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‘Spot On, Not On, September 27th

Auditions for Houghton’s next bi-annual variety show, SPOT, concluded and leave some people skeptical of the event. According to director of student programs, Greg Bish, SPOT is an event “created for current students” and is “their show to enjoy” unlike school concerts which are meant for students, parents, and community members. SPOT has a different theme each semester, and this semester’s theme is “SPOT ON, NOT ON”. Bish says this semester’s SPOT will include traditional comedy and music acts along with acts meant to be “not on” or purposefully bad, as the theme indicates.

Screen Shot 2014-09-29 at 8.15.01 PMIn past years SPOT has been very popular among the student body and Bish believes there have been more auditions this year than in previous years.  He says that students are “coming up with more ideas,” but with “less things planned out.” Ideally, in the future Bish would like to see more creativity with Houghton-oriented and original material.

The lack of original acts could become a deterrent for SPOT in Bish’s opinion, but students’ thoughts on original material versus parodies is mixed. Sophomore, Michaela Rosplock commented that SPOT is “guaranteed to be funny” even with parody acts. Senior, Neal Fahey thinks that parody acts are good to “fall back on” if a student does not have good original material to perform and junior, Clara Robertson likes parody performances when they are familiar or based off of something well known. Michael Carpenter, one of this semester’s hosts, said, “I think we have some really funny acts, and I think we have some some really well done musical acts that people will really be able to enjoy.”

Something different about this season’s SPOT is that it will not include a house band because of the high amount of musical acts. Along with Greg Bish and the performers, the hosts also put a large amount of work into making SPOT a popular and exciting event among students. Along with Carpenter the other hosts are Travis Trotman, Simba Kamuriwo, and Joshua Duttweiler who were interviewed and selected by the Campus Activities Board (CAB). They were chosen for their ideas on how they would run the show and are expected to entertain the audience in between acts as well as inform them of per

Auditions for Houghton’s next bi-annual variety show, SPOT, concluded and leave some people skeptical of the event. According to director of student programs, Greg Bish, SPOT is an event “created for current students” and is “their show to enjoy” unlike school concerts which are meant for students, parents, and community members. SPOT has a different theme each semester, and this semester’s theme is “SPOT ON, NOT ON”. Bish says this semester’s SPOT will include traditional comedy and music acts along with acts meant to be “not on” or purposefully bad, as the theme indicates.

In past years SPOT has been very popular among the student body and Bish believes there have been more auditions this year than in previous years.  He says that students are “coming up with more ideas,” but with “less things planned out.” Ideally, in the future Bish would like to see more creativity with Houghton-oriented and original material.

The lack of original acts could become a deterrent for SPOT in Bish’s opinion, but students’ thoughts on original material versus parodies is mixed. Sophomore, Michaela Rosplock commented that SPOT is “guaranteed to be funny” even with parody acts. Senior, Neal Fahey thinks that parody acts are good to “fall back on” if a student does not have good original material to perform and junior, Clara Robertson likes parody performances when they are familiar or based off of something well known. Michael Carpenter, one of this semester’s hosts, said, “I think we have some really funny acts, and I think we have some some really well done musical acts that people will really be able to enjoy.”

Something different about this season’s SPOT is that it will not include a house band because of the high amount of musical acts. Along with Greg Bish and the performers, the hosts also put a large amount of work into making SPOT a popular and exciting event among students. Along with Carpenter the other hosts are Travis Trotman, Simba Kamuriwo, and Joshua Duttweiler who were interviewed and selected by the Campus Activities Board (CAB). They were chosen for their ideas on how they would run the show and are expected to entertain the audience in between acts as well as inform them of performers.

SPOT will take place at the on the Saturday before homecoming week’s activities instead of at the end of them this semester. Trotman said, “It’s good to have it on the Saturday, that way a lot more students can come. Usually students do come to SPOT so it’d be great to kick off with SPOT and then you end off with the concert.” Another reason for the change has to do with the importance of the dedication of KPAC. Duttweiler said, “KPAC is a big deal, so they’re kicking it off this year. I’m not sure if this is a permanent change or just because of this year, but I think they’re leaning towards it.” SPOT will take place on Saturday, September 27th in Wesley Chapel. Students will have access to the chapel at 9:30 p.m. and the show begins at 10.

