Letter From the Managing Editor
Hey, Patriots!
I hope you all are enjoying your classes in this new bi-term. I cannot believe that October has almost come to an end. Fall is, without a doubt, my favorite time of the year. The scenery is beautiful, the air is getting cold, and as you can see by flipping through the pages of this issue, various festive activities are occurring on campus.
From the excitement of the Homecoming festivities to the welcome of our new President, Dr.Quentin Young, the past few weeks have been filled with a celebration of school spirit. There is so much to be proud of. It has been inspiring to see students, faculty and alumni come together and show what it truly means to be part of the Patriot family. As the celebration dwindles down and the semester continues, I hope you make time to enjoy the changing season. Grab a hot drink with your friends, curl up on your couch and watch your favorite movie. Before you know it, Thanksgiving will be here, bringing a well-deserved break, so hang in there. We’re almost there!
Fall always seems to be moving both quickly and slowly. There is always so much to do and never quite enough time to do it all. Whether you’re a freshman still finding your way around campus or you’re a senior counting the days until graduation, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. But try to live in the moment. These days can feel hectic as you try to juggle classes, work, and relationships. Still, in retrospect, it is the little things that matter the most: attending an event after class, having a Bible study or even a late-night study session with your friends. So, give yourself some grace and enjoy where you are right now.
Until Next Time, Ally Kennedy
Staff
Editor- in- Chief Filippa Malmström
Managing Editor
Ally Kennedy
Staff Writers
Katrina Campbell
Jillian Cross
Sydney Dingus
Eli Dunn
Lily Fabela
Trey Jackson
Ximena Melendez Hernandez
Taylor Moren
Kasey Padgett
Sydney Taylor
Emily Zecchini
Staff Photographers
Faith Baker
Kurstyn Ison
Abigail McKamey
Faculty Advisor
Jeremiah Massengale
PHOTO BY KURSTYN ISON
Campus
Four Patriots Inducted into Athletics Hall of Fame
During Homecoming weekend, the University of the Cumberlands honored four standout alumni — Kenny Smith (football), Christina Klouda (swimming), Courtnie Kirby (archery) and Sarah Allen (wrestling) — as the Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Smith anchored the offensive line for UC’s first undefeated football team in 1988. A two-time NAIA All-American Honorable Mention, he was a key part of the program’s rise to national prominence during the late 1980s. Klouda, the only four-time Mid-South Conference Swimmer of the Year in program history, won two NAIA national titles and earned 22 CSCAA All-America honors. A fivetime school record holder, she was also named the 2019 NAIA CoSIDA Academic All-America of the Year. A four-time USCA All-American, Kirby captured four national titles and nine individual podium finishes, ranking among UC’s most decorated archers. She also helped lead the Patriots to nine team national titles and earned 10 Mid-South Conference honors. Allen is one of the most accomplished wrestlers in program history, becoming UC’s first to surpass 100 career wins and finishing with a record 132 victories. A four-time WCWA All-American, she also set the program mark for career falls (41) and earned 19 top-eight national finishes.
Record-Breaking Weekend
Swimming
Freshman Alexander Poulsen had a record-breaking weekend, becoming the first Patriot to break 20 seconds in the 50-yard freestyle with a school and pool record with a time of 19.94 and the fastest in the NAIA this season. He also won the 100-yard freestyle in 44.49, setting a pool record and earning an NAIA provisional cut. In addition, Fabrizio Pacioni added to the Patriots’ success with a pool-record performance in the 400- and 200yard individual medley. The record-breaking trend continued as Brandon Holder set pool records in both the 100- and 200-yard backstroke, Leon Irmer added one in the 100-yard breaststroke, Ugne Takuseviciute in the 200-yard freestyle, and Bella Hoare in the 400-yard individual medley
The Patriots’ success extended to the relays, as the men’s 200-yard freestyle relay team of Poulsen, Adam Geddis, Arvid Farro and Brandon Holder set a new school and pool record with a time of 1:21.43, nearly a full second faster than any other team in the NAIA. The same quartet also broke both the school and pool records in the 400-yard freestyle relay. The men’s 200-yard medley relay of Brandon Holder, Leon Irmer, Alexander Poulsen and Adam Geddis set a new pool record, finishing in 1:29.53. The same quartet also broke both the pool record in the 400-yard medley relay.
