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Legacies in Stone: The Names Behind Campus Buildings
Ever wondered why our campus has three locations named after Musselman? Page 14
A Note From the Editor: On Growth
By Cassidy Haines, Magazine Editor
When I first enrolled at Gettysburg College, I had no idea what a ride I was in for: the only certainty was my quickly-declared English major with a writing concentration. After a first year filled with anxiety, I began to branch out during my sophomore year, when I signed up for as many writing-related opportunities at the activities fair as I could find. Since then, nothing has stuck as much as The Gettysburgian: when I became a copyeditor for the news, features, A&E and opinions sections, I was beyond excited, since I have always loved editing essays, but I would never have expected to continue further than that.
As I branched out with The Gettysburgian, I did the same all around campus: I joined my sorority, got involved with The Mercury (Gettysburg’s student-run art and literary magazine) and even found a job in our wonderful English department. I still wanted to be more involved, so I applied for the social media manager role in fall 2023 and began creating the crosswords during spring 2024; by fall 2024, I became the assistant magazine editor, teaching myself how to use Adobe InDesign in the process.
This semester, I’m lucky enough to have taken on two of my favorite positions yet: magazine editor for our newspaper and chapter president of Sigma Sigma Sigma. Between English classes and a packed extracurricular schedule, working on The Gettysburgian every month to design the magazine has been a (surprisingly?) relaxing way to let my creative side out. Thanks to The Gettysburgian, I have been given the chance to grow out of my comfort zone and leave a mark on our campus in a way I never thought possible.
In this month’s magazine, we discuss growth on our campus in an article on some of the newest clubs on campus, highlight good news in a piece on the restoration of Quarry Pond by our own Center for Public Service and even answer the question of why our buildings have the names they do. We also spotlight a vocal senior recital and look at the history of activism on our campus, along with a few other exciting features and opinions.
As March comes to a close, remember that April showers bring May flowers — despite the clouds, good things are still to come. I hope you enjoy the latest edition of our magazine.
Yours sincerely,
Cassidy Haines ’26
Magazine Editor, The Gettysburgian
Responds to Federal Law
By Vincent DiFonzo, Editor-in-Chief
By Nathaniel Swindell, Sta Writer
Gettysburg During the Vietnam War
By Katie Lauriello, Managing Editor
Vivian Davenport: Senior Recital
By Ainsley Green, Sta Writer By Sophie Lange, Features Editor
By Kenzie Smith, A&E Editor
By Owen Kutlu, Sports Editor
Campus Responds to Federal Law Changes Impacting Higher Education
By Vincent DiFonzo, Editor-in-Chief
On Feb. 14, the United States Department of Education issued a “Dear Colleague” letter to hundreds of colleges and universities across the country, including Gettysburg College. The letter accuses universities of discrimination against white and Asian applicants in admissions, denies the existence of “systemic and structural racism” in the U.S and threatens funding cuts against schools that do not cut diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, citing the 2023 Supreme Court case that struck down affirmative action in higher education.
The letter is just one example of a number of sweeping changes to higher education currently being proposed by the Trump administration.
Donald Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to shut down the Department of Education, which oversees FAFSA, student loans, Pell grants, as well as the accreditation of colleges and universities. Since her confirmation on March 3, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has overseen the firing of nearly half the department’s workers — a move she has called the “first step” in shutting down the department entirely.
While Trump has repeatedly promised to shut down the Department of Education via executive order, this move would need Congressional approval because the agency was created by Congress. Despite this, on Thursday, March 20, Trump issued an executive order directing the agency’s shutdown. While the agency will not disappear completely, some of its functions are
being transferred away from it. For example, Trump has announced his intention to transfer administration of the $1.6 trillion federal student loan portfolio to the Small Business Administration.
Trump has also stated he intends to use the agency to investigate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at universities. On Monday, March 17, the Young America’s Foundation (YAF) issued a civil rights complaint against Gettysburg College to the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR). Their complaint alleges “ongoing civil rights violations against conservative students at Gettysburg College” and argues that a number of diversity and inclusionrelated organizations at Gettysburg violate federal law.
As of March, it is unclear if the OCR will actually open an investigation into Gettysburg College. Before the YAF letter of complaint was filed, The Gettysburgian spoke with College President Bob Iuliano about ongoing federal law changes and the College’s response. He discussed how the College will comply with federal law moving forward while maintaining a diverse campus and remaining committed to its core “institutional values.”
Iuliano first acknowledged the large scope of proposed changes to higher education: “There’s been a volume of orders specifically bearing on higher education that, at least in my 35 years in this field, I have not seen the likes of which previously.” Despite this, Iuliano emphasized that the legality of many of the proposed changes is in question.
“One of the reasons I've argued for a moderate approach right now is there's just a lot of uncertainty about what's going to retain when all of this
is said and done,” said Iuliano. “And I have not been inclined to have the College bounce from position to position. Whatever we want to do, whatever we're going to do, I would like to do once with some clarity. So going slowly gives us the ability to do that.”
Regarding the “Dear Colleague” letter, Iuliano said he initially read it with “a degree of concern” because it suggested that the federal government “had jurisdiction over the curricular judgments made by private colleges and universities.”
