Tag: Houghton University

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Campus News

Chapel Scanning Changes Once More

Students walking into the chapel 
By Anna Sumner ('25)

You enter the chapel and open the Campus Groups app on your phone. It’s a new scanning method this fall, and it boots you from the app, blocking access to the QR code. You then sign in using the laptop.

Why does Houghton use Campus Groups, anyway?

Sadie Nakamura ’26 said that she “was not as much a fan [of Campus Groups] as ID scanning”—a method used during the 2023-2024 academic school year. Both she and Kaitlyn Avery ’26 expressed annoyance with the long line and being unable to access the QR code.

Dr. Bill Burrichter, Vice President for Student Life, explained that the previous method of scanning student IDs for chapel and Around the Table attendance was becoming unpractical and outdated. ID barcode scanners collected student data, which then had to be manually uploaded by a staff member to mark attendance. Several of these barcode scanning devices broke and needed to be replaced.

Houghton had a choice, explained Dr. Burricher, whether to replace the expensive barcode scanners or switch to an alternate method. Even when using the ID method, attendance was marked on Campus Groups and was already implemented across campus. Also, most students already own mobile phones. It seemed like the obvious choice.

During the first two weeks of using Campus Groups for chapel scanning, Dr. Burricher said there were “some glitches.” The app was not entirely equipped to handle the level of engagement across college campuses. On the Houghton end, upcoming chapels were batch uploaded without being sorted properly, which needed to be manually fixed.

Dr. Burrichter said that the reason students are removed from the app is because of data signal confusion, chapel Wi-Fi and the app itself. Students log into the Hub using their data, and when they enter the foyer, their phones switch over to the Wi-Fi signal from the newly installed routers. The app detects the change and prompts a re-sign in. 

Signing in again is a slow process. The app needs to receive the signal, find the Houghton Hub again and requires password input. Dr. Burrichter explained that the signal is often impacted by the walls and glass between the sanctuary and foyer. They have already placed two routers in the foyer and are planning on more.

“As an institution, we are committed to figuring it out.” Dr. Burricher added that “we are trying to make the best of technology, and technology is challenging for all.” 

In the 2022-2023 school year, HU used a QR code projected onto the wall that students would scan using the Campus Groups app. It was “chaos and mayhem,” Dr. Burrichter said. The method encountered frequent problems.

Rachel Wright, the Director of the Office of Vocation and Calling, is on the team with Jana Newberry (the Director of Student Engagement) to make Campus Groups work for HU. 

“As a Houghton alum and as somebody who’s worked here in a variety of roles, I don’t think I’ve ever met anybody that is not willing to listen to students,” she said.

Rachel Wright is an advocate for Houghton students to the organization, and is in frequent contact with Campus Groups. She described herself as a “buzzing fly.”

She has several tips for students to improve their chapel scanning experience. Firstly, students should reinstall the app, because it doesn’t update automatically. The most recent update was in September. Secondly, she recommended taking a screenshot of the QR Code on Campus Groups. Thirdly, if students receive an error message, they can send an email to her with a screenshot of the error and their phone model. She will report this error to Campus Groups who can then pinpoint the glitches. ★

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Stories In Focus

Sam Kocheri

By Juliana Schmidt ('25)

As the new Professor of History, Sam Kocheri Clement might be new to teaching at Houghton University, but he is familiar with the world of history. 

Kocheri grew up as the youngest of four in a small family in India. He dabbled in other avenues before he decided to pursue a career in teaching. 

“I went to join a Catholic seminary to become a priest. After I realized that was not my calling, I discontinued it,” he explained.

Kocheri graduated from Mahatma Gandhi University—located in Kottayam a city in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India—with a bachelor’s degree in English. He then obtained his masters in English from St. Aloysius university in Karnataka, India. In 2021, Kocheri successfully defended his PhD thesis in Postcolonial History at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. He returned to India to work for ten months, and during that time he received his postdoctoral funding. 

At the time, Kocheri wanted to look for a place that aligned with his beliefs. He found HU while searching for Christian institutions.

“I wanted to go somewhere where I could profess my faith much more clearly,” Kocheri said. 

While Kocheri feels comfortable in his faith now, there was a time when he felt disconnected from God. He opened up about how he fell numerous times away from Christianity and how he was an atheist for about four years before he found his way back to God. 

