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Campus News

Center for Sustainability Hosts Open House

By Megan Brown

On a bitterly cold Friday afternoon in late January, while most students were heading back to their residences or leaving campus for the weekend, I trudged up Roth hill on my way to an event occurring on the third floor of the Chamberlain building: the Center for Sustainability Open House.

As I entered this cozy room in Chamberlain, decorated with recycled paper chains handcrafted by Mary Chichester (‘22), an intern at the Center for Sustainability (CFS), I was greeted by a room full of people playing an environmentally-themed game of Kahoot, eating cookies, and getting to know each other. Both the space and the people were welcoming. The large windows revealed a bright and beautiful winter scene outside, framed with a variety of plants perched on the windowsill. In the corner, a bookshelf was full of a range of items, from an impressive collection of literature about sustainability and social change to Russian nesting dolls. Music gently played in the background. The room not only serves as an office for the Center for Sustainability but also provides a delightful hangout space for students and interns alike. It additionally serves as the office for Brian Webb, who heads the CFS.

When I asked what he loves most about his job working on issues of sustainability on campus, Webb remarked “I love Houghton students, getting to work with them, and building connections with them, both in and out of the classroom.” He acknowledged the many difficult challenges that our planet is facing, but noted that “the passion our students have for sustainability and protecting God’s creation gives me hope for the future.”

The first CFS intern with whom I engaged in conversation was Clayton Hardiman (‘22), clad in his signature ball cap and sipping a steaming cup of hot chocolate. He encouraged me to help myself to the array of snacks being served, and he even offered me a bottle of local honey. On the down low, he also invited me to take one of the mugs that the coffee and other hot beverages were being served in. Hardiman serves as the Garden Coordinator for the CFS, a position that he noted mainly consists of planning during the winter months. When asked about what the CFS means to him, he shared that the CFS “brings the issue of ecological care and creation into a Christian perspective.”

After chatting with some other interns and students attending the open house, eating some delicious cookies, and drinking a hot cup of coffee, I left the CFS with a complimentary bottle of honey and a smile hiding behind my mask. Next time you’re on the third floor of the Chamberlain Center, I encourage you to also stop by to visit the fine people at the CFS. You can sit down to parooze a book about environmental issues, have a meaningful conversation about sustainability with people who are well-versed on the subject, and perhaps have a spot of tea. ★

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Campus News

Excitement Builds for Houghton’s Sixth Presidential Inauguration

By Anna Catherman (’24)

Purple and Gold Week will come to a climax on Friday, Oct. 1 with the inauguration of Houghton College’s sixth president, Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. Dr. Lewis has been serving in the role since June, but traditionally Houghton’s presidential inaugurations have taken place the first weekend of October, usually alongside the numerous annual Homecoming activities. While Homecoming has been scaled back this year, the Inauguration is set to provide a unique experience for students currently on-campus, as well as faculty, staff, and a handful of invited guests.

The main event of Inauguration weekend will be the ceremony itself, which is set to take place in the Wesley Chapel on Friday from 10-11:30 a.m. With concerns around COVID-19 still plaguing much of the country, the crowd will be smaller than previous inaugurations, but there will be some distinguished guests. 

Inside the chapel will be President Lewis’s family and friends, along with some Houghton faculty, staff, and students. Dr. Shirley Hoogstra, president of the Coalition of Christian Colleges and Universities, will be in attendance along with delegates from a handful of colleges, including John Schneider from Harvard University. Schneider is a Houghton alumnus and a great-great-great grandson of Willard J. Houghton. Alumni, community members, and others are being invited to watch the Inauguration via a live stream.

The ceremony will have a strong worship element, as requested by President Lewis and his family, and will feature many members of the Houghton community in responsive readings, prayers, and speeches. Student Body President Malachi Yeager (‘22) will be representing the Main Campus students in the ceremony. He will be participating in a charge to the President, given alongside Patricia Davis, who will be representing Buffalo East Side, and Aaron Salomon, who will be representing Buffalo West.

Yeager told the STAR “I am honored to be a part of such a historic event. This was not something I had anticipated being a part of when I was in the running for Student Body President. It’s not often Presidential Inaugurations take place and thus I hope the Lord blesses the ceremony and President Lewis’s future service to the college.”
Many other events will take place throughout the weekend, according to Dr. Cathy Freytag, one of the Inauguration Committee members. “It’s been a long, detailed process with many, many stakeholders.”

