This year, each participant had the opportunity to attend three workshops rather than two. After a presentation from one last keynote speaker, Jeff Wilbarger from the Daughter Project, the conference ended with some closing remarks and prayer. A variety of people attended this year’s event, including members of law enforcement and the Free Press and a colleague of state senator Judy Emmons, who is passionate about human trafficking.

In preparation for the conference, the 5K run held over homecoming weekend raised funds and awareness among students, alumni and the Spring Arbor community about human trafficking,. The team responsible for the conference wanted to make a weekend out of this year’s event, which, in the past, occupied a single day only. As a result, the night before the conference, performances by Team Most High and Kaela Green were held in the Poling Center lobby as a precursor for the next day’s events. At this event, associate professor of communication Mary Darling, who is very passionate about the eradication of injustice in the world, spoke on Micah 6:8: “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” The night ended with a time of worship, lead by some SAU alumni and band members from a local church. Department of sociology chairperson and event coordinator Jeremy Norwood explained

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that the purpose of the night was to prepare hearts and minds for the conference on Saturday. It had a great turnout even though it was competing with other campus events.

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And what does the Lord required of you? To act justicely, love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Similar events are sure to be incorporated in conference plans for years to come. In keeping with the human-trafficking theme, the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church moved its Freedom Sunday service, usually held in the spring, up to the Sunday following the conference, in order to help bring awareness to the community. Overall, Norwood and the team of student coordinators for the human trafficking conference were very pleased with the weekend. They are grateful for the support they received from the community.

October 30, 2015 • thesaupulse.

NEWS

The Whiteman-Gibbs Chronicles: Biology and Chemistry Student Projects L IBBY BUCKL AND STAF F WRITE R

aculty members of Spring Arbor University (SAU)’s department of natural sciences pride themselves in mentoring and

Biology Assistant professor of biology Dr. Aaron Wyman teaches courses such as introductory biology and molecular biology, and actively collaborates with several SAU student researchers. “Excellent researchers are willing to try new options and mechanisms to achieve success. They recognize that solving problems may involve discovering novel, diverse methods that don’t work—[which is] a nice way of saying, “achieving failure.” They are industrious, listen to others and pay attention to details. They learn from both mistakes and successes. They don’t fear failure,” said Wyman. Five SAU students of various majors are currently working with Wyman on projects. These individuals exhibit the characteristics described

encouraging their students to help them thrive in their studies and prepare for their future careers. In doing so, they encourage science students to undertake independent research projects. Currently, 10 science students are actively engaged in research projects ranging from studying

infectious bacteria to solving chemical mysteries. Their work is cutting-edge, and it further promotes SAU’s environment of academic excellence.

above, and each has a unique pathway in going about his or her efforts.

international ASPB meeting in Austin, Texas. “Doing independent research has helped strengthen my skills in the lab and expand my understanding of all areas of biology, which will later help me in the medical field,” says Lopez.

Sienna Lopez is a junior biology major who has been engaged in research efforts since this spring. She earned a 2015 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) through the American Society of Plant Biology (ASPB). Lopez’s research project is based on work done by a collaborator of Wyman’s, whose lab identified genes in plants that appear to enable the plants to identify magnetic fields and grow toward them. Lopez has isolated copies of that gene from various plants and is working to elucidate its mechanism of action. While her work throughout the summer involved its fair share of complications, she plans on continuing the project throughout this year and will be presenting her findings at the 2016

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Karen Chanchavac is a senior biology major who is starting her third year of research with Wyman. Her previous research efforts can be found on several posters hanging outside of Whiteman-Gibbs 107. In the summer of 2014, Chanchavac characterized novel genes for their roles in peroxisomal development and function. She presented her work at the 2015 international ASPB meeting in Minneapolis, Minn. and is currently documenting these efforts for her senior thesis. Chanchavac earned a 2015 SURF from the Michigan State University-DOE Plant Research Laboratory. There, she worked with a research team to characterize different genes in switchgrass species to promote their use for biofuel generation. Chanchavac presented her research efforts at the 2015 Mid-Michigan Symposium for Undergraduate Research Experiences. Chanchavac intends to use the knowledge and experience she has gained through independent research to continue studying plant genomics in graduate school. While Lopez and Chanchavac each worked solely on their own projects, several other students, such as Samantha Luce, Hannah Schroeder, and Josie Nieboer, are combining their efforts to study a specific question. Samantha Luce is a junior biology/ health studies major who is starting her first year of independent research. She is analyzing families of bacteria known to cause infectious diseases. These bacteria are highly motile due to

NEWS their flagella. However, it was found in the earlyto-mid 1990’s that a common molecule, salicylate, inhibits bacteria from moving. Using various microbiological and biochemical tests, Luce hopes to learn more about how salicylate impacts bacterial motility and how it could be utilized to prevent mammalian infections.

Hannah Schroeder is a senior biochemistry major. For her honors thesis, she is characterizing various bacterial species for changes in the expression levels of numerous genes in the presence and absence of salicylate. These genes are hypothesized to help control motility in bacteria. These types of studies have never been done on this process. Josie Nieboer is a graduate school biology major. She is currently studying how salicylate impacts the physical ability of various bacteria to move. “I am currently working with Samantha and Hannah to study the effects of bacteria motility when placed in different levels of salicylate. My project is still in the beginning stages, so I have not gathered much intel yet, but I look forward to seeing where this research takes me,” said Nieboer. Luce, Schroeder, and Nieboer’s projects intertwine and strengthen each other. The ladies intend to present their research efforts at a microbiological conference this upcoming summer.

