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Lyric Theatre: She Loves Me!

Lyric Theater - She Loves Me
Lyric Theater - Courtesy of - Hannah Sturdivant
by Jiana Martin ('26)

Tonight at 7:30 p.m. the Lyric Theatre will perform “She Loves Me” (its second of four shows) in Houghton Academy’s  Tysinger Auditorium. 

“She Loves Me” is a warm and charming romantic comedy – music by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick and a book by Joe Masteroff – set in a 1930s European perfumery owned by Mr. Maraczek.

Professor Amanda Cox, Director of Houghton’s Lyric Theatre, explained, “It is actually based on the same Hungarian play (“Parfumerie” by Miklos Laszlo) that inspired three movies, including the beloved film “You’ve Got Mail” starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.”

The story follows two shop clerks, Amalia Balash and Georg Nowack, who initially cannot stand each other. After responding to a “lonely heart’s advertisement” in the newspaper, they are delighted and look forward the love letters they exchange. However, they do not realize they are corresponding with each other.

“I have had the most wonderful time directing this musical,” Cox added, “many of the roles are double cast and it has been such a joy to see each actor bring their own personality and choices to the role.” 

Cox chose this production because it is her favorite musical and she had been waiting for the right time to put it on. She has played the role of Amalia twice and finds it to be a beautiful experience directing it now.

Emily Quick ‘23 is one of the two actresses playing the smart, hardworking, funny, and sometimes unhinged Amalia. 

“I see a lot of myself in Amalia, so it’s been so much fun getting to portray a character that’s already very similar to me,” Quick commented. “It’s been great getting to explore such a relatable character who feels such a wide range of complicated emotions.”

Despite the challenges, she has enjoyed working with a double cast because it is fun to see how the characters vary depending on who’s performing. 

Professor Benjamin Lipscomb,  one of the two actors who play Mr. Maraczek, expressed, “It’s been a delight to work with students I already knew (and some I didn’t) as a collaborator.” 

As he prepares for the show, Lipscomb has reflected on his character’s paternal relationship with the men working under him. He considers it essential to establish the relationship early on; otherwise, Mr. Maracek could come across as a jerk when he is stressed and irritated.

Emily Hanes ‘26, who plays Miss Illona Ritter, has enjoyed the opportunities to share fun moments with the cast. 

“Even though we’ve had a lot of late nights, it truly is a joy to be able to do this show with all of these wonderful people,” Hanes stated. “It’s been a big blessing!”

Her favorite part of bringing her character to life has been exploring Illona’s journey from doubt and insecurity to finding love and herself. 

“She starts off unsure of herself, caught in shallow relationships, but by the end, she finds her own voice and realizes she deserves true happiness,” Hanes explained.  

Audiences can count on an enjoyable evening of laughter and smiling tears.

“The story is so fun, the characters hilarious and engaging, and the music is wonderful and will stick in your hearts and minds for days!” concluded Cox. 

“She Loves Me” will perform a 2 p.m. matinee tomorrow, with a final performance at 7:30 p.m. that same night. ★

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Campus News

Cider & Cinema

Cider and Cinema CAB Poster
Cider and Cinema CAB Poster - Courtesy of CAB
By Victoria Arndt ('25)

This Saturday evening, the Campus Activities Board (CAB) will be putting on “Cider and Cinema” at Big Al’s/Sizzle & Swirl. The event will host activities such as crafts, games, cider, donuts, mug cakes and show the movie “Fantastic Mr. Fox”. The event is designed to be low-key and calm in order to encourage restfulness and a time of friendship and relaxation for students.

“Compared to a lot of the higher energy events that we do like Homecoming and Purple and Gold Week, I think this will be a great moment to have good fellowship,” said Grace Stickels ‘27, one of CAB’s core members. Jana Newberry, the Director of Student Engagement and the supervisor for CAB, agreed: “I think if they need a moment of rest, this is something they can look forward to. Hopefully they can fellowship with friends or get a snack.” 

