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Collegedale News 4
Sports 7
Opinion 8
Religion 8
Lifestyle 9
The Southern Accent Update of the Week, page 3 The ministry of Feed My Sheep
Volume 82 Issue 2
The Student Voice Since 1929 Collegedale, Tennessee
Pressing Issue, page 4 Prayer Vigil held for Clemente
September 17, 2026
DEEP Sabbath connects Oakwood and Southern students, prompting calls for more interaction
Southern and Oakwood student worship in Bietz Student Center. Saturday, September 12, 2026. (Photo by Jehiely Balabarca).
Jehiely Balabarca Reporter Students from Oakwood University joined Southern Adventist University students for DEEP Sabbath on Saturday, Sept. 12, for a day of worship, music and activities. DEEP Sabbath, which stands for Diversity Educational Exchange Program, aims to create opportunities for interaction between the two university communities. Deep Sabbath is organized by Southern’s Student Association and Oakwoods' United Student Movement (USM). Students from Oakwood traveled to Southern for a day of worship and fellowship. After attending church at Collegedale Church of Seventh-day
Adventists, students from both universities shared lunch and participated in team building activities. The activities ranged from writing letters to God to singing all together. Ryan Williams, a senior theology major and religious vice president at Oakwood, has participated in DEEP Sabbath at both universities. He described Southern and Oakwood as different campus environments and said DEEP provides an opportunity for students to worship together, build relationships and “bridge that gap.” Williams also noticed a change in this year’s schedule. With fewer activities during part of the program, he said students had more time for informal conversation. “It felt like it was unrushed,” Williams
said. “I feel like we were able to just really sit there and be in each other’s presence.” Pheben Alemayehu, a freshman nursing major at Southern, said she was familiar with Oakwood before Saturday but was not aware that students were coming to visit until her friends mentioned DEEP Sabbath. “I was like, ‘Wow, that is really cool,’” Alemayehu said. After participating in worship and afternoon activities, Alemayehu said she particularly enjoyed the portions of the program that encouraged students to talk to one another. She now looks forward to experiencing Oakwood’s campus when Southern makes its visit. Cungo Kamau, a freshman business
administration major at Southern, also attended DEEP for the first time. He said having the Oakwood community present changed the atmosphere of Sabbath for him, describing himself as feeling “more elevated and close to God.” For some Oakwood students, the visit is also a first look at Southern. Amani Williams, an Oakwood senior double majoring in public policy and Spanish and a USM parliamentarian, had never visited Southern before Saturday. She said students were welcoming throughout the day; at one point, there were six different desserts that had been offered to her. “I’ve never had that many dessert See DEEP Sabbath on page 3
"I feel like we were able to just really sit there and be in each other’s presence.” - Ryan Williams
If you would like to be a contributor, contact Chloe Smith at chloegsmith@southern.edu
2 | Thursday, September 17, 2026
NEWS
Inside Engage Worship: A student-led ministry Lydia Campbell Reporter Fifteen years ago, Leticia Chapparro, a military member and mother, attended a retreat with her teenage daughter that she said changed her life. “Not growing up in the Adventist Church, I went to the retreat, and I saw these college students just showcasing their love for God and presenting worship in that space,” Chaparro said. The retreat was hosted by Engage Worship, a traveling student-led worship ministry with the purpose of showcasing the spiritual life of Southern Adventist University to high school students, according to Chaparro. Now, Chaparro is the ministry coordinator for Engage and an admissions counselor at Southern. Engage is made up of four student-led praise teams, according to leaders from Engage. Glenn Melnichenko, a senior theology student and a fouryear student director for Engage, explained the structure of the teams. “We have our ministry coordinator, Leticia Chaparro, and then under her, we have four student directors,” he said. Melnichenko went on to explain that the four worship teams are made up of 9 people each. There is also an operations team, which includes social media and audio visual (people), totaling to about 46 people on Engage. “Engage has about 15 events per semester, which can be a trip or something in-house
here at Southern,” Melnichenko said. “Most of our events are around the Southern Union.” Noel Lewis, a senior accounting major and a co-leader of Team One, explained the mission of Engage. “The overall goal is to minister to high school students,” Lewis said, "to be used as a vehicle for God, to be able to reach the kids in the way that we worship [and] create an environment for students to be able to encounter God.” Lewis highlighted that Engage is a part of the Admissions office, making it a tool for recruitment and outreach. Lena Moody, a sophomore strategic communication major and the marketing coordinator and a student director of Engage, explained where the group travels. “Most events are in the Southern Union, like Florida, North Carolina, Georgia and here at Southern, but we have done a few outside the conference,” she said. Some examples from Moody included Colorado and New Mexico. Students who were unfamiliar with Engage shared their first impressions or confusion about the ministry. “I’m shocked,” said Raquel Delgado, a junior strategic communication major. “I had no idea that they were a recruitment tool.” One common misconception Moody mentioned involves Engage’s relation to Southern’s vespers program. “Engage is completely separate from the vespers teams,” said Moody. “[But] there’s a lot
