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Collegedale News 4
Sports 7
Opinion 8
Religion 8
Lifestyle 9
The Southern Accent Update of the Week, page 4 Southern welcomes new music conductor to the School of Music
Volume 82 Issue 3
The Student Voice Since 1929
Pressing Issue, page 3
Former Collegedale Academy Elementary building to become home of mathematics and computing
Collegedale, Tennessee
September 24, 2026
Southern addresses enrollment concerns
Students walk on the promenade in the evening. Tuesday, September 22, 2026. (Photo by Katie McConnell)
Madeleine Miyashiro Reporter Nyah Jackson Layout Manager Sienna Escobar Managing Editor Since the beginning of the school year, enrollment numbers at Southern Adventist University have become a frequent topic of discussion on campus. Following a record-high total enrollment last fall, new and returning students have noticed a considerably smaller freshman class this year. According to data from Southern's Institutional Research and Planning Office (IRPO), this year’s freshman class has 541 students, compared to 642 freshmen last year – a decrease of 101 students. Tom Verrill, senior vice president of
Financial Administration, compared the freshman class size to recent years. “[While] this is a smaller incoming class than the previous four years, this year’s freshman class is consistent with the average prior to this time period,” Verrill stated in an email. “It should be noted that the past three years include the two largest freshman classes ever.” Last year, Southern hit a record total enrollment of 3,343 students, according to data from the IRPO. Although fewer freshmen enrolled this semester, Verrill stated that “overall enrollment tends to fluctuate less year-to-year, because of the stabilizing effect of including multiple years, and having fairly consistent retention and graduation rates.” According to Ryan Harrell, Southern’s website and analytics manager, total enrollment has not dipped drastically. “While the numbers are down a bit from our peak in 2023, this is still the third-highest year for total enrollment,”
Harrell stated. Including both undergraduate and graduate students, Southern’s total enrollment from last fall to this fall changed from 3,343 to 3,215 students: a drop of 128 students. In 2024, total enrollment reached 3,229, making the last three years the highest enrollment since Southern was first founded as a university. Impact on Students Southern students on online discussion platforms, such as Fizz, have hypothesized that lower enrollment contributed to decisions such as closing The Kayak and ending meal plans at the Village Market. Justin Moore, associate vice president for Business Operations and Risk Management addressed the connection in an earlier Accent article. According to Moore, the meal plan decisions were made before enrollment information
for the new semester was available and were made based on performance analytics from the last several years. Verrill explained that lower enrollment has had an effect on the university’s overall financial decisions. “Clearly, a lower enrollment means less tuition dollars for the university,” Verrill stated. “We have had to make some budget adjustments this year in response to the decrease in enrollment, so we can maintain a positive budget and cash flow. To the degree possible, we have attempted to minimize the impact these adjustments will have on the students’ experience at Southern.” According to Verrill, the university did not make any significant changes to financial aid for students in light of the lower enrollment and potential budget changes. See Enrollment on page 3
"To the degree possible, we have attempted to minimize the impact these adjustments will have on the students’ experience at Southern.” - Tom Verrill
If you would like to be a contributor, contact Chloe Smith at chloegsmith@southern.edu
2 | Thursday, September 24, 2026
NEWS
The Mind Behind the Design:
Southern's own interior designer Deanna Touchard Contributor
Many students walk into campus buildings every day without thinking about how furniture is arranged or why a particular space was designed the way it is. Behind these decisions is Becky Djernes, Southern Adventist University’s interior designer and real estate coordinator. She works to create spaces that are functional, welcoming and designed with students in mind. Djernes did not initially expect to find herself working at Southern. When her husband accepted a job at Collegedale Academy, Djernes found an opportunity to interview for a position at Southern’s Advancement department. After interviewing, she was offered the job. Djernes recalled when Southern called her on a Friday, offering her a position. She said she responded with hesitation. “They go, ‘just pray about it’,” Djernes said. She prayed over the weekend and by Monday, Djernes came to a decision. “I found ‘yes’ coming out of my mouth instead of ‘no,’” she said. Djernes worked in Advancement for about two years before becoming an assistant for the financial administration department. Part of that role eventually led to her work in interior design on campus. When asked if she had always been interested in interior design, Djernes answered, “God doesn’t always call the equipped, but He always equips the called.” For her, there is no typical day on the job. Some days are spent at her computer looking over plans and trying to figure out the best way to use a space. Other days are spent experimenting with furniture and finding ways to make the best use of spaces on campus. Djernes has a wall in her office specifically dedicated to visual planning. Different types of carpet samples and paint colors are pinned to the walls, accompanied by design plans and ideas. Her office reflects the hands-on aspect of interior design and the many details that go into creating a space. Alexandria Reid, a sophomore nursing major, said she was surprised to learn of Djernes’ position. “I was not aware that we had an interior designer hired for Southern,” Reid said. “It’s nice to know that they’re taking care of small details at our school.” Djernes said she strives to keep campus spaces vibrant, living by a mission statement displayed in her office which states, “Our mission is to honor God by creating quality environments that augment learn-
Becky Djernes designed the colorful geometric wall to bring both shapes and color into the new business building. Monday, September 21, 2026. (Photo by Christine Lee).
