The Collegian – Oct. 23, 2020

Squirrel surprise

Ending their reign

Oh my!

COMMUNITY

PERSPECTIVES

NEWS

Student normalizes rodent delicacy

The

@Collegian_GCC @gcc.collegian The Collegian: The GCC Newspaper Friday, October 23, 2020

New mosquitoes enter the market

Bears spotted near campus

Collegian The Award-Winning Grove City College Student Newspaper

Vol. 106, No. 7

Grovers vote remote Students share their polling methods David Zimmermann News Editor

With many states encouraging or mandating absentee ballots due to public health concerns over the coronavirus, most Grove City College students will vote by mail in the upcoming 2020 presidential election as a new survey by The Collegian demonstrates.

According to the survey, 70 percent of the 620 surveyed students will mail their voting ballots. Meanwhile, 18.87 percent will vote on Election Day, and 6.61 percent will not vote at all. Only 4.52 percent said they will vote early.

For most Grove City students who do not reside in Pennsylvania, mail-in ballots will be the main method of voting.

Junior Joseph Lovin chose to vote absentee. “As I live in Maryland and should be at college during the election (God-willing), absentee voting is the only way I can vote,” he said. Lovin voted for the first time this year.

While some students are not nervous about voting, many are concerned that their votes will be subject to fraud.

“I am not very confident

How are you voting?

VOTING 3

Students weigh in on 2020 election Noel Elvin Staff Writer

As Election Day quickly approaches, four Grove City College students reflect on the 2020 presidential race.

Are Americans supposed to vote based on personal morals? Is voting a responsibility? Do individual votes really matter? These are just a few questions young voters are tackling as they prepare to vote on Nov. 3.

What is senior Linnea Fairfield’s most hated feeling?

Deceit. Hating what they do to people, Fairfield explains how politics and the media contribute to this feeling: dividing them, making them quick to anger and instilling sin in the world.

Fairfield strongly believes voting is important because everyone seems to have an opinion.

“If you want to talk about politics and you’re over the age of 18, then you better have voted,” Fairfield said.

“Why have an opinion if you’re not going to do the one thing that you can do?”

Acknowledging that she is not sure how she will be

voting, Fairfield intends to do a lot of research before the election examining both sides, weighing the pros and cons and seeing what lines up with Scripture.

Senior Tanner Orner does not want to vote for either of the two main candidates and feels “very unexcited” to vote in this year’s presidential election. He explained Libertarian Party candidate Jo Jorgenson’s platform which expresses how small government is an important factor that contributes to whom he votes for.

Orner said that the word “content” was a good way of describing how he felt about his potential decision to vote for Jorgenson. Wishing he could “be passionate about a candidate with a legitimate chance of winning,” he admitted that Jorgenson does not have great odds; nevertheless, he is considering voting for her because of his personal values.

“I didn’t feel right about it afterwards; voting for the lesser of two evils,” Orner said, referring to when he voted in the 2016 presidential election.

Junior Chris Murphy fills out his absentee ballot for his home state of Michigan.

Orner said that everyone has a responsibility for who they vote for, and it is vital they can defend their decision.

“Being able to have the conversation with people is the most powerful way that a person can have a say in the election,” Orner said.

While he is excited to vote, senior Andrew McDevitt is certainly not hopeful. He expressed desire for a better option, but Joe Biden is his best option. He wishes

Biden had done a better job explaining his policies.

When asked how McDevitt feels his vote matters, he explained that it does not, but “if you don’t act as if you have this sense of power, no one else is going to act and no change will be made.”

Junior Olivia Kane is resolutely excited to vote for President Donald Trump.

Kane believes that America needs Trump to be reelected as he has done an abundance of good for the country and

CALEB WEST

“will do the most and the best for the American people and those of us who are Christians.”

Due to the strong opinions that people have had recently, Kane said that everyone should vote. “An opinion can only be validated if you are willing to go to the polls and vote to get your voice heard.”

Kane based her decision to vote for Trump on his past accomplishments but also on her faith and what the U.S. Constitution stands for.

Tisby talks colors of compromise David Zimmermann News Editor

DAVID ZIMMERMANN

Jemar Tisby speaks in Harbison Chapel Tuesday about the American church and its role with racism.

On Tuesday, historian and writer Jemar Tisby spoke in chapel about how the American church has often been more complicit in racism rather than against it.

A graduate from the University of Notre Dame and Reformed Theological Seminary Jackson, Tisby used his knowledge in American studies and theology to write his first book, “The Color of Compromise.” This book served as the basis for his speech.

Explaining how Southern Christians in the past were complicit in racial prejudice, he said that the failure of past Christians to oppose racism “provided fertile soil

for the seeds of hatred to grow.” He said that “all of us did it,” meaning that all of us were guilty of some sort of compromise.

In his book, Tisby wrote, “The refusal to act in the midst of injustice is itself an act of injustice. Indifference to oppression perpetuates oppression.”

He continued saying that compromise was made up of three colors, not just one.

The first color was green, which symbolized the greed that fueled the profitability of “race-based chattel slavery” in America. Chattel slavery refers to slaves as personal property of the slave owner rather than independent people.

TISBY 3

Editorial

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The award-winning Grove City College student newspaper, Oct. 23, 2020

From the Tower

Playing the long game When little kids fall, they’re told to brush off the scrape.

Some parents shift the injured child’s focus to the future, with the assurance that “it’ll be better before you’re married.”

(Okay, maybe this was only my mom, but the truth holds: the bruise won’t last forever.)

This assurance can be applied to many of our current scrapes and falls. In many ways we are like children who have toppled over their bikes. On the verge of tears for our present predicament, we should pause. When overwhelmed, we should ask ourselves, “will this matter in 10 years?”

Many of us would be surprised to realize that the things we stress about and lose sleep over now won’t matter in the next decade. That reading quiz in Shakespeare won’t make or break your final grade, let alone your chance at a successful life.

Don’t waste your time and mental capacity on things that really don’t matter. So, feel free to SparkNote the Henriad.

This season of life is special and intense and all-consuming, but look for the birds-eye view, play the long game.

Just as we can apply this philosophy to our studies, let us consider it in our non-academic actions as well.

The 2020 presidential election looms over us. Deemed the most important election of our time, this race will shape at least the next four years of not only our country, but the world. The election winner will have status, prestige and power.

But who should that person be? The college, much like the country, is divided and on-edge, experiencing a combination of anticipation and dread.

While we hope to find immediate relief with whoever we mail-in our ballot for, this satisfaction is likely to escape us. We want our vote to matter. We want to be proud of the bubble we filled in. This year, though, that pride may be hard to come by.

This is where the former litmus test comes into play. In 10 years, will your vote matter? Will it really have made a difference?

Find the candidate that will make that difference for you. What change do you want to see in the world?

Weigh your options and challenge yourself to look beyond the first 100 days and 2021. Choose the option that will have what you believe to be the best impact on the greater scope of history, politics and life.

Cast your focus on the future. Things may not be better before you are married, especially for you “Ring-bySpringers,” but we can commit to playing the long game.

Anna DiStefano Managing Editor

Collegian Staff Editor-in-Chief Paige Fay

Copy Chief Britney Lukasiewicz

Managing Editor Anna DiStefano

Business Manager Kathryn Miller

Section Editors News David Zimmermann

Copy Editors Jessica Hardman Ashley Ostrowski Claire Josey Lauren Ness Kylie Jasper Joanna Thorpe Elizabeth Schinkel

Community Fiona Lacey Perspectives Clark Mummau Sports Emily Rupczewski Photo Chief Wes Kinney Design Chief Caleb West

Staff Writers Scott Amon Noel Elvin Connor Schlosser Gabrielle Capaldo Jules Wooldridge Ayden Gutierrez Staff Adviser Nick Hildebrand

The Collegian is the student newspaper of Grove City College, located in Grove City, Pa. Opinions appearing on these pages, unless expressly stated otherwise, represent the views of individual writers. They are not the collective views of The Collegian, its staff or Grove City College.

