Opinion: Art: News: News: Senior Way: A Ag Day Dordt farewells journey students to the through art and J&J Diamond vaccine page 2 page 4 page 2 page 2

April 30, 2021 Issue 7 Follow us online

Travis Else plants new church in Sioux Center: Good Shepherd Zac VanderLey– Staff Writer

Sommer Schaap walked into Kinsey new church in Sioux Center for twenty-five Elementary with a handful of her friends on years—especially one like Good Shepherd that Sunday morning, April 18. She took a seat on appealed to a wide audience. Baart sees the a folding chair in the cafeteria. Then, Pastor church as an entity that can address the needs of Travis Else greeted the congregation of Good the part of Sioux Center that does not regularly Shepherd for the first time. attend church on Sunday—which is around half The entire cafeteria had filled up and extra the population. tables and chairs were added to accommodate Else’s wife and teenage children led worship the additional attendees. Because no nursery with a single microphone and piano. Pastor was offered, young children sat with their Else delivered his message much closer to parents throughout the entirety of the service. the congregation, which Schaap enjoyed. In “I went because I wanted to hear Travis addition to the more laid-back approach to Else preach again,” said Schaap, a sophomore worship, Good Shepherd also featured a large theatre arts major. “I wondered what he would portion of liturgy. do with his own church.” “It was pretty casual but an intimate style of In addition to Schaap, a collection of worship,” Schaap said. other Dordt students and faculty attended the Attendees were given large bulletins opening of the new church. Aaron Baart, Dordt with call-and-response readings, information University chief of staff and dean of chapel, regarding the church’s core values, and the also attended the opening of Good Shepherd. schedule of the service. Though Baart is not on Good Shepherd’s Good Shepherd comes roughly a month- steering committee (his wife is), he has spent and-a-half after Else’s last sermon at First Contributed Photo extensive time helping plant churches. He Reformed Church. First Reformed is located said he cares about everyone who decides to Else had a desire to create. And, according hopes to encourage his friend, Travis Else, and on the same street as Good Shepherd—only six attend Good Shepherd. Else applied to several to the Facebook video, was exhausted with provide him with thoughts and cautionary tales. houses down the road. churches across the United States but decided, worship wars and the idea that the church needs “There’s a lot of cool possibilities,” Baart “We need to be continued to be fed,” said without conducting a focus group or asking to continue to renovate. Else also was clear that said regarding Good Shepherd. “Something Else in a Facebook video uploaded April 12. around to gauge interest, to start a new church Good Shepherd would be highly liturgical: built new can be helpful.” The attendance of his church is not a in Sioux Center. . . . upon 2,000 years of orthodoxy. According to Baart, there has not been a concern, Else claimed in the video, though he cont. on pg. 3 Diversity in a new era Dordt football’s historic run Mikaela Wegner—Staff Writer sees its end It was one of the first house parties of the 84 percent of Sioux Center is white. The next year—a time for first impressions. Bryan largest demographic is Hispanic—comprising Connor Van Hulzen—Staff Writer O’Neil, a freshman at Dordt University at the 13 percent of the population. time, had just moved to Sioux Center from big- O’Neil chose Dordt for its promise of a tight- city Atlanta, Georgia. knit community, one of genuine inclusivity. He walked to the door with a few other But as he settled, his friend group shrunk football players. They strolled inside, excited. and continued to look more and more like he A burly white man—about 6-foot-4—stood did. in front of O’Neil. Looking to be in his early O’Neil, now a senior, often reflects on how 20s and about 300 pounds, he was a “big dude.” this happened. And, time and time again, he O’Neil met his eyes. feels Dordt students who looked different than “I’ve never seen two n***** in one place at him were discomforted by his presence and the same time,” the man said. made little effort to connect with O’Neil and his A dark pit grew in O’Neil’s stomach. His friends. heart dropped, tongue twisting against his will. Weekend after weekend, O’Neil watched He wanted to hit the man, but an inability to Dordt students post events that he and his Contributed Photo move gripped him. friends were never invited to. These pictures A thought then consumed O’Neil, one he were filled with only white faces. The Dordt University Defenders faced off heavy rushing attack against the Grand View would ask himself time and time again: “A lot of people here are comfortable being against the Grand View University Vikings in defense. Quarterback Noah Clayberg appeared Do they even view me as a person? comfortable,” O’Neil said. the first round of the NAIA Football Playoffs in to have scrambled for a touchdown to put Dordt Black Lives Matter and other global O’Neil has never felt discriminated against Des Moines on Saturday, April 17. up once again, but a holding penalty resulted in movements have shifted the culture following by teachers. Rather, he has always felt respected On the heels of an all-time best 8-2 regular the touchdown being nullified and the Defenders the murder of George Floyd, a black man. His by these people. Still, the university curriculum season performance, Dordt’s maiden voyage being pushed further away from the end zone. killer, the ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek contains some ideas he finds inconsistent. into the playoffs showed just how difficult it After a Grand View sack on the following play, Chauvin, was found guilty on April 20 on all For O’Neil, Dordt can work towards a more can be to win against top-level NAIA teams. a 50-yard field goal attempt from sophomore charges surrounding Floyd’s death. inclusive school-body through more diverse However, the Defenders didn’t go down without kicker Brett Zackman hooked wide left, and the According to CBS Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz recruiting, especially in sports. a fight. Defenders were left empty-handed. said Chauvin’s conviction was “an important He also mentioned that when it comes to The first half featured Dordt grabbing a A Viking touchdown later in the third quarter step forward for justice in Minnesota.” promotional pictures, the university should be quick lead that was quickly surrendered to brought the score heading into the final period But what this ruling means for small towns explicit with their motives in using people of the Vikings. However, a drive in the closing 17-10. like Sioux Center is still in question. color for them. minutes of the second quarter resulted in The Grand View Vikings took over the game In the 1900s, the Midwest served as a Anisa Quintanilla is one of these publicized Dordt getting back on the scoreboard. Led by in the final quarter. popular settlement spot for immigrants from faces used to promote diversity. two clutch interceptions by senior cornerback They went on to score three touchdowns in the Netherlands, a reality still reflected in the A freshman from California, Quintanilla Nathan Kabongo, the Defenders went into the final quarter, sending Dordt home with a populations living there today. knew she was attending a primarily “white halftime tied 10-10 against the second-ranked final score of 38-10. According to Census Reporter in 2019, campus.” team in the NAIA. For a day containing so many firsts for This past February, Anisa and her twin sister, The first drive of the second half saw Dordt Dordt, it would unfortunately also involve cont. on pg.3 take almost nine minutes off the clock with a many ‘lasts.’ 11 Defenders will graduate at the cont. on pg. 8 page 2 News News page 3 A goodbye from our Dordt students still confident Good Shepherd cont. Graduation draws near Cont. from pg. 1 graduating reporters in vaccine, despite pause The three pillars of the church are word, those who have had bad experiences with the for seniors table, and community—communion is church in the past or feel left out within the Yage Wang—Staff Writer Jaclyn Vander Waal— Staff Writer administered every Sunday to any baptized, broader community. The liturgical aspects of

comforted by the small percentage of women professing believer who seeks to partake. Good Shepherd, he noted, can help ground a The 2021 graduates of Dordt University, Center. Attendees not in the BJ Haan will watch On April 7, 218 Dordt University students Yage Wang — Staff Writer who were affected by the blood clots. Else’s first sermon was titled “The Shepherd church in timeless truths. who will walk across the stage of the B.J. Haan the ceremony via a professional live broadcast entered the DeWitt Gymnasium with their The best memory, and the most intimidating Both students also experienced multiple cares for His Sheep,” and connected Psalm 23 One of the main draws of Good Shepherd Auditorium on May 7, will be the first class on large screens in the secondary locations. student IDs, masks, and consent forms to one I had about The Diamond, is participating expected side-effects from the vaccine, ranging (The Lord is my Shepherd) to John 10:11-21 for Baart and his family is the church’s goal to to graduate with an in-person ceremony and Seating in the BJ Haan will have some—but not receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. in one of the meetings when I was a sophomore. from fevers to intense headaches, over the next (I am the Good Shepherd). Else explained the function as a multicultural bridge, specifically “Dordt University” written on their diplomas. six feet—of space between guest groups, while Six days following the vaccination Everyone was extremely excited while 24-hours. Shepherd, Christ, gives rest and peace to his desiring to include a diverse congregation. