Content The Forum Advisor Dr. Jonathan Gates Content Designer
Benjamin Tse Staff Writers Sarah Dunlap Isaiah Johnson Danaya Pyatt Moriah Spencer Benjamin Tse
Features:
3 Editorial from The Forum Advisor 5 Homecoming “Great is Thy Faithfulness:
A Celebration in Honor of Dr. Glenn Koponen Coaching Transitions Humans of Nyack: Hannah Childs
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Photo-Credits Vilma Balmaceda Sarah Dunlap Isaiah Johnson Kyndra Moser Moriah Spencer Benjamin Tse Nyack Athletics
9 Reflections on Cultivate 10 Diversity Day Humans of Nyack: Jenny Coxson
Feeling inspired to write a piece . . . to share your creativity through the arts & photography, contact (theforumnc@gmail.c om) to get more information and to get involved.
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5 Success Tips for Freshmen and Transfer Students 13
Editorial from The Forum Advisor
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s another academic year has begun and our thoughts have turned to study, relationships, and living life on the hillside, I have been reflecting on the God of the exodus. This interest has been fueled by my pastor who has been preaching from the Old Testament book which records the Israelites’ transition from slaves to wanderers. Then, a few weeks ago, I received a letter from a friend and Nyack alum (1994) who works in a closed country. Her reflections on our perceptions of God and his work struck me as powerful and insightful. And so with her permission, I offer her contemplation which she entitled, “What He Gives is Enough.”
I’ve been giving a lot of thought to Dad’s provision lately. Not just THAT He provides, but WHAT He provides. It seems like many of us in the West think of His provision as a support to our lives. We thank Him for His provision when we feel particularly or unexpectedly comfortable. This was always the way I operated, too. I noticed the obvious parts of His provision: the good stuff, the benefits, and the joy that comes along with feeling like His special little girl. But lately He’s been reminding me of His people in the desert. On the one hand, when He brought them out of Egypt, He delivered them from slavery. They were free people for the very first time in ten generations. Suddenly their reality of working from sun-up to sun-down every day, all week long, year after year with no days off and no paid vacations was wiped away. For the first time in their lives, they were free to rest. To enjoy their families. To herd their own cattle, to raise their children without fear, and to honor Dad like their ancestors did.
He provided protection and military victory to this nation of former slaves who seemed to appear out of nowhere. In 40 years of walking on burning desert sand, their shoes never wore out. Their clothes never grew threadbare. He gave them water. Pure water that they did not even have to sanitize with fermented wine. Enough for thousands of people and animals. He gave them food every day. FOOD from the SKY! Enough for every single day. No more farming! No more back-breaking and soul-breaking labor in the fields under the cruel Egyptian sun! They could pick up and go at a moment’s notice. They were free. On the other hand, they were very far from being comfortable. In the eyes of the nations around them, they were a vagabond clan without a king, without a country, and without a heritage to call their own. They were mocked ruthlessly. They were at the mercy of their disgruntled neighbors, needing to ask permission simply to pass through peacefully. They had no homes. They were perpetually camping, with no inkling of how long they would stay or when they would be forced to move on again. The food they gathered off the ground every morning was little more than bread flour. The same taste on their pallets, morning, noon and night. For 40 years. Over and over the people were overcome with thirst. Three days with no water in an arid climate is probably the closest thing to death that a human can imagine. Sure, the water always flowed in abundance when it flowed, but it wasn’t frequent enough to give these folks assurance or comfort. (Continued . . .) Volume 2: The Forum | 3
Editorial from The Forum Advisor They were completely vulnerable. They had nothing to call their own. The things He’s provided for me lately I haven’t been super thrilled about. I was sick for a good portion of the summer. Then my son broke his arm. Worst by far, most of our friends have moved away. Some plan to return to our land, but some no longer have that option. There have been worrisome rumors. “Things are changing so quickly,” is what people here say almost as a catch-phrase. How stable is our life here? How quickly could things change for us? Our reality is eerily similar to the desert wanderers: we are vulnerable, surrounded on all sides, needing to ask permission simply to live a peaceful life here. It could be any day when the Cloud moves on and we would have to pack up our tent and follow. The reality is that we have nothing to call our own. It’s so tempting to sink into grumbling selfpity when what He provides is not what we wanted. I wanted a summer full of fun, free time with my family; He gave me weeks of sickness and protecting a healing arm. I wanted friends; He gives me lonely, vacant apartments to care for. I want to plan for my future; He gives me reminders that I am a foreigner in a foreign land. They wanted mouths full of savory tastes and full bellies; He gave them manna and called it enough. They wanted a reliable source of water; He gave them the experience of being snatched away from the claws of death just in the nick of time. They
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wanted homes and gardens; He gave them tents and a tabernacle. They wanted something solid and shiny to dance before and adore; He gave them His persistent presence to guide and to protect. So the question for me is: will I grumble and complain because my every little whim didn’t get catered to? Will I operate under the assumption that unless what He gives is comfortable for me, that it’s deprivation rather than true provision? Or will I dare to agree with Him when he says “My grace is sufficient for you”? (It strikes me that He had to reveal that truth to Paul; it wasn’t at all self-evident!) Will I dare to call “enough” what He says is enough? By His grace, yes. In this desert time, I will declare that He is good, and that every good and perfect gift comes to me straight from His own hand.” As this semester develops and you become overwhelmed by tests and papers, fears about the future, or concerns about family and you long for good things, I hope that you experience our God who is enough.
