Collegian The
Football upsets Cortland Wolverines defeat country’s tenth-ranked team
Mia Gallagher Sports Editor
While the sports world overuses the cliché “defense wins championships,” it has merit in describing how Grove City College began the 2025 season.
No. 23 Grove City forced seven turnovers to propel the Wolverines to a 31-14 victory over No. 10 Cortland on Saturday at Grady Field in Cortland, N.Y.
This highly anticipated Top 25 contest was a rematch of the second round of the 2023 NCAA Division III playoffs, which saw the Wolverines fall to the Red Dragons, 25-24, and was the second meeting between the D-III powerhouses.
“We were up here two years ago and lost a hard-fought game. And they (Cortland) went on to win the national title. So it was just great to get to come up here and face them again,” Coach Andrew DiDonato said in a postgame interview with Grove City Athletics.
“We graduated a lot of guys last year, and with it being week one, you don’t really know what to expect. It was just so good to see our team live in the identity of Grove City College football. The defense and all those turnovers – it was just such an unbelievable performance,” DiDonato said.
The game, which featured game-changing plays from the offenses and defenses of both teams, proved to be the challenge the young offense of Grove City (1-0) needed to match the skill of its seasoned defense.
“This win really shows how we have been able to start meshing as a team. We lost a lot of guys from last season, so to be able to have this many new guys live in their vision at a high level is a huge testament to the preparation our team has been putting in,” junior quarterback Sutton Ellis said.
After Cortland (0-1) jumped out to an early 7-0 lead, the Wolverines’ offense battled back with a nine-play scoring drive, which ended with a 13yard touchdown pass from Ellis to wide receiver Breck Peacock. Peacock led Grove City
FOOTBALL 10
Field construction upcoming
Mia Gallagher Sports Editor
After over 60 years of play on R. Jack Behringer Field, the college’s baseball program prepares to enter a new era as construction on William C. Stewart Baseball Field will start later this fall, according to the college’s Operations Department.
The field will be on college property along Pinchalong Road and will feature amenities like a turf infield and outfield, lighting, parking and added spectator seating, according to the college’s Impact 150 campaign webpage.
“The baseball field project will be impactful for many reasons. Most importantly, it will celebrate former trustee of the college and baseball standout Bill Stewart. He is among the best people I have ever been blessed to know, and his gift and passion for baseball made this possible. Our only regret is that he unfortunately passed away last summer, so he won’t be there to throw out the first pitch,” Athletic Director Todd Gibson said.
Per Vice President of Operations Susan Grimm, construction will finish in early spring, pending permit approval and weather conditions. Once Operations and its construc-
tion partners – ELA Sports, Fieldturf and PSS Fields –break ground, they will have to move quickly to finish the project before the baseball season begins.
“The background work on the project has already started. We are currently submitting the supporting permit work for review. Once the project has been approved by the Mercer County Conservation District, Pine Township and Grove City Borough, we will
Grant sparks revitalization effort
Steven Mauch Contributing Writer
The college, along with the Borough of Grove City, recently received a $179,500 grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation to fund a study on revitalizing downtown Grove City. According to Grove City’s Assistant Borough Manager Taylor Pokrant, the downtown area under study is the Broad Street region from Dunkin’ Donuts to Lincoln Avenue on the other side of the railroad tracks. The plan also includes the college-owned property at
125 Lincoln Avenue.
POWELL
“The first element of it is to establish a steering committee, which has been done, of stakeholders, both from the college as well as within the community, borough and business leaders. The steering committee has had a meeting to kind of define the process as well as the study area, which, of course, is focused on the downtown area,” Pokrant said.
“This is focused on building condition as well as business inventory in the downtown
… (and) in between steering committee meetings, there will be a group of individuals who will actually be going downtown and grading the business structures,” he added.
The college’s Senior Director of Development Brian Powell will lead the collaboration with borough leaders and other entities like the Altair Consulting Group, which is also presently working with Meadville and Allegheny College on a similar development plan.
“Personally, I can envision
GRANT 10
begin the physical part of the project, weather depending. Depending on the length of permit review and the type of winter we have, there is a possibility that we could finish by April 1 with at least the field,” Grimm said.
This project – a $3 million investment made possible by the college’s Impact 150 campaign – is the first of three athletics expansion efforts the college plans to undertake, and it will provide the reigning PAC
champion Wolverines with an upgraded facility better suited to the program’s needs, per the Impact 150 webpage.
“This will be among the best baseball facilities in the region and will allow for better practices and games,” Gibson said. Further, it will result in less cancellations and rescheduling of games, which will aid students and faculty when dealing with missed classes.
FIELD 10
Protest in Grove City
Madelyn Braho Staff Writer
Grove City Grassroots organized a protest at Grove City Memorial Park targeting ICE’s ongoing immigration raids and the Epstein files saga, while also clamoring for workers’ rights.
Members of the Grove City College Democrats Club attended the protest, which was one of many across the country on Labor Day, Sept. 1, with the theme “Workers over Billionaires.”
They, along with over 100 mostly older protestors, held signs and waved American
flags along West Main Street.
“(It was) obviously very peaceful. (The community) knows that other people and different views exist, even here in Grove City … (We want to) be more involved in the community,” Lin Blum, president of the College Democrats Club, said. The constitution of the club gained approval in 2009 and has gone in and out of activity over the years, but it plans to be more active during President Trump’s second term.
The club has looked to provide a liberal political environment for the campus comPROTEST 9
Roblox lawsuits
Popular gaming platform faces lawsuits for enabling predators to exploit children. ENTERTAINMENT
Oberlin outmatched Soccer team begins season with
win against Oberlin College. SPORTS
CURT EQUI
Grove City’s Dustin Hottel (26) and Ian Demeri (39)
celebrate during Saturday’s football game against Cortland.
Render shows planned appearance of William C. Stewart Field.
From the Tower
Safe? Or stagnant?
You can’t have a conversation about the college without using the words “faith-based community.”
The Christian culture sets the college apart from other schools. Walking through campus, you’ll inevitably pass students reading their Bibles on the quad, hear spontaneous worship music in Harbison Chapel, see posters urging students to attend ICO trip informational meetings and witness friends’ faces light up when they run into each other in the halls.
Grove City is a special place. Few other communities bring together such a vast, holistic environment of young adults committed to growing in their faith together. But being a member of this community will only take you so far; it’s up to you to take advantage of it.
Christians feel safe in Grove City, and that’s a wonderful thing. Students don’t have to fear being persecuted for their faith in Jesus. They can openly express their love for God publicly without facing judgment. Their peers not only accept their beliefs, but they also encourage them to pursue a relationship with Christ. Grove City College is nearly an ideal Christian community, but it’s important to remember that “safety” can sometimes lead to becoming stagnant.
When we’re comfortable, we can slip into a mundane rhythm: go to class, then to chapel, grab a meal before the next class, catch up with friends, one more class, then finally dinner and a club meeting. Our classes and activities are centered around Christ, but are our hearts? Often, pressure forces us to seek God, so what do we do when life is relatively easy?
We must be intentional when delegating our time, and we have to ask ourselves the right questions. Am I attending Bible study to check off a box on my schedule for today, or am I really meditating on the Scripture we’re studying? When I’m worshiping at Warriors for Christ, am I genuinely praising God for who He is and what He’s done for me, or am I just here because my friends invited me and I don’t want to do homework? Am I going to church on Sunday to learn about God’s character and how I can please Him, or am I warming a pew because that’s what I’m supposed to do?
If we’re being honest, we’ve all answered with the less-than-admirable alternative at some point. Comfort can be dangerous. The growth of our faith is stunted when we allow it to become “a thing we do” instead of the reason why we live how we do. We have to prioritize the active pursuit of Jesus in our hearts, not just in our schedules. It’s easy to forget about our reliance on our Creator when life feels easy, and that puts us in a vulnerable position. The body of Christ is strongest when it intentionally seeks the Lord, remembering its dependence upon Him.
Our community is a gift. We need to take full advantage of the opportunities for growth God has provided for us on this campus, and we need to do that to cultivate a closer relationship with Him rather than filling our calendars.
