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Harvestival Returns

By Jax Johnson

Hosted by the Center for Sustainability, Houghton University’s annual Harvestival returns today, from 3-5pm on the quad, bringing craft vendors, live music, pumpkin carving, and more.  

Director of the Center for Sustainability, Brian Webb, says,  “The main goal of the Harvestival is to connect students and our community to local vendors. It’s also a great opportunity for students to learn about the Center for Sustainability. We offer free cider donuts to anyone who makes a sustainability pledge (any commitment to put creation care into practice in their daily lives).  Finally, this is the most beautiful time of year at Houghton, so we might as well get outside and enjoy the beauty of God’s paintbrush on the trees around us!” 

Along with  Webb, the event will be run by  Anna Zimmerman, a senior, who is one of the Center for Sustainability interns. Houghton MANRRS will also be partnering with the Center for Sustainability to run the pumpkin carving table. 

The Harvestival vendors will consist of both Houghton students, the wider Houghton community, and members of nearby towns. Also in attendance,  local businesses such as Jockey Street Coffee and Coppa Co will be selling coffee and art.

Senior Emma Wetherell,who will be selling her art at the Harvestival, says, “I have always loved art and making homemade gifts, but recently I have started making jewelry. I have found a real love for it and wanted to show others what I have created. I hope that it can inspire others to turn their hobbies into something they can share with the community. This is the first time I will be selling something I have created and I am very excited for what’s to come.” 

Sophomore Aubrey Armes says, “ I am so excited to be selling at this years harvestival! The harvestival is such a great opportunity for the community to gather and support one another, to appreciate the work of artists within the community, and to celebrate fall! I hope that what I’m selling will bring joy to the people that decide to purchase it from me, or to who they decide to give it to. I’m thrilled to be involved!”

Another vendor, senior Abby Weeks,  shares her excitement by saying, “I am a senior biochemistry major with an art minor and this is my first year as a vendor for Harvestival. This year I will be selling my ceramic mugs, cups, and bowls, as well as some jewelry. I am so excited for Harvestival, and I can’t wait to see what my peers have made for the event!”

Aubree Niles, a junior and returning vendor says, “This will be my second year setting up for Harvestival, and I am so excited! As an art major, it’s such a great opportunity to showcase my work and also build experience. I will have original paintings, prints, stickers, and jewelry for sale. Connecting with community members, faculty and staff, and other students is another reason why I love Harvestival. I hope to see you there, you won’t want to miss it!”

The music performers of this year’s Harvestival expressed excitement for the event, with many of them having performed at  Harvestivals in years past. 

Senior Linette Taylor says, “In general, I take any opportunity that lets me make some music outside. I love playing at Harvestival because I’m surrounded by other creatives and I get the chance to enjoy a lot of new art and music.”

Another performer, junior Josey Ikker, shares  joy  for Harvestival by saying, “Sharing different covers of my favorite music, especially when they’re more relatable songs allows me to share stories from experience with others. Harvestival is an incredible stress-free time to spend with friends as well as with the community as a whole.”

The Harvestival is an opportunity to experience the fall season here at Houghton, while also taking a minute to explore sustainability. It is also a chance to support local creatives and their work. If you’re interested, stop by the quad this afternoon. ★

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Creation Stories: People and Their Origin Tales

By Timothy Rasmusson JR.

Indigenous Creation Tales is a new campus activity this fall semester  that is hosted by the Men’s Area Coordinator for Rothenbuhler and Lambein Hall, Shua Wilmot. 

Regarding the event,  Wilmot told  the STAR that  members meet once a week, and they listen to a creation tale about various religious groups. After discussing the cultures together , he  asks the other members what stood out to them.

Some of the questions that are often asked are, “What does the story suggest about their creator?” Another is, “What might you think about these values?” 

Wilmot describes the environment of  the event as “a safe space for students to develop critical thinking”, and it challenges the students to dig deep into what the stories are all about. They also reflect on the Genesis story, share knowledge, and he claims that “there is truth in every story”. 

Senior Gabriel Huizenga told the STAR  that the event is more of a come and go, and you do not have to commit to going every week it is  held. 

Andre Spronk, a sophomore, said the event takes place  in Echo Base  on the first floor of Rothenbuhler, and that they meet every Monday night at 7:30.