of overlap. A lot of the musicians from Engage [also play on] vespers teams, but they’re two different things.” Moody explained that Engage is catered toward reaching high schoolers and prospective Southern students, rather than current students at the university. Chapparro said that this year, Engage will also be conducting worship at convocations. “This year, Dr. Negron came to my office, and he said that he surveyed the students as to what they wanted for convocation, and they said worship,” she said. “So, he asked us to do a couple of convocations. From the business aspect, we have the opportunity to tell people who did not know Engage that we have a scholarship program, and it is also a recruiting opportunity for people by word of mouth.” Lewis said that attending the Southern Union Conference's prayer conference changed his life and inspired him to join Engage. While at an evening worship, the preacher conducted an altar call while the theme song played. “It just spoke to me on a level that I had never experienced before,” Lewis said. “I had never had an experience with God so vividly, and I remember it changed my life and put me on the path of music ministry. That is why I joined Engage; because of the environment that they created for me to be able to experience God like I have never experienced before.” Lewis also shared a personal testimony of how Engage reached the hearts of students
Engage leaders worship at Prayer Conference at Camp Kulaqua. (Photo by Lena Moody)
at a school they recently visited. He noted that many of the students had difficult pasts, yet the week of worship had an impact. “There was a change in the atmosphere over that week,” Lewis said. “I believe it was eight students that end[ed] up getting baptized, and it was the first baptism at that school. I remember one of the students’ parents [was] moved by the worship and decided to also get baptized.” Chapparro explained that the application for Engage opens in January and closes around mid-April and is available to freshmen through seniors. Each year, Engage looks for specific instruments, vocals or operational roles based on that
year's needs. Students are required to fill out an application, provide a demo or a portfolio and be interviewed. For students who are not involved in Engage, Chapparro asked for spiritual support. “We need their prayers as we go out and represent them and represent what God is doing at Southern,” she said. “It’s nothing that we do,” Lewis said. “It’s simply being a vehicle for God to move and being a vessel for Him to use. And when we open ourselves to that, we’re able to let Him do some extraordinary things in the lives of these students.” For more information, visit southern.edu/engage.
Engage Team Four leads out worship at Miami Arise. Friday, April 10, 2026. (Photo by Lena Moody)
Southern Accent
The Accent encourages readers to write articles and voice their opinions. However, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Accent, the Southern Adventist University or the Seventh-day Adventist Church. For any questions, comments and article submission information, email the editor at chloegsmith@southern.edu For all advertising inquiries, email alvajohnson@southern.edu.
Editor-in-Chief Chloe Smith
Lifestyle Editor Maddie Schmidt
Managing Editor Sienna Escobar
Sports Editor Ava-Caroline Schmidt
Assistant Managing Editor Gabrielle Young
Opinion Editor Leif Bromme
Photo Editor Katie McConnell
Circulation Manager Ian Francis
Social Media Management Gianelli Banuchi Jenna Fortune
Layout Manager Nyah Jackson
Web Management Eri Jorge Jeziel Gomez Reporters Jehiely Balabarca Rebecca Walwyn Lydia Campbell Lillie Domenech Madeleine Miyashiro Collegedale Editor Kyla Wetmore Collegedale Managing Editor Asher LeVos
Collegedale Layout Manager Malcolm Maynes Copy Editors Julie Herter Lauren Sahly Hadassah Nazarenus Layout Designers Katherine Damian Flores Jewell Hewitt Staff Sponsor Alva James-Johnson
3 | Thursday, September 17, 2026
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NEWS DEEP Sabbath Continued from page 1 options,” Williams said. “Everyone’s really super nice, super welcoming.” Still, Williams said she would have liked more opportunities to interact directly with Southern students. She suggested incorporating additional social activities that place students from both universities on teams, requiring them to interact rather than simply attend the same events.
“If we were to bond with each other in a different light,” Williams said, “[it could create] a longer-lasting impression because we would make friends a little faster.” Some Southern students echoed that desire. Caleb Runazi, who has attended previous DEEP Sabbaths, said he values the activities because they allow students to interact beyond the worship service and experience what he described as Southern’s sister campus.
However, Runazi said that despite spending three years at Southern, he has only visited Oakwood twice. “I wish we could have much more frequent visits,” Runazi said. Matthew DeOliveira, a junior accounting major and Student Association executive secretary, said he enjoyed reconnecting with friends from Oakwood and introducing visiting students to Southern’s campus. Looking ahead, however, DeOliveira said he would like to see greater
student participation. He said increased interaction could allow students to learn “how we’re different, how [we’re] similar” while strengthening community between the schools. Alejandro Robles, a junior pre-med biology major and SA executive vice president, highlighted organization and participation as strengths of this year’s program. Robles said SA members knew their responsibilities ahead of the event, while Senators helped serve
visiting Oakwood students. He also pointed to the participation of both student bodies and Oakwood’s musical contributions as highlights of the Sabbath. Tony Planells, a junior finance major and SA payroll manager, said he appreciated the opportunity to interact with students from other schools. “It was great to see leaders from both schools come together and worship for the Lord,” Planells said.