Chemistry This December, the International Chemical Congress of the Pacific Basin Societies (Pacifichem) is hosting an event that is held every five years in Honolulu, Hawaii. Five students and two professors from SAU’s chemistry department will have the opportunity to attend the conference and present their research findings. Their research is being executed under the supervision of chemistry and biology department chairperson Bruce Baldwin. Baldwin has these students working on “daughter” projects, which are essentially continuations of the original research that he did during his post-doctorate work in Japan, including the invention of a new chemical and the discovery of how a chemical reaction can create a certain class of chemicals.

“As the professor, I have to conceptualize the project, make sure it is safe, and then I pick the students. The students are never expected to work alone, only under the supervision of myself, as I am very involved in the work they are doing,” said Baldwin. The students in this group were all hand-picked by Baldwin and the rest of the chemistry department faculty. They were required to submit a three-sentence abstract in addition to a graphical abstract, which were used to narrow down the applicants to five students. This December, Shelby Cooke, Sydney Price, Rachel Hayes, Jonathan Hall, Elizabeth Sowers and Elizabeth Bruggeman will be attending the Pacifichem conference with Drs. Kuntzelman and Baldwin. There, they will have the ability to network with other chemists from around the world and get their work noticed.

OH ILLUSTRATION BY ANDRI HILL

October 30, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

NEWS

School Shootings Be aware. Stay Safe.

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For most students at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, the morning of Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015 was likely filled with normal routines. Inevitably, some hit the snooze button a few too many times, others woke up early to review their notes before class and still others, in spite of running late, were still able to stop to get coffee on the way to class. By all appearances, it was an average day; yet, as it would turn out, the day was anything but average. By now, most of us have heard about the events that took place. Chris Harper, 26, came to school prepared for a gunfight with body armor and ammunition. Upon entering a classroom, he immediately shot and killed the professor and then singled out the Christians and started shooting them. A mass murder took place that day at UCC, leaving ten people, including the shooter, dead, and nine others injured. The school shootings did not stop—or start—there. In fact, there have been 53 school shootings to date in 2015, according to CNN. On Oct. 9 alone, two schools were added to that list. The first was Northern Arizona University, where one student was murdered and three others wounded. It is said that the cause of this specific shooting was a confrontation. The shooter, freshman Steven Jones, was not in a fraternity, but the four people he shot were. He is facing a first-degree murder charge and three counts of aggravated assault.

The other was Texas Southern University, where one student was murdered and one injured. Immediately after the shooting, the shooter went into hiding. It wasn’t until the authorities received an anonymous tip that the shooter was hiding in an attic that a SWAT team found him on Saturday, Oct. 18. The shooter, Jartis Leon Leblanc Jr., 22, is held on a $50,000 bond. This is not his first run-in with the law: he had an existing misdemeanor for theft, which he was also on bond for. Even more recently—Thursday, Oct.

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There have been 53 school shootings up to date in 2015.

23—at Tennessee State University, another shooting took place, leaving one person killed and three injured. The shooting occurred after an argument about a dice game. Immediately afterward, the shooter fled. Police have yet to identify him. What is next? Or, better yet, who is next? While most would like to believe that Spring Arbor University (SAU) is not a place where a shooting such as these could happen, we need to be prepared for the worst. We all know of the student handbook that is reviewed every year during our first

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week back at SAU. Nevertheless, during the excitement of our return to campus, its contents can be difficult to remember. Fortunately, the handbook is available in various offices in the student center, as well as online. In the “general information” section of the handbook, a number of the university’s guidelines are discussed, including our policy on firearms and other weapons, copied for your convenience below: “Firearms, bows and arrows, concealed knives with blades longer than three inches, realistic looking toy guns, B.B. guns, airsoft guns, paintball guns and other weapons of any type are not permitted to be carried, stored in campus housing or vehicles, or possessed by students on campus. Homemade and commercial incendiary devices, such as fireworks and bottle bombs, are a serious threat to personal and campus safety. The possession or use of such items on campus is not permitted. Violations will be subject to significant accountability action ranging from fines, community service, probation, suspension or dismissal and/or civil action.” When asked about school shootings and SAU, Scott Krebill, director of campus security, said, “Like any other issue in life, people need to educate themselves and take responsibility along with being prepared. These events are extremely rare and can happen anywhere.” Dan VanderHill, director of student success, also commented, saying, “While these horrible acts of senseless violence are becoming more common, they are still very rare. There is no sense in being afraid, but one can make a habit of doing little things

NEWS Shootings Since 2010

to be safer. Things like being aware of your surroundings, reporting things that don’t look right, knowing where emergency exits are.” “Michigan gun laws limit the general public from carrying guns on campus. The fact that we are a private institution allows us to have stricter control on weapons,” said Krebill. The SAU Crisis Response Manual provides a “How to Respond” plan: Dial 911 Immediately Call Campus Safety at 750.6911 Report as much information regarding the incident as possible: • Location • Number of individuals involved • Injuries In the case of an active shooter in your vicinity, the handbook says, follow these steps: • Evacuate • Have an escape route and plan in mind • Leave your belongings behind • Keep your hands visible

• Hideout • Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view • Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors • Silence your cell phone and stay quiet • Take Action/Fight As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger • Attempt to incapacitate the shooter • Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter There are many controversies about gun control in and out of schools. It is important that we stay as educated as possible about school shootings. The mornings of the shootings this month, October 1, 19, and 23, were normal mornings for most SAU students, as well as for the students who would be impacted by the shootings. We could be them. Become educated and encourage your loved ones to become educated, as well, so that, if tragedy ever does arise, we will be prepared.