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Honors Curriculum Undergoing Changes

The Honors curriculum at Houghton underwent changes this semester. Weekly seminars, and a new, reemphasized, London curriculum are among the latest expansions, along with a proposal for a curriculum aimed at transfer students.

The Honors department’s decision to add weekly seminars materialized from honors students wishing that their first-year experiences did not have to end. Traditionally, first years go through an intense curriculum that doesn’t fit their schedule into their sophomore year. The curriculum’s emphasis has always been on “radically developmental experiences,” said Professor Benjamin Lipscomb, director of honors.

LukeLauer_Honors_GrayscaleIn order to keep the structure of the Honors present through the rest of their college experience, Lipscomb designed weekly seminars so that Honors students could get together and discuss challenging topics. “Students from different tracks and years mix together, studying topics of special interest to the faculty teaching them,” Lipscomb said.

The new London curriculum is also an exciting extension of the honors offerings. While it isn’t the same curriculum it used to be, Honors in London still embodies what study abroad semesters are all about: developmental experiences. “Students gain greatly from settling down in a foreign context for a longer period, from learning to navigate it independently to encountering the resources of world-class galleries and museums,” said Lipscomb.

The semester abroad in London might not have returned if it wasn’t for its powerful appeal to prospective students. No other college does anything like this. “It’s a highly distinctive offering that helps lodge Houghton’s name in the minds of prospective students,” stated Lipscomb. Honors in London gets prospective students to take a closer look at Houghton and the integrated, interdisciplinary curricula that the college has to offer and they could be a part of.

The proposal for Honors curricula intended for transfer students is waiting to be approved for next fall. The first-year curricula could not be used because they are built around the college’s core requirements, which many transfers complete at previous institutions before coming to Houghton. Also, a transfer student is more likely to be in a different place “developmentally and socially,” than a first-year student, said Lipscomb. Thus the need for different course offerings.

The transfer curriculum would entail one six-hour course to be taken in the fall; a little less rigorous compared to first-year students whose curriculum lasts the full academic year. The curriculum combines biblical studies and theology, since those are  requirements most transfers have not satisfied yet. Lipscomb said the “Reduced size and the fall semester placement are both acknowledgments of the needs of transfers, as is the pairing of disciplines.”

Ryan Spear, Associate Director of Admissions, thinks that the recent and potential changes to the Honors offerings will benefit current and prospective students. Spear concluded, “Houghton has a great reputation for offering unique learning opportunities and the expansion of our Honors offerings is a great way to reflect this culture.”

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Scotland Votes to Remain Part of UK

After a close vote last Thursday, Scottish citizens voted to remain a part of the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom, made of up of Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and England, united with Scotland in 1603. In 1707, however, The Acts of Union united England and Scotland under one Crown and Parliament. Nearly splitting the population down the middle with a vote of 45-55, the population remains divided and the future of the nation somewhat uncertain.

DaniUpon the announcement of the vote according to an article in The Wall Street Journal, the crowd of divided supporters and oppositionists, gathered in Glasgow’s George Square, erupted in tension and disagreements. Though there were no injuries, authorities were forced to intervene arresting 11 citizens were on counts of public disorder offenses, including vandalism.

According to a CNN article, while many financial markets and governments around the world were reassured by the vote some were unsettled and unhappy about the results of the vote. The significant size of the independent movement, it’s large amount of supporters, and many dissatisfied opinions in regard to the vote in Scotland suggests that there could be another cry for independence within the next decade or two. This cry, according to The New York Times, gives Scottish citizens who want independence for the country a larger platform to press for greater powers and autonomy that British leaders promised during the campaign.

