The Point student newspaper of point loma nazarene university
monday, november 16, 2015
Features, page 3
volume 44 | issue 9
A&E, page 5
Sports, page 6
Opinion, page 8
More on Loma Beat!
Gender identity policy in student handbook causes controversy BY JAKE HENRY
STAFF WRITER
Several PLNU alumni and students have spoken out against a policy in PLNU’s current student handbook regarding gender identity. The policy, instituted two years ago denounces transgender identification and prohibits students from wearing clothing contrary to their “assigned sex at birth.” “I don’t think Jesus would write this policy,” said Kendra Peterson, a senior and social work major and women’s studies minor. In October, Peterson found this policy while doing some research about the school. “I was really surprised about what I found under the section about gender identity,” Peterson said. The policy reads: “We affirm that maleness and femaleness are divinely created for each individual and are not matters to be determined by personal preference. “We affirm that God loves those who struggle with gender identity. We believe that all people should be treated with dignity, grace, and holy love. “A student’s choice of clothing should be consistent with his or her assigned sex at birth. “Residential Life housing assignments and intercollegiate athletic team assignments are made based on one’s assigned sex at birth. “We recognize that there are exceptions to the typical pattern of human development which may result in rare instances of sexually ambiguous birth. A student (or potential student) who faces such a challenge is invited to discuss these concerns with the Director of Residential Life, who will provide appropriate university resources and assistance.” Title IX coordinator Caye Smith, who has oversight on gender-based discrimination, wrote the policy and it was approved by the administration cabinet. She said the policy first showed up in the 2013-2014 student handbook. Smith said there needed to be a clear statement regarding gender identity and parameters on campus. These parameters would show students what to expect when it comes to restrooms, locker rooms and housing assignments. Smith referenced an article called “A Wesleyan View of Gender Identity and Expression” which relates to confusion about gender diversity and expression. The article also lists Bible verses and how they are to be applied to gender identity. SEE GENDER IDENTITY, PAGE 2
PHOTO BY JONATHAN SOCH The Student Handbook, update for the 2013-2014 academic year laid out the university’s position on gender identity as “divinely created,” and not an identification made by “personal preference.”
Pests keep pestering campus facilities
BY VICTORIA DAVIS
STAFF WRITER
Several PLNU students have reported seeing mice in Goodwin Hall. The appearance of the mice came after campus facilities dealt with other pests problems this semester, including the appearance of bedbugs in Hendricks two months ago. The first mouse was seen Nov. 1 in the dormroom of PLNU juniors Drew Halvorson and her two roommates, Kelsey Castillo and Halle Brick. Halvorson said that she was in bed when she saw a ‘small and furry’ creature go out from underneath her bed and into her roommate’s closet. “I told her not to panic,”Drew said, “but that I thought I just saw a mouse run into her closet.” Halvorson jumped onto a chair and opened her roommate’s closet door. The mouse fled the closet and scurried into the dorm of PLNU juniors Priscilla Auer and Sierra LaMotte and sophomore Rebecca Martinez. “I was in the shower at the time,” said Auer. “All I heard was blood-cur-
dling screams.” Auer came out to find her two roommates standing on their beds. After reporting the mouse to their Residential Assistant Melissa Fox and then to the Goodwin Hall Residential Director Kayleigh Hofer, Campus Facilities was contacted and no-kill sticky mouse traps were set up around the dorms. The traps may have seemed like a safe and kind way to catch the mice, but it has caused some problems for the girls in Goodwin. “It’s just so sad because we can hear them squeaking when they get caught in the traps,” Sierra said. Maintenance told the girls, when a mouse was caught, to put it in a garbage bag and throw the bag into the dumpster where the mouse would eventually die. “I just couldn’t bring myself to do it,” said Halvorson. “It just seemed wrong.” Instead of killing the mice, Halvorson and her two roommates set the mice free on the hill in the south side parking lot of Goodwin by pouring canola oil on the mice to release
them from the trap. However, the mice continued to invade into their dorms. “They just kept coming back,”Halvorson said. Last Tuesday, a maintenance man was contacted by campus facilities to caulk the holes in the piping above the closets of the Goodwin dorms. “We were so sure that’s where they were coming from,” Halvorson said. “Halle has had all the food in her closet eaten by mice and after the pipes were caulked I could no longer hear their little feet running around in the ceiling.” Sierra LaMotte added that she had previously heard the mice running in the walls as well. Last Wednesday another mouse was found in Goodwin’s unit D. According to Halvorson, The Goodwin boy’s Residential Assistant, Brandyn Roach, placed the furry creature in a bag, put it on the ground, and dropped a large rock on top of the mouse, killing it instantly. “It sucks that we have to do this but mice carry diseases,” Halvorson said. “If we don’t get rid of them, all of
us could get seriously sick.” “Kayleigh Hofer has been working closely with Campus facilities to figure out where exactly all these mice are coming from,” Fox said. Though Campus Facilities has not yet found the source of the infestation, Campus Facilities Director Bruce Kunkel does have one theory. “We’re blaming it all on El Nino” saud Kunkel jokingly. Chestine Honeycutt, who has worked at campus facilities for over 20 years said she has never seen anything like the pest problem PLNU has been having this year. Just this semester, Finch Hall also had a mice invasion that made all the residents move to Nease. In addition, two snakes were spotted in the lounge of Goodwin, a coyote seen outside the hall and tarantulas and scorpions have decided to make a home in Young. Residential Director Kayleigh Hofer has ordered all doors in Goodwin Hall to be kept closed in an attempt to control the infestation. “We really should just get a squadron of cats,” Fox said. “It would save us a lot of work.”