Emily Fox
Editor-in-Chief
Collegian Staff
Emily Fox
Editor-in-Chief
Editorial Board
Matthew Purucker News Editor
Catharine Runion
Community Editor
Christa Bashinski
Entertainment Editor
John Hatzis
Perspectives Editor
Mia Gallagher
Sports Editor
Staff Writers
Mara Brak
Madelyn Braho
Editing
Olivia Emerick
Copy Chief
Copy Editors
Jaci Morell
Bonnie Pittman
Kendall Lambrecht
Campbell Wiersma
Anna Kasianides
THE GREEN EYESHADE AWARD
On having a magical time-turner
Mia Gallagher Sports Editor
“How do you have enough time for everything?”
“How do you balance everything so effortlessly?”
“Do you ever sleep?”
These are a few of the questions friends, teammates, coaches, professors and even strangers ask me daily. And while I usually supply the standard, Grover-achiever answer of, “I don’t know, I make it all work somehow,” the true answer to those questions is more complicated.
One way I make light of my daunting schedule is by telling myself I like to stay busy. Another is by rationalizing this behavior in the context of my environment. If all else fails, humor usually does the trick – and that’s where my magical time turner comes in.
Kathryna Hoyman Managing Editor
Art & Photography
Luke Paglia Photo Chief
Bernie Komoroski
Comic Strip Artist
Staff Photographers
Mara Brak
Advertising
John Remaniak Business Manager
Tava Derr Social Media Manager
Advisory
Nick Hildebrand Staff Advisor
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.
The Green Eyeshade goes to Mara Brak for her flexibility and willingness to serve The Collegian, this week single-handedly saving the photospread the morning of design night!
For all you muggles (or, more likely, Grovers) who may not be up to date on your Harry Potter references, allow me to enlighten you. A time turner allows its user to go back in time to alter the course of current events, or if you’re Hermione Granger (and me, apparently), it can be used to complete all the assignments,
extracurriculars and side quests populating one’s busy schedule.
As much as I wish I had a time turner on occasion, I can assure you I have never owned one. And if I’m being honest, I don’t even have a “magical” planner or Google Calendar helping me keep all my classwork and commitments straight. The truth is, I rarely have everything together, nice and neat, as everyone expects.
That may shock those who know me well. I get good grades; I’m involved in like 10 different extracurriculars; I get seven to eight hours of sleep at night. How could I not have everything together?
What people don’t see are the frantic minutes I spend between classes rushing to finish assignments. They don’t hear the dozens of panicked phone calls to my mom filled with anxious pleas for reassurance and guidance. They can’t see the meltdown I have in my advisor’s office once a semester about how I’m going to fail miserably. They can’t feel the crushing weight of anxiety I get over one poor grade, one conceded lacrosse goal or one awkward sidewalk interaction.
Yes, you don’t see these parts of my life – the parts my magical time turner erases from the timeline.
National News
And I’m assuming many of you are in the same boat. You trudge through hour after hour, day after day, telling yourself things will be easier weeks and months from now. It’s the Grover-achiever mindset, believing you can do everything yourself, right? Well, I’m here to remind all of you (me included) that we do not need to hold these burdens alone. It’s okay, even advisable, to ask for help and lean on others for support. And for those tasks and feelings that seem too great for mere humans to bear? Those are the ones the Lord calls us to cast at His feet. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us that the Lord’s peace will guard our hearts and minds in times of trial, adversity and strife. Trust the Lord to walk alongside you and share the weight of the burdens you bear. While having the power of time travel is cool in theory, the real resources available to help you succeed mentally, physically and spiritually are all within your reach. Prioritize those activities you care about and make intentional time for the people who matter to you. And while at times it may seem impossible to get everything done, remember the God-given strength and peace within you will help you see it through.
Turning Point USA founder assassinated at Utah Valley University
OREM, Utah — Charlie Kirk, conservative political figure and CEO of Turning Point USA, was assassinated at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon.
Kirk, 31, was speaking at a Turning Point USA event on the university’s campus, debating a student about transgender mass shootings, when he was shot, according to videos of the assassination.
A person of interest was in custody and interrogated before being released Wednesday evening. The FBI created a digital tip line looking for information about the shooting soon after it happened.
As of Wednesday night,
the FBI does not have a suspect named or in custody.
“Our investigation continues, and we (FBI) will continue to release information in interest of transparency,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X at 7:59 p.m. Wednesday.
Kirk rose to fame by hosting events on college campuses, encouraging discussions about controversial political topics.
The Turning Point USA cofounder often debated students with opposing views, hoping to make students reconsider their opinions. Kirk also helped rally young voters to elect President Donald Trump in November’s presidential election.
“This is a dark day for our state. It’s a tragic day for our nation,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) said
during a Wednesday afternoon press conference. “I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination.”
Wednesday’s event at the university was part of Turning Point USA’s “American Comeback Tour.” Kirk and the organization had traveled nationwide to promote conservative values since 2012.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
MARA BRAK
CHARLIE KIRK
The letter(s) of the law
A peek into Greek life’s stringent pre-street dance policies
Catharine Runion Community Editor
The Street Dance may have marked the end of the Orientation Board’s season, but it heralded the beginning of the Rush season.
This past Friday, sororities, fraternities and housing groups took turns storming into the middle of the dance. They were loud and proud, all wearing their letters and colors. Their main goal was to make a scene. That was the first impression freshmen would have of Greek life.
The groups’ hype followed two weeks of silence. The Pan-Hellenic Society at Grove City College expects participants in Greek life to keep quiet about their groups for a little bit in order to allow the freshmen to acclimate. Members are not permitted to wear their letters and all are prohibited from talking to freshmen about sororities or fraternities.
Greek groups are perhaps best known for their letters. Each group is named with a unique combination of Greek letters, which members wear on crewnecks, t-shirts, hats and even necklaces. These are prohibited, of course, as are any lettered paraphernalia. Even fall party or spring formal t-shirts are a no-go.
This silence extends even to the Organization Fair. Greek groups are allowed to set up tables just like any other on-campus club. They can even wear their letters at the tables. However, there are strict rules against talking to freshmen about the groups, and members must cover their letters unless they are actively at the table.
According to Alpha Beta Tau president Natalie Zook, the Org Fair being before the
Street Dance only complicates things. “We can’t talk directly about the groups even when we’re at our table,” Zook said. “We just have to give people vague answers.” Groups have to say something to freshmen, though: the Pan-Hel rules allow them to talk a little bit about the rush process. There’s an upcoming Greek interest meeting and the college even puts on a separate “Greek fest” at a time when sororities and fraternities are al-
Kings Return returns
Jane Ji Contributing Writer
Experience captivating, rich music in the simplicity of acapella with the vocal group King’s Return. From stairwell performances to worldwide tours, this ensemble of singers has shared their music in many places, enthralling listeners with a combination of deeply diverse vocal timbres and the straightforward clarity of acapella.
King’s Return was scheduled to perform at Grove City College last spring, but the concert was canceled due to last-minute illness.
This concert is scheduled as part of the Grove City College Music Department’s “Showcase Series.” The department is committed to bringing in professionals and renowned performers to enrich students’ experience at the college. At 7:30 tonight in Ketler Auditorium, King’s Return will make their long-awaited visit to Grove City College! Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in music. Admission is free for GCC students.
Reserve your tickets now at Grove City College’s website.
lowed to say more about their groups.
While these rules seem strict — and feel even stricter for members — they ultimately serve to benefit Greek life, not to police it.
The prohibition of letters before the Street Dance is intended to prevent something called “dirty rushing.” This could be as simple as an older student vocally encouraging a freshman to rush a specific group, but it could be as
complicated as bonding with a freshman so that they would be obligated to rush a certain way.
“Dirty rushing is doing anything that doesn’t follow the Pan-Hel rush rules,” Zook said. “You can’t under-the-table mentor a new freshman. Rushes are allowed to visit the hall, but they have to leave by a certain time. You can’t invite rushes to any parties, and you especially can’t promise bids,” she said.
Some of the stricter rules, such as the hall curfews, present challenges to socials and siblings. Situations have come up in which someone who is rushing wants to visit or spend time with their sibling who is already in a group. Zook says that though the rules can be stringent, they’re ultimately for the good of Greek life. “These rules are in place for a very good reason,” Zook said.
Recent changes to the outlets
Kathryna Hoyman Managing Editor
The pride and joy of Mercer County — the Grove City Premium Outlets — has recently made some additions and omissions that affect students.
One of the most notable of these changes is the closing of the outlet mall’s Starbucks. “I understand the exit… as people would rather give their money to a local coffee shop, especially now that Starbucks’s prices have ramped up so much,” junior Sophia Lodico said.
