Masthead Logo Cedarville University DigitalCommons@Cedarville

Cedars

1-31-2014 Cedars, January 2014 Cedarville University

Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/cedars Part of the Journalism Studies Commons, and the Organizational Communication Commons

DigitalCommons@Cedarville provides a platform for archiving the scholarly, creative, and historical record of Cedarville University. The views, opinions, and sentiments expressed in the articles published in the university’s student newspaper, Cedars (formerly Whispering Cedars), do not necessarily indicate the endorsement or reflect the views of DigitalCommons@Cedarville, the Centennial Library, or Cedarville University and its employees. The uthora s of, and those interviewed for, the articles in this paper are solely responsible for the content of those articles. Please address questions to [email protected].

Recommended Citation Cedarville University, "Cedars, January 2014" (2014). Cedars. 36. https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/cedars/36

This Issue is brought to you for free and open access by Footer Logo DigitalCommons@Cedarville, a service of the Centennial Library. It has been accepted for inclusion in Cedars by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@Cedarville. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The Award-Winning Student News Publication of Cedarville University January 2014 The Costs of Accreditation

Accreditation is necessary to receive federal funding for students. But what does it cost? Just Sayin’... Reflections on Romance

It’s almost Feb- darville, I know), and was forced to spend ruary, and as the a lot of time with him. I guess he sort of seasonal aisle of liked me and began to not so subtly pur- Wal-Mart has made sue me. I remember being really annoyed so painstakingly at myself when I started to like him back. clear since Dec. 26, This was not part of my plan. Table of Contents Valentine’s Day is Over the months as my relationship January 2014 / Vol. 66, No. 6 approaching. Love it with this guy grew deeper, and we learned Becca Kochsmeier or hate it, there’s no more about one another, the Lord began avoiding the surge of love-related hoopla to work in my heart. He showed me that Cedars Digital: What You Missed Online 3 that surrounds Feb. 14. my desire to be single was partially rooted In honor of the occasion, I’m not go- in selfishness and fear. God changed my ing to give you a rant about my opinion of heart. And as time went on, I allowed my- What is the Best Campus Visit? 4-5 the holiday (I think it’s nice but also very self to fall in love with a godly man who silly). I’m not going to offer condolences truly cared about me and my well-being. Marvin Major 6-8 to the singles or congratulations to the He eventually asked me to marry him, taken (or vice versa). Instead, I would like and so I did. We’ve only been married for to take this opportunity to share some of about seven months, but it has been an Creation vs. Evolution 9 my personal thoughts and experiences absolute blessing along the way. with singleness, dating and most recently I know my story is somewhat oppo- The Costs of Accreditation 10-13 marriage. site of what a lot of people experience ­— I got hitched when I was 20-years-old those who are single but don’t want to be. and still had a year of college left. Some Whatever your situation, what I want you Got Jobs? 14 people said I was too young to get mar- to take away from my story is this: God ried. I kindly ignored them. In my opin- can and will work in you and change your Knockout Game Hits Across U.S. 15 ion, age doesn’t matter nearly as much heart if you will trust him and allow him as maturity and an understanding of the to do so. I didn’t want to give up my sin- commitment’s seriousness. I know some gleness, but God showed me his grander Jason Vaults for Jesus 16-17 18-year-olds who are ready to be mar- plan for my life. And I am so thankful that ried and some 28-year-olds who probably I stopped fighting him. You may not want Joy McTaggart: American in Paris 18 shouldn’t be in charge of a gerbil, let alone to give up your dream of marriage, but a family. God may show you a different and ulti- Before I met my husband, I spent mately better plan. Review: Switchfoot’s ‘Fading West’ 19 most of my time single and free. Boys were There’s nothing wrong with wanting fun to be around but easy enough to shrug to stay single and there’s nothing wrong off. There were times when I daydreamed with wanting to get married, but there is about romance and getting married, but something wrong with refusing to accept for the most part, I loved being single. In God’s plan for you at a certain point in fact, by the end of my freshman year here your life. Singleness isn’t always forever at Cedarville, I had decided that I really and, although marriage is supposed to Tell Becca what you would like wouldn’t mind being single forever. There be forever, the tragic incidences of death her to write about. Send your was so much I could do as a single person and divorce can put an end to that union questions, comments or concerns that I couldn’t do as a married woman. I as well. Don’t be so consumed by future told the Lord that I would be 100 percent possibilities, good or bad, that you squan- to [email protected]. content if it was just me and him from der the work God wants to do with you there on out. But I also assured him that I in the present. It won’t be easy at times, wouldn’t reject a guy just because I want- but what worthwhile venture is ever easy? ed to go on my own adventures alone. Trust in God’s goodness and grace to sus- Sophomore year rolled around, and tain you where you are right now. Day by my plans of single adventures got disrupt- day he promises to lead you, and that is The Staff ed. I met this guy, my brother RA (so Ce- more than enough. Zack Anderson, Managing Editor; Lauren Eissler, Assistant Managing Editor & Campus News Editor; Becca Kochsmeier, Arts & Entertainment Editor; Mary Miller, Off-Campus News Editor; Erik Johnson, Sports Editor; Jillian Philyaw, Photography Editor; Madison Troyer & Kate Norman, Copy Editors; Mary Kate Browning, Digital Editor; Jessi Kersey, Assistant Digital Editor; Jenni Hodges, Design Director; Kristen Craig, Melissa Johnson & Hannah Wagner, Designers; Danielle Petek, Advertising Director; Joe Grom, Web Developer; Kelly Gilbert, Administrative Assistant; Jeff Gilbert,Faculty Adviser; Cover Graphic, Andrew Spencer 2 December 2013 Cedars

what IGITAL you missed online Cedars Goes Digital in 2014 What Am I Reading? e here at Cedars have a goal – a goal to bring Cedarville University news content right Welcome to Cedars’ Digital Page! to phones, tablets and computers and not only to the newsstand. And what better way Each month, this page will contain content from to do that than with social media? That’s why we’ve decided to relaunch our online Cedars’ social media and ReadCedars.com. W Be sure to check it out every issue, and then presence and invite you to join us as we aim to increase our digital content in 2014. visit us online in between print issues for timely content. The page is part of an ongoing effort by Cedars to better serve you, our readers, Twitter (@CedarsatCU) through our online presence. Make sure to follow us on Twitter to receive live tweets from events and links to the latest news. Tweet @CedarsatCU with your thoughts about the newest issue or to ask our staff questions. Facebook (Cedars) Reasons you should follow Cedars on Facebook: Instagram (@CedarsatCU) • Links to top stories (and who doesn’t Follow us on Instagram to see photos of campus events and #photooftheweek and for like to read about what their friends information about photo contests. and professors do outside of class?) • Exclusive, web-only multimedia content • You never know when we’ll have Want Colonial Pizza? contests or giveaways. “Like” us so ReadCedars.com that you don’t miss out. ReadCedars.com is your one-stop source for all things Cedars. Tweet Us, Like Us and Want to know who won a Jackets’ basketball game? ReadCedars.com. Follow Us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to Win Want to share an article from a print issue with a friend online? ReadCedars.com. ike us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram or Twitter, or give us suggestions using the Our website features articles that are hashtag #YourNewsCU, and you could win a pizza from Colonial during the month of exclusive to online. February. In addition, with Centennial Library’s L DigitalCommons, you can view past issues One winner will be randomly selected and will receive an 18-inch pizza. Second place will and reread your favorite articles. receive a 12-inch and third a 7-inch. The deadline to enter is Feb. 17.

How to Enter You can enter the contest in four Resound Radio different ways. Listen to Our Shows Weather or Not, 9 a.m., MWF 1 entry = “Like” Cedars David Long hosts a fun new show featuring on Facebook. weather and encouragement. The Breakdown, 10 p.m., M 1 entry = “Follow” Ben Lenox and co-hosts discuss Cedars on Twitter. different topics relevant to today, such as relationships. 1 entry = “Follow” Amp Up, 3-5 p.m., MTWR Cedars on Instagram. Angela Schweinitz and Josh Evans are back with the same great show at a new time. 1 entry = Use the hashtag #YourNewsCU to share what you Visit Us Online would like to see from ResoundRadio.com Cedars’ social media. You may enter in this Facebook.com/ResoundRadio way multiple times. @CUResoundRadio (Twitter)

January 2014 3 CAMPUS NEWS What Is the Best Campus Visit? CU Fridays provide overview, but personalized visits allow a more in-depth look

