Category: Stories In Focus

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Stories In Focus

The Becoming of President Lewis

By Joshua Carpenter

As the President of Houghton University, Dr. Wayne D. Lewis is a busy man. His responsibilities as president frequently take him off campus, and many times, even out of state. One week he may be working in his office, the other, somewhere across the country.  

According to President Lewis’ wife, Monica Lewis, he “has had a very demanding job most of our marriage and all of Whitley’s [their daughter’s] life[,] so we’re accustomed to his 40% travel, weeknight and weekend commitments.” 

When he is on campus, students will usually see him giving a speech during chapel or eating in the dining hall with his family. However, because of his schedule, students may find it hard to approach him, or, other than what he says about himself in chapel, students may feel as though they barely know him. 

Sophomore Vincent Ocasio says, “I would love to talk with President Lewis behind closed doors because he seems very firm and bold in what he believes in, and I want to know if he is the same person behind closed doors as he is in front of chapel.” 

Mrs. Lewis, who has been married to President Lewis for 19 years, describes her husband as a “God fearing, relationship building and compassionate man,” who, “wholeheartedly gives what he can because God has been so generous to him.” 

 Dr. Lewis grew up in the city of New Orleans surrounded by family. Because his parents went back to school when he was a kid, and because of the nine-year age difference between him and his younger sister, he spent a great amount of time with his extended family. 

His mother’s side of the family was in and around the city of New Orleans, and his father’s side of the family lived about two hours from New Orleans in Patterson, Louisiana.  

As Lewis said, he “routinely spent lots of time with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins, who were more like brothers and sisters to me than my cousins.” 

 Returning to his immediate family, Lewis described that his parents’ “determination to earn their undergraduate degrees, both to provide a better economic situation for the family, and to model the importance of education” had a great impact on him and his sister, even to the point that they followed in their father’s footsteps and went to the same undergraduate school that their father went to, with his sister getting an MBA at the school where their mother got her undergraduate degree. 

To Lewis, “parents have been, and continue to be, a big part of my life. They are a big part of the people who have shaped me into who I have become.” ★

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Stories In Focus

Feature: A Little Lyric Theater

By Christian Welker

Prior to the recent production of Little Women, the cast and crew of Houghton University’s Lyric Theater were busy making last-minute preparations for the event. At this time, people might have expected a mounting sense of pressure and anxiety from the participants of the class as final preparations were made. However, according to the cast and faculty members involved with Lyric Theater, that was not the case.

Houghton’s Lyric Theater provides a sense of positivity and a outlet for student talent to both the participants and the surrounding community. 

One of the most critical figures in this production is Professor Amanda Cox. She has served as the director of Lyric Theater for the past five years, and plays a crucial role in every step of the production from casting to character interactions. A graduate of both Houghton College and the University of Miami, Professor Cox has been working in the Houghton Community as a faculty member for the past twenty years. During her time as director, she has run nine shows in nine semesters, only briefly stopping due to COVID-19. When asked what Lyric Theater brings to Houghton, she says, “It’s a way for us to explore what it is to be Human in different circumstances and communicate that to people.” She believes theater productions should speak to people, both in the cast and the audience. She wants to “create a community where we can all…support one another” while working with the cast and crew of the show, and show that community to the audience. When asked about one of her favorite parts of Lyric Theater, Professor Cox responded, “you don’t have to be in the department. This is for everybody.” To her, theater is supposed to show the audience a reflection of life in a way that helps everyone grow. “Theater is such a big part of our lives,” she says, “Everyone wants to have some way to create and show people what they can do.” 

The importance of having a place to be supported and see a production that reflects life is not lost on the other members of the cast and crew. Professor Andrew Reith, who has been working with Lyric Theater in some capacity since the Fall of 2019, states that he appreciates Lyric Theater as a positive experience that allows students to use art to escape from everyday life. He sees the atmosphere of Lyric Theater as an incredibly positive experience for those involved: “it has been such an underlying goal to have a class where students can be free to experiment, free to be artists, free to be wrong, free to be right.” Professor Reith believes that that atmosphere of positivity leaks out to the rest of the Houghton Community, both in terms of performances and in terms of students’ experiences. “It’s a chance for the people in the show to share their gifts with the Houghton Community, and hopefully, that sharing goes both ways.”  This sense of positivity is felt by both the faculty of the class and the students. Senior Linette Taylor, who serves as the choreographer of Little Women and plays the role of Marmee, says that her favorite part of Lyric Theater is working with both music and non-music students. There’s no limitations on who can join in terms of either majors or years. Taylor has been working with Lyric Theater since her first year at college and loves working with people that she would not have been able to work with otherwise. The cast works together to build the show, and allows each individual’s talent to shine through. The positive atmosphere of the Houghton College Lyric Theater was apparent to all interviewees. It is a core part of their production work for everyone involved. ★