While the closing of this store makes sense, it is widely considered as a tragedy on campus.
Instead of the approximately 13-minute drive to the outlets to get their early-morning pumpkin spice latte, students now have to drive to the Starbucks on Slippery Rock University’s campus. Though the drive time is about the same, walking through another college’s campus to get Starbucks is an experience that Grovers joyfully avoided when the outlets had a Starbucks of their own.
“My heart grieves at the thought of Starbucks being gone,” freshman Andee Varga stated.
Senior Caitlyn Burns, who is an employee at the Outlets’ Ann Taylor store, talked about some other recent changes to the commercial landscape. “The Hanes outlet is in the process of closing down, and Versona went out earlier this summer,” Burns said.
With the closing of beloved stores, however, comes the opening of several new stores, including Lululemon, Ulta Beauty and Manga Spot.
Lululemon is officially coming soon to the outlets, and its advent is greeted with mixed excitement and passivity.
Some students expressed enthusiasm for the trendy athletic apparel retailer coming to Grove City. “I think the Lululemon store arriving is an exciting addition to the outlet stores. It’ll be fun to have different types of athletic wear stores to choose from,” junior Bonnie Pittman said.
The majority of responses conveyed that though students like the brand, they find their items too expensive for someone trying to put themselves through college. “I really like Lululemon, I just don’t want to spend $85 on a pair of shorts,” junior Evan Wheat explained.
Still others were completely confused when asked about the chain store. “Honestly, what is Lululemon?” senior Liam Cummings responded.
The outlet’s Ulta Beauty had its grand opening in August of this year, and students have been enjoying the presence of the U.S.’s largest beauty retailer in their own town.
“Especially with Rite Aid closing, it’s so great that we finally have a place to get quality makeup and other products. It was clean, well-stocked and had a wide range of prices, from more affordable (but still good quality products— ELF, etc.) to more expensive prod-
ucts that you normally cannot get from stores in the Grove City area. I’m super excited about it,” junior Jesse Richardson said.
While some concern was expressed about the price, the very experience of going into the store is worth it to many. “I was actually there the other day and lowkey surprised that they had more stuff … I was like … ‘I can spend literally hours here.’ I mean, makeups are definitely way too overpriced these days, and I’m a broke college student so I couldn’t spend whole lot of money, but just looking around and trying them on makes me happy,” junior Hayun Song said.
“Another good thing is when I order stuff from Ulta online I can go pick them up at the shopping mall,” Song added. For students with more niche interests, Manga Spot also opened a location at the local outlets recently. “This is a significant development for manga readers in the area as it has thus far been limited to sections of bookstores and comic shops,” senior Madelyn Braho said.
While the Grove City Outlets are striving to keep up with current consumer demands, the hub continues to provide a great off-campus location for students to get a break from the pressure of college.
The local area immediately next to the college is also changing, most notably with whispers of a new Thai restaurant opening on Broad Street.
A group of girls from the Phi Sigma Chi sorority getting ready for the Street Dance last Friday.
Doomed
Love Triangle
My roommate was involved with this guy last year, and I think she might still have feelings for him. The problem is, I have a bit of a crush on him. What should I do? Would I be a bad friend if I went for it?
Sincerely,
Stuck Between My Roommate and a Crush
Do you want my short and sweet answer? Here it is: YES.
Crushes come and go. Friends are way more important than any guy could ever be. Don’t risk your friendship and the rest of your year over someone you have a “bit of a crush” on. If you’re asking me what I honestly think, I think you already know the answer.
My slightly longer answer: let it go. I always hate when people say there’s plenty of fish in the sea, but it is completely true.
You’d be setting yourself up for a messy incident, whether or not anything actually happens. The trust you have built with each other is enough to live with one another all year. Jeopardizing that by bringing a guy that you think she still has feelings for into the mix is pretty high on the list of no-gos.
It’s not a bad thing to have a crush on someone, but this is a conscious choice: If the possibility of being a bad friend crosses your mind when you’re about to do something, that means you were probably about to be a bad friend. Loyalty has to mean something, right?
Let’s say you did go for it and it works out. Now every time you want to bring him over or talk about him, your friend will be reminded that you cared more for a random boy than her feelings or her as a friend.
Even if she tries to act nonchalant, she probably won’t love that you went for someone she still has feelings for. If it fizzles out, what then? You’ve already broken her trust over a boy that didn’t even last the month.
Girl code rule number one: you don’t go for past flames, whether that flame has been extinguished or not. At the end of the day, he’s just a guy. Chances are he’s not the love of your life. I’m not telling you to never have a crush on anyone ever again, but try not to burn up your existing relationships in the search for “the one.”
Good luck!
Auspiciously,
Dr. Love Love M.D.
Grover getaways: state parks
Catharine Runion Community Editor
As important as academics are around Grove City, it’s crucial for students to strike a work-life balance.
The best way to do that is to take advantage of the parks in the area. Western Pennsylvania is full of some seriously underrated parks. Rolling hills and lush greenery define the entire Interstate 79 corridor. Dotted with lakes and spangled with little creeks, here are some of the best parks in the area to escape to.
Moraine State Park
This park, which surrounds the nebulous Lake Arthur, is full of walking trails. The lake branches off like so many little fingers, so there are countless private nooks and paths to explore.
For those who are looking for a longer, more intense hike, the trailheads for the Gracier Ridge Trail and the North Country Trail 528 are located within the park.
If hiking and walking aren’t your thing, there’s a small beach and plenty of docks located around the lake so you can go swimming, have a cookout, get up for the sunrise or watch the sunset.
McConnell’s Mill State Park
Located just across the interstate from Moraine State Park, McConnell’s Mill is another excellent hiking location. The park is centered around Slippery Rock Creek.
There’s one main trail that follows the path of the creek, but there are a few waterfalls, bridges and campgrounds which break up the forest scenery and make for a delightful adventure. If you’re more into fishing, Slippery Rock Creek is stocked with trout multiple times a year.
The park is named after the historic gristmill located at the top of the park. It dates back to 1868, and the interior of the mill is open to the public through late September. It was also featured as a shooting location for “The Pale Blue Eye,” a 2022 movie starring Christian Bale.
Clear Creek State Forest
Familiar to members of Grove City College’s Outing Club, Clear Creek State Forest
On the Lower Quad... All Campus Movie: Jurassic World Saturday, Sept. 13 8:15 p.m.
has hundreds of acres of trees and hiking trails.
The park is home to several small creeks and runs which all pour down the mountain into the Allegheny River. On top of the mountain, there’s a beautiful overlook which oversees the town of Kennerdell and the river valley.
The Outing Club maintains a cabin in this park which they make occasional trips to. There’s no electricity, so if you’re looking to get off the grid, check out the Outing Club and Clear Creek State Forest.
Maurice K. Goddard State Park
Another local lake, Lake Wilhelm, is the focal point of Maurice K. Goddard State Park. The park has State Game Lands, campgrounds, extensive hiking trails and tons of boating activities.
Visitors can rent pontoon boats or bring their own, and there are dozens of launch points and plenty of docks. If boating doesn’t strike your fancy, the fishing might. As big as this lake is, you can definitely find a private nook to fish, relax, set up a hammock or even jump in.
This park is also well known for its conservation efforts. Surrounding the lake, there are many wetlands and mature forests which create ideal habitats for many important animals and birds.
Presque Isle State Park
Erie’s Presque Isle State Park is ideal for Grovers who are going through beach withdrawals.
Presque Isle is essentially a large sandbar jutting out into Lake Erie. It’s a long strip of grass and trees, along which you can walk, run, bike or just go for a drive. There are a few trails within the scope of the park, and there are small bays that are perfect for fishing.
The real appeal is its beaches. There are up to 10 individual well-maintained beaches along the peninsula. It’s perfect to swim, tan and relax. The sunsets there are nearly always spectacular.
All of these parks are nearby, but far enough away from the campus that they feel like a true getaway. It’s worth getting your nose out of the books occasionally for a breath of fresh air.
Gather on the Lower Quad with blankets, snacks and popcorn to watch this classic movie under the stars, hosted by Student Life & Learning. In the SHAL Atrium... GCC Study Abroad Fair Monday, Sept. 15 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Office of International Education will put on their annual Study Abroad Fair. Talk to students about their experiences abroad and pick up some authentic snacks. In the Breen Student Union... Silent Disco Friday, Sept. 19 8 - 11 p.m.