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions last year, the gym and rec center will abide by social clinic, however, the U.S. Food and Drug proposing ideas for articles. Some of them even “I can be a wimp sometimes when it comes sheep. Baart’s kids are excited, and he loves to hear Dordt 2020 graduates did not get the chance to distancing standards. There will also be meal Administration and the Centers for Disease stood on their chairs shouting ideas. It was like to being sick, but I don’t think I was being Schaap recalled Else preaching about how them express joy in church community. participate in an in-person graduation. Instead, vouchers for the graduates and their guests to Control and Prevention paused Johnson and a newsroom simulation. Everyone was yelling, dramatic this time,” Glynn said. “I was wiped people today are drowning in their freedom and “Historically, the presence of God is they watched a recorded video online with their enjoy a reception afterwards on campus. Johnson vaccine distribution for 11 days laughing, joking, and debating. Ideas were out.” possibility in a world that cannot satisfy their encountered in community,” Baart said. “This pictures and names displayed on the screen. Traveling restrictions due to the pandemic because six cases of a dangerous type of blood overflowing. Both said they would do it over again, desires. experience with God is different than in our Professor Bob De Smith is the academic presents a dilemma for many international clot were reported in women ages 18-59. However, I was scared away and didn’t though. The service featured no screens and no high- own devotional practices.” marshal this year and will hold the mace students’ families hoping to attend their After conducting a safety review, the return until next year, mostly because I was not Munson was encouraged she could no longer powered lighting. Pastor Travis Else declined to comment for as he leads the faculty and students in the graduation ceremony. federal agencies recommended the vaccine confident about the things that I’m able to write. be contact-traced and that it would be safer to “I’m still church shopping, but I enjoyed this story, citing a desire for his church to keep commencement ceremony. Though the commencement might not fit resume on Friday, April 23, with a caution that The years I’ve been a part of The Diamond have be in close contact with others in public. Glynn Else’s preaching style, and I’m interested to see a low-profile. “It’s going to look a little bit different this every student’s situation or satisfy families women younger than 50 may be at rare risk taught me so many things. Especially that no one is eager to be able to visit her grandparents in how the church progresses,” Schaap said. year,” De Smith said. “Usually we put all the and friends, it still upholds significant meaning of developing the blood clot. By that date, the can know how to write well without practice. May. Good Shepherd, Baart hopes, can appeal to students up on the stage with two wings facing in each student’s life. The ceremony brings CDC had reported these cases in 15 women out It prepared and trained me to become a writer “Despite the terrible side-effects and the middle, but people are really close together. closure to their time at Dordt and is the start of of more than 8 million doses administered in the who can look at my bad articles and refrain from the uncertainties of the shot, I think getting This year, they are putting the graduates on the a new journey. United States. Contributed Photo mistakes the next time. vaccinated is important,” Glynn said. “Having floor, the pews. And the choral will be on one “We technically call the graduation Yet, Dordt students and staff were not the chance to get the shot here easily on campus side of the stage. We also decided to cut down ‘commencement,’ which I like because that Caleb Pollema — Staff Writer discouraged by this setback. Many remained Tess Hemmila — Copy Editor is really convenient. I know things are still far the number of faculty members to make room word means beginning,” De Smith said, “To Writing for The Diamond over the last four hopeful because of the way the healthcare system When I started on The Diamond as a freshman, from normal but getting vaccinated is a step in for parents and friends.” graduate is like moving to the next level. I years has been one of the highlights of my handled the situation. They say vaccinations are Diversity in a new era cont. I could never have anticipated all the fun I would the right direction.” Students have the choice of either a block of like the idea of commencement, which is like college career. I am immensely grateful for still the solution to the COVID-19 pandemic. have writing for this newspaper. These four Baas hopes students will seek out reliable four tickets in the De Witt and Rec Center, or sending off, but it’s very much like a beginning.” professor Pitts and his work in shaping me into “The fact that our health-care system said, Cont. from pg. 1 years on The Diamond have pushed me outside sources like the CDC for their information on two tickets in the BJ Haan and two in the Rec the writer that I am today. From covering hard ‘Hey, we need to stop and look at this,’ should . . . Clarisa, received an email from the ethnicity. Anisa felt dumb for not realizing the of my comfort zone and helped me connect COVID-19 and vaccinations. She also wants to news pieces to writing the sports section, I have reinforce the confidence that we can have in our university media team asking for their university’s potential intention. And, as students with so many incredible students, faculty, and see more students get vaccinated in the coming enjoyed giving a voice to so many people in the healthcare system – that it does pay attention to involvement with promotional pictures on continued to ask, their assumptions rubbed her members of the local community. I couldn’t ask months, whether that be with the J&J or another Dordt community. these things,” said Beth Bass, director of student the basis that they were twins in the nursing the wrong way. Anisa thought Dordt was using for a better way to spend my Monday nights. vaccine. Even though COVID-19 may appear If I had to leave one piece of advice for future health and counseling for Dordt University. program. her to make their campus seem more diverse As a senior, they tell me I’m allowed to give to not be as serious of a threat to students due to journalists, it would be to always pursue the She compared the situation to driving a Upon receiving the email, Anisa was excited than it was. advice now, so I have two things to say. To all their age, Baas understands the implications of truth no matter the circumstances. We must car. Each day, people choose to get in their for the opportunity to help the school. But, “I still would have done it either way,” The Diamond writers, keep your eyes open to people not getting the vaccine. never sacrifice the truth for the purpose of gain, cars despite the fact that some will get in fatal as she told friends about it, she was asked if Anisa said. “But I’m just the type of person that the amazing stories all around you. The best “To really get rid of COVID-19, it’s going popularity, or anything else. In the end, you crashes. She said the small number of blood Dordt’s interest was on account of her Hispanic prefers honesty over anything.” stories are often unexpected. To any other to require that 70 to 80 percent of the whole can never go wrong if the truth is pursued. In clot cases among the millions who received the students reading this, you should probably be world gets vaccinated,” Baas said. “If we don’t so doing, you give a voice to the voiceless as vaccination is a much lower risk. writing for The Diamond. The Diamond is a hit that percentage, those that are unvaccinated Contributed Photo professor Pitts has always told us and that is Selena Munson, a senior, and Hannah Glynn, great opportunity to tell the stories that matter will continue to be the source of new variants what is most important as a Christian journalist. a junior, received the vaccine at the Dordt to you and to join a fantastic team of students. that threaten the help of the vaccination. We clinic. Although they were initially concerned Don’t miss out! could find ourselves back where we were last Emma Stoltzfus — Co-Chief Editor when hearing the news of the pause, both were Dordt pitcher breaks new record for single-season strikeout I joined The Diamond at the start of my year again.” Yee Lim Shin—Staff Writer freshman year. In the last four years I’ve had as a Foreign Language] score therefore there good pitcher would always refresh and move learn from each other and share the different the chance to serve in a variety of roles. From Gyeongju Kim walks to the mound, glove was not much places I could go,” Kim said, on. They hold the score and try win the game thoughts and ideas they have. For people writer to assistant layout designer to co-chief and ball in hand. His heart pounds as the energy “At Ozarks, Assistant Coach B. offered and I and never give up until the game was over. But like Kim, it would also create extra time and editor, it’s been a great journey and I’ll be sad to drink he drank half an hour ago courses through accepted.” other pitchers would give up during a game, exposure for scouts to come and watch him go. The Diamond has allowed me to meet some his veins. With his glove concealing his face, he After two years of attending the University especially if they give up a home run to the play. great people in the Dordt community and share looks to his opponent and calculates which ball of the Ozarks, Kim went back to South Korea other team, or the umpire calls a strike. “My future goal is going to MLB and their stories. to throw. Then he fires a pitch. to finish his military service. During that time, This is why Kim has his own way of playing baseball as much as I can,” Kim said, My advice to future reporters and writers is to Ball one. Kim and Bacon kept in touch, and when Bacon “refreshing” and keeping himself in check and “Also another plan is to go back to South Korea not shy away from stepping out of your comfort Without missing a beat, he regains his moved to become the head baseball coach for stay consistent until the end of the game. After and play pro ball too. But my primary goal is zone. Take every opportunity you can to meet stance. His windup and pitch turn into one fluid Dordt, he contacted Kim to join Dordt’s team. every strike, he walks to the side of the mound playing baseball in MLB.” new people and learn about their lives. A good motion as he throws another ball to the hitter. He arrived a few weeks before the spring and does a little hop before going back to pitch There are two ways to go into MLB: journalist is never complacent and always Strike. Then strike two. Then strike three. semester began and started practicing with again. getting drafted or through free agents. The learning—about the world, about people, and The hitter is out, and the next player comes up Dordt’s baseball players. “Honestly, it’s a routine I’ve been doing drafting process usually happens in July, where about themselves. Contributed Photo to bat. Transitioning from South Korea to the since high school,” Kim said, “When I’m corporations select players and bring them to Gyeongju Kim, one of the four starting University of the Ozarks was one struggle Kim hopping, I’m trying to refresh, kind of like a play. Free agents help players create contracts pitchers for Dordt, currently holds the Dordt had to overcome, but 19 months of military self-signal to just move on. Don’t celebrate the with corporations so they can play. Horses and rabbits and cows, oh my: Ag Day comes to record for the most single-season strikeouts. service was another big change. strikeout, just focus on the next hitter.” His dream of playing in the MLB has been With 88 strikeouts and one more game left, “In the military, there’s no time to