Stickels also mentioned that “Cider and Cinema” might be a good destresser for some students after Grandparents Day this Friday. 

“It’s always the day after [a family event] where people are really homesick or sad,” Stickles said, “and I think this is could be very beneficial, because if their grandparents leave the day prior, they could be really reminiscent or homesick, so maybe this could help be a pick-me-up.”

One of the challenges for CAB while planning “Cider and Cinema” was finding a date for the event. 

“We do a lot as a campus,” Newberry said, “and so you don’t want to overlap too much or take away from other events, but the easiest part is that everyone loves fall events, so it’s nice to be in the lineup.” She added, “Hopefully it’s a nice restful moment in a busy season.”

Alena Perkins ‘25, one of the event’s main organizers, mentioned that the event, “is going to be a cozy vibe where people can come, watch the movie, get some cider, donuts, do homework. We might put out some watercolor supplies, some puzzles, just a place for people to come hang out and have a chill evening with CAB.”

Perkins also mentioned that “Cider and Cinema” is not just a time for people to enjoy food and games, as they can study or work while they are there. “People can come do homework and just chill. It’s not something that you have to be doing an activity while you’re there,” she said. “We just want to provide a chill time.”

“Cider and Cinema” will be from 7 to 9. “Everyone is invited,” Newberry said. “Come by yourself, bring friends. You can just show up, you can sit down, you can watch, or you can do something if that’s what you want to do.” ★

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Campus News

Chapel Scanning Changes Once More

Students walking into the chapel 
By Anna Sumner ('25)

You enter the chapel and open the Campus Groups app on your phone. It’s a new scanning method this fall, and it boots you from the app, blocking access to the QR code. You then sign in using the laptop.

Why does Houghton use Campus Groups, anyway?

Sadie Nakamura ’26 said that she “was not as much a fan [of Campus Groups] as ID scanning”—a method used during the 2023-2024 academic school year. Both she and Kaitlyn Avery ’26 expressed annoyance with the long line and being unable to access the QR code.

Dr. Bill Burrichter, Vice President for Student Life, explained that the previous method of scanning student IDs for chapel and Around the Table attendance was becoming unpractical and outdated. ID barcode scanners collected student data, which then had to be manually uploaded by a staff member to mark attendance. Several of these barcode scanning devices broke and needed to be replaced.

Houghton had a choice, explained Dr. Burricher, whether to replace the expensive barcode scanners or switch to an alternate method. Even when using the ID method, attendance was marked on Campus Groups and was already implemented across campus. Also, most students already own mobile phones. It seemed like the obvious choice.

During the first two weeks of using Campus Groups for chapel scanning, Dr. Burricher said there were “some glitches.” The app was not entirely equipped to handle the level of engagement across college campuses. On the Houghton end, upcoming chapels were batch uploaded without being sorted properly, which needed to be manually fixed.

Dr. Burrichter said that the reason students are removed from the app is because of data signal confusion, chapel Wi-Fi and the app itself. Students log into the Hub using their data, and when they enter the foyer, their phones switch over to the Wi-Fi signal from the newly installed routers. The app detects the change and prompts a re-sign in. 

Signing in again is a slow process. The app needs to receive the signal, find the Houghton Hub again and requires password input. Dr. Burrichter explained that the signal is often impacted by the walls and glass between the sanctuary and foyer. They have already placed two routers in the foyer and are planning on more.

“As an institution, we are committed to figuring it out.” Dr. Burricher added that “we are trying to make the best of technology, and technology is challenging for all.” 

In the 2022-2023 school year, HU used a QR code projected onto the wall that students would scan using the Campus Groups app. It was “chaos and mayhem,” Dr. Burrichter said. The method encountered frequent problems.

Rachel Wright, the Director of the Office of Vocation and Calling, is on the team with Jana Newberry (the Director of Student Engagement) to make Campus Groups work for HU. 

“As a Houghton alum and as somebody who’s worked here in a variety of roles, I don’t think I’ve ever met anybody that is not willing to listen to students,” she said.

