Category: News

By Sarah Burton

In February of 2022, Houghton College announced that Esther Webb was to become Houghton’s sixth Women’s Head Soccer Coach, filling the role formerly held by Nikki Elsaesser. Webb grew up in Houghton and graduated from the college in 2016, going on to coach at a few other Christian colleges before coming back to Houghton this year. 

The search process for filling any position at the college level is an extensive and time-consuming process. At Houghton College, it is important to find faculty and staff that reflect the values of the college as well as expertise in the given positions. In an email, Dr. Karen Torraca, who was the Chair of the Search Committee, explained the inner workings of the search process. It begins with a nation-wide position posting, followed by application reviews, then two interviews, one online and the other in-person. During this, the search committee narrows down candidates after each point of the process to just one, which they submit to the President to approve. 

During the in-person interview, the candidates for the position come to campus and interact with various members, such as a representative from Student Life, other faculty and staff, and the President. This part of the search process includes the student body of the campus, allowing the search committee to receive an impression of how well the candidate would fit into the campus body. Torraca mentioned how important these interactions are because the final candidate is selected and sent to the President for approval “based on input from the search committee and from all those participating in the in-person interviews.” 

Alliah Fluent (‘25) recalled these interactions, saying “Throughout this search process, I felt like the opinion of the team was important to the search team and I felt our opinions on the candidates were heard and taken into consideration… I am excited for the future coach Nikki is going to have and I am also excited about the future of this team with coach Esther leading us.” Her hopes for the team include Webb creating strong offensive and defensive teams, using the unique skills that each player brings onto the field. 

Torraca gave feedback about the selection process for Webb, saying “The search committee came to a unanimous decision on Esther Webb. [She] is a great fit for Houghton with respect to her faith. Since she knows and understands Houghton well, she will be able to recruit well and build a strong team.” On behalf of the entire search committee, Torraca is confident in the potential of Webb as the new Women’s Head Soccer coach.

In a memo sent from President Lewis to the Houghton College Community on February 15th, he expressed as much enthusiastic confidence in Webb as Torraca, saying “her playing experience, knowledge of the game and coaching experience– combined with her passion for sports ministry and her love for and knowledge of Houghton, uniquely qualifies her for this opportunity.” He concluded the memo by calling for congratulations and welcoming her back to the community.  

When asked about how she felt about the new Head Coach, Chloe Shaw (‘25) stated “I was unsure how I felt about coach Nikki leaving… but I am looking forward to working with coach Esther and really excited to start working with this group of girls again.” Shaw’s aspirations for this upcoming season include “accomplishing a winning record.” With this kind of optimism, the Women’s Soccer Team is ready for their next season, with Webb at the helm. ★

By Jacqueline Johnson

Members of Lyric Theater are excitedly preparing for this spring’s production of Arthur Sullivan and Willam Gilbert’s Pirates of Penzance. Performances will occur from March 31 through April 2 in Houghton’s Wesley Chapel.

Directed by Professor Amanda Cox, Pirates of Penzance is a comedic opera that offers up a phenomenal cast who are sure to put on a wonderful performance. It follows the story of a young pirate apprentice (Michael McLure (‘22)), and the hilarious miscommunications that ensue as his apprenticeship is completed, with ample song and dance along the way. 

Professor Cox notes her excitement for the show, saying, “I have had such a wonderful time directing Pirates so far. It is a hilarious and zany show, and the students have leaned right into that. Our cast is so, so funny! The lyrics and script are so cleverly written, the music is fantastic, and the story is wild. I know our audiences will have a delightful time. I am so very proud of the hard work, skill, and courage of our students as they throw themselves fully into their characters and tell this rollicking tale!”

The cast is certainly impressive, with the Pirate King played by Caleb Durant (‘22), Samuel by Ethan Carr, Frederic by Michael McLure (‘22), Ruth by Bekah Scharf, Mabel by Rachel McVeigh (‘23), Kate by Bridget Sobolewski (‘23), Isabel by Emily Quick (‘23), and many more outstanding cast members.

Those involved in the production team include chorus master Rachel Logee, pianist Andrew Reith, conductor Jack Smith, stage manager Madge Chroniger, choreographer Linette Taylor (‘23), and Cody Johnson (‘24) (who will also be portraying the Major General for two out of four performances) on set design. 

Caleb Durant (‘22) says how much he has loved working with Professor Cox and the rest of the cast. “She [Professor Cox] creates an atmosphere of safety and acceptance that makes it possible for us to be vulnerable and creative.”

Josey Ikker (‘24), who plays Edith, also expresses excitement towards the upcoming show saying, “I love almost everything about this musical; working with Professor Cox is always a joy. She knows how to present new ideas to others in rehearsal and she makes sure everyone is involved stage-wise. Pirates of Penzance is definitely a show worth checking out with grand operatic and comedic fun.”

i! This show contains a lot of laughter and entertainment, and many are sure to enjoy this show that the cast and crew has worked hard on. ★

By Isaac Little

The Houghton Men’s Tennis team completed their 2021 spring campaign by claiming the Empire 8 Championship title and competing in the Division III National Tournament for the first time in program history. Since then, the program has promoted Coach Zach Shilvock to the Head Coach position, who has added five new faces to the roster. Although the Highlanders understand the obstacles that will arise during the season, Coach Shilvock says that he is “eager to see how this group responds to the challenges that are thrown our way this Spring”. 

