Author: Naomi Prentice

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Stories In Focus

Houghton Welcomes New Electronic Resource Librarian

Two months ago, Houghton College welcomed new librarian, Doyin Adenuga, to campus. With a background in electronic resources and librarian studies, Adenuga’s experience made him more than qualified for the job here at Houghton.

Photo by: Nate Moore
Photo by: Nate Moore

According to Adenuga, he and his family have lived in the United States and Canada for 12 years. Before moving to the U.S. in 2004, Adenuga was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, formerly the capital city of Nigeria, where he met his now wife. He went on to study electronic technologies at Obafeni Awolowo University in Osun State, Nigeria. After marrying in Nigeria, Adenuga and his wife relocated to Wisconsin for four years at the University of Wisconsin. The transition from Nigeria to the U.S. was a cold one when the Adenuga’s arrived in the winter, but after some time, he adjusted from the 90-degree weather of home to the brutal winter temperatures in Wisconsin.

From there, Adenuga and his wife moved to Canada where he worked for a private company and earned his masters degree in library and informational studies. Before his most recent move, Adenuga and his family lived and worked in Missouri until he heard about a new position. After finding an open librarian position at Houghton College on a job search website, Doyin Adenuga applied, interviewed and accepted the position here as the electronic resources librarian.

“Doyin is a wonderful addition to our library family,” said Sharleen Holmes, Houghton Library Operations Manager. “Because of his vast experience with webpage design, one of the first tasks he was given was updating and making our library webpage more intuitive and user friendly.”

Adenuga has already made significant changes to the library technologies including the catalog, web page, and databases, according to David Stevick, Director of Libraries and Information Resources. He added that Adenuga has stepped up to the challenge of a new web page design by making a more functional, user-friendly and attractive library web page. He also maintains the electronic and E-book databases for the library and assists at the research desk.

Along with Adenuga’s skills and expertise, he has high respect for Houghton as a Christian institution. The connection between his faith and this librarian position is one of the reasons the job opening appealed to Adenuga. Holmes said, “He’s very kind, intelligent, and patient, especially with those of us who aren’t anywhere near as tech savvy as he is. His knowledge and talents round out the expertise of our librarians nicely and we feel fortunate to have him here in the library.”

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Campus News

Commemorative Mural Unveiled in Kerr-Pegula Field House

The Kerr-Pegula Field House now features a new mural which was unveiled during Purple and Gold week. The mural is commemorative of the first 50 years of Houghton College intercollegiate athletics, a focal point of this years Homecoming festivities.  According to Jason Mucher, Associate Athletic Director for Communication & Compliance, the project began in the spring of 2016 when Karl Sisson, Vice President for Advancement, brought up the idea of a mural.

Photo by: Nate Moore
Photo by: Nate Moore

Throughout the summer, Mucher worked on creating a list of memorable events in Houghton athletics history beginning in 1967, and with the help of alumni, 100 moments were collected. From there, the list was trimmed to 50 moments to match the 50 year timeline of intercollegiate athletics. After narrowing down those events and  inspiration from another institution’s postcard design, Mucher moved his focus to the college archives in the library and the files in the athletics office. Mucher searched for images to  fit these events and eventually chose photos to go on the mural.

After accumulating all the images and ideas for a design, Amy Tetta, Social Media Coordinator and Graphic Designer for the college, went to work on sorting through the photos Mucher had sent. Tetta said she “wanted to capture the energy and action she was looking for in the mural with usable quality in the photos as well.”

As the design came together, Mucher and Tetta decided six larger images with athletes representing each of the past six decades would be the most effective display for the mural. They decided to add more detail with smaller images, and a written timeline of the events over the years to be able to read as one approached the mural. “We tried to represent every sport and did our best to choose athletes, coaches and teams that were great representatives of Houghton athletics,” said Mucher.

With the addition of designer Brandon Rush’s 50th anniversary logo, a color palette  that best accented the purple and Gold theme in the field house, and the generosity of alumni donors, the mural was ready to replace the white  wall it had once been.

Executive Director of Athletics, Coach Harold “Skip” Lord, said, “This mural will give us a permanent reminder that what we do each day as intercollegiate athletes and coaches is just a part of a long history, going back to the purple and gold era, of people committed to excellence for the glory of God and who desire to make a Kingdom difference of those they play with, against and in front of.”

The mural, visible from nearly every point on the main level of the field house, is now open for public viewing.