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Stories In Focus

FEATURE: Hispanic Heritage Club

By Victoria Hock

     One of the many clubs that Houghton offers is the Hispanic Heritage Club, which provides members of the Hispanic Community and the general student population an opportunity to learn about Hispanic Culture and partake in events. The STAR recently sat down with President, sophomore Kelsey Villatoro, and Vice President, freshman Alayna Byrum to discuss the club, their involvement, upcoming events, and how other students can join.

      Both Villatoro and Byrum expressed high hopes for the club this year. Specifically, Villatoro noted that she hopes to have events (like history lessons), as well as provide opportunities for minorities to get involved. Byrum added that she hopes to deepen her understanding of her culture, as well as others and that the club can be a safe space.

        Villatoro and Byrum also noted that the club is planning several possible events in the future. In addition to a possible collaboration with Houghton’s Black Heritage Club, Villatoro explained that they are also thinking of holding a Thanksgiving event featuring childhood dishes, as well as a Valentine’s Day event. Byrum also discussed that they hope to hold a Christmas event, because “Christmas is a very big thing in all the Hispanic cultures, so we want to have dishes and music and dancing.” The club also ran a table at Homecoming, featuring snacks, drinks and 

Byrum encourages anyone who is interested in getting involved with the Hispanic Heritage Club to stop by the Mosaic Center, noting that even if they’re not there, someone can put them in contact with the club. Villatoro further adds that the club is “open to anyone”—all students are welcomed and able to get involved. ★

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Stories In Focus

New Addition to the Center for Student Success

By Marith Anderson

The Center for Student Success (CSS) is introducing a Wellness Room this semester that provides students with a safe place to take a break from the day-to-day stresses of college life. 

Located on the counseling side of the CSS, the Wellness Room is equipped with various features and resources added to suit as many wellness needs as possible. “[This addition is] the result of our efforts to find creative ways to meet the needs of students,” explains Executive Director of the Center for Student Success and Director of Counseling Services Dr. Bill Burrichter. “The past few years have been really hard for students and we wanted to provide a comfortable and relaxing space where students could go to find rest, renewal and support.” With a record 33% of the student body coming through the Counseling Center last year, the need for other ways to meet students’ needs besides individual services became apparent.

When asked to describe the space, Center for Student Success Area Coordinator and Diverse Student Success Coordinator Hannah Bailey explained that “When you walk in you are greeted with a view of the quad and the soothing sound from our water fountain. Inside the room are a bunch of resources, so students should feel free to look around and explore the different things available to them. Some things the Wellness Room might be used for are telehealth sessions [- meeting virtually with one’s healthcare professional], scheduled self-care time, light box sessions [designed to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder and boost one’s mood], or just a space to relax.”

She added that resources currently available for student use in the Wellness Room include a massage chair, light boxes, a yoga mat, weighted blankets, journals, books, coloring books, a muscle relaxing mat, and more. Bailey is incredibly excited about and looks forward to what the Wellness Room could grow to be and is open to any suggestions students might have to help their needs be more effectively met within this space.

 Students might be under the impression that the Wellness Room and its resources are only available to those who are currently utilizing other Counseling services, but this is not the case. In fact, even those who have no prior connections with any CSS service are able to engage with this new addition. However, Burrichter mentions that if needed, you can also connect with the CSS staff following your visit to the Wellness Room. He says that students “can come into the office and engage in some self-care as they need it without needing to connect with staff. But if they want or need to meet with someone we can arrange that as well.” 

In addition to connecting with staff if needed, Burrichter further noted that there are additional resources students can connect with if they so choose. “We are also offering several sessions of an Anxiety Toolbox psychoeducational workshops for students to learn skills and strategies for managing their anxiety. We will also have future workshops on how to manage depression, stress and healthy relationships.”

So, how should one go about scheduling some relaxing time for themself in this space? When not in use, the Wellness Room is available for walk-ins. However, it is recommended that any students who are interested in using this space reserve a time slot of either 30 minutes or 60 minutes on the Handshake website or mobile app.