2025 Homecoming Royalty
Coffee Shop Introduces Grab and Go
The Hagan Memorial Library announces a new Grab and Go option. Students will have the opportunity to purchase one entree, two sides and a dessert with their meal swipe. The food options will be the same as those offered in the Mid BCC. Entree items include sandwiches, wraps, parfaits and snack packs. Side options are drinks, chips and fruit while desserts are muffins and crisp rice treats. This campus addition will allow a more convenient way for busy students to have access to more nutrition.
UC’s 8 Year Reign of National College Distinction
During UC’s annual homecoming game, seniors, Nysaiah Foote and Leah Taulbee were crowned king and queen. The process of receiving this honor has looked different in recent years. Cumberlands faculty and staff refer students who exhibit diligence, respect and compassion in their classes, work and relationships. After this, students are able to vote on the few selected individuals. Nysaiah Foote thanked “[his] Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” because to him, “Just being nominated was special by itself, but to win made it even more special.” Foote added that this honor “goes to show you that how you treat people is important.”
Leah Taulbee also offered gratitude to God for the honor. She said, “I give all glory to God for the opportunities and people he’s placed in my life.” Taulbee continued saying, “Being voted Homecoming Queen is such an incredible honor and I’m so grateful for the love and support of my peers. This experience has truly reminded me how blessed I am to be part of the UC family.
Homecoming Highlight: UC Beats Bethel 34–10
The University of the Cumberlands football team earned a dominant 34–10 Homecoming win over No. 25 Bethel on Saturday, snapping a three-game skid and marking its first victory over the Wildcats since 2021. UC totaled 413 yards of offense, led by running backs Jayden Clayton and Juan Bullard Jr., who combined for 168 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Ben Gregg added two touchdown passes to Isaiah Davis and Luke Edwards. Defensively, the Patriots held Bethel to 262 yards and just 3-of-15 on third down. Jaquon Hall led with three sacks, and Jalen Yearby’s interception set up an early score. UC’s defense sealed the win, forcing punts on Bethel’s final four drives to close out the game.
Colleges of Distinction honors institutions who foster and achieve undergraduate excellence. The University of the Cumberlands has now earned this title for eight years in a row. For the 20242025 school year, UC gained six seperate honors which qualified the university. These accolades include recognition as one of the top colleges in Kentucky with the addition of excellence in Christian education, business and education programs. UC also received honors for their unique affordability and international student support.
Local
With the government shutdown, a vital lifeline for low-income households was cut Nov. 1. The Suppplemental Nutrition Access Program (SNAP) provides an average of $187 to 42 million Americans. Approximately 600,000 of these are Kentuckians and many of them are children. Two federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts ruled that the Trump administration is required by law to pay at least half of the benefits through contingency or emergency funds. Gov. Andy Beshear has sued the Trump administration along with other governers and sent 5 million dollars from the government reserve fund to Kentucky food banks in anticipation of the need. Those who can afford it have been urged to also donate what they can to local food pantries.
Homecoming
Welcoming President Young A New Era Begins at the University of the Cumberlands
BY: ALLY KENNEDY STAFF WRITER
When Quentin Young first arrived at the University of the Cumberlands in 2007 as a college freshman, he never imagined that he would one day lead the school as its president. After graduating in 2011 with a degree in accounting, he gained experience in the business world through work in accounting, taxes, banking, and investments. “And then eventually I got the call to come here,” President Young said.
Dr. Quentin Young recalled a conversation with the previous president, Dr. Larry Cockrum, who encouraged him to return to the school and be part of something bigger than himself. He accepted the position as director of business services, later worked in finance as the Executive Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer and eventually stepped into the role of president. “I could build a business out there,” Young said. “But to come back and be part of my alma mater that created a pathway for me and changed my life. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
As the interview progressed, President Young credited much of his success in life to this
university. “Oh, and one important thing as well, I met my wife here,” he added with a smile. He shared how, although they did not live far from each other, he did not meet his wife, Samantha, until he started here at Cumberlands. Young then proudly showed pictures of his children, Evan, Ella and Emery. His story serves as a reminder that you never know where life may lead.