Rachel Wright is an advocate for Houghton students to the organization, and is in frequent contact with Campus Groups. She described herself as a “buzzing fly.”

She has several tips for students to improve their chapel scanning experience. Firstly, students should reinstall the app, because it doesn’t update automatically. The most recent update was in September. Secondly, she recommended taking a screenshot of the QR Code on Campus Groups. Thirdly, if students receive an error message, they can send an email to her with a screenshot of the error and their phone model. She will report this error to Campus Groups who can then pinpoint the glitches. ★

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Campus News

ADHD Doesn’t have to be Spooky

ADHD doesn't have to be spooky 
By Aivery Shuck ('26)

This upcoming Tuesday, students and faculty are encouraged to join the Psi Chi club in Library 323 at 7:30 p.m. for their event, “ADHD Doesn’t Have to be Spooky.” 

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and it is a disorder that may make it difficult to focus or control impulses. In 2023, it was estimated that 15.5 million (6.0%) of U.S. adults had a diagnosis of ADHD (CDC). More than half of the adults (55.9%) received their diagnosis during adulthood and approximately one third of adults with ADHD do not receive treatment (CDC). 

October is ADHD awareness month, and this event hopes to bring awareness to an often misunderstood and stereotyped mental disorder. 

Psi Chi has created a panel of professionals and students to share their knowledge on the disorder, as well as explain how it affects their lives, and how they adapt and thrive in academic settings. 

The vice president of Psi Chi, Anna Lloyd (‘26), said, “The goal of the event is to encourage those with ADHD and educate their peers surrounding this experience.” 

Psi Chi is an organization that expands across the nation. It is for psychology students who wish to promote awareness of mental health on college campuses and the student body. 

Megan Sensenig, the president of Psi Chi, said, “The mission statement of Psi Chi is ‘recognizing and promoting excellence in the science and application of psychology.’ At Houghton, this looks like being a resource for psychology majors and minors and hosting events to improve and educate about mental health.” 

This event is one of many that Psi Chi hopes to hold on campus. “We will host different events throughout the year related to psychology and our members are resources for anyone pursuing or considering a degree in psychology. We’re planning other events for the near future and we couldn’t be more excited!” expressed Secretary Clancey Cockle (‘26).

Treasurer Aidan Fish further explained that “people can expect authentic conversations about what it is like to live with ADHD. We will be diving into how it affects life as a college student.” 

This event is a good way to introduce the campus to Psi Chi and to help educate the student body on mental health. Not only will there be engaging discussions and enlightening new information on ADHD, but there will also be fun Halloween candy and snacks! ★

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Black Students: Diversity at Houghton

Diverse skin tone hands
Diverse Hands Graphic - Courtesy of Kaitlyn Avery
By Abigail Bates ('26)

In Houghton University’s 2022-2023 academic year, 7% of the student body were black, 2% were Asian, 1% were Hispanic and 6% of the student population were non-resident aliens. The highest percentage of the student body were white (74%) and the majority of full-time staff (89%) were white as well (U.S. Department of Education).

“​​Most people from Houghton come from small towns, so they don’t really see diversity – I think Houghton is a place where, once you get to know people, you get to know them. But you have to be intentional,” Kenadi Hawkins (‘26), a black American student said. “If you don’t intentionally go up to somebody and get to know them or eat with them, you’re not going to know them and they’ll always have that preconceived assumption about you.”

Hawkins is the vice president of the Black Heritage Club and the Diversity and Inclusion Representative. Black Heritage Club’s President Bethany Tubman ’25, a black American student, was a Mosaic Center Ambassador her sophomore year and the Diversity and Inclusion Representative the following school year. They are both representatives on HU’s Diversity Committee.

Tubman recalled people who left Houghton due to off-campus racism. She said that “people on the outside of Houghton tend to be more aggressive in how they feel towards people” of different cultures and skin colors. Nana Kwame (‘25), a Ghanaian, agreed, recounting experiences with people who were neither students nor employees.

