The Beacon, April 9, 2021

Northwestern College, Iowa NWCommons

The Beacon, 2020-2021 The Beacon student newspaper

4-9-2021

The Beacon Staff

Follow this and additional works at: https://nwcommons.nwciowa.edu/beacon2020 BEACONNORTHWESTERN COLLEGE

April 9, 2021 Volume 94 - Issue 15 Campus moves toward inclusion DIVERSITY IN Liaison was created to reach a part INCLUSION of the surrounding community that NW had found it was lacking VANESSA STOKES outreach in. This year, two positions WRITING AND RHETORIC were added on the Diversity Resource Committee (DRC) that “We embrace diversity in God’s did not exist. creation. We lament human Rahn Franklin will become the brokenness. We reconcile with one Director of Strategic Diversity another. We embody shalom.” Initiatives, leading campus-wide These four core statements in diversity efforts, promoting the Northwestern’s Vision for Diversity thriving of multicultural students are meant to lead the faculty, staff and working with students and students in a diversity initiative. and faculty to develop cultural Recently there have been crucial intelligence. Dr. Valerie Stokes conversations and steps forward will start as director of academic regarding NW’s reality when it diversity initiatives that will work comes to diversity on campus. to promote diversity initiatives “Scripture is clear that the within the academic side of NW, kingdom of God will include particularly with representation people from every tribe, tongue and curriculum. Both positions will and nation,” President Greg Christy come into effect fall 2021. said. “We long to see Northwestern “Over the past twenty years, PHOTO BY ALYSSA GLANZ College look like and more fully I have seen Northwestern make Dr. Valerie Stokes will be the new director of academic diversity initiatives. represent his coming kingdom.” intentional efforts toward inclusive Steps have been taken over the excellence,” Dr. Stokes said. “This it is happening. I have seen it campus. importantly it is missional toward years through various positions work has been incremental over happen.” “This is relational work that God’s redemptive work in the world added on campus. Martha Draayer’s time; so even though at any given Like Stokes, Franklin recognizes touches all of us both personally and extending what it really means position of Hispanic Community point, one might not see the change, the need for these changes on and professionally but most to stand out,” Franklin said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 Unsung Heroes: MarComm Office KEEPING NW’S director of marketing and MISSION ALIVE communications. Beeson has been working in NW’s MarComm office ALLISON WHEELER for 35 years. GRAPHIC DESIGN “When I started, the web wasn’t even around, nor was social media,” When it comes to being involved Beeson said. in all areas of Northwestern’s Beeson also commented on how campus, the marketing and the college’s campus has physically communications office MarComm changed with the construction at the college has that covered. Their of new buildings as well as the responsibilities not only include increase in student enrollment. The promoting NW as a whole, but they technology used within marketing also take on public relations duties and communications has also for individual departments and drastically changed over the years. offices on campus. However, NW has continued The responsibilities and duties to be a tight-knit community that of the MarComm office range aims for excellence in academics from organizing photo shoots, to and strives to remain a Christian publishing the alumni magazine institution. known as The Classic, to managing “Northwestern and its mission the college’s website and social haven’t changed at all,” Beeson PHOTO BY JADEYN VELTKAMP media accounts, to drafting emails said. (Left to right) Duane Beeson and Juliana Pennings both work in the marketing and communications office. and writing news releases. Pennings is a NW alum who Two of the office’s staff members graduated in 2012 and has been “My favorite part of this job is allows Pennings to be a part of about NW, and she enjoys talking are Duane Beeson, director of working in the college’s marketing being able to tell Northwestern’s sharing about a college that has with others who have also been marketing and communications, and communications office for story,” Pennings said. deeply impacted her life as well as impacted by the college and sharing and Juliana Pennings, assistant three and a half years. Being on the MarComm team her family as a whole. Pennings cares their stories. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

