The
The Award-Winning Grove City College Student Newspaper
Collegian
Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 Vol. 111 No. 9
CLT scores forecast GCC GPA Matthew Purucker News Editor
Members of the women’s lacrosse team pose for a photo while packing meals during a community service event on Saturday.
GCC
Students package 70,000 meals
Matthew Purucker News Editor
Over 200 volunteers prepared and packed ingredients for about 70,000 meals in the Physical Learning Center on Saturday to donate to people in need in Mercer and Allegheny County. Grove City College students, faculty and staff members, along with some Grove City residents, participated in the service project, supporting thousands of families across the region. The effort was the largest community service event in the history of the college, and it was the first time Grove City College attempted a service initiative of this scale, according to Thomas Biro, the college’s campus discipleship and community engagement director. Per a Grove City College
news release, Meals of Hope, a national nonprofit meal-packing organization, donated ingredients for a fortified bean and rice casserole. Volunteers then put those ingredients together for Amen to Action, a meal-packing and distribution organization under the Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation, to give to hunger-afflicted communities. With low-income individuals having limited access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits because of the government shutdown, the event occurred at what Biro said was a “providential time, given the circumstances.” SNAP assists almost 2 million Pennsylvanians, including 19,280 in Mercer County and 160,449 in Allegheny County (between 11% and 20% of their respective populations)
as of September 2025, per the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s website. Grove City College alumni, the Community Foundation of Western PA & Eastern Ohio, Flynn’s Tire & Auto Service and local members of the community donated funds to help buy the ingredients. “As a Christ-centered institution, we are called to love
our neighbor, and the work is valuable because of that calling,” Biro said in the release. “We hope that volunteers gain a greater understanding of the needs of our neighbors off campus, and that our service will continue beyond this event as we look to increase Grove City College’s community engagement.”
Grove City College published a study on the Classic Learning Test (CLT) on Oct. 27, which showed that the CLT could help predict the GPA of the college’s students in their first-year classes at the college. The CLT is an alternative to standardized college-preparedness tests like the SAT and ACT. It “emphasize(s) timeless academic skills and promote(s) critical and logical thinking,” according to CLT’s website. Assistant Dean for Institutional Assessment Gary Welton undertook the study, titled “Classic Learning Test (CLT) as a Predictor of Student Performance,” which examined 235 students who took the CLT when they applied for admission to the college. Welton found a “statistically significant positive correlation” between the CLT and GPA of first-year Grove City College students, meaning the better a student scored on the CLT, the higher the GPA the student earned at the college. “The CLT is not only a valid predictor but also a robust and highly effective instrument for identifying students prepared for the rigors of higher education,” the study concluded. Welton set out to complete the study to determine if standardized testing would predict student academic achievement, per the study, which found that the verbal section of the CLT was the individual section that best predicted stu-
CLT 2
Ryan, Pence host Reagan Lecture Ricky Andrews
Contributing Writer
TAVA DERR
Jessica Pratt won first place in the social enterprise category.
Elevator Pitch sees big winners Olivia Massucci
Contributing Writer Grove City College students earned cash prizes for invention ideas in the Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation’s (E+I) annual Elevator Pitch Competition (EPC). E+I held the final round on Wednesday in Sticht Lecture Hall on campus. Open to students of all majors, the competition included two divisions: commercial enterprise and social enterprise. The competition aimed at equipping students with networking and professional skills for business and entrepreneurship. This year’s competition had
278 student entries from 37 different majors and dual-enrolled students, a 65% increase in entries over last year and the highest total involvement in the 19-year history of the competition. “We’re excited to see the tremendous growth in registrations for the EPC,” E+I Executive Director Yvonne English said. “We’re especially grateful to faculty from various departments who have seen the value of the competition and encouraged their students to participate, as this competition equips our students to bring their exciting and inspirational ideas to the
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Former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and former Vice President Mike Pence led a public discussion about how to apply Reagan’s conservative principles in the present day during Grove City College’s annual Ronald Reagan Lecture on Nov. 6 in Crawford Hall. The Institute for Faith & Freedom sponsored this year’s lecture (the college’s 18th annual), with the title, “Morning In America Revisited: Reagan’s Lessons for Today’s Challenges.” The title resembled Reagan’s 1984 campaign, “It’s Morning Again in America,” from which an advertisement played at the start of the lecture. Senior Director for The Institute for Faith & Freedom Paul Kengor and Grove City College President Bradley Lingo also spoke, introducing Ryan and Pence. Looking back on Ronald Reagan and his policies, which Ryan and Pence believed did great things for the United States, the speakers asked the audience how they can recreate Reagan’s principles in 2025 and what it means to be what they called a “Reagan conservative.”
Ryan and Pence discuss the merits of Reagan’s concervatism. Ryan and Pence shared their belief that President Reagan’s policies and his conservative ideals worked. While they thought previous administrations such as those of Nixon, Ford and Carter had failed to achieve America’s goals, they also said under Reagan, everyday Americans were more secure and more prosperous than they ever had been, the Soviet Union was floundering and the iron walls of communism were crumbling.
GCC
The conversation also covered the ideas of the free market, natural rights and populism. The speakers stated that the world we live in today is like the world that Ronald Reagan inherited when he took office — with Russia invading a country (Afghanistan then, Ukraine today), Europe struggling to survive without American support and an apathetic and melancholic popu-
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Pro-life advocate speaks on campus
Orchesis: Metamorphosis
Grove City tops PAC
Abby Johnson reflects on the abortion debate.
College dance group puts on transformative show.
Men’s soccer clinches awaited championship win.
NEWS 10
COMMUNITY 3
SPORTS 12
Editorial
Nov. 14, 2025
Page 2
From the Tower
Applying the season’s nostalgia As I write this, the first snow of the season falls on Grove City College, bathing all those who care to look up from bracing against the wind in heavy-hearted nostalgia. At least here in western Pennsylvania, the first snow marks the oncoming of the holiday season. Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas and New Year’s are approaching swiftly and with them comes giddy anticipation and a strong sense of reminiscence. There is also a sort of scrambling feeling to the holidays, like we must soak up every moment and fully experience the festive cheer. Perhaps this explains the prominence of the debate centered around when it is acceptable to begin listening to Christmas music (see Randall’s article in the Entertainment section) or why the Christmas spirit is such a common topic of conversation around this time. There is such pressure to have a magical holiday season, but what is the purpose of such a spirit, even if we do attain it? Even if the season turns out to be our own personal Hallmark story, complete with perfect family unity, ad-free football on Thanksgiving and matching plaid pajamas, what does that do for us as soon as the holidays end? How can we change how we go into this Yuletide season so that when New Year’s Day inevitably comes, we don’t face the predictable hollow let-down? The post-Christmas gloom often comes when we direct too much anticipation toward the holidays. Yes, something is magical about the season, especially here at Grove. The trees in Crawford, the wreaths on every lamppost, Harbison decked to look like the Great Hall in Harry Potter during the holidays and dearest Parkhurst’s occasional hot chocolate bars add something to the air that can only be met with mirth (unless you’re the Grinch, of course). These holidays are as near as we get to extended festivals and celebratory feasts in postmodern America, and the “magic” should serve more than a brief escape from our everyday lives. They offer a much-needed retreat at the unfolding of the cold season, not to be treated as a rest that offers a distraction from the supposed dreariness of our lives, but rather as a season of repose and remembrance that enhances and makes clear the wonder of our existence, frigid weather or not. Unfortunately, saying, “the real magic of Christmas is the love all around you,” sounds like a statement straight out of a tasteless Santa Claus movie. But I think that sentiment carries further than we usually take it. If it is true, New Year’s Eve should be the most joyous day of all. If we treat the holidays less like a blessed interruption in the monotony of life and more as a true celebration of and delight in the people we love, the world we live in and the Savior who is now Emmanuel, then we can go into this season and travel forth from it with, as Elizabeth Prentiss says, “surely a thousand reasons for thanksgiving, for joy and for hope.” Nostalgia — the flipping of your stomach at the thought of a time that came before — is not only a stagnant sensation of remembering, but it is also an experience that begs for application. It presents a touching study of how far we have come and those who have poured themselves out for our thriving, so that our past dependence may come to influence our devotion today. Nostalgia is a weight carried on the backs of memories, made and protected by those who have loved us. As tacky and mechanical as it is to say, the holidays are about our loved ones rather than gifts and some vague sense of Christmas spirit. If we go into this season less obsessed with making the most of the festivities and more focused on loving and doing so actively and sacrificially, we foster hope in our relationships and draw needfully near to God. Nostalgia need not be reduced to some forceful but fleeting sentiment, for if we let it draw us into true and thorough recollection to spur appreciation and ungrudging charity, then the joy of the season will carry on abundantly, even after New Year’s Day. Kathryna Hoyman, Managing Editor