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Campus News

Academic Records Undergoes Changes

The Academic Records Office has undergone several structural and cosmetic changes, including a name change.   Along with the name change to “Registrar’s Office,” their location has moved from the Luckey building to the lower level of Fancher Hall. There have also been staff changes in the office.  On June 6, Houghton welcomed a new registrar, Kevin Kettinger, after Margery Avery’s retirement. “It is quite obvious that Houghton College has been very blessed for many years with an excellent Registrar in Margery Avery,” said Kettinger.  As the new Registrar, Kettinger said he is thankful to work with a great staff in order to serve the students the best they can through their academic journey here.

Photo by: Nate Moore
Photo by: Nate Moore

Susan Martin ‘84, former graduation counselor and certification officer for Academic Records, is no longer with Houghton College. The Registrar’s Office is still in the process of hiring a replacement to fill Susan Martin’s position. . The current staff, Kevin Kettinger, Registrar, James Hutter, Associate Registrar  of Records & Registration; and Rebecca McGarity-Palmer, Office Coordinator, extend their thanks to all faculty, staff, and students for their patience at this time. hey also said they are doing their best to replace the position in the near future.

In addition to the location and staff changes, McGarity-Palmer emphasizes the office’s efforts at becoming more technologically savvy. The Registrar’s office now has a computer at the front counter so students can receive help more efficiently, as well as find and locate forms or information while they are in the office. “We’re also attempting to make more of our forms electronic to help us use less paper and make things easier for students and faculty.  The new interactive forms are one of our first steps as we continue to work out the kinks and figure out how to best adapt our office to a more paperless world,” McGarity-Palmer stated.

According to the Houghton College website, the goal of the Registrar’s Office is to “…help ensure that all students have a productive and successful academic experience before, during, and after attendance.” Students in need of  assistance with course selection and offerings, academic transcript processing, or transcript evaluation should utilize the Registrar’s Office in its new location at Fancher Hall.

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Stories In Focus

Art Exhibition Honors Houghton Alum

In 1953, a young student discovered his passion for painting in a Houghton College studio art class, one of the only ones offered before the art program was officially established. This artist, Ben Frank Moss III, went on to become a distinguished artist, a successful professor at two institutions, and eventually, the department chair at Dartmouth College after pursuing his desire to create and later teach art.

Photo by: Nate Moore
Photo by: Nate Moore

This weekend, Houghton College and the Art Department will have the honor of hosting Ben Frank Moss III for an evening reception and artist talk on October 7. This event is the first show in the new annual Ben Frank Moss III Exhibition series, and will feature paintings from over a 30-year span of Moss’s impressive career as an artist and educator. Moss has maintained a close relationship with Houghton over the years and has continually supported the college. Alicia Taylor-Austin, director of the Ortlip Gallery exhibits and professor of art, recognized Moss and his dedication to Houghton. She said, “His commitment to the field and ongoing contribution to our institution has made it possible to provide financial means for continued growth and development of the students and faculty in the Art Department.”

Ben Frank Moss III entered his sophomore year before realizing a desire to pursue art as his primary focus. He took the advice of his professor at the time, Aimee E. Ortlip, to transfer to a school that offered a full art degree. After transferring to Whitworth College and earning his Bachelor’s degree, Moss went on to earn a Masters in Fine Art (MFA), at Boston University. He began his teaching career at the University of Iowa, and later moved to Dartmouth College, where he continued to teach and serve as chair of the art department.

According to professor of art, Ted Murphy, each year the department will exhibit an artist recommended by Ben Frank Moss III. They will begin the series with Moss’ paintings this year and feature his drawings next year.

“Moss works to articulate a unique, visual vocabulary that depicts his relationship to the world around him,” said Taylor-Austin. “From abstract dreamscapes to formal interpretations based on careful observation of the landscape, he has refined a style of painting that places him among the most admired painters of his generation.”

According to the Houghton website, the gallery will open to the public and all members of the Houghton Campus community from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on October 7 for the event. Visitors are encouraged to tour the exhibit before the Artist Talk with Moss at 6:00 p.m. in the Recital Hall. The Artist Talk will include an introduction to Moss, recognitions and special honors, a summary of his artistic process and work, and also a time for questions from the audience. A reception with refreshments will be held in the Center for the Arts Atrium following the talk. More information about the reception can be found on the Art Department webpage.