CATHARINE RUNION
Presque Isle State Park in Erie
CATHARINE RUNION
Moraine State Park
KYLE YATES, PAWILDS.COM
Clear Creek State Park
Wednesday rewards the wait
Randall Elvin Contributing Writer
“Wednesday” is back, and Netflix’s gothic sensation has returned with more mysteries to unravel.
Season two of “Wednesday” kicked off on Aug. 6, with its last four episodes dropping on Sept. 3, a Wednesday of course. The series first premiered in 2022 and instantly became a cultural phenomenon. Jenna Ortega excelled in her role as she revived Wednesday Addams for a new generation. Ortega has been able to bring an exciting and fresh aspect to her character, while still being true to the character’s dark humor that has captivated audiences since her 1938 debut.
Netflix has done a spectacular job mixing supernatural mystery with a coming-of-age drama targeted at teen and adult audiences alike. The first season’s success was undeniable, earning five Emmy
awards and a massive fan following. Season two builds on that foundation, promising even darker storylines and heightened stakes to prove it’s more than a one-season wonder.
In season one, Wednesday Addams navigated physic visions, uncovered a monster’s identity and ultimately saved the infamous Nevermore Academy from destruction. The show’s gothic deadpan humor mixed with its murder mystery framework helped it become one of Netflix’s mostwatched shows, shattering records in the process.
Although the finale tied up many storylines, there was still a lingering loose end: the identity of Wednesday’s mysterious stalker. The unresolved thread serves as a perfect bridge to season two, although the three-year wait caused by Netflix’s repeated delays left many fans nearly forgetting it.
To keep “Wednesday” as
relevant as possible, Netflix rolled out season two in two parts to avoid audiences finishing the show in one night. But devoted fans proved unstoppable, with many tearing through the first four episodes in a few hours and repeating the process for the final four episodes. Even school nights cannot deter the true fanbase. Season two leans harder into supernatural horror and family drama while still staying in the TV-14 range and retaining the wit that made it a hit in the first place. It’s not often that shows have the confidence to adjust the tone in its sophomore season, but in this case, “Wednesday” doubled down and succeeded with style. The result? A season that’s darker, more expensive and has drawn in 50 million viewers in the first week.
For those who fell under the spell of “Wednesday” for the first time, the second season only exists to deepen the ob-
Roblox faces lawsuits
Andrew Hoover Contributing Writer
With over 78 million users every day and over 50,000 chat messages every second, Roblox dominates the online gaming world. The vast majority of this activity occurs between minors, making safety a natural expectation. But according to a recent lawsuit, Roblox has chosen profit over protection, sparking serious concerns about the platform’s priorities.
For years, Roblox has faced criticism for failing to protect children from predators on its platform. Earlier this year, a lawsuit alleged that a 13-year-old child was groomed through Roblox, leading to sexual abuse and kidnapping. The perpetrator was ultimately found guilty and charged with four counts of statutory rape. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, as similar cases have revealed how often children are exposed to sexually explicit material on the site.
Cases like these are what pushed YouTuber Schlep to run his own operation, working directly with law enforcement to catch these preda-
“The lack of oversight becomes even more obvious when compared to other apps. TikTok, which has roughly three times Roblox’s activity, employs 13 times the number of moderators. Former Roblox employees allege that this is no accident.”
tors by acting as decoys who would bait the predators to meet them in person, where law enforcement would be waiting. However, instead of commending his efforts, Roblox banned Schlep’s accounts, issued him a cease-and-desist and went so far as to claim he was “no better than the predators he was hunting.”
The decision sparked outrage across the Roblox community. Players rallied behind the slogan #FreeSchlep, plastering it across the platform, only to see Roblox respond with widespread bans on users displaying the phrase. Critics quickly pointed out the irony, noting that while Roblox cracked down on Schlep’s supporters, it has allowed questionable games and overtly sexualized player avatars to remain.
This fan-led campaign has turned into legal action as Schlep himself is suing Roblox. His lawsuit doesn’t center
on the ban, but rather on his own past experience as a child victim of sexual assault on the app. Working with popular lawyer YouTuber, Law By Mike, Schlep initiated a lawsuit against Roblox alleging that the company knowingly placed children in harm’s way to protect their own revenue stream. There have been countless cases of predators offering children “Robux” (currency you get by paying real life money) in exchange for sexual favors online. In many cases, predators have lured children off Roblox and onto third party apps where further exploitation has taken place. Disturbingly, there have been dozens of cases of child kidnapping and in-person abuse as a result. Despite these risks, Roblox continues to operate with minimal safety precautions.
Mark your calendars!
Grove City is welcoming a series of concerts and comedians this semester.
The Arcadian Wild Sept. 20th
Kicking off the semester with energy, The Arcadian Wild brings their signature blend of folk and indie-acoustic harmonies. With over 50 million Spotify streams, the ensemble has captivated audiences nationwide. This free concert is part of Fall Fest Weekend.
The Campus Nights Tour Oct. 24th
This tour will feature an assortment of established artists like Jervis Campbel, Gabe Price and Strings & Heart. Sponsored by K-Love, students are encouraged to attend as the night will bring together music, worship and community.
The Zion Caravan Tour Nov. 1st
session. Jenna Ortega continues to anchor the show with her magnetic and sharp acting, while stars from the original “Addams Family” assist by reviving their roles from season one. Season two also includes a surprise cameo from global icon, Lady Gaga, as she adds a major plot twist.
Pairing daring storytelling with standout performances, Season two proves “Wednesday” is a trademark show for Netflix fixed on cultivating a character that thrives on detachment and unexpected vulnerability at times. Maybe that’s a key reason why younger viewers and longtime fans of the Addams family resonate heavily with this smash hit. So, whether you were hooked after the first season or debating about jumping into “Wednesday” now, Season two makes a strong case for becoming a cultural touchstone that you don’t want to miss.
Big names such as LOVKN, John Mark Pantana, Antoine Bradford and the returning Gray Havens will be headlining for the local community right here on campus. These artists attract millions of listeners, bring nationwide tour experience and the promise of a performance you don’t want to miss.
Comedian Jaron Myers Nov. 15th
New to campus is a comedian! Jaron Myers will perform free of charge, bringing his quick humor and entertaining stories for a night of fun.
The Concert Committee of the Student Involvement Council is hosting these events and is always looking for recommendations for future ones. Students interested in volunteering can contact Maya O’Dell, at OdellMS24@gcc.edu
The rise of documentaries
Alexandria Fox Contributing Writer
For most of us, summer is a time to kick back and relax after a busy school year, and what better way to enjoy all that free time than by watching a gripping documentary? This past summer has been huge for true crime documentaries, with several high-profile releases on major streaming platforms sparking conversation. Among the most talked about were two riveting series covering the 2022 University of Idaho murders and another examining the horrifying influencer scandal of Ruby Franke.
“One Night in Idaho: The College Murders” premiered on Prime Video on July 11.
Directed by the critically acclaimed Liz Garbus and Matthew Galkin, the four-episode series examines the tragic events of Nov. 13, 2022, when Bryan Kohberger took the lives of four young University of Idaho students: Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. The series explored the profound impact on their families and communities while detailing the killings themselves. In addition to these elements, we see the recollections of those who were close to the victims, offering personal stories and reflections that humanize the tragedy.
Just one day after Kohberger pled guilty to all four mur-
NETFLIX
Indigen
Grove City College is privileged to be able to display the beautiful cultural pieces of artist Bruce Onobrakpeya. Onobrakpeya is originally from Nigeria, and he has made an immense impact through his work, both within his country and worldwide.
Located in the Pew Fine Arts gallery, the work of Onobrakpeya is made up of some of the finest African art pieces, having been exhibited in well-known and respect- ed art museums around the world.
While you admire the photos of these beautiful works, head to page 10 to read about Onobrakpeya and his art. Then take a trip up to Pew Fine Arts Center to see the works for yourself.
by Luke Paglia, Photo Chief
Photos by Mara Brak
Head coverings are biblical
Scripture and tradition support this historic practice
Jessica Ivory Contributing Writer
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:2, “Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.”