Houghton Men’s Tennis is centered around brotherhood, work ethic, and grit. When speaking to Coach Zach Shilvock about the upcoming season, he stated that “this is a new team with a whole new identity and ambitions. Our team is extremely dedicated to their craft, and that will serve us well heading into competition.” The Houghton Men’s Tennis team wants to be known as the hardest working and grittiest team you play. Coach Shilvock echoed this, noting that “when you come to play Houghton, you better bring your game because we will never give up.” When speaking to captain Matt Cicero (‘22) about his ambitions for the season, he told the STAR that “I want to cement the crown on our head. To let everyone know that we are the best tennis team in the Empire 8, we belong at the top, and we will stay there for a long time. . .  I want to create a dynasty.” Cicero has played an instrumental role on the Highlanders team as he claimed the match deciding victory in the conference finals match last year where he was awarded the tournament MVP trophy. The veteran has earned his right as a leader on the team where he displays consistent dedication and effort and took on the challenge to improve the team’s fitness.

Depth is one word that could be used to describe the Men’s team. Having a roster that is close in talent provides the ability to ensure that there will be competition between every match despite who is on each side of the net. Matt Cicero (‘22) adds that “this year we have a lot of guys whose talent levels are in close proximity, and that makes for a lot of exciting doubles pairings.” Depth could prove to be the difference maker between this team compared to other teams in the past. This can be proven in the fall when the Highlanders traveled to SUNY Oswego, and three of the Highlanders starters were out. Freshman Noah Harley (‘25) claimed a clutch victory at six singles to give Houghton the 5-4 win. Harley’s effort embodied relentlessness, determination, and grit. After adding Micah Schilke (‘23), Levi Webb (‘24), and Jaimie Staerkle (‘25), who missed the SUNY Oswego match back in the mix, the Highlanders pose a serious challenge to  their opponents. 

Houghton Tennis has been blessed to have some amazing crowd support from the Houghton community and student body. Coach Zach Shilvock adds that “I can state with certainty that we would not have won the E8 Championship match against Nazareth if it wasn’t for the support we had, and in particular from our baseball team that day.” When asking about their hopes for the spring, the team stated that they have high hopes that people will come out to support them and bring some energy again this year. Coach Shilvock concluded his comments by stating that “tennis is always seen as the quiet sport, but we want to hear people cheering and getting loud at our matches.” 

The Houghton Men’s Tennis team is approaching the spring season hungry, where they hope to reclaim the Empire 8 title, and put forth a strong showing at the Division III National Tournament. Regardless of the result, the team is entering the year with the mentality of “Hold the Vision, Trust the Process.” ★

By Julia Wilmont

After a brief recess due to the pandemic, the birdwatching Mayterm is back! Houghton’s resident Ornithologist, Eli Knapp, is once again breaking out the binoculars and leading students on a wild adventure. According to Houghton College’s Course Catalog, this class is “designed to investigate the basic principles of ornithology. The bulk of this course includes in-the-field identification skills with a combination of both visual and auditory senses.” In addition, students work with “local experts as they learn to band birds and actively manage habitats to assist bird populations.”

This four week Mayterm class is broken into two sections; the first is based in Houghton, the second in Puerto Rico. “In both places it’s intense: all birds all the time,” Knapp explains, “but it’s spring, the birds are migrating, the flowers are blooming, and there’s no better time to be sliding down a ravine or mucking through a swamp after a rare species.” Participators will wake up when the birds do, and then spend the afternoons processing, reflecting, understanding, and recouping. During the first half of the class, students will sharpen their skills at local bird hot-spots. Professor Knapp says these locations are “little known gems,” including Keeney Swamp, Hanging Bog, and his personal favorite, Fort Hill, an old Native American enclave not far from Houghton. 

In the past, for the second half of the class students have ventured to special places like Yellowstone, Acadia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Iceland. A few years ago, a cohort went to Big Bend, Texas, and recent graduate Kyle Burrichter (‘21) regaled the events, saying “Texas is super rich with bird diversity, so I had no problem seeing over 150 bird species during the Mayterm. During our time there we also got to see Carlsbad Caverns, sled on sand dunes, kayak on the Rio Grande River, and eat lunch in Mexico.” This Mayterm trip may be based on birds, but that is not the only highlight. The flexibility of the schedule allows for many fun opportunities and adventures. Recent graduate Hannah Greidanus (‘21) shared that the most memorable part of the trip was “taking a 4-hour long hike with one of my friends for fun during our free time.” 