Green Eyeshade Award

An appeal for the arts

GETTY IMAGES

Caleb West Design Chief

Time, time is always of the essence.

60 seconds a minute, 60 minutes an hour, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and with each of them come choices—What do I have to do, when can I do it and how can I make it all fit?

As students we have to choose how to balance our lives. When do we study, socialize and work?

There are so many things to do and always so little time to do them.

As an engineering major there’re certain things I should do that future employers may look for from prospective hires. Was he an active ASME member? Did he race with the Baja SAE club or design bikes with the Human-Powered Vehicle Club? All are normal finds on a MECE resume.

My resume, however, contains none of these. I choose to spend time with a variety of people rather than those that think my way.

Growing up, I lived in a world of singing, acting and performing. I started piano lessons at seven, picked up the oboe at 10, learning to play the classics, but more than that learning their value.

As I grew, I took more math and science and eventually engineering, but I always remained interested in history, art and music.

Coming to college is a blank slate. Finally, I am free

to make my own choices, and oh how many choices. If only I could do everything; if only I could fit it all, but alas, choices must be made.

I walked into the Org Fair and signed up for so many things. The ones I stuck with, though, are not what you may expect to find on a MECE’s resume, and at first glance they seem unrelated and unimportant. How could the newspaper, the debate team or the theatre possibly relate to engineering?

I joined The Collegian as a photographer, a copy editor and a designer, and I learned how every little thing on a page matters. A comma out of place misleads the reader and can distract them as much as a poor photo or headline.

Engineering and graphic design may seem far apart, but at their core they have the same goal: creating a product for a purpose.

Whether that purpose is to cross a river or simply inform a campus of the weekly news, the process is the same, and so weekly I gain the experience of creation.

Debate is more than arguing; it’s about presentation.

Engineers are known for many things.

Speaking clearly is definitely not on that list, so I wanted to learn.

How can I form an idea into a cohesive phrase that catches the audience’s ear?

What is important, and how can I present it to make my case for me?

Engineers use these skills daily, pitching ideas and projects to colleagues, and the better I am at that the more value I hold to employ-

ers.

My passion, though, is the theatre. Lifting words off a page and into the real world, now that’s engineering of a whole different sort.

Theatre done well evokes a reaction of fear, joy or wonder in the heart of an audience. Good engineering should be just as breathtaking; a gravity defying cantilever, a shiny new toy for a child, a rocket flying humans to new worlds – these all inspire the same emotion.

Theatre teaches the art of emotion and is the study of how language or literature speaks for itself.

If I understand this, I bring a new approach to the drafting table of an engineering firm.

Here at Grove City College we have two schools: the Calderwood School of Arts and Letters and the Hopeman School of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics.

There is an innate dichotomy between the two, a hard line saying these two things are different.

The value of the humanities cannot be condensed into 15 credit hours, five classes over the course of nearly 50.

Humanities cannot be a chore; they must be moer than a stepping stone on the way to graduation.

Only by spending real time in the humanities is their true value gleaned.

Building life on a true foundation of humanities allows one to see life through a completely different lens, and so I urge a leap of faith.

Step out into the unknown, the unfamiliar.

You never know what new insights you’ll gain.

This week in Collegian history

Beware of the grizzlies Oct 25, 1920 “Ye Plaint of Ye Editor” Write something for the Collegian!

French, Russian, or Norwegian, English pure, or broad Galwegian; Write something for the Collegian.

Make it short or make it longer, Light or heavy, weak or stronger; Wholly wide-awake or sleepy, ‘Ighly ‘umorous or weepy!

Write it, full of faults, or blamelessl Sign the thing or leave it nameless, Write in verse restrained or “libre,” Amy Lowell-ese—or glibber!

Write SOMETHING for the COLLEGIAN! Themes abound—their name is legion.

Don’t keep Fat and Kate beseigin.

Write SOMETHING for the COLLEGIAN!

Oct 23, 1940 “Student Poll Shows Willkie Favored 4 to 1, Students Support Conscription 3-2 As 621 Vote In Collegian Poll” As of 80 years ago, the results are in, and the results show that Grovers favored Wendell Willkie four times more than they favored sitting president Franklin D. Roosevelt. Students favored the issue of conscription, compulsory military service, 3 to 2. Interestingly, the age of the voter had very little to do with the vote they cast on the subject. Approximately the same percentage of those over 21 voted in favor as those under 21. Grove City faculty also favored Willkie, with their results a much more dramatic landslide in his favor, with the vote coming to 13 to 1. They, too, favored conscription, with their ultimate vote 4 to 1.

Fri Oct 21, 1960 In light of recent bear sightings

the

This week’s Green Eyeshade Award goes to News Editor David Zimmermann for his detailed eye, effective journalistic writing, and editorial excellence.

The Green Eyeshade Award honors student contributors that demonstrate consistency and excellence in their work.

Zimmermann

Jules Wooldridge

Staff Writer

News The Collegian,

Oct. 23, 2020

Page 3

Beware the bears Collegian Staff

The college’s marching band performs a show at Thorn Field on Sept. 12.

NOLAN MILLER

Marching during COVID

David Zimmermann News Editor

Despite the many changes that come with coronavirus, the college’s marching band was still able to perform for the student body, albeit without the fall’s trademark football games. As the fall season closes, the band’s senior members reflect on their time playing this semester.

Rather than playing at games or parades, the marching band’s events have either been virtual or limited in size. The season consisted of a livestreamed preview show at the end of band camp, a formal livestreamed show, two pop-up concerts on campus and performances at both the Powderpuff game and the bonfire event during Homecoming Week.

Director of Bands Dr. Andrew Erb said that this fall was significantly different than any other season he has experienced due to the mitigation efforts they had in place this year. In addition to social distancing and wearing masks, band members had to keep bell covers on the instruments when playing, among other health precautions.

“Those were big changes for us, but we all understood that we needed to do them

VOTING

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that my vote will be counted properly. However, I have no choice but to vote with an absentee ballot since I am from Illinois,” sophomore Spencer Benedict said.

Lovin added, “I definitely am concerned, but I don’t think I can really do anything about it.”

According to the Heritage Foundation’s Election Fraud Database, a sampling of cases across the country from 1982 to 2020 proved to demonstrate 1,298 total instances of voter fraud. While it “is

TISBY

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Tisby explained that the history of American slavery and racism stemmed from greed. “Many people call racism America’s ‘original sin.’

I think racism is America’s ‘original symptom,’” he said.

The second color was white, symbolizing the white supremacy that has plagued the nation for over 400 years.

Tisby clarified that what is at fault for racism is not white people but whiteness, the

to be together and keep each other safe and health,” Erb said.

Senior Emily Rosenberger, who plays the flute, said that she missed performing for the crowds at the football games this year.

“The energy is just not the same when you play for empty stands,” she said. “Because of these things, the season hasn’t felt as real as it usually does. All that said, I’m still very glad we could have whatever season we could for this fall.”

Others in the band echoed that sentiment.

“I am just thankful that we were able to come together to play at all under the circumstances. The band felt even closer than normal this year, as we were all so thankful to be here,” tuba player Heather Hondel said.

Secretary Ethan Greenly, who plays the piccolo, said he was thankful for the audience that watched them perform.

“I wish we had been able to play for crowds this season, but to see so many people watch our livestreams has been uplifting because I know that we are impacting others positively during this time,” Greenly said.

Although the fall season was unlike any other year,

many band members, including seniors, will have the chance to cheer on the football team in the spring.

Drum major Madison Crytzer will not let this opportunity pass her by. “Since I missed out on my eighth and final football season, I want to make up for that and get the most I can out of my time left here.”

