The Collegian, Dec. 5, 2025

College adopts statement of faith

Matthew Purucker News Editor

The Grove City College Board of Trustees adopted a statement of faith during its November meeting.

President Bradley Lingo ’00 called it a “historic step to

Church debuts recovery center

Julia Kramer Contributing Writer

Transformation Church opened its Recovery Resource Center in Grove City on Nov. 6 to meet the needs of anyone with a life-controlling problem, whether that be drug addiction or poor mental health.

Visitors can also receive more general aid at the center, like help in finding and applying for food stamps, medical insurance and jobs. These services are not limited to those directly dealing with these issues.

Holly Beatty co-leads the center’s 12-step life recovery support group with her husband, Robert.

“We’re here to love people with the love of Jesus and help people obtain hope and freedom from anything that they’re struggling with in life,” Holly Beatty said. “That includes anyone who has someone they love in their lives that is trapped in addiction and who needs support. We want

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Parkhurst releases

Craveable app

Olivia Massucci Contributing Writer

On Oct. 27, Parkhurst launched Craveable, an app that allows students to check daily menus and allergen information for campus dining halls. It aims to make navigating campus dining more convenient and safer for students with dietary restrictions.

Craveable has the same program Parkhurst chefs use, so ingredient and allergen information can be up to date. Students can browse the menu and use filters to find items that fit their needs.

Kylee Chrastina, field marketing and engagement coordinator for Parkhurst Dining at Grove City College, explained the system.

“It pulls directly from the program that our chefs use with all of the recipes, so it’s more accurate, which is very helpful, especially for students that have those allergies that can be deadly for them,” she

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strengthen and secure Grove City College’s commitment to its Christian mission,” in an email he sent to students on Tuesday.

The statement marks the first time faculty and staff have had to affirm a binding document to teach at the college.

Previously, faculty had to approve the college’s commitment to “biblical doctrine, ethics and practice,” according to the email. The college did not list specific values within a document.

Students do not need to affirm the statement.

“Grove City College has been, and will continue to be, open to all students, regardless of faith,” Lingo wrote.

The statement is 396 words long and has 15 clauses to which professors and faculty

Christmas season arrives at Grove City College

The campus is decorated, the star is lit and GCC is ready to celebrate the coming of the

Christmas season. As finals mark the close of the semester, students and faculty are still finding time to attend concerts, build snowmen, drink hot cocoa and prepare their hearts for the Advent

Remembering Roxie

College mourns longtime dining team member

Emily

Fox

Editor-in-Chief

Roxanna “Roxie” Olive Bell

Schaefer, beloved Parkhurst team member at MAP Café, died at Allegheny General Hospital on Nov. 28 after a brief illness.

Schaefer served the Grove City College community as a member of MAP Café’s hospitality support team for 10 years. Students could recognize her by the bows on her hat and the smile on her face as she greeted them each time they visited the dining hall.

Schaefer graduated from Grove City High School in 1979. Before joining the Parkhurst staff, she cared for her aunt and uncle for 11 years until they died. Over the course of her life, she worked for Hot Sam’s, the Shenango Valley Mall, the Kmart in HerROXIE 10

Pence, McNulty return to teach

Matthew Purucker News Editor

Former Vice President Mike Pence, Grove City College

President Bradley Lingo ‘00, former college president Paul McNulty ‘80 and Professor of Political Science Paul Kengor will teach a rebranded Faith and Public Service class during the spring 2026 semester.

The course will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays in Sticht Lecture Hall within Staley Hall of Arts and Letters on campus. Undergraduate students of all majors can sign up for the class, which began accepting registration on Nov. 17, if they have not taken the course before.

“Having upper-level one-credit courses allow students to narrow in on a special topic and, in many cases, hear from unique speakers with particular expertise in specialized areas,” Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Peter Frank said. “Also, having a former VP on campus, who is eager to engage with GCC students, is a real privilege for the campus community.”

The class will address how Christian faith and American political life relate. The instructors, along with possibly some guest lecturers, will lead studies of various theoretical and practical perspectives on Christian public involvement throughout history. The class will also have new readings and differences in assessments.

“It will have a bit more variety and will touch on many new topics compared to last spring 2025,” Frank said.

Pence and McNulty taught the previous iteration of the class earlier this year. McNulty retired from his role as the college’s ninth president in June.

“This course is designed to be a wide-ranging consideration of the relationship between Christianity and civil government. We will look at the nature of the Christian’s calling in the public square,” a Nov. 11 email from Frank read. “Lectures and discussions will address topics such as the character and Christian witness of those in public service, historical forms of engagement with and disengagement from politics, First Amendment issues and thinking in a Christian way about public policy,” he said.

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From the Tower

Remaining rooted in the seasons ahead

It seems as quickly as the semester began, it’s now ending. For the class of 2026, it’s the end of our seventh semester at Grove City College and our last fall semester. There’s something special about the first semester that makes it different than the second.

There are the obvious seasonal activities assigned to the fall semester: freshman welcome week, football games, Fall Fest, reuniting with friends who graduated at Homecoming, Wolf Creep, the Theatre Program’s fall musical and, most recently, Light Up Night; but something deeper makes the fall semester distinct from the spring.

It’s the return to familiar faces after time apart. It’s the comfort of knowing what to expect. It’s settling into a place we’ve come to associate with home. It’s having a safe place where we have the freedom to explore our talents and interests, cultivate relationships and have access to professors and mentors who God uses to facilitate the growth of our faith.

We can do many of these things in the spring, but fall is a season of returning. Meanwhile, spring often seems like a season of preparing to leave. For December grads, this dichotomy is flipped on its head. For them, this semester has been their season of preparing, and now, they’re about to enter the next stage of life.

December grads aren’t eased into the idea of graduating like spring grads are. Most of the senior class activities happen in the spring. These events mentally prepare spring grads for the next step by reminding them that graduation is coming and they should appreciate the gifts of this season before it’s over.

So how do December grads navigate this strange transition, beginning the next part of their lives in what can feel like the middle of a familiar season? They might not have days of reflection built into their schedules, but they can still be intentional about appreciating the season of growth they are completing and considering what they will take with them into the next one. The responsibility to be mindful of how their past will inform their future has been shifted onto them.

I pray my friends graduating in December will remain rooted. Roots do not have to depend on place. We can be rooted in Scripture, our relationships and how we approach living in the world while being set apart from it. We can take the lessons we’ve learned about faith and people and apply them wherever we end up.

I hope the class of December 2025 remembers that even in the midst of a strange, tumultuous season of change, God goes with them and as he laid their season at Grove City before them, he has formed the path they embark on now. I pray they will be comforted in knowing that God has already seen their future, and he works for the good of those who love Him (Rom. 8:28).

Congratulations, fall graduates. God has carried you to the end of another season. Take what he has given you and enjoy what comes next.

Emily Fox

Editor-in-Chief

Collegian Staff

Emily Fox

Editor-in-Chief

Editorial Board

Matthew Purucker

News Editor

Catharine Runion

Community Editor

Christa Bashinski

Entertainment Editor

John Hatzis

Perspectives Editor

Mia Gallagher

Sports Editor

Staff Writers

Mara Brak

Madelyn Braho

Anastasia Brown

Randall Elvin

Alexandria Fox

Natalie Hanna

Andrew Hutchinson

Reagan Thomas

Editing

Olivia Emerick

Copy Chief

Copy Editors

Anna Kasianides

Kendall Lambrect

Jaci Morell

Bonnie Pittman

Vivian Waner

Campbell Wiersma

Be bad. It’s good for you.

Catharine Runion Community Editor

When everything in life seems to come pretty naturally and easily, the first taste of being bad hurts. A lot.

Kathryna Hoyman Managing Editor

Art & Photography

Luke Paglia Photo Chief

Bernie Komoroski

Comic Strip Artist

Advertising

John Remaniak

Business Manager

Tava Derr

Social Media Manager

Advisory

Nick Hildebrand Staff Advisor

The Collegian is the student newspaper of Grove City College, located in Grove City, Pa.