When asked what he liked most about the event, Huizenga said that everyone goes to it not knowing what to expect from the stories. Additionally, he said it allows them “to leave our own expectations and our own assumptions, and cultural ideas behind.” To him,  “the point of it is to listen to them and talk about them as if we don’t have preconceptions of our own of like how the world was made.”He described listening to these stories as “seeing it [the world] through a new lens”. ★

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Homecoming 2022

Today, October 7th, concludes the activities for Houghton’s annual Purple and Gold week, though  as Homecoming Weekend commences, a new wave of activities flows into campus. 

 At 7:30 pm tonight, Wesley Chapel  will host the Homecoming Collage Concert, in which the Greatbatch School of Music students will perform a number of astounding pieces. When the concert ends, the homecoming dance will begin at the Nielson Center, where students are encouraged to dress comfortably and fashionably, in all kinds of evening wear.

On Saturday, October 8th, there will be several Homecoming sporting events, including Cross Country’s Invitational on the Field of Dreams at 11:00 am, Field Hockey at 12:00 pm, Women’s soccer at 2:30pm, and Men’s Soccer at 5:00pm – all of which will be located on Burke Field. The Equestrian Center will also be hosting an Open House event starting at 9:00 am and running through 5:00 pm. 

  • Throughout Saturday, Houghton will be hosting Family Weekend, where several Alumni class reunions will be held and activities for families of the campus will be conducted. The “Hands-On Houghton” Festival will be located in the Kerr-Pegula Field House from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, where all members of the community are encouraged to learn more about the opportunities for active participation on campus. Representation of numerous clubs and groups can be found there, as well as games and activities.

To formally conclude Homecoming Weekend, the student body will gather in Wesley Chapel at 9:00 pm for the annual and highly-anticipated SPOT. There, hosts, seniors Colin Campbell and Bekah Fenn will feature a number of goofy and spunky numbers, acts, and bits presented by numerous students. The winners of Purple and Gold week will also be announced. 

When asked about the planning process of these events, senior and CAB Director Joey Schunemann stated, “It’s fun, but equally as stressful sometimes. Trying to create an array of events that are diversely enjoyable by people of all walks of Houghton life proves to be a challenge, but having a CAB staff that tries to explore those differences is a great first step to ensuring we represent students in everything we do.”

Schunemann also spoke on the purpose of these activities, expressing hope for the Houghton community. “Houghton University is ultimately our home. Our desire is to inspire students with that belief, even as they wrestle with unpleasant experiences contrasting with beautiful ones.”

Schunemann’s statement encapsulates how many view the tradition of Homecoming Weekend at Houghton as one of togetherness and communal growth. Homecoming Weekend presents an opportunity for students to come together during the ebbs and flows of semester coursework to enjoy and celebrate the Houghton community for what it was, is, and continues to be. ★

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Equestrian Open House

By Hannah Avery

The Houghton University Equestrian Center is bustling with activity this fall semester with the conclusion of the annual Houghton Horse Trials, Combined Test, and Dressage Show in September. 

 If you missed the opportunity to check out show day, there are still many opportunities to explore Houghton’s beautiful equestrian facilities, starting with the annual Homecoming Open House event on Saturday, Oct. 8th, from 9-11 a.m.

The Open House is “an amazing opportunity to show the community, especially alumni, how much the equestrian program has changed in such great ways,” said Equestrian Society President, and senior, Cassidy Kuhlmann. “We also love to give people hands-on experience at the barn to show them what we love so much about the barn!” 

The Equestrian Open House will host a variety of activities, including a photo booth, pony rides, and hay rides. There also will be a variety of demonstrations from the upperclassmen who will showcase disciplines such as jumping, dressage, and horse training. 

The program’s assistant barn manager and event coordinator, Hannah Williamson, and the Equestrian Society Club have remarked that this year’s open house may be the biggest one after the COVID-19 pandemic, and a lot has changed over the course of these past few years. It gives an opportunity to students, alumni, and community members alike to get out and experience what is happening at the equestrian center and see the four-legged teachers that help get the job done through a variety of fun activities.

Included in the Equestrian Center’s changes, a brand new custom jump course was recently unveiled – a project made possible by generous donors. The program is very excited to have these jumps, which includes a custom “Houghton University” banner, for the students to learn with, and put to good use at events and shows.

“The new jumps mean a lot to our program. We so rarely get things custom made for [the program],” said senior, Izzy Gritsavage. “One of the great things about them is that they look different than our old jumps, which presents new challenges for both us and the horses.” ★

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Weekly Math and Science Colloquium

By Skye Chaapel

Attending the Science and Math Colloquium that occurs every Tuesday from 11:30 am to 12:20 pm in the dining hall is a great way to learn about the research and internships students and alumni are doing within the various scientific fields.  