In the modern western church, we often find ourselves under pressure from the culture to abandon our historic teachings. One such victim of Christianity’s theological retreat is the practice of women wearing head coverings in church. Despite our contemporary cultural standards, Scripture is clear in its call for women to wear head
“For Paul, the practice of head covering is not merely a cultural issue — it has profound theological significance.”
coverings. In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul commends the church in Corinth for maintaining the traditions he passed on. In verse 23 of the passage, Paul tells us the teaching he delivered to the Corinthians was given to him by the Lord. In 2 Thessalonians 2:15, Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to “stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us.” Paul commended the Corinthians for maintaining the traditions he had received from Christ, namely the practice of wearing head coverings in church services.
Friendliness
Critics have argued that head coverings in church are a cultural practice. However, in 1 Corinthian 11:7-12, Paul uses the created order to explain why women ought to cover their heads. A major theme in Pauline theology is appealing to the creation order. Paul uses this appeal to establish theological truths and recommend certain practices. We have no reason to assume this passage is any different. For Paul, the practice of head covering is not merely a cultural issue -- it has profound theological significance.
The passage itself contains
five arguments in favor of head coverings: that the head of a wife is her husband, that an uncovered head is the same as a shaven head, that women are the glory of man, that women were created for and from man and women must cover their heads for the sake of the angels. These arguments, three of which are arguments based on the order of creation, prove head coverings in church honor God and His commands. Various theologians across denominational traditions, from Aquinas to Calvin, endorse head coverings as a Christian practice. In Tertullian’s work “On the Veiling of Virgins,” the early Christian writer argues that unmarried women ought to veil themselves.
“We cannot contemptuously reject [this] custom which we cannot condemn [as] ‘strange’, since it is not among ‘strangers’ that we find it, but among those, to wit, with whom we share the law of peace and the name of brotherhood,” Tertullian wrote. Scripture and tradition are clear about what is required of women in church services: to cover our heads. We have been taught that we must “stand firm and hold to the traditions.” Supporters of feminism would react to this call with disgust, but we must not forsake Scripture to appease the world. If we are to call ourselves faithful followers of Christ, we must, as John 14:15 teaches, keep His commandments.
should not be conditional GCC ranked No. 2 in
Madelyn Braho Staff Writer
In The Princeton Review’s 2025 college rankings, Grove City College placed in the top three on five different metrics. Being ranked so high in student religiousness, friendliness and conservativeness should be no surprise to anyone here. Chapel is only a small part of the spiritual life of the campus, with numerous Bible studies and faith-related clubs and organizations advertised all over notice boards. Conservative too is self-explanatory. And again, being ranked the second-friendliest
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Safety settings are disabled by default, making young players especially vulnerable. Phone numbers are easily shared by simply spelling out the letters and banned words like “Snapchat” can be easily abbreviated to “snap.”
The lack of oversight becomes even more obvious when compared to other apps.
TikTok, which has roughly three times Roblox’s activity, employs 13 times the number of moderators. Former Roblox employees allege that this is no accident. According to
“Friendliest Students” but No. 3 in “LGBTQ-Unfriendly”
school in the country is easy to understand with such a strong emphasis on community.
One ranking might be cause for some serious consideration, however. The college was also ranked number three most “LGBTQ-Unfriendly.”
This is ironic, considering the “Second Most Friendly” title we also have claimed. How, or perhaps why, is it that these two can co-exist?
Perhaps the uncomfortable answer is that it’s very easy to be friendly when almost everyone is like you. The Princeton Review also reported that Grove City’s student body is over 90% white, and it’s fairly evident that we are mostly Protestant as well. The New-
them, Roblox has intentionally capped its spending on moderation, ignoring a flood of moderator applications while leaving a massive backlog of in-game reports unresolved. Current moderators have also claimed their suggestions for stronger chat censorship and safety features have been dismissed outright.
Even as these allegations pile up, Roblox continues to reassure parents that its platform is safe and well-protected. The lawsuit filed by Schlep and Law By Mike seeks to prove otherwise, arguing that profit has been consistently prioritized over child safety.
man Club and the Orthodox Christian Fellowship may be present on campus, but their voices are dwarfed by the Reformed Presbyterians and Evangelicals.
Christ said in Matthew 5:47 that “If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.” For us here at Grove City, it really is easy to be friendly and to welcome everyone, not necessarily because we follow Christ, but because we do not have to stretch much to love our neighbors as ourselves.
And now we come back to being ranked so high for being unfriendly to the LGBTQ community. If our love, and even
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ders, Peacock released an original documentary titled “The Idaho Student Murders.” The 90-minute film explores the aforementioned case in great detail, examining the investigation and featuring interviews with the victims’ friends and families. It highlights the evidence against Kohberger, his possible motives and his deeply troubled past. The documentary also explores the mass hysteria following the murders and the tense campus environment during the time. For anyone seeking a deeper
our tolerance, is conditional on someone trying to erase part of themselves, what is our love to others even worth?
If we are so willing to turn on even our brothers and sisters in Christ who are queer, what does that communicate to others? Is our love conditional for those of different political opinions, too? Are we welcoming until we might have to acknowledge the world outside of what we know?
There is no merit in being nice to people just like you.
It’s incredibly easy. If all we ever do is stay in our own little bubble full of people like us, then we will miss out on the glorious variety of humanity. Participating in and enjoying
understanding of this tragic case, “The Idaho Student Murders” and “One Night in Idaho” offer informative and compelling perspectives.
In a very different but equally disturbing vein, the three-episode series titled “Devil in the Family” premiered on Hulu on Feb. 27. While it was released in the winter, it saw a huge rise in popularity this summer. It focuses on the shocking events surrounding ex-influencer Ruby Franke and her family. If you aren’t familiar with this case, you should definitely give it a watch. The series focuses on the once popular
those takes effort and an intentional non-judgmental attitude. Instead of assuming that we already know everything –and what a comically prideful perspective that is – we should humble ourselves and be willing to learn from others. And on the point of our LGBTQ-unfriendliness, the irony of which should clear, perhaps it would be wise for us to read about the variety of Christian perspectives about queerness. After all, listening to someone does not mean we must agree with them, but in doing so we recognize their God-given ability to reason. And who knows, maybe in doing so we can better earn our reputation of friendliness.
“8Passengers” YouTube channel, which documented the family’s life together. At its peak, the channel had over 2 million subscribers, but many became concerned about the extremities of Franke’s parenting style. The series centers around Franke’s descent into abuse, which took place behind this carefully constructed Instagram façade.
Even if you aren’t into true crime, these projects offer truly sobering accounts of pain and remind us of our responsibility as media consumers.
Trusting Christ’s call
A loving God is leading you
Anastasia Brown Contributing Writer
For the past two years, I have spent the beginning of fall semester in a white shirt, welcoming the incoming freshman class as part of Grove City’s Orientation Board, also known as OB. OB has been an incredible opportunity to meet new students, many of whom are feeling the same emotions I did just a few years ago.
One of the constant refrains of a Christian campus is the word calling – everyone wants one, but no one is entirely sure what it will look like when it arrives. It’s an intimidating phrase, and most – myself included – ward it off for as long as possible. “Yeah, I mean, I
Sir Benjamin Treadwell
Writer
Contributing
How many extracurriculars are you involved in? How many club meetings will you have in the next two weeks? I ask these questions mainly of freshmen (welcome, welcome!) and sophomores, and sometimes even the upperclassmen. I ask because I wonder how many Grovers have caught the classic Grover-achiever ailment: overcommitment.
Overcommitment is when you are involved in so many things that you are unable to adequately fulfill your responsibilities. Do you find yourself constantly dropping one task to run to another? Do you
am studying English because I really love reading, you know? And I think I have a passion for teaching, but … well … I think we will just have to see where God calls me!” Then comes junior and senior year. Suddenly, you are applying for internships, fellowships and jobs while at the same time wondering why God has not directly intervened to tell you if you are making the right decisions.
So much of this confusion would be alleviated with a more robust theology of calling. What do we mean by that word, and what sets “calling” apart from “career” or “passion”?
One of my favorite Christian writers, Catherine Marshall, has extensive thoughts on this topic in her book “To Live Again,” a reflective autobiographical piece penned after the premature
“If I am fashioned by our omniscient God, the plan he has for my growth will certainly not fail.”
death of her husband.
As Marshall sought to rediscover her calling after her tragic loss, she wrote this: “The uncovering of these real hungers (the sincere desires of the soul) … the ones God himself has planted within each one of us … (can) become the foundation for prayers sure to be answered. The reasoning behind this has been explained in a simple but impressive analogy — that when God plants the pattern of an oak tree in an acorn, it is certainly his will that the acorn become an oak.” Marshall’s analogy has re-
mained etched in my memory through the ups and downs of the dreams I have framed for my future. If I am fashioned by our omniscient God, the plan he has for my growth will certainly not fail.