Photo by Madison Sternberg Admissions counselor Will Bush is one of many staff members who interact with CU Friday students and their families. “CU Fridays are fun because there’s so many people on campus – it gets students excited about Cedarville,” said Sarah Allen, associate director of guest services. “But it really only scratches the surface at what Cedarville has to offer because we really can’t personalize people’s visits that day.” by Lauren Eissler personalize people’s visits that day.” special place. She said that’s why they encour- Smith said when they know they’re going age students to visit multiple times. U Fridays bring a lot of prospective stu- to have a lot of visitors on campus, it’s more Allen and her team can personalize visits dents to campus and will continue to be efficient for them to plan an event – such as a for students coming to see Cedarville during Ca strategic recruitment tool. CU Friday – that accommodates a large num- the year. “Students who visit campus are sig- ber of guests. “Those are fun because we get to get cre- nificantly more likely to enroll,” said Roscoe “Instead of trying to schedule individual ative and think, ‘If I were coming and I were Smith, associate vice president for university appointments with faculty (for) 150 students interested in that program, what would I want admissions. “For people who don’t visit cam- on a Friday, which is what we can have, it’s to see?’ and kind of tailor it for all the things pus, there’s only about a 10 percent chance easier to plan an academic fair and ask all the they want,” Allen said. that they’re going to enroll.” departments to be there for an hour and bring Bob Chasnov, chair of the department of Personalized visits, however, are more everybody to them,” Smith said. engineering and computer science, said CU ideal for the faculty and prospective students, Allen said CU Fridays are most effective Fridays are good times of interaction for fac- faculty and admissions staff say. when the students partner that visit with a ulty and families. personalized visit. That way, the students get For Chasnov’s department, at the end CU Friday two views of Cedarville. of the CU Friday, interested students are Still, CU Fridays are an important re- The CU Friday view of Cedarville is an brought to the ENS for a tour of the labs. cruitment tool as admissions seeks to give overview – the students can be in chapel, tour “When prospects come and see our labo- high school students a broad understanding campus and find out about possible majors, ratory facilities, things we’re doing for com- of Cedarville. Allen said. The students have a chance to ex- petition teams,” Chasnov said, “that is what Sarah Allen, associate director of guest plore a lot of options and narrow them down we feel people need to see to get the ‘wow’ ef- services, said CU Fridays are designed specifi- to what they are most interested in, she said. fect about our department.” cally for high school students who are visiting Coming on a CU Friday gives students Cedarville for the first time or who have a lot the freedom to make their personal visits Personalized visits of interest in the school. more personalized, Allen said. They can have However, Chasnov said personalized vis- Smith said CU Fridays push people to one-on-one meetings with faculty, see specific its are the most ideal for students to take dur- come visit because it gives them a concrete dorms and spend time with students in a par- ing the academic year. date to try to visit. ticular major. “We have always had one-on-one contact But CU Fridays only give the students a “We do a lot of different types of visits,” with families for as long as I can remember,” surface-level overview of Cedarville, Allen said. Allen said. “And that way, we can show them he said. “Our faculty are very open to doing “CU Fridays are fun because there’s so Cedarville isn’t just what you see on CU Fri- that.” many people on campus – it gets students day – there’s so many more layers to it.” Engineering and computer science fac- excited about Cedarville,” Allen said. “But it No matter how we design it, Allen said, ulty will eat lunch with prospective students really only scratches the surface at what Ce- coming for one day can’t give students a look then take them on a tour of the labs. darville has to offer because we really can’t into everything that makes Cedarville such a “That became a benefit – you have to eat 4 January 2014 CAMPUS NEWS lunch sometime anyway. Why not do it for a to do, we customize our events to be musical “We had 13 or 15 kids come and audition double purpose?” Chasnov said. “And we have events because we’re attracting musicians,” in the fall,” Porter said. “I’m very glad that they quite a few faculty who do that on a regular she said. “We do some of our own things – – admissions and enrollment management – basis. We get a lot of good feedback from the audition days, music showcase, and then, of pushed us to do that because I think it was suc- families when we do that because it provides course, all the concerts and things that we do cessful.” one-on-one attention.” to try to get people here.” The lab visits during CU Friday are not This past fall, admissions asked the mu- Lauren Eissler is a junior journalism major as effective as a one-on-one visit with a fac- sic and worship department to do a special fall and assistant managing editor and campus ulty member around lunchtime because of the audition day as an early decision day. Typi- news editor for Cedars. She essentially lives time of day and timing, Chasnov said. cally, auditions are held in the spring because in the J-Lab, with her caffeine intake rough- Beth Porter, chair of the department of high school musicians are busy in the fall with ly corresponding to how many articles she’s music and worship, said she looks at recruit- marching band and other commitments. writing, and tweets as @L_Eissler. ing as not only recruiting to her department but to the whole school. “We have an awful lot of kids who come through CU Friday who may not be a music SCHOLARSHIP + PROFESSIONAL major, but they want to participate in our en- sembles,” Porter said. “And that’s crucial for PRACTICE + SERVANTHOOD my department’s health as well.” However, she said that much of her de- partment’s recruiting depends on getting stu- dents to Cedarville to audition. “Recruiting into music is like recruiting in athletics: it’s very individually oriented,” Por- ter said. “Kids want to know the professors and things like that.” Porter said they have some of their own events to bring music students to the school. “Because of the kind of recruiting we have

CU Monday This semester, one of the CU Fridays will be different – it’s on a Monday. “We’ve never done (a CU Monday) before, so I’m kind of excited,” Allen said. This CU Monday will be Feb. 17 on President’s Day, a day that Cedarville typically has a lot of students visiting because they have school off, Allen said. In the psychology department at Wheaton College “What we were finding is we typically have Graduate School, we offer a distinctive community 130 to 150 families for CU Fridays, and we were getting upwards of 80 families on which is serious about its commitment to professional President’s Day,” Allen said. practice as service, especially to those marginalized Since President’s Day is a big day for juniors to visit Cedarville, a CU Friday-like by society. Clinical training in urban Chicago to rural day is perfect for them, Allen said. Then, Illinois provide a breadth of experiences few programs the students make the most out of their day by exploring the various academic and can offer. With a range of degrees from our APA social options at Cedarville, she said. approved Psy.D. to three master’s programs, Christ- In previous years, Allen and her staff have centered theology guides the integration of faith into created personalized visits for each of the visitors on President’s Day. She said this is every student’s academic work and clinical training. a huge time commitment because planning one of those visits can take anywhere from Applications due March 1st. 15 minutes to an hour. With such a large amount of visitors, at some point the “personal” comes out of “personalized” visits, no matter how hard we try to make the visits perfect for the visitors, Allen said. “We thought, ‘Why don’t we bundle it together, do like a CU Friday schedule, but do it on Monday of President’s Day?” she said. “We’ll see how that goes.” WHEATON.EDU/GRAD–PSYCH — Lauren Eissler

January 2014 5 CAMPUS NEWS New Beginning Marvin Major started college at Cedarville this fall after a summer 2012 car accident kept him from coming when he had originally planned

Car Photos Provided by Marvin Major Marvin Major’s car came to rest in a beanfield after hitting a ditch, catapulting into the air and rolling seven times after it landed, according to police reports. by Crystal Goodremote with him. “He wanted to go to the park and play bas- “I believed in God ketball with some friends,” Major said. “So I e woke up. He went to Kohl’s. He went said, ‘All right, we will go to the park.’ He was to Bed Bath and Beyond. before the accident, playing basketball, and I’m not really a sports H The incoming college freshman guy, so I was just watching.” finished some last-minute shopping for college After watching for a bit, Major borrowed and piled it all on a bed in his family’s spare but I always thought Salazar’s red Volkswagen Jetta, drove the car bedroom. It was Aug. 14, 2012. In two days he near a river and took a nap. He woke up hun- was leaving to start his freshman year as an en- he was an absent God. gry, turned on the car and sped off. gineering major at Cedarville. “I had a thing for speed. I’m just one of However, instead of enjoying his last few those guys who likes to go fast,” Major said. days hanging out with friends and sleeping He was never there, “I was on a country road, and it was a long in his own bedroom like he had planned, that straight road, so I just floored it.” night Marvin Major lay comatose in Miami Val- and after the accident, Major came up to a curve and slowed ley Hospital. down. He went around the curve, and then “I remember there was a basketball court,” I saw that he was. I somebody was in his lane. said Major, who is from Troy, Ohio, about 45 “I went around them, and that was fine,” minutes northwest of Cedarville. “Then I re- Major said. “Then there was an oncoming car. member there was a flirty couple sitting on a started to see how And of course when you are going that fast, you bench. And there was a birthday party going can’t just weave in and out of people. It doesn’t on in the pavilion. There was a swimming pool. much he cared. My work like that. You slide all around.” Everything (was) just perfect. And then I went Marvin’s falling-apart 1994 Ford Explorer and got in my friend’s car and left. I went and view on everything – The Exploder, as his friends called it — had parked the car near a river, and I just took a bigger wheels and might have been able to nap. That’s the last thing I remember.” hold onto the road, but not the little red Jetta. Earlier that afternoon, Christian Salazar, completely changed.” “I swerved to the right to avoid the car, and a tall, white, angelic-looking basketball player then when I swerved to the right, the wheels with golden hair and a friend of Major’s since Marvin Major went off the road, and the other wheels were he was a baby, asked Major to go to the park still on the road,” Major said. “They caught and 6 January 2014 CAMPUS NEWS