Opinions appearing on these pages, unless expressly stated otherwise, represent the views of individual writers. They are not the collective views of The Collegian, its staff or Grove City College.

I was never one of those kids who struggled with school. Being ahead of my peers gave me the unbridled confidence (read: ego) to try my hand at pretty much any hobby I could get my hands on. I acquired various talents, consistent straight-A report cards and accolades for countless musical endeavors.

And then I hit Algebra 1, and I got a C on an exam for the first time in my life.

I was so confused. Suddenly, I wasn’t just naturally good at everything: I had to put real effort into things like math and science. Many of the things I was already good at started to require real, serious effort to continue on the same trajectory as before, and my ego was heavily bruised.

Jump forward to college, and I heavily leaned into my fear of failure. I became an English major because I knew I was good at it, went to orchestra because that was comfortable, and I stuck to “safe” hobbies.

I’ve now spent almost four years seeing clubs, activities and hobbies, thinking, “wow, that looks fun,” and never trying any of them simply because there’s a chance I would be bad at it.

Given that we’re all fairly similar around here, I’m guessing a lot of you suffer from the same crippling fear of being bad. We act like it’s the end of the world if we get a bad grade or fail at anything. It’s a whole lot safer to the ego if

you just stick with what you’re good at.

Halfway through my sophomore year, I found myself staring at The Collegian community email and, heart pounding, I claimed an article for the first time. I had been secretly harboring an interest in journalism for years, perpetually held back by the fear of being bad.

I came to class the next day and asked Editor-in-Chief Emily Fox about half a bajillion questions about how to write an article. She was so kind. As I went through the process of writing and being published for the first time, I discovered a whole part of myself that I never knew existed.

The next semester, when I got more involved with the paper, I quickly realized just how irrational that fear was.

Former Editor-in-Chief Emma Rossi and the rest of the editors took me under their wings and taught me everything I needed to know about the paper.

Even if my worst fears were realized, it wouldn’t have been a bad thing. The editors would have been just as kind and helpful to me regardless.

It strikes me funny to sit up here in my little editorial box and regale the reading public about something I still struggle with. I still let fear take over, because I hate being bad at things. It’s so uncomfortable. Besides my own personal feelings of failure, it means admitting that other people might (gasp!) have bad opinions of me.

But it’s truly all a pride issue. There are a lot of bad things about pride, but among these are that it separates you from people you should be building community with, and it keeps you from having a lot of real, true fun.

So learn from my mistakes:

From The Collegian Staff

Be bad at things! Be wholeheartedly, unapologetically, ridiculously bad! Go and dance even if you have two left feet. Submit your writing to The Collegian or any of the magazines on campus. Join a club you’ve been wanting to check out. Try out pottery. I can promise you that the risk of being bad is 100% worth it. If you end up being really bad, you will have learned something new and (hopefully) met new people in the process. If you end up being really good, then you’ve just unlocked a whole new part of yourself that you might have totally missed.

I am so thankful that I took a chance on being bad, because it allowed me to meet the best people ever.

Nick, your suggestions and constant kindness have made me a better editor and a better person.

Emma (though she’s gone), thank you for mentoring me and holding my hand as I dealt with the possibility of being bad.

Kathryna, you are such an inspiration and the hardest worker I know. I will spend the rest of my life aspiring to be as determined as you are.

Luke, Olivia, Mia, Christa, Matthew, Tava, John and John: You have made this semester a delight. The fellowship we cultivated here has been the high point of my time here at the college.

And to Emily, my fearless leader, the one who brought me into this family: Thank you. You have permanently altered the course of my life, and I am forever in your debt. The fear of being bad might be holding you back from finding the people, places and things that will shape you the most. So go be the worst: It really is the best.

Thank you!

We appreciate your investment in our paper this fall. This is our last issue of the semester, but we’ll be back in the spring!

Interested in getting involved next semester? Email FoxER22@gcc.edu

Merry music at the Grove

Kathryna Hoyman Managing Editor

Another year, another brilliant snowfall and another week of the Grove City College Department of Music knocking the socks — or should I say stockings — off the student body and local community.

Under the headship of Music Department Chair Jeffery Tedford, the department prac-

tices tirelessly throughout the academic year to put on seasonal performances. Their Christmas events are particularly spectacular, and certainly not performances to miss.

Every day this week from Monday through Thursday, the department partnered with the college’s Office of Alumni Relations to bless the Carnegie Alumni Center with festive music to celebrate the

season. The performances involved over 1oo students and featured voice majors, choirs, string quartets, bells, brass groups, flute choirs and more.

Carnegie Christmas has been a staple for Christmastime at Grove for over 30 years. The performances are largely student-led and reflect each class’s individual tastes and strengths.

“(The) tradition started in the early 1990s for the college, especially the Music Department, to engage with our local community,” Tedford shared. “The last several years have seen 150 to 200 people attend these concerts each day, and attendees have ranged in ages from six months to 90+ years old. It really is an awesome week of Christmas concerts and reaches almost 1,000 people in our community and our livestream.”

For the wandering souls who missed Carnegie’s festivities or want more of the college’s merry musical talent, the seventh annual “A Musical Christmas at Grove City College” will be held tonight, following its premiere on Thursday.

“Some of the songs are secular, some are sacred, but all are performed by our amazing students as a gift to our campus and local community,” Tedford said. “We come together with the Jazz Ensemble, Stage Band, Wind Ensemble, Con-

cert Choir, GCC Singers and Chamber Orchestra to perform these works individually, and then a combined singalong with the audience at the end. It is an amazing display of musical artistry and community.”

The tickets were free to students and the community, and Tedford encourages those who do not already have them for tonight’s final performance to arrive early to reserve the tickets still available.

“A Musical Christmas” will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Ketler

Auditorium in the Pew Fine Arts Center. At both Carnegie Christmas and “A Musical Christmas at Grove City,” the Music Department’s efforts to foster cheer and sentimentality in the students, alumni, locals and relatives were evident and, in true fashion of the department, a roaring success.

Don’t miss tonight’s opportunity to wonder in the joy of the season and the hope of Emmanuel that it calls us to remember.

Survival guide: Final exams

Catharine Runion Community Editor

Congratulations: You’ve done it. You’ve made it to the end of the fall semester. All that lies between you and a long, cozy Christmas break are a couple of measly finals.

If you’re a freshman, though, those “measly” finals might be looming over your head in a big, big way. Midterms were one thing, but now you’ve got final projects coming out of your ears and exams galore. How does one deal with such things?

Never fear: As a senior in my very last semester here, I’ve got you covered. Here are my top tips and study hacks to help you make it through your first round of final exams.

1: Pace yourself.

As much as it feels like you need to lock in for 12 hours straight, you really shouldn’t; you need to be focused on quality, not quantity. And if you’re not taking breaks, it’s

going to show in your exam scores.

The most important parts of studying are actually taking brain breaks and getting good sleep. Studying all night is (almost) never worth it. Start small — 30 minutes of quality work and 10 minutes of “off” time —and adjust as needed. If you need a break, check out “What’s fresh at the Grove” this week to give you some ideas.

2: Focus Friend.

If you’re struggling to get off Instagram Reels, download the app “Focus Friend.”

It’s an app developed by Hank Green that can lock down all the non-essential apps on your phone. The idea is not to interrupt your friend, a bean whom you can customize, while he or she knits socks. Check it out — I promise it actually works.

3: Rewrite your notes.

This is especially helpful if you take notes by hand. If you have time, rewrite your notes by hand; if you don’t have

much time, retyping all of your notes is seriously helpful when it comes to crunch time. It reminds you of some of the things you wrote out in the early weeks of the semester, and the physical action of writing it out locks the information in your memory.

4: Quizlet, if you have it. Or just flashcards. I have ongoing beef with Quizlet. It used to be my greatest asset. I got through all my Latin vocab in high school with Quizlet’s Learn function, but then they locked it down. If you or a friend have Quizlet Premium, that’s basically the best possible way to study. If you don’t, like the rest of us plebeians, write out some flashcards.

5: Switch phones with a friend.