Alex Salmond, Scotland’s first minister and leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party, announced his resignation, effective in November, shortly after the vote. Though he was proud of the pro-independence movement and its effectiveness, he said it was now time to hold British officials to their promises of greater autonomy for Scotland

UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, however said, “Like millions of other people, I am delighted.” Cameron added that this was an opportunity for the United Kingdom to make some changes and help ease the discontent among those who are unhappy with the current situation. Cameron said “a new and fair settlement” will be created for Scotland and the other countries in the United Kingdom.

Among the many supporters of the Scotland’s decision to stay part of the United Kingdom was Queen Elizabeth II. She said that the outcome will be met with a range of emotions, but is hopeful. She also said, “Now, as we move forward, we should remember that despite the range of views that have been expressed, we have in common an enduring love of Scotland, which is one of the things that helps to unite us all.”

One issue that is yet to be resolved, however, is Scotland’s stance on nuclear weapons. In his campaign for an independent Scotland, Salmond promised that if freed from British rule, Scotland would become a non-nuclear nation within five years of gaining independence. The location of the United Kingdom’s Trident nuclear submarine base in Scotland, which is due for potential renewal in upcoming years, is still the cause for much discussion. Had Scotland voted yes for their independence, plans for the removal of the Trident had been put in place. According to RT, a British news source, a former defence chief warned removing the UK’s Trident nuclear submarine base from an independent Scotland would “add a dangerous period of destabilization” to the UK’s “nuclear defense posture.” While the relocation of the case is very likely, it is causing a stir among British defense leaders due the astronomical price the relocation would cost the United Kingdom. If the need to relocate the Trident were to arise it could cost the nation upwards of billions of dollars and take at least a decade.

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SGA President: Katharine Lebrecque

With the new changes brought to SGA this fall, positions entail different responsibilities. Senior, Katharine Labrecque, serves as this year’s president, heading up the newly organized student government.

Labrecque has been involved in student government since her freshman year in high school. She served as secretary for four years and continued that role her first and sophomore year at Houghton for the class of 2015. Last year, she served as a senator for the political science department. This year she begins a different role, as president.

“There are a lot more responsibilities. It’s hard because I am overseeing the different officers, making sure they are carrying out their roles while also being supportive,” said Labrecque regarding the transition, “I like having a clear goal in mind and to write notes. But I do carry that into this role, I still take notes. And just being organized… that has been a strength.”

Her role is to oversee all of the executive council and to represent the student body: their needs and their voice. One of her biggest objectives is to make herself available to receive feedback from students.

“Whether that is from personal interaction with students in my classes or on the soccer team, a suggestion box, or just having people come in the office,” said Labrecque, “I think [my role is] just about the students and I don’t think that I am any more important than they are, but I am a way that they can get their voice heard to faculty, staff and to people who are in charge of the college.”

Through the reorganization of the cabinets, there are less members total. Without senators, the power of SGA is much more concentrated. Due to having a fewer amount of representatives, Labrecque has encouraged members to seek student input.

“It’s a whole new system set up and we are working on our constitution and bylaws and making sure that they align with the college policies,” said Labrecque, “A huge focus now is on the non-traditional students, in Buffalo, and what role we can have there.”

As a dual Political Science and International Development major, Labrecque’s interests of studies converge in her role. Although not knowing where she will end up, she knows how she has been called to act. Her involvement with SGA at Houghton is in line with her goals to prepare for the future.

“I definitely feel like God has put on my heart that I need to be a voice for people who are not heard,” said Labrecque, “And I feel that whatever it is, whether it is politics, which I am interested in, or for government agencies, specifically in development or public policy, that I can really advocate the people and make it about the people.”

Currently, Labrecque is lending her voice to Houghton students. Yet, beyond the population of Houghton, Labrecque is concerned with justice and advocacy on a broader scale.

“I feel like our politics, in the US, are very much separate, there is a lack of unity,” said Labrecque, “It has been frustrating to see that people are suffering because we can’t get along and we can’t make trade-offs.”

Labrecque’s passion to serve has allowed her to take on many roles. As president, Labrecque launches SGA into a new year structured by new organization. Perhaps students will respond to her vision of a refurbished SGA, sharing her passion for the voice of the individual, and creating the necessary dialog between the two.

