The Collegian, Oct. 31, 2025

Halloween spooky shots and campus

creeping CRM pastor poll released

Matthew Purucker News Editor

The college’s Center for Rural Ministry (CRM) recently sponsored a study analyzing rural and small-town pastors and churches, which Lifeway Research published on Oct. 23.

In completing the study, Lifeway Research, a Christian church and culture research firm, surveyed over 1,000 rural or small-town Protestant pastors nationwide about their successes, goals, concerns, finances and motivations. The survey also asked pastors to provide data about their churches to help rural ministry researchers.

“So, with this project, we (CRM) recognized that there have been plenty of studies about the church in America in lots of different ways, but none of them have been spe-

the ABTs and the Tri-Rhos.

Lecturer preaches honorable business

Julia Kramer

Contributing Writer

James Otteson, a professor of philosophy and business at Notre Dame, discussed how to practice business honorably in Sticht Lecture Hall on Oct. 23. Otteson lectured on “honorable business,” the same name as his 2019 book, promoting a countercultural argument to the zero-sum gain commerce theory. Otteson addressed that many perceive his topic as an oxymoron and believe students who pursue business are only out to make money to the detriment of society.

“People see business profit as necessarily in conflict with the social good,” Otteson said. This is not a conventional topic for a business lecture, which was why he was asked to come and speak.

OTTESON

“What I really wanted students to grasp are some of the philosophical underpinnings of what it is that they are doing when they are entering the business world,” Associate Professor of Economics Caleb Fuller said.

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cific to rural churches in rural places,” CRM Assistant Director Adam Loretto said during an Oct. 23 podcast on the CRM YouTube page on the reason for the study. The Rural Home Missionary Association and the Rural Church Institute at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center, with funding provided by the Lilly Endowment, also sponsored the study.

The study highlighted many areas of success for churches in rural areas, which the Economic Research Service’s Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes 7-10 define as having fewer than 10,000 people. Among those 1,003 pastors, the results revealed most noted members showing care (97%), members consistently present (90%), becoming a trusted part of the town’s life CRM 2

‘No Kings’ protests

Christa Bashinski Entertainment Editor

“Are we great yet? Because I just feel embarrassed.”

Signs like the one quoted above lined the streets of Grove City, Hermitage and Mercer the morning of Oct. 18 in solidarity with the “No Kings” protests that took place across the nation.

“No Kings” was a series of demonstrations protesting what some view as an authoritarian government under Trump, who protestors argue has attempted to expand executive power. The administration’s actions, according to organizers, highlight the need for civic engagement and accountability on all levels of government.

Grove City Grassroots, a local organization that coordinates national protests within

the county, organized the three “No Kings” demonstrations in the area. The Grove City protest drew an estimated 150 attendees, with the combined total across all three locations surpassing 1,500. According to Volunteer Host for Grove City Grassroots Katherine Bailey, turnout far exceeded expectations as she had anticipated “at best, 20” participants. Yet, a 14-minute video from the organization’s website showed a crowd lining the streets, composed almost entirely of older participants. Aside from the occasionally raised middle finger, protesters said the event remained largely peaceful and unchallenged.

“You are not alone, you are not helpless and you can help build the kind of America that

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Second embezzlement plagues town library

Madelyn Braho Staff Writer

Grove City Community Library patrons received an email answering questions about an alleged embezzlement on Oct. 18. However, it was not further information about the potential theft by former Director Amy Gallagher, but a new situation entirely. According to WFMJ and the Grove City Police Department, 45-year-old Meghann Rigney, former president of the disbanded Friends of the Library (FOL), allegedly

committed several felonies in fraudulently withdrawing almost $10,000 from the FOL bank account.

FOL was an independent fundraising group, “similar to booster clubs for sports,” according to an email sent to library patrons. It held events to raise money for the library apart from its direct fundraising efforts, such as the annual book sale. FOL also had an independent bank account from the library.

“They were using our tax number, which is where things got a little dicey,” Carla Ligo,

president of the Grove City Community Library Board of Trustees, said.

Earlier this year, the board was notified that the FOL bank account was not properly set up. In February, the library’s board of directors voted to consolidate the FOL bank account with the library’s account because it “is fully monitored and has lots of control over it,” the library’s interim director, Scott Amon, said.

The organization also would “function as a committee,”

From the Tower

A cautious approach to ambition

When God isn’t the center of your world, what is? The answer to that question depends on the individual. For some, it’s having the most impressive LinkedIn page and climbing the corporate ladder. For others, it’s having the most degrees hanging on the wall of their office or the most bylines in a variety of publications and academic journals covering a wide range of subjects, proving them to be the most qualified expert in every sense. Some strive to be the most well-known person in the room, beloved by thousands of Instagram followers eagerly commenting words of gushing praise for their beauty, exotic travels and aesthetic lifestyle content.

The truth is that all these motivations can be traced back to a single commonality. What really makes our world “tick” is ambition. The desire to achieve has trickled into every aspect of society, even the parts we wouldn’t expect. It’s been ingrained into the minds of our children. Our schools train teenagers to believe that unless they get perfect grades, are the best athlete in the conference and join as many extracurriculars in as many disciplines as possible, they won’t get into a good college. It doesn’t end there. After college, they’ll face even more competition in the workforce to be the most elite, cut-throat professional. If they can’t reach that level, they’ve failed. Or at least that’s what I was told when I was 16.

Christians have an even more complicated relationship with ambition. There’s a negative association with the concept of advancement. After all, the Bible warns us not to let ambition drive us and instead calls us to be humble and act as servants. This becomes confusing when professors and mentors encourage us to bulk up our resumes, apply for big internships, connect with impressive alumni, graduate Summa Cum Laude and get a master’s degree. We admire figures of Grove City’s history like Isaac Ketler, David Rathburn and Paul McNulty, who were by no means unsuccessful in their careers or even economically.

So how can we respond to ambition humbly while pursuing our calling to the greatest of our ability? What do we do when taking steps towards our God-given vocation involves submitting to certain constructs that are founded on ambition?

There’s another word that goes with ambition in the verses that caution us against it. That is the word “selfish.” Philippians 2:3, Galatians 5:20 and James 3:14-16 urge us to do nothing out of “selfish ambition.” Ambition itself is not evil; it is how we channel it that makes it dangerous. I read an essay by James Davidson Hunter in a fiver I signed up for this semester. His reflections on being faithful where God has put us are insightful in helping us navigate our relationship with ambition. He says, “… the call to faithful presence implies a certain modesty that gives priority to substance over style … it would encourage ambition, but the instrumentalities of ambition are always subservient to the requirements of humility and charity.”

Hunter’s statement invites us to ask ourselves: for what are we ambitious? Is it to make a name for ourselves, or is it to reflect Christ? In my efforts to build a career, am I attempting to advance to a higher position to make more money and have more power, or am I trying to become a leader who my coworkers can rely on and who they know sees them as individuals rather than human capital? Returning to the example of our campus’s leaders, Ketler, Rathburn and McNulty shared the common goal of using the success and resources that God had given them to build His kingdom. In their positions, they provided an education to students that taught them to use the talents God gave them to be image bearers as they follow the path He set before them.

It is possible to be a Christian and have a healthy relationship with ambition. We are called to bring our best efforts to God through our work, and we should, even in a culture of competition. We must be vigilant in our self-evaluation; we must consider what we are ambitious about. We must be intentional about pursuing our ambitions from a position of humility rather than one of selfish gain.

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

Advertising

John Remaniak

Business Manager

Tava Derr

Social Media Manager

Wedding traditions to leave at the altar

wedding, barring approval from my future wife, of course.

Nothing screams celebration of eternal love quite like a couple of thousand dollars’ worth of flower arrangements and sweaty college kids on the dance floor trying to keep up with line dances that only a few people know how to do.

As I am now more than halfway through my college career, I have hit the point in my life where I have friends who are getting married. I have been to more weddings in the past year than in the previous 19 years of my life. This has its benefits as well as its drawbacks. First off, I love celebrating such a special occasion with friends and family; however, as a broke college kid, wedding gifts are not fun to try to fund. Nevertheless, attending a bunch of weddings before I get married allows me to learn about the most cringeworthy wedding traditions that I will certainly not include in my

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(83%), broken relationships healed (77%), members stepping into leadership (77%), new commitments to Jesus Christ (75%) and attendance growth (66%), per the Lifeway study.

