Bethel College Collegian, March 2022, Vol. 110, Issue 10

THE

COLLEGIAN Friday, March 25, 2022 | Volume 110, Issue 10 | North Newton, KS

Bethel College softball kicked off the second half of the semester with a few home games as pictured above. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel

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Ukraine conflict, treatment of refugees

4

Editorial: Environmental Sustainability

8

Pandemic prompts culture shift on campus

10

Basketball closes historic season

12

FemCore celebrates Women’s history

2 NEWS

Hospitality, treatment of Ukrainian refugees JOSUE COY-DICK Staff Writer

Since the start of Syria’s civil war in 2011, more than 12 million people — or half the pre-war population — have been displaced within Syria or have fled to neighboring countries.

The fighting continues to rage, resulting in extreme dislocations for the Syrian people, even to this day.

The United States has provided approximately $11.3 billion in humanitarian assistance to help Syrians in need since 2012.

Neighboring European Union (EU) countries responded to the Syrian crisis by closing their borders and designing detention camps for Syrian refugees.

Some claimed Syrian refugees should be detained for up to 18 months.

Many demonized the refugees – the Prime Minister of Hungary for example, spoke of “Muslim invaders” and called immigrants “a poisoning.”

In contrast to their approach to the conflict in Syria, the war in Ukraine, involving two of the same nations as the war in Syria – the United States and Russia – has seen a drastically different response.

Neighboring EU countries have largely been very welcoming to Ukrainian refugees.

Teams of volunteers are handing out food, water, clothing, and medicines at the borders. Some countries are allowing Ukrainian refugees to enter without valid travel documents.

The US emergency spending package for Ukraine, passed on March 13 of this year, included about $7 billion in humanitarian aid. This war has been going on for just over one month.

According to the United Nations (UN), since the start of Russia’s invasion in February, about 3 million people have fled Ukraine.

Although the two wars resulted from different causes, many experts find them

to be comparable in their impact on the civilian populations.

News outlets, including Al Jazeera, also noted that Russia’s tactics in Ukraine are similar to those used in Syria.

For example, in both wars, Russia has bombed hospitals, used unguided bombs in densely populated areas, employed inherently indiscriminate cluster munitions and they have siege to cities where vast numbers of innocent civilians are exposed to the terrors of war.

The impact on ordinary citizens in Syria and Ukraine has been catastrophic both in the number of casualties and the resulting flood of refugees seeking to escape with their lives and their children.

When several randomly selected anonymous Bethel College students were asked what words came to mind when thinking about the war in Ukraine - a war with which they are familiar - their responses reflected empathy: pointless, heartbreaking, violent, loss of children and families.

However, when asked about the war in Syria, most drew a blank, and many had little or no familiarity with the war at all.

Should our apparent desire to extend aid and comfort to those suffering the ravages of war, paired with our lack of awareness of one war but not the other, bring into question our responses to these tragedies?

Who in our community might we be overlooking? How are we treating the immigrants who’ve fled other wars and dangers? Do we know?

If one is interested in the issue locally, there are many refugees and immigrants in our midst.

Newton is home to a large Latinx population, and there is a branch of the International Rescue Committee in Wichita that is expected to assist in the resettlement of 950 refugees in 2022.

PittCon background, values, virtual resurgence CAPRI STEVENSON-SON

Design/Layout Editor

In the past, Bethel has sent students to PittCon through the chemistry department.

PittCon is the official name for the annual conference and exposition hosted by the Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied

Spectroscopy. It is designed as a venue to showcase the latest advances in analytical research and instrumentation.

The conference also provides a platform for continuing education and STEM opportunities.

Its mission statement is “Advancing and enriching scientific endeavor by connecting scientists worldwide, facilitating the exchange of research and

ideas, showcasing the latest in laboratory innovation, and funding science education and outreach,” as stated on their website, pittcon.org.

This year Dr. Katy Layman, professor of chemistry and physics, was planning on returning to this annual tradition with students.

However, PittCon switched from being held in Atlanta, Ga. to virtual

presenters.

The main benefit of students attending PittCon is an opportunity to network, witness other’s presentations on their research and to see the latest scientific enhancements.

SGA met on Sunday, March 13 in the chapel. The Senate of the Student Government Association voted on the following: • Bill to Provide Funding to Cover the Expenses of Travel and Tickets for the NAIA National Tournament The next meeting will be held on Sunday, March 27 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel and students are invited and encouraged to attend.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns or ideas regarding anything you think SGA should address, please feel free to reach out to any SGA member or send comments to sga@bethelks.edu or through the website, bethelsga.wordpress.com

NEWS 3

Jantz outlines Assessment Day, accreditation context BRETT ESCH Staff Writer

Every year, Bethel College seniors undergo Assessment Day – a day dedicated to benchmark testing as a resource for the institution to, if needed, adjust academic goals for its enrollees.

Allen Jantz, head of the Assessment Day committee who has served the Bethel community for 26 years, understands the pivotal role Assessment Day plays in the Thresher experience.

“From a student aspect, there’s been very little information about Assessment Day. And that’s something the committee has talked about – wanting to see an increase in student participation so they’d understand more about what’s going on,” Jantz said.

Jantz elaborated on what exactly Assessment Day is.

“From an administration standpoint, Assessment Day is about the institution

assessing and evaluating its goals. … We focus on the five general education goals, which deal with programs of study. We also look at PJCS – peace, justice, and conflict studies – cross cultural learning, and the competencies that students are required to take,” Jantz said.

As for day-to-day instruction, Jantz notes that students should not expect any major changes on that front.

“I’ve been here for 26 years, and I don’t believe the general education goals for the institution have changed since I’ve been here. So one of the things we would like to see is whether or not these goals are still appropriate for the current student body – are these the things that are still important to us?” Jantz said.

