Tag: Houghton

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Weekly Math and Science Colloquium

By Skye Chaapel

Attending the Science and Math Colloquium that occurs every Tuesday from 11:30 am to 12:20 pm in the dining hall is a great way to learn about the research and internships students and alumni are doing within the various scientific fields.  

According to Associate Professor of Mathematics, Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and colloquia organizer, Dr. Jill Jordan, speakers from a variety of disciplines and careers are invited to give presentations that are “purely research talks, some are more career-focused, some are about integrating faith in the workplace, etc.”

The goal of the colloquium is to communicate ideas within the scientific community.  As Professor of Biology and Director of Pre-Health Professions, Dr. Jamie Potter, worded it, “advancements in scientific research are made in collaboration with one another. We build off of one another’s work…  Students who attend have the opportunity to engage with the research and learn how science can be shared through oral communication.”  The colloquium is open for everyone to attend, science and non-science majors alike.  One non-science major who had the opportunity to experience a colloquium is Senior Jax Johnson.  Commenting on their experience at the event, they said that “I found the colloquium I attended a great way to get a taste of scientific thought and ideas in a way that was both challenging and thought-provoking yet accessible.”

Even if you are in a science-related field, the colloquium is a great way for you to learn about the other fields.  Senior Adora Colicci expressed her enjoyment of the colloquia.  Specifically, she noted that her favorite thing about them is that they are “an opportunity for students to hear what alumni or science professionals outside of the Houghton bubble are doing in their fields…  They introduce me to areas of science and mathematics that I don’t get to hear about very often.”

Senior Mary Vandenbosch, a future presenter at the colloquium, is a biology student who participated in an internship over the summer and hopes to share her experience with others.  The internship she did was for the Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District.  She collected and tested water samples, worked with farms to ensure the crops were growing correctly, investigated lands that were being converted back into wetlands, and did outreach and provided information for the communities to learn more about stream health and to learn more about the corporation for whom she worked.  When talking about her experience, she stated, “I am hoping to shine a light on something that I am so passionate about.  I would love for people to walk away with a new appreciation for the nature around them and how complex it is.”

Everyone has something to contribute to the scientific conversations.  As Dr. Potter stated, “We all have gifts that could enhance the learning and discussion of the presentation. If we live in community and dialogue with one another, shouldn’t our research be shared and not only available to those in science?”★

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Columns

Review- The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022)

By Caleb Tiedenmann

Now I may absolutely adore film, but I have very high standards for what constitutes a “good” film, which is why I am always wary of films that fall into the comedy genre. However, when searching for movies to watch this year, I stumbled upon a film that goes by the name of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. After watching the trailer about a week before actually seeing the movie I was interested, and the marketing only made me more excited. So I sat down hoping to see something enjoyable and funny. Lucky for me, it was just what I wanted. 

When it comes to comedy, you get a mix of movies. Many claim to be comedic, but are just worthless and unfunny outings. I am sure the first time a guy got hit in the crotch on TV was like Jesus healing the blind man to comedic writers who believed they struck gold. Now, let’s not deny, that is peak comedy, but today if you see that in a movie, it will not have nearly as funny of an effect as it did ten years prior. You’re probably wondering why I made this whole paragraph, but there is a point. The point being that Massive Talent is genuinely funny. It does not rely on cheap gags alone. It relies on the fact that you have some knowledge about film and culture.

The movie stars Nick Cage as Nick Cage (a daring casting choice) who is running out of luck and experiencing burnout. His career is dying as well as his marriage and relationship with his daughter. On the verge of financial collapse, he accepts an offer to make an appearance at a rich billionaire’s birthday party. However, there is a twist: the billionaire, Javi (played by Pedro Pascal)  is a super fan of Nick Cage, as well as a crime lord wanted by the US government. While Nick is pestered for information about Javi, the two of them start to become close friends and form a wholesome brotherhood, attempting to write a movie together. 