When Kwame first experienced Houghton’s community in-person (he started online in 2020), “diversity wasn’t really a thing.” He said that diversity has been improving, but he feels “like it can be better.”

Vice President for Student Life Bill Burrichter chairs the Diversity Committee. Associated for 35 years at Houghton University as a student and an employee, he stated that while the campus is more diverse today, it remains a challenge for the university.

HU’s Diversity Committee—composed of 1 faculty, 1 staff and 5 students—supports the initiatives of minority-serving organizations: Black Heritage Club, Hispanic Heritage Club and the Intercultural Student Association. The president or designee from each of these clubs serves on the committee along with the Diversity and Inclusion Representative (from Student Council) and a representative from the Kingdom Initiative.

The committee was established from a 2017 diversity task force formed in response to a publicly discussed racial hate crime on HU’s campus. Since the creation of the committee, the Bias Incident Form has become more available on the university’s website and the Mosaic Multicultural Center was opened and then closed in the 2023 Spring semester.

“I think the biggest thing for us institutionally is for us to continue to be curious,” Burrichter said. “Continue to ask questions. To seek to know, to understand. And then a willingness on other people’s parts to share some of that, and to help us understand.”

He explained that the committee’s purpose is to increase understanding and awareness about diversity on campus. In committee meetings, they review initiatives and the institution’s diversity statement. Additionally, Burrichter mentioned that the committee has been positive in increasing communication between HU’s administration and students.

“I think those initiatives are directly because of [Houghton’s] longing to diminish the impact of racism,” Tubman said. “When in reality, you’re not going to be able to stop it. It’s a societal ill.”

Students pushed for the right to participate in the creation of Houghton’s diversity statement, she said. Tubman and Hawkins explained that the committee has looked at diversity statements of several Wesleyan colleges as they work on HU’s own.

“The purpose of the diversity statement is to put this expectation for, not only students but staff and faculty, to say like ‘if you don’t adhere to this, there’s accountability,’” Tubman said.

Students report various concerns, including incidents of racism or potential bias, by emailing Burrichter, Katie Breitigan (Dean of Students and Director of Student Life), Resident Assistants, campus-wide officials or by filling out the Bias Incident Form. HU’s Marketing Department also informs Student Life of posts containing accusations or reports of incidents. HU will then respond depending on each situation and how public the incident is.

Tubman explained that students often feel unheard and uncared for when “accountability can’t be done as publicly as people want it to be, for legal reasons, privacy issues.” Students are then left with unsettled feelings, she added.

“I’ve been behind the scenes for three years now. And I think from a student perspective it can look like nothing is being done,” Tubman said.

Hawkins stated that the student body should know more about the actions taken in response to HU’s diversity, because while diversity is discussed behind the scenes, “a lot of students don’t really talk about it or know about it.”

Tubman explained that although students desire transparency from the university, complete transparency isn’t possible “in a business model, any business model.”

“Even though I am 120% for complete transparency,” Tubman said, “it is not attainable for ethical reasons of the people who are involved. And it makes me very weary to say that, but I think a lot of what I’ve heard from people is that they just wish people would be more transparent…

“I wish people would be more transparent,” she added.

Both Hawkins and Tubman emphasized how much Breitigan and Burrichter care about racial and ethnic minority groups on campus. Hawkins said that it’s important for the committee to know where to start responding to issues of diversity and how to create effective change.

“I think that it’s a lot more of a daunting task than we realize,” Tubman said, “because we are still in America, and we can’t mitigate the oppressions of America.” She explained that a set amount of discrimination, stereotypes and self-segregation naturally accompanies U.S. society. Therefore “it’s really hard for them to know where to start, because it’s like, ‘What is a Houghton thing and what is an American thing?’” ★

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Men’s Soccer vs. SUNY Poly

By Sadie Nakamura ('26)

At 2 p.m. this Saturday, Houghton University’s men’s soccer team will face a new opponent: SUNY Polytechnic Institute. The team is gearing up for their next home game, where they will continue pushing to secure a spot in the playoffs. 