There will be a gala on Thursday evening, an art gallery presentation and a meet-and-greet on the quad Friday afternoon, and a celebratory concert and fireworks on Friday evening. 

Thursday evening’s gala on the Quad will feature New Orleans jazz, snack stations, and dancing. Faculty, staff, and students are all invited to attend, and formal attire is encouraged.

Dr. Carrie Magin was commissioned to compose an original song, entitled Into Twilight, in honor of the Inauguration. “I’ve been commissioned by ensembles and professionals from across the U.S., but it’s been such a special honor and privilege to compose this new work for our very own Houghton College Wind Ensemble. The students are hard at work on bringing this piece to life, and we’re all hopeful that it will be impactful in celebrating and commemorating the significant event of President Lewis’s inauguration.” Into Twilight will debut at 7 p.m. at the Greatbatch School of Music’s Inauguration Concert.

Dr. Ted Murphy will be presenting on Houghton’s artwork collection at 3 o’clock p.m. in the Ortlip Art Gallery. “Strangely Warmed”, a piece made specifically for the Inauguration, will be the highlight of the event. It is a colorful, post-impressionist style oil and mixed medium painting. Dr. Murphy talked to President Lewis personally before embarking on the project, and planned it according to his taste. The piece will be shown alongside a number of other works in an exhibition entitled  “Archive: A History of Art at Houghton College.”

Campus is buzzing with excitement for the rare and historic event. “I think it is going to be a very special time, not just for the institution, but for President Lewis.” noted Phyllis Gaerte, an Inauguration committee member. She, along with Greg Bish, are the only members of the committee who have served on an Inauguration committee before; they both played roles in planning President Shirley Mullen’s inauguration.

Numerous students also were eager to share their thoughts on the events. Grace Deitrick (‘23) said she is “deeply excited.” Kathryn Groff (‘23) expressed surprise and enthusiasm at the fact that such an important event was taking place during her four short years here.

President Lewis himself took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to talk to the STAR. When asked what he was most excited about, he explained he’s excited for the college to come together and mark such an important event in Houghton’s history. “We’re a college that’s been there for 140 years, almost, and only the sixth college president, that’s pretty remarkable. Thankfully, this is not something that the college does very often, due to stability in leadership, and so I think it’s a great opportunity for us to come together…and to thank God for how far he’s brought us and to prepare for the next chapter in the college’s history.” ★

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Dr. Wayne D Lewis Jr. Announced as 6th President of Houghton College

On Wednesday, April 28, Dr. Wayne D. Lewis Jr. was announced as the 6th president of Houghton College. Following President Shirley Mullen’s announcement on October 20th of her resignation after 15 years in the position, the school has spent over half a year eagerly waiting to find out who would be the next individual to take up the role of school president.

So who is Dr. Lewis? Hailing from New Orleans, Lewis graduated from Loyola University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. However, his formation as a leader began even before college. In his first message to the student body, during Wednesday’s chapel, Dr. Lewis cited his time as a high school drum major as a key influence on him, saying this was his “most formative leadership experience, even at this point in my life… there’s nothing I believe that prepared me more.” Going on to receive a master’s degree in Urban Studies from the University of Akron in Ohio, Lewis then received a PhD in Educational Research and Policy Analysis from North Carolina State University, with a minor in Public Administration.

Dr. Lewis is certainly no stranger to the field of education, and though his experience in this area includes time dedicated to higher education, it is by no means limited to it. “I selected education as a career a long time ago now,” he said an introductory video released on the Houghton College YouTube channel, “because of my deep love for students… I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life and my career working to create opportunities for students.” This started, says Dr. Lewis, with his time working in K-12 education in Louisiana and North Carolina public schools, particularly focusing on special education. 

After Dr. Lewis finished his doctorate, he served at the University of Kentucky as a professor of Educational Leadership. He then moved on to serve in a public office, as the Executive Director of Education Policy and later the Commissioner of Education for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Before coming to Houghton, Dr Lewis’ most recent position was at Belmont University, as the inaugural Dean of the School of Education. Furthermore, he has authored one book, “The Politics of Parent Choice in Public Education: The Choice Movement in North Carolina and the United States,” and has published numerous other pieces on topics in education, included in both edited volumes and peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Lewis’ positions and writing outline the figure of an individual who is dedicated to improving education for all in practical ways, both through what he says and what he does.