Wisconsin Lutheran High School Frederick High School University of South Carolina Bethune-Cookman University Pershing Elementary School Wayne Community College J.B. Martin Middle School North Thurston High School Southwestern Classical Academy Savannah State University Sacramento City College Delta State University Harrisburg High School Rosemary Anderson High School shooting Rogers State University Miami Carol City High School Florida State University Marysville Pilchuck High School shooting Fern Creek Traditional High School Albemarle High School Indiana State University Reynolds High School Seattle Pacific University University of California, Santa Barbara John F. Kennedy High School East English Village Preparatory Academy Benjamin Banneker High School Georgia Regents University San Jose State University University of Southern California Charles F. Brush High School Salisbury High School North High School Eastern Florida State College Tennessee State University President Theodore Roosevelt High School Los Angeles Valley College South Carolina State University Purdue University Widener University Edison High School Arapahoe High School West Orange High School Brashear High School North Carolina A&T State University Sparks Middle School Carver High School Massachusetts Institute of Technology Grambling State University University of Central Florida Lone Star College–North Harris Chicago State University Hazard Community and Technical College Stevens Institute of Business and Arts Taft Union High School University of Southern California Episcopal School of Jacksonville Chardon High School North Forest High School Radford University Virginia Tech Cape Fear High School Worthing High School Millard South High School Aurora Central High School Alisal High School Mumford High School Deer Creek Middle School

October 30, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

FEATURES

New Spiritual Formation and Leadership Minor NE WSE DITOR

pring Arbor University (SAU) is now offering a minor in spiritual formation and leadership. The university has been offering master’s courses in spiritual formation for many years, but this is the first academic year in which a program is being offered for undergraduate students. This program is unique in the country, as there is only one other undergraduate institution that offers a spiritual formation program. The idea for the minor started with department of theology chairperson Ken Brewer, who brought the idea to Nathan Foster, now the andrews chair for spiritual formation. Foster, formerly an associate professor of social work, created and directs the minor, while also being a public speaker and author. The 24-credit minor is comprised of classes on a variety of topics, including an introduction to spiritual formation, social justice, prayer and mysticism. The capstone class involves a backpacking trip led by Foster. Other faculty members teaching classes for the minor are Eric Magnusson, Mary Darling, Robert Moore-Jumonville and Brent Cline. According to Foster, the program is a unique opportunity for undergraduate students. The goal of the minor is to provide students with a richer understanding of Christian spirituality and its practices. The classes will focus on the actual exercises of the Christian faith, and not just theories or abstractions. “It’s an opportunity for students to stop just talking about the spiritual life and start living one,” said Foster. An SFL minor could be a great addition to any ministry or people-helping major,

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according to Foster. It can be a very personal valuable because it helps students to develop process of transformation, but it also gives their own spiritual lives so that they can better students the tools to help others in very help others. practical ways. “I feel like I am growing spiritually, and I’m Foster has hopes for the future of the minor. challenged in great ways as I learn more about He wants students to understand the spiritual my peers, myself and the Lord,” said Velich. life in terms other than No prerequisites guilt and obligation. are required for the He also wants to see minor, and a student relationships developed does not have to be It’s an opportunity and sustained in a a part of the minor for students to stop way that encourages to take the classes students to journey (excluding the just talking about together with a sense of capstone class). If spiritual life and spiritual community. you are interested start living one. Lindsey Velich is in the SFL minor or a junior who added have any questions, Nathan Foster a spiritual formation please contact andrews chair for and leadership minor Nathan Foster at spiritual formation to her graduation plan. nathan.foster@ She thinks the minor is arbor.edu.

thesaupulse.com • October 30, 2015

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FEATURES

Hoodies for the Homeless SAU’s annual clothing drive

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or the fourth year in a row, the Spring Arbor University (SAU) campus store encourages students to participate in Hoodies for the Homeless. Headed by store manager Randy Storm (otherwise known as “Mr. Books”) Hoodies for the Homeless is a clothing drive in which students can donate their gently used hoodies to the Interfaith Homeless Shelter in Jackson. The program will run from Oct. 26 to Nov. 6. In addition to being a great act of service, donations will merit a 25 percent discount on a new hoodie for donating students. However, donations do not have to end at the end of the event: “We want to emphasize that we’ll still collect them [hoodies] even after that date,” said Storm. Storm is also excited to decorate the display windows of the store in coordination with Hoodies for the Homeless. He intends to put up stock photos from the Internet of people wearing sweatshirts to tie in the theme. Storm said a daily collection count would additionally be displayed in the store. If you are looking for a way to give back to the community, drop those old hoodies or wear some new SAU gear, this is the opportunity for you. Stop by the campus store and check it out.

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We want to emphasize that we’ll still collect them even after that date.

Randy Storm, “Mr. Books” Bookstore Manager

October 30, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

FEATURES

Sexual Assault and the SAU community E L IZ A BE TH D E G RAAF

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enesis 16 recounts the story of Hagar, pregnant with Abraham’s child, while she is alone in the desert. It is in that place that God meets her and calls her name. Dr. Eric Magnusson, assistant professor of theology and director of Spring Arbor University (SAU)’s Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Leadership program, uses this story to introduce his perspective of how God views sexual assault and domestic violence. On Oct. 12 and 13, SAU’s Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Leadership program hosted a lecture series entitled Hospitality, Dignity, and Violence: A Conference on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault on University Campuses. The conference was a two-day, three-part event with a keynote address, panel discussion, and round table discussion. The various structures of the conference were intentionally chosen to allow for learning, exploration and discussion among all who were involved. Pepperdine University School of Law director of clinical education Jeff Baker was the keynote speaker. In addition to his role as director, Baker teaches and practices clinical law at Pepperdine. In his keynote address, Baker gave the audience a realistic idea of the prevalence of domestic violence and sexual assault. He said one in three women will be victims of sexual or physical violence from family members or intimate partners, and one in five women will be assaulted during college. Although men can be victims of assault as well, he added, it really is a gendered issue. According to Baker, the greatest indicator that someone will be abused or be an abuser is if they have seen violence or assault in their