Having been a student at Cumberlands, Young understands what it is like to be a college student. He understands the struggles, growth and opportunities. When asked what advice he would give, he responded, “I would say to be present in the moment. You know, don’t overlook the opportunities that you have that are right before you. Make the most of it. Whether it’s back in the classroom, whether it’s back in the dormitories with other fellow peers, be engaged and use this time to learn as much as you can and to make as many positive connections that you can.”
Young spoke highly of the University of the Cumberlands and its current direction. Instead of implementing numerous changes, he wishes to continue the legacy. “But the great thing is, we’re in such a wonderful place because of Dr. Cockrum’s leadership.” President Young said. “I guess that would be priority one. Continue the good that’s
already started and is happening right now.” Young is not a man who seeks recognition, which is unusual for someone only 36 years old who has already achieved so much success. When asked about his leadership and what he hopes people will remember about him, he answered humbly and honestly. “Well, I hope they remember the university over my leadership. I hope that the part that I play throughout this position and work really just elevates their experience with the Cumberlands. And so, if I can go in the shadow and the university shines, that’s what I want,” Young said. His humility shows the kind of leader President Young strives to be.
To conclude the interview, President Young said, “I’m so excited to enter into this next chapter, this next phase. I’m looking forward to my family being part of that experience, as well. To be plugged into campus and just to live every day again, being there, present in the moment.” He went on to share how eager he is for his children to experience campus life and for the opportunity to get to know the university’s students even better. President Young comes off as a humble, hardworking leader dedicated to Cumberlands and appears to be the perfect fit for the role.
Haunted Theater Lane Theater Creates Spooky Experience to Restore Building
BY: JILLIAN CROSS STAFF WRITER
On a quiet stretch of downtown Main Street stands the Lane Theater, a building with history in its walls, and, according to some, something else. Once a bustling movie theater that opened its doors in 1948, the theater closed in 1987 as the popularity of the VCR grew. It fell into disrepair for decades. Now, efforts are underway to bring the historic space back to life, including its haunted attraction known as “The Haunted Theater.”
Rocky Moses, who helps organize the theater’s renovation and events, said the haunted attraction is part of a larger goal to revive the building and restore it to use. “We are trying to get the theater back to life,” Moses said. The
restoration effort is entirely community-driven, powered by volunteers, local donations and eventbased fundraising. Progress is gradual, but visible. Recently, the Lane Theater was able to install air conditioning again, a major step in allowing for more year-round activities and comfort for visitors. “We got air conditioning last week,” Moses said. “That was because of the money we raised.”
The Haunted Theater guides visitors through dark hallways, backstage rooms and old projection spaces that once held moviegoers. Now they’re filled with flickering shadows, jump scares, and stories of unexplained noises. For many who attended this year’s event, the atmosphere alone was enough to create an eerie sense of stepping into the past.
Even beyond the Halloween season, the Lane Theater is starting to host a wider variety of events. Moses said the space has already held music performances, community gatherings and is even being booked for weddings. “We have some music events coming up, even some weddings coming up,” he said. These events not only build interest in the restoration but also help reconnect the theater with the community it once served.
Although the theater is still far from
fully restored, progress continues. Each event helps raise awareness, funds, and volunteers, essential elements to ensure the theater does not fall into decay again. For those who attended this year’s Haunted Theater, the experience offered more than just a seasonal scare; it provided a chance to step inside a piece of local history, one that many hope will shine again.
UC students Madeline Barbee, Judit Garreta Yuste, Bailey Amerman, Ella Parke and Aidan Crutchfield recently visited the haunted theatre, describing it as a fun and scary way to celebrate Halloween. The attraction, located close to campus and affordably priced, offered students a memorable night with friends. Barbee said, “It was a very fun time hanging out with my friends but also a spooky experience.”