According to Associate Professor of Mathematics, Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and colloquia organizer, Dr. Jill Jordan, speakers from a variety of disciplines and careers are invited to give presentations that are “purely research talks, some are more career-focused, some are about integrating faith in the workplace, etc.”

The goal of the colloquium is to communicate ideas within the scientific community.  As Professor of Biology and Director of Pre-Health Professions, Dr. Jamie Potter, worded it, “advancements in scientific research are made in collaboration with one another. We build off of one another’s work…  Students who attend have the opportunity to engage with the research and learn how science can be shared through oral communication.”  The colloquium is open for everyone to attend, science and non-science majors alike.  One non-science major who had the opportunity to experience a colloquium is Senior Jax Johnson.  Commenting on their experience at the event, they said that “I found the colloquium I attended a great way to get a taste of scientific thought and ideas in a way that was both challenging and thought-provoking yet accessible.”

Even if you are in a science-related field, the colloquium is a great way for you to learn about the other fields.  Senior Adora Colicci expressed her enjoyment of the colloquia.  Specifically, she noted that her favorite thing about them is that they are “an opportunity for students to hear what alumni or science professionals outside of the Houghton bubble are doing in their fields…  They introduce me to areas of science and mathematics that I don’t get to hear about very often.”

Senior Mary Vandenbosch, a future presenter at the colloquium, is a biology student who participated in an internship over the summer and hopes to share her experience with others.  The internship she did was for the Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District.  She collected and tested water samples, worked with farms to ensure the crops were growing correctly, investigated lands that were being converted back into wetlands, and did outreach and provided information for the communities to learn more about stream health and to learn more about the corporation for whom she worked.  When talking about her experience, she stated, “I am hoping to shine a light on something that I am so passionate about.  I would love for people to walk away with a new appreciation for the nature around them and how complex it is.”

Everyone has something to contribute to the scientific conversations.  As Dr. Potter stated, “We all have gifts that could enhance the learning and discussion of the presentation. If we live in community and dialogue with one another, shouldn’t our research be shared and not only available to those in science?”★

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Coffee, Chocolate, Conservation

By Amelia Brown

Everyone knows Eli Knapp loves birds, but at the Coppa Conservation event at 7 p.m. on September 23, Knapp will share about his love of wolves, which began as a child and led him to Yellowstone National Park as an adult.

“Some of us outgrow our childhood interests and some don’t,” he said.

Knapp is a part of the group that did not outgrow their childhood interests but rather he turned them into his career. Today he is a professor, birder, field botanist, and animal expert. As Knapp studies the interactions between the environment and humans as he did in East Africa, the importance of conservation has never left his mind.

“To diminish the world to just us, or just a few species, diminishes us and the expression of God’s glory,” he said.

Human’s ever-increasing impact on the environment has led to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity, thus leading to less opportunities to encounter God’s creation.

Brian Webb, the director for the Center for Sustainability, describes the purpose of the Coppa Co and Center for Sustainability event. 

“We are hoping to bring awareness to conservation issues, such as biodiversity and animal protection, and how our purchasing of items like coffee and chocolate can have a positive or negative effect on biodiversity” Webb explains. 

Students that follow the Center for Sustainability on Instagram can receive a free flight tray of Fair Trade coffee. Other drinks from Coppa Co are also available for purchase. All other community members can purchase coffee flights for four dollars. Endangered Species Chocolate, a brand that prioritizes conservation through donations and sustainably sourced ingredients, will be available for tasting.

Elijah Studt, a freshman, explained he will be attending the event because “I want to know what difference I can make” to conserve natural resources. 

After an hour of live music from Selah Kurtz and Linette Taylor, Knapp will share stories about the animal encounters he has experienced around the firepit at Coppa Co.  If you are still on the fence of whether to attend, Knapp has already considered this possibility

“Even if the stories fail, we still have hot chocolate and fire.”★

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Changes to Residence Hall Life

By Jax Johnson

Fall semester has come to Houghton University and students have settled into their respective housing locations. While every year brings new beginnings, this year provided more than previous years with the dorm changes for the ‘22 -’23 academic year. Due to the renovations in Shenawana, Lambein has been temporarily converted into a men’s dorm, which, in turn, has made Gillette the only women’s dorm this year.  

  Students like sophomore Jacob Holmberg are happy with these changes, saying, “Lambien is an upgrade to Roth. The rooms are bigger, there’s more storage, and the showers are twice as big. It’s also nice not having to walk up Roth hill every day. It makes me understand why girls outweigh the guys here at Houghton.”