Kocheri talked about how important it is for him as a teacher to show his students that he is not and has not always been perfect in his faith. By showing that side of himself, he believes it will allow him to relate to his students more in their own faith journeys. 

He was inspired by various people along his journey to becoming a history professor. He shared a quote from Carl Gustav Jung: “One looks back with appreciation to brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is a vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.”

Kocheri tries to live by Jung’s quote in his teaching. Additionally, he mentioned the professors Andrew Davis and Dr. Berny Sebe. 

“Both of them guided me like their brother,” Kocheri remembered. Dr. Sebe was, “Extremely kind to me, compassionate. I want to be someone like him.”

In 2020, he married his wife, Claire, in Birmingham, England. Three years later they welcomed their daughter, Lydia. 

Kocheri reminisced about what he used to do with his free time. A few years ago his answer might have been movies, but after his baby came almost all the movies he watches now are Disney movies. In his free time Kocheri now just wants to “chill.”

“I don’t know how long she’ll be a small kid, but I want to enjoy every second with her,” he explained. Kocheri expressed an interest in fishing with his daughter when she grows older. He also likes raising animals and would love to have some chickens or goats. 

While Kocheri has only spent a few months at HU, he described the community as sacrificial. Everyone “cares for one another,” which is not something he had experienced as much at previous jobs. 

He found the first two weeks hard, but with the help and support of Houghton’s community and students, he has settled in and feels welcomed. 

Currently, Kocheri is “Loving the peace and calm Houghton has.” ★ 

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Opinions

Tips From an International Student: Culture Shock

BY: Sara Martinez ('28)

Hello my fellow international students and any other American students that may be reading! I am writing about culture shock in order to give everyone tips on how to embrace a new culture while still holding onto your own. As well as tips for how to help your international friends adapt to your country and culture. 

We know that Houghton University is a quite diverse place that teaches students to celebrate our differences. This means that on campus, there are many students from all over the world, including me. I decided to write about the biggest dread of any international student, CULTURE SHOCK! 

When moving to America, I didn’t think I would be affected by culture shock. Despite growing up in Latin America, I believed I had a connection with American culture since my dad is American. I attended a missionary school that revolved around it. Then I came to America, and everything was a lot different than I expected. The way people dress, the way they interact with others, the way people say “hi”, the way people eat, and even the popular music and movies were all a shock to me. Honestly, the first few weeks I was sad. I really missed my culture, my friends, and even speaking Spanish with other native speakers. However, I have also learned how amazing America is and the ways I can appreciate the beauty of this country despite the differences.

I interviewed a few other students experiencing culture shock and below are methods they and I used to cope with this change. 

When adapting to a new culture:

  1. Embrace curiosity: Have an open mind when exploring new experiences. Be curious about the local culture, traditions, and people around you. Ask questions and be willing to learn about the differences rather than shy away from them. 
  2. Stay connected to your roots: It’s important to maintain connections with your home country. Bring some aspects of your culture with you, like cooking familiar foods or connecting with fellow students from your country/culture, to keep a sense of comfort and identity. Music and movies are also a great way to keep close to your culture.
  3. Build a support network: Form friendships with both locals and other international students. Join clubs, groups, or communities on campus that align with your interests or background (ISA, MuKappa, BHC). This helps create a social safety net and eases feelings of isolation.
  4. Practice self-care: Culture shock can be mentally and emotionally draining. Take time to de-stress and recharge. Whether it’s through exercise, meditation, skin care, or pursuing hobbies, be mindful of your emotional well-being.
  5. Be patient with yourself: Adapting to a new culture takes time. It’s normal to experience confusion or frustration. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and recognize that adapting is a gradual process. Celebrate small wins along the way. If you do get overwhelmed, it’s always okay to take a break and say no. 
  6. Respect yourself: Some cultures see respect differently than others, so if you feel someone is disrespecting you don’t be afraid to tell them how you feel. If they don’t respect that then maybe you should look for more understanding friends who will. That said, it doesn’t mean you need to break that friendship, but I would suggest keeping a little more distance.

