Category: Stories In Focus

Houghton’s 8,000-panel solar array made big headlines when it was built in 2015. Since construction, however, publicity has been slim. So how is is doing these days? Brian Webb, Houghton’s Sustainability Coordinator, was happy to be asked.

Attaching a hard dollar figure to the array’s performance presents some difficulties, especially given the financial and technical complexities of the system. The solar array functions through a complicated, slightly befuddling power purchase agreement, which is quickly becoming the norm in most green energy situations. Borrego Solar Systems, the solar panel manufacturer, leases college land, rents out the necessary equipment, and provides initial development funds. Since the array sits behind the main campus meter—if designed to feed directly into college dorms, it would have needed to be placed on the quad—it does not directly reduce the college’s energy consumption. Rather, electricity produced by the solar panels flows straight into the mainline, and WGL Energy retroactively applies credits for this contribution to the college’s utility bill.

Did pitching such a high-tech, eco-conscious system in conservative Allegany County present any difficulties? “Not as much as I expected,” Brian said. “Economically, it sold itself—otherwise it would have been a really hard sell. It made sense strictly from an economic perspective.” Two years later, those initial promises of economic beneficence have held out. During that time period, the solar array has netted approximately $188,000 dollars for the college. (That number represents the difference between payments to the solar company and credits from the utility provider.) Current estimates show that the solar array produces roughly 3 million kilowatt hours of electricity each year, which equates to 45% of the college’s consumption.

Over the course of the 25-year agreement, Houghton hopes to offset 50,000 metric tons of carbon emissions, save $4.3 million, and provide an attainable, affordable model for environmental sustainability to other colleges and communities. But finding ways to communicate productively about that model can be a challenge. “I think that you can’t really appreciate the situation we as a human species are in unless you realize the gravity of environmental issues,” he says. “But if you leave it at that, people feel disempowered.” His job as an environmental advocate, then, walks a delicate line between an honest appraisal of the planet’s health and a hopeful confidence in our ability to recognize and take action against those threats. Rather than drifting too far to one side or the other, Webb tries to tailor his message based to the needs and interests of his audience.

When addressing his international development classes, for example, he focuses heavily on the impact that climate change has on impoverished and underserved populations. While speaking to evangelical Christians, he tries to frame conversations within the language of creation care, environmental stewardship, and the Biblical mandate to care for the earth. This was the strategy and ethic that influenced him to invite Katharine Hayhoe, who spoke from a distinctively Christian perspective about climate change. It also played heavily into his decision to organize the upcoming Republicans and the Climate event, which hosts conservative Rep. Bob Inglis, a prominent advocate for market-based solutions to environmental concerns.

Despite a tumultuous rhetorical climate surrounding environmental issues, Webb remains optimistic about our ability to effect change. As the solar project shows, “It’s not like we don’t have the technology. The only thing lacking is the political will.” To Webb, the economic, middle-of-the-road solution advocated by Inglis—and realized in the solar array—just might be the best answer to our century’s most pressing environmental questions. “It’s the best compromise between the idealistic and the realistic,” he said. And when so much is at stake, striking a compromise might be the most vital thing to do.

Imagine earning college credit while hiking mountains in the Alaskan wilderness, bonding with fellow students around campfires, and seeing animals such as moose, bears, caribou, and eagles. Houghton College launched a new study abroad program this semester, Arctic Studies in Alaska, that makes those experiences a reality. While Professor of Biology James Wolfe has been taking students to Alaska during Mayterm since 1991, this semester marks the first time that Houghton has offered a full semester program in Alaska.

According to Wolfe, who is the primary organizer of the Arctic Studies program, a total of ten students from Houghton and other Christian colleges are enrolled in the program this semester. All students take four core courses: Ecology of Alaska, Human Ecology, Alaskan Missions, and Wilderness Recreation and Management. These courses help students gain “an appreciation for the different Alaskan cultures, for both historic and current missionary efforts to reach natives, as well as for the numerous recreational aspects of being in the wilderness of Alaska,” said Wolfe. He added that students can add independent studies to their core, and this semester students are studying subjects such as Alaskan flora and the relation of observed moose browsing activity to moose density.