Kathryna Hoyman

Managing Editor

Art & Photography

Luke Paglia

Photo Chief

Bernie Komoroski

Comic Strip Artist

Staff Photographers

Mara Brak

John Hake

Editing

Olivia Emerick

Copy Chief

Copy Editors

Anna Kasianides

Kendall Lambrect

Jaci Morell

Bonnie Pittman

Campbell Wiersma

Advisory

Nick Hildebrand

Staff Advisor

These numbers jumped to 98%, 94%, 88%, 94%, 93% and 77%, respectively, when questioned about the potential for those to occur regularly in the future. Less than 1% did not see these measures of success happen often.

“The future outlook of most rural pastors for their churches is more positive than past statistics might support,” Lifeway Research Executive Director Scott McConnell said in a Lifeway Research article, which published the study’s findings. “Clearly, pastors in rural areas are putting their confidence in God’s capabilities rather than widespread trends.”

The Collegian: The Grove

One of the weddings I attended this past summer had a bouquet toss. At first, this one may not seem as bad, but to me, it feels a little old school. I find it odd how a bunch of unmarried ladies gather and act like they are in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl, shoving and diving for the bouquet as if it has magical powers to determine who will get married next. This tradition, however, does not really pertain to me, so I doubt I will have much say in this. On the other hand, a tradition that I will 100% not be participating in is the garter toss. To me, and I think many others, this tradition is disgusting and humiliating. Nothing says celebration like grandma watching you crawl under a dress in front of a large crowd of close friends and family, right? WRONG!

This tradition is so outdated, and as a Christian man myself, I would never participate in such an abominable act. This, without question, will never find its way into my wedding. I do not even like cake.

The study also discussed effective rural ministry in converting attendees to commit to Christ. It found that the median church had five commitments in the past year, with 32% of pastors saying it brought in five to 10 more commitments.

Furthermore, pastors revealed several struggles they and their churches had in the last year in the study. The most common problem pastors saw was the difficulty of developing and empowering lay leaders, which 60% thought was a concern. No other issue surpassed 50%.

The study later emphasized that 71% of pastors said they serve in full-time roles in the church, which Loretto said allowed for a “great opportunity to focus on the needs of their congregation and community,” in a college news release.

The results finally detailed what inspired them to serve in a more rural area. Most (95%)

THE GREEN EYESHADE AWARD

This week’s award goes to Madelyn for quickly turning around her article this week despite setbacks and for consistently writing articles for multiple sections every week this semester.

The Green Eyeshade Award honors student contributors that demonstrate consistency and excellence in their work.

Well, that is traditional cake. Cheesecake is great, and cookie cake is fine, but I do not think I want a traditional cake at my wedding. That is something I can compromise on, however. The tradition I find unnecessary is the cake smash. Is your wedding day supposed to be a promise to love one another forever or a WWE tryout? With some of these cake smashes, it’s hard to tell. That’s why, if I even have cake at my wedding, it will not be smashed on anyone’s face. This one may be just me, but I do not want to invite everyone I know, and those I don’t, to my wedding. Just because my mom’s third cousins twice removed would be offended because they were not invited does not mean I want to be a people pleaser who invites anyone and everyone to my wedding.

Despite all my negative opinions of these “classic” wedding traditions, I still want to get married. I want it to be a day full of celebration with me and my future wife’s closest friends and family, and I want the traditions that we include to be fun for both of us.

said their desire to see someone come closer to Jesus motivated them to become a rural pastor. That was also the most common response.

“For pastors that we (CRM) work with, it helps us acknowledge them more. We can help them see how they fit in with the picture of what is happening around the country. For faculty of Grove City College, we hope it influences their teaching or inspires some to use this data to start a research project of their own to support a church,” Loretto said in the college’s news release. “For students, we hope it helps shape their vision for what life in a rural church can look like if they are called there vocationally or as lay leaders. And just for those that care about the church in general, we hope it provides some challenge to engage with their local congregations and pray more specifically for pastors.”

Community

Grove City Racing hosts Baja Butler Bash

Catharine Runion Community Editor

Grove City College’s engineering programs have garnered quite the reputation in the last couple of decades, but there’s a growing population of automotive engineers that are taking the off-road racing world by storm.

The annual Baja Butler Bash took place a few weeks ago and Grove City’s racing team took home first prize. Their participation in the race, though, isn’t the only important function of the club. The team also plans, hosts and runs the event.

The race itself is simple enough conceptually: Various local college Baja clubs build off-road vehicles according to the standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and attempt to go as many laps as their vehicle can withstand.

However, the execution of this goal and the organization of the event are not quite so simple. There’s a hill climb at the beginning of the event, and then the endurance test gets underway.

“The endurance race is four hours long and requires a combination of speed, durability and good driver skills in or-

der to place well,” junior June Lee, the secretary of Grove City Racing, said. At the end of the day, it really isn’t about

Grove City Racing’s car in action as it climbs up a steep hill.

flashy performance: It’s about reliability.

“A speedy car that breaks down and needs to be towed off the track for repairs may not do as well as a car that is slower but runs consistently,” Lee said. “Every minute spent off the track is a minute lost to competitors whose cars are still in the race.”

The time and money spent to perform well in the race are significant, and they can pose some serious limitations to the club. According to Lee, budget constraints mean that they can only build a brand-new car every few years. The time in between is either spent tweaking the existing car or improving upon the existing design.

In addition to designing and training with the car, the club spends the first two months of the school year planning the Baja Butler Bash. Grove City Racing Vice President Jeffrey Bollenbach was the lead planner for this year’s event, and he says that it’s an incredibly detailed process.

“Planning for Butler Bash takes a tremendous amount of

effort,” Bollenbach said. “We handle marketing, outreach to other teams and sponsor coordination to fund the event and encourage participation.”

Bollenbach said that as the event has grown, complications have come up. The team reserves the same track every single year, so as more teams get involved the team must plan track layout changes and identify spots that need improvement. The event’s growth also brings up important safety concerns: this year, an ambulance was present at the race.

With 12 teams and 32 cars competing, the event this year was a smashing success.

The team has historically gone to and competed in national races. In the 2025 season, they placed 24th out of 103 competing teams at a race in Mechanicsville, Md. This year, they hope to compete in two national races.

Grove City Racing is a chapter of SAE International and was founded in 2006 to pro-

The Caravan comes to Crawford

Kathryna

Hoyman Managing Editor

This Saturday, the faded red velvet seats, antique stained windows and beloved wooden stage of the college’s very own Crawford Auditorium will be graced with the music of The Gray Havens’ Zion Caravan Tour.

The Gray Havens, a Christian folk band comprised of husband-and-wife duo David and Licia Radford, played at the college last year with their Anywhere Tour, and the campus received them with great enthusiasm.

“I went to The Gray Havens’ concert last year and I loved it! Their music is more folk and indie than I was expecting, but they put Christ at the center of their music and are such a fun band to listen to,” junior Bonnie Pittman shared. “They were super interactive with the audience, and you could just tell they have so much heart for their music and the people they play for. I’m so excited to go back and hear them again this year!”

Accompanying the band are

Christian artists John Mark Pantana, Antoine Bradford and LOVKN, who will enhance the energy of the night with their acoustic, indie and pop sounds.

The Zion Caravan Tour has already played 75 shows across the nation, many show-

ings being at colleges and universities.

The concert is sponsored by International Justice Mission, a global ministry focused on building up local justice systems to fight abuse and exploitation and to establish safe and just communities.

The Gray Havens’ showing this week follows the Campus Nights Tour’s concert the college hosted on Oct. 24. Gable Price and Friends, Jervis Campbell and Strings & Heart put on a dynamic Christian indie pop show that was thoroughly enjoyed by many students, locals and visitors.

“This was my first concert I went to on campus, and I wasn’t disappointed. The energy in the room was great, and I enjoyed the Christ-centered music. I loved that there was a mosh pit, and I am looking forward to bringing that same energy to Gray Havens!” junior Kaitlyn Rumbuc said.

The concerts that the college has hosted in the past couple of years have served to meet the demands of Grovers’ music tastes.

Indie, acoustic and folk music with pop influences seem to be the genre sweet spot for the student body, with Christian artists elevating these genres to put on shows that are not only entertaining and vibey but truly transformative.