“This is new for me. I want to make SGA something that is not a governing body, but a resource. It can be a way that we can communicate with students and let them know about the things that are going on in the world and on campus, just make it transparent.” said Labrecque, “I think there have been a lot of negative connotations attached to SGA and I want to rid that. I want to make it a place that people associate with this comfortable body of student leaders who are desired and work for the rest of the campus.”

Different ways to connect with Labrecque and other member of SGA include: looking for SGA members around campus, emailing SGA at sga@houghton.edu, sending a comment or sharing feedback through intra-campus mail marked SGA, scheduling a coffee date with the president, or visiting the office in the basement of the Campus Center and leaving a prayer request.

 

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SGA Restructures as Council

 

The Houghton Student Government Association (SGA) has eliminated senator positions in an effort to build a more efficient representative system. This new Council supplants the Senate. It comes as a reaction to the low enrollment that Houghton has seen over the past few years and decreased participation in the SGA.

Senior, Wynn Horton, executive officer of committees, explains, “Two years ago the Senate and Cabinet of the SGA were the two separate bodies that made up the SGA. This meant each class had 3 representatives, there were 8 general representatives, and then the additional Cabinet members. Last year, we attempted to more accurately represent the ‘representative districts’ on campus by adjusting to a system of dorm and academic department reps.

“After spending most of last year with numerous vacancies and poor efficiency in the Senate structure, they voted to attempt another restructuring – this time much smaller and more consolidated than before. This idea would eliminate the separate Senate and Cabinet structures and create an Executive Council comprised of six generally elected executive officers, four class-elected representatives, a vice president, and a president.”

AnthonyBurdo_SGAThe intent of this restructuring is to increase competition for positions by reducing the supply to match demand. A smaller council will be able to work more effectively because it will not have as much of a need for structural decorum. Members will be able to more easily work out solutions to class issues as well as make decisions on club funding and committees.

While eliminating the senatorial positions, the SGA has created several new and focused positions for the Council. This group oversees all classes through their respective class presidents as well as by direct means. As it stands, it consists of 12 positions: general president and vice President, one president for each class, as well as executive officers of finance, committees, spiritual life, communications, non-traditional students, and student life. Each class president oversees a class cabinet that works to help individual years and puts on class-wide events. The Council also oversees five council committees and 13 committees led by the SGA and the college.

Horton described the role of the SGA in coming years, “As the college grows and determines what form it shall take in the world of higher education, the student government must be prepared to assist in these changes as best they can. It was generally thought to be in the best interest to condense the empty positions and strengthen what remained. Structures will, as the college will, change with time. We can only hope that for now, we have made the decisions that will be the best for not only this student body, but for many to come.”

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Houghton Considers New Majors

Three new majors are in the process of being approved for Houghton, including engineering, data science, and social entrepreneurship. While the ultimate decisions on these have not been made, there has been a significant amount of research and thought involved.

FancherThe process of adding a new major to the academic program begins with a proposal, most time from faculty, but sometimes from alumni or current students. From there, the program is presented to the academic council and is then voted on by the faculty. If the program passes it then proceeds to New York State for approval.

In evaluating promising new academic fields for Houghton, Dean Linda Mills Woolsey explains that a program must “fit our mission and liberal arts character, attract students, and have a clear connection to vocation.”

The consideration for adding an engineering major at Houghton began about four years ago and was examined more thoroughly by former associate dean of natural science and mathematics, Keith Horn. Presently, a proposal is being prepared to gain approval towards the process of moving forward.

In describing what such a major would look like at Houghton, current associate dean of natural science and mathematics, Professor Mark Yuly, explains there is attention being given to “mainstream disciplines” such as electrical engineering and computer science engineering. Yuly believes that engineering would be a good fit to Houghton’s mission as it will “educate students to go out and transform the world” and goes on to say, “engineering is the twin of science, translating science into something that will help people.”

There is no specific timeline for the instating of an engineering program at Houghton. Woolsey said, “We will actively explore engineering until something tells us to stop.”