Greenly said he plans on being a part of the pep band next semester. “I love being there to cheer on the football team,” he said.

Expecting a heavier workload in the spring, Rosenberger said she hopes to attend as many of the games as possible but might not be able to perform at every game. Hondel and Joshua Schubert will not be able to participate since they will be graduating in December and wished they could.

Whether performing next spring or not, senior band members will still miss the chances of a normal fall season as well as the friends and memories they have made here.

Schubert, who plays the alto saxophone, will miss his band friends the most.

“One thing I love about marching band is the people, and I was still able to maintain as well as make

new friendships during my marching band experience,” he said. “Working together to serve our campus community in song has been an invaluable experience.”

Greenly and Rosenberger agreed.

“I will miss being able to connect with others in band.

Without band, I would not have had all the friends I have today. Being able to meet new freshmen and connect with them and returning members was one of my favorite things,” Greenly said.

“The people are a huge part of why I’ve stuck with marching band. I’ll also just miss the opportunity to be in music ensembles after leaving college,” Rosenberger said.

Looking back over his four years in the marching band, Greenly said this semester was his most meaningful.

“I have definitely made the most of my time this year compared to other years because I know it is my last season. With COVID, you cannot take anything for granted.”

“I can’t say enough about our seniors,” Erb said. “Their leadership was an essential part of our success this season, and they will be dearly missed next year.”

not an exhaustive or comprehensive list,” according to the website, the database is maintained to show the holes in the nation’s election system.

Meanwhile, a 2017 analysis conducted by the Brennan Center for Justice concluded that “the Heritage Foundation’s database undermines its claim of widespread voter fraud” by including many cases, over decades, that are either unrelated or indirectly related to each other. In agreement with other studies, voter fraud is considered “vanishingly rare.”

Given the evidence, freshman Alex Shipley is not worried about fraud surrounding absentee ballots this year.

“Voter fraud is very difficult to commit over mail. The only thing that worries me is how the Post Office is being defunded and weakened by those currently in power. Despite this, I am not too worried,” he said.

Still, others are not convinced.

Sophomore Christopher Dunsworth said, “I am apprehensive of voting by mail, but I also don’t have another recourse in this instance.”

Two weeks ago, close to 50,000 voters in Ohio’s Franklin County received incorrect absentee ballots.

In late September, the same thing happened in New York City, this time with 100,000 voters receiving ballots with incorrect personal information.

Despite the debate surrounding voter fraud, most students have no other choice but to mail in their vote.

Lovin said, “I am voting by mail and just hoping it will be counted correctly. If it does, great. If not, then at least I tried.”

ideology that subjects black people to feelings of inferiority and powerlessness.

Although slavery may be gone, racism is not. “History demonstrates that racism never goes away; it just adapts,” he said.

The third color of compromise was red, which symbolized the blood of African Americans who underwent violence merely because of their skin color.

As it was used in Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a

dream” speech, Tisby spoke of “the fierce urgency of now.”

This phrase stands against the idea of gradualism. Tisby said that to combat racism in society one must actively oppose it right now instead of waiting for things to change.

“When it comes to fighting racism, we don’t have a ‘how to’ problem,” Tisby said. “We have a ‘want to’ problem.”

Tisby said that it is important for everyone to have awareness, relationships and

commitment (A.R.C.) when it comes to advocating for racial progress and justice.

Awareness involves educating yourself about racial issues. Relationships allow for friendships with people that look different from everyone else, and commitment serves as a call to action.

Tisby said that Christians ought to be the ones to speak out against racial injustice today. Tisby left the audience with a question, “Will you fight racism?”

First beavers, then skunks, then bats and now bears.

Grove City College Campus Safety released an email, alerting students to bear sightings on Pinchalong Road on Oct. 21.

The report came to Campus Safety on Wednesday morning from the Athletics department that student athletes had encountered bears twice.

Though the reports were filed Wednesday, the sightings took place Sunday and Tuesday evenings. According to Campus Safety Director Seth Van Til, subsequent interviews indicated that one of the sightings may have been far from campus.

Campus Safety urged students to take care.

“We recommend that you avoid walking or running east of campus for the next few weeks,” the email from Campus Safety said.

The last reported bear sightings on campus were in July 2013 and none involved human interaction.

Protocol for bear sightings include a campus-wide alert and notifying the local PA Game Commission.

Though bear attacks rarely occur, Campus Safety gave students advice for bear encounters in the event of a run-in.

In their email, they list suggestions for bear safety, advising students to alert the bear, get back, stay calm and pay attention to the bear’s behavior.

“If you see a bear, make some noise to alert the bear of your presence, giving it ample time and space to turn and leave,” they wrote.

“Avoid being caught up in the excitement of seeing a bear and inadvertently letting the bear get too close before surprising it.”

Junior Lillian Pletcher, who sometimes runs on Pinchalong Road, did not express much concern about the bear sightings.

“It won’t stop me from running there,” she said.

“I’ve seen them before. It’s another part of the wildlife.”

She was surprised to see that Campus Safety advised students to fight the bear.

“I’m not fighting a bear,” Pletcher said.

Senior Mary Campbell was initially nervous when she read the email because she sometimes walks late at night. But she has encountered bears before and knows what to do.

“As long as people aren’t stupid about it and we let the bear do its own thing I don’t see any reason to be terribly worried about it.

Maybe just have a healthy caution,” she said.

Junior Matt Marasco has encountered many bears while hunting. He affirmed that bears with cubs are very dangerous but will typically avoid you if you are talking and making noise.

“Bear sightings are not cause for fear. They tend to be much more fearful of us than people are of them,” Van Til said.

Community ‘Yes, yes, adopt!’

The Collegian, Oct. 23, 2020

Page 4

GCC familes talk adoption

Alyssa Dixon

Contributing Writer As a college student, it is easy to forget that your professors are continuing to enter new stages of life, just like you.

Dr. Paul Kengor, professor of political science at Grove City College, adopted his son Benedict in 2014, making him the eighth child in the family.

Three years prior, Benedict’s half-brother was adopted.

“Both of the adoptions were technically foster-toadopt,” Kengor said. “So, they began as foster care but always with the intention to adopt. Fortunately, we were able to adopt both little boys.”

The subject of adopting an eighth, Kengor explained, came up in the car on the way home from a family vacation.

“My wife immediately wanted to adopt—no hesitation whatsoever. She would adopt the whole world, if she could,” he said.

In the end, the deciding vote fell to the soon-t0-be siblings. “Our kids in the car started shouting and chanting, ‘Yes! Yes! Yes! Adopt!

Adopt! Adopt!’”

“Here’s a life lesson,” Kengor said, “Most children want another sibling. They usually don’t say no.”

It ended up being the right call, as Kengor reflected, “For

my part, I yielded to the onslaught and gave in. I’m glad I did. The kids love him. He is a very adored little brother.”

Thomas Biro, assistant director of Residence Life, and his wife were also eager to be parents.

“Since the beginning of our marriage, we have always considered adoption. We felt like we were ready to start a family and decided to start the process in 2017,” Biro said.

The Biros adopted their first child, Jae, from South Korea.

“We taught English in South Korea for a year in 2012,” Biro explained, “which led us to that country specifically. The process took about two years from start to finish. After two months in Korea this past summer, we brought him home in August.”

When asked what aspect of parenting he is most nervous about, Biro said, “Being responsible for another human being is scary. Also, whenever you adopt, there is always concerns about attachment.

So far, he seems to be adjusting well.”

Both Biro and Kengor expressed gratitude for the opportunity and experience.

“We are just excited to be parents. He is our greatest gift from the Lord,” Biro said.

“He’s my little buddy. We

THOMAS BIRO

Resident Director of Memorial Thomas Biro and his wife Bethany adopted their son, Jae, this year. do everything together,” Kengor said.

Junior Jocelyn Wiggins has two sisters, one of which was adopted at birth in 2014.