Collegian Staff Emily Fox
Editor-in-Chief
Kathryna Hoyman Managing Editor
Editorial Board
Editing
Matthew Purucker
Olivia Emerick
Catharine Runion
Copy Editors
News Editor
Community Editor
Christa Bashinski
Entertainment Editor
John Hatzis
Perspectives Editor
Mia Gallagher
Copy Chief
Anna Kasianides Kendall Lambrect Jaci Morell Bonnie Pittman Vivian Waner Campbell Wiersma
Sports Editor
Art & Photography
Staff Writers
Luke Paglia
Mara Brak Madelyn Braho Anastasia Brown Randall Elvin Alexandria Fox Natalie Hanna Andrew Hutchinson Reagan Thomas
Advertising
Photo Chief
Bernie Komoroski Comic Strip Artist
Staff Photographers
UNSPLASH
Are you listening? Tava Derr Social Media Manager Are you listening? Are you really listening? Sure, you can quote the lyrics of Taylor Swift or Travis Scott’s latest hit song without a hitch, but about what are they singing? Are you paying attention? And if you are, in fact, paying attention, what is the meaning behind the music? Is what you are listening to glorifying God, or putting you in a mindset of worldly thinking? In the Bible, we often see music being a good thing. It is a way to praise and worship God. Psalms, an entire book of the Bible, consists of hymns, songs and poems written to be sung to music. However, we must be cautious when listening to modern music because we live in a fallen world. Not all secular music is bad. In fact, I believe it has some value. Self-expression through music is a good thing, and people should be allowed to ex-
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dent GPA. “The skills measured by the CLT may also be related to the non-cognitive factors that contribute to student retention. Students who enter with stronger verbal reasoning skills, as measured by the CLT, are more likely to successfully navigate their first year and continue their studies,” Welton wrote in the study. The college started accepting CLT scores in 2017. Along with verbal reasoning, the CLT examines grammar, writing and quantitative reasoning, culminating in three total sections. The study also uncovered statistical differences between types of students. Male Grove City College students generally outperformed female students in the quantitative
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press their emotions through song. However, music tends to stick in our heads, and if we are unconsciously feeding worldly things into our minds instead of spiritually edifying things, our spiritual health may suffer negative consequences. I often fall into the alluring trap of secular music. Some music is just so catchy and sounds so cool that it is hard to resist listening to it. But we must be cautious. Many times, I have felt convicted about listening to a particular song because of its themes of sex outside of marriage, getting drunk or high or promoting other ungodly behavior. I confess that listening to this music can lead me to believe that these sins are not so bad, and it can tempt me to desire things that God does not want for my life. If this music is leading me to desire something sinful and worldly instead of something good and godly, should I be listening to it? I think the answer is no. The Bible says in 1 John 2:15, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of
the Father is not in him.” This verse is convicting. We must constantly ask ourselves whether we are valuing earthly things more than God. Another verse, Philippians 4:8, says “…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” God wants us to fix our minds on what is good, not what is evil. We need to fill our minds with things that lead us closer to God, not further from Him. Music is a gift from God, so we should listen to songs that bring forth joy and praise for Him, rather than music that leads us into temptation. As Christians, we need to be more careful about listening to the music we choose. If a song is leading me to think about or even partake in things God does not want for my life, I should not be listening to it. I encourage you today, as you turn on your playlist, to truly listen and notice whether what you are listening to is glorifying sin or glorifying God.
reasoning portion of the CLT, while homeschooled students outscored non-homeschooled students on the writing section. Students who returned for a second year at the college or graduated performed better across the entire CLT than students who withdrew, particularly on the verbal section. The study did not reveal a difference in CLT scores between white and minority students. “For institutions like Grove City College, and others committed to academic excellence, the CLT has proven itself to be an invaluable tool,” Welton concluded in the study. “The results of this study strongly support its continued and expanded use as a primary means of assessing collegiate readiness.” Per the study, the CLT also showed an increase of five basis points compared to the SAT
in terms of the ability of the respective exams to predict the first-year GPA of students (a corrected correlation of 0.58 versus 0.53). Those interested in learning more can visit the college’s website (gcc.edu) under the news releases tab to find a link to Welton’s study. “The entrepreneurial spirit of leadership at Grove City College led them to recognize the alignment of this new admissions test and of the students attracted to take it. This study measures the strongly positive return on investment of that enterprising decision,” CLT Chief Strategy Officer Noah Tyler said in the release. “The CLT is not just a signal of educational background, but higher scores are an indication of top performance at one of America’s top institutions of higher education.”
THE GREEN EYESHADE AWARD This week’s award goes to Olivia Emerick for her consistent and thorough editing this semester, especially this week even with her hectic Orchesis schedule. We can’t wait to see her perform! The Green Eyeshade Award honors student contributors that demonstrate excellence in their work.
John Remaniak
GallagherMR22@gcc.edu
Tava Derr
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.
Business Manager Social Media Manager
OLIVIA EMERICK
Nov. 14, 2025
Community
Page 3
ADA VANDERGOOT
Dancers perform “Swan Song,” choreographed by Abby Bonaquist and Grace Langworthy.
Orchesis: Metamorphosis Catharine Runion Community Editor
If you haven’t already seen this semester’s Orchesis show, you still have time: The remaining performances are today at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. The dance performances this year all center around the theme “metamorphosis.” Each dance represents change in some form. Sometimes this is as concrete as changing costumes, but sometimes it involves changes in mood or emotion. Metamorphosis is somewhat of a broad term. Scientifically, it describes the changes an organism undergoes through its life cycle; however, when you remove the direct scientific connotation, the term takes on a whole life of its own. Representing the myriad types of metamorphosis on stage are a similarly broad selection of styles. Though the dominant style is contemporary, there will be jazz, ballet and partner dancing throughout. In line with the theme, the styles will gradually be woven into each other, so the whole show will become a metamorphosis in and of itself. There’s a lot to look forward to in the show — the long list of dances has an even longer list of choreographers and dancers involved. According to senior Student Director Emma Conrad, the diversity of this year’s performances is Orchesis’ greatest strength. “I hope the audience enjoys the variety of the show and appreciates the sheer talent we have at Grove City College,” she said. “It is hard to believe the breadth of background
Dancers perform one of the many jazz segments in the show. every individual comes from, how they came here to study something different than dancing and still manage to put on a mature, professional and fun show,” Conrad said. Junior Assistant Student
Director Kendall Lambrecht echoes that, adding that it’s not just talent at play here: It’s hard work and a lot of determination. “We spend all semester working on one weekend of performances, and we
ADA VANDERGOOT
clean them up to be some of the sharpest dances I’ve ever seen,” Lambrecht said. She also emphasized how crucial the tech team is to a successful show. “The lighting designers and our stage
managers do so much work, especially since almost all of the production team is coming from two straight weeks of tech for the musical. They truly are so amazing,” Lambrecht said. For many of the dancers, though, metamorphosis is more than just a theme for a dance; it has come to represent their own development through Orchesis over the years. “My position as student director has allowed me to grow in immeasurable ways,” Conrad said. “If you knew me freshman year, I was far from the same person.” Lambrecht had a similar story. “Before Orchesis, I would have never dipped my feet into the pool of jazz, and now jazz makes up half of my dances this semester,” Lambrecht said. Ask nearly anyone participating, and you’ll hear the same thing: involvement in Orchesis is a metamorphosis in its own right. The excellence that Orchesis pursues isn’t for ego’s sake, though, and the student directors are eager for the audience to see that. “Knowing that the heart of Orchesis is dancing for the Lord is so encouraging,” Lambrecht said. Among the many concepts explored, there are dances about Arachne and Athena, the changing of the seasons, the evolution of jazz, “Inside Out,” falling in love, dreams and even hot coffee growing cold. Jessica Pratt ’27 collaborated with her brother, sophomore Alexander Pratt, and fellow juniors MaryGrace
ORCHESIS 4
The CVA Department sparks creativity on campus Charli Missouri
Contributing Writer Luke Owen, a Grove City College alumnus from the Class of 2024, began as an engineering major before switching to entrepreneurship. He eventually developed a passion for filmmaking through taking communication courses. “The classes I took informed the structure and the industry principles that became valuable,” Owen said. “Every industry has its own jargon, its own technical terms … having some (communication) classes with hands-on experience was helpful in the later stage of entrepreneurship.” During his time at the college, Owen started his own