The consideration of a data science major at Houghton began about a year ago when Carmen McKell, an alumna psychology major, was contacted by the president’s office about an unrelated matter. McKell later connected with President Shirley Mullen about her and her husband’s specialty consulting firm that focuses on analytical science. She expressed that her liberal arts education prepared her for her profession. This began the curiosity of what such a program would look like at Houghton.

After researching similar programs around the country, it was discovered that data science was almost nonexistent in undergraduate programs and even less prominent at Christian colleges. Department chair of business and economics, Professor Ken Bates, said that interestingly enough “there is a specific demand for students with data science training.” Presently, there is a working group of faculty exploring the field of data science.

Bates says the possible social entrepreneurship major stemmed from hearing students explain their uncertainty in what they wanted to pursue after Houghton, but recognizing they wanted to help people. Such a major would satisfy the interest in serving others as well as provide a practical degree that would result in a job. Bates explains that social entrepreneurship is the “merging of starting a business and doing helpful things with that business.  The service provided meets people’s needs and finds traction in a specific focus.”

Both data science and social entrepreneurship are expected to be offered as majors as of Fall 2016.  However, various classes in these particular areas of study are expected to be offered.

As boundaries are becoming blurred between various fields of study, Woolsey believes that it is now more important than ever to foster a liberal arts education that creates connections between such fields. Woolsey adds that the most exciting thing for her in this process is the “widening opportunity for our students, as well as seeing the faculty becoming enthusiastic for new projects and programs.”

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17 Students Enroll at Buffalo Satellite Campus

The addition of a satellite campus in Buffalo is one of the hanges that have happened recently at Houghton. This campus provides an opportunity to receive a 2-year Associate of the Arts Degree through Houghton College. Upon graduation, students are granted automatic admission into the bachelor’s program at Houghton’s main campus, should they choose to accept.

BuffaloSkyline 2Currently, there are 17 students enrolled, representing five different areas of the world. Several of the students are refugees who have been living in Buffalo for less than six years, from places like Burma, Thailand, Congo, and elsewhere, according to Dean of Extension Studies, Scott McClelland. Many of these students are first generation students who are learning English during their pursuit of higher education.

Both Houghton’s Buffalo program and Houghton itself, McClelland says, were created as a means to provide an education about the broader world in a Christian environment. McClelland quoted the mission of Houghton Buffalo as “…providing our educational distinctive to students who are economically diverse.”

This education being provided is as diverse as the students themselves. According to Houghton Buffalo’s page on the Houghton College website, courses are offered in fine arts, theology, mathematics, and others, all in Buffalo. These courses are taught by a combination of current full-time professors, and local Adjunct professors who are familiar with the Buffalo area.

In addition to professors, there are other Houghton members and alumni assisting in the start of program. Director of CASA, Mark Hunter works closely with the students to help them with their English vocabulary skills, while professor Laurie Dashnau offers the services of the Writing Center to Buffalo students on Fridays. Three recent Houghton alumni, Amanda Wojcinksi, Elizabeth Wallace, and Roxanne Kehr also provide daily tutoring sessions through the AmeriCorps program. Programs such as tutoring sessions and other programs help the students transition into their new life as they move between two cultural contexts every day.

The Buffalo area, particularly within church populations, has already recognized Houghton as a college community for providing tutoring services and service learning opportunities in the region. With the development of the new Houghton Buffalo program, members of the Buffalo community have an opportunity to be reached in a way they have not experienced before.  McClelland says, “Now we have become neighbors, with an educational site to help urban students as Houghton students. The difference is huge.”

The program also looks to make sure that Houghton Buffalo students aware they are part of a larger college community in addition to the Buffalo community. Students will be making three trips to Houghton’s main campus this semester, where one of the courses is being taught. Looking toward the future, McClelland also says that he hopes to establish some sort of video conferencing to help tie the colleges together.

