THE
PULSE
Fe b r u a r y 2 6 , 2 0 1 6 • I s s u e 5 • Vo l u m e 3 • t h e s a u p u l s e . c o m
facebook.com/saupulse twitter.com/saupulse
Christianity & Lit Conference | 8-9 SAU’s viral video | 17 SAU Alumn trys out for Olympics | 21 Tribute to Coach Riggleman | 22-23
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY Kaci Bedgood
more than faces in the crowd
While SAU has a higher percentage rate of African Americans, other minority populations are around two percent. (See pgs 12-13)
TA B L E O F
C ON T E N T S
DR. ROBERT MOORE- »» Jumonville speaks during chapel on how “Beauty Cannot Be Rushed.” MooreJumonville was the first keynote speaker of 2016’s Focus Series.
Mr. SAU Pa g e 5
Post-Gra d Prep Pa g e 6
ST. J O H N ’ S CO NFE R E N C E Page s 8 - 9
B OU N C E Page 4 Y e a r of the M o nkey Pa g e 7
DIVE R S IFY SAU Pages 1 2 -1 3 »» DR. PAUL PATTON recites the gospel of John in the Prop Shop on Focus Day. The St. John’s Bible was also displayed during the presentation and the pages turned as he recited scripture.
F i l m R ev i ew Page 1 6 PHOTO BY NATE BORTZ
Tips for Acronym Appli cat i on s Pa ge 1 1
»»
Sum m e r ( C amp) Lovi n’ Pa g e 10
PHOTO BY MARY SRAMEK
HOWARD BEVANS (Dane Parsons) shows off his legs trying to impress the ladies. SAU’s spring play, “Picnic” premiered in the Prop Shop Feb. 11-14.
PHOTO BY KAYLA WILLIAMSON
SAU’S VIRAL VIDEO Page 17 SAU Hall of Fame I nd uct ees Pa ge 20
C CS S oj ou r n ers Pa g e s 14-15 F l atl i n e Pa g e 18
#OscarsS oWh i te Pa g e 19 The 23rd Fastest Ru n n e r i n USA Pa ge 21
COA C H R IG G L E M A N Pa g es 2 2 -2 3 2
thesaupulse.com • February 26, 2016
Editor’s Note
During my trip to India this J-Term, I had a minor mishap. I was walking down the dirt driveway of Immanuel Business School with a couple of the students. They were talking about how I looked like some famous Indian star when it happened— they mentioned my small eyes. My knee jerk reaction? “It’s because I’m Asian.” Awkward silence. Oh, right. They were Asian too. And with wonderfully large eyes. “Because I’m Asian” is my go to joke in the United States. You can’t see my eyes when I smile? It’s because I’m Asian. Technology not working for you, but it suddenly works for me? It’s because I’m Asian. I receive an A on a quiz I didn’t study for? It’s because I’m Asian. And no, I’m not Rosa; I’m not Kylie; I’m not Kyla; I’m not Grace. I am Kayla Williamson. And even I can be racist. It’s so easy to become apathetic or even oblivious to racism. Especially when it’s normal for people to joke about their own race. This month I decided to research it. To dig deep into the make-up of our campus. Numbers and all. Schools are required to turn in demographic data every year to the U.S. Department of Education. College Factual takes those statistics and ranks schools on diversity (one of many rankings). USA Today’s College
Guide actually uses College Factual’s database. So it’s legit. Spring Arbor is 74 percent Caucasian, 26 percent minorities. This includes online and off campus sites. If we’re only counting on campus, we’re 85 percent Caucasian, 15 percent minorities. For a more detailed breakdown see pages 10-11. I compared our statistics to our sister schools: Greenville, Rochester, Seattle Pacific. No pattern. So then I thought, maybe it’s because of where students are from. Most of SAU’s student population is from Michigan (with Michigan being 80% Caucasian). Between the three sister schools, it seemed like a possibility since they have a wider range of students from across the nation. But to make sure, I also looked up U of M, Wheaton College, Grand Valley and Grace Bible College. The demographics varied too much to discern anything. I haven’t found a pattern yet explaining why some schools are more diverse than others, but when I do I’ll let you know. So how is Spring Arbor exposing its students to a diverse group of people? I agree with what President Brent Ellis said in an interview— diversity is more than skin tone. It’s gender, location, socioeconomic status. Obviously, we can’t ask people how much their parents make, but it is important—actually, exposure to different classes is valuable.
Monthly Memes: Coming to The Pulse near you
The Pulse Staff & Contributors Editor-in-Chief Kayla Williamson Associate Editor Amber Cekander News Editor Elizabeth DeGraaf Features/A&E Editor Amber Cekander
PHOTO BY ANDRI HILL
KAYLAWILLIAMSON
EDITO RINC H IE F
So what are we doing to improve it? Our responsibility at “The Pulse” is keep the conversation going. And in this instance, kick start it. Check out students coming back from their cross cultural’s on pages 14-15. Delve into the Oscar controversy with no minorities nominated for the top four categories on page 19. And read about SAU alum Nate Martin as he tries out for the Olympics on page 21. But talking can only go so far. When is it time to actually do something? When will we see everyone as made in God’s image and respect the differences? ‘Til next time, Kayla Williamson In the age of technology, the language of our generation has fruitfully developed into its own culture. Colloquialisms have become widespread, and when put with humorous photos, become memes. To suggest next month’s meme, please email Mary Sramek at mary.sramek@arbor.edu.
Sports Editor Dana Sebald-Van Doren Lead Copy Editor Alexa Matthews Copy Editors Elise Emmert Design Editor Kim Bigos Business Manager Corina Cekander Finance Manager Luke Roberts Social Media/ Photography Editor Nate Bortz Designers Kaci Bedgood Libby Buckland Rebecca Conley Andri Hill Staff Writers Michelle Bennett Heather Clark Sarah Dean Chelsea Melrose Nathan Salsbury Hannah Shimanek Mary Sramek
February 26, 2016 • thesaupulse.com
3
NEWS
BOUNCE: SAU’s new mentoring opportunity STAFF WRITE R
S
oon, Spring Arbor University (SAU) will be the home of a new program called BOUNCE. SAU’s campus currently runs the CASE program (Center for Autism Spectrum Enrichment). This new program is modeled after CASE, involving mentors, students and members of student leadership positions. The program is designed to maximize strengths and develop resiliency in children exposed to chronic trauma by providing social, emotional and educational activities. The activities will be primarily geared towards social competency, emotional identification/ regulation, sensory integration, executive/ academic functioning, health/wellness and overall sense of belonging. What is Chronic Trauma? Chronic trauma includes events such as: physical or sexual abuse (often from a caregiver), domestic violence and separation from parents or family members. These inhibit brain development in children since they are often not able to understand the situation, process what is happening or express how they feel. Chronic trauma may delay speech and language development, sensory processing and even social and motor skills. The Purpose of BOUNCE: The goal of BOUNCE is to reverse the chronic trauma caused by disturbing events. Specifically, the program is geared towards working with the child’s lower part of the brain: the limbic system.