filmmaking business, Pollen Productions, where he now works full time. Owen is one of many students who attribute their success in the communications field to the college’s Department of Communication and Visual Arts (CVA). In the Staley Hall of Arts and Letters, “comm” students gather to learn about various forms of communication, challenge their critical thinking skills and develop their creative minds alongside their peers. The faculty aim to prepare students for “genuine connection and meaningful communication in both (their) personal and professional life.” The CVA Department’s mission statement also includes
that the department carries a “broad foundation” and allows students the creative freedom to shape their own views centered around God’s glory. Given the opportunity and encouragement to experiment with their creativity, students often utilize their majors on campus in meaningful ways spanning across communication fields. “I really want to use my creativity to help others,” senior design and innovation major Aidan Nosal said. “I think that some of the most rewarding things I’ve done is doing graphic design for some of my friends, making T-shirts for their club and doing athletic photography.” Nosal is one of the numer-
ous student creatives on campus who uses his design and photography skills to capture moments of campus life — specifically athletic events. “There are (many) times where I’m looking at my photos as a designer and I know what photo would be good to use,” Nosal said. William Hearn, a senior CVA major, has received various awards for his documentary films at Lux Mea, the college’s annual student-led film festival. “Whenever you go and you have 500 to 1,000 people watching the film all at once, and you’re there to see their reaction … it’s pretty incredible. The feeling of just seeing it in person on a big screen —
there’s nothing like it,” Hearn said. Hearn’s work has been featured in campus productions, speaking to his experience and use of storytelling and video editing. “I have learned the importance and details of structure,” Hearn said, describing how his studies have impacted his films. “Learning the foundations of filmmaking — that has been the biggest storytelling help.” Elise Sposato, a senior CVA major and studio art minor, balances both worlds by using skills developed in her classes to assist her in visually expressing herself through the
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Page 4
Nov. 14, 2025
Doctor Love
Gallery features high school art Catharine Runion Community Editor
Dr. Love is ‘goin’ to the chapel’ Photo Chief Luke Paglia took a step over into my territory in last week’s article to whine about certain wedding traditions, and I have some CHOICE things to say about it. I’ll give you this, Luke: 90% of your opinions are right, according to me. However, as the authority on all things related to love on this campus (as far as the paper goes, anyway), I feel I can talk about why I strongly disagree with one specific point that you made. The wedding bouquet toss? It’s iconic! It’s classic! Little girls long for the day when they can catch the bouquet. Yes, it can be a little silly and some people take it wayyyy too far, but it is ultimately supposed to be fun and not necessarily bestow magical powers on the person who catches it. I have seen videos where one girl literally rips it out of another’s hands. That’s wild. No one should ever do that. Don’t be that person. But for those who are getting married and want to include this tradition in the manner it was supposed to be had, I don’t see any problems with it. For those who don’t want to do it, especially if they feel it may stir up some drama, I wouldn’t. It truly just depends on the people you have around you. Now let’s move on to the garter toss. It’s better to say less on this topic, so I’ll sum it up with this: It’s a no from me on the garter toss. I won’t say this often, so cherish the moment: Luke, you are right. Let’s talk a little about the last two wedding traditions. I would also love an untraditional wedding cake at my wedding, but I haven’t decided on my dream wedding cake. Perhaps a classic wedding cake will be what I end up with after all. Who knows? However, I personally haven’t seen many weddings where people have chosen to do the cake smash. I feel that this tradition has mostly turned into the happy newlyweds feeding each other the first bite of wedding cake, which is honestly very cute. And, once again, we’re in agreement about the invitations. I want a small, intimate wedding. A wedding is supposed to include all the people you hold dear, not people you’ve seen maybe once every 10 years. Some people love the idea of a big wedding and that’s 100% up to the couple. Some people have large families that necessitate a large wedding and that’s wonderful as well. In summary: • The bouquet toss: yes • The garter toss: no • The classic wedding cake: no • The cake smash: no • The wedding size: it depends Auspiciously,
Dr. Love Love M.D.
After the African Art Show moved out, the PFAC Art Gallery wasn’t empty for long. This time, its walls and pedestals were filled with art pieces created by local high school students. This is the fifth year in a row the college has hosted this art show. Although contributions vary from year to year, pieces represent Hickory High School in Hermitage, Grove City Area High School, Grove City Christian Academy and Mercer Area High School. There is no set theme for the show and there are no official criteria to enter pieces, so the gallery features a diverse array of artistic expression. Everything from pottery to photography is included. Hilary Walczak, director of college archives and galleries, said that the gallery is a great way for high school students to connect with the college and vice versa. The five years of the high school art show’s existence have seen significant growth for many students. “We’ve had students who have shown work since their freshman year now showing their work their senior year,” Walczak said. “It’s wonderful to watch their talents grow and shine over the years.” According to Walczak, presenting art in a gallery is a special experience for high school students, so while some of the
CATHARINE RUNION
A Perry the Platypus ceramic piece on display at the Art Gallery. pieces come from distinct art units in their classes, many students have submitted pieces they’ve worked on in their own free time. There’s a lot of diversity of work on display in the gallery. There are several intriguing pieces of pottery, including bowls of all kinds of designs and flower vases made to look like the torsos of statues of women — one resembling the famous Venus of Willendorf and the other Venus de Milo. There’s the face of an old man, and one piece by Olivia Gar-
giulo even depicts Perry the Platypus. One set of bowls hopes to inspire generosity: three catthemed bowls by Morgan Habarka have been created to support and raise money for the Grove City Pet Rescue. The rescue is at full capacity, so they are fundraising to be able to give cats a second chance at life. Many pieces feature the rich colors of oil pastels, others feature colored pencil and still more are drawn entirely in pencil. There’s even a whole
wall featuring prints of students’ photography. Being able to present art in a formal show could be a pivotal moment for many of these young artists. “It’s a great way to highlight the work of talented young artists from the surrounding communities,” Walczak said. “We are happy to give them this experience.” The show opened on Oct. 20 and will run through Dec. 8. It is open from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and also on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.
Mitchell lives healthfully Madelyn Braho Staff Writer
Dr. Andrew Mitchell, professor of history at the college, has an interest in what it means to live well that goes far beyond his chapel lecture the first week of November: For the last year and a half, he has been working on an update to the one-credit Healthful Living course. When Mitchell was interviewed in January 2025, he indicated that the prospective class would have been more than just a new version of the basic health and wellness class. Instead, it would be something unique to the college. “The idea is that we be able to have activities to combine at the same time physical growth and health, and spiritual growth or nourishment,” Mitchell explained. The class would meet once a week in person to learn about different habits that form us as people. This might range from stretching and exercising to praying for each other. Creating this class is a solo project for Mitchell, however.
ORCHESIS
continued from 3 Grego and Jordan Patras to choreograph a piece entitled “The Dream.” It encapsulates metamorphosis both formally and metaphorically. “It’s supposed to portray how a peaceful and chaotic dream spirals into an unset-
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In April of 2024, the Provost asked him to make something out of “at least two years’ worth of multiple committee meetings.” “That led me over the next several months to talk to people on campus, off campus ... to try to come up with something that would be holistic, practical and attractive to the students,” Mitchell said in an interview in November. He discussed the project with professors from other educational institutions, including West Point. When he met with the Curriculum and Instructional Committee last spring, the consensus was that the class would not be offered in the upcoming academic year. Yet even though the class was not accepted, it was not the end of the idea. “There were enough students who were enthusiastic about the idea that we informally did something over the course of the spring semester,” Mitchell recounted. Eleven students took part in the program, and according to Mitchell, some of the practices learned then are still followed by the students who took part. This semester, Mitchell ran the “Habits of Wholeness” se-
ries, two 50-minute classes that followed the principles he had established with the class and that would “bring together faculty and students in a common exercise.” The first class on Oct. 6 focused on breathing, incorporating Scripture and writings from both modern Christians and those of “wise pagans.” More recently, the Nov. 10 class emphasized healthy stretching. Mitchell has been working on this project for over a year, and despite the disappointments, his enthusiasm for it has not died. “The thing that has kept me going with the project has been the fact that students, all the time, seem to be excited by it,” Mitchell said. For Mitchell, the Healthful Living course is not perfunctory, but full of potential. In an email about the Habits of Wholeness series, he asked, “How can our embodied selves develop meaningful, healthy trajectories at Grove City today?” The aim of the project is more than a curriculum overhaul and instead focuses on examining “the holistic nature of what it means to be human,” Mitchell expressed.