Not only is this a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but it also gives students transferable skills and experience. Burrichter said that “being able to see and appreciate so many birds I didn’t know existed was mind blowing to me. It was a part of nature I was completely overlooking.” He now works at an ecotourism camp in Cambodia, where a large part of his job is guiding birders through the forest, and explained that this was “a career path I never would have chosen if it wasn’t for this Mayterm.” Greidanus shared that in addition to a great experience, it is an “opportunity to make friends with people you see around campus, but may not necessarily know.” These friendships, combined with a fun adventure, make for an incredible opportunity. 

This year’s bird enthusiasts are headed to Puerto Rico in May. While studying in Western New York, a few feathered creatures that are likely to be spotted include the Scarlet Tanagers, Louisiana Waterthrushes, and Barred Owls. In Texas, students had the chance to see the Colima Warbler, which strictly resides on one mountain top in Big Bend National Park. In Iceland, students were able to observe the Arctic Puffins, and this year, Knapp says “we’ll do a circuit of the entire island as we hunt down the Antillean Mango, Pearly-eyed Thrasher, and the Bananaquit.” 

For more information on the birdwatching Mayterm, feel free to email Professor Eli Knapp. ★

by Anna Catherman

The celebration of President Wayne D. Lewis Jr.’s inauguration as the sixth president of Houghton College will continue with an Inauguration Day of Service on March 12, 2022. 

Volunteers will assemble at various locations throughout the areas surrounding the Houghton and Buffalo campuses to put into action the verse that President Lewis spoke on during his Inauguration last fall. Micah 6:8 lays out succinctly what Christians are expected to offer this broken world: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

The day is being coordinated and planned by the Center for Faith, Justice, and Global Engagement. Director Brian Webb explained that there are a total of 13 different project sites split between the Allegany County and Buffalo areas. Buses will transport students to the projects and bring them back; local projects are expected to run roughly from 9 a.m. to noon, while Buffalo projects will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., including transportation time. The projects will include a variety of traditional service activities such as cleaning, organizing and painting. Volunteers will help organizations with extra projects and tasks that they might not ordinarily have the time or workers to accomplish.

A variety of campus groups have signed up to volunteer together, including the Men’s soccer team, Immanuel Scholars, the Lending Paws Campaign, and the Advancement Office. “Unfortunately, it looks like the day we picked had a lot of conflicts with spring sports,” Brian Webb noted. Still, despite the fact many students were unable to attend because of this, 134 volunteers were signed up for the event as of Monday, February 28. 

When asked what excites him most about the day, Webb said, “I really like the idea of faculty, staff, and students serving together. We learn together, sometimes we’ll eat together…but it’s not very often that students, faculty, and staff get to serve together.”

President Lewis told the STAR in an email, “I am excited about the opportunity to serve with Highlanders in Allegany County and in Buffalo on the Inauguration Day of Service. This day will give us the opportunity to put our faith into action as a college community. With Micah 6:8 as the theme for my inaugural year, nothing could be more appropriate for celebrating the start of a new chapter for Houghton College than coming together to serve our communities. I look forward to serving with Highlanders I have come to know and love and meeting and serving with new friends as well.”

Highlanders are also looking forward to coming together to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly”. Madelyn Miller (‘23) expressed excitement at the opportunity to serve together. Mary Chichester (‘22) said it’s nice to see Houghton acting out its commitment to justice, adding “It’s really nice to honor what President Lewis said.” Hannah Duncan (‘22) noted “I think it will be a wonderful way to serve others. But also to live out the true spirit of what Houghton is all about: helping others.” ★

By Joshua Carpenter

Another week of exploring topics relating to the worldwide intersection of faith and justice. Of these challenges, unity in the body of Christ was the symposium’s central issue, focusing on, as the Houghton website states, “how tribalism and polarization have led to the disunity in the church, and how bold conversations can help bridge the gap toward justice and compassion.”

​Ansley Green (’22), a student intern who assisted with the symposium by finding speakers and planning events, described the symposium as “a time to look at topics in the church where faith and global justice intersect.” As Green pointed out, these topics are difficult, referring back to the symposium’s focus on having fearless conversations about difficult topics, especially at a time when the church seems so internally divided. She feels that the significance of the symposium is how it “challenges us to look into the face of topics that we typically avoid because they are uncomfortable or just plain scary.”

​Brian Webb, who is the Director of the Center of Faith, Justice, and Global Engagement at Houghton, and an instructor of Environmental Studies, was the lead planner of this year’s symposium. He described the planning process as “challenging,” since there were “a lot of moving pieces and details to put together.” However, this was a challenge he gratefully accepted, since he thinks that it’s “well worth it for the opportunity to engage our campus in challenging but important conversations,” noting cultural divisions in the church as an example to explain what he means by “important conversations.” When he was asked about the goals of the symposium, Webb replied that he hopes these conversations about faith and justice would continue so that “we can become better followers of Christ,” who “pursue justice while bringing the church closer together to listen to one another.”

Though the symposium has ended, you can still direct any comments or questions to Brian Webb.★