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Campus News

Flics and Fondue

Flics and Fondue Poster
Flics and Fondue Poster - Courtesy of CAB
by Rebecca Dailey '25

Tonight from 8 to 10 the Campus Activities Board (CAB) will host their Valentine’s Day event, “Flics and Fondue,” outside of Java in the Reinhold Campus Center basement. The evening will include a chocolate fondue fountain with assorted snacks, valentine writing supplies and a showing of the “Princess Bride”! 

Emma Podobinski ‘27, who is leading the event, expressed her excitement: “I have always loved Valentine’s Day, and that definitely inspired this event. I wanted to create a cozy and chill event for people to enjoy on the holiday while doing thematic activities. To me, eating chocolate fondue, watching a romance movie, and writing Valentines sounded like the perfect Valentine’s night.” 

Jana Newberry, Director of Student Engagement and the supervisor for CAB, shared, “Emma mentioned the idea for this event in her CAB interview process and so it’s very cool to see it come full circle! Valentine’s Day is a fun one, and I like that the event feels both special and relaxed. I like that anyone could come and have a good time.”

Significant planning went into this event. Newberry helped coordinate behind the scenes details and supported Podobinski’s process of reserving a space, ordering food and decorations and renting equipment.

“CAB works collaboratively on most of our events from the idea phase to putting on the actual event,” Newberry stated. She added that “Typically, we have one or two people ‘on point’ in this case Emma Podobinski had the idea and energy for this event and has done a great job with the planning!” 

Podobinski wanted to create an atmosphere for everyone. “For this event, my favorite part of planning was creating the atmosphere that I envisioned the event to have,” she said. “When I was ordering decorations, I had a lot of fun planning how I wanted to transform the space outside of Java 101 into the cozy place I was imagining. I relied on Pinterest to see the vision come together and to come up with fun ideas for the event.” 

While Valentine’s Day may be centered around love, this event is meant to share with all, Newberry said. “We wanted to do something specific for Valentine’s day and most people can get behind food and movies,” she commented. 

She added, “Again, everyone is welcome, whether they can come for the whole time or just drop!”

“I want everyone to be able to enjoy Valentine’s Day, whether they are in a relationship or not,” Podobinski expressed. “So, I hope this event creates a space where people feel comfortable and can spend time with their friends and loved ones on the holiday.” ★

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Campus News

Limits on God’s Sovereignty Panel

Bible Study Panel Discussion
Lecture Pannel - Courtesy of Unsplash Debby Hudson
by Abigail Bates '26

“Limits on God’s Sovereignty” will begin next Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Willard J. Houghton Library, room 323, and is Around the Table credit. The panel is part of a series sponsored by Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Katrina Koehler and Professor of Philosophy Dr. Benjamin Lipscomb. The series began in 2023 with the first discussion on Nov. 15 covering the conflict in Gaza and has since then covered topics like masculinity and censorship in the fall 2024 semester.

Koehler said they started the panel discussions to promote “thoughtful conversation[s] on hot-button issues.” They wanted to show how intellectual Christians can engage in complicated topics, not only “from their areas of expertise, but also as thinking believers,” she explained. Although such topics are discussed in classrooms, Lipscomb added, “it seemed to both of us that there was an empty space for something more.”

“If we as an institution don’t sponsor and model serious, challenging discourse, we abdicate our role as educators,” he said.

When Lipscomb arrived at Houghton in 2002, and throughout Koehler’s undergraduate years, Houghton University’s campus held many events similar to the current panel series. A few included topics on the Iraq War, nudity in art, sexual ethics and interpretations of feminism. 

In recent years, however, few such events have occurred. Lipscomb listed reasons such as the institution’s population decrease, COVID-19 pandemic and fears of cancellation.

“But we remember how valuable these panel discussions were to participants and attendees,” Lipscomb said, because the events exposed “students to professors outside their majors and [gave] students opportunities to listen in on and join serious, respectful conversations by members of their community.”

Next week’s panel will host Professor of History Dr. Christian Esh, Associate Professor of Old Testament Dr. Andrew Walton, Interim Dean of Spiritual Life Rev. Dr. J.L. Miller and Associate Professor of Vocal Music & Conducting Dr. Daniel Black.

Lipscomb explained that the topic of divine sovereignty is one that has long divided Christians. He added that “it’s the kind of thing students sometimes debate in dorm lounges late at night, but unless they’re in a theology class, they don’t get the opportunity of thinking in a more rigorous and grounded way about it.”