ing, ignite creativity, promote wellness and enhance social opportunities.” “That mission statement up there is one that I feel like God gave me when I first started this job,” Djernes said. “And I really think that’s what this position is all about.” She explained that spaces are designed with students in mind as they are the intended audience. “In the student spaces, it needs to be designed, hopeful-
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.
ly, to attract young people,” she said. “Parents aren’t going to send their kids [to] some place that they’re not comfortable.” The Ruth McKee Business building was one of the projects Djernes recently worked on. She said natural light was especially important to her vision for the building. “I think it’s important for a space to be light and bright,” she said. “It’s proven [that] people study better, they retain better, they feel better. I think
our environment very much affects us.” For Djernes, the rewarding part of her job is seeing students use and appreciate the spaces she helped create. People may not always notice the thought and planning behind a piece of furniture, a color choice or the placement of a window, but those details can have a lasting impact on how they experience campus. Although much of Djernes’ work is done behind the
scenes, its effects are visible throughout Southern’s campus. Erick Ruiz, a freshman automotive major, said Southern’s visual appeal is something that leaves a lasting impression on students. “I think that’s what makes Southern so pretty,” said Ruiz. “Not just the people and the classes, but the visuals are what I think attracts people.”
Becky Djernes works behind the scenes to design Southern's campus interiors. Monday, September 21, 2026. (Photo by Christine Lee).
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 24, 2026
For more related news, visit our website at southern-accent.org
NEWS Enrollment Continued from page 1 “The goal each year is to offer institutional aid to help as many families as possible afford an education at Southern, with the ultimate goal of helping students thrive in the current workforce and for eternity,” Verrill stated. With fewer students on campus, there could be possible benefits to the student body, Verrill added. “This could include more access to parking, smaller class sizes in some instances, shorter lines at events and venues, greater likelihood of receiving certain scholarships, etc., as well as more individualized attention in certain areas of the campus,” he stated. Jason Merryman, vice president of Enrollment Management, explained some enrollment shifts that the university has observed. The enrollment number at Southern seems to be linked to an increase in students from homeschools and Adventist students from public schools. He also explained that the nationwide gap between female and male students seeking higher education impacts Southern, as reflected in the 54 (female) and 46 (male) ratio. Charts and graphs compiled by the IRPO showed that Southern saw a small increase in international students this year, from 110 to 114 students. “International numbers for incoming new students dropped a bit initially in 2025, but as students have figured out the new [federal] regulations, they have rebounded some, and our total international enrollment is holding steady at historically high levels,” Harrell stated. Regarding this year’s lower enrollment, Verrill cited several potential causes. “One major factor is the size of the senior classes in Adventist academies,” Verrill stated. “There are also less concrete factors, such as the individual preferences of students in any given year. There are also many
societal factors that could affect enrollment. These include the number of college-age students in the general society from year to year (i.e., demographic shifts), the national economy, international issues and challenges, national and global societal sentiment regarding higher education, changes in government policy (such as new limits on student borrowing) and labor market changes.” Many students have suggested that the initiatives other Adventist universities are taking to increase enrollment are contributing to Southern’s decline. “Though we would like every student who is able to attend Southern, our primary desire is that students attend an Adventist college,” Verrill stated. “We don’t view attendance at another Adventist university as competition...We believe there are more than enough potential students available for all our colleges and universities to thrive, and that the church is stronger when all our institutions are strong.” According to Chris Hansen, executive director of Institutional Research and Planning, total enrollment numbers are also affected by the size of graduating classes the previous year. After class sizes began to bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic, larger groups of students finish their degrees and leave campus each year, creating a drop in total enrollment for the next year. Freshman Perspectives Students from this year’s freshman class shared how their class size has impacted their experience, and why they chose to attend Southern over other universities. Danika McCourt, a freshman history and music major, said she does not have to share her bathroom with any suitemates because the room is empty across from her. “It’s just me and my roommate, and we own the bathroom, so that’s kind of nice,”
Undergraduate and Graduate Student Enrollment Fall 2017 to Fall 2026 Term
Part-Time Full-Time Total Part-Time Undergraduates Undergraduates Undergraduates Graduates
Full-Time Graduates
Total Graduates
Total Students
Fall 2017
427
2,173
2,600
228
207
435
3,035
Fall 2019
363
2,087
2,450
202
182
384
2,834
Fall 2018 Fall 2020 Fall 2021 Fall 2022 Fall 2023 Fall 2024 Fall 2025 Fall 2026
392 293 301 386 427 454 435 511
2,138 2,097 2,099 2,185 2,399 2,475 2,556 2,377
2,530 2,390 2,400 2,571 2,826 2,929 2,991 2,888
198 209 217 224 227 214 260 219
213 139 102 108 101 86 92
108
411 348 319 332 328 300 352 327
2,941 2,738 2,719 2,903 3,154 3,229 3,343 3,215
Data from Southern's Institutional Research and Planning Office, "PUB 3008: Undergraduate and Graduate Student Enrollment." (Graphic provided by Chris Hansen).