From that brief synopsis alone you can tell that this movie is already something interesting. The whole movie is one big love letter to two things: movies and film, and Nick Cage. There are multiple references to Nick Cage’s wacky and wild career, from his hits such as Face Off and The Rock to things like his voicework in Croods. It talks of movies, classic and non, poking fun at them and the cinematic “system.” Nick Cage is just awesome in this movie, he seems to enjoy his time on screen and really sells his act. But the star of this movie has to be Pedro Pascal as Javi. The whole time he acts like the biggest nerd and is super convincing in every way, I literally loved his performance. 

The cinematography was just gorgeous as the whole movie takes place in an exotic country. The costumes were nothing special, but I just really love floral button ups so the whole movie was tailored to my choice of summer ware. The humor was funny and it had me laughing throughout the entire film. Overall, I strongly recommend the movie. If you do not want to take it from my word alone, check out the trailer because that was enough to convince me to see it. In my mind, it is the perfect 100 minutes to kick back and put your brain on autopilot. I strongly recommend the movie with one of the longest titles ever: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.

Final Grade: 9/10 (A-)

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Opinions

I Couldn’t Agree Less: Debate in the Modern World

By Christian Welker

 I love to debate, sitting down with somebody who truly believes something I disagree with. I have spent hours sitting with friends, family, and even strangers on the internet, debating on all topics, from politics to religion, to what would happen if Time Travel was a reality.

However, it seems that as time passes, a debate has become less about exchanging ideas and more about beating your opponent in a shouting match. The “winners” of these debates are the people with a louder voice or more followers on their social media. This, combined with the echo chambers social media builds, which constantly feed people their opinions and views while blocking out alternative ones, makes it nearly impossible to share your idea without an argument and somebody feeling hurt at the end of the conversation. It seems we have lost the ability to debate.

The added tragedy to this loss is Christianity builds an echo chamber around itself and makes it difficult, if not impossible, to effectively show the light of Christ to the people around us. Nobody is going to believe that God is love if the way they are being told is by a man screaming in their face about sin and evolution.

I believe there are two leading causes of this new idea of debate. First are the social media echo-chambers that I mentioned before. These constantly affirm that your beliefs are correct while connecting other aspects of your life to them and making you see these opinions as your identity. The second is the idea that all debates need to have a loser. We defend our positions vehemently because we are afraid if we do not, the other side will “win the debate,” making our opinion, our view, and our identity wrong and, therefore, inferior.

This view is dangerous for several reasons. It pushes us apart from family, friends, and classmates who may have different opinions than us. We become convinced that those people are bad because they don’t share the same view that we do and we don’t want to associate with who we view as a “bad person.” We break away from them and find more people who agree with us on everything, going deeper into the echo chamber and making it even harder to hold a conversation with someone we view as different than us. In this process, it also becomes more likely that we become more extreme in our beliefs, vilifying those who disagree with us and eventually going so far as to view them as sub-human. These people become “heartless” or “too stupid to get it,” clear dividing lines are drawn, and crossing those lines becomes a traitorous act. 

So what do we do? How can we break ourselves out of our echo chambers and connect with those we’ve begun to see as less than ourselves? Over the summer, while working at a Christian Bookstore, a coworker would always tell me to “Remember their hearts,” to remember that the other side is just as much of a human as you are. They don’t believe what they believe because they are evil or idiotic. They have just as much heart as you do, as much love, compassion, and care for others. Pastor Wes Oden at Houghton Wesleyan Church said during a recent sermon, “When we look at someone, we need to remember, they are a child of God, made in His image.” Being a child of God does not rely on being Republican or Democrat, Pro-Choice or Pro-Life, LGBTQ or Straight. Everyone is a child of God, no matter what. So remembering that is the first step to being able to communicate with the other side.

We also need to break out of our echo chambers and remember that these views don’t encapsulate everything we are. Go to subreddits or Instagram profiles with different opinions than you, talk to someone who disagrees with your beliefs, don’t argue, listen. Everyone has a reason for seeing the world as they do, and if we know why they think that way, their beliefs will likely become less foreign to us. Thoughts also grow and change over time. Therefore, believing that you’d lose yourself if you alter your beliefs or become friends with someone who disagrees does not make much sense. Debates can be used as an opportunity to grow your opinions and views of the world in a calm environment, as long as both parties are willing to discuss it with you with clear heads and level emotions.