Faithfully,
Dr. Jonathan Gates Jonathan Gates, Ph.D Language, Literature, and Writing Department Chair Director of Nyack Honors Program
Homecoming “Great is Thy Faithfulness: A Celebration in Honor of Dr. Glenn Koponen
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BY DANAYA PYATT ‘18
omecoming is always a busy weekend on the Rockland Campus. From Founder’s Day Chapel, to the soccer games to the Saturday night All Alumni Banquet, students couldn’t help but notice on the October 12 – 13 weekend all the alumni who return to campus to reminisce and reconnect. Fastforward, this will be us before we know it!
alumni pooled their talent to prepare and preform a concert of choral and instrumental music in homage to Dr. Koponen’s 50 years of outstanding musicianship. A highlight of the concert was Robert F. Davis conducting the Nyack College Alumni Chorale on his arrangement of Dr. Paul Liljestrand's "The Master's Touch."
I’m sure no one is more surprised at how fast 50 years can fly by than Dr. Glenn Koponen, Dean of the School of Music. Having retired after the 2018 school year after 50 years of service, Dr. Koponen was celebrated at this year’s Homecoming with a concert entitled “Great is Thy Faithfulness: Our Tribute to Dr. Glenn Koponen.” Faculty, staff, current students and many, many
It appeared in The School of Music traditionally hosts a concert with and for alumni on Homecoming weekend in Pardington Hall at 4pm5pm, but this year, alumni from five decades made a special effort to be in town to honor a man whose music meant so much to them. Through this beautiful honor dedicated to Dr. Koponen, many came to wish him the best on his retirement.
Dr. Glenn Koponen became an adjunct instructor at Nyack College in 1967 and was a full-time instructor by 1970. He has served as Nyack’s official college representative to the National Association of Schools of Music since 1984. Dr. Koponen was named dean of Nyack’s School of Music in 2009. Among his many accomplishments in music, Dr. Koponen’s arrangement of Aaron Copland’s “Zion’s Walls,” was recorded by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Utah Symphony. It has sold nearly a half million copies. His choral arrangements are published by Boosey and Hawkes. A member of the Board of Directors of Sibelius Society, Ltd., he conducted research for his doctoral dissertation on the Post-Sibelian Symphony in Finland as a Finnish government scholar. He also holds membership in the International Trumpet Guild, the American Choral Director’s Association, the Christian Instrumental Directors Association and the Finlandia Foundation. Dr. Koponen earned a doctorate from Columbia University; both the B.S. and M.S. from The Juilliard School and a B.M. from the Eastman School of Music. (Source: http://www.nyack.edu/content/XTeam)
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Coaching Transitions
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BY ISAIAH JOHNSON ‘19
s the new school years comes into full swing, Nyack College athletics is undergoing some changes. At the beginning of the 2018 -19 academic year, Warrior Athletics welcomed new head coaches in women’s basketball, men’s basketball, and baseball. With the basketball season less than a month away, smooth transitions for coaches and their teams will be important for the success of all the teams. Introducing the new head coach of the women’s basketball team: Rashidi Aikens. Coach R. Aikens is no stranger to Nyack College. An alumnus of the 2001 class, he served as assistant head coach for the women’s team at Nyack from 2002 to 2012. After that time he served as women’s head coach at Mercy college and then women’s assistant head coach at LIU Post.
With the Warriors, Coach Aikens plans to continue better his team on and off the court. “What I plan to instill in this program is accountability,” said Aikens. “I will hold the players accountable for all their actions. Discipline will also be a strong point in our program as it is one of our core values.” When it comes to changes on the court, Coach Aikens detailed a new direction for his squad. “I see a team that will be able to score the ball,” said Aikens of the Warriors current direction. “I see a team that has the potential to be good defensively. I want us to be known as a defensive team. I think the potential is there, once we learn the system and can put it forward in practices and games.” As a former player and seasoned college coach, Coach Aikens has an abundance of experience to offer and his homecoming to Nyack will be well received.
