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Dordt College 9 February 2012 Issue 18 “Academically Adrift”: Are Dordt students falling behind too? Study shows that college students are not learning as much as they should be Kelly Zatlin process what they have learned think ‘oh my, you’re going to Editor while in college, but instead need a lot of work.’ So you go see the results of their learning step, by step, by step…but also down the line. “I’m not sure I I think ‘Oh you’re going to A recent study done over the agree even with the statistics,” grow.’ I see them a year or two past several years has shown said Dengler. “Students may say later, and they are doing fine.” that college students are not ‘I haven’t learned anything,’ but Some of those involved in learning anywhere close to then they find out through rein- promoting higher education, their full potential. Is that also forcement or even through life however, are greatly disturbed true of Dordt students? situations where they’ve had to by this study. In a Huffington Back in Jan. 2011, the book think about those things. It’s all Post article about this book, the Academically Adrift: Limited there -- it’s just they haven’t had President of the United States Learning on College Campus- to unearth it.” Student Association, Lindsay es released a study on the aca- Some students at Dordt still McCluskey, said the problem demic gains of 2,300 students feel as though they aren’t nec- stems from colleges treating enrolled in a range of four-year essarily learning the informa- students like consumers provid- colleges. They discovered that tion that they will need to apply ing business to their corpora- 45 percent of students “did not Photo by Aanna Stadem to their vocations down the line. tion. demonstrate any significant im- faculty, and I’m sure the admin- ognize that they are learning, “I feel like I’ve learned a lot “There is less personal at- provement in learning during istration too, do not see you as the professors are the ones who of information over the years,” tention in the classroom, fewer the first two years of college.” consumers.” see the change evolve in the said junior Jaclyn Droge, “but I tenure-track positions, and For all four years, 36 percent “I can’t really speak for pub- students throughout the years still don’t know how it will be more classes are being taught of students saw no substantial lic institutions; I really can’t, they are here, and even after beneficial later on. Dordt does a by teaching assistants and in increase in learning. because I know they have some they leave. good job of teaching us, but not some cases undergraduate stu- Several professors at Dordt good instructors and some that “Often students will come always at helping us apply the dents,” said McCluskey, ac- don’t buy into these statistics. are not good. But I see among back or I’ll get e-mails from information.” cording to the article. Communication professor Dr. my colleagues at Dordt a lot them years later, either here or Sophomore Mia Lavato, Veenstra recognizes the ten- Charles Veenstra questions of care for the students,” said at other schools, that say ‘at the in comparing college to high dency for colleges to move to- what kind of test would deter- Veenstra. “We’re here because time it didn’t mean much to me, school said, “It’s definitely wards being a business rather mine how much a student has we want to teach students.” but in the interim years, I under- more of a work load, but at than a place of learning, but he learned. As a freshman, Michael Van stand what we were doing then times it’s not like I feel I’m be- is confident that Dordt does not “What test would I give you Dixhoorn says he can tell he is and it makes complete sense to coming more educated.” have this attitude toward its stu- to prove that you didn’t learn already learning a lot here at me now,” said Dengler. Though the students may not dents. “That’s always a fear that anything in college? I would Dordt. “I can see improvement Veenstra would like students realize it now, their professors we have, that we turn this into a say it’s not time for the test in my own studies and in my to ask themselves the question, see them cultivating knowledge business model,” said Veenstra, yet,” said Veenstra. own classes. Especially in my “So what is education? Is it pil- over the years. “probably because we hear a lot Professor of English, Dr. accounting and business classes ing up a whole lot of facts? No, “I see students grow all the about budgets and how much Mary Dengler, is also a skep- because it’s stuff that I’ve never it is the development of a per- time,” said Veenstra. “I look we give out in scholarships. tic. She believes that students learned before.” at my CORE 100 group and I But I can tell you here, that the son.” often haven’t been able to fully Whether or not students rec- Roommate-less While some students are off studying abroad, their roommates feel the effects of being “left behind” day.” I got a goldfish I might start talk- Last semester Amber had four ing to it and go a little crazy.” roommates in the Kuyper apart- Jon Slaber, who also lives in ments and this semester she cur- the Kuyper apartments, had five rently has only two. One thing roommates last semester and two that she doesn’t miss, however, is roommates this semester. “Mike “the dish-pile-up in the sink that got married, Gary is in LA for seems to never go away when a semester abroad, and Phil is there are more people.” working at home doing his senior Kacy Oberfoell, a freshman design project,” Jon explained. here at Dordt College lives in Similar to Amber, he likes the West and has a four-person room space but would rather have his all to herself. Luckily, she is in buddies around. Even guys, it training to be a police officer, ma- seems, enjoy their male bonding joring in criminal justice. If any- time. The remaining roommates one should try and break in, she all have the luxury of having their could single-handedly hold down own room. the fort. So there you have it. It’s not When asked if she enjoyed about the space that you live in, having a “suite” to herself, she but rather the friends that fill it. said, “It kinda scared me at first, For those of you who have a