Visitors who missed the event this year are encouraged to watch for future dates next fall, as well as other upcoming community events. Those interested in supporting the restoration effort can attend events, volunteer or help spread the word. As Moses sees it, the Lane Theater’s story isn’t finished yet. “We’re getting there,” he said. “Little by little.”
PHOTO BY FAITH BAKER
PHOTO COURTESY OF MADELINE BARBEE
PHOTO BY FAITH BAKER
PHOTO BY FAITH BAKER
Homecoming
Seasons of a College Student
Cumberlands Alumna Publishes Poetry Book
BY: SYDNEY DINGUS STAFF WRITER
Alumna Macey Furtick, a 2025 graduate of the University of the Cumberlands, is celebrating the publication of her first poetry collection, “Seasons of a College Student.” During her time at UC, Furtick majored in English, served as a resident assistant in Archer Hall for three years, and acted as a friend and mentor to many other young women on campus. Her newly published book is described in the author’s note as “a life in [the reader’s] hands, trusting you with thoughts, emotions, and secrets”.
Furtick’s work explores themes of school, depression, relationships, joy, and the author’s spiritual journey. She describes her book as “my story of how I got stuck in the darkness and the One who rescued me.”
Furtick began writing the collection during her sophomore year after taking a poetry class at UC with Mrs. Temple, to whom “Seasons of a College Student” is dedicated. “Before that,” Furtick said, “I never really cared much for poetry. I didn’t find many poems that I liked until that class.” Mrs. Temple’s class was the first creative writing class Furtick took. “I didn’t want to take poetry because I wasn’t really a poetry fan,” she said. “But I took it because I just adored her. I ended up finding a lot of modern poetry that I started liking, and she encouraged me that poetry can really be anything. [Mrs. Temple] kept giving me really good feedback on my writing, even after that class during the times I didn’t have a class with her, she continued to encourage me and helped shape my poetry to be better.”
When asked why she published her poetry, Furtick said, “I wanted to have something finished and published, yeah. But also, after all the different mental things that I have struggled with that I’ve written about, my only hope for this book is that if one person who doesn’t know how to put their feelings into words can point to a page and say ‘this is the way I’ve been feeling’ and take that to a therapist, counselor, or church, that’s my goal.”
For Furtick, writing is a way to express and record her perspective and emotions. “I think writing about hard topics is a positive thing because people need to write about them. I think every bit of that kind of literature helps people understand mental health more is really good.”
Furtick described writing as restorative for her. She expressed that her “Seasons of a College Student” is a kind of personal journal. Furtick’s book is a reflection of her four years at the Cumberlands. She says that the reader “can see the dark moments and then turn the page to a poem about one of my best friends or my twin sister.” She continued saying, “They see that I went through a
lot of bad times, and they see the little joyful poems in between those.”
Since its release, Furtick said her poetry has been met with “a lot of good reception” including praise from other UC alumn, authors and friends. “I had a father that just this morning bought my book, at the downtown coffee shop, and with the online payment, he sent me a message saying that he appreciated my vulnerability that he wanted to share my book with his daughter who is a freshman.”
For those interested in supporting Furtick’s poetic journey can find “Seasons of a College Student” in paperback or e-book at Amazon, the Coffee Spot on Main and at Georgia Blossom Bookshop in Corbin.
BY
PHOTO BY HANNAH CARNES
PHOTO BY HANNAH CARNES
PHOTO
HANNAH CARNES
Homecoming Alumni Archive
Coming Home Means Friends and
BY: EMILY ZECCHINI STAFF WRITER
Homecoming week at the University of the Cumberlands means it’s time for the alumni to “come home” to reunite with old friends, relive memories and keep traditions alive. For Lillian “Lilli” Vance, coming home to Cumberlands isn’t just about revisiting the campus; it’s about
reconnecting with what made it feel like home.
Tradition
Vance’s favorite memory from her college days was when she and her friends gathered around the Rollins fountain the night before graduation.
“My friends and I all got in the fountain to celebrate – most of them fell, which made it even funnier,”
Vance said. “It was one of my last memories as a student and something I had planned to do since my freshman year. It felt like a full circle moment.”