and bent axles and no glass intact. “I think that it was prayer that saved my Five minutes later, emergency life because from the moment I stepped foot in responders cut Major out of the car, that hospital, people started praying for me,” saw he was alive and called Care- Major said. “That’s what got me through the Flight. MRI.” When Major hit the ditch, the Major said divine intervention played a steering wheel hurt his chest. huge part in his survival. “Basically, it made one of my “One of the first things I asked when I lungs cave in,” he said. first woke up was, ‘Where’s Christian? Where’s By the time he arrived at Miami Christian?’ I kept asking and asking because Valley Hospital, the breathing tube apparently I thought Christian was in the back- that responders had put down his seat of the accident when I wrecked. I kept tell- throat had pushed the lung back up. ing people I know that there was somebody in “When I got to the hospital, the backseat of that car,” Major said. “To this there wasn’t much that they could do day, I think that was my angel because I knew for me,” Major said. “They just sent somebody was there. It wasn’t somebody. I me through an MRI machine, and I think it was an angel or something. I know that came back basically brain dead.” sounds crazy, but that’s what I think.” His body was alive, but his brain Major said not only does he think an angel was comatose. People began to pray was in the car with him but that God was, too. and gather in the hospital waiting “It’s like God knocked me out of the front room. His dad sent out a text to all seat of that car,” Major said. “He put me in the his friends. His grandmother, an as- passenger’s seat, and he took the wheel not sistant superintendent at the high only of the car but of my life. For my entire life, school Major had attended, prayed I had always put God in the backseat or the with students. Faculty, staff and stu- passenger seat of the car, but at that moment dents at Cedarville prayed. in time, God took over and took over my life. “I had family and friends pray- From that moment on, I’ve totally believed in Photo by Madison Sternberg ing for me from all four corners of God.” Marvin Major came to Cedarville this fall. He was originally the U.S.,” Major said. “I had friends After the second MRI, he was doing bet- going to start in fall 2012, but a life-changing car accident praying for me up and down from ter, but he still wasn’t Marvin. kept him from attending. Mexico to Nicaragua, from Brazil “He didn’t even look like Marvin any- more,” English said. “He could hardly talk, and he could hardly see. Both of his eyes were swollen shut. The only way he could identify me was he heard my voice, and he stuck his hand up and ran it through my hair because I had really thick, wavy hair in high school. It was the only way he knew how to identify me.” Marvin spent a month and a half in the hospital. “I don’t remember any- thing for an entire month. I mean there is just an en- tire month of my life that’s gone,” Major said. “That ac- cident reduced me back to infancy. When I woke up, I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t remember how to put my contacts in. I didn’t know After his accident, Marvin Major spent a month and a half in the hospital. how to do two plus two. I slingshotted the car back across the road, and I (and China).” had to learn how to sit up in a bed. I couldn’t went off the road.” “The first five days when we weren’t get- carry on a conversation because I couldn’t re- Police reports say the car first hit a ditch, ting much brain response, (doctors) were member 30 seconds ago what you had told me. which catapulted the car in the air for the saying, ‘Yeah, he could not make it,’ but they I was like Dory from Finding Nemo: ‘Hi, I’m length of about two-thirds of a football field. weren’t very clear about that,” said Grant Eng- Dory.’” Once the car landed, it rolled seven times. And lish, one of Major’s best friends and a current Major said once he started remembering then it came to rest, crumpled and smoking in sophomore at Cedarville. “They were trying to things after about a month, he was determined a beanfield. beat around the bush a little bit.” to get to where he had been before the accident. The man in the oncoming car called re- After a week of people praying, Major A few weeks later, he walked out of the hospital, sponders but was too scared to come toward went back in the MRI machine. This time, re- dizzy but determined. the smoking car with a missing steering wheel sults showed lots of bruising. In April 2013, about seven months after

January 2014 7 CAMPUS NEWS

Major feel connected when he eventually came to Cedarville. “During my first semester here, I was rid- ing my bike, maxed out my gears going full speed, just peddling to go to class, and (a girl) jumped right in front of me,” Major said. “She was like, ‘Are you Marvin?’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah I’m Marvin. I’m about to kill you,’ not because I was mad or anything, but I was going full speed on my bike.” Major keeps about 10 pictures of the wrecked car on his phone to show people if they ask about the accident. He said his story has changed lives. He said people will come up to him and thank him for changing their relationship with Christ. “God just used me to bring them to Christ,” he said. “I had no part in it.” Major said the accident has left the right side of his body feeling perpetually numb, but it has also changed his outlook. “I believed in God before the accident, but I always thought he was an absent God,” Ma- jor said. “He was never there, and after the ac- cident, I saw that he was. I started to see how much he cared. My view on everything com- pletely changed.” Major said he is off the seizure medicine now, and his grades have skyrocketed. “This semester is awesome compared to Emergency responders cut Marvin Major out of his car after the accident. CareFlight then last semester,” he said. “And it’s only just be- transported him to Miami Valley Hospital. “When I got to the hospital, there wasn’t much that they gun.” could do for me,” Major said. “They just sent me through an MRI machine, and I came back basically brain dead.” the accident, Major turned 19. He said what he on campus that will come up to me that are like, Crystal Goodremote is a senior journalism wanted for his birthday was to be at Cedarville. ‘Are you Marvin Major?’” major and a senior reporter for Cedars. She “I had all my college stuff mounded on a Dr. Carl Ruby, former vice president for would rather be right in the middle of the ac- bed in our spare bedroom, and it was just sit- student life, said he told the campus about the tion, creating news, than stuck at home read- ting there,” he said. “I would just look at it, and accident so that they could pray but also to help ing about it. I would be like, ‘Ughhh, you’ve got to be kid- ding me.’” After five more months of recovery and therapy, Major finally took all of his stuff off the spare bedroom bed and became a freshman at Cedarville University. for “My first semester was probably one of the roughest semesters that I’m ever going to have New here,” he said. “I had a very easy class load of MAY SESSION 12 1/2 hours, but that 12 1/2 hours was like 18 for you.” Doctors still had Major on a lot of seizure medicine because he had one questionable sei- zure during the CareFlight to the hospital. “If you get in an accident with any kind of Friday Dinner & Movie Nights! head trauma, they put you on a lot of seizure Enjoy a free movie with catered food from Chipotle & medicine, and since I’m a big guy, they put me Chick-fil-A every friday night during May Session. on enough to choke an elephant.” Major said the medicine suppressed brain functions, which made it hard for him to think clearly. He was always tired. And he began questioning whether engineering was possible Tuesday Nights in the Ville! with the 3-hour naps he had to take every day. “My mom picked me up from college (for Get 50% off your beverages at SCR & Beans & a doctor appointment), and she was like, ‘You 50% off Neopolitan ice cream, the second & third look so tired and drained. Are you OK? Do you Tuesday of May Session! want us to pull you out?’ And I’d be like, ‘No, no I can make it. I can make it,’” Major said. “Cedarville has had a huge part in helping Brought to you by Student Life Programs me,” Major said. “I mean there are still people 8 January 2014 OFF-CAMPUS NEWS Creation vs. Evolution Live debates like that of Ken Ham and Bill Nye rarer than they once were by Michael Shoemaker ebates on the origin of mankind have grown Dincreasingly scarce in recent years, says Cedar- ville geology professor John Whitmore. Public discussions between creationists and evo- lutionists were quite common throughout the 1970s and the early ’80s. Since then they have grown less prevalent. But on Feb. 4, Bill Nye the Science Guy will debate Ken Ham, founder of Answers in Genesis, at the Creation Mu- seum in Petersburg, Ky. The debate will seek to answer the question, “Is creation a viable model of origins in today’s modern scientific era?” Ce- darville will be streaming the event in the DMC. “The debates (of the 1970s and ’80s) were very polarized,” Whitmore said. “Often times, it would just be Christians that showed up. (The debates) typically hap- Graphic by Andrew Spencer pened in a church or another place where non-Christians wouldn’t typically cally, that could possibly lead you to change lenbrink said. “Time-wise, most debates aren’t go.” your mind about God? If the answer is no, then long enough to address the arguments to the Additionally, according to Whitmore, cre- we’re done.” McCormick, a philosophy profes- full extent. But I don’t think that should cancel ationists such as the late Duane Gish often frus- sor, said it is rare to come across a creationist out debate. Debate forces everyone to look into trated evolutionists. A biochemist and former that can pass this “defeasibility test.” the opponent’s side of the issue before stating vice president of the Institute for Creation Re- According to professor Jerry Coyne of the theirs.” search, Gish was called “the foremost creation- University of Chicago, to debate a creationist While the prevalence of creation-evolution ist debater in the world today” by Answers in lends credence to an idea that deserves no such debates has fallen in recent years, interest in Genesis. credibility. such debates has not faded. Ronald Numbers, in his book “The Cre- “It’s like debating a homeopath or a flat- Earlier this month when tickets to the de- ationists: From Scientific Creationism to Intel- earther,” Coyne said in an August 2013 post on bate went on sale, Ken Ham posted on Face- ligent Design,” an academic review of the roots his blog “Why Evolution is True.” As a result, book that all tickets for his debate with Bill Nye of creationism, said Gish “relished the confron- Coyne, a professor in the department of ecol- sold out within minutes. tations of formal debates with prominent evolu- ogy and evolution, prefers the printed page or Additionally, Answers in Genesis reported tionary biologists.” lecture settings because he says debate is purely an enormous jump in traffic to its website and “The evolutionists never did very well in showmanship and rhetoric. the number of calls to the Creation Museum the debates,” Whitmore said. “There occasion- Cedarville theology professor Jeremy Kim- since the debate was announced. ally was a highlight, but Duane Gish was a very ble said both print and debate are valuable. The debate between Nye and Ham, which skilled debater and, in my opinion, he really did “The printed page allows you to have great- will focus on the question, “Is creation a viable well in these debates. They became kind of an er depth of research, but a debate forum allows model of origins in today’s modern scientific embarrassment to the evolutionary community. a person to have points, counterpoints and re- era?” is Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. The word went out not to debate creationists, sponses that may not come in a one-sided jour- and that is still around today.” nal article,” Kimble said. Michael Shoemaker is a senior history major Evolutionists have their own explanations Sophomore Josh Willenbrink, a public ad- and a reporter for Cedars. He enjoys playing as to why they tend to avoid origin debates. ministration major with experience in speech guitar, reading whatever he can get his hands In his book “Atheism and the Case Against and debate, said he agrees with the assertion on and a hot cup of coffee. Christ,” Sacramento State University profes- that creation versus evolution must be tackled sor Matthew McCormick asked the following of in more than one way. Watch Bill Nye vs. Ken Ham at Cedarville creationists: “Are there any considerations, ar- “(Debate) can’t be the only medium for this Cedarville plans to stream this event in the DMC guments, evidence or reasons, even hypotheti- argument of creation versus evolution,” Wil- on Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.