4
“
CH E L S EA M E L ROS E
The program is designed not to try to get the children talking about the trauma, but to help their brain develop areas affected by the trauma. This neurobiological approach
“
The program hopes to increase social competency skills, balance emotion and teach wellness skills.
incorporates movement, self-regulation and sensory activities into a rehabilitation process. Engaging children in fun activities such as dance and yoga allows their brains to be stimulated. Brain stimulation increases development and helps grow areas that were previously underdeveloped. The program hopes to increase social competency skills, balance emotion and teach wellness skills. It is designed to help develop test-taking skills, boost study skills while incorporating personal interest areas, strengthen reading and comprehension while applying learning to real-world situations and create motivation in academic performance. Another goal for the BOUNCE program is to create an overall sense of belonging by teaching the children they are competent, valuable and lovable—letting them know that they have something to offer the world.
t h e s a u p u l s e . c o m • February 26, 2016
Helping the Community and More: The BOUNCE program was designed to benefit more than just the Jackson community. It will be an all-inclusive campus project that offers benefits to everyone involved. Faculty members involved in the program are able to see students in a different light, bring student experiences into the classroom to enhance learning and model their faith in real-world situations. Students helping in the program may benefit in a multitude of ways, through learning how their disciplines fit into the world and how those disciplines can work together. On a global level, students can develop skill sets that can help them later during semesters abroad. They can also apply their experiences to their in-class learning and develop or improve employment skills, as graduate schools and employers are attracted to students that act as agents in their community. BOUNCE Needs You: Dr. Terri Pardee decided to start this program because of the success with CASE along with the need in the greater Jackson community. This collaboration project of the Social Work department is set to take off in the end of February with a pilot group of around 10 children ranging from 3 to 9 years old. While helping members of the Jackson community, this multidisciplinary program can build a strong team by recruiting members from every department. The program is still in progress and looking for more volunteers. For more information, contact Pardee at terri.pardee@arbor.edu.
NEWS PHOTO BY Nuri Jang
SAU & Jackson Christian celebrate Chinese New Year H E ATHE RCL ARK
STAF F WRITE R
S
pring Arbor University (SAU) Office of Intercultural Relations (OIR) hosted a Lunar New Year festival on Feb. 8, the first day of China’s Year of the Monkey. The celebration was a joint effort by SAU and Jackson Christian School. The Lunar New Year provided a chance for students from both schools and many different cultures to share their stories. Attendees sampled traditional Chinese foods provided by Spring Arbor faculty, met international professors and listened to music from many traditions. Prayer before the meal was in Chinese, Korean and English. Many international professors were also directly featured in the program, including
faculty from SAU’s partner university in China. Dr. Inyeop Lee of the SAU sociology department sang a New Year song, and Dr. Caleb Chan’s wife prepared much of the food. Student Director of the Office of Intercultural Advisers, Nuri Jang, said the partnership with Jackson Christian School forms connections off campus and allows prospective students to experience SAU. Admissions staff were present at the event as well as Intercultural Relations staff, because several of the Jackson Christian School students plan to enroll at SAU. Others may consider coming after seeing the campus for themselves. “Jackson Christian School has a lot of international students, so we like to introduce Spring Arbor University and celebrate Asian New Year’s with students from SAU and Jackson Christian School,” Jang said.
Jang herself is an international student, which makes this event a very personal occasion. “I came to America when I was fifteen years old and I understand how hard it is for young students. It is very special [for them] to meet people who really care.” The Lunar New Year celebration is an annual event prepared by the OIR and the Gainey School of Business. Several professors are involved in planning and hosting. Chan said this is the second year SAU has partnered with Jackson Christian Schools. Events like Lunar New Year help SAU attract a diverse student body and promote engagement with a new culture and understanding of the world outside campus.
February 26, 2016 • thesaupulse.com
5
NEWS
Career Week aids post-graduate prep
C
LEA DCOPY E DITOR
ollege is the time for us all to take a look at the opportunities presented to us, and those we’d like to pursue. While part of this search can be done through our classes, there is also another helpful location on-campus: The Office of Career Development. During the week of Feb. 8 through Feb. 12, the Career Development staff worked to showcase their annual Career Week. While the week is especially helpful for seniors/ soon-to-be-grads, all students at Spring Arbor University (SAU) could benefit. “It’s good to plan ahead,” Career Advisor Chad Melton said. “Looking for jobs, deciding on a major and learning to budget can all be intimidating, and we are here to help students prepare for those.” Some of the activities included in Career Week were a resume workshop, etiquette
related events, such as job and career fairs, informational meetings, mock interviews and and annually holds the senior “Caps & Cakes” a lesson on how to budget for life beyond event near graduation. graduation. The internship program meeting Whether you’re an upperclassman or not, aimed to inform students on the internships Career Development has lots to offer everyone. available through SAU, They offer help with including the offcareer planning and campus semester ones, exploration, guidance such as Nashville, on how to write topTenn.; Los Angeles, notch resumes and Our intentions Calif.; Chicago, Ill. and cover letters, provide behind the annual various international interview preparation locations. and serve students Career Week are “Our intentions with helpful virtual to help students behind the annual resources. They also Career Week are to serve students through be more confident help students be helping them choose in their major and confident in their a major, and plan career path. major and career for Graduate School path,” Melton said. beyond graduation at Chad Melton, “We want to give SAU. And for those Career Advisor them skills that they who are struggling to can begin to use choose a major after now, and beginning their time carry on at SAU, Melton, along beyond graduation, like the tangible with fellow Career Advisor Laura Breckner, internship opportunities.” teach a class every fall for undeclared majors. While the official Career The Office of Career Development is Week only takes place once every linked with the Office of Alumni Relations, academic year, the Office of Career and can provide students with necessary Development also consistently holds contacts for their futures beyond SAU. other events, such as Resumania, Some of the SAU alumni have gone on to where they set up a table outside of be employed with Google, Microsoft, Blue the Dining Commons so students Cross Blue Shield, General Motors, Kellogg can stop by for five to 10 minutes Company, Consumers Energy and more. to have a professional look at their For more information or guidance, visit the resumes for improvements. More Center for Student Success and Calling in the Resumania dates coming up will Kresge Student Center, or contact career@ be Wed., March 9 and Wed., April arbor.edu. 13 from 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. The office also provides transportation for various off-campus career-
PHOTO BY CREATIVE COMMONS
6
“
AL E XA M AT THEWS dinner, internship program partnership
thesaupulse.com • February 26, 2016
“
NEWS PHOTOS BY NATE BORTZ
Behind the Scenes of Mr. SAU H A NN A HS HI M ANEK
T
STAF F WRITE R
his year’s Mr.SAU event took place on Feb. 21 in Dunkel Gym. Senior Shannon Balcer, a soccer player here at Spring Arbor University (SAU), planned and coordinated the event. The Pulse (TP): What is Mr. SAU? Shannon Balcer (SB): Mr. SAU is a fundraiser that takes the form of a male pageant. One male from every sports team on campus serves as a representative for their team along with one of their coaches. The pageant consists of three parts: a talent with their team, wearing a dress and a Q & A portion with their coach. Each year, we partner with an organization and 100 percent of what we raise goes towards them. This year we partnered with Rise Above, an organization in Jackson that was founded by SAU graduate Neil Fernandes. They are doing some amazing things in the community here. TP: What is so great and unique about Mr. SAU? SB: Mr. SAU is really unique because it combines a fun event with the opportunity to impact the community around us. It’s exciting for athletes to be able to put this on because many times we have to miss out on other
campus events due to athletic obligations. This gives us the opportunity to host an event for the campus and the community. Mr. SAU was created and exists in order to live out our call for justice while acknowledging the ability to come together for something bigger than oneself. It’s a unique venue that brings everyone together in order to change the world. This makes Mr. SAU a unique campus event and the only one of its kind.
