The Patriot - October 21, 2025

Letter From the Editor in Chief

Welcome to a new bi-term and another issue of The Patriot. I hope you all had a great first bi-term filled with new experiences, challenges and opportunities to grow. Thank you to everyone who contributed to The Patriot over the last two issues and helped bring our stories to life. Your hard work, creativity and dedication continue to make our publication stronger with each edition. I’m so proud of the progress we’ve made as a team and excited to see how we continue to grow throughout the year.

I hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing fall break, whether you went home or stayed on campus. I stayed here since my home is pretty far away, and it reminded me how important it is to look out for one another. For those who couldn’t go home, I hope you had a great long weekend surrounded by friends. College feels a lot more like home when we take care of each other.

Issue 3 is featuring two cultural articles. We’re bringing back My Culture, My Story with a feature on Moa Nyblom, a Swedish-Japanese swimmer who shares how both cultures have shaped who she is today. The other story highlights International Food Night, where UC students from around the world prepared dishes from their home countries. As an international student myself, it’s incredibly important to me to celebrate and share the many cultures represented on our campus. I highly encourage you to take the time to get to know someone from a different country. You get to learn so much from hearing their stories and experiences. I’ve made so many friends from around the world, and each one has taught me something new about life, culture, and connection.

As we move into the rest of the semester, I hope this issue reminds you to slow down, stay connected, and find joy in the little moments of campus life. Thank you for reading The Patriot and for being part of our community.

Lots of love,

Filippa Malmström Editor-In-Cheif

Staff

Editor- in- Chief Filippa Malmström

Managing Editor

Ally Kennedy

Staff Writers

Katrina Campbell

Jillian Cross

Sydney Dingus

Eli Dunn

Lily Fabela

Ximena Melendez Hernandez

Taylor Moren

Kasey Padgett

Sydney Taylor

Emily Zecchini

Staff Photographers

Faith Baker

Kurstyn Ison

Abigail McKamey

Faculty Advisor

Jeremiah Massengale

Campus Local

Financial Aid: FAFSA 2026–2027

UC

Divers

Make History with Conference Weekly Honors

University of the Cumberlands divers Aidan Crutchfield and Morgan Schraudner swept the MSC weekly honors, marking a first for the program. Crutchfield became the first male diver and Schraudner the second female diver to earn the award. Both had standout performances at the Centre Diving Invite. Freshman Crutchfield earned two NAIA national cuts, scoring 214.94 on the one-meter and 212.92 on the three-meter boards, the latter ranking second in program history. Schraudner also achieved a national cut with a 180.07 on the one-meter board and placed third on the three-meter with a 174.37, signaling a strong start for the Patriots’ diving team.

Cumberlands Awarded for Excellence in Counselor Education

The University of the Cumberlands’ Counselor Education and Supervision doctoral program received the Outstanding Doctoral Counselor Education Program Award from the Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES). This honor recognizes excellence in training future leaders in counseling, supervision, teaching, research, and leadership. The fully online, affordable program prepares students for impactful careers in mental health and education. The university will be formally recognized at the 2025 ACES Conference on October 11.

UC Announces Big Give Day

University of the Cumberlands has announced that this year’s Big Give Day will take place on November 4. One Big Give provides alumni, families, faculty, staff, and community members a convenient way to come together and support UC’s mission. The event aims to create positive outcomes for Appalachia and beyond through collective giving.

Fall Flavors Arrive at UC Coffee Spots

Coffee shops around campus are now offering seasonal fall flavors, including the popular pumpkin spice latte and more. Students can enjoy these festive drinks throughout the fall months to celebrate the season.

Students planning to attend college during the 2026–2027 academic year should submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. Applications are already open, and some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to get it in soon! To apply, you’ll need your Social Security number, 2024 tax returns, W-2s, and records of any untaxed income. You’ll also need a FSA ID to sign and submit the form online. Don’t forget to add University of the Cumberlands to your list of schools. Submitting early can reduce stress and increase your chances of getting aid.

For help, contact the Student Financial Center at studentfinancial@ucumberlands.edu.

Theatre Department Announces Auditions for

Spring Musical

‘She Loves Me’

3D Printing Store Opens in Downtown Williamsburg

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky — Downtown

Williamsburg welcomed a creative new addition Sept. 30 with the opening of Pixel Power 3D Prints, Gifts & Games. The locally owned shop offers a wide variety of 3D-printed products, from animals to fidget keychains and figurines. The store offers a diverse selection of gifts and accessories. Alongside its collection of printed items, the store features a dedicated gaming section where visitors can browse through games and consoles, with trade-in deals available. Pixel Power 3D Prints, Gifts & Games is located beside the Coffeeshop on Main, adding a modern twist to Williamsburg’s growing small business scene.