MUSIC REVIEW

A MIXTURE OF with a mask mandate “Adventure Is Out and slipping anxiety There” is a song seemingly SKIPS AND FUN regarding quarantine. AJR perfect for our pandemic. acknowledges this with a AJR tells the story CAMBER HERRIG still cheerful anthem. As through a pair of socks, PUBLIC RELATIONS the band writes, “Cause a quirky move that is not you’re only going up from surprising coming from The distinct feature h e re .” the band. of their music is their “3 O’Clock Things” is “Bang!” was released multi-instrumentalist how your mind works in as a single in February aspect to every song. This the middle of the night. of 2020. There is a lot of rings true on AJR’s fourth Topics like politics, sex, mixed reviews about this album, OK ORCHESTRA, advertisements and song, and I truly don’t which debuted on March college are discussed in know why. If you could 26. a commentary or rant of categorize a song as a It’s theatrical meets sorts. AJR makes me smile “coming of age piece,” indie. Quirky meets because of their abaility this song would be it. The catchy. Electric pop meets to play a happy tune even chorus is catchy, dynamic orchestra. I can’t stop if they are talking about and loud. The band pukes from listening, humming scary things. The song over taxes and finds an and dancing to AJR on builds up until 3:15, with apartment across from the repeat. a major drop that leads park. Maybe the lyrics are There’s one word for into a chorus of brass, generic, but the piano and this album: exuberant. strings and electronic the build-up make up for The album opens with bass. The song takes a it. “OK Overture.” AJR is political stance, claiming “The Trick” is a skip. known for including that if you’re racist, don’t The track opens up with overtures to their albums. come to their show. This an annoying, wavering It’s the perfect opening is one of my favorites. voice, and it persists song, featuring a small "My Play” slows down throughout. sample of each individual the album, telling the The next track melody. Even in the first story of a parent’s divorce. makes up for the prior. minute, the trumpets It’s a sad song with a nice “Ordinaryish People” PHOTO COURTESY OF AJRBROTHERS.COM can be heard alongside melody, but it seems out features the Blue Man the electronic beat to the of place in an otherwise Group, a performance art Hiding your problems tempo, with the same hit, although a few skips songs. jazzed album. It’s a skip company, with characters is the theme of “Humpty themes of feeling a little are blended in. AJR’s Next is “Bummerland,” for me. who are painted blue and Dumpty,” using another better, or as the band puts unique storytelling and which was released as a The fifth song, “Joe,” never speak a word. The unique story to tell the it, feeling less sad. lyrics with the dynamic, single in August 2020. reflects upon asking impressive percussion is tale. The album ends with theatrical sounds and This song was on repeat someone you used to thanks to the group. This “World’s Smallest “Christmas in June,” a multiple instruments are here to stay, and with this as I started college in the know if they think you’re song sticks to a theme Violin” is a metaphor for song about missed events midst of a pandemic. I’m we will continue to see how small problems can but making it up for with album, I am way less sad. cool now. It’s a well- sure most of us thought blended song with the regarding the middle be invalidated. celebrating Christmas in we were in Bummerland, piano and electronic-pop ground and being just The second to last song, June. arriving to college sounds. okay. “Way Less Sad” is a slower Overall, the album is a Godzilla vs. Kong, the big creature feature MOVIE REVIEW STUNNING BATTLES adults, comic relief and worried However, when it comes to not easy to decide if the movie is WITH CREATURES parents. No character offers action, the movie promises on good or not. something audiences have never what it delivers and so much Nonetheless, for fans of action seen before. Yet, the movie is more. Action sequences are well and creature feature movies, MISAEL BRUZZONE clearly not about the characters thought-out and orchestrated. this movie will have everything ECONOMICS as they have no arcs or character The cinematography by Ben they could want. Fans of movies Godzilla vs. Kong is exactly development. At its heart, Seresin, someone used to big with more content will be left what the title describes, a this movie is solely about two budget action movies, captures disappointed. Nevertheless, the movie about two beloved and monsters fighting and not much everything perfectly and fact that some people will be iconic movie monsters fighting else. even offers a few memorable left disappointed is not enough on screen once more for a Although there are some shots. The camera captures to say this movie is not a good new generation of audiences. interesting subplots that draw the gigantic magnitude of the movie. Directed by Adam Wingard, from Jules Verne and H.P. action successfully, convincing Godzilla vs. Kong lacks a popular director in the Lovecraft, they take a backseat audiences of the size and power substance, any resemblance horror genre, Godzilla vs. Kong as soon as they serve their of the monsters on screen. of memorable or important delivers titan-sized action and purpose, which is usually to get Fight scenes are impressive and characters and it has a destruction. characters from point A to point incredibly entertaining. More very shallow exploration The movie stars Alexander B and offer some impressive than once can audiences forget of any themes and a plot Skarsgård and Millie Bobby computer generated visuals. Any about characters or storytelling that is outrageous at times. Brown as its lead human nuance or alternative storylines in order to marvel at the two Nonetheless, having any of these characters. Their performances realistically go nowhere and are creatures fighting. elements would have made the fit the tone of the movie and only there to bring Godzilla and It is clear from the get-go that movie even worse. This movie they work for what it is trying to Kong together. this movie is not trying to be is, at its best, a celebration of be. Other performances are also The movie attempts to anything other than a computer big action movies and creature up to par, never quite showing develop, or at least bring to mind, generated spectacle where features, with several nods to brilliant skills, but rather themes of industrialization and audiences can watch two well its predecessors. It is big action offering entertaining portrayals the effect of human interference recognized monsters fight each fun with a couple of surprises that only serve to carry the plot. in nature. Nonetheless, any other. This movie accomplished and memorable