Ron Halvorsen, Jr., addressing the DEEP Sabbath congregation. Saturday, September 12, 2026. (Photo by Jehiely Balabarca).
More Than a Pantry: The Ministry of Feed My Sheep Madeleine Miyashiro Reporter Over ten years ago, a student in the School of Social Work created a pantry for his course assignment. After a survey revealed a pressing need for food, the ministry and donation-based pantry was established in the summer of 2014 as a community resource. The pantry, located next to the Adventist Book Center in the Flemming Plaza Mini Mall, is open for students to visit and receive food items. Students were recently informed through a campuswide email from operations manager of Feed My Sheep Food Pantry, Katelyn Webster, that the pantry now features a new online order and pick-up system. Pantry clients can select their items online and schedule a time to pick up their order. According to their website, a pantry inventory is kept of all items, and every Monday, the pantry is restocked. Southern students, employees and community members are allowed to shop once a week for 15 minutes. They can select two grains, four proteins, eight fruits or vegetables and four household items. Once the person has selected the items, they “check out” with a student worker. On the way out, the client can scan a QR code to comment on items they’d like to
see in the pantry. A junior from the School of Social Work, who wishes to remain anonymous, reflected on how often he has gone to the pantry in his years at Southern. “I’ve been [to the food pantry] several times these past two years,” the student said. “One of the greatest ways to do ministry is to provide the needs for other people and introduce them to God instead of just saying, ‘God loves you.’ ... I believe they are more likely to know God because they see God as someone who helps them.” Feed My Sheep continues to assist students and faculty at Southern. For those interested in visiting the pantry, appointments can be made at southern. edu/feedmysheep and are available from Monday to Thursday. According to Webster, Feed My Sheep has seen around 4,000 clients since 2014. Many of the students who come to the pantry have a wide variety of circumstances and needs. “We end up seeing a lot of nontraditional students,” she said, “[such as] students who are coming back to college, who may already have families and full-time jobs, as well as graduate students who are local. “We take what we call ‘inkind’ donations,” Webster continued. “That’s [actually] somebody dropping off items See Feed My Sheep on page 4
Southern's Feed My Sheep pantry provides students in need with accessible food and essential resources to support their everyday needs. Monday, September 14, 2026. (Photo by Christine Lee).
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NEWS Engineering Department receives ABET accreditation Chloe Smith Editor-in-Chief Julie Herter Copy Editor In August, the School of Engineering and Physics received accreditation from ABET, marking a significant milestone for the department that has grown from an associate degree into a full bachelor’s program in only a few years. According to a press release from Southern Adventist University, ABET is an internationally recognized establishment that accredits university programs in applied and natural sciences, computing, engineering and engineering technology. The accreditation comes nearly three years after Southern welcomed the first engineering bachelor's students in 2023. “This is a program that prospective students have been asking for,” said Ryan Herman, director of Enrollment Technology, when the program was first announced. The Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) degree was announced in August 2022 and was built off a long-standing associate degree that Southern had offered for many years. The program was developed to allow students to complete their engineering bachelor’s degrees while remaining part of the Southern community, according to the 2022 press release. Tyson Hall, dean of the School of Engineering and Physics, said earning accred-
Senior engineering majors Janet Rader (left) and Grayson Noble (right), discuss their senior design project with Dr. Sean Walters (center) during their senior design class. Monday, September 14, 2026. (Photo by Christine Lee).
itation required a rigorous, two-year review process. “Through this process, we had to demonstrate that the BSE Engineering program’s curriculum, faculty, facilities, assessment processes, and continuous improvement efforts met ABET’s established criteria,” Hall stated. Although Southern’s bachelor's degree program in engineering has been offered
for just three years, two classes have already graduated from the program. Students were able to enter the program from Southern’s previous two-year pre-engineering program when the bachelor program launched. According to Hall, ABET included those graduates in its accreditation action. “Because students were already on campus in the twoyear pre-engineering program
when the BSE Engineering program launched, two student cohorts have already graduated from the program,” stated Tyson. “ABET has informed us that all of these graduates are included in this accreditation action, and they can now tell current and future employers that they graduated from an ABET accredited program.” In an interview with The Southern Accent, Taylor Naus, a
Senior engineering majors Joshua Macri (left) and Alexey Melnik (right) discussing about their group project. Monday, September 14, 2026. (Photo by Christine Lee).
senior mechanical engineering major, shared what this milestone meant for him. “To me, it means that I have the ability to now go out in the engineering workforce and actually get a professional seat in a company without having to worry about potentially getting let off due to the fact that our program was not accredited,” Naus said. According to Tyson, students will see more opportunities with a degree backed by ABET. “It provides employers confidence that graduates have received an education that meets recognized standards for the engineering profession,” Hall stated. “It is also an important step toward professional engineering licensure.” When asked how it felt for a newer program to have obtained accreditation, Hall credited it all to God. “We continue to praise God for His goodness towards us throughout the development of Southern’s BSE program,” Hall stated. “Achieving ABET accreditation is just one more example of His blessing and provision for our faculty and students.” For more information about the engineering program, visit southern.edu/engineering.