Source: Datatel Colleague Student Information System
McCourt said. “Our hallway is kind of empty.” According to Isabella Randall, a freshman psychology major, her reason for choosing Southern was family preference. “My dad told me about Southern since I was a little girl [and] I was really interested in it,” Randall said. "I didn’t really think of going to any other colleges, honestly.” Ella Chun, a freshman accounting major, said she chose Southern because of the friends she knew would attend. “[A lot of] my friends are already coming here, because I came from an Adventist high school,” Chun said. Michaela Juneiu, a freshman history and international studies major, chose Southern because of its campus. “There’s a lot of trails and outdoor opportunities,” Juneiu said. “I also like the community.” Jackson Holland, a freshman construction management major, chose Southern because of the location. For his graduating
class at Forest Lake Academy Southern. in Florida, Southern was one “We have recently started of the closest Adventist univera discount program for stusities to attend. Holland said dents moving from Southern's that of the over 100 students in undergraduate programs his class, about a third went to into graduate degrees here at Page 1 Southern. Southern, so we expect to see PUB3008: Undergraduate and Graduate Student Enrollment Executed on 9/21/2026 5:02:24 PM “I think most of them just the graduate number increase stayed local,” Holland said. in the coming years,” Harrell stated. Looking Forward For now, Merryman and Verrill shared several iniother administrators said that tiatives the school is taking they will not have concrete to reach out to prospective answers on what affected this students. year’s enrollment until the end “The university has recentof the year. ly received access to contact Verrill expressed gratitude information for families in the for the students who continue Southern Union, which will to fill Southern’s campus. allow us to more effectively “We are very thankful for our reach out to families whose freshman class this year, and all students do not attend an Adthe students who are attendventist academy,” Verrill stated. ing Southern,” he stated. “The “We are also initiating a ‘recruit administrative team at Southback’ strategy for enrollment ern gives thanks to God daily eligible students who have left for the students that He has Southern in recent years.” allowed to attend this year, and According to Harrell, the we pray the Lord blesses each university is also working to student in their studies and encourage more students to their walk with Him.” pursue their masters’ degree at
Former Collegedale Academy Elementary building to become home of mathematics and computNyah Jackson Layout Manager In September of 2025, Southern Adventist University bought the former Collegedale Academy (CA) Elementary building. The 54,159 square foot space, called the Spalding Elementary building, is under renovation to become the new home of the Mathematics Department and School of Computing. The entire project will be a major block-out renovation that consists of all electrical, HVAC, plumbing, flooring, walls, office buildouts, flooring, windows and more. According to Vinnie Schober, associate vice president for Financial Administration, the first phase of construction will consist of preparing 24,692 square feet of the space for mathematics and computing. Concerning the timeline of the project, Schober said, “Construction began back in September of 2025 and will continue through April 2027. Classes will be held in this space [starting] the fall 2027 semester.” Currently, parts of the building are being used by Merge Worship, a collegiate ministry of the Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists. The ministry holds a church service on Saturday mornings inside the gymnasium, and the construction in the space has caused some need for adjustments.
Ellen Sanches, the student leader choir director for Merge, explained that while their main goal is getting ready for church service on Saturdays, the construction has added a couple of extra steps. “Sometimes that means cleaning things up that may need it,” Sanches said. “If I’m not mistaken, we now have to set up and take down for every service.” Regarding the future of Merge at that location, Schober said, “We have agreed to Merge Worship meeting in the gymnasium and granted them the use of other spaces on the lower level of the building. We have no plans at this time to change that arrangement.” According to Schober, the overall goal of the construction is to create more space for mathematics and computing while giving the Hickman Science Center the opportunity for more facilities. “By moving math and computing out of Hickman Science, we will have more room to renovate the science building, adding more labs and classroom spaces to Hickman,” Schober said. For mathematics and computing students, many are anticipating the move to the new location. Owen Cook, a junior computer science major, said he heard of the move when he got to campus this semester. “I think it’s exciting since Hickman Science Center is
Students working at the former CA Elementary School. Students Jahir Cervantes (Construction Management), Josiah Garcia (Construction Management) and Oriana Matus (Construction Management & Accounting) working with Plant Services to remodel the building. Monday, September 21, 2026. (Photo by Sheldon White).
a bunch of different departments,” Cook said. “I definitely think it could benefit the department since it would give a more dedicated space. For computing students, it could probably mean things like larger labs down the road.” Along with an independent space, Cook also mentioned the benefits of the location and additional parking. “If CA is another building for Southern, I could definitely see that opening up and creating
more parking spots,” Cook said. “Also, it’s closer for Southern Village, so it’s less of a walk for anyone that’s over in Village.” Grace Alexander, a sophomore computer science major, also thinks the new space will benefit the department. “It would be nice to get classrooms with more resources, like a bigger computer lab,” Alexander said. The lack of space for computer science students has often kept Alexander from being able
to work. “Sometimes I want to work on something for a lab, but there’s a class in there,” Alexander said. “So, I either have to ask the professor if I can use a computer or I just have to wait like two hours for the room to be clear.” With renovations underway and plans to open in the fall 2027 semester, computing and mathematics students are looking forward to the changes a new building will bring.