Wiggins was fourteen when her family got Ruby from North Carolina.

“My parents felt a calling to adopt about two years before we adopted Ruby,” Wiggins said. “They felt like they had more to give, and God was calling them to put our family forward to give a loving home to a child who needed one.”

For Wiggins, a time before Ruby doesn’t even occupy a place in her mind: “I do not remember what life was like before we adopted her. Ruby is such a joy to be around!

She is funny and feisty and extremely outgoing.”

She added, “I miss her a lot while I am away from home, and I always try to spend extra time with her when I am home on breaks.”

JOCELYN WIGGINS

Junior Jocelyn Wiggins’s family adopted her sister, Ruby, in 2014.

Gamma Chis chronicle COVID crisis Gabrielle Capaldo Contributing Writer

“There’s no way she’ll test positive, we all just have a cold.”

“Oh no—if she has it, then we all do.”

“I never expected it to get as crazy as it did.”

These were just some of the thoughts shared by anonymous Gamma Chi members concerning the sentiments of the group when the COVID-19 outbreak on campus first began.

It was Sept. 28 when a sophomore Gamma Chi member, who will go by Patient 0, contracted the same cold that many of her sorority sisters had.

“We are not sure where we got it or where it started, but we really thought it was just a cold,” Patient 0 said. However, she decided to wear her mask frequently just to be safe.

On Sept. 30, she went home for a doctor’s appointment, unrelated to COVID-19. It was while she was home the next evening that she lost her sense of taste. “Right then and there we were like, ‘alright I have to get tested’ because we knew something

was wrong,” she said.

As soon as she could, she was tested at a local Urgent Care. Meanwhile, back on campus, the other Gamma Chis decided to follow her lead and took COVID-19 tests as well. According to another sophomore Gamma Chi, who will go by Patient 1, she was sick for only two days.

“Some of us got better so fast, so we were confused if it was COVID or not,” Patient 1 said. “But once [Patient 0] got tested, we all did too.”

On Oct. 6, Patient 0 received her test results back confirming she had COVID-19. That night, she told Assistant Dean of Student Life Joseph Cirelli the news and began quarantining at home.

Many of Patient 0’s sorority sisters were not as lucky to stay in their homes. As soon as Student Life heard she was positive, they moved the entire sorority into quarantine in the middle of the night on Oct. 6.

“It was really late at night when he moved them,” Patient 0 said. “Some didn’t even get into their rooms until three o’clock in the morning.”

According to Patient 1,

there were so many girls in quarantine on the ground floor of MEP that they had to have roommates. “It was awkward because we later found out I was positive, so I was like ‘uh, I hope the girl I was with doesn’t have corona!’” Patient 1 said.

For the next 36 hours, the sorority patiently awaited their test results. On Oct. 8, seven of the Gamma Chis heard that they were positive, too.

“They all got their positive test results the same night and we were all freaking out,” said senior Gamma Chi Maddie Bee. “We thought, oh no, it’s going to escalate from here.”

And escalate it did. According to Residence Life, 340 students were in quarantine and self-isolation as of the week of Oct. 4. After another week of cases rising, the college no longer had room for all the students who needed to quarantine, so they purchased a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Express to house them. Events were cancelled, dining halls were closed and restrictions were increased.

“I was really upset when I saw the school went into

lockdown,” Patient 0 said.

“But the truth is, we didn’t pass COVID-19 onto anyone outside of the sorority.”

According to Patient 0, Cirelli said that many other cases that popped up outside of the Gamma Chis were unrelated to the group.

Some students believe the spread was due to students becoming laxer with the restrictions. According to seniors Nicholas Grube and Ethan Reay, multiple Rhos and Gamma Chis had a gathering together where some COVID-19 restrictions were not strictly enforced.

Two of the Gamma Chis present at the gathering were sick with COVID-19 symptoms at the time but had not yet been tested. Students were not necessarily following prevention guidelines which resulted in many needing to quarantine.

On the other hand, many students believe that the spread began when people went home for break. “Even though the school tried to split up our days off, people still went home for the weekend and I think that brought COVID-19 here,” senior Julia Helmich said.

“I know a lot of people who

went home,” senior Alyssa Ward said, “and that’s probably how other people got it.”

The President of the Gamma Chis, senior Catie Fluharty, stated that the stigma of COVID-19 is much worse than having the actual virus.

“I think a lot of us would say our mental health has taken a toll. We’ve heard quite a few rumors about our group that definitely aren’t true,” she said. “We wear masks, we follow the rules… we just didn’t get tested as fast as we could have, and it spread.”

Many of the Gamma Chis are set to come back to campus this week as they have all recovered. They are hoping to return to normal life along with the rest of the campus community.

Thankfully, cases are under control, according to Vice President of Student Life and Learning, Larry Hardesty.

“We believe the threat posed by this influx of positive cases is likely under control.”

“Our group took a hard hit,” Bee said, “but we hope to return stronger than ever and more unified than before.”

The Collegian, Oct. 23, 2020

Page 5

7 Questions with…

Dr. Andrew Mitchell Professor of History What do you listen to on your ride home?

WES GRAY

Juniors Tim Lenes and Wes Gray enjoyed baked squirrel last year at the first ever Hicks Squirrel Bake. A hunter since the age of eight, Willard Dellicker decided to share his baked game with his friends at GCC. Due to popular demand, Willicker and his baked squirrel delight will be back again on Oct. 31, termed ‘The Second Annual Hicks Squirrel Bake.’

Snackin’ on squirrels Wesley Gray

Contributing Writer On a beautiful summer afternoon in Eastern Pennsylvania, shrieks of laughter and disgust were heard from kids playing outside as they formed a circle around sophomore Willard Dellicker, who had a grasshopper in his mouth.

“The most important thing,” he said energetically between bites, “is to pull the back legs off first or you’ll choke on them.”

Obviously, Dellicker is a hunter.

“I try not to lose or take for granted the childlike enthusiasm. At the end of the day it’s a passion,” Dellicker said.

He grew up in Eastern Pennsylvania where hunting is a usual sport. Dellicker has always loved being out in nature, his dad teaching him how to hunt early on.

When he was just eight years old, he shot his first squir-

rel. Thus, his journey began towards what he calls a “lifelong passion.”

As a freshman last year at Grove City College, Dellicker continued pursuing hunting and gathered squirrel meat during the fall. He saw how full his freezer was getting and thought maybe people would want to try wild game, so he decided to grill what he had.

“We saw him cleaning out the squirrels. He kept trying to sell us on how clean this meat was, how it was better than anything in the store or restaurant because it was fresh from nature,” sophomore William Rosenberger said. “We didn’t really believe him, but he’s a great chef. He made them delicious, and he served us all squirrel.”

Dellicker and Rosenberger, along with sophomores Kevin Davis and Andrew Bernsdorff, saw how fun the spontaneous event was, deciding to host it again this

year calling it “The Second Annual Hicks Squirrel Bake.”

“I tend to be a very impulsive person, and I think [hunting] taught me to balance and think through things and manage my impulses,” Dellicker said.

He explains that hunting is a lot like life in the need for a balance between patience and action. There are times when the hunter needs to be very methodical and patient in stalking prey, but other times they just need to go all in.

“There’s been so many times I’ve come home humbled by a squirrel because I waited too long to take the perfect shot,” Dellicker said.

Hunting has always been important to Dellicker because of the experiences he has been able to share with others. As he began enjoying these moments with other students at the college, a new fall event arose that he hopes will become a tradition that

lasts forever.

Dellicker decided to pull the trigger on The Second Annual Hicks Squirrel Bake, announced to start at noon on Oct. 31 right outside of Hicks cafeteria on the patio near the Pew Fine Arts Center. There will be country music, games and a hillbilly costume theme.

