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@Collegian_GCC @gcc.collegian The Collegian: The GCC Newspaper Friday, September 30, 2022
Collegian The Award-Winning Grove City College Student Newspaper
Vol. 108, No. 5
Campus celebrates Homecoming Morledge leaves behind legacy David Zimmermann Editor-in-Chief
GRACE DAVID
Willie poses with the college’s cheerleading squad during the White Out football game on Sept. 23 against Saint Vincent College.
Emma Rossi Sports Editor
You know him. You love him. He’s back. Seven individuals have taken it upon themselves to don the iconic suit and take on the persona of Willie the Wolverine. Willie the Wolverine officially re-debuted at last Saturday’s White Out football game. Willie toured a packed student section, taking his
Willie is so back place on the track in front of the stands to direct the crowd in their cheering. After auditions held in early September, Athletic Director Todd Gibson has assembled Team Willie to serve the college as our lovable mascot. “It was great spending 15 or 20 minutes with all these students who just love Grove City, and they want to do anything they can to build
up the brand and just make other people happy,” Gibson said. “One hundred percent of the people that we talked to, it was very clear that they loved Grove City College, and they wanted to be part of bringing joy to other people. It was just refreshing to be around people that were willing to go that extra step for other people. They’re not getting paid; they’re just do-
ing it because they want to help.” This enthusiasm is something which encouraged Gibson throughout the auditions and as the team looks to bring Willie’s presence back to campus. While a set plan for this presence is still in the works, the fuzzy face of the wolverine is sure to become familiar. WILLIE 3
Homecoming events in full swing Ayden Gutierrez News Editor
The annual Homecoming festivities began at the college this week, and a full slate of events was held over the last week to gear up for the Homecoming football game against Case Western Reserve University tomorrow afternoon. The annual Powderpuff football game took place on Monday night at Thorn Field. The seniors defeated the juniors with a final score of 7-0. A student-led Homecoming worship service was held last night with alumni speaker Amanda Muetzel Beggs ‘07. The Great Gatsbythemed Homecoming dance returns tonight in the Breen Student Union.
“I thought the turnout was really good this year,” senior Tess Dattoli said. “This event is special because everything is made possible by participation from students as players, coaches, cheerleaders, refs and MCs. This makes it a fun event for people to watch and support their friends.” According to Dattoli, there was very high participation this year, especially from the male cheerleaders. “It was nice to see some of the teams taking advantage of optional practices and getting excited about the game,” Dattoli said. The Homecoming Parade will take place tomorrow and will make its way through campus, down Pine Street and South Broad Street. EVENTS 3
GRACE DAVID
Juniors Lauren Border and Olivia Nicholas perform at Java Jam.
As the campus community celebrates Homecoming festivities this weekend, the college is also mourning the loss of a respected alumnus. MORLEDGE Rev. Dr. Richard A. Morledge ’54 passed away Sunday, Sept. 18 at the age of 90. After his time as an undergrad, Morledge served the college in multiple roles, including Dean of the Chapel, a Board of Trustees member and vice president of the Alumni Association. President Paul J. McNulty ’80 offered kind words in remembrance of Morledge. “Dr. Morledge was one of the most beloved members of the GCC community. No one has ever been more passionate about our college, and I can’t imagine anyone who has prayed more for the outpouring of the Lord’s grace and goodness on GCC,” McNulty said. “His love for our campus will be irreplaceable.” If they never had the chance to meet him, many Grovers may know Morledge for his popular catchphrase, which he said at every chapel service he led, “It’s a great day in the kingdom.” Those who did get to know him, however, reminisced over their time spent with Morledge and his love for the college. “I consider Dick Morledge to be one of the best people I have ever met. He is among the giants of Grove City College’s history as a leading benefactor to the strong spiritual structure of our campus,” Board of Trustees Chair Edward D. Breen ’78 said. “Dr. Richard Morledge epitomized the Grove City College spirit in everything he did. Dr. Morledge positively impacted thousands of Grovers from his arrival on campus in 1950 to his passing this month,” Vice President for Advancement Jeffrey Prokovich ’89 said. “To me, he was a dear friend, a spiritual advisor and a trusted counselor. I will miss him greatly.” In addition to serving as the chapel dean from 1984 to 1999, Morledge sat on the Board of Trustees for 20 years, from 1995 to 2014, after which he was elected Trustee Emeritus. He also dedicated his time to the Alumni Council, taking on the roles of director of annual giving and vice president. Morledge received the Jack Kennedy Memorial Alumni Achievement Award in 1990 and the Distinguished Service Award in 2016 for his prolonged service to the college. Dean of the School of BusiMORLEDGE 2