the point | monday, november 16, 2015
2 | NEWS
FROM GENDER IDENTITY , PAGE 1
Peterson said that she told many students about this policy and they were unaware that this was in the handbook. She posted the policy on Facebook along with her thoughts about it on Nov. 7. “A few students and I are meeting with administration to talk about the transphobic statements and language in our student handbook,” Peterson wrote. “If you would like to be involved in this conversation or share your ideas on how we can make our handbook and the school more inclusive and affirming, please message me!” Peterson said she talked to Director of Community Life Jake Gilbertson and voiced her concerns about the policy regarding gender identity. She added that this policy might
be a direct violation of Title IX. The Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 says any university that receives federal financial aid has to appoint at least one employee to coordinate and carry out its requirements of prohibiting sex discrimination in education programs and activities. However, Peterson said this policy might be seen as discriminating against transgender students. Gilbertson believed that there could be Title IX exemptions for religious universities. The rules set forth by the Title IX amendments clarify that institutions controlled by a religious organization can apply for exemption on sexual discrimination policies contrary to their religious tenets. Peterson and few other students
weren’t the only ones that voiced their concerns. After a screenshot of this policy was sent to PLNU Alumnus Dane Cardiel (’10) by his former colleague, MacLean Andrews, he soon messaged several alumni, club presidents, ASB members, and professors. He added that Gilbertson responded to him, but didn’t “really address his questions.” Gilbertson said he has had conversations with about five students about the policy. He added that the PLNU administration has always been willing to listen and has “never been fearful to have conversations with people.” “These conversations will help us better understand each other,” said Gilbertson. “It will allow us to revisit our policy so [administration] can understand students better and students
can understand administration better.” A similar instance occurred at George Fox University, where, according to an article on safetynet.com, the school refused to allow a transgender student to live on campus in housing that is “appropriate for his gender.” In this case, The U.S. Education Department agreed that George Fox University could discriminate against transgender students and could even expel them because it is a violation of their religious beliefs. The website added that the university is making a policy that restricts housing to being based “exclusively on the biological sex that was assigned to their students at birth.” PLNU Alumna (’10) Caitlyn Buford, who found out about this policy
because of Cardiel, said the ‘language’ in the PLNU student handbook adds to the violence transgender people face because there is no type of clothing linked to gender. “For the Transgender community, violence is a national crisis,” said Buford. “And the language used in the PLNU Student Handbook is very clearly a part of the systemic problem.” Gilbertson said he is continuing to have conversations with students and alumni and that the conversation about this policy is still ongoing. He added that he hopes that there will be a policy that reflects PLNU’s traditions and allows students to live comfortably. Peterson said she’s meeting with Smith soon to discuss the policy.
PHOTOS BY JONATHAN SOCH Renovations and repairs were conducted on Caf Lane this week to repair the grade in order to meet the American’s with Disabilities ACT (ADA) standards. According to Bruce Kunkel, director of campus facilities and sustainability work was also done to repair some cracks in the concrete, install expansion joints, and re-pour some concrete at the east end of Sator Hall that had been poured incorrectly.
11 events to attend during homecoming week By Jake Henry ASB Executive Secretary
Bubble Soccer ASB is hosting bubble soccer for their second year. Students will have the opportunity to wear inflatable ‘bubbles’ while playing soccer. Come down to the soccer field on Wednesday to play bubble soccer from 3:30-5:00p.m. If you have a team that would like to play, email AsbExecutiveSecretary@ pointloma.edu Homecoming Kickoff Dinner This year’s Homecoming theme is called ‘sharing a vision’. So this year’s Homecoming Kickoff dinner will be based on different cultures and racial clubs on campus such as Asian Student Union (ASU), Black Student Union (BSU), Hui O Hawaii, and Association of Latin American Students (ALAS). The dinner will take place at 4:45p.m
in the Cafeteria.
Guys in Ties and Girls in Pearls Join the PLNU Concert Band as they explore “Silhouettes” in music and help kick-off Homecoming Weekend. Tickets are available through members of the band. $5 for general Admission and $3 for the PLNU community. Science Facility dedication The formal Science Facility dedication ceremony will take place is, November 20 at 3 p.m. The first 100 students will received front row seats. Blood Drive The American Cross Blood Drive will be in the ARC Thursday, November 19th and Friday, November 20st from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. if you would like to donate blood. Homecoming Chapel Homecoming Chapel will take place
on Friday, Nov. 20. Come hear from a few Distinguished Awardees this year and the interesting work they have been doing.
Variety Show / Homecoming Coronation Come on down to the Variety Show Friday for some good performances and hilarious MC’s atw 8:00 p.m. in Brown Chapel. The senior king and queen will also be announced during the show. Homecoming Extravaganza/ Family Fun Fair The Homecoming Extravaganza will take place 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on the campus mall. Expect delicious food and coffee, tours of our new Science Complex, a bounce house and puppet shows.
The Importance of Being Earnest A student production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” will be performed in Salomon Theatre at 2 p.m. Volley Ball Match, Women’s Basketball Men’s Basketball all for $2 Come on down to the Volleyball and Basketball games. It costs $2 for a wristband and it allows admission into all games and a t-shirt. Volley Ball: 1:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball: 6:00 p.m. Men’s Basketball: 8:00 p.m. Glow in the Dark Dodgeball Come watch Glow in the Dark Dodgeball on Saturday after the Men’s basketball game. If you would like to play, email AsbExecutiveSecretary@ Pointloma.edu
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Marriage and Family Therapy
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Apply today! Deadline is March 1. 18291
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monday, november 16, 2015| the point
FEATURES | 3
features
THINK ON THAT
“Part of my own journey and your journey in faith is when we are not hearing God’s word.” - Mary Paul, Wednesday’s Chapel at Liberty Station
2015 homecoming week What made your parents choose your name? It’s my Dad’s name and his Dad’s
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
name...