full Photo by Aanna Stadem but now I really enjoy it.” house and wish that one or two Shanna Braunschweig to be snug as a bug are now spa- She puts everything she extra living space. of your roommates would fly the Staff Writer cious and roomy. doesn’t use on one side and lives When asked if she enjoyed the coop for the semester, maybe you A new semester has begun Although more space would on the other. Turns out she has extra space Senior Amber We- should think again. What are a and for some it has brought new seem a welcome change to many, so much space she doesn’t know ingarter said, “I do, but I would few more dishes when you have changes to their living situations. if given the choice, students what to do with it. When asked if much rather have my best friends friends with which to share laugh- Apartments and dorms that used would rather have their room- she should invest in a goldfish to here than a room to myself any ter and late night discussions? mates back at Dordt than have the keep her company, Kacy said, “If Page 2 News 9 February 2012 A simple way to say “I Love You” Symposium Update

sold Valentine’s Day roses it wasn’t a cute girl with a Hello again fellow students! in order to help fund the crush on him that bought multiple endeavors that him a flower, but his 250 This past week, Symposium discussed the parking and will be taking Dordt stu- pound roommate. housing situation here at Dordt. I know these are important dents across the United Overall, though, the issues for students, so be sure to talk to a symposium rep, stop States and Canada over fundraiser was a success. by the office, or send us an email for more details. spring break. Men were able to confess The fundraiser brought their undying affections Also, Symposium will be partnering with the ASCE club in $75, which, according to and PLIA was able to raise in their work to promote recycling on campus. Keep your PLIA co-chair BJ Ryks, is a little money that will go eyes open for more information and for every opportunity to about what they were ex- towards an excellent cause. recycle. Those blue bins aren’t the same thing as trashcans. pecting. “We weren’t ex- From March 8-17 of fif- pecting a whole lot,” Ryks teen groups will travel to From everyone at Student Symposium, have a great week Photo by BJ Ryks told me, “because we have unique locations where and God bless. Dutch men at this college.” students can use their God- Alex Updike Staff Writer Overall, 39 orders were given skills to serve and placed with a total of 62 love others. Let’s face it, us guys are roses being sold, with one Buttons are still for sale not that great with ummmm studly man, who will re- if you are interested in . . . words, ya that’s the uh- main nameless, buying a helping out a great cause. hhh . . . word I was looking dozen roses for his better The theme verse for this for. But with PLIA selling half. year’s trip is I John 3:18; roses this year, we don’t But not all orders were “Dear children, let us not have to be! for significant others. Ac- love with words or speech For only a small price, cording to Ryks, there but with actions and in Dordt men had the opportu- were a few roses bought truth.” nity to do what men do best for roommates; and I’m Please consider support- - let their wallets say what not talking about friendly ing PLIA as they put their their mouths cannot, and in girl-to-girl transactions, love into action across the the process, help support a I’m talking about those re- country. Photo of Symposium by Zac Edens great cause. ally awkward transactions PLIA is Dordt’s annual where one dude finds out spring break service trip and, just last week, PLIA Ron Sider speaks on fixing the deficit The Canon wants YOU! grams such as food stamps, Pell Grants or WIC (Wom- en, Infants, and Children) should not be cut. Two major concepts Sid- er believes we need to un- derstand in order to make fixing the deficit possible are an understanding of economics, and a set of rel- evant Biblical principles. Sider referenced Nehe- miah 5 which is properly titled, “Nehemiah Helps the Poor.” In this story, the poor Jews had to sell their children into slavery and the rich Jews were benefit- ting from taking belong- Rachel Mulder half of the poverty line. ings from the poor. Staff Writer In the U.S. today, tens “Everyone should con- of millions of people need tribute to the common good. Christians should For professor of theolo- food each month. Sider create a movement to work gy Dr. Ron Sider, who was explained that “six percent together to eliminate the the first Monday speaker of food aid comes from pri- For the first time since 2007, Dordt’s student publication The deficit,” Sider said. this month, holistic min- vate sources and 94 percent Canon is being published this spring. Taxes are a good thing istry, public policy, the comes from the govern- because they represent a poverty crisis and deficit ment.” He believes that This on-campus publication features selected works in cre- way that we love our neigh- crises equals a justice defi- more could come from pri- ative writing, academic essays, poetry, photography, print art, bor. They help us live a cit that he believes we, as vate sources, like churches. and other student created art, but The Canon is willing to accept good life and allows for Christians and American There is no Biblical ba- all forms of student created art for consideration. Submissions community. citizens, can fix. sis that says government will be chosen for publication and distributed around campus. Some things Sider says “The richest one percent can’t help the poor who are we need to keep in mind owns more of the nation’s in need, but good govern- Please include your name, title of work, and year written or are to: “keep and strength- wealth than the bottom ment must be limited gov- created in an email to Danielle Richards ([email protected]) en effective programs, cut ninety percent,” Sider said. ernment. by Friday, February 24. Feel free to contact Danielle Richards, ineffective programs, and One major statistic Sider “Should we slash pro- Alena Schuessler, or Liesl Scholten with any further questions. continue to invest in edu- shared was that 40-45 mil- grams for the poor people, Happy