TP: What kind of planning goes into making this event happen? SB: There is quite a bit of planning that goes into this event. This was only the third year Mr. SAU has been in existence, so each year we are trying to smooth things out and it has been a learning process to find out what is the most productive and effective way to go about planning it. A lot of marketing and advertising is required. A large portion of the planning involves coordinating the athletes and those who are volunteering. We do everything from graphic design to community awareness to helping the guys get ready and everything in between. It takes a lot of people to make an event like this possible and we are so thankful so many people have come and have contributed. It is 100 percent a team effort.
TP: Why should students go? SB: I think the biggest reason students should go is because it is a testament that when we come together for something greater than ourselves, lives can be impacted for the Kingdom. Not only is it an extremely entertaining event, it empowers students and gives them the opportunity to recognize that when you join with others, changing the world is possible. Also, who wouldn’t want to see men in dresses?
This year’s winner was Xavier Prather, who represented the SAU basketball team.
February 26, 2016 • thesaupulse.com
7
NEWS
Christianity & Literature Conference Reminding SAU of the beauty in Christianity Keynote Speakers: David Lyle Jeffery
DAVID LYLE JEFFREY came from a Southern Baptist home where art and beauty were not seen as being closely related to God. Jeffrey’s father Lyle was a painter, but continuously held back by his Second Commandment convictions. Jeffrey attended Wheaton at 17 but was called home two years later by his father to work. After working and eventually returning to school, Jeffrey was convinced that art and literature played an important role in Christian education, and made it the subject of his keynote speech, titled: “A Heart for Wisdom: Locating Scripture in the Christian College Curriculum.”
8
thesaupulse.com • February 26, 2016
N ATE B O RTZ
P HOTO GRA P HY E DITO R
Father Michael Patella
FATHER MICHAEL PATELLA is a Benedictine monk of Saint John’s Abbey in Minnesota. He is a New Testament professor and has published many works on areas such as Luke, Mark, Paul, angels and demons. His new book “Word and Image: the Hermeneutics of The Saint John’s Bible” explains his work as chair of the Committee on Illumination and Texts for the St. John’s Bible.
“
S
pring Arbor University (SAU) hosted the Midwest Conference on Christianity and Literature on Feb. 18-20. Associate professor of English Dr. Brent Cline said it was hosted by SAU “because Jeff Bilbro doesn’t sleep.” Dr. Jeff Bilbro, also an associate professor of English, wanted the conference to come to SAU to take advantage of the time the school has with the St. John’s illuminated Bible. The Conference’s theme for this year was to “explore the challenges and opportunities that beauty offers to our culture,” according to the event website. The Midwest portion of the Christianity and Literature conference originally had no theme or location planned for this year. When Bilbro heard this, he contacted them and proposed the idea of using the St. John’s Bible as a center point. The goal of the conference was to show that art still plays an important part in our faith. Using the art and illuminated imagery of the St. John’s Bible as a backdrop to this theme is what Bilbro had in mind when he suggested the idea. “We visualize the Bible to better understand
NEWS
it,” Bilbro said, “and often Evangelicals only can give light to the words we’ve read or heard. want the content of things like biblical poetry “Our vision of beauty is not the same as instead of the art behind it.” God’s,” Bilbro said. “I hope the Focus Series The two keynote speakers presented topics and this conference have helped train people that reflected this idea. David Lyle Jeffrey is to have His vision of beauty.” a scholar on Biblical tradition in Western After the conference was confirmed to Literature be at SAU, there was a and art, while selection process based Father Michael on submitted abstracts, or Patella was one short summaries. Faculty of the people like Bilbro and Library Our vision of beauty in charge of Director Robbie Bolton is not the same commissioning chose to shape Focus week the art in the St. on this theme. as God’s John’s Bible. SAU students shared the Jeff Bilbro, Their lectures stage along with professors associate professor expounded upon from universities across the importance the country. Senior English of English of “imagining the major Liz DeGraaf was word” and not one of many students to simply reading it. give a presentation. Every presentation given was to contribute Liz presented a condensed version of her to the understanding of how the Gospel is senior thesis about the novel “Wise Blood.” She illuminated through many forms. said the conference created “a unique environment Bilbro said literature and visual art can to learn at a deeper level, while allowing me to equal more together than in isolation. The present the work that I have done.” images representing important aspects of faith
“
PHOTOS BY Nate Bortz
F e b r u a r y 26, 2016 • thesaupulse.com
9
FEATURES
& Scholarships STAFF WRITE R
T
here are many Spring Arbor University (SAU) students who spend their summers working at summer camps. Two camps closely affiliated with SAU offer additional incentives for summer employment. Both Michindoh Camp Conference Center and Somerset Beach Campground allow student workers to put aside a certain portion of their paycheck that the camp will then match as a scholarship towards their education. This partnership has been an incentive for some students to consider these camps for summer job options. “With camp matching, I can choose to set aside up to $750 of my paycheck to go towards my school tuition, and then SAU matches
PHOTO BY DAKOTA HOLEY
10
“
H E ATHE RCL ARK
that amount. It’s a pretty great way to make to work the nine-month outdoor education some extra money towards school expenses,” program they host during the school year. He Dakota Holey, a Michindoh counselor, said. is now the Associate Director of the Outdoor Somerset offers a similar program Education program. counselors, like sophomore Joy Baslaugh, Nate Rhoades, a Michindoh counselor, appreciate greatly. recalled some of his most memorable camp “Looking at my paycheck, you would see experiences as spending time with other that I didn’t get paid a whole lot this summer, counselors on free days, going out for ice cream but what you and sharing stories didn’t see was of their campers. the scholarship “We had a lot of and that was inside jokes after With camp matching, a huge help,” working there,” Baslaugh said. Rhoades said. I can choose to set There is a He still meets aside up to $750 of my financial strain with the others that comes he worked with paycheck to go towards with paying for while they are on my school tuition, and higher education, campus during the then SAU matches that and working at school year. summer camps “My favorite amount. may not pay memories include Dakota Holey, enough to cover reassuring campers tuition costs. that there are in fact camp counselor Although some fish in the lake, and college students maybe an alligator,” could earn more Kennell said. money elsewhere, some find summer camps In the end, for many camp counselors, to be a rewarding summer experience. the best part of the job is not the pay, it is “I wanted to work at a camp because I the people. needed a job and it sounded like a fulfilling “I worked with a few special needs way to spend my summer in both a fun and students,” Basluagh said. “One in particular serving way,” said junior Melissa Kennell, who would always greet me with a huge hug and counseled at Michindoh for two years. wouldn’t unlatch until I told him to, but I For some SAU students, working at camp never wanted him to let go.” is not just a temporary summer job. Joe Silecchia, who worked at Michindoh, returned