I would love to travel to Greece!!
Hayley Haas Freshman
Samuel Doctorian Sophomore
How would you like to be remembered at PLNU? What is your favorite spot on campus? My favorite spot on campus is probably in the gym (basketball/volleyball courts).
Shane Hunt Senior
As someone that loves relentlessly and empowers the eternal, the God characteristics, in each person I meet and get
Jessica Hong Senior
to know.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Machu Picchu. I love South America.
Do you have any favorite charities or nonprofits? One of my favorite nonprofits is The Girl Effect.
Jordan Ligons Senior
Caleb Daniels Senior
Daniel ten Bosch Senior
Addison Rucker Senior What is a life skill you’ve learned at PLNU and how can you apply it to life after Loma?
Forrest Case Freshman What is your favorite book? My favorite book is ‘Mere Christianity’ by C. S. Lewis.
I have learned how to find joy in all circumstances.
What made your parents choose your name?
Taylor Steele Sophomore
Two reasons. The first is for its biblical reference. The second is because of an Elton john song.
What is your favorite spot on campus? Why? McCullough Park, it’s a great place to hammock and find a little quite time when life gets really busy.
What is your favorite spot on campus? What is the best prank you’ve pulled on a sibling or family member? I painted my brother’s toenails once without him noticing. Madi West Junior
Anywhere in the front yard of Jordan Pacheco Junior
Young Hall.
4 | FEATURES
Alumni awardees honored BY WENDY FINK-ROBINSON
APL Awardee Reanna Thompson (77) After graduating from PLNU with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, Reanna Thompson immediately began working as a staff nurse at Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital (PIH) in Whittier, Calif., now PIH Health, where she has stayed for 38 years. During that time, she realized her passions for improving healthcare, educating and mentoring nurses, and above all, integrating her faith into her
leadership. At PIH, Thompson rose from staff nurse to the unit manager to administrator for medical services in 2001, then to chief nursing officer in 2003. For the past two years she has also served as chief operating officer of the hospital. Under her leadership the hospital has received the Path to Excellence award from the National Research Corporation for six consecutive years, Truven Analytics’ Top 100 Hospital, the prestigious Franklin Award for
excellent patient case management, as well as numerous other awards for achievements in quality of patient care. While working at PIH, Thompson pursued her education further, earning a master of science in nursing degree from California State University, Fullerton. She also taught as an adjunct nursing instructor at Azusa Pacific University, and taught leadership courses at Biola University. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the international Nursing Honor Society, the Association of California
cation and began teaching third grade. In 1966 Bill earned his bachelor’s in music education, served in Vietnam and for the next 20 years taught high school music and social science. In 1993, God called them to serve in Papua, New Guinea, where they started a school. Several months later, they were on their way to Albania for more than one year, assisting missionaries, teaching guitar, leading worship, and teaching English. In August 1995, Bill was invited to teach music at European Nazarene Bible College (ENBC). Connie taught
voice, also authoring two books, “Windows to Albania”, and the story of ENBC entitled “The Miracle Goes On”. In June 1999, the Patricks returned to Albania to support Kosovo refugees and also serve as “house parents” to a group of Americans who were reroofing houses burned by the Serbs. Bill and Connie returned to California in 2000. Connie volunteered to help English-language learners, also writing a book about the founding of the Church of the Nazarene in New Zealand, the land of her childhood.
In March 2009, the Patricks received an email from missionaries in Madagascar, asking them to take their place for eight months. Bill and Connie agreed and repeated that relief service in 2012 and 2014. Currently, the Patricks are home in California, but they remain willing to respond to God’s leading. “After you’ve gone through a whole career and come to retirement, don’t just sit at home,” Bill said. “You can get involved at home or around the world.”
BY ANNA STEPANEK COX
APL Awardee Dr. Brad Carter (82) Dr. Brad Carter is a highly successful physician--a research scientist specializing in breast cancer, an astute clinician, a devoted teacher, and a top surgical endocrinologist. Carter is an attending physician at the Barbara Brodsky Comprehensive Breast Center, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Pennsylvania. Focusing on the individual is
Carter’s specialty. In the words of Dr. Howard Lilianfeld, his former section chief of endocrinology at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Carter is “respected by peers and adored by patients.” An ordained minister in the Assemblies of God Church, Carter has recently enrolled in Nazarene Theological Seminary. His faith in the healing power of God is strong. “The curious thing about being a surgeon is that I am not the only one
doing the curing. I am merely nudging along, in the right direction, the creating that God has done.” Carter was recalled from the U.S. Navy Reserves to serve in active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. His duties included deployment on USS Carl Vinson as Ship’s Surgeon, and tertiary treatment of combat casualties while on staff at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Carter has been engaged with
ful career in dress design. Life changed forever in March 2003 for Michelle and Chris when they hosted the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda. The Gennaros took several short-term mission trips to Uganda and they each came to feel a definite call to service in Africa. Their family adopted two Ugandan boys, Joseph and Duane, who joined four Gennaro siblings. In July 2011, the Gennaros left for Lesotho, Africa, with their six children, appointed by Africa Inland Missions (AIM). Chris taught sew-
ing while Michelle homeschooled the children. Then tragedy struck. In February 2013, Chris contracted encephalitis and fell into a coma. Shortly after, he went home to be with the Lord. Michelle and the children returned to San Diego for a compassionate leave. The Gennaro family returned to Africa within a year of Chris’s death. Michelle felt a need to continue serving and began teaching English at Rift Valley Academy in Kenya. They are now in San Diego for a year-long home assignment. Michelle
is mentoring potential missionaries for many organizations and sharing her testimony for Christ through speaking engagements across the United States. “Speaking of God’s faithfulness is our clear calling,” Michelle explained. “And that was my specific prayer as Chris was dying. I can now speak of His faithfulness because I’ve been an eyewitness.” The Gennaros’ children are Julia, Olivia, Jedidiah, Cecilia, Joseph and Duane.