Viewing a debate as an exchange of ideas instead of a fight for survival, removing yourself from echo chambers that make it hard to hear alternate opinions, and viewing the person you are talking to as a human being and a child of God instead of a heartless monster are ways that we as people can grow. We will grow our connections between people,  our knowledge on the subject, and our own opinions and beliefs. While getting angry can seem inevitable, we can choose what to do with that anger, whether we lash out at our “opponent” or calm ourselves down to continue the conversation with our friend, family member, or classmate. Debating calmly and kindly will help shape your own mind and opinions and allow you to grow as a person. ★

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News

Coffee, Chocolate, Conservation

By Amelia Brown

Everyone knows Eli Knapp loves birds, but at the Coppa Conservation event at 7 p.m. on September 23, Knapp will share about his love of wolves, which began as a child and led him to Yellowstone National Park as an adult.

“Some of us outgrow our childhood interests and some don’t,” he said.

Knapp is a part of the group that did not outgrow their childhood interests but rather he turned them into his career. Today he is a professor, birder, field botanist, and animal expert. As Knapp studies the interactions between the environment and humans as he did in East Africa, the importance of conservation has never left his mind.

“To diminish the world to just us, or just a few species, diminishes us and the expression of God’s glory,” he said.

Human’s ever-increasing impact on the environment has led to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity, thus leading to less opportunities to encounter God’s creation.

Brian Webb, the director for the Center for Sustainability, describes the purpose of the Coppa Co and Center for Sustainability event. 

“We are hoping to bring awareness to conservation issues, such as biodiversity and animal protection, and how our purchasing of items like coffee and chocolate can have a positive or negative effect on biodiversity” Webb explains. 

Students that follow the Center for Sustainability on Instagram can receive a free flight tray of Fair Trade coffee. Other drinks from Coppa Co are also available for purchase. All other community members can purchase coffee flights for four dollars. Endangered Species Chocolate, a brand that prioritizes conservation through donations and sustainably sourced ingredients, will be available for tasting.

Elijah Studt, a freshman, explained he will be attending the event because “I want to know what difference I can make” to conserve natural resources. 

After an hour of live music from Selah Kurtz and Linette Taylor, Knapp will share stories about the animal encounters he has experienced around the firepit at Coppa Co.  If you are still on the fence of whether to attend, Knapp has already considered this possibility

“Even if the stories fail, we still have hot chocolate and fire.”★

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News

Changes to Residence Hall Life

By Jax Johnson

Fall semester has come to Houghton University and students have settled into their respective housing locations. While every year brings new beginnings, this year provided more than previous years with the dorm changes for the ‘22 -’23 academic year. Due to the renovations in Shenawana, Lambein has been temporarily converted into a men’s dorm, which, in turn, has made Gillette the only women’s dorm this year.  

  Students like sophomore Jacob Holmberg are happy with these changes, saying, “Lambien is an upgrade to Roth. The rooms are bigger, there’s more storage, and the showers are twice as big. It’s also nice not having to walk up Roth hill every day. It makes me understand why girls outweigh the guys here at Houghton.”

 Others like junior Sarah Rider, a previous Lambein resident, are embracing their new home. Rider discussed that she has enjoyed events such as the Great Gillette Race and the overall liveliness that comes with the new combined women’s dorm. 

“I have been so grateful to have been invited into the Gillette community and really like having all the girls living in one dorm,” she said “It feels more full in there and there are more people around and opportunities to do things with others.”

Senior Izzy Murch, who was previously a resident assistant in Lambein and is now a Gillette RA, has bittersweet feelings toward the transition.

“While I was initially pretty sad about moving to Gillette my senior year after living in Lambein for the last three, I’ve found that the ability to connect with all on-campus women in the same residence hall has been incredibly rewarding and fun,” she said. “Living in a new place has kept the RA position fresh for me and has given me the opportunity to work with 13 amazing women, which would have never happened if I still lived in Lambein. I still miss my creekside view, though!”

Senior Kathryn Groff, another Gillette RA who has moved over from Lambein, has shared her thoughts on her new experiences.“It definitely is a learning experience having lived in Lambein the past three years, but it’s wonderful to have previous Gillette RAs lead the way and with such patience,” Groff said “Additionally, it is an exciting opportunity as an RA to have all the women in one residence hall and focus in on what brings us together women at Houghton, and cultivating a unique culture for future generations of women who come to campus.” 