Last year, they ran out of squirrel meat quickly because so many people came out and tried it. This year Dellicker is going to have more squirrels and is expanding the menu to include more wild game.

Dellicker claims wild game is one of the healthiest and tastiest kinds of food if it is prepared well.

“I’m looking forward to the good times and getting to share the harvest. I think it’s going to be a fun time, and I want everyone to be able to come and try something new and get a little outside their comfort zone,” Dellicker said.

Overlooking the quad Laura Hamilton Contributing Writer

While almost every student at Grove City College is familiar with the beautiful Ketler Hall and Ket Rec lounge, it holds a little-known, but significant background.

The oldest original dorm building, Ketler Hall is named for the founder and first president of the college, Isaac Conrad Ketler, who dedicated his life to his dream of a Christian liberal arts school.

In “’Mid the Pines,” David Dayton describes redheaded Ketler as “intelligent, energetic and determined, with a deep love of learning.” Born in 1853 in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, he conflicted with his father over the family business, unwilling to spend his days as a produce merchant.

“Unable to resolve their differences,” Dayton said, “[16-year-old] Isaac left home without permission… to continue his education.”

After attending Edinboro Normal School, in 1876, 22-year-old Ketler became a teacher at a “Select School at Pine Grove, Pa.,” according to Dayton. That decision would drastically shape the

futures of both Ketler and the town.

Pursuing his passion, Ketler transformed the small school. “Freedom’s College” by Lee Edwards describes how Ketler poured his energy into expanding classes, mentoring students and fostering a lasting, Christian liberal arts tradition. His “lifelong ambition” was realized, Edwards says, when Grove City College was chartered in 1884.

Fittingly, Ketler was the first president and chaplain, remaining at Grove City even when another college offered him a more lucrative position. His “abiding love for and pride in the little academy” would not be shaken, according to Edwards. He stewarded his beloved school for decades until his death from appendicitis in 1913.

“He worked himself to death,” college archivist Hilary Walczak said. “He knew he was sick, but he kept going.” He was, so to say, the first “Grover achiever.”

Ketler Hall is the most lasting memorial to the college’s founder. Dedicated in 1932, it was the third part of the Olmsted Plan, which followed President Ketler’s ideal layout, according to

Since I walk home, it’s mostly the sound of cars driving along Main Street.

The past few weeks I’ve enjoyed the occasional music emanating from open windows in Ketler and Memorial, together with the very nice soundtrack being played for the football team as they practice.

What are you currently reading?

I like to have a bit of variety by the bedside: Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” John Lukacs, “The Duel. The Eighty-Day Struggle Between Churchill & Hitler,” Neil Price, “Children of Ash & Elm. A History of the Vikings” What’s something you’ve been pondering lately?

If Dr. Franklin & Dr. Mayo both walk into the SAC wearing masks, how many of us will really be able to tell them apart?

Favorite restaurant right now?

Nancy’s Home Cooking - a diner in Columbus Name the one movie that makes you tear up.

If by emotional you mean “tear-jerker” then I fail to see how anything is more sorrowful than the quiet scene in “Tangled” where the queen reaches her hand up to the king’s face to stroke it on the eve of their missing daughter’s birthday, the musical history of Carl & Ellie during the opening of “Up” and the scene in “White Christmas” when the forgotten general, in full military uniform, slowly descends the staircase of his Vermont hotel in front of his granddaughter.

What are you looking forward to today?

LAURA HAMILTON

Ketler Hall is the oldest dormitory on campus and is named after founder Isaac Ketler.

Walczak. Ket Rec was originally the men’s cafeteria.

Renovations occurred in 1986 and 2011, but the hall remains “pretty much what it was in 1932,” said Walczak.

Although aesthetically pleasing on the outside, Ketler’s residents are not quite as fond of the interior.

“I would give Ketler a five out of ten,” sophomore Jett Curran said. “My desk is bad, and also any drawer that I have is just wrong.

The drawers are wedged on top of each other.”

“I’d shoot for more of a four [out of ten],” East Gable’s second floor RA, Sam

Roettger, said. “There’s a lot of things that are easy to do that could be done that aren’t being done. We could use screens in the windows.

The furniture on East Gable is, like, 40 years old. We don’t get any new furniture; we get the leftovers of other people’s old furniture.”

One of the most beautiful buildings on campus (at least on the outside), Ketler’s architecture reflects the building’s age and history, with motifs enshrined in stained glass. Ketler dormitory stands as a tribute to one of the most important men in Grove City College’s history.

Trying not to fail too hard to be a better son (in both senses), a better brother, a better husband, better father, a better friend, better colleague, better teacher, better customer and a better random stranger. It never works out.

Favorite class you’re teaching right now?

My favorite class this semester is the one where the students are excited to be there. This semester it’s very hard to discern what class that is, what with the masks and all.

But honestly, students have no idea what sort of an impact a smiling face, an eager expression, a confident pose that comes because you’ve done the reading assigned, a question (no matter how silly) that comes from you having wrestled with the reading before coming to class, what all that can have on a faculty member standing up there in the front of the class.

Through the lens,

Oct. 23, 2020

Page 6

Club comes into focus

Courtney Mattey

Photo club offers new lens on life

Annie Grace Smith

Annie Grace Smith

Annie Grace Smith

Through the lens,

Oct. 23, 2020

Page 7

Annie Grace Smith Students deserve for their art to be seen, so this spread is dedicated to student photographer that go above and beyond outside of class. These students have real skill and tenacity. As the paper’s Photo Chief, sometimes it is good to take a seat and let others showcase their eye on campus. Take the top left headline photo for example.

Senior Courtney Mattey spent large amounts of time last month taking photos at night. She explains, “I spent part of my night on the Quad taking 124 consecutive pictures that I layered in order to see the star trail over Crawford building.”

Freshman Annie Grace Smith has a real eye for portrait photography as well, playing with the rule of thirds and achieving beautiful photos of students on campus. Her editing style is consistent with small amounts of grain added to the photos, giving them texture - like you can reach out and touch the ideas captured in the prints.

These are just a few of the examples that deserve to be showcased on campus. I hope that these students continue to hone their craft and I cannot wait to see where their lens takes them next.

Wes Kinney Photo Chief

Annie Grace Smith

Annie Grace Smith

Annie Grace Smith

Perspectives The Collegian,

Page 8

Oct. 23, 2020

Jurassic Park comes to Florida

Genetically modified mosquitos released

Lauren Ness Copy Editor

At a time when COVID seems to pervade every news channel and media source, a British biotech company, Oxitec, is tackling a physically small, yet more lethal enemy: mosquitoes.

If you are “sweetblooded,” you are probably very familiar with these summertime pests and the irritating itchiness their bites cause. But itching aside, mosquitoes pose a serious threat. Spreading viruses like malaria, dengue fever and Zika, mosquitos are the reason for 1 million deaths each year.

Through genetic engineering, Oxitec believes they found a potential combatant and way to reduce the number of disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Florida is approved to release 750 million genetically

modified male mosquitoes in 2021 over a twoyear period. Female mosquitoes are the ones that bite humans to get the necessary blood to produce their eggs, so scientists have inserted a specific spec i e s of male mosquitoes with a lethal gene. When they mate with females, the lethal gene is transferred to their offspring. Any female offspring will die before they reach mature biting age, thereby killing poten-

tial disease-carriers.

Oxitec assured Floridians that these super-mosquitoes are not a risk to humans or the environment any more than the average mosquito. Oxitec’s chief executive, Haydn Parry, even commented, “The core technology can be used in any insect really, as long as it employs sexual reproduc-tion,” so we may be see-

ing more than just genetically engineered mosquitoes in the future.

Of course, Oxitec is not claiming to have found the ultimate solution, but the success of this project would pave the way for later

projects to genetically modify the mosquito species that carries malaria—the leading cause of childhood death across the world.

