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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

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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Stories In Focus

Embracing the Shift

Portrait of Joey Schunemann
Courtesy of Kaitlyn Avery
By Hannah Strudivant ('25)

Embarking on a lifestyle change can be both exhilarating and terrifying. Whether someone is driven by a desire for new challenges, seeking better work-life balance, or simply craving a fresh start, transitioning to a new profession requires careful consideration and strategic planning. 

Joey Schunemann (‘24) is the jack of all trades: working for the Admissions Office in reception, leading tours and working among Student Life while on the Campus Activities Board (CAB) for three years. 

For being only a recent graduate himself, Schunemann has courageously stepped into the role of Resident Director (RD) for Houghton University’s two men’s halls: Shenawana Hall and Rothenbuehler Hall. 

Schunemann, with no prior residence life experience, effortlessly leads with organization and purpose.

“It was a complicated transition to the RD role,” Schunemann stated, “and I felt prepared but certainly nervous at times… Ultimately I just have to trust that I will be given what I need in the season that I need it.” 

Schunemann is grateful for all the support he has gotten from everyone in the Student Life office. 

The endless support and wisdom that is willingly provided in this community is the type that keeps people wanting to stay. Schunemann accredits CAB for preparing him for this role. He stated, “It is interesting to have no prior RA experience, but I really do feel like my time as a camp program director, counselor, and CAB director have all been silently equipping me over the years.” 

Schunemann’s story is a testament to the power of transferable skills and the importance of supportive environments in making significant career transitions. 

For those considering a similar change, Schunemann’s experience serves as a valuable reminder that preparation, adaptability, and the willingness to embrace support can make all the difference in turning a daunting change into a rewarding new chapter. ★

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Campus News

SPOT Returns!

SPOT 2024 Poster - Courtesy of CAB
By Joey Schunemann ('23)

In the Fall of 2021, SPOT was teetering on the edge. On a post-COVID campus that had grown weary of the campus wide spectacle even before the bi-annual variety show went remote, the chance of SPOT’s permanent cancellation was high. During the host auditions, AC Taylor told stories of previous acts gone awry and hosts who butted heads with the Campus Activities Board (CAB) at every turn. The list of auditionees to host a significant opportunity was low; one duo and one individual. The duo came in with a constrictive theme and a loose set of goals. The individual was Steve Harper. 

Harper, recent graduate with the Class of ‘22 had a vision of a renewed SPOT where the host was not awkward glue between the main event, but an act in and of itself with monologues, songs and games all driven by the charisma of a natural performer. In retrospect, Harper said that when he is an audience member, he wants to laugh more than once, like the host and feel that “when the show is over… to be surprised that two hours just passed.” Harper also said that hosting was not without its challenges, and that if he could have found a partner that would have fit his high expectations he would have rather not work alone. 

Harper said that he “had big plans that didn’t happen and [he] had to be OK with that because [he] was a solo host.” 

This was not the experience of this year’s SPOT 2024 hosts, Levi Webb (‘24) and Sam Carpenter (‘25).

Harper’s extremely high standards of excellence set the standard for spots to come, and the immediately following duo had big shoes to fill and an idea to make it happen. “Blockbuster movies, like the rental store not the concept” was what Luc Pereira (‘23) and Ansley Green (‘22) pitched to the same CAB staff as before, but with a new idea of what to be looking for. 

Pereira and Green brought the chemistry of a pre-existing friendship, not only key for stage dynamics but also the natural expectation for an event where hours of work are needed in preparation. Pereira and Green were on top of logistics and advertising in a way that showed the failings of a single host. While Harper poured all his effort into excellent skits and shaping the evening in a way that ensured highs and lows that would keep people on the edge of their seats, Pereira and Green could split up their manpower enough to start with the goal of getting people in the door. 

“I worked on silly skits and host dialogue while she took on a lot of the overarching logistical issues,” Pereira said. 

Recreations of old movie posters with photoshopped energetic hosts were plastered on walls all across campus. In addition to the advertising, SPOT band candidates were reached out to well in advance, and auditions ran smoothly. When the actual night came, the dual host power showed its merit, and cemented the formula that the last five shows have followed. They did not have to sacrifice quality for logistical mastery, they did not have to sacrifice as many great sketch ideas as Harper did. The night was tight, well planned, and well executed. 