One more tip if you struggle getting off your phone: Find a friend and switch phones with them. I’m not talking about putting your phone on the other side of the table: I’m talking

study in different rooms and give that friend your phone. No doomscrolling if you don’t even have your phone.

6: Don’t study in your bed.

I’m particularly guilty of this. I like studying in my room, so often that means that I’ll sit doing work in bed, and I bet you can guess where that gets me! I end up getting too comfy, and off I go to sleepy town…

If all of these have failed you, here are some last-ditch efforts, gathered anonymously from students and homeschool moms:

“Study on a treadmill, elliptical or stationary bike.”

“Don’t.”

“Listen to the Coconut Mall soundtrack from Mario Kart on repeat.”

“I don’t allow myself to text my boyfriend back until I finish the thing that I’m working on.”

“Read things in an accent, it helps you pay more attention

to the words.”

“I tell myself I love everything I’m studying as I’m studying it until I actually believe it.”

“Watermelon Red Bull and ginger ale in a sugar-rimmed glass with the James Bond soundtrack.”

“I drink a lot of water and then try to work for as long as I can before I have to pee.”

“Phonk music and a special thinking hat (I used a crocheted wizard hat).”

“Time-lapsing myself so that I don’t go on my phone!”

“If you save it till the last minute it only takes one minute.”

“I snack excessively so that I’m physically doing something.”

“I make up dance routines to remember stuff.”

“Get crippling anxiety that you won’t be able to complete it all in such a short time. Works for me!”

“Make every word into a song. Rap songs work best!”

Doctor Love

Ex-mas drama

I was invited to someone’s family Christmas this year, and I’m excited, but there’s one problem: Their ex will be there too. We’re still early in whatever this is, so now I’m overthinking everything. I don’t want to look clingy or jealous, but I also don’t know how to act.

I love Christmas and want to enjoy it without spiraling about everything. How do I show I care without making things awkward with the ex or embarrassing myself?

— Snowed Under in Anxiety

Sounds like your Christmas is going to be way more eventful than it looks like mine will be, and that is FINE by me. I prefer my Christmas spirit unspoiled by drama. I thought the upcoming “Stranger Things” release was the entertainment I should look forward to, but now I can’t wait to see how this situation pans out.

If they’re already inviting you to their family Christmas, it sounds like you guys are in a good spot … for a situationship. Showing up to someone’s Christmas without being a girlfriend, fiancée or wife is a bold move, but since they invited you, not going would be rude. Here’s my top 10 list of dos and don’ts to avoid disaster.

Don’t: Overthink it. If you do, it will just end up being awkward for everyone.

Do: Dress appropriately. Don’t show up in sweats, but don’t wear a ballgown either.

Do: Just be yourself. It sounds cliché, but it’s ageold advice for a reason.

Don’t: Disappear for an extended period of time. It’s normal to take a breather outside! Just don’t linger so long that everyone thinks you’ve left.

Do: Interact with everyone! Limiting interactions to only the person who invited you would look like you are trying to distance yourself from everyone else, which is never a good look.

Don’t: Eat too much ham or fish (depending on what type of food they have). Believe me: I’ve been there, done that. You won’t enjoy yourself if you’re overly stuffed. You’ll enjoy it even less when you wake up with a stomachache after your accidental post-Christmas dinner nap. Being stuffed isn’t a bad thing on Christmas, but being overly stuffed is pushing it.

Do: Be polite … to EVERYONE. Yes, even that weird cousin Sam who keeps hovering around, and even his ex. Being petty won’t endear you to anyone.

Don’t: Dismiss and act annoyed about family traditions. Each family has its own quirks.

Do: Bring a small gift for the host! It’s polite and an easy way to get into their good graces.

Don’t: Force anything. Let the night flow as it should. Things will work out, I promise.

Good luck!

Dr. Love Love M.D.

New Thai in town

Madelyn Braho Food Critic

Chang Thai, which opened on Broad Street early this semester, finally provides Grove City College students someplace nearer than Slippery Rock to get spicy noodles.

Before we all left for Thanksgiving break, my friends and I walked downtown to try a variety of dishes to get an idea of the variety and quality of dishes offered, and, of course, how spicy they are.

The dining area is further back in the restaurant with a number of smaller tables, although they can be moved together for larger parties. As a heads up: If you bring in a larger group, a gratuity charge will be added to your bill, and this is different from your tip.

For those who had appetizers, there were mixed reviews.

The Thai wings were a bit dry, but “overall pretty good for a place that has no business having wings on their menu,”

Joseph Holland said. The shrimp in a blanket were given positive reviews by those who had them, a 10/10 according to Erien Schwab.

Quite a few of us tried noo-

dle dishes with positive results.

The pad thai was also a hit. “Very good, a little sweet. Very large portion size ... had some kick but was super mild (spice level three) ... would eat again!” according to Hannah Jen.

The drunken noodles were a hit, too. “I would absolutely get this again. The broad noodles were well seasoned and cooked nicely. The dish was also very visually appetizing! My only complaint is that some of cabbage was cut too large, making it a bit unruly to eat,” Naomi Ng reported.

The glass noodles were deemed a good-sized portion with a lot to eat. “The noodles were pretty spicy (too spicy for me), but everything was really good,” Jack Davis said.

The rest of us had curries and other entrees.

“The dumpling curry, at a spice level four, had my nose running,” Carolyn Krenzel said. “The dumplings were so tasty and soft, the curry went well with the vegetables; I especially liked the broccoli, and it paired well with the rice. I wasn’t sure if the curry, tomato and coconut milk would

taste good together, but it was amazing! The sweet lightness of the coconut milk complemented the spice perfectly,” Krenzel praised. Some of us came away happy but slightly confused by the mildness of our food.

“Excellent flavor and taste. The spice was weak by my standards and was suspiciously weak compared to others’ lower spice levels, which were objectively spicier. Either the sweetness of the ‘sweet and spicy’ sauce really covered the spice, or I was judged unworthy of true spiciness by the waiter,” Christopher Corbin said. He ordered a spice level 10 and has had authentic Thai food in the past.

The pad peanut sauce was “a good peanut sauce, though thinner than my liking. I like my peanut sauce almost chunky,” Sam Rees said when asked for a review.

I had the red curry, which was a spice level seven. I have a high spice tolerance, so this wasn’t too bad; the worst of it was some mild nose running. The vegetables were good, and the tofu had a mild citrusy flavor, which was a pleasant con-

What’s fresh at the Grove?

trast to the creamy and spicy sauce.

The spice level was the wild card of the night, as the number selected did not always easily correlate with the actual quantity of heat, as Corbin experienced.

The prices were fairly average for Grove City restaurants, which meant it felt a little pricy for college students.

Chang Thai might not be a weekly alternative to Hicks, but for a night out with friends, it’s a good choice.

Chang Thai looks like it will be a reliable spot for both college students and town residents, and even a couple professors were also spotted having dinner there.

Overall, I would give it 3.5 stars: good quality and large portions, but inconsistent spice levels and a higher price than the average student wallet can regularly accommodate.

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In SAC... Winter Ball

Dec. 6 8 to 11 p.m.

Get ready for the most festive dance of the year! The Ballroom Club is hosting their annual Winter Ball, and the best is yet to come: You’ll be dancing to live jazz.

In Sticht... Small Ensemble Recital Dec. 10 4 to 5 p.m.

All of the Music Department’s quartets, trios and brass choirs (and yours truly!) will perform what they’ve been working on all year. I hear that there will be Mendelssohn...

In Harbison Chapel... Candlelight Service

Dec. 7 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.

If you’ve been saving your last chapel credit, now is the time to use it. Join the Touring Choir and the rest of the community to sing Christmas carols in candlelight.

In Sticht... SLL Christmas Movie Night Dec. 10 8 to 11 p.m.

SIC is hosting another of their classic movie nights, but this time it’s Christmas themed! Cozy up with some popcorn and celebrate the season with a classic holiday movie.

Breen Great Room... chillfest

Dec. 10 2 to 5 p.m.