On the human side of genomic discoveries, the Human Genome Project success-

fully sequenced the human genome, providing monumental discoveries and new capabilities to drastically improve medicine and the study of diseases. The Nobel Prize for Chemistry was recently awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna for their 2012 discovery of the CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors.

The official press release praised, “Using these, researchers can change the DNA of animals, plants and microorganisms with extremely high precision.

This technology has had a revolutionary impact on the life sciences, is contributing to new cancer therapies and may make the dream of curing inherited diseases come true.”

I am impressed by the Human Genome Project and genetic engineering and encouraged by their significant discoveries and potential for positive change. The idea of curing inherited diseases and treating cancer in more effective ways is certainly something to praise.

Questions of ethics arise, nonetheless. What do we make of language like “change the DNA?” While genetically engineering animals like cows remains quite controversial, what about seemingly insignificant or aggravating organisms like mosquitoes? What if they threaten our human existence by carrying deadly diseases?

The acclaimed science fiction film “Jurassic Park” explores the ethics of genetic modification, imagining that scientists found a way to recreate dinosaurs.

At one point, John Hammond, CEO and creator of the park, asks visiting mathematician Ian Malcolm, “How can we sit in light of discovery and not act?” Malcolm replies, “Oh what’s so great about dis-

covery? It’s a violent, penetrative act that scars what it explores. What you call discovery, I call the rape of the natural world.”

While Malcolm uses a startling comparison, his critique of discovery is a thought-provoking one. As Christians, we know that God commanded us to responsibly steward his creation. I think now, perhaps more than ever before, we are presented with realities that make us consider the implications of that command.

Altering DNA to serve the greater good by preventing lethal disease and curing others seems justifiable and logical, but I think we come a bit too close to playing God. Yes, we are in a fallen world that is not as God intended it to be and as a result, sickness and sin abound. However, God’s creation is still a reflection of his glory and made in his image. Tampering with the very core of that creation is not something to take lightly, for in doing so, I think we verge on tam- pering with God’s design and intention.

God is bigger than the Boogeyman Matthew Moody Contributing Writer

During the Foot and Mouth Epidemic in England from 1865-1867, Reverend J. C. Ryle penned a booklet entitled “The Finger of God” in which he addressed the crisis from a pastoral perspective. I encourage you to read his booklet as the truths and principles found therein remain true and applicable to our nation today.

Ryle first recalls what the Egyptian magicians said when one of the ten plagues struck Egypt. “Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said” (Exodus 8:19, KJV). If only Americans were as wise as these

Egyptians in their response to the pandemic.

Let us consider the pandemic from a biblical perspective.

Where does the pandemic originate? Ultimately, it comes from God Almighty who authors history and dictates the events of the world.

Remember, Covid-19 is God’s virus, and it is his pandemic.

Who sent the flood on the world in the days of Noah?

Who sent the famine in the days of Joseph and Elisha?

Who sent the pestilence in the days of David? It was God. Now, who sends the coronavirus on the world? It is God! If you are a Bible-believing Christian, then you cannot deny God’s sovereignty and providence over this pandemic. Doing so would deny the immutability of God who still governs the earth as much as he did in the Old Testament. Therefore, famines, plagues, pandemics and

wars are all his instruments for fulfilling his will. Remember, it is the finger of God. Why does the pandemic exist? Ultimately, it comes to condemn the nations of the world for their rebellion against the King of Kings.

Recall Sodom and Gomorrah, which were destroyed by the angels of the Lord for their sexual immorality. The major and minor prophets of the Old Testament denounced the nations of Ammon, Babylon, Damascus, Edom, Egypt, Moab, Nineveh and even Israel for their apostacy.

Amos prophesies, “The eyes of the Lord God are upon the sinful nation, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth” (9:8), and Job proclaims, “He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: He enlargeth the nations, and straighteneth them again (12:23; 34:29).

Believe it or not, we live in

an immoral nation. I could list example after example of abominations and sins in our society, but you should already know them. Consider studying the list of sins found in Leviticus 18, Romans 1, Galatians 5, Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3.

How should we respond to the pandemic? Simply put, we need to repent. Let us repent of our own besetting sins before our Savior, and let us share the Gospel with our families, with our friends, with our fellow classmates, with our coworkers, with our representatives and with our nation, for the Gospel “is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth” (Romans 1:16).

Ask yourself, how often do I lay down at night and consider my ways? How often do I ask my King to forgive me for my grievances? How often do I thank my Master for his mercies upon my life?

How often do I praise my

Savior for his perfect life and sacrifice on my behalf? Shall I be known as a Christian in name alone?

God promised King Solomon, “…if I send pestilence among my people; if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:13-14).

King David writes, “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.”

Remember, if your soul is found in Christ, then you need not live in fear of illness or death when you have hope of eternal life.

The Collegian,

Oct. 23, 2020

Page 9

Need a little more respect Clark Mummau Perspectives Editor

Imagine making a difficult decision during a trying situation at your workplace that half of your customers and fellow employees disagree with. A group of them, angry with your choice, plan to kidnap you and leave you to die.

Imagine being the one who planned the kidnapping.

Sadly, this is occurring in America right now. An antigovernment paramilitary group had been meeting at least since June and was planning to kidnap both Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, the Associated Press reported.

Six men have been charged in federal court with conspiracy to kidnap, and seven others have been charged at the state level with such charges as “supporting terrorism, gang membership and possessing a firearm in commission of a felony,” the Detroit Free Press said. On Oct. 13, CNN also reported a 14th person being charged.

The defendants planned their conspiracy due to the “uncontrolled power” the governors used in response to the coronavirus, but Whitmer, Northam and some of their staff have also blamed President Trump with “emboldening extremists,” according to the Associated Press.

“The President regularly encourages violence against those who disagree with him.

The rhetoric coming out of this White House has serious and potentially deadly consequences. It must stop,” Alena Yarmosky, Northam’s spokeswoman, said in a statement.

While I sympathize with

Shelbi Henkle

Contributing Writer

LANSING STATE JOURNAL

the anger of the defendants, I also think that they are utterly in the wrong. There is a way to oppose people’s beliefs without violating both laws and basic human dignity. We don’t have to agree with everything everyone says, but a disagreement should never be a reason to desire to kill people or inflict any form of harm on them.

However, I think that this treatment of our governors, people fairly elected under the democratic process, shows a disrespect for both our democratic process and for the office of governor.

Our Constitution is structured with checks and balances, and it provides ways to properly handle situations where we disagree with people. The Legislature can write laws, override vetoes by the Executive and confirm judges.

The Judiciary can interpret, apply and declare laws unconstitutional. Finally, the Executive can choose to not enforce laws, make some of his own proclamations, and appoint judges and other positions.

If these people felt so strongly that the lockdown was wrong, they could sue the governor, which was done

here in Pennsylvania. They could also lobby their representatives to take action such as impeachment. By seeking to remove the governor directly and outside the processes legally outlined, these men are ignoring the democratic process.

Our government is also based on the ideals of John Locke, and he said that when a government fails to protect its people’s wishes, they had the right to rebel and replace their ruling body. If these people truly felt that their rights were being utterly ignored and they had no recourse but to take over the government, and they attempted a coup, that could be viewed as justified.

Their choice, however, to specifically target the governor while disregarding both the Constitutional and broader philosophical solutions shows a disrespect for the office of Governor. Leading a state, particularly during a time of crisis, is no easy feat, so we should all extend an element of grace to our leaders who are tasked with making difficult decisions based on ever-changing information.

behavior and began to eat healthy again.

Ideas are the same way.

We need a varied diet, but we do not want to change our behavior because it is hard and often uncomfortable. The media bias alone has not been the cause of our division. People have started to believe that just because someone disagrees with you, they are “dumb” or “lying.”