4 | Thursday, September 24 , 2026
If you would like to be a contributor, contact Chloe Smith at chloegsmith@southern.edu
NEWS
Southern welcomes new music conductor to the School of Music Raquel Delgado Contributor Southern Adventist University has welcomed Wesley Bradford as a new assistant professor and band director at the School of Music. But, for Bradford, taking the job feels less like a new chapter and more like moving back home. “I was a student here from 1996 to 2000,” Bradford said. “I'm excited about the opportunity to give back to a university that played such an important role in my own development and to invest in the next generation of students.” Bradford joined Southern faculty after previous band director, Ken Parsons, retired in May. Parsons taught at the university for 26 years, according to a previous Accent article. As a Southern alumnus, Bradford returned to the Chattanooga area in 2009 and stayed connected to the university's music program for over 15 years, participating in the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra and Horn Ensemble. Some of the faculty who now greet him as a colleague were once his own instructors. Bradford said his musical roots run deep. "My musical background began when I was a boy, listening to my dad play piano and guitar and sing, mostly gospel music," he stated. He didn't receive formal instruction until ninth grade, when a music teacher at Auburn Adventist Academy in Auburn, Washington, got him started on the cornet, a valved brass instrument resembling a trumpet in design and range. Bradford attended La Sierra University as a French horn performance major before switching to music education and then transferring to Southern his sophomore year. Along the way, he sang in choir, played in concert band and orchestra, played tuba in community brass and started a vocal octet that became a student-led chamber choir. Since then, Bradford has also played French horn with the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra. Despite his experience, Bradford does not describe himself primarily as a performer. "I see myself more as a church musician," he said, also mentioning that he plays piano once a month at a small country church in Alabama and leads the song service. "Ultimately, what I hope to do through music is inspire
Professor Bradford conducts Southern Adventist University's wind symphony during practice in Mabel Wood Hall. Tuesday, September 22, 2026. (Photo by Katie McConnell)
people to sing, to love music, and especially to experience the joy and meaning of congregational singing," Bradford said. "I don't want the Wind Symphony simply to perform for the church. I want us to
participate in worship." Bradford’s son and senior music secondary education major, Rafferty Bradford, described his father’s directing style. "You can see [he] takes extra time to perfect each section
Ptofessor Bradford practices minor scales along with Southern Adventist Univarsity's wind symphony. Tuesday, September 22, 2026. (Photo by Katie McConnell)
individually," Rafferty Bradford said. Bradford has restructured the band practice schedule to give each section dedicated time: flutes and saxophones on Mondays, brass and clarinets
on Tuesdays, percussion on Thursdays and the full band on Wednesdays and Fridays. Linton Feitosa, a computer science graduate student, described his experience with Bradford in rehearsals. "Mr. Bradford demonstrates creativity, enthusiasm and deep musical knowledge in his rehearsals,” Feitosa said. “The biggest change is in the way he starts rehearsals. He chooses various unique warm-up exercises and has us play a hymn as our prayer. One of the best things he has said frequently is ‘keep trying no matter what.’ He is eager to answer questions and provide guidance to individual students and the ensemble as a whole." Above all, Bradford said he wants his students to leave Southern with the ability to create music on their own. "I want every student to understand how to make music, to have the skills and understanding to continue making music even when they no longer have an instructor or a director telling them what to do," he said. "Music should be more than something we do while we're in school. It should be enjoyable, meaningful, stimulating and even restorative."
5 | Thursday, September 24 , 2026
For more related news, visit our website at southern-accent.org
COLLEGEDALE NEWS City of Collegedale welcomes new
communication and engagement manager Asher LeVos CCN Managing Editor April Lin-Ao Contributor In early August, McKenna Wallace began her role as the City of Collegedale’s new communication and engagement manager, according to a City of Collegedale press release. According to the release, Wallace will “help strengthen the City’s communication efforts and build connections with residents and community partners.” In an email to the Accent, Wallace stated that her role involves managing how information is shared with Collegedale residents, promoting transparency, and finding new ways to engage with the community. Wallace earned a bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis on marketing management from East Tennessee State University in 2023, according to her LinkedIn profile. Wallace stated in her email to the Accent that she has always been drawn to the storytelling aspect of business. “Marketing gave me a way to combine that creative side with the strategy and structure of business, which has served me well in every role since,” Wallace stated in an email to the Accent. Prior to taking the communications and engagement manager position, Wallace worked as an events and marketing coordinator for Habitat for Humanity, according to her LinkedIn posts. Wallace reflected on her time at Habitat for Humanity in a LinkedIn post and described leaving the position as bittersweet. “The people I've been blessed to meet, the stories I've had the privilege to hear and witness, and the work I’ve been honored to be part of, have made my time at Habitat more meaningful than words can express,” Wallace stated in her post. Wallace said her experience has shown her firsthand the impact of good communication and genuine community engagement. “I wanted to take that experience and apply it in the public sector, where I could help build that same kind of connection between a local government and the people it serves,” Wallace stated.