creating! cation.” lion people live below the or is there a better way?” poverty line and 20 million Sider asks because he be- of those people are below lieves government pro- 9 February 2012 News Page 3 Students not tuning in to KDCR Radio If students aren’t listening, who is? or three to four times in two or and up,” Megan De Bok said. three hours,” Spurgeon said. Although the students’ Mahlum’s comments guesses were not too far off, matched Spurgeon’s, saying De Waard gave a very specific that he found music choices target audience that centered would sometimes sound alike. on a 38-year-old woman. When asked about KDCR’s “The idea is that a 38-year- music selection, station man- old female, probably a soc- ager Denny De Waard ex- cer mom, has kids that are plained that the average time in junior high into early high people listen to the radio is school, and that’s a good time about 20 minutes. for Dordt College to become “Every 20 minutes you have involved in that family’s life,” an almost complete rollover in De Waard said. audience, primarily because He explained that although most people listen in their cars Dordt alumni are also a sec- or listen when they’re getting ondary audience, the model ready for work or for school in of the 38-year-old woman is a the morning,” De Waard said. marketing tool for the college. Among students inter- Catering the station to the stu- viewed at length, there was dents would be like preaching a general consensus that the to the choir. Photo by Aanna Stadem target audience of KDCR was “If we wanted to do that, Bryan Visser dence halls said that they don’t Mahlum said. not college students but people we could do it more cost-ef- Staff Writer listen to the radio much, tend- While working on campus older than college age. fectively with a lower power ing to prefer other media for last summer, student Steve “The student body is not transmitter,” De Waard said. It uses a 100,000 watt trans- music. Spurgeon noted that the songs targeted by us, although we’d mitter to reach people 80-90 “As far as the music goes, a KDCR play tended to be love to have them listen -- but miles away, as well as a web- lot of times students have iP- somewhat repetitive. that’s not who we’re trying to site to reach people around the ods, computers and access to “There were a couple dif- design our broadcast day for,” world; but few students listen YouTube and Pandora. They ferent times when there would De Waard said. to KDCR at its base of opera- can create their own “radio be a song they’d play multiple “I think it gears a little more tions: Dordt College. stations” that suit their musi- times in a short span. Some- towards an older generation, Students from various resi- cal desires,” student David times a couple times in an hour maybe somewhere between 22 Schaap’s last hoorah...at Dordt English professor Jim Schaap invites the campus to attend his last fiction reading before he retires

Danielle Richards said in a conversation. He Midwestern anecdotes and Staff Writer says he is interested in writ- stories, making him a favor- ing on contract for organiza- ite author of regional readers. tions and doing his own cre- His reading on Sunday in- He read to our parents 35 ative work. cludes several stories written years ago, and on Sunday “I really like my job,” he recently from his collection February 19, he will read to said about his position as an entitled “Stories from Up the us for the last time at Dordt English professor. “And I’m Hill.” College. really going to miss the stu- “The stories are a little Dr. James C. Schaap dents. What I probably won’t goofy,” he said regard- plans to read stories he has miss—coming up with things ing his selection, involving written to an audience of to do in class,” he said with a “redeemed zombies” in a staff members, students, chuckle. Although he enjoys Midwestern cemetery. Dr. and community members teaching, Dr. Schaap admits Schaap’s “Stories from Up in Classroom SB101. Read- that his current job does not the Hill” are full of magic re- ings like this used to happen give him as much time to alism, a genre that seems to more frequently, he said, but write as he would like. interest the current genera- Dr. Schaap has not given a Dr. Schaap has been writ- tion, he said. reading in several years. ing for nearly 40 years and “I plan to make a little After this semester, Dr. has published 23 books dur- show out of it,” said Dr. Schaap plans to retire and ing his writing career. Many Schaap. All students are in- “do nothing but write,” he of his stories come from vited to this last reading. Diamond Staff 2011-2012 Head Editor: Columnists: Kristina Heflin Kelly Zatlin Danae Geels Justin Pastoor Hank Houtman Hannah DeVries Copy Editing Staff: Alex Hederson Jordan Harmelink Bryan Visser Adrian Hielema Rachel Mulder Alex Updike Photography Editor: Kristina Heflin Aanna Stadem Hannah DeVries Staff Writers: Kelly Zatlin Alex Updike Photographers: Shanna Braunshweig Rachel Mulder Aanna Stadem Kelly Zatlin Ellie Dykstra Layout Designer: Aanna Stadem Liesl Scholten Joel Venhuisen Ad Manager: Danielle Richards Alex Henderson Kelsey Sederstrom Sports Editor/Columnist: Kristin Janssen Advisor: Jordan Harmelink Bryan Visser Jim Schaap Shanna Braunschweig Page 4 Features 9 February 2012 Engaged and Underage In honor of Valentine’s Day, let’s see what students have to say about love at Dordt Kristin Janssen before or upon graduation. Although the “Mrs.” and coming to Dordt for the dent input on the romance Staff Writer The “Mrs.” degree is “Mr.” degrees are an enter- sole reason of finding a phenomenon occurring in another common phenom- taining idea to discuss, the spouse is “dumb.” While Sioux Center seems only With approximately 39 enon often mentioned in question of whether or not he agrees that there are appropriate. One married married junior and senior everyday conversation at students actually agree that probably several females Dordt couple, one engaged students, someone unfamil- Dordt. Freshmen and other this degree is being sought who came to Dordt to find couple, one dating couple, iar with the Dordt culture new students and staff may out at Dordt is important a husband, Kreykes added, and two single students may think wedding fever