Resident Director of Gillette Hall Reagan Zelaya also expressed her excitement for Gillette’s changes by saying that she is loving the opportunity to experience the unique culture of all of the women on campus, and is hoping that this experience can display a sense of unity without the division between Lambein and Gillette. 

While the change in dorms has been an adjustment, it is also an opportunity for students to experience something new. Along with those new experiences are new dynamics created through different people living in a community.★

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Opinions

Unfamiliar Atmospheres

By Aaron Hinton

When I moved back to Houghton University, there were two things that I was excited to do once more: fiddle around with my PC and return to work at Java 101. While one allows me to be distracted and remain in my room, the latter enables me to interact and have conversations with fellow students and provide them fuel for the day. Unfortunately, one of these anticipations became a fantasy.

On the 28th of August, the day before the semester started, I checked my email and noticed there was one concerning Java. In this email, it was explained that there were changes to scheduling and operations in Java. The following sentence caused my heart to stop for a split second: “Based on those changes, we have unfortunately made the difficult decision to remove you from your scheduled shifts.”  

  I understand that this is how things go with businesses; things change, and sometimes the staff must change along with it by adapting or being released. However, if these changes were made over the summer break, shouldn’t there have been some emails sent to the workers mentioning the change that could occur? Ideally, yes. Did that happen? No. Looking through my email, there were no emails sent to Java student workers mentioning anything about a chopping block, let alone possible changes. Additionally, the email notifying me of being let go was sent the day before the semester began. Again, something that would have been nice to know in advance. 

Now, I could go on about being let go, but that is not the point of this article. The point is that my letting go was a small part of  Metz’s ultimatum.

Two days after receiving the disappointing email, I ran into a friend in the dining hall who also worked at Java. He asked if I was let go, to which I responded with a mournful yes. Sorrowfully, he replied that his employment at Java was also terminated in the same fashion. My friend then followed it up with a statement that rocked me to my core.  

The number of student workers at Java is being greatly diminished.   

Upon hearing this, I became filled with a mixture of worry and displeasure. While the latter seems straightforward since I was let go from what I saw as an excellent job opportunity for any Houghton student, the former may need some explanation. I became worried not only for the other student workers who were let go from Java this semester but also for the student workers at Sizzle & Swirl and the campus dining hall. I’m worried that Metz may be trying to do away with student workers.

Another point I would like to bring is what this change could mean for the atmosphere of Java once all student workers are gone. When you enter Java and see a student behind the counter ready to take your order, you feel like you are walking into a classroom: it is familiar, students know that they are welcome, and we can group up with our friends if they are there. As a bonus, we know Java will not assign stressful homework and you can get a latte how you’d like it. While removing student workers from Java will not affect the quality of the lattes and chances of a student leaving with an essay on coffee due by next Friday, the familiarity would change. This change in Java’s mood could go on to affect whether someone would want to stay in the coffeehouse as they chat with friends or work on an assignment. 

Some readers may see my statement about the change in atmosphere and think I am exaggerating and incorrect about how it would change your experience. Well, think of it like this: if someone were to go into an Irish-themed restaurant and notice that the servers are dressed in American pop band shirts, khaki shorts, and Crocs, would they still think that the establishment is trying to give off an Irish-like atmosphere? While I understand the improbability of this happening to someone, don’t you think removing student workers from behind the counter will put a dent in an atmosphere made for college students? 

Now, I am not one that is completely against change. I even embrace it if there is a great benefit to gain from it. However, if something is to change, there should be a legitimate reason, and to me, there doesn’t appear to be a definitive motive to displace student workers from Java. While we don’t know why Metz is making these changes, I worry about the effect it can have on Java’s atmosphere.

Yet, the question still stands: why, Metz? Why change Java like this? ★

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News

Metz Changes Confuse and Concern

By Sarah Burton

The new school year of 2022-2023 at Houghton has brought in many changes, most notably the change from college to university. However, the title is not the only thing that has undergone change – Metz’s dining options for students have as well. 