The anticipation for this Saturday’s show and future events is evident in all years of

students, from the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed freshmen to seasoned upperclassmen.

“I’m excited for the concert because it seems like it’s going to be a really cool and unique experience. I love how Grove brings lots of music artists here, and I think it creates great opportunities for students!” freshman Sophia Rivera said.

Junior Madeline McMahon shared similar sentiments, saying, “I am so excited about the concert this Friday! It is all of my favorite artists that I have been dying to see for years now!”

The doors open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Standard admission tickets are $29.50 in advance and $40 at the door, with students being offered a discounted advance rate of $15, plus purchasing fees.

Whether the trek be a walk across the quad from your dorm or an out-of-state road trip for parents and friends, the Zion Caravan concert will surely make it well worth it with an illuminating night to remember.

Doctor Love

Ultimate ex jumpscare

Dear Dr. Love, Right before fall break, I went on a first date with the cutest boy. We went for coffee and planned to browse through the bookstore after. He even held the door open and remembered how I took my latte. We sat down and everything was going SO WELL. The butterflies were definitely making an appearance.

Then he waved someone over. I assumed it was a friend. Nope. It was his ex. She “happened” to be there and “just wanted to say hi.” They spent the next 20 minutes talking about their mission trip to Montana, while I sat there pretending to admire the latte art. When she finally (!) left, he said, “Sorry, we’re still close. She’s actually driving me home for fall break.”

So, Dr. Love … boo or beau?

Sincerely,

Left on the Curb (with a cold latte)

My dream date! Fall, crisp breezes and books = Dr. Love’s favorite things. At least, my dream date until I read the rest of your submission. I was getting butterflies too, but they hit the floor with SPEED once I read about his ex.

YIKES. If they’re still close with their ex, ladies, run. I feel like I have said this an uncomfortable number of times: An ex should stay an ex. Them being friends is probably not going to work out … for you, I mean.

First dates are generally when people show up as their best selves and try to win you over. Talking about his ex on a first date is a red flag. Talking to his ex for most of the date is an even bigger red flag. I wouldn’t have anything to say if he had just said hello and then moved on with the date.

There’s nothing wrong with being friendly with people, even if you once dated. But he and his ex should have gone on a date if he was so interested in talking to her for so long. Imagine them spending all that time in the car together on the way back home. Just enough time to rekindle their spark, don’t you think? They already know each other quite well, and obviously, they aren’t on bad terms.

I’m not going to say that she spent all that time stalking his location to find out when and where he was going to be when you two go on your first date. That would be crazy. But she might as well have pulled up a chair next to him and pushed you away. That’s what it felt like, judging from where I’m standing. It was just a first date. Super easy to move on from. My expert advice? Enjoy the spooky season without the drama.

If I was in the mood for a horror story, I’d read your submission again. KIDDING. Maybe.

Auspiciously,

Dr. Love Love M.D.

Fall musical in full swing

Emily Fox Editor-in-Chief

Grove City College’s Theatre Program is preparing “Wind in the Willows” for the opening night of the fall musical next week.

“Wind in the Willows” is a musical chronicle of the adventures of friends Mole and Rat as they face the perils of the Wild Wood in search of advice from the wise Badger. They hope that he can help them save their friend, Mr. Toad, from his own reckless pursuits, all while being pursued by a gang of “Wild Wooders” led by the Chief Weasel. Worse, they must take back Mr. Toad’s home from a hostile takeover by the Wild Wooders, who plan to eat Mrs. Otter’s daughter, Portia.

The musical is based on a book written by Kenneth Grahame in 1908. It was adapted from the book by Julian Fellowes and features a score and lyrics written by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. It first met the stage in 2016 and now, almost 10 years later, it will be performed in Ketler Auditorium.

The cast has been rehears-

ing almost every night since the beginning of September. Most of the preparation has gone towards navigating all of the show’s literal moving parts. A caravan, a motorcar, rolling hills, a mansion and two boats have all been built for the production.

“In a way, the world of the show is its own character, for which I give tremendous credit to Dan Wolfe and his scene shop team, Jonathan Bucci and his crew of student technicians and Dr. Kristin Barbour and the incredible students in the costume shop,” William Mueller said. Mueller is the lead actor playing Rat and the assistant vocal director. “Like all the best children’s books, (“The Wind in the Willows”) uses inviting imagery to communicate important truths, and, because of that, I think it can connect with audience members of any age.”

Another essential component that works with the set to create the magical woodland world is the pit orchestra. The show features complex music of various styles that members of the pit have had to learn, including classic Broadway, jazz, British choral music and rock.

“The music for this show is very difficult due to its use of various styles of music, challenging rhythms and frequent key changes within the songs and from song to song. There are sections that are in C flat major, which is a very challenging key even for professional musicians to play,” pit conductor and Department of Music Chair Jeffrey Tedford said.

“In addition, this is the first time GCC has used ‘keyboard patches’ which connect our digital pianos to computers to add additional sounds and parts through MIDI connection. This is frequently done in most Broadway shows today to reduce the number of instrumentalists in the pit. This has added a coordination element that our two keyboardists are

dedicated to mastering,” Tedford elaborated.

Tedford also mentioned that because the show was released in the 2010s, the college is working directly with the publisher to fix issues within the parts of the music. The live music is sure to be a draw for students considering coming to the show.

“There is nothing like live music. Many professional ballet companies and other organizations have transitioned to pre-recorded music for their shows. We are dedicated to providing an authentic visual and aural experience for our audience, and the pit orchestra enhances it through the physics of sound and the energy that live music provides,”

Dear Grove City College community,

I wanted to take a moment to extend a personal “thank you” to everyone who participated in Grove City volleyball’s Coaches vs. Cancer game and fundraiser during Blood Cancer Awareness Month in September.

The night of the game, we were blessed with an amazing and enthusiastic crowd uplifting our team in a hard-fought match against a worthy opponent, Carnegie Mellon University. The supportive environment was noticed by our opponents as well, who were deeply impressed by the outpouring of love and encouragement — not only for our team, but for the display of sportsmanship and athleticism from both programs.

Of course, the game itself was just one part of this greater effort. The engagement during our social media awareness campaign was outstanding. Most importantly, through the generosity of the Grove City College community and our extended network, we raised over $11,000 for the AHN Grove City Cancer Institute! I remain amazed and humbled, especially since my original goal was $1,500 for their benevolence fund. It was a true joy and honor to present our donation to the Institute’s staff this past Monday, Oct. 27, during the open house ceremonies for the new Cancer Institute facility at the hospital.

The hospital administration, Cancer Institute doctors and staff, and patients have all expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this meaningful cause.

I am currently working with Institute staff to direct portions of the donation toward several impactful initiatives:

1. Wig salon: Helping launch a salon offering specialty wigs designed for cancer patients, along with scalp care and wig care seminars, to provide holistic care and personal attention.

2. Support groups: Assisting the Institute as it establishes new cancer support groups next year, utilizing the new conference room space.

3. Care packages: Preparing care packages with essential toiletries, sundries and comfort items for patients receiving chemotherapy in the new infusion section.

4. Facility enhancements: Helping staff bring warmth and comfort to the new facility through thoughtful artwork, designs, signage and lighting.

My prayer is that these efforts are only the beginning — not the end — of our work together. As a patient at the Cancer Institute, I understand how deeply a cancer diagnosis disrupts life. We have an opportunity to bring love, care, dignity and honor to those fighting this disease. With this new facility serving our community, let’s make the most of every opportunity to share Christ’s love with those in need right here in our midst.

As Galatians 6:9-10 reminds us: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Thank you once again for your generosity, compassion and partnership in this cause. Let’s continue to love God and love others as we minister within our Grove City community and beyond.

Blessings to all, Leo R. Sayles Head Women’s Volleyball Coach

Echoes of the ‘King’

Revisiting Michael Jackson’s album ‘Scream’ this Halloween season

Alexandria Fox Staff Writer

October is finally here, which means it’s officially time for cozy sweaters, pumpkin everything and, of course, spooky playlists. No Halloween season ever feels complete without giving Michael Jackson’s “Scream” album a listen. Released in 2017, this compilation brings together some of Jackson’s most chilling, dramatic and irresistibly danceable tracks. Whether you’re carving pumpkins, decorating your dorm or throwing a Halloween party, “Scream” gives you the perfect soundtrack for a night of nostalgia and eerie fun.

