Farewell Ideafest Science Eurydice Feature: 2018 and faith opens Theatre series next prof concl. week

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April 26, 2018 Issue 6 Follow us online

“Black and Yellow” and “Keychangers” take NCDC prizes Ashley Huizinga and Harrison Burns – Staff Finals Writers The NCDC finals were hosted at Dordt’s campus on April 21, making for an exciting Semifinals and packed Saturday evening as both Dordt and The 2018 NCDC Semifinals made for an Northwestern students flooded the B.J. Haan almost 3-hour-long evening of singing, button- auditorium to cheer on the final six groups in pressing, technical difficulties and story-telling the competition. The event ended just before about camels in the desert. 11:00 p.m. when 1st place was awarded to Held at Northwestern College on April 12, Dordt’s student band “Black and Yellow,” after the competition was pushed forward a day for a particularly powerful performance of “Lay Me safety’s sake as snowstorms loomed over the Down” by Sam Smith. weekend. A short line had already formed outside by Performers included six Northwestern acts and the time the doors opened at 8:30 p.m. In only six Dordt groups. minutes, the lobby contained a crush of people The acts began with a soulful rendition of cramming inside to snatch good seats. The Casting Crowns’ “Praise You in This Storm” by audience was immediately treated with blasting NW’s Matthew and Sam. As the final note rang, pump-up music and hundreds of glow sticks as the two judges took the mic to offer feedback they waited for the show to begin. and criticism—with a night-long emphasis The competition opened with an internet on criticism. Many audience members were meme-themed video of senior Austen Scammon displeased with the harshness of the critiques. and junior Rachel Roerig, the emcees for the “I would take negative comments from judges night, before they bounded onstage in flashy- that were actually qualified to judge,” said Dordt Photo by: Mary van Wyk soled shoes to kick off the show. The majority of sophomore and Paraguayan Jazmin Mendieta. the audience seemed to get the jokes—although “If you’re not qualified, then don’t try to tell “Hey Ya!” This included Dordt senior Brett Randolph as some convincing photos and a borrowed comments that go beyond your understanding of More technical difficulties brought on cheers kingfinch singing to the Lumineers’ “Angela” in wedding dress from the Costume Shop assured music.” from the Dordt attendees as Dordt junior Elayne a harsh, husky tone that rivalled the quality of the that many were left wondering by the end of the Next to take the stage was the Dordt band The Apol took the stage, wielding her Tech Services original track. Other fan favorites seemed to be night whether Sammon and Roerig were “just Aircraft. Technical problems at this point were knowledge to assist with something technical. Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” by “The Keychangers” friends” or not. primarily due to “a faulty keyboard and lack of After a moment or two, Meribole and Apol (featuring senior and Diamond managing editor The three Dordt and three Northwestern equipment… and bad batteries in the battery succeeded in their mission, and their exit was Danny Mooers on piano, junior Brian Oh on finalists each performed two songs during boxes,” according to NW junior Jaaziel “Jaz” followed by an upbeat piano-and-DJ controller guitar, and seniors Sarah Bos and David Lee this round of the competition. The night’s Meribole. Earlier in the week, the NW worship version of Michael Jackson’s “PYT”—a song with vocals), and Bruno Mars’ “That’s What I performances added up to a total of twelve songs team had taken possession of the mics and that performer Casey Perez noted as being a big Like” by five-person band “Black and Yellow” that allowed each group to show off differing instruments for the weekend. But NW’s Tech part of her childhood. Perez was unfazed by the (featuring seniors Daniel Amin, Benjie Lee, ranges of music and a variety of different styles. Services took the trouble in stride and worked tech issues. Michel Gomes, Ariel Gomes and junior Ray From a somber, acoustic version of Miley with the equipment that Dordt had to offer. Despite faulty tech, intensely critical judges Badudu). “The Keychangers” especially drew Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” performed by NW’s Other NW acts ranged from Suresh Portillo and what was often a lukewarm audience, all cheers for Lee’s and Bos’ interweaving voices Nick Heider to an uplifting recreation of “My with a lonely and heartfelt Spanish ballad, to groups of both NW and Dordt performers put as they flipped effortlessly between variations in Heart Will Go” by “The Keychangers” (which a submitted video of Nick Heider singing a their skills to the test with twists on both golden vocal keys. Continued on page 8 surprisingly acoustic guitar version of Outkast’s oldies and indie obscurities. Task Force considers changing name to Dordt University Tess Hemmila -- Staff Writer has been some difficulties in communicating Dordt’s tuition would not spike as a result of its namesake throughout the next academic internationally what “college” means in the change. year. Dordt College has a long heritage as a college, the United States. Another problem that Some students have expressed surprise at the The changes on campus would likely be but what would it mean if the school became a international students have with attending a possible name change. But although the school minimal in the early years of transition. The task university? college is that some countries do not accept is considering the potential pros and cons of force plans to transition the institution slowly Provost Eric Forseth brought the prospective accreditation from a college at the same level as transitioning to a university, the task force is into the university classification rather than name change before Student Symposium on they do a university. adamant that the school will not change the rushing through the process. Those involved in March 21. During his presentation, Forseth Specifically, college degrees are not seen name from Dordt. In fact, with the 400-year the decision have emphasized that they want to introduced his plans for the potential transition as equal with university degrees in Canada. anniversary of the Canons of Dort approaching, go through the process in the way that will most and the task force that he has created to handle This can create problems for some Canadian the school will be doing its utmost to celebrate benefit students. the possible change to Dordt University. The students, especially nursing students. task force includes Derek Buteyn, Brandon The task force believes that Dordt has moved Huisman and Sarah Moss. past its days as a college as it has continued to Some of the positive aspects of the change grow. Dordt is continually increasing its areas to university could include a rise in student of study and number of undergraduate and Ashley Huizinga enrollment, ease of communication with graduate programs. Because Dordt now offers Major: English Writing, Minor: perspective international students and a greater graduate studies, they argue that the school fits opportunity for students to be accepted into better with the “university” classification than Dutch graduate school. with the “college” classification. 3 years as writer and copyeditor, Huisman says that he hopes the change to One concern about the name change is the cost university, if it goes through, would be positive of rebranding the school. Among possible costs 1 year as editor for international students. would be new logo designs, new uniforms, new Advice: “If Dordt College as an institution was to look signs and new advertisements. Forseth and his into a mirror, what’s looking back is no longer a team propose to distribute the cost over multiple “Don’t adventures ever have an regional institution, but a university,” Huisman years so the expense would not be excessive end? I suppose not. Someone else said. and would not end up coming out of students’ always has to carry on the story.” Other countries use different words to classify pockets. their levels of education, so in some countries Another concern is how the change to (J.R.R. Tolkien) the word “college” can be confusing when “university” will affect the cost of tuition. discussing higher education. In the past, there However, according to the administration, page 2 · News ·

Mountain bike trail opens Counterfeit bills circulate Evangeline Colarossi and Danny Mooers-- Staff “We’re building something that can be Writers enjoyed by a wide variety of people,” Buteyn through Northwest Iowa told the Daily Grind radio show. Members of Zachary Sanford and Danny Mooers -- Staff Writers A new project in Oak Grove Regional Park the cycling group have tramped through the will excite local bike enthusiasts. Sioux County snow during the past months to mark out the residents have been working to create several intended paths with pink flags. The construction mountain biking trails in the park for all ages. may be delayed, but the idea is continuously Derek Buteyn and Eric Tudor, are two cyclists developing. that are part of the Sioux Country Off-Road The trails will cover underutilized places Cyclists group. Along with several other bikers, within the Oak Grove Nature Center. The they have been working since September of trails are to be added northern side of the park, 2017 to design the trails. The cyclists group which is mainly forestland. The trails will be is made up of a variety of bikers, those who eco-friendly, without additional concrete or just ride the occasional trail and those who do gravel. They will be dirt trails that can be used triathlons and mountain biking. for biking, walking and running. Since they The trails will be approximately two to three will be dirt, this means that they cannot be used feet in width and will be designed for a variety when the ground is wet, but this will also keep of ages. The goal is for the trails to be accessible the ground from eroding and causing lasting for children riding their bikes, but also give all damage. ages a challenge. This way riders can continue The trails will be built in a simple manner to enjoy the trails while still developing their in order to keep the cost down and the rest of riding skills. the woodland intact. No large machines will Construction will take place as soon as the be used and the budget is purely based off of weather allows. The original plan was to begin volunteer work. If you can handle a shovel, you developing the trails in the beginning of April. are capable of helping construct the trails. You Due to the lack of spring and excess of snow, can follow the progress on the Sioux Country this has not been possible. The current plan is to Off-Road Cyclists group’s Facebook page or begin working on the trails as soon as the snow contact them if you are interested in helping is off of the ground, possibly this week or the with the trail development. next.

