Author: Bethany Kuiken

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Stories In Focus

Nationwide Women’s Conference Comes to Houghton

On February 3 and 4, students at Houghton will be hosting an IF:Gathering women’s conference focused on gathering, equipping, and unleashing the next generation of women to live out God’s calling on their lives.  

Amy Brennfleck ’19 took initiative to organize and host the event at Houghton for any women who wanted to participate. “Each year, Jennie Allen hosts the IF:Gathering in Dallas, Texas, but in order to make it more accessible, their team created IF Locals,” she said. “IF Locals are simulcasts of the event hosted by individuals across the world. The IF team asks you to gather your community of women, grab some food, and learn about Jesus through the speakers together.”

According to their official website, the purpose of the IF:Gathering is to equip ordinary women to become leaders who rise up to make disciples in every city in the country and every country in the world. Jennie Allen, the founder of the IF:Gathering, is a Christian speaker and author who felt called by God in 2007 to disciple a generation. Out of this seemingly impossible and improbable calling, Jennie Allen, together with a team of friends, established IF:Gathering.

Sydney Shufelt ’17, along with approximately forty other students, will be attending the event. “I signed up for the IF:Gathering because it seems like an awesome opportunity to gather together with girls across campus and share our mutual love for Christ,” she said. “Even though Houghton is a small campus, I still feel like there are so many girls who I haven’t had the opportunity to connect with and this seems like a great way to bring us all together.”

Brennfleck saw a need at Houghton for intentional discipleship among women. “The reason that I want to hold an IF:Gathering at Houghton is because I see a lack of women intentionally coming together to learn more about God,” she said. “My hope is that this group of women will be vulnerable and real together, so that we can begin to build a strong community of women.”

The IF:Gathering believes that a strong community of Christian women is built around coming together to wrestle with essential questions of faith and encountering God in a powerful way.

“Along with learning and growing in faith, I’m hoping to leave this experience feeling more connected to the community of amazing women we have on campus,” Shufelt said.

Brennfleck hopes this IF:Gathering will only be the start of building a more intentional community of women at Houghton College who desire to pursue God’s calling in their lives. She said, “My hope is for each of the participants of the IF:Gathering to leave the weekend feeling equipped to be obedient to whatever the Lord asks them to do in their lives.”

This event will be hosted in Gillette Hall from 5 p.m. today until 5 p.m. on Saturday. Shufelt and many others are eagerly anticipating a weekend of fellowship and growth. “I’ve always felt like any opportunity to learn more about the heart of God is something to look forward to,” said Shufelt. “To do that with some of my best friends here on campus is really exciting.”

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Stories In Focus

The World Outside Our Classroom

Every semester, Houghton students extend the classroom to a cross-cultural setting. With a variety of programs to choose from, students have the opportunity to engage their education in a new context through study abroad opportunities. These programs are intended to instill each student with a new sense of purpose and an ignited imagination.

Emily Barry ’17, a double major in international development and political science, studied abroad in Rwanda through the Go-ED program in Spring 2016. Her experience challenged her in many ways as she further developed her gifts.

“My favorite part was going on practicum,” she said. “I was on a fish farm teaching English at the private school on the premises.” She continued, “It was outside of my comfort zone to be teaching, but learning from the teachers there, getting to know my students and taking it day by day was a powerful experience for me.”

Studying abroad provides students with the opportunity to discover new gifts and abilities unknown to them before. These programs also challenge students academically to push themselves beyond what they thought they were capable of. Jonan Pilet ’17, a writing major, studied abroad in Oxford through Best Semester’s Scholar’s Semester in Oxford program in Fall 2016. “The most rewarding part of my experience was getting to the end of the program and recognizing the academic confidence I built in myself,” said Pilet. “This program forces you to grow as a student. You don’t really have an option.”

Judith Marklin ’17, an international development major with minors in linguistics and world religions, had two opportunities to study abroad last year. She began in New Zealand in the Spring of 2016 through the Creation Care Study Program, and last semester studied in India through Alliance for Global Education. Her time abroad in these various places allowed her to gain new perspectives through experiencing a different way of life. Her experiences gave her vision for direction in the future.