Aidan Fish (‘25) said, “We have never played SUNY Polytech before [but] they just joined our conference and they are coming off from winning their own conference. ” 

Fish suggested that SUNY Poly might face new challenges now that they’re competing in a different league. He believes that if HU’s team sticks to their plan, there is a good chance of beating their competitor.  

The men’s soccer team has worked hard to strengthen their teamwork. Daniele Schivo (‘26), a wingback, explained that the team began this season using one formation but recently switched tactics. 

“When you change formation, you change the tactics of the game and it becomes a little more challenging for the players that are used to different styles of play.” Schivo thinks that Coach McColl’s “number one priority lately has been to help us to improve in the formation and get better as a team.”

While it took some time to adjust to the new strategy, the team started gaining momentum and sharpening their skills. Campus Activities Board athletic director and member of the women’s soccer team Aivery Shuck (‘26) has attended many of the men’s soccer games this season. 

“They are very good at using all the variability that their team has,” Shuck said. “They have a lot of different players on the team this year with different strengths. I think they are very good at utilizing every single one of [those] strengths on the team.”

Schivo echoed this sentiment. “We don’t give up easily,” he said. “We’ve faced a lot of setbacks, especially in the last two seasons and the start of this one, but throughout it all, Coach has never given up on us. We have struggled mentally and have had some challenges but we have never given up.”

The team is fighting to reach the playoffs and extend the season for graduating seniors. The upcoming game against SUNY Poly will be pivotal, potentially determining whether Houghton progresses in the competition. HU’s Director of Athletics, Dr. Matthew Webb, explained the stakes.

“To make the playoffs, you have to finish the regular season in the top eight,” Dr. Webb said. “This is a very important game for both teams, as we are both outside of the top eight right now.” He added that every win for a team counts towards three points, while a tie counts for one point. Three points could potentially determine whether HU or SUNY Poly make the playoffs.

As a senior, Fish is especially eager to extend the season. “Making the playoffs [would be] huge,” he said. “For the last two years, we missed it by one point, which was heartbreaking. I don’t want it to end. We’re guaranteed five more games, but I wouldn’t mind stretching that number for one last dance.”

The team is also hoping for strong support from the school community. Giovanni Schivo (’27), another player and Daniele’s brother said, “This game is open for anyone to come, and especially when it is at home we encourage it. We need our Houghton supporters on the bleachers. Be loud in the bleachers and cheer on the school’s team!” 

The players encourage friends and classmates to come out to Burke Field and cheer for the men’s soccer team as they fight for their spot in the Empire 8 Championships. ★

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New Horizons for Coffeehouse

By Kelsey Curtis ('27)

This fall brings changes to Coffeehouse as Evelyn Simanowski (‘25) takes on coordinating the Campus Activity Board (CAB) sponsored event. Coffeehouse is a time when people gather in Java 101 to hear their peers perform—typically a set of music—and partake in “Open Mic Nights” where anyone can sign up and share their musical and non-musical talents. In past years, audiences could gather around the stage every Thursday at 8 p.m. This year, however, Simanowski changed the event to bi-weekly at the same time. 

There are still plenty of opportunities to share talent through the event even though it will happen less. Simanowski shared that they are introducing the Coffeehouse Collective, a “collection of [art] pieces by several student artists” and a rotating showcase throughout the year. She expressed her excitement for this expansion of Coffeehouse’s scope. 

Simanowski believes “Coffeehouse has the potential to be a collection of all artists, not just musicians, that want to create space and opportunities for artistic expression.” 

Seven pieces, each by a different Houghton student, currently hang in Java and display various art styles. 

Student and avid Coffeehouse-goer, Sarah Brunone (‘27) expressed her excitement about the Collective’s unveiling. 

“There’s new art on the wall, which is super cool,” she shared.