D. A. Award Recipient Dr. Ogdon Rico (61) Dr. Ogdon Rico became a Christian at age 14 in Baja California, Mexico. He soon felt called to become a pastor. His pastor and Church of the Nazarene district leaders encouraged Rico to attend Pasadena College rather than the Spanish-speaking seminary in San Antonio. Rico enrolled at “PC,” but he knew little English. “After a few days, some students
realized I needed help and took me under their wing,” Rico said. Rico was ordained by the Church of the Nazarene in 1964. After a short time of pastoring in California, he was called to Chandler, Ariz. While pastoring, Rico and his wife, Georgina, earned master’s degrees in education from Arizona State University. Rico continued serving the church and also working as an elementary school counselor, earning a doctorate of ministry through the California School of Theology.
Rico saw firsthand many needs in the community. He joined the Community Action Program and helped with affordable housing projects, started a food bank, and launched English as a Second Language (ESL) and bilingual education programs. In addition, Rico’s church has planted three churches and one mission. He has also served as District Secretary for Southwest Latin American District for the Church of the Nazarene for many years. Honoring Rico’s service, the city
from them. After receiving his B.A. in psychology from PLNU, Wylie went on to earn his master’s degree in clinical neuropsychology at the University of Northern Colorado in 1997. He then received a Ph.D. in neuroscience and clinical psychology at Indiana University in 2001. He completed a clinical internship at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, and a postdoctoral fellowship in the neurology department at the University of Virginia (UVA) before joining the
faculty at UVA. Wylie is currently an assistant professor in the neurology and neurosurgery departments at Vanderbilt University. There, he conducts clinical research measuring the effects of pharmacological and surgical therapies on cognitive changes in Parkinson’s disease patients—a facet of the disease largely unexplored. He also runs a clinic providing neuropsychological evaluations for patients seen in the Parkinson’s disease and functional neurosurgery programs. Wylie has received grant funding
from the National Institutes of Health and private foundations to conduct his research. He has authored more than 40 publications and given more than 30 presentations at national and international venues. Recently, Wylie and a colleague at Vanderbilt also co-founded a business called SportsSense, which evaluates cognitive “intangibles” in athletes across several sports. He and his wife Heather have a daughter, Hannah, and two sons, Law and Maverick.
CONTRIBUTOR
BY CHRISTINE SPICER
CONTRIBUTOR
D.A. Awardees: Bill (66) and Connie (65) Patrick Their story began like many others: they met in college and fell in love. Quickly, their relationship was strengthened through trials. Connie’s father passed away in an accident near the beginning of their sophomore year. Devastated, she found the compassionate listener she needed in Bill. They married in 1964. In 1965, Connie graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary edu-
CONTRIBUTOR
BY ANNA STEPANEK COX
CONTRIBUTOR
APL Awardee Michelle Gennaro (88) When Michelle Gennaro and her future husband Chris (89) graduated from PLNU, she never imagined that she would be called to serve in Africa. Michelle graduated with a degree in communications. Chris graduated with a degree in graphic design. They married in 1989. Michelle began a career in teaching, earning her master’s in education. She then became a Resident Director at PLNU, influencing many students. Chris began a success-
BY CHRISTINE SPICER
CONTRIBUTOR
BY WENDY FINK-ROBINSON
CONTRIBUTOR
APL Awardee Scott Wylie (93) Dr. Scott Wylie grew up watching his grandfather struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a chronic movement disorder. While Wylie was at PLNU, his mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, another neurological disease. Seeing firsthand the devastating effects of these disorders, Wylie developed an interest in studying how these diseases affect cognition, and how to impact the lives of others suffering
Nurse Leaders, and the American Organization of Nurse Executives. She has also served as president of the Hospital Association of Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley Nursing Leadership Council and currently serves on the Nursing Advisory Council for the Hospital Association of Southern California. She and her husband, Mendell, have attended Glendora Community Church for nearly 25 years. They have two grown children, Jana and Darren, and four grandchildren.
PLNU since he graduated, leading his class reunion every five years, serving on the Research Associates board, enlisting students to be summer research interns, and returning to campus for Science Reunion events. Carter, his wife Janie and their three children, Elisabeth, Scott, and Sarah, live in the Philadelphia area.
of Chandler declared Sept. 24, 1992, “Ogdon Rico Day.” On June 21, 2000, the Chamber of Commerce chose Rico as the “Outstanding Citizen of Chandler.” “My 40 years in Chandler have been very rewarding,” Rico said. Rico’s wife, Georgina, has served on the PLNU Board of Trustees for 30 years. They have two adult children, Lila Anne and Richard.