prepare Those couple seconds of keep him focused around since he was a kid. Once fulfilled, he he broke the record of Conner Hopkin’s 79 and play baseball,” Kim said. and in control of his throws instead of throwing hopes to retire and coach baseball to kids. Dordt strikeouts from 2017. While doing his service on the island of the next pitch harder to strike out the hitter. It’s “Kim is a guy that’s infectious,” Bacon said, Katie Ribbens—Staff Writer classmate’s. The cows found themselves in an As he looks over to the hitters, he analyzes Dokdo, in South Korea, Kim was able to go out calculated moments like these that led Kim “Every year, all his teammates love him. He’s unfortunate placement beside the Commons, their every move to the finest of detail from the one day per week and play baseball with a group to break the record of the most single-season infectious but he’s also a fierce competitor at the Some colleges have a puppy day before the smell of burgers filling their nostrils. way they hold their bat to the way they stand in the community. They would go to the nearest strikeouts. same time. And I know that no matter what he finals week to help students cope with stress. For Bianca van Ginkel, a sophomore nursing next to the home plate. open space, a playground, where Kim would When a pitcher pitches, he greatly relies on chooses to do in his life that he is going to be Dordt University fills the campus with farm major, the event brought back familiar sights “The day before the game starts, I usually teach and practice with them. It was these short his catcher to have his back. It’s no different with impactful in the community of people that he’s animals instead. and smells from home. Although she is not look up the statistics of their information of moments that Kim used to be in peak pitching Kim and Dordt’s catcher Cameron Pfafman. surrounded by.” Green posters hung around Dordt’s campus pursuing a career in agriculture, she has owned their hitters, what they’re good at, which pitch condition before coming to Dordt. Pfafman, who is also Kim’s roommate, has advertising Ag Day, an event that had not run in many of the species shown at Ag Day. they can hit, which pitch they can’t,” Kim said, Since coming to Dordt, Kim has pitched been able to connect with Kim and create a two years due to COVID-19. On April 23, the “Sioux Center, really, is such a farming “I figure out their weakness and try to attack a total of nine games with five wins and four relationship of mutual trust both on and off the unusual sounds of bleating, clucking, quacking, town,” van Ginkel said. “How many other them.” losses. Of those games, the one that stuck field. mooing, and whinnying filled the campus. towns would have an Ag Day in the middle of Baseball was not new to Kim when he came with him the most was Dordt’s game against “He’s a very crafty pitcher,” Pfafman said, This event allowed students outside of the town at their university?” to Dordt this spring semester. Born in Busan, Concordia University. Kim went in as the “He’s able to attack guys with a lot of different agriculture department to walk a mile in these Like many other students, van Ginkel found South Korea, Kim grew up participating in a lot starting pitcher, threw seven innings, and got pitches. He’s very confident in how his stuff is students’ shoes–or boots. the presence of animals therapeutic. She felt of sports teams, but baseball had a special place three runs. Concordia University was first in the working even on a particularity off day, which in his heart. GPAC standing, and Dordt faced a loss of 1-3. he doesn’t have many of them. But he will still Community members and students alike Photo Credit: Katie Ribbens especially connected to one of the kids. Not joined in on the fun. Parents held the hands welcome folders onto straw bales, forgotten, animal science major, said. a human kid, but one of the four-legged and “The first time I threw a baseball, I felt like it “One of the things that I learned was that go after every guy in different ways.” of bouncing children and carefully navigated as they eagerly gathered baby rabbits to their She aided other members of the pre-vet cloven-hooved variety. Van Ginkel would have was a different feeling from when I played other even though I try really hard if the things do not Though they are 60 feet across from each strollers through the straw bales scattered chests. club with the horse station. The club members gladly snuck the goat into her dorm, though it sports,” Kim said. go well, I need to hold my emotional feelings other, they can communicate nonverbally. around the parking lot. Students gathered For once, the farm smell wafting around all painted equine anatomy onto the horse’s would be a little big to sneak away. The students His passion for baseball led to his family and not spread it out to the other players,” Kim Sometimes by looking at each other in surprise around animal pens and cuddled with rabbits. corners of Sioux Center originated from Dordt’s speckled gray fur. A few children, seeing the helping at the rabbit station felt more concerned moving to Seoul, South Korea in order for said, “Even though our defense makes an error, when a pitch gets hit, or by how the catcher Demonstration tables explaining the intricacies campus. Whiffs clung to the clothes of students black paint used for the horse’s skeletal system, over their furry charges disappearing. The tiny him to pursue his dream in a bigger baseball even though I throw a really bad pitch and give holds out his arms to have something the pitcher of farming sat beside large tractors at the base of as they scampered to class after attending Ag called the creature a zebra. Another youngster balls of fluff could easily be snuck inside jacket community. During the fall of 2017, Kim them a score that makes the game a loss, it can focus on. They balance and help each other the clock tower. Day—or skipped altogether. decided the red and blue paint depicting veins pockets. attended a baseball showcase at Dallas, Texas doesn’t matter.” out throughout the play. Pulled pork sandwiches were served as The animals are all owned by the community: and arteries meant the animal was an American Despite concerns, all animals remained where he met and connected with Nathan Kim described the importance of having a Once the school year ends, Kim plans on people flocked toward the main exhibits; cows, goats, pigs, sheep, horses, donkeys, horse. accounted for at the end of the day, and the Bacon, who at that time was the assistant coach good attitude in baseball, despite the outcome. playing summer ball in Kansas in order to keep cardboard cutouts and tractors had nothing chickens, a duck, rabbits, and one llama. Meyer is currently raising a calf as part of event cleared as quickly as it popped up. Only a of the University of the Ozarks. With Bacon’s The unpredictability of baseball meant no one in shape over the break. Summer ball is a time on the living, breathing, adorable animals. “I think it’s really cool that they’re so her animal science class. In fact, the calves at few pieces of straw remained a few hours later, help, Kim was able to get into the University of knew the outcome of the game until the end. when coaches gather players from different Prospective Dordt students enjoyed a special invested in it,” Allison Meyer, a freshman the event are the responsibilities of some of her scattered by the wind across the parking lot the Ozarks. This was how people could figure out the states and countries to play baseball over the Contributed Photo experience on their visit day. They placed their rapidly filling up with cars. “I didn’t have a TOEFL [Test of English difference between a good and bad pitcher. A summer together, giving them opportunities to page 4 Art & Entertainment Opinion page 5 The 93rd Academy Awards makes history The Freshman school year A final word Daniel Ketchelos— Staff Writer perspective for her work on Nomadland, marks a historic Oscars, one for Best Animated Feature and for Academy Awards. Caleb Pollema— Staff Writer moment for the Academy Awards. Zhao is the Best Music Score, that were awarded to Trent This year’s Academy Award ceremony also Ella de Jong—Staff Writer second woman and first woman of color to Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Jon Batiste. took a different approach to the traditional From studying to making dinner together friends. We traveled with the football team to receive an Oscar for Best Director. Zhao shares Despite Mank being the most nominated event. Many international filmmakers were not We cried. We laughed. We missed out. We to watching every sporting event possible on cheer them on in their first-ever playoff game. the Oscar for Best Picture with others involved film for the Oscars with 10 nominations, it only able to attend the event at Union Station in Los experienced change that affected our lives. television, the friendships I have created over We put down our new friend as our roommate in Nomadland. received Academy Awards for Cinematography Angeles, so screening rooms were assembled for We cried, and we moved on. We did things the last four years have been a blessing. I truly for next year. On Friday night, we watched a Also awarded to Nomadland is the Oscar and Production Design. The Oscar for Best them in their home countries. The atmosphere differently. We went through a lot, to say the believe that many college students do not create movie in a dorm with both guys and girls. On for Best Lead Actress for the performance by Film Editing went to Mikkel E.G. Nielsen of the 93rd Academy Awards strayed away from least. For us freshman, our senior year ended the same types of friendships that many do at Saturday night, we went to Culvers for some Frances McDormand. This is her third award for his work on Sound of Metal, which also the typical glamour of a large venue in favor of on an unusual note and so did the start to our Dordt. concrete mixers with our new life-long friends. in that category, following her work in Fargo received an Oscar for Best Sound Design. The a small white tablecloth setup. Select nominees college years. This far into the story, you may think Dordt We learned a lot. (1996) and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Academy Award for Makeup and Hairstyling could access the event hall. Overall, this leads From high school graduation, to senior University is the perfect place to attend college. I learned it is okay to spend time at home Missouri (2017). McDormand also shares the and Costume Design was awarded to Ma to a much smaller and united feel to the largest prom, to the first day of college, everyone While I would say it is certainly great, it is by with my family at the end of the semester Best Picture award with others involved in Rainey’s Black Bottom. Tenet received an event for the Motion Picture industry. else’s “normal” experience with this part of life no means perfect. Just like any other school it because in college I would go month after month Nomadland. Oscar for Best Visual Effects. Other Academy For the third year, the Oscars did not contrasted with ours. For what some call the faces its challenges. without seeing them. I learned to be thankful to There were many other notable awards Awards presented include Best Song to Fight have a dedicated host. Instead, an assortment “best part of your lives,” ours were a far cry I will say that the cold weather is still Contributed Photo attend multiple in-person classes as my friends presented at the 93rd Academy Awards. 