    I do have to say I am grateful for the friends I made here. They really helped me adapt and enjoy my new life on campus. Here are a few things they have done that I have really appreciated: 
  7. Being patient and listening actively: International students may face language barriers or struggle to express themselves fully. Speaking in your 3rd or 4th language is really hard sometimes. Be patient, listen carefully, and give them time to articulate their thoughts. Active listening will make them feel understood and supported.
  8. Asking about their culture: Show genuine interest in their background. Ask about their home country, traditions, food, and experiences. This can make them feel valued and appreciated, while also helping you understand their perspective better. We love sharing about our culture.
  9. Being mindful of cultural differences: Recognize that what might be considered normal or polite in one culture may not be the same in another. Be aware of differences in communication styles, gestures, or social norms, and avoid making assumptions about behavior.
  10. Invite them to participate in local activities: Help your international friends by introducing them to local traditions, events, and social activities. Whether it’s a campus event or a casual outing. This helps them feel more integrated into the community.
  11. Offering practical help: International students may need assistance navigating daily life, like understanding local transportation, finding the right place to shop, or dealing with administrative tasks. Offer practical advice or accompany them when needed to make things easier.

    Adapting to a new culture as an international student can be challenging, but with understanding, patience, and support, both you and your friend(s) can survive college together. Never forget to embrace your differences and learn from one another. By respecting each other’s differences you’ll not only make the experience smoother but also build a stronger, more meaningful connection. ★
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Campus News

ADHD Doesn’t have to be Spooky

ADHD doesn't have to be spooky 
By Aivery Shuck ('26)

This upcoming Tuesday, students and faculty are encouraged to join the Psi Chi club in Library 323 at 7:30 p.m. for their event, “ADHD Doesn’t Have to be Spooky.” 

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and it is a disorder that may make it difficult to focus or control impulses. In 2023, it was estimated that 15.5 million (6.0%) of U.S. adults had a diagnosis of ADHD (CDC). More than half of the adults (55.9%) received their diagnosis during adulthood and approximately one third of adults with ADHD do not receive treatment (CDC). 

October is ADHD awareness month, and this event hopes to bring awareness to an often misunderstood and stereotyped mental disorder. 

Psi Chi has created a panel of professionals and students to share their knowledge on the disorder, as well as explain how it affects their lives, and how they adapt and thrive in academic settings. 

The vice president of Psi Chi, Anna Lloyd (‘26), said, “The goal of the event is to encourage those with ADHD and educate their peers surrounding this experience.” 

Psi Chi is an organization that expands across the nation. It is for psychology students who wish to promote awareness of mental health on college campuses and the student body. 

Megan Sensenig, the president of Psi Chi, said, “The mission statement of Psi Chi is ‘recognizing and promoting excellence in the science and application of psychology.’ At Houghton, this looks like being a resource for psychology majors and minors and hosting events to improve and educate about mental health.” 

This event is one of many that Psi Chi hopes to hold on campus. “We will host different events throughout the year related to psychology and our members are resources for anyone pursuing or considering a degree in psychology. We’re planning other events for the near future and we couldn’t be more excited!” expressed Secretary Clancey Cockle (‘26).

Treasurer Aidan Fish further explained that “people can expect authentic conversations about what it is like to live with ADHD. We will be diving into how it affects life as a college student.” 

This event is a good way to introduce the campus to Psi Chi and to help educate the student body on mental health. Not only will there be engaging discussions and enlightening new information on ADHD, but there will also be fun Halloween candy and snacks! ★

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Campus News

Black Students: Diversity at Houghton

Diverse skin tone hands
Diverse Hands Graphic - Courtesy of Kaitlyn Avery
By Abigail Bates ('26)

In Houghton University’s 2022-2023 academic year, 7% of the student body were black, 2% were Asian, 1% were Hispanic and 6% of the student population were non-resident aliens. The highest percentage of the student body were white (74%) and the majority of full-time staff (89%) were white as well (U.S. Department of Education).

“​​Most people from Houghton come from small towns, so they don’t really see diversity – I think Houghton is a place where, once you get to know people, you get to know them. But you have to be intentional,” Kenadi Hawkins (‘26), a black American student said. “If you don’t intentionally go up to somebody and get to know them or eat with them, you’re not going to know them and they’ll always have that preconceived assumption about you.”

Hawkins is the vice president of the Black Heritage Club and the Diversity and Inclusion Representative. Black Heritage Club’s President Bethany Tubman ’25, a black American student, was a Mosaic Center Ambassador her sophomore year and the Diversity and Inclusion Representative the following school year. They are both representatives on HU’s Diversity Committee.