moments that Most, if not all, characters themes the movie tried to everything it set out to achieve, are enough to entertain viewers in the movie are mere explore fall flat or are too on- but there is so much the movie and offer quality action-movie caricatures of existing movie the-nose to be taken seriously. just decided not to do. The filmmaking. tropes. There are big villainous Ultimately, the only depths this movie did not fail at character corporations, children that movie reaches are not as deep development, for example, seem to understand everything as a giant lizard fighting a giant because it never attempted to that is happening better than ape. depict any. In this regard, it is PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MOVIE DATABASE ARTS & CULTURE 3 Trust in God and a deep love of people NURSE TO ART people mentally, emotionally parents about it and have THERAPY and spiritually through the their support,” said Stoscher. tough times. She now hopes to use art ANGELA WINTERING While in the nursing to help people through their THEATRE major, she learned about trauma and life struggles. Shalom, caring about the She’ll be taking a fifth year in Rebekah Stoscher is a whole person in mind, body order to finish her new major. senior art therapy major from and spirit. Even though it When considering the Albania, a small country was getting Stoscher closer time she has had here at neighboring Greece and Italy to a career embedded with Northwestern, Stoscher is of about 3 million. She’s part caretaking, it was a large welcoming the fifth year in of a missionary family who challenge that pushed her her schooling in order to has taken in 10 permanent more into fear multiple times. spend more time exploring foster children. She found her Stoscher said, “I stuck with her gifts and find out the way to Northwestern through nursing for so long because I steps God wants her to take. her older biological sister, didn’t want to feel like I failed In her efforts to use art as a AJ Stoscher, who graduated or quit just because it was form of worship, she reflects with a theatre degree the h ard .” the mission statement of year before Rebekah started During the quarantine Northwestern’s theatre as a nursing major. Now, her of spring semester 2020, department, “To the King!”, younger biological brother Stoscher faced the question in her work. James has followed both of of switching majors. When asked why she his older sisters here as well. “I was quite determined enjoys art, Stoscher said, “It Stoscher started out that I was going to be a gives people joy and brings as a nursing major quite nurse,” Stoscher said. “But I them together, as well as determined in the career guess God wasn’t in on the using creative talents to bring PHOTO BY JADEYN VELTKAMP choice she had started. She p l an .” glory to God.” After much prayer and help During her time here, she “[Art] gives people joy and brings them together.”- Stoscher admires nurses for what they to make the decision from has enjoyed working with do, especially in the aspect of her family, Stoscher decided all the different aspects of a improving her drawing, best to bless those around “The future is unknown being an emotional support to switch from nursing to art theatrical production, from painting and sculpting skills. her. She’ll be looking into and a bit scary, but I am for their patients. This is therapy. acting to building the sets. Stoscher will be taking her graduate schools in order to trusting God through it all. what drew her to become one “It was honestly a blessing Since her major switch this fifth year on campus to both get the proper certification I am open to whatever He herself, to be able to support to be able to pray with my past year, she has also enjoyed look to the future and do her for art therapy. wants to teach me.” Choir tours the local area with packed schedule MORE FAMILY TIME that the choir will end with. The song is “Beautiful TOGETHER Savior” and they allow alumni to join them in their singing as well. It just proves how close knit the choir family is and the connections that they PAIGE GINGER still have. ELEMENTARY EDUCATION As Katie said, “It takes a lot of work but is a lot of fun.” She expressed that she thinks this is when It is that time of year when Northwestern the choir grows the most as they are able to spend College’s A capella Choir heads out on their so much time together. annual tour. This year the choir plans to stay The choir’s repertoire, a little longer than usual, relatively local by going to area schools and is a list containing a variety of songs. Some of the churches in Orange City, Sheldon, Sioux Falls songs are new that the choir is excited to share Christian and other places as well. The tour will mixed with a few older ones. They will sing “It only last a few days over the weekend, April Is Well With My Soul”, “William Tell Overture”, 8-11, but it is packed full of concerts and other “Dawn and Dusk” among others. activities. There are themes of the presence of God This year COVID-19 made it so the tour will expressed with and without words. Director not have any overnight stays off campus. They Thomas Holm took on the challenge of singing will head out in the morning to their location songs not only without words to convey the and come back when they are finished at the end theme of the tour, but also incorporated songs of the day. They will wear masks except when they’re performing, similar to their previous in other languages, such as Taiwanese. There is concerts. also a variety of soloists that will perform over The choir performed on Thursday, April 8 at the course of the tour as well. First Reformed Church in Hull, Iowa. They will As the choir tours the local area, they will also perform at Sheldon High School, Unity be ambassadors for not only Northwestern but Christian and Rock Rapids First Reformed also the music department. During and after Church over this weekend. their concerts they will have a chance to show When a choir member Katie Struck was asked how Raiders stand out, showing God’s light for her thoughts she said that she was excited to throughout whatever environment they are in. be spending an extended period of time with her While most of their tour will be happening choir family and building stronger bonds among away from the college, they will have a the choir while making a lot of great memories. homecoming concert in Christ Chapel on April To continue ptomoting this bonding, the choir 16 at 7:30 p.m. to wrap up their tour experience. is planning to have time to hang out together This is a chance for campus as well as others getting ice cream and even going bowling. from the community to come and experience the One tradition of this community is the song songs that they shared while on tour.