 

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Opinions

Occupational Assumptions: Resisting Stereotypes

How many men do you know majoring in Education here at Houghton? How many women do you know majoring in Physics? How many male nurses have you encountered in hospitals or at other universities? How many women have you seen in vocational ministry?

According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, out of all of the women participating in the labor force, 36% work in educational and health services, while only 10.9% of men. These occupations and careers may include teaching at the elementary, middle school, high school or collegiate level, nursing, social assistance, ambulatory work, or other hospital positions.

Is this statistic strongly affected by stereotypes that our culture has placed on these occupations?

Naomi PrenticeRGBMales and females have different strengths and weaknesses and also many similar strengths and weaknesses. We should not categorize men and women into these gender-stereotyped roles that diminish the abilities of both sexes.

The ability to teach and nurture does not fall solely on women and the gift in science or math related careers does not fall solely on men. Men have the ability to be effective and influential teachers; they just are not often seen in that role.

According to writer, Motoko Rich’s, article in the September 6th, 2014 New York Times, “Why Don’t More Men Go Into Teaching?” with so few men currently in teaching, other men may be less inclined to view it as a desirable option.

At Houghton, we should be encouraging men to teach.

After meeting Mandy Smith this past week, the lack of women in vocational ministry seems more obvious and it is a shame. Mandy Smith is a full-time pastor for University Christian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her gentle and introverted personality is not often seen in vocational ministry, nor is her female gender.

Smith not only highlights her femininity but is also not afraid to address her weakness in front of her congregation and the members of her church. She welcomes support and encouragement from her church and does not put a façade up of having everything together for their benefit. This is a unique approach to pastoring but her church has embraced what Mandy Smith has to offer them. Her wisdom, intelligence, and passion for Christ and His mission are never sold short when she speaks.

Exceptions to typical female or male dominated careers, like Mandy, are proof of how we can see both genders succeeding in a variety of occupations. With a variety of skills to offer, men and women should be exploring all of their career options.

In a community like Houghton, our closeness helps us see each others’ strengths and weaknesses. Let people know what strengths you see in them and encourage one another to pursue their passions, without stereotypes.

Our openness to explore all career options, no matter the gender, could end up being very attractive to prospective students. We should vocalize it in our promotion for our school. If they see willingness for men in education or women in physics, maybe that will influence prospective students to not only attend Houghton but to be stretched in a different way than their gender is used to. Letting social norms stop us is not a good enough reason to keep you from doing what you love.

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News

Students to Hold Amazing Race Event

Tomorrow afternoon, the Program Planning class will host a first time event, The Amazing Race. The Amazing Race is a student-led event planned by the Program Planning class this semester.

Professor Laura Alexeichik has challenged her students to bring plans on paper to life by creating their own event here on campus. She said, “It’s tough to see what you’re learning in the classroom, like how that applies . . . my hope is that this is a way to do that.”

Alexeichik wanted not just hypothetical programs, but ideas that could become reality and events students could participate in.

Fancher2RGBThe event is student-led and will give students the opportunity to participate in the event, which largely mirrors much of the show, The Amazing Race. The show is essentially a large scavenger hunt that involves solving clues and following said clues to a multitude of locations. The afternoon will include initiative-type activities, a Frisbee toss, and a canoe portage challenge.

Students are allowed to enter in teams of up to five people and must pay either a team fee of $8 or an individual fee of $2. Individuals will be placed in teams at registration, which will take place in the Kerr-Pegula Field House at 1:00, tomorrow afternoon.

Both the students and Alexeichik have high hopes for the event, as pre-registration has been taking place at mealtimes in the Campus Center the past two weeks.

As she helps to observe and run the event, Alexeichik reflected on the upcoming event, “This should be something fun for students to participate in, I wish I could participate.”

The Amazing Race will challenge students to not only solve the clues, but to know the campus.

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Stories In Focus

Alumnus Becomes New Director of Counseling Services

As you walk into the counseling office in the Campus Center, you immediately feel welcomed by a smile, beautiful paintings, and a quiet atmosphere. This sense of acceptance continues as you walk into Bill Burrichter’s office, the new Director of Counseling Services at Houghton. After graduating from Houghton, Burrichter thought it would be great to return to Houghton someday. Now, 23 years later, he’s back.