Tubman recalled people who left Houghton due to off-campus racism. She said that “people on the outside of Houghton tend to be more aggressive in how they feel towards people” of different cultures and skin colors. Nana Kwame (‘25), a Ghanaian, agreed, recounting experiences with people who were neither students nor employees.

When Kwame first experienced Houghton’s community in-person (he started online in 2020), “diversity wasn’t really a thing.” He said that diversity has been improving, but he feels “like it can be better.”

Vice President for Student Life Bill Burrichter chairs the Diversity Committee. Associated for 35 years at Houghton University as a student and an employee, he stated that while the campus is more diverse today, it remains a challenge for the university.

HU’s Diversity Committee—composed of 1 faculty, 1 staff and 5 students—supports the initiatives of minority-serving organizations: Black Heritage Club, Hispanic Heritage Club and the Intercultural Student Association. The president or designee from each of these clubs serves on the committee along with the Diversity and Inclusion Representative (from Student Council) and a representative from the Kingdom Initiative.

The committee was established from a 2017 diversity task force formed in response to a publicly discussed racial hate crime on HU’s campus. Since the creation of the committee, the Bias Incident Form has become more available on the university’s website and the Mosaic Multicultural Center was opened and then closed in the 2023 Spring semester.

“I think the biggest thing for us institutionally is for us to continue to be curious,” Burrichter said. “Continue to ask questions. To seek to know, to understand. And then a willingness on other people’s parts to share some of that, and to help us understand.”

He explained that the committee’s purpose is to increase understanding and awareness about diversity on campus. In committee meetings, they review initiatives and the institution’s diversity statement. Additionally, Burrichter mentioned that the committee has been positive in increasing communication between HU’s administration and students.

“I think those initiatives are directly because of [Houghton’s] longing to diminish the impact of racism,” Tubman said. “When in reality, you’re not going to be able to stop it. It’s a societal ill.”

Students pushed for the right to participate in the creation of Houghton’s diversity statement, she said. Tubman and Hawkins explained that the committee has looked at diversity statements of several Wesleyan colleges as they work on HU’s own.

“The purpose of the diversity statement is to put this expectation for, not only students but staff and faculty, to say like ‘if you don’t adhere to this, there’s accountability,’” Tubman said.

Students report various concerns, including incidents of racism or potential bias, by emailing Burrichter, Katie Breitigan (Dean of Students and Director of Student Life), Resident Assistants, campus-wide officials or by filling out the Bias Incident Form. HU’s Marketing Department also informs Student Life of posts containing accusations or reports of incidents. HU will then respond depending on each situation and how public the incident is.

Tubman explained that students often feel unheard and uncared for when “accountability can’t be done as publicly as people want it to be, for legal reasons, privacy issues.” Students are then left with unsettled feelings, she added.

“I’ve been behind the scenes for three years now. And I think from a student perspective it can look like nothing is being done,” Tubman said.

Hawkins stated that the student body should know more about the actions taken in response to HU’s diversity, because while diversity is discussed behind the scenes, “a lot of students don’t really talk about it or know about it.”

Tubman explained that although students desire transparency from the university, complete transparency isn’t possible “in a business model, any business model.”

“Even though I am 120% for complete transparency,” Tubman said, “it is not attainable for ethical reasons of the people who are involved. And it makes me very weary to say that, but I think a lot of what I’ve heard from people is that they just wish people would be more transparent…

“I wish people would be more transparent,” she added.

Both Hawkins and Tubman emphasized how much Breitigan and Burrichter care about racial and ethnic minority groups on campus. Hawkins said that it’s important for the committee to know where to start responding to issues of diversity and how to create effective change.

“I think that it’s a lot more of a daunting task than we realize,” Tubman said, “because we are still in America, and we can’t mitigate the oppressions of America.” She explained that a set amount of discrimination, stereotypes and self-segregation naturally accompanies U.S. society. Therefore “it’s really hard for them to know where to start, because it’s like, ‘What is a Houghton thing and what is an American thing?’” ★

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Opinions

The Privilege of a Horse

By: Lydia Scharlau

When people think of horses, they immediately go to major jumps, fancy dressage moves, or as Snoop says, “That horse is crip walking”. But depending on the person you ask, you may also get the people who immediately say that it’s not a sport or that it’s straight abuse. If you know horses, ride horses, or were simply raised around them, you know that these statements aren’t entirely true, but they aren’t entirely false. 