Dinner hours on weekdays have been extended on Mondays through Thursdays from 8:00pm to 9:30pm. Poblano’s and Big Als have been replaced by Sizzle and Swirl with Poblano’s reappearing in the Dining Hall as a taco/burrito bar. Big Als was not as fortunate to make a return.

In an interview, sophomore Alliah Fluent remarked on the changes Metz has made this year, saying how she appreciates the smoothie bar and waffle maker but misses the pasta station. The change Fluent feels the most is the removal of meal exchange.

“Athletes are most affected by these changes,” she said. “The extended hours don’t have a lot of good options for us. I haven’t been able to visit Sizzle and Swirl yet because I haven’t had time.” 

She also mentioned the use of flex dollars, saying, “Other meal plans at other schools allow for multiple flex options; we already have a limited amount of flex dollars to spend at Java, having another place only makes it harder.” 

Sophomore Tony Agueci Jr.  discussed the changes to Metz as well. 

“I do have a problem with having to use flex dollars for the “Swirl” half,” he said. “I feel like a big part of Houghton culture is the ice cream being always available in the Dining Hall.”

He also mentioned that Houghton was the number one consumer of ice cream from the company from which it used to buy.

“Houghton ate the most ice cream of all. I feel like that’s a name we should try to live up to, as unhealthy as it sounds,” he said.

To be able to do this, Agueci believes it would be a good idea to move the soft-serve back upstairs at least, while keeping the special flavors downstairs.

In terms of the Poblano’s burrito bar, he really only has one fear. 

“What I know is that the Poblano’s station is where they used to serve Buffalo chicken nuggets, so I hope the burritos don’t replace the ‘buff nuggs!’” he said.

Change is always difficult, and the Houghton student body is facing a lot of it this year. In response to Metz’s new dining options, the majority of students seem concerned not only about the use of flex dollars, or the accommodations for various student groups, but also how it impacts the culture of the campus as a whole.★

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Campus News

Sophomore Leadership Conference Returns

By Elise Koelbl

It was gone but not forgotten. After a year of strict COVID-19 guidelines forcing its absence, February 4 marks the return of the Sophomore Leadership Conference, just in time for it’s 5th year. The Sophomore Leadership Conference is an event for sophomore students to further understand their strengths and show them their abilities as a leader. This year’s theme is titled “Activate: Leadership, Gifts, and the Kingdom of God,” which is notably different than in past years where the theme was “Oh The Places You’ll Go.” This continues to be a program designed to promote leadership in young students.

The person in charge of organizing the event is Rachel Wright. When asked about the decision to direct this event towards sophomores, she stated, “This event has focused on the Sophomore year as students near the time to officially declare their major and there were already existing opportunities like Transitions, Senior Seminar courses, etc. for students during other years. Because of the pandemic, the event was canceled in 2021, so we are opening this year up to those who would have been Sophomores last year.” The event itself goes from the evening of Friday, February 4 to all day Saturday, February 5. There will also be an exclusive dinner with Kindschi Faith and Justice Symposium guest Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah on Monday, February 7 for all of the conference attendees.

Adelaine Morgiewicz (‘24), who is currently a sophomore, plans to attend the event. Like many sophomores, she received an email from Houghton’s Office of Vocation and Calling informing her of this event. As someone who is still undecided in her major, she is excited to attend to gain a better understanding of herself as a leader. 

Highlights of what is included at the conference with the $20 registration fee include: participants completing the Clifton Strengths Finder Assessment; students completing a Positive Change Project during the event, which can feasibly be enacted during their time as students; as well as Conference swag; and Saturday meals. 

Guests this year include Dr. Greg Bish, the Keynote speaker, who is also the Chief of Staff at Houghton College; Dr. JL Miller, the Associate Dean of the Chapel at Houghton College; and the Strengths Coach, Dr. Ellen Marmon, a Professor of Christian Discipleship and the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program and Asbury Theological Seminary, who will be Zooming in to the Conference; Sharon Mulligan, the Director of Academic Support and Accessibility Services at Houghton College, who will be leading an Ideation Session; and Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, a Robert Boyd Munger Professor of Evangelism at Fuller Theological Seminary, who will be having dinner with Conference participants on Monday.