tling nightmare,” Jessica said. The dance spans four songs and seven styles of dance, so the journey is a literal one as well as an emotional one. “I’d say that this semester is one of the largest projects I’ve ever done,” she said. “It’s been a real challenge putting everything together. I’ve loved
working with my co-choreographers, and the heads have done an amazing job putting this show together and leading everyone to make this weekend a success,” Pratt explained. There’s something for everyone at Orchesis this semester, so make sure you get your tickets before it’s too late.
art of drawing, painting and digital media. “Art allows me to connect with others without the use of verbal communication. It shows me how creativity can really bring people together,” Sposato said. As mentioned on the CVA Department’s website, the major offers a variety of courses in public speaking, intercultural communication, studio art, entrepreneurship and more. This provides students with the opportunity to explore and dive deeper into their major based on their interests. Students are using their academics to sharpen their creative skills both verbally and visually. Through design, photography, videography and art, student creators are retaining information from the classroom and applying it to their personal endeavors on and off campus. “My classes have helped me look at things from a different angle,” Sposato said. “They have allowed me to find different avenues of perspective in art and communication and how to use them in my daily life.” As the CVA Department continues to grow and push students towards creative freedom, student creators will continue to expand their ideas with the support of faculty. Creators like Nosal, Hearn and Sposato are a few of many who will learn how to develop their skills to prepare them for what’s to come after their time here at the college.
What’s fresh at the Grove? In SAC...
In the SAC Great Room...
Outside Smith Hall...
Jaron Myers
AWS Friendsgiving
Light Up Night
Nov. 15 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 15 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 2 6 – 6:30 p.m.
The Student Involvement Council has
Join the Association of Women Students for a
It’s about that time: The iconic star will
recruited comedian Jaron Myers to perform
Charlie Brown-themed friendsgiving event which
reappear on top of Smith Hall. Mark your
this Saturday. Get ready to laugh!
will feature a hot cocoa bar and cake pops.
calendar to see it light up once more!
Nov. 14, 2025
Entertainment
Page 5
‘Queen of Christmas’ defrosts Alexandria Fox Staff Writer
Halloween is over, which means one thing in the world of pop culture: Mariah Carey has officially thawed out. At least, that’s what her fans like to say. The “Queen of Christmas” has once again launched her annual holiday campaign, this time partnering with Sephora, and has effectively kicked off the unofficial start of the Christmas season. Whether you’re already pulling out your decorations or still finishing off your Halloween candy, it’s safe to say that Carey is ready for the festivities. She revealed her latest holiday push with a festive campaign video with Sephora, featuring her classic over-the-top glam, bedazzled outfits and unmistakable whistle tones echoing in the background. The campaign highlights limited-edition holiday beauty sets, shimmery palettes and of course, a perfectly Mariah Carey level of sparkle. Each year, it feels like she somehow manages to up the ante, and 2025 is no exception. For longtime fans, this yearly campaign has become a tradition of its own. Carey has mastered the art of leaning into her iconic status, especially during the holiday season, and Sephora’s branding fits her aesthetic perfectly.
PEOPLE.COM
Their holiday collections have always been big sellers, but partnering with Carey has only fueled the hype, especially among younger fans who were not even born when “All I Want for Christmas Is You” first came out. That song, by the way, turned 30 last year, which is shocking to think about. Somehow, it still manages to
top the charts every winter and spark the same level of holiday cheer. While the campaign’s reception has been mostly positive (I mean, who doesn’t love Mariah Carey?), some critics have pointed out the tone-deafness of launching such a high-energy, luxury-focused holiday push amid current economic challenges.
Between rising costs of living, student loans resuming and everything getting more expensive by the day, some viewers think the emphasis on indulgence and pricey beauty sets feels a little disconnected from the moment. However, even those critics generally acknowledge that Carey’s campaigns are mostly light-hearted celebrations
rather than demands to spend money. And realistically, Carey starting the Christmas season early has become almost as much a cultural joke as it is a marketing strategy. Still, there’s something comforting about the predictability of it all. Every November, we know we can count on colder weather, early decorations in store windows and Mariah Carey declaring that it’s officially time. Her Sephora partnership only adds to that seasonal excitement, giving her fans new products to try and new content to share (and probably recreate on TikTok). As we move into the holiday season, whether you’ve been celebrating the second Halloween ended or are stubbornly waiting until after Thanksgiving, Carey’s presence is basically unavoidable. She has truly carved out her own corner of the holidays, becoming just as essential as gingerbread houses, the Starbucks Christmas menu and Hallmark Christmas movie marathons that somehow never get old. So, if you’re ready for festive playlists, holiday shopping and the comforting chaos of the season, Carey’s latest campaign just might be the sign you’ve been waiting for. And if you think it’s too early? Don’t worry. Carey will still be here, waiting patiently, until you’re ready to hit play on her Christmas classics.
Inside the week’s top 10 Carmen Pietro
Billboard Hot 100 in the last month.
This week, the top 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 are dominated by several wellknown artists and songs that have been climbing their way up to the top for several months. For artists, being part of the top 10 in Billboard Hot 100’s chart is a measure of success, as it ranks the most popular songs by the sales (digital and physical), streams online and radio airplay the song receives in the U.S. This week’s ranking features well-known artists like Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen and Alex Warren. Taylor Swift actually claimed three out of the 10 spots this week with her songs.” Here are the top 10 rankings for this week of Nov. 8, 2025: 1. “The Fate of Ophelia” Taylor Swift This opener for Swift’s recent “The Life of a Showgirl” album takes top spot for the fourth week. It also has awards listed from Billboard Hot 100 as having the biggest gain in digital sales and gains in performance.
5. “The Man I Need” Olivia Dean The song reached No .5 on the peak chart and has an award listed on Billboard Hot 100 for gains in performance.
Contributing Writer
How soon is too soon? Randall Elvin Staff Writer
From “Feliz Navidad” to “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” everyone knows the popular songs that play in all places during the winter season, from grocery stores to home speakers. For some, it’s a joyful sign that holidays are near, while for others, it’s a symptom of Christmas’ commercialization attempting to jump outside of its traditional timeframe at the end of the year. Here at Grove City College, opinions are mixed, much like the weather. Some love to hear the jingling of the bells, while others prefer a silent night. So, when is listening to Christmas music acceptable? Fan-favorite Parkhurst lady, Deli Deb, shares the belief that Christmas music should wait its turn. “It has to be after Thanksgiving,” she explained. “Christmas shouldn’t overshadow Thanksgiving — people need to be more thankful anyways,” she insightfully added with a smile. Senior Savich Chapman offered a laugh and a reminder that Thanksgiving isn’t without its own soundtrack. “I hear people complain about
how there is no Thanksgiving music, but they ain’t never listened to ‘Alice’s Restaurant,’” he said. Thanksgiving music does exist, but most people don’t resonate with it. In direct contrast, sophomore Abby God said, “Christmas music can be listened to throughout the fall.” Many would consider that a hot take, citing that fall is far too early. Sophomore Jackson Van Zyle takes a more traditional, faith-based approach. He commented on Christian Christmas music saying, “That’s great that they are celebrating the birth of Christ all year long.” Yet even he thinks that secular Christmas music has its appropriate time after Nov. 30, coinciding with the beginning of Advent. “Traditionally, that’s how people have celebrated Christmas, and if it isn’t broke, there’s nothing to fix.” However, not everyone agrees, and students hold different views that affect their stances in this classic debate. For example, junior Simon Miller sees it simply as a matter of setting. “I feel like personal listening in your own car or headphones is fine anytime. But playing it
in stores or around groups of people should wait until after Thanksgiving. This approach captures a compromise, as early Christmas music enjoyers can still listen, albeit privately. There is another camp of thought that has yet to be mentioned. Christmas is known for candy canes, presents and snow. The first day of snow is not a set day on the calendar, so it provides plenty of days that could kickstart the Christmas tunes. Senior Leah Morgan states that “It must be the first snow to listen to Christmas music.” Now that raises the question, what if there’s no snow? Without snow, would there be no Christmas music until Christmas day? It’s silly to think that the weather dictates the timing, but emotionally, it can feel right. Christmas music captures a longing for warmth in the cool air and even more so warmth in our hearts. It’s the sound of joy ringing through the cold. Whether you choose to play Christmas music early in November, late December or in between, Christmas music finds its way to us at one time or another.