One of her favorite traditions was attending the college’s annual events, such as Homecoming and the Patriot Party. Vance loves seeing students now celebrate the same traditions, making fun memories like she once did.
Vance now works for the university and enjoys leading the next generation of future Cumberlands’ alumni. “I’m able to work with a group of students in the Student Philanthropy Association, and it was so great to see them step into leadership positions and create friendships,” she said.
During the Homecoming weekend, Vance hosted the Young Alumni Gathering in downtown Williamsburg at the local restaurant, Hunt and Harvest, where she expressed excitement about
seeing more young alumni, like herself, back on campus. “Coming home” to Vance means more than just revisiting her alma mater. To her, it means reconnecting with the friends who made Cumberlands home. “To me, people are ‘home’ not physical locations,” she said.
Vance encourages current and future Cumberlands students to focus on the memories they make now. “I said no or I’m too busy way too many times in college – this is your last chance to be a kid, so make it count.”
As Homecoming comes to a close, Vance’s story serves as a reminder of what makes the University of the Cumberlands special. It is not just the events, the beauty of the campus or the small-town atmosphere that make it memorable. It is the people: the students, faculty and alumni who share those experiences and return year after year to celebrate them together. That continued connection keeps the university’s tradition alive and strengthens the sense of community that defines the college experience at the Cumberlands. For many, like Vance, the University of the Cumberlands will always be more than a place to learn. It will be a place to call home.
Student’s Spooky Festivities
How UC Celebrates Halloween
BY:KASEY PADGETT STAFF WRITER
The Halloween tradition, often referred to as “All Hallows’ Eve,” has its roots in an ancient Celtic festival. Over 2,000 years ago, people would light bonfires and wear costumes—often made from animal pelts—to ward off ghosts. This evening has evolved over the years into what we now know as Halloween, a time for pumpkin carving, trick-ortreating, and dressing up in costumes.
Halloween is celebrated in various ways across the United States and beyond. UC student, Ximena Hernandez from Mexico celebrates Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, on Nov. 1 and 2 rather than Halloween. This traditional holiday focuses on honoring loved ones who have passed away.
“During Dia de Muertos, families create an altar, known as an ofrenda, in their homes,” said Her-nandez. “We decorate it with pictures of our
relatives who have died, along with candles, paper cutouts, sugar skulls, marigold flowers, and their favorite foods and drinks. It’s believed that on this night, their souls cross a spiritual path to visit us again.”
Hernandez shares that many people feel the presence of their loved ones during this time, making it a special and emotional experience. She fondly recalls the memories of her family cooking food, building the altar, and listening to music, all of which create a beautiful feeling of nostalgia and joy instead of sadness.
Senior, Alicen Turpin said, “This Halloween, we celebrated what a great community we have here at UC!” Turpin and her friend Megan Nichols were apart of Campus Ministries’ trunk or treat fes-tivities on Nov. 1. Turpin said, “We also celebrated how kind and wonderful the families who live in the area are by handing out candy and getting to know each person who stopped by.”
Cumberlands student, Anna Meegan said, “I like Halloween because it gives me the opportunity dress up and be creative. I love getting to wear a costume, but I especially like making my own costumes. I think DIY costumes just add another layer of fun to the holiday. I also like that it gives me an excuse to have my friends over and eat candy together.”
As Cumberlands students celebrate at the end of October and beginning of November, it is essential to recognize the diverse ways people celebrate and honor their traditions.
PHOTO BY KURSTYN ISON
PHOTO BY XIMENA HERNANDEZ
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALICEN TURPIN
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNA MEEGAN
Campus Life
Homecoming Concert Cumberlands Welcomes Alumni for Homecoming Concert
BY: ELI DUNN STAFF WRITER
Homecoming week at Cumberlands means it is time for the alumni to “come home” for a reunion with old friends, relive memories and keep traditions alive. For Lillian “Lilli” Vance, coming home to Cumberlands isn’t just about revisiting the campus; it’s about reconnecting with what made her home.