For those who have been keeping up on the media coverage on Charlotte Dujardin, then you know how large of a blow that was to the Equestrian community. She was a top rider and a main funder of some welfare programs who seemed to be a genuine person when it came to the care and training of her horses, or so we thought. If you haven’t heard this news, then let me give you a brief description. Just before the Olympics started, an anonymous video was posted of Charlotte hitting a horse with a whip harshly over 20 times. What shocked the Equestrian community the most, I believe, was the fact it seemed so natural to her, as if she had done so  many times before. Now, the biggest piece of information was the fact that this video was not 20 years ago at the beginning of her career, but 2-4 years ago, specifically when she was at the top of her career and getting gold in grand prix competitions. To say this sent shock waves through the Equestrian community and media was an understatement. 

In all sports, no matter how hard you may try to stop or prevent it, there will always be a form of cheating or abuse. But the thing is that a majority of these communities are not in that percentage of abuse or neglect, but it seems so large since that is what gets posted to social media and goes viral, while the good performances of riding do not. I have heard and seen people call the horse underfed and overworked, when in reality the horse is likely eating a little more than normal and doing its daily work. The thing that stuns me is the fact that so many people claim horse-riding as a whole is abusive. “Horse riding is not only physically and emotionally harmful to horses but—more importantly—it is a form of exploitation” (Emily Moran Barwick). What shocks me about this particular article is the fact that the author herself says that horse-riding is unethical as a whole, and yet she has a video of her riding attached to said article. 

No matter how you define it, there will be abuse in all disciplines of riding, but there is also ethical riding. And by discipline for those who don’t know what I mean, I’m talking about showjumping, dressage, ranch, western, as well as many others. No matter how hard you try to avoid it, you will find riders who are in it for money, do it for power, or just do it because they could.  These riders are what the media feasts on. It creates what we call internet vets and trainers. They think they know what will work on a horse from seeing these bad videos, and then proceed to comment how an actual trainer should be acting on a good video. It makes me sad that that’s what the internet has come to. 

Is restraint and some force needed at times? Yes, depending on the situation. If it’s a purposeful move of aggression from the horse, then yes, you react accordingly, but you only apply said force for a very short amount of time. It all depends on the situation, the horse’s behavior mentally and physically, and if you’re willing to put time and effort into these animals. It’s the same as any other sport. You must put work in to improve your skills, your horse’s skills, and the bond you have with your horse. Without a bond, your skills are useless. And I say this as a rider, a horse will listen if you force them, but it creates a memory in the horse’s mind that you will always force them to work instead of working together. 

In conclusion, horse riding is largely misinterpreted by the media to the public. It’s not always the riders’ fault entirely, but it’s never the horse’s fault. The media is a plague and thrives off violence. I can only pray that with time and effort, the media can heal and become the happy, good place it used to be when it was first made. ★

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Campus News

Men’s Soccer vs. SUNY Poly

By Sadie Nakamura ('26)

At 2 p.m. this Saturday, Houghton University’s men’s soccer team will face a new opponent: SUNY Polytechnic Institute. The team is gearing up for their next home game, where they will continue pushing to secure a spot in the playoffs. 

Aidan Fish (‘25) said, “We have never played SUNY Polytech before [but] they just joined our conference and they are coming off from winning their own conference. ” 

Fish suggested that SUNY Poly might face new challenges now that they’re competing in a different league. He believes that if HU’s team sticks to their plan, there is a good chance of beating their competitor.  

The men’s soccer team has worked hard to strengthen their teamwork. Daniele Schivo (‘26), a wingback, explained that the team began this season using one formation but recently switched tactics. 

“When you change formation, you change the tactics of the game and it becomes a little more challenging for the players that are used to different styles of play.” Schivo thinks that Coach McColl’s “number one priority lately has been to help us to improve in the formation and get better as a team.”

While it took some time to adjust to the new strategy, the team started gaining momentum and sharpening their skills. Campus Activities Board athletic director and member of the women’s soccer team Aivery Shuck (‘26) has attended many of the men’s soccer games this season. 

“They are very good at using all the variability that their team has,” Shuck said. “They have a lot of different players on the team this year with different strengths. I think they are very good at utilizing every single one of [those] strengths on the team.”