Instead, Assessment Day aims at broader, more abstract long-term adjustments to enhance Bethel’s learning environment.

“From an instructional perspective, I’m not sure students will notice a

marked change based on Assessment Day. It would be more looking toward the broader goals – which might change some of the requirements students have to meet to graduate,” Jantz said.

Assessment Day is closely related to the accreditation process of the college and has been crucial in maintaining accreditation.

Jantz was also able to provide insight into Bethel’s accreditation process over the past two years.

In the summer of 2020, the school was cited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and placed on its ‘On Notice’ list.

In November of 2021, the HLC officially removed its citations, freeing Bethel from the list.

These movements have played a significant role in the Assessment Day committee’s decision-making process.

“My perspective on accreditation is colored a little bit by my previous work with accrediting agencies. The HLC sets certain standards that Bethel has to meet.

And at the last accreditation visit, the school got cited for two of those standards,

Bethel College faculty gathered together in the Luyken Fine Arts Center to eat a lunch provided by the college. Photo by Emily Brandt

so the HLC just wanted Bethel to show more clearly that they were actually meeting those standards,” Jantz said.

The process of accreditation, though largely a mystery for the student body, is carefully monitored by groups of faculty.

“I would say that sometimes with accreditation – what institutions are held accountable to – depends on the group of peer reviewers that come in. Certain standards are more meaningful to some than other standards, and I think that’s what happened last time. … Sometimes it’s like chasing a moving target,” Jantz said.

In November, Bethel was able to get itself out of muddy waters with the HLC. This paves the way for smooth sailing and a return to normalcy for Jantz, the Assessment Day committee, and all of the institution’s moving parts. The way they did this was simple.

“I think it was just a case of ‘we now know what you want us to fix so we can show you what we’re doing,’ because I don’t think we’re doing anything different.

We just showed them what they missed on their first visit,” Jantz said.

4 EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL Make environmentally sustainable choices in college Though many sustainably-made products and processes are more expensive and time consuming, there are a number of ways to start improving the earth on a budget. I have three different sustainable practices that are very doable and affordable for everyday life.

The first practice is one that is not new to anyone, and has become more popular over the past few years, in my opinion. Buying items secondhand is a way of recycling and upcycling clothing, furniture, electronics and more. As a kid, most of us learned the concept of “reduce, reuse, recycle.” By thrifting, we are contributing to the “reuse” aspect of this concept.

Secondhand stores, whether physical or virtual, require fewer resources and help keep good clothing out of landfills.

Thrifting is not the only way to buy second hand. Even large platforms like Amazon EMILY BRANDT Photo Editor sell pre-owned items at a reduced price.

The second practice may cost you As a young college student who in the moment, but will pay off in the happens to not be swimming in money, long run. Investing in one or two quality I often find myself wanting to do better sustainable products a year will allow you for the environment to, slowly but surely, while also not advance toward a breaking the bank. more sustainable life.

However, this Sustainable can be difficult, as “Not all of these changes products can be many sustainablyanything from made products - like are necessarily financial ethically sourced and investment. However, clothing or higher produced clothing, quality items - are reusable cutlery and I would argue they are more expensive. I tupperware to use all investments in the find myself turning around campus, planet.” away from options package-free hygiene like this when it does products like shampoo not fit in my budget, and conditioner, or which consequently investing in a quality means turning away pair of shoes that will from making environmentally sustainable last you years. choices.

In the past year or two, I have noticed I know many others find themselves more companies in the personal hygiene with this same struggle. and cleaning industries leaving single-use

packaging and toxic ingredients in the past.

On campus there are recycling This includes implementing completely stations in most residence halls that package-free items, like shampoo bars allow you to sort your recycling. As long and toothpaste tablets, as this waste is clean or refillable aluminum and is not still wet and glass bottles with or greasy, it can concentrated product. be broken down to In this process, we reuse the resources are either eliminating instead of ending package waste and “Sustainable living does up in landfills. reducing the amount of Not all of not have to be an all toxic materials that end these changes are or nothing situation, up polluting the earth. necessarily financial because big changes are i n v e s t m e n t s .

Some of the most consumed and daunting and sometimes However, I would frequently used items unrealistic... I encourage argue they are all have to do with personal investments in the hygiene care. These you to do some research planet.

Whether are items some people to find the best habits for I’m broke or not, buy multiple times climate change your life and budget.” per month, depending will continue to on the product. This thrive. We need to means you are not only continue to form paying for the product habits that will help itself, but the plastic the environment, packaging that encases not hurt it. it and the production of packaging. And Sustainable living does not have to yes, that may be a very small fraction of be an all or nothing situation, because the cost, but it adds up. big changes are daunting and sometimes Even though companies are slowly unrealistic. Consider adding a recycling transitioning from single-use packaging, bin to your dorm or mod to ease the grocery stores are filled with plastic chore. Or take your own tupperware to the and you’ll likely continue to see it Caf when you take food to go. There are everywhere for many years. Sometimes endless possibilities for ways to live more it is unavoidable or you just can’t bear sustainably, and I have only named a few. to part ways with your favorite shampoo I encourage you to do some research that comes in the worst plastic packaging. to find the best habits for your life and That’s okay! We’re all human and it’s budget in order to protect and care for the hard to make these changes. However, it’s earth while we are on it. Doing something what you do with the waste that matters. is better than doing nothing, even if that Recycling is a great and easy way to something is small. reduce waste and decrease greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. So, when you do buy single-use Emily Brandt is a sophomore social work major. packaging, make sure you are recycling She is also the Photo Editor for the Bethel it correctly instead of throwing it in the Collegian. trash or on the ground.