The concept of God’s sovereign plan for our lives should not come as some grand shock. If “the pattern of an oak tree” is in the acorn, then every bit of growth, every tendency of the acorn, will be towards the eventual growth of an oak. Similarly, God is in the business of leading us down the path he has planned for us,
The art of saying no On the perils of overcommitment
feel caught in between a club rock and an academic hard place with the weight of stress squashing your soul? Have you discovered that your extracurriculars are barring you from completing your school assignments on time? Are you scrounging for the barest shreds of spare time? Are you getting at least six hours of sleep?
If various clubs, organizations and other assorted obligations make you struggle academically, become addicted to caffeine or regularly skip daily time with the Lord and His Word, you have overcommitted. Some people might not consider this to be a problem. They might justify it by claiming their campus involvement is worth it for the resume; that their cortisol
Letters to the Editor
Space will be provided for Letters to the Editor. However their inclusion is at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor. Letters will be printed as submitted unless the editors choose to delete words or portions that are in poor taste, libelous or unnecessary to convey essential meaning. The editors may condense longer letters. Letters must include verifiable contact information, such as an email address. Anonymous letters will not be accepted. The author’s name will appear with the letter. Statement of fact and opinion in letters to the editor, editorials and commentaries are the responsibility of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of staff, the college, its faculty or staff or the student body.
Letters must be received by 5 p.m. on the Monday prior to the publication. All letters to the editor will be considered for publication from students,
PROTEST continued from 1 munity to promote respect for different opinions.
faculty, staff and alumni.
To be accepted for publication, a letter must meet one of the following criteria: it relates to an article published in or issue discussed in paper; it contains information of interest to all, or a segment of our readership (alumni, parents, donors, students, faculty and staff); it relates to college news or policy.
We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, correct grammar and punctuation, and length. We will not publish unsigned letters. We will not republish a letter that has appeared in another publication in part or in whole. Letters will be printed in the next edition of the paper in which space is available. Those interested in submitting a letter to the editor can email Perspectives Editor John Hatzis at hatzisjs23@ gcc.edu.
levels aren’t really a problem; that they must drink caffeine, lest they get horrible headaches. Others might prefer to have less mounded on their plate but cannot bear to let anyone down. But are these things worth a spiritually dry, bleary-eyed and hunchbacked four years?
Aside from all the negatives like stress, sleep-deprivation and bad grades, overcommitment’s key symptom is the inability to do things with excellence. Excellence is one of our college’s core pillars! President Lingo has addressed this topic repeatedly. Excellence is not merely some institutional mantra, but something that all Christians should strive to exemplify.
If we want to glorify God in all we do, we want to do all
things to the best of our ability. But we cannot do anything with excellence if we are scatter-brained and perpetually short on time. Therefore, we can glorify God better by doing fewer things with excellence and having time for rest and Bible study, rather than doing many things with less than our best.
To that end, I recommend two to three extracurriculars at most, less if you have the maximum credit hours. If you regularly don’t have time for daily Bible study, change your time priorities. Make time for sleep — consider at least six or seven hours. Finally, never forget to build in time for the little things that keep your life in order.
Some of you may wonder how to get out of your pri-
and He who shaped our hearts will certainly use the interests and desires that He placed within us to guide us down that path.
Perhaps this isn’t a groundbreaking revelation, but it certainly is a comforting one. Even when we become wrapped up in the weeds of finding our calling, we can trust in His perfect plan for our lives. “Discovering God’s calling for your life will flow out of your love for him and obedience to His revealed will,” my mom always says. “As you pursue knowing and delighting in Him, your desires will be shaped by His plan for you, as He opens doors and pathways before you.”
or commitments. Here is my advice: find the ones you are least committed to and bow out gracefully. Pass your duties on responsibly, and with warning, to people with more time. To avoid new obligations, learn to say kindly, “I’m sorry, but I don’t have time,” or “I have a conflicting obligation.” Do this before you feel the tightening hand of time’s absence around your chest. With a balanced lifestyle, you will have time for fun without the anxieties of overcommitment. Know that, even if you make a few friends slightly sad, you will be able to show excellence in your remaining duties, and instead of a people-pleaser, you will be a God-pleaser.
Write us a letter!
John Hatzis Perspectives Editor
If you are reading this, we want to hear from you!
On the Perspectives page, we care deeply about student input. All students have a platform on this page to probe for the truth. However, we recognize that many students are at times too busy to contribute articles to the newspaper. As such, we are encouraging our readers to write letters to the editor! Did you read something in Perspectives that you found enlightening? Provocative? Misguided? Insightful? Positively genius? Let us know! We would be delighted to accept letters between 50 and 150 words from students, staff and community members alike engaging with the ideas expressed on
the Perspectives page.
To illustrate the kind of letters we are striving for, here is an example:
“I found Anastasia Brown’s article ‘Trusting Christ’s Call’ from the Sept. 12 edition thoughtful and encouraging. As someone who, like Ms. Brown, struggles with discerning where exactly God is calling me, being reminded that God has shaped my heart and is guiding my steps for a reason was quite reassuring. I would hasten to add to Ms. Brown’s observations that God’s vocational calling may radically subvert your expectations. Ms. Brown referenced the wisdom of her mother; I thought of my father, who majored in engineering and spent almost none of his career working in that field. We will never really grasp God’s providential plan this side of the vale, which makes trust essential. I look forward to seeing
more of Ms. Brown’s work and other excellent Perspectives pieces in the future. Best, John Hatzis, Class of 2027.”
Of course, as the letter writer, you are free to agree or disagree with the arguments made by our authors. As a young writer myself, I find few greater joys than having my ideas spark further conversation and reflection – even if that reflection leads to a different conclusion.
So, for all you who think you are too busy to write for The Collegian, I encourage you to think again! Letters to the editor are a great way to engage with the Perspectives page with a much shorter time commitment. We look forward to hearing from you with your thoughts and insights. If you are interested in writing a letter to the editor, please reach out at hatzisjs23@gcc. edu.
However, Blum believes it can be difficult to handle the public attention the club can bring, being on the campus of a politically vocal, conservative college.
In past years, the club hosted discussion panels, including one on vaccines in 2020. It has also hosted LGBTQ panels, although none recently, and it took part in this year’s organization fair.
“More recently, it’s hard to be involved on campus,” Blum said.
The Mercer County Young Democrats have reached out to the club and are hoping to work with them in some capacity. However, the Young Democrats have not committed to any involvement with the college club as of now.
May Day Strong, an associ-
ated group of dozens of labor and advocacy organizations, organized protests throughout the country to speak out about corporate involvement in government. The protest occurred on Labor Day, a “National Day of Action” planned nationwide to combat policies of the Trump administration. Grove City Grassroots will be holding another protest on Oct. 18 as part of the No Kings movement. The first series of rallies across the country, including one in Grove City, occurred on Jun. 14.
GROVE CITY COLLEGE
African art show on display
Bruce Onobrakpeya premieres exhibit at the college
Matthew Purucker News Editor
The college gallery is displaying an African art exhibit highlighting the work of Nigerian artist Bruce Onobrakpeya in the Pew Fine Arts Center through Oct. 14.
The show has traditional art from Benin, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda and elsewhere across West and East Africa, including pieces from Onobrakpeya, who is one of Africa’s most influential post-colonial creators.
Onobrakpeya is a printmaker, painter and sculptor, often featuring Christian imagery and traditional African art elements in his work. The show spotlights several pieces, most notably his “Fourteen Stations of the Cross,” which illustrates the Passion of the Christ. Based on that artwork, Catholic priests commissioned the 93-year-old artist to create other Christian pieces throughout the 1960s and 1970s, according to the National Museum of African Art.
“In addition to the beauty and impact of the art on display, this exhibit provides a unique educational opportunity for our students to experience the skill and craftsmanship of African artists. Bruce Onobrakpeya is (a) world-renowned artist whose work has had (an) enormous impact on African and international aesthetics for more than seven decades. To be able to see his original artwork in Grove City,
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one or two anchor restaurants that draw traffic from outside the area and spark other investments that lead to filling storefronts with other local businesses who want to be part of what’s happening,” Powell said. “I imagine a downtown with revived storefronts, space for attractive events or gatherings and diverse housing options for graduate students, alumni, young professionals, new hires at the college or other local companies who want to be close to the college and the downtown.”