not understand the term, so to address. Junior Mia “I’m sure there are plenty provide feedback to a few is in the water, marriage clarification may be neces- Kornelis agreed that some of guys here to be hus- personal questions about counseling is a core re- sary. The “Mrs.” degree people may come to Dordt bands, too.” the trend of being “engaged quirement, and engagement essentially refers to the to find a spouse, but she Since the “Mrs.” degree and underage.” rings are offered free with many females who enroll at further elaborated, “I think may indeed exist at Dordt, tuition. Add to that the 100 Dordt with the main inten- that there are also people this means many students or so students who are cur- tions of finding their future who do come here to study are settling down after only rently flaunting a sparkly husband, thus graduating and get a degree knowing knowing their spouse for a diamond or have lost their with their “Mrs.” degree. that there is a good chance couple years at most. So, life savings to Pat’s Jewel- A similar, although not that they will find someone with love on many stu- ry; an outsider might even as common phenomenon to marry, also.” dents’ minds as Valentine’s think Dordt offers scholar- called the “Mr.” degree Micah Kreykes, also a Day rapidly approaches, ships for those who marry also occurs. junior at Dordt, thinks that asking for more Dordt stu-

Mike and Denise, Married for almost 2 months Josh and Sierra, Engaged How young is too young to get married? How young is too young to get married? Mike: There’s not a specific age. Josh: 16 Denise: Younger than 18 Sierra: I don’t think there’s an age. It’s more How long do you think you should date before based on maturity. Are you ready? It’s not just getting engaged? happily ever after. You really have to work at it. Mike: Well that depends on age. In a college set- How long do you think you should date before ting, it’d be less time. getting engaged? Denise: You should probably date 2 years. It re- Josh: I don’t think there’s a set amount of time. ally depends. It depends a lot on your relationship and how it Did you come here for your Mrs. Degree? progresses. No. Sierra: Long enough so that you’ve seen the Mr. Degree? person in enough situations so that you can know No I did not. I already had my girl before I came how they will react. It also depends on how much here. interaction you have. At Dordt, we can see each Valentine’s Day Plans? other every day. It’s not like that everywhere. Mike: Kind of, yes. Did you come here for your Mrs. Degree? Denise: Yeah, we’re going out for dinner and No (she laughs). Although that’s what everybody shopping with the gift cards we got for our wed- expected… ding. Mr. Degree? No, I did not. I definitely came for my engineer- ing degree, but I’m very happy to be leaving with a double major. Valentine’s Day plans? Josh: I have an incomplete plan. Sierra: I don’t know. I have plans for him…

Kyle and Stephanie, Dating How young is too young to get married? Kyle: 18-ish Gina, Single Stephanie: Under 20 How long do you think you should date before How young is too young to get married? getting engaged? Joel, Single Under 20 Kyle: A little under a year How young is too young to get married? How long do you think you should date before Stephanie: It depends on how old you are. At 22 getting engaged? Dordt, I’d suggest a year. How long do you think you should date before It kind of depends on a lot of things… Did you come here for your Mrs. Degree? getting engaged? Did you come here for your Mrs. Degree? No, I didn’t, but it doesn’t hurt! Depends on who you are, probably at least six NO. Could you put that in as big of letters as Mr. Degree? months or maybe more possible? No, no, no. No thank you. Everyone No (he smiles). Did you come here for your Mr. Degree? told me that’s why I was coming here and I got so Valentine’s Day plans? No upset. No. Kyle: None yet. Should I have some? Valentine’s Day plans? Valentine’s Day plans? Stephanie: Something simple because we just None Yeah, intramural basketball and dinner with the celebrated one year with a dozen roses. girls 9 February 2012 Opinion Page 5 My Grandfather’s Country... Think Outside the Box The Hank Houtman Columnist Hendy Do you ever take time to “Now to Him who is able ever imagine. That way, I simply sit in silence? It seems to do immeasurably more don’t get disappointed when Show that too often in our lives we than all we ask or imag- God doesn’t do what I expect run through our daily activities ine, according to His power Him to. Instead, He surprises and take little time to simply sit that is at work within us…” me and awes me by doing and enjoy the world around us. Ephesians 3:20. Read that things in a way that only He Yes, it is important to complete verse again. Really let it can. daily tasks, but do you take sink in. Do you understand I’ll admit that I have set time to simply sit and reflect what it means to have a God expectations on God for what on life? Its seems that our gen- who does more than our hu- I want Him to do on Dordt’s eration always has to be mov- man brains could ever come campus. I have expected Him ing or doing something. Why up with? With all our head- over and over again to work is sitting in silence considered knowledge, of course we Danae Geels in a certain way, at a certain taboo or boring? My challenge know that verse to be true, Columnist time, and at a certain place. to you, whoever you are, is to but do we really comprehend But I’m through with that. simply sit in silence for some In fact, I think we all tend it? From now on, I am thinking Alex Henderson period of time at least once a to do this because of our nat- week. Go sit somewhere silent, I personally fail to com- as far outside of the box as Columnist ural human self that prefers turn off all electronics, grab a prehend that on a regular ba- my brain is capable of. I am comfort. We set expectations The semester is well un- bible if you so desire, and sim- sis. I have a tendency to put only anticipating what God der way and homework, on God because we want to ply sit and reflect on life. Just God inside a box. I put ex- will do with this campus. I projects, and presentations exist for a period of time and pectations