The administration is excited the Sophomore Leadership Conference was able to return after its absence last year. With a variety of guest speakers, attendees will experience a helpful and informational event. ★

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Stories In Focus

FEATURE: The Writing Center

By Jacqueline Johnson

One of Houghton’s wonderful academic resources is the Writing Center. Located in the Center for Student Success in the Chamberlain Center, the Writing Center assists students on any writing assignment or paper. They are open from 3:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Mondays and Thursdays, and 3:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. During these times, Students can book slots with their choice of four wonderful student consultants: Megan Brown (‘23), Rachel Huchthausen (‘23), Jacob Lajza (‘23), and Elaine Starling Leeli (‘22). 

The Writing Center is designed to assist students at any point in the writing process from the planning stage to finishing refinements. Whether it be gathering ideas and organizing thoughts or reviewing any stage of draft, the Writing Center consultants are there to help with many different types of assignments, from formal research papers, to personal essays, to lab reports. In addition to a variety of assignments, the Writing Center is also well-versed in a number of styles including MLA, APA, and Chicago. 

The Writing Center is advised by Professor Laurie Dashnau, who is also one of the writing professors here at the college. Professor Dashnau expresses her joy of the Writing Center, along with high praises of the consultants on both their writing skills and their encouraging nature. 

Jacob Lazja (‘23), one of the Writing Center consultants, talks about some of the benefits that he has seen through working in the Writing Center. “Consulting allows me to collaborate with my peers, not only to produce an A+ paper but to produce lifelong writing skills.” He continues by saying, “Our goal at the Writing Center is not to proofread, edit, and send you away. Instead, it is to guide you through strategies and improvements that will, hopefully, be helpful throughout your college career and beyond.” 

The Writing Center has recently welcomed Rachel Huchthausen (‘23) as its newest addition to the consultant team. She is eager to begin helping people hone their writing skills. “I am looking forward to discovering the writing processes of the individuals who come to Houghton’s Writing Center and learning how to tailor each session to each person’s own areas of strength and areas of growth.” Huchthausen has also expressed how her experience with the Writing Center so far has expanded her insight on the writing process and everything that goes into making the Writing Center what it is. 

The Writing Center is truly something that can help any student improve and hone their writing craft. From advanced writers to those who are just starting to develop their voice, any student who walks into the Writing Center will be met with kind and encouraging student consultants who are there to help you along the way to reaching your writing goals. ★

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Campus News

MLK Day Changes Wrought by Snowstorm

By Anna Catherman

Across the nation on Monday, Jan. 17, Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday was celebrated with a variety of activities. Houghton College had planned to commemorate the day with a variety of special programs in lieu of classes. Unfortunately, a blinding snowstorm with a foot of snow put Houghton’s plans on pause. The chapel speaker, Rev. Dr. Carolyn Peeler from Macedonia Baptist Church, was unable to reach Houghton safely, and other planned events were canceled as many faculty members worked remotely. 

Prior to the event, the STAR interviewed President Wayne D. Lewis about what he was looking forward to about the day. He explained how growing up, he went to various services commemorating the day over the years, and expressed deep appreciation for how Houghton sets aside a day away from classes for the occasion. “The day for me is really special because it gives us the opportunity to pause what we’re doing and reflect on his life and his legacy, just as a leader who’s had an incredible impact on our country.”

Though the day did not look like it was planned, Houghton still invites students to pause and reflect. Posters were hung around campus, and they remain up for students to read. From academic departments to the dining hall, these posters inform passersby of the accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr., as well as other prominent black figures. David Stevick, Director of Library Services, explained that in lieu of the planned poetry and children’s book readings, the library has set up displays of books for students to peruse throughout the coming days. 

Some of the other festivities, including the chapel service, will be rescheduled. According to Dean of Chapel Michael Jordan, Rev. Dr. Peeler’s talk is now scheduled for Feb. 21. The Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles food truck’s visit has not been rescheduled at this time. Also in limbo is an evening concert by Priscilla Ozodo-Acevedo (‘10) and her band. 

Despite the inclement weather, Houghton was still able to honor Dr. King and reflect on his legacy. ★