In the introductory video, Dr. Lewis also emphasized the necessity of Christian liberal arts institutions in our current time and climate. “I have no doubt God uses places like Houghton College,” he says, “to prepare leaders for today and tomorrow, to deal with some of the most difficult, the most intractable problems our world has ever seen… to have a small role in what God is doing here at Houghton, is more than I could ever imagine.” ★

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SEC, CAB, and STAR Offices Undergo Remodeling

By Anna Catherman (‘24)

A few of Houghton’s most prominent student organizations will be playing musical chairs this spring. Soon after students move off-campus, remodeling efforts will begin on the current Student Government Association (SGA) and Campus Activity Board (CAB) offices. These spaces, located in the campus center’s basement, will now be home to the newly-formed Student Experience Council (SEC), CAB, the Houghton Star and the Boulder.

Talk of the renovations began in the fall, when the new Committee of Student Organizations (COSO) realized that there would be funds left over from the Student Activity Fees due to decreased in-person programming as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. 

Mary Vandenbosch (‘23) of the SEC explained that COSO asked, “Ok, what can we envision that’s going to be a place that is welcoming for the student body and that can also act as a professional space for their meeting, and also just be a great place for students to plan ideas and come up with new ways to promote events and organizations?” 

COSO’s vision for the project is apparent even in the initial drawings, which promise a bright, user-friendly space. AC Taylor shared an artist’s rendering with The Star which shows a bright future for the office. Gone will be the SGA office’s red walls, replaced by glass doors which will allow passersby a peek in at the office’s occupants. The doors will be open during office hours and allow students to wander in and talk with their representatives. The built in countertops are being removed, and some of the desks are being moved to other areas. The space will be equipped with a brand-new conference table which will seat 10-12 students, and allow for larger meetings to take place in the space.

The new space will be able to be rented by any student group or organization looking to host an event – just like the Van Dyk lounge. Vandenbosch hopes it becomes an important resource for the clubs in the future. 

The former CAB office is being transformed into a student publication suite. There, writers and staff for the Houghton Star and the Boulder will have a space to meet and plan newspaper issues and yearbook publications, as well as design the printed copies of The Star

“[The Star]’s been stuck in a very small, barely 15 foot across, office.” Josiah Wiedenheft, co-editor of The Star, explained. “Especially difficult during the time of COVID. We can only have like two people in there at the time.” 

The new publication suite will allow for higher occupancy and promote collaboration between colleagues of each of the organizations. 

Most of the work is set to be done in May, with a few finishing touches possibly occurring later in the summer. Students staying for Mayterm will doubtless get a glimpse of the construction being done. Those returning home for the summer will be able to check out the new space when they return in the fall. ★

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Houghton Archery Club Coming Fall 2021

By Anna Catherman (‘24)

Students will have an exciting new extracurricular activity to join in the fall semester when the recently formed Archery Club begins meeting. Just approved by Houghton College, the Archery Club is designed to allow students to come together to practice their skills on-campus, as well as in surrounding areas. 

Archery Club aims to cater to all levels of archers, from beginners to pros. So far, around 25 students have expressed interest in joining the club, including 11 students who already own their own bows and want to practice. Most of these students are hunters, although a few have competed.

Freshman Kamaron Hillman (‘24), the club’s founder, was already an expert archer when she came to Houghton. She competed in the Junior Olympic Association in high school and is a certified level one USA Archery instructor. She hasn’t practiced in months due to lockdowns in the spring and summer. She decided she wanted to change that. With three years left on campus, she reasons it will be a great investment for current and future students to benefit from.

“I talked to some students here, and they were like ‘Oh, I’m a junior here, and I really wish we had an archery club when I first came here, because it really would have benefited my archery skills. It would’ve been a fun club to join and participate in and get to know other archers on campus.’” Hillman explained.

Cassie Caval (’23), the club’s treasurer, is new to archery. Her boyfriend introduced it to her, and they have been taking trips off campus to shoot on nearby state forest lands. She said it will be nice to have a place to practice on-campus, as well as a group to practice with. “It’s such a relational thing and also a very competitive thing…it’s definitely something that’s not an individual thing. It’s very much about the people you’re doing it with. So I’m super glad we get to do a club and incorporate a lot more people into our passion.”