“My time in New Zealand was important for me to intentionally take a semester and slow down a little,” she said. “This different pace of life gave me time to think about what I want out of my experience at Houghton and the rest of my life.”

Houghton emphasizes the importance in valuing others in an intercultural setting. Marklin carried this lesson with her in her experiences abroad. “I learned that to love is to risk,” she said. “I traveled abroad to learn, listen, see, and try to understand another way of seeing the world and another way of living.” She added, “I learned the importance of interacting with people as people and seeing them as children of God.”

Barry, Pilet, and Marklin all highly recommended their study abroad programs to other students. Through these opportunities, they all say they developed lasting change in their lives that they will carry with them throughout the rest of their time at Houghton and beyond.

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Stories In Focus

Houghton Student Wins Amateur Bagpiping Competition in Albany

Both the traditional welcome and send-off for Houghton students is a march around the quad, led by someone dressed in formal Scottish “Highlander” attire and playing the bagpipes. Starting in 2014, the leader has been an actual Houghton student, who has now won an award for his art. On October 8, Andrew Hutton ’18 was named the overall winner of the Nicol-Brown amateur invitational in Albany, New York. According to their official website, this invitational provides top amateur pipers with a prestigious competition, and sets a standard by which to judge their piping. The competition is considered one of the top two amateur competitions in North America, as well as one of the top overall competitions in the world.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Hutton
Photo courtesy of Andrew Hutton

Hutton began playing the bagpipes when he was ten years old. He started with the Paris Port Dover Pipe band near his hometown, and has expanded his experience since. “I began competing in solo and band competitions when I was twelve. A major highlight for me was going to the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland when I was twelve years old,” he said. “I also played in the Basel International Tattoo and Festival in Switzerland, as well as at funerals and memorials for special relatives and friends.”

These opportunities have been the product of Hutton’s discipline and dedication to bagpiping, as well as the intentional support he has behind him. “Without my instructors, Ed Neigh and Bruce Gandy, and my parents, I would not have been able to reach the level that I am at now.”

The Hutton family has not only fully supported him along the way, but has also played a major role in how Hutton began the art of piping. “My great-great grandparents are originally from Scotland,” he said. “My cousin played the bagpipe and encouraged my older brother to take up the pipes. My older brother eventually inspired me to play.” Hutton’s grandmother, Ruth (Fancher) Hutton, graduated from Houghton in 1943, and his grandfather graduated in 1957. Hutton’s great-grandfather was one of the four Fanchers for whom the Houghton building was named.

Hutton’s bagpiping journey has not only brought him success, but also many lessons and friendships along the way. “I’ve learned that hard work and dedication eventually pays off,” he said. “I’ve made a lot of lasting friendships that have developed over the years as a result of piping. I love bagpiping because of the intricacy and meaning of the music.”

Houghton has utilized Hutton’s gift of bagpiping for school events, and will continue to utilize his gift in future events. “Houghton students, faculty, and staff have been very appreciative every time I have played for a school event and I am happy to do more,” he said.

Hutton has served Houghton College and also the families within the community with his gift. Kristin and Souly Sanasith are one of these families. “Andrew has invested in our family and has endearingly earned the nick-name ‘Bagpipes’ from each of our four children,” Mrs. Sanasith said. “We continue to be impressed by Andrew’s strong faith, diligent work ethic, and continued engagement with our family.”

She added that Hutton has even taken on the role of teacher in their household. He meets with their son Carson weekly to teach him bagpiping. Mrs. Sanasith continued, “Souly and I love having students our children can look up to, and Andrew continues to bless each member of our family. We are so proud of his accomplishments and are thrilled to have him in our family’s life.”

Hutton’s gift of bagpiping is not just a hobby. He considers his role as a calling. He anticipates future opportunities where he will not only gain more recognition for his gift, but where he may further his calling by helping others along the way. “I will definitely continue to play for weddings, funerals, and special events. I will continue to compete in solo competitions at the professional level in North America and Scotland. I also will continue to teach and pass not the legacy I have been given.”