83-year- for You (Judas and the Black Messiah), Best of previous Academy Award winners and from how we had dreamed them up to be as we something that I have not gotten completely around the nation were stuck in their dorms old Anthony Hopkins received Best Actor for Documentary Feature went to Netflix Original nominees, including Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt, laid in our beds as freshmen in high school. It used to over the last four years. A California A night surrounded by A-list actors, on Zoom classes. I recognized the unfairness his role as Anthony in The Father. Hopkins My Octopus Teacher, International Feature Joaquin Phoenix, Laura Dern, and Angela all came with a lot of heartache. We felt as if we desert is very different from the windy plains renowned filmmakers, and the prestigious of my complaints about event cancellations as Contributed Photo is now the oldest person to receive an Oscar. went to Denmark’s Another Round, Best Bassett, presented awards to nominees. were the unlucky class—missing a transition of Sioux Center. I will not miss the cold golden Oscar filled the 93rd Academy Awards. others around the world were losing their jobs When you walk into a new place, you never Daniel Kaluuya received Best Supporting Actor Animated Short, was awarded to If Anything A shift in presentation style also changed the from high school to college. temperatures and the long winter months, that The Academy Awards focus on honoring high- and not knowing how to provide necessities for truly realize its impact on you until you have left for his role as Fred Hampton in Judas and the Happens I Love You, Best Documentary Short atmosphere of the Academy Awards. Typical In the fall, classes started, and we met others is for sure. achieving filmmakers and actors for their their families. I learned sometimes change is it. I am beginning to understand this statement Black Messiah. Yuh-Jung Youn received the went to Colette, and Best Live-Action Short cut-and-dry broadcast television became for the first time with mask-covered faces. Similarly, I will say that there were some unique performances. A total of 22 Oscars were good. I learned to be thankful for what I have will make itself a reality in the coming weeks as Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role went to Two Distant Strangers. replaced with a more stylized broadcast with a Some of our classes met in-person and others days where I longed for the quality food options awarded on April 25 to those who have captured and where I am. I learned to trust in God no I graduate from Dordt University. in Minari, becoming the first Korean woman to In recent years, the academy has been more creamy film look to the entire event. This shift were relegated to virtual get-togethers. from home that the Commons could never the attention of those in the academy. matter what. As I consider my final article for The win the award. accepting of unconventional films released brought a more creative and cinematic feel to For sporting events, we crossed our fingers replicate. Most notably, Nomadland received three We have been through a lot, but we have Diamond as a graduating senior, all the great Many Academy Awards were also presented through Netflix. The Square became the first the Oscars. a volleyball player would give us a ticket to a I had professors with whom I disagreed, yet Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, and Best grown. We might not have had the perfect memories fill my mind as I open the blank to the technical side of filmmaking. The Oscar Netflix original to be nominated back in 2013. The 93rd Academy Awards has shifted game. And, sometimes, some of us we were not I have been challenged to think about not only Lead Actress. The Father, Judas and the Black transition from high school to college or the canvas of a Microsoft Word document for the for Best Original Screenplay was awarded For the 93rd Academy Awards, Netflix received immensely over the last few years, and allowed to enter the football stadium at all. what I believed, but why I believed it. For that I Messiah, Mank, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, ideal start to the “best days of our lives”, but we final time. to Emerald Fennel for Promising Young 36 Nominations—ten of which are for Mank— hopefully, they will continually strive to create a We glanced at our freshman-year schedule am immensely grateful. and Sound of Metal all received two Academy learned more important lessons about life. We Coming to Dordt, I never understood what Woman, and Best Adapted Screenplay went and was awarded seven Oscars in 2021. This unified event to celebrate the highest-achieving and crossed off cancelled event after cancelled I am thankful that Dordt pushed me to Awards each. learned more about ourselves and how to face kind of impact this place would have on me. I to Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller for quantity of nominations has placed Netflix at films of the past year. event. We hoped we would still make friends consider my Christian faith and how it relates to Best Director, awarded to Chloé Zhao adversity. We learned that life is messy, and this will never forget leaving the parking lot with The Father. Disney Pixar’s Soul received two the top with the most nominations for the 93rd despite these missed-out-on social experiences every aspect of my life moving forward. While world is crazy, but we have a God greater than my dad on my first campus visit. I just knew. and our confinement to same-gender dorms. its emphasis became repetitive at times, it is by a pandemic. In Isaiah 41:10, the writer says, I knew this was the place God meant for me to We hoped things would change. no means devoid of importance and purpose. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be spend the next four years of my life receiving a And they did, eventually. We took off our My four years were not quite a breeze. dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen quality Christian education. Way: a journey through art Shifting gears with The masks and walked around campus buildings During this time, I saw a tremendous amount you and help you; I will uphold you with my Little did I know that I would get to and saw each other’s smiling faces. We went of growth in my faith. My junior year and parts Tabetha DeGroot— Staff Writer righteous right hand”. experience so many great things, from fulfilling to the last home volleyball game with all our of senior year were interrupted by a global my dream of playing collegiate baseball, to Falcon and The Winter pandemic that brought its own set of challenges “Have you ever flown to a kingdom made of working in the Defender Capital Management in addition to the usual rigors of college life. clouds? club, to writing for The Diamond. I experienced highs and lows. I laughed Have you walked across a sea of glass to the Soldier I never expected a small Christian university Avocados kept me alive this harder than I ever have before. I cried more than country on the far side?” in a Northwest Iowa cornfield to have professors I ever have in my entire life with the emotions These questions are asked of the reader on a and coaches that truly care about the spiritual ranging from overwhelming joy to heart- page posted outside Danikka Jackson’s senior well-being, athletic achievement, and academic Gretchen Lee—Staff Writer year wrenching anger and sadness. I have thought art show. success of their students. My professors and Rochelle vanderHelm— Staff Writer and been challenged more than I ever have The entrance to the Ribbons Academic coaches are truly some of the people that have After the smashing success of WandaVision, confidence to overcome hesitancy over his role before. Through it all, I have grown. I have been Complex is now accented with tree branches been my best mentors and my best friends. Disney faced the challenge of following it up as a hero. The price of one avocado has been around me, you don’t even have to make your own shaped and molded into who God has made me and sketches of nymph-like faces. Canvases Contributed Photo Speaking of friends, I think that is the one “A lot of different things inspire me: with a show that would even remotely touch The show also touches on the topic of $0.50 for the past two semesters and that bread, you can buy it pre-sliced at the store. to be. bursting with color fill the hallway where the thing that sticks out to me the most about my literature like Tolkien’s works, music, the the excitement people had for their first Marvel racism through the story of Sam in a way that has been my primary source of sustenance. You will have to slice the avocado by yourself If you had told me four years ago of all that I heart of the show lies. Paint, melted crayon, and time at Dordt. I have had the pleasure of making Bible.” Jackson said, “The randomest things show. Two weeks after the WandaVision finale, is unmistakable, but still serves to help propel However, to my dismay, I ventured to Walmart though. would get to experience at Dordt, I never would even glow-sticks are incorporated into them. life-long friends over the past four years. I inspire me and sometimes it’s really significant, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (TFATWS) character and plot development. This sub-plot is the other day only to discover that after a It is healthy: Avocados are rich in healthy fats have believed you. It has been a blessing to be The show, titled “Way,” has been in the have countless memories with my roommates, sometimes it just helps with a little detail.” began, not with a bang, but with a whisper that incredibly timely, and it is striking to see social brief period of high supply of avocados in the which keep you feeling full longer and have the at this place. works since Jackson’s underclassmen years; a teammates, and classmates, that I will not soon Jackson enjoys all types of mediums, but her still drew applause. issues like this affect a character that fans have market, the avocado has returned to around added benefit of aiding hormonal health. Thanks for reading. culmination of all her time making art at Dordt. forget. favorite is drawing—mostly because pencil and TFATWS is a sharp shift into a harsh reality learned to love long before seeing this show. $0.80 each. Smart agro-economics people are It is pretty: The green and brown avocado She has been working on it throughout this year paper were what was accessible growing up in following