The program is based at the former Alaska Bible College campus in Glennallen, Alaska, Wolfe said. Alaska Bible College has moved their campus to a different location, making the campus in Glennallen available to Houghton College. According to TravelAlaska’s website, the southern Alaska town of Glennallen is positioned as an ideal “a jumping-off point to the largest national park in the United States, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.” The town has “an imposing backdrop” of mountains and is “a great vantage point for viewing the northern lights” in winter, TravelAlaska noted. In fact, students in the program experienced the northern lights early in September. The Houghton College Arctic Studies in Alaska Facebook page described the experience: “At 1:30 am, the sky started to open up and dance, turning green with hints of pinks, yellows, and purples!” In addition to experiences on the Glennallen campus, students have had the opportunity to take field trips to nearby locations, including Fairbanks, Kenai Fjords National Park, Denali National Park, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

At the Glennallen campus, students have access to a large dorm building, classrooms, a chapel space, a library, a gym, and a cafeteria called “The Food Cache.” There are also cottages and apartments on campus, which are rented to local Alaska residents. The campus is adjacent to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, which gives students ready access to a hands-on learning environment. This semester, Assistant Professor of Recreation Laura Alexeichik is the primary professor for the Arctic Studies program.

Since starting their semester on August 1st, students have had numerous opportunities to interact with their new environment. Gabrielle Brewster ’18, a student in the program, wrote of her experience during a trip to the city of Valdez, “The salmon were running as they returned to their birthplace to spawn…the return of salmon to the region brought with it sea lions, birds, and bears.” She added, “We then went to Tok, where Dr. Wolfe’s cousin generously invited us all over for a dinner of moose burgers, and they were delicious!” Another student, Tyler Cline ’19, said, “This semester is providing me with a radically new outlook on environmental and human interactions…we are able to get up close and personal with all of the things that we are learning in class. In addition to all we are learning, it’s also nice to be able to take a stroll and see the beautiful mountains!”

Wolfe said that programs like Arctic Studies in Alaska are few and far between due to the remoteness of Alaska. “There’s a lot of people talking about the Arctic, but there are very few college programs that are actually based up there,” he said. Learning in Alaska can provide students with a useful and unique perspective, Wolfe suggested, and said that the program gives students “a sense for the enormity of wilderness” and equips them with knowledge of “the types of science that can be done in an [Arctic] environment.” In future years, the program may expand to reach a wider market of students, such as Christian students at non-Christian universities. Wolfe said of the program, “It’s a challenge, but it’s exciting, and I think the students are amazed at what’s up there and how different it is than down here.”

This past summer, two teams of four Houghton students served on Summer Ministry Team, Houghton’s outreach program aimed at middle and high school students. From mid-June to mid-August, the Summer Ministry Teams visited various camps throughout the Northeast, although they also traveled as far as Michigan and Maryland. While their primary goal was to connect with campers and share the message of the Gospel, they often coordinated camp events and represented Houghton College. This involved handing out free T-shirts to campers and speaking with them about their own Houghton experience.

“I did not realize what I was getting myself into,” admits Theresa Patnala ’19, who represented Team Gold. As a native of India who grew up working with children of lower castes, Patnala was eager to participate in a ministry opportunity in the States as well. However, what began as simply a summer job ended as a life-changing experience. Patnala recalls times of spiritual exhaustion as she encountered teens with broken lives.  

Chris Henderson ’19, of Team Purple, shares Patnala’s perspective, confessing that “the hardest thing is hearing about all of the terrible things that the kids have to go through. A lot of campers struggled with their home life, their self-image, and a lot of anxiety and depression.” In addition to the spiritual exhaustion, Andrew Sherman ’19, of Team Gold, adds that the SMT was also physically exhausting because “you’re never alone.” Between traveling on days off and constantly working with the campers, SMT often felt like a “24/7 job.”

Despite the physical, spiritual, and emotional demands of SMT, however, Patnala, Henderson, and Sherman all express deep appreciation for having participated, especially in describing how it helped them to grow. Henderson reflects, “On SMT I feel like God reopened my eyes to His goodness and his power to transform the lives of His people. I saw a lot of things left at the altar this summer, and I had a lot of talks with my campers where they opened up for the first time about something, or they decided not to let their past define them anymore. That was moving for me.” Consequently, these emotional and heartbreaking conversations with campers created “a new reliance on God” in Henderson. All SMT members agree that the spiritual growth far outweighed the constant exhaustion.

Patnala’s growth during SMT involved leaving her comfort zone by sharing her testimony that she had rarely told prior to SMT. In addition, she was anxious that her being a person of color would hinder her from connecting with campers. However, when God “broke down walls,” her “personality just came out” because “sharing your testimony brings so much healing.” Although she realized that “we are not the fixers of the world,” there is great value in crying with and praying over campers in order to comfort them.

Sherman shared that there were many “times where I felt like God was affirming me” because God was “preparing me for leadership” and “spiritual disciplines” such as early morning prayer.  Sherman was very intentional about “doing the things that I’m recommending other people to do,” stressing the importance of practicing what one preaches.  