While “Scream” features classics like “Ghosts,” “Blood on the Dance Floor” and “Dirty Diana,” the track that always steals the spotlight is (no surprise here) “Thriller.” Even more than forty years after its original release, “Thriller” remains the gold standard for Halloween hits. It’s impossible not to imagine the iconic red jacket and the zombie dance sequence. There’s something timeless about it; Every October, “Thriller” feels brand new

all over again, which I love. The compilation also features “Scream,” MJ’s unforgettable duet with his sister Janet. It’s one of my personal favorite tracks. The accompanying music video, set in a sci-fi spaceship, is considered one of the most expensive ever made, but every dollar spent is clearly visible on screen. It’s still one of the coolest visual experiences in pop music

history. Janet and Michael’s chemistry is unmatched, and their synchronized choreography is awesome to watch.

Another underrated gem on “Scream” is “Ghosts,” which just feels quintessentially October. Its eerie backing track, ghostly whispers and theatrical tone sounds like something straight out of a haunted house attraction. In fact, the song was part of a 1996 short

75 years of Snoopy

Randall Elvin Staff Writer

This fall, Peanuts fans gather once again for the timeless holiday classic “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”

This year, it will be available on Apple TV+ for a free anniversary screening. This will mark 75 years since Charles M. Schulz first introduced the world to Charlie Brown and his friends. Despite 1950 being quite a few decades ago, the stories of Charlie Brown and his company always feel fresh and cozy. But how did they start?

Peanuts debuted as a relatively small black-and-white comic strip in newspapers. Schulz drew the characters and stories in a way unlike any other. His minimalistic drawings and understated dialogue captured the feeling of being small in a big world.

While many other comics focused on powerful punchlines, Shulz offered thought prompts and philosophy aspects. Through simple small lines, he let children and adults express themselves in fears and wisdom. Shulz fabricated a world that, unbeknownst to him, would become a cultural phenomenon.

BAJA

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vide opportunities for engineers to gain hands-on experience in automotive niches. However, the club isn’t exclusively for engineers.

“Although the club primarily draws mechanical engineers because the skills needed to build a Baja car are directly

By the mid-’60s, Peanuts had become a household name. Toy shelves, calendars, lunchboxes and so much more fan memorabilia became the usual. When “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” premiered on CBS, it became an instant classic. The holiday special has been a staple holiday film since 1966.

This fall story follows Linus as he waits all night in the pumpkin patch. He awaits the mythical “Great Pumpkin” and fully believes it will arise to reward believers. At the same time, the ever-unlucky Charlie Brown goes trick-ortreating and is rewarded with a bag of rocks.

Fan favorite Snoopy imagines himself as a World War I pilot on top of his doghouse — another example of an iconic image that is plastered all over fan merch. Families gather in their living room to watch the annual broadcast, laughing at Lucy’s sarcasm or quoting Charlie Brown’s famous “I got a rock.” All these aspects and more are underscored by Vince Guaraldi’s jazzy and hand-drawn warmth. Apple TV+ is giving a homecoming feel for Peanuts’ 75th anniversary by making the holiday specials free to viewers.

related to that major, there is an active need for students of other skillsets,” Lee said. She argued that the planning of the Baja Butler Bash especially required input from other majors.

Bollenbach echoed that sentiment, saying that members of the club are happy to teach anyone who is willing to learn. “Our current president,

What makes Peanuts so special is not just the holiday setting, but its emotional core that resonates with generations. Shulz portrays child-like faith in Linus and celebrates it by showing the bittersweet beauty of believing in something that no one else does.

Every year, the stories of Peanuts feel personal and sincere. Even in their remarkable growth from inked panels to color television and finally streaming platforms, they have never outgrown their authenticity. Peanuts technology has evolved, but the lessons haven’t. Whether on a ’50s newspaper or a 4k Apple screen, Charlie Brown is still trying to kick the football, Snoopy is still dreaming and Linus still waits in the cold.

75 years since their small beginning, Peanuts remains a major player in the entertainment industry. Schulz provides comfort, laughter and courage every holiday season. Peanuts premieres are always a classic no matter how many times you have seen them. Make sure to tune into Apple TV+ to be transported to the wonderful Peanuts world, and you too can await the Great Pumpkin!

Tobias Leithart, is an entrepreneurship major, and we’ve had members from business, computer science and other disciplines,” Bollenbach said. “No matter what or where you come from, we try and welcome you into Baja.”

Stay tuned to see what the club will accomplish in the 2026 racing season.

funhouse. Each track has its own personality — some full of pep, some kind of creepy and some just movingly emotional. What ties them together is Jackson’s signature ability to blend theatricality with raw emotion. His music doesn’t just make you want to dance: It makes you feel.

For any younger fans who didn’t grow up with Jackson’s releases, “Scream” is an easy way to experience his legacy in one place. It’s also a perfect reminder of why he remains one of the most influential artists of all time. Even decades later, few performers have come close to matching his mix of innovation, charisma and sheer showmanship.

film of the same name, which features Jackson playing both the misunderstood protagonist and the villain (a creepy, small-town mayor). The film’s components and special effects were groundbreaking for the time, and its central theme about fear and misunderstanding is still relevant today.

Listening to “Scream” from start to finish feels like stepping into a haunted carnival

So, as Halloween approaches, turn off the lights, turn up the volume and let “Scream” set the mood. Whether you’re blasting “Thriller” in your car or just vibing to one of the slower hits, this album captures everything we love about spooky season — mystery, excitement and just a hint of danger. After all, no matter how many horror movies you watch this October, nothing screams Halloween quite like Michael Jackson.

Halloween hits

Carmen Serafina Contributing Writer

The Halloween season is creeping up on Grove City, and it’s time to watch the best Halloween movies.

Each Halloween is a good excuse to return to the classic creepy movies that are loved by many. These movies bring excitement for the season or even on Halloween night for those who want to stay in. They also bring friends and family together to wind down from a stressful fall season.

Even though Halloween movies were made to entertain and occasionally give a scare, they also have their reasons behind them for why someone chose to tell the specific story. Each movie was inspired by an idea that was explored and expanded upon. Exploring the origins of these Halloween classics adds thrill to the nostalgia of these movies. Without further ado, here are three classic Halloween movie origins:

“Hocus Pocus”

This movie is about three evil witches who were accidentally set free by the protagonist Max Dennison. Now, Max, his sister, his new friend and a talking cat must steal the witches’ spell book before they become immortal. This comedic and family-friendly Halloween story first originated from a cat. To be exact, the neighbor’s cat of the producer and creator of the film, David Kirschner. This cat inspired a bedtime story he created for his daughters about the three witches, and the plot began to grow. He sent the story to

Disney, and it developed from there. David Kirshener also named the cat Binx after his childhood cat Inks. “Beetlejuice”

This film takes place after Barbara and Adam Maitland’s death. The couple find themselves stuck haunting their house, unable to leave it. When the intolerable Deetzes move into their house, Barbara and Adam try to unsuccessfully scare them away. This catches the attention of Beetlejuice, a boisterous spirit whose help becomes dangerous to both the Maitlands and the Deetzes. Funnily enough, the characters in the Deetz family were inspired by Micheal McDowell’s annoying and “yuppie” neighbors. Micheal McDowell is a horror novelist who created the story. In the first draft of “Beetlejuice,” McDowell originally wrote that the ghost had violent intentions towards the new occupants. His experience with the “yuppie” neighbors eventually caused the script to change into what we know and love today.

“The Addams Family” There are several films in this franchise, as well as an animated movie, a TV show and a spin-off that focuses on the specific character of Wednesday Addams. However, all of them are based around the same eccentric family. The family is bizarre, a little creepy and spooky, but they have a charm about them. They are still a family that loves each other in their own unique way. This family originated

olorado Captured

This past summer, I had the privilege to take a trip to Colorado. This vacation involved many adventures that were completly new to me. It also opened up the opportunity to capture countless sights on camera that I had never seen before.

First off, doing anything at 10,000 plus feet of elevation is utterly different than at sea level, like hiking up a mountain or even just walking up stairs. Some of these photos are taken at the top or base of mountains, and no eastern United States mountains can compete with the beauty of the ones in Colorado.