However, since the sending of the “Dear Colleague” letter, the Department of Education has sent a FAQ document regarding the letter which states the federal government will not influence curriculum at private colleges, among other clarifications. Iuliano cited this as an example of how the proposed changes are being challenged and quickly changed, which is why he believes the College should remain patient in its response as opposed to acting on proposed changes that may not come to fruition.
The “Dear Colleague” letter’s attack on DEI initiatives stems from a longer trend of erosion of raceconscious admissions at universities. In 2023, affirmative action in higher education became illegal in the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (SFFA) case, which Iuliano personally worked on at his previous position as general counsel at Harvard University.
He condemned the decision in a June 2023 campus-wide email in which he argued that race-conscious admissions “[allow] students too often on the margins of American life to experience the social, cultural and economic transformation that higher
CPS Plans Renovation of Quarry Pond with New Wildlife
The Center for Public Service (CPS) at Gettysburg College has announced plans to renovate the area surrounding Quarry Pond in the coming months, in the hope of making the pond cleaner and safer for the local wildlife, particularly the nearby bird population. The project will mainly involve transplanting wildlife from the Campus Greenhouses to the Pond to improve the local environment.
“The goal of this project is to make Quarry Pond a healthier environment for all of the organisms that call it home,” said Cameron McIntyre ’27, a coordinator for the program and a member of student sustainability. “Over a dozen bird species hunt and/or nest on its perimeter. By planting native flowers, shrubs, and trees, we can dramatically increase the available bug biomass for the birds to feed on, and create additional habitat for them to nest. These bugs include endangered butterflies and bees which will be able to strengthen their own populations despite predation thanks to the resources provided by native plants and flowers.”
Last year, McIntyre contacted Betty Ferster, an assistant professor in the biology department, to help him with growing plants for the project. “My research involves understanding how plant diversity is related to butterfly diversity, and I helped a student, Grace Verbruge, start
a pollinator garden on campus a few years ago,” said Ferster. “Three summers of X-SIG student researchers collected diversity data and tended that garden. Cameron reached out about a year ago to ask if I would help him grow plants to replace non-native plants around campus. He recently came to me with the idea of growing plants for a buffer around the pond to increase biodiversity and ecosystem function. I plan to continue to collect diversity data on campus to follow the results of this project with X-SIG students this summer.”
Specific plants have been chosen to be placed around Quarry Pond for the renovation, including those that will tend to the local insect population and create a more stable ecosystem.
“To me this Quarry Pond buffer is an extension of the pollinator garden,” said Ferster. “A lot of the plants we've chosen to grow are host plants for butterflies. There will be a lot of milkweed. We're tending hundreds of tiny
black-eyed Susans, and native grasses get repotted this week.”
The biology department emphasized not only the expansion of plants that live in and near the pond but animal life as well, all of which provide their own benefits for the area.
“Aquatic plants will help clean and oxygenate the water,” said McIntyre. “Additionally, they will provide food and habitat for the numerous fish, amphibians, and turtles that inhabit our pond.”
“Right now, the Quarry Pond has little vegetation growing around it except grass that gets mowed,” said McIntyre. “The plan is to add a more complex strip of native plants around the pond and some emergent plants in the pond. Native plants will support native animals. Plants take up excess nutrients, absorb and store carbon, moderate flooding, and other things.”
At the moment, due to concerns about bird flu and the end of the local goose migratory period,
there is no exact date for when the renovations might begin, but the hope from the department is that they will begin within the next month. In January, several dead geese found at Quarry Pond were confirmed to have bird flu, necessitating the closure of the pond and causing delays for the project.
“Since the pond is currently closed due to H5N1 bird flu, I cannot give you any exact dates for the project,” said McIntyre. “The pond is expected to open again once the goose migratory period ends, but that is different every year. Hopefully, the migration ends sometime [in March] and specific project dates can be planned before the semester is over.”
CPS plans to take plants and place them near the pond to reduce the presence of the geese, in order to make the entire area cleaner. That does not mean they hope to drive them away entirely, but simply reduce the number of geese around the pond.
“We plan to transplant the
plants we've been growing into a 'buffer' along the eastern shore of the pond where the Canadian geese like to congregate,” said McIntyre. “Ideally, this buffer will reduce their presence since geese prefer [the current] open access to water with little obstructions around that could harbor predators. There will still be geese at the pond.”
McIntyre acknowledged the benefits of having geese, though he explained that an overabundance of the birds could result in the spread of diseases, not to mention making the entire area undesirable for student activity.
“Personally, I enjoy [the geese] and recognize their beneficial role in a habitat. However, too many geese in one area leads to feces everywhere and the spreading of diseases,” he said. “A desired result from reducing their presence at the pond is to encourage student use of the eastern grass field. Not every college gets its own pond to enjoy, and it is a shame that no Gettysburg students take advantage of this privilege due to, understandably, unhygienic
conditions.”
Additionally, CPS plans to renovate Quarry Pond until it resembles a more traditional park, adding things such as flower beds to cultivate a more positive mental atmosphere.
“The eastern side of Quarry Pond has so much untapped potential,” said McIntyre. “This year, our buffer will bring colorful flowers to the landscape. Next year, maybe we can expand this vegetation and turn the area into a proper community park. A healthy, biodiverse ecosystem on campus has an infinite potential for education and research led by our environmental science and biology faculty. It will inspire students and facilitate more environmental awareness for all of those who visit. Not to mention the mental health benefits such a space can provide.”