(Graphic by Jewell Hewitt)
As Collegedale’s new communications and engagement manager, she is excited to bring creativity and fresh energy into how Collegedale connects with its residents. “I’m looking forward to finding new ways to tell Collegedale’s story and make sure people feel informed and included in what’s happening in
their city,” Wallace stated. In Collegedale’s press release, City Manager Jon Holmes commented on the strengths that Wallace brings to Collegedale as the communication and engagement manager. "One of the things that impressed us most was McKenna's enthusiasm and her demonstrated experience
overseeing communication strategies for a nonprofit organization," Holmes stated. "This experience will be beneficial as she transitions to the public sector and leads our efforts to promote communication and transparency for Collegedale citizens and the surrounding community.” When asked what she would
like to say to the people of Collegedale, Wallace said she wants to emphasize her commitment to inclusion. “I want every resident to feel like they’re in the loop and that their voice matters,” she said. “I'm excited to continue getting to know this community and to work alongside you in the months and years ahead!”
Photo of McKenna Wallace. (Photo sourced from the City of Collegedale’s press release).
6 | Thursday, September 24, 2026
If you would like to be a contributor, contact Chloe Smith at chloegsmith@southern.edu
Week O f W o r s h i p
Members of the audience bow their heads for prayer. Monday, September 21, 2026. (Photo by Katie McConnell)
Pastor Richie Halverson, director of Church Growth & Revitalization for the Southern Union, speaks to Southern students. Monday, September 21, 2026. (Photo by Katie McConnell)
Henry Valderrama, a senior finance major, sings on stage as part of the student praise team. Monday, September 21, 2026. (Photo by Katie McConnell)
The praise team leads the congregation in music. Monday, September 21, 2026. (Photo by Katie McConnell)
7 | Thursday September 24, 2026
For more related news, visit our website at southern-accent.org
SPORTS
Futsal Star Secrets: Some speed,
control, teamwork and air conditioning Ava-Caroline Schmidt Sports Editor Southern’s variety of intramural sports continues to expand as futsal returns to the Iles P.E center this semester, joining softball and tennis as students take to the courts for another season of competition. According to U.S. Futsal, “The origin of Futsal (Five-a-Side Soccer) can be traced back to Montevideo, Uruguay, in the 1930s when Juan Carlos Cerianai devised a five–a-side version of soccer for youth competitions at YMCAs. The game is played on basketball-sized courts, both indoors and out without the use of sidewalls.” While some might confuse futsal with indoor soccer; there are distinctions. Although both sports are played inside, indoor soccer - also called arena soccer in North America - usually has six players per team on the court. Plus, indoor soccer is played on a turf with walls and uses a standard soccer ball. For futsal, there are five players per team on the court— one goalie and four outfield players. Futsal is played on the court, using no walls, and the balls used are smaller, heavier and don’t have as much bounce on them to adjust to the indoor plays. There is a significance in the length between the different types of soccer as well. According to the NCAA rule book for men’s and women’s soccer, the field should have a length of 115 to 120 yards with a width of
about 70 to 80 yards. The ideal size is 120 by 75 yards. The length of the average college basketball court is about 94 feet in length and 50 feet in width, according to Cover Sports. Therefore, the playing length drops from 360 feet on a soccer field to 94 feet on a basketball court, cutting nearly 74 percent of the distance players must cover. Alonso Guzman, a sophomore biology major, answered the question of whether he thought futsal was easier than field soccer. “Yes, because outside is more physical and more running. Here you just kick the ball and shoot.” His teammate, Josh Valladares, a sophomore nursing major, added that playing inside on a court was less difficult than playing outside, due to how smooth it is compared to outside where it’s rough and bumpy. Guzman and Valladares’ team returned from last school year and made a statement by beating their opponent, “Krakow” 13–1 in their first match of the season. Both players agreed that chemistry is one of the components that helps build a team, because feeding off each other and knowing how to play together makes a difference. While some students have been playing futsal for a season or two, that is not the case for Caitlyn Keller, a senior nursing major, Lela Teron, a senior nursing major, and Ava Neimeyer, a senior business administration
major. All of these ladies have played together on a soccer team before, but this was their first time trying futsal. “We’ve all never really played futsal before, so that was a fun thing,” Neimeyer said. She also pointed out that futsal goalies
play a lot more than field soccer goalies. The girls said they were sad because they are seniors and yet this was their first time trying futsal. They encourage those who have not tried it yet to get involved with a group
and try it out for themselves. With futsal season now at full speed, returning players and newcomers are getting a chance to try the faster paced, very controlled version of soccer in a smaller space with air conditioning.