Contributed Photo Recently, there have been reports of Hospers Police arrested two people who Brad Weber counterfeit money circulating in Northwest exchanged bills at the Kum & Go convenience Major: Engineering (Mechanical) Iowa. Local authorities have found fake bills store. A total of $90 in actual currency was in multiple towns. The bills have been found to gained by using counterfeit bills. They were 1 year of inspiring controversy range from $5 to $50. both charged with forgery, a felony, and fifth- Advice: Police say the bills they have seized include degree theft, a simple misdemeanor. the words ‘motion picture use only’ on the front Police say they see one and five dollar bills “If liberty means anything at all, it and back. often because they are not noticed to as much. means the right to tell people what they do The money was first discovered by a Sioux Possessing counterfeit money can result in a not want to hear.” (George Orwell) Center bank. Although it is has ‘motion picture felony charge. use only’ printed on it, the money still looks So what should you do if you unknowingly very realistic. possess a counterfeit bill? Sioux Center is not the only place the money “Encourage them to call the police. Ok, has been found. It has been discovered in that way we can come and talk to them and Hospers, Orange City, and Middleburg. determine what their involvement is. They Child molester evades custody Other differences between the fake and real may have gotten it from change from another money includes the misspelling of words such store, that may have gotten it from a friend, they Brad Weber -- Staff Writer the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office changed its as “Secretary” in “Secretary of the Treasury” may have found it on the street thinking it’s a procedures. and the picture of Andrew Jackson is distorted. great day they found money on the street.” said While some argue that the topic of immigration Despite the low bond amount, Gonzalez- This isn’t the first time this has happened in Detective Nice, a Sioux County detective in an is most pertinent to southwestern states, it has Constantino appeared at his trial, and was found Northwest Iowa. In November of last year, interview. effects even in Sioux County. Consider the guilty on Jan. 31, 2018. At the conclusion of the case of Rigoberto Gonzalez-Constantino, a trial, prosecutor and Assistant Sioux County 36-year-old Mexican citizen illegally residing Attorney Tyler Grevengoed requested that in Boyden, Iowa. Gonzalez-Constantino was Gonzalez-Constantino be held in custody until convicted on Jan. 31, 2018 of indecent contact his sentencing date of Feb. 16, 2018. According with a child. His current location is unknown to Grevengoed, he believed both the conviction Retraction for March 28, 2018 to authorities, and he is one of Sioux County’s and the immigration status of Gonzalez- most wanted, facing jail time, sex-offender Constantino increased the risk of flight. status and deportation. Presiding judge John Ackerman presumably issue’s “Cultural Fair” Gonzalez-Constantino’s criminal history in did not agree with this assessment, and allowed Sioux County began with an arrest on June Gonzalez-Constantino to remain free on $2,000 In our March 28, 2018 issue of the “When I read the last issue of the Diamond, 30, 2015, for domestic abuse. Approximately a bond. Diamond, senior writer Ashley Huizinga specifically the article about the cultural fair, month later, Gonzalez-Constantino pled guilty The fears of Grevengoed were confirmed on included a reference in the article titled I saw my name next to the word ‘Mexico.’ I’d to the charge and was ordered to complete Feb. 16 when Gonzalez-Constantino failed to “Cultural Fair Celebrates Diversity with like to clarify that I am actually Paraguayan, a domestic abuse program by District Judge appear for sentencing. The hearing proceeded Food and Dancing” to sophomore Jazmin not Mexican. I’m happy to be able to be Robert Dull. Gonzalez-Constantino was not without Gonzalez-Constantino present and he Mendieta. This reference assumed that called a Latina just as Mexicans, but no— deported at this time, despite domestic violence was sentenced to two years in prison, as well Mendieta was from Mexico, when she is not all Latinos are Mexicans. I thank Ashley falling under the Department of Homeland as being added to the sex-offender registry. actually from Paraguay. We thank Mendieta Huizinga for letting me clarify this in this Security’s enforcement priorities. Because Gonzalez-Constantino was not present for her graciousness regarding this faux pas, issue of the Diamond.” On Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, police arrested for sentencing, a felony warrant was issued for and include her statement below: Gonzalez-Constantino after an incident in which “failure to appear” and he was added to Sioux he allegedly groped an eleven-year-old girl. He County’s most wanted list. was charged with indecent contact with a child As of publication, Rigoberto Gonzalez- and released on $2,000 bond after his bond Constantino, a registered sex-offender illegally hearing on Jan. 16, 2018. The bond hearing was residing within the United States, is still at overseen by judicial magistrate Dan Pluim. Per large. While it may seem that the matter is in Iowa Code 811.2, Pluim believed this $2,000 the hand of the police, Judge Robert Dull has Brittany Duncan bond would reasonably assure the appearance pursued further judicial action. On Apr. 6, 2018, of the defendant. he filed another arrest warrant in relation to the Major: Graphic Design This short period in a county jail would indecent contact with a child charge, as well as 3 years as layout designer not have given Immigrations and Customs an arrest warrant related to violating orders on Favorite memory: Enforcement (ICE) sufficient time to issue a Gonzalez-Constantino’s domestic abuse charge detainer request, according to the ICE public in 2015. “Dear Lord. I got nothing. I would affairs officer Shawn Neudauer. Even if ICE This example of an illegal immigrant say late nights in the Digital Media had issued a detainer request, the policy of the committing a crime is reminiscent of the Lab with Ashley. Strange things Sioux County Sheriff’s office was, at the time, nationally publicized case of Jose Ines Garcia to not honor ICE requests to hold suspected Zarate, who killed Kathryn Steinle. The majority happen at midnight.” illegal immigrants. It was only with the recent of illegal immigrants are not violent offenders, passage of S.F. 481 in Iowa, which mandated but the national debate on immigration may compliance with ICE detainer requests, that affect how violent immigrants are handled. · News · page 3

Four Brothers broadens Sioux Four Dordt employees retire Center’s culinary options Danny Mooers -- Staff Writer Jenna Stephens -- Staff Writer they can grab a stool by the bar or sit at a table Four Brothers Bar & Grill recently joined near one of the TV’s. Sioux Center’s list of restaurants, a welcome “We’re not a chain,” said Kass. “We try to addition to the community’s limited dining do a lot of things from scratch.” The restaurant options. stays away from pre-packaged food. They The restaurant officially opened its doors to pride themselves in making their own alfredo the public on Wednesday, April 4. It is located and dressings, cutting up fresh vegetables and just off Highway 75, next to the Holiday Inn preparing meals in-house and to-order. and Terrace View Event Center. This is the third The restaurant did not host a grand opening Four Brothers restaurant to open in Northwest event, but rather relied on word-of-mouth to Iowa, with locations in Le Mars and Sioux City. spread the news. The restaurant is still in the As the name “Four Brothers” suggests, it is a “limited” opening phase as staffers undergo family-run business. training. The menu is limited at this time, but The Kass family decided to open this location as the restaurant establishes itself, the menu due to the area’s demographics and a push from will continue to grow. For now, some of the customers encouraging them to come to Sioux highlights on the menu are their Southwest Center. Spring Rolls and the Twisted Brother Burger. “There are not a lot of sit-down American Plooy dined at Four Brothers soon after cuisine restaurants [in the area],” said Clint it opened. He said his food was good, but he Kass, general manager of the Sioux Center probably would not go there for dinner often location. “To us it felt like a real niche.” because it was relatively expensive. Greg Plooy, a Dordt senior from California, “But they’ve got a good beer selection, so I agreed, “There aren’t really nice places to go like that,” he said. here,” said Plooy, “Four Brothers is a step in the As the end of the semester approaches and right direction.” commencement draws many visitors to Sioux At Four Brothers, customers can find two Center, Four Brothers must prepare for one of different types of dining experiences. High- the busiest times of the year for local restaurants. backed booths and a warm color scheme make “I think there’s a lot of energy and vibrant for a classy atmosphere in the main part of the people around,” Kass said. “It’s exciting, and Photo by Danny Mooers restaurant. If they want something less formal, there’s definitely a vibe here in Sioux Center.” Spring is not only a signal of the end of cold Before the 2017-2018 school year, Bouma’s weather and snow. It’s a time of transition and replacement, Ross Douma started his transition change. Students are nearing summer break and into the role. Bouma has been assisting Douma people are looking forward to life slowing down and familiarizing him with the position. for a few months. Bouma began his career at Dordt in 1997 as For four Dordt employees, it means the end the Recreation Center Director. He took the role of an era. Dr. Duane Bajema, Glenn Bouma, as Head Women’s Basketball coach in 2001 Les Netjes and Carol Prinsen are all entering and quit in 2007. In 2008, he took on the role the world of retirement. The four of them have as Campus Event Coordinator before moving to worked for Dordt for a combined 113 years. athletic director in 2009. Before Dordt, Bouma Dordt hosted an open house for the four worked as the Athletic Director for Unity retirees on Friday. Many people came to offer Christian and as well as numerous other roles. their congratulations throughout the event. Prinsen Students, faculty and family members all Carol Prinsen worked as a housekeeper browsed the pictures and news articles placed at Dordt for 33 years. While some may not on the tables and reflected on the memories of consider her position as glamorous, she has the retirees time at Dordt. seen Dordt through its many transitions. Bajema “I started cleaning in North Hall 33 years Dr. Duana Bajema, the longest tenured ago,” Prinsen said. “That was definitely a Facebook users react to data employee of the four, began at Dordt in 1977. challenge, but I’ve enjoyed meeting students “Duane Bajema, as the founder of the ag and seeing the campus grow.” department, holds a special place in the history Prinsen finished her career cleaning in the harvesting mishap of Dordt College,” said Dordt President Erik recreation center. Hoekstra in a tribute video. “He doesn’t let ‘I’ve cleaned almost all of the buildings at Tess Hemmila -- Staff Writer students come with easy answers. He always some point in my career,” Prinsen said. “But I pushes them to the “why”? And asks them if finished my career cleaning up after the football In a time when everyone under the age of what they are saying is Biblical.” players.” 