January 2014 9 COVER STORY The Costs of Accreditation Accreditation is necessary to receive federal funding for students. But what does this cost? by Lauren Eissler, Emily to be approved by an approved accrediting in a timely manner, Cedarville could lose its agency recognized by the U.S. Department of eligibility for Title IV funds. This loan money, Finlay and Madison Troyer Education,” said Kim Jenerette, Cedarville’s Cornman said, accounts for funding approxi- ccreditation is expensive. Cedarville executive director of financial aid. mately 20 percent of Cedarville’s annual bud- continues to shell out money every year get. Ato keep the university up to date on ac- “We have over $20 million worth of loans creditation regulations. But what is accredita- “(Accreditation) that we have to reconcile to the penny,” Jener- tion and is it worth the cost? ette said. “It is quite an undertaking.” Accreditation is a process used to deter- often seems like Sean Creighton, executive director of the mine the quality and integrity of education in Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Educa- America. This process requires schools to meet a hardship to tion, said he has seen schools ranging from vo- and maintain certain standards in academics, institutions. But it cational schools to 4-year universities struggle administration and related services to be ac- with the accreditation process. credited. does distinguish “(Accreditation) often seems like a hard- The Department of Education is adding ship to institutions,” he said. “But it does dis- more regulations and putting significant pres- them from tinguish them from institutions that are not sure on regional accrediting agencies like the accredited and allows them to receive financial Higher Learning Commission of the North institutions that aid, and it provides some level of accountabili- Central Association. These regulations impact ty among higher education.” schools and students by increasing costs. are not accredited The Costs of Accreditation In fact, according to Thomas Cornman, and allows them academic vice president and chief academic Cedarville pays $30,000 for the depart- officer, Cedarville has 12 different accreditors to receive financial ment of engineering and computer science that they have to pay, write reports to and to be accredited. They also pay for the travel make corrections for to keep up to date on ac- aid, and it provides and associated expenses for the accreditors to creditation. Although the exact costs aren’t cal- visit campus, said Michael Kane, the associate culated, Cedarville spends about half a million some level of dean of assessment and accreditation services. dollars on accreditation a year. Cornman said one visit from the pharmacy ac- accountability creditor cost Cedarville an estimated $30,000. Why Accreditation Is Necessary among higher Cedarville also pays $1,000 per major to “The government is engaging in more and the Ohio Board of Regents, Ohio’s board of more regulation of education,” Cornman said. education.” higher education, Kane said. He said in addi- “We have to keep on top of that because ac- tion to that, Cedarville pays the Higher Learn- creditation is tied to those regulations.” Sean Creighton ing Commission $2,900 for visits from the While accreditation raises costs at univer- board and $825 for desk review fees whenever sities, students need it to help pay for school. If Executive Director of the they are required. a university is not regionally accredited, then Southwestern Ohio Council In addition to paying for each visit from its students can’t get federal financial aid, also for Higher Education each accreditor, Cedarville pays dues each year known as Title IV funds. Title IV originated in to the various accreditors, Cornman said. Ev- the Higher Education Act of 1965. Jenerette said Cedarville has to report the ery year, Cedarville budgets about $40,000 for “Basically the only way you’re able to par- use of all federal aid and show the reports to these fees and dues, Kane said. ticipate in federal aid is your institution has auditors annually. If the reports are not done Kane said over the past year, Cedarville

Thomas Cornman Kim Jenerette Michael Kane Academic Vice President, Executive Director Associate Dean of Assessment Chief Academic Officer of Financial Aid and Accreditation Services

10 January 2014 COVER STORY

State Approval Requirements for Online Courses Raises Higher Ed Costs Being approved to offer online courses creating difficulties for schools seeking Organizations, called compacts, are across state lines does not require further approval. Some states define physical working to lessen the hassles of state accreditation, but it is a difficult and costly presence as an actual campus within the approval, said Felice Nudelman, chancellor process, said Cedarville administrators state, while others include online and of Antioch University. Michael Kane and Thomas Cornman. billboard advertising in the definition, Cornman said. “The Western compact — WICHE — got The U.S. Constitution grants individual together all those states,” she said, “and power over education to each state. This has become an issue, especially with passed and agreed on something called online education, Kane said. If students SARA — the State Authorization (Reciprocity “States get to determine how they will in a specific state take online courses Agreement). It says everyone in this regulate education within their borders,” through a school, he said, that institution compact can do business with one another said Cornman, academic vice president and is required to pay thousands of dollars in as long as you’re an accredited institution.” chief academic officer at Cedarville. costs and annual fees to get approval in that state, even if only a few students take Nudelman said the goal is to unite all of the course. This means that each state has different the compacts, and thus all the states, regulations for higher education that and share guidelines, making it easier for schools must abide by to offer courses to Since 2010, a federal law has schools to do business across state lines. students living in those states, Cornman required schools to have state-by-state said. The only requirement, he said, is authorization, even if the schools only have The process, which would enable schools that states have to meet the minimum an online presence. to get approval in over 40 states, she said, standard of federal regulations. There would cost about $250,000-$350,000 per is no consistency required among state Kane said these regulations and year but could be worth it for the money regulations. complications are making it hard for made through online programs. Cedarville to offer online programs. There Kane, associate dean of assessment is a high financial cost required and a “The question is ‘How much would you and accreditation services, said state significant risk involved in accrediting make from online?’” she said. “It’s a lot of approval is required in every state in which programs, Kane said, because there are no money, and that’s why the compacts are so the school has a physical presence. The refunds from states where students drop important.” struggle with this, Kane said, is that each out of the courses. state defines physical presence differently, — Emily Finlay

has paid $47,000 to the Ohio Board of assessment we have to do to maintain our Regents in direct expenses. He said that accreditations.” though they have paid that directly, Ce- “I would guess by the Types of Accreditation darville has two people working on ac- time we’re all said and creditation full time and one working Schools can be accredited in a few part time, along with some people in oth- done, (Cedarville spends) different ways. Kane said there are differ- er departments assisting. The salaries for ent levels of accreditation: regional, na- those people also contribute to the overall at least at five, six hundred tional and specialized. Regional accredi- cost of accreditation at Cedarville. tors take the lead, he said, and there are Because of the various costs Cedar- thousand dollars a year six different regions, each with its own ville has to pay in addition to the salaries accreditor. for its employees working on accredita- for all the different “The thing that’s common across all tion, it is hard to put a firm price tag on accreditation activities and the different regional accrediting bodies accreditation expenses, Kane said. is a peer-evaluation system,” said Felice “There’s so many hidden things and then the assessment we Nudelman, chancellor of Antioch Univer- so many variances,” Kane said. “I don’t sity. “And so there’s a level of fairness and think anyone’s done any study on it. And have to do to maintain our being reviewed by people who are in the of course, the Department of Education industry who know education.” doesn’t want people to think about it. accreditations.” National accreditors, of which there They just see it as the cost of doing busi- are over 400, are smaller agencies than ness, you know. They don’t see it as a Thomas Cornman the regional accreditors. Being national- problem, since they’re not paying for it.” ly accredited, Kane said, is generally not “I would guess by the time we’re all as good as having regional accreditation. said and done,” Cornman said, “(Cedar- Academic Vice President and Chief Cedarville’s general practice had been to ville spends) at least at five, six hundred Academic Officer at Cedarville only accept credit transfers from region- thousand dollars a year for all the differ- University ally accredited schools. But federal law ent accreditation activities and then the no longer allows a school to reject trans-