PHOTOS COURTESY SHERYL SMEE
monday, november 16, 2015 | the point
a&e
A&E | 5
PLAN YOUR WEEK
11/16: We Need Life Benefit Concert With Trevor Davis (7:15-9 pm) 11/18-21: The importance of Being Earnest 11/19: HPS Department Homecoming (5-7 pm) “Silhouettes” – PLNU Concert Band’s Fall Concert
11/20: Dedication of Sator Hall and Latter Hall (3 pm) 11/22: Who Dunnit? Gaslamp Murder Mystery Adventure ($25/person
An insider’s thoughts on ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ BY JORDAN HILL
CONTRIBUTOR
Hoots of laughter and resounding waves of applause rang throughout Salomon Theater this weekend as The Importance of Being Earnest started debuted its November showing at PLNU. I myself play a cameo role similar to that of the butler Alfred in Batman (droll and boasting an enormous sex appeal). So while I cannot give an objective review, I can definitely promise a subjective one. The witty comedy follows two gentleman bachelors in London: Algernon “Algy” Moncrieff and John “Jack” Worthing, wonderfully portrayed by sophomore Michael McCarter-Crellin and freshman Andrew Benson, as they struggle to preserve the fictional characters that they use to get out of boring social events and live double lives. However, things become complicated when Jack’s love interest Gwendolen Fairfax, marvelously played by junior Brooke Mekemson, falls for his fictional persona, while at the same time Algy assumes that same persona to woo Jack’s ward Cecily Cardew, who’s played by the talented Leah Sharer, a sophomore. The show isn’t as complicated as it sounds; it’s basically Wedding Crashers, but with more laughs and less nudity. Director and theater professor Dr.
PHOTO BY ANNA HOOKER Left to right: junior Brooke Mekemson, sophmore Leah Sharer, performe alongside senior Billy Holland.
Wally “Gandalf” Williams imbues his eccentric zest into Oscar Wilde’s most popular play by masterfully positioning yet organically facilitating each scene so that each character reveal and joke packs a staggering punch. The play itself is not a mere surface-level farce; beneath the witty comedic facade lies the subversive class
commentary and social satire highlighting the triviality of--blah, blah, blah, literary nonsense--just remember, it’s a good play that makes fun of the stupid stuff that high class people once had to do. After each showing this past weekend, it was not uncommon to hear audience members leave the theater pro-
claiming “That was the best thing I’ve ever seen!” “Definitely worth the bargain $10 student ticket price,” and let’s not forget the most-uttered: “Wow, that butler was super hot!” Running at an average time of two hours, including a brief intermission, The Importance of Being Earnest is definitely worth your time and money,
and it is a much classier alternative than “Netflix and chill” with your significant other. It will be playing this week, November 18 at 7pm, November 19 and 20 at 4pm, and November 21 at 2pm. Be sure to stop by at Salomon theater, and feel free to say hello afterwards!
In pictures: Musoffee brings in a full crowd
Thursday’s Musoffee in the ARC featured performances by Casey Ng, Kerri Brett & Ethan Rounds, as well as James Bishop.
PHOTOS BY JONATHAN SOCH
the point | monday, november 16, 2015
6 | SPORTS
sports
SEA LION SCORES
11/12: W. Soccer vs. Sonoma State, Loss 0-2 UPCOMING EVENTS W. Volleyball at Hawaii Hilo, Win 3-0 11/18: W. Basketball vs Bethesda 11/13: W. Basketball vs Cal St Dominguez Hills, Win 84-78 M. Basketball vs Cal Poly Pomona M. Basketball vs Western Oregon, Loss 76-82 11/19:Women’s Volleyball vs Concordia W. Volleyball at Hawaii Pacific, Win 3-0 W. Basketball vs Northwest Nazarene & M. 11/14: W. Volleyball at Chaminade, Win 3-1 (exhibition) Basketball vs Cal State East Bay (Homecoming)
Young talent helps fuel cross-country team BY LOUIS SCHULER
STAFF WRITER
After a rough 2014 season with many injured runners, the women’s cross-country team was able to stay healthy this season and finish fourteenth out of 28 teams at the NCAA West Regional Invite on November 7. Prior to the invitational, the Sea Lions placed third at the PacWest Championships—the best finish since their inception into the conference in 2012. But the result wasn’t solely thanks to avoiding injuries all season. Many of the runners significantly improved their times throughout the year. This came specifically from the back-end of the top five runners on the team. “We went from probably one of the slowest teams I’ve had in crosscountry in 20 years -due in large part to injuries last season- to the fastest cross-country team,” said head coach Jerry Arvin. “And they continued to do that throughout the year. They were consistent all year. You could see Alex (Hernandez) and the twins (Brianna and Marissa Bartello) and Josie (Frye) were going out (in front), and the back end of our top five at the conference meet especially made big improvements.” Last season, sophomore Alexan-
PHOTO COURTESY OF PLNUSEALIONS.COM The women’s cross country team poses after placing 14th out of 25 teams at the NCAA West Regional Invitational.