Feed My Sheep Continued from page 3 for the pantry. Of course, there are financial donations as well, which is through the Advancement office.” Despite the growing clientele, many students at Southern are unaware that Feed My Sheep exists, according to Webster. She hopes the pantry gains more recognition. “There is absolutely no shame in coming to the pantry,” she said. “There’s no exact reason why you’re coming to the pantry. It can be any reason at all. …We just want you to come.” The pantry exists for all Southern students, whether they run out of meal plan, live on or off campus or simply want to experience it for themselves. “The social work field is all about serving the greater community, whatever that looks like and wherever that is,” Webster said. “This ministry is just an extension of that. It’s a way to serve our community on campus.” Southern's Feed My Sheep pantry is open to all students. Monday, September 14, 2026. (Photo by Christine Lee).
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COLLEGEDALE NEWS Community holds prayer vigil for ICE custody death Sienna Escobar Managing Editor Close to 40 people gathered at a prayer vigil to honor the life of Alejandro Cabrera Clemente, a Cleveland, Tennessee resident, who passed away in ICE custody five months ago. Friends and acquaintances of Clemente, local church members and organizers from the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) met 6 p.m., Sept. 3, at the First United Methodist Church in Cleveland. The group, which included community members of all ages, prayed together, shared stories, lit candles and held a moment of silence. Most of the service was translated in English and Spanish. Alejandra Guajardo, a Cleveland resident and TIRRC board member, expressed the purpose of the prayer vigil. “We're here to stand in unity for the dignity of humanity, specifically when it comes to the treatment of immigrants in our community,” Guajardo said. “We have seen family separation happening and, most recently, the death of a community member.” Viri Marín, an East Tennessee organizer for TIRRC, said the meeting was an important way for community members to honor Clemente and grieve together. During the meeting, Clemente’s sister, who gave only her first name, joined via video call and tearfully addressed the gathering in Spanish. “I am also very sorry,” she said. “I know that the people who are there (in Cleveland) are experiencing the situation that I am living, and the only thing we ask for is justice for our loved ones.” ICE Custody According to an ICE detainee death report, Clemente was apprehended on Jan. 8 in the Bradley County Jail in Cleveland, Tennessee by ICE agents from Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) New Orleans. Once in ICE custody, Clemente was transferred to the Winn Correctional Center (WCC) in Winnfield, Louisiana. The death report stated that Clemente had previously been arrested for “disorderly conduct, possession of drug paraphernalia, domestic assault, failure to appear and probation violation.” The death report did not state how long Clemente had been in the Bradley County jail. According to Marín, he had been arrested by Cleveland police for a traffic offense. Local law enforcement coordinated with ICE due to the 287(g) agreement between the sheriff and the police departments and federal ICE agents. A previous Accent article explained that the 287(g) program “takes its name from a section added to the Immigration and Nationality Act in 1996, authorizing ‘ICE to delegate to state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions under the agency’s direction and supervision.’” According to the Bradley County Sherriff’s Office, the only documentation their agency had regarding Clemente was a 2024 incident report for an arrest for disorderly conduct. A jail docket published by the Cleveland Daily Banner every 3-4 days documented 3 times Clemente had been arrested in 2024. The most recent arrest information was published on December 18, 2025, and stated that Clemente had been arrested by the Cleveland Police Department for violation of probation for driving on a
suspended license. None of these incidents were explicitly cited by the death report or any press releases as the reason Clemente was in the Bradley County Jail when apprehended by ICE on Jan. 8. According to Marín, Clemente was able to contact his family during the months he spent at the WCC. The death report stated that Clemente received medical treatment while he was detained for health issues including hypertension, elevated blood pressure and flu-like symptoms. According to the report, Clemente was found unresponsive in his cell on April 11 and declared deceased not long after. On April 13, the ICE website published a news release announcing Cabrera’s death under the headline “ICE criminal illegal alien detainee passes away in Louisiana.” The press release stated that Cabrera had been in the U.S. for 25 years after entering illegally. Community Impact According to Marín, Clemente’s local community was shaken by the news of his death. “When I arrived, there was a lot of pain and sadness, like they couldn’t believe it,” Marín said. “When you go and talk to his community, he was known as someone who helped in his church, who was loved in his community.” Part of the difficulty, Marín said, was the way Clemente’s case was documented. “One thing that devastated his church community was seeing how, at the end, (ICE) had taken his story and just changed it into any old offenses and not giving him the dignity of the community member that he really was,” Marín said. During the prayer vigil, Marín said that more than four months later, Clemente’s family still had not received his ashes. Sara Cook, a member of the First United Methodist Church, said she did not know Clemente but expressed concern over what she had learned from the meeting, especially about the way his ashes had been handled. “There's been no dignity given to the family; there's been no closure given to the family,” Cook said. “There's still a lot of unanswered questions, I'm sure.” International Implications According to an article by ABC News, Clement was the 47th person to pass away in ICE custody under the current U.S. administration and the 15th Mexican national to pass away since 2025. The Mexican Foreign Ministry published a press release on April 13 regarding Clemente’s passing. “The Ministry reiterates its deep concern and its demand for immediate action,” the press release stated. “The repeated occurrence of deaths in custody is unacceptable and reveals serious deficiencies in ICE detention centers, which are incompatible with human rights standards and the protection of human life. All Mexican consulates have been instructed to intensify their efforts, including daily visits to ICE detention facilities.” In Clemete’s death report, ICE detailed various times that Clemente was evaluated and received treatment for health conditions. “ICE is committed to ensuring that all those in custody reside in safe, secure and humane environments,” the ICE press release stated. “Comprehensive medical care is provided from