thesaupulse.com • February 26, 2016
“
FEATURES
CH E L S EA M E L ROS E
S TAFF WRITE R
T
he Student Development Office is currently in the process of hiring Peer Advisors (PAs) and Residential Advisors (RAs) for the 2016 - 2017 academic year. Applications for RAs have been submitted and reviewed. Applying to be an RA is a process that includes filling out an online application and going through a group interview. Current RAs and Resident Directors (RDs) are included in the interviewing process and offer their perspective on incoming applicants. If an applicant passes the group interview, they are then scheduled for an individual interview and notified by email if they are selected. Applicants of this year will be notified on March 3 if they have received the job. Applying to be a PA is a slightly similar
process. Applications will become available on Feb. 29 in the Student Success and Calling Office and are due back by March 18. Applicants for both positions can expect to be asked situational questions and questions pertaining to balancing a work load. Group interviews take place March 21-23 and notification of passing is the 24. Individual interviews will be held from March 28-31 and notification of job hiring is April 8. Considering being a PA or RA? Here is what they are looking for: Applicants of both PA and RA positions must have taken or are currently enrolled in the PSY 110 course. They must also meet a minimum GPA requirement and provide references. Aside from the paperwork requirements, the Student Development Office is looking for individuals who truly have a heart for freshmen. They need to be Jesus-focused and flexible with their time. A key part of being an RA or PA is selfmotivation. There is room for introverts and extroverts in both positions, as these positions allow for variety among applicants. Being a good role model is a good indicator of someone who possesses the skills to be a PA or RA. Students in these positions must both be and know what a servant-leader is. They must be honest people, full of integrity, unselfish with a love for others, able to meet the needs of others and get along with a wide range of people.
A Look from the Other Side: Current RA’s and PA’s have expressed that group interviews can be a lot of fun, whereas individual interviews can be nerve-racking. Student Development suggests individuals should apply for these positions if they are loving, willing to show God’s love and accepting of others. These positions can be very fulfilling, but also very stressful, as they require preparation, planning and management skills. The biggest suggestion is to “expect the unexpected.” Being humble is one of the most soughtafter skills an applicant can possess. Student leaders in any position are required to do many tasks and they work behind the scenes many times. Much of what they do is never given thanks or praise. Being a student leader can be a thank-less, but rewarding job for those who are passionate about Christ, people and serving others.
February 26, 2016 • thesaupulse.com
11
Color Conscious:
K AY L AWI LLI A M S O N ethnic minorities. The focus should not be that, we still hire the very best person we
# of students
Ellis unveils vision for faculty and student diversity training starting this semester
on one group but on all of the different races can hire.” represented on campus. Ellis has previous experience overseeing resident Brent Ellis discussed his vision “At some point in time—we’re not there the educational component of diversity for diversity at Spring Arbor University right now—as we get better in our enrollment training. At LeTourneau University, Ellis ran (SAU) at the president’s leadership strategies, there’ll come a time when we start the diversity training for the school. team meeting on Feb. 9. thinking about how we want to shape the Dr. Caleb Chan, dean of the Gainey Titled “Pursuit of Faith-based Cultural [incoming freshman] class,” Ellis said. School of Business, participated in a diversity Competency,” the president unveiled plans for Ellis also said exposing students to the workshop about six years ago. Over the last a taskforce led by Provost Kimberly Hayworth “breadth of God’s creation” is also important. 23 years, Chan has seen improvement in the and Damon Seacott. That includes students diversity of the faculty and students. The taskforce would from different ethnic “How can we serve our students the best?” affect all aspects of the and socioeconomic Chan said. “It means having role models for university—from hiring backgrounds. them that they can identify with.” I want to see how new faculty and staff to Beda has started By the end of the semester, and into making sure curriculum rolling out events this the summer, the goal is to have all faculty our campus reflects reflected diversity. year to expose students and staff participate in mandatory training. our community. As of fall 2014, to different cultures. That training will also be incorporated into SAU’s main campus The Office of new employee orientation. Brent Ellis, student body consisted Intercultural Relations “Every two or three years you get your card SAU President of 84 percent (OIR) has partnered punch, but it’s an ongoing thing,” Chan said. Caucasians, five percent with the Student “The best training is when you’re engaging, African Americans, three percent Hispanic/ Government Association (SGA) to host having dialogues, reading on your own— Latino(a)s, one percent Pacific Islander/ different programs throughout the year. rather than just one-way, Asians and two percent multiracials. In the fall, 150 students crammed into the passive learning.” Ellis said the region—from Jackson Cougar Den to listen to spoken word artist County to the surrounding states—should be Amena Brown. This month, OIR partnered other the school’s benchmark. with Jackson Christian High School to host a of “I want to see how our campus reflects our Spring Festival to celebrate Chinese New Year stu community,” Ellis said. with 20 international students in attendance. .9% Compared to Jackson County, SAU is a OIR also partnered with Chartwells to host Asian few percentage points more diverse than the Motown month in the Dining Commons. .4% A Other f county. While SAU has a higher percentage From the employee view, Ellis ric A a m rate of African Americans, other minority recognized the need for a more er n ica populations are around two percent. Michigan diverse faculty. In 2014, according to AmAfri n is 80 percent Caucasians, 14 percent African College Factual, SAU’s faculty was c e r an 2.5% Americans, five percent Hispanic/Latino(a)s, 84 percent Caucasians, five percent ica Multin racial three percent Pacific Islander/Asians and two African Americans, two percent 4.8% Hispanic/ percent multiracials. Asians and the rest unknown. Latino(a) In the past three to four months, the president “I don’t believe in 2.9% .4% Other Asian has been talking with Director of Intercultural quotas,” Ellis said. “But Relations Eric Beda on how the school can I do believe that as we AmAfri intentionally diversify. The goal is to start become more intentional er can diversity training for faculty and staff this semester. about the way we make ica There are two different perspectives on the topic our job openings known, n of of diversity: the student and the employee. we can increase our cit From the student perspective, the goal is diversity of the applicant Ca to create the opportunity and invitation to pool, and by increasing
“
“
P
ED I TORI NCHI EF
14
12
thesaupulse.com • F e b r u a r y 2 6 , 2 0 1 6
.2 %
2.5%
3%
) o(a atin 3.n4ic/L%
pa His
8.
ial Multirac
ian As
(a) no
5. 2%
7%
ti La ic/ an sp Hi
2.