Don’t miss your chance to relax before study day. The Counseling Center is hosting the ultimate de-stressing event featuring “Bingo with Lingo” starting at 3 p.m.

In Hicks Dining Hall... Moonlight Breakfast Dec. 11 9 to 11 p.m.

If studying has you going crazy, SGA has cooked up the perfect way to end your hectic study day. Get in line at Hicks to have breakfast for dinner (for free)!

Monster or masterpiece?

Madelyn Braho Staff Writer

When it was announced that Guillermo del Toro would be adapting “Frankenstein,” many horror fans were excited. Del Toro is known for his beautiful and romantic horror films, such as “Crimson Peak,” and novel takes on classic stories, like 2022’s “Pinocchio.”

So, when “Frankenstein” landed on Netflix and in select theatres in November, expectations were high.

Visually, the film is a masterpiece. The composition of shots is often breathtaking, having awesome scale and shocking color contrasts. Elizabeth, played by Mia Goth, wears costumes mixing tex-

tures and colors that make her reminiscent of the insects she loves and studies, and the design of the Creature is faithful to the book, at once beautiful and horrifying. Every frame in this movie feels carefully arranged and visually compelling.

Of course, many things have changed in the adaptation, as is the case any time a classic story becomes a movie. Victor is no longer a sleepless university student, but an established medical doctor and inventor played by Oscar Isaac.

As usual, his friend Henry Clerval is nowhere to be seen. Elizabeth is reimagined as the niece of the man who finances Victor’s work, and in classic del Toro fashion, is one of the only people to have sympathy

for the Creature.

The Creature, played by Jacob Elordi, initially has the most similarities to his book counterpart. His time spent in the hut attached to a family’s cottage after he is abandoned by Victor is one of the most compelling portions of the movie, translating a part of Shelley’s novel that rarely makes it to screen.

Where the movie separates most from its namesake is in how it treats monstrosity. It is cliché at this point to say Victor is the real monster, but nevertheless, it holds true in this adaptation.

Del Toro is the king of sympathetic monsters and women who have sympathy for them, and “Frankenstein” is no different. After being rejected

Saturday night spotlight

Anna Rider Contributing Writer

For over 50 years, “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) has been on the air, delighting audiences of young and old alike.

Lorne Michaels’ SNL has featured comedy giants since 1975, serving as a career launch-point for countless big names. Heard of Will Ferrell? Amy Poehler? Pete Davidson? Or Adam Sandler? All of these famous actors and comedians were featured on the iconic comedy show.

Not only has the platform served as a jumping-off point for major names, but in the words of New York Times author Andrew LaVellee, it has also permeated society so thoroughly that it has “changed the way we talk.”

So, what’s new with the show this year? SNL’s current season marks its 51st year and the debuts of five new featured players.

Tommy Brennan, a standup comedian who was named the “New Face of Comedy” in 2023 at the Just for Laughs Festival, joins the main cast this season. Brennan’s debut performance was on the classic “Weekend Update” segment, where he discussed his

childhood in the Midwest in his signature stand-up style.

Kam Patterson, a stand-up comedian and actor from Orlando, Fla., also joins as a featured player this season. Known for his observational comedy and shock humor, the young comedian also made his first SNL appearance on “Weekend Update.”

If you enjoy the “Please Don’t Destroy” skits, you’ll be happy to learn that Ben Marshall, an SNL writer since 2021, has joined the main cast as a third featured player. You might recognize a fourth new addition to the show, Jeremy Culhane, from the online comedy platform Dropout or his appearances in “American Vandal,” “Heathers” and “The Sex Lives of College Girls.”

Finally, Veronika Slowikoska joins the cast as the first Canadian SNL cast member hired in 31 years. The addition of Slowikoska to the cast also marks the first female Canadian member hired since 1981. You might recognize her name from Slowikoska’s hilarious online sketch comedy, or her podcast “nevermind.,” founded in 2023 with her friend and cohost, Kyle Chase.

Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline, both of whom joined

the cast in 2024, are returning this year as featured players. SNL’s classic “Weekend Update” segment is still manned by fan favorites Michael Che and Colin Joost. Both Che and Joost have returned this season as repertory players. The pair have served as “Weekend Update” anchors longer than any past SNL cast members and continue to surpass Seth Meyer’s four-year-long record as hosts of the segment.

Repertory players Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Marcello Hernández, James Austin Johnson, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson and Bowen Yang have also returned to “Saturday Night Live” this season. Past cast member Darrell Hammond returns as well for his 11th season as SNL’s announcer.

With fresh new additions and classic, well-loved veterans, this season of “Saturday Night Live” is sure to entertain! Tune in to NBC at 11:30 p.m. on Saturdays to watch the show live or check out episodes on Peacock. If you don’t have live television and can’t score your roommate’s Peacock login info, you can always watch SNL sketches and segments on their YouTube channel!

by Victor and experiencing a few fleeting moments of connection with humanity, the Creature’s journey culminates in a vindictive murder spree in vengeance towards Victor. This character development becomes significantly less complex in the film.

Del Toro’s creature is not a monster in any way but physical, and by extension, Victor becomes much less compelling. This makes sense with del Toro’s filmography, as he wants us to identify with and love characters that are visually, but rarely morally, monstrous.

Isaac portrays Victor’s inner turmoil well as the doctor deals with the implications of what he has done in abandoning his creation. While the Vic-

tor of the book feels trapped by his situation, del Toro’s Victor just seems to be digging himself deeper.

This movie may not be for those who are book purists, but that does not mean it is not worth the watch. Visually, del Toro is at a high point in his career, and the touches of body horror are genuinely unnerving. Following the motifs throughout the film, such as Victor’s angel, as well as his peculiar habit of fiddling with an ivory miniature of a human body, are interesting touches that are fun to look for.

Go in with a willingness to appreciate what is faithful and thoughtfully examine what has changed, and unlike Victor, you won’t regret the time spent.

Frosty favorites Top 10 Christmas films to rewatch this year

Christa Bashinski

Entertainment Editor

Christmas is officially a mere 20 days away. And with break just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to grab some cocoa, a cozy blanket and the remote to turn on your annual Christmas movie favorites. It’s the very thing many of us might need to escape the stress of the season and dive into some holiday cheer. From timeless classics to new fan favorites, there’s no better way to settle in and feel the magic of the season. That’s why we’re compiling a list of Forbes’ top 10 highest-grossing Christmas movies of all time, making it easier for you to dive in this December.

10. “Santa Clause”

Starting strong, “Santa Clause” follows its namesake as he struggles with the stress of the holiday and the demands of the job. Starring Tim Allen, this 1994 classic is a family-appropriate comedy to kickstart your holiday season.

9. “The Holiday”

My personal favorite, “The Holiday” follows Cameran Diaz and Kate Winslet as they swap houses from LA to England to escape men, not knowing they’d find love when they landed. This charming 2006 romance incorporates just the right amount of magic.

8. “Elf”

A big-time fan favorite, “Elf” follows Will Ferrell as Buddy to New York City as he leaves the North Pole in search of his biological father. It truly wouldn’t be Christmas without putting this 2003 classic on.

7. “Love Actually”

Another romance, “Love Actually” stars 10 different budding relationships, all ben-

efiting from some Christmas magic. See if you too fall a little bit in love with these characters this season.

6. “The Polar Express” A timeless treasure, “The Polar Express” is about a young boy who boards a mysterious train headed for the North Pole on Christmas Eve. This 2004 animation is the perfect amount of fun.

5. “A Christmas Carol” Scrooge made the top five in “A Christmas Carol,” the story that follows a lonely old man who’s visited by ghosts who remind him, and us, of the relationships that make this December so special.

4. “The Grinch”

In Jim Carrey’s rendition, “The Grinch” features another grumpy character whose heart has to be won over by the people around him and the spirit that surrounds them. This was a remake in honor of the story’s 25th anniversary.

3. “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York”

The sequel in the popular series, “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” continues to follow Kevin as he explores the Big Apple in his newest Christmas venture.