Julio Herrera, a sophomore engineering major, and Erik Kampen, a freshman finance major, fight for ball possession during the first men’s intramural futsal match of the season. Sunday, September 15, 2026. (Photo by Ava-Caroline Schmidt).
Intramural Futsal Game Results Monday (14th): • Men’s - AFC Richmond vs Monarcas FC = 7 to 3 - Mmmm Matcha vs Joga Bonito = 0 to 1 - Haramball FC vs Perfectly Aged = 4 to 8 - Mung Cup vs FC Arcadia = 13 to 5 Tuesday (15th): • Men’s - thomas n em vs Krakow = 13 to 1 - Sauna Shooters vs Tooties FC = 10 to 7 - Green FN vs Los Patrones = 4 to 4 • Women’s - Playing futsies vs Sporty Psychos = 13 to 1 • Co-Ed - No Touch United vs For Vibes = 11 to 7 - Evelin and friends vs benchwarmers = 10 to 6 - The problem vs Sam Wins = 11 to 5 Wednesday (16th): • Men’s - Madring vs Yaho FC = 2 to 12 - Haramball FC vs pernas de pau = 3 to 5 - Los cracks vs Fry baggers = 4 to 9
- F.C. Gordinhos vs Nick Martin = 13 to 3 - Sauna Shooters vs Shalom Yahweh FC = 12 to 3 • Women’s
- Messi but cute vs Playing futsies = 10 to 2 - Sporty Psychos vs Footsies = 3 to 12 • Co-Ed - Cancino Crew vs Hand Ball FC = 6 to 9 Thursday (17th): • Men’s - Green FC vs Monarcas FC = 15 to 3 - Fry baggers vs FC Arcadia = 12 to 7 - AFC Richmond vs Mmmm Matcha = 8 to 3 - Mung Cup vs Perfectly Aged = 11 to 5 • Co-Ed - No Manches United vs Net Results = 12 to 0 - Cancino Crew vs The problem = 7 to 13 - Phut vs Los Frijoleros = 10 to 2 - No Touch United vs Evelin and friends = 12 to 0 Monday (21st): • Men’s - Nick Martin vs Krakow = 10 to 5 - thomas n em vs Tooties FC = 6 to 5 - Madring vs Joga Bonito = 10 to 15 • Women’s - Messi but cute vs Sporty Psychos = 9 to 0 • Co-Ed - Los Frijoleros vs benchwarmers = 5 to 7 - Net Results vs Sam Wins = 13 to 6
8 | Thursday, September 24. 2026
If you would like to be a contributor, contact Chloe Smith at chloegsmith@southern.edu
OPINION
Worship Credits: Are they that bad? Leif Bromme Opinion Editor At Southern Adventist University, Friday nights are marked by vespers- a service of praise, worship and recentering, that helps to set Sabbath apart from the rest of the week. There is a more mundane tradition, however, that marks Friday nights. As students flow into the Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists sanctuary, they are met with the flash of green lights as they register worship credits. These scanners are found outside other events like convocation and evensong. At first glance, the credit system might seem like an unnatural way to force students into participation. A closer look reveals a necessary system – one that both maintains campus vitality and strengthens students’ spiritual lives. Credit systems are not exclusive to Southern. At Union Adventist University, for example, students are required to either attend a certain number of worship programs or participate in a spiritual mentorship program called HeartScan. At Andrews Adventist University, students are required to obtain a total of 30 co-curricular credits, twelve of which are to be from chapels/forums and six from residence hall events. In the same way that most classes require lecture attendance, these universities require event participation. Viewing Southern as a social organization, not just a school, helps reframe credits in a more logical way. Without convo-
cations, vespers, life groups and other events that bind the campus together, it would be easy for the campus to feel hollow. Activities among friends, class groups and smaller clubs are important, but they don’t generally provide the connective effect that school-wide programs offer. Joshua Chobotar, a sophomore health science major, views the worship credit system with some nuance. “I think it’s a little bit much,” said Chobotar. “It could be a little more lenient. But honestly, as long as you go to convocation most every week and vespers every week, which I already would do — at least vespers I would do without credits — you’re fine.” One argument against the system concerns vespers itself. Due to the personal nature of spirituality, one could argue that tying attendance of religious events to a credit system defeats the purpose of the experience. Like assigning prayer as homework or taking attendance at church, the requirement could make events intended to uplift feel like a chore. While it is important for students to handle their own spiritual lives, there are caveats to the system. Firstly, vespers and other religious events are not required for credit. While they can provide many points quickly, there are other options that allow non-religious students to accrue points, making Southern’s credit system comparatively flexible to the previously mentioned Adventist institutions. Sometimes habits also need
to be reinforced. As students at an Adventist Institution, we are expected to exhibit behaviors that are both beneficial for us and for our communities. Being encouraged to attend vespers does not cheapen or remove the personal choice to do so – it simply helps reinforce the ritual of faith that many already prioritize. In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis spoke to this phenomenon. “Do not waste time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him.” While Lewis was referring to personal relationships rather than event attendance, he raised a strong point about habits. While they can begin as an obligation, they can transform into truth.