30 is on social media, what does it mean to be Bajema has had numerous roles in the As far as plans for retirement, Prinsen isn’t too unable to trust social media platforms? This Agriculture Department. He has been involved picky. is the question many people are asking after with the development of agriculture stewardship “I’m just excited to not get up early anymore,” Facebook has been exposed for leaking user center, the Agriculture Club and the chair of she said. data to Cambridge Analytica. faculty assembly. Netjes Cambridge Analytica is a political consulting He is also involved with beekeeping in Les Netjes rounded off the four retirees from firm that is thought to have mined the data of Northwest Iowa. Last year, he received a Dordt this year. He is leaving his position as multiple millions of Facebook users in the hope $35,000 grant from the Leopold Center Executive Assistant to the Vice-President for of targeting ads to specific users. to employ technicians to assist beginner College Advancement. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg issued beekeepers. He worked with the vice president with a public statement in March concerning Bouma planning and research. He also assisted with Cambridge Analytica’s data harvesting. Glenn Bouma has worked for Dordt in raising funds for Dordt and worked to stay in Zuckerberg said that, because he started numerous roles for the past 20 years. Since contact with donors. Facebook and is the CEO of the company, he is 2009, he’s been the Athletic Director. “responsible for what happens on our platform.” Contributed Photo On April 10, Zuckerberg testified before Many college students hold social media Senate about the company’s misuse of data. accounts, a vast number of which are on the Zuckerberg defended the company but also Facebook platform. acknowledged that Facebook had made Sophomore Ben Bouwkamp said he hopes mistakes. He provided answers on most topics, people will start to distrust social media after the Clarissa Kraayenbrink but was unable to provide satisfactory answers media attention Facebook has been receiving. as to why Cambridge Analytica had possession “As much as we want to believe in a Major: Communiction: Public Relations of Facebook users’ data. company built on integrity, that is not the case,” 2 years as writer, sports editor, and copyeditor According to recent estimates by Facebook, Bouwkamp said. “In the end, Facebook is a the data of over 87 million users may have been business and they were trying to make easy Advice: shared with Cambridge Analytica. This massive money by sharing information they already “We -- as journalists, but especially as breach has shared the data of many Facebook had.” Christians, have the unique opportunity to give users without their knowledge or consent. Sophomore Cody Meiners said people According to CBS News, the data was should already be skeptical of any free service a voice to those who otherwise might not have harvested through a downloadable quiz into because it will have to be funded somehow. one. God has put us in the position for a reason which users could input their Facebook “The biggest thing that people need to know and we cannot waste that.” information to log in. Cambridge Analytica was is that their data is already out there,” Meiners were then able to target ads to U.S. citizens with said. “In this day and age, everything that is a this data by matching their personality traits. public record is already online somewhere.” page 4 · Feature ·

Theatre Arts professor departs for Arkansas left, Wallace was hired and worked with them job when he met up with a Dordt theater and for two more years. digital media alumni currently working at JBU. “As I was [working as a director] it hit me that While talking in his driveway, the alumni and I want to do this more, but I don’t have a degree his fiancée told Wallace about a “Josiah and to technically justify this in the future.” Bethany-shaped hole in Arkansas” and how Wallace met his wife Bethany in the Seattle they thought he’d fit in well at JBU. Pacific theatre group. Two years after they got “On a whim, I sent in an application for the married, the couple moved to Hawaii. For a job,” Wallace said. He received a response and year, Josiah and Bethany helped with Wallace’s went down for an interview along with his wife. parents’ ministry, took care of the youngest It went well. Bethany Wallace is currently siblings and taught theater to homeschooled house-hunting in Arkansas for the couple and students on the island. In addition, Wallace did their three boys. some construction work on condos around the As for the hiring process to replace him, island. Wallace says it’s currently at the phone and Wallace and his wife then moved back to Skype interview stage and is moving fairly the “mainland” in Seattle, Washington. There, quickly. Wallace almost immediately accepted a position Contributed Photo as the director of outreach for the Taproot Emma Stoltzfus-- Staff Writer Wallace’s first experience in acting was in Theatre Company—another traveling tour eighth grade at an international school in Japan. group that performed throughout the Pacific The end of the 2018 spring semester will He lived there until he left for Seattle Pacific Northwest. also mark the conclusion of Professor Josiah University and his family moved to Oahu, Wallace enjoyed the work, but began Wallace’s six years teaching at Dordt College. Hawaii. considering a slightly different career course. A fixture in the theater department, Wallace While Wallace attended the university, his “I still kind of thought, ‘You know, I want to will be leaving Dordt to help build a theater family started adoption and foster agencies teach college students,’” he said. program at John Brown University, a private and cared for children in need of homes. There Nine years after he graduated from Seattle Christian school located in Siloam Springs, were eventually thirteen children in the Wallace Pacific, Wallace struck out to attend Baylor Arkansas. family University in pursuit of a Masters of Fine Arts Part of Wallace’s new position will be to build Across the Pacific, Wallace found his niche in degree in directing the school’s theater program. Although they theater arts. “It was rough those first few months to get have adequate facilities, involved students and “I didn’t love school in terms of the academic back into academic mode,” he said. “Grades offer a theater minor, JBU does not currently end of things,” Wallace said. “I loved the social don’t exist in the professional world—you Photo by Emma Stoltzfus have specific theater faculty or a major. end of things and the art we were creating in the either succeed or you fail.” Wallace will be moving his family to theater program.” During his education, Wallace attended a four- While excited for this next step, Wallace says Arkansas in June just a few weeks after a last The future theater professor became an week intensive apprenticeship in Italy learning he will miss his students at Dordt. appearance as “Froggy” in the community active part of the department and joined Seattle commedia dell’arte, an Italian comedy theater “I keep being reminded of things—every theater production of The Foreigner. Pacific’s touring group. form that features four “basic” character types day—that I will miss,” he said. “The impressive “It’s exciting and a little bit daunting, as well,” His work with the traveling theater increased represented by masks. work students are doing on productions, talking Wallace said, “but we’re going to make that his passion for the theater arts. After receiving his masters, Wallace applied about what they’re doing next year and how jump.” In his senior year, Wallace took a directing for a job at Dordt. I’m excited for them but sad that I don’t get Outside his office, you can see and hear class that was instrumental in pushing him He has now been a theater professor at Dordt to continue mentoring them through those students hanging out and studying in the theater down the path to becoming a theater professor. for six years, teaching a variety of courses projects.” pod. But inside is no less exciting: Wallace’s In the class, he once took so much delight in on acting, directing and other theater-related Wallace is currently teaching the last few office is as colorful as his background. Swords, the way another student had composed a scene subjects. On the side, he runs an Etsy shop classes of his career at Dordt College and theater posters, masks, set dioramas, a desk on that he laughed out loud in the middle of class. where he sells his handmade commedia theater preparing for his new position at John Brown stilts, three mismatched chairs and a miniature This led to his realization that he loved taking masks. University. caricature of himself taped to the computer enjoyment in other people’s success and helping “[Stage combat is] one of my favorite classes “I tell my students often when they’re creating monitor fill the small office. them reach that goal as a teacher. to teach.” Wallace stated, “It’s fun. We just did a new work: ‘If you’re not a little scared, then it’s He was raised in Japan, apprenticed in Italy, After he graduated, Wallace continued to be sword-fighting final performance on Tuesday.” not worth doing.’ I can apply that to my future lived in Hawaii and had twelve siblings. a part of the theater group. When the director Wallace first really began looking at his new as well.” Core 399 pros and cons To be high, or not to be high Josh Meribole -- Staff Writer mandatory. Josh Meribole and Danny Mooers -- Staff Writer issues and not for recreational purchases. “I think Core 399 all comes down to Medical marijuana is different from marijuana Freshmen begin their college experience with personal application,” said Van Eps. “Like April 20, also known as 420, is the unofficial taken for recreational purpose. Core 100. Juniors and seniors end it with Core all classes, they [professors] can’t make you day dedicated to celebrating marijuana. With the The two most common chemicals found 399. Core 399: Calling, Task and Culture is the learn something, they can’t make you apply growing acceptance of weed in the American in marijuana are THC and CBD. THC, final Core class required of Dordt students. something… They can only you give you the culture, the threat it proposes to young adult is Tetrahydrocannabinol, is said to be responsible In this course, professors select topics based tools to learn.” at times overlooked. for the “high” feeling created in marijuana. It is on their interests and not necessarily fields of Senior Michel Gomes is currently in the Smoking marijuana distorts the development found in Savita plant strains. study. This year, the topics being covered are Euthanasia section, which explores why people of the brain for young adult and teenagers The CDC, also notes that the higher the THC, nicknamed Failure, Fighting Fair, Euthanasia, choose physician-assisted suicide. Although according to the Center for Disease Control and the greater the chance for addiction. Control, Place and the Apocalypse. Gomes says that his class is engaging, he Prevention (CDC). CBD, Cannabinoid, is the marijuana Once classes begins, students spend the believes it is one-sided. In studies done involving young adolescents, component that is believed to have medical first four weeks meeting with the subsection “Too many times, the conversation just does the CDC says that marijuana can reduce their benefits. professors to discuss the topic of discipleship not address the issue [euthanasia] as a whole “attention, memory, and learning functions and In Iowa, medical marijuana must not contain before moving into smaller mentor groups. In because we are too limited by looking at it from affect how the brain builds connections between over three percent of THC, and can only be the discipleship section, students are taught a Christian point of view,” said Gomes. “A lot the areas necessary for these functions.” given to patients who are at least 18-years-old about what it means to be a disciple and discuss of the discussions are very one-sided. We need If a person starts using marijuana at a young and are legally allowed to have marijuana. At how their “cultural toolkits” influence them in to see the broader picture.” age, its effect can last long-term or may even three percent, patients may not suffer the mind- addressing issues or topics in the world. He says that at times, the class feels like become permanent. altering effects of THC. Like many Core classes, the course is met indoctrination because other perspectives are CDC also warns that Marijuana can be CBD can be administered to people who have with mixed reviews by students. not explored. addictive. One in 10 people who use marijuana certain condition such as Cancer, AIDs, Crohn’s Bethany Van Eps, a junior in the Place section, “[Core] 399 does not prepare you for, say, are at risk of getting addicted. The chances disease, seizures etc. has a positive view of the course and says that going into the workforce or even knowing increase for people who are below 18 with Feenstra emphasizes the risks of using addressing her subsection’s question—“How how to balance your personal views with that a one-in-six chance developing a possible marijuana. big should my lawn be?”—has benefitted her. of others,” said Gomes. “Because again, the addiction. “It is a gateway drug,” said Senator Randy. “Everyone has different ways of connecting to premise is that reformed thought is the only In by Joanna Jacobus and Susan F. Tapert, the Dordt does not take finding marijuana lightly. their places and it’s interesting to see everyone way. If it is not spelled out, it is implied. I don’t perceived danger of marijuana decreased in the “If we find the substance we are going to call interact with each other about that,” said Van see the point of the course, because it is not years 1992 and 2012 from 80 to 45 percent. the police,” says Robert Taylor. Eps. “[Core] 399 has challenged how I think teaching you to think critically.” Furthermore, there is discussion of the However, if students were to fail a drug about the world, [and taught me] to really Professor Donald Roth, the mentor of the medical benefits of marijuana. test, they would go through Dordt sanctioning analyze what I am doing and what assumptions Failure section and one of the three people “We are lightly going down the path of system. enclose my actions.” responsible for the course, says that surveys are medical marijuana,” said Iowa Senator Randy Mr. Taylor says that students stand a chance Professor Howard Schaap, the “mentor” of the given to students to help improve the course Feenstra. Feenstra also teaches in the business being kicked out with the possibility of re-entry Place group, says the main goal of the subsection each year. He also teaches the initial discipleship department at Dordt. after a certain period. is for students to know and understand what classes with Schaap and Prof. Abby Foreman. Iowa is on pace to open five marijuana He said that Dordt is willing to provide help to harms or helps the places they live. Roth says he hopes Core 399 inspires students dispensaries in the near future. The dispensaries students who may be abusing substances. Van Eps understands why students don’t to learn to care and be concerned with what is will be located all over the state.The marijuana enjoy the course, but she sympathizes with going on in the world. dispensaries are for those who need it for medical the institution’s choice to make the course · Opinion · page 5

Op: When dialogue devolves PLIA team interacts with to debate: Thinking Critically Syrian Refugees Evangeline Colarossi-- Staff Writer much simplification can also be a bad thing. Joshua Meribole and Brad Weber -- Staff Writers “red line,” but he did not respond militarily to “Portraying a complex issue [in a basic] way is the chemical weapons use. Instead, he pressured In past Diamond issues, articles by business actually part of the problem,” biology professor The Syrian civil war has been going on since Assad to surrender his chemical weapons professor Sacha Walicord and chemistry Jeff Ploegstra said. roughly 2011, but recently allegations have stockpile, and began arming the Free Syrian professor Carl Fictorie have been portraying A basic interpretation of scripture from a been leveled at the Assad regime, accusing Army and other rebel factions. differing views of evolution. This is a student divine mind can pit different views against each them of deploying chemical weapons against During 2014, ISIS grew from Al Qaeda and response to both of those articles. other. At this point, no one is learning, but rather civilians. later split to form their own terrorist group with Students—or any Christians—should know it debating. President Trump, along with the UK and the goal of creating an Islamic State between in is alright not to know exactly what they believe “The pattern of mocking, provoking and France, launched a missile strike targeting Syria and Iraq. right now. Yes, as Christians we should actively dividing has become far too prevalent in believed chemical weapon stockpiles of the As civil war raged in Syria, Turkey began pursue learning more about God and each contemporary society,” Ploegstra said. regime on April 14. At the same time, the attacking Kurdish separatists in both Turkey aspect of the faith. Temporary confusion does College students don’t need to feel like they Trump administration continues to implement and Syria, fearing that the conflict in Syria not freely allow satisfied ignorance. However, have solidify all of their opinions by the time the refugee ban as much as allowed by the would spur Turkish Kurds to split from Turkey. to say that one has the Bible fully figured out is they graduate. Ideas are expressed to let people judicial system, putting barriers in the way of In 2015, Russia began military action in support saying that one fully understands God’s mind. know how they feel. People need to take time Syrian refugees attempting to find sanctuary in of the Assad regime, coordinating with both How can a person understand the infinite? to contemplate those various ideas instead of the United States. Before speaking to current Assad’s forces and Iranian groups. “We learn a lot of different views in classes choosing the one that seems most valid at first events, it may be useful to recap the Syrian After Trump won the election, he said that because there is no absolute known,” freshman glance. crisis. the US would not join in the Syria conflict. Shannon Oosteninkm said. “If we knew one “I encourage critics to learn more about In 2011, protests arose against the Assad However, when Assad allegedly used chemical way for certain, that would be the way that we something so they can be informed critics,” Regime. The protests were initially peaceful; weapons again in 2017, Trump, torn by the were teaching everything.” Ploegstra said. “Critique with conviction, but however, the government responded in a heavy images of dying children, attacked a Syrian Oostenink compares the differing teaching don’t base convictions on the idea that an idea handed manner, using live ammunitions against government air base. Now, Trump again has methods to reading a book. is somehow ludicrous or mock it.” protesters and