 Others like junior Sarah Rider, a previous Lambein resident, are embracing their new home. Rider discussed that she has enjoyed events such as the Great Gillette Race and the overall liveliness that comes with the new combined women’s dorm. 

“I have been so grateful to have been invited into the Gillette community and really like having all the girls living in one dorm,” she said “It feels more full in there and there are more people around and opportunities to do things with others.”

Senior Izzy Murch, who was previously a resident assistant in Lambein and is now a Gillette RA, has bittersweet feelings toward the transition.

“While I was initially pretty sad about moving to Gillette my senior year after living in Lambein for the last three, I’ve found that the ability to connect with all on-campus women in the same residence hall has been incredibly rewarding and fun,” she said. “Living in a new place has kept the RA position fresh for me and has given me the opportunity to work with 13 amazing women, which would have never happened if I still lived in Lambein. I still miss my creekside view, though!”

Senior Kathryn Groff, another Gillette RA who has moved over from Lambein, has shared her thoughts on her new experiences.“It definitely is a learning experience having lived in Lambein the past three years, but it’s wonderful to have previous Gillette RAs lead the way and with such patience,” Groff said “Additionally, it is an exciting opportunity as an RA to have all the women in one residence hall and focus in on what brings us together women at Houghton, and cultivating a unique culture for future generations of women who come to campus.” 

Resident Director of Gillette Hall Reagan Zelaya also expressed her excitement for Gillette’s changes by saying that she is loving the opportunity to experience the unique culture of all of the women on campus, and is hoping that this experience can display a sense of unity without the division between Lambein and Gillette. 

While the change in dorms has been an adjustment, it is also an opportunity for students to experience something new. Along with those new experiences are new dynamics created through different people living in a community.★

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Metz Changes Confuse and Concern

By Sarah Burton

The new school year of 2022-2023 at Houghton has brought in many changes, most notably the change from college to university. However, the title is not the only thing that has undergone change – Metz’s dining options for students have as well. 

Dinner hours on weekdays have been extended on Mondays through Thursdays from 8:00pm to 9:30pm. Poblano’s and Big Als have been replaced by Sizzle and Swirl with Poblano’s reappearing in the Dining Hall as a taco/burrito bar. Big Als was not as fortunate to make a return.

In an interview, sophomore Alliah Fluent remarked on the changes Metz has made this year, saying how she appreciates the smoothie bar and waffle maker but misses the pasta station. The change Fluent feels the most is the removal of meal exchange.

“Athletes are most affected by these changes,” she said. “The extended hours don’t have a lot of good options for us. I haven’t been able to visit Sizzle and Swirl yet because I haven’t had time.” 

She also mentioned the use of flex dollars, saying, “Other meal plans at other schools allow for multiple flex options; we already have a limited amount of flex dollars to spend at Java, having another place only makes it harder.” 

Sophomore Tony Agueci Jr.  discussed the changes to Metz as well. 

“I do have a problem with having to use flex dollars for the “Swirl” half,” he said. “I feel like a big part of Houghton culture is the ice cream being always available in the Dining Hall.”

He also mentioned that Houghton was the number one consumer of ice cream from the company from which it used to buy.

“Houghton ate the most ice cream of all. I feel like that’s a name we should try to live up to, as unhealthy as it sounds,” he said.

To be able to do this, Agueci believes it would be a good idea to move the soft-serve back upstairs at least, while keeping the special flavors downstairs.

In terms of the Poblano’s burrito bar, he really only has one fear. 

“What I know is that the Poblano’s station is where they used to serve Buffalo chicken nuggets, so I hope the burritos don’t replace the ‘buff nuggs!’” he said.

Change is always difficult, and the Houghton student body is facing a lot of it this year. In response to Metz’s new dining options, the majority of students seem concerned not only about the use of flex dollars, or the accommodations for various student groups, but also how it impacts the culture of the campus as a whole.★

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Could Houghton Become a University?

​To compete with its top competitors, a task force has been formed to potentially rename Houghton College to Houghton University. Comprised of Houghton students, faculty, alumni, staff, and trustees, the taskforce is being co-chaired by Jason Towers, Houghton’s Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing, and JoAnne Barnes, a member of Houghton’s Board of Trustees. Together, the two have made a significant amount of progress with their team in potentially turning Houghton into a university.