The UC theatre department has announced open call auditions for the upcoming spring musical, “She Loves Me,” which will take the stage February 12–14, 2026. Students interested in auditioning can sign up for a five-minute slot outside Room 100 in Grace Crum Rollins beginning Monday, October 20. Auditions will take place Tuesday, October 21, and participants are asked to arrive ten minutes early to complete an information card. Each audition will consist of singing 16 bars from a musical theatre song in the style of “She Loves Me” and performing a one-minute monologue. Memorized material is preferred, but cold readings will be available. Callbacks will be held Wednesday, October 22, at 7 p.m. and will include movement, choreography, and readings from the libretto.

The final cast list will be posted Thursday, October 23.

Zombie Paintball at Sally Gap Pumpkin Patch

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — The Sally Gap Pumpkin Patch in Williamsburg, Kentucky, is bringing fall excitement to the community this season. Located at 445 Louden Road, the farm features a variety of attractions including hayrides, a corn maze, a farm animal zoo, a pumpkin night walk and the opportunity to pick your own pumpkin.

Visitors can now experience the farm’s newest addition, Zombie Paintball, held on Friday and Saturday nights until 10 p.m. Whether it’s a relaxing afternoon with friends or a night of adventure, Sally Gap Pumpkin Patch provides an ideal fall getaway for students and local and residents alike. Its proximity to campus makes it a convenient destination for celebrating the season while enjoying traditional and unique fall activities.

The Hunt and The Harvest Launches Fall Menu

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — The Hunt and The Harvest has debuted its new fall menu, which launched Sept. 30 and will run through the fall months. The restaurant continues to see strong success heading into the season.

New featured entrées include Forest Floor Salmon, a pan-seared salmon served over melted leeks, roasted mushrooms and onions with a red wine demi-glace, topped with fried leeks. Also on the menu is Gnocchi Bolognese, made with Parisian gnocchi, a beef and bison bolognese, chilled house ricotta, shaved parmesan and basil black pepper oil.

Baptist Health Corbin Earns Awards

CORBIN, Ky. — Baptist Health Corbin has received the 2025 Stroke Gold Plus and Rural Stroke Gold awards from the American Heart Association, honoring its dedication to high-quality stroke care. The hospital was also named to the Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll for its commitment to providing advanced, evidence-based care to stroke patients with Type 2 diabetes.

These recognitions are part of the Get With the Guidelines®–Stroke program, which promotes consistent, research-driven care to improve outcomes and reduce stroke-related disability and death. Baptist Health Corbin’s stroke program includes 24/7 tele-stroke access, on-site neurovascular specialists and a team of certified providers working to ensure patients in rural Kentucky receive the same level of care as those in urban areas.

Culture My Culture, My Story

Navigating Heritage and Dreams Through the Water and

Beyond

BY: XIMENA MELENDEZ HERNANDEZ STAFF WRITER

From the calm suburbs of Rosersberg, just 30 minutes from the bustling heart of Stockholm, Sweden, comes Moa Sakura Nyblom, a swimmer whose dedication in and out of the pool has shaped her path across continents. “Where I live, it’s very calm,” Nyblom said. “But Stockholm itself is vibrant. It is full of great food, good public transport, and so many things to do.”

Moa fondly remembers Sweden’s early spring and summer days, when the city turns bright and lively. “I probably miss the sightseeing the most,” Nyblom said with a smile. “It’s so beautiful, and the food is always so fresh.”

Her journey to the United States began with a simple dream: to keep swimming while pursuing higher education. “I chose this university mainly because of swimming,” Nyblom said. “Cumberland’s stood out to me. The campus may look small, but once you’re here, it feels bigger and has a special charm.”

Although she first started as a Business Administration major, Nyblom soon realized her true calling was in psychology. “My brother is also a psychology major, and he really inspired me. Hearing his perspective made me realize that psychology was something I wanted to understand deeply,” Nyblom said.

Back home, education was always taken very seriously, but she found the U.S. system to be more flexible. “It has actually been easier than I thought,” Nyblom said. “In Sweden, school is stricter from a young age, so I used to feel more pressure there.”