Disagreement is a healthy part of life. It seems many people have forgotten that when we debate, we are talking to a person, not a machine. We are speaking to a person who feels love, happiness, sadness and who has experiences we may not have. When our primary goal is to “one-up” or prove them wrong and “win,” we drive that person further away from our opinion. The media is not at fault for our behavior.

I consider us to be part of the problem because, we choose not to listen to the other side. America has become stuck in a cycle of a lack of both understanding and civil discourse. Most things in the world are gray, not black and white. We all have different situations, cultures, values, childhoods, jobs, home situations and opinions. Listening to one news source is dangerous because it only gives one perspective.

We often use the media bias to hear what we want and what is comfortable.

One benefit of listening to another point of view is that you may come to understand your own point of view better. Perhaps people who try to avoid opinions with which they disagree do not at heart understand their own beliefs well enough. Testing our opinions by hearing differing ones can serve to strengthen the beliefs we claim to have.

Another benefit is that you may find you are partially or even wholly wrong. Some people are afraid to hear opposing opinions because their whole world could fall apart if they learn they are partly or completely wrong.

While “ignorance is bliss,” it does not help much with selfreflection.

Treating someone you disagree with with respect, however, may also help them become more comfortable with other ideas. You may just open yourself up to new and possibly better ideas, beliefs and opinions.

Learning about the other side teaches you about yourself. Take it as a challenge.

Listen to a speaker you disagree with, because they have as much of a right to their opinion as you to yours. Eat your veggies because they are good for you.

Eat your vegetables

Ben Chamberlin Contributing Writer

The current political battles being fought in the U.S. have become brutal exchanges of ad hominem attacks and deeply rooted opinions that are often forged by only hearing the same opinion over and over.

These opinions desire to achieve the same goals: economic success, equality, you name it.

Nevertheless, each political party is at each other’s throats. It seems that very few people can have calm, rational conversations with a member of the other party.

Why? Why are Americans so cutthroat when it comes to politics? The nation preaches love yet acts out in hate. I believe it is because people have stopped listening to differing opinions, and only listen or read opinions that agree with them.

We were all taught to eat our veggies as kids. We all hated it, however, we had to eat them. When we got to college, we all gained the dreaded “freshman 15.” It turned out, eating a diet of only pizza is not that great for you, so we changed our

A strong woman, deserving of the title Amy Coney Barrett completed the Senate’s hearings and is moving toward her hopeful confirmation as Supreme Court Judge before Election Day. The hearing “lacked the drama that Brett Kavanaugh’s proceedings had,” according to USA Today, which adequately depicts the hearing.

Overall, Barrett held her ground and provided solid, educated answers regarding topics such as the Affordable Care Act, abortion and the environment. Many of the questions were, what I would consider, stalling tactics by the Democratic senators in an attempt to prevent the hearing from being completed prior to Election Day. These senators viewed the process as rushed and disrespectful to the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Senator Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said, “The fact we had a nominee before Justice Ginsburg was even buried in order to jam this election — this nomination through before the election, that’s a mark on the United States Senate.”

Whether the Democrats are motivated by truly caring about Ginsburg’s legacy or are simply using her as a another means to stall the process, their agenda is clear. It is easy to perceive the Democrats as being biased against Barrett, since they would prefer a judge that supports their agenda and party.

Senator Kamala Harris, D-Ca., described the hearing as “a clear attempt to jam through a Supreme Court nominee who will take healthcare away from millions of people during a deadly pandemic.”

The issue with this statement is that the Affordable Care Act is not able to be repealed by a single judge, and the judge’s job is to uphold the Constitution and represent the American people.

“If courts invalidate an entire law merely because Congress eliminates or revises one part, as happened here, that may well inhibit necessary reform of federal legislation in the future by turning it into an ‘all or nothing’ proposition,” NPR reported on the overturn of the Affordable Care Act. Essentially the Democrats’ fears fall short since Barrett, despite her personal beliefs, does not have the power to overthrow this act. Specifically, Barrett pointed out that “judges have life tenure to insulate them from political pressure” which prevents judges from making calls based on personal agenda or party platforms.

Throughout the hearing, Barrett faced a barrage of questions with a calm demeanor, no matter how uninspiring the questions were. The 22-seat panel asked questions ranging from white supremacy to gun control. She refused to “express a view on a matter of public policy” when Harris asked her a string of disjointed questions in an attempt to have Barrett share her personal opinions on issues.

She maintained strong, intelligent answers during the four-day hearing. The most notable moment was when Senator John Cornyn, R-Tx., asked if she was using any notes, and in response, she held up a blank notepad.

This action result in a great deal of online buzz, which ranged from support to people implying she did not care about the hearings.

Many on the left see her as a threat to their ideals despite her making no apparent comments contradicting their ideals and keeping an “open mind” on issues.

Much like her mentor, the late Justice Scalia, Barrett holds an originalist view of the Constitution.

“That means I interpret the Constitution as a law.

The text is text, and I understand it to have the meaning that it had at the at the time people ratified it. It does not change over time, and it is not up to me to update it or infuse my own views into it,” she said.

If she were a Democrat, the left would be singing praises of female empowerment, but since she is a Republican, she is being attacked mercilessly. The left and the media seek to wreck her reputation with claims of “white saviorism” regarding her adopted children from Haiti, calling her Catholic beliefs “cultic” and using fear-mongering tactics to tell the public that she will destroy Ginsburg’s legacy.

Barrett is a strong woman, which is what many progressives wanted, but since she holds conservative views, the left is willing to rip her to shreds. This case is an excellent example of how polarized the left-leaning political spectrum is towards those who contradict their views.

Progressivism is not always a good thing, and what Barrett seeks to promote is rooted in the spirit of the Constitution this country was founded on, something this country needs to utilize more.

Barrett is truly deserving of the title of Supreme Court Justice and this hearing has proved she focuses on the core of the law rather than the external aspects of parties and even internal politics. Hopefully the process will continue with little to no roadblocks and Barrett will be sworn in the day before Election Day.

Write for The Collegian Interested in writing for The Collegian? The Collegian provides excellent opportunities for students who are interested in journalism careers, in writing and in exploring campus events and issues. All sections welcome new writers.

Email the Collegian at collegian@gcc.edu.

Entertainment

Page 10

Oct. 23, 2020

Molly Miller

Contributing Writer Fall reflects change.

Leaves descend on the ground and remind us how far we’ve come in a given year. In the midst of change, fall is also a time of nostalgia.

Something about apple cider, crisp air and bonfires set our hearts ablaze with memories. Whether it’s a hayride, apple picking or a corn maze, everyone is immersed in autumn activities. The playlist that follows seeks to capture the calming, fuzzy feelings of falls past and present.

1. Beautiful Soul- Jesse McCartney As the weather changes, we long for the comfort and warmth of a fireplace similar to what we feel when this song plays. McCartney’s lyrics move you to jam out. It’s totally 2000s, sure to launch you back to childhood.

2. Why Georgia- John Mayer If you’ve never taken a fall road trip, add it to your bucket list ASAP. This Mayer classic is well suited for that setting. Watching leaves change along the highway while hearing this song is a soul-quenching treat.

3. Galway Girl- Ed Sheeran Nothing says ‘autumn’ more than the ‘Galway Girl’ music video! Featuring pub

chaos, plaid and Saoirse Ronan, this song brings Ireland’s chilly night air to your dorm door.

4. Lovebug- The Jonas Brothers Remember back when Nick Jonas and Miley Cyrus wrote songs for each other?

In place of the Homecoming Dance this year, jump around to this Jo Bros hit to resurrect similar exhilarating feelings.

5. Mom, I Don’t Need Hot Cocoa!- Your Fractured Fairytale I’m partial to YFF (as their fans call them) because it’s fronted by a hometown friend. YFF is a local punk rock group out of Butler, Pa. This song is based on a quote from ‘Fright Night,’ the lead singer’s favorite Halloween movie. The song features the title, and lots of cold weather lyrics as well.