generally attempting to crush responded to alleged chemical weapons attacks “You can interpret a book in multiple ways. Consider the common phrase, “You can’t put political dissent. This, of course, only served to by the Syrian government by launching missiles That doesn’t mean one view is right or wrong, God in a box.” If God created the world through further incite the uprising. against strategic Syrian government targets.. but it may be different than the author’s intended a literal seven-day creation, so be it. If the world The free Syrian Army emerged as the protests, Still, despite the continued conflict, Trump has meaning,” she said. was created over an extended period of time via and government response, grew more violent. not eased the travel ban. The responses from both professors include God using evolution, so be it. Either way, God The deep divisions within the country became Trump has argued that the Ban is to protect arguments that can be upheld as well as points has the divine power and ability to create from even more apparent as members of the Syrian America’s national security; however, he does that crumble. After thoroughly inspecting each absolute nothingness. No matter the method, military defected to join the Free Syrian Army. not acknowledge the endless war, bombing side, people may find that they agree with one it is okay to have not decided what to believe. Jihadist from all over the world flocked in and trauma that many Syrian people face. interpretation more than the other. Ideas can Seek out understanding no matter where you are to join the rebellion. This made it difficult He is quick to send bombs and to react to the be a dangerous things, but, in some cases, too in your search for answers. for western powers to join a side because bitterness of the situation; it seems much harder they did not whom to support. The Kurds, an to find a way to respond in love. ethnic minority in the North of Syria, took During PLIA, I had the opportunity to interact this opportunity to begin their own rebellion with refugees as they try to live their new lives Classes cancelled for Ideafest in 2012. There are around 20 million Kurds in in the United States. The friendliness that they the Middle East, and they have played an active showed was incredible. As we helped moved Elizabeth Helmkamp -- Staff Writer role in numerous Middle Eastern conflicts. furniture into their houses, they wanted us to Many Kurdish factions have advocated for stay and talk. They offered us food and even Presentations ranging from horse slaughtering autonomy within their countries, or the creation asked that we stay in their house, since the to gender roles in families will be showcased at of a Kurdish state. organization we were working with was a few this year’s Ideafest. The Free Syrian Army was initially created miles away. They were supremely hospitable. Ideafest will be held on April 26. It is an with the sole purpose of removing Assad from The people that where in St. Louis had once opportunity for students and people within the power, but large factions, such as Al Qaeda, have been lawyers and doctors, but now they were community to see what students are doing in the gained more influence. The conflict was further just people trying to live out their life in a new classroom. complicated by the Syrian Kurds seceding from environment. Paul Fessler, a history professor, says that Syria, Iran sending troops to support the Assad The question becomes this: What we can while there are many community events regime, and both Turkey and Saudi Arabia do with a problem too big and complicated to that Dordt departments are involved in, he supplying the rebels with weapons. solve? Mark Akers, the leader of Oasis—an especially likes how Ideafest gives research, Contributed Photo In 2013, Assad allegedly used chemical organization that helps refugees get settled papers and other more individual activities time weapons on a rebel held section of the capital and learn English—gave this answer: Tell their in the spotlight. 34 students that participated. This year there are Damascus. In 2012, then President Barak story and love. “Ideafest is an opportunity to really celebrate 73 classroom presentations, 27 posters, and a Obama had declared chemical weapons use a that what we really are supposed to be doing total of 165 students. at Dordt,” Fessler said. “Far too often we’re all This year, Ideafest is on track for the same in our own little silos, and all we see are our number of people as last year. students.” “I think we’ve almost reached the max for Dangerous Idea fest is a way for the different departments the classroom presentations that we can do,” to interact with each other in a community Fessler said. misrepresentations setting. Fessler always looks forward to Ideafest every Dr. Jeff Ploegstra, Biology Dept. — Guest this issue. But the portrayal of this complex “It’s just a very fun chance to really hear all year. Writer issue as simple and crystal-clear is part of sorts of presentations from every discipline “It’s the excitement of seeing fellow students the problem. It mischaracterizes the situation across campus,” said Cindy Nederhoff, come out to see other students,” he said. “This “The apparent conflict between the biblical and those involved, discouraging Christians Assistant to the Director for Research and is what an institution of higher education should and scientific accounts of origins is dealt with from becoming careful, critical thinkers. It Scholarship. “It’s nice to see like, some of be about. And it gets me excited about Dordt in various ways. One is to make a simple choice encourages us to trust in faulty understandings our science students going to a humanities College.” between them. So secular scholarship generally and unreliable resources, deterring us toward presentation, and the art students going to a There are often difficulties with organizing rejects the biblical account outright and chooses unwarranted confidence and away from self- science presentation, getting to hear things that the event. The organizers have to rely on busy the scientific one instead. Similarly, some forms evaluation. they don’t hear maybe on their own classes that college students to put on the event. of fundamentalism hold that belief in the Bible For example, if I were to argue Prof. Sacha their taking.” “Ideafest all needs to get pulled together at has as a necessary consequence the unqualified Walicord’s position on his behalf, I would Ideafest started back in 2004, and has grown the very last minute. Trying to make sure that rejection of the scientific account. As Christians strongly veer away from a number of points since then. During the first year of Ideafest, the schedules actually work for the students is who accept the Bible as the infallible Word of that he uses. there were 20 papers, six posters, and a total of very difficult,” Nederhoff said. God, we obviously reject wholeheartedly the First, Walicord cites “A Scientific Dissent former alternative. But as Reformed Christians from Darwinism,” signed by nearly one who recognize the authority of general thousand secular scientists from all over the revelation and the legitimacy of the scientific world. The terms secular and scientist, however, Michel Gomes enterprise as a God-given task, we also are both misleading descriptions. Many signers resolutely reject the second alternative. Being are associated with Christian institutions and Major History, Minor: Philosophy Reformed means that we accept the problem in are from unrelated fields, if scientists at all, 2 years as writer all its difficulty.” (CRC Creation study pg. 402) according to the NY Times. Additionally, the document was authored by the Discovery Advice: Throughout this semester’s Science and Institute—which acknowledges a Judeo- “Just because they mean well doesn’t Faith series of Diamond articles, I have been Christian ethos and goal to “support the theistic mean they are right. Integrity and truth sorry to see examples of the polarizing rhetoric foundations of the west.” and divisive nature that often accompany Even if taken at face value, this petition would should be the muse of the aspiring discussions of this nature. Protecting the only represent approximately 0.1% of the over journalist. Question them all..” integrity of Scripture in these articles is an 1,000,000 biologists and geologists in the admirable impulse that I heartily approve, and people are indeed leaving the faith over Continued on page 8 page 6 · Feature ·

Saying goodbye to Baseball Golf season slows down

Zachary Sanford -- Staff Writer you can see less clubs thrown or in a bad round seniors you have a bad shot and you’re obviously mad, Caleb Pollema -- Staff Writer Golf season this year has been snowed out on but you don’t go throw a club about it.” several occasions, causing the players to miss It’s not just Dordt College that is affected by Athletes across the world often dread their last valuable time on the course. With the GPAC this way of living, but also fellow Christian game. It means that the season is over and they Championships this week, players will have colleges. The reason they play is to have fun must begin offseason preparations for the next little chance for practice. and be competitive, while not letting the game season. The weather has hindered players to practice take control. Having fun and talking on the However, for ten Dordt baseball players, not on the courses, leaving them to scramble last course is part of the game. only are their seasons coming to an end, but for weekend in the nice 50- and 60-degree sunshine Ryan Feauto is a freshman and plays for many they are nearing the end of their baseball to get on the nearly dried-off course. varsity, hitting one of the best scores for Dordt careers. The Women’s GPAC Championships start College this year. This past Saturday, Dordt baseball honored its April 27 at Quail Run in Columbus, Neb. The “You are playing with a guy from ten seniors in between games of a doubleheader women have consistently placed lower in the Northwestern versus a community college against Morningside. Contributed Photo past at invitationals, but have gotten to travel opponent and someone hits a bad shot,” Feauto I have had the privilege of getting to know They remember every long bus ride and practice around