on Him for what I know what will happen so can’t begin to imagine the seem to be stacking up. let your mind get lost in its own would like Him to do, where that we can prepare. Not to ways that He will move, and I glance at my iCalendar thoughts. I would like Him to go, and mention we subconsciously frankly I don’t really want to and my schedule is unfa- It seems that our genera- how I would like Him to do think that our way will work imagine it. God has and will miliarly filling. I have full plate of tasks tion has the idea that having out best. Obviously, that’s it. Of course, it’s not inten- continue to step in and move to complete at hand, and not true, and thank God fun involves doing something tional. If I was conscious in ways that He knows best it may be more than I can active or something with lots that I was doing it, I would that He is so patient that He and that best work according chew this time around. of people. While there is abso- never dream of putting God doesn’t get upset when we to His purpose. Will you join I don’t know if it is the lutely nothing wrong with that, in a box. I’m getting better at try to get Him to do what we me in great anticipation and same for you, but I always sometimes it is good to simply catching myself, but often it want again and again. prayer for God to move in imagine figuring out the just sit and exist. You can sit by busyness of the semester takes me getting a little dis- I’m learning to anticipate ways that are immeasurably yourself or with others, but the by powering through one appointed when God hasn’t more what God will do, rath- more than all we could ask or point is to sit in silence and just thing at time along the way. answered my prayer the way er than expect. I am finally imagine on this campus? let yourself relax. But this time it’s differ- learning to let it sink in that ent, I don’t see the light at Some of the greatest think- I wanted before I realize that God is able to do so much the end of the tunnel. It is ers of our history are those I’ve done it, yet again. more than my brain could as if I complete an assign- who were in solitude or silence ment and I am boomer- with just their thoughts. When anged back into doing the you take time to simply exist, same thing every week. you are able to think about the Senioritis: Words from a bachelor The academic hustle things you care for most. It’s in wears thin and frayed these those moments that you really By the time this issue of the cats that science will totally days. see the answers you’ve been Diamond comes out, it will be have invented in the next de- Truth be told, I am run- looking for the entire time. February 9-ish. February 9, is cade or so. And nobody wants ning on fumes and it’s only February. If there’s anything that our of course, completely unim- that. Not even your Roboti- My mind is playing portant. It does, however, hap- cats. older generations can teach tricks on me, and I feel us, it is that the best things are pen to be five days away from And what about me, you like spring break is only 15 those that take time to accom- Valentine’s Day. Which means ask? Well, if you really must days away, every day. plish. Rushing through things this week’s column will focus know, I am currently single, I just don’t have the just produces more flaws. For on one thing and one thing yes. But let’s be clear here, same mental vigor that I example, I could simply write only: love. That’s right folks, this is not some sort of des- once had when I was start- ing my college career. this column in 15min and make we’re about to get mushier peration attempt to get a date. No matter how hard I try if short, quick, and to the point, and more disgusting than the If you take one thing from this but then why would you want Adrian Hielema to sit still and do nothing, banana I left in my backpack Columnist column, I hope it’s the knowl- I always find something to read it (if anyone reads this over break. edge that the attractive, witty, to get into, problems of a anyway)? The fact of the mat- Fear not, brave souls! The ing single has its advantages, potential millionaire Adrian busybody. ter is that when you neglect to love doctor is in. Or at least, or that there are plenty of pro- Hielema would never be so But it all makes sense; take time to think, then you maybe I am learning the I imagine he’s in. Somewhere verbial fish out there in the petty or desperate as to use the simply regurgitate the same hard way. crap over and over again. It’s in the world. The point is I am proverbial sea. If you’re read- space of this column to pick They say persistence like arguing the same argu- not the love doctor. I’m kind ing this and hoping for actual up females -- thank you very pays off and I’m no quitter, ment over and over again. of like the love doctor’s less- advice, then in all likelihood, much. so I guess the day-to-day is You get nowhere and eventu- heralded, equally hard-work- you’re not near the sea. And Now, if you’ll excuse me, I an investment. ally end up exactly where you ing assistant. Okay, basically you probably don’t know how have to do 1000 push-ups and Whether you consider yourself an opportunist, first started. As an old friend of I’m the love nurse. to fish. deliver a bunch of newborn over-achiever, slacker, or mine told me many years ago, But what advice does the But don’t just accept that. I puppies to sick orphans. Hap- somewhere in the in be- “sometimes you need to get love nurse have? Well for start- don’t care if the words “fresh- py Valentine’s Day! tween, the grind is picking lost to find yourself”. If you’re ers, if you’re in a relationship, man frenzy” or “senior scram- up. stressed, busy, angry, or just you can just go ahead and stop ble” bring to mind images of Now give it a try. Take simply irritated with life, the reading right now. This is not lemmings running off a cliff, time to plan and then plan to execute. best thing to do is simply sit for you. Nobody likes you this don’t you dare make “Happy in silence, and then you will The secret is to clear time of year. Singles Awareness Day” your remember the peace that was your plate, one bite at a For those of you who aren’t status on Facebook and call it once in your life. Sometimes time. so otherwise blissfully occu- good. That is not acceptable. Even the impossible is you need to simply sit and lis- encouraging. ten, and much will be revealed pied, listen up. I’m not going There is very real chance that to you. to tell you that everything’s you will die alone, surrounded going to be alright, that be- by ten of your closest robot- Page 6 Sports 9 February 2012 Harmy’s Army Dordt defeats Northwestern (of thoughts)