This year so far has largely been a mystery. With a slew of duos auditioning with different plans, Webb and Carpenter had a theme that was creative, interesting and put lots of focus on live entertainment. This felt like an exciting change of pace, but was followed by a bit of radio silence. 

When auditions came, a kindly smiling Carpenter sat casually on the stage and gave encouragement to the groups there that “we believe that if you want to be in [SPOT], you can be in [SPOT], and we will just talk through what that might look like.” 

This was an inclusive change from the careful planning of Harper’s crafted narrative but one that could certainly yield more positive than negative. Without much more from them in terms of follow-up communications to the CAB team, there has been a sense of mysterious anticipation across campus. Will the show follow strongly in Harper’s footsteps of crafted skits with less of an emphasis on Pereira and Green’s advertisement skills? Have other commitments delayed planning for both impacting quality? Or are we on the verge of another revolution in the variety show on the ravines edge? The answer will be on stage Saturday, March 16 at 10 p.m. in the Wesley Chapel. ★

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Campus News

Hall Brawl 2024

Hall Brawl 2023 Photo
By Juliana Schmidt ('25)

Another year…another Hall Brawl! The week-long, Olympic-style friendly competition between Gillette, Lambein, Roth and the Townhouses will begin on March 11. There will be daily events for each hall to complete as well as Spirit Days. 

Monday, March 11 is the first day of Spirit Week and the theme is Pajama Day. Come out ready to support your hall in this fun and easy way to show some school spirit. Additionally, prizes will be offered to the first fifty winners of Monday’s first event called the Opening Ceremony Splosion. Look forward to tasting some yummy food on Wednesday for the Bake Off!

The Hunt takes place every day where each team will have to solve a clue, and the team who solves it first will win points for their team. 

“RA and CAB and other student leaders have been working really hard to put this event together. I worked on the Just Dance event happening on Thursday and it will be taking place in the CFA recital hall. It will be super fun!” Jenna Strahan (‘24) an Resident Assistant (RA) of Gillette shared. “Hall Brawl is a time for all of us to come together in the spring semester and compete against each other and have a bunch of fun!”

Alexa Binney (‘24) a member of the Campus Activities Board (CAB) said that although it is her first year involved in the planning process, it has been very cool to get a look at what goes into making the Hall Brawl 2024 happen. 

“All members of CAB and reslife teams get split into randomized teams, each gets assigned to one day of the week, and it’s been a fun experience getting to work with people outside my usual team,” Binney revealed. 

Unfortunately, the Townhouses have been going through a streak of bad luck with previous Hall Brawls and have not won in quite a while. To help prompt their residents into a more competitive spirit, Esther Tse (‘25) an RA of the Townhouses revealed a shocking surprise if they win. 

“I’m excited to see what Hall Brawl will look like,” Tse said, “and if the townhouses win Josh Bailey [Resident Director of the Townhouses] will shave his head.” 

The winner of Hall Brawl 2024 will be announced on Saturday, March 16, during SPOT! 

May the best hall win…and the odds be ever in your favor. ★

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Campus News

Frankenbein Returns

Frankenbein 2022 costume winner - Courtesy of Savannah Stitt
By Juliana Schmidt ('25)

On Oct. 28, the Halloween party, Frankenbein, will be held at 8:30 p.m. in the Larder Courtyard. This will be the second year Lambein has hosted Frankenbein, which was previously hosted by Shenawana.

Junior Hannah Sturdivant, a member of the Campus Activities Board (CAB), said “Frankenbein is an attempt to continue the old Shenawana tradition of Shenoween. To keep its good reputation alive there is a substantial amount of work that needs to be done. It is a group effort to even attempt to meet the expectations and standards that have been set by past years.” 

CAB is putting on this Halloween spooky night; a haunted trail and a party with a dance floor, costume contest and pumpkin painting.

Sturdivant stated, “It took a lot of theatrics and people willing to battle the cold to scare people for the ambiance of the haunted trail.” 

Strudivant hoped that people would enjoy the trail, because it was really fun to figure out. 

“I dressed up as a jellyfish last year and I won second place in the costume contest. It was very cool to see the costumes everyone came up with and share such a fun night, so I’m really looking forward to this year’s event!” Junior Marjorie Gassler wrote. 