THRESHPECTIVE 5

THRESPECTIVES Should Sunday be honored as a day of rest?

Rest should occur everyday As a full time college student who also has three jobs, Sunday is no different from any other day of the week in regards CAPRI STEVENSON- to my work BISOM load.

Whatever Design/Layout Editor homework I do not finish on Saturday gets done on Sunday, while I also work one of my various jobs.

Humans need breaks, especially myself. However, I do not think one day a week dedicated to resting would decrease my stress and workload. I am of the opinion that a “rest” should instead be worked into every day. By setting aside time to rest every day, I could manage my time better and not try to cram to get all my work done by the end of the week. I would also have more time to decompress.

The easiest way to achieve this would be to make the work day shorter and work a fewer number of days every week.

The concept of making the work day/week shorter is not new. It’s not a secret that productivity drops off when working eight plus consecutive hours.

This applies to both school and career.

There is a plethora of scientific research and evidence proving how beneficial working less is for mental health and how it may even improve the quality of work.

This notion of reduced work time and more personal time comes from when unions were fighting for eight hour work days during the Industrial Revolution, a reduction from the 16 hour work day workers previously had.

Now, workers want to reduce that even more to four hour work days and only a four day work week. This would

increase the quality of work while also not overloading our mental capacity.

Additionally, time for recreation and rest would be ensured.

If everyone worked fewer hours a day and fewer days a week, students would have fewer academic responsibilities and, therefore, less homework. This could potentially allow students to apply for jobs or have increased recreational time.

The same mental health benefits for working less also apply to school work. If students weren’t as overloaded with work, you would see a significantly decreased number of people breaking down in the library due to stress, deadlines and burnout.

Right now it is assumed weekends are the time for resting. However, students have homework, jobs, practices, rehearsals and other responsibilities they may have carried from the week. Often, the weekend is the only time for these activities because of classes and any scheduling conflicts.

A reduced work week would make a permanent longer weekend and hopefully spread out these responsibilities over more than just two days. This would then ensure students have down time in order to actually rest.

This is not to say that Sunday should not be a rest day. However, one day a week for resting while working every other day is not enough time (especially for me) to feel rested and ready to tackle the following week. I need frequent breaks in order to get stuff done so I want a designated time everyday for rest and relaxation. Believe me, everyone else would benefit from it as well.

Capri Stevenson-Bisom is a senior chemistry and art double major. They are also the Design/ Layout Editor for the Bethel Collegian.

It is important to have a day of rest Bethel students are so incredibly busy and only seem to get busier with each passing year that I spend here BETHANY POWLS in pursuit of my Editor-in-Chief degree. Students are getting things done, that’s for sure. But at what cost.

It is an unspoken rule that individuals in American society do not work on Sunday, whether for religious reasons or not. However, this is not the case for college students. I would go so far as to say that Sundays are some of my busiest days.

As a choir student, it sometimes frustrates me to have to miss church services to go sing at other churches or perform on Sunday afternoons.

While I did willingly sign up for those activities, I also know that many of these performances fall on Sunday because there is simply no other time for them. Additionally, I also know that it has affected my spiritual health in a negative way.

Aside from mornings, Sunday afternoons and evenings are littered with meetings and practices for a variety of organizations. For the people I live with, that also includes athletic practices, work and senate meetings.

It is really difficult to fulfill these obligations and turn around rested for Monday classes, meetings, practices and work.

According to the precepts of my faith, I am commanded to take a day or time of rest on a regular basis. At the risk of sound preachy, the Ten Commandments say, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days

you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God” as a parallel to the creation story of Genesis. (Exodus 20:8-10) Because the Ten Commandments are integrated into the Christian faith, it makes each commandment as relevant as the next. It is the very reason, historically, that Christians gather together on Sundays in worship as a sign of rest and restoration.

And yet, my obligations insist that I work on Sunday because it is the only time to do so… even as I (and every other student on campus) am clearly working each of the other six days of the week as well.

While not specifically a Bethel issue, Bethel is still a microcosm of the world beyond, meaning that the lack of acknowledgment of the Sabbath— or any sort of rest—is a cultural issue.

From a faith-based perspective, if my God rested after creating mankind, then I too should be able to rest after using all of my creative energy to lead, to serve and to contribute to society.

It is not a privilege, it is a command.

And yet, taking time off on Sunday is such a privilege because of the nature of the world we live in. I would like to suggest that this requires a cultural revolution, and turning back to slower ways of living (if able) in the hopes that others will be able to one day afford following the example. And because it is so much easier to make these changes on a smaller scale, I kindly suggest that the institution of Bethel College acknowledge Sundays as a day of rest.

Bethany Powls is a senior English and history major. She is also the Editor-in-Chief for the Bethel Collegian.

6 COMMUNITY

Word on the Street

What is your seminar project and has the process prepared you for life beyond graduation?

SENIOR

Sandy Dao

“I’m a biology major and my senior seminar is titled “The Antimicrobial Effects of Essential Oils.” My favorite part about this research is the results could be very promising for future studies to actually implement essential oils into modern medicine. This process has affected me by teaching me the difficulties of the research and how organized and precise you have to be with everything. This has helped me in future endeavors as graduate schools like the idea of undergraduates participating in research.”

SENIOR

Victoria Mosakowski

SENIOR

Marvin Phillips

“I am a history & political science major, and I’m doing my senior seminar on the economic bill of rights, and the effects of one of the greatest bills that never became law. This process was a necessary part in preparation for real-world assignments, and also it was especially helpful for me because I plan on attending graduate school in the future.”