Vance’s favorite memory from her college days is when she and her friends gathered around the Rollins fountain the night before their graduation. “My friends and I all got in the fountain to celebrate – most of them fell, which made it even funnier. It was one of my last memories as a student and something I had planned to do since my freshman year,” Vance said. “It felt like a full circle moment.” One of her favorite traditions was attending the college’s annual events, such as Homecoming and the Patriot Party. Vance loves seeing students now celebrate the same traditions, making fun memories like she once did.
Vance now works with the college and enjoys leading the next generation of future Cumberlands’ alums. “I’m able to work with a
group of students in the Student Philanthropy Association, and it was so great to see them step into leadership positions and create friendships,” she said.
During Homecoming weekend, Vance hosted the Young Alumni Gathering in downtown Williamsburg at the local restaurant, Hunt and Harvest, where she expressed excitement about seeing more young alums, like herself, back on campus. “Coming home” to Vance means more than just revisiting her alma mater. To her, it means reconnecting with the friends who made Cumberlands a home. “To me, people are ‘home’ not physical locations,” she said.
Vance encourages current and future Cumberlands students to focus on the memories they make now. “I said no or I’m too busy way too many times in college – this is your last chance to be a kid, so make it count.”
UC Welcomes Phi Alpha Delta
Cumberlands’ New Pre-Law Organization
BY: TREY JACKSON STAFF WRITER
For the first time in University of the Cumberlands history, students now have an official Phi Alpha Delta (P.A.D.) Pre-Law Chapter on campus, a new organization dedicated to connecting aspiring law students with the tools, experiences, and professional networks they need to succeed in their legal journeys.
The newly established chapter, advised by Professor Catherine Ball, a practicing attorney and faculty member at UC, has already hit the ground running. Members have visited the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law to attend a Kentucky Supreme Court oral argument and participate in a law school fair. The club also recently hosted an admissions representative from Northern Kentucky University’s Salmon P.
Chase College of Law and will soon welcome a representative from Regent University School of Law on November 10th (time to be announced).
“P.A.D. has been helpful in getting me connected with law schools, and I hope to help other students do the same,” said club president McKaley Amburgey, who has been instrumental in leading the chapter during its inaugural semester.
In addition to hosting law school representatives, the organization offers a range of academic and professional development activities. LSAT practice tests are available to all UC students on the last Wednesday of each month in The Learning Commons. The chapter also emphasizes leadership, networking, and career exploration through regional and national opportunities.
Later this semester, several P.A.D. student officers will travel to Washington, D.C. for the Phi Alpha Delta National Pre-Law Conference. This event will feature workshops, leadership training, and law school networking opportunities, as well as visits to historical and political landmarks across the capital. “We’ve already seen huge growth in the club, and I hope that continues as we approach more planned events this semester and into the next semester as well,” Amburgey said.
Professor Ball has played a vital role in launching the chapter and mentoring its members. “Professor Ball has been there to guide me through the application process, making it so much easier to navigate as a first-time applicant and prospective law school attendee,” Amburgey
shared.
Phi Alpha Delta is the only international law fraternity with a dedicated Pre-Law Program, providing resources such as LSAT prep discounts, law school application fee waivers, internship connections, and law school financing guidance. Since the University of the Cumberlands does not have its own law school, this chapter serves as a valuable bridge to regional law schools that are already familiar with the P.A.D. network and eager to recruit UC students who demonstrate leadership and dedication through their participation in the society.
Membership in P.A.D. is open to all majors — not just political science or criminal justice students. Anyone considering law school or simply curious about the legal field is encouraged to attend meetings and events. “Even if you’re just slightly thinking of law school as a potential path for your future, I highly encourage anyone interested to come speak with our faculty advisor, myself, or any other officers. We’d be happy to give you more information and provide you with the resources you need to make that decision or advance into the application process,” said Amburgey.
Students interested in joining or learning more can contact club president McKaley Amburgey at “mamburgey24542@ ucumberlands.edu”, or by joining the society GroupMe at “https://groupme.com/ join_group/107104740/pVxdeG2L”.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PHI ALPHA DELTA
PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH JANE CRISSMAN