2. “Golden” HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI This hit from popular Netflix movie, “KPop Demon Hunters” placed No. 1 on the Peak chart of Billboard Hot 100 this past August. It also received awards listed on Billboard Hot 100 of biggest gain in airplay and gains in performance. 3. “Ordinary” Alex Warren Warren is known for his beginnings on TikTok and being a part of the group the Hype House. This song placed No. 1 on the peak chart of Billboard Hot 100 this past June. 4. “Opalite” Taylor Swift This is another popular song from “The Life of a Showgirl” album. “Opalite” has reached No. 2 on both the debut chart and peak chart of
6. “Daisies” Justin Bieber. This singer has been an immensely popular figure in the music industry since he was 15 years old. The song is No. 2 on both the debut chart and peak chart of Billboard Hot 100 this past July. It also received an award listed on Billboard Hot 100 for gains in performance. 7. “Folded” Kehlani This song is Kehlani’s first Billboard top 10 appearance. “Folded” reached No. 7 on the peak chart and got two awards listed on Billboard Hot 100, in addition to earning the biggest gain in streams and gains in performance. 8. “Elizabeth Taylor” Taylor Swift This is Swift’s third song on this list this week. It placed No. 3 on both the debut chart and the peak chart this past month. 9. “I Got Better” Morgan Wallen This song by beloved country artist Wallen placed No. 7 on both the debut chart and peak chart on Billboard Hot 100 this past May. 10. “Mutt” Leon Thomas Thomas is well known for his character as Andre Harris in the Nickelodeon show “Victorious.” This song took its place at No. 10 on the peak chart of Billboard Hot 100 this past week. A majority of these songs have been holding their places for weekstand are assumed to continue to stay there with a possibility for some fluctuating placements in the future.
Nov. 14, 2025
Through the Lens
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Grove City College Theatre Program puts on the fall musical.
‘A friend is still a friend’ by Luke Paglia, Photo Chief Photos by GCC
Nov. 14, 2025
Last weekend featured the annual fall musical performed by the Grove City College Theatre Program. This year, the selected musical was “Wind in the Willows.” Students came together to put on a spectacular show, complete with fun songs, entertaining dances and engaging dialogue. The cast performed four shows over the course of the weekend. Senior Drew Pelesky shared, “I thought it was a very fun and wholesome show that made for a very enjoyable experience. The cast was well put together and did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life.” If you did not have a chance to see the fall musical, do not fret, more shows are on the horizon. Be sure to check out the Orchesis dance performances this weekend!
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Nov. 14, 2025
Perspectives
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The unrepentant Mr. Toad
Joshua Youngquist Contributing Writer
I was delighted by the Theatre Program’s performance of “The Wind in the Willows.” The talented actors, elaborate sets and humorous songs made for entertaining evening. The students and professors put much blood, sweat and tears into the performance and overcame a host of obstacles. Nevertheless, (with not a little trepidation) I would like to suggest emendation to the script by Fellowes, Drewe and Stiles. At its core, whimsical “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame is a story about friendship, as the four friends, Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger, have many eclectic adventures. The musical adaptation of Grahame’s book preserves the theme of friendship, but the script slightly compromises the whimsical, lighthearted message of the original story,
replacing the hopeful story of Toad’s redemption, with a cynical (but humorous) critique of the abuses of wealth. In Grahame’s “The Wind in the Willows,” after a notable risk to their own lives to restore their foolish friend to his former estate of glory, Rat, Mole and Badger forbid a very reluctant Toad from giving any speeches or songs at his homecoming banquet. Toad mournfully complies, singing one final, boastful, but subdued solo alone in his bedroom before heading downstairs a different amphibian to greet his guests. He says not one word in praise of his own achievements. Instead, in Julian Fellowes musical adaptation of “The Wind in the Willows,” the self-sacrificial friendship of Rat, Badger and Mole effects no change in Toad’s recklessness and arrogance, who ends the play by crashing an airplane and singing the reprise to “The Amazing Mr. Toad.” In the world of the musical, Toad’s wealth and pride are irreparable. Thus, the script
neglects Toad’s reform. These choices reflect other adaptations by these artists. Stiles and Drewe also collaborated on the 2004 musical “Mary Poppins” which also intersperses darker and more cynical themes within a more lighthearted children’s story. Julian Fellowes’ most famous work, “Downtown Abbey,” is a period drama and social commentary. Consequently, it is no surprise that Fellowes, Stiles and Drewe would make similar artistic choices in an attempt to make “The Wind in the Willows” entertaining for all ages. Grahame did not write the world of “The Wind in the Willows” to evoke or critique a particular era. Yes, there are automobiles and mansions, reminiscent of the world before the Great War, but there is also a medieval dungeon and the Greek god Pan playing melodies on a pipe. The story is intentionally eclectic and playful, minimizing any darker themes. However, in the Julian Fel-
lowes adaptation, the Wild Wooders take a central and sinister role to the story, narrowly missing Rat and Mole, maliciously declaring Toad guilty, hungrily kidnapping Portia and defiantly declaring their right to Toad Hall. Their resentment of Toad’s prosperity, though adding nuanced motivation, introduces a broad critique of power and wealth absent in the original story. Theater often engages in social critique, but effective criticism requires a concrete vision for world that is not bent and vain. The pastoral, the whimsical and the Edenic serve to create a longing for an unfallen and redeemed world. Thus, a musical “The Wind in the Willows” with the full childlikeness of the uncritical book ought to present a much-needed vision of true friendship in the face even of adversity and vice. A more whimsical “The Wind in the Willows” would have presented a clearer rebuke to human folly than the cynical social commentary of
GCC
the Fellowes script. The script and the performance were certainly humorous, and maintained some of the pastoral, idyllic and childlike joy of “The Wind in the Willows,” but by including satirical commentary and social critique, Fellowes, Stiles and Drewe compromised the message of “The Wind in the Willows.” The musical was funny and entertaining, but the message of enduring friendship withers in a world where riches, power and pride are irredeemable faults. I was absolutely delighted by the Theatre Program’s decision to perform a musical adaptation of “The Wind in the Willows.” I thoroughly enjoyed and applauded their performance. However, I am saddened by a script that holds no hope for hardened fools and would rather laugh at human folly than rejoice in the hope of a mended wood.