dra Hernandez –who made the AllPacWest second team in October-led the Sea Lions in every race. Hernandez said that the addition of the Bartello sisters -both freshman who were also named to the All-PacWest second team- helped improve her times this year because she was often outpacing the entire squad during the invites. “Last year, I wasn’t able to beat my high school time -for my 5k- of
18:25; and this year I was able to break 18 (minutes) because of them,” said Hernandez. “We all (Bartello sisters) broke 18 minutes together, actually, which is a big deal in women’s crosscountry. And then my 6k time was 40 seconds faster than last year. I couldn’t believe how much it helped.” Another player who significantly increased her personal record time was sophomore Jocelyn Duran—the
team’s number five runner. At the PacWest Invitational, Duran –who was injured last season- ran a season-best 23.22.80 on the 6k course, which improved her previous record by more than a minute. Hernandez said Duran improved after almost every meet. “Jocelyn also has made huge improvements,” said Hernandez. “Last year she had her Compartment Syndrome so she was injured for the full
season. But this year she was able to jump back in and she’s just been improving her times every single race.” Freshman Josie Frye -the fourthbest runner on the team and signed the school’s first National Letter of Intent last season- said the squad will have to improve the times in order to keep up with the top three girls so that their team point spread will be more even in the invitational meets. “I think that we’re just going to have to close the gap (times) between our first runner and our fifth runner,” said Frye. “I know personally I need to be more up there; hopefully I’ll be able to race with the twins or at least Alex (Hernandez). But I think the shorter that gap gets, the faster our team will be at the invites.” With the end of the 2015 season, Arvin said the outlook for the team for the future remains extremely positive, as many of the athletes on the team are underclassmen—including the top five runners. “At the regional meet, we had the second and fourth best freshman; we also had the sixth best sophomore out of the top 30,” said Arvin. “So you hope that that continues, and with good runners –people who are quality runners and have talent- that will happen, barring injury.”
monday, november 16, 2015| the point
SPORTS | 7
Pearce, Sea Lions end season at NCAA Invite BY VICTORIA MANRIQUEZ
STAFF WRITER
The 2015 PacWest defender of the year, Morgan Pearce, is one of the starting defenders on the PLNU Women’s Soccer team who made their second-straight NCAA Regional tournament last week. After receiving the #6 seed, they came in as the underdogs against Sonoma State University (SSU). As the nerves started to roll in while entering the tournament, Pearce said they had to take it game-by-game. While receiving a spot on the 2015 All-PacWest Women’s soccer team along with goalie, Ariel Oriarte, and freshman Keagan Bolibol. “I was very excited normally I don’t receive awards like that” Not only has Pearce felt the pressure of creating a great defense with her other defenders but to you prevent the other team from scoring entirely. As the season started they wanted to accomplish two objectives. “Our first goal was to win conference and we did. Our second goal was to go to nationals which we are doing so we are all really proud of what we accomplished.” As they begin on this new chapter of their season Pearce recalls advice from head coach Tim Hall. “Be confident in what we have trained in and get out there and keep doing what we have been doing all season.” As soccer is one of the archetype team sports, Pearce said she knows the importance of having a strong team chemistry on and off the soccer field. “We all know each other really well and we show that chemistry on the field,” Pearce said. “We know who likes the ball to feet, who likes it into space, and who does what.” Prior to the tournament, they have set out things they have been trying to
PHOTO COURTESY OF PLNUSEALIONS.COM Morgan Pearce looks to drive the ball against Hawaii Pacific University on October 6. The Sea Lions won, 2-0.
work on all season. “We are a second-half team, which is good because we play really good in the second half but we need to come out and perform in the first half which has been a challenge all season,” Pearce said.
As inspiration Pearce looks up to Julie Johnston, defender on the United States Women’s National Soccer Team. Johnston and Pearce both started playing center back, defending right in front of the goal. “Just seeing the way that she
fought and has been such a great asset to the team has really inspired me,” said Pearce, “to step up and play my best for my team.” “Thanks for all of the support and coming out to the games and it means a lot of all of us,” Pearce said, giving a
shout-out to all of the teams fans. The Sea lions lost to SSU 2-0 last week in the first round. It was the most goals they have allowed all season.
Swayed by the motion of the ocean, I surrendered my responsibilities of adulthood, which supposedly consists of meeting deadlines and cleaning my room. My 3/2 millimeter wetsuit kept me afloat and warm in the sea- as well as did the company of a sweet friend. Turquoise water surrounded our buoyant bodies as we gripped the sea grass on the ocean floor with all our might so as to be still in the midst of the high tide’s robust backwash from hitting the cliffs. As the forceful current pulled my body with the waves, I too pulled the sea grass that I had been gripping onto for security. Those few moments allowed me to be stationary on the ocean floor and examine my surroundings in awestruck wonder. A little fish swam parallel with me along the ocean floor; sea grass waved many hellos in my direction; a seal claimed his territory in front of me. The time to dismiss myself from the ocean resurfaced as did I every few seconds when I would run out of breath from living a temporary mermaid life. But I shall swim with that fish again soon. And I shall wave many hellos back to that sea grass. And I shall meet eyes with that seal once more. Until next weekend, sweet friends of the sea.