own homes. “What they see comes to be what they expect out of a relationship,” said Baker. While the hope is that these issues are not as prevalent on a campus like SAU’s, Baker said that sexual assault and violence can be even worse in Christian circles. Victims and victimizers alike are more apprehensive to report abuse due to shame or fear of guilt or isolation. At the panel discussion, the panelists discussed how problems of sexual assault and abuse are rooted in the language used by our media culture and society. Phrases like “man up” contain subtle gender lies, which teach men that their worth comes from their ability to dominate and exert their power. They teach women that their worth comes from their ability to be dominated and valued by men. So, what does this mean for the SAU community? According to Magnusson, we have a responsibility to our neighbors—our peers, students, and friends—to create a space for them to tell their stories and claim their own agency. If we are to take the command to love one another seriously, we need to take sexual assault seriously. “God restored Hagar’s dignity in the desert and allowed her the space to name her experience and claim her agency,” said Magnusson. “This is why and how we should respond to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. We care because we serve the God who met Hagar in the desert.” For those unable to attend the event, video recordings of the keynote address and interdisciplinary panels are available on YouTube. The reality is that these things are happening on SAU’s campus, and resources are available for those involved. SAU’s Title IX coordinator, Dan VanderHill, strongly advocates that victims contact the police or campus safety to

thesaupulse.com • October 30, 2015

report incidents of assault. The Holton Health and Wellness Center also encourages victims to take advantage of their confidential health and counseling services. You can also contact resident directors, resident assistants, peer advisors and faculty members if you are concerned for your safety or are seeking help.

Seek Help Spring Arbor Police Department: 517-750-2913 or 911 Campus Safety: 517-750-6911 Holton Health and Wellness Center: 517-750-6352 Jackson AWARE Shelter 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 517-783-2861

PHOTO PROVIDED BY Marketing & Communications

FEATURES

A Change in Perspective: The other side of domestic abuse KAT LYN E H EAT H E D ITO R IN C HE IF

ILLUSTRATION BY Courtney Rykse

A victim of domestic abuse within our own community, Joseph Stair was gracious enough to share his personal narrative with “The Pulse.” An unexpected knock at the door at 6:30 in the morning usually means that someone needs assistance. That Tuesday morning in July, it was a young male stranger asking if I was missing a black dog. “Yes,” I replied, “but it has been missing since Friday.” With a solemn face, the stranger said, “It looks like it was hit and is at the edge of the driveway.” The police had been contacted about the break-in the Friday before, when Joseph’s dog had disappeared. The report detailed Joseph’s extensive search for his dog along the roadsides and in the surrounding properties. He had even contacted animal control. Ultimately, a judge found that there was sufficient evidence to issue a Personal Protection Order for Joseph against his stepson—who was suspect in the dog’s disappearance—and whom Joseph suspected of acting on behalf of his mother, Joseph’s wife. Joseph said, “This is one of many things that have happened.” He emphasized the frequency of “incidents” in his home. After the dog’s remains were taken care of, the police were contacted about another incident. It had not been the first time that the property was visited by police, nor would it be the last.

Joseph’s dog was not the only victim, either. In a period of eight years, my wife assaulted me countless times. Most of the attacks were single blows that left no bruises and did not justify retaliation in self-defense. The verbal attacks were relentless and demeaning. Often the assaults were followed by a threat: If you call the police, I will leave. His wife had been convicted once upon a single confession, but had otherwise evaded legal consequences for her perpetual abuse. During the time of my marriage, my children and I made several trips to the emergency room. Severe injuries were often disguised as falls, mishaps, or even signs of a possible heart attack. Others were not even reported, because they would raise too many questions. Eventually, Joseph had to get out of the destructive environment of his home. During the divorce, trips to the hospital became more frequent for my children and me. The police could not aid the prosecutor, because there were not enough witnesses. The video footage that I acquired was marginal, but the injuries were clear. I suffered hyperextended knees and elbows, damage to my back muscles and injuries to my eyes. Child Protective Services was contacted on a regular basis, because of the bruising to my children’s backs, arms and faces. Added to the physical abuse were mailbox tampering, attempted break-ins, and several “anonymous” complaints of child endangerment and child molestation directed at Joseph. His frustrations were only multiplied by the fact that there was no clear method of filing police reports for indirect abuses such as these. The first assumption some people make is that the aggressor is a man while the victim is a woman. In this particular case, I was the victim. Yet, repeatedly, the system saw my wife as the victim and me as the aggressor. My trips to the ER provided the only legal documentation that prevented authorities from accusing me of abusing the children. Yet, in the entire course of events, my wife’s only visit to the hospital was for the birth of our children. Joseph’s story stands as a reminder to readers, during this month of domestic violence awareness, that domestic abuse takes a variety of forms.

October 30, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

FEATURES

Authors Among Us: Published Professors CARLY THOM PSON A&E E DITOR

Jen Letherer

Donna Bergman Jonathan Rinck PHOTO BY Nate Bortz

PHOTO PROVIDED BY Jonathan Rink

PHOTO BY Nate Bortz

Jen Letherer, assistant professor of communication, will soon be releasing her book, “Remote Virtue: A Christian Guide to Intentional Media Viewing,” which interprets film and television shows from a Christian standpoint, revealing how beliefs and values portrayed on the big and small screens often impact the moral conduct of viewers. “Remote Virtue” combines film theory, an assessment of story structure and faith-based film criticism to equip readers with ways to better interpret the films that they watch and decide how their viewing lines up with their beliefs. Letherer’s book will be released through Amazon on Oct. 31. On Nov. 20, she will be speaking on some of the concepts from “Remote Virtue” at the Spring Arbor University (SAU) Community of Learners event. Visit this link for more information: amazon.com/Remote-Virtue-ChristianIntentional-Viewing

Donna Bergman, director of special education, collaborated in the publication of a scholarly article in the journal “Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology.” Her article, “Assessment of self-determination in adolescents with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP),” focuses on a study that assessed the self-determination beliefs of adolescents with NBPP and compared the results to selfreported measures of function from their typically developing peers. The article was published on Sept. 30.