% 1.3
% ci a l 2M.u6 ltira
4%
8
8
75
student testimony:
Number of Minority Students at Spring Arbor 800 700
# of students
600
38
500 400 300
1 106
31 27 56 332
82
534
74 454
LORENZO MONTGOMERY is
5 104 580
23
358
76 288
200 100 0
'04
'06
Asian
'08
'10
'12
'14
Hispanic/ Latino(a) African American
year
In 2003 SAU received the
Racial Harmony Award from The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities
v
o hn s o
n
of on campus students are Caucasian
eJ
Ol i
84.2%
4%
ther
85%
of Jackson County is Caucasian
%
4%
Other
SAU’s first African American student was accepted in 1920
75.8%
of Michigan citizens are Caucasian
Statistics from US Census Bureau and CollegeFactual.com
being forced into a box inside of SAU’s bubble. He has friends who have left SAU because the school lacked diversity. He has experienced awkward moments in class when classes looked to him to affirm that urban cities are bad. Montgomery said he has had a teacher say in class: if you do not like slavery, do not own one. “It put me in a box,” Montgomery said. “I don’t think he meant it on purpose, but it made me feel weird.” In class, Montgomery would become the center of attention when urban cities were mentioned. Students or professors would ask if he could speak on it, as if he represented the entire urban culture. He would also be stereotyped in class. Just because he is black does not mean he likes rap music or he is from East Africa, Montgomery said. Eric Beda, Director of Intercultural Relations, said students come to him with similar situations where classes would look to them as spokespeople for their entire culture. Beda noticed when he first started working at SAU in 2013 that as an African American he did not look like the rest of the staff during large department gatherings. “You try as much as possible to ignore that and try to fit into the community and mesh with the goal versus focusing on who you are,” Beda said. “But I think our students have a difficult time getting past that.” Montgomery said he noticed that compared to his freshman year, there was a larger group of ethnic minorities overall, but a smaller group of African Americans. This year, it is the opposite. He was able to meet and talk with people coming from different backgrounds. Beda introduced Montgomery to Young Men of Merit, a group of students who meet every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Willow Room. The group discusses topics affecting them or the school. Beda invites speakers to discuss future careers and planning. “It’s pretty exciting for me because I feel, as a Christian institution, diversity should be part of the fabric of the institution,” Beda said.
February 26, 2016 • thesaupulse.com
13
FEATURES
Cross Cultural Scrapbook H E ATHE RCL ARK
STAFF WRITE R
Some Spring Arbor University (SAU) students spent their J-Term across the globe. They went on their Cross Cultural Studies program (CCS), a three-week class in another country required for graduation. Trips take place during both J-Term and May. They are put together by the CCS staff. Trips are led by professors who often are familiar with or have connections in the countries visited. This J-Term’s cross cultural students traveled to Jamaica, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Cambodia and India. Here are a few of their stories. Name: Alyssa Waclawski Destination: Jamaica -5:00 GMT “I wanted to go somewhere that was relatively close and practical to go back to in case I fell in love with it (which I did). The most challenging part was seeing the extreme poverty right behind the gates of all-inclusive, five star resorts. I realized most people have a false view of Jamaica because of the way it is promoted for tourism. So many vacationers go to these resorts and have no idea of the poverty and suffering on the other side of those walls. We visited a poor village, an elementary school and an orphanage. The children constantly had a smile on their face when we were there playing with them. Those smiles I will never forget.”
PHOTO BY RACHELLE BUDOP
PHOTO BY ALYSSA WACLAWSKI
14
thesaupulse.com • February 26, 2016
Name: Haley Coggins Destination: Cambodia +7:00 GMT “I looked for a trip that would give me the chance to push myself in new ways, and that led me to Cambodia. The most challenging part of my cross cultural trip was coming to terms with it being a class and not a missions trip. There were so many times where we would see people in need and then just hop on the bus and drive away. Realizing I was there to learn about the issues, but could not necessarily do anything about them was a challenge. Our first day we visited a HIV/AIDS orphanage. Some of us colored with the kids, some played games and music and laughter filled the room. I remember looking around and feeling an incredible and overwhelming sense of joy.”
FEATURES
PHOTO BY LILY HEFENIEDER
Name: Jennifer Coffell Destination: India +5:30 GMT “I was originally set on going to Uganda, but I had to change trips. Out of all of the available trips for J-Term, India seemed to be the one calling my name. The most challenging part was being so up close and personal with poverty. I struggled a lot with various Bible passages regarding how we are to treat the poor and what that meant in the context of the culture. I will most remember an experience that I had with a lady who did mehendi (henna) for a small group of us. It’s a long story, but she ended up giving me the ring that she was wearing, and it had a lot of impact on me. Without thinking twice about it, she gave me something that was hers, even though she didn’t have much to give.” With Cross Cultural market day last Tuesday, Form Frenzy on Feb. 29 for juniors
and seniors and March 1 for all others, 2017’s cross cultural trips are prepped and planned. Stop by the Cross Cultural office, across Ogle Street behind the library, and learn more about these worldwide experiences. The house may be small, but it’s where amazing adventures begin.
PHOTO BY JENNIFER COFFELL
PHOTO BY LILY HEFENIEDER
PHOTO BY JENNIFER COFFELL
Feburary 26, 2016 • thesaupulse.com
15
A&E
FILM REVIEW: ROOM
PHOTO FROM IMDB.COM
M ICH E LLE BENNE T T Cohen is also known for his work on “The
King’s Speech,” “Les Miserables” and “The Danish Girl.” Cohen, an Oscar and Emmy nominated rom its compelling story to its dynamic cinematographer, worked with Abrahamson to characters, “Room,” one of this year’s bring life to Donoghue’s story and screenplay. Oscar and Golden Globe nominated films, They collaborated to create a whole world is sure to captivate and astonish its audiences. out of just one room. The cinematography “Room” is centered on a strong-willed, protective mother and her bright, perceptive, and scene direction drew the audience into five-year-old son. Joy (Brie Larson) was believing that the whole world existed inside kidnapped at 17, gave birth to her son, Jack that compact room, which did not seem quite (Jacob Tremblay) two years into her abduction so small at the time. Abrahamson and and lived with him Cohen brilliantly for five more years. introduced the new and To protect her son, much bigger world to Joy raised Jack to The cinematography the audience as if they believe the room saw everything through and scene direction they lived in was the the eyes of Jack. With whole world and drew the audience the combination of everything outside into believing that stimulating sounds and of the room was outstanding visuals, simply outer space. the whole world they created a new, Joy hatched a plan existed inside that large and somewhat to escape, but it frightening world to compact room. required revealing a child who had lived the truth to Jack, his whole life believing causing a temporary there was only the rift between the two. room he shared with his mother. After their escape, the film focused on each Larson gave a staggering performance. She character’s adjustment to life in the outside displayed the emotions of a mother tormented world. by the guilt of lying to her child and not being Emma Donoghue wrote both the novel the able to give him the normal childhood she film was based off of, and the film’s screenplay. wished for him. The war between the shame Irish film director Lenny Abrahamson made his first appearance at both the Golden of her choices and her love for Jack are evident Globes and Oscars with his fifth full-length in her emotions, words and actions. Tremblay beautifully communicated to film. “Room” puts the accomplished but the audience that Jack was naive but brave, somewhat small-time director in Hollywood’s and while it may have been his first notable spotlight, as he complemented the work of performance, he burst into the role fiercely and famous cinematographer, Danny Cohen. boldly. Tremblay gave Jack an unadulterated
STAF F WRITE R
“
16
“
F
thesaupulse.com • February 26, 2016
sense of love towards his mother and strength for her, allowing Jack to maneuver his ignorance of the world with the resilience of a child. Stephen Rennicks gave a stunning film an equally stunning score. The Irish composer, who has collaborated with Abrahamson before, exceeded expectations on the emotional score for the film. He flawlessly conveyed the intensity of the moment Jack first sees the world. The score greatly adds to the experiences Jack faces outside of the room and the hardship Joy endures in and outside of room. “Room” was a masterpiece from start to finish. Its captivating story, colorful characters, emotional score, brilliant scene direction, cinematography and the mesmerizing performances by its two leads deserved nothing less that multiple nominations and world-wide recognition.