The borough has planned a series of public meetings for community input, scheduled to take place in October. It also plans to advertise those meetings on campus once it finalizes the dates to encourage college students to attend and provide feedback on the revitalization project. The committee will consider those comments in the planning phase of the project.
“Students are a key stakehold-
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in the air with seven catches for 105 yards.
Capitalizing on a Ryan Montgomery interception –the first of three turnovers the senior safety forced in the game – the Wolverines’ offense punched in another touchdown, courtesy of senior running back Ian Demeri, to secure a 14-7 advantage. Cortland’s offense answered to end the first half, locking the scoreboard in a 14-14 tie.
“I know everyone has been working very hard and looking forward to the matchup against Cortland,” Montgomery said. “When we found out they were our Week One game this year, we all wanted to get a win after losing two years ago.”
The second half featured a defensive masterclass from the Wolverines, opening with
Pa., is a blessing,” Director of College Archives and Galleries Hilary Walczak said to the college in a Sept. 8 news release. This gallery contains the private Mostard family collection of Onobrakpeya’s work. Joyce Mostard bought and re-
er in our community during your four years as well as post-graduation. … To be a strong and vibrant community of the future, we need to hear from current students so that we can best understand emerging opportunities,” Powell said. “We plan to hold a focus group discussion for students this fall, but I would welcome any students who’d like to reach out to me directly.”
Also, the borough will look at the types of businesses downtown and take those findings to the steering committee, which will review the information, making recommendations to the plan and budget.
The hope is that with this plan, the college and borough would then be eligible for implementation funds from R. K. Mellon, with the chance of receiving grants from other sources.
“The end result of the planning will be the development of a five-year action plan and budget that we can hopefully leverage to open opportunities for partnerships and invest-
ceived works in this collection over at least 50 years. Mostard had a close friendship with Onobrakpeya when she and her husband, Joop, lived in Africa and continued that relationship after coming to the United States. Joyce’s son Bri-
ments,” Powell said. “The goal is to inspire our community and then spur others to invest in a sustainable approach to ongoing downtown revitalization for years to come.”
In addition to Allegheny College, several other regional colleges in the state are also receiving grants from R.K. Mellon: University of Pittsburgh Johnstown, St. Vincent College, Seton Hill College, and Washington & Jefferson College.
The borough expects to finish the process by the end of the year and hopes to have a final draft of the plan by Christmas.
“The borough’s goal is to connect with the campus community in the sense that much of campus borders our downtown study area,” Pokrant said. “We really would like to see input from the college, whether directly from the students or through members of the college staff that are on the committee, on what types of entities downtown would bring students off of the campus and into the downtown.”
an and his wife, Jenifer, a college alumna, brought those art pieces, including folk art such as masks, sculptures, shields, tapestries and wooden wall hangings, to present at the college.
Before Grove City College, Onobrakpeya’s work has been exhibited at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Lagos, Nigeria, the Tate Modern Museum in London and Malmo Konsthall in Sweden, along with the National Museum of African Art in Washington and other international venues. Even these popular museums did not display all the art that will be presented at this show.
In the late 1950s, Onobrakpeya helped found the Zaria Art Society, a collective blending traditional Nigerian art with European techniques. A native of Agbarha-Otor, Nigeria, he also created the Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation in 1990 to develop and support African artists and increase the public perception of African art.
The gallery is open weekdays from 4 to 8 p.m., with a 1 to 5 p.m. viewing on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays.
“I hope students and the community are able to come and experience this art and learn about the amazing art styles of Bruce Onobrakpeya, as well as traditional African Art. Each show we do in the gallery is unique and different from the next, so we are just excited to bring something new to campus,” Walczak said.
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“From a day-to-day basis, this field will allow us to practice and play baseball with little worry about rain, and other weather conditions that have left the current (original field from the 1950s) unplayable on a regular basis. When the field is not in use, it will be another turf area that can be used for IM sports, local high school games and many other uses.”
While a general air of anticipation and excitement currently surrounds this project, the uncertainty it has brought to the upper campus parking situation still looms large. Until construction officially begins, its full impact is unknown.
“We don’t have an exact number of parking spots that will be taken; however, part of the project will include paving the parking lot that was used during the building of Smith Hall (also on Madison Avenue),” Grimm said.
According to Grimm, Operations and Campus Safety are closely watching the situation and plan to keep students informed about any impactful changes that may arise.
For more information on the Impact 150 campaign, visit the fundraiser’s website (gcc. edu/impact150).
“We look forward to Stewart Field being an attractive location for students, fans and community members to congregate for years to come,” Gibson said.
Today at Grove City College Smith Hall to be dedicated
Matthew Purucker News Editor
William Smith Jr. and his wife, Dieva Smith, lead donors and the namesakes of the recently renovated Smith Hall of Science and Technology, will be on campus, along with Grove City College officials, to dedicate the building.
The dedication will take place during a ceremony and reception at 4 p.m. today at Smith Hall.
According to a Grove City College news release, Smith Hall is the most expensive construction project in the history of the college. The privately funded project totaled $48 million and took two years to complete.
The renovation expanded
a 36-yard interception return for a touchdown from junior cornerback Noah Wheeler. and closing with the Wolverines holding the Red Dragons scoreless to secure the win.
“It is nice to see that every-
one’s hard work paid off for this game, but there is still a lot of work that we need to do if we want to reach our ultimate goal of a PAC and national championship,” Montgomery said.
With this win, the Wolverines jumped to No. 15 in the D3football.com Top 25 poll –just in time for another monumental matchup against the second-ranked Mount Union Purple Raiders at 1 p.m. to-
the former Rockwell Hall of Science, built 94 years ago, to 100,000 square feet to support STEM education at the college.
The project revamped all four floors of Rockwell Hall, the college’s first academic building. It redesigned everything except the building’s tower, and a connecting structure between Rockwell and STEM Hall was constructed, per the release.
The completion of Smith Hall brought upgrades to labs for the biology, chemistry, engineering, exercise science and physics departments. The project created collaborative and study spaces, and added equipment and technology to expand the research potential for those departments.
morrow at Robert E. Thorn Field. This game will open Grove City’s home schedule and be its final non-conference test before the Wolverines begin PAC play at home against Washington and Jefferson on Sept. 27.
“Mount Union is the standard in Division III NCAA football. They have won 15 national championships for a reason,” Grove City athletic director Todd Gibson said. “Our team seeks to glorify God in pursuit of winning PAC and NCAA Championships, so we are excited about the opportunity to see how we stack up against one of the truly elite college programs in the nation.
“I am confident that our team will prepare the right way and will give Mount their best shot. We look forward to an amazing atmosphere and lots of national attention. It will be a fun day.”
MARA BRAK
This African elephant is one of many pieces shown at the exhibit.
CURT EQUI
Grove City cornerback Noah Wheeler (center) intercepts a pass against Cortland Saturday.
Kardos tops podium at Thiel Invitatiational
Emily Fox Editor-in-Chief
Grove City women’s golfer junior Lauren Kardos claimed the top spot on the podium last Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Thiel Invitational.
Kardos beat out 46 other players by shooting 76, her personal best, and winning a scorecard playoff against Geneva’s top player, clinching herself the medal. The team ended the match in fourth place out of seven teams with a combined score of 381.
“Winning the Thiel Invitational meant so much to me because I have put so much work into my game, and this helped me to realize that hard work does pay off … I am so beyond blessed that I have been given the opportunity to represent my school and to use the gifts God has given me to play this sport,” Kardos said.
“Golf can sometimes feel individual, but our team pushes and supports one another to be the best version of ourselves that we can be, both on and off the course. This medal reflects that encouragement and the way we will continue to build each other up for the rest of the season,” she said.
Head Coach Bradley Isles commented on how Kardos’s strong mental game and grit has led to her success on the course. “Lauren has experience playing in big pairings with some of the top players in the conference over her career, and Saturday’s score really shows she can compete at a high level. She has the ability to make rounds like this become more common,” he said.