the moment individuals arrive and throughout the entirety of their stay. All people in ICE custody receive medical, dental and mental health intake screenings within 12 hours of arriving at each detention facility; a full health assessment within 14 days of entering ICE custody or arrival at a facility; access to medical appointments; and 24-hour emergency care. At no time during detention is a detained alien denied emergency care.” Community Response Gerald Jones, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, said he did not know Clemente personally, but his church had worked closely with TIRRC before to host events such as the prayer vigil. While the demographic of his congregation is not predominantly Hispanic, Jones said getting involved was a way for his church members to live out the principle of loving their neighbors. “When I let the leadership
know that we were going to be hosting this event, there was zero pushback,” Jones said. “In fact, there was 100 percent agreement that this is what we're supposed to do as the church and the community.” Afton Nordean, the administrative assistant at the church, has worked closely with TIRRC and other local outreach groups. Despite her involvement, Nordean said she had not heard about Clemente’s case until TIRRC reached out to them. “It's really heartbreaking that our community has been affected in this way, and we don't even know it,” Nordean said. “I think it's tricky, right? Because when we're silent about it, it's like it didn't happen. But it is scary to speak out about it, especially knowing that there has been retribution for that in the past.” For her, Nordean said that the issues with speaking out made it even more important for community members to get involved.
"Coming from a place of privilege,” Nordean said, “(maybe a) friend is afraid that children are going to be taken away from her. Well, I don't have that fear as a white woman, right? And I feel like it's not her job to advocate for herself. It's my job to advocate for her, because I'm in a privileged position to do that, and I don't carry that fear with me.” At the close of the prayer vigil, Marín invited the audience to work towards a community that is safe for everybody. “I invite you to share Alejandro's story, to share what happened and what you saw today,” Marín said, “because we also believe that every person should be free to be treated with dignity by those who claim to be civil servants, protecting and serving our communities. No matter what you look like, where you were born, how much money you make or how you practice your faith, we all deserve the freedom and dignity to live (our) lives.”
A banner with the words “United for human dignity!” was displayed at the front of the First Methodist Church in Cleveland, Tenn. during a prayer vigil to honor lives lost in ICE custody. Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Photo by Sienna Escobar)
6 | Thursday, September 17, 2026
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the Can i n e Sta r s
Dua Lipa the pitbull jumps over preset hurdles with excitement. Tuesday, September 15, 2026. (Photo by Katie McConnell).
Trainer Whitney holds Hannah Montana, a border collie, jack russel, and malinois mix. Tuesday, September 15, 2026. (Photo by Katie McConnell).
Trainer Kiera shows off the dancing tricks of the golden retriever named Riot. This was Riot's first show. Tuesday, September 15, 2026. (Photo by Katie McConnell).
A crowd gathers in the Iles Physical Education Center lobby to meet the show dogs and purchase merchandise. Tuesday, September 15, 2026. (Photo by Katie McConnell)
7 | Thursday September 17, 2026
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SPORTS
Two by Two: Intramural double tennis matches dominate the court this year Ava-Caroline Schmidt Sports Editor The double tennis matches have started on Southern Adventist University’s campus, with several different divisions available for students during this intramural season. The leagues include women’s doubles with one division, men’s A league with one division, men’s B league with two divisions and mixed doubles with one A league having one division and two divisions for B leagues. Games have already started with the majority being scheduled on Sundays and Mondays; however, not every game needs to be played on the date it is scheduled. According to the guidelines for double and single tennis intramurals for Southern, the matches are scheduled for the week, but the games themselves don’t necessarily have to be played on the specific day. For example, if a match is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 13, both teams have until Saturday night, Sept. 19, to play the match. Therefore, it is very important that if a player wants to reschedule the match, they must communicate not only with their teammate (if they have one) and their opponent, but with the intramurals program as well. In this sport, communication is key; off and on the court, especially regarding doubles, where players communicating is essential for the game to
go smoothly. Other aspects, such as choosing tennis balls, switching sides, positions, calling for the ball, and covering one another, will affect the outcome of the game’s results. Becca O’Dell, a senior business administration major, who has been playing tennis for about a year and a half, remarked that she enjoys playing singles over doubles and said that “doubles are harder, because I have to depend on somebody else. I like depending on myself.”