The response to the new Archery Club has been positive both on and off campus. Belmont Archery in Friendship, just a 20-minute drive from Houghton, has offered to lend a helping hand. According to Scott Neville, the shop’s owner, Belmont has an indoor range which some Houghton students have already been frequenting. He hopes to see more Houghton students at the range in the future.

The endeavor was assisted by many faculty members, including Dr. Laura Sayers, AC Taylor, and the Safety and Security Department. They were key in helping students find and secure space to practice on campus, next to the Field of Dreams. Safety and Security has approved the club’s operations; all equipment will be stored with the department when not in use.

While the club is primarily an educational and recreational endeavor, the members are open to competition. Belmont Archery already hosts some casual competitions for colleges, including Alfred University. Houghton Archery Club members will likely have an opportunity to join in on these events in the coming months.

Both Hillman and Caval were enthusiastic when asked why and how interested students should join. For Hillman, archery is an excellent stress reliever that she hopes to share with her fellow students. “You don’t think about anything else when you’re shooting, you only think about the target and improving your form. If you need a break from school, the stress of college, you can come and we can teach you archery.”

Caval had similar thoughts. “It’s a really fun thing to do. I’ve grown up hunting and fishing, and it’s the best way I’d share my passion with people.” While she also rifle hunts, she said that shooting a bow and arrow is a unique and special experience.

Those interested in joining next semester should plan on bringing their own bows, if they have them. If not, students shouldn’t be worried. The club is planning on purchasing two basic recurve bows for those who don’t already have their own equipment. ★

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2021 Commencement to be Held in Person

By Elise Koebl (‘22)

It has been a little over a year since Covid scared the world and was thrown into a pandemic. Houghton College students were sent home a little over halfway into their spring semester, and the class of 2020 saw their graduation ceremony performed online through a virtual stream on Youtube. With so many changes to daily life and starting to see the world regain some normalcy, many have been wondering what this year’s graduation will look like compared to last year. 

Michelle Miller has good news to share for the class of 2021. Houghton College is planning to hold commencement on May 8th in person this year with a modified in-person event. Seniors will get to walk around the quad led by the bagpipers like they did four years ago. “Specifically, graduates will be located in the CFA to watch the ceremony until they are ready to walk across the stage in Wesley Chapel to receive their diploma. Each senior is invited to bring two guests to campus to view the ceremony via live stream at various locations around campus and then join their graduates for an outdoor reception.” There is also going to be a baccalaureate service that will be for seniors only, no guests are allowed as there is no guest seating. 

Due to current Covid guidelines, Miller expressed difficulty with preparations for commencement, “Planning has been challenging to say the least due to the ever-changing COVID guidance from New York State.  We have considered nearly every possible option on campus, with the exception of the ski hill, for hosting the events in-person for graduates and all of their guests.  While the creative juices were flowing for the past few months on behalf of our 243 graduates, we are ultimately constrained by NYS guidance which is in place for the safety of everyone.  This year’s weekend is a step forward from last year’s full virtual events, but not as “normal” as the 2019 in-person, traditional events that we’ve enjoyed for so many years.” 

Both Commencement and the Baccalaureate will be viewable to the public via an online stream. While it is not completely back to normal as most would hope, it is very welcome that the seniors can march on the quad like they did several years ago. ★

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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.” ★

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Despite Difficulties, Spring Sports Deemed Success

By Vanessa Bray (’21)

Houghton’s athletic department has had to make several adjustments for this unique sports season. From mandating masks for both games and practices, to routine COVID tests for all student athletes, coaches, and staff, Houghton athletics has had to adapt accordingly. Athletics Director, Matthew Webb, discussed some of the differences this season has brought. One of the main differences being that all sports, including those which would traditionally be in the fall or winter seasons, are being held in the spring. Webb explained, “Basically, we are doing all of our sports. Where we typically would do them in August through May, now we’re doing all of our teams in March, April, and May. So, that’s been a little challenging.” 

According to Webb, one of the biggest challenges has been the balancing act for dual athletes. “In a normal year…,” says Webb, “If you’re a fall sport athlete and a spring sport athlete that’s pretty manageable. This year because we’re doing all of our sports in the spring, for those athletes that play for two teams, that has become much harder to balance and manage. There are some cases where a small handful of our student athletes are playing a lot of games in a short period of time…that’s a burden that isn’t easy to manage.”