The costume party was a hit last year and promises to be just as popular this year. Prizes are awarded for placing in the costume contest. 

Senior Joey Schunemann, the Head of CAB, who is spearheading the event said, “The prizes for the costume contest remain a secret until the night of, although they are certain to be fun.”  

While Frankenbein is a newer tradition for Lambein, they are working hard to make it their own. 

“I’m very excited for this year’s event and how it brings back slightly more of the old Shenoween party vibe, pouring more into that than last year’s haunted trail,” Schunemann said. 

“It is a group effort to even attempt to meet the expectations and standards that have been set by past years,” Sturdivant commented. “On behalf of CAB, I would like to thank anyone that has put any amount of time and effort into helping Frankenbein run smoothly. Past or present, you are helping form the college experience for those who have attended.” 

Look forward to this weekend’s activities, and prepare your treats (or tricks). ★

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News

Campus Assassin Game

Assassin Game Promotional Image - credit savannah stitt
By Jiana Martin

On Monday, Sept. 11, the Campus Activities Board’s (CAB) first campus-wide game of Assassin began. 

CAB Director, Senior Joey Schunemann, was the brains behind bringing the game to life. He stated that inspiration for this activity came from watching campus-wide games of paintball Assassin featured in the TV show “Community.”

“I had a dream of everyone getting into a chaotic frenzy creating a movie-like representation,” Schunemann explained.

At the beginning of the game, assassins received a fellow student’s name, their target, and a stress ball, their weapon. The goal of the game was simple: kill your target, acquire their target, and move down the hit list until you are the last one standing. Besides a handful of safe zones like the bathrooms, dorm rooms, dining hall, and classes and chapel when in session, targets could be killed at any moment. This meant that students had to always be on guard and ready to run.

With $150 flex dollars on the line, alliances were formed, deals were made, and friends and enemies gave tips. 

Senior Alexa Binney enjoyed the short amount of time she survived. A friend aided her assassin, causing her to be killed on the first day. She was glad to be killed early since it allowed her to resume a daily routine without being on high alert. It also made it easier for her to freely track the game’s progress. 

“It was fun to spectate,” noted Binney.

For future Assassin events, Binney suggested altering the killing method by, for example, using clothes pins. This was not her first time playing a form of Assassin, but she enjoyed taking part in a larger-scale version and would participate in future games. 

The men’s cross-country team created one of the main alliances that survived the longest. One of the team members, Junior Sam Lyon, was a part of this alliance, and he collected 12 kills this way. His toughest kill entailed a stakeout in the Campus Center with help from his cross-country teammates. As a part of the plan for one of the cross-country members to win, Lyon was eventually killed. In the end, the whole team was eliminated.

This was Lyon’s first game of Assassin and he hopes the campus does something like this again. He enjoyed the community building because it allowed him to meet new people as well as reconnect with old friends.

“I had a blast. I’ve always wanted to do something like that,” Lyon said, “and the event did a great job of bringing people together.”

With 104 participating students, Schunemann is happy with how the event turned out. 

“Overall,” Schunemann said thoughtfully, “the reception was great.”

Schunemann received various forms of feedback regarding adjustments to the rules and randomizing the list better. If CAB organizes another Assassin game, there will be changes and improvements. 

Two finalists remain, and it is yet to be announced who the official winner is. However, plans are in development for revealing the champion.★

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News

“Fellowship of the Bands” to bring rock ‘n roll to Houghton

The Fellowship of the Bands Poseter -- Credit Joey Schunemann
By Anna Catherman

This Friday night in the Chapel, rock bands from around campus will converge for the inaugural “Fellowship of the Bands”. 

Organized by CAB Coffeehouse Director and Junior Demetri Court, “Fellowship of the Bands” is a concert featuring alternating bands playing in an “informal atmosphere”. Many of them are groups that don’t get to play during Coffeehouse or other events on campus. 

According to Court, the event is “not a competition” – it’s about collaborating. “Good times, good atmosphere, good vibes all around,” he said.

“Fellowship of the Bands” will begin at 9 p.m. to allow students to take advantage of the other events on campus that night, including the choir concert, various athletic events,and the “One Day Giving Challenge”.
Junior David Olson is leading one of the groups set to perform, and playing in another. As a singer and guitarist, Olson is excited to play in a unique setting he hasn’t gotten much experience with at Houghton. 