Jonathan Rinck, lecturer in art, published an article in “Michigan History Magazine” on painter Mathias Alten. Alten traveled and painted across Europe, finding particular inspiration on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. After all of his journeys abroad, he never failed to return home to Michigan, the inspiration for his finest paintings. Visit this link for more information: sites.arbor.edu/whitelibrary/jonathanrinck-12

Visit this link for more information: onlinelibrary.wiley.com

Check out the Faculty Publications blog at sites.arbor.edu/whitelibrary/topics/faculty-publications to read other published works by Spring Arbor University’s faculty.

thesaupulse.com • October 30, 2015

FEATURES

Leadership in Action: SAU’s ROTC

DA N AS E BAL DVANDOREN

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erhaps, you’ve heard the cadets in Spring Arbor University (SAU)’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program chanting outside during their physical training at 6:30 a.m. However, the ROTC is about so much more than working out and making noise. According to Alex Bock, a senior at SAU and detachment commander of SAU’s ROTC program, the aim of the ROTC is to provide leadership training for future officers. Every component of the ROTC program is designed to work toward developing the cadets as leaders. One major element of the ROTC program is physical training (PT). According to sophomore cadet Adam Cox, PT involves working out together three times per week from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. “We all push each other really hard,” said Cox. Because SAU’s ROTC is a detachment of Eastern Michigan University (EMU)’s program, the cadets commute to EMU every Thursday for their ROTC classes. Bock said that their instructors are active officers in the military who teach them various subjects, such as ethics. At EMU, the cadets also have Leadership Laboratory, or Lead Lab, where, according to Cox, they participate in activities designed to teach them skills, such as maneuvering in groups the size of a squad or platoon or first aid. Sometimes, they also practice tactics with paintball guns.

“Lead Lab helps enhance skills,” said Cox, “It’s a really cool blend of developing you as a leader but also just making you more competitive in the civilian workspace.” Another benefit of the ROTC program is that, for some, it makes attending college possible. Cox, for example, knew he wanted to serve, and was going to enlist, but decided to go to college first. He wasn’t sure, however, if he could stay at SAU for financial reasons. Then, he earned a four-year merit scholarship based on his GPA, PT score and leadership skills. He could pay for either tuition or room and board using the scholarship. He chose tuition, so that, along with a few other awards, it paid for most of his education. “I went from having basically not a lot of help financially here to having almost everything paid for,” said Cox. Cox’s favorite part of the ROTC is spending time with the other cadets. In fact, Cox and Bock both emphasized the strong community that is present among SAU’s ROTC. “It’s a really

good way to build friendships that will last even after graduation,” said Cox. “Honestly, my faith has gotten stronger, because it seems like a God-thing. I feel like God brought me here and helped me get that scholarship so I could stay here,” said Cox. One thing Cox wants other students to know is that it is not too late to join the ROTC. To determine if the ROTC is right for them, students can talk to any cadet or come to a PT session. “It’s honestly one of my favorite things about Spring Arbor,” Cox said.

PHOTOS BY CADET ROBERT KENDELL, EMU

October 3o, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

A&E

Music in the Making: Shakey Graves M ARYS RAME K

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ometimes, musicians become actors. In the case of Alejandro Rose-Garcia, the actor became the musician. IMDb may have a list of Garcia’s acting résumé, but Spotify holds music from his newest, and very inventive, album. A Texas native, Garcia performs under the name Shakey Graves. The name is different, maybe a little strange, but its peculiarity matches his music. Garcia’s Spotify profile uses the term “hobo-folk” to describe his style of mixing country music and rock-and-roll. This strange combination creates another individual sound in the music industry. Shakey Graves is a one-man band that performs at festivals and concerts. He plays

in venues ranging from outdoor concerts in the woods to intimate spaces in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. His concerts consist of an open, exposed sound and often include performances with artists he has collaborated with on his albums. His vocal abilities, guitar skills and lyrics reveal Garcia’s talent. David Letterman hosted Shakey Graves in 2014, and Garcia has since won the award for best emerging artist at the Americana Music Awards. In 2012, the mayor of Austin, Texas, declared Feb. 9 as “Shakey Graves Day.” Each year, Garcia makes his way back to Austin and performs for the occasion. In honor of the holiday, Shakey Graves’ music is made available on Bandcamp with a “pay what you please” price. Yet, the celebration is not only for those who live in Austin. For three days every year, Feb. 9-11, all of Shakey Graves’

fans may download all of his unreleased albums. This makes his music both affordable and rare.

Five Songs to Listen to:

• “Dearly Departed” • “Humor Maze” • “War Horn” • “The Perfect Parts” • “Nobody’s Fool”

BEWARE OF THESE

Spooky Tunes M ARYS RAM E K

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Darkness falls across the land, and Halloween hours are close at hand. Now, we must prepare music to terrorize the neighborhood!