Video conferencing is just one of the ways that McClelland hopes to integrate the two campuses in the future. As Buffalo students come to Houghton to be a part of the larger community, McClelland would like Houghton students to know that they have an opportunity to be part of the revival in Buffalo as well by participating in the semester at Buffalo program that the college offers.

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After a Two Year Decline, the Incoming Class is Up 10% From Last Year

After two straight years of decline in enrollment, Houghton’s numbers have risen again. “We are back up,” said Eric Currie, Vice President for Enrollment Management.

There are 302 new students this fall, more than a ten percent increase compared to last year’s incoming class of 277. Of those 302 students, 50 are transfers and 26 are international. China, Cameroon, Nigeria, Uganda, and Venezuela are just a few of the countries represented by the new students at Houghton.

In order to bring numbers up this semester the admissions team, alongside the marketing and the communications offices, thought of new ways to advertise Houghton College. “We started with updating the branding of the college,” said Ryan Spear, Associate Director of Admission. Through things like the “Rethink” campaign, Spear said the admissions team wanted to challenge prospective students to reconsider their education and what it means to them.

In an effort to reach out to prospective students, the admissions team made appearances this summer at events such as Soulfest, Creation, and Kingdom Bound. Also, the addition of new sports teams and the Kerr-Pegula athletic facility assisted in the increase in numbers of enrollment.

JoshDuttweiler_AdmissionsAdmissions attempted to emphasize the personalization of the application process, to which Currie and Spear attribute the success of incoming new students. Things such as personalized acceptance letters and arranging a perspective’s visitation day in an attempt to accommodate their interests are a few things that “set Houghton apart from other schools,” said Spear.

Even though it is time consuming to personalize so much of the prospective student process, it is certainly worth it to Spear. Prospective students ranked Houghton very high in personal communication. “My acceptance letter was really sweet and personal, it included things from my application and mentioned my recommendations which was cool,” said freshman, Erica Barney.

Admissions counselors helped incoming students to prepare and eager to attend Houghton. Barney said that her admissions counselor was “really sweet and right off the bat and was talking to me about what to look forward to when I came to Houghton.”

It wasn’t always easy getting potential students to enroll though, Currie said economics was the largest struggle this past year. In a survey taken by prospective students, the majority said the greatest barrier of being unable to attend Houghton was finances. Spear said fear of loans and affordability of  tuition kept potential students from applying to Houghton.

Now Houghton has a partnership with the Loan Repayment Assistance Program foundation (LRAP) to help out with those financial issues. Spear said that the LRAP serves as a “safety net for students.” This program covers up to 100% of all federal, private, and Parent PLUS loans at no cost to the student or parent. Spear said, “It addresses people’s financial confidence and allows students to pursue their calling right away.”

Admissions is hoping to meet their stretch goal of 315 enrolling new students in the fall of 2015 and is already preparing for next year, Currie said,“We are already in full swing.” Admissions recently ran their first email campaign and have already started to receive applications from prospective students. Spear said admissions staff will continue the personalization that is so well known of the college.

Admissions is reaching out to the largest number of students ever, visiting over 150 college fairs and 225 high schools this fall. Though that is likely to draw in many perspectives, the admissions team is trying not to get ahead of themselves. “We are trying to be realistic on what we can attain,” said Currie.

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Ebola Persists, The U.S. Fights Back

During his visit to the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta on Tuesday, President Obama announced a new course of action the U.S. will take in the fight against the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. This plan comes after complaints from those on the frontlines in the fight against the virus that there has been an inadequate response by the U.S. and other able nations. The World Health Organization (WHO), local governments, and aid groups all in agreeance the epidemic is currently out of hand. In his speech on Tuesday, Obama described it as “spiraling out of control.”

CoryBrautigamThe new plan will be an estimated $763 million expansion of the current aid from the U.S., according to USA Today. A training program will be set up in order to train 500 health care workers a week. Medecins Sans Frontieres  (French for “Doctors Without Borders”) called medical staff the greatest need by far at present. Along with the training program, the U.S. will also be building 17 new Ebola treatment centers, as all Ebola treatment centers are currently full. As soon as new treatment centers open they are immediately filled, according to the WHO.