January 2014 11 COVER STORY fer requests just because the school was not much control. regionally accredited. “The premise of the book,” he said, “is “It’s ‘buyer beware’ on these kinds of ac- “One of the biggest that specialized accrediting agencies are con- creditation,” he said. “You’ve got to look at trolling the education product to an unneces- them. There’s a certain level of rigor, but be- questions that I see sary extent.” cause the federal government feels beholden to now in terms of Another debate in accreditation involves be consistent, if you hit the line, you’ve met the regional accreditation, Nudelman said. Be- obligation. The quality of it may be different, accreditation is, ‘Is cause of the regional nature of this type of but you’ve hit the line.” accreditation, she said, there are different ac- Specialized accreditation, Kane said, fo- a regional system of crediting bodies in each region and each has its cuses on a specific program or school like en- own guidelines and criteria. gineering or education. Kane said specialized accreditation good, “One of the biggest questions that I see accreditation focuses on looking at what kind now in terms of accreditation is, ‘Is a regional of courses are offered, the outcome of the pro- or do you go to a system of accreditation good, or do you go to a gram and if there are proper student/teacher national system?” national system?’” Nudelman said. “That’s sort ratios. Several of Cedarville’s programs, in- of the big debate right now.” cluding the nursing program and school of ed- Felice Nudelman ucation, are accredited through a specialized Future of Accreditation agency. Chancellor of Antioch Currently, there are a couple schools of Unfortunately, Kane said, these agencies University thought in accreditation, Nudelman said. are only concerned that their specific program “You have some that are just saying we meets their requirements and are not con- According to a book Kane has read, titled could move to a fully quantitative system, it’s cerned with consistent qualifications through “Who Controls Education?”, some believe that just based on the numbers,” she said. the whole school. these specialized accrediting agencies have too This quantitative system proposes

Accreditation and Its History

Philosophically, going back to colleges in group of schools evaluated on a peer- job-specific majors like engineering, nursing the Middle Ages, universities have never review system. The accreditation started and social work. been just about jobs. They’ve been about out regionally (which is what Cedarville educating people, said Thomas Cornman, has today), but eventually it grew to form In the United States, there are two distinct Cedarville’s academic vice president. a national accreditation standard as well. kinds of education accreditation, according By the 1930s, accreditation procedures to the Association of Specialized and “It was about creating an educated citizenry and guidelines became a well-known and Professional Accreditors (ASPA). One of who can engage in the work of running established part of the education system. these two is programmatic accreditation government and understanding culture,” (also known as specialized accreditation), Cornman said. “It’s only really been since the Then, in the 1940s, the GI Bill of Rights was which conducts an in-depth assessment of 1960s that … the primary purpose of going passed, providing soldiers with the funds specialized or professional programs at a to college is to secure a particular job.” and ability to attend college. According to college, university or independent institution. the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Cornman said the philosophical shift has veterans accounted for 49 percent of college Universities as a whole do not receive changed what people value. No longer are admissions in 1947. specialized accreditation — only colleges people generally looking to come to college or schools within a university or a program to become a well-rounded individual. Instead This bill changed the higher education within a specific discipline can get they are coming to college to get training system in America as the number of colleges specialized accreditation. for a particular profession. So naturally, this almost doubled after it was passed, Kane has caused schools to prepare students said. The government was unprepared to Specially accredited programs are generally more for the job market. And the system that handle the influx of students and asked in-depth for a profession or a focused area of has arrived is the accreditation system of the accrediting agencies to assume the study and are developed in consultation with evaluation to ensure a quality education. responsibility of ensuring the quality of experts from that specific field and with other schools in higher education. communities of interest. Higher education didn’t always have accreditation. Michael Kane, associate dean The accrediting agencies had not planned Programs are reviewed for specialized of assessment and accreditation services at to fulfill this role as they were voluntary, accreditation to ensure appropriate content, Cedarville, said accreditation didn’t become nonprofit and not beholden directly to the qualified faculty and adequate resources to popular until the late 1800s. government, Kane said, but they did agree. meet the standards. This system continued to work well through the 1990s, Kane said. The reviewers are primarily practitioners and But according to Kane, accreditation wasn’t academics who are peers for the program a governmental idea. It was the schools. being reviewed. They banded together to develop a system of Today, in addition to regional accreditation, measurement to ensure a quality education the emphasis on being trained for a specific was being provided at each school. The job has led to specialized accreditation for ­— Madison Troyer and Lauren Eissler

12 January 2014 COVER STORY changes to the Higher Education Act of 1965. Instead of only being regionally accredited, schools would need to meet the following four GI Bill Increased Educational Costs criteria to be eligible for Title IV funds: More students lead to more rules to promote quality • The school’s numbers indicate they graduat- ed a certain number of students. The United States began helping veterans influx of students. Kane said it was at • After a certain period of time, graduates are attend college through the passage of this time that the government turned to the GI Bill and continues to give financial employed in the fields they majored in. accreditation agencies for help to ensure help to veterans attending college. The the quality of the quickly growing number • The school’s student loan default rates are at introduction of the GI Bill brought about the of schools. an acceptable level. need for improvements in accreditation in • The school can demonstrate that students U.S. higher education. The original bill ended on July 25, 1956, are progressing and graduating within the having provided 7.8 million of the 16 million acceptable time frame. As World War II veterans were returning veterans with an education, according to home to a mostly rural and labor-oriented the Veterans Administration. The program “That argument’s being made that it’s country, many wanted more than rural was revamped in 1984 by Mississippi totally performance-based,” Nudelman said. schooling, said Michael Kane, associate congressman Gillespie V. Montgomery. “There’s a whole group in higher ed and out- dean of assessment and accreditation side of higher ed that’s pushing for that type services at Cedarville. The former soldiers The Montgomery GI Bill, as it is now known, had developed leadership skills and of ‘get rid of regional accreditation and go for was updated again in 2008. According to matured during the war and now desired a the VA, the updated bill “gives veterans that.’” better education. with active duty service on, or after, Sept. Nudelman said schools are missing part of 11, 2001, enhanced educational benefits the story if they’re going in that direction, and This education became possible when the that cover more educational expenses, there’s a significant thing that happens when GI Bill was passed in 1944, in an effort to provide a living allowance, money for help veterans assimilate into civilian life. books and the ability to transfer unused peers review each other. education benefits to spouses or children.” “I think you need both,” Nudelman said. “I “The country felt that they owed think you need the numbers. I think you need their soldiers a certain amount of At Cedarville, military students can to show evidence of performance, but you do compensation,” Kane said. receive aid through the GI Bill and need to stand in front of your peers and show through ROTC scholarships, said Kim evidence of who you are as an institution.” The bill provided veterans with financial Jenerette, executive director of financial aid. The university is also a “Yellow There are certain intangibles of institu- assistance for college costs and was administered by the U.S. Department of Ribbon” school, which means that it tions that wouldn’t show up on strict perfor- Veterans Affairs. One hundred percent of works with the VA to provide military mance-based data but that make them unique, school costs, not including housing, was students with tuition funds not covered by the GI Bill. sustainable and desirable, Nudelman said. paid by the government, enabling many to When peers understand the nature and mis- attend who might not have been able to otherwise. “Yellow Ribbon institutions say, ‘Hey, sion of an institution, they look beyond the with the help of the VA, we’ll make up numbers to the intangibles. After the bill was passed, the number the difference,’” Jenerette said. “They’re looking at it in the context of of colleges almost doubled and the what does your institution do to further that government was overwhelmed by the — Emily Finlay type of education and public purpose in so- ciety,” Nudelman said. “It’s hard to see that when you’re just playing it by the numbers.” One aspect of the quantitative approach just laughs. He said there will be many new Troyer reported and wrote this story. Jeff Gil- President Barack Obama wants to focus on is regulations because of Obama’s new plan to bert taught the class. affordability and rewarding the more afford- make college more affordable, but Cornman’s able schools with more federal funding. In a not exactly sure how everything will play out. Lauren Eissler is a junior journalism major speech, Obama asked Congress to consider Cornman, like Nudelman, foresees Cedar- and assistant managing editor and campus affordability when accrediting. Obama warned ville having to track how many major-specific news editor for Cedars. She essentially lives colleges in his 2013 State of the Union address jobs graduates receive. He said Title IV funds in the J-Lab, with her caffeine intake rough- to “either control costs or lose federal money.” might also eventually be based on affordability ly corresponding to how many articles she’s Obama’s dedication to making higher ed- and job placement. Already, the government writing, and tweets as @L_Eissler. ucation more affordable could lead to more has developed a scorecard to help evaluate col- costs associated with accreditation regulation. leges as part of Obama’s plan to make college Emily Finlay is a junior journalism major and While some schools may become more afford- more affordable. a reporter for Cedars. She loves writing, read- able, it could lead to limited choices for stu- “The deck is kind of stacked against us,” ing and every type of geekery and hopes to dents using federal loans because the cost of Cornman said, “because we cost more than eventually write for the National Geographic. staying accredited could be too much for some public (universities).” schools. Madison Troyer is a senior journalism major When asked about the future of accredita- The Fall 2013 Investigative Reporting class and a copy editor for Cedars. She plans to go tion and how it will affect Cedarville, Cornman of Lauren Eissler, Emily Finlay and Madison to law school and is a third-year Printy RA.