“I’m psyched about the event because it is a unique chance to play a harder style of music that wouldn’t necessarily fit in your average open mike setting,” Olson wrote. “It also gives me an opportunity to play with a drummer and bassist in front of people which will be super fun for me.”Director of Student Engagement Jana Newberry has been involved in the planning of the event, whichis set for one of the busiest days of the semester. The “One Day Giving Challenge” is also taking place Friday, with the “Fellowship of the Bands” being the final activity of the day. Houghton’s largest fundraiser places a large amount of emphasis on student involvement, and the fun events that close the day serve as a reminder that all that’s going on is for the students. There will be a Nugget and Fry Bar in the Reinhold Campus Center beginning at 8:30 p.m., so friends can hang out and grab food before the concert.

Olson encouraged students to come out and support the musicians. 

“Everyone should come because it’s gonna be wicked fun,” Olson says.“The atmosphere is gonna be amazing and you’ll get to see your friends take this opportunity to go out on a limb and act really strange!”

Court did the same. 

“It’s going to be rock ‘n roll and a merry band of people …“[h]ow many times does the chapel play any sort of rock?”★

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News

Comedyhouse: A Night Full of Laughs

By Timothy Rasmusson Jr.

One of the Campus Activities Board’s (CAB’s) newer events on campus is “Comedyhouse”, an alternative to the traditional Coffeehouse that, instead of singing, is filled with stand-up comedy.

Senior Joey Schunemann, the director of CAB, informed the STAR that his job is fun to have, but there are significant responsibilities he has, such as being “the voice of critique” and meeting Houghton’s expectations, because Comedyhouse involves a lot of creativity and students want to have a good time. 

Schunemann stated that he wanted to hold the Comedyhouse event specifically due to his “love of comedy.”          

Sophomore Hannah Sturdivant described Comedyhouse as a more comedic version of Coffeehouse that involves “stand-up” rather than just “playing music.” Sturdivant stated that one of the things she likes most about Comedyhouse is the “laughing,” as well as listening to students telling their stories. She also mentions what Comedyhouse was like last year, how successful it was at the time, and that it led to Junior, and CAB Coffeehouse Coordinator, Demetri Court recommending they do Comedyhouse again. 

With the event only being in its second year, Court stated that Comedyhouse is “a special occasion.” 

To sign up for a spot, students have to present an idea to him, and all of the students involved in planning Comedyhouse have to screen the comedy because, as Court said, “you never know who’s going to want to go up and say things.” 

If an insufficient number of students are signing up, he will reach out to those who enjoy writing comedy. ★

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News

14th Annual Film Fest on April 16th

On Friday, April 16th, the Houghton College Campus Activities Board will be hosting the 14th annual Film Festival. Guidelines for the festival state that this is “an evening” to “highlight and celebrate the best of student-made films” as well as for students to “show your hard work and to share your talent with your peers”. There are also several different categories that students can submit films to.

Sarah Phillips (’22), this year’s coordinator for the Film Festival, said that her first time attending a Film Festival was “a great experience”, also discussing that some of the elements that were involved in the festival included “a red carpet and a backdrop to take fun pictures with, and music playing in the background.” Phillips also added that “It was amazing seeing all of the creative videos that people sent in.” For the Film Festival this year, Phillips wants to “bring back some of that feeling”, while still keeping the event COVID-safe. 

Makena James (‘22), who is learning remotely this semester, is one of the entrants in this year’s Film Festival. She submitted “about three films.” Two of them were about Corg, her family’s Corgi, while the third one was “a compilation of photos set to organ music” that she “played and recorded.” 

James chose to submit a film about her family’s Corgi because “it has been a blast” to spend “a lot of time” with Corg, also adding that “everyone just seems to fall in love with her, and I really wanted to show love to my Houghton community by sharing and extending my experiences with Corg to them too.” In discussing her choice to submit the third film, James said “I love snow and the organ. Back in 2017, it snowed a ton down here in Western NC, and I took a lot of pictures. I found them again last Christmas and decided to put them to organ music.” 

Overall, while the festival may not be as “big” as previous years, Phillips is “looking forward to seeing people’s creativity and for there to be a time for others to come together and listen to music, take pictures, and have fun.” ★