The Center for Student Success (CSS) is introducing a Wellness Room this semester that provides students with a safe place to take a break from the day-to-day stresses of college life. 

Located on the counseling side of the CSS, the Wellness Room is equipped with various features and resources added to suit as many wellness needs as possible. “[This addition is] the result of our efforts to find creative ways to meet the needs of students,” explains Executive Director of the Center for Student Success and Director of Counseling Services Dr. Bill Burrichter. “The past few years have been really hard for students and we wanted to provide a comfortable and relaxing space where students could go to find rest, renewal and support.” With a record 33% of the student body coming through the Counseling Center last year, the need for other ways to meet students’ needs besides individual services became apparent.

When asked to describe the space, Center for Student Success Area Coordinator and Diverse Student Success Coordinator Hannah Bailey explained that “When you walk in you are greeted with a view of the quad and the soothing sound from our water fountain. Inside the room are a bunch of resources, so students should feel free to look around and explore the different things available to them. Some things the Wellness Room might be used for are telehealth sessions [- meeting virtually with one’s healthcare professional], scheduled self-care time, light box sessions [designed to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder and boost one’s mood], or just a space to relax.”

She added that resources currently available for student use in the Wellness Room include a massage chair, light boxes, a yoga mat, weighted blankets, journals, books, coloring books, a muscle relaxing mat, and more. Bailey is incredibly excited about and looks forward to what the Wellness Room could grow to be and is open to any suggestions students might have to help their needs be more effectively met within this space.

 Students might be under the impression that the Wellness Room and its resources are only available to those who are currently utilizing other Counseling services, but this is not the case. In fact, even those who have no prior connections with any CSS service are able to engage with this new addition. However, Burrichter mentions that if needed, you can also connect with the CSS staff following your visit to the Wellness Room. He says that students “can come into the office and engage in some self-care as they need it without needing to connect with staff. But if they want or need to meet with someone we can arrange that as well.” 

In addition to connecting with staff if needed, Burrichter further noted that there are additional resources students can connect with if they so choose. “We are also offering several sessions of an Anxiety Toolbox psychoeducational workshops for students to learn skills and strategies for managing their anxiety. We will also have future workshops on how to manage depression, stress and healthy relationships.”

So, how should one go about scheduling some relaxing time for themself in this space? When not in use, the Wellness Room is available for walk-ins. However, it is recommended that any students who are interested in using this space reserve a time slot of either 30 minutes or 60 minutes on the Handshake website or mobile app.

The Center for Student Success (CSS) is introducing a Wellness Room this semester that provides students with a safe place to take a break from the day-to-day stresses of college life. 

Located on the counseling side of the CSS, the Wellness Room is equipped with various features and resources added to suit as many wellness needs as possible. “[This addition is] the result of our efforts to find creative ways to meet the needs of students,” explains Executive Director of the Center for Student Success and Director of Counseling Services Dr. Bill Burrichter. “The past few years have been really hard for students and we wanted to provide a comfortable and relaxing space where students could go to find rest, renewal and support.” With a record 33% of the student body coming through the Counseling Center last year, the need for other ways to meet students’ needs besides individual services became apparent.

When asked to describe the space, Center for Student Success Area Coordinator and Diverse Student Success Coordinator Hannah Bailey explained that “When you walk in you are greeted with a view of the quad and the soothing sound from our water fountain. Inside the room are a bunch of resources, so students should feel free to look around and explore the different things available to them. Some things the Wellness Room might be used for are telehealth sessions [- meeting virtually with one’s healthcare professional], scheduled self-care time, light box sessions [designed to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder and boost one’s mood], or just a space to relax.”

She added that resources currently available for student use in the Wellness Room include a massage chair, light boxes, a yoga mat, weighted blankets, journals, books, coloring books, a muscle relaxing mat, and more. Bailey is incredibly excited about and looks forward to what the Wellness Room could grow to be and is open to any suggestions students might have to help their needs be more effectively met within this space.

 Students might be under the impression that the Wellness Room and its resources are only available to those who are currently utilizing other Counseling services, but this is not the case. In fact, even those who have no prior connections with any CSS service are able to engage with this new addition. However, Burrichter mentions that if needed, you can also connect with the CSS staff following your visit to the Wellness Room. He says that students “can come into the office and engage in some self-care as they need it without needing to connect with staff. But if they want or need to meet with someone we can arrange that as well.” 