He expressed that even in theology classes, usually only one professor facilitates and comments on discussions between students, which limits the conversations.

“The whole point of the series, though, is to make available conversations of a different sort: open to more people, involving more people,” Lipscomb said.

He described the topic as pastoral, relating to the care and guidance of Christian followers, because it connects directly to who God is; what God controls and how he directs that control. “It’s not just academic; it’s existential,” he added. Some Christians are “suffering and watching others suffer,” he said. They wonder “what God has to do with it.”

Lipscomb hopes students leave the panel series with “a sense of what disagreement and mutual exploration within the body of Christ can be like.”

“In a polarized world,” Koehler said, “we want to demonstrate nuance, shades of grey, and the value of thoughtful discourse. Most importantly, we want to show that disagreement can be done well.”

Later this semester, the question “Should you have children?” will be addressed, which Koehler said “reveals deep, often unspoken value systems beneath our varied responses.” They are already considering future topic possibilities such as missions, immigration and AI, and are happy to take suggestions. ★

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Stories In Focus

Evelyn Simanowski’s Musical Journey

by Jiana Martin '26

Senior Evelyn Simanowski ‘25’s greatest passion since childhood has been music. Pursuing music in her studies and career was always a part of her desired plans and a “series of perfectly crafted ‘God moments’” allowed her to attend Houghton University (HU) to follow those dreams.

“I believe so deeply that the talents God has given us correspond with the life He has written for us and the musical gifts He has given me deserve to be honed and developed to glorify Him and live out the life He has for me to the fullest,” Simanowski expressed. 

Despite her undying love for music, her musical journey has not unfolded without some hardships. One of which has been accepting that perfection is unattainable. As a perfectionist, it has been a hard lesson for Simanowski to learn that a perfect performance will never be achieved despite all the time and effort put into it. 

“When you learn that lesson you can become discouraged and give up,” Simanowski reflected, “or you can rise to the task at hand and pursue excellence anyways for the sake and value of the art.”

During her years at HU, one of her greatest professional accomplishments has been placing as a finalist in the National Association for Teachers of Singing Solo Festival in the Finger Lakes Region. Simanowski also noted that having the opportunity to play Amalia Balash in the Lyric Theatre’s production of “She Loves Me” was “a huge marker of the progress [she] made in these last four years.” However, despite these milestones in her Houghton career, Simanowski’s greatest achievement has been perceiving her musical talents as God-given gifts and interactions as opportunities to give him the glory.

As a culmination of her time at HU, Simanowski will be performing her senior recital titled “Faint Heart Never Won” on Feb. 19 at 8 p.m.

Simanowski shared that the title originates from the English proverb “Faint heart never won fair maiden,” which “serves as a lesson that if one sets out to achieve difficult things, effort will be involved.”   

She has chosen to perform pieces she loves containing female figures and characters who lived through unfavorable circumstances, yet are remembered for their strength and dignity. The performance will include “Try Me, Good King” by Libby Larsen that uses the last words of each of the wives of Henry VIII, a song cycle by Debussy using some French poetry and “Song to the Moon”, an aria by Antonin Dvořák.

“I chose pieces for my recital that would challenge me vocally and intellectually, requiring thought on my part to bring the text and the composer’s vision to life,” Simanowski explained.

Reflecting on his time working with Simanowski as a collaborative pianist, Senior Ryan Nickelsen ‘25 has appreciated her “willingness to be flexible in the way she performs any given song.” Rehearsing and performing with her has been an easy and enjoyable experience because she sees the pianist as a fellow performer rather than a supporting role. Simanowski’s professionalism and enthusiasm in her singing stand out to Nickelsen. 

He commented that as a past observer and a current accompanist, “it has been a delight to see her continue to push herself to become a better singer, even when it seemed as if she had already hit her cap.” 

Nickelsen is excited to share the hard work he and Simanowski have put into the recital and hopes that everyone will enjoy it as much as he has enjoyed putting it together with her. 

For Prof. Kimberly Prins Moeller, Associate Professor of Voice, walking with Simanowski and getting to know her over the past four years has been a privilege and a joy. She admires her dedication, willingness and how she welcomes feedback and critique in a positive manner. 