In an email about the task force’s recent success, Towers reported to the STAR that “the feedback we received from the taskforce, Student Council, the larger faculty, the Alumni Foundation, the Athletics Advisory Board, and the President’s Advisory Board has been exceptionally positive and supportive of this potential change.” After this feedback was received, the task force submitted a positive recommendation to President Lewis in which these supportive groups were cited. It then was decided by Lewis that he would bring this recommendation to the Board of Trustees on April 25th or 26th with a final decision following. When this decision is made, a submission will be sent to New York State with Towers and company expecting a “swift confirmation because we do in fact meet the new criteria established by the state for University status in January of this year.”

There are several reasons why Houghton is pushing for possible university status. One of them is what “university” status means to the various student groups that the college serves. Towers explained this meaning in relation to his experience in the Enrollment and Marketing field. He wrote, “For our international and Canadian students, the word ‘College’ is more equivalent to junior or community college and as a result, requires significant explanation if they return to their home country for employment. Further, in the recruitment process many of those students will not even consider us [Houghton] because we are a college.”

The second reason is in regards to Houghton’s preexisting graduate programs. In the eyes of students who are seeking a graduate program, Houghton’s status as a college may turn them away due to colleges sometimes being seen as “pre-graduate” schools that do not offer graduate programs. Houghton is trying to change this because it already offers graduate programs in Business Administration, Education/Literacy, and Music, which all meet the criteria for university status. 

The third reason is regarding local competition, particularly in Buffalo, having made this change recently. Towers explained, “Several of our local competitors in Buffalo have recently changed from College to University and this change will allow us to remain competitive with them. Further, it provides evidence of our commitment to historically underserved areas.” ★

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Big Bats, Big Swings, and Breaking Records

By Isaac Little

  The Houghton Highlanders Softball team has seen a great amount of success during the 2022 season. The team currently holds an overall record of 16-15 (4-6 conference), splitting games against top-ranked teams, such as defending Empire 8 Champions, Alfred University, who appeared in the NCAA Division III National Tournament during their 2021 campaign. Under the direction of first-year coach, Chad Muise, the Highlanders have had a historic season, breaking the record for most wins in a season. Although the team is pleased with their results so far, they stay hungry as they continue to fight for a spot in the Empire 8 Conference tournament.

         After speaking with graduate student Barbara Richert (‘22) about emotions surrounding this year’s success, she states, “we have been able to connect the pieces and are seeing great results. Watching this team continue to break program records has been so rewarding for everyone.”  Richert continues to commend her teammates for their hitting success, saying “this year we have had an exceptional number of players knock one out of the park. Nothing gets me more hyped than seeing a ball clear the fence and my teammate’s wide smile as they jog around the bases.” The Highlanders have seen home runs from Hannah Haskell (‘22), who has hit three; Carlee Miller (‘24), who has hit two; Grace Thompson (‘22), who has hit one;  and Elise Swanson (’23), Chyanne Bushyhead (23′) and Adelynn Killian (‘25), who have both hit their first career home run this season. The Highlanders are ranked first amongst all the teams in the E8’s for batting average, and three of the Highlanders are individually ranked within the top 10 under this same category.

         The Highlanders have also seen a great amount of success from their pitchers this season as they pose a major threat to anyone who dares to challenge them at the plate. Houghton’s prolific pitchers include Kayla Loomis (‘23), Jen Burrows (‘23), and Alisabeth Crandall (‘24), who each bring their own unique skill set on the mound. When talking to Barbara Richert (‘22) about strategies that have proved to be successful thus far, she stated, “our team has worked to be intentional with the practices we have, taking each rep to improve, learn, and grow, while also taking the time to make smart decisions on the field has helped us beat out our competitors.” The Highlanders use data analytics to their favor by tracking and recording each pitch thrown to determine the best way to attack the opposition and exploit their weakness.

         When discussing the topic of the coaching transition in the program, spiritual leader Hannah Chorey (‘23) states that “Coach Chad has made the transition extremely easy. His knowledge of the game is very high, and the genuine care he shows our team is invaluable. He makes us strive to grow as players and our knowledge of the game each and every day.” It has been proven that Chorey plays an instrumental role in the outfield, as she made many big plays, specifically in one of the Highlanders’ biggest wins of the season over the defending  Empire 8 champions, Alfred University. It is clear that the Highlanders have learned much from Coach Muise, as their historic season continues to develop each day.

         As the Houghton Softball team enters the tail end of their season, the team looks to build on their success in the earlier part of the season. Barbara Richert (‘22) states, “we have proved to ourselves and the entire conference that we can defeat high level teams.” The Houghton Softball program looks to continue their historic season, hungry to make their first appearance in the Empire 8 Conference Tournament. ★