All three SMT members affirm Houghton College for having given them the opportunity to represent both Jesus Christ and Houghton College. Sherman appreciates that “Houghton has a really good vision for how we can be preparing people to bring Christ into the world,” adding that Houghton’s positive feedback from camp management makes him proud to be a Houghton student.  Henderson agrees, saying, “If anyone ever gets the chance to be a part of it, they should absolutely jump at the chance.”

Being the first to go to college in your family and graduate with a degree is a huge accomplishment whether it happened generations ago, or it is happening a few weeks from now. Every year, Houghton’s graduating class is mixed with students who are following in the footsteps of family members that have graduated before them and first-generation graduates.

Ryan Spear, director of admission, said, “This past fall, approximately 35 out of 247 incoming first-year students were first-generation, meaning their parents had not received a college degree.”

Jazmine Nova ’17 is a first-generation graduate pursuing a bachelor of arts degree in biology with minors in public health and psychology. “It’s a lot of pressure,” Nova said. “It’s a lot to be proud of, but it’s also a lot of pressure. College is very different experience as a first-generation graduate, especially when you realize there are a lot of students who have had their parents graduate from college. For example, a lot of Houghton students have parents, aunts and uncles who all went to Houghton.”

Since first-generation graduates are the first in their family to pave the way with a college degree, their experience can look different from students who are not first-generation. “Anecdotally, we sometimes find that incoming students who are first-generation do not have some of the benefits of coming from a ‘college-going culture’ in their home,” Spear stated. “This can influence small things such as understanding the basics of the application process to the challenges of the complexity of applying for financial aid.”

Nova’s experience has been one of continual discovery. “A lot of it I have had to figure out on my own,” she said. “A lot of it I’m still trying to figure out on my own.”

Spear continued, “However, first-generation students can also be among the most resourceful,” he said. “They often realize the importance of college and have a firm commitment to succeeding.”

Danielle Eaton ’17 is also a first-generation graduate pursuing a bachelor of arts in communication and writing. “While my parents and family are really proud of me, and I’m proud of myself for accomplishing this, there’s an enormous amount of pressure that comes with being a first generation graduate,” Eaton said. “The fear of disappointing those who’ve invested in me financially and emotionally to help me earn this degree is what has left me stressed, sleep deprived, and anxious.”

Like Nova, Eaton has experienced the strain of being a first-generation graduate. “In a way, that’s pushed me to be the best I can be, but sometimes I think it’s pushed me to try to extend myself beyond what I’m capable of,” she said. “I’m never going to be an A student, and for a while I really struggled with thinking I was disappointing those people who were invested in my success.” She continued, “Now, I know that as long as I’m pushing myself to be the best I can be, and I’m happy with the work I’m doing at the end of the day, that’s what matters.”

Nova has also reaped the benefits of a first-generation graduate. “Being a first-generation graduate gives you your own sense of freedom. It gives you a sense of independence,” she said. “You have to build your own paths and figure out how you’re gonna get there.”

As May 13, 2017 quickly approaches, whether you are a first-generation graduate or following in the footsteps of those who have gone before you, the college is proud celebrate this major accomplishment. “As a whole, I’d say that first generation students are much like the rest of the incoming student population, highly capable students seeking the kind of liberal-arts education that Houghton is known for,” Spear said.

The Greatbatch School of Music was recently gifted with a new piano. New to the college, at least. A beautiful 1883 Steinway Piano was donated to the college by Florence Bush, an idea suggested to Bush by a friend, mentee, and Houghton graduate, Linda Palmer ’81. According to a recent Houghton press release, Florence, known as “Flossy” to friends and family, was “searching for a new residence for her beloved ‘baby.’” She had one condition when searching for a new home for her piano though, “that her square Steinway box piano be aptly cared for yet ‘stay alive’ and not be relegated to a storeroom or back corner.” Palmer suggested she donate the piano to Houghton’s Greatbatch School of Music, a top-notch program. What makes the piano even more special to Houghton is the sharing of birth years: both the college and the piano were founded in 1883.

The piano was purchased by Bush’s great-grandparents, and had been in her family for 130 years. Bush has used the piano all her life, from practicing singing and playing when she was a girl, to sharing with her own family, for 88 years. Bush was always interested in music, and her piano was a huge part of her life. She also has a connection to Houghton through William Newbrough, professor of piano and Distinguished Steinway Artist, who helped to donation become a reality.