To help mitigate this challenge coaches have made efforts to work with and support athletes involved in dual sports. Allowances and accommodations have also been made for those who have needed to prioritize their academics and take brief hiatuses from athletes. “Trying to meet the needs of the students in terms of what they need relative to their academics is something our coaches have been really good about,” says Webb.

All dual student athletes were given the option at the beginning of the season to participate in both of their usual sports or opt out of one. Dual athlete, Nathanial Zedomi (’21), who has taken part in both men’s soccer and track since freshman year, had to make the difficult decision to opt out of soccer this season. “Especially since I’m graduating, I’m bummed that I couldn’t do soccer this year…,” says Zedomi, “but if I want to be really good at track right now having played a soccer game the day before I go to run our meet is probably not a good idea. So, I had to pick one…that was super hard.”  

Other challenges consistently faced by student athletes have been the anxiety of receiving a positive COVID test result, having to undergo quarantine (resulting in a week’s worth of missed practice), or accumulating enough COVID violations to result in being kicked off their respective teams. 

The anxiety surrounding each week of testing has stirred uncertainty in the athlete’s opportunities to compete. Zedomi explains, “…if someone tests positive then we have a handicap on our team…you are always kind of on edge because you just never know. Every week we’re not sure if we are going to be able to compete that weekend…we’re kind of training and hoping that we can…but there is lots of anxiety around COVID testing…”.

Equally challenging has been adjusting to shorter practice slots, fewer games, and the absence of fans. Senior field hockey player Hannah Daniels (’21) comments that, “One of the most difficult things to adjust to is the lack of games we have this season…we usually play around 18 games a season, but this season we’re only getting 5. It’s disappointing not to play as many games as usual, especially since this is my last season…”

Despite these disappointments both Zedomi and Daniels expressed their gratitude for being able to compete again. “It’s frustrating but we’re just happy that we can…” says Zedomi. “I am very grateful that I have a season,” says Daniels, “and for every chance I get to step onto the field.” Although both Zedomi and Daniels have had less opportunities to compete their teams have had good results.   

Given the unique circumstances Webb credits this season as a success. “We haven’t finished yet for everybody, but for the most part it’s been pretty successful. We’re still competing and we’re getting into playoffs for some of our teams…Some of our teams have done really well, some have struggled a little bit…Overall, it’s been a successful spring. As a department we sort of redefined success a little bit this year because of COVID, and one of our definitions of success was making it through the spring.”

Since most of the DIII conferences in New York state did not have conference seasons, Houghton’s ability to take part in a fuller conference season has been a morale booster. 

“Our athletes and coaches have been great,” says Webb, “Not that there aren’t moments that are frustrating, but our perspective has been all along that we need to do whatever we have to do to compete again. We want to compete. The athletes, coaches, they just wanted to compete. If it means we have to wear masks all the time, we’ll wear masks all the time. If it means we have to test, we’ll test…our perspective was it was important to get back to competing and having a little of that routine again in terms of what we are used to and for many of the athletes the thing they love the most. They’ve done great. They’ve responded really well…We’ve had some bumps and hurdles along the way. We’ve had to cancel a game here and there…but for the most part they’re doing great and our vast amount of negative test results I think is a testament to how well we’ve done.” 

Since New York state restrictions on spectating outdoor sports events has loosened, Webb encourages students to look out for the registration sign-up emails sent out each week and come support the teams as this unique season comes to an end! ★

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Sharpe Announced as Faculty Model Reader

Houghton College has once again held a Faculty Model Reader contest, voted on by the Houghton students. This was the third year for the contest. This year, Professor of English Jesse Sharpe has been selected as the winner, and The STAR recently sat down with him for an interview: 

Hock: What have been some of the highlights of your Houghton experience thus far?

Sharpe: The in-class conversations. I’ve had some situations at other schools where it was like pulling teeth to get students to have a conversation, but here the conversations have been a lot of fun, with good insights.

Hock: What is your favorite thing about teaching?

Sharpe: Learning, which is why I love the conversations so much.

Hock: Why did you choose the English field?

Sharpe: I love stories, storytelling and language, and this has both, so it’s where I’m happiest.

Hock: What would you say to someone who is thinking about pursuing a degree in English?

Sharpe: Do it! You won’t regret it. There’s not a job out there that doesn’t need you to read well, understand well, and write well.