PHOTO BY AMELIA HOLT Director Thomas Holm prepares the chior for their annual tour. FEATURES 4 Students anticipate summer service LONG-TERM by the town of Caiman MISSION WORK and houses nine nutrition centers, a health clinic, an RACHEL SMART elementary and secondary ENGLISH TEACHING school and a university which includes programs in: Summer of Service theology, agriculture science, partnerships are a big part nursing, medical doctors and of the missionary work at elementary education. Here, Northwestern. Each year, NW students will interact several students travel to with local children, volunteer other states and countries at the hospital and in the to partner with service nutrition centers and assist programs and spread the love with short term missions. of Christ. On the domestic side of “SOSs provide students SOSs, freshman Elyssa Tang with opportunities is one of two students staying to sacrificially serve, in the United States. She respectfully participate hopes to travel to Urbana, and humbly learn in Illinois and partner with communities, which more Pioneers where she will build often than not, are culturally relationships with students different from their own,” at the University of Illinois Patrick Hummel, NW or potentially help with local director of missions, said. immigrants. Unfortunately, last year Many of the SOS teams have the Summer of Service felt called toward missions trips were canceled due to for a long time. Sophomore PHOTO BY ALYSSA GLANZ Throughout the semester, students have been preparing to embark on their summers of service. the COVID-19 pandemic, Breanna Oolman, a member but this year, the program of the Haiti team, grew up in is back up and running. Orange City and has looked world that have very limited and those who have been member, said. why she feels called to pursue Eleven students will be forward to going on an SOS access to medical care.” relocated will likely have Despite these them as a Christian. spending their summers on even before she enrolled at There is uncertainty to become accustomed to uncertainties, the SOS teams “Jesus tells us to feed the in countries like Nicaragua, N W. and nerves surrounding wearing masks, testing and still hold great hopes and hungry and give the thirsty Chad, Haiti and Sri Lanka, as “Medical missions are this summer’s SOS trips. immunization requirements passion for their upcoming something to drink,” she said. well as states like Colorado something I have felt led to COVID-19 has drastically for travel, and potential trips. “I believe a lot of people are and Illinois. do since my senior year of altered the operation and quarantining protocols. “My prayer for this physically hungry and thirsty Half of these students high school,” sophomore planning of the program. Also, is the fact that some summer is that all of the SOS but also spiritually deprived. will be traveling to Haiti for Kaytlyn Keeler said, who Finding sites and partners of the countries the students members will be molded We have the opportunity two weeks and partnering is also traveling to Haiti. was difficult to begin with, will be visiting have ongoing to reflect Christ more, so with United Christians “I think Christians have a and unfortunately in March political unrest that can that we may be a blessing to to address both aspects— International. Founded responsibility to spread God’s multiple partners canceled sometimes conflict with others, both during the SOS physically and spiritually— in 2005 by Jean Jean and love everywhere they go. I trips affecting ten students. missions. and beyond,” Tang said. through loving our neighbors Kristie Mompremier, UCI feel I can do this as a doctor Students whose partnerships “Nothing is ever certain,” Schutt emphasizes the and empowering them to do resides in northern Haiti serving in places around the have remained intact Jayden Schutt, a Haiti team importance of missions and the same.” Campus moves toward inclusion FROM PAGE 1 from BIPOC, LGBTQ and the way they are, we either other students that have felt assimilate to the culture that NW was not creating and go quiet or accept that The DRC has existed an environment that retains we have to be in a constant long before either of these and embraces students who battle to defend our positions were instituted. are diverse. existence and justify why The difference now is that “In having this call we deserve to be respected.” the DRC will be receiving to action at NW, we are The group of around funding. This allows for creating change that can ten students have all seen the Multiethnic Resource create ripples throughout NW fail in various actions Committee to have our community,” freshman or instances regarding resources that will make a Linsy Gonzalez Marcelo inclusion on campus and in stronger and lasting impact. said. “Many do not like the media the college posts. The long-term goals change, but change is “The feedback from of the committee are to necessary for growth and these meetings will greatly increase recruitment and reparation.” inform the focus for my retention of faculty of color, Students are filled with work,” Franklin said. passion and a drive to create improved campus “Interestingly enough, their create change on campus. climate survey results and feedback has frequently “Some of us are angry. teach and learn that which overlapped with the work supports NW’s Vision for Some of us are hopeless. my position intends to do Diversity. Some of us are scared. All more of.” Recently, conversations we want is to come here Diversity work on have been held on campus and learn, make friends, campus will never end, but between some students and have fun, and do all the faculty regarding inclusion. things normal students do,” has been and will continue PHOTO COURTESY OF NW MARCOMM Overall, the meetings were junior Maria Lopes said. to be something that NW Franklin’s promotion will lead campus-wide initiatives for diversity and inclusion. set to discuss the feelings “But right now, with things strives for. FEATURES 5 Wheels return to NW’s sidewalks ROLLING, BLADING scooter owner, Cody Moser. “I enjoy AND BOARDING how fast I can get around campus.” However, other students recognize JORDAN DESMET that they use a type of transit to get PUBLIC RELATIONS from place to place because it can make their journey to various spots Spring weather is finally in the on campus much more enjoyable. air at Northwestern, and students “It is really exciting to ride my can finally begin to enjoy the electric scooter,” said freshman Jalyn outdoor activities that were halted Gramstad. “My favorite part about by the unforgiving Iowa winter. The riding it is zooming around and increasing temperatures over the passing people.” past few weeks have allowed NW On the other hand, some staples such as Spikeball, gennis and students at NW consider modes of sand volleyball to make their return transportation to be much more than to the campus green. an effective and thrilling way to get However, games are not the to class. NW senior and Orange City only leisure activities that have native Shonna Ritz prefers to use her experienced a long-awaited rollerblades to venture outside of revival. The current, and hopefully NW’s campus and meet new people permanent, absence of snow has along the way. PHOTO BY ALYSSA GLANZ allowed modes of transportation “I love rollerblading around town. Riley Rasmussen and Shega Heitritter pose in front of Stegenga Hall as they head out to scooter across campus. such as scooters, rollerblades and Starting from the Learning Commons people who have wheels on campus. hesitation,” said Ritz. “Any and all “It allows me to get outside and skateboards to hit the pavement of and going around Windmill Park is a We include scooters, rollerblades, wheels and skill levels are accepted. take a break from schoolwork,” says NW sidewalks for the first time since great loop,” said Ritz. “Rollerblading skateboards and anything with [The Blade Gang] has been one of my sophomore digital arts major Riley last fall, and students are now able is a great conversation starter and a wheels,” said Ritz. “There is no favorite parts about rollerblading.” Rasmussen. “It is a great way to build to experience a little more fun as the way to get to know more people.” schedule, but we meet mainly at As students transition into April community.” semester begins to wind down. Ritz also said that rollerblading night. When we skate, we go around and finals week creeps closer, the Seeing the different types of wheels On top of it being an exciting has allowed her to spend time with t ow n .” pressure of ending the semester on campus once again can be seen as leisure activity in warm weather, an unofficial club on campus known Ritz admits that her rollerblading on a high note can be stressful. a sign of accomplishment. It marks some students claim that riding as the Blade Gang. For them, wheels skills can be improved upon, but that Thankfully, the spring weather allows the close of a brutal Iowa winter and around campus on a set of wheels is are not just a hobby. Instead, it is also convenient and efficient. another way for the students of NW did not matter to the Blade Gang. for students to use their wheels to get another challenging semester. Now, “I ride to lifting, classes and the to form a sense of community and They still invited her into the group their minds off their homework and students can finally look forward to cafeteria,” said freshman elementary belonging. with open arms. spend some much-needed time with enjoying another warm summer with education major and proud electric “The Blade Gang is a group of “They welcomed me in with no their peers. their friends, family and loved ones. MarComm Heroes FROM PAGE 1 prioritizing and good time campus and the general management. There is public would be surprised Like his coworker, always a variety of work by the amount of work Beeson enjoys seeing how going on in the office, that goes on inside of NW’s legacy continues as he and no two days look the the MarComm. A lot of talks with alumni and hears same. However, Beeson and the team’s work isn’t seen about their experiences at Pennings find the variety of on campus because the the college. Beeson has an work fun and challenging. purpose of it is to target appreciation for the work While the MarComm a specific audience and that is happening for God’s team is always busy working entice students to come to kingdom here at NW. on various projects, a lot of N W. “A lot of us wouldn’t be their work goes unnoticed The staff members work here if it wasn’t a Christian because it takes place individually, but they are institution,” Beeson said. behind the scenes. also able to come together One of the most “There’s a lot of planning to bounce ideas off of each challenging parts of and collaborating that goes other and help each other working in the MarComm on before things happen,” be better. is how there is constantly Beeson said. Beeson said, a list of tasks needing to Pennings commented “Everybody in the office is be done which requires that those of us here on an unsung hero.”