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Stories In Focus

Ceramics Alumna Invitational in CFA

Photo by: Nate Moore

Former Art Students Return for Ceramics Alumni Invitational

Each year Houghton graduates art students who use a variety of mediums, clay being one of them. On Monday, November 18, the Houghton Art Department will host some of these former students and their artwork in a Ceramics Alumni Invitational in the Ortlip Gallery.. This event will feature various pieces of ceramic art from seventeen Houghton graduates in the Center for Fine Arts from 6-8 p.m.

Alicia Taylor-Austin, director of exhibitions for the Ortlip Gallery and assistant professor of art, said she looks forward to this unique opportunity. “Houghton hosts exhibitions of both established and emerging artists every year,” she said. “This is a unique Alumni Invitational Exhibition specifically focused on artists working in clay who have graduated from Houghton with a degree in art and are actively making ceramic work.”

Gary Baxter, professor of art, serves as the curator of the show. Last year, when he announced his plans for retirement after 35 years of teaching ceramics, sculpture, 3D Design, furniture design, and ancient art history in the department, Baxter and his colleagues planned for a show to exhibit the work of his students who came through Houghton’s program under his teaching and are currently active in the field. He had the privilege of inviting seventeen artists to participate in the gallery. “I was impressed when I saw the work,” he said. “What they’ve done in the gallery in this exhibit will be quite different than what they did while they were students here. They’ve progressed quite a bit over the years.” After receiving work from artists living and working across the United States, Indonesia, and Tanzania, Baxter and Taylor-Austin worked together to design the show.

As a current student, Jill Magara ’17, a studio art major with a concentration in ceramics and photography, is also excited to observe the artistic progress that alumni have made. “It’s exciting for me to see how Professor Baxter’s students’ styles have developed after undergrad. It’s always a really great opportunity to talk with Houghton alumni about how they’ve gotten to the place in the career that they’re at.”

This invitational will provide current Houghton students with the opportunity to not only enjoy the art, but also to learn from alumni. “I think this opening is important because it’s filled with Houghton alumni. These are students that have been in our place years before us and we get to see their successes and talk with them one-on-one about their experiences, successes, and failures,” Magara said. “This doesn’t happen often as an undergrad studying art.”

This invitational is a special opportunity for both professors and students alike to observe professional ceramic art. “There will be a variety of ceramics in the show. Some will be sculptures, some will be low-fire pottery. There is a wide variety of different ways of working as well as the different material they’ve used,” Baxter said. “I was impressed with the students’ work. In fact, it occurred to me that many of them have surpassed me. That was very gratifying to see that.”

Not only that, but this exhibit will be a celebration of Baxter’s loyalty to the art department. “One of the most exciting elements of this show is that you can see the result of Gary’s dedication to teaching,” Taylor-Austin said. “He has instilled very lasting impressions of technique and skill along with a thoughtful approach to working in this medium, conveying ideas, and creating both functional and sculptural work.”

The Ceramics Alumni Invitational Exhibition will feature works by Aaron Harrison, Alic Drew, Arryn Vogan, Barb Arensen, Betsy Addison, Elizabeth Addison, Eric Holbein, Jason Herring, Jennifer Depaolo, Lisa York, Lydia Ferwerda, Marc LeMaire, Nancy Petrillo, Naomi Woolsey, Patricia Ocock, Paul Christensen.

This will be Houghton’s first time hosting a Ceramics Alumni Invitational, making it a rare privilege for the Houghton community to come together and celebrate the ceramic artwork done by Houghton alumni. The work will remain in the Ortlip Gallery from November 14 to January 13.

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Stories In Focus

Houghton RETHINKs Marketing // YOU WILL Campaign Speaks to Prospectives

Houghton’s most recent marketing campaign YOU WILL speaks to prospective students directly about the transformative experience of being a student at Houghton College both in and out of the classroom. It promises the following: “At Houghton, you’ll get a tailor-made, one-of-a-kind Christian educational experience that supports your individual interests, dreams, and goals. We not only prepare you for a job after you graduate — we lay the groundwork for an amazing rest-of-your life.”