the magical mystery of WandaVision. The antagonists are interesting and well- happily writing articles about the “recovery” of toast looks nice on your Instagram. and the last. Oaxaca, Mexico. The story picks up right where Avengers: written. John Walker, the new Captain America, avocado prices like it is a good thing while I Being a basic white girl is no longer in “It’s been quite a while in coming” she said. “I have to watch myself because sometimes Endgame left our new main characters, Sam is deliberately written as the antithesis of Steve cry and eat the last avocado I have saved in the fashion, but I am here to say that I am a basic The show features mythical pencil sketches, I’ll say I grew up in an orphanage.” Wilson (The Falcon) and Bucky Barnes (The Rogers right from the start and is a character fridge. white girl who will eat avocado toast until the paint on canvas, and a few collages that Jackson grew up in a missionary family who Winter Soldier). Steve Rodgers has passed everyone can love to hate. Baron Zemo is, Consider the merits of the avocado toast: day I develop an allergy to whole grain toast. A review of The Haunted incorporate multiple mediums. There are also lived and worked with the orphans of Oaxaca. the mantle and shield of Captain America to shockingly, quite amusing and more of an anti- It is cheap: A loaf of pretty good whole grain For the record, my father is a basic white girl pages of text displayed next to the artwork that “So, I literally grew up in an orphanage, but I Sam. Feeling uncomfortable with the idea of hero than an actual villain. The Flag Smashers bread costs about $2.50 and has about 28 slices. as well since he is the one who originally Rochelle vanderHelm— Staff Writer tell snippets of a story as the viewer moves wasn’t an orphan.” becoming Captain America, Sam gives the serve as a sympathetic force, even though their One slice of bread and a half of a 50-cent introduced such a magical combination to me. deeper into the show. Oaxaca is surrounded by a warm desert shield to the Smithsonian and continues to serve ends do not justify their means. Each antagonist avocado makes a small meal for $0.35, rounded He also introduced me to the more questionable The only time I have been truly horrified by open to other rooms and doors and staircases “The theme is three-fold,” Jackson said, landscape. Jackson ate rice and beans, as The Falcon while helping his sister with their has a separate purpose in the plot while still up. tomato toast, which I only recommend to those a play was when I was still a wee child of fifteen that lead to nowhere. Legends say that Sarah “The first part is like a warning, showing how homeschooled, and played with the children family business. Bucky, on the other hand, has being intertwined with the lives of the other It is easy: All you need is a knife and spoon who are not afraid of soggy bread. and two actors kissed on stage with their actual Winchester was haunted by the ghosts of those there’s a lot of hypocrisy in society. The second at the orphanage. She heard about Dordt from been going to therapy and is attempting to make characters in a way that makes sense. to prepare this meal. If you are a simpleton like mouths in front of my very eyes. So, I was killed by her late husband’s iconic firearm. part is a lament for what has been lost because a recruit at a small Christian school where her amends for the crimes he committed as The One criticism I have of this series stems curious to see how one makes a play horrifying My grandma grew up in Barton Mansion, the of the blindness and hypocrisy. And then the last mother volunteered at the library. Winter Soldier. from a fault I find in many Marvel movies. for the horror and not for the adolescent fear of most haunted house in Redlands, California, part is hope—a journey to something better.” “I wasn’t even considering college,” she Tensions worldwide begin to rise as the Oftentimes, I feel that Marvel is event and action cooties. which many “paranormal investigators” Professor Matt Drissell has been Jackson’s said, “but my mom heard [the recruiter] talk and Flag Smashers—a radical group of refugees focused, which means their movies are a string The Haunted is a horror production, written consider to be one of the most haunted cities in advisor through her four years at Dordt and has she was like ‘huh, that sounds pretty cool.’” displaced by the return of the people who were of happenings strung together to make a story. DORDT UNIVERSITY and directed by senior Alicia Bonestroo, that America. My grandma insists the house wasn’t seen her artwork grow and change. While Jackson had been to the United States killed by Thanos with the infinity gauntlet— One thing that I liked about WandaVison that premiered last weekend at the Fourth Avenue haunted, but has also told me stories that would “Danikka came to Dordt with a very skillful before for vacations, she experienced some begin attacking cities. In order to combat made me hopeful for the next stage of the MCU Theater. Clocking in under 30 minutes, it make your heart shatter on your pelvis bone. rendering ability and a vivid imagination,” he culture shock when arriving at Dordt. this tension and track down the radicals, the was the fact that it was more character driven. certainly was an interesting piece, although the This play did not do that. said, “But she had a narrow understanding of SPECIALS most shocking element was how quickly it was “Drinking fountains are really cool!” she said, government decided a new Captain America The plot was still well-planned and interesting, what art-making could be.” “Down there you can’t get water for free.” is needed. Upset that Steve’s legacy is being but had a strong focus on characters. TFATWS over. She has come a long way in studies and Switching from hot sun and cactus plants passed on to someone Steve did not know, feels a bit like a step back into action-driven COLLEGE BUFFET In The Haunted the main character, Skip, experience, however. According to Drissell, to ice and prairie grass has given Jackson an Sam and Bucky team up to track down the Flag writing. It still has some character development, is attending a horror-nerds conference at the “She has stretched herself in so many ways... interesting perspective on life. Smasher’s leader themselves. but not nearly to the extent that I would like to ONLY $9 Winchester House. The combination of location freshman-year-Danikka would be shocked to STUDENT ID REQUIRED “I’ve been from one culture coming to another Despite the significantly different tone of see it accomplish. I would say it is better than and passion triggers the horrible events in the see what senior-year-Danikka created!” CODE: 54012 and I’m not really a part of either one,” she this show, it is enjoyable and entertaining. past Marvel projects, but it still has significant play. The first act opens with Skip regaling The show has many whimsical elements, said, “[I’ve been] able to take a step back and Bucky and Sam have an excellent character room for improvement. her friend with her favorite ghost stories as like tree branches wrapped in wire, that create see everything from a distance…realizing not dynamic that makes their interaction on screen Other than that, however, this show is grotesque figures creep about in the background. an enchanted forest mood. The story excerpts everybody sees things the same way.” feel organic. The audience can easily believe golden. It has excellent action, interesting FREE DELIVERY Although my skin didn’t crawl in fear like I had and scattered bits of text through the art itself Jackson’s senior show will be up until these two knew each other through a mutual characters, a unique plot, and timely ties to real- hoped, I did laugh a bit in the second act and my give the allusion of being sucked into a story. TO CAMPUS graduation, and many of the pieces are for sale. friend and, now that that mutual friend is world events that do not make the show feel curiosity was piqued by the stories. When my “Her sketches live next to her paintings, After graduation, she plans to go back home gone, they are grudgingly growing close. Each message-heavy. I am excited to see where Sam theater companion and I went home we googled which live next to her writings, which live to Santa Maria del Tula, Mexico, where her character compliments the other in a way that and Bucky end up in future projects, and I hope the setting of the play, the Winchester House in next to her sculpture works,” Drissell said, family is now located. She hopes to teach art— truly helps drive the plot. Sam helps Bucky this is not the last we have seen of many side San Jose, California. “To see them all come together is astonishing. both virtually and at the small Christian school through processing his trauma and the crimes characters as well. You’ve probably heard of the Winchester The gallery becomes another world, a place where she grew up. he has unwittingly committed, while Bucky’s JOIN OUR TEAM! House, it’s the one built by the crazy widow who to journey through and explore. That mature Apply at “I’m also saving up for a horse,” she said with loyalty to Steve’s legacy helps Sam have the SIOUX CENTER ordered perpetual renovations to her mansion understanding of art-making is rarely found in pizzaranch.com/carreers a grin. 251 N MAIN #100 for 38 years in the early 19th century. The undergraduate art students.” 712-722-3988 architecture is bizarre. There are windows that Contributed Photo KK7700 - 1918 page 6 Feature Feature page 7 FLAME flickers during pandemic and membership drop The Event: DSA hosts Georgia Lodewyk—Staff Writer Dordt students and senioritis

On Thursday, April 16, Dordt University students learned this business works with Yage Wang— Staff Writer the three-in-one talent business students packed their bags and hit the the city’s Chamber of Commerce to help aid road at 6:30 a.m. Those in attendance were all new businesses in networking and economic It always starts around the same time every assignments,” Uribe said with a smirk. involved with Dordt’s business club: FLAME, development, while also providing them with year. When the spring breeze does not carry While some students are stressed out and showdown Sydney Brummel— Staff Writer which stands for Future Leaders and Missional the tools and skills needed to get their business snowflakes but rather drizzles and cloudy skies, trying to get over whatever lies in front of them,