PHOTO BY JADEYN VELTKAMP Pennings and Beeson collaborate over The Classic, NW’s alumni magazine. OPINIONS 6

WOULD YOU The benefits of the liberal arts higher education, though we know them different way. RATHER? today as the humanities and the sciences. It should go without saying that this With the rise of universities in Medieval mindset of learning, of trying new things, (As voted on by you, the students) Europe, the liberal arts stood as the guides should apply to your life outside of for these places of study, instructing the academics as well as in the classroom. Sign studious and the wealthy in their version up for events, engage with the humanity of class requirements. around you and celebrate the opportunity For your life, would you rather Today the liberal arts are made up of to be in such proximity to mindsets and natural sciences, social sciences, the arts, worldviews different from your own. have a... Landon Van Berkum and the humanities. Although it looks There can a tendency on campus for History quite different, the point of collecting people to want to stay in their established these disciplines into one academic zones, almost going out of their way to Rewind button orthwestern College is, what experience is similar to the purpose of avoid trying new things. This can be seen Nwe call, a ‘liberal arts college’. the liberal arts in Medieval times, namely, in people who do not care about elective This means that Northwestern College to provide a student with a well-rounded classes, events outside of their interests, 47% educates students in the ‘liberal arts’. understanding of the world. We should or people outside of their friend group. I What does it mean for a college to teach strive for well-roundedness in our pursuit encourage you to explore classes outside the ‘liberal arts’? Despite the name, it to love others. of your major, to go to plays and sports OR really has nothing to do with painting or It is easier to love someone if you know games, to talk to people you might not the mystical practices of progressivism. their story, it is easier to empathize if you otherwise talk to. Diversity is not passive; The liberal arts originate in Roman know their context. While it is impossible it requires you to actively seek out people Pause button antiquity as Artes Liberales, referring to learn the story of every human on earth, who have lived different experiences than to the subjects which were worthy of a you have before you an opportunity to you, college is place where you have more free person, a free person being someone learn as much as you can about the world opportunities to do that. 53% who could participate in society. These outside of yourself. The liberal arts college, This is not an advertisement subjects would later be confined to the as opposed to a technical or vocational for Northwestern College, or an seven liberal arts of Medieval Europe: school, is intentionally different for the endorsement of the liberal arts system; I grammar, rhetoric, and logic making purpose of experiencing new things. The do not need to advertise something you Would you rather pick... up the ‘trivium’— music, arithmetic, goal here should be to not only prepare are already paying for. This is, rather, geometry, and astronomy making up yourself for your particular career, but a call to utilize what you already have. the ‘quadrivium’. These two branches, to also try out other disciplines, to push You are already here, the people and trivium and quadrivium, formed the your comfort zone, and to learn what it experiences are already around you, go Godzilla basis for the whole tradition of western is like to live and understand things in a and live them.