The project is being supported by departments around campus, all of which are coming together to help improve the environmental situation of the pond and ensure it remains clean for both local wildlife and the student body.
“I want to thank the environmental studies and biology departments for their support in this project as well as campus grounds for their partnership in making it happen,” said McIntyre.
Photos Alice van Etten / The Gettysburgian
Gettysburg in Protest: The Vietnam War
By Katie Lauriello, Managing Editor & Lead Copyeditor
Gettysburg College may not be known as the hub of student protest, but it has still made a mark in terms of freedom of expression. Through the Gettysburg College Publications Archive, which hosts fully searchable scans of The Gettysburgian from 1897 to 2010, one can get a snapshot of the conflict and protests at Gettysburg during the height of the Vietnam War.
On Nov. 11, 1966, a letter to the editor announced the formation of an ad-hoc committee of students who opposed the war in Vietnam, founded by Stephen H. Warner '68. A former features section editor for The Gettysburgian, he was drafted for the war in 1969 and died on Feb. 14, 1971 in Vietnam.
In an April 21, 1967 publication titled “Week to Arouse Contrasting Vietnam Opinions,” The Gettysburgian announced that a Peace Week — hosted by the Ad Hoc Committee to End the War in Vietnam — would have activities throughout campus to mirror protests that had recently occurred during national Peace Week. Students quoted in the article expressed their skepticism about the event, given that the Ad Hoc Committee and hosts all viewed the war in Vietnam negatively and did not represent campus opinions as a whole.
Within articles of The Gettysburgian throughout 1968 to 1969, another battle was being waged in the texts of the newspaper alongside the battle in Vietnam. Throughout the year, Donald Brobst ’70 and Mike Klebanoff exchanged opinion after opinion on whether the United States should stay in Vietnam or withdraw. Another Peace Week was held in 1968, discussing both racial discrimination and the Vietnam war, with students encouraged to join in the National Student Strike outside of Glatfelter.
The Gettysburgian reported that on Oct. 15, 1969, over 500 “students, faculty, seminarians, and townspeople” marched together in silence from Lincoln Square to the Peace Light, one of the many events the Gettysburg community took part in for the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam.
As anti-war rallies sparked all over the United States in the beginning of May 1970, Gettysburg had their own rallies as well. Reported on May 8 of that year, students participated in a two-day strike, and many faculty suspended classes as well. While the author believed the participation to be lackluster, they also believed that it was a necessary and powerful step to the ultimate goal of ending the war.
Former editor-in-chief of The Gettysburgian Thomas H. Boll ’74 published “Yankee Come Home” on April 21, 1972, calling for an end to American involvement in Indochina. It won a Pi Delta Epsilon award in 1973.
After the announcement of President Nixon’s peace agreement and calling for American forces to withdraw, the Gettysburgian published a three-part retrospective of the Vietnam War, written by James Latta III ’73 from April 13 to May 4, 1973, going over the exact reason for America’s defeat.
He ends part three, published on May 4, 1973, discussing the consequences that the soldiers who have returned must deal with, as well as the memories they are left with, stating that there is no amount of money that can ever erase what they’ve done.
“The physical and mental reminders carried by these men can never be completely erased, despite increased pensions, V.A. benefits and Vietnam bonuses from a ‘grateful nation,’ nor can the consequences of their past actions be reassessed or reconstructed by conditional or general amnesty. How do these men destroy the nightmares, heartaches, and bitter frustrations of wasted years?”
Left: Stephen H. Warner '68, Musselman Library Special Collections
Middle: "The Gettysburg Protest," May 8, 1970, The Gettysburgian
Right: "Senate authorizes student strike," May 8, 1970, The Gettysburgian
An Overview of New Student Clubs at Gettysburg College
By Sarah Daniels, Content Manager
Zoology Club
China Unboxed, also known as the Chinese Culture Club, is advised by associate professor of Chinese in East Asian Studies Jing Li. Run by president Ryan Hong ’27 and vice president Flavia Vo ’27, the club has successfully run several events, including a dumpling party with Language House and the Japanese Culture Club in the basement of the Office of Multicultural Engagement.
As stated by Melanie Flynn ’27, the club’s public relations officer, the mission of China Unboxed is “to introduce and share Chinese culture with the Gettysburg College community.” They continually hope to “bring more awareness about Chinese culture and through this awareness, encourage the college to host more U.S.-China relation programs and diversify global relations in Gettysburg.” Flynn expressed that she wishes the student body knew about China Unboxed. Despite this, the aforementioned dumpling party was a success, and the club plans to continue centering cultural, food, and games along with “trivia and plenty of learning opportunities!”
For those interested in joining, the club is accepting new members. “No language background is required, but if you are studying Chinese, this is the club for you!” Contact Flynn at flynme02@gettysburg.edu to learn more.
The Zoology Club, founded by president Morgan Nieman ’27 and vice president Bella Santiago ’27, promotes its mission of providing “a space for students to learn about animals and sub fields of biology that work closely with organisms” with the help of advisor Michael Caldwell, associate professor of biology.
The club has plenty of interesting opportunities for animal enthusiasts, as Nieman discusses events, past and future: “The club hosts information sessions by biology professors on organisms and topics of their particular interest. In addition, we host an event in the anatomy and physiology lab observing the animal systems on the anatomage tables. Lastly, we will co-sponsor the trip to the Smithsonian Zoo in DC.”