Brunone also appreciated that the new art helped give more variety to the artists Coffeehouse celebrates and added to the “cozy vibe” of Java. Simanowski’s goal to support all artists’ expression is already appreciated by adding the Collective to the “lineup of acts” for Coffeehouse.

Previous performers feel the same support and joy in Coffeehouse as Brunone experiences and that Simanowski aims to create this year. Melanie Cogan (‘27), who performed numerous times, witnessed this phenomenon last fall when she headlined for the first time. 

“I ran through my set list in 30 minutes and resorted to a ukulele rendition of ‘Me Want Bite’, which was pretty special and if you know you know,” she recalled. 

Cogan specifically expressed how grateful she was for a “receptive audience” that she could “try something new with” and still have the same excitement and support behind her. 

Chiara Iantorno (‘28) had a similar positive experience when she performed for the first time in September. 

“The ambiance and coziness of Java helped me feel very relaxed, even as I was about to perform,” Iantorno shared. “During the set, everyone watching was so supportive and seemed to be having a good time.” 

Even for first-time performers, Coffeehouse fosters love and encouragement in an extraordinary way. Sophia Vernon (‘26) works at Java and can attest to the unique atmosphere the event creates. 

“When people start filling up Java for Coffeehouse it is the most wonderful hum of college students in community with one another,” she observed. 

Vernon goes as far as to deem it her favorite shift because she gets to interact with  “so many people in a nice, chill, ambient environment.” 

The most recent Coffeehouse was on Oct. 17. Matthias Willistein (‘28) performed his set of acoustic and vocal music. Simanowski was excited to introduce a new performer and encourages anyone who wants to perform for Coffeehouse or display their art in Java to email her (evelyn.simanowski25@houghton.edu). ★

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Ted Murphy Legacy

Ted Murphy standing in front of Gallery wall
Ted Murphy standing in front of Gallery wall - Courtesy Kaitlyn Avery
By Evan Babbitt ('25)

UPDATED: OCTOBER 8, 2024 7:32 PM EDT | ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED OCTOBER 4, 2024 11:50 AM EDT

The Ortlip Gallery will host a reception for the Ted Murphy Legacy exhibition on Saturday at 7 p.m. 

The show is composed of 77 alumni artists and includes over 80 pieces—ranging from landscapes to abstracts, and watercolors to fabrics. It celebrates Professor Ted Murphy’s 38 years of teaching art and art history at Houghton University. 

“It means a great deal to me,” Prof. Murphy said. “It is visual evidence of not only my influence on past students but our entire department’s.”

According to the Gallery Director, Linda Knapp, about 80% of the alumni represented in the show are full time artists. Murphy also notes that 12 of the alumni shown are now professors as well. 

“Many are professional artists,” he said. “Some just manage to continue to work despite their complicated lives with family and their other work. It is gratifying to see such outstanding work from these wonderful people.” 

One of the alumni presenting work in the show, Jeff Babbitt (Class of ‘96), recalled: “It was during Painting I class with Murph when I decided I wanted to major in art. Murph was the perfect combination of hilarious and brilliant. He was a true connoisseur of the liberal arts, seamlessly blending literature, history, and culture into classroom discussions and everyday conversation.” 

Knapp noted that a flood of people wanted to be in the show when asked, which stands as a testament to Prof. Murphy’s presence in the classroom.

“[Murphy] is really adept artistically and has created a safe space for generations of students to find their calling as artists,” Knapp commented. “He has influenced people by his works, but more greatly by who he is—not flashy, but by his daily interactions and listening ear.” 

People are flying in from the Netherlands and California to come to this show, Knapp added.

“Houghton has [had] a rich art tradition here long before I arrived,” Prof. Murphy said. “The artist that preceded me fought the good fight to make Art matter.”

Prof. Murphy finished his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1980 at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and then received his Master of Fine Arts in 1983 at The Ohio State University. Before coming to HU he was an assistant professor at the University of Maine in Orono, Maine.

“[T]o be a teacher you must have students. But nowhere is it required that we like them,” Prof. Murphy noted. “Just teach them.”