2. “Home Alone” It’s no surprise to see “Home Alone” in the top two. This absolute classic follows eightyear-old Kevin McCallister as he takes on the Wet Bandits over Christmas.

1. “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” Grossing 526.7 million worldwide, “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” takes first place as the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time. Featuring Benedict Cumberbatch’s voice as the Grinch, the movie can’t help but bring about some holiday cheer.

It is finally that time of year! The snow is falling, the music is sounding and the hot cocoa is is keeping students warm.

Christmastime at Grove City College is greatly anticipated. The students return to school after Thanksgiving break to the frigid Western Pa. air that bites their noses and the festive decorations that cover the campus.

This season holds many joys, but much stress as well. Finals loom over the student body as they come back to campus and realize that in a mere week and a half, classes will be over and finals will commence.

Despite the many stressors that come with this time of year, there are also lots of traditions to look forward to. The lighting of the Smith Hall Star, Christmas concerts, Cocoa House and the Candlelight Service are just a few of the holiday events that the Grove City community awaits eagerly.

Take some time this season to enjoy the fun events, admire the snow-covered campus and drink plenty of cocoa with friends. But never forget the real reason for the season: God sent his one and only son Jesus to be born so that he could sacrifice himself to offer us eternal life in relationship with God.

by Luke Paglia, Photo Chief

‘A

friend is still a friend’

Zachary Kappel Contributing Writer

My name is Zach Kappel, and I played Mr. Toad in Grove City College’s production of “The Wind in the Willows.”

Admittedly, I was not too surprised at the response to the underlying message of the fall musical. I am glad the show was well received in terms of the performance itself. The stage crew, my fellow castmates and the directors all worked tirelessly on this production. But it goes without saying that the script’s message is worthy of thoughtful debate.

Back in September, after the musical was announced, the Theatre Program had a watch party for the show. The purpose of the watch party was to give those who were considering auditioning an idea of what the show was about

“The musical version of ‘The Wind in the Willows’ does not leave us without hope for redemption.”

and who they might want to audition for. A lot of wouldbe castmates and stage crew expressed concern with the show’s message, and rightfully so: Toad doesn’t learn anything.

Contrary to the original story, in which a humbled Toad heartily and honestly changes his ways, the musical concludes with Toad flying into the finale and singing a reprise of how wonderful he is. Considering his reckless behavior throughout the show, he has gone utterly under-punished.

His poor friends stand by and sing with him, creating an ending that feels like, “Ho ho … classic Toad! Causing thousands of dollars of property damage yet again!”

Is this the kind of message our Theatre Program ought to carry? Would a program that strives to perform only the most timeless and virtuous

stories allow for a show with hardly any message at all? In thinking about this with my castmates, I determined that this show does have a message of value.

One of the most important lines in this show, emphasized in both the West End’s and the college’s productions, is spoken when Rat acknowledges that Toad has not learned anything. Toward the end of the show, Rat is about ready to give up on Toad. Toad, for his part, wants everyone to shrug off the weight of his adventure and not reflect on anything that just happened: the damage caused, Toad’s devious escape from jail, etc.

Rat turns to Toad and says coldly, “Oh, Toad. Has this experience changed you at all? I thought not.”

Rat has stuck it out for the entire show with this rather absurd friend of his. His pa-

tience wanes as Toad continually remains a problem for everybody around him. I would like to offer that, even though it is different from the book’s ending, this adaptation shows the virtue of patience to our friends.

No, not empty patience that waits on nothing, but the patience that genuinely hopes for revivification and chooses to forgive; that holds out a while longer for our friend’s redemption that we may not see on this side of paradise. Nothing Toad does is meant to earn our sympathy. Our sympathy is for Rat, Mole and Badger as they stick it out and continue to support Toad.

Toad is supposed to be the extreme of that friend or family member in whom we may not see change; we would very much like them to repent and admit their wrongdoing, but we are sometimes forced to swallow our own pride and still be there for them.

This show does not leave us without hope for redemption.

Sick of 6-7?

The phrase is bizarre, but builds student-teacher

Julia Sikora Contributing Writer

You hear it everywhere — in classrooms, online platforms and even among your peers. They are just two numbers, but what does “6-7” really mean?

As a student teacher, I am no stranger to “6-7.” It is undoubtedly the most common phrase in a middle schooler’s vocabulary. Since the beginning of the year, I have been careful in choosing the numbers I use when counting students off into groups. I only provide a maximum of a five-minute reminder and even have to watch how I talk with my hands, in case my actions may be misinterpreted. The 6-7 trend, often paired

“As Christians, perhaps ‘6-7’ can serve as inspiration as to how we can better reach others.”

with the hand motions of weighing two options, began earlier this year, but picked up significantly with the beginning of a new school year.

“6-7” can be used in a variety of different instances. It can be used as an answer, descriptor, measurement or even a filler word. There is not one particular meaning, which is why it is hard to truly define it.

Based on the 2024 song “Doot Doot” by the artist Skrilla, the lyrics that mention “67” have been widely used as a TikTok audio. Even Skrilla himself did not intend to associate any meaning with the two numbers when the song was first released.

NBA player LaMelo Ball, a Charlotte Hornets player, is 6 feet 7 inches tall. Videos

including him and references to his height circulated at the beginning of 2025 as well. When other prominent users promoted the audio in their videos, it gained traction and was adopted into individuals’ daily vocabulary, even surfacing among kindergarteners as a common phrase.

Shelby Mamajek, a current Grove City College senior who is student teaching in a kindergarten classroom this semester, described her everyday experience with the two numbers as something she “can’t escape.” She “embraced the inevitable and made it an attention grabber … they listened throughout the lesson when I stated the magic word (6-7), and then were silent.” Mamajek was able to use

In the finale, it’s springtime again, the established season of renewed strength in which there are new beginnings. Spring is a revival of sorts for all the animals in the wood. During bows, the cast sings a reprise of “A Friend is Still a Friend,” the song that highlights the message of enduring friendship, in which the lyrics offer hope in the lines, “And at our journey’s end / I hope all rifts can mend / On love you can depend / A friend is still a friend.” Hope for a mended wood remains, as does the hope for the restoration of our friends.

While I can understand that this show can come off as a cynical social commentary (I won’t put that past the writers), I went into this performance believing that patience that endures trial is a great virtue that Toad’s friends possess.

relationships

the trend in her favor, treating it as a reward for listening throughout her lesson.

In return, she was met with a “sweet 6-7-less silence,” which she described as music to her ears. By utilizing the kindergarteners’ enthusiasm, Mamajek learned that “teaching is leaning into the world of the student, no matter what you have to sacrifice,” including the sacrifice of giving in to the 6-7 conversation.

One could look at a trend such as “6-7” and see how, with the influence of social media, very few people succeeded in avoiding the nonsensical phrase. Imagine the impact if biblical trends were as far-reaching. As Christians called to spread the gospel, perhaps the rise of “6-7” can serve as inspiration as to how we can better reach others. Trends have the potential

for good, if only we begin to look at them as such. How much influence could Christians have using a trending audio to spread the Good News?

In one instance, an Instagram Reel created by a Christian user asked friends which Bible verse was their favorite. Each individual shared a verse from chapter six, verse seven of different books. However, the popularity of this video, which reached thousands of views, may suggest an alternative approach to utilizing the trend for sharing the Word. Inevitably, this trend will be replaced by newer ones in the future. As with most fads, as other phrases gain popularity, the prominent ones tend to lose the spotlight. It may only be another six to seven months before we can officially put it to rest.

Old bricks, new brilliance, timeless symbol

Ricky Andrews

Contributing Writer

Barring freshmen and newly transferred students, all current Grovers will remember the fencing and banners that surrounded Rockwell Hall and the back portion of STEM Hall, along with the constant bustle of contractors around the middle of campus.

This year, new and returning students were welcomed with an entirely different vision — the fence is gone, the construction site has fallen silent and the gravel lot where cranes once sat has been replaced with a freshly-curated lawn and walkways. Beyond the landscaping, however, lies a building and a story which represents the very values that make Grove City College what it is.