Obama has committed 3,000 additional military personnel to be sent to Liberia to carry out the aid efforts. According to CNN, the Liberian leadership requested the help of the U.S. military with civilian efforts in Liberia. Major General Darryl Williams, the commander of the U.S. Army Africa, will be leading the effort from Monrovia, the Liberian capital. Operation United Assistance, the name assigned to this effort, will also involve what Obama is calling an “air bridge”, making medical supplies and health care workers more accessible to the region.

Officials say this is not a U.S. takeover of the aid effort, but instead it is an example other countries should follow. According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. are to host an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council this upcoming week to seek commitments from other nations and generate an effective plan for moving forward in the fight against Ebola.

On Tuesday, Obama addressed the fact that the response from the international community needs to be prompt, saying, “We can save lives. But we have to act fast.” U.S. officials have acknowledged Obama’s announcement on Tuesday is a reflection of the fact that there is currently not enough being done in the effort against the virus. The hope is that this surge of aid from the U.S. will be a turning point in the Ebola epidemic. During Obama’s announcement, he stated how we fight the disease is “not a mystery,” and called for a global response to follow the lead of the U.S. The WHO estimates it will take $1 billion to get ahead of the virus and control it.

Laurie Garrett, a global health and infectious disease expert at the Council on Foreign Relations said, “To get ahead of the virus, we need to have a massive presence on the ground yesterday.” Whether or not this is too little too late is still up in the air. Experts say if nothing more is done, we could be looking at hundreds of thousands infected. BBC News says some disease experts are questioning the focus of the U.S. effort on Liberia, believing it to be too narrow as the disease has spread beyond Liberia and continues to spread. While there is still skepticism about the sufficiency of this effort by the U.S., most non-government organizations are optimistic after Obama’s announcement Tuesday.

Obama’s announcement is, in part, a response to concerned Americans who are worried about the virus spreading into the U.S. The White House said, “The Ebola epidemic in West Africa and the humanitarian crisis there is a top national security priority for the United States.” The U.S. continues to talk about this epidemic as a global security issue as opposed to a health crisis.

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Solar Panel Installation to Begin Next Week

Houghton College plans to begin construction on 11 acres of solar panels in the Field of Dreams at the end of next week in hopes of reducing electrical costs by half. A grant for a fully funded and operated solar array, given to Houghton College by Groundwater and Environmental Services (GES), will generate roughly three million kilowatt hours of electricity per year; this is equivalent to fueling electricity to 400 homes for a year.

The process started about two years ago with Brian Webb, Houghton College’s Sustainability Coordinator. As per his job title, Webb looks for ways to “be good stewards of the environment and achieve as many renewable energy options as we can,” one of these options he has chosen to pursue has been the installation of the solar array. The installation of the solar array will reduce the college’s carbon footprint by 23% each year by the use of natural sunlight.

GES and Houghton have agreed on a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement, or PPA, that will save the college anywhere from $1 to $3 million over the course of the years. The process of the PPA is as follows: GES operates the solar array while the college pays for the energy at a set amount and receives the energy generated. Rochester Gas and Electric (RGE) will then buy the energy generated from Houghton at market rates.

According to Webb, “There are few issues more important than how we, in the twenty-first century, treat the natural environment.”

“But at what cost?” asks, Katherine Tomlinson, one of Houghton College’s Eco-Representatives.  Students like Tomlinson question, not just the monetary cost of the solar array, but also the environmental cost such as the habitats that will be affected in the marshland where the panels will be placed.

Nonetheless, the The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) affirms that Houghton College will not only have the largest solar array in Western New York, but the largest on-campus solar array in the country. Webb said, “People will recognize Houghton as a school that is willing to make efforts towards clean energy and students can learn first-hand how to promote it.”

The road used to access the solar array will extend from the trail, and will not interfere with the athletic fields, during or after construction.  Construction of the array will continue through to the end of January. After construction, GES and RGE will work with Houghton activate the panels so they will be ready for use by early spring.