Many who came into the art program were glad to be able to study art seriously and have many mediums to work with. Prof. Murphy feels blessed to have students who he loves and appreciates.

“In the twilight of a career,” he said, “every person is aware of the question Henry James said we should all ask. “Was it worth it”? I believe it has all been worth it. It has been a very privileged life here in Houghton. Nancy and I raised our children here and by their reports they each also love this place. God has blessed us beyond measure.”

Prior to the beginning of the show’s reception will be an open panel discussion hosted by alumni artists at 4 p.m. in the CFA Recital Hall. ★

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Homecoming is Upon US!

Homecoming
Homecoming - Courtesy of Marcomm
By Abigail Hoover ('27)

It’s that time of the year again Highlanders! This weekend is Homecoming, when students can look forward to a plethora of activities on campus.

One of these events is the annual Collage Concert, in which five music ensembles from the Greatbatch School of Music—Houghton Choir, Houghton Wind Ensemble, Houghton Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Choir and the Highlander Chorus (previously known as the Men’s and Women’s Choir)—will be performing, along with Lyric Theatre. The performance will also include three of Houghton’s professors: saxophone professor Anne Kunkle and voice instructor Luke Ogden will be accompanied by Dr. Sharon Johnson on the piano.

The Collage Concert is “…an opportunity for our current campus community and our alumni to get a sense of the variety of music making opportunities that we have, and hopefully an enticement to come to the rest of our concerts,” said Dean David Clem, the Dean of the Greatbatch School of Music and Associate Professor of Music History.

“Music at Houghton is such a special experience for all of us and it becomes like a family. This is an opportunity to make new connections through something that we have shared, even though many have done so decades ago,” remarked Dr. Kevin Dibble, the Associate Director for the Greatbatch School of Music. Dr. Dibble also leads the choral ensembles of Chamber Choir and the Highlander Chorus.

“As musicians, what we do in our preparation is joyous because we love it, but it is also a difficult process,” he said.

Dr. Dibble described their limited time as the most difficult aspect in preparing for this concert, particularly because they have another concert the week after with an entirely different repertoire.

“The most enjoyable part of this concert preparation has been getting to know the new ensembles,” he said, and added that “it is always a fun process of getting to know the new students within the context of a pre-existing ensemble. I love the newness and thinking about the possibilities.”

Hannah Dunmire (‘26) is a junior in the Chamber Choir and explained that each ensemble would have prepared for about five weeks for the concert.

“The Chamber Choir only practices twice a week whereas for comparison Houghton Choir practices daily, which makes this quick turnaround challenging. However,” she added, “it is so fun to watch the Choir unite since the Chamber Choir is a smaller select group – we tend to move through pieces faster.” 

While the students have been preparing for this concert since day one of the fall semester, “Dr. McGarvey and our other ensemble directors have been involved in music selection and working out details since this past June,” Dr. Clem said. Students and faculty have been working tirelessly to ensure they provide audiences with a night full of “variety, worship, and fun,” Dr. Dibble commented.

“We trust everyone who comes will be inspired and blessed by what they hear,” Dr. Timothy McGarvey, Wind Ensemble Conductor and Producer of the College Concert, said. “We aim to make music to God and to touch the lives of each person who hears us.”

The concert will occur tonight at 7:30 in the Wesley Chapel.  

Coming up this weekend is also the much anticipated SPOT! The event takes place tomorrow night in the Wesley Chapel, from 9 to 11. 

“[SPOT is] a big show where all of campus gets a chance to entertain their peers, where everyone gets a chance to celebrate campus culture and take [a] break from their busy lives as students,” Michael McCutcheon (‘26), one of SPOT’s hosts this year, described. 

Matthew Foster (‘25) is the event’s other host, however both emphasized that they are not co-hosts. 

“The theme of SPOT this year is ‘spotmania’. (A play on wrestlemania),” McCutcheon explained, “…we are competing hosts, constantly trying to get the spotlight and become the one and only host.” 