In addition to connecting with staff if needed, Burrichter further noted that there are additional resources students can connect with if they so choose. “We are also offering several sessions of an Anxiety Toolbox psychoeducational workshops for students to learn skills and strategies for managing their anxiety. We will also have future workshops on how to manage depression, stress and healthy relationships.”

So, how should one go about scheduling some relaxing time for themself in this space? When not in use, the Wellness Room is available for walk-ins. However, it is recommended that any students who are interested in using this space reserve a time slot of either 30 minutes or 60 minutes on the Handshake website or mobile app.★

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Stories In Focus

Angels in the Architecture

By Rachel Huchthausen

The Wind Ensemble presented another exciting concert last Saturday.  The program, with the addition of and arrangement of Prayer for Ukraine in solidarity with those suffering because of the war at the beginning of the program, was arranged around it’s title piece, Angels in the Architecture by Frank Ticheli.  The pieces were cleverly ordered according to arch form, with scenes of nature as bookends, scenes from the Bible and Ticheli’s piece in the center so that this piece was literally Angels in the Arch(itecture).  Franco Cesarini’s Alpina Fanfare also majestically follows this architectural theme within the music itself.  The next on the program, Shenandoah by Omar Thomas, involved the audience in creating an atmosphere of rain with the Wind Ensemble.  Those who went to the concert would remember their quickly tiring and cramping fingers and would certainly give some “snaps” to the ensemble members for snapping for so long.  After Theme from “The Bible” by Toshiro Mayuzumi and When Jesus Wept by William Schuman, the Wind Ensemble presented Ticheli’s central piece.  

Dr. McGarvey noted before the beginning of the piece that Angels in the Architecture could be described as a battle between evil and the divine.  These two concepts were symbolized with various techniques from the composer’s toolkit.  Evil was represented by low dissonant notes in the brass and polytonality.  The divine took the form of an eclectic assortment of sounds associated with Christianity: high ethereal pitches produced by the percussionists playing Whirlies, angelic text in a high range beautifully sung from the balcony above the stage, a festive arrangement of a Hebrew folk song, and the joined forces of the organ and Wind Ensemble playing “Old Hundredth,” otherwise known as Praise God from Whom All Blessing Flow.   The program was concluded by Dusk by Steven Bryant and Silverado by Bruce Broughton. Thank you to the Wind Ensemble—especially those graduating—for your wonderful work. ★

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Stories In Focus

Conspiracy: Peanut Butter Expose

By Demetri Court

How many varieties of peanut butter does Metz offer? It’s a simple question, I know, but please bear with me, dear reader. How many? To many, the answer is one. You find a few of these prepackaged canisters of nutty goodness near the toasting station, maybe you even mix in regular butter for a post meal snack. There’s the decision of whether or not to indulge in peanut butter, but never an infighting of attention among differing peanut butter varieties, right? In having only one peanut butter option, we are saved from the anxieties of choice, and from this we may find contentment and serenity. Dear readers of the Houghton STAR, I am sorry. I truly am. As with most things, the issue of how many varieties of peanut butter Metz offered is far more complicated than this simple portrait. Be assured, desecrating the sanctity of peanut butter security is not something I undergo lightly. Everything that follows has been carefully cross-checked and curated through months of investigative journalism. With that out of the way, I now present you with a theory. A conspiracy theory. Of how Metz has not one, but FIVE varieties of peanut butter. Let us begin.

Now, Metz Peanut Butter, as we know it, is manufactured by Monarch, a company originating from a Gold Rush provisionary over 150 years ago. Their logo, a lion, can be seen in the upper-right corner on a standard package of Metz Peanut Butter. Monarch’s Lion stands as a symbol of trust and integrity. It is not without a sense of cosmic irony then, that right underneath the trademark on their logo can one find a number, nay, this conspiracy’s linchpin, facing perpendicular to the rest of the text. This number displays differently between individual packages but always in a range between 1 and 5. A few keen-eyed pioneers from among the student body began researching the significance of this number. One of the earliest theories was that each number corresponded to a level of saltiness, but this was quickly debunked through various taste tests. A second theory, which still holds weight among the Metz Peanut Butter Community, is that each number corresponds to a different manufacturing machine. Packages produced from Monarch’s first machine in the delectable nut butter factory would be marked with a “1,” packages from the second marked with a “2,” and so on. It appears that the results of each blind taste test change every few weeks, so it would make sense that as these machines made different batches, the synchroneity between numbers on the packages would shift too. As of now, this explanation has yet to be debunked. What does this mean for us, the peanut butterers? To find out, I undertook a carefully proctored blind taste test alongside the conspiracy’s most prolific contributors.