Entrepreneurs. Their road trip took them to off the ground. For DeYoung, learning how a seniors can’t help but sense the boredom that’s others divert their attention to the more-distant On the evening of Friday, April 23, a large singer and live loop artist Nemo (Isaac Rohne), Rapid City, SD, where the group toured Mount business like this can be applied both nationally breeding in the bottom of their hearts. To put future. crowd of Dordt students and friends gathered singers Kayla Vande Zande and Sam Brewster, Rushmore, received an inside look into the local and abroad was reaffirming in her future career it simply, they’re tired of schoolwork. This For Yovela Belicia, she has turned her inside the B.J. Haan Auditorium. Six white live loop artist Noah Deist, and hip-hop dancer businesses, and partook in Wall Drug scavenger goals, as she can see herself using business as a communal, mental celebration for the closure attention to Jakarta, Indonesia—her home city banners hung from the ceiling, with colored Melanie Justine (Melanie Saavedra). The event hunt. missional outreach. of the college years has earned itself a special and the place where she will teach high school lights illuminating them with a bright splash of closed with a two-song performance by the six- For many business majors and minors, “If you start a business, it creates a trickle name: senioritis. English post-graduation. purple. The stage featured set pieces of large person group Technical Difficulties, who won the weekend getaway proved to be a great effect… it grows and grows and that’s how The symptoms of senioritis can include, but “It’s kind of this weird feeling. I get excited human outlines surrounded by neon lettering. NCDC in 2019. opportunity to bond with people of the same you get people out of poverty” DeYoung said. are not limited to, randomly quitting part-time while I don’t know what the future will hold. From the speakers, upbeat music played. In “The level of talent of the people performing study. “You’re doing this for Jesus and people need the jobs, continuously turning in late essays, and I kind of have that hope, I guess, and maybe the minutes leading up to the show’s kickoff, was really impressive,” Burgsma said. “These “When you spend time and a trip with tools to do this.” spontaneously sleeping more than usual. a little bit excitement. But maybe I’m just week. These students oversee the coffee shops Contributed Photo an excited buzz bounced about the space, with are talents that people have worked really hard people, it’s just fun. You always get to interact COVID-19 has halted some of FLAME’s “I really love the end of the semester,” Erika worried because I don’t know what the future during their shift and prepare food for students groups of friends chattering, eager for the event on for years, and it’s really cool that they can with those people more, because we’re all plans this year, but club Managerial President Uribe, a senior computer science major, said. looks like.” Belicia said. walking to class or hanging out with friends at A few years ago, 55th used to be open in the about to start. share with their peers in such a fun space.” business majors, and we’re all excited about Tristan Hulstein says trips like this will be more “And I’m also super stressed, so I quit my work Considering Belicia’s status, she’s been night. But that’s not all it takes to run two on- mornings and not just four nights a week. A drop At 9:00 p.m., the lights on the stage dimmed, Between several acts, hosts Landstra and this,” FLAME member Sara DeYoung, a of a mainstay in the future. In the past, FLAME because I really want to focus on the rest of my diagnosed with senioritis III: the “inner-peace” campus coffee shops. in club involvement meant hours had to be cut and the music stopped. A video on the large Vanderhooft organized games and videos, sophomore, said. has traveled to places such as Chicago and Des projects.” stage. She’s conquered the emotional turbulence “It’s much more than pushing a button, in order to accommodate students’ schedules. projector screen began to play. The short clip encouraging student participation. The Some trip highlights come from the fun Moines. For many business majors, these trips For the past four years, Uribe has been of a senior, which can be the consequence of microwaving a muffin, or making a smoothie,” Hulstein and other managers of FLAME hope featured several students participating in a winners of the two games received prizes memories and friendships built on the trip— are helpful in discovering what they could see dedicatedly devoting her precious college free student teaching for the spring semester. DeYoung said. to generate more interest and see more business game of Dordt-themed Jeopardy! With a quippy including a JBL speaker and an Apple Watch. from impromptu snowball fights, to escape themselves doing in their career and what areas time in the Commons to pay off her tuition. Those who study off-campus have another Behind the scenes, the business club has majors involved in learning more about running question ending the video, juniors Sam Landstra In both the games and the performances, the rooms, to inside jokes shared during the drive. they do not want to pursue. In order to go on This semester, however, she decided to quit interesting take on senioritis. management, marketing, and accounting a business and bonding with fellow majors. and Hannah Vanderhooft were introduced as audience demonstrated enormous support and For DeYoung, the trip was a great weekend to these trips, however, the FLAME club must her stable and well-payingjob before the final “Spring semester is weird and interesting,” positions. Students also can pitch their ideas “When I was a freshman, if you were a the lively hosts for Dordt University’s first ever engagement. build relationships and also to learn more about raise money throughout the year via hundreds week. When Uribe was taking the interview, she said David Riadi, a senior computer science for new menu items or changes that could be business major, of course you were in the club. “The Event.” “The crowd was really hyped and supportive, her future career. of cups of coffee. showed symptoms of approaching what might major participating in the Chicago semester, “I made to make FLAME’s shops better. It is Now it’s not the case,” Hulstein said. Dordt Student Activities planned The Event which was really cool,” Burgsma said. The group met with national park members Each active member of the business club be called the “I don’t care” temperament of have to take classes and work at the same time. about creating a forward-thinking mindset—an Hulstein and DeYoung said they felt the as a grand mashup of three major events Throughout the entire night, the two hosts about Mount Rushmore’s finances and works at either the Bunsen Brew in the Science senioritis II. And because of this, I don’t focus that much important skill those who run a business will pandemic was the reason for some of the traditionally held throughout the school successfully kept the audience entertained advertising strategies, and also with a unique and Technology Center or at 55th Avenue in “Yes, it’s getting there,” Uribe said, on schoolwork instead. So, I just do as much need. Current processes in discussion are adding change, but they also hope to see a cultural year but cancelled due to the uncertainty of between acts and interacted with the contestants Rapid City business, Elevate Rapid City. The Kuyper Apartments for a total of two hours per “‘Because the ending is getting so close. But I as I can and focus mainly on finding work, my milkshakes and new coffee to the menu, having shift that can popularize the business club with do have to care to finish everything.” internship, and other projects.” the pandemic. NCDC, a battle of the bands with questions post-performance. the option of mobile orders, and converting 55th fellow business majors and incoming freshman. For the last week of school, Uribe’s former On the cusp of becoming more financially competition with Northwestern College, “It was a great experience,” Vanderhooft said, into a convenience store. Additionally, Hulstein “I want the club to be something where roommate is coming to visit and they’re independent, Riadi, and all the rest of the typically takes place toward the end of first “It was an honor to be a part of it and host it.” says the business club is an opportunity to begin members meet new and cool people and it’s planning on spending time together. seniors, are more than ready to embrace semester. TX (Talent Extravaganza) is a talent At the end of the evening, when the Professors present on networking while still in college. a valuable part of their experience,” Hulstein “Of course, I will not be doing my graduation. show scheduled earlier in the first semester. audience vote had been counted, Landstra and “The network that we have with the business said. Lastly, Airband is a dancing and lip syncing Vanderhooft announced the winners of The club is so good,” Hulstein said. “The people in Hulstein and DeYoung want to see 55th competition usually held in April. With eight Event. Melanie Saavedra took third place for Shakespeare and Beowulf at the business club are not going to be the ones Avenue and the Bunsen Brew become a place performances involving dancing, singing, her dancing, and Technical Difficulties was who are going to struggle to get a job. They are where more students congregate and spend their instrumentals, and altogether impressive talent, awarded second place. Issac Rohnes won first conference going to be successful. You build a network of Defender Dollars. the campus received an exciting taste of the place for his live looping and versatile singing quality people.” From there, FLAME will continue to do The rock of Defender football events they missed out on this year. skills. Elise Wennberg—Staff Writer The Bunsen Brew and 55th Avenue are not what businesses are meant to do: look toward “I was really impressed by the variety of the Although students were unable to experience open as much as Hulstein, DeYoung, and the the future. acts and of them putting it all in one,” said all Dordt’s annual “Big 10” events, The rest of the business club would like them to be. Cal Yordt—Guest Writer When thinking about early British literature epic poem. Hannah Burgsma, a junior nursing major. Event gathered the campus to enjoy what will a few key writings may come to mind. Maybe Anna Janssen, a freshman, began the show certainly be one of the most memorable nights Here’s a summary of the paper: Through In 2016, Dordt University Head Football nation in yards per game, and the fefense led Beowulf, Shakespeare, Chaucer, or Milton. with her tap dancing act, followed by a Mamma of the year. Maria Dahvana Headley’s translation of Coach Joel Penner and his staff were hired. the nation in sacks. However, there are a lot of topics within early Mia!