If interested, there are no membership requirements, and club members can suggest event ideas and meeting themes. “We are just looking for people who like to learn about animals and/or anyone interested in becoming an exotic veterinarian.” Contact Nieman at niemmo01@gettysburg.edu to join or learn more!
Anti Racist Coalition
The Anti Racist Coalition is a group of students “who maintain an interest in the destruction of racial discrimination.” Their mission statement continues: “Empirically and presently, we constantly see blatantly and flagrantly racist behavior and actions from students, staff and community members met with indifference.”
Their goal is to analyze racism on campus, the reactions to it and connect these findings to broader, global issues. President Ouyme Toure ’27, faculty advisor Alauna Safarpour from the political science department, and the officers will host “informational discussions on anti-racism and racism, educational seminars and written publications on different global or domestic political, social and humanitarian issues, and interdisciplinary policy presentations in collaboration with faculty.” Toure wishes students knew that the club events rely on discussion to make meaningful connections and that the club “encourages attendance & participation at our events/meetings from interested community members, regardless of racial, political, etc. identities.”
The club is accepting new members and has no membership requirements. Email tourou01@ gettysburg.edu for more information.
Brazilian Student Association
Laura de Matos Leal ’25 started the Brazilian Student Association (BRASA) “to establish a relationship between Gettysburg College and Brazil, creating a platform for Brazilian and nonBrazilian students to engage in initiatives that promote Brazilian culture.”
Along with increasing familiarity with Brazilian culture and the Portuguese language, the club hopes to support Gettysburgs’ Brazilian students, prospective and current alike. BRASA will host events like panels, networking and learning collaborations, speakers, and cultural celebrations. All students and community members looking to learn about Brazil, including culture, traditions, and language, are welcome to join. Reach out to president Laura Leal for more information at lealla01@ gettysburg.edu.
Project 26
Project 26 is returning to campus after its initial debut during the latest presidential election cycle. The mission remains mostly the same, which is “to provide students a resource and an outlet to share their thoughts and opinions regarding how they view the nation currently. We wish to encourage youth engagement when it comes to expressing their civic duty.” Started by vice president Joan Flores ’28 with faculty advisor Douglas Page from the political science department, the goal is “to hear from the groups of voters who are the least represented across all demographics.” The club is looking for other clubs to collaborate to reach more students. This coming fall, the group plans to focus on voter registration and mobilization.
Events will be looking to reach students to learn what young people think about the direction of the nation. Flores wishes students knew that Project 26’s “spring survey is fully non-partisan. We are looking to understand how our generation is viewing politics differently, regardless of our parties. New members are being accepted, and all people are welcome to contribute their perspectives!” Reach out to rodrjo01@gettysburg.edu or danisa02@gettysburg.edu for more information.
Dominican Student Association
The Dominican Student Association (DSA) was started by president Angelin Segura ’27 and faculty advisor Verónica Calvillo of the Spanish department. The club aims “to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all Hispanic/ Latino students, with a particular focus on Dominicans.” Through highlighting Dominican history, traditions, and strong sense of community, DSA “hopes to foster a sense of belonging and cultural pride among Dominican and Hispanic/Latino students by providing a space where they can connect, share experiences, and celebrate their heritage.”
Expanding their impact and events to the wider Gettysburg community is a focus by hosting “different types of events like game nights, dance lessons, info sessions where we focus on social issues, little feast/cookouts and festivals.”
The club is open to everyone and suggestions are always welcome for events and meetings. Follow the organization’s Instagram at @gburgdsa for more information.
Editor’s Note: The author of this article works for the organization Project 26.
Vivian Davenport, Soprano Senior Recital:
On Saturday, Mar. 1, Vivian Davenport ’25 performed her senior recital in Paul Recital Hall. Davenport is a music performance major with a focus in voice, and she studies with professor Jeffrey L. Fahnestock. A large audience of friends, faculty, family and other members of the Gettysburg community came out to support the accomplishments of Davenport, whose senior recital was the first of many this semester.
The recital was entitled “Es war einmal,” translating to “Once upon a time” in German, which reflects Davenport’s vision of a fairy-tale inspired program of pieces.
“This title reflects my time abroad in Vienna, Austria where I attended the Viennese Ball and often roamed palace gardens,” said Davenport. “I learned a ton throughout this experience due to my choice of complex pieces,” she added, detailing the process of figuring out the recital program of her dreams.
Across the program, she sang in English, Russian, French, German, Italian and Norwegian, representing a wide range of composers writing music through different periods of time and all over the world.
The first set of pieces included “Love in the Dictionary” by Celius Dougherty, the fifth of “12 romances, Op. 25” by Sergei Rachmaninoff and “Always It’s Spring” by Lee Hoiby. Davenport was accompanied by professor
Scott Crowne on piano. For her next set, she performed “I. En Sourdine” and “II. Fantoches” from Claude Debussy’s “Fêtes galantes” and “La sirene” by Georges Bizet. Each piece’s accompaniment complimented the melodies Davenport sang.