“They say still waters run deep and I think that is quite appropriate for Evelyn. Her head is always on straight, she is a thoughtful student in every way, and she is not afraid of the effort it will take to achieve her goals,” Moeller shared. “Evelyn is also extremely self-aware and unafraid of questioning and revisiting her dreams and plans,” she added.

Moeller is excited about the many stories told through Simanowski’s selections, and the new colors and qualities of her voice that will be displayed. 

“It’s a compelling recital that you definitely don’t want to miss,” Moeller said and added, “I trust that this recital will be a celebration of all her creativity, work and accomplishments!” ★

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Campus News

Life Together Groups

Life Together Groups Bible
Life Together Groups - Courtesy of Kaitlyn Avery
by Sadie Nakamura ('26)

Houghton University (HU) offers a variety of weekly small groups around campus called Life Together Groups. These gatherings are open to all students and designed to foster a sense of community and encourage meaningful spiritual connection. 

Interim Dean of Spiritual Life J.L. Miller explained that Life Together Groups were created to help students share their spiritual experiences and grow together in faith. Each group features a unique focus, providing opportunities for students and faculty to engage in deeper spiritual connection. 

“I chose the name Life Together Groups from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s seminal work called Life Together,” Miller said. “The book explore[s] what it look[s] like living together. I think it’s such a gift to be at an undergraduate institution like Houghton where you are surrounded by peers, faculty, and staff all interested in being at a Christian University, growing in their faith, and studying together.”

Miller emphasized the importance of creating intentional spaces for Bible study, prayer and spiritual discussion. 

“I think one aspect of doing Life Together as Christians is creating [these spaces],” he said. “I wanted to be sure the Spiritual Life office was doing something to enhance the offerings across campus.”

Miller’s overall vision is to ensure that a variety of small groups and Bible studies are consistently available for students because he believes “it is important for students during their college years to be connected with peers and classmates on a spiritual level.”

Although student-run small groups already existed on campus, Miller sought to provide additional support to help students easily find groups that fit their interests and schedules. One aspect Miller appreciates is the flexibility and creativity of these gatherings. “I love the variety of styles in the different groups,” he noted.

One such group is Daily Prayer. Lee James ‘26, a double major in bible & theology and history, is one of the students who helps lead the Daily Prayer Life Together Group. The group meets every weekday at 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the Spiritual Life Office, located on the lower level of the Campus Center. 

“Daily Prayer is open to everyone,” James said. “It’s a great way to take a breather in the middle of a chaotic week.”

James emphasized the positive impact of leading a small group, sharing that daily prayer provides a safe opportunity to connect with others, adding, “It would be really cool to see more people get involved!”

Another popular group is Board Games and Big Questions led by Julia Collins ‘26, a history major. The group combines fun with meaningful conversations, inviting participants to engage with both games and thought-provoking questions. 

“I think it can be really encouraging for people to come together in a small group setting,” Collins shared. “Everyone has burdens and it is so beautiful to help each other carry these burdens.” 

Collins believes the Life Together Groups provide opportunities to form friendships with “people that you might not otherwise meet!” She added that some “of my best friends are the ones that I’ve met in life together groups.” 

Through Life Together Groups, HU continues to cultivate a spiritual community where students can build meaningful relationships and deepen their faith. ★

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Columns

The Wild Robot (2024) Review

Written By: Caleb Tiedemann (’25)

I’ll be honest—I’m not the biggest fan of animated movies. To some, that might be considered heresy of the highest order, but I’ve watched many disappointments and witnessed plenty of thoroughly underwhelming films. So when I saw trailers and advertisements for The Wild Robot, I didn’t bother hoping for anything special. Looking back now, the trailers were actually pretty terrible, barely scratching the surface of the movie’s deeper themes and meaning.

However, I enjoy being pleasantly surprised. So when I finally watched The Wild Robot, I was amazed at just how unequivocally wrong I had been! The movie was produced by DreamWorks, and while their films made up a large part of my childhood, my adult life has been far less inclusive of them. Upon watching the film, I was greeted with a stunning animation style—a gorgeous swath of color stretching across the skies and a breathtaking depiction of the seasons in a rugged, weathered landscape. The animation team was undoubtedly put to the test, but they truly delivered.

It was refreshing to see a unique and emotionally mature concept brought to the screen. Don’t get me wrong—the film is accessible to both children and adults, but I wasn’t expecting plot points specifically targeted at an older audience. Many children’s movies seem to cater solely to kids, almost as if they forget that adults are the ones watching alongside them.