“One of Lauren’s best traits is that she doesn’t dwell on past results. She’s able to move on from a bad round and focus on what’s in front of her. That’s not easy to do. In spring PACs, she followed up a tough round with a 79. Her score at the YSU Kickoff wasn’t what she hoped for to start this fall season, so she dialed in, put in time on the range and at
“I am so beyond blessed that I have been given the opportunity to represent my school and to use the gifts God has given me to play this sport.”
the course during the week to prepare for the Thiel Invite. It paid off,” Isles said. “We’re excited to see Lauren and the rest of the team continue to improve over the next month.”
Kardos shot three birdies over the course of the match. She finds that her mindset has been critical to improving her game and continuing to become a better player.
“Going into the match, I made sure to remind myself that there are a lot of things in life worth getting upset over –and a chip I chunked or a putt I left short is not one of them. I have come a long way with the mental aspect of golf, and I am trying to keep perspective on the course. To me, that means reminding myself that golf is just one part of my life. Of course I want to play well, but I do not want every shot to control my emotions. If I hit a bad shot, I try to just remind myself that it does not define me,” Kardos said.
Kardos’s efforts, along with those of the rest of the Wolverines, earned the team fourth place overall. Senior Bekah Gaehring shot 97 and tied for 18th place. Sophomore Gabri-
— Lauren Kardos
elle Kinneer took 23rd shooting 100. Teammates Sydney Goettel and Madylin Galbreath both shot 108, tying for 37th.
Grove City golfers competing in this invitational as individuals also found success on the course. Senior Julianna Jacobs shot 103 earning 30th, freshman Mackenzie Boley finished after her shooting 104 and sophomore Alyssa Shaw shot 112 earning 40th.
“We have some significant competitions coming up over the next few weeks and, as coaches, we feel we can be one of the top teams in the conference with our experience. We need to keep working on being more consistent from round to round and limit unforced mistakes, but we can get there,” Isles said.
The Wolverines will hit the course again next Monday at the Saint Vincent Invitational.
“As a team, my prayer is that we continue to practice with purpose, to compete with integrity, focus and excellence, to build a team culture of friendship and support and to glorify God through the game of golf,” Coach Amy Smith said.
Junior goalkeeper Maddie Mills recorded seven saves in loss to CWRU. SOCCER continued from 12
Junior goalkeeper Maddie Mills made seven saves in net for the Wolverines, facing heavy pressure in both halves.
Despite the lopsided score, Grove City emphasized preparation, growth and team chemistry. Junior defender Meghan Tischler emphasized the team’s commitment in practice leading up to the home opener.
“We tried to push the pace and keep everyone’s mindset in the right spot through-
out the week to prepare today. They have done a great job with being coachable and stepping into the roles we have asked them to step into,” Tischler said.
Tischler also stressed the importance of defensive discipline under pressure. “We try to be super intentional with keeping patience and discipline on defense. Losing games is an opportunity to show that our identity doesn’t lie in this game but in the Lord. Playing great teams pushes us to be our best and lets us eval-
Sports at a Glance Results
Football (1-0): W, Cortland (31-14)
Men’s Soccer (1-2-1): L, Penn State Behrend (0-1)
Women’s Soccer (0-2-1): L, CWRU (0-6)
Women’s Volleyball (6-1): L, Carnegie Mellon (0-3)
Men’s Golf: 3rd/9, Saint Vincent Invitational
Women’s Golf: 4th/7, Thiel Invitational
Women’s Tennis (1-1): W, Geneva (6-1)
Men’s Cross Country: 6th/9, West Liberty Invitational
Women’s Cross Country: 7th/9, West Liberty Invitational
Upcoming
Football:
Sept. 13, 1 p.m. vs. Mount Union
Men’s Soccer: Sept. 13, 2 p.m. vs. Buffalo State Women’s Soccer: Sept. 13, 12 p.m. at Dickinson
Women’s Volleyball: Sept. 16, 7 p.m. at Hiram
Men’s Golf: Sept. 21 at Allegheny Invitational
Women’s Golf: Sept. 15 at Saint Vincent Invitational
Women’s Tennis: Sept. 13, 12 p.m. at Westminster
Men’s Tennis: Sept. 13, 1 p.m. vs Wooster
Men’s & Women’s XC: Sept. 20 at PAC Preview
WOLVERINE WEEKLY HONORS
uate our weaknesses leading to growth,” she said.
While the Wolverines are still seeking their first win of the season, the team remains focused on improvement. Coaches and players alike hope that tough non-conference matchups such as this one will prepare them for any challenges the PAC may throw their way later this fall.
Grove City returns to action at 12 p.m. tomorrow, Sept. 13 against Dickinson College for a non-conference contest in Carlisle, Pa.
Keller Krieger Men’s Soccer Newcomer of the Week
Lauren Kardos Women’s Golf Player of the Week
Brady Lane Football Newcomer of the Week
Kendra Klusch Women’s Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week
Noah Wheeler Football Defensive Player of the Week
Topher Drombetta Men’s Golf Newcomer of the Week
Junior Lauren Kardos placed first at the Thiel Invitational.
JOHN HAKE
Oberlin outmatched
Men’s soccer notches its first win with shutout
Mia Gallagher Sports Editor
In the sports world, a lot can happen in 30 minutes, 10 minutes and even two minutes. This fact holds as much truth in soccer as it does anywhere else. But when a team scores four unanswered goals in a 16-minute span, that’s a statistic you want to pay attention to.
Last Friday, Sept. 5, the Grove City College men’s soccer team put up this exact scoring run in their 5-0 win over Oberlin College. This scoreboard – the culmination of a comprehensive offensive showing from the Wolverine –marks the team’s first victory of the season and sets them up well for the rest of their daunting non-conference schedule.
“The result really goes to show just how much work we put into the offseason and preseason to set ourselves up for success. It started in the summer with everyone training hard to achieve great times
“It
on our annual mile test, and it carried throughout preseason as the team and the tactics all came together,” sophomore midfielder Luke Ladas said.
Leading the offensive onslaught for the Wolverines was junior midfielder Noah Gray, who secured the first of his two goals off a penalty kick just five and a half minutes into the match. He later supplied his second goal unassisted at 18:35, extending Grove City’s unanswered lead to 3-0.
Ladas also got in on the scoring action, notching the first two goals of his collegiate career in the victory. After receiving an assist from junior forward Ryan Merrick, Ladas put away Grove City’s second goal at 11:49 into the outing.
— Luke Ladas
He later earned an unassisted goal of his own at 21:48, bringing the Wolverines first-half scoring tally to four.
“It feels awesome to get on the scoresheet and help the team win. Coming off my freshman year where I didn’t play much, it just feels really good to finally be able to contribute to the team’s success,” Ladas said.
Rounding out the Wolverines’ offensive effort was freshman midfielder Owner Whitehead, who tallied the team’s fifth goal of the evening in the second half.
Grove City edged Oberlin both in total shots (17-7) and shots on goal (14-3), and keepers freshman Keller Krieger and junior Anthony D’Ippolito
Coaches against cancer
both contributed time in goal to the shutout.
“It was a great win on Friday, but we know the season is just getting started. We have to continue to push ourselves, working our hardest in every practice and every game to get the most out of this season,”
Ladas said.
After traveling to Penn State Behrend this past Wednesday, Sept. 10, the Wolverines will return home to take on Buffalo State tomorrow, Sept. 13. The match will kick off at 2 p.m. on Don Lyle Field.
Reagan Thomas Contributing Writer
The Grove City College women’s soccer team opened its home slate last Saturday, Sept. 6 with a 6-0 setback against Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in non-conference action at Don Lyle Field.
The Spartans (4-0) showed their offensive depth, jumping out to a 4-0 halftime lead before adding two more goals in the second half. In all, six different players scored, with Alexis Sassower and Andrea Silva each recording a goal and an assist. CWRU’s relentless attack tested Grove City’s defense throughout the match. The Wolverines (0-2-1) found limited chances to build possession, finishing with two shots, while the Spartans held a 28-2 overall advantage. The Spartans also earned six corner kicks to Wolverines’ three.
JOHN HAKE
The Grove City College women’s volleyball team hosted Carnegie Mellon on Tuesday, Sept. 9 for its Coaches Against Cancer game.
Though the Wolverines did not prevail against the visiting Tartans, the team raised over $5,600 for the Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute at Grove City Hospital at the time of this
JOHN HAKE
Men’s soccer scored four unanswered in a 16-minute span in their 5-0 victory against Oberlin last Friday, Sept. 5.
JOHN HAKE
Sophomore Luke Ladas scored his first two collegiate goals in win.