55% Do we really love LGBTQ students? OR

from their sinful ways. However, However, we do not consider the same this tough love is not an accurate to be true of the LGBTQ community. Kong picture of Jesus and can be extremely For some reason, we think we can problematic because it puts a standard separate who they love from who they on what is lovable based on our own are even when science tells us that 45% fallible interpretation of sin. sexual orientation is not a choice. No where is this more obvious And in the case of transgendered than with the LGBTQ community. individuals, we think it acceptable to Christians have been advocating for a directly challenge their Imago Dei. Caleb Arnett tough love against them, claiming to It makes sense then why those in the Would you rather... Political Science accept them while rejecting their sin, LGTBQ community feel threatened often times not allowing them to serve by a Christian theology that permits hat does it mean to love our in the Church or sometimes attend us to only love a fraction of who they W neighbor? Maybe similarly, if they do not change. In response, really are. We are letting our own Rollerblade how do we define what love is? It is the LGBTQ Christians have been leaving fallible interpretation of Biblical central tenant of the Christian faith, the church in droves. They feel text prevent us from making LGBTQ but that does not mean there is a clear- rejected, and most importantly, students feel fully welcome and loved 62% cut answer. Is love personal? Political? unloved. on Christian colleges like ours. Loving Perhaps both? We can say that Jesus Why? Is it possible that tough love is their queerness is not compromising defined love but even that gets us not love at all? Would real love cause your own beliefs, it’s acknowledging OR only so far. Despite the popularity of depression, anxiety, and fear in the that there are things more important the phrase “what would Jesus do?”, LGBTQ community? than our own interpretation. different historical and social contexts One of the places LGBTQ youth feel At the very least, we should decenter Skate/longboard render it rather difficult to determine the most unsafe is in Christian circles love away from how it makes us feel exactly how Jesus would act in today’s exactly like Northwestern. This should and towards how it makes others feel. world. be incredibly concerning but not at all Love makes people feel welcome, not 38% This has led many Christians to shocking. It should also cause us to isolated or incorrect, and it certainly freely interpret a “tough love” that reflect, not just on our attitudes, but does not try to prove a point. they deem necessary in order to also the theology that rejects part of Jesus once told us that good correctly combat sin, best epitomized the humanity of God’s people simply branches produce good fruit while by the “love the sinner, hate the sin” because of who they love. bad branches produce bad fruit. If so mantra. These Christians stress It is uncontroversial in straight many fellow Northwestern students kindness towards everyone while circles to define who we love as part are experiencing bad fruit from our The opinions expressed in these polls having a zero-tolerance policy against of who we are. It is practically a rite sexual theology, than maybe it is time respresent student preference and is no every perceived sin. They see Jesus as of passage for straight people to have to consider that that theology may be way intented to indicate superior qualities someone who desired to free humanity and show love for a significant other. a bad branch. of one choice over another or endorse certain stereotypes Editor’s Note The opinions published both in print and online are the opinions of the authors only. Beacon Get wealthy staff members do not necessarily support the opinions expressed in this section. Research and ...With the new editing (other than formatting) of articles is the $ off your words... Beacon pay scale $ responsibility of the authors rather than the editors. Write 1-4 stories = $10 each | 5-8 stories = $15 each | 9+ stories = $20 each Respectfully, the Beacon staff SPORTS 7 Women’s head basketball coach Chris Yaw parts ways COACH YAW STEPS to have gotten to work alongside and 10 seasons, finishing among the top DOWN AS COACH coach some outstanding people,” five in one of the most competitive Yaw said. “The conversations and conferences in the NAIA eight times. KESLIE PAUL relationships with these people are “Coach Yaw has been a blessing PUBLIC RELATIONS the special part about coaching. There to the Red Raider Athletics. He has are big games, moments and seasons accomplished a lot as a positive role Northwestern’s head basketball that are highlights as well but, in the model who impacted many student coach Chris Yaw announced his end, it is the people that you are able to athletes, NW vice president of athletics resignation after the team’s trip to the share the experiences with that make it Dr. Micah Parker said. “I am sad I GPAC national tournament. The team worthwhile.” only got the pleasure of working with went 18-11 in Coach Yaw’s season, Coach Yaw had nothing but great him for a single season. He will be the with a slow start the Raiders were things to say about his last season as standard by which we look for another able to end strong and make it to the head coach. He is incredibly proud head coach.” national tournament. of where they had finished and the Yaw will be greatly missed by the After being head coach for 10 growth throughout the team. NW athletics. seasons, Coach Yaw has made the “Having that improvement end “I am humbled and grateful to have final decision to step down from the in an opportunity to compete in the been able to serve NW in this role. position. Although, Yaw has made national tournament is special,” he There have been numerous mentors his mark in NW women’s basketball. said. “I believe there is a good sense of in my