Rather than having a specific issue with vespers, some may argue that the system in general creates an undue scheduling burden for students. Some don’t have the luxury to attend convocations or other events between school and work. Perhaps to remedy this situation, the system can be expanded to include other activities like intramurals or Student Association events that also contribute to campus vitality. The existing system of reducing credit requirements based on seniority is also a step in the right direction. Daniel Llangovan, a senior engineering major, commented on this issue. “As a commuter student, I just go to vespers on Friday and a few other events,” Llangovan said. “Seniors are only required to get 30 credits. That’s about it.” With some small adjustments alongside the existing
program, the credit system can function even for overbooked upperclassmen. Overall, minor disagreements about credits tend to miss the central issue. As members of a college community – a Christian college community – we should be engaging as a student body anyway. We should be sharing our time and supporting both school-wide and departmental events like concerts and presentations. The worship credit system simply reinforces those habits. It helps to ensure that the campus is more than just the land on which our classes meet. It helps to hold us spiritually accountable, even on days when it doesn’t feel like the easiest thing to do. After all, college should be more than a place where we attend classes. It should be a community we choose to be part of, even when choosing takes a little encouragement.
A pen and sign-in sheet sit ready for students attending a school event as the school works to improve its attendance-tracking process Tuesday, September 18, 2026. (Photo by Sheldon White).
RELIGION
Finding Family in Unexpected Places: My
experience as a student missionary Aaron Beltran Contributor The question, “How was your mission year?” is often followed by the question, “How did you see God?” These questions have always been difficult for me to answer because I simply have too much to say. So many memories, experiences and emotions flood my brain. I could talk about almost losing my foot, the students I met or the guys who became my brothers on the island. Even now, as I think back to my year on the island of Kosrae, a state within the Federated States of Micronesia, I realize there are still things I am only beginning to understand. There are moments and conversations that I didn’t fully comprehend at the time that I now realize had a great impact on me. But if I had to tell you what had the biggest impact, I would tell you it was an older Filipino couple. Their names were Manny and Betty De Guzman. No number of conversations with previous student missionaries can prepare you for when you step off the plane at your location and see your new home for the next 10 to 12 months. The school that I taught at had three full-time teachers, one of which was Betty, and six student missionaries. The church consisted of Manny, who was the pastor, and five consistent members. It was a bit overwhelming realizing that this was my new family for the next 10 months. I think that one of the biggest challenges that I faced was
loneliness. I was in a completely new location with people I had never met, trying to relate to a culture different from everything I grew up knowing. I praise God because, in the midst of all the emotions and chaos, I had Manny and Betty. Manny and Betty were some of the most Christlike people I’ve ever met in my entire life. They embodied what it meant to be a missionary. It was not
only in the sense that they were constantly evangelizing or trying to give Bible studies, but that they loved. Manny and Betty gave up their home and life back in the Philippines to be missionaries in Kosrae. They have been there for over 25 years and have seen a generation grow up on that island. From the moment we arrived, they treated all of us like sons and
daughters. The feeling of being alone and missing home was soothed by Manny’s crazy stories of when he was younger and by the mountains of food that Betty would prepare for us each Sabbath. One of my fondest memories was Thanksgiving dinner. The student mission team and I cooked all the dishes that evening and invited Betty and Manny into our humble house.
I may not remember the conversations we had, but laughter, love and joy are what made it so memorable. On my mission year, God allowed me to experience many miracles. I saw things that could have only been God working. Above all those things, the place where I experienced God the most was through the love of my Uncle Manny and my Auntie Betty.
Aaron Beltran (second to the right) poses for a photo with fellow missionaries in front of the Kosrae Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kosrae, Micronesia. June 2025. (Photo courtesy of source) .