Photo courtesy of houghton.edu
Photo courtesy of houghton.edu

Previously, the marketing & communication office promoted Houghton through it’s previous campaign, the RETHINK campaign. In RETHINK, the focus was primarily on leading with what Houghton had to offer prospective students. With YOU WILL, the focus is led by the student’s story and matching Houghton to it, making it more personal for each prospective student.

Jeff Babbitt, Director of Marketing and Communications, gave insight into this distinctly different marketing approach. “Right from the outset, this campaign is talking about the student. Instead of presenting why Houghton is so great, we put the focus on the student asking, ‘What do you want out of your college experience?’ YOU WILL is referencing the student’s story and then telling how Houghton can fit in with that.” Although the foundational truths about Houghton have not been altered in this new campaign, YOU WILL gives a fresh glimpse into the Houghton experience.

Babbitt and the rest of his team conducted extensive research before launching the new campaign. “We did a ton of research before we came up with this idea. Last spring, we sent out surveys to the student body, recent alumni, and parents of current students.” The purpose of these surveys was to get to the core of the question: “What is so great about Houghton?” so as to put forward an authentic vision of Houghton to prospective students.

After reading through hundreds of responses, the team pulled out themes that were repeated over and over throughout the surveys. Babbitt said, “We did all this research, we came up with key themes, and then developed as a staff three very different marketing concepts, YOU WILL being one of them. We took those and developed them further.” With five focus groups of high school students, current students, and faculty and staff, each group discussed each theme, and then voted on their favorite. Each focus group preferred the same theme: YOU WILL.

As a member of one of the focus groups, Carolyn Case ’19 agreed with the preferred theme. She said, “Out of all the campaigns that we saw, this one had the most optimistic attitude and we thought it was also the most encouraging message for high school students looking at colleges.”

Autumn Stone ’18 was also member of one of the focus groups, and said, “Of the three different ideas, YOU WILL felt the most empowering and motivational. This campaign is unique because Houghton is unique.”

Babbitt thinks YOU WILL is a unique campaign because it has a “distinct personality.” He added, “We used actual handwriting and hand-painted textures throughout the material to make it feel more personal. Houghton is known for the personal touch.”

Houghton’s marketing and communication team is currently working on a series of YOU WILL videos to put on the college website, as well as other parts of the campaign that will be launched throughout the year.

As prospective students become current students, who become transformed students, YOU WILL promises an authentic picture of the kind of experience Houghton provides. Stone is one of them. She said, “The YOU WILL campaign accurately describes my time at Houghton. The opportunities that God has given me here will benefit me for years to come. I’ve grown in every aspect of my life, and that’s something to expect from a college like Houghton.”

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Stories In Focus

Expanding the Community // New Registrar

In June, Houghton welcomed a new Registrar to the community. Kevin Kettinger, described by his colleagues as “devoted, kind, caring and committed,” as well as “professionally competent” started his new position in Registrar Office this fall. This may be his first time working with Houghton, but Kettinger is not foreign to this position.

Photo by: Nate Moore
Photo by: Nate Moore

Kettinger spent 17 years in higher education at Roberts Wesleyan College, 13 of those years working in the Registrar’s Office, and four years in Student Financial Services. In his position in the Registrar Office at Roberts Wesleyan, he had been responsible for the day-to-day operations of the office, as well as continuing to further the efficiency of it through the use of technology within the department. John Wise, Director of Institutional Research and Assessment, said regarding Kettinger’s credentials, “Kevin has a real concern for student success as well as an understanding of technology applications in the Registrar’s office. He will help to apply our data systems and processes to improved student services and satisfaction.”

Prior to his position at Roberts Wesleyan College, Kettinger worked eight years in finance at the credit union for the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan. He received his B.A. degree in philosophy at Asbury University and a M.S. degree in organizational management at Roberts Wesleyan College.

The Houghton search committee , Jack Connell; Eric Currie; John Wise; and Dale Wright, strongly endorsed Kettinger, as well as did President Mullen, Area Associate Deans and the Directors of Student Financial Services and Admissions.