life that allowed this to be He is ranked second in the program’s accomplishment and achievement for rewarding and successful experience,” all-time list for both wins and win the team. I pray that they all recognize, Yaw said. “My hope is that I have percentage, finishing his career with a regardless of their individual roles, been able to impact the people in our 224-96 overall record. how much they each contributed to basketball program and others on There have been many memories such a memorable season!” campus in a way comparable to how PHOTO COURTESY OF NW MARCOMM made in his 10 years coaching. Northwestern qualified for the the experience has impacted me and Head coach Chris Yaw had a great last season making it to nationals. “I have been extremely fortunate GPAC tournament in each of Yaw’s my family.” NW volleyball continues on in national tournament RAIDERS TAKE the conference tournament,” Van Ginkel put NW back it our best because in a few OVER MATCH said head coach Kyle Van into the lead. They won set shorts weeks it will all be Den Bosch. “We played two 25-21. In set three, a over. I’m really excited to be ALAYNA BAKKE really well in the serve and dangerous front row and able to continue to play the PUBLIC RELATIONS pass game which allowed us aggressive serving gave NW game I love with my amazing to run our offense. I thought the lead. The Raiders won teammates and really focus On Saturday, April 3, the senior Lacey Reitz was really set three 25-10. All five on ending our season well!” Red Raider volleyball team good at moving the ball Northwestern hitters hit at Senior Anna Wedel (no. 2) swept Hastings (no. 7) around to the attackers.” or above .320. followed close behind Fink in the Great Plains Athletic The stats definitely proved It was a great game with 11 kills, hitting .320. Conference quarterfinals. this to be true. Raiders won for birthday girl, senior Horstman had a season-high Ranked 7th in the nation, the first set 25-17. It was Makenzie Fink, who led the eight kills with five blocks. Northwestern improves their clear from the start that game with 12 kills, hitting Reitz had 34 assists and five overall record to 18-3. The the Raiders’ offense was .611. kills. Junior Taylor Meyer team’s powerful offense hit efficient. The Raiders hit “I feel really good about matched her career-high .494 over the course of the 57% as opposed to Hastings’ today’s game,” said Fink. “I with five aces. match recording 46 kills out 16%. In set two, a few errors think we played really well This is just the start of of 83 attempts. This is the behind the service line gave as a team and moved the ball an exciting post-season this fourth highest team hitting Hastings a little hope, but around well. As some of our spring. Northwestern will percentage in the history of back-to-back kills from careers are coming to an end, host No. 10 Concordia on the program. the middle junior Bekah I think it’s important that we Wednesday, April 7, for the PHOTO COURTESY OF NW ATHLETICS A.J. Kacmarynski hits a spike to help Raiders in their win. “This was a great start to Horstman and senior Emily go into every game and give GPAC semifinal. Raider baseball fought hard in hosted double-header 1-1 TO END THE with two outs in the bottom pitched the final five its first run on an RBI ground WEEKEND of the first. innings, giving up three hit out, scoring in Stanford. After the start to the to go with a career-best eight Senior J.D. Wonder added APRIL VAN TOL second inning, the Tigers strikeouts. Harold went two a pinch-hit, RBI double to BIO ECO SCIENCE scored their second run, for three, two homeruns, make the score 8-2 after the reaching base on a double. and five runners batted in; fourth inning. Saturday, April 3, The Raiders went on for the senior has hit eight home NW looked as if they Northwestern hosted a good with a five-run. In the runs this season so far. were fighting to come double header against third inning, Harold hit a Ending the first game with back, however, that was Dakota Wesleyan, pulling grand slam and freshman a 9-2 win for the Raiders not enough to catch up out a win- loss split for the Sam Stanford followed with before their next and final to DWU’s strong lead day. The Raiders swept a solo shot. The Raiders game of the day. to the game. Senior Noa the first game with a win padded their lead with a In game two the Raiders Vogel scored the last two although they fought hard, run in each of the fourth, lost their momentum and homeruns for the Raiders they lost momentum in the fifth and sixth innings. lost the game 14-4 against bringing the score to 9-4 second game ending in a loss Sophomore Jaden Snyder hit the Tigers. DWU came back before the Tigers ended the only lasting eight innings. a triple home leading runner game two swinging hard game with five runs in the In game one, DWU was senior Hunter Rynders home against NW, only having the eight innings, 10 running the first to score an unearned in the fourth. Freshman game last eight innings. the Raiders. run in the top of the first on a Mason Porepp hit a two-out, DWU started out with two Northwestern totaled 10 single play which was after a solo home run in the fifth. unearned runs in the first. hits, four Raiders having sacrifice fly was hit by DWU Standford drove in the final After the first two innings, two hits each. The Raiders Luke LeMay. In return, run with a single in the sixth, the Tigers were suddenly up continue their season at senior outfielder, Colton scoring Snyder. 6-0 over the Raiders. After Dordt University, April 9 - Harold tied the game with a Some great performances: DWU got up 8-0 over NW, 10 for four games against the PHOTO BY WILLIAM MINNICK solo home run on a 1-2 pitch freshman Dylan Kirkeby senior Sutton Derr gave NW Defenders. Colton Harold up to bat, ready to lead NW in homeruns. NEWS 8 Beacon NW offering leadership minor in 2021 Staff CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND LEADERSHIP ADDS MINOR