A&E
The Perks of Community Bathrooms: SAU’s a capella bathroom music video goes viral M ARYS RAME K
STAF F WRITE R
T
hree Spring Arbor University (SAU) students recently posted a video of themselves singing Charlie Puth’s song, “One Call Away.” On Feb. 2, senior Caleb Smith went into the bathroom humming Puth’s song. Caleb was washing his hands when his brother, freshman Zach Smith and sophomore Trevor Tarantowski, came in and began singing along. Caleb said when he entered the bathroom he had no intentions of recording himself, but when the other two joined in it “created a beautiful harmony” too good to pass up. Caleb pulled out his iPhone and recorded the song. The acoustics in the bathroom amplified their voices, and at 7:31 that evening Caleb posted the video to Facebook for their families and friends to see. The men were not expecting the video to go viral. The original video gained 300 Facebook likes, 400 shares and 33,000 views. The video was shared on SAU’s Facebook page and the Spring Arbor Compliments Facebook page. The trio was also asked to be guests on HOME.fm’s radio show. “The video was just for kicks and giggles, but I keep getting messages and comments from people I know telling me to remember them when I am famous,” Caleb Smith said. “It’s a little weird, but also humbling. Trevor has heard people on campus listening to it in the DC. It’s just so weird.” Junior Resident Assistant (RA) Sarah Young said she was impressed with the boys. Since the Gainey RA’s sing together all the time, they made a video to share as well. At 11:59 p.m. the same day, sophomore RA Hennessy Coons posted a video with the caption, “The Battle Begins...With love, Gainey Res Life.” The women sang Justin Bieber’s single “Love Yourself.” When the three men saw the video of Gainey’s RA’s, they were impressed and surprised that their video started what has
been referenced as a battle. Caleb said he thought the women of Gainey showed great talent, but wanted to be clear that it was not a competition, just good fun. On Feb. 9, Andrews 1 South joined in on the musical exchange. The young men were still in a bathroom, but this time they were accompanied by a guitar. This video, posted by sophomore Cory Buckner, received 1,900 views. Freshmen Hilary Schroeder and Melody Bamford said they noticed how there were people who have not put anything online that wanted to make videos similar to the
original. “These videos show that we can be communal, even in community bathrooms,” Schroeder said. Caleb Smith said this experience has shown how people can use a platform to glorify God, but it also shows SAU’s talent. “It shows how intricate the Spring Arbor Community is,” Caleb Smith said. “This moved from a few friends, to another floor, and then to the whole campus.” The musical exchange was not viewed as an actual battle, but the music became a popular way to exemplify the community on SAU’s campus. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ZACH SMITH
February 26, 2016 • thesaupulse.com
17
A&E
Down WiFi causes panic among DC lobby loiterers During the interview, she proceeded to
N ATEBORTZ check her phone multiple times,
PHOTO GRAPHY E DITOR
D
uring a 12:30 p.m. lunch rush last week, panic arose in the Dinning Commons (DC) lobby when WiFi reception suddenly vanished. Countless wall leaners were seen looking up from their phones when “couldn’t refresh feed” was the only thing their little electronic escape boxes were telling them. The problem was handled swiftly, but the upset was already felt throughout the Kresge Student Center. Witnesses making their way down the stairs saw horrified expressions of their peers reaching for the heavens with their phones from those couch things on the wall. Many victims refused to believe the problem only existed for about 13 minutes. As the old proverb goes, “With the Internet one minute is like a thousand years, and a thousand years can go by in one minute.” “I still had five minutes before my girlfriend was supposed to meet me for lunch,” one victim said. “I was in the middle of drawing a teardrop on my face in a snap to her. Then I saw the worst sight imaginable—’connection lost.’” It’s a commonly known fact that the student center can be a data dead-zone for many. “The WiFi is all I have to keep me company when I’m waiting for my friends to walk all the way over from the villages,” another victim said.
18
ensuring that the internet was truly back and her portable security blanket was not still ripped from her hands. “What am I supposed to do while I’m waiting for my
thesaupulse.com • February 26, 2016
friends? Talk to the other people also avoiding everyone else while waiting for their friends?!” she continued. The disaster went on to affect the flow of traffic as well. One student, who kept insisting he was “just trying to get some lunch,” said between the panicked lobby dwellers in the way and summer camp reps pushing roasted marshmallows and cotton candy in his face, he was forced to succumb to meal exchange. Eventually, campus executives stepped in to calm the situation. “I’ve never seen so many people awkwardly stand around and avoid eye contact with each other,” one Tech Services worker said. The pandemonium came to an end when Tech Services pulled out their favorite secret weapon, the reset button. Everything went back to normal, and the lobby loiterers went back to the social sanctuary of their phones until their close friends arrived. PHOTOS BY ANDRI HILL
A&E
#OscarsSoWhite A Christian response to Hollywood’s lack of diversity not with the Oscars. The problem is with the A SSO CI ATE E DITOR Hollywood movie-making system.” Assistant professor of Communication henever award season comes Jen Letherer said, “Consider the new Star around, there are always Wars movie, which has a pretty diverse cast. controversies to accompany it. J.J. Abrams made significant choices there. He This year, the controversy was larger than just and the producers made specific choices about a fashion faux pas. There were no people of representation in that film, which, I think, color nominated in any of the four main acting reflects things more truly.” categories: actor/actress in a leading role and In terms of a Christian response to actor/actress in a supporting role. When the #OscarsSoWhite, Letherer provided two nominees were announced on Jan. 14, the hashtag options: to become more aware of how race #OscarsSoWhite began trending on Twitter. is represented in pop culture and to examine Before the Oscar nominations were how influential pop culture is in everyday life. announced, a lot of the media buzz predicted “Hollywood is very exclusive,” Letherer a more diverse said. set of nominees. Historically, Idris Elba, Will Christians come from Smith and Michael a place of privilege and Having a more diverse B. Jordan were all to be able to recognize fan favorites for th a t privilege when it pop culture means the nominations, comes to representation having more stories but none received in pop culture is nods from the invaluable. from more perspectives. Academy. “Creed” Letherer’s second Jen Letherer, and “Straight Outta piece of advice, to assistant professor of Compton”—both notice the immense Communication films featuring influence of pop people of color on culture, is founded on and off screen— the idea of stories and were nominated— perspective. but for categories held by Caucasians. “Having a more diverse pop culture means In response to the nominations, many having more stories from more perspectives,” celebrities took to Twitter and other social Letherer said. “The world becomes bigger media sites to protest and call out the award when I have more people’s perspectives.” ceremony. Some celebrities plan to boycott To explain this idea of why multiple the Oscars altogether, while others offered perspectives is a necessity and not a want, their regrets that, for the second year in a Letherer used the following example: “Say row, no person of color was nominated in a you’re staring at a square. You know it’s a performance role. square, but when you begin to talk to other Actress Viola Davis, in an interview with people in different positions around your Entertainment Tonight, said, “The problem is
AM BE R CE KAND ER
W
“
“
square, you realize it’s a cube. That is what a more diverse Hollywood has to offer.” The idea of a more diverse Hollywood is not limited only to race. Letherer also pointed out that gender and age can be misrepresented by Hollywood just as easily. Diverse stories created by diverse people are not a means to a social justice agenda. Rather, they are representations of the different facets of God’s creation. “When you hear people’s stories, you see that people are people,” Letherer said. “You begin to appreciate the things that are different, and you begin to cherish the things that are the same.”