Courtesy of Isaiah Johnson 6 | Volume 2: The Forum
Introducing the new head coach of the men’s basketball team: Valiant Jones. Coach Jones is not only an alumnus but also a former player for the Warriors. He earned multiple accolades during his years of play and led the team as a stand out player for two seasons. As an assistant coach for the team, he helped in many areas of the teams management, including recruiting. For the last four years he has coached the Nanuet High School women’s team, leading them to the Section One playoffs every year. With regards to the team’s current disposition, Jones expressed that the men have what it takes to win. “We would love to take the next step
Courtesy of Nyack Athletics
on the court and make the CACC Conference Tournament. We will run different things offensively and defensively but the program is in a solid place right now.” Coach Jones’ deep connection to the school and ability to coach will be valuable as the team looks to excel in the CACC. Introducing the new head coach of the baseball team: Grisha Davida.
Courtesy of Isaiah Johnson
Coach Valiant Jones
Coach Davida has a very diversified history with the sport of baseball. From signing with the Chicago Cubs to coaching at Columbia University, he has been working in the sport for over 30 years. Spending many years as a professional scout, Davida can recognize talent. After serving as the assistant coach with a specialty in pitching at Pace University for 7 years, Coach Davida will use his vast knowledge and experience to propel the Warrior’s successful baseball program. Volume 2: The Forum | 7
Humans of Nyack Featuring . . . Hannah Childs “I came from a small town, the middle of Pennsylvania. Before I came to New York, I was a big fish in a small pond. Since coming to Nyack, I’ve had to face the fact that I don’t know everything, and it has challenged my beliefs and what I’ve known about myself and my faith. I’ve come to realize how big the world is and how to find my place in it, and through my Courtesy of Sarah Dunlap experience, God has shown where I need to go and what needs need to be met. As I go forward, I plan to use my degree and education, both academic and in life, to fill the needs of specifically the next generation by providing mentors and, hopefully, leave the world a little better through the next generation.”
Reflections on Cultivate
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BY BENJAMIN TSE ‘19
n the Fall of 2017, October 3rd to be exact, a mere year ago, Cultivate Coffee opened its doors to students and faculty to commence official operations as Nyack College’s go to place for the best hot drinks. Opening with a limited menu of beverages--coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, the shop has grown so much in the last year. The founders never imagined the growth, the changes, and the opportunities that were unleashed on that early Oct. evening. Earlier, in December of 2016, the shop opened sporadically and briefly. During those preliminary months, Cultivate struggled to secure a consistent line of customers because the hours of operation were limited to two days with unappealing time slots. Business was slow, and students requested more hours; however, we had no choice but to abide to the given hours. In the Spring of 2017, an event reignited the founders and workers’ motivation and gave them greater leverage to acquire the lower-level of Betty Olsen House (the Hub) to run this small business. Peter Nehlsen (‘19) and I (‘19) competed in a social entrepreneurship competition sponsored by the Center for Transformative Work. In winning 3rd place, we received a $5000 grant which was applied to our startup. That evening commenced the initial phases of starting Cultivate Coffee, officially. With the grant money, we furnished the bottom level of the Hub and made it look home and cozy, like a comfortable living room. We also purchased higher end equipment. Fortunately, we were able to secure a used espresso machine that, while it needed to be refurbished, was a cheaper alternative, such a blessing.
From the three initial essential hot beverages, we have now expanded to a variety of drinks, including flavored lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, and more. The founders agreed to run this business with a non-for-profit format--every proceed is reinvested into the coffee shop. We managed to recruit a team of volunteers. Every semester, I coordinate the work shifts and make sure that it best fits everyone’s schedule. Throughout the semesters, we hosts a few small groups and give them a discount on coffee and tea. Through it all, God has been present and faithful at every crossroad and moment. I still remember the first day when my roommates and I gathered together to envision this plan. I am grateful to see our dreams come to fruition. Cultivate Coffee had a vision to cultivate the community within the campus, and we still strives to do so. If you haven’t stopped by the shop in Betty Olsen House for a while, come on in and try something new or order an old favorite.