• “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett • “Thriller” by Michael Jackson 16

• “The Addams Family Theme” • “Double Trouble” by the Frog Choir from Harry Potter • “Witch Doctor” by David Seville • “My Friends” from Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

thesaupulse.com • October 30, 2015

• “I Put a Spell on You” from Hocus Pocus • “She Walks Right Through Me” by Alex Day • “The Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley • “American Beauty/American Psycho” by Fall Out Boy

A&E

HORROR FILMS JAC O BFI SHER

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hen I was 12 years old, I stayed the night at a friend’s house on Halloween. When the adults went to bed, we watched the movie “Scream.” The rest of the night, I could not sleep at all because of the how scared I was. For the next week after that, I found ways to sneak the rest of the movies in the series into my house and watch them. But, why? After spending an entire night terrified of a masked monster on a screen, why would I want to relive that experience two more times? The attraction to horrific images and stories is something that is familiar to almost all of us. The popularity of shows such as

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“The Walking Dead” and “American Horror Story” are proof enough. Sitting down and watching horror shows like these is often a cathartic experience for many viewers, and with good reason. Stressful assignments and deadlines can’t be killed, but zombies and monsters? No problem. This idea comes from our human instinct. A present and tangible monster chasing us is often simpler for our minds to process. Many of us enjoy these types of films for the reasoning that they prompt, as well. In a study done by Thomas Straube in which he watched the brain activity of people watching horror films, Straube found that it was not the fear area of the people’s brains that lit up, but the planning, attention and problem solving areas. The process of reasoning through the horror genre is why many zombie movie

enthusiasts go to horror films in the first place. Many horror fanatics will discuss the best place to go in a zombie apocalypse (my choice is Costco every time) with friends. We can all relate to the idea of problem solving through a catastrophic situation and fighting off predators. We empathize with the characters, because we know what it is like to be scared. In a way, horror films comfort us. They allow us to get rid of stress, feel powerful and have an emotional connection. Even though my first horror film experience scared me, the emotional escape it gave me was worth it. Ever since that Halloween, I love to enjoy a good horror movie every once in a while. Even if it’s past Halloween, I encourage you to kick back, relax and turn on one of your favorite horror films.

Even though my first horror film experience caused me some fear, the emotional escape it gave me was worth it. Jacob Fisher, senior O c t o b e r 3 0 , 2 0 1 5 • t h e s a u p u l s e . c o m 17

A&E

Back to the future: The Past future N ATEBORTZ

PHOTO GRAPHY E DITOR The future is today. It’s a seemingly paradoxical statement, but, on Oct. 21, 2015, countless people were saying it. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the 1985 classic film, “Back to the Future.” A hit upon release and loved by millions over the past three decades, the cinematic charm and general likability of “Back to the Future” has kept it relevant even for today’s millennials. Oct. 21, 2015 was officially deemed “’Back to the Future’ day.” It marked the exact date to which protagonists Marty McFly and Doc Brown travel to the now-past future in the sequel, “Back to the Future Part II.” What is it that makes the “Back to the Future” movies so beloved after all these years? It’s definitely not their scientific accuracy or their special effects. The movies are still enjoyed by multiple generations, because they explore a part of the imagination that we all know well. They prompt us to ask ourselves: What if we could travel through time and change something about our lives?

“Back to the Future” uses its quirky characters and world to explore the idea of going back in time to meet your own parents or going into the future to encounter your unborn kids. Most people wonder what their lives will be like in the future, or think about what they would change if they could go back in time. In these movies, time travel doesn’t take the characters to dark or dystopian worlds (i.e. Terminator), but instead to a future that is a bright neon spectacle of flying cars and hover boards. The predictions of future technologies made about 2015 in 1989’s “Back to the Future II” have been in the back of peoples’ minds for the past 26 years. The intrigue of hover boards and “power laces” has only further enabled the trilogy to stay a staple of American pop culture. Leading up to “Back to the Future” day, multiple companies associated with the second movie started making promotions to appease fans. Pepsi started a campaign called “The Future is Now,” promoting a limited edition version of the futuristic “Pepsi Perfect,” as seen in the movie. Universal released a fake

thesaupulse.com • October 30, 2015

trailer for “Jaws 19.” A restoration foundation offered to give away a replica of the DeLorean time machine if the Cubs won the World Series, and Nike announced the coming release of real, self-tying shoes next year. The 30-year-old movie series has even had an impact on Spring Arbor University (SAU)’s campus. Students have dressed up as Marty during past 80s Skate Nights, and the first movie in the “Back to the Future” trilogy was shown as an official SGA event last year. Students can also check out the DVD box set of the films from White Library. The future is now the past. We’re not wearing neon spandex or our pants inside out. The Cubs didn’t win the World Series, and there are still no hover boards. “Back to the Future II” got a few things wrong about what 2015 would be like, but something has happened that the film’s makers couldn’t have predicted: the imagination of “Back to the Future” impacting just as many minds today as it did back in 1985.

A&E

SAU’s drama dept. presents “Gerstein” D E SIGNE DITOR

hen communications professor Paul Patton won the 2007 Christians in the Theatre Arts playwright contest for his show “Gerstein,” he thought it guaranteed the show at least one production not produced by himself. “The best thing about the award is that it guarantees a production by someone other than me, so that I could see how it worked,” said Patton. “Gerstein” is the true story of a youth minister, eccentric mining engineer and member of the Schutzstaffel (SS), whose diaries ended up being primary sources at the Nuremberg Trials after World War II. Soon after the announcement of Patton’s award, a former student called Patton to tell him about “Either/Or,” a play about Kurt

PHOTO BY Kayla Williamson

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KAY L AW I LL I AMSON Gerstein, written by the author of “Schindler’s