to play other schools from Iowa, South said. “The Northwestern opponent is going to several of these seniors over my freshman year that allowed them to build friendships and Dakota and Nebraska. be totally cool about it and not get upset, while of baseball and it has been an absolute honor. relationships with their teammates and coaches The spring golf season started in late March with the other guy, you don’t know what he’s Each of them has their own backgrounds, that will last a lifetime. for the men with their first match at Doane going to do. stories and life goals that make them unique and These thoughts swirl around the heads of Invitational in Lincoln, Neb. They placed third There are higher priorities at a Christian truly special. seniors everywhere as they enter their final of 13. The women’s team first played at the college than golf. So you can’t really take it all For each of the seniors, they are planning on games of their collegiate careers, but the Morningside Invite in Sioux City in late March that seriously. If you are having fun, you are pursuing their individual vocational careers memories of their seasons will remain. and placed second out of two teams. going to play a better game of golf anyway.” after graduation across a variety of fields and Personally, it’s going to be difficult to see One thing Dordt does well on and off the 18- The annual Northwestern Match Play will be industries. these seniors go because they have been great hole course is maintaining a respectable attitude. held April 30 and May 1 at Landsmeer Golf “I have accepted a political appointee position leaders and Godly role models for our team. In a Christ-centered school, this shows well for Club in Orange City. This is the final meet for within the Trump Administration,” said Ryan Despite the terrible winter that affected much the players and members of the coaching staff. the men’s team. The woman’s team’s final meet McDermott, a senior. “I will be working in the of the season, they stayed the course. They “You can tell in the way they act,” said is the GPAC Championships on April 27 and Office of the Secretary at the Department of didn’t bat an eye. They knew that it was merely freshman Dylan Van Ruler. “After a bad shot 28. Commerce in Washington, D.C.” part of God’s plan. Fellow senior Brandon Fokkema also plans I commend them for their actions. They could to take his degree to the nation’s capital after have caved, but they didn’t. They could have college and work in a think tank with the hopes quit on the team, but they didn’t. They handled of creating positive political change. what life threw at them and recognized God’s New Ag Stewardship Center For seniors Joshua Van Eps and Covey purpose even when they didn’t understand it. Danny Mooers -- Staff Writer The new Agriculture Stewardship Center Jackson, they will not only be beginning their I wish I could put into words how blessed I itself is expected to cost $3.5 million and the jobs after graduation, but they both will be was by this senior class, but I can’t. One thing I As Dordt looks to expand their agriculture entire three-phase moving project is projected preparing to become husbands this summer. can say though is that these men will enter the department, updating the facilities and to cost somewhere around $7.3 million. “I am so incredibly excited to take on all of the next chapter of their lives with an attitude and equipment is a top priority. Dordt is hoping the building will be completed new challenges between being in the workforce determination like any other. Dordt is planning on moving the home base by late August 2018. Besides the building, the full time and being a husband,” Van Eps said. “I They will conquer life’s challenges and for their agriculture department a mile further first phase also includes a $400,000 budget for couldn’t be more thankful for all that I have in recognize that their victory is not in themselves, north of its current location to a spot of land new equipment and a $525,000 endowment to front of me at this point in my life.” but in Christ who has already won. close to the wayside chapel on Highway 75. cover the cost of operating the building. As these seniors look to the future and To these ten men all I can say is thank you. The current Agriculture Stewardship Center The second phase will consist of developing the exciting events that lie ahead, they also Thank you for leading our team and preparing is located two miles north of the Dordt College a animal husbandry facility. That facility is acknowledge that their experiences at Dordt us for the years to come. Thank you for taking campus. The agriculture department also expected to cost $1.5 million. have shaped them into who they are today. your last year of baseball to prepare us for the operates a 200 acre farm and uses it to teach The third phase will be to create a storage They recall the magical run of being a part of final years of ours. Thank you for being men of students how to grow crops, small grains and facility and potentially a house for the Farm the first team in Dordt’s history to make itto unshakable faith. raise livestock. Steward. the conference tournament last year as juniors. Thank you! Dordt traded the piece of land the Agriculture “It (the new Stewardship Center) has both a Stewardship Center currently occupies with pedagogical purpose to teach students, but it the city of Sioux Center and received 80 acres will also be a meeting space,” Wilson said. “We along with cash in return. are hoping to partner with different agriculture Snowy softball season “Erik Hoekstra had a conversation with businesses and organizations around Northwest Sawyer Strelnieks -- Staff Writer The team’s goal this year is to make it to the the mayor about a year ago and the mayor Iowa so they can host different meetings and tournament this May. They made it last season suggested a potential property swap with us,” events at our facility.” More snow? No softball team likes seeing and plan to get just as far again this year. said Howard Wilson the Vice President and The current center is quite a bit smaller than flurries fly during the middle of their season. The team has been working hard to string Chief Administrative Officer at Dordt on how the new one will be and with development of Stil, the Dordt softball team has kept practices together all the different aspects of softball to the process began. the Pro-Tech program, more space has become fun with lots of team activities. form a well-rounded team as the season winds Dordt will not be giving up the 200 acre farm, necessary. There are around 175 students Over spring break, the team took a trip to down. they are upgrading their facilities and moving involved with the agriculture program at Dordt Arizona where they played 11 games (6-5) “There are three main parts to softball: them to the land they received. between full-time students and the Pro-Tech against various teams. This was a great bonding Pitching, offense and defense,” said junior “We are able to build the new stewardship students. experience for the team, said several players, as catcher Abby Smith. “In the beginning of the center because of the land swap,” said Mike “We want a meeting space which will both they road tripped all the way to Tucson to play season, we would pitch and play defense really Schouten, the Agriculture Stewardship Center benefit students and they will also get to see in the warm weather. well. Or have really good offense. Now, I think Steward. “It’s allowed us to have more room to the larger world of agriculture business in “I think my favorite part about this year is the we are finally understanding how to string all develop.” Northwest Iowa,” Wilson said. girls on the team,” said sophomore infielder three aspects of the game together, making us They have a plans to construct a 24,000 sq. There will be an opportunity to hear more Marissa VandenBerg. “We click well together more successful.” foot building that will contain classrooms and a about the new center at Ag Day on Friday. The and we all understand each other.” Along with combining all the different parts 175- person meeting room along with space for event begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. There Coming back to blizzards has been a challenge of softball to form a strong team, the girls also further development. This is the first phase of will be chances to see livestock and learn more after their spring break trip. They have had focus on keeping things simple, worrying about the project. The steel for the building is expected about how the world of farming functions. many of their games canceled or rescheduled only the current game. to arrive in the next few weeks according to There is also a pulled pork meal available for due to cold temperatures or snow. To stay “We think about the game right in front of Wilson. It is being fabricated in Missouri. a $6 fee. positive about the weather, the girls have done us,” said junior pitcher Tianna Top. “We have various bonding activities as a team to help one a talented team and we are not putting limits on Photo by Danny Mooers another build relationships between teammates. what we can do.” Recently, the team shoveled off their field as The team is working daily to improve the one of their team-bonding activities. different aspects of their game and build “It seemed like a lot of work,” said sophomore chemistry between every player, which has been pitcher Rachel Evavold. “It ended up being tough when constantly being stuck indoors. really fun and I think we grew closer as a team.” The softball team has had to share the Rec Despite the weather, the girls managed to Center with the baseball and track teams, all sneak in several games, “Starting out a little of which have been praying and hoping for rocky,” according to Krista Bousema, senior warmer weather. After months of waiting, it catcher and infielder. is finally warming up outside, and everyone is The team went 0-6 in conference play, losing migrating to their respective fields and tracks to some close games. Later in the season, the team finally train and compete outside. has come together, with a current record of 18- The softball team finishes their regular season 15 and 7-7 in conference play. with a doubleheader at home against Briar Cliff “We are getting on a roll and are right where on April 25, a doubleheader at Dakota Wesleyan we want to be: Playing our best at conference on April 26 and a double header at Concordia tournament time” Bousema said. on April 28. · Arts & Entertainment · page 7