Two very British holidays
Foreign correspondent shares memorable English traditions Anastasia Brown
Foreign Correspondent With the last Collegian edition having been a Halloween special, and with a range of other holidays just around the corner, I thought it might be of interest to report on the two uniquely British holidays I have witnessed in the past two weeks — Guy Fawkes Day on Nov. 5 and Remembrance Day on Nov. 11. “Remember, remember! The Fifth of November – The gunpowder treason and plot.” So begins a popular ditty that everyone in Britain seems to have memorized. Guy Fawkes Day is rooted in a historic act of treason. In 1605, a group of men led by a military captain named Guy Fawkes at-
“The traditions surrounding ‘Remembrance Day’ look nothing like any American holiday I have experienced. ” tempted to blow up the entirety of Westminster Palace and the House of Lords, with the ultimate goal of replacing the ruling monarch, King James I, with a Catholic monarch. Barrels of gunpowder were squirreled into the cellars and, as the aforementioned ditty describes it, Fawkes was caught in the nick of time, “with a dark lantern and a lighted match.” Now, over 400 years later, the day is celebrated with (ironically) fireworks and bonfires that sometimes incorporate a ceremonial burning of a scarecrow meant to represent Guy Fawkes. I didn’t spot any scarecrows, but I did see fireworks like it was the Fourth of July. Oxford
has a unique tie to the event — the lantern that Guy Fawkes was carrying on that fateful day when he was caught trying to blow up Parliament can be seen in the Ashmolean Museum downtown. One of my fellow American students asked an older British gentleman an insightful question about the holiday — do Brits see it as a remembrance of the salvation of Parliament and the king, or do they see it as a celebration of Guy Fawkes himself? I couldn’t help but laugh at the man’s answer “Well, I don’t think anyone wanted Parliament to be blown up, but you simply have to admire the cheekiness of it all!” This past Tuesday, Nov. 11,
was a very different British holiday — Remembrance Day. At the root, it is like our Memorial Day — an opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who have died in the armed forces for our country. But the traditions surrounding this day look nothing like any American holiday I have experienced. Starting weeks ago, volunteers have been stationed outside stores and on sidewalks distributing paper poppies, which many people have been wearing on their lapels every day since. These bright pops of color on the rainy streets serve as reminders of the fields of Flanders, Belgium, after World War I, where the disturbed soil after the turbulent battles and bloodshed began growing astonishing quantities of poppies. Paper and handcrafted poppies appear everywhere
across the country — decorating churches, Christmas trees, hubcaps, storefronts. On the Sunday before the 11th, known as Remembrance Sunday, churches across the nation usually incorporate special prayers and moments of silence to remember the fallen and call for worldwide peace. And on Nov. 11, there are national and local ceremonies as well as a nationwide “moment of silence” at 11:11 a.m. when all work and noise is supposed to be briefly halted. It has been a highlight of my time abroad to see the differences in holiday traditions and experience entirely new holidays like these two. Now I am looking forward to attempting to make a full Thanksgiving dinner in a few weeks and introduce my new British friends to an American classic! Wish me luck on finding a turkey, though…
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Nov. 14, 2025
Was Reformation a mistake? Points and Counterpoints: a Grover Discourse
No: Reformed church preserves catholic Christology Jake R. Taylor Contributing Writer
The Reformation did not come as a surprise to Europe on Oct. 31, 1517 — it was the result of at least a century and a half of turmoil that had ravaged the Church. John Wycliffe’s name is associated with the translation of the Bible into English, and indeed, along with rejecting the papacy and transubstantiation, the translation of the Bible into the vernacular was important for Wycliffe’s reform efforts. But this did not occur in a vacuum; it was during Wycliffe’s lifetime — in 1378 — that the papacy, the center of Christendom, was divided between two men striving for the position. Few events could possibly have tested the faith of Christians in Europe more than such an obvious and confusing instance of schism. But it became even worse when not just two, but three men were simultaneously seeking the Chair of Saint Peter. The Council of Constance (1414-1418) put an end to this and called for Church reforms, but its legacy also included giving over Jan Hus — who had been influenced by Wycliffe — to burn at the stake. In the following century, the Church was scandalized by multiple popes, such as Pius II, Innocent VIII, Alexander VI and Julius II, who brought more infamy than honor to the Christian religion. The moral authority of the papacy was undermined by such men who failed to be representatives of Christian holiness. When Luther began to criticize abuses in his day, he continued to show deference when addressing the pope. But by the Diet of Worms in 1521, he was accused of “(renewing) the errors of Wycliffe and Hus.” What we call “the Reformation” was not a novelty. Nor were the Protestants aiming at divisiveness. The first major Protestant confession — the Augsburg (1530)
On Oct. 31, the Socratic Club at Grove City College hosted a debate on the following prompt: “Was the Reformation a mistake?” Following the debate, each side submitted a summary of their arguments to appear in this week’s paper. We would like to thank the Socratic Club for their contributions to polite discourse on this campus and in the Perspectives section. — was conciliatory in its tone and even went so far as claiming that in its doctrines were “nothing that varies from the Scriptures, or from the Church Catholic, or from the Church of Rome as known from its writers.” Protestants were not radical subversives desiring to split Christendom in two or to rid themselves of tradition. They were Catholics desiring to see a Church reformed. Although it was caused by ecclesiastical abuses, the Reformation’s greatest import was the refinement of catholic doctrine through necessary development. When Luther was condemned in 1520, he could not have been condemned for a heretical view on justification because the doctrine of justification had never been defined. The Reformation allowed for the necessary definition of doctrine for the two parties involved. Over a thousand years prior, Vincent of Lerins had written eloquently, “teach still the same truths which you have learned, so that though you speak after a new fashion, what you speak may not be new.” New terminology need not indicate innovation if it is spoken according to catholic tradition. For myself, I am Reformed because I believe the Reformed tradition most faithfully preserves the catholic Christology of Chalcedon, and I remember the words of Ignatius of Antioch: “wherever Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.”
Yes: Church unity reflects divine unity Michael Churma
Contributing Writer
It is immoral to split from the Church that Christ established. In John 17, Jesus concludes The Last Supper with the High Priestly Prayer, praying that the Church “may be one even as we are one, I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me” (John 17: 22b-23, RSVCE). Jesus is stating here that the unity of the Church does two things. First, it reflects the perfect divine unity between the Father and the Son. Second, it witnesses to the revelation of Christ as the Son of God and Savior of mankind. From a Biblical perspective, a divided church fails to show forth Christ as the Messiah and King of the universe. Even if the Church is corrupt, it is still of Christ. In the Gospels, it is clear that Jesus did not hand over his Church to perfect, righteous men. Rather, he bestowed it to 12 extremely flawed disciples. One denied Jesus three times, whom Jesus himself even called Satan. Another refused to believe in his resurrection. Still, Jesus entrusts his Church to these sinful men. The Old Testament also witnesses to God bestowing corrupt men with authority over his chosen people. For instance, the many corrupt judges of Israel that brought great moral tribulation to God’s people were still appointed by God. The kings Saul, David, Solomon and beyond were all corrupt and sinful, yet God still appointed them to rule over his people. In fact, the schism between Israel and Judea in the Old Testament demonstrates the importance of maintaining unity, even amid corruption. The 10 tribes of the north, having split, were no longer considered the chosen people of God. Despite corruption in the southern kingdom, these people were still living under the correct laws and customs that God had instructed. For instance, the southern tribes rightly worshipped in Jerusalem rather than by Jacob’s well in Samaria (John 4). In other words, the northern tribes went into schism, departing from beliefs and customs of
worship that unified the Israelites as the chosen people of God. Unity in the Church allows for unity in doctrine and practice. Without a definitive set of doctrines and practices, relativism abounds. How does one know what the essential doctrines of Christianity are? How does one know what the correct form of worship is? Each Protestant denomination provides a different answer to these questions. Furthermore, any answer that a denomination might provide has no sense of binding, definitive authority to ensure that the answer is true. Logically, this level of confusion in doctrine and practice would not be condoned by Christ, who is truth himself (John 14:6). If Christ taught the truth — the fullness of divinely-revealed truth — then we ought to teach his truth. Therefore, it is illogical to be a Christian with only parts of his truth. One of the main goals of the Reformation was to rid the Church of buying and selling indulgences. However, a desire for reform does not require or condone a schism from the institution that Christ established. In fact, the Catholic Church has a better authoritative structure for the censure and removal of corrupt practices and teachings than do Protestant churches. The pope can authoritatively ban or condemn specific doctrines and practices with definitive conclusion. The magisterium, through Church councils, can do the same. Nothing of the same authoritative magnitude can be found in Protestantism. In short, the Catholic Church can make (and has made) reforms from the inside out that do not necessitate an external schism. In contrast, in Protestantism, when corruption occurs in a specific church, schism is encouraged, as men leave to form their own branch of Christianity. St. Francis of Assisi provides the model for how to reform the Church. When God told him in a dream to “rebuild my church,” St. Francis did not break away despite widespread corruption. Rather, he rebuilt the Church from the inside, always remaining faithful to the institution that Christ established, “the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15, RSVCE). Reform was not wrong; the Reformation was wrong.
News
Nov. 14, 2025
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REAGAN
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Students line up to ask Abby Johnson questions in Rathburn Hall on Tuesday.