Jordan Harmelink Sports Editor

My friends and I had a sporting events. I have had little discussion over what is the pleasure of tailgating both better--college or profession- at a college and professional al sports? football game. The atmo- Level of competition: sphere surrounding Kinnick Watching professional ath- Stadium blew the atmosphere letes go head-to-head gets around Arrowhead Stadium boring and predictable after a out of the water. The rowdi- while. Collegiate events fea- ness and excitement around a ture amateurs going against college campus beats out the amateurs, where mistakes five or six 40+ year-old guys Photo by Jamin Ver Velde are made and nothing is pre- throwing a football around dictable. Mistakes make the a parking lot trying to pomp Jordan Harmelink Dordt vs. Northwestern rival so Baseball: 43-95 game exciting and unpre- their fragile egos and relive Sports Editor special is that it often features Men’s Basketball: 25-75 dictable. Mistakes are more the glory days. Advantage: student-athletes who played to- Women’s Basketball: 17-61 frequent at the college level. College Recently, another chapter gether or against each other in Football: 0-4 For example, basketball is Rivalries: was put into the record books more exciting to watch at the Michigan vs Ohio State, high school. Men’s Soccer: 25-7 college level rather than the Oklahoma vs Texas, Duke vs in one of the greatest rivalries Looking back through Women’s Soccer: 19-1 professional level because UNC, Alabama vs Auburn, in Northwest Iowa: Dordt ver- shots will be missed on occa- Army vs Navy, USC vs Notre the archives, courtesy of www. Softball: 23-50 sus Northwestern. The wom- sion. Some might argue that Dame, and the up-and-coming dordt.edu/athletics, listed be- Volleyball (since 2001): 24- watching a 120-118 game is rivalry of Nebraska vs Iowa. en’s team played tough for the low are the records for the 13 exciting; I would argue that These are some the greatest first half but were unable to it is not. I would rather watch rivalries in sports. Rivalries Dordt vs. Northwestern rivalry Lacrosse (since 2006): 3-0 a game that keeps me on the are more heated at the college stay with the third-ranked team in each sport, respectively. Note: Men’s and Women’s edge of my seat where shots level. I would MUCH rather in the Great Plains Athletic are quite frequently missed. watch Duke vs North Caro- Dordt College versus North- golf records were not available. Conference (GPAC) and were The degree of competition is lina in basketball than the western (wins-losses): also more entertaining at the Celtics vs Lakers. Advantage: ousted 87-62. college level. In the profes- College sional game, every person is Pricing: The men’s game featured considered the best at their Consider ticket pricing be- two of the top three teams in respected position. The col- tween two of the top sport- the GPAC, with Dordt having lege level features amateurs ing events at each level. Ac- against amateurs where mis- cording to www.sb-tickets. a chance to sweep the season takes are prone to happen. com, the average Super Bowl series; Dordt already defeated The mistakes make the game ticket for this season’s contest less predictable. Advantage: cost between $2,000-$7,000. Northwestern in December. A College Personally I don’t know who 38-38 halftime score was bro- Fans/Atmosphere: would pay money to watch ken open by the Defender’s Fans in the stands in col- the Super Bowl live, espe- lege cannot compare to fans cially given the teams in the in the second half and they in the stands at a professional Super Bowl this year. Com- walked away 86-72 victors, en- game. At the college level, pare that price to that of the fans in the stands make a Bowl Championship Series abling them to stand alone atop difference. Look at our own National Title game between the GPAC. campus for example. The De LSU and Alabama, where the With any rivalry of Witt Gymnasium has been average ticket cost was about the place to be all season, at- $1,400. Advantage: College this magnitude, a win is never tributable in part to the team’s Save some money, watch a sure thing. It doesn’t matter if success, but also to the stu- a real sport, not a predictable dents who bring energy and sport. Watch amateurs fight it a team goes into a contest with intensity to the game. Tail- out at the college level. a rival undefeated, anything gating is a huge factor at all can happen. What makes the Photo by Jamin Ver Velde Dordt tracksters have per- second in the conference and last year, though, in the sense that Track off to great start formed very well. Junior Briana have each reached national stan- they are a hard-working group Vander Woude is leading the dards. with good team chemistry; they conference in the 55m dash and On the field events side, push each other and support each the 55m hurdles, and her times Vander Woude is leading the other,” said head coach Craig are meeting national standards. conference in the indoor pentath- Heynen. “As far as performance, Sophomore Katie Bonema’s lon as well as fourth in the high we are stronger in middle dis- time in the 600-meter run has jump and third in the long jump, tance and pole vault this year, placed her 2nd nationally. Senior receiving national recogni- and we also have more throwers, Michelle Steiger is sitting in the tion for all three. Senior Crystal but not many upper-class throw- top five in the conference for Vander Zee is also second in the ers. We are better overall in the her performance in the women’s conference in the long jump as middle distances this year.” 5000m run. well as fourth in the triple jump. After the NAIA National Nic Pfeifle is fourth in the Many school records have meet, the first weekend in March, conference with his 400m dash already been broken and even the outdoor season