Jerod Kaufman

“I am a history and secondary education major and my seminar project is about Fred Harvey’s impact on the hospitality industry and civilizing the Midwest. My favorite part of the process has been the research process which included visiting Harvey Houses located in Kansas and seeing Fred Harvey’s impact locally in Newton. This process has reinforced my love for history, especially the stories that are not told often in history books and has encouraged me to pursue a career in teaching history at the college level.”

SENIOR “I am a math major and my seminar explores the beginnings of weather forecasting and how it came to connect to math. It then explores some issues with chaos affecting how weather is fore-casted today. I had the idea for this project and seminar because I want to pursue a career in meteorology after graduating from Bethel!”

Letters to the Editor The Bethel Collegian will accept letters of up to 250 words. The editor reserves the right to reject or edit letters for purposes of clarity, good taste and accuracy and to prevent libel. Letters attacking a private individual will not be permitted. Anonymous letters also will not be accepted. Letters must include a signature, address and phone number.

EMAIL: collegian@bethelks.edu

THE

COLLEGIAN

The Bethel College Collegian is a student-run newspaper published bi-weekly during the fall and spring semesters. The Collegian is funded by advertisement revenue and student fees. The Collegian will be digitally available to Bethel faculty, staff, students and community members for the 2021-2022 academic year. Feedback may be sent to:

collegian@bethelks.edu The Collegian, Bethel College, North Newton, KS, 67117

STAFF

BETHANY POWLS

ALLISON WEAVER

NATHAN GARBER

CHRISTINE CROUSE-DICK

LIZ ALDERFER

CHAR EHRMANN

CHARLES WALKER

JULIANNA SCHRAG

MIKI HARKINS

CAPRI STEVENSON-BISOM

SCHYLER ENTZ

EMILY BRANDT

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

FACULTY ADVISER

BUSINESS MANAGER

DESIGN/LAYOUT EDITOR

NEWS EDITOR

OPINION EDITOR

FEATURES EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR COPY EDITOR

WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR

FEATURES 7

Student artists uphold Padro’s mural initiative

ARRAN KEARNEY Staff Writer

Having resumed classes following spring break, the thoughts of the college must now inevitably turn towards the end of the academic year and the imminent graduation of the senior class.

A relatively new tradition — where a senior artist is commissioned to paint a mural on Haury Hall — has become the most visible marker of this annual event.

I had the pleasure of speaking with the student who founded the tradition, Lil Padro, a 2020 Bethel graduate, this past week.

“I honestly believe that this year will be the fourth mural already,” Padro said.

Padro oversaw the new tradition for

its first two years — with the first mural installment arriving in 2019, when she was a junior. Padro described how the idea for a mural first came to her as an answer to what she believed to be a “very bare campus.”

She added that the original artist, Jesus Alba of Dallas, Texas, “had always wanted to paint a mural on campus.”

Alba had already been employed to help paint public murals within the City of Wichita, so Padro wondered, “Why shouldn’t we let him paint one for his college?”

The idea that this could become a tradition was born from Padro’s desire “to do something for the senior class…in twenty years’ time there could be twenty murals on campus.”

Adam Kroeker, 2021 graduate, works on his mural for the class of 2021. Photo courtesy of Adam Kroeker

Padro hopes that “during their class reunions, everyone is able to go back and look at the mural that they made to represent them here at Bethel” — a comment she made in an interview for Around the Green, the college’s alumni magazine, in the summer of 2019.

Though the tradition is now wellestablished, the work and planning that was required in order to get it off the ground has never been fully appreciated.

President of Student Life, Sam Haynes, who began work at Bethel in 2019, made it clear that the project required “an awful lot of work — more than she [Padro] takes credit for.”

Haury Hall was not the only site that was proposed for the murals; the Thresher Gym, the WAC, the FAC and even the Art Building were all considered.

Padro recalled that the idea of using “movable spaces” — large concrete canvases mounted on wheeled frames — had also been proposed, so that they could be “used at events like Fall Fest and commencement.”

Issues of practicality and finance, very prescient for Bethel in 2019, eventually led to Haury Hall being chosen as the mural site. Both Padro and Haynes agreed that the “movable space” idea had great potential for the future. Padro thought that Haury was an excellent choice in the end.

“It’s the most visible space on campus and we had a guaranteed spot for the first six years,” Padro said.

Padro also noted that the senior class act of leaving a visible memento for incoming first-years students was deeply symbolic.

Padro did admit that the project was “a lot more work than [she] thought it was going to be.” This was largely caused by the obstructions she faced in the Student Government Association.

“They gave me quite a hard time,” Padro said.

The original bill was vetoed, and a second reading was only permitted following amendments.

“The SGA [was] concerned about committing future classes to the project without their permission. They thought it wouldn’t be feasible after a few years,”

Haynes said.

Haynes believes that the mural was probably the most controversial subject on campus that spring term. Padro was able to force the bill through, only after “getting the majority of the campus to sign a petition — and filling the house at the SGA meeting: we had to move the meeting to the Chapel because so many people wanted to attend.”

Such investment by students in the work of the SGA was unprecedented in recent college history, and is certainly unimaginable now. It should be noted that the SGA is now “very proud to support the initiative, which represents what a senior class means to the College,” in the words of current SGA President Thomas Kucera, of Wichita.

The delays to the project did have some positive effects. It drew together many interested parties from across campus, with funding and support provided by the Alumni Association, the Student Life Office and the Art Department (through the guidance of Rachel Epp Buller), alongside the SGA. Questions do still remain, however, especially surrounding the future of Haury Hall. The potential demolition and reconstruction of the first-year dormitory has long been on the table, though it remains a long-term project for administration. The continued existence of the original murals on the north-facing wall remains in some doubt.

“It was always promised that they would protect the wall and build around it,” Haynes said.