While speaking with Burrichter, he reflected on his time in Lancaster, PA where he has spent most of his life. He also spent time working in the Boston area, Philadelphia, and even spent a year in Venezuela. In Venezuela, he served as a house parent alongside his wife, who served as a school nurse where he counseled. “I kept trying to go other places, Burrichter said, but God kept bringing me back to the Lancaster area,” he said. After meeting his wife at a summer camp in Pennsylvania and then marrying, they they pursued their common goal of overseas missions. However, their plan to stay overseas was short-lived when they felt God calling them back home to the U.S. Burrichter said, “Sometimes His path doesn’t make sense to us, but He directs them in ways that we never would’ve imagined.”

Bill BurrichterForRealBurrichter graduated from Houghton with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in sociology. Following his four years at Houghton, he went on to graduate  school at Villanova for counseling and later earned his doctorate from Walden University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Burrichter and his wife now have three kids, who are still making the transition from Lancaster to Houghton. He reiterated, “God has a plan” and is hoping to buy a farm near Houghton for their family and their pets.

Burrichter worked in Lancaster for 15 years, including teaching at Lancaster Bible College, where he started and directed a counseling center for students. While teaching full-time and working at a private practice in addition to his work in the counseling center, Burrichter was contacted by Michael Lastoria , the former counseling director, about the position at Houghton. Lastoria told him that he was retiring and Burrichter fairly quickly declined. After receiving more emails from Houghton faculty about the position opening, Burrichter decided to ask his wife and kids about the job. Upon hearing their approval instead of the “no’s” he was expecting, Burrichter knew he should listen to God. He applied and was offered the job last April after extensive interviews.

When asked about his passion for counseling and reaching students, he replied , “Seeing lives changed, seeing lives impacted by the services they get, it keeps you going.” His love for counseling can be traced back to the  Introduction to Psychology Burrichter took with Professor Richard Stegen, in which he realized he wanted to interact with people and help them. Burrichter also said, “One of the things I think is really cool about Houghton is that it has a Christian faith foundation.” For Burrichter, “the ability to freely integrate [his] faith with what [he does]… and to be able to talk about faith issues is pretty exciting.”

Burrichter is happy to be back at Houghton, to see students and how far they have come and will come, and to be back to the slower pace of life in our open and rural community.

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Campus News

Symposium Focuses on Environmental Justice

For the fifth consecutive year, Houghton College is hosting the Faith and Justice Symposium. This year’s theme is Environmental Justice: Hope for Humanity and Creation. For the first time Sustainability Coordinator Brian Webb will be in charge of the symposium and is looking forward to the ways our community will learn and respond to key environmental issues at hand.

FaithAndJusticeAccording to Webb, this year’s topic was chosen based on student input following the last symposium. Most of the feedback they received indicated that students were concerned with issues regarding environmental justice. This feedback heavily influenced the choice of this year’s topic.

With a background in environmental issues, Webb was able to identify some speakers he believed would be a good fit for the topic of environmental justice. As seen listed on the college’s Faith and Justice Symposium website, the speakers for this year’s symposium come from many different areas, including Wednesday’s chapel speaker, Tafue Lusama, from the island of Tuvalu, and Friday’s chapel speaker Alexie Torres-Fleming who is from the Bronx.

This afternoon, students will have the opportunity to attend one or two different, hour long workshops at 1:30 and 2:45. For both time slots five different workshops will be offered, all addressing and discussing issues concerning the topic of environmental justice from a Christian perspective. Some workshops being offered include, “The Theology of Creation Care” with John Elwood, the editor of BelovedPlanet.com; “The New Face of Conflict Resolution: Using Natural Resources to Foster Peace” with Christen Civiletto Morris, attorney and author of Green City Savior; and “On Earth as it is in Heaven: Justice for all Creation” with Jason Fileta, director of Micah Challenge U.S.A. Workshops.

Webb is excited to see how our community comes together to learn about these issues of justice, “Environmental justice issues, they’re complicated, and there are often not straightforward solutions, but there are often very specific things we can do as well.” Webb said, “I think this year will provide opportunities for people to hear about not only the problems that are happening around the world, but about the ways we can go about addressing those issues as a community of faith.”

To conclude the Faith and Justice Symposium, the film Promised Land, will be shown in the Recital Hall tonight at 7:30. According to Wesley Lovell, critic for Cinema Sight, Promised Land is “an engaging film about the dangers of fracking and the crass manipulation employed by its proponents.” Webb said, “[The film] gets you to think about it. It doesn’t try to slam you over the head with a particular message that it wants you to get . . . but it really does cause you to think.” After the film, a panel discussion featuring Professor Doug Gaerte, John Elwood, and Professor Ron Oakerson will take place.