According to junior Zach Barber (Kurt List,” Thomas Keneally. Gerstein), most of the group was cast because “I was happy Gerstein’s story was getting of who they are. out, but mostly crushed that I’d spent all this “For me, he’s (Patton’s) like, ‘I don’t want time, and had possibly all the interest in him dramatic. I don’t want Dracula,’” said Barber, [Kurt Gerstein] gobbled up by someone who who played Dracula in last fall’s production. is clearly a brilliant author and playwright,” “He asks, ‘How would Zach Barber react to this said Patton. situation?’ and it’s difficult because I’ve never done Yet, even though that for any play I’ve been someone else in. It’s a very vulnerable publicized the story thing to do. It requires a before Patton could, lot of self-examination.” I want to be changed Bellhaven College’s Barber said that theater director still anyone can relate to the by this character. I wanted to produce play, even though it’s hope to be changed. the show since the set in Nazi Germany. I think I’m being interest in “Either/ How the characters Or” would create even react to the situation— changed. more of an interest in more than the situation Zach Barber, Patton’s show. itself—is relatable for After seeing the audience members. junior premiere, Patton said For example, after he expected to bring seeing the horrors of it to Spring Arbor concentration camps, University (SAU) Gerstein does not know how to deal with it, and produce it so he laughs. He mocks the situation because faster. Eight years he doesn’t know what is at stake. Barber said later, the show’s he reacts to high stress situations similarly, but second run will there are some characteristics of Gerstein’s he open in one hopes will rub off on him. moreweek. “When I read the script, I thought, ‘This is crazy. This is a guy who actually sees things and reacts,’” said Barber. “He actually makes decisions and does them and tries to carry them out. And I don’t do that in my life.” In order to focus on his passion for theatre and his role as Gerstein, Barber decided to have his roommate change his Netflix and Facebook passwords. By taking out the distractions, Barber has more time to devote to developing his character. “I want to be changed by this character,” said Barber. “I hope to be changed. I think I’m being changed.” “Gerstein” will be held in the Prop Shop Nov. 5-7 and 12-14 at 8 p.m. Tickets for SAU students and staff are $5, and general admission tickets are $10. Tickets are available at the door, but Patton advises reserving tickets by calling 517-750-6500.

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October 30, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

P-Loop to be added to campus tours N ATEBORTZ an independent study. You can finish the

D E SIGNE DITOR

tarting next semester, Spring Arbor University (SAU)’s infamous “P-Loop” will be included in official campus tours for prospective students. For those whose campus existence is little more than meandering between classes, the “P-Loop” is a stretch of road between Gainey and Andrew’s Halls— yes—but it is also much more. If you walk it three times with your significant other, it means you’ll undoubtedly end up engaged by the coming spring. “It makes sense,” said one enrollment intern (a.k.a. U-Guide). “If you can’t beat the stereotype, embrace it!” In order to spice up the humdrum of the basic campus tour, Arbor Day guests will now be prompted to think about long-term relationships and the opposite sex. “Our tour guide took us on an…interesting detour after we passed by Ormston and Muffitt,” said one parent. “We stared at a road and were told that some of the most magical things on campus happen here.” The parent then shrugged her shoulders and kept looking for her free pen. Admissions reps also now mention to prospective students the addition of SAU’s M.R.S. degree. Enrollment interns attest to the fact that double majoring has never been easier. “Yeah, your advisor is really flexible when it comes to adding another degree,” said one enrollment intern. “It’s basically like

degree early, too. I earned mine by the end of sophomore year.” We all know that community is a staple of SAU’s campus, one that is bent and twisted and will never be removed. Because of that, admissions reps have decided to embrace that certain facet of our community that no one officially talks about, but that everyone understands: Ring by Spring.

thesaupulse.com • October 30, 2015

Move over Core 100, our school has another couple-maker to advertise. Look for the new billboards in Jackson with half of the elephant’s face and the headline “Life is a winding road, but at SAU, your love life will be a ‘P’-iece of cake” this spring. Meanwhile, when asked where to find the “P-Loop,” one student answered, “No idea. Does anyone besides Ron Kopicko even know where it is?”

SPORTS

An injured athelete... ...is a [determined] athelete AL E XA M AT THEWS boot off was when I was outside watching my LEA DCOPY E DITOR

pring Arbor University (SAU) has many sports teams, and, while we love to cheer our athletes on at athletic events, we are often oblivious to the challenges that they face behind the scenes. For instance, we may underestimate the frequent injuries that athletes acquire. Junior softball player Savannah Weaver knows this all too well. Since she turned her ankle last fall during sprints, she has been working to heal. “The Pulse” was able to sit down with her to hear about what the life of an injured athlete is like.

Interview with

Savannah Weaver

brother play ball, and I didn’t want any tan lines.

TP: What has it been like trying to nurse it back? SW: It was very frustrating. I had the surgery in May and had a cast for two weeks and a boot for four more weeks. I tried to stay on top of my rehab and working on healing. I only have a little pain now. The key is to not be stupid and make it worse. TP: What was your physical therapy like?

TP: Are you looking positive toward this season? SW: Yes, we’ve started fall ball already, and I’m excited, because we have a lot of talented new freshmen, plus the talented people we already had. We’re working hard, and it’s going to be good.

For information on games and events, “like” the Spring Arbor University Softball Facebook page.

SW: I mostly did it on my own, and after a month I was able to throw and run lightly. By now, I am playing almost full after being limited during September. TP: What were you most worried about?

“The Pulse” (TP): What did you do immediately after twisting your ankle? Savannah Weaver (SW): I took some time to rest and ice it, but it still hurt, and after a little time had passed, I went to the doctor and discovered that I had three torn ligaments. After the season was over, I had to have surgery.

SW: It was the first day of fall ball when it happened, and I worried that it would affect my season. I was also concerned about my future career, because I want to be a private investigator, which is a job that you really need to stay in shape for. TP: When will you be able to put it back to full use?