O’Dell also pointed out that, from her observation, there are more mixed doubles this year than singles, which was the case last year as well. Factors contributing to this could be that people overall feel more confident and reassured with a partner. It also requires less running and provides more room for players as opposed to a singles court match. O’Dell finished by adding that she likes playing with people who are more laid back, focusing more on playing for
the fun of the game instead of just developing skill sets. Playing with fellow students and friends with this mindset makes the game more relaxed and enjoyable. Laura Prado, a junior biology major who has been playing tennis on and off for about three years, said that although doubles are harder, they seem to be more fun because singles require a lot more running, and there is only one player covering the court. Matches are set to pro-
ceed throughout September, October and November. Tennis intramurals have something for everyone, whether someone prefers working solo over having a teammate, or is more passionate about the sport and competition than another. Regardless, tennis is yet another way to play with friends, enhance your skills - no matter what level - and enjoy the outdoors before the weather turns chilly.
Double Tennis intramurals have started with the girls double tennis teams battling it out on the court. Sunday, September 14, 2026. (Photo by Ava-Caroline Schmidt).
Intramural Tennis Game Results Sunday (6th): • Mixed Doubles A - R Jo vs J Lee = 0 to 2 - L Lee vs C Kang = 2 to 0 • Mixed Doubles B - A Sema vs A Asok = 0 to 2 - D Rosado vs H Shim = 1 to 0 - j volkov vs Y Paim Raulino = 0 to 2 - I Lopez vs Z Chan = 2 to 0 Monday (7th): • Men’s Doubles A - R Yoon vs T Planells = 2 to 0 - Y Paim Raulino vs C Kang = 0 to 2 • Men’s Doubles B - D Renck vs C Watkins = 4 to 6 - A Alvarez vs G gallien = 7 to 5 - N Martin vs Z Lloyd = 0 to 2 - L Neal vs L McClurg = 3 to 6 - A Quispe vs J Hocking = 0 to 2 - C Delaney vs J shin = 2 to 0 - N Indreiu vs Z Chan = 2 to 0 - L Bromme vs K Castro = 6 to 0 • Women’s Doubles - L Prado vs R ODell = 1 to 2 - l teron vs C Armstrong = 0 to 1 - G Kim vs N rojas = 1 to 0
- S Miyagi vs p sorokoumova = 6 to 2 Sunday (13th): • Mixed Doubles A - C Kang vs R O’Dell = 0 to 2 • Mixed Doubles B - J Yim vs Y Paim Raulino = 0 to 2 Monday (14th): • Men’s Double B - N Martin vs L Neal = 2 to 0 - L Bromme vs L McClurg = 0 to 0 • Women’s Doubles - S Miyagi vs C Armstrong = 0 to 2
UPCOMING GAMES Sunday (20th) • Mixed Doubles A • Mixed Doubles B Monday (21st) • Men’s Doubles A
• Men’s Doubles B • Women’s Doubles
8 | Thursday, September 17. 2026
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OPINION
Textbooks and the captive customer Leif Bromme Opinion Editor College life comes with expenses: tuition, meal plans, housing and various fees. In addition to these charges are the exorbitant prices associated with textbooks and course materials. According to a 2024-25 analysis by the College Board, students at a four-year university spend about $340 each year on textbooks. The individual amounts vary significantly depending on professors and classes. To cut costs, many students have turned to used textbooks or electronic books (eBooks). National Student Services suggests that some eBooks may sell for up to 50% less than their physical counterparts, making them significantly more feasible for those wishing to save money. The prevalence of bundled courseware and ever-updating textbook editions, however, can send even eBook prices into the stratosphere. A reduction in the price of eBooks to provide a budget-friendly option would be clearly beneficial for students and would do little to hamper the success of the textbook industry. Companies already make a profit on physical editions; with eBooks, many of the expenses associated with printing, binding and shipping disappear entirely. Most markets are driven by competition. Businesses vie for the same customers, attracting clientele by offering lower prices than their competitors.