January 2014 13 OFF-CAMPUS NEWS Got Jobs? Federal unemployment benefits are tied up, but people can still get help locally by Kari Morris actively looking for work. ver the past four and a half Charline Engle is a former years, people have been employee for the Employment Oreceiving unemployment Training Connection (ETC) Wayne checks for extended periods of County office. According to ETC’s time. However, on Dec. 28, Con- website, ETC offers information gress failed to add the Emergency and referral on tax credits avail- Unemployment Compensation able, labor market information, up (EUC) Act to the new budget, which to date employment trends and em- did not allow the plan to be extend- ployer workshops. ed into 2014. As an employment advisor, Since the 2010 unemployment Engle helped clients get the re- peak, the number of people out sources they needed to find work. of work and actively job hunting Engle said the ETC office is an es- has decreased. President Barack sential part of the unemployment Obama said in his first national ad- compensation process because dress of 2014, “Businesses have cre- benefit recipients are required to ated more than eight million new visit the office as one of the criteria jobs since we hit the bottom.” to receive unemployment checks. Despite the improvements, High school Those with a “Although there are people over one million members of the graduates with no bachelor’s degree who honestly utilize the system to U.S. population are still without college who are or higher who are find employment, there are a fair employment. Unemployment af- employed unemployed amount of people who cheat the fects 6.7 percent of the United government,” Engle said. “Many States’ population, according to the people were only interested in going Bureau of Labor Statistics. to the office because it’s required, “(The United States) unem- checking it off the list and getting ployment rate should be four and a money without trying to find a job.” half to five percent,” said economics As an employee trying to help professor Bert Wheeler. “That rep- the unemployed, Engle said she resents people who are voluntarily Benefits found it discouraging when people looking for work or temporarily dis- were uneducated about how the job placed.” market works and often not even Historically, the government willing to learn. has provided aid to people who are Rather than leaving the sys- without paying jobs. According to tem as it is and allowing room for the U.S. Department of Labor, in- Graphic by Andrew Spencer financial exploitation from the un- dividual states provide unemploy- rary program to run as long as it was running,” employed, Engle suggested that the ment benefits to people for up to 26 weeks to he said. government come up with a more suitable and help them support themselves while seeking Obama spoke to the Senate about the ne- fool-proof method. new employment. Should they still be unem- cessity of providing unemployment benefits as “Teaching people employability skills ployed at the end of 26 weeks, the federal gov- well as Congress’ need to create a more benefi- would be more beneficial than handing them a ernment will take over in paying their unem- cial and permanent solution to unemployment stack of papers and sending them off to inter- ployment support. in the United States, according to the Washing- views blind,” Engle said. With so many people out of work, Obama ton Post. While the fate of a benefits extension is created a program called the EUC Act. The act, “Despite their political differences, they (a tied up in the federal government, unemploy- meant to supplement the current unemploy- group of Democratic and Republican senators) ment can be addressed at a local level. ment benefit plan, went into effect June 30, worked together on a plan to extend unem- “(Alleviation of unemployment) can be 2008. The new plan extended unemployment ployment insurance at least for three months accomplished through the local church or benefits to 99 weeks. This allowed for approxi- temporarily while we figure out a longer-term through other local organizations that daily mately two years of government-funded unem- solution,” Obama said. seek to help the needy,” said political science ployment. Proposing further unemployment exten- professor Jewerl Maxwell. “In my opinion, this When the EUC ended in December, Con- sion has created controversy in politics at the is one area where American Christians often gress failed to add it to the new budget, pre- start of the new year. The issue is not as simple fail. We hear conservative evangelicals upset venting the plan from continuing into 2014. as financially supporting people who cannot that the government is taking on this responsi- “Congress went home for the holidays and find work. bility, but we often fail to be on the front line of let this lifeline expire for 1.3 million Americans,” “If you pay them (the unemployed) for helping those who need the help.” Obama said in a Jan. 7 address to the Senate. years and years, they won’t look for a job,” said However, not everyone sees the expiration Republican senator Richard Shelby of Alabama Kari Morris is a sophomore English major and as a failure on Congress’ part. Wheeler said he to the Huffington Post. a reporter for Cedars. When she isn’t shooting believes the temporary plan has reached its On the other hand, Obama said these for the CU pistol team, Kari loves playing Gui- timely end. aren’t folks who are just sitting back, waiting tar Hero with friends and pulling pranks on “It’s absolutely way too long for a tempo- for things to happen. He said they’re out there her unit-mates. 14 January 2014 OFF-CAMPUS NEWS: COLUMN Knockout Game Hits Across U.S. by Kaity Kenniv ebrated by entering the adjacent store, taking In spite of the lack of evidence, several off his hat and smiling for the security camera states have proposed bills designed to combat andom assault has occurred throughout before returning to beat Gifford until stopped the knockout game. New York, New Jersey and history, but has it ever been motivated by four other men. Illinois legislatures all suggest different ways of R by a game? Gifford died of his injuries four days later increasing penalties for participating or even A dangerous phenome- documenting an assault. non called the knockout game “We tend to over- has recently gained increasing criminalize,” Vaughn said popularity and media cover- when asked if he believed age throughout the nation. new legislation would help Besides indicating a quell a growing trend. “We shameful digression in basic tend to overreact some- ethical standards, the knock- times, from a legislative out game has resulted in the legislation standpoint, when there’s a death of several victims. twist to an old crime, and The Knockout Game, also we try to capture that be- known as “Knockout King,” havior.” “Knock ’Em and Drop ’Em” or The Buckeye State is “One-Hitter-Quitter,” occurs not exempt from random when an individual or group assault. Ohio news sta- selects a random target and tion WNBS-10TV report- attempts to knock them out in ed that on December 21, a single, swift punch. 2013, a teen from Dela- Inflicting unconscious- ware, Ohio, was walking ness is the end goal. One home when he noticed a punch completes the deed. group of people following Videos of the assaults have him in a car. even been recorded and post- At an intersection, ed online by the perpetrators. one person jumped out When the knockout game and punched him in the first began is difficult to say. face. The teen declined One of the earliest references to reveal his identity but dates back to the 1992 death of said he believed himself an MIT student, according to a victim of the knockout The Associated Press. game. In 2013, three deaths In Cedarville, the were attributed to the knock- chances of the knockout out game. These attacks all game happening look occurred in New York state, relatively slim. Generally, bringing the national death the attacks have occurred toll up to at least six. in larger cities, not small, May 23, 2013 — Mi- close-knit communities. chael Daniels, 51, was the vic- If youth were to try to par- tim of a single punch ending in ticipate, they would prob- a beating that cost him his life. ably only get away with it A group of young people, pos- once because of the com- sibly one as young as 10, were Sources: munity response, Vaughn responsible for the killing. CBS, World Net Daily said. As reported by The Post- The final outcome Standard, none of the attack- Graphic by Andrew Spencer of the knockout game re- ers knew him and were not mains uncertain. Perhaps provoked to attack him in any way. Witnesses in a hospital. youth throughout America will latch onto the and neighbors suggested that the killing could While the attackers did not reference the idea as rapidly as the common cold spreads be the result of the Knockout Game. knockout game, local police said the incident through a grade school. Perhaps not. Sept. 10, 2013 — CBS documented the mirrors other Knockout attempts. Either way, the sick notion of one person death of Ralph Eric Santiago, a 46-year-old Difficulties arise as authorities try to deter- attacking another motivated by a game that ig- homeless man, who died when three teens hit mine if these unprovoked assaults trace back to nores the basic rules of respect and civility is him from behind. The blow caused him to land an organized game. Not everyone believes the disheartening, to say the least. with his head lodged between two iron fence knockout game is a growing trend. Some au- The notion that such a game could even ex- posts. The teens responsible were 13 and 14 thorities hold that it is simply a new name for ist is terrifying. years old. an old crime. Sept. 21, 2013 — Jim Gifford, 70, suf- “I haven’t seen any real data across states Kaity Kenniv is a sophomore biblical studies fered a fatal beating at the hands of Romeo Wil- or in any one jurisdiction that shows that it’s a major and a reporter for Cedars. She loves liams, an 18-year-old. real thing that needs addressed in a systematic reading by a blazing fireplace, taking long According to Fox News, Williams knocked way,” Cedarville criminal justice professor Rob- walks in the autumn and a cup of hot tea in Gifford unconscious with a single punch, cel- ert Vaughn said. the morning. January 2014 15 SPORTS Jason Vaults For Jesus An accomplished pole vaulter, new track and field coach Jason Scott uses athletics to wear and give away T-shirts ­to share the gospel by Paul McMichael don’t waste it.” Head coach Bolender says Scott loves ason Scott is the new assistant coach for “I think he’s got the track and field and really cares about the ath- the Cedarville track and field team, but letes. Jhis story reaches much further than that guys motivated. It’s “He wants them to get better,” Bolender of an accomplished athlete. Scott was a high says. “He wants them to enjoy what they’re school state champion in the pole vault but been a huge plus doing. He does a really good job of making chose to come to Cedarville rather than one practice fun, and our sport is essentially a lot of the three NCAA Division I universities that to see somebody of conditioning.” tried to recruit him. One of the most enjoyable facets for Scott During the indoor season of his freshman out there that has is giving back to the athletes on his team. year of college, Scott, who won an Ohio high “I try to really get involved with my ath- school state championship by clearing a height letes here,” Scott says. “I like to invest in their of 15 feet 2 inches, failed to clear 13 feet in his a passion for what lives. I like to coach them on the track, but it’s first four meets as a Jacket. He says this was only a 4-year thing here … so what can I invest the result of having new coaches that were try- he does. If you get in their lives for down the road? That’s where I ing to refine his form and patiently train him in think I really get paid. Investing in their lives is habits that would increase his potential. around him long the ultimate payment.” “Not only his athleticism, but his work eth- And coaches need to understand ministry ic was strong and his ability to want to compete enough, you’ll realize is an important part of what they try to do in and to want to get better is really important,” athletics, Bolender says. says Jeff Bolender, head track and field coach that.” “It’s not all about just getting a medal or at Cedarville. “Track is a sport where you really winning,” he says. “There has to be a bigger have to be intrinsically motivated. It’s not real Paul Orchard purpose to it, otherwise it can become pretty glamorous. It’s a lot of behind the scenes work, egocentric and selfish. We try to use those op- and he was always willing to do that. It did take Cross-Country Coach portunities for teachable moments and life him a while to progress, which is true of most lessons and opportunities to learn how to fail college athletes.” These accolades as an athlete at Cedarville but learn how to have success as well. We talk The hard work all paid off in the final meet and as a developing young coach made him a about athletics as being an opportunity to de- of his freshman indoor track season when he great fit for the Cedarville track and field pro- velop character, but it doesn’t just happen by cleared 15 feet 6 inches, setting a new personal gram. It was also a great fit for Scott because he throwing the ball out, so to speak. You have to best and qualifying for the national meet. At and his wife, who is expecting their first child, be intentional about it.” nationals, Scott took third place but says he now live closer to their families, and Scott gets Scott says he loves using track to be a light wasn’t sure what height he had cleared because to coach alongside his father Phil Scott (a part- for Christ. collegiate track and field uses the metric sys- time coach), whom he calls a lifelong hero. “My goal was always: how can I reach tem. He came to realize from his coaches that Men’s cross-country coach Paul Orchard somebody at a track meet? And I could never he had cleared 16 feet 3 inches, which meant says when a coach with as many credentials as figure it out,” Scott says. that he improved by over a foot in a matter of Scott comes in, the athletes give their attention Scott then started wearing shirts with Bi- two weeks. and respect immediately. ble verses or phrases on them. As a Cedarville student, Scott won three “The athletes know that he’s trying to get “I’ve actually found that as a coach, I’m national championships in the pole vault and them to a higher level getting them to work all using track as a way to show my athletes how was able to participate on a trip to Taiwan his fall,” Orchard says. “I think he’s got the guys easy it is to witness to others,” he says. senior year to represent the U.S. Scott also par- motivated. It’s been a huge plus to see some- One way he does this is through what he ticipated regularly in the hurdles, long jump body out there that has a passion for what he and his wife call “The T-Shirt Ministry.” Some- and javelin. These accomplishments were the does. If you get around him long enough, you’ll one came up to Scott when he was wearing one fruit of four years of hard work and continual realize that.” of his verse-laden jerseys and was interested improvement. Scott says he tries to motivate his athletes in having one for herself. This sparked an idea After graduating in 2007, Scott remained by having fun in practices, whether it’s through that led to the purchase of hundreds of shirts at Cedarville as a part-time coach while his to- little competitions among the team or playing with simple sayings such as, “I run for Jesus.” be wife finished her degree. The newlyweds other sports such as football, frisbee or soccer. He gave them out to his team in Missouri then moved to Missouri where Scott coached at “If you’re not having fun, you’re not going to start wearing at track meets. Multiple people Hannibal-LaGrange University for four years to enjoy what you’re doing, and you’re not go- came up to his athletes commenting about how before making the move back to Cedarville. In ing to be motivated to work hard,” Scott says. much they liked the shirts. This immediately his time at Hannibal-LaGrange, Scott coached He also says it’s critical to set both long- gave his athletes a witnessing opportunity and a hurdler that won the national championship and short-term goals, which help his athletes an opportunity to give away more shirts. and broke the national record; a national run- to keep their focus on what they’re training for. “I think up to today, we’ve given out more ner-up in the hurdles; a pole vaulter who won “Ultimately, it’s all about giving back to than 2,000 shirts,” Scott says. the national championship twice; and two high Christ because of the talent that God has given He and his athletes in Missouri willingly school pole vaulters who won state champion- them,” Scott says. “College athletes have four gave away a free T-shirt in exchange for two ships. years of life to use that gift, so work hard and tracts that the recipient was to then share with