For the next piece, “IX. Les lilas qui avaient fleuri” of “Clairières dans la ciel” by Lili Boulanger, Davenport was accompanied by fellow student Greer Garver ’25 on piano. During the next set of pieces, Davenport sang four songs representing different flowers as women entitled “Mädchenblumen, Op. 22” by Richard Strauss.
Continuing to branch out to new languages in her pieces, Davenport sang “A Vuccella” and “Visione!” by Francesco Tosti followed by Edvard Grieg’s “Med en Vandlilje” and “En svane,” which encompassed
various themes of love, loss and peaceful allusions to nature. Next, Davenport sang a longer set of works by Clara Wieck Schumann in varying keys and tempi, which coherently created momentum as each piece built off of the last.
Legacies in Stone: The Names Behind Campus Buildings
By Sophie Lange, Features Editor & Social Media Manager
Musselman Library
Musselman Library, a beloved study spot for many Gettysburg students, was named after the Emma G. Musselman Foundation, a philanthropic arm of the C.H. Musselman Company, which provided significant funding for its construction beginning in 1979.
The C.H. Musselman Company was established in 1907 by Christian H. Musselman and Emma G. Musselman. Upon moving to Adams County, Pa., the Musselmans began a canning business that specialized in apples, among the county’s most abundant crops. Due to their success and the increased demand for canned goods during the First World War, the C.H. Musselman Company opened several more plants outside of the original in Biglerville, Pa. Additionally, Christian Musselman established a positive relationship with both his employees and the apple farmers of Adams County during his time as the company president.
Inspired by his close friend, Milton Hershey of the iconic Hershey Chocolate Company, Christian Musselman established a charitable component of his company, named then the Musselman Foundation, to benefit the Adams County communities where the canning plants were located. It was officially established in 1939 with the couple’s investment of $35,000.
In 1955, 11 years after her husband’s death, Emma Musselman established the Emma G.
Musselman Foundation. The goal of her foundation was to expand the positive work her husband began with an additional focus on educational, literary and scientific purposes, and it extended beyond the communities where Musselman plants were located to reach all of Adams County and beyond. In addition to the Musselman Library, the Emma G. Musselman Foundation also funded the construction of Musselman Stadium, Musselman Hall and Hauser Field House.
Stevens Hall
Stevens Hall, a dorm situated on the campus’s East Quad, was named for Thaddeus Stevens, an American politician and abolitionist who would spend much of his career defending the rights of freedmen. Born in Vermont in 1792, Stevens would eventually pass the Maryland bar before moving to Gettysburg, where he would begin practicing law in 1816. After witnessing the effects of an oppressive system of enslavement, he developed a vehement hatred of the institution and defended many individuals caught fleeing slavery at no cost. He was also instrumental in the passing of the 13th and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery and ensured equal protection for individuals who
were formerly enslaved respectively, after being elected to Congress in 1848.
Stevens was also a vocal supporter of education and assisted in obtaining the charter for Pennsylvania College in 1832. Additionally, he sold the College land and procured funds from the state in 1834 to ensure that Pennsylvania Hall, then the school’s first and only building, could be built. He acted as a trustee of the college until his death. Beyond his work for Gettysburg College, Stevens protected Pennsylvania’s
public school system, one of the first to provide a free education, with a speech so moving that the members of the state legislature not only left the system intact but also cheered.
Breidenbaugh Hall
Breidenbaugh Hall, home of several departments including English and East Asian studies, was named after Edward Swoyer Breidenbaugh, a professor and the chairman of chemistry and mineralogy at Gettysburg College. Born in 1849, Breidenbaugh was the son of a Lutheran minister and initially aimed to become one himself before a condition affecting his throat forced him to pursue another path. At age 15, he began attending Pennsylvania College and graduated four years later, at which point he entered the Lutheran Theological Seminary before discovering that he would be unable to preach due to his throat affliction. He ended up studying chemistry at the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale College, and he subsequently became a professor of natural science at Carthage College in Illinois after his graduation. He returned to Pennsylvania College as a chemistry professor in 1874.
During his time as both a student and professor, Breidenbaugh was a very active member of the college community. He was a member of many campus organizations, including the Linnean Society, which was Gettysburg’s first club, Phi Beta Kappa and the Xi Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. He was well-loved by his students, whom he affectionately referred to as “his boys,” and in turn, they called him “Breidie.” Although he
allegedly received more financially advantageous offers to teach at Yale and the University of Pennsylvania, Breidenbaugh continued to teach at Gettysburg beyond his retirement and until his death in 1926.
Schmucker Hall
Schmucker Hall, which houses many music and art classes on campus, was named for Samuel Simon Schmucker, the founder of Gettysburg College. Born in Hagerstown, Md., to a prominent Lutheran family in 1799, he began his studies at York Academy in 1809 before entering the University of Pennsylvania at age 15. Afterward, he returned to York Academy for a brief period of time as a teacher before undertaking a missionary trip, visiting both Ohio and Kentucky. He then moved on to the Princeton Theological Seminary and was ordained as a Lutheran minister in 1820.
Schmucker had a significant impact on Lutheranism during his lifetime, as he assisted in the organization of the General Synod in 1820 by writing both its constitution and hymnal and founded the Lutheran
Theological Seminary, the first in the United States, here in Gettysburg in 1826. He became the first president and was a member of its faculty for nearly 40 years. During his life, Schmucker advocated for the education of women and people of color, founding schools for girls and admitting the first black student to the Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1837. He also likely sheltered individuals fleeing slavery through the Underground Railroad.