Padro, while acknowledging that this would be the ideal outcome, also noted that other possibilities are available, such as replicating the murals elsewhere.

For the time being, the project is going strong. Haynes described it as being “the most important new tradition on campus.”

What began with artist Jesus Alba, and was continued with 2020 graduate Blayne Stump and 2021 graduate Adam Kroeker, respectively, will now be carried into its fourth year.

Kucera was happy to confirm that this year’s muralist will be Capri StevensonBisom, of West Berlin, N.J.

THE BETHEL COLLEGE COLLEGIAN

8 FEATURES

The end of an era: Pandemic times prompt culture shift on campus LOGAN DEMOND Staff Writer

It’s the end of an era at Bethel College.

Not only has the campus seen seven faculty members retire in the last four years, but the pandemic that has ravaged the world has permanently altered college life as the junior and senior classes know it.

Just over two years ago, Bethel students attended Convocation in Krehbiel Auditorium, free from social distancing guidelines — a time when the biggest challenge was attempting to scan-

and-scoot — and roamed campus maskfree.

Memorial Hall was not yet a classroom, eight chairs surrounded each table in the Caf and mass gatherings were encouraged by Student Life to foster a sense of community.

Dances followed events such as Gala and home basketball games, Haury Hub teemed with students on a Friday night and events hosted by Student Activities Council ran until students wore out and returned to their dorms.

“I feel like school was more of an interactional experience before... That seemed to be an important part of what

Dr. William Eash prepares the 2018 Concert Choir for their performance at Bethel Sings. Photo courtesy of The Collegian

Bethel’s identity was, since we are such a small, tight-knit community. With the pandemic happening, I felt we got away from that somewhat,” said Kade Miller, junior from Osborne.

The campus had a different air to it.

There was far less venturing into Wichita and campus was the focal point of student life. Newton’s already limited supply of fast food restaurants were open late and an 11:00 p.m. McDonald’s run could turn into a social hour.

COVID-19 stripped these opportunities away from students and, as new normals begin to take shape, it’s important to acknowledge the final two classes remaining who carry with them these memories.

“I feel like the campus was a lot closer.

There were more events and people hung out a lot more... During the pandemic that

all faded away and it was hard to get to know people,” said senior Hailey Hill from Halstead.

Hill mentioned the slow but steady return to normal in recent months, and said that “it feels more like you’re getting an actual college experience,” as of late.

However, with next year’s graduating class, pre-COVID college will be a distant memory.

As the college experience has changed during the pandemic, staff members have also noted these alterations, both among the student body and the way the campus functioned and functions today.

“Due to the pandemic, everyone — students, faculty, staff and community — have had to have a heightened awareness of health. During this time some activities have had to be canceled, some activities have happened but had to be adapted

A pre-COVID Convocation filled Krehbiel Auditorium to capacity and allowed students to stand from their seats in participation. Photo courtesy of The Collegian

FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022 and/or restricted. In the process of that happening, students, faculty and staff have figured out new ways of doing school,” said Shirley Dietzel, director of business services on campus.

Some staff members noted that not all changes were for the worst. Brad Schmidt, Director of Alumni Engagement, detailed the positivity in these changes.

“It presents a great opportunity to develop new ways of doing things and be creative…in some ways, I think we were all becoming too complacent in our preCOVID lives. We learned quickly not to take things for granted. In that regard, I hope we don’t go back to normal, whatever that is. I hope we’ve learned some lessons about taking care of ourselves and each other,” said Schmidt.

The campus is also confronted by a changing of the guard. As mentioned, seven faculty members have left their longstanding posts at Bethel College in the last four years, retiring ahead and in the midst of the many changes brought on by COVID-19.

In 2019, both Dwight Krehbiel and Gail Stucky retired. John McCabe-Juhnke, Ada Schmidt-Tieszen and Patricia Shelly followed suit in 2020.

While 2021 did not see any professors retire, the conclusion of the 2022 spring semester will bid farewell to William Eash, chair of the music department and directors of choirs, and Jon Piper, professor of biology.

Each of these professors has been a staple at the institution. For juniors and seniors, these were some of the hallmark professors the Office of Admissions raved about on visits.

They were First Year Seminar instructors that left a profound impact on their students and they were friendly faces around campus. Dr. Milliman, Dean of Faculty, outlined their contributions.

“The impact these professors have made in shaping and fulfilling the mission of Bethel College has been profound. All of them have faithfully guided numerous students on the path of pursuing meaningful lives of work and service.

Consequently, the legacies resulting from their excellent instruction and powerful examples leave all of us deeply grateful,” Milliman said.

As May is fast approaching, much

FEATURES 9

John McCabe-Juhnke poses with a guest director invited to show her film. Photo courtesy of The Collegian

attention is being given to two men who will take with them the traditions of Bethel College’s past, Dr. Bill Eash and Dr. Jon Piper.

Two seniors, Natalie Graber from Divide, Colo. and Mia Loganbill, from Hesston, consider themselves lucky to have studied under their influence.

“Bill has had a profound impact on the Bethel College community and all within it... The way Bill shows care for others has played a vital role in engaging everyone in this community. This created a space where students can learn and grow while being supported and encouraged,” said Graber.

Mia Loganbill highlighted the many achievements of Jon Piper, such as teaching his students “about the importance of the environment, especially the native Kansas flora and fauna.”

She mentioned the way Piper kept content relevant and “supplemented lectures and labs with memes and

jokes.” Some of his biggest contributions included his adaptation to and advising of “countless students with their wide variety of research interests” while creating opportunities for undergraduate experience As the college ushers in a new era, it is important to reflect on the days of old. While this campus is built on tradition, it values a rich history of inviting and tackling new challenges.