Schivo echoed this sentiment. “We don’t give up easily,” he said. “We’ve faced a lot of setbacks, especially in the last two seasons and the start of this one, but throughout it all, Coach has never given up on us. We have struggled mentally and have had some challenges but we have never given up.”

The team is fighting to reach the playoffs and extend the season for graduating seniors. The upcoming game against SUNY Poly will be pivotal, potentially determining whether Houghton progresses in the competition. HU’s Director of Athletics, Dr. Matthew Webb, explained the stakes.

“To make the playoffs, you have to finish the regular season in the top eight,” Dr. Webb said. “This is a very important game for both teams, as we are both outside of the top eight right now.” He added that every win for a team counts towards three points, while a tie counts for one point. Three points could potentially determine whether HU or SUNY Poly make the playoffs.

As a senior, Fish is especially eager to extend the season. “Making the playoffs [would be] huge,” he said. “For the last two years, we missed it by one point, which was heartbreaking. I don’t want it to end. We’re guaranteed five more games, but I wouldn’t mind stretching that number for one last dance.”

The team is also hoping for strong support from the school community. Giovanni Schivo (’27), another player and Daniele’s brother said, “This game is open for anyone to come, and especially when it is at home we encourage it. We need our Houghton supporters on the bleachers. Be loud in the bleachers and cheer on the school’s team!” 

The players encourage friends and classmates to come out to Burke Field and cheer for the men’s soccer team as they fight for their spot in the Empire 8 Championships. ★

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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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News

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Written by: Caleb Tiedemann (’25)

With the autumn season in full swing, there is no better time to rewatch that Harry Potter series! There’s just something about those beautiful multi-colored leaves flitting through the air, the overcast skies, and rainy atmosphere of western New York that screams at me to sit down and binge the popular eight film series. Now I realize this fantasy series happens to be quite controversial among Christians for its use of magic and light-hearted representation of magical arts. I am not here to dissuade or sway your opinions–just to offer mine on what I believe to be the best film in the franchise. 

Spanning eight movies, directed by four different filmmakers, and running from 2001 to 2011, it is one of the most impressive series for its consistent excellence, special effects, beloved characters, and depiction of the battle between good and evil. Regardless of how you may feel towards the series, Harry Potter has maintained an iron grip on pop culture for the last thirteen years since the series concluded. One of the most surprising aspects is the success the series has faced while changing directors during the first four movies. The beginning of any series is monumentally important and the sheer fact that Harry Potter maintained its tight schedule of production and release while being passed around by Warner Bros. is impressive. 

The movie I want to focus on is the third—Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban—a film that always stands out to me for its focus on the people closest to Voldemort, shedding more light on past events in the Wizarding World rather than focusing solely on He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. This movie was directed by none other than Alfonso Cuarón. While his name might not be immediately recognizable in mainstream media, he is a four-time Oscar winner and six-time Oscar nominee. Needless to say, he knows his craft well, and his unique touch in Prisoner of Azkaban is what makes it stand out so distinctly from the rest of the films.

This movie is simply awesome. It shifts focus away from Voldemort, exploring the dynamics of the people closest to the Potters and offering deeper insight into these Wizarding World martyrs. The performances are fantastic, with Harry and company delivering more grounded performances as the antagonist hits closer to home. Plus, Gary Oldman is always a charming addition. Cuarón managed to create a darker, almost emo version of the Wizarding World, replacing sunshine with overcast skies and pouring rain. This hauntingly beautiful weather creates a more aesthetically pleasing and intricately shot environment. His camerawork is pure genius, utilizing the intricate design of Hogwarts castle and incorporating what looks like PowerPoint transitions between scenes.

Upon a couple of Google searches, I found out that John Williams is the composer of the score. Williams, most famous for conducting the Star Wars scores, is a welcome addition to any movie and his score perfectly suits the tonal shift that Cuarón made. The two work together perfectly ushering in this newer and mature age of Harry Potter. For most franchises, the third film is where things begin to go downhill, but the time travel, mythical creatures, and beautifully reimagined, masterfully captured environment elevate this movie to the top of my mind whenever I think about the series.