Nyblom’s connection to swimming runs deep, practically a family tradition. “I started swimming when I was six, and now it’s been about 14 and a half years,” Nyblom said. “My brother and sister were swimmers, and later my dad became a coach, so it kind of became a family thing.”

That family-driven passion eventually led her across the Atlantic to join the university’s swim team, where she has already made her mark. One of her proudest memories was winning the 200-yard breaststroke at conference in spring 2025. “It meant a lot to me,” Nyblom said. “Being part of this team motivates me to keep going. Back home, I would’ve had to choose between swimming or studying, but here I get to do both.”

Coming from a multicultural background, Swedish and Japanese, Nyblom found the transition to a new country surprisingly smooth. “I’ve always been used to hearing English,” Nyblom said. “My parents speak mostly English to each other, and we started learning English in school around third grade, so it made adapting here much easier.”

While she admits she hasn’t maintained many cultural traditions abroad, connecting with other Swedish and Japanese athletes has helped her feel more at home. “Speaking with the Japanese athletes here has actually made me want to improve my Japanese again,” Nyblom said.

When asked what keeps her motivated, Nyblom´s answer reflects her mindset both as an

athlete and as a student: “Results and feedback. It’s always fun to see progress, but feedback is just as important. There’s never perfection, there’s always room for improvement.”

Looking ahead, Nyblom hopes to continue her education in the U.S. “After finishing my bachelor’s, I’d like to get my master’s here,” Nyblom said. “Eventually, I want to go back to Sweden and work as a school counselor, but first, maybe get my own house and build a foundation for my future.”

For Moa Sakura Nyblom, swimming has never just been a sport; it’s been a way to connect her roots, her goals and her growth across two worlds.

A Taste of the World Culture

UC’s International Food Night Brings Cultures

Together

BY: KASEY PADGETT STAFF WRITER

International Food Night, one of the University of the Cumberlands most anticipated annual events, brought students together on Oct. 9 to celebrate cultural diversity through a vibrant showcase of global cuisine. Launched eight years ago by a group of UC students, the event has grown steadily, becoming a campus favorite that fosters a sense of community among students from a wide range of backgrounds.

This year’s celebration featured food from 18 countries, from China to Liberia, and drew more than 200 attendees. The atmosphere was lively as students sampled international dishes, shared personal stories and learned about culinary traditions from around the world. The event not only showcased diverse cuisines but

also encouraged cultural exchange and conversation, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the significance of various dishes, share their personal stories, and bond over their love for food, creating lasting connections within the university community.

Eunice Evrard, representing Haiti, prepared her favorite traditional dish, which she remembers her mother making during childhood. The dish features a dried green leaf native to Haiti and only available in summer.

“It was difficult to find the leaves in the U.S., but I later stumbled upon a local store in Lexington that offered various ingredients for different cultures,” Evrard said.

The leaves, she explained, take about three hours to cook, with doneness determined by the aroma and color change from green to yellow. Once finished, seasoned proteins, such as crab, can be added.

Faith Ahlers, a UC student from Liberia, presented Jollof Rice, a dish typically served on special occasions. She compared it to the tradition of opening presents on Christmas Day. Many students commented on the dish’s bold spices, including cayenne pepper, which contributed to its status as a crowd favorite. “In Africa, Liberia is known as the ‘Pepper Coast,’ where spices were a primary import for travelers trading with locals,” Ahlers said.

Alicja Sedlak, representing Poland, shared her family’s tradition recipe for Pierogi dumplings, filled with potatoes, white cheese, and onions. “Everything is made from scratch,” Sedlak said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining authenticity in family recipes. “Sharing food is central to Polish hospitality; hosts make sure there is enough for everyone and often send guests home with leftovers.” Sedlak said she hoped to showcase the authentic flavors of Polish cuisine, contrasting them with nontraditional versions she’d heard other students describe.

While International Food Night celebrates culinary traditions, many international students face difficulties accessing kitchen facilities to prepare their dishes. To help, Campus Ministries connects students with local churches and UC residents who have access to kitchens, ensuring everyone can participate. Campus Ministries became involved when one of the founding students reached out for support in organizing this event. Since then, they have played a key role in planning and logistics. As a result, International Food Night has grown each year in both scale and diversity.

International Food Night continues to illustrate how food can bridge cultures and build community. By bringing together diverse culinary practices, International Food Night not only celebrates global traditions but the spirit of togetherness.

Campus Life

Sound, Soul and Sisterhood

The Brass Queens blend New Orleans soul with New York swagger.