begins. The time and has worked his way more top ten places have been new season brings an added into a top 15 place in the nation. achieved. While the team still group of athletes to the team, as Ryan Tholen has met national considers themselves to be in the many events are strictly outdoor. Photo by Aanna Stadem standards with his time in the beginning stages of the season, Other athletes will join, being Justin Pastoor then, there’s been no looking 800 and currently sits third in they are very optimistic. done with current winter sports. Staff Writer back. Many individual perfor- conference, while sophomore “We certainly have more se- Outdoor nationals are held mances as well as relay teams Just a few days after the be- Erin Francis is leading the con- niors and upper classmen, so we May 26 through the 28th. have met standards high enough ginning of the new semester, ference in the men’s 55m hurdles have great leadership, but we to go to nationals; others are get- Dordt’s track and field had their Both the men and women’s also have a very talented fresh- ting closer each meet. first meet of the season. Since 4x800m relay teams are seeded men class. The team is similar to 9 February 2012 Arts and Entertainment Page 7 Dordt theater students awarded special honors Hannah DeVries the judges were the most she Staff Writer hoped to get out of the fes- tival. “I definitely did not Jonathan Posthuma and expect to win… when I won, Anna Vanden Akker received I never even heard my name special honors at the Ken- because by the time ‘Dordt’ nedy Center American Col- was out of [the announcer’s] lege Theater Festival from mouth we were all scream- January 16 to 20 and were ing. I was out of my chair nominated to showcase their before ‘College.’” talents on a national level. The future holds great Posthuma, a senior major- promise for these two Dordt ing in Secondary Education, theatre students, and both Music, was awarded special are excited to see what is honors for his musical com- in store. “This opportunity position and sound design could open up doors for me featured in The Glass Me- as a composer for theatre, nagerie, and will be showing so I am very excited,” said his work again in the Nation- Posthuma. al KCACTF Conference in While also hoping for a Washington D.C. possible internship or future Vanden Aaker, a junior, job, Vanden Aaker said sim- was awarded similar honors ply, “I’ll see what God has Additional awards presented to current and former for her film and projection planned.” yourself to fewer ideas, but Dordt students: work also featured in The The festival is not only allowing other aspects of the Glass Menagerie, and will about the competition, but show to gain new life.” • Senior Jenifer Kanis for scenic design. be showcasing her work at also about what students can Ter Haar also said that the the United States Institute gain and growth they can competition as a whole and • Junior Brian De Young, Posthuma, and freshman for Theatre Technology con- achieve, says Associate Pro- the awards and recognition Mark Steiger for sound design. ference in Long Beach, Cali- fessor of Theatre Arts Dr. Te- received not only by Post- fornia. resa Ter Haar. “The national huma and Vanden Aaker, • Senior Ellen De Young received special recognition Held in Ames, Iowa, the awards are so competitive. I but also several other Dordt when she was selected to be the stage manager for a stage KCACTF competition is no saw the number of entries in theatre students and faculty crew competition. small event, showcasing the the design expo, and it was were notable. “The awards work of more than 400,000 overwhelming,” said Ter also create a real excite- • Alumni Jason Kornelis and junior Maria Bouwkamp college theatre students, and Haar. “I think our awards ment for the technical areas were selected out of 250 participants to move on to the semi- both Posthuma and Vanden show the strength and depth of theatre and the many op- final round. Aaker felt the pressure. In of the program, as well as the portunities for students to the end though, both agree it talent and creativity of our get involved in that type of • Seniors Emily Hageman and Vanden Akker for act- was worth it. students.” work,” said Ter Haar. “The- ing talents during auditions and were chosen to perform in “I didn’t really expect to Posthuma agreed. “In my atre isn’t just about acting- scenes at the conference. win any awards,” said Post- opinion, the most important -it’s about all the areas that huma. “I mostly was excited thing to remember when go into making a production • Senior Clare Laverman was named runner up for her to observe how people re- composing music for the come to life.” playwriting composition, Little Letters, and was contacted acted to my design as well as theater is fitting your design after the festival by a college interested in performing her to receive feedback from the into the vision of the show, play in the fall. judges.” supporting the choices of the Vanden Aaker agreed that other designers and actors. • Professor of Theatre Arts April Hubbard was chosen comments and critiques from This might mean limiting to direct a scene. • Costume designer Susan Blom for her costume de- signs in Tartuffe. The Gaudete Quintet to perform

composers, the Gaudete Quin- separate events will be held at cert with the theme, “So Last tet is continually expanding its Dordt by the Gaudete Quintet. Season.” The concert is at 7:30 repertoire. At 3 p.m. in M 108, they will p.m. in the BJ Haan Audito- At their upcoming perfor- hold a master class to inform rium. mance at Dordt, they will play students about chamber music By attending either of these pieces by influential contempo- and playing brass instruments. two events, students will be rary composers, such as Joan It is free and open to the public. exposed to an enjoyment of Tower, Giaches De Wert, Da- The second event will be a unique and excellent chamber vid Sampson, Stacy Garrop, concert, free and open to the music for brass instruments, as John Cheetham, Brian Baxter, public. Presenting chamber performed by an outstanding and Rob Deemer. music of 2011, the Gaudete and devoted group; the Gaud- On Friday, February 10, two Quintet has labeled their con- ete Quintet.