His rise to fame came from his devotion to ecumenicalism, which is the promotion of unity and collaboration among individuals of different Christian denominations. One of the most prominent examples of this is his membership on the board of trustees of Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., which was largely Presbyterian at the time, beginning in 1828. He served on the board until 1832 when Dickinson temporarily closed its doors. Directly following, he founded Gettysburg College, then known as Pennsylvania College, on whose board he remained until his death in 1873.
The
(Photos William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
Postcard from Abroad: The Gift of Language
By William Oehler, Staff Writer
NANTES, FRANCE —
As I sat down to dinner with my host family on my first night in Nantes, France, my brain was jet-lagged and focused on everything but speaking in a second language. I had waded through a 24-hour travel day and needed food and sleep immediately. But first, I needed to make a good first impression and get to know my new family, and it didn’t go too badly. Within thirty minutes, my head was finally hitting a pillow,
ready to begin 24/7 French conversations for the next four months.
Language is such an important part of life. It is how we all communicate. It is our collective connection point that creates the bonds of trust, friendship and love. Communicating in a language secondary to our own places a barrier between who we are and who we want to be. I may know exactly what those around me are saying, but my brain is working at a slower processing speed than my native friends and family, so it's easier to reserve myself than attempt an addition to conversations.
I found frustration in recognizing that while I knew what those around me were saying, I had to pause and reflect before replying, thereby missing my window of opportunity for further connection. While I have enjoyed my time these past few months, I had to accept comfort in observation and not necessarily participation in congeniality I tend to enjoy. But this acceptance wasn’t me withdrawing into myself;
instead, it grew into a shift. I shifted instead to enjoying the many French conversations I have been privy to the last few months. Picking up certain words here and there that I kept hearing come up and my enjoyment of observation instead expanded my dictionary. There have been times that my internal self has asked me whether or not I want to continue with French. Between learning grammar and pronunciation and figuring out the gender
Opinion: A Polite Response to the Young America’s Foundation
By Jordan Brown and Aidan Martin, Guest Columnists
We write today not just as Anti Racist Collective executive board members, but as representatives of a greater student body who are concerned for the future of our campus. The Young America's Foundtation has conjured accusations that are an affront to our way of life and all we stand for. It is imperative that we not only examine, but whole heartedly condemn their misleading statements and continue to uplift diversity, equity and inclusion. As many on this campus are likely aware, we recently saw the organization known as the Young America’s Foundation (known colloquially as YAF) file a civil rights report with the freshly decapitated Department of Education. In their ongoing quixotic mission to ensure free speech, the group has once again confused disagreement with censorship, and has failed to comprehend the true meaning of free speech.
The letter in question rails against the College’s alleged infringements on free speech, which they claim stems from the mere existence of groups that do not agree with their worldview. The group’s justification for this is twofold: the Trump administration has called for the dismantling of all DEI and “exclusive” programs to end what they view as discrimination, and that because many of these groups are organized around racial or gender identity, they are exclusive and discriminatory.
On college campuses, it is commonplace for communities to form around political belief, cultural expression, or national heritage — YAF itself is an example of this. But despite the claim that membership and admission into identity- and culture-based student groups are denied to those who pass a paper bag test and score a one on the Kinsey scale, these groups are open to all. In fact, these groups host events that are hallmarks of Gettysburg life, and are enjoyed by the vast majority of students, while also serving as opportunities to learn more about an interesting group of people, a sharp contrast to the picture YAF paints in their report.
It cannot be stated enough that their entire argument is based on the farcical notion
that all of these events are exclusive to the members of the communities that advertise them. In no way do any of these allegedly discriminatory gatherings have identity prerequisites to participate. YAF is suggesting the very nature of spaces existing which don’t center white, christian, heterosexual, cisgendered men is inherently discriminatory towards them. YAF also complained in their letter about the unequal funding given to their Young Americans for Freedom chapter at Gettysburg compared to other clubs. For a club that argues in favor of “merit based” systems, it is incredibly paradoxical to be upset about the fact that their club, which rarely throws events that can be enjoyed by the entire campus, was not able to get funding. The letter even goes as far as to describe the International Day of Tolerance as “Orwellian”, which begs the question of if anyone in YAF has actually read 1984, as an inclusionary world where everyone’s identity is treated equally and fairly doesn’t quite match the description in the book. The group continues its tirade of doublethink with its renewed attack on transgender individuals and visibility, including advocating for a “de-transitioner's day of visibility.” YAF seems to believe that their perspective on transgenderism holds more importance than others, despite, to our knowledge, none of the members being transgender. It is worth noting that while the views of people who de-transition are valid they represent 13% of the trans community, with new research suggesting they could be as low as 2%. This hyperfixation on the bodies and lives of other members of our community is disturbing and incredibly divisive. It is not their place to question, dissect and object to the identities of other students, just like how in their opinions, we have no right to question theirs. Their demand for “free speech” is predicated on the elimination of other’s free speech because they do not have facts on their side, just elementary school feelings of disdain towards differences. Reaffirming their tradition of fragility and sedition, the group also seeks to censor our own curriculum, citing the women, gender and sexuality studies (WGS) department as harmful “gender ideology.” They cite specific WGS courses, all of which had started and
been paid for before the executive order they address was signed, as being in direct violation of the law. It is their goal to silence the voices they disagree with rather than explore a new perspective. They also seek to limit housing options, alleging that one of the identity-based college houses is exclusive to people inside that identity group, which is blatantly untrue. Later on they also hilariously misidentify the school’s gender inclusive policy as a “gender expansive” policy, again arguing the College is violating frecent Trump executive orders. In short, the group demonstrated a clear lack of understanding of College policy.