Rockwell Hall was built in the early 1930s amid the Great Depression. “The decision to proceed with its construction was driven not only by the need for a new facility but also by a desire to create employment opportunities for those struggling to make ends meet,” Susan Grimm, vice president for operations, said.

Since then, Rockwell Hall has stood not only as a place of scientific learning but also as an iconic location on campus, being featured on portraits, merchandise and photographs. Its tower is often adorned with the Christmas star that illuminates the quad each December.

When the decision was made to renovate and modernize Rockwell in time for the college’s 150th anniversary, a special emphasis was placed by President McNulty and the Board of Trustees on preserving the antique exterior of

the building while providing a state-of-the-art interior for students to learn and to flourish.

In a video announcing the renovations, Bill Smith ‘69 (for whom Smith Hall was named) said, “It was important to save the edifice of the building while at the same time provide an opportunity to modernize the interior to make it a really great place for students to learn, to grow and develop, so that when they leave campus, they’re ready to go out and … be an active part of society.”

With over two years of renovations now completed, what do we have now? Venturing through the doors into Rockwell-Smith, you will see a clean, modern aesthetic standing in sharp contrast to the weather-worn red brick exterior. A focal point of the renovations was creating collaborative spaces for students, further driving the deep com-

munal aspect that drew many of us to come to this school in the first place.

Classrooms are spacious, with new desks and tech available to enhance in-class learning and group work. The Rockwell and STEM buildings are now near-seamlessly connected by a corridor that houses even more learning and studying spaces indoors, plus tables and lighting outside. The reopening has also contributed to the common debate of building names among students: BARS or BATS? SAC or STU? And now, Rockwell or Smith? These differentiations can quickly become confusing, especially in dialogue between upperclassmen who use the old names and freshmen who were taught the new ones. As a sophomore myself, I am partial to the upperclassman view on most name debates. However, I and many other sophomores lack a solid opin-

ion when it comes to Rockwell-Smith, which was still undergoing renovations during our freshman year, hence why I have been using both names. Modernizing the interior of Rockwell-Smith while preserving the original exterior is, in a sense, a broader symbol of Grove City College. Grove City’s mission is twofold. Its first goal is to prepare students for a successful career in the real world — whether our field of choice be biology, teaching, design or political science. The other half of the mission is to preserve the traditional values that got us here — integrity, truth and excellence. Others may see us as old fashioned or out of style, but just as Rockwell stands preserved after almost 100 years, the values of Grove City College will never die.

‘No man is a failure who has friends’

Austin Zeilstra Contributing Writer

As we are now firmly within the Christmas season, many wise movie lovers are now returning to Frank Capra’s rightly beloved classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The movie is emotional, nostalgic and excellently written, but I was struck recently by one of its most enduring quotes: “No man is a failure who has friends.”

That is a nice sentiment, but is it true? Or is this line but another bit of trite holiday word soup, printed tackily on a Hallmark card?

Carpa’s notion that friendship delivers us from failure is not original. It goes back all the way to Aristotle. That great Greek may not have said it quite the same way, but, in the eighth book of his Nicomachean Ethics, he writes, “(friendship) is most necessary with a view to life: Without friends, no one would choose to live, even if he possessed all other goods.” Aristotle, then, sees a life without friendship as the epitome of failure, empty of what is most necessary.

Shakespeare, like Clarence the angel, describes friendship in a more positive way: “When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes / I all alone beweep my outcast state” — sounds like a man who’s failed! —

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to change the trajectory of the world around us to life instead of death. Victory over defeat.”

While still in the early stages, the center has already seen regular attendance at its recovery group meetings and is expecting numbers to increase for the resource center as time goes on.

“It’s a slow start, but people are going to come,” Director Kayleen Hilyer said regarding the center, “It’s just going to take getting the word out.”

For promotion, the center is hosting holiday gatherings, a

“Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising / Haply I think on thee … For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings / That then I scorn to change my state with kings.”

The speaker of the poem, on remembering his friend’s love, is brought out of despair, out of the weight and pain of failure and is freed to “sing hymns at heaven’s gate.” He has not failed.

Aristotle and Shakespeare echo the ultimate vindication of Capra’s proverb on friendship: the friendship we can have with Jesus Christ. As he prepared to go to the cross, Jesus told his disciples, “You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants … but I have called you friends … I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide.”

What a wonder, that God Incarnate might call us friends!

Who could be a failure with such a friend? Jesus even assures his disciples, who will soon flee from him in disgrace, that, if we are friends with Jesus and follow his commands, we will bear enduring fruit — indeed, “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). We will not bear the fruit of an Apostolic ministry, but we will bear the Fruit of the Spirit.

If we who have friends (and where better to find friends than at Grove City College)

Christmas brunch in December and a sober celebration in January for anyone in recovery or struggling with family issues this holiday season.

From Jan. 26 to 30, the center will also provide a free training outreach program, the Recovery Coach Academy, for those desiring education on how to best reach family members and friends with a life-controlling issue. The Resource Center obtained its funding from a federal grant following several lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies for their non-transparency on the addictive nature of OxyCon-

are not failures, what does this mean for us? I often battle a mild sense of failure, as I do not live up to my inflated expectations. Most of us are too busy anyway, and this stressful time of the year only adds more weight to our sense of failure.

Friendship, though, delivers us from the impossible standard of productivity and pride and lifts us to the glorious standard of grace. I was inspired to write this article after a friend sent me a Halloween candygram. I do not like candy corn, but the loving gesture of love from a friend I do not value highly enough rocked my Saturday morning and reminded me of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

When you trust that you

tin. Considering the idea of setting up a center for several years, Hilyer and her team were more than willing to take on the challenge.

“There aren’t many resources for recovery in this part of the county,” Hilyer stated.

However, this center is different than most as its values and structure are entirely centered on Christ.

Many centers try to address the superficial or visible issues that follow addictions, but this center understands there are many more underlying problems that need to be addressed first.

“There’s a lot of funding in

are loved and cared for, your standards for success and failure change. Suddenly, success means love, not accomplishment, and failure means idolatry and neglect of friendship.

So, during this last week or so at college and throughout this Christmas season, relax into the gracious standard of friendship. Say with Paul, “I do not even judge myself … It is the Lord who judges me,” and know that your Lord is also your friend.

Spend time with your friends, celebrating that gloriously unproductive gift of their love, and don’t let Christmas business obscure the friends and Friend whom you are celebrating. Take time to encourage, compliment and even confess to your friends, that to-

our society for drug and alcohol treatment,” Hilyer said. “Mental health treatment is lacking in funding.”

Instead of being satisfied with treating symptoms, the resource center wants to provide comprehensive and holistic aid that cares for the body, soul and mind, a calling many at this resource center find deeply personal.

“People don’t become addicted without there being some form of unhealed trauma or root of wrong thought patterns already present in their lives,” Holly Beatty said. “The desire to help others find freedom in Christ is planted so

gether you might ground yourself in the standard of grace and pull yourself out of the mire of the impossible standards of our idols. Pray with your friends and pray alone, so that together and personally you might experience the transforming presence of our Friend.

And remember Immanuel, whom we celebrate every Christmas. He came to earth to be your friend, he gave himself for you, the highest mark of friendship, and he has made you an heir with him of glory. The old hymn is right; even if earthly friends “despise, forsake you,” you are not a failure, for “in his arms he’ll take and shield you: You will find a solace there.”

deep in our hearts because we know what it’s like to have walked that path ourselves. This is part of what God put us here for.

“Ultimately, we want what God wants for this group and this center above all else.”

The center wants to encourage those interested to support their mission.

“Volunteering is the best way to get involved,” Robert Beatty said. “There are many opportunities to help with the program, and though it is young and still growing, there are still ways to help.”

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“The goal is to equip students, as citizens of Christ’s heavenly kingdom, with a moral framework for being biblically faithful and engaged citizens in this world,” Frank wrote.

Pence was the 48th vice president of the United States, serving during President Donald Trump’s first administration. While he was still vice president, Pence began his involvement with Grove City College by giving the keynote address during the college’s 2017 commencement.