Art Gallery offers Littlest Show Deafening Silence: “A Quiet Place” Review Harrison Burns -- Staff Writer and the family uses sign language as the primary means for communication, forcing the camera Most modern blockbuster movies utilize work and actor’s expressions to almost entirely loud explosions or quippy dialogue to draw an illustrate the story. audience. What makes the success of “A Quiet This suspenseful thriller, directed by John Place” so remarkable is that it forgoes both Krasinski, also stars Krasinski. He and his actual these features for unsettling, masterful silence. wife, Emily Blunt, are superb as protective The film offers a gripping, moving thrill ride parents, and the two children actors offer solid that doesn’t break any genre conventions, but and mature performances. The relationships excels in almost every area of its storytelling. portrayed within this small cast are what propel The movie offers a simple premise of an the film beyond a gimmicky-scare feature and earth overrun with aliens who can only hunt by into a surprisingly intimate and engaging story sound, forcing humans to survive by making of family bonds, strife and sacrifice. no noise. This concept was encapsulated in the The movie is shot with smooth advertising slogan associated with the film: “If cinematography, rarely resorting to “shaky- they hear you, they hunt you.” It is into this cam” to elevate scares, and is bolstered by a world that the protagonists are thrust, as they subtle but menacing sound design. Though Photo by Allison Wordes try to survive and sustain a stable life. some might find its continuous state of tension Allison Wordes -- Staff Writer Van Wingerden’s inspiration came from The most obvious and unique stylistic to be wearisome, the film is paced well to a variety of places. The bell pepper painting feature of the movie is its use of silence. The allow lengthy, patient breaks for character Senior Lydia Van Wingerden’s art gallery highlighted on the Dordt webpage came from daughter in the film (Millicent Simmonds) development and building suspense between show takes a second glance—it doesn’t get a sketch she had made while cleaning out her is deaf, and many scenes are portrayed from the sudden, intense sequences of danger. smaller than this. Her collection on display parent’s greenhouse. Looking back at her her hushed perspective. Between this and the From its intriguing premise to its spine- includes over 250 tiny watercolor paintings sketchbooks sparked many ideas, as well as constant, suffocating necessity to remain quiet tingling ending, “A Quiet Place” is an expertly done over the course of one year. The idea looking back at little paintings she had already to avoid the creatures, the film is engulfed in crafted thriller that is a must-watch for not only originated with a theme she followed for last done. Even familiar things, she said, can seem eerie silence that raises the tension in nearly fans of the genre but filmgoers in general. year’s spring painting class and grew to become new and exciting. every scene. The movie has very little dialogue, an even bigger project. “I love methodical, repetitive things,” said Each painting is paired with a unique and Van Wingerden. Ceramics were another aspect somewhat obnoxious word, combining the she built into her show, with the idea of still elements of Art and English to intrigue viewers. being small and yet functional. That part of the Eury-rlly ough-dice senior The goal is to get people to come up close— show she called “Absence of Memory,” with seeing them both as individuals and as a larger the idea that viewers could trade each cup out picture. for one of their own, creating a new dynamic. student-directed show “There is a tranquil quality about the work,” “I’m leaving Dordt… it’s like leaving said graphic design professor David Versluis. behind a memory and forging new memories,” Janelle Cammenga -- Staff Writer He said the black matte border around each said Van Wingerden. She has family in all parts one emphasizes how small they are and brings of the world, including a brother in Japan. In You may have heard the Greek myth of out the nuances. “She has created a detailed going to South Sudan, she knows she will need Eurydice, a tale of a woman who dies on her universe with her work.” to adapt to a new way of life and learn how to wedding day and a man who travels to the Van Wingerden hopes to sell her artwork be creative with the materials she has available. Underworld to try and save her. to raise money to travel to South Sudan after “I was blown away by how much paper we But you haven’t seen it like this. she graduates. In January 2019 she will go to use as teachers,” said Van Wingerden. However, From April 30 to May 2, Dordt theatre will teach school with a local missionary for two the absence of art supplies does not phase her— be performing Sarah Ruhl’s modern adaptation years, possibly more. In the same way that she she is looking forward to the challenge. of the tragedy. But this version is more than is uprooting and leaving Dordt, she wants her As good as she agrees it is to be creative and modernized: It’s bizarre. artwork to scatter and essentially “start a life of innovative, she finds the beauty in repetition, Eurydice enters the Underworld through their own.” So far, there is no set price “beyond when we can “just be.” She emphasized how an elevator that rains on the inside. She’s whatever freewill donation people are willing to knowing what we are going to do next and surrounded by talking stones who alternate contribute to [her] mission.” having a routine creates balance. between whispering and chucking their shoes at “It was more satisfying than I thought,” said “I watch people going by that space, and I can each other. There’s a room made of string and Van Wingerden. While at first she thought it see that they’re drawn in,” said Versluis. He fruits that drop into a river (“perhaps only in our cliché that the art “took on a life of its own,” she noted the spectrum of styles she included, from imagination,” according to the script). has seen the transformation from a stack of tiny representational landscape to complete abstract. Finally, in a surprising twist on the original watercolors piled on her desk to a full gallery. Bring in the Littles! Van Wingerden’s art myth, the god of the Underworld (sophomore To her, they are like people with individual gallery show reception will be held Friday, Tom Oord) rides around on a tricycle. personalities. April 27 at 7:00 in the Campus Center gallery. Needless to say, designers had their work cut Teaching 3rd grade at Sioux Center Christian out for them. Sophomore Joshua Zietse, who Contributed Photo has given Van Wingerden experience to go out Photo by Allison Wordes designed the set, worked out a way to get actual and use her skills. A lot of her job is seeing the water to rain down in the elevator. Sophomore Still, something has to tie all of these disparate world from their eyes. She hopes to invite her Aidan Bender lit the set to convey a sense of actions, lines and stage elements together. And students to the gallery so they can see what she movement, perfect for creating a flowing river. that something, according to Sears, is theme. has been working on. One of her goals with this Senior Annie Sears, who directs the play, “We latched onto the theme of, ‘What do we project is to make it accessible to everyone of began her search for a script the summer before have if not what we remember?’” Sears said. all ages. her junior year. She read piles of plays, but “‘What do we base our identity on?’” “I want people to think ‘I can do that!’” said after a suggestion from theatre professor Josiah This idea can be found in the struggles of the Van Wingerden. Wallace, she looked at Eurydice and loved it. characters of the play, but also in the concept of Watercolor is Van Wingerden’s preferred “It’s so language-heavy, and the poetry of it is the play’s very existence. medium of choice because most everyone has really important,” Sears said. “It ties into the idea of myth, and why this painted with watercolor at some time since Sears thought she fully understood the script story—that’s so old—still gets told today,” kindergarten and would find it easy to use. The before she started directing, but she “was said Sears. She sees parallels between the myth beauty for her is in the simplicity. Also, she can surprised at how much more meaning we found they’re telling and the Christian story. For keep working until she gets what she wants. every rehearsal,” she said. example, the events in the Bible occurred so Watercolor often turns out better when it has Much of that learning comes from trying to long ago, but we still tell them and live our lives dried. interpret the script. The lines are so bizarre that by them. “I think she is the queen of tiny trees,” said they require a lot of creativity to give the whole Although Sears has directed a One Act at sophomore Retasya Badudu, who enjoyed the thing a grounded and playable context. Dordt and several plays for children, teens and small details and spent time looking at an entire Sometimes, the actors discover meanings that adults back home, this is her first full-length and wall. they never would have guessed. Other times, it fully realized show. Another aspect of this show are the titles of results in ridiculousness. “Everyone has been patient with me as a the works. Only once you get up close do you “We just laugh so much,” Sears said. learning director, and so patient with each become aware of how odd and scrumptious Sophomore Kaitlyn Baljeu plays one of the other,” she said. they are in their relation to each piece—for rocks dwelling in the underworld. If nothing else, Sears encourages students to example, “Coddiwomple for a small caricature “This is the first play that I’ve been in that I’ve come to the play to understand the context of the of a gnome. Upon reading the curious word gotten to use more of my physical abilities,” she quotes on the trifolds adorning the Commons’ “vermiculation” in a book, Van Wingerden hit said. “I’m not just walking around delivering and Grille’s tables. upon the idea of collecting a variety of great lines; I’m rolling on the ground and throwing “It’s likely different than anything the words to name her art. These words were then shoes. As an actor, it’s been stretching me a lot audience has seen before,” said Sears. She matched carefully to each painting—a lengthy more to be present in every moment, especially mostly wants people to come watch the show process. since I don’t have a lot of dialogue.” to see “what theatre can be and what it can do.” page 8 · The Back Page ·