PHOTO FROM UPENN.EDU
February 26, 2016 • thesaupulse.com
19
SPORTS
Spring Arbor University 2016 S ARAH D E AN
STAFF WRITE R
T
he Spring Arbor University (SAU) Hall of Fame, created in 1996, acknowledged Clarence and Agnes Delamarter and their efforts in advancing Christian education. Individuals enter the Hall of Fame as a result of outstanding athletic performance during their time at SAU and post-college achievements. This year’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony announced three individuals: Roy Adair, class of 2002, Micah Lancaster, class of 2006 and Darlene Mefford.
Hall of Fame Roy Adair
Micah Lancaster
Darlene Mefford
Darlene Mefford was inducted into the Hall of Fame for “meritorious service.” In her 30 years as a professor and administrator at SAU, she left a mark on the athletic program. She was commended for her service at the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conferences (WHAC) from 1988-2000 and her investment in student athletes. She received several awards, including the SAU Distinguished Service Award in 1988 and 2006 and the WHAC Female Administrator Award in 1991.
20
Roy Adair played on the SAU mens golf team from 1998-2002. For the years of 2000 and 2001, he received National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-American honors. Additionally, he made it to the NAIA National Championships for those years and finished in the top five each time. His presence at the 2000 National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Championship and the 2001 NAIA Regional Tournament resulted in his acceptance of medalist honors. During his time at SAU, Adair set the record of nine wins. He won three conference games in his career. He continued to set records at SAU, scoring a 67 for 18 holes, 139 for 36 holes and 291 for 72 holes. Adair not only excelled athletically, but also academically. He received cum laude honors upon receiving his mathematics degree, and has demonstrated his skills in his job at Nielsen, where he has worked for seven years. Nielsen is a highly renowned center for market research. Additionally, he continued his golf career, leading him to six club championships.
thesaupulse.com • February 26, 2016
Micah Lancaster was a member of the SAU men’s basketball team, and played a large role in the team’s success during his time. In his career, he scored 2,393 points and had 751 assists. In 2005 and 2006, he helped the team enter the NCCAA National Championships. Additionally, he received several awards: three NAIA Honorable Mention All-American awards, two NCCAA First Team All-American awards and the Most Outstanding Player award after the 2005 national tournament. He has continued to make a difference in his sport by becoming a National Basketball Association (NBA) skills coach international camp clinician. Lancaster has devoted much of his career to advancing training in basketball, helping key players, such as Dwayne Wade, Mario Chalmers, Kyrie Irving and Evan Turner in their basketball careers.
ALL PHOTOS BY SAU ATHLETICS
SPORTS
PHOTO BY JOHN BRABBS
SAU Alumnus Competes in 2016 U.S.A Olympic Marathon Trial associated with the Trials, but he was still glad to qualify for the race. SPORTS E DITOR “I was really, really, happy,” Martin said. Marathon races are 26.2 miles. The pring Arbor University (SAU) alumnus Olympic Marathon Trials course, Martin said, Nate Martin (’13) competed in the 2016 was good for running, as it was flat, although U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Los there were more turns than usual. Angeles, Calif. on Saturday, Feb. 13. Among “The biggest factor was probably the heat, the men, he finished 23rd overall. which was pretty brutal,” Martin said. Martin said he qualified for the Olympic The top three runners of each gender Marathon Trials by completing a race in two qualified for the Olympics. Although Martin hours, 15 minutes and 47 seconds at the USA did not make the Olympics and pushed Marathon Championships. At the time, the himself too hard at the beginning of the race, qualifying mark for the Trials was two hours he was generally happy, albeit quite tired, after and 18 minutes for men. The requirement the race was over. later moved up to two hours and 19 minutes. “I think the decisions I made early on came “I knew about three-fourths into the race, back to hurt me a little bit in the end, but I as long as I held the pace I was at, I’d hit the kept pushing and didn’t give up,” Martin said. qualifying mark,” Martin said. Martin has been running since eighth Martin’s time in the USA Marathon grade. His performance in gym class led Championships qualified him for the group others to encourage him to run. Although he known as B Standard in the Trials. He was hesitant at first, he eventually decided to would have preferred A Standard, for take their advice. which the requirement was two hours “I ended up doing really well in my first and 15 minutes, because that would have race,” Martin said. “I finished maybe sixth entitled him to financial help with expenses
DA N AS E BAL DVANDOREN
S
overall and first for the team.” Martin continued running throughout high school and began considering running in college his junior year. He decided to attend SAU, where he started running shorter distance races. His coach, Dante Ottolini, encouraged him to do longer races, so for much of his college career, he ran 5Ks, which are about 3.1 miles long. Toward the end of college, he began to run marathons. Martin plans to continue running and increasing his speed and wants to attempt to qualify for the Olympics again in the future. Bryan Burk, a former SAU cross country and track and field teammate of Martin’s and current head coach of the womens cross country and track and field teams, said he was excited when Martin qualified for the trials. “It’s been exciting to see his journey and to see him develop as a runner [and] as a person,” Burk said. Martin said of running marathons, “It’s obviously a tough role, but you have to push through if you want to achieve anything.”