Lingo, the 10th president of the college, began the role in July after previously working as the dean of Regent University’s law school. Lingo graduated from Grove City College in 2000 and received his J.D. from Harvard Law School.

Before becoming president of the college, McNulty was deputy attorney general

CRAVEABLE

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said.

“And you can filter it by allergens! Say you need gluten-friendly options: You click submit, and then it shows you every option that contains gluten and crosses it off for you, so it already shows you what options you can have, which is really cool,” Chrastina explained.

The app also shows upcoming dining events, meal plan information, nutrition details and Parkhurst wellness programs such as Well On Your Way. The app provides contacts for Parkhurst managers so that students can schedule meetings if needed.

Parkhurst partnered with Nutrislice to bring Craveable to campus. The project has been in development for about a year and a half.

“We saw how well it worked at one of the other accounts and how much the students liked it and how much easier it made it for both the team and the students, so from there we decided that it was a product we wanted to take on,” Chrastina said.

Parkhurst is also planning more dining improvements, such as another monitor for The Garage Café’s coffee menu and displays for allergen and ingredient details at food stations.

“There is going to be another feature coming called Spotlights, which are basically iPads set up at different stations,

during the George W. Bush administration, among several other positions within the Department of Justice. McNulty also served on the college’s Board of Trustees for about a decade.

Along with being a political science professor at the college, Kengor is the senior director and chief academic fellow for The Institute for Faith & Freedom and is affiliated with numerous conservative-minded organizations.

Kengor is known for his scholarship on the American presidency, and particularly, his work on Ronald Reagan, the Cold War and communism.

“If at all possible, don’t miss this opportunity to learn from these distinguished speakers about how they have practiced living out their Christian faith in public life whether that is in government or the private sector,” Frank said.

like the salad bar, to show the allergens for the specialty salads, so we can label it instead of writing it on the glass or a paper menu,” Chrastina said.

“We had a group of about 10 of us just going through the dining hall and trying to think of every spot where we should put this information. It was a long process, but I definitely think it was worth it.”

Chrastina also addressed the recent disposable cafeteria cup change.

“The ceramic cups were brought in to enhance everyone’s overall dining experience and the atmosphere of the cafés,” she said. “We know there was some confusion, but to-go cups are still available upon request at the cashier desk in both cafés.”

Craveable is still undergoing improvement, and Parkhurst is seeking student input. A focus group of students who regularly use the app will meet next semester to share opinions on it.

“With the app itself, we’re always open to suggestions. More information will come out about the focus group next semester, so if any students are interested in giving us their feedback, we’re always happy to hear it,” Chrastina said. “They can always submit it through comment cards, which are linked on that website too (gcc.nutrislice.com), or our email at parkhurst@ gcc.edu. We are always happy to see the feedback on what we can do better,” she emphasized.

Grove City College Statement of Faith

Grove City College remains committed to the same Christian faith embraced by the College’s founders.

We seek, teach, and apply God’s truth in all that we do—truth revealed in the Scriptures and His creation.

We strive to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control— in our life together as a Christ-centered community.

We aspire to love each other and our students the way Christ loves us.

We commit ourselves to the discipleship of our students and helping them grow in faith. We will shepherd and equip them to pursue their unique callings. As we live, learn, and grow alongside our students, we pray that they will not be conformed to the patterns of the world but instead be transformed by the renew-

FAITH

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mitage and the Mercer Rite Aid.

She is survived by her siblings, Dee Coulter, Philip W. Schaefer III, Barb (Christopher) Manbeck, David (Melissa) Schaefer and Ivan Schaefer, as well as her aunt, Margaret (John) Berger and her uncle, Rick (Marsha) Schaefer.

Students and staff members alike valued the positive attitude and presence that Schaefer carried herself with every day. They will remember her commitment to providing the campus community with a comfortable dining experience for years to come.

“Roxie was the type of person who made every space brighter just by being in it. She cared deeply and genuinely about others, and she never hesitated to go the extra mile to bring joy to someone’s day, whether that meant wearing a turkey hat for Thanksgiving, rocking a teddy bear Halloween costume or showing off one of her signature bows,” Executive Chef Bill Ward said.

“She also loved any excuse to break out her Pittsburgh team gear and put a smile on someone’s face.

members must agree.

“While many Christian colleges have long had statements of faith, our story is unique,” Lingo wrote. “Grove City College’s history of faith has deepened and matured over time. Since the era when

ing of their minds.

As educators, pursuers of truth, and makers of disciples, we joyfully affirm these core beliefs:

We believe there is one God, existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe God created all things out of nothing.

We recognize the Bible as God’s written Word and the infallible authority for faith and practice.

We believe that all people are sinners, unable to save themselves; and that salvation is a sovereign act of God’s mercy.

We believe that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God. Fully human and fully divine, He led a sinless life, died a vicarious and atoning death, rose bodily from the grave, ascended to the Father’s right hand, will return in power and glory to judge the living and the dead and consum-

Mr. Pew asked President MacKenzie to lead the college, through the faithful leadership of President McNulty and continuing to this day, Grove City College has become ever more intentionally devoted to traditional, orthodox and evangelical Christian beliefs,” he said.

mate His saving work with a new heaven and a new earth.

We believe that the Holy Spirit regenerates and indwells those who receive Jesus Christ as Savior by faith and empowers believers to understand truth and live a godly life.

We believe that God wonderfully and immutably created humans as distinctly male or female, ordained marriage as the exclusive, covenantal union between a man and a woman, and designed sexual intimacy to be expressed only within that union.

We believe all human beings—regardless of their stage of development, race, sex, class, or creed—possess equal dignity and worth as bearers of God’s divine image.

We affirm the spiritual unity of those who follow Jesus Christ, Head and Shepherd of the one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.

“The adoption of this statement of faith represents the culmination of more than 50 years of leadership purposely focused on strengthening and securing the college’s Christian commitments. This step does not alter our values or change our commitments — it simply reaffirms and articulates them clearly for future generations.”

“Beyond the laughter she brought, Roxie was a hardworking coworker and truly a kind friend. She modeled what it means to serve others with sincerity, meeting every guest with warmth, hospitality and a genuine interest in how they were doing. Roxie gave her whole heart to this community, and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness that will not be forgotten. Our entire team will

miss her deeply,” Ward added. Parkhurst Marketing Coordinator Kylee Chrastina shared similarly affectionate sentiments.

“Roxie’s kindness wasn’t something she tried for; it was simply who she was. She had a natural way of making people feel seen and cared for, and that mattered far more than anything she did on the job. Her presence was steady,

genuine and never forced,” Chrastina said. “Whether she was making someone laugh or simply checking in to see how they were doing, she made our days better. I’m grateful to have known her, and we’ll feel her absence for a long time.”

Students and MAP Café’s staff will especially miss Schaefer’s friendly presence in the dining hall. “Roxie was a kind and car-

ing woman with a servant’s heart. I remember her always working hard to make sure the students were happy with their meals and had enough napkins,” senior Alexandar Fix said. “Her presence in MAP will be deeply missed by all, and I pray she finds eternal rest with the Lord.”

“Roxie was a very friendly person to all! She spoke to everyone who came through the cafe doors,” Shelia McFadden, one of Schaefer’s coworkers in MAP, said. “She made sure everything was okay and wanted them to enjoy their day.”

“Roxie was a very kind and genuine person,” Tracey Germadnik, another MAP team staff member, said. “She would always ask how we all were and about our families. She enjoyed talking with the students and faculty of GCC and would always be the first person on board when we would do special things like dressing up for Halloween or a day to wear a pink bow for breast cancer awareness month. Her afternoon greetings when she came into work always made me smile. She will be sadly missed by us all.”

Fierce competition seasons Wolverines for PAC play

Garrett Gess Contributing Writer

The college’s men’s basketball team fell in a close contest to Penn State Greater Allegheny on Nov. 21 in McKeesport, Pa.

The Wolverines put together a strong comeback that brought the game to a one-possession margin in the final minute. The first half set the tone for a back-and-forth battle.