OLIVIA MCGALLA
Pro-life advocate speaks on campus Abby Johnson shares her experience leaving Planned Parenthood Hannah Leeman
Contributing Writer Pro-life advocate and former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson detailed why she turned against the abortion industry in front of attendees on Tuesday evening in Rathburn Hall. Approximately 150 people gathered in the Morledge Great Room to hear her recall God’s faithfulness and how He opened her eyes to the true horror of abortion. She opened with the story of the first of her two abortions, which led to her working for Planned Parenthood for eight years and aiding nearly 22,000 abortions. “The first thing I ever charged to my credit card was my $500 abortion,” Johnson said. “That very poor decision led me into a life that is unrecognizable to me now. That abortion disconnected me from the will of God. It hardened my heart.” When living what she called a “sinful” life, Johnson stated
that people want to drag others into it with them. She suggested to the audience that the abortion industry thrives because “no one sees it.” “(The babies) are unseen victims,” she added. One day at work, when called into the procedure room, she witnessed an ultrasound guided abortion. It changed her life. “It was the first time I had come face to face with the humanity of the child,” Johnson said. Johnson realized she was not witnessing what some argue is “choice,” “healthcare” or “justice.” She described watching the practice as witnessing murder. Johnson then immediately left the abortion clinic and has since become a prominent pro-life advocate and mother to eight children. After her testimony, Johnson encouraged students to do what she had not in working for Planned Parenthood, stopping the sin in which they might be living. She called them to a higher moral standard, under which friends and
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world.” Students had two minutes to present their venture to a panel of judges, and thanks to an anonymous donor, the placement prizes were doubled, so first-place winners received $1,000, compared to the original $500. Sophomore computer science and data science major Aaron Show took first overall in the commercial enterprise division for his pitch for Venari Track, a tracking device that attaches to an arrow so hunters can responsibly track and harvest wild game while reducing waste. Commercial enterprise division runner-up winners include freshman entrepreneurship major Rebekah Lockert, who won $800 for Let’s Be Crafty, finishing in second. Third went to sophomore history major Isabel Paul, who won $600 for Axis Pack. Lastly, sophomore entrepreneurship major Tyce Bowers (Shroudly) and freshman English and communications major Anna Kasianides (The Common Thread) tied for fourth, each receiving $400. Prizes remained the same for the social enterprise division. Junior Jessica Pratt, a communications and design and innovation major, secured first place for her pitch for Adapted Adventures, a nonprofit video concierge service for individuals with special needs or physical limitations. “I had a brain injury back in 2022. From there, I had a lot of sensory and mobility impairments that were a result of that. And so, upon seeing a lot of the problems that I face and a lot of the problems that people with disabilities face because I also work within disabilities ministry, I was really inspired to want to help them make certain travel arrangements because I can see how difficult it can be to get to one place from another,” Pratt said. “So, to be able to have won, honestly, I just say credit goes to God. I prayed a lot before I gave this pitch, and I’m just so grateful that if I got to show anything, it was his glory for bringing me from there to now.” Social enterprise division runner-up winners are freshman entrepreneur-
family hold them accountable. “You can always make a U-turn and go back to God,” Johnson said. To close, Johnson responded to audience questions concerning men in the pro-life movement, proper responses to a woman considering abortion and student involvement in pro-life advocacy. Answering questions, Johnson primarily encouraged students to find their passion within the pro-life movement and to know their testimony and be able to share it well, giving a message of hope, forgiveness and love. The Institute for Faith & Freedom (IFF), Young America’s Foundation (YAF) and College Republicans sponsored the event. In its planning, the chair of the College Republicans, Jonathan Steen, sent invitations to several YAF speakers, to which Abby Johnson’s team responded. Lucy Tuttle, vice chair of College Republicans and firstyear fellow at the Institute for Faith & Freedom, believed that Johnson’s appearance at
ship major Adam Wampler, who came in second for Awkward Pause, and third place was a tie between freshman marketing major Claire Brandenburg for Clean That Bookshelf and junior entrepreneurship major Sarah Karns and junior international business major Julia Drake for The Diakoneo Project. The competition also offered a few separate awards to contestants. Wampler took home the Fan Favorite award and $100 for his pitch, a mobile game for elevating communication skills to the next level. Karns and Drake secured first place and the $500 Social Impact prize from the Grove City Foundation (which its president, Dorene Powell, awarded) for their pitch, which aimed to help churches connect with the needs of their external communities. Paul received a $1,000 prize from Don Tharp of Hudson Financial Advisors, Inc., for her pitch, a company that combines elements of hiking and school backpacks to create a “best of both worlds” bag. This year’s judges were Don Tharp, founder and president of Hudson Financial Advisors Inc., Mitch McFeely, vice president and business development officer for NexTier Bank, Elisabeth O’Brien, director of product for IHG Hotels & Resorts, Mark Pentz, president of Calvin Group, and Mike Pentz, vice president of Calvin Group. E+I established the competition in 2007 based on the idea, “tell me about your new venture within the time it would take to ride up an elevator.” Sponsors included Hudson Financial Advisors Inc., NexTier Bank, Calvin Group and the Grove City Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Western Pa. and Eastern Ohio. “One of the impressive things was this year, every idea that was presented was viable in some form of fashion; that the kids did a great job on presenting, and just the ideas in general were really, really good this year,” Mike Pentz said. “Every one of them is a viable business option, and I hope to see them in the venture economy.”
the college was the best option for the Republicans. Johnson’s message of life and advocacy resonated with Tuttle’s view of the organization. As part of the decision to invite Johnson, Tuttle also saw a specific need for Johnson’s talk at Grove City. Tuttle said she noticed an apathy toward the issue of abortion — an issue about which she thought a Christian and conservative college ought to be more passionate. Considering this note, Tuttle hoped students left the event desiring to fight for the unborn by raising awareness for the pro-life movement among friends and acquaintances. In this way, Tuttle believed students could share true freedom with those around them. “One cannot be free if one is in opposition to goodness, truth and beauty,” Tuttle said. “Johnson’s story is one of learning the truth about abortion and coming to realize its fundamental evil. This freed her.”
lation. “The challenge today is that we’re living our lives by the algorithm,” Ryan said. Pence and Ryan agreed that the country’s largest problem is not an external threat, but what Ryan called “moral relativism,” apathy that neglects passing on a prosperous future to the next generation. “Life is not a zero-sum game,” Ryan said. He extended this argument to the actions of Congress and President Trump as they wrestle over issues such as tariffs, international relations, the economy and immigration. After the lecture, the pair held a question-and-answer session with the audience, with most of the questions coming from Grove City students. Many students asked how they could live out the principles and traditions of conservatism in a world that they claim is against their ideals. Ryan and Pence emphasized in their response being joyful, speaking the truth with clarity and without concession. They encouraged students to use the four years they spend at college to form their thinking and transform themselves into the man or woman God has called them to be. They also told students to be loud and unapologetic but be ready to listen, to be funny, because they believe humor has the power to disarm opponents, to be peaceful, understanding that the United States has endured worse times, and not to give in to apathy. “I have faith in God, and I have faith in the American people,” Pence said.
Sports
Nov. 14, 2025
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Defense lifts Wolverines against Spartans Chance Rains
Contributing Writer Two blocked punts and five turnovers capped off a strong day on special teams and defense as the Grove City College Wolverines emerged victorious at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) on Saturday, defeating the Spartans 28-14. Senior linebacker Caleb Brubaker led the defense with 15 total tackles, 11 of those solo tackles, three tackles-forloss and an interception. Brubaker also recovered one of the blocked punts on special teams. The Wolverine offense was guided by senior quarterback Ethan Wiley, who completed 15 passes from 35 attempts for 128 yards and two touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Seth McGroerty caught seven passes for 72 yards and a touchdown, while junior running back Chase Rankin led the rushing attack with 83 yards on 25 attempts. Neither team could find traction in the first quarter, with CWRU missing a 43-yard field goal and Wiley throwing an interception. With 11:29 left in the half, senior safety Ryan Montgomery recovered a Spartans fumble at the CWRU 49-yard line, setting up a 26yard Wiley touchdown pass to McGroerty five plays later to take the lead 7-0. On CWRU’s next offensive drive, senior safety Keagan Frasier intercepted a pass at the 46-yard line, but the Spartans would force a Wiley interception just four plays later. The Spartans drove the ball all the way to the 10-yard line of Grove City, but a timely interception by sophomore corner-
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keeper in the world could not stop. It is an amazing streak, but we are not playing to protect it; we are playing for our team vision and our goals for this season,” Mills said. That vision is rooted in faith — a defining feature of the program’s culture. On the back of every jersey is “AO1”, a reminder that they play for an audience of One. “I am playing for God, so it doesn’t matter who comes to my game, even in big games like these when the stands are packed. I love when a lot of people come, but I don’t let that make me nervous because I have nothing to prove and only God to please,” Mills said. Junior defende r Hannah Costa, a
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Eck’s breakthrough goal were sophomores Luke Ladas and Evan Yoder — truly making this goal a comprehensive team effort. The remainder of the match saw the two talented defenses do battle, locking the game in a stalemate that proved crucial to the Wolverines’ success. Maintaining an edge in total shots (14-11) and working against a corner kick deficit (26), the Wolverines emerged 75 minutes with their well-earned PAC title. “It is such an honor, and I’m so grateful to be a part of the team. Coach Dreves reminded the team after the game that winning is not what defines our team, but that doesn’t
back Noah Wheeler stopped the drive with less than four minutes left in the half. CWRU was forced to punt opening the half, but managed to force a fumble after pinning the Wolverines’ offense at their own three-yard line, scoring on the next play to tie the game 7-7. Grove City was forced to punt on their next possession, but a stout defensive stand by the Wolverines’ defense was capped off by a blocked punt by sophomore cornerback Mason Clause and recovered by Brubaker at the CWRU 11-yard line. Junior wide receiver Daniel Sullivan would go on to score nine yards out on a pass from Wiley, retaking the lead 14-7. The Spartans drove down the field again, only to be stopped by another interception, caught by senior cornerback Boden Davidson. With 14:05 left in the game, freshman linebacker Nick Clemens blocked the Spartans’ punt, scooping it up and returning it 10 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 21-7. CWRU responded with a long drive for a touchdown
that cut the lead to 21-14. The Wolverines’ offense stalled out, and CWRU looked to tie the game with six minutes left, but the defense forced a turnover on downs to keep the Spartans out of the end zone. The Grove City offense was forced to punt, but CWRU was intercepted for the fourth time, this time by Brubaker. Senior running back Ian Demeri would run into the end zone from 36 yards out on the next play, sealing the game 2814. Brubaker thought that the team’s biggest lesson from the game was playing complementary football. “It took all three phases — offense, defense and special teams — to show up and play Grove City football to come out with a win. As a team, we felt it was a gritty win that showed our toughness when our backs were against the wall,” Brubaker said. Grove City will close the 2025 regular season with a trip to conference rival Hiram tomorrow. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
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Keagan Fraser (left) recorded an interception against CWRU.