In the end of their letter the author states that they hope for a renewal of the “marketplace of ideas” and freedom of expression that the College held, according to them, before its “leftist” takeover. This is blatantly hypocritical and deserves ire by every group on campus that cares to maintain its position as an independent student club. The existence of clubs and communities that you do not agree with is inevitable, and to invoke unjust laws in order to wipe the slate clean and declare yourself victor over a social desert is a selfish endeavor to say the least. It is cruel to name and shame students, faculty and staff in a letter with the possibility for such strong repercussions, and indicative of a lack of care for our community. It should always be the policy of forward-thinking institutions to decry and ignore unjust policies, as is our moral duty as American citizens, and the Gettysburg College administration and community should be no exception. It is a disservice to their peers, their educators, and themselves to claim that diversity, equity and inclusion do not belong in this space. And the animus they adamantly claim is held against the white race because the rest of us have been given a space in which we are allowed to thrive and cultivate a lively culture of our own is a disgrace to our Constitution and an affront to our personal liberties.
The Importance of Arts in a STEM-Centered World
By Kenzie Smith, Arts & Entertainment Editor
In recent years technology has become a heightened focus of our society, as it has been integrated into our daily lives. The most recent technology that has been put in the spotlight is artificial intelligence (AI), as it has become increasingly present from search engines such as ChatGPT to the release of demo models of AI powered robots. The world seems to be moving in the direction and focus of STEM, looking for advancements in these fields, which brings forward the question of where the arts fit in. There are arguments that the arts are unimportant, especially in studying them at the post-secondary education level.
Arguments against the arts include that there is a lack of career prospects — that the arts are not as applicable to life as other areas of study, that funding should be allocated instead to core, STEMfocused, subjects or that the arts hold little monetary value — but do these arguments hold any weight?
Gettysburg College is a liberal arts and sciences institution, relying on a curriculum that spans across subjects, requiring every student to take courses in both arts and STEM related fields. The STEM classes may easily provide students with hard skills, but may lack a more productive environment for some of the desired soft skills. Skills including creativity, critical thinking and empathy are integral aspects of many arts classes. These
soft skills are not only sought out in the employment market but are essential to existing in everyday life and interacting with others.
Being able to analyze products of the arts is also highly beneficial, as art is often closely connected to the culture of the place and time it is produced, providing insights into larger aspects, including those relating to society, economics, politics and many more. Practicing and analyzing the arts also allows for an exploration of complex emotions and inner psyche that otherwise might not be able to be expressed or explored. The arts can provide another lens to look at the world through, expanding one’s knowledge and perceptions, which is always beneficial.
Arts and STEM do not have to be two separate sides of a coin, though; in many ways they are more integrated than many realize. One of these examples can be seen through the Art in Science Competition/Exhibit hosted annually in Musselman Library. Students working in the sciences can submit images, illustrations, scientific drawings, graphics, 3D objects or videos to this exhibit, showing how they combine their artistic and STEM abilities.
Another example of mixing the arts and STEM fields is the college’s environmental studies major; this major intentionally uses the word “studies” instead of “science” because the program focuses on a combination of the humanities and
sciences to study, research and understand the environment. These intersections also extend outside of Gettysburg and can be seen in influential people throughout history, such as Leonardo da Vinci who created masterful paintings but also studied and illustrated human anatomy as well as conceptualizing engineering ideas such as the parachute. A more recent example is Steve Jobs who on top of creating the Apple technology was inspired by a calligraphy class he took to create new fonts integrated into the computer’s system.
One of the reasons that the arts and STEM intersect so well is because both are focused on trying to understand and advance the world around us while also examining how we fit in it; they just use different processes to do so: arts uses more subjective and emotional interpretation whereas STEM uses more systematic observations and investigations. Combining these processes and using the arts and STEM to understand the world may even help paint a more whole and accurate representation compared to focusing on one of the two areas alone.
Arts and STEM are not fields meant to be pitted against each other, rather they are most beneficial when they are integrated and used together.
Gettysburg Men's & Women's Basketball Season Recap
By Owen Kutlu, Sports Editor
For both the men and the women, the 2024-25 basketball season at Gettysburg College was nothing short of historic, with both the men's and women's teams achieving remarkable success. The dedication, resilience, and leadership shown by the seniors of both programs played a pivotal role in these achievements, leaving an undoubtable mark on the college's athletic legacy.
Men's Basketball: A Season to Remember
Gettysburg’s men's basketball team entered the season with high expectations, having been selected as the preseason favorites in the Centennial Conference. This anticipation was largely due to the return of key players, including reigning Centennial Conference Player of the Year, Jordan Stafford ’25, and fellow senior guard, Carl Schaller ’25. Last season, Stafford had averaged 14.8 points per game, while Schaller contributed 11.2 points per game and led the team in steals.