10 acts participating in SPOT this year will “make you cry with laughter,” McCutcheon said. He also explained that there will be a SPOT band, “playing ‘fight’ themed songs” and a final “grand finale of purple vs. gold,” as Foster described it.

SPOT has been in the making for quite a long time now, with the hosts and acts working hard to bring the whole show together. 

“I believe it was November of last year when Matthew approached me with the idea,” McCutcheon explained, “from then we slowly started brainstorming, thinking up ideas for our ‘spotmania’ theme, even doing things like watching 8 hours of wrestlemania while writing down notes in a google doc.” 

Foster said that the most difficult part of SPOT was scheduling acts and the SPOT band for practices. He explained that it was hard to find a time that worked best for all the performers while not impeding upon academic and extracurricular activities. Besides scheduling, preparing for the show has been very enjoyable.  

“Working with Michael McCutcheon to plan events has been a pleasure because we complement each other well,” Foster said. 

To conclude, the hosts wanted you to know that “Purple and Gold is personal this year and the grand finale will be a MUST WATCH event with plenty of surprises…be prepared for it to become more than a comedy show!” Foster said. And McCutcheon hinted that “There’ll be many surprises coming in SPOT that no one will see coming.” ★

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Equestrian Show!

Equestrian Hunter Jumper
Equestrian hunter jumper schooling show - Courtesy of Anna Catherman
By Sadie Nakamura ('26)

Houghton University’s Equestrian Program is hosting a riding competition this Saturday at the school’s Equestrian Center to showcase their riders’ skills and horses’ athleticism. 

While the Equestrian Center hosts a variety of shows, the Horse Trial, Combined Test and Dressage Schooling Show is unique because it caters to riders of many disciplines. Contestants can display their abilities in dressage, show jumping and cross country. Dressage riders perform tests evaluating the obedience, flexibility and athletic ability of the horse. Show jumping competitors lead their mount in jumping fences, pushing the boundaries of speed and height. Cross country riders take jumping to another level by tackling a variety of obstacles in different terrains. 

Houghton graduate Hannah Williamson (’19), the equestrian events coordinator and director of the show, explained that each rider will perform different tests depending on their riding level. Riders can decide to specialize in dressage only, or perform dressage and jumping together. Another option is to choose the horse trial, which starts with a dressage test, followed by a stadium jump course, and finishes with a cross country course.

Some of Houghton’s own students are planning on riding in each of the three events. 

“You do all three phases in one day and go from one to the next,” said Lianna Elliot (’26), a junior riding in the beginner novice division with a horse named Everett. “I am excited about the horse show because it will be the end of our evening class and we will get to show our progress.” 

Another eventing student, Greta Hewson (’26), is riding three horses: two lesson horses named Digger and Willon, as well as her personal horse, Gunner. 

“I am hoping to show off the hard work I’ve been putting in the past couple of weeks,” Hewson said. “My eventing class started two weeks before all other classes started, so we’ve been working on this stuff for a while and I’m looking forward to seeing everything come together.” 

Not all the Houghton competitions are riding for class requirements. Danielle Skinner (’27), discussed her excitement to ride with her young personal horse, Jersey. The dressage portion of the competition can provide experience for horses who are newer to the showing world. 

“It’s going to be [Jersey’s] first dressage show, so we entered her to get more experience before the November dressage show. I’m hoping to get a good first experience for Jersey, as well as some good comments from the judge,” she said.

The Horse Trial, Combined Test and Dressage Schooling Show is starting at 8:30 a.m. and running until 5 p.m this Saturday at 9823 School Farm Rd. HU’s Equestrian Center is going to be a bustle of activity, and riding students are excited to see their friends and family come out to the barn to support their accomplishments. Williamson added that all shows at the Equestrian Center are open to the public.

“I would love to see a good turnout to this show, because it has so many different elements for people to enjoy,” said Hewson. “It’s our most versatile show of the year and some of the best weather!” ★