Aaron Eckmann RACHEL SMART Co-Editor/Copy Editor ENGLISH TEACHING

Jocelyn McCormick This March, Northwestern announced its brand Co-Editor new leadership studies minor. The new minor is the first interdisciplinary minor offered by NW which Madie Harre will not be housed in a department, but rather in Arts & Culture Editor the new Center for Innovation and Leadership Camber Herrig which opened in August of 2020. Features Editor Dr. Jenny Song, who helped facilitate the creation of the minor, said, “This program will Caleb Arnett allow students to deepen their understanding of Opinions Editor leadership theory informed by biblical principles Katie Jacob and servant-leadership as a way of living and its Sports Editor application to their field of study and career goals.” The minor requires a minimum of twenty credits Emily Berggren which breaks down to three core courses, one News Editor practicum course and three elective courses from a list of ten. Many of these courses fall under the COURTESY OF NW MARCOMM Jadeyn Veltkamp Erica Vonk, Dr. Jason Lief and Dr. Jenny Song all partnered to develop the leadership minor. Photo Editor disciplines of leadership, management, sociology, psychology, Christian studies and public relations. Vonk is responsible for marketing the new minor biblical principles, apply knowledge and leadership Students can declare their leadership minor this Riley Rasmussen and monitoring enrollment and course offerings. Dr. skills to their future careers and more. Advertising Manager semester and begin taking classes toward the minor Lief and Dr. Song both worked together to draft the Erica Vonk has high hopes for this new program. this coming fall. For example, Servant-Leadership The editorial staff proposal for the minor. She said, “This minor allows undergraduate (BUS/CEY 310), one of the new courses developed reserves the right to edit Many students are excited about this minor as students to set themselves apart in the interview for the minor, will be offered fall of 2021 for two submissions for style, well. stage,” she said. “And they will feel more prepared clarity and length. credits. Bryant Agre, a freshman finance major who is and confident in their abilities in the workplace and For advertising rates The idea for the leadership minor originally came adding the leadership minor, said, “The leadership communities in which they live. For the college, it and submissions, email to be when the business department began working Advertising Manager minor excites me because Jenny Song is one of the on potential new program ideas. At first, the sets a good example of calling and skillsets that core leaders and it seems like an opportunity that Riley Rasmussen at cross boundaries of majors which breaks down riley.rasmussen@ program was meant to work under the Northwestern most colleges don’t offer. God calls us to be servant silos and encourages us all to work together ‘On nwciowa.edu. Bridge Scholars and Franken Leadership Scholars leaders and this minor will help individuals like me programs, but eventually, it developed into a minor to expand on this calling.” Purpose, For His Purpose.’” under the collaboration between Erica Vonk, the After completing the minor, students should Students interested in this new program can director of the Center for Innovation and Leadership, expect to utilize leadership theory and language, contact Erica Vonk, Dr. Jason Lief or Dr. Jenny and professors Dr. Jason Lief and Dr. Jenny Song. come to an understanding of leadership founded on Song. Magician to perform at Northwestern College JOHN MICHAEL HINTON COMING TO CAMPUS ON APRIL 9

VANESSA STOKES WRITING AND RHETORIC

On Friday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m., Northwestern will have the pleasure of having a free performance by magician John Michael Hinton. It will be held at Christ Chapel and is co- sponsored by NW and the Orange City Arts Council. Doors open for NW students at 7 p.m. and for the community at 7:10 p.m. Masks are required, and capacity is limited to 50% due to COVID-19. No ticket reservations are necessary. Hinton is best known for his featured performance on CW’s hit show “Penn and Teller: Fool Us” in which aspiring magicians try to impress the seasoned illusionists Penn and Teller with tricks that they themselves are unable to duplicate. Penn and Teller commented that Hinton “completely blows away” his audience. “I am excited to see someone on the top of the field that fooled the great magicians Penn and Teller,” said junior Noah Kryfka. “Penn and Teller are some of the best magicians out there. If he can fool them, I want to see him.” In addition to CW, Hinton has also performed for networks ABC and NBC. He has traveled to Christian-focused businesses like Thrivent Financial, Humelake Christian Camps, Upward Sports and Chick-fil-A. Hinton has even performed for Disney. His tagline boldly pronounces that Hinton is a speaker, PHOTO SUBMITTED magician and redhead. He applies illusion, storytelling, John Michael Hinton will give a free magic performance at Christ Chapel on April 9. humor and magic while using everyday objects to astound and amaze his audience. To help the audience, there will be is that people will be happier having seen his shows and that suspenseful movie and family trips to Disneyworld.” a close-up camera projection shown during the performance he will have made an impact, even if only to one person. “I am excited because I would love to gain a greater so that every audience member can connect with Hinton and When not on the road for shows, Hinton spends his free time appreciation for magic and what it’s all about and the way that catch a glimpse of the magic. “sharing large cups of black tea” with his wife and “wrestling it is practiced,” said senior Cole Verbrugge. “When I think According to his website, he is “driven by a passion to on the floor with his three children.” He also enjoys the little about magic, it’s not just about magic; it’s about enjoying the encourage people to embrace joy and find purpose.” His hope things in life like “In’N’Out burgers, ice-cold root beer, a good work of another person.”