The movie tells a touching story of motherhood, shifting family dynamics, and friendship. These themes are beautifully conveyed through excellent voice acting that evokes deep emotional responses. I grew to love and connect with the various characters throughout the runtime. Additionally, Kris Bowers’ musical composition was the perfect complement, enhancing both the film’s most emotional and triumphant moments. Ultimately, The Wild Robot was a fantastic surprise, and I strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoys movies. It has all the essential elements of a truly great film.

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Campus News

Winter Dance: Dusk Til Dawn

DJ music board
Winter Dance DJ Board - Courtesy of - Unsplash Zac Brombell
by Abigail Bates '26

Tomorrow—from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.—the Campus Activities Board (CAB) is hosting “Winter Dance: Dusk Til Dawn” in the Reinhold Campus Center (CC) basement.

Sophomore Gracie Stickels ‘27 said last year’s theme was “winter ball.”

“It was the perfect balance of fancy and fun,” she said, adding that “the snacks, drinks, and decorations were pretty and sophisticated while the energy of the dance floor was off the charts!”

Stickles oversees this year’s dance with help from her fellow CAB members. She has been busy working with Director of Student Engagement Jana Newberry, reserving dance space, acquiring sound equipment, shopping for supplies, creating posters and “curating a playlist for the dance.”

“It’s been a busy past week for sure,” she said, “but I am so grateful for my fellow team members, and I’m excited to see how it goes!”

In light of their desire to play with the contrasting nature of dusk and dawn, Stickles explained that the CC basement will be split in half with two different snack tables and photo booths. One side will highlight themes and colors of dusk and the other will do so of dawn. Stickles encourages attendees to pick a side, dressing fancy or casual, and match the corresponding color scheme “like Dawn-yellow, orange, pink and Dusk-blue, purple, black, etc.”

The hardest parts about preparing for the dance have been planning, estimating and staying under budget, Stickles said. Another CAB member, Aivery Shuck ‘26, noted that it’s hard to find a “suitable space for the dance as well as setting up all the decorations.” Shuck is the CAB Athletics Representative and assists with setting up the space, buying food and drinks, and “making sure everyone has a wonderful time!”

Although dancing was prohibited in Houghton University’s (formerly known as Houghton College) past, dance events are common now. Stickles described these dances as places where people may make new friendships and connections with other students. 

“Due to Houghton’s location, it can be difficult to find places to go out with friends,” Stickles expressed. “To help with this, dances pave the way for a safe and local option for people to have an incredibly fun night mingling and dancing with others.”

Shuck described the dances as “a chance to get together with friends and have a good time dancing, chatting, and getting lots of free snacks!” She said that the only expectation for attendees is to have fun.

“Houghton,” Stickles said, “is very focused on the importance of community and we want to bring students, from all areas, together for a night of dancing and mingling.”

“We hope to see you there!” Stickles added. ★

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Campus News

Rise of The Boulder

Stack of Yearbooks The Boulder
Boulder Houghton Yearbooks - Courtesy of Kaitlyn Avery
by Jiana Martin '26

For the past 100 years, The Boulder has been Houghton University’s (HU) yearbook. It was founded in 1924 and named in commemoration of a memorial boulder located across from Fancher Hall near the Houghton sign. The boulder marks the grave of Copperhead, the last Seneca man to live in Houghton, N.Y.

The Seneca tribe—a part of Allegany country’s original inhabitants— were forced from the Genesee Valley onto reservations during the Westward Expansion. Copperhead refused to leave because he claimed he was never paid for his land. He became a local icon and lived off charity until his death in 1864 at 120-years-old (he claimed). Copperhead was originally buried at the intersection of Centerville and Old River Road, but in 1910 his remains were moved to the top of campus when his burial site was beginning to be destroyed by the creek. As a proper memorial, Leonard Houghton (Willard J. Houghton’s son) donated the boulder that still sits there today.  

The Boulder was faithfully published by students for 91 consecutive years until 2015. Student involvement in the yearbook decreased and yearbooks were also absent for 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2022. In 2023, The Boulder was re-established by a group of students and made an official campus club. There was some pushback about re-starting the yearbook as involvement and sales have decreased over the past years. IBISWorld, a research firm, estimated a 4.7% decline in sales from yearbook publishing industries to schools. 

Despite the pushback, the dedicated yearbook staff created the 2024-2025 edition and is now working on the 2025-2026 edition. 