Kelsey Sederstrom and to encouraging worldwide Staff Writer appreciation of the art of brass chamber music.” “Gaudete” is Latin for “to The Gaudete Quintet has rejoice,” and the Gaudete shared their love for this genre Quintet will certainly bring joy in numerous ways and plac- with Dordt I.D. to whomever attends their con- es, including CD’s, live per- ½ PRICE Tanning cert! The Gaudete Brass Quin- formances in distinguished tet, founded in 2004, focuses concert venues, public radio on chamber music for brass broadcasts, and a combined Monday-Thursday 9-9 • Friday 9-5 • Saturday 8-1 instruments. performance with an educa- In the words of their web- tional tour at colleges and uni- site, the Gaudete Quintet is versities. “devoted to presenting seri- From re-creating pieces We also offer cuts, colors, perms, manicures, pedicures, shellac facials, ous brass chamber music at based on Renaissance music, microdermabrasion, glycolic peels, massages, waxing, ear piercing and more! the highest level of excellence to performing noted modern South end of the Centre Mall • Sioux Center• (712) 722-0008 Page 8 Amusements 9 February 2012 What if... Feature Photo A humorous look at the many “what ifs” that could drastically affect your life lives in disgruntled obedience. Eventually, about 420 years later (I’ll give you a few seconds to do the math), the people of Europe, still under the control of the Pope and his abusive, bureaucratic church forcing them to pay for forgiveness, decide it’s time to step up and defend themselves . . . like a boss. They form private militias and begin to plan a coup to take over the church. Among those who are most engrossed By Alex Updike with the idea is a young man named Adolf Hitler, who Everybody loses things; states that the real problem it’s just a fact of life. In fact, isn’t with the church but with just this year I’ve lost (and the Jews. Subsequently, his subsequently found), my fellow patriots tell him that’s iPod, a pair of shoes, my the dumbest thing they’ve “All of this talk about losing roommates...why not add a healthy addition? For only 33 cents at coat, a sweatshirt, chapstick ever heard and kick him into Walmart, your room’s worth and visual appeal can exceed dramatically. East Campus fish, Chloe, took (multiple times), and my the streets; he is never heard wallet. But does anything get time out of her day to pose for Aanna Stadem’s camera. Aside from running into glass multiple times in from again. Eventually, the a few seconds, Chloe’s rooming situation is going swimmingly.” lost more often than hardware people’s voice is heard (yay supplies? Yes, hardware democracy!), they begin their supplies! Those little guys own church movement, and just seem to roam wherever Protestantism is finally born. What not to say in an Interview: they want until they wind up So, yes, most of Europe was stuck in the bottom of some forced to live in religious guys foot, providing him an degradation for a few hundred awesome story to tell girls he extra years, but hey, WWII just met about how he stepped didn’t happen. on a nail and it “didn’t really But that’s not even it! I hurt that much.” Throughout know most of you Dutch history, nails have been used Reformers are wondering to build magnificent creations, what happened to one specific even start revolutions. But person; one person who was what if those nails hadn’t been influenced by Luther and his found? Let’s imagine one such reformation. Yes, John Calvin, instance, shall we? the man you all love and Picture yourself in 1517; adore. Well, sad news. Without you’re probably bored Luther’s nail, Calvin never because TV, Xbox, computers, becomes influenced by his Facebook, movies, and frozen thoughts, and ends up living pizza have yet to be invented. out his days as a carpenter - I Nevertheless, there is great guess he just thought it was religious animosity in Western what he was destined for. and Central Europe under the Without Calvin’s influence, Adam McDonald Pope, and you are a young Kuyper has nothing off of Editor up-and-coming theologian, which to base his thoughts. He Did you miss me? I’ll just assume yes. It’s been a while since you have read affectionately known on the never really gets involved in an article by your favorite movie reviewer. I’m sure your hallways have seemed streets as Marty-L. You’ve politics or religion and instead darker, classrooms emptier, and the campus gloomier, but don’t worry. I’ll be had it with the selling of uses his mind to become the indulgences and the general back soon. I’ve been given the privilege and blessing to study journalism in our #3 chess player in the world, nation’s capital, but we can discuss that later. Right now, I’m here to provide a ray bureaucracy, arrogance, and which is actually kind of cool. abuse of power in the church, of sunshine in that bleak, cloudy weather we all call Iowa winter. Anyways, the Dutch reform I’m here to give you some tips and tricks on what NOT to say when in an so you write down a thesis, tradition never begins, and then another, then 93 more. Dordt and Northwestern are interview. Here are the top ten: You’re planning to really stick never started. Sioux Center 10) “I’m very self-motivated. For instance, this month alone I’ve killed 27 it to the man by nailing these and Orange City become two dragons in Skyrim.” on the church door, but then boring towns, one with too 9) “I’ve always admired Hitler. He seemed to be a real go-getter.” tragedy strikes; you can’t find much corn and the other with 8) “Where do I want to be in five years? Your office.” a nail! Yes, I went there: what too many flowers. 7) “My strengths are my weaknesses.” if Martin Luther hadn’t been So is the lack of a 6) “My weaknesses are my strengths.” able to find a nail? Dutch Reformed tradition Obviously, the only reason 5) “Who is my role model? That guy in Scarface seemed to have it all together.” and an extra four centuries of 4) “My favorite college subject? Napping.” the reformation took off religious suppression worth the way it did was because 3) “My long term career goals can be summed up in two words: ‘Mom’s not having WWII? Well, basement.’” Luther’s argument was I’m not going to answer that nailed to a door. Everybody question because either way I 2) “How has college prepared me for the real world? It hasn’t.” knows that in 16th century, go, people are going to want 1) “Is that YOUR daughter? Is she available?” Europe you had to write your to physically harm me. So I’ll I had one interview while I was here. They declined my application. I’m not argument on paper and nail it let you decide. After all, one of working there now. Take it from an expert. Don’t say it. to something before anybody the things we learn in college believed you; if you just is how to think critically and went around spewing your make informed decisions. Of propaganda, everyone thought course, without Dordt existing, you were just crazy. Without maybe you don’t learn that. this nail, Luther is, obviously, Just a little extra food for never able to famously post thought. his 95 theses to the church door. Because of this, the reformation movement never even really starts in Germany. Luther is immediately arrested $6.00 for treason and speaking out against the Pope and College Buffet is “permanently silenced.” (with college I.D.) Citizens see what happens when you speak against the coupon valid man with the big hat and one time use only not valid with other offers 01/26/2012-02/26/2012 silently move about their valid only at Sioux Center Pizza Ranch