6. Vienna- Billy Joel The lyrics in ‘Vienna’ parallel emotions involved in coming back to school. Getting back into the swing of academia can make it difficult to see what lies ahead.

There aren’t enough hours in the day, (especially during midterms), making it hard to slow down. This song reminds us it is important to be a tourist in familiar places.

7. April Come She Will- Simon and Garfunkel

Astute listeners will recognize this song from ‘The Graduate’s’ soundtrack. It backs a famous montage sequence with our protagonist floating through the summer after graduation.

8. Up- Sing Street If you haven’t watched

‘Sing Street,’ it’s exudes fallvibes. This song is that fast walking feeling of high school falls. Heavy jackets, red and orange hues and Irish accents. Need I say more?

9. Queen of CaliforniaJohn Mayer You couldn’t escape this

playlist without a folk song!

A lesser known Mayer tune, it sets a scene of backyard bonfire, smore making and apple cider sipping fun.

These songs are only the beginning; use the QR Code to experience the rest of the playlist!

Collegian Crossword

Across

1. Do this with your absentee ballot 3. Former prof; sees hope 5. Collegian EIC 7. Initials, SCOTUS nominee 9. Name of campus bridge 11. Chapel speaker on diversity

12. Harris/Pence debate 17. Not autumn, but ____ 19. Penned “Love in the time of Corona” campus email 20. Maker of the College Special 21. Chapel no longer streamed here 24. Spiritual team mem-

ber 25. Off-campus quarantine space 26. ABC’s dating game

Down

1. Mid-point exams 2. Melanson’s sports 4. Orange gourd 6. Featured building in

Community 8. Go here for research 10. Mich. Gov. 13. Quarantined sorority 14. Days to quarantine since last known interaction with infected person 15. Departing English prof.

16. Step before quarantin-

ing 18. Day; mid-week open hours 22. This semester’s end goal; get to this 23. New GMO 28. Last week’s divisive speaker 29. Play this

Sports The Collegian, Oct. 23, 2020

Page 12

GEARing up to lead

Sports ministry equips student athletes Ayden Gutierrez Staff Writer

Grove City College attracts students from all over the country for many reasons.

Some come to pursue their academic calling, some for their athletic calling and some for their calling of faith.

A number of student athletes at Grove City are devoted Christians.

The sports ministry department at Grove City College gives these students a great opportunity to grow not only in their athletic abilities but also in their faith.

Leo Sayles, head women’s volleyball coach at the college, is the Associate Athletic Director of Sports Ministry on campus.

Coach Sayles began his career at the college in 2019 when he was hired for both positions.

He was tasked with creating a sports ministry on campus, and very quickly noticed a few urgent needs for the department.

“There was an ongoing desire to unite during the semester for a departmentwide worship service,” Sayles said.

Sayles expressed the need of coordination between the campus ministry and the athletic departments to create more opportunities for student athletes on campus.

“There was a need to have resources available within our department to assist coaches and staff as they minister to their teams. Ministry was occurring in several teams, but after speaking to many team chaplains, there was a real need to develop department-wide resources to better equip our chaplains in their peer-ministry roles,” he said.

Sayles then helped partake in the creation of G.E.A.R., a sports ministry designed to disciple Grove City athletes.

G.E.A.R. encourages athletes to affirm their faith and embrace their platform through sports in service to

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Grove City athletes work together to complete a team bonding activity during the Go Lead program put on by the sports ministry department. The weekend served as a retreat for student athletes to get to know one another and grow in their leadership skills.

God and others. The acronym stands for, “Glorifying God together as we Equip Grove City athletes to Affirm their identity in Christ, and to Realize their role as Christ’s ambassadors through the platform of sports.”

G.E.A.R offers a number of services: all athlete chapel, resources for spiritual growth for athletes and teams, team chaplains council, coordinated GO LEAD leadership training and many others.

One of the many jobs that G.E.A.R. has is selecting Team Chaplains for each athletic program. According to Sayles, G.E.A.R. is preparing for its first virtual meeting for the Team Chaplains, which will be held once a month.

Sayles described the threefold focus for chaplains this

year: to develop the All Athlete Worship Service, to minister to Christian schools in the area through the worship team and to mentor future leaders within the team.

“Finally, my theme for the year is ‘Who is your one?’

Chaplains have a great opportunity to mentor and prepare a future chaplain or leader within their teams.

We’ll walk through ideas and strategies for mentoring and discipleship,” Sayles said.

Each team picks its own chaplain according to its own respective culture. Abigail Neal, current chaplain of the women’s volleyball team, reflects on how her role as chaplain has looked. w “In my experience, every chaplain’s role is different for their teams,” Neal said.

“For me personally, my role shifts throughout the year. In quarantine I really tried to focus in on Biblical literacy and we had a weekly Bible study on Microsoft Teams together.

Now, as we’ve begun to practice again, I prepare a devotional weekly and lead the team in prayer before and after practice,” Sayles said.

“Another huge aspect of the chaplain role on our team is encouraging those that are struggling academically, socially and spiritually any way I can. A lot of times I’ll do this by checking in with players throughout the week, sending notes of encouragement and keeping an updated prayer list based on needs of players or coaches.”

At this time, there are very

few sports ministries within Christian colleges and universities, according to Sayles.

There are academic departments at many colleges, and many seek to incorporate the active ministry to their athletes within their campus ministries department.

Quite a few utilize FCA or AIA (Athletes in Action) and have a staff-member on site.

“I would say the most important difference for our ministry right now is this: at this time, my focus is on equipping our athletes, seeking to prepare them and help guide their growth as emerging leaders. As a former church pastor for student ministries, I see this role as very similar, and I take to heart the words of Paul to the Ephesians 4:11-12,” Sayles said.

Keeping your eyes above the waves Sophia Melanson Contributing Writer

When I tell people that I play water polo, the following minutes of that conversation usually involve me explaining the general concept of the sport. After clarifying that our sport isn’t simply “volleyball in the pool,” some questions arise.

“So how do you tread and swim for so long?”

“How do you not drown when someone is defending you?”

Water polo is tough. It’s extremely physical, fast paced and mentally challenging. Training for water polo involves a lot of swimming, leg work (water polo players are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool during a game) passing, shooting, offensive and defensive techniques, contact drills that involve pushing, wrestling and dunking, ball handling and lifting with Coach Thrasher

during the week. Our sport has been recognized as one of the hardest sports in the world, as well as one of the fastest growing sports for high school athletes.

Here at Grove City College, the women’s varsity water polo team is training for the 2021 spring season under the leadership of our head coach Jocelyn Bernhardt and captains Alexa Dunn, Heather Russell and Elaine Miller.

We are a team with a vision, a common goal and a shared identity. Our motto “strength and honor” helps us to remember our purpose as Christian athletes. To us, this phrase holds many meanings but our central purpose as Grove City athletes is to train and compete in a way that glorifies our God. Along with all the other spring sport athletes on campus, we are thrilled to be back and training again after our 2020 season was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Over the summer, our team bonded over Zoom meet-

GCC

Sophia Melanson in possession of the ball during a February 2020 match. That weekend the Wolverines picked up their first win of the season against Washington & Jefferson with a 19-10 win. Melanson led the team with five goals in the match, as well as three assists, and two steals. ings, letter writing and posting fun videos and photos to our new team Instagram. We were able to keep each other in good spirits and we even held each other accountable for completing workouts at home.

Being back on campus, playing fall ball and seeing each other in person

throughout the week is the greatest blessing and one that wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance of the Lord and the cooperation of our campus community.

Because of the pandemic, our love for the sport has deepened and our drive to compete is higher than ever.

With our increased passion for the game and hunger for victory, it is no doubt that 2021 water polo season will be one for the record books.

Sophia Melanson is a junior water polo player. In the shortened 2020 season, she led the team with 17 assists and scored nine goals.