Jack Connell, Dean of the College and Vice President of Academic Affairs, believes Kettinger’s previous experience has prepared him well for his new position. “Mr. Kettinger has a deep commitment to and understanding of Christian higher education. For the past 13 years he has worked in the Registrar’s office at a Christian liberal arts college, and prior to that he graduated from one himself. He knows who we are and what we are about, and embraces all of that warmly.”

Although uprooting from Rochester was not an easy decision, Kettinger and his family are looking forward to integrating into the life of the community and have already been made to feel very welcome.

“I have enjoyed the thoughtfulness and community feel of this institution as I observe and interact with students, staff, and faculty members,” Kettinger said. “This is a special place and I am very blessed to be here.”

Kettinger and his wife have five children. Their oldest is a transfer at Houghton, in her junior year. Jack Connell speaks highly of Kettinger’s honorable character. “Mr. Kettinger is a man of rock-solid Christian faith , deeply devoted to Christ and to the church. He honors and adores his wife and five children. He is a genuinely kind and caring person. He works hard, is thoughtful in his decision-making, and seeks excellence in all things.”

As one of the newest members of the Houghton community, Kevin Kettinger is looking forward to furthering the development of the Registrar’s Office. “My goal is to work with the great staff here to continue to move the Registrar’s Office forward to best aid and serve the students through their academic journey. We do all of these things ultimately for God’s glory.”

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News Stories In Focus

More Than a Headband: Alumna-Owned Brand Supports Anti-Human Trafficking Organizations

More often than not, the purchases people make do not have impact on anyone or anything other than themselves and their closet. The Houghton College Campus Store is active in supporting small businesses that try to create lasting impact worldwide. Last spring, the Campus Store started selling rePURPOSE headbands, and simultaneously joined the fight against human trafficking.

RePURPOSE is a business founded in March 2014 by Houghton alumna Jessica Burt ’06. According to the company’s website, Burt started crafting ethically made headbands from washed, used clothing out of a desire to do her part in the global fight against human trafficking. RePURPOSE donates 100% of its profit to two organizations: The Exodus Road and Make Way Partners. Both organizations work to actively take a stand against human trafficking.

repurpose-headband-copyEmma Webb ’16, a former Campus Store employee, served rePURPOSE in the spring of 2016 as a brand ambassador. “After working with Jessica, it is very clear how passionate she is about the lives of others. This business completely stems from how her and her team can make a difference in this world, not how they can make profit,” Webb said.

Houghton seeks to support small, fair-trade businesses that are fueled by passion and quality. “I think that it is really hard to be in fashion industry and not be fast-fashion. The passion that Jessica has is the best thing for a company like hers. It’s inspiring,” Webb remarked.

Rachel Blew, office coordinator and buyer at the Campus Store, echoed Webb and emphasized why it is important for Houghton to support rePURPOSE.

“In Psalms we are called to seek justice, rescue the weak and needy and deliver them from their oppressors. As a Christian Institution that was founded on the belief that education and the power of the Gospel can change the world, it is important for us to put these core values into practice. By supporting rePURPOSE, we are doing what we were founded to do. We are using our education, the Gospel, and the platform we have in the world to educate those around us about the injustices in the world and how we can help.”

Another way rePURPOSE combats human trafficking is through awareness. They sell their products online, at boutiques, salons and churches. Burt and her team also travel around the country speaking to colleges and conferences about rePURPOSE. Through all of those avenues they are able to raise awareness and share the hard facts of human trafficking.

Through rePURPOSE, Jessica and her team are choosing to be an active voice in the ethical issues behind fast-fashion, even if that means sacrifice. All of their products, including head wraps, tie-wraps, one layer boho wraps, headbands, and scarves, are made from washed, used clothing. If rePURPOSE has to buy new for bulk purposes, they purchase ethically made products from the USA or other countries with fair labor practices. All of their products are then handmade by local women.

Blew admires rePURPOSES’s integrity and conviction. “What I love most about rePURPOSE is their intentionality about the materials they use to create their products, as well as the awareness they are raising about human trafficking and the slave labor through these products.”

Webb highly recommends rePURPOSE products for more reasons than one. “The mission of rePURPOSE lines up with much of what Houghton stands for as a whole. That alone is a really good reason to buy and to support this company.”