Some other photos have rock formations unlike anything I have witnessed, but my favorite part would have to be the fact that I was able to see, and photograph, snow in the middle of July. The peak of this glacier was breath taking, and probably the highlight of my trip.

I would recommend making it a priority to get to Colorado at some point in your life.

by Luke Paglia, Photo Chief

Giant skeletons in September?

Looking for liturgy in a disorganized calendar

Madelyn Braho Staff Writer

Pumpkins, bats and clouds parting to reveal a glowing moon.

These are classic images of Halloween, and by extension, fall. And it seems that this year they were showing up much earlier than usual. Perhaps it is simply my algorithm, but it appeared that people were decorating for Halloween just as soon as the calendar flipped to September, and occasionally even earlier. Ten-foot-tall plastic skeletons began crawling out of front lawns, and five

different kinds of “spooky” decorations stocked Michaels’ shelves. Holiday creep is a very visible phenomenon, but perhaps there are other reasons that can be ascertained beyond the rapacious needs of consumerism.

Saying modern society is very disconnected from nature is an obvious statement at this point, but what we do not seem to consider as often is how disconnected we are from time. Everything is always moving incredibly fast, and everything is on demand.

So, long as you pay for all the streaming services you can watch whatever, whenever. Food is not seasonal so long as

it can be shipped from South America or California. Packages can come in 24 hours, not two weeks.

Time is something to fast forward through, not to experience. This has negative effects on us as humans, even though we like the convenience that comes from being unmoored from time.

The concept of a serious liturgical calendar is foreign to many of us raised Protestant, but the role they played in daily life can help us understand why exactly glowing inflatable yard decorations start appearing when kids go back to school. Liturgical calendars exist in many religions going

back to at least the Romans. Festivals and days of remembrance were tied to moon cycles and agriculture, and presented real physical things that could mean something not only to the heart, but to the stomach as well.

These special events were not a “just because” thing — they set a repeatable and steady order to the year. We still have holidays, of course, the religious and the civic, but they leave large spans of time that end up meaning only what we make of them, and that tends to just be work.

So, in these gaps that used to be filled by the Dormition of Mary or Michaelmas, all we

can do is put up decorations for a holiday still two months away. We need ways to keep ourselves grounded, to connect to each other and to the land we live on, but so often these days there isn’t much structure for that.

We’ve cobbled together what liturgical calendar we can, but compared to the rich examples from the past, it barely passes muster. Yet this shouldn’t be a reason to laugh at people who adhere to it, but we should see in them a need we also have for continuity and connection. Perhaps you too can put out a pumpkin, just make sure you have someplace to dispose of it when it starts to decompose.

Halloween: a fun holiday or modern paganism?

Ricky Andrews Contributing Writer

It’s October again, and you know what that means: another season of falling leaves, apple cider and Christians debating the legitimacy of Halloween — from a historical perspective, a modern one and, most importantly, a theological one.

Many faithful, God-loving Christian brethren find themselves with strongly opposite opinions on the topic of Halloween, and it often causes friction or even division between fellow believers.

But what actually is Halloween? What are its origins, and how did it become the candy-filled, costume-adorned, “spooky season” that we know and have mixed feelings about today? And, understanding Halloween, how can we better form our own decisions on

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from a series of cartoons in the New Yorker by the cartoonist

Charles Addams. Addams did not create this cartoon based on a story, but from several sources. He used his surroundings from his childhood neighborhood in Westfield, N.J. to inspire the setting. The

“There’s something to be said for ... [taking] the godless, depraved traditions from paganism and forming them into something that honors God.”

whether to celebrate it?

Halloween traces its origin to the ancient practices of the Gaelic Celts, who celebrated a harvest feast called Samhain around November 1st. This festival, celebrated as the warmth and light of summer faded into the darkness and cold of winter, was also an important time spiritually for the Celts.

The Celts believed that a supernatural barrier separated the land of the living from that of the dead, and that this barrier was at its thinnest point during this time of the year. They believed that during this time, the souls of the dead could pass through the boundary, re-entering this world to haunt people and cause mayhem. To protect themselves from these wandering spirits, they would light bonfires, offer sacrifices (which possibly

most notable sources were the architecture from the Victorian homes and the headstones at the local Presbyterian cemetery. Addams also tended to have a fascination with the darker things in life, and those views helped influence his creation of the Addams Family.

Deep diving into these films this season brings more appreciation to them. It is lovely

included human sacrifices), wear disguises and place food offerings for ghosts.

Christianity first enters the Halloween narrative in the eight century when Pope Gregory III declared November 1st as All Saints Day (or All Hallows Day), a day for honoring the saints and martyrs of Christendom. The night preceding All Hallows Day was known as All Hallows Eve, later shortened to Halloween. The placement of All Saints celebrations on November 1st was intentional — the Church intended to replace and Christianize pagan festivals (Christmas and Easter are also examples of this).

The idea that Christians should abstain from celebrating Halloween because of its pagan origins and the common perception of it as a time of fear, darkness and demonism

to remember that the classics we know and love started with one simple idea. The origins of these Halloween films are what make them all unique and enjoyable to watch for this spooky season. Now, take a break from your work and go enjoy a fun Halloween throwback.

is not an unfair one. In 2 Corinthians 6:16, Paul writes “And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’”

Furthermore, there are repeated commandments from God throughout Scripture for His people to separate themselves from all ungodliness and uncleanliness, and especially to rid themselves of anything resembling the pagan world that the Israelites and early Church lived in. However, there’s something to be said for the medieval church’s effort to take the godless, depraved traditions from paganism and form them into something that honors God. One could even say that this is what Christianity is all about — just as Christ was sent from the Father to transform our sin-diseased selves into children of the perfect God, Christ has sent us to “Go therefore

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Tedford said.

The show will debut at 7 p.m. on Nov. 5 in Ketler Auditorium in the Pew Fine Arts Center. It will continue to run Nov. 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 8 at 4 p.m.

“I would invite everyone who comes to see it to enjoy the colorful world, the diverse

and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

We are ambassadors for Christ, and salt and light. Salt and light bring radical change wherever they are introduced, turning bad into good. This is what the Church sought to do with pagan holidays in the Middle Ages: take what once was evil and turn it for good — something God loves to do. Is there merit in seeing Halloween in this way?

How to view Halloween is not a choice I will make for you, dear reader. What is most important is honoring each other as fellow Christians — “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way” (Romans 14:13).

If your choice to celebrate Halloween or not is a stumbling block to your brother in Christ, is it really worth it?

cast of animals with a respectively diverse set of catchy songs and to consider this line from one of the show’s most pivotal musical numbers: ‘And at our journey’s end, I hope all rifts can mend; on love you can depend. A friend is still a friend,’” Mueller said.

Unchecked compassion sows disorder

Eli Wick Contributing Writer

Emotional impulse cannot replace the stability provided by a strong legal foundation.

The law must take priority over sentiment to ensure governing bodies fulfill their duty, citizens’ security remains intact and justice is not tainted by legal or moral misrepresentation. Unchecked compassion sows disorder — only justice prescribed by law can invite systemic harmony. It is the state’s responsibility to execute justice so that the freedoms of the individual are not encroached upon.

The nation’s first duty is to uphold its law, ensuring that blind justice is carried out to all persons within its borders. The current legal framework enumerates specific protected rights that its people conserve, one of which is the right to due process, first mentioned in the Fifth Amendment. A common perspective on due process is that all persons within Ameri-

“Blind justice is evidently supported by God’s framework for human governance. Why should we deem our mercy greater than His law?”

can borders need to be treated as citizens and given a court hearing.

However, due process, when examined with context in mind, is given to those under threat of criminal charges. The act of illegally entering the country is regarded as a civil matter rather than criminal. As such, the only due process legally required is a plane ride back to the country of origin.

An open border remains a legitimate security concern for documented citizens. In 2018, the Department of Justice recorded that 64% of federal arrests were noncitizens, a consequential figure when considering that the noncitizen population of that time was just under 7% of the total. The unenforced borders of 2023 have stretched law enforcement thin.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, foreign criminal organizations (primarily Mexican cartels) are responsible for as much as

All

the

80% of the smuggling of illegal opiates in the United States.