Courtesy of Kyndra Moser
Iced Mocha Latte & Strawberry Sprinkles Donut
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Diversity Day
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BY MORIAH SPENCER ‘19
ursuing Nyack College’s Core Value to be “Intentionally Diverse,” the college established the first Diversity Day this fall. As one of the most diverse colleges in the country, Nyack seeks ways to unite students, faculty, and administrators working at our two campuses. Our diversity challenges and equips us to learn effective ways to unite through conversation, shared experience, and engagement. On September 21st, Nyack students from the Rockland campus traveled to lower Manhattan to join students from the New York City campus in a day of learning, dialogue, and discovery. As a campus leader, I helped keep track of the students who participated which included primarily new members of the campus communities, including freshmen and transfer students, though some upperclassmen and women joined as well. In all there were more than 250 participants for this event. Arriving in the city by bus, students and faculty visited one of numer10 | Volume 2: The Forum
ous museums located near the city campus: the 9/11 Museum, African Burial Ground, The Jewish Museum, and The National Museum of the American Indian. As a member of the group that toured the Museum of the American Indian, I was interested to learn about the hardships that Native Americans have endured. Frequently, we do not realize how integral Native Courtesy of Moriah Spencer Americans have been in our history; their many accomplishments and inventions have been too often overlooked. Though very different in size and scope, these museums tell the story of people who have suffered, triumphed, and accomplished important things. By visiting these museums, students were able to see themselves in other cultures and recognize divides that have separated people of different backgrounds and cultures. Though the visits were brief, participants had an opportunity to look at a part of the world through a different lens, and this is an important part of the Diversity Day experience. Following the museum experience, Nyack students and faculty en-
joyed a Chick-Fil-A lunch and a short break. The afternoon portion of Diversity Day featured a panel discussion at the the NYC campus. Three panel consisted of Provost, Dr. Turk; NYC Bible Professor Dr. Garcia, and Professor Henderson. Each one addressed questions related to the theme of diversity and how their experiences at Nyack have shaped them as people and leaders in the classroom and beyond. The most significant take away from the panel’s presentation was the encouragement for students to listen to other people and respect their opinion while still having your own opinions. They explained that not everyone would have the same beliefs or customs but that it would be important to be aware and listen to others without making assumptions or becoming defensive. I wanted to hear from other students and listen to their experience of Diversity Day since it impacted every-
one differently. Many respondents noted that learning about different cultures reminded them of the contributions that people from different cultures make to our communities. Many noted that the first thing is to be aware of others and to not make assumptions about an unfamiliar or different culture. Some observed that tragic events brought people together and united them no matter their background. I think the biggest takeaway from Diversity Day is to take a moment and get to learn someone else's story. Make it a priority to connect with people who are different because as Christians we are called to respect others. Nyack will continue to connect the city and Rockland Campuses. The college will host another community event in the Spring. The Symposium, “Learning and Working in the 21st Century: In Search of Opportunities in a Changing Context�, will be held at the city campus on March 28th.
Courtesy of Vilma Balmaceda Volume 2: The Forum | 11
Humans of Nyack Featuring . . . Jenny Coxson “When I first came here, I came from a bubble and Nyack definitely opened my eyes to people from everywhere. I didn’t start out with an open mind, and I’ve learned what I don’t know is okay and where other people are from, and that is okay. I want to be a special ed teacher, and my students will come from various backgrounds, and I’ll need to identify their differences as Courtesy of Sarah Dunlap strengths. Seeing the differences in lives has helped me look at what I know is true and whether what I hold as true is good and how I can better myself. I want to be a positive influence for them, that they’ll remember as a teacher.”
5 Success Tips for Freshmen and Transfer Student
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BY SARAH DUNLAP ‘18
yack College upperclassmen and graduate student give advice to freshmen and transfer students. They motivate students starting their new year with five tips for success, how to make the most of college and grow as a student and person.
4. Be an advocate for yourself.
1. Don’t believe first impressions.
5. You get out of college what you put into it.
“I’ve learned that despite the first impressions they leave, people can achieve more than what you expect.” — Joseph Girard, senior studying intercultural studies and volunteers at Cultivate Coffee 2. Get involved on campus. “Choose into events. You’re RA can help you get involved on campus.” — Kaelah Byrom, junior studying English and serves as a RA
“Grow to be confident. Advocate for yourself as you become self aware of what you want and how you are going to get it. Take measures to get there and seek help.” — Jenny Nye, senior studying nursing
“Nyack is what you make of it.” — Thomas Trott, graduate student studying entrepreneurship
Trott currently volunteers at Cultivate Coffee and the cross country team. As an undergraduate, he helped launch Cultivate Coffee, started his apparel line Light, and ran cross country.
3. Use the resources available to help you learn and grow. “Don’t be afraid to utilize the Counseling Center, the Writing Center, and the Tutoring Center. They are your best friends.” — Caleb Hartsock, junior studying music
Courtesy of Sarah Dunlap
Pictured left to right: Raina Oquinn, transfer student; Libby Willey, freshman; Magelyn Moran, freshman Volume 2: The Forum | 13