Consumers also help lower prices. If a product becomes too expensive, they stop buying it. The textbook industry functions differently. Business Insider reports that over 80% of the industry is dominated by just five companies: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Pearson Education, Cengage Learning, McGraw-Hill Education and Scholastic. These titans have already enmeshed themselves with the education system, limiting the need for competitive pricing. More importantly, there is no threat that students will stop buying textbooks if the prices rise too high. Often selected by professors who consider course relevance before cost, textbooks are not something that students can simply opt out of. Taking advantage of this, textbook companies have inflated prices at an unreasonable rate. According to a 2026 report from the Education Data Initiative, textbook prices are rising at three times the rate of inflation and doubling every 11 years. Strategies like pirating online files or finding used copies may work for some students, but many companies release frequently updated editions with slight changes that invalidate past issues. Even eBooks offer little help; companies have found ways to increase costs with access codes – links that allow students to view the textbook along with coursework and interactive elements. With the simple sharing of a file, education companies make
significant profits on eBooks just as they do with physical books that require printing, binding and delivery. The effort to turn eBooks into temporary-access products hasn’t just made books more expensive upon purchase. While students can sometimes resell physical copies to recoup some money, the same cannot be done with eBooks. Making eBooks more affordable does not risk making physical ones irrelevant. While digital copies offer portability, physical books offer reliable information without the need for the internet or charging cables. In addition, many books with built-in questions and homework assignments are much easier to manage as a physical workbook. Those
who want a more tactile experience can still purchase physical copies for the full price. Ultimately, textbook prices are inflated because the industry has limited competition and exploited captive customers. Until one of those things changes, prices will remain high. While it is difficult to influence the decisions of corporations, it is possible to provide cheaper options at the university level. When professors select materials that they themselves will not have to pay for, price considerations can fall by the wayside. There are other options available – both digital and physical – that provide similar information without the latest price-hiked edition or limited-time access code. These include Rice University’s Open-
Stax, which provides free online peer-reviewed textbooks, LibreTexts, a non-profit digital library with textbook options, and the Open Textbook Library. In a system where normal consumer pressure has no effect on prices – one where the selector of a product is not the one who purchases it – universities have a responsibility to introduce that pressure themselves. They can help professors provide budget-friendly textbooks. They can prioritize open educational resources and ownership over limited-time access codes. Even if eBook prices continue to rise, we have at our disposal the power to make students’ lives a few dollars easier.
A student works out of a chemistry textbook on the second floor of McKee Library. Tuesday, September 15, 2026. (Photo by Katie McConnell).
RELIGION
Beyond the Mission: How Kenya changed my life Sydney Wright Contributor Before I went to Kenya, I had a pretty simple idea of what it meant to serve. I thought it meant giving up my time, sharing Jesus with those around me and hopefully making a difference in someone else’s life. I knew I was going to be stepping into a new culture, lifestyle and definitely out of my comfort zone and I was so excited to see how God was going to use me, but I never would have imagined how much this past year was going to change me. I went to The Olmalaika Trust to make a difference, but I quickly realized those girls were going to be the ones making the difference in me. This past year, I was so fortunate to have been able to serve at The Olmalaika Trust in Sekenani, Kenya, right on the border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Trust is a safe home for babies and little girls who have undergone some form of trauma in their innocent, young lives, such as abuse, abandonment, child marriage, rape, female genital mutilation (FGM) and more. Olmalaika provides them with safety, love, education, hope and a better future. These girls have heart-wrenching stories, but you’d never know it just by looking at them. They’re filled with so much laughter and joy; sometimes it’s hard to remember that they’ve been through worse things in their few years of life than I will ever have to endure. I knew from the very first day I arrived that these girls were going to be everything to me. My days were spent helping in the nursery with the babies
in the mornings, followed by moving outside to teach preschool to two very energetic four-year-olds. Getting to spend time with them taught me a whole new level of love. I’ve loved working with kids my entire life, and I have immense love for every child I meet, but one in particular was different. God sent me a little girl named Joy. And that’s exactly what she brought to my life. She immediately became my whole world. Everyone who worked there knew she was my baby and that we were going to be connected forever. I was so lucky that God allowed me to experience a kind of love I had never experienced before—a maternal love. I knew from that second on, I was never going to be the same. These girls were going to be in my heart for the rest of my life. And I was going to do everything I possibly could to help them succeed. Because the Trust is run solely on donations, I knew I had to do everything I could to help them continue this beautiful ministry when I left. They are making such a difference in these kids’ lives, saving them from so many traumatic backgrounds, giving them hope, paying for their schooling and then sending them off to build a better, healthier life. This past year made me realize service isn’t always doing something extraordinary. Sometimes it’s simply showing up. Some days it’s just a hug or a smile; some days it’s picking a little girl back up and telling her that she is so loved. God doesn’t always need us to do something big; He just needs us to be willing. I went to Kenya thinking I was going to teach these girls about the love
of Jesus, but instead, they were the ones showing me what it’s like to live out His love in the simplest ways. They showed me that it’s not about how much you give but about being willing to give whatever you have,
wherever God has placed you. Living in Kenya changed my whole perspective on life, service, faith and even my own purpose. That wonderful, resilient, beautiful family showed me that service doesn’t end
when you get off the plane; it’s a way of living–choosing to love, listen, show up and make a difference in the small moments of every day. .
Sydney Wright poses for a photo with a child on her mission trip in Kenya. (Photo by Sydney Wright) .