Jenna Ratzlaff and Ada Schmidt-Tieszen are pictured in celebrated of Ratzlaff’s graduation and SchmidtTieszen’s retirement. Photo courtesy of The Collegian

10 SPORTS

Softball begins final stretch to post-season JENNA MAHONEY Staff Writer

In the KCAC pre-season rankings, the Thresher softball team ranks ninth.

During the early part of their season, they took many trips for weekend tournaments and played many non-conference doubleheaders to prepare for the quickly approaching conference play.

With last season’s conference record being 6-18, the girls hope

to flip it around this season.

“We were pre-season ranked eighth but I know that we are ready to prove otherwise.

Good things are coming, I know that for sure. Just need to keep working hard and improve so we can make it to post-season play! I think we have a great team and I think we will do some great things,” sophomore Lynzi Myrick from Larned said.

The team had multiple first year player join this season, a recruitment strategy that has the

The team gathers after a play for encouragement in the middle of a home game. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel

SOFTBALL MAR. 27 . . 1:00 & 3:00 PM. . AWAY

potential to make a big impact on the team.

“I think the biggest challenge for me was adjusting to Coach Middleton’s style of coaching. Before coming to Bethel, I had played for the same coach for four years and I was coached much differently on that team. It took some time to figure out what Coach wanted, but I think it made me tougher and I eventually overcame that challenge,” first year Lauren Hurd from Morrison, Colo., said.

In the last NAIA Softball Coaches’ Top 25 Poll, there was one team from the KCAC that was in the top 25. With the team feeling as though they have a lot to prove, they are fairly confident about conference play, even with some notoriously good teams in the conference.

“We started the conference season on March 15 with a rough start getting swept by St. Mary’s, but we have been putting in a lot of work in practice to improve and move on to the next game,” Myrick said.

The girls took a trip to a tournament in Allen, Texas.

They ended up 0-4 in that tournament, with one game being canceled. They then took a trip to Oklahoma City, Okla. for a tournament where they came in 0-3, and had an exhibition game as well. They recently competed in a tournament in McPherson

The Thresher softball team competed most recently against St. Mary on March 15. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel

where they came up 1-2.

“I feel really confident going into conference play.

We played some tough teams at the beginning of the season before conference to help us be prepared,” Myrick said.

The team had to face some challenges - especially when there was ice or snow on the fields - and did other workouts and things to best maximize practice times.

“We work with a local club softball team here in Newton and they have a small indoor facility

UPCOMING EVENTS

that they allow us to use. In this facility we are able to go in small groups for hitting and there is a pitching area in the back so our pitchers and catchers can still work together. They also go lift in workout pods in Mem,” Associate Head Coach Stacy Middleton said.

Several softball games will be hosted at Bethel, so Thresher students are encouraged by the team to come out and watch.

WOMEN’S TENNIS MAR. 26 . . . . 12:00 PM . . . . HOME

at SOUTHWESTERN

GOLF

MEN’S TENNIS

MAR. 29 . . 2:00 & 4:00 PM. . AWAY

MAR. 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AWAY

MAR. 30. . . . . 3:00 PM . . . . . AWAY

MAR. 30. . . . . . TBD. . . . . . . . AWAY

at STERLING

MOUNTBUILDER INVITE

at TABOR

at TABOR

APR. 2 . . . 1:00 & 3:00 PM . . HOME

APR. 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOME

APR. 2 . . . . . . 3:00 PM . . . . . AWAY

APR. 2 . . . . 10:00 PM. . . . . . HOME

vs OTTAWA

HESSTON

at OTTAWA

vs OTTAWA

vs BETHANY

Historic men’s basketball season closes ANNA RANZINGER Staff Writer

As it stands, men’s basketball has an overall record of 28-7.

In the last week, they have won both of their NAIA National Tournament opening round games and are now headed for the NAIA round of 16.

The players have dedicated a lot of time and effort towards their program and it surely does show!

As time moves forward, they reminisce on the accomplishments they made and look forward to the ones that are ahead.

Junior Bryant Mocaby from Wichita, and sophomore Nick Bonner from Wichita, both say the reason behind their program’s success is that each individual buys in completely

and everyone trusts that they will all be competing at the highest level.

When competing in a national competition it is important to take a deeper look at the strengths and weaknesses of the team in order to know how to improve for the future.

“I would say our biggest strength on our team is unselfishness. We have a lot of really good players but we buy into our system so we can win.

We have to work on putting two full halves of basketball together.

We tend to have a better second half of the game compared to the first half. With everyone buying into what we have going here, we are able to have fun and have trust in one another that everyone will compete at the highest level,” said Mocaby.

Both also mentioned how

much fun the team is able to have when they are with each other and how they all view each other as family.

This creates a strong bond for the team as a whole and allows them to reach their full potential on the court.

“These guys on the team are my family. My parents live in Kentucky right now so I do not see them usually. But I see these guys everyday and there is never a dull moment with them.

That is what makes the program so special. We have so much fun together. My favorite memory of this season so far was when we won the NAIA opening round and I saw Artaz griddy. We were all throwing water at each other and it was just an amazing experience,” Bonner said.

As the men’s team headed into their game against Arizona

Christian, they looked to keep the energy high and expectations even higher.

“As the season progresses, the main thing that motivates me is the national tournament, you could also say national championship as well. Winning is the main motivation,” Bryant said.

However, the Threshers ended their season 28-8, losing to Arizona Christian in the NAIA round of 16, 66-82.

Despite the loss, the men’s basketball team kept intensity and relied enough on each other to compete well.

The bond between players separates good teams from great ones, and the level of comaradarie the men’s basketball team exhibits distinguishes them.

Bethel men’s tennis began their season in March.

The young team is looking forward to this season, as they are expecting to see vast improvements on their game.