I will spare you the specifics of the procedure for the sake of brevity but be assured that many STEM majors were present to ensure the scientific validity of this blind test. The results were that, while subtle, I ultimately could distinguish with reasonable accuracy a difference in consistency between differently numbered packages of peanut butter. If you attempt to replicate or iterate on this experiment, which I highly encourage you to do, plan not to be blown away by the full range of consistencies and textures. Some titans of the dining hall have vocally denounced this conspiracy of having any validity altogether, but I posit that this may be due to the expectations of the individual taster. The contrasts between numbered packages are not so dramatic as to produce contrasting Ratatouille fireworks of Red and Blue, but rather of the subtle variation between Seal Brown, Café Noir, Bistre, Dark Sienna, and Olive Drab #7. Does this revelation then destroy the safety and sanctity of nutty butter options? No, I do not think so. It’s really hard to tell each of them apart. But for you aficionados, you dreamers, you champions, you mad dogs of glory, I believe nothing short of a world filled with five incredibly subtle and ever-shifting variations of peanut butter lies ahead. ★

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Stories In Focus

Feature: Houghton College Buffalo

By Jannatul Noshin

Higher education begins with a college that is both financially accessible to all and is a leader in its community, which Houghton College Buffalo provides. Houghton College Buffalo, or HCB for short, is a location where students express their gratitude for their education. If any student believes that college is not for them, Houghton College Buffalo is a cause to show them that they are wrong. Most students that enter college do not immediately know their major or what they want to study following high school graduation, but at HCB, that’s okay. HCB establishes a firm foundation in which students are led with opportunities and a path to success. HCB Dean Julian Cook echoed this, noting, “HCB students are not problems to be solved. They are a cadre of emerging leaders with the ethical vision and spiritual audacity to believe that education and faith are tools for hewing our collective destinies. Every day at HCB we live out the conviction that hope is a way of life; not a passive state of being. HCB students come together to construct hope.” The courses that students take at HCB are crucial to their career opportunities. Each student’s aim at HCB is to ensure that they do not fall behind, which is precisely what an educational institution should accomplish. HCB’s academic agenda is designed to assist any student in achieving their goals for a successful profession and life journey. Dieu-fidele Munano commented on this, noting, “I like Houghton college because they do everything on their ability to shape us and to get us ready for next steps to come.” 

Together, we are stronger, and anything is possible, and HCB is the epitome of this. At HCB, everyone works together to achieve success. Adjunct Instructor of Communication Denise Reichard commented on this, stating, “The high academic standards as well as the implementation of those standards in and out of the classroom make Houghton College elevated in many ways that we might use to evaluate higher education.” Students can work with available tutors at any time without making an appointment. HCB ensures that its students are maintaining their course load and are given practical tools and understanding to excel in any course. As a result, students are less stressed and can meet the demands that come with pursuing higher education. All other institutions pale in comparison to the level of education provided by Houghton.  

Students at Houghton College Buffalo are welcomed, respected, and cherished, and they all have a place here, regardless of gender, religion, or color. At the Symphony Circle Campus, all individuals, nationalities, and personalities are honored. Professor Steve Strand, who “moved to Buffalo in 2014 largely to work with the city’s growing newcomer communities of people from around the world”, noted this, and also added that “Houghton College Buffalo beautifully reflects rich cultural diversity and vitality, so I was pleased to join this learning community.  Working at Houghton College Buffalo has a great purpose to extend faith-based educational opportunity in the city.”

Houghton College Buffalo (HCB) will also make sure that every student feels accepted and recognized as a student. This has been the experience of student Hafal Abde, who discusses, “The reason I chose Houghton College is that it has a lot of support and I feel I will not fail in the classes. All the time teachers ask students to do the work so they cannot fail in the classes. So, they are really taking care of the students.” Houghton College Buffalo strives hard to ensure that students from underrepresented groups and New American immigrant communities are well equipped before they move on from the program. Tutors are available to assist students who are having difficulty understanding and completing their assignments. Every opportunity Houghton College Buffalo has offered for students has been a great achievement. Students can win HCB honors for their participation in activities such as career fairs, immigration debate panels, and ethnically varied food festivals.  