9 | Thursday Sptember 17, 2026
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LIFESTYLE
Having a home away from home Maddie Schmidt Lifestyle Editor Home is often thought of as a place—a house, a bedroom or a familiar street. But for college students, our picture of “home” can look a little different. As we grow older, our world expands beyond the familiar walls of the home in which we grew up, introducing us to new places, people and experiences. What once felt like our entire world eventually becomes only one small part of it. With each new place we enter, our idea of home expands. We begin to realize that home is not always defined by an address, but by the people who make us feel known, welcomed and like we belong. In college, those people can be the difference between simply having a place to live and truly feeling at home. Bryson Baird, a senior construction management major, shared that when he first came to Southern, his friend, Kristina Bermudez, who later became his girlfriend, was a big part of what made college feel like home for him. “When I first started here, I wasn’t taking good care of myself,” Baird said. “I wasn’t getting good meals because I was so focused on homework and everything else I had going on, but Kristina texted me every day to make sure that I ate something and that I was taking care of myself, even before we got together.” Baird went on, saying that beyond his girlfriend, his friend group was there for him to lean on as well. “My other friends were there
for me too and formed a community around me,” Baird said. Having close friends who care about our wellbeing and surrounding ourselves with genuine people can help us to remember that we are not alone and that we have an outlet to turn to when we are discouraged or struggling. Lily Sakata, a senior nursing major, shared her experience with a fellow student that left a lasting impact on her. Through her nursing classes, Sakata formed a friendship with Georgia Tankersley, who is now a recent graduate of the School of Nursing. According to Sakata, Tankersley had many things going on in her life during the time that they were classmates. Yet she always found ways to pour her time and love into Sakata and her faith and love for Jesus left an imprint on Sakata’s heart. “I knew she valued our friendship,” Sakata stated, “but the wildly intentional and generous love from her was more than I could ever understand.” Sakata shared a memory of one of the many instances where Tankersley showed her that her well-being mattered. “I remember feeling absolutely defeated—on multiple levels—the night before a bulky nursing exam,” Sakata stated. “But before I could wallow in self pity, I felt the buzz of my phone in my pocket. It was Georgia calling me to study. I had no academic zeal to offer her—just exhaustion. But instead of hanging up, Georgia proceeded to explain all of the test content over the span of an hour or two... By God’s grace working vivaciously through
‘mama Georgia,’ I passed the exam with flying colors.” If we keep our hearts open to the people around us, we will find that we are surrounded by love and support. Sometimes we find that love or support in the friends we make, and other times it will be through teachers or staff members. Ashly Avila, a senior elementary education major, shared her experience with her advisor. “Professor Michelle Adams, from the School of Education, was a really big help during my sophomore year,” Avila said. “I had a stressful family situation happening at the time, and she offered a lot of guidance and support. I was struggling
academically because of those family issues, but because of her help I was able to finish the year with good grades.” Avila went on to explain that she attributes her success to Adams. “I would have been at a loss of what to do if she hadn’t been there for me,” Avila said. “Thanks to her, I feel stable and sure of my goals and my future.” Baird also shared an experience he had with a professor that made an impact on him. “I took a calculus class from Adam Heck,” Baird said. “He always opened his office hours before class, and one day I went to his office right after my
brother was in a motorcycle accident. He stopped what he was doing and asked everyone to pray for my brother. That was a huge moment for me.” These seemingly small interactions leave a wake behind them, slowly building a sense of familiarity and belonging. Through the people we spend time with, we can realize how valued we really are. College may be where we live for a few years, but the people we meet are what makes those years feel like home. Long after we leave Southern Adventist University, those small moments—and the people behind them—are what we are likely to remember most.
Bryson Baird and Kristina Bermudez pose for photo. Friday, September 11, 2026. (Photo by Maddie Schmidt).
GAME
Fall has rolled in! Down 1. Chilly-weather gathering 2. Tool to gather leaves 3. Typically fall temperature 5. Warm clothing for your neck Across 4. They change color and fall from trees 6. Season after summer
Created by Katherine Damian Flores
10 | Thursday September 17, 2026
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CHATTER Today — 17 69 - 91
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11:00am Convocation: Constitution Day, Linda Moss Mines @ IIes P.E. Center 12:00 pm - 1:00pm Dean’s Luncheons @ Wright Center
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11:00 am Latin American Club Sabbath Celebration, Jose Cortez Jr. @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists 7:00 pm Evensong: Horn Ensemble @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
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71 - 92 Payday: Hourly/Students 6:30 pm Vespers: Latin American Club, Jose Cortez Jr. @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists 7:30pm AfterGlow @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists 7:44pm Sunset 8:30pm Star Watch @ Hickman Science Center 8:30pm Vespers: Latin American Club, Jose Cortez Jr. @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
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Fall Week of Worship @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists Last Day for 80% Refund 3:30 pm Undergraduate Curriculum Committee @ Wright Hall
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-Fall Week of Worship @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
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Fall Week of Worship @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists Senior Photos @ Bietz Center for Student Life 5:00pm- 6:00pm Flag Football Captain’s Meeting @ Hulsey Wellness Center Across 4. Leaves 6. Fall Down 1.Bonefire 2. Rake 3. Chilly 5. Scarf
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