NCDC (cont.) Heart and Humor: “Isle of Continued from page 1 “Someone said they’d never seen me express as much as when I raised my hands when we Dogs” Review inspired the first standing ovation of the won,” said bassist and tambourinist Michel evening), the night was filled with unique spins Gomes, who surprised the audience by Zach Steensma -- Staff Writer (Liev Schreiber). A reluctant Chief agrees to join on familiar songs. manifesting a tambourine from behind his cajon the rest of the pack in aiding Atari on his quest to After all the groups had played, the audience for a few significant notes of the performance. “I Wes Anderson is one of those directors whose find his beloved pet. voted for their favorites by texting the guess I broke my stoic character.” artistic presence is so unique that his movies are The film incorporates Japanese and Western appropriate code, similar to American Idol type “I was really glad that we won, but I honestly practically their own self-contained genre. influences; the movie is a blend of Japanese and singing competitions. This year, judge votes would’ve been satisfied whether we won or not Longtime fans and casual moviegoers alike English, with minimal translation between the counted for the equivalent of 25 individual because I felt that our live performance really immediately recognize Anderson’s films by two except at specific, crucial points in the story. votes. As the tallies were being counted, eight portrayed the hours of practice we put into the their distinct and deliberate narrative structure Painstakingly filmed with stop motion audience members were selected by raffle to songs,” said drummer Benjie Lee. “Before the and visual style, each one meticulously crafted by animation studio Indian Paintbrush, the compete for a prize of Beats headphones in show, we joked about how this will be the peak with a nearly unrivaled amount of attention to animators of Isle of Dogs bring this strange Minute to Win It-style activities. of our musical careers and it will be all downhill detail. dystopian landscape to life in a way no other Finally, “The Keychangers” were announced from here, so we should really enjoy the stage While Isle of Dogs is certainly no exception production company ever could. With striking as second-place winners taking home $250, when we have it.” to these standards, it still manages to stand out textures, mellow lighting and warm colors, preceding the announcement of the $500 prize Dordt and Northwestern students exited the among the rest with a delightfully ridiculous every moment of the film, from the suspenseful going to champions “Black and Yellow.” In auditorium after the winners were announced, premise and unrestrained level of silliness: to the sentimental, is elevated to a level of the second round, the band received a standing looking forward to next year and the renewal of In a retro-futuristic version of Japan, every dog aesthetic and tonal balance that captivates ovation for their electrifying rendition of “Lay this annual music event. has been quarantined (via trans-oceanic cable audiences, allowing them to suspend disbelief Me Down.” car) to a vast island of trash. This quarantine without sacrificing the intended emotional effect occurs by decree of the mayor following a major carried by each mood. disease outbreak among the canines of the city. But even the film’s most heartfelt moments are On the island, former pets Rex (Edward often undercut with visual gags and awkward Norton), King (Bob Balaban), Boss (Bill humor, helping to maintain a consistent pace Misrepresentations (cont.) Murray) and Duke (Jeff Goldblum) form a that balances the story’s political overtones and occasional dark themes with enough laughs and Continued from page 1 supporting a literal interpretation of Genesis 1. pack. The canines fight for their survival and Ultimately, this is where Walicord is operating express the longing to return to their former tears to keep children and adults alike engaged in the experience. United States alone. from and is the case I would suggest making. domestic lives. Alongside them stands Chief In this way, Wes Anderson once again Second, Walicord says evolution is unproven However, there are also solid theological (Bryan Cranston), a stray who does not share succeeds in delivering exactly what audiences by facts. While there are elements of evolutionary arguments supporting non-literal interpretations the sentimentality of the other dogs. have come to expect from him, especially in theory still very open to interrogation and of Genesis 1. It is often hard to admit that there The pack is faced with a challenge when a his flawless transition between the sad and the falsification, they are not, I believe, what he are well-substantiated arguments that the earth young boy named Atari (Koyu Rankin) arrives delightful. implies. There is some validity to the testability is old and living things have diversified over on the island in search of his deported dog Spots distinction of “historical” vs. “observable” time. But telling people to pretend that a tiger is science, but there are hundreds of thousands of a house-cat only gets them eaten. research articles utilizing evolutionary theory In the end, debates, blogs, and newspapers Diamond Staff 2017-2018 and an old earth/universe model which make should only ever be entry points to important testable hypotheses that indeed turn out to discussions. These mediums do not necessarily match observable phenomena. lend themselves to careful, thorough, and Editor-in-Chief: Copy Editors: A&E Editor: Tess Hemmila Ashley Huizinga Janelle Cammenga Janelle Cammenga Joshua Meribole Third, Walicord rightly acknowledges we nuanced engagement. Individuals are free to Clarissa Caleb Pollema interpret our observations of nature through think evolutionary theory is untrue. However, Managing Editor: Kraayenbrink Photography Zachary Sanford worldviews, but ignores that we also interpret I encourage critics to learn more about it so Danny Mooers Editors: Zach Steensma Scripture through worldviews. Walicord says, they can be informed critics. Critique it with News Editor: Zachary Sanford Jenna Stephens “The book of Genesis, which clearly belongs conviction, but don’t base convictions on the Layout Designer: Danny Mooers Sawyer Strelnieks Emma Stoltzfus to the genre of historical narrative, is crystal- idea that evolutionary theory is somehow Brittany Duncan Sawyer Strelnieks Sports Editor: Staff Writers: Allison Wordes clear…” But the genre and literary nature of ludicrous or mock-able. When others realize it is Janelle Cammenga Assistant Layout Clarissa Evangeline Colarossi Genesis 1 has been a debated topic throughout not indeed ludicrous, not only does the mocker Designer: Kraayenbrink Staff Adviser: Elizabeth Helmkamp church history (even before Darwin) and across lose credibility, but so may the Scriptures that Emma Stoltzfus Lee Pitts denominations (see the creation studies from s/he has tied to his or her interpretation of the Retasya Badudu the CRC, PCA, and OPC). Word and world. Fourth, lumping people into two camps Besides, these discussions have been dangerously oversimplifies the situation. The hashed-out fairly thoroughly already. If you dichotomy that “The Christian scientist’s are interested in developing a more thorough The Diamond editorial team would like to thank all staff and contributing writers for their worldview is firmly based on (all) the teachings historical/theological perspective, linked online efforts and participation this year. We have sincerely enjoyed our time as leaders of this of the bible while the atheist-materialist scientist are several resources from Ligonier ministries, wonderful and ambitious group of writers and copyeditors. We are confident that the Diamond interprets nature according to his atheism” does the CRC, the PCA, and the OPC. There are will continue to flourish and benefit readers in years to come. This opportunity to practice two things: 1) badly misrepresents the host of many available resources, including a whole Christian journalism has not been taken for granted. philosophical and theological perspectives that host of theology, history, and science courses All the best, Ashley Huizinga and Danny Mooers people bring to science and 2) implies there is at Dordt. a single, correct, fully understood interpretation of all biblical teachings. Editor’s note: This concludes this semester’s This pattern of polarizing rhetoric insinuates series of articles on Science and Faith. The that a non-literal interpretation of Genesis Diamond sincerely thanks those who have read is the same as throwing out the historicity and contributed to the discussion, including and grounding of all Scripture. The pattern those who sent in submissions to be reviewed of mocking, provoking, and dividing (by for potential publication. We wish to encourage both sides) has become far too prevalent further discussion and research on the issue, in contemporary society. This badly whether in offices, dorm rooms or the class mischaracterizes many thoughtful Christians, environment. For this reason, we encourage and such statements are dangerously divisive. those intrigued by these discussions to join Admitting you don’t know everything is not the the Science and Faith Club in Fall 2018, co- same as a lack of faith or a capitulation. It is led by current sophomores Brooke Altena and honest and appropriately humble. Chloe Hansum. Thank you for your attentive There are solid theological arguments readership.

Danny Mooers Major: English Writing, Criminal Justice 3 years as writer, 1 year as editor Advice: “Throw yourself to the wolves. Be willing to look incompetent and make mistakes! It’ll all work out eventually and I promise you will see improvement.”