In addition, the Department of Homeland Security estimated that in 2023, customs was only able to secure 3% of the cocaine trafficked into America. The open border policies under the Biden administration have reported a 480% increase in the seizures of highly potent drugs from Trump’s first administration.

There very well may be people who are simply trying to escape the atrocities of drug-ravaged lives, but the issue remains: An open border lets into the country both the refugees and the dangers they run from. While some would cite biblical passages to support an open border, such arguments rely on decontextualized scripture to remain standing. When looking at context, it is often that the meaning becomes clearer.

Consider Deuteronomy 27:19: “Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the for-

eigner, the fatherless or the widow.” If the verse is carried to its logical conclusion, no one, even the marginalized, is to be above the law, and justice should be carried out without bias. Levitical law states quite clearly: “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:15).

Blind justice is evidently supported by God’s framework for human governance. Why should we deem our mercy greater than His law? It’s widely believed that the deportation of illegal immigrants is somehow unjust.

As established in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the only people being deported without a court hearing are those who lack valid entry documents or employed fraud to enter. In other words, the only people being removed in an expedited fashion are those who committed crimes to enter. Should we not exact justice as Deuteronomy suggests?

In fact, compassion exists

in the legal system already. A steep set of requirements exists for expedited removal (ref. 8 USC § 1225 (b)), one of which states the person must not have claimed refugee status.

Refugees are granted incredible support — travel, housing, immunizations and job assistance, all paid for by current citizens.

Executive Order 14159 was written to enforce laws that already exist, not to dehumanize the plight of the marginalized or to deny justice to foreigners. Disagreement with the phrasing or heart behind an argument does not constitute an invalidity of the base policy. From every angle, open borders dilute the rights that citizens and legal immigrants obtain after rigorous work and time spent in America.

If we as Christians strive for compassion, have mercy on the people who worked so hard to come to the States the right way and close borders. America is one nation under love, with liberty and justice for all.

wrong moves Inclusive tradition reduced to symptom of division

Anna Kasianides Contributing Writer

An article titled “Record Atten-dance” that was published in the previous edition of The Collegian reflects on the increased attendance records for swing and ballroom dancing, framing it as a social effort to restore healthy, platonic connections between men and women.

While the interpretation of the article raises a unique perspective, the increased attendance can be realistically explained by demographics and social factors in place of gender-based conflict.

The article started out by posing an interesting question about why traditional dancing is gaining popularity, but diverted instead to biased assumptions with no regard for evidence or historical accuracy.

The article argues that dances are a modern way to combat the “war of the sexes” and that feminism has “aged poorly,” morphing into a voice of male-hate, from which men naturally retaliate. The article also poses that young men and women are drifting apart politically, going so far as to say that “women are drifting left, and men are drifting right.”

Merriam-Webster defines

feminism as “belief in and advocacy of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes expressed especially through organized activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests,” yet the article posits that it has since evolved into pure male-hate.

This unfounded speculation operates under the idea that select women act extremely and label it as feminism. That does not, however, define feminism as aligning with their personal thoughts and feelings. One cannot replace the definition of a concept with a personal opinion.

The political comment about women “drifting left” as opposed to men “drifting right” is also unsubstantiated. Broad generalizations about gendered political leanings do little to illuminate why students are joining dance clubs. Statements such as these shift attention away from the cultural and social reasons that more accurately explain the increase in attendance.

By emphasizing the division between sexes, the article ends up contributing to it, ignoring the efforts in which modern discourse has promoted mutual respect and equality among men and women. There is also a matter of historical inaccuracy surrounding how the article framed dance culture.

Ballroom and other social dances originally served as

structured spaces for meeting potential romantic partners. The social reality was that men and women were placed in extremely strict and formalized public interactions. Traditional dances were not originally meant to facilitate platonic relationships; they were introduced to evaluate potential partners and signal interest.

The etiquette conducted during dances was strictly observed as systems of courtship, not friendship.

Therefore, the modern revival of ballroom and swing cannot be read as a place separated from romantic tension, but rather as a continuation of social traditions that have always blended formality, attraction and community. Instead of assigning the influx of interest surrounding ballroom and swing dancing to gender politics, a more likely contribution is the flood of freshmen students eager to participate in campus life, supplied by the new and exciting feeling it brings to the first semester.

For many, the motivation behind participating lies in curiosity, an eagerness for fun or even the hope of meeting a potential partner in a respectful setting that facilitates connection and enjoyment — not ideology.

The article’s argument ultimately rests on the idea that traditional dances have be-

come a refuge from modern gender tension — a nostalgic return to structured, platonic interaction between men and women. Yet this interpretation mistakes cultural participation for ideological retreat. The increased attendance at swing and ballroom events stems not from rebellion against feminism or discomfort with modern social norms; it has arisen from students seeking connection, community and creativi-

ty within campus life. By framing dance as a response to a supposed “war of the sexes,” Treadwell reduces a vibrant, inclusive tradition to a symptom of division. In truth, these gatherings thrive because they invite people to share in something joyful, expressive and human — values that transcend politics and remind us that dance, at its best, brings people together, not apart.

AHN Grove City opens Cancer Institute

Emily Fox Editor-in-Chief

Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Grove City opened its doors to community members this past Monday to tour its recently renovated Cancer Institute.

The $4.4 million project increased the building’s square footage from 1,145 to 3,100 square feet and upgraded the treatment center’s facilities, designed to provide patients with a more private, comfortable and convenient experience, according to an AHN press release.

A $1 million donation from the Grove City Health Care Foundation helped fund the upgrades. The Buhl Regional Health Foundation also contributed $65,000 to help patients in Lawrence and Mercer counties by paying for lodging and travel expenses while undergoing treatment.

“The Grove City Health Care

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according to the February meeting’s resolution. Due to scheduling complications, the account was not shut down until July.

When the account was closed, it was discovered that none of the expected nearly $10,000 was in the account. Later investigation determined that a series of withdrawals had occurred between March and July, emptying the account entirely. FOL then dissolved, and on Oct. 9, its former president was charged.

“The first thing we have to do is make sure the patrons know the Friends of the Library was its own thing,” Ligo said.

Until February, FOL was a mostly self-governing organization responsible for its own finances. In reorganizing fundraising and finances to

VB continued from 11

senior day was an extra gift. The whole day was blessed, and I’m so proud of how far the team has come this season. But whether we won or lost, playing with that group of women is a gift in itself,” Costa said.

Hart said one of the things the team did really well in both games was “keeping the urgency to win even if we were up by a lot in a certain set.”

“We never held back or took our foot off the gas, which allowed us to keep the momentum the whole time, even after we lost the one set against Chatham,” Hart said.

“Our team has become so much scrappier throughout the season, and I think it really showed in both games. We are learning to abandon a perfectionist mindset and embrace the chaotic side of volleyball that allows us to make crazy and unexpected plays that earn points and give us a boost of momentum,” Costa added.

After hosting PAC rival Westminster this past Wednesday, the Wolverines will travel to Steubenville, Ohio Saturday to take on the Franciscan Barons.

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Join our team!

Foundation is proud to have played a key role in bringing this state-of-the-art cancer center to our community,” attorney Tim Bonner, the foundation’s chair, said in AHN’s release. “This investment reflects our commitment to ensuring that residents have access to the best possible health care services right here in Grove City.”

The renovation added two chemotherapy infusion bays to the facility, allowing AHN to administer chemo to eight patients at once. The new infusion bays were larger, so patients could bring a family member or friend with them while receiving treatment. The new third exam room at the institute seeks to reduce the time patients must wait for medical professionals to see them.

The new entrance will be closer to the parking lot, and the check-in area now has

secure the library from future theft, they accidentally opened themselves to this recent embezzlement.

The library changed multiple aspects of how it handles money, and the board elected new members, with only two holdovers from the previous board. The idea was to bring a fresh perspective and energy to the board.

“It doesn’t change our (financial) outlook dramatically,” Amon said. “Since the money was in its own separate bank account, we never factored it into our financial plans. ... Of course, we didn’t expect the money to not be there at all.”

The library will have to make up for what FOL would have raised, but that was not the bulk of the library’s funds previously. State money, which comes from the federal Department of Education, only contributed $38,000 this

more space for visitors and patients to wait before being directed to treatment rooms.

The institute can provide patients with infusion therapy, medical oncology, nutritional counseling, social service support and clinical cancer trials. The hospital expects to start welcoming patients to the institute on Nov. 3.