Hock: What is your favorite book genre (or genres)?

Sharpe: I don’t actually have one. There’s not one I’ve come across that I didn’t like. I really enjoy reading and I really enjoy book recommendations.

Hock: Who are some of your favorite authors?

Sharpe: Christopher Morley, Dashiell Hammet, John Donne, George Herbert, Aemelia Lanter, Mat Johnson, Douglas Dunn, and Kate Atkinson.

Hock: What are some of your all-time favorite books?

Sharpe: The Man Who Made Friend With Himself by Christopher Morley, Red Harvest by Dashiell Hammet, The Temple by George Herbert, Life After Life by Kate Atkinson, Ballad of Peckham Rye by Muriel Spark, Go Tell It On The Mountain by James Baldwin, Pym by Mat Johnson, and Affections by Rodrigo Hasbun.

Hock: Are you currently reading any books?

Sharpe: There is a book that I am saving for when summer begins: Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart.

Hock: What would you say is the best thing about books?

Sharpe: I only do physical books, and it’s because I love every single part of them-front cover to back, every part of the inside, as a story and as an object.

Hock: What would you say is the best thing about the library?

Sharpe: I used to be a librarian, so I have a very strong love of libraries. I think it’s that you can have the world’s ideas sit peacefully side by side and you can just go and read and see whatever you want. No violence, no judgement, everything is right there. And I never get tired of it, I love it. I don’t think there’s such a thing as a bad library (at least I’ve never found one yet). ★

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Easter at Houghton

In a typical year, the Easter holiday means a five day break for students—from Holy, or “Maundy” Thursday to the Monday after Easter Sunday off of classes. This means that most students usually travel off-campus, whether to their or a friend’s home. But, with the changes to the schedule for the Spring 2021 semester due to COVID-19, the Easter holiday was just three days—with just Friday off of classes. 

With students being encouraged to limit travel, this left the college with a unique position to try to plan events on-campus for students to celebrate the holiday. AC Taylor (’14), Director of Student Engagement, led the charge on this. To best inform decision-making, students were emailed in February to share what their Easter traditions are and to invite students to aid in planning for Easter in Houghton. 

“Dean Jordan and I approached the weekend with two spheres, the religious observance, and the ‘fun’ things,” Taylor explained. The original plans were to have a Good Friday Service on the quad, an Easter Egg Hunt and Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, and a Sunrise Service on the quad and Koinonia worship service on the Chapel Steps on Sunday. 

Just as most plans have in the past year, a wrench was thrown into this programming. On the afternoon of Thursday, April 1, it was announced that Houghton was entering a Tier One designation due to a spike in cases in a cluster of students. This meant that in-person gatherings were to be limited to essential ones only. 

Quickly, though, plans were pivoted to allow for celebration to occur, albeit in a bit of a different form. One of these switches was that Friday’s service with Dean Jordan was streamed. Although Dean Jordan expressed disappointment in not being able to hold the Good Friday service as originally planned, he was grateful for a chance to observe the day in some capacity. “We are thankful for the chance to read the word of the Lord together, and to pray together,” he said. The service also included music in worship from the Koinonia team led by Izzy Murch (’23) and the Houghton Wesleyan Church. 

As the weekend progressed, there was a different egg challenge spanning Saturday and Sunday, and there was virtual Easter Trivia on Saturday night. The dining hall also had a special Easter dinner on Sunday night, with lamb, rolls, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and more. The Student Life Office also also provided Easter bags filled with goodies and Bingo boards for the weekend. 

While large gatherings did not occur, the weekend saw temperatures in the 50s and 60s and some sun on Sunday. Small groups could be seen sitting outside on the quad, enjoying meals outdoors, or going on walks and doing schoolwork out of their rooms. 

The Catholic community on campus also organized transportation services so that students wanting to attend Catholic services throughout the weekend could do so, according to Jeffrey Fawcett (’23). These included vehicles traveling to Our Lady of Angels in Cuba on Maundy Thursday, St. Patrick’s in Belfast on Good Friday, and St. Patrick’s in Fillmore for Holy Saturday. 

Taylor seemed pleased with how the holiday went. “I think the weekend went well. We ran out of Student Life Easter Bags, had students hunt for large eggs, and students opted out of other events. Our main goal was to provide students opportunities to interact with each other and know they were supported,” he said on reflection of the weekend. ★