16 January 2014 SPORTS

Photo by Caleb Smith Cedarville alumnus Jason Scott (‘07) is the new assistant coach for the track and field team. His coaching philosophy is based on having fun, setting long- and short-term goals, and using track and field to be a light for Christ. “I try to really get involved with my athletes here. Investing in their lives is the ultimate payment.” Jason Scott Assistant Track and Field Coach others. Their saying: “Spreading the gospel, ing.” one shirt at a time.” Scott says his goal is to compete in the Scott found that after his athletes had giv- Olympics or at least the Olympic trials for the en away a few shirts, they didn’t even need the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro. shirt to start sharing their faith at meets. He is “I always figure the higher level I can com- hoping to bring this ministry to Cedarville, but pete at, as long as I’m still wearing my shirts he’s not sure what the regulations are for the and my jerseys,” Scott says, “the more people NCAA. Hannibal-LaGrange was NAIA. I’m going to reach.” Meanwhile, Scott says he’ll continue to compete himself as he has been doing since he Paul McMichael is a senior preseminary Bible graduated. And he’ll do so as long as his body major and a sports reporter for Cedars. He will let him, he says. has won a Campus Christmas championship “The better I compete and the harder I and the intramural softball championship but push my body, the more I appreciate what God has miserably failed in Lawlor-Hill for three does for me,” he says. “Without him, I’m noth- consecutive seasons. www.beans-n-cream.com

January 2014 17 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Joy McTaggart: American in Paris