“The opening of the expanded Cancer Institute at AHN Grove City represents a major step forward in our ability to provide comprehensive and cutting-edge cancer care to the region,” David Bartlett, chair of the AHN Cancer Institute and president of the AHN Research Institute, said in the release. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Grove City Health Care Foundation and Buhl Regional Health Foundation, whose investments have made this vital resource a reality for our patients and their families.”

year, which, according to Ligo, does not cover even one employee’s salary.

Now, the goal is to reestablish trust in the community.

“We do know there’s a lot of concern about donating to the library,” Amon said.

The end-of-year donor letter will include answers to potential questions. Part of this will be to “make sure we have more programs and services we provide,” Ligo said. “The library is not just a place where you can get books — you can get computer help, a place for your kids to have a safe, free space to hang out.”

The library wants to be a community space, and assuring its continued presence will depend on how well it can deliver on that.

“We have plans for the future,” Ligo said. “The thing is that we need to have a future, and for that, we need the community.”

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pregame ceremony, celebrating a class that has played a pivotal role in the team’s recent success. Each player was recognized for her leadership, faith and influence on the culture of the program. Muñoz reflected on what makes this senior class special.

BUSINESS

continued from 1

However, Otteson argued that for there to be a “just and humane society,” the world needs a “properly functioning market economy.” He further stipulated that this economy could bring genuine value to the world by improving the lives of others through honorable business. Then Otteson transitioned to build the case that this genuine value is only made through cooperative behavior.

“People (falsely) think, sort of instinctively, that if you are successful, it will have to come at somebody else’s expense,” Otteson said.

Otteson also posed the two main ways people get things from others: taking and asking. Otteson then discussed that for much of history, from the pharaohs to the Romans, humans have chosen the “take” option.

“Conquer, usurp, take, steal,” Otteson said. “That’s what we (humans) do.”

However, Otteson pointed out that this approach only results in a “zero-sum transaction” that never creates new value. Moving around wealth does not create value, and in cases of war, it often results in negative value. Otteson revealed that this economic trend shifted after the 1800s.

Going from $3 earned a day to $56, humanity has never been richer than it is today, according to Otteson, who challenged the audience to guess what changed. After allowing students to try and puzzle through it themselves, he shared what he believed to

PROTESTS

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lives up to its ideals and the promise of liberty and justice for all, not for some,” Bailey said.

be the explanation behind this huge economic shift, or “Great Enrichment.”

“It’s not in institutions,” Otteson said. “It was a shift in morality.”

Per Otteson, people learned that it was only through moral, cooperative exchanges, where both individuals benefited, that true wealth and value could be brought into the market. Otteson then argued that it is this truth that is the basis for “honorable business.”

Otteson highlighted that businesspeople not only should reject extractive or taking practices, but they should also engage in genuine cooperation and treat people with the respect that is best for them.

“An honorable businessperson should always strive to behave honorably, no matter what, even when people around (them) are not doing it,” Otteson said.

“I think it’s important for students also to think about what the lines are: Think now, ‘what are the lines I will not cross, no matter what?’ And when you come up with a couple of those, don’t cross them.”

Otteson demonstrated that business, like any other degree or occupation, can be pursued, not merely for personal or material gain, but to bring “genuine value” into the world. However, understanding what role business can play in a Christian’s life is not something that can be summarized in one lecture.

“Use your unique time, talent and treasure to benefit not only yourself, but others,” Otteson said.

Blum said.

competition itself, but the people who made her four years unforgettable.

For more info about writing for Sports, email GallagherMR22@gcc.edu

“Our class will definitely leave a legacy in this program. Players like Natalie Giunta and Karly Keller will leave some holes on the field, but I have full confidence the underclassmen are ready to step up into those roles. Off the field our class, because it’s on a larger size, brings so many different personalities that each have their own unique gifts and roles on the team,” Muñoz said.

Muñoz also shared that what she’ll miss most isn’t the

“I will honestly miss my teammates the most about playing here. Coach Lamie thankfully went out and recruited some of my best friends and not seeing them and messing around with them every day will be a change. My role on this team has never circulated around my playing time or stats, but the Lord placed me on this team for a reason, and He knew I needed these people,” Muñoz said.

The Wolverines’ dominant win improved their record to 10-4-2 overall and 9-0-1 in PAC play, securing their position at the top of the conference standings. They will face Waynesburg University on Wednesday night with the No. 1 seed on the line.

This isn’t the movement’s first showing, as the October demonstrations follow the initial protests held on June 14, which sparked nationwide participation under the same name. According to the “No Kings” website, while June generated over 2,100 events across the country, this month’s recent activities brought about over 2,700 events in all 50 states, totaling over 7 million participants, making it one of the largest single-day demonstrations in U.S history.

In Mercer County, where, according to Best Neighborhood, 62.2% of voters supported the Trump administration in the latest election and 36.2% aligned with the Democratic Party, the region’s traditionally perceived conservative identity isn’t as drastic as many might assume.

“Protests like this allow local minority groups to be seen and recognized as a significant voice in the community,” College Democrats President Lin

Bailey also described the local movement as a source of encouragement, providing residents with an opportunity to connect with others who share their beliefs and visions for change.

According to protest supporters, the magnitude of these protests demonstrated the conviction that power belongs with the people. Protesters specifically reported that recent immigration raids, troop deployments and cuts to federal programs had largely stirred them onto the streets. These perceived threats to democracy motivated the movement, calling for democratic change.

“Every day there’s fresh outrage at Trump’s lawless actions. And it becomes more and more clear that his is a patrimonial administration, one that disregards the Constitution, judicial rulings, laws and policies in favor of a system of rewards and revenge, seeking to punish those who criticize him and reward those who help further his personal aims,” Bailey said. “We support the rule of law for everyone, up to the highest office in the land. We believe no one is above the law.

Sports

Volleyball victorious in senior day doubleheader

Natalie Hanna Staff Writer

Grove City College women’s volleyball team secured two wins at home during their trimatch with Chatham and Messiah on Oct. 25, bringing them to a record of 15-6 and a PAC record of 7-5.

Prior to the first match, the team honored seniors Bella Costa, Lila Stonehouse and Brooklyn Wirebaugh as part of their senior day celebration.

Grove City started off the day with a 25-19, 18-25, 25-22, 25-19 win over PAC South Division leader Chatham and followed the victory with another against Messiah, 25-9, 25-21, 25-15.

Junior Sarah Hart led the offensive drive in the opener with 11 kills, closely followed by classmates Kendra Klusch and Alayna Dorst, who added 10 kills each, and Lily Lagaras, who tallied eight. Also contributing to the offensive efforts were junior Sarah Harris, who chalked up 20 assists and Wirebaugh, who added 16. Freshman Lily Wojtala and Costa had four and one assists, respectively.

Wojtala led the defensive front by recording 16 digs, followed by Wirebaugh’s 12. Harris and Dorst each tallied 10 digs, while Klusch, Stonehouse and sophomore Lilly Pool supported the defense with six blocks at the net each. Costa and Harris each totaled two aces.

“We were connecting really well, especially setters with hitters, and were very unified on the court. I am so proud of how we played and hope we

“We are learning to abandon a perfectionist mindset and embrace the chaotic side of volleyball that allows us to make crazy and unexpected plays that earn points and give us a boost of momentum.”

will be able to continue this performance level through the rest of our season,” Hart said.

According to Costa, the team clicked well, which resulted in a confident and energetic atmosphere.

“Each girl did (her) job well while also adding (her) own unique touch to better every ball,” Costa said.

In the match against Messiah, Hart posted 15 kills, with Klusch contributing six and Lagaras and Dorst each recording another five. Sophomore Brooke Manfull tallied seven assists in addition to Harris’ 15 assists. Wojtala set

— Bella Costa

five assists and Dorst pitched in with one.

Manfull served a career-high five aces, with Costa and Dorst tallying two aces each. Dorst locked down the back row with 10 digs, and Wojtala also supported the defense with seven digs. Costa and Hart totaled five digs each.

Both the offensive and defensive lines stood strong and worked hard to battle against the competition, allowing the Wolverines to secure their second win of the day.