-singing trio titled Lael and the Librarians. “It felt like Dordt again to have such a fun Beowulf, a reading of Grendel’s mother as a They had a difficult task set before them: On Nov. 23, 2020, the team team gathered British literature that intrigue scholars and As the night continued, the audience heard from event,” Vanderhooft said. woman warrior rather than a monster comes their new program had never won more than in the Wilson tent for the last time. academics across the world. Sustainable housing, remote into fruition, giving a human aspect to what two games in a season. Penner needed a plan. As tradition for Penner’s program, he From April 16-17, Dordt University held most people see as a beast. Seeing the “other” He and his staff sat down with leaders of the gathered the team to allow the seniors to give the 28th Northern Plains Conference on Early as a human can be achieved when someone control planes, and football team and put together a list of goals for the parting words to the rest of the team. But this British Literature hosted by Dr. Bob De Smith, distances themselves from the “other,” looking program, including maintaining a collective 3.0 meeting was different. Despite the seniors and English professor at Dordt. The conference at their views from a different perspective, can GPA, achieving both academic and athletic all- having their time with the returning players, featured 24 papers presented by academics give way to empathy, hospitality, humility, and dummies. American honors, and other things the program they would return with the team in the spring. from all over the world. charity. Instead of essentializing on one aspect, had never accomplished before. Penner left the decision up to the individual if “One of my reasons for bringing the Mikaela Van Soelen— Staff Writer people need to look at the whole picture, just These goals were posted on individual they would be returning for the spring. Many of conference to campus was to make it accessible as Headley looks at Grendel’s mother not as a shelves in the Defender locker room. As soon them did, and they hoped they would be given to students, that was very important to me, and The theme of the next few weeks for Dordt beast, but as a woman. are happy to announce that they were able to as a goal was met, a rock was then engraved and a chance to play another football game come then to give an opportunity to my colleagues to students across campus is “just get ‘er done” as Steimsma’s paper, titled, “‘All Form is successfully fly their plane, named “Noah’s placed on the shelf in its place. April. participate in any way either coming to listen or students wrap up classes, major assignments, Formless, Order Orderless’: Marriage as Comic Dove,” and are waiting for results from the For Devin Eekhoff, a former player and When the team came back from winter break, to present,” De Smith said. and final exams. In that spirit, the senior Resolution in Troublesome Reign and King judges of the AIAA DFC organization on the current graduate assistant, there is no better they continued their lifting and conditioning “I thought the virtual attendees would engineering students are working on finalizing Contributed Photo John,” focuses on the changes Shakespeare status of their project. feeling than seeing Coach Penner raise that rock program they had been doing over break. Two be kind of in and out, and there was some of semester-long projects that they have been made to the original play and how marriage is Another team has partnered with Habitat in the air. weeks into the spring season, Dordt accepted that, but there were a lot of people who just sat pouring into since January. usually used as a comic resolution. for Humanity in South Sioux City to build “Every time I take recruits through the a game against Oklahoma Panhandle State through the whole conference,” De Smith said, Over the years, these engineering projects when the announcement was made. He was hurt and not be able to play in a game they Here’s a summary of the paper: In housing for low-income families. The design of locker room, I tell them that it’s a symbol of University, hoping it would boost their playoff “And any time in between papers they were just have proven to be a distinct learning point for thankful for all the guys who came before worked their whole career for made me hurt for adapting Troublesome Reign, Shakespeare these homes is meant to be easy to build and all your hard work and sacrifice being rewarded chances. The team made the 11-hour bus trip yammering all the time; it was just fun to see.” engineering students. They have worked on him—even before Penner and his staff ran the them.” shifts the original play’s emphasis on the replicate, making it a sustainable option for and recognized,” Eekhoff said. and took care of business, beating OPSU 53-0. Of the papers presented, three of them were projects that have helped mission organizations program. Dordt fell to Grandview in their first trip to church’s role in the failed peace treaty between the organization. This team includes Benjamin When Penner knows there’s an opportunity After the win, the next two weeks consisted of presented by Dordt professors: Scott Culpepper, abroad, come up with solutions to farming and “The people I was most grateful for were the the playoffs, but they plan on being back next England and France. In revealing that “form Heuvelhorst, Mitchell Wall, Tyler Bouma, to raise a rock, he never fails to bring it. a lot waiting, prayers, and nervousness. Walker Cosgrove, and Shaun Stiemsma. manufacturing issues, and more. From working guys I played with and the ones I’m coaching year with a new rock to raise: first playoff win. is formless, order orderless,” Shakespeare Sawyer Strelnieks, Halle Nanninga, and Jessica Lynn Nutt, the defensive coordinator, On April 11, Penner gathered his team in the Culpepper’s paper, titled “Shakespeare’s on sustainable housing to building tackling right now. Me and the guys I played with would “It was truly amazing to be a part of a team manipulates the convention of marriage as Oules. Each member comes from a different recognizes how the Defenders have grown from B.J. Hann in the evening to watch the NAIA’s Historians: Getting to Know the Chroniclers dummies, this year’s group has some highly talk about making the playoffs in the dorms. who had an ambitious vision and the courage to comic resolution to political problems in King engineering background, allowing them to their strong core. “Selection Sunday.” In his bag, he carried a rock Who Inspired the Bard,” focused on the impressive projects that are worth the hype. And to be a part of the coaching staff that went chase that vision despite not knowing what was John, taking what is a relatively simple tragic work together to improve the lives of many in “When we started here, we had a lot of guys in hope of hoisting it up in front of his team. The unbiased and biased writers within the realm of One group took on the challenge of designing to the playoffs first was really cool,” Eekhoff ahead of them,” Nutt said. inversion of the comic mode in Troublesome need of housing assistance. that I would have asked to babysit my daughter, show started by announcing the top four teams: history. and engineering a remote-control miniature said. Reign and making it a layered and ironic attack Not only are students working to better but now we have a lot of guys I would ask to Morningside, Grand View, Lindsey Wilson, and Here’s a summary of the paper: whereas plane that can haul crates while also extending For Nutt, the playoff-berth announcement on the entire notion of personal marriage union communities outside of Dordt, but many have babysit my daughter and that are very talented Kaiser. Next, they announced that Morningside academic historians take an unbiased position and retracting a stable sensor. Among these brough two emotions to him. The first was as a solution to political division. been focusing on improvements on campus as at football,” Nutt said. would be playing Carroll University out of on historical events, laying out all the facts and group members are Patrick Terhark, Zachary excitement for the team—especially for the Those who attended the conference well. A team of three students is working on One of the biggest goals Penner and his Montana; then they announced, “Traveling to sides to history, the historians of Shakespeare’s Sanford, Branden Lesondak, Kyle Meinder, and seniors who began their college careers with appreciated and enjoyed hearing from other erosion control from Dordt watershed, hoping crew set out was a playoff berth—something Des Moines to face Grandview University will time took dramatic license with the events using Joseph Wanninger. a team far from postseason dreams and ended scholars on their work. For students, it was a to reduce erosion in the campus prairie. Another never been done before in program history. This be...Dordt University in Sioux Center Iowa.” omission, invention, and insertion. Instead of “Our design project is implemented by Dordt them with a playoff-caliber roster. chance to learn what their professors were group of engineers has been working with Dordt seemed outlandish to some at the time. Five The entire team jumped out of their seats and just looking at the facts, these historians let their students participating in the AIAA Design Build “The one that’s going to surprise people was researching outside of class. football coach Joel Penner to design a remote- years later brought 2020—a season many were erupted in cheers, high fiving and hugging each conclusion or focus influence the end point of Fly Competition” Sanford said, “Our goal as anger,” Nutt said. “I was so angry for Josh and “These kinds of things are very reenergizing; controlled tackling dummy for athletes to use unsure would happen amid COVID-19. other. the story; they use the narrative for present day Dordt students was to get Christians involved Colyn.” you get to hear different viewpoints. And at practice, giving the players a more realistic Nonetheless, it was also a season that Once the rest of the bracket was announced, uses, not just uses for that period, while being in a worldwide competition such as the steel Here, Nutt is referencing Josh Mrazek, the professors, we teach all the time, but there’s experience. presented hope for the Defenders as they were Penner walked down to the stage from where historically curious. bridge, concrete canoe, and now the AIAA starting middle linebacker for the past three really this sense where you to be able to fill This year’s senior engineering class is ranked no. 24 in the preseason. he was seated in the back corner, stopped at the Cosgrove’s paper, titled “The Monsters and Design Build Fly.” seasons, and Colyn Oostenink, the starting your mind and heart to deliver things well to working on a wide variety of projects focused The day the Defenders moved into their edge of the stage, pulled the rock out of his bag, the Translators: An Apologia for the Study of Sanford found the most unique aspect of edge rusher. Both players were slated to play students,” Culpepper said, “If you’re going to on different problems to be solved. Each project dorms for fall camp was the day the NAIA walked across the stage, and hoisted the rock History,” focused on the idea of demonizing the senior engineering projects was the ability their last games in the playoffs when they both guide students, you need to be taught yourself will have an impact, both on the students who moved all fall sport championships to the above his head. This time, the team cheered the “other” rather than understanding their to involve people in the Siouxland area. Each suffered ACL tears two weeks apart. and to continuing teaching yourself, so have put hours of time into their projects and spring. That regular season ended up as the best even louder than the time before, and those perspective. Maria Dahvana Headley’s of these projects are an act of service to make “Those are two guys who had never been opportunities like this are very good at just kind the communities that will benefit from their Dordt football had ever seen, as they posted who had been at Dordt the longest were even translation of Beowulf does well to view improvements to ordinary life for community injured and did everything the right way,” Nutt of priming the pump, hoping to get rejuvenated work. an 8-2 record and set many statistical records moved to tears. Grendel’s mother as a woman; however, it falls members. The members this engineering team said. “They worked hard and helped lead the by interacting with other people.” on either side of the ball. The offense led the Eekhoff was excited and especially grateful short to do the same to the male warriors in the young guys behind them. For them to both get Contributed Photo page 8 Sports Defenders advance to NAIA KDCR signing off after 53 volleyball championships years on air Isabel Pheifer—Staff Writer Aleasha Hintz—Staff Writer