According to Armenio Suzano, dean and director of the Greatbatch School of Music, the piano “serves as both a reminder and a signal to all of us. A reminder that we live in a continuum and that history is made everyday, though our actions, our choices, and the contributions we make to the community around us.” He continued, “It is also a signal to alert all of us of the important role Houghton College and the Greatbatch School of Music play in the future of music education in western New York and around the country.”

Emma Donmoyer ’19, a music major, is very excited about the addition of the Steinway piano at Houghton. “The piano is in good condition for its age,” she said. “While it’s past the point of being in perfect tune, it’s still very playable and has a nice touch.” Donmoyer also expressed her love of old pianos, and said, “Every piano has a story, and playing on older instruments reminds me of the wonderful and rich musical history I am blessed to be a part of. I’m very glad we’re able to have this beautiful old piano alongside new ones.”

The addition of this historical piano maintains the importance of classical music and tradition at Houghton. The Houghton press release also stated, “As the college embraces music industry and worship arts while maintaining its existing classical approach, a new type of student emerges: one well-versed in both traditional and modern methods and who is innovative, passionate and unafraid to adapt to whatever life brings.”

Bush was “delighted to find such a fitting home,” and she will be happy to know that the piano is in good care and will be well played for many years to come.

Thank goodness for the reassuring embrace of summer movies. Sure, we complain out in the open about the lack of originality in Hollywood, the market saturation of subpar adaptations and uninspired sequels, but does that really stop us from seeing them anyway? Deep down we’re all hypocrites, and so without shame I am proud to present my list of the eleven films I cannot wait to see from now until August. Why eleven? Because it’s prime, just like my taste in movies.

1. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – The sequel to one of the best movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe can’t come soon enough. Anything with Chris Pratt is worth watching anyway. You’re gonna see it anyway so what else is there left to say?
2. Alien: Covenant – What better way to fill the obligatory big-budget summer horror movie void than with another prequel to the iconic sci-fi franchise? Who knows how it fits into the continuity of the other films in the series but with Ridley Scott back in the director’s chair we can only hope for more of the claustrophobic body-horror greatness its brought us over the decades.
3. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales – This is the latest entry to a hulking franchise whose best days were over long before 2017, or even 2007… But am I excited for a new Pirates movie with Johnny Depp back in the role that defined the actor for a generation of new fans? I mean yeah, I guess… You are too, right? Javier Bardem’s gonna be in it so that’s… something…
4. Captain Underpants – The iconic Dav Pilkey comic/kids book series touched the soul and laugh boxes of prepubescent schoolchildren the nation over, so of course I’m looking forward to its animated debut on the big screen. With Kevin Hart, Ed Helms, and a supporting cast of famous funnymen and funnywomen, expectations are high, even if the trailer didn’t make it look that great.
5. Wonder Woman –After some seriously underwhelming additions to the DCEU like last year’s Suicide Squad and Batman v. Superman, Wonder Woman looks like it may actually be a decent watch. Gal Gadot looks great in the role, the story seems compelling enough, the action looks… action-y, so that’s good. Let’s hope this is the one, DC. *fingers crossed*
6. It Comes at Night – Sort of a wild card, a Jackson Wheeler hot take if you will. A lower budget, but all the same scary looking atmospheric horror flick starring Joel Edgerton and produced by A24, which is one of the hottest indie studios working today. If you’re feelin’ kinda crazy, enjoy a slow burning plot, and want to get spooked, give it a shot.
7. Cars 3 – I know. I know. I know. It’s Cars. I get it. But it’s Pixar. I know Pixar’s been slipping lately and Cars 2 was the universally agreed-upon low point, but the trailer hooked me. Call it Stockholm Syndrome, but I trust the kings and queens of American animation. I’m willing to give it a shot.
8. Baby Driver – Any fan of Edgar Wright, of his work on Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, his tight hilarious dialogue, and frenetic camera work, you will likely be down to see Baby Driver his latest project about a young getaway driver who uses music to set up his unpredictable escape routes. Even if you don’t know the director give the trailer a watch.
9. Spider Man: Homecoming – It’s Spider Man. It’s back with Marvel. All is right with the world.
10. Dunkirk – It’s the guy who made the Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, Interstellar, Memento, The Prestige… Aren’t you a little interested to see what he does with World War II?
11. The Hitman’s Bodyguard – Ryan Reynolds plays world’s best bodyguard. Samuel L. Jackson plays the world’s best assassin. The former has to protect the latter. Surely, this will be hilarious. The trailer makes me think so, anyway. The number of times the word “m*****f*****” will be said could be legendary.