MONDAY 16TH
TUESDAY 17TH
WEDNESDAY 18TH THURSDAY 19TH
Surf height: 3-7 ft. Wind speed high: 38 mph at 6am Wind speed low: 15 mph at 6pm Low tide: 0.7m at 4:11 am High tide: 1.73m at 10:23 am Low tide: 0m at 5:50 pm Sunrise: 6:18 am
Surf height: 2-4ft. Wind speed high: 15 mph at 3pm Wind speed low: 3 mph at 9am Low tide: 0.78m at 4:57 am High tide: 1.62m at 11:07 am Low tide: 0.05m at 6:44 pm Sunrise: 6:19 am
Surf height: 1-2 ft. Wind speed high: 16 mph at 3pm Wind speed low: 2 mph at 6am High tide: 1.12m at 1:37 am Low tide: 0.86m at 6:07 am High tide: 1.5m at 12:06 pm Sunrise: 6:19 am
Surf height: 1-2 ft. Wind speed high: 14 mph at 3pm Wind speed low : 2 mph at 9am High tide: 1.2m at 2:52 am Low tide: 0.86m at 7:53 am High tide: 1.37m at 1:29 pm Sunrise: 6:20 am
Surf Height: 1-2 ft. Wind speed high: 13 mph at 3pm Wind speed low: 1 mph at 6am High tide: 1.33m at 3:54am Low tide: 0.73m at 9:40am High tide: 1.31m at 3:06pm Sunrise: 6:21 am
Sunset: 4:49 pm
Sunset: 4:48 pm
Sunset: 4:48 pm
Sunset: 4:47 pm
Sunset: 4:47 pm
This information was collected from Magicseaweed
FRIDAY 20TH
Surf report : Jayme O’Hanlon
Shaka brah! Surf’s up you sicky sicky gnar gnar Sea Lions! Should be a solid week of tubular waves. Get stoked. Get pitted. Get out there.
the point | monday, november 16, 2015
8 | OPINION
opinion
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The opinions in this section may not reflect those of The Point or of Point Loma Nazarene University. Letters to the editor and columns are subject to editing for length, taste, grammar and clarity. Letters to the editor must include the author’s name, major, class standing and phone number and be limited to 500 words. Please submit your opinions to corideason404@pointloma.edu.
Friday the 13th: a Parisian nightmare BY DR. ALAIN LESCART
CONTRIBUTOR
Friday, November 13, 2015, PLNU, San Diego, main campus, early afternoon. Finally the weekend! I am done teaching with my French classes. I am leaving campus and before jumping on my motorbike, I receive a short “Smart News” alert on my phone: “Multiple attacks in Paris.” For whatever reason, I do not realize what is going on and head for home. As I am crossing my doorstep, I receive more messages and rush to my computer to listen French radio, life from Paris (Europe 1). It is all they are talking about, replaying the same disturbing story every thirty minutes, like the footage of traumatic September 11, 2001 the planes crashing repetitively into the Twins Towers on TV, over and over again. I can hardly believe what I hear: already 100 people dead in a bloody terrorist attack, many wounded and it is still going on … Parisian walkways covered with blood; wounded & lifeless bodies lying on streets pavement, crippled with Kalashnikov’s holes: “A Young soldier sleeps, openmouthed, bare-headed./And the nape of his neck bathing in the cool blue watercress …/He has two red holes in his right side.” These words are from the French avant-garde poet Rimbaud about the casualties of war in “The Sleeper in
the Valley”. What? Quoi? Last January’s Charlie Hebdo attacks are playing over and over in my head, and Beyrouth’s attack two days prior: Déjà Vu! Who are those senseless, outlandish people? This is not Islam, according to Koran or my good Muslim friends. And yes, it is Friday the 13th, an unlucky day doomed with superstition and known sometimes as Black Friday! I rush to Facebook and check all my Parisian friends on social media, emails and Skype. I attempt to get fresh news from Adilene Balthazar, who is one of my alumni students in Paris and assistant-director of the university of CT’s Parisian program. She is okay. They are counting their Study Abroad students — one is missing, but finally found in Berlin. All Parisians are required to stay home and to refrain from going into the abandoned streets. Paris is a city under siege. Hundreds of ambulances are breaking the silence with their sirens wailing. The French President orders the closing of all borders (good thing I just canceled my Thursday’s trip to Europe). French Prime Minister, Manuel Valls, declares: “We are in War” against the Islamic State. President Obama reacts boldly and said: “Once again we’ve seen an outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians.
This is an attack not just on Paris, it’s an attack not just on the people of France, but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values that we share.” But Benedicte, one of my close friends, is missing … No news. Where is she? Meanwhile, I begin to receive supportive mails from local friends: Linda Bower, Robert Thompson, Marianna Spinelli (who worries for her French cousins in Paris) and then, my French colleague Matthieu Rouffet calls me. We cannot believe what is happening. Sadness invades us, and we share our apprehension. Absolutism of thought and Fundamentalism are waging war against Freedom of thought, and we are part of it, unwillingly! The world is now a fighting village at our very street corners. - Saturday. Dawn rises on a bleak Paris. We now have more precise numbers: 132 innocent people dead (one is a 20 year old female student from Cal State Long Beach) and 349 wounded. The Parisian prosecutor indicates that there was seven terrorists organized in three teams, and the Islamic State is claiming to be the fighting hand behind these additional crimes against humanity. The first team, made of three kamikaze wearing explosive vests, attack the Stade de France where a soccer match was being played between France and Germany, with the presence of the French presi-
PHOTO COURTESY OF COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG Police patrol in Paris near the Bataclan, the day after the attacks.
dent, François Hollande. Meanwhile, in the 10th and 11th Parisian Districts, another team of terrorists was freely shooting on people taking coffee or dinning in restaurants. A third team invaded the Concert House Le Bataclan and took the public hostage. Eighty-nine people were killed before the police could intervene and kill the terrorists. The identity of the seven terrorists is still under investigation. One was a French Fundamentalist, another Syrian and another Egyptian … some were coming from Brussels (Molenbeek) where the Belgian police made some arrest. Meanwhile, Benedicte is finally found alive! She was only 600 feet from one of the attack sites. She hid part of the night in the Poetry House, where a French poetry colloquium was taking place. She returned home, by foot, crossing an empty Paris, at 5:00
AM. Parisians are still speechless, sad and angry at the same time. These spectacular actions are just exacerbating internal issues and increasing the desire to intervene more in Syria: to put an end to terrorism, fundamentalism, and crime against humanity and culture. At the end, there will be repercussions for those who perpetuate these crimes, making their attempt to establish a mindless, violent theocracy useless. Unfortunately, meanwhile, innocent people are the victims of these crimes and we bleed and feel sad for the French, the Libanese and all Syrian refugees floating through Europe, for what they represent as common values and hopes for a better life: Liberté, Égalité and Fraternité. Alain Lescart spent his childhood in France and is a professor of French at PLNU.