Students were astounded by how Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., President of Houghton College, and Cathy E. Freytag, Dean of the Faculty, made it a mission to visit the HCB Symphony Circle campus during a joyous welcoming event. It was more than just a moment of time spent, but it led to something much more significant. It created a beautiful experience. Student Kamulete Bwemere states, “When I met President Lewis, I felt that I’m important and I’m the part of Houghton College. In life I have never seen of any organization that I was in, but President Lewis reminds me that I am the best in my life, and I will fight for my own.” Every student received the opportunity to speak and engage not only their peers but also with the faculty and staff that help contribute to creating what Houghton College is today. For every student, this was a watershed moment, a major milestone, and a reassurance. They were treated with dignity and respect and felt appreciated. This was an opportunity for everyone’s voice to be heard, for every culture to be represented, and for no one to feel like an outcast.

As Professor Kushal Bhardwaj notes, Houghton College Buffalo is a wonderfully unique environment to be a part of. “As a passionate educator, I was blessed to teach Anthropology, African History and Political Science to the most unique group of students in my award-winning, multi-decade career.  The sons and daughters of immigrants, from various parts of the world, enriched MY life as I taught them how to better understand themselves and the world.” Houghton College Buffalo is an excellent option for individuals who want to see themselves succeeding and growing, since it provides all the necessary assistance, and every student is praised for their achievements. ★

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Stories In Focus

FEATURE: The Writing Center

By Jacqueline Johnson

One of Houghton’s wonderful academic resources is the Writing Center. Located in the Center for Student Success in the Chamberlain Center, the Writing Center assists students on any writing assignment or paper. They are open from 3:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Mondays and Thursdays, and 3:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. During these times, Students can book slots with their choice of four wonderful student consultants: Megan Brown (‘23), Rachel Huchthausen (‘23), Jacob Lajza (‘23), and Elaine Starling Leeli (‘22). 

The Writing Center is designed to assist students at any point in the writing process from the planning stage to finishing refinements. Whether it be gathering ideas and organizing thoughts or reviewing any stage of draft, the Writing Center consultants are there to help with many different types of assignments, from formal research papers, to personal essays, to lab reports. In addition to a variety of assignments, the Writing Center is also well-versed in a number of styles including MLA, APA, and Chicago. 

The Writing Center is advised by Professor Laurie Dashnau, who is also one of the writing professors here at the college. Professor Dashnau expresses her joy of the Writing Center, along with high praises of the consultants on both their writing skills and their encouraging nature. 

Jacob Lazja (‘23), one of the Writing Center consultants, talks about some of the benefits that he has seen through working in the Writing Center. “Consulting allows me to collaborate with my peers, not only to produce an A+ paper but to produce lifelong writing skills.” He continues by saying, “Our goal at the Writing Center is not to proofread, edit, and send you away. Instead, it is to guide you through strategies and improvements that will, hopefully, be helpful throughout your college career and beyond.” 

The Writing Center has recently welcomed Rachel Huchthausen (‘23) as its newest addition to the consultant team. She is eager to begin helping people hone their writing skills. “I am looking forward to discovering the writing processes of the individuals who come to Houghton’s Writing Center and learning how to tailor each session to each person’s own areas of strength and areas of growth.” Huchthausen has also expressed how her experience with the Writing Center so far has expanded her insight on the writing process and everything that goes into making the Writing Center what it is. 

The Writing Center is truly something that can help any student improve and hone their writing craft. From advanced writers to those who are just starting to develop their voice, any student who walks into the Writing Center will be met with kind and encouraging student consultants who are there to help you along the way to reaching your writing goals. ★

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Stories In Focus

FEATURE: Student Council

The Student Council is a vital and fundamental part of the student body at Houghton College. They are a collection of students that represent the various aspects of being a student at Houghton, such as a representative from athletics, academics, and each class, etc. In an interview, Cassie Cavell (‘23), the Representative for the Class of 2023, echoed this statement, saying, “Student Council is a peer-elected group of students that represent the student body as a whole in all areas of life at Houghton.” 

According to the coordinator of the Student Council, AC Taylor, the Student Council has a significant role in aiding all Houghton students to have a voice when it comes to events, conditions, and circumstances here. He remarked that “Student Council represents student concerns and opinions to the institution through councils, committees, and relationships with administrators.” 