“The yearbook is how we treasure the memories that we make in college,” said Senior Jo Borges Edwards ‘25, the managerial editor of The Boulder. “Years from now, we might barely remember the members of our student organization or athletic team, but we will always be able to go to the yearbook to relive those memories.” 

The Boulder staff want all classes to be included, which is why although the “yearbook has historically been targeted toward seniors” Borges Edwards said that “since we [The Boulder staff] restarted the organization in Fall 2023, we have had the goal of making a yearbook that includes everyone because we are all Houghton.”

Zoe Zachery ‘27 (a managerial assistant) and Ethan Scally ‘27 (a member of the managerial team and photographer) also believe the yearbook is an important part of HU. 

“Life moves so quickly that sometimes we might forget about the little things that happen. By having a yearbook, we are given the chance to hold on to those memories and look back on them for years to come,” said Zachery.

Scally added that the yearbook “holds all the memories made on campus either with friends, at events, and/or just everyday life.”

It has been fulfilling for Borges Edwards to have the opportunity to put together people’s best memories. Zachery finds joy in the opportunity to form connections with various people she has not met before.

“I love taking pictures and getting them so that we, as a community and ‘family,’ have a memento of our times in college because, as they say, these are the best days of our life,” Scally reflected.

Help preserve Houghton memories by submitting your photos to The Boulder at boulder@houghton.edu. ★

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Campus News

Christmas Prism Concert

Prism Concert 2023
Prism - Courtesy - Houghton University Instagram
by Aivery Schuck ('26)

It is that time of year again when Houghton University (HU) hosts the annual Christmas Prism Concert. So mark your calendars for this Friday and Saturday! 

Prism is a Houghton Christmas tradition that celebrates the festive season with music, joy and reflection. 

“The annual event started as a way to bring the community together to kick-off the Advent and Christmas season, with the intention to make the message of  Christ’s birth accessible to the larger community,” Senior Director of Community Engagement Phyllis Gaerte explained. She added that “Christmas is a time when many people are more open to the Gospel story than any other time of the year.”

It is a great opportunity for community members, Houghton students and people traveling from out of town to see the wonderful production conducted by HU’s music department. This year’s 2024 show is called “What Child Is This?” 

Emma Podobinski ‘27, a choir student participating in the concert, said that “Prism is a collective concert from many of the music ensembles on campus. You can expect many festive pieces from the choirs, orchestras, and smaller student groups! There will be some known and loved carols, but also some unique Christmas pieces! There will be scripture readings following the story of Christmas as well.” 

Audiences are invited to sing along to some pieces. 

All of the students and faculty participating in the show have been rehearsing in their individual ensembles long before the Christmas season even began. All of the performers have been working hard to prepare. 

Susannah Denham ‘26, a member of the Houghton choir, encourages audiences to “listen carefully to the words in the pieces being performed, and even in the carols you may be singing in the audience.”

“These lyrics are often rich and deep,” she added. 

Denham mentioned a verse in “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” that speaks about “erasing Adam’s image from us and being reinstated in Christ’s love.”  She added that even pieces with no lyrics “glorify God in their beauty and excellence.”

When asked how much the Prism concert impacts the Hougton community, Director of Student Engagement Jana Newberry said that “it is a beautiful moment in the typically hectic season, it calls us to slow down, despite all the work and effort that goes into the performance, and celebrate music and joy. Even if it’s just one night where we can sit and listen and participate in the true spirit of the Christmas season, it’s worth it!”

After Friday’s performance, the Campus Activities Board will be hosting the After Prism Gala in the Center for the Arts atrium from 9:15 p.m. to 11 p.m. ★

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Campus News

Christmas Arts and Craft Fair

Christmas Craft Fair
Christmas Craft Fair - Courtesy Houghton University Instagram
by Kelsey Curtis ('27)

Each year, Houghton University holds a Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair in the final weeks of the fall semester. Vendors from surrounding areas will share their crafts in the Reinhold Campus Center (CC) next Friday. 

Although the University Community Engagement Center sponsors the event, student interns help organize it. This year’s interns include Rileigh Studley ‘25, Marjorie Gassler ‘25 and Lilly Turner ‘25.

Studley and Gassler highlighted a few changes to the fair from past years. First, Studley shared that student artists will be playing live music from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Although it is a small change, Studley believes it “will provide some extra holiday cheer for the craft fair.” 