When KDCR started, radio was a lively, fast paced, and a high-tech work environment. The industry provided the perfect opportunity for a small, community-based college like Dordt. The station began as an outreach ministry in order to reach “every square-inch” of the community. In fact, many of the station’s first records were donated from local, personal collections. B.J. Haan himself got involved and hosted a daily 15-minute talk show. His wife, Deborah study after transferring to Dordt from another Haan, even had a cooking show on the station. school. In the beginning, KDCR had no permanent or “I got to enjoy chats with Jim and Christian full-time workers, and operated with college every once in a while,” Medberry said, “Talking students at the controls. about random things, like the latest movies… Contributed Photo Among the early employees was Jim or complaints for the sports broadcast or other Editor’s note: The Dordt women’s volleyball “I was really pleased with our performance Bolkema, who started working for KDCR in the Dordt news… Sometimes they asked me about team won its first two games in the NAIA in the MNU match as we showed a tenacity mid-1970s. As a music major with an interest how things were on campus, for myself. It made championship tournament this week, advancing and consistency that we had been working for in technology, radio provided the perfect blend it easier to transition.” to the quarterfinals after a thrilling 5-set win weeks to develop,” Chad Hanson, the head of his interests. All of its bulky headphones, LP Greta Haas, a sophomore public relations over the nation’s second ranked team. coach, said. records, buttons, and sliders intrigued him. major, is another Dordt student who has helped On Saturday, April 17, the Defenders took The Defenders were led by the duo of Alli KDCR provided an educational opportunity keep KDCR running. on the MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers in the Timmermans and Corrina Timmermans, who unlike many others and has continued to “It didn’t seem like I would get super attached, opening round of the NAIA Women’s Volleyball had thirteen and twelve kills, respectively. connect Dordt to the Siouxland community. but then being there—I just really liked the Championship. Sophomore middle blocker Brenna Since its founding, KDCR has evolved into a people, and the environment, and the work.” Each set featured a competitive push, but the Krommendyk and junior middle blocker full-service station for Sioux Center. For years, But unfortunately, that environment is Defenders were able to walk away with a win Jessi De Jager were menaces at the net, with it has provided weather updates and warnings, disappearing. KDCR will cease broadcasting in just three sets. In the first set, the Defenders Krommendyk registering seven kills and three news, school closings, Sunday church on May 14, after 53 years of service to the got up 16-11, but the Pioneers battled back and block assists. De Jager tallied nine kills and services, and—of course—modern Christian Siouxland community and online listeners. The were eventually able to tie it up at 18-18. The four block assists. Sophomore setter Megan contemporary music. radio frequency has been sold to the K-LOVE lead was then taken by the Pioneers at 20-19, Raszler and junior setter Corina Beimers dished “We reflect Dordt,” Bolkema said, “I hear radio network. but a point off a service error and a kill from out the assists, with Raszler totaling twenty-six many people not necessarily saying ‘I listen to The full-time staff knew about the transition sophomore outside hitter Corrina Timmermans and Beimers getting thirteen. Senior defensive KDCR,’ but they do say, ‘I listen to Dordt.’” for months but were not allowed to share the gave Dordt the lead yet again. Finally, the specialist Hannah Connelly took control of the Another familiar voice on the station news with student employees—they learned set was ended by a forceful kill from junior back row, surmounting a team-high twenty-two is Christian Zylstra. He also has a strong they would lose their KDCR positions through opposite hitter Alli Timmermans. digs. Dordt only had four service errors and was connection to Dordt. His grandfather served as the same email that broke the news to the rest After nearly losing the first set, the able to register six blocks and achieve a .364 a president of the college, and his father was an of campus. Defenders made sure to come out strong in the kill efficiency. alumnus. There were mixed reactions from the staff, second set. Sophomore middle blocker Brenna In a year plagued with difficulties and Zylstra attended Dordt and landed a work including disappointment, anger, and irritation. Krommendyk started it off with a bang, putting restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 study position at KDCR. After graduating, he down two kills to get the Defenders up 2-1. pandemic, making it to the final site of the began working for the station full-time as a The momentum kept rolling for the Defenders, National Tournament seems like the light at the station announcer and sponsorship coordinator, “I’m honored that I eventually getting up 15-11. The Pioneers were end of the tunnel. “Making the final site and as well as filling in wherever needed. Part of his never able to come back from this deficit, and playing in Sioux City was one of our season job included extensive traveling to cover Dordt get to be one of the last Corrina Timmermans put scored two kills at the goals this year.” Hanson said. “To be able to do athletics. people to work there,” end of the set to secure the 25-17 win with ease. so in the COVID pandemic season is especially Once while traveling with his roommate to The Defenders kept the momentum from exciting, as additional variables have made this cover a Dordt volleyball game in Nebraska, Aaron Medberry the second set going, coming out strong in the season challenging for every team.” they decided to stop at Chick-fil-A. third set with a 2-1 lead. The set went back and The Defenders will travel to Sioux City “This kid,” Zylstra said, “recognized my voice forth a little bit, until Alli Timmermans scored and begin play on Tuesday, April 27. The 24- while I was ordering a spicy crispy chicken four of Dordt’s last five points. This helped the team field is divided into eight pools of three sandwich at Chick-fil-A.” “I’m honored that I get to be one of the last Defenders roll to a 25-20 win. With the win in teams, and the Defenders are in Pool B, which The boy walked right up to him, brought up an people to work there,” Medberry said, “Because the third set, the Defenders walked away with a also features Park (Missouri), and Bellevue old morning program, and then asked: if it wasn’t going to be here next year, it 3-0 victory that sent them to the final site of the (Nebraska). “Do you do trivia on the radio?” [wouldn’t] feel like Dordt.” NAIA national tournament in Sioux City. According to Zylstra, the boy couldn’t have The last staff members of KDCR got together been more than six years old. It shocked him for the final time for a dinner to reminisce about that not only did the boy recognize and act their time at the station. They talked about excited to meet Zylstra but had the courage to what they would miss and exchanged stories go up and talk to him. of burping on the air, lighting news scripts on Dordt football’s historic run “I always joke around—” Zylstra said, “a local fire, sleeping in past their shifts, and other radio celebrity? You know, I’m getting recognized in mishaps. cont. other cities here.” Saying goodbye to KDCR is bittersweet. The KDCR was more than just a job for Bolkema release of the station gives the Dordt Media Cont. from pg. 1 and Zylstra. They both grew to love the station Network more opportunities, but a fixture in . . . end of this school year. for the community within the staff. community is passing away. Football Head Coach Joel Penner said, “I will depart from the program. Along with the “That’s the thing about radio is,” Bolkema “KDCR functions as a bridge between can talk for hours and hours about this group other seniors, these players had so much to do said, “you’re part of my family because I listen the academic community and the broader of seniors. They said yes to Dordt Football with Dordt going from a 5-5 record in their to you everyday… There’s power in what community” Bolkema said, “I think—I know— when this was a losing program. That was a freshman season to the place the team is today. you’re doing and in the message that you’re that it is going to be sorely missed by many tremendous move of trust and faith, and all “I feel the kind of pride a parent feels when bringing to people.” people.” they’ve done for four years is work to improve.” their kid does something great.” Penner said. Aaron Medberry, a senior worship arts major, Important, high-impact players like wide “In my mind, they have an absolutely legendary started working at the station as part of a work receiver Levi Jungling, defensive end David status in this football program and, if we had it Kacmarynski, and cornerback Nathan Kabongo my way, we would put up statues in our facility of these players.”

Diamond Staff 2020-2021

Chief Editors: Staff Writers: Isabel Pheifer Yee Lim Shin Emma Stoltzfus Aleasha Hintz Jaclyn Vander Waal Zac VanderLey Sam Landstra Anna De Oliveira Katie Ribbens Caleb Pollema Lexi Schnaser Columnists: Copy Editors: Connor Van Hulzen Mikaela Van Soelen Caleb Schreurs Tess Hemmila Daniel Ketchelos Mikaela Wegner Lauren Hoekstra Gretchen Lee Elise Wennberg Rochelle vanderHelm Ella De Jong Sydney Brummel Faculty Advisor: Layout Designer: Eoghan Holdahl Tabetha Degroot Lee Pitts Anneka Bakker Georgia Lodewyk Yage Wang