Greater Allegheny drew the first blood with a layup, but Grove City quickly responded. Junior forward Owen Wolf scored a layup to tie the game at 2-2, followed by a free throw to give the Wolverines a 3-2 lead.

With early baskets from Greater Allegheny, the Wolverines were down 34-21 with six minutes left in the first half, but Grove City displayed resilience, cutting their deficit to just three points with a 3633 halftime score.

In the second half, senior guard Kyle Randle tied the game at 36-36 with a jumper early in the period, keeping the pressure on. After an opposing rally, senior guard Mike Christenson and junior guard Caleb Haller drained three-pointers to close within two points at 47-45. After back-and-forth action, in the closing minutes, Christenson’s layup put the Wolverines ahead 60-59. Greater Allegheny responded with a three, with Randle followed with a clutch three-pointer of his own two minutes to go, giving Grove City a 63-62 lead.

Greater Allegheny responded with a pair of three-pointers to take a 68-63 advantage with one minute to go. The Wolverines continued to fight hard but could not close the gap quickly enough as the clock expired. Randle hit a buzzer-beater three to put the final at 72-70.

The loss put Grove City at 1-4 in the season. The Wolverines opened at home against Pitt-Greensburg, losing 70-64 in a close game. They rebounded on the road with a decisive 89-60 win over Carlow but fell 85-69 to Lancaster Bible the next day. In their next road game at Pitt-Bradford, Grove City was defeated 80-70.

The Wolverines faced tough competition early in preparation for conference competition in the PAC. So far this season, the Wolverines have scored 292 points compared to 295 points allowed, showing that the games have been relatively close, and the Wolverines have remained competitive.

Thus far, Christenson leads the Wolverines with 17.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, providing an all-around impact. Randle averages 14.8 points per game

Swim preps for midseason meet with fast finishes at Rochester

Reagan Thomas Staff Writer

The Grove City College swimming and diving teams wrapped up their final non-conference dual meet of 2025 with strong performances against the University of Rochester on Saturday.

The men’s team surged to a 141-121 victory, breaking four pool records, while the women’s team battled hard in a 224-76 setback, highlighted by standout swims and NCAA qualifying scores.

Freshman Mollie Massella led the way for the Wolverines on the women’s side, earning second place in both butterfly

“Our women’s team has a strong chance at winning the Wheaton Invitational this weekend. I’m excited to represent GCC, make memories with my friends and cheer for my teammates.”

events. She clocked 1:05.10 in the 100 fly and 2:17.51 in the 200 fly, continuing an impressive start to her collegiate career.

“While I am proud of my achievements in competition so far this season, I know there is room for improvement. It feels good to consistently score points for my team while working towards personal goals. By the end of the season, I hope

-- Mollie Massella

to drop time in both butterfly events, compete well at the PAC championship and make a positive impact on the team,” Massella said. “Our women’s team has a strong chance at winning the Wheaton Invitational this weekend. I’m excited to represent GCC, make memories with my friends and cheer for my teammates.”

Other top performers included Hadleigh McNay,

and leads the team in steals at 1.4 per game with strong defense.

Grove City enters conference play as a top contender in the North Division, earning four first-place votes and 58 points in the preseason coaches’ poll, just behind Westminster College with 60. Last season, the Wolverines finished 16-11 overall and 12-8 in PAC play. They started with losses in two of their first three games of the season, but came back strong, hanging tough with Chatham in the PAC

semifinals, who eventually won the conference championship.

With divisional play now in effect, Grove City aims to build on its solid foundation and compete for a top four seed in the expanded PAC tournament. Christenson, Randle and junior center Austin Johncour were listed as PAC players to watch.

Grove City hosted Geneva on Wednesday at home to open conference competition and will face Hiram on the road at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

who placed second in the 100 breaststroke (1:08.98), and Abigail Vance, who earned runner-up honors in the 200 breaststroke (2:31.83).

On the boards, freshman Chaeli Keenan posted NCAA regional qualifying scores in both diving events, finishing third in the one meter (419.15) and three meter (432.55).

On the men’s side, Grove City opened the meet with a statement as the 200-medley relay team of juniors Owen Hancock and Bryce Pope and seniors Caleb Einolf and Nathan Beukema posted a facility-record time of 1:32.71.

Hancock’s 50 backstroke split of 23.33 also set a pool mark. Einolf stole the spotlight, breaking a 40-year-old pool record in the 100 but-

Results

Men’s Basketball (1-5): L, Geneva (64-52) Women’s Basketball (5-2): W, Geneva (79-63) Men’s Swimming (4-3): W, Rochester (141-121) Women’s Swimming (4-3): L, Rochester (224-76)

terfly with a time of 49.54 seconds and adding another record in the 100 breaststroke (55.89).

Pope contributed two individual wins, taking the 200 breaststroke (2:12.95) and 200 IM (2:00.14). Freshman George Witte claimed the 200 free (1:46.01), while Beukema won the 100 free (48.36) and anchored the victorious 200 free relay (1:25.84) alongside Einolf, Witte and sophomore Ryan Turner. Both teams began competition on Wednesday at the Wheaton Invitational and will compete through Saturday. At this invitational, they aim to build on their momentum heading into the conference championship season.

Upcoming

Men’s Basketball: Dec. 6, 3 p.m. at Hiram

Women’s Basketball: Dec. 6, 1 p.m. at Hiram

Men’s Swimming: Dec. 4-6 at Wheaton Invitational

Women’s Swimming: Dec. 4-6 at Wheaton Invitational

Netting success Wolverines rally ahead of conference contests

Mia Gallagher Sports Editor

Coming off a successful 2024-2025 season, the Grove City College women’s basketball team is off to a fast start in 2025-2026, entering their first conference games with an impressive 4-2 record.

The team, led by third-year Head Coach Jason Baker and four seasoned seniors — Reese Hasley, Meredith Sherrerd, Emma Ulmer and Katie Hoff — entered this season ranked second among North Division teams in the PAC coaches’ preseason poll.

Looking to improve upon their 13-7 conference record and PAC tournament semifinals setback from last year, this relatively young squad will have their work cut out for them with the likes of Allegheny and Washington & Jefferson to contend with.

The Wolverines opened the first half of their schedule with a commanding 84-31 win over Carlow — a victory that featured an impressive 17-point, 10-rebounded double-double performance by Hasley. Hasley’s efforts were supported

by junior guard Alexa McDole, who posted a career-high 14 points, and freshman Kate Kline, who contributed 12 points in her first collegiate match.

After being dealt a 57-75 loss against Baldwin Wallace in their second match, the team bounced back to topple Mount Aloysius just one day later. The 82-64 victory was made possible through the efforts of four Wolverines — Sherrerd, McDole and sophomore classmates Kailey Devlin and Brooke McCoy — who each tallied points well into double digits.

Grove City then traveled to Alliance, Ohio to take on the Mount Union Purple Raiders, suffering their biggest loss thus far this season with a 4489 setback against the OAC powerhouse.

Three days later, however, the Wolverines would battle back once again, securing a decisive 86-49 victory over Pitt-Greensburg at home. The match was headlined by sophomore forward Alexis Hudson, whose 15-point performance paced the Wolverines. Her efforts were followed by McCoy and Hasley, who notched 14 and 13 points, respectively.

The Wolverines closed out their first stretch of nonconference competitions with a hard-fought 69-66 win over Kenyon ahead of the Thanksgiving recess. Hasley netted a season-high 18 points to pace Grove City’s offense while Ul-

Women’s volleyball tops the PAC

mer led the defense with 10 rebounds. The Wolverines hosted the Golden Tornadoes on Wednesday and won 79-63. Looking ahead to the remainder of the team’s nonconference opponents, Grove City will face Widener and Regis on Dec. 19 and 20 as part of their winter break training trip to Daytona Beach, Fla. After a short hiatus for the holidays, they will close out this chapter of their season with a Jan. 3 trip to Huntingdon, Pa. to take on Juniata.

Before the winter break contests, the team will travel to Hiram, Ohio Saturday to take on the Hiram Terriers at 1 p.m.