So while many of you conduct your studies in this gloomy weather, I will be comfortably procrastinating mine and losing myself into this intricately designed world year after year. ★

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Opinions

On American Christianity and Its Failures

By Paul Claydon

Everything in life carries a scent. My mother’s town, home to a sugar factory, was burdened by a pervasive odor. But over time, its residents grew accustomed to it. This is a phenomenon known as nose blindness. Our senses, whether they detect smell or sound, often tune out habitual stimuli. Just as city dwellers become immune to traffic noise, American Christians have developed a form of theological nose blindness. Enveloped in a belief system centered on individuality—my will, my heart, my experiences—this faith tradition can overlook the profound, comforting work of Christ.

American Christianity has become a realm where the focus subtly shifts from Christ to the Christian. This shift is grounded in theological assumptions that many believers accept without question. However, there exists an alternative perspective: one that regards the Bible as both true and divinely inspired, offering clarity and comfort through its teachings.

When discussing American Christianity, I’m not singling out any specific denomination. This term is much broader than Southern Baptist, Wesleyan, or even American evangelicalism as a whole. Across American Christianity, four significant errors have emerged: Revivalism, Pietism, Mysticism, and Enthusiasm. Each in its own way diverting attention from Christ and his words of comfort and life.

Revivalism champions the idea that the Christian journey starts with a personal choice to follow Christ. It elevates the role of emotions, often seeking to stir a decision through orchestrated experiences. However, this approach contradicts the biblical teaching that humans are “dead in sin” (Ephesians 2:1). Salvation is portrayed as a gift from God, not a reward for human choice (Ephesians 2:8-9). In American Christianity the Christian receives Christ as an act of their own will. In Biblical Christianity, Christ receives the Christian as an act of God’s will. Life and faith should not be built on the foundation of your decision but on the foundation of grace given to you by God as a free gift.

Pietism identifies the Christian life with the progression of good works. It emphasizes personal piety as the hallmark of true faith. Yet, such emphasis can overshadow the gospel’s core message: that Christ’s work, not our own, assures salvation. The purpose of the law is to show us our sinfulness and highlight our need for a savior. The gospel is the good news that our savior has come and paid the penalty for our sins. Pietism focuses on the law and neglects the gospel. 

Mysticism claims believers can experience God directly, without mediation. While personal spiritual experiences are valuable, elevating them above Christ’s mediated work on the cross can lead to an inward-focused faith. I’m sure you’ve heard phrases like “I’m going through a drought, I’m just not feeling it in the spirit”, “I’ve lost my passion”, “I feel far from God” and many others. Mysticism causes Christians to base their faith on feelings. As a young person, I would go to church camp every summer and feel deep sorrow and conviction about the way I was living my life. I would go up to the altar during service and cry, having people praying over me and I would commit myself to living a better life for Jesus. But every year after camp ended, I would slowly go back to the way I was before. I felt terrible, especially when my mom would say things like “was camp really for nothing”. This is what happens when you base your faith on your feelings. The Bible never guarantees we will be able to feel the Holy Spirit, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t there. Mysticism only offers comfort through experience and if that experience isn’t there then the comfort is gone. It teaches that God is there and he loves me through my feelings but when those feelings aren’t there I’m left to conclude that either he’s not there or he doesn’t love me. 

Enthusiasm teaches that spirituality is chiefly an inward journey. It prioritizes personal spiritual experiences over the communal and doctrinal aspects of Christianity. The problem with this is, enthusiasts look for God for his certainty, for his truth, for his comfort and for his spirit only on the inside. Enthusiasm fails to see that the Lord’s work is chiefly on the outside. Enthusiasm is bad because it takes our focus off of Christ and puts it on to our hearts. Jeremiah 17:9 says “‘The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?” Our salvation isn’t found in our hearts, in our feelings or anything inside of us. Our salvation is found only in Jesus Christ, his promises and the grace gifted to us through the word and the Holy sacraments.

The teachings prevalent in American Christianity can be heavy and burdensome, contrasting sharply with Jesus’ invitation to find rest in Him: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). The true yoke of Christ is light; it is centered on forgiveness, mercy, and loving-kindness. The core of Christian faith should pivot on these aspects rather than personal determination or emotional experiences. There is a profound comfort and assurance found in trusting God’s promises over our own efforts.

In conclusion, American Christianity, in its various expressions, has drifted towards a self-centric theology. To address its shortcomings, believers might embrace an approach that prioritizes the grace and promises of Christ over individualistic interpretations. By doing so, they can rediscover the rest and assurance that the gospel promises, and center their faith back on Christ, where it rightfully belongs. ★