TP: How long did you have to rest? SW: I had a boot that I had to wear for a while in the summer, so I spent some time staying at my grandparents’. The only time I took my

SW: I will very soon. I have to wait for six months after my surgery, which will be November.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY Savannah Weaver

October 30, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

SPORTS

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NAIA Drug Testing Policies S ARAH D E AN

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any know that Spring Arbor University (SAU)’s athletic program is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). According to its website, the NAIA consists of smaller programs geared toward the building of character through sports. It encourages the philosophy that members are, first, students, then athletes. Honor, equity and triumph are the goals that the NAIA strives for. In congruence with this, the NAIA has opted for national tournament drug testing for all athletes. Colleges and universities within the NAIA will soon have to provide funds for yearly online drug education for each participating student. It is the association’s desire to begin national championship drug testing during the 2017-2018 school year. The NAIA site provided a list of banned classes of drugs, including, but not limited to: stimulants, anabolic agents, street drugs, peptide hormones and analogues, and beta-2 agonists. In the case that a student athlete tests positive for the use of a banned drug (with the exception of street drugs) the student will receive at least a 365-day suspension and one season’s exemption from competition. A second offense will result in the loss of the student’s ability to participate in the NAIA. A student testing positive for a street drug will receive suspension from 50% of all varsity competitions in the academic year. A second positive test will prompt a suspension of 365 days and one season’s exemption from competition. If a student tests positive for street drugs a third time, he or she will no longer be able to take part in NAIA sports. Ryan Cottingham, SAU’s athletic director, spoke highly of the NAIA program. He said that, while no athletes are being drug tested now, the association is “taking steps to be relevant.” The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) requires drug testing for

their athletes, so the NAIA is attempting to rise to that standard, as well. Cottingham said that the current struggle is funding. The questions of who would pay for drug testing for individual athletes and how small schools will be able to fund online training for every athlete remain. The expenses will be significant. Cottingham believes that the NAIA is moving in a good direction. They are doing their best to protect athletes, and SAU is all for it. “We want safety. We want health. We’re all for integrity,” said Cottingham.

thesaupulse.com • October 30, 2015

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We want safety. We want health. We’re all for integrity. Ryan Cottingham SAU athletic director

SPORTS

Q & A with Coach Darling youth is certainly a strength. I think these guys are pretty cohesive and loyal to each other, and they do an excellent job of representing Christ and our institution when we compete against other schools. TP: What made you decide to coach tennis?

TP: If you had to give one piece of advice for someone wanting to learn to play tennis, what would it be? TD: Have fun. Tennis is a life sport that gives you great exercise and a wonderful competitive outlet, but at the end of the day, it is a game that should be played for fun.

TD: One reason is that I had such a great experience as a player and I wanted to be able to pass on some of the same qualities I learned to future generations of players. One of those qualities is mental toughness. Tennis is a very mentally demanding sport and I am very interested in the psychological aspects of the game. It is very gratifying to help my players get stronger mentally. TP: In your opinion, what is the most satisfying/fulfilling aspect of being a coach?

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erry Darling is not only the chairperson of the psychology department here at Spring Arbor University (SAU); he is also the mens tennis coach. Coach Darling has been coaching tennis for 35 years, and has been playing the sport even longer than that. “The Pulse” (TP): What differences have you noticed between playing tennis and coaching tennis? Terry Darling (TD): Coaching and playing both require a lot of discipline, but I think the bar should be set higher for coaches to demonstrate self-control and calmness in the midst of the toughest moments of competition, especially when things aren’t going the way you want them to. TP: What are some of the greatest qualities you believe your team possesses? TD: My team this year is pretty young, with only one senior on the team this fall, so our

TD: To me the most satisfying aspect of being a coach is watching young, sometimes squirrelly, freshmen grow into mature men of God. Even if I have played only a small part in that transformation, I burst with pride when I look back at the trajectory of many of these guys.

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I burst with pride when I look back at the trajectory of many of these guys Terry Darling chair of the psychology department

October 30, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

SPORTS

Athlete of the Month

[Greg Hamilton] L IBBY BUCKL AND STAF F WRITE R

reg Hamilton, a senior at Spring Arbor University (SAU), is a fourthyear member of the mens basketball team. Over the course of his college career, he has been very successful as a shooting guard, but he looks forward to stepping into a new role this year as captain. Four years ago, Hamilton stumbled upon SAU in his search for a small Christian college after an assistant c o a c h expressed an interest in him. After coming for a visit, he immediately loved the team and felt that the atmosphere that SAU’s campus exudes would be a perfect fit for him.

One of Hamilton’s fondest memories of his college basketball career was beating Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) twice during his freshman year. “IWU is always ranked in the top five for NAIA [the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics], while SAU normally isn’t ranked at all. It was an awesome feeling to beat them two times in my very first season here,” said Hamilton. As Hamilton steps into a leadership position as captain this season, he hopes to lead by example on and off the court. He wants to be a role model for all of the younger players, including his brother, freshman Tommy Hamilton. Hamilton discussed his close relationship with his younger brother Tommy, saying that he was thrilled when Tommy decided to come to SAU. “Tommy and I grew up playing basketball together, and it’s so awesome to be able to play beside him one last time,” said Hamilton. Last year, Hamilton was named a NAIA Scholar Athlete, which he said was quite an honor. Hamilton prides himself in excelling on the court and also in his academics. As a

health and exercise science major, Hamilton spends a lot of time on his studies. Over the course of his time at SAU, he has found a solid routine that enables him to manage basketball, school and his social life.

Hamilton is looking forward to his last season as an SAU Cougar and hopes to once again beat some of our biggest rivals like IWU. He is excited to participate in the team’s camaraderie and to form and strengthen relationships on and off the court.

thesaupulse.com • October 30, 2015