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LIFESTYLE
Digital Cameras: More than a picture Maddie Schmidt Lifestyle Editor Our phones have made taking pictures almost effortless. We can capture a moment, see it instantly, edit it, post it and then move on to the next thing—all without ever putting our phone down. So why are young adults carrying around an extra device when the best camera they own is already in their pocket? For a generation raised on smartphones, there is something strangely appealing about returning to digital cameras, a technology that feels almost outdated. Caleb Asmare, a senior chemistry-biochemistry major, explained that using a digital camera feels novel in our world of technology. “I do think there is a nostalgic feeling to using digital cameras, in part because of how much our lives have become dependent on our phones and computers,” Asmare stated. “It feels like going back to what we used as kids or what our parents used.” Asmare went on to explain that Gen Z seems to particularly like calling back to old trends and making them resurface. “I think digital cameras became popular with Gen Z alongside other trends, including Y2K, vintage, and other throwback trends,” Asmare stated. “The desire to emulate those eras brought digital cameras back.” With digital cameras becoming trendy again, there has also been a surge of people either posting their photos that they took with their digital cameras
or talking about using their digital cameras on their social media. Henry Valderrama, a senior finance major, said he thinks celebrities posting about their digital cameras has helped to push the trend even further. “Gen Z is very cultured by music and fashion and celebrities,” Valderrama said. “I know Dua Lipa has her ELPH 360 HS, which created a whole movement with her fans, and Hailey Bieber has also added to the trend by using a digital camera for her social media. I think us looking up to celebrities and pop culture in general is really bringing us back to digital cameras.” Valderrama went on to say that, along with celebrities, influencers have also begun to incorporate digital cameras into their content. Influencers have even started new microtrends such as bedazzling their digital cameras. But nostalgia may only explain why we are drawn to digital cameras. The reason we continue to reach for them might have more to do with what they offer that our phones don’t. Georgia Beckworth, a freshman nursing major, explained that she appreciates the intentionality behind taking photos. “A digital camera not only adds a more nostalgic look to photos,” Beckworth said, “but the whole process gives you the opportunity to disconnect from your phone and take intentional time to take the photo and transfer it to your device. It makes you actually take time for your photo.” That opportunity to discon-
nect from our phones while still capturing the moment seems to be what truly appeals to our generation. We are so used to using our phones for everything else that it’s nice to have something separate. Sam Ramos, a junior pastoral care major, elaborated on this idea further by comparing photos to music. “There is a reason people still collect physical media like CDs and record players when they have the option to stream music instead,” Ramos stated. “Having a designated artifact for these things adds to the experience.” And this is where the appeal of digital cameras really comes out--in the experience that the photo creates. Valderrama said he enjoys the experience that using a digital camera provides for him and his friends. “I just went on a trip, and
after every time I would take a photo, everyone would come around me; we would just huddle, looking at the small screen,” Valderrama said. “It just makes the moment so surreal because when you snap a really good picture, everyone gets so excited. But we don’t get that same experience with our iPhones.” Beckworth said she appreciates the way she is able to connect with other people using her digital camera. “I love the community aspect of it,” Beckworth said. “You take photos of people, send them the pictures, and it creates opportunities to connect with them.” Beckworth went on to explain that because of the experience that her digital camera provides, she looks back on the photos she takes with a special fondness. “Digital cameras are able to
freeze a memory in time in a special way and adds a sense of sentimentality that makes a photo feel more important when I look back on it,” she said. What begins as a way to take a picture can quickly become something more—a reason to interact, laugh and create a memory together. A digital camera can turn an ordinary night with friends into the kind of memory that feels tangible: the blurry picture someone took while everyone was laughing, the accidental photo of someone’s shoes, or the group picture where nobody knew where to stand. You don’t always know what the pictures look like until later, but when you finally see them, they bring the moment back with them. Maybe that’s why an old piece of technology has found its way into the hands of a new generation.
Emily Allred, a senior allied health major, and Lexi Kaufman, a senior health science major, pose for a picture taken on a Nikon Coolpix s230 for a photo illustration. Friday, September 19, 2026. (Photo by Maddie Schmidt).
GAME
Week of Worship Down 1. Place where believers gather to worship together 2. Talking with God 4. Group of believers supporting each other 5. Holy book Across 2. Spiritual leader 3. Friday evening worship 6. Being set apart
Created by Katherine Damian Flores
10 | Thursday September 24, 2026
If you would like to be a contributor, contact Chloe Smith at chloegsmith@southern.edu
CHATTER Today — 24 63 - 77
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Fall Week of Worship @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists View Southern @ Various Times and Locations 11:00am Convocation: Fall Week of Worship, Richie Halversen @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists 3:30pm - 5:00pm Graduate Curriculum Committee @ Wright Hall 7:00pm Student Association Senate @ Bietz Center for Student Life
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Saturday — 26 54 - 77
Friday — 25 •
Fall Week of Worship @ Collegedale 61 - 77 Church of Seventh-day Adventists View Southern @ Various Times and Locations Graduate Applications Due for Graduating December Graduates Graduation Contracts Due for December and May Graduating Seniors 6:30pm Vespers: Richie Halversem @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists 7:30pm AfterGlow @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists 7:34pm Sunset 8:30pm Vespers: Richie Halversen @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
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7:00 pm Evensong: Organ Students @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists 8:15 pm - 5:00 am “For Love of the Game” Softball Tournament @ Off Campus
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Sunday — 27 •
8:15 pm - 5:00 am “For Love of the Game” Softball Tournament @ Off Campus 7:00pm - 9:00pm “Every Moment Holy” Live Performance @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
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Monday —28 56 - 78
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Flag Football Begins @ Iles P.E. Center
Tuesday — 29 •
No schedule
Wednesday— 30 •
Payday: Salary
Across 2. Pastor 3. Vesper 6. Holiness Down 1. Church 2. Prayer 4. Community 5. Bible
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