“Winning both games on

Senior Caleb Einolf recorded one relay and three individual wins at the

Strong individual performances lift Grove City against Ashland

Mia Gallagher Sports Editor

After opening their 20252026 programs with a 2-1 finish at their quad meet on Oct. 18, the Grove City College men’s and women’s swim and dive teams returned to action Oct. 25 against the Ashland Eagles.

Although the competition featured stellar performances from Wolverines across the board, the Eagles managed to edge out both squads to take the meet 154-137 on the men’s side and 169-131 on the women’s side.

Headlining the men’s performance was senior Caleb Einolf, whose one relay and three individual wins helped pace the Wolverines on the day. Individually, Einolf swept the 50 and 100 freestyle with times of 21.28 seconds and 47.05 seconds, respectively,

and added a 51.41-second victory in the 100 butterfly for the Wolverines as well.

Following Einolf was junior C.J. Mayhew, whose individual victories in the 500 free, 1000 free and 400 individual medley (IM) kept the Wolverines afloat amidst the fierce competition.

Juniors Owen Hancock and Bryce Pope added individual victories of their own to round out the Wolverines’ effort, securing the 100 backstroke and 200 breaststroke, respectively.

Senior Nathan Beukema joined Einolf, Hancock and Pope for the meet-opening 200-medley relay, which the Wolverines clinched with a victorious 1 minute, 33.94-second finish over the Eagles.

From the women’s competition, five Wolverines turn in first-place finishes to keep the team competitive against the Eagles.

Leading the charge was sophomore Hadleigh McNay, whose 1 minute, 9.85-second finish in the 100 and 2:33.42 mark in the 200 swept the breaststroke events for the Wolverines.

The team also swept the distance events as sophomore Freja Kile delivered an 11:25.87 win in the 1000 and freshman Abigail Vance produced a 5:35.66 victory in the 500.

Rounding the Wolverines’ first-place accolades were freshmen classmates Mary Anne Altman and Mollie Massella, who turned in victories in the 50 free and 200 butterfly, respectively. After a week off, the Wolverines will host the Saint Vincent Bearcats Nov. 7 to open both their home and PAC schedule. Action will begin at 6 p.m. from the James E. Longnecker Competition Pool.

Results

Football (5-2): W, Westminster (14-7)

Men’s Soccer (12-2-2): W, W&J (4-0)

Women’s Soccer (11-4-2): W, Waynesburg (4-0)

Women’s Volleyball (16-6): W, Westminster (3-2)

Men’s Swimming (2-2): L, Ashland (154-137)

Women’s Swimming (2-2): L, Ashland (169-131)

Upcoming

Football:

Nov. 1, 1 p.m. vs Saint Vincent

Men’s Soccer: Nov. 5, PAC Tournament Semifinals

Women’s Soccer: Nov. 5, PAC Tournament Semifinals

Women’s Volleyball: Nov. 1, 1 p.m. at Franciscan

Men’s Swimming: Nov. 7, 6 p.m. vs. Saint Vincent

Women’s Swimming: Nov. 7, 6 p.m. at Ashland

Men’s & Women’s XC: Nov. 1 at PAC Championship

Senior day shutout

Men’s soccer blanks W&J in home finale

Mia Gallagher Sports Editor

After securing the top seed in the PAC playoffs earlier in the week, the Grove City College men’s soccer team came away with a senior day shutout last Saturday, blanking the Washington & Jefferson Presidents in their regular-season home finale.

The Wolverines captured the coveted tournament top seed and first round bye with their 4-0 win against Saint Vincent on Oct. 22, granting them home field advantage throughout the playoff and confidence heading into their remaining regular season schedule.

This victory, which saw an impressive scoring burst in the second half from the Wolverines, featured standout performances from the team on both sides of the ball.

After a scoreless first half, senior midfielder Aidan Eck opened up the Wolverines’ offensive onslaught with his fourth goal of 2025, receiving an assist from classmate Camden Thomas to bury the ball at 66:37 in the match.

Junior classmates Colton Hudson and Theo Campbell produced the team’s second goal just five minutes later with Campbell assisting Hudson’s first goal of 2025. Less than 10 minutes later, freshman Cristian Garcia notched his first collegiate goal, scoring unassisted at 78:31 in the match to bring the Wolverines’ lead to 3-0.

Closing out Grove City’s offensive effort was freshman Judah Gray, who netted this insurance goal off an assist from senior Owen Zimmerman at 86:07 in the match.

Grove City maintained an edge in shots on goal (13-1) and total shots (25-20) over W&J. The Wolverines also tallied nine corner kicks while managing not to concede any to the Presidents.

Defensively, freshman goal-

“We know that if we are playing our best that we can win every game, so as we approach the tournament, the message is to not slow down and stay in stride.”

keeper Keller Krieger recorded only one save through the first 77:37 of the match to secure the shutout. Junior Anthony D’Ippolito relieved Krieger for the remaining 12:33 of the match.

Before the match, the team honored their eight seniors — Eck, Thomas, Zimmerman, Jayden Claycamp, Matt Herrmann, Matt Sampsell, Daniel Sharp and Cole Sonday — for their work and dedication to the program and its efforts.

“It was just a fun day to get to celebrate with my class and everyone playing together, and scoring goals is always fun,”

Eck said.

“I think the team has just continued to get so close, and

— Aidan Eck

my favorite memories will always be time spent with the team. Whether that is Hicks after training or the trip to Michigan, spending time with the team is always the highlight.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming conference tournament, Eck remains confident the Wolverines are ready to face any challenges the semifinals and finals matches may hold.

“We know that if we are playing our best that we can win every game, so as we approach the tournament, the message is to not slow down and stay in stride,” Eck said.

After closing out their regular second against Waynes-

Wolverines pummel the Presidents on senior day

Reagan Thomas Staff Writer

The Grove City College

women’s soccer team delivered a performance to remember last Saturday afternoon at Don Lyle Field, rallying to produce a 7-0 victory over the Washington & Jefferson Presidents in a dominant senior day shutout.

The win capped the Wolverines’ regular-season home schedule and extended their unbeaten streak in conference play. From the start, Grove City controlled every aspect of the game. Junior defender Meghan Tischler opened the scoring in the 13th minute, followed shortly by a long-awaited moment for senior Karly Keller, who notched her first goal of the season to make it 2-0.

“When I scored my first goal this year, my teammates told me that my mouth dropped,” Keller said with a laugh. “Which explains that I was shocked, which I was, but at the same time I wasn’t shocked. For about three weeks, I have had a couple of good shots in each game. The shots I took weren’t terrible — they were close. This year, I have found myself more in the front third of the field and shooting a lot

more than I normally would in past years; therefore, I started practicing that exact shot outside of practice time.”

That preparation paid off at the perfect time. Keller’s goal energized both the team and the crowd, and her celebration showed just how much it meant.

“I felt super loved by my teammates on the field and bench. I wanted to celebrate with all my teammates, no matter if they were on or off the field, because they have supported me and have been itching to see me score a goal,” Keller said.

Junior midfielder Tori Stevenson continued her strong 2025 scoring campaign with two goals —one in each half — which increases her total to 14 for the season and ties her for third in the PAC in both goals and points. Senior Anna Williams added another just before halftime to send the Wolverines into the break with a commanding 4-0 lead.

The second half was no different. Grove City’s offensive pressure didn’t slow, and their defensive line remained impenetrable. Freshman Lauren Muhanna added her name to the scoresheet before senior Hailey Muñoz scored her first goal of the season.

“It felt good to get a good

shot off. But it felt even better seeing how excited all of my teammates were for me. If that is the last goal I score in my career, I can at least hang my boots up with a smile on my face and a good memory,” Muñoz said.

The Wolverines outshot W&J 30-20 and held a 6-5 edge in corner kicks. Junior goalkeeper Maddie Mills and freshman Ella Lotz combined for six saves to record the team’s eighth consecutive shutout. The clean sheet was another testament to Grove City’s defensive organization and chemistry, something Keller said comes from years of trust and shared effort.

“The key to the back line’s success has been trust. I know that the back line has each other’s back, and we all trust each other to fulfill our roles well. This trust wasn’t built overnight — it has come with time and getting to know each other on and even off the field,” Keller said. “We have an amazing connection that, I believe, most other teams don’t have. We know each other so well to the point where we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”

Before kickoff, Grove City honored its 11 seniors with a