Sports at a glance Results
Football (7-2): W, CWRU (28-14)
Men’s Soccer (15-2-2): W, Franciscan (1-0)
Women’s Soccer (13-4-2): W, Waynesburg (1-0)
Women’s Volleyball (18-8): W, W&J (3-2)
Men’s Basketball (64-70): JOHN HAKE
Caleb Brubaker earned honors this week for CWRU performance. cornerstone of the back line, echoed that perspective. “Winning to me personally is an amazing feeling. But playing with people I love and knowing I play for God and he gave me the ability to play soccer is such an amazing feeling,” Costa said. Mills agreed, noting the trust and communication that define the unit. “My defensive line and I are all united under the same goal, and our relationship is very close-knit. We have an understanding that if one of us makes a mistake, the others will cover, no matter what it takes,” she said. Beyond tactics, Costa pointed to a tradition that reflects the team’s deeper p u r pose.
mean we can’t celebrate like crazy when we achieve our goal,” Eck said. “As we look to the NCAA tournament, I think we are coming in with confidence in our ability to compete with any team in the country as well as an excitement to go do something that hasn’t been done before.” On Monday, Grove City learned they would face Calvin College in the first round of t h e NCAA tournament. T h i s pairing — a rematch of the teams’ Sept. 20 game that was canceled halfway through due to weather conditions — is unique by NCAA tournament standards and may prove favorable for the Wolverines as
“A tradition that started last year that I love — especially when we go to the NCAA tournament — is sharing the gospel with the other team after the game. I think what helps our team to have success this year is trying to play in the freedom of joy and knowing we are not playing for ourselves but playing for God,” Costa said. Costa offered advice for younger players hoping to make an impact. “Get out of your comfort zone. You may not like it at the moment, but it is so rewarding. Everything takes time — it does not happen instantly. You may have to go through rocky patches to see the reward. It’s all in God’s hands,” she shared. With the win, Grove City improved to 13-4-2 and claimed its 10th all-time PAC title. The Wolverines will make their eighth NCAA tournament appearance. The Wolverines will travel to Grand Rapids, Mich. to face Illinois Tech in the first round of the tournament at 1 p.m. today. they prepare. “I trust if it is God’s will, we will bring home the victory this week. I know if the boys just fall back on their skills and play how we have been playing
this whole season, we can be victorious,” Krieger said. The Wolverines will face the Knights this afternoon at 1:30 p.m. in Geneva, N.Y.
L, Pitt-Greensburg (0-1)
Women’s Basketball (1-0): W, Carlow (84-31)
Men’s Swimming (3-2): W, Saint Vincent (182-80)
Women’s Swimming (3-2): W, Saint Vincent (239-48)
Upcoming Football:
Nov. 15, 1 p.m. at Hiram
Men’s Soccer:
Nov. 14, 1:30 p.m. vs. Calvin
Women’s Soccer:
Nov. 14, 1 p.m. vs. Illinois Tech
Men’s Basketball:
Nov. 14, 5:30 p.m. at Carlow
Women’s Basketball:
Nov. 14, 5:30 p.m. at Baldwin Wallace
Men’s Swimming:
Nov. 15, 1 p.m. vs. Wooster
Women’s Swimming: Nov. 15, 1 p.m. vs Wooster
WOLVERINE WEEKLY HONORS
Caleb Einolf Men’s Swimming Swimmer of the Week
Abigail Vance Women’s Swimming Swimmer of the Week
Caleb Brubaker Football Offensive Player of the Week
Patrick Cratty Men’s Swimming Newcomer of the Week
Nick Clemens Football Newcomer of the Week
Sports
Nov. 14, 2025
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Grove City tops PAC
Mike Dreves celebrates his first PAC title as head coach. He co-captained the Wolverines to their first title in 1996 and was an assistant coach for their second.
A Wolverine winner 20 years in the making Mia Gallagher Sports Editor
With a resounding 1-0 victory over the Franciscan Barons on Saturday, the Grove City College men’s soccer team asserted their place atop the PAC, clinching the conference’s c o v e t e d 2025 championship and automatic bid into the NCAA tournament. This P A C championship win — just the third in the team’s storied history — marks the end of the program’s 20-year conference title drought and serves as a rallying point for the Wolver-
ines as they prepare for their NCAA appearance. “It was truly electric; the boys played with grit and passion like their lives were on the line for this game. They left everything on the field to take home this PAC title and punch our ticket to the NCAA tournament. None of us will ever forget this moment,” freshman keeper Keller Kreiger said. “I am super excited for the team. This group of seniors has been to the finals three years in a row, and to see them celebrate and enjoy this is awesome,” Head Coach Mike Dreves added. Dreves, an alumnus of the program and member of the 1996 PAC title team, celebrates his 20th season at the helm with this long-awaited victory. Throughout his career, he has led the Wolverines to 197 wins and 18 PAC
conference tournament appearances. “I loved playing here and love coaching here. I have been blessed to win a conference title as a player, assistant coach and now as a head coach, and that means a lot. Over the past few days, countless alumni have reached JOHN HAKE out. I know Freshman keeper Keller Krieger made eight saves to help the team secure the title. it means a lot, but what guys have as much a championship for tional seven saves to cement shared, how they have react- all the alumni as it is for this the Wolverines’ title hopes. Capitalizing on this moed, I am learning that it has team.” Grove City opened the mentum shift, the top-seeded meant much more than I ever match with what proved to be Wolverines pushed the ball thought it would,” Dreves said. a key defensive stand as Kriegup field to senior midfield“Every team I have coached er saved a Franciscan penalty er Aidan Eck, who netted the has helped me make this kick at 11:45 in the match to game’s winning goal at 16:54 program better in some way preserve the 0-0 tie. Krieger and helped make me a better MSOC 11 coach, so in many ways this is would go on to tally an addi-
Women’s soccer: PAC-to-PAC-to-PAC Reagan Thomas Staff Writer
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TOP: The women’s soccer team, celebrating with the PAC trophy. BOTTOM: The women’s soccer seniors, enjoying their three-peat.
The Grove City College women’s soccer team delivered under pressure last weekend at Don Lyle Field, earning its third consecutive PAC championship with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Waynesburg. The win extended the Wolverines’ program-record shutout streak to 11 matches and secured an automatic berth in the NCAA Division III tournament. From the opening whistle, Grove City showed its intent. Freshman forward Lauren Muhanna broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, slotting home her sixth goal of the season off an assist from sophomore Kiara White. That early strike proved decisive as the Wolverines leaned on their defensive strength to close out the match. Junior goalkeeper Maddie Mills anchored the back line
with 10 saves — just one shy of her career high — earning her eighth full shutout of the season. Mills admitted the final minutes were intense. “For the last few minutes, I was locked in. I knew that if t h e ball came to me, I would have to do everything in my power to keep it out of the net. I was not about to let them tie it up, go into overtime and maybe even PKs,” Mills said. Waynesburg entered the match with a conference-leading 69 goals on the season, but Grove City’s defense held firm. Mills credited the team’s collective effort for the historic streak.
“We have worked very hard, have great individual defenders and a strong p o s s e s sion game. But it also takes a good amount of luck to maintain a streak like this. Dumb goals happen all the time, goals that even the best
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