February 26, 2016 • thesaupulse.com
21
SPORTS
Coach of the Month: Sam Riggleman
PHOTOS BY SAU ATHLETICS
DA N AS E BAL DVANDOREN
SPORTS E DITOR
N AT H A NS A L S BURY STA F F WRIT ER
S
pring Arbor University (SAU) head baseball coach Sam Riggleman is retiring at the end of spring semester this year after 40 years of coaching. This is Riggleman’s 14th year working at SAU, and 12th year as head coach of the baseball team. Prior to becoming head coach, he worked as assistant coach for two years under Hank Burbridge. While at SAU, he also served for eight years as athletic director. After graduating from SAU in 1973, Riggleman attended the University of Maryland to earn his graduate degree. Following that, he spent 26 years coaching at schools such as John Wesley College, Mount Vernon Nazarene College, Southern Illinois University, Bethel College and Dallas Baptist University before returning to SAU. Riggleman said that ending his career at his alma mater has been like making a “complete circle.” “Being back at a place that means so much to me personally just adds a dimension that makes it pretty unique,” Riggleman said. “What’s really been key for me is that this is such an important place, and there’s so many things for me personally that I’m able to look back on.” In the past year, Riggleman has achieved two milestones in his career. On Apr. 28, 2015, Riggleman attained his 1000th career win at an SAU home game against Marian University. It was a walk-off game. “It’s a milestone, a unique one, and I will have great memories of it for a long, long time,” Riggleman said. Of those 1000 wins, 48 of them occurred during the 2007 season, which Riggleman said “was kind of a magical year.” The team was not ranked going into the year, but they ended up playing for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national title.
22
Riggleman said he was given a jersey with his name and “1000 wins” on it. Then, he was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame on Jan. 8 in Nashville, Tenn. This honor included a banquet and induction ceremony, where Riggleman was supported by his family, a few former players and other coaches. “I’m both honored and humbled by the fact that I would be singled out to be a recipient of that,” Riggleman said. “It’s one of those moments you just kind of sit back and think, ‘Wow, did I deserve this?’” Riggleman said one of the most interesting things about his career is that ten of his former players and three of his former assistant coaches are now head coaches who can impact players. “I’ll never know all the influence that has taken place there,” Riggleman said. As a coach, there are challenges every day
thesaupulse.com • February 26, 2016
for Riggleman. He said one of the challenges he is trying to overcome right now is dealing with the culture in which his team is immersed, especially when it comes to communication. “If I call one of my guys, there’s a good chance that they’ll never pick it up,” Riggleman said. “But if I text them, before I put my phone down I’ll have an answer. And so the challenges are: how do I take a generation of players who have spent the majority of their time communicating in ways that are not face to face and still have a relationship with them, still...confront them when they need to be confronted, still work at developing them in ways that they aren’t necessarily accustomed to and get them to buy into a greater good?” Riggleman said he defines this “greater good” as the “team concept.” He wants to help his players achieve something greater as a team than what they can experience on their own.
SPORTS
practice, we have about five minutes or so where he’ll just teach us almost like a life lesson,” Weston said. “It applies to baseball, but yet it also applies to our lives, and so he’s teaching us how to be great men through the game of baseball.” Riggleman said he wants to continue to influence others, especially coaches and athletes, in his retired life, especially investing more in former players who are now college coaches. He also wants to write and promote leadership development,
perhaps through consulting, public speaking or conducting seminars. “A passion of mine has been leadership development,” Riggleman said. He also said he wants to spend more time with his “incredible” wife, Kathy. Furthermore, “I want to be able to find some trout streams so I can fly fish,” Riggleman said.
“
“
It is something they work on every single day. “Everybody thinks it’s about teaching guys to throw sliders or hit the fastball at 90 miles an hour,” Riggleman said. “But there’s a lot of other stuff that goes on that’s important here.” Riggleman’s coaching is heavily influenced by his Christian beliefs. In fact, he said that his coaching cannot be taken apart from his faith. “That is who I am,” Riggleman said. “It’s not like it’s an add-on in my coaching. It’s at the very core of what I do.” As part of providing spiritual leadership to his team, last semester Riggleman mentored 13 of his 28 players one-on-one. He said he wants all of his players to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. “I wish I could say that everybody embraces it,” Riggleman said. “That’s not the case, but they’re not going to go through our program without an opportunity to be responding to the claims of Christ.” Ryan Cottingham, Director of Athletics at SAU and head coach of the mens basketball team, said Riggleman is very “intentional” in his relationships with others. Junior Drew Weston, a baseball player at SAU, said Riggleman teaches his players to be “young men of character and integrity.” “He’s a great mentor to me, and I look up to him a lot,” Weston said. Weston gave an example of one way in which Riggleman works to influence his players. “[One] moment that I think is a really cool part of what he does is every day before
We have about five minutes or so where he’ll just teach us almost like a life lesson. It applies to baseball, but yet it also applies to our lives, and so he’s teaching us how to be great men through the game of baseball. Drew Weston, junior
February 26, 2016 • thesaupulse.com
23
SPORTS PHOTO BY SAU ATHLETICS
Spencer Goebel
Athlete of the Month L IBBY BUCKL AND
S
STAF F WRITE R
pencer Goebel, a senior at Spring Arbor University (SAU), is in his fourth and final season as a mens baseball player. Goebel has been successful as a right-handed pitcher throughout his career at SAU, and is looking forward to what the upcoming season has in store. Goebel said he committed to the SAU baseball team after being recruited by Coach Riggleman his senior year of high school. He has always been very involved in baseball, and his college career has been no exception. “I have been playing baseball ever since I can remember,” Goebel said. “I was born with a baseball in my hand and haven’t let go of it since.” On top of being involved in athletics, Goebel is a criminal justice major and recently finished a four-month internship with the Jackson Police Department. Goebel was able to not only ride along with local officers, but also assist them and see what an average day as an officer looks like. Goebel’s everyday routine is similar to most full-time college athletes. It involves eating, sleeping, class, homework and of course, baseball. He said he spends a lot of time in class or working on homework, and the rest of his day is consumed by baseball practice or additional weight lifting/training. The team only gets about one week off at the end of
the fall season, so it is important for the whole team to stay in shape in preparation for the spring season. With the spring season approaching quickly, Goebel is eager and excited to get back on the field. Because the snowy winter weather makes it difficult for the men to practice outside, the whole team will be traveling to Florida this March for spring training and preseason games. “It is too cold and snowy to play ball here at school, so we head to Florida every year,” Goebel said. “It is great to be surrounded by my teammates in the Sunshine State, just playing baseball and chilling by the pool.” The team will be traveling to various parts of Florida, playing games and being involved in tournaments as well. The trip will last about 10 days. Goebel said some of his fondest memories of his baseball career at SAU have included beating Taylor University on their home field his sophomore year and going onto the National Tournament in 2014. Goebel also stressed how much respect
and love he has for Sam Riggleman, head coach of the baseball team. “Even though Riggs is retiring, I am so glad I was able to be here all four years with him as a coach,” Goebel said. “He is the greatest man I have ever met and he does so much to impact the team, on and off the field.” After Goebel graduates in May, he plans to pursue a job with the Michigan Police Department or continue his baseball career and play for a professional team. “I love baseball because it is unlike any other game,” Goebel said. “Every day is different. Everyone has a different part to play, and we all interchange roles. My hope for this season is to finish my college career strong, and send Riggs out on a high note.”
thesaupulse.com • February 26, 2016
24