“I think the team is becoming more experienced at handling tournament pressure and people are starting to figure out different aspects of their game better, so I think we will be able to score much better this season and give some teams a run for their money” Trae Gehring, senior from Pretty Prairie, said.

The athletes are looking forward to specifically improving their role on the team by at least shooting below an 85, if not scoring in the mid 70s.

Gehring, the only senior

on the team, has even made it a personal goal to place in the KCAC conference as an individual.

Since the team is young, he would like to see them create an atmosphere that is calm and can thrive under the pressure that tournaments create, and play to their full potential.

“We are capable of scoring really well, we just need to be able to transfer what we can do in practice into competition,” Gehring said.

When considering a role model capable of bringing out the best in each individual player this season, the team looks up to Gehring as their leader.

Since the team is small and each person has their individual strengths and roles within, they function more as equals rather than a hierarchy.

However, a place where Gehring has an opportunity to impact the team the most is by sharing the experience of seniority with them.

He assists in keeping a steady atmosphere and creating a supportive culture for his team.

His teammates have even given him the title of “team dad,” granting him a sort of unofficial role “I look up to Trae, our senior this year, because of his work ethic and attitude for the sport,” sophomore Nathan Gutierrez from Bixby, Okla., said.

Students may not have heard much about the golf team recently because of their placements in the fall.

The team started producing better scores towards the end of the fall season and is expecting to have things fall into place for

The Sideline

SCHYLER ENTZ Sports Editor

TREY PALMER JUNIOR TRACK & FIELD How did Nationals go?

Gehring’s leadership guides young golf team LAUREN MCCREARY Staff Writer

SPORTS 11

them this spring semester.

Their challenge of being able to compete more successfully, is expected to remedy, as they’ve put in extra practice time and implemented new methods.

They will, however, not be competing in quite as many tournaments this semester as they did last spring.

As an individual, Gehring is excited for this season in particular because he believes that all aspects of his game are coming together.

“I think that I will personally be able to finally score what I know I am capable of,” Gehring said.

Other members are excited to compete with the positive atmosphere that is both tense and fun, while striving to meet their team goals.

Well I was blessed with the opportunity... to represent Bethel as the 60m champion of the KCAC. I was fortunate enough to come out with a 7th place finish, and came out an 2nd time All American in track.

What are your goals for the outdoor season?

One of my goals for outdoor is to qualify in at least 2 events early. Another goal of mine is to get at least 2 conference titles in 2 of 5 of the events...

My last goal for outdoor is to of course do really well at outdoor nationals.

What’s your favorite part of track season?

My favorite part of track season is the conference championship. I get to see all of the people I know from different schools, all while cheering my teammates on!

12 ENTERTAINMENT

Campus clubs celebrate Women’s History Month APRIL POWLS Staff Writer

From mothers, sisters, grandmothers, wives and daughters, to mentors, teachers, professors and friends, everyone has at least one important woman in their lives.

Even though these women are usually appreciated year round, the month of March has been designated as Women’s History Month, a nearly forty-five year old tradition to recognize women and their impact in the United States.

This time of celebration, originating in Santa Rosa, Cali. first started around 1978 as one week in March, organized by the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission from California on the Status of Women.

Now, through lobbying by many women’s groups and historians, this time of honor has been extended nationally to the entire month of March.

To express their appreciation of women in their lives, some are choosing to learn more about women’s rights, supporting female authors and small business owners and planning events that celebrate women.

Here on Campus, some clubs and organizations are doing just that!

“To FemCore, Women’s History Month means empowering ALL women.

In our organization, a main principle of ours is intersectionality, meaning we want to give platforms to women of color, trans women, indigenous women and women within the LGBTQ+ community,” Emil Benavides, FemCore president in training and first year from Stockton, said.

In the past, though there has been a small lull in activity as a result of COVID, FemCore has been active on campus working to empower women in as many ways as possible.

This spring, FemCore made personal hygiene kits to plant in bathrooms all over campus.

For March, the time when they are usually the most active, FemCore has included another event to empower the women of Bethel College.

“So far, all we have done is host a build your own bag event, where we offered contraceptives, pregnancy tests and

FemCore swag to the student population.

We talked about doing other things, but March has been a hectic month for all of us,” Benavides said.

The Diversity Council (DivCo) has also been working to celebrate Women’s History Month.

Earlier in the month, DivCo worked with the library to create a Women’s History display and distributed empowerment kits to the student body during lunch.

These empowerment kits, containing wet wipes (a campus necessity, some have discovered), chapstick, pens, stickers, keychains, miniature screwdrivers and other things have been distributed to do just as their name suggests, empower!

“We as Diversity Council want to make a way of highlighting women’s history month by creating an environment to empower women and spotlight the women in our lives,” Sam Wilson, senior from Minneapolis, Minn., said.

To continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, Sam Wilson and Eli Regier, sophomore from Newton, hosted a bonfire on March 24 at 7:30 pm. They planned to have music written by women and performed by women paired with hot chocolate and s’mores.

People were invited to write, reflect,

and share about the important women in their lives around a roaring fire.

As the month of March concludes, there may be more opportunities on

campus for students to honor the important and impactful women in their lives.

Members of DivCo hand out empowerment bags outside of the Caf over the lunch hour. Photo

by April Powls

FemCore hosted an evening event where students could go pick up personal hygiene products, in addition to Women’s History Month stickers, badges and infographics. Photo by April Powls

ENTERTAINMENT 13

Student Chaplains create faith support networks MIKI HARKINS Web/Social Media Editor

Being a student Chaplain encompasses a variety of responsibilities. Each day, week, or month could look different from each other. Their purpose is to support their fellow students in times of need and to set an example of what it means to be a follower of Christ.