The Student Council, once known as SGA, or Student Government Association, has observed a few changes in 2021, including their office space being renovated and a name change. While Cavell stated that “the office actually did not physically move,” she did note that, “it just got remodeled and renamed over the summer! The CEO’s (chief executive officer or someone in a higher leadership role) new space features inviting glass doors on which our office hours are posted. We love the grand conference table as it incorporates our mission to hear every voice. There are also chairs for hanging out and chatting.” This inviting and comfortable space can be found exactly where the SGA office used to be, for any students interested in voicing a concern or wanting to get in touch with any of the representatives or members of the Council.

Being a member, as any of them will tell you, is a rewarding and honorable position, meant to ensure all students at Houghton College feel connected to all the administration, faculty, and staff. Class of 2022 Representative Hannah Heinl (‘22) explained that elections for the Student Council will be held on Thursday, February 24th, with petitions beginning on Monday, January 31st and closing on Monday, February 14th. Heinl also added that during the Monday, February 21 Student Council meeting, candidates will be able to give their speeches.

Cavell also commented on the election process and what an interested student should reflect on: “They should evaluate their current experience in leadership, communication skills, advocacy, and self-motivation.” There are several tasks members are required to complete each week, including sharing feedback, utilizing office hours, and continuing projects; it is no task to be taken lightly.

Another member of the Student Council, Haley Dejager (‘22), the Athletics Representative, stated, “Whether you have limited leadership experience or lots of it, I think the student council is a great opportunity to serve your fellow students! Be prepared to dedicate a couple of hours a week to various council and committee meetings. There’s also a team atmosphere in which members collaborate on many projects, while still maintaining a personal agenda specific to an individual’s role.” Even when the tasks and expectations flow in regularly, the Student Council members work together to support each other and keep each other going. Dejager also stated, “Most importantly, I really enjoy the feeling of making a difference on our campus. Knowing you’re making a difference and being able to see that difference come to life is a really great thing to experience.” While it has many responsibilities, it is a respectable and significant position to have at Houghton College, and any student hesitating to campaign should head over to the newly renovated office space named the Campus Engagement Office, and speak with any of the members there.   

Taylor encourages students who are interested in running to, “Go for it! The institution wants to know what students are thinking and feeling and the Student Council is the go-to structure.” Dejager also stated, “Most importantly, I really enjoy the feeling of making a difference on our campus. Knowing you’re making a difference and being able to see that difference come to life is a really great thing to experience.” While it has many responsibilities, it is a respectable and significant position to have at Houghton College, and any student hesitating to campaign should head over to the newly renovated office space named the Campus Engagement Office, and speak with any of the members there. ★

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Arts Stories In Focus

FEATURE: Ortlip Gallery Features Husband-and-Wife Artist Duo

By Rylee Archambault (’23)

The Ortlip Art Gallery at Houghton is now presenting ‘Side by Side’, a series by Amanda Parry Oglesbee and Brian Oglesbee, an artistic husband and wife duo. She’s a painter and he is a photographer; can I make it any more obvious? The Oglesbees met at the Art Institute of Chicago in the 1970s and have been “side by side” ever since. 

This is a show that needs to be seen in-person. While Brian Oglesbee’s photographs look like they are photoshopped, there is no post-production done on his work. They are all exactly what the camera sees. Along with this, Amanda Parry Oglesbee displays her latest series, titled ‘Beings,’ which consists of large paintings of trees in an editorial style.

Her artist statement:

“I am moved by the beauty and courage of all things that grow on earth. As I paint trees and flowers they become portraits of beings compelled to grow and survive. Some of my paintings are made directly observing nature.  My work is sometimes influenced by historical art and other times built entirely from my imagination allowing the piece to grow organically with an equal combination of intent and acceptance. Most of my paintings are a combination of these different approaches.”

His artist statement:

“My photographs are very ‘straight;’ in other words, the camera simply records what was in front of it. What is seen in the print is what was presented to the camera; (with the exception of one of the ‘Tangles,’ which features stitched exposures, and the early multi-media works) there is no subsequent manipulation of the image after the initial single exposure.”

This exhibition will be on display through December 18th. A reception for the artists will be held on Friday, December 3rd, from 5:30pm to 7:00pm, at the Ortlip Gallery.