The season commenced with the Gettysburg Tip-Off Tournament, where the Bullets showcased their expected dominance. They secured a 70-56 victory over Arcadia University, with Stafford leading the charge by scoring 18 points. The championship game against
Ohio Northern was a close one, but the Bullets came out on top with a 59-57 win, thanks to Schaller's 13-point contribution and a crucial block by Aidan Mess ’26.
As the season went on, the Bullets continued to show resilience and were able to string together a nice stretch of wins in games that came down to the wire. A notable game came against Salisbury University, where despite a hard-fought battle, Gettysburg suffered an 84-78 overtime loss. This game somewhat shifted the momentum of the previous games, leading to a few tough losses after. However, the team’s confidence never wavered and they were able to get back on track and look dominant in conference play.
The Bullets wrapped up the regular season falling in a nail-biter to rival Franklin & Marshall, landing them the third seed in the Centennial Conference Tournament. Gettysburg handled Dickinson in the first round, but couldn’t get past Johns Hopkins in a heartbreaking overtime semifinal loss. While disappointing, there was still much to look forward to for the team.
Gettysburg’s journey culminated with receiving an at-large bid
into the NCAA Tournament, where they faced Chatham University in the first round. The Bullets delivered an impressive performance, defeating Chatham 84-68. The Bullets season ended at the hands of third ranked Wesleyan, losing by a score of 6082.
There were plenty of peaks and valleys, but it is safe to say that this was a season to remember, cementing the culture of Gettysburg basketball for years to come.
Women's Basketball: A Historic Run
The women's basketball team embarked on a season that would leave their names etched in the Gettysburg College history books. Their journey was a result of resilience and the emergence of key players who rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
It did not take very long for Gettysburg to show they were built to withstand whatever challenges came at them. Time froze for a moment when star guard Mackenzie Szlosek ’25 went down early on in a contest against Roanoke with a knee injury that would sideline her for the rest of the season. While it is impossible to replace a player of that caliber, the depth of the Bullets proved
Opinion: GECO Responds to West Quad Renovations
By Elliott Wakefield, Guest Columnist
The members of the Gettysburg Environmental Concerns Organization (GECO) have developed mixed feelings about the upcoming renovations to the West Quad's first-year residential halls. However, we remain optimistic about the potential for enhanced accessibility that these renovations could bring. We believe that a refreshed design for the West Quad will foster increased socialization opportunities among firstyear students, contributing to the development of a stronger, more vibrant campus community.
That being said, there are some aspects of the renovation plans that raise concerns for GECO.
One of our primary worries is the potential loss of greenery on campus. GECO has been closely monitoring the impact of recent campus construction and renovation projects on green spaces.
We have observed a concerning trend where many of these projects have led to a deficit of greenery across campus. The current development plans indicate that the tree adjacent to Paul Hall and along the middle of the quad will be completely removed, which sets a troubling precedent for future campus projects.
We believe that if the removal of greenery is deemed necessary for construction, the College should commit to replacing the lost greenery with an equal or greater amount. Alternatively, the College could explore ways to work around existing trees and green spaces, preserving them where possible.
Another concern that GECO members have raised is the extent of concrete pathways shown in the renovation projections. Some members feel that the proposed concrete patio outside Stine Hall is excessive and represents an unnecessary removal of grassy areas within the West Quad. This design approach mirrors that of the College Union Building, where a large grassy area was
replaced by concrete during construction. GECO believes that such extensive use of concrete may detract from the campus’s natural beauty and the welcoming atmosphere it provides.
Additionally, it has been brought to our attention that some students feel recent campus renovations have shifted the aesthetic toward a “hyper-modern” design, diverging from the historic charm that many students found appealing when choosing Gettysburg. Nature and greenery have always played an integral role in the campus's character, and many students have noticed a shift away from the aesthetic that originally attracted them. We are concerned that this shift may affect how future generations of prospective students perceive the College.
Despite these concerns, GECO is committed to working collaboratively with the College to find a balanced solution. We are confident that it is possible to achieve the accessibility and revitalization goals of the West Quad renovations while minimizing the impact on existing green spaces. By doing so, we can create a campus that respects both its historic charm and its future growth.
Vizualization of West Quad renovations (Graphic by Gettysburg College)
The Crossword
By Heather Wirick, Assistant News Editor
Across
1. Good (or bad) vacuum cleaner review?
3. Here comes the ...nbaugh.
5. This strain of the flu has run rampant on campus this semester.
10. This fraternity joined Gettysburg College in 1855, and was reinstated in 2015. Although it is no longer active on campus, it has still left its mark!
11. Altered state?
12. One after another?
15. Gettysburg great things come to those who wait... and complete their work.
17. Support for a proposal?
18. Murder's location?
19. Leaning column?
20. Angry Jane?
Down
1. Teeth... eyes... taste... everything…
2. Objectively non-concrete.
3. They wrap food, and necks, pretty well.
4. To break one's word?
6. Victim of hot wings?
7. Bouncer’s paradise?
8. Ring bearer?
9. What people tend do when they read, either physically or on their phones.
11. "I forbid."
13. Indicator of appreciation?
14. This Fiona, born in 1977, is best known for her critically acclaimed hit "Criminal".
16. Draft pick?
Grace
Heather
Brandon
David
Kenzie
Sophie
Owen
Sarah Daniels, Content Manager