“As a student chaplain, we are here to provide another resource that students can talk to about any problems on campus.

We also help lead faith-based activities such as bible studies and we contribute to other campus events such as Chapel,” Student Chaplain Sam Wilson, senior from Minneapolis, Minn., said.

Student Chaplain Kayla Newman, senior from Halstead, shares her view on the role she has in the position.

“The biggest role I have as a student Chaplain is to set a good example for those around me. I am to show the love of Christ through me. I am a source for students to vent to and know that I won’t share it with anyone. I listen to them, give advice when they need it and am there for them no matter what,” Newman said.

Working as a Student Chaplain doesn’t come with a set schedule because

anyone can reach out to them at any time.

“Technically I work every day! I am always there to help people and do what Christ called me to do. We also have one on one meetings with Michael every other week, as well as group meetings every other week,” Newman said.

The purpose of these meetings is to discuss upcoming events.

Student Chaplains are also very involved in planning Chapel, devotional study groups and campus ministries events.

One campus ministry event that takes place each week is morning prayers shared by Wilson who welcomes anyone who wishes to join.

“I take some time to write out whatever is actively going on or has already happened within the past week, then those prayers occur every Monday at 8:50 in the Mantz Library Lounge.

Our goal for student events, in general, is to highlight and introduce students to campus ministries and how they can get involved on campus. An event such as the breakfast night was an opportunity for students to interact and meet the Student Chaplains on campus and feel more comfortable with their presence,” Wilson said.

Wilson enjoys being able to establish and participate in faith-based activities on campus. Newman is excited by the opportunities that come with being a Student Chaplain.

“I love being more involved in the ministry part of campus. I have found that I love helping people in any way I can, and this gives me the opportunity to reach more people,” Newman said.

Student Chaplain Kayla Newman leads worship during a chapel service. Photo by Emily Brandt

Housing woes: Students hope for a less bungled lottery LOGAN DEMOND Staff Writer

A lot can be said about what the college does and does not get right, especially in the eyes of nearly five-hundred tuitionpaying students with varying opinions.

One thing we can all agree on, though, is the disaster that is and has always been the housing lottery.

When we say we’ve seen it all, we’ve seen it all.

Student Life and Community Assistants think they have it hard, but think again. It’s always the students who are forced to bear the consequences of Student Life’s blunders.

Two years ago, forced to conduct the lottery online, students sat in the confines of virtual waiting rooms for up to five

hours. Students were divided based on academic year and grade point average — a fine idea, and one that needs to be employed again this year. But run entirely

by Community Assistants between two links, this quickly became the Zoom link from hell.

Just last year, a class-divided list of students was sent out ahead of the lottery.

This randomized list let students know where they fell within their respective class in regards to their lottery number.

In theory, despite failing to reward good grade point averages, this list was a solid idea. It seems, however, that a step in the right direction means two steps backwards. It went south when the list was sent out just one day before the lottery and very few names appeared in the correct classification.

This gaffe, along with the Dean’s refusal to let many students live off-campus (maybe it’s time to think about loosening the reins) resulted in a number of students left without desired rooms in Voth Hall or Warkentin Court (maybe it’s time to look at building another dorm).

With Bethel College shifting to a work college format that requires participating students to live on campus, now is the perfect time to consider making changes.

With no incentive for a high GPA, and with many students not appearing in the proper class, why even plan on putting together a group for a mod or a suite in Voth Hall? If this year’s lottery goes as last year’s did, a handful of students will be left, stranded from their friends, with a Community Assistant pointing out places to stick them on campus.

How do I know about this process? I was the Community Assistant tasked with doing this just last year.

Perhaps Student Life could send the lottery numbers out further in advance than before. Perhaps they could reward GPAs like was once the tradition. Perhaps those who are already in a mod would get first dibs on the same mod, alleviating stress. Or, perhaps, the school should revisit the requirements for single room forms, which leave half of the mods half empty.

Students are stressed, and no amount of de-stress kits from the office of Student Life can help. An open discussion about the Housing Lottery can. Let’s all cross our fingers — and toes — that this is the year they finally hit a home run.

14 GAMES

Blorg break Arthur Mahrer is a junior from Fort Pierce, Fla. His major is history and political science. In addition to writing for The Bethel Collegian, Mahrer has started a comic series featuring Norman and his alien friend, Blorg. This comic features Norman and Blorg taking a much deserved break.

For more information, feel free to email Mahrer at arthurjmahrer@bethelks.edu.

LISTINGS 15

Career Pathways Opportunities Available

THRESHER CLASSIFIED Direct all inquires to Megan Kershner in WAC 215 or check out Handshake to learn more about these job opportunities

- Event Staff Coordinator

On-Campus Jobs

Off-Campus Jobs

- Game Day Atmosphere Coordinator

- Mojo’s Team Member

- YMCA Lifeguard

- Sports Information - Photographer

- BIO130 Botany Lab Assistant

- NMC Heath Nurse Tech

- Sports Information - Videographer

- Dillion’s Associate

- Sports Information - Statistics

- PMMA Dining Services

- Sports Journalist - Livestream Video Production - Athletics Graphic Design

Steps to Take - Complete and save a program application (provided by Megan Kershner - Select Apply within the position page on Handshake - Upload a resume, Program Application, and your 2022-2023 schedule * YOU MUST BE ENROLLED FULL TIME AND LIVE ON CAMPUS *

THE BETHEL COLLEGE COLLEGIAN

Break from “Bethel Busy”

During Spring Break, groups of Bethel students were able to leave campus for a full week and take a break from the work of academia. Traveling all over the country, students were able to submit photos from their adventures. Photos courtesy of Emily Brandt

PHOTO FEATURE 16