Gassler emphasized a large change to the craft sale’s layout. She shared that in past years, to accommodate more vendors, some tables were placed in the CC basement. But unfortunately, they got a lot less traffic because not everyone realized there were more booths downstairs. This year, all vendors will be on the first floor of the CC so that everyone has an equal chance to see more customers. 

Gassler and Studley expressed excitement for the event, not only as planners but also as participants. Both agreed that the fair is a great way of bringing the community together, especially “to get local artists connected with students,” said Gassler. 

Studley added that it provides a way for “our student body to support local businesses and entrepreneurs.”

Gassler reflected that helping plan the fair was useful because it “is a great way for me to apply what I have learned in my interpersonal and organizational communication and social media marketing coursework.”

As students attending the fair, they are excited about different aspects of it. 

Studley said she looks forward to “listening to the Christmas music playing, sipping on a hot chocolate, and walking around looking at all of the cool products people have made!” 

Gassler finds the fair is a great place to do Christmas shopping and loves supporting local artists and other students.

This year, over 50 vendors are participating in the fair.  A vast variety of crafts will be sold “from baked goods to jewelry, to art, to alpaca socks” and “from pottery to baklava to goat’s milk skincare products.” 

Studley said it is their “hope that there will be something for everyone!” 

There will also be some student vendors located in the Encore Suite. Hannah Fish ‘27 will be a student vendor and expressed her excitement for the event. Fish began making ceramics in her senior year of high school and is excited to share what she’s made. She will sell mugs, garden planters, jewelry platters, “juice-box cups” and more. 

Fish also participated in the Harvestival Craft Sale this Fall, which was her first time having a table alone. She said that she was initially nervous, but “everyone [was] so supportive, excited, and curious” that it was hard to be anxious during the sale. 

“I’m making things I enjoy making,” Fish shared, “and I love Christmas and gift-giving so the fair helps me share unique handmade gifts, and I get to buy some too!” 

She hopes to continue participating in craft sales like those at HU.

The Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ★

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Stories In Focus

Grace Vuolo

by Rebecca Dailey ('25)

Grace Vuolo, a recent graduate from the Houghton University class of 2024, is gearing up to release her debut single between Christmas and New Year’s. “Congratulations”,  an Indie pop track, featuring a hint of punk influence and showcases Vuolo’s growth both as a songwriter and performer.

“I write all my songs from experience,” said Vuolo, reflecting on the inspiration behind her new single. “I wrote this song after realizing that I needed to start taking care of myself instead of just being the peacekeeper I had always been. I had let others control my life and knew it was time for a change.”

The song’s themes of self-empowerment and personal growth are a central part of Vuolo’s music, which she hopes will resonate deeply with her listeners. 

“I’ve been singing since I was a toddler, and I’ve been songwriting since I was five years old, although I started seriously at twelve and singing at fourteen.” She added that “Music has always been my expressive outlet, and I hope that my songs help others feel seen and hopeful.”

Vuolo’s journey in music has been a long one, but she advises anyone interested in pursuing music to keep going, no matter the challenges. “If you love it, don’t give up! The road to success isn’t always clear, but passion and persistence matters more than anything,” she shared. Her goal is to provide others with a means of self-expression, and she encourages young artists to think about the impact their music can have on others.

“Congratulations” will be available on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube. Vuolo performs under the stage name “Ian.”

Adding to the excitement surrounding the release, Vuolo has also directed the music video for the single, featuring fellow student Alaska Dunstan ‘25. Dunstan, who plays a role in the video, spoke about the unique experience. 

“This is my first time acting, and it’s been so exciting!” Dunstan said. “I’ve never worked with film before, so it’s been fascinating to see how everything works. Grace has been amazing in guiding the visuals, and we’ve had a lot of fun in the process.” She noted that the set was full of energy and laughter, a refreshing balance to the serious work of bringing the video to life.

Dr. Sharon Johnson praised Vuolo for her maturity and growth. “Grace has an incredible ability to light up a stage, whether she’s performing as a singer or actor,” she said. “It’s been a joy to watch her grow, not just as a musician, but as a person.”

With the upcoming release of “Congratulations”, Vuolo is not only marking a significant milestone in her career but also offering a piece of her heart and journey to all. Listeners can expect a song that’s both introspective and anthemic, a reflection of the artist’s evolution as she steps confidently into the spotlight. ★