“As a parent if you don’t let loose of the apron strings, they won’t grow, so I by Kathryn Sill just left her in the Lord’s hands,” John enior Joy McTaggart summed up said. her study abroad experience in one Abby said they were able to keep in Sword – independence. McTaggart, touch with McTaggart through Skype a theatre major studying performance and by email. and design, spent her fall semester in “Once she got over there, she met Paris. some great people, and they treat stu- In October 2012, McTaggart de- dents really well over there, so that cided to study abroad. She chose France helped,” Abby said. because she wanted to learn to speak McTaggart helped her family and French, and Paris offered the require- friends stay updated on her traveling by ments she needed to graduate. video blogging. “Cedarville really pushes it (study- “She had a Facebook page, and then ing abroad) when you are a freshman,” she would record videos of everything McTaggart said, “I was really tentative she saw,” senior Lindsay McGee said. freshman year, but by the time I got to McGee said McTaggart has always be a junior, I was ready.” been good at keeping in touch, but she Although McTaggart is a theatre really made an effort to keep in touch major, none of the classes she was en- with family and friends despite the dis- rolled in were theatre classes, but they tance. McTaggart even recorded a film counted toward her degree. The five for the on-campus 72 Hour Film Festival classes she took consisted of a fashion while she was abroad. class, an architecture course, French civ- Outside of school, McTaggart also ilization and two French language cours- met people through the church she at- es. McTaggart attended classes through tended called the American Church in a global education company called Cul- Paris. She said the church was founded tural Experiences Abroad (CEA) that a long time ago and has grown to three Cedarville works with. Her transfers and services a day since then. credits came through the University of “It’s a very active church,” McTag- New Haven. gart said. “They are always doing minis- McTaggart said the classroom ex- try.” perience in Paris differed from her ex- Photo by Melissa Johnson The congregation of the American perience at Cedarville. Because the uni- Senior theatre major Joy McTaggart says she gained a new Church in Paris included people from versity was not Christian-affiliated, there sense of independence through her study abroad experience several different countries. were no chapel services. in France last semester. McTaggart took five classes and “There were 40 to 50 nationalities,” Classes were held in a small build- spent her free time exploring Paris and other noteworthy McTaggart said. “It was amazing.” ing, and a smaller student body of 90 stu- European cities. “I really liked the Parisian culture of natural Living in a different country also dents allowed for the school to plan more foods and shopping,” McTaggart said. “They do a lot more to exposed McTaggart to foreign currency outings and activities for the students. recycle and care about what they’re eating.” because she had to adapt to the euro. “The school was always taking us McTaggart said euros don’t have a paper out to dinner or taking us to specific trips,” a thick accent granted,” McTaggart said. bill for what would be the American one or two McTaggart said. McTaggart flew eight times and took a dollar bill but use coins instead. With CEA, McTaggart traveled inside train two or three times for her travel endeav- “Subconsciously I felt like I was spending France to Strasbourg, the Normandy coast, ors. She said traveling on her own allowed her less by spending coins,” McTaggart said. Versailles and Fontainebleau. to gain independence by making her own travel Purchasing food in Paris was a new expe- CEA did not have on-campus housing, so plans and flying by herself to other countries. rience for her, too. Certain markets were open McTaggart commuted to school from her apart- “I learned I can get around a continent by on certain days with different fresh foods. ment – a 20-minute ride on the metro. McTag- myself,” McTaggart said. “I don’t have to have “I really liked the Parisian culture of nat- gart was enrolled in classes Monday through my parents buy my plane ticket. I can do it, ural foods and shopping,” McTaggart said. Thursday, so her Fridays and Saturdays were which is freeing.” “They do a lot more to recycle and care about devoted to sightseeing in Paris. The city is home McTaggart’s family and friends said they what they’re eating.” to various museums, parks and venues that Mc- noticed a growth in her self-confidence and in- McTaggart said when she was in Paris for Taggart took the opportunity to explore. dependence through her study abroad experi- the first few months she wanted to move there, “I didn’t want to come home and say I ence. but that has since changed. However, she said had seen so many countries, but I hadn’t seen Senior Eric Rasmussen said McTaggart she would love to visit again with someone else. Paris,” she said. has always been an independent person. “It would be a lot of fun to show them Outside of Paris, McTaggart traveled on “She knows what she has to do in any all these things I know and just seeing all the her own to Brussels, Rome, Venice, Dublin, situation, but it helped her to be in a situation places I walked every day,” McTaggart said. “It and Edinburgh, Scotland. She said she favored where she didn’t really know anybody,” Ras- becomes like home.” Edinburgh because she has heritage from Scot- mussen said. land. McTaggart’s parents, John and Abby, said Kathryn Sill is a sophomore journalism major “Edinburgh was closer to America – like they were hesitant to let her study overseas at and an arts & entertainment writer for Ce- hearty meals, people speaking in English, with first but finally decided they should let her go. dars. She loves running, dogs and eating food. 18 January 2014 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Review: Switchfoot’s ‘Fading West’ Switchfoot continues to deliver quality music 18 years later by Roger Gelwicks as pronounced as projects like “Vice Vers- es,” “Hello Hurricane” or even old favorites n the grand scheme of the music in- like “Nothing is Sound” or “The Beautiful dustry, no matter what the genre, most Letdown,” and the result is a slightly less Iartists are mere flashes in the pan, com- memorable experience overall. Still, any ing and going without making a significant Switchfoot project is notable in and of itself, impact on their field. But the exceptions are and it is nothing but a satisfying listen from the ones worth celebrating, and Switchfoot start to finish. more than fits this description. Coming up “Fading West” is a “salt and pep- on 18 years as a band, the Foreman broth- per” project as the film and its soundtrack ers and their friends chose to commemorate are best enjoyed together, connecting the their story with “Fading West,” a documen- soundtrack to the greater story at play. After tary and accompanying soundtrack that the closing notes of “Back to the Beginning only a seasoned band like Switchfoot could Again” fade out, listeners will reflect on the produce with humble prestige. long and illustrious journey that Switchfoot Clearly, there is a rich history of music has taken in their career, and listeners will and memories that Switchfoot could have want to align their story with the band’s. chosen to cover in their documentary. Inter- After 18 years as a band, Switchfoot estingly, however, the band instead takes a maintains a deep love for music, their fans snapshot of their status as a veteran troupe and, most clearly, each other. Inviting still writing their story. Released in the fall of fans to experience a chapter of their lives, 2013, “Fading West” follows Switchfoot on a Switchfoot more than delivers with “Fading world tour, featuring stops in Australia, New sionals Tom Curren and Rob Machado, but the West,” and it is essential viewing and listening Zealand, South Africa and Indonesia, ending uninitiated others may not be as appreciative. for any Switchfoot fan. with the band’s hometown of San Diego. As a whole, though, impressive cinema- Switchfoot could very well have played tography, sound mixing and other technical Roger Gelwicks is a senior technical and profes- this concept straight, focusing only on the aspects of “Fading West” are a cut above other sional communication major and an arts & en- sights, sounds and high points of the touring films of its type, and they complete the project tertainment writer for Cedars. He believes that life. Instead, viewers get an intimate take on to make a provoking motion picture through honey badgers are vastly overrated and that a Switchfoot as bandmates and brothers, wit- and through. Komodo dragon could take one on any day. nessing both the joys and pains that come with What makes a project like “Fading West” life on the road, including leaving family be- so respectable is that it insists on being a hind for months at a time. self-sustaining piece of work. Instead of rely- One particularly compelling moment in- ing on the band’s vast catalog for background cludes vocalist Jon Foreman’s difficult deci- music (which would not have been difficult sion to temporarily leave the tour and tend to to do), Switchfoot recorded an entire original For the Purr-fect his daughter in the wake of her emergency sur- soundtrack for the film. gery. Moments like these connect the audience Once again, Switchfoot treads new wa- with not just the band’s identity but with the ters, and, to the album’s benefit, the individual Valentine Gift... band’s individual members and their struggles. tracks of the record shine within and without This is not to say that the documentary is the film, although the film is only complement- Don’t forget exclusively solemn; however, the band’s pas- ed by these new songs. Tracks like “Who We to order sions of life are certainly at the forefront of the Are” and “Say It Like You Mean It” are the best story. Documentaries of this type often cap- iterations of the “Switchfoot sound” with dirty your roses ture bandmate drama and other potentially guitar riffs. Choirs make heavy appearances by Feb 7! awkward and bitter moments, but because on “When We Come Alive” and “The World the members of Switchfoot have grown in You Want,” and the band expertly incorpo- their love and respect for one another over the rates acoustic guitars on “Saltwater Heart” and years, this film gracefully sidesteps these sorts “Slipping Away.” of themes. Perhaps the most outstanding highlight of It is rather the opposite, as Switchfoot’s the album is “BA55,” a drawn-out, bass-heavy congeniality for their fans and friends is show- and atmospheric track that lives up to its ambi- “Inventory cased alongside their musical excellence. In- tious title. Lines like “I believe you’re the fire Reduction terview clips from members of bands such as that could burn me clean” demonstrate how Blink-182, Goo Goo Dolls and Foo Fighters the band can still pen creative lines that speak Sale” serve to document the respect Switchfoot gar- beyond the song itself. That being said, the al- in process ners from other musicians in their genre. bum does play more like a soundtrack than a Additionally, one notable subject of the studio album as the consistent instrumental 80 N. Main St in Cedarville film is surfing, as it consumes a notable chunk ambience and Jon Foreman’s digitized and 937/766-5225 of the running time with plenty of impressive downplayed vocals keep the album less expan- 513/284-4336 M, T, Th, F 10-3 footage on the waves. Surfing enthusiasts may sive than Switchfoot’s previous work. [email protected] Wed 10-5 enjoy the prominent appearances of profes- The musical highs and lows are not quite

January 2014 19 Cedarville vs. Davis & Elkins

Photos by Madison Sternberg Students came decked out for “Braveheart Night” in kilts and blue face paint to support the men’s basketball team against Davis & Elkins College on Saturday, Jan. 16. The Jackets beat the Senators 63-58. Marcus Reineke, Lane Vander Hulst and Leighton Smith led the Jackets in points, and Brian Grant scored his 1,000th point to become the 51st member of Cedarville’s 1,000-point club.