Race relations: alumna reflects on experience at University of Missouri BY GUIMEL SIBINGO
CONTRIBUTOR
The day the University of Missouri System president Tim Wolfe resigned, I was at home sick due to a cold. Because I was sick, I was unable to go into the radio station I am reporting for this semester and cover the events that took place that day. As a journalist, I was upset that I was sick and consequently losing a career defining opportunity to cover a national story right in my backyard. As a black person, however, I was sort of relieved I didn’t cover it. As a black person, I wanted nothing to do with the matter. I’ll explain in a minute. By now you must have heard about it all but in case you haven’t here’s a short rundown. On Monday, Nov. 9, America woke up to the news that UM system president Tim Wolfe, had resigned after months of protests from students and faculty concerning racial tensions at the University of Missouri. Protests included a hunger strike but many say the biggest blow to Wolfe’s presidency was when MU’s football team joined the protests, refusing to play another game unless he resigned. What ensued were some of the most difficult days this campus and the Columbia community at large have experienced. Tensions are high, the mood is somber. Tuesday night, Nov. 10, saw several threats targeting black students showed up on social media.
The University of Missouri Police Department acted quickly arresting those involved, but nevertheless Wednesday saw a deserted campus and many classes cancelled. People from Columbia and nationwide flocked to Twitter and Facebook voicing their opinions on the events unfolding on campus. Some blamed the movement for inciting violence. Others insisted that black students should just get over their “hurt feelings.” Many showed their support for racial reconciliation. Back to why I wanted to have nothing to do with the matter. First, you must know that I am not African American. I was born in Angola and grew up in Portugal, a place where the racial climate is very different than it is in the United States. The majority of blacks living in Portugal are African immigrants and in many ways it is easier to understand, engage with, and conceptualize differences in color of skin and culture when I know that this person is from a different country rather than if this person is also a fellow member of my nation. All of this produced a childhood where although I experienced some instances of racism, for the most part I felt like I was normal. I grew up in a predominantly white, Christian environment and knew that I was different from my friends but the distinctions stopped there. I was treated like I was the same as my white friends. I felt like I was the same as my white friends.
It was not until I came to PLNU as a freshman that I first realized I was black. It is no secret that PLNU has some diversity issues, albeit not nearly as bad as the University of Missouri (believe me!) My experience as a black person at PLNU wasn’t ideal but I came across a lot more understanding than I have here at the University of Missouri. It also helps that California seems to have more of an open-minded environment and San Diego a more diverse culture. Moving to Missouri has introduced me to an America I never thought I’d have to encounter and the events of last week have introduced me to the ugly head of racism, particularly as it is reflected on social media. All of this deeply disturbed me and as a black person I was hesitant to get involved with matter because it brought up personal issues I had to face for the first time. For the first time I had to find ways to conceptualize my blackness as a way to understand myself and make myself understood by others. As the days rolled by, this issue became harder and harder to ignore. I was a moving target, a spectacle on display because of the color of my skin. Not only could I be in danger for my life in light of threats but I was also in danger of experiencing prejudice or discrimination. I could not completely distance myself from this movement. Although I feel strongly for the
students involved and am in many ways a part of the conversation because of the color of my skin, as a journalist I am forced to think about the other side. I am typically the only black girl among my friends and often hear their perspective on the matter. I am always the first person to defend white people when I’m with my passionate black friends. And I get it, it’s hard to be told you should feel guilty about something you feel you have no part in. I think, however, there are a few things to consider. As a black person for 23 years I have been made constantly aware of the color of my skin. All my dolls were white, all the cartoons I watched featured white characters, my teachers were white, I was told that straight and flowing hair was more beautiful than my nappy hair, and I heard awful stories of how my people were enslaved or stories from my parents about how they had been discriminated against. I think about my race all the time. For someone that has not had to think about his or her race, my experience can be difficult to understand. But I am not asking you to feel guilty or solve all my problems, all I am asking for and I think what the group Concerned Student 1950 and thousands of other black students in campuses through the United states are asking for is understanding and a listening ear.
How different would it be if instead of posting on Facebook that black students at Mizzou should get over it, they would instead call up a black person they know, ask them out for coffee and have a conversation. What if they asked them about what their experience has been like, whether they too have suffered racial discrimination. What if the black person also asked their white friend how they are handling all of this, do they struggle with guilt and what can be done so they can meet in the middle? What if the love of Christ motivated all our hearts and rather than hiding behind our fears (because at the root of all racism and hatred is fear), reach out bravely to understand the other? I imagine the climate in Columbia would be much different than it is now. My hope is that I, alongside other Christians in our community, can indeed represent that for others extending the love of Christ and showing that in Him there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male or female, black or white. Guimel Sibingo is a PLNU alumni, Class of 2014, and former Opinion editor for “The Point”. She graduated with a double major in communications and Philosophy Theology. She is currently getting a Journalism master’s degree at the University of Missouri. Interested in health journalism but also an avid arts and culture junkie.