BY: JILLIAN CROSS STAFF WRITER

The auditorium was buzzing before the first note hit. Then came the sound of horns: bright, bold and full of life. The Brass Queens had arrived. Their mix of New Orleans-style brass and New York energy filled the space with rhythm and soul. As the band began, their motto echoed: “where the Big Easy meets the Big Apple.”

The all-female brass band from New York performed at UC last week, bringing not just their music but their message: women belong in a field long dominated by men.

The roots of the Brass Queens’ sound can be traced back to the brass band traditions of New Orleans. Those bands, often seen in second-line parades and jazz funerals, blend African-based rhythms with European marching traditions. The music transforms grief into celebration, making the streets a stage for anyone to join. Over time, those outdoor processions evolved into indoor performances, inspiring generations of musicians. Nevertheless, one thing remained true: the bands were almost always led by men.

The members of the Brass Queens noticed that gap. “Why isn’t there a group that’s dedicated to showcasing the talents of female musicians that is also led by women?” Allie Chapel asked. That question became the spark that started the band.

What began as a larger collective eventually refined into their current lineup: Alex Harris (trumpet), Stephanie King (trumpet), Allie Chapel (alto saxophone), Minerva Johnson (trumpet), Stephanie Young (trombone), Heather Ewer (tuba) and Ashley Baier (drums). Together, they built a sound that honors tradition while adding their own New York edge.

Their influences include groups like the Soul Rebels and Rebirth Brass Band, who helped modernize the New Orleans brass sound by blending it with hip-hop and funk. The Brass Queens took those innovations and infused them with their own energy and inspiration. Their national tours carry the rhythms of New Orleans

forward, reshaped by the perspective and power of women leading the way.

The road to success, however, has not been an easy one. “Being an all-female band in a male-dominated field comes with struggle,” Allie Chapel said. “We have had to work 10 times harder than any male musician.”

They recalled being underestimated early on, struggling to get people to take them seriously. That attitude only fueled their determination. “Knowing that it was going to be a group of all women, we knew our own capabilities, and we knew the strengths of the musicians. But the other qualities were important, too. This group had so much more to offer than just musical skills,” said Alex Harris.

Over time, the band built its reputation in New York’s competitive music scene. They worked their way up from the bottom, building to where they are now. “New York is such a melting pot for music,” Chapel said. “And we are lucky to be a part of that mix.” That hard work has paid off. The Brass Queens have now released multiple singles and two albums, including their newest, “Hot Tub Sessions Vol. 1.” The record captures their signature blend of New Orleansstyle brass and New York flair, showcasing both their technical skill and their ability to bring joy and empowerment through sound.

Their visit to UC gave them a chance to connect with student musicians as well as perform. Before the concert, the Brass Queens led a workshop for UC music students, sharing advice and performing together. “We have had a great time with the students today,” said Harris. “They asked really insightful questions and played well.” That sense of mentorship and collaboration showcases the Brass Queens as a group. They see music as a way to build confidence, community and opportunities for women, and anyone else in the field, who might otherwise be discouraged from pursuing it.

The concert itself was a burst of energy from start to finish. The band encouraged audience participation, and the students did not hold back. There was clapping, singing, cheering

and even some dancing in the aisles. Faculty members later said it was the loudest they had ever heard the auditorium.

As someone who had never attended a performance like this, it was exciting to experience. The sound was upbeat and complex, the kind of music that grabs your attention and does not let go. What stood out most, though, was how the music brought everyone together. People of all ages filled the seats: students, professors, and community members. Each responding to the rhythm in their own way. Some were smiling, some were moving with the beat, but all were part of the same moment. New Orleans music has always had that effect; it inspires wherever it is found. Its blend of rhythm, spirit and celebration has a way of reaching people, no matter who they are or where they come from. The Brass Queens carry that tradition forward, spreading the same sense of connection and joy that has defined the genre for generations.

For anime fans, it had a similar energy to “Tank!” from Cowboy Bebop: a mix of jazz and funk that makes you want to move. That is precisely what made the music catch attention. By the end of the show, the band had done more than entertain. The Brass Queens had shown what it looks like when women take control of a tradition and make it their own. The Brass Queens have taken the sound of the Big Easy, carried it through the streets of the Big Apple and turned it into something that’s both classic and new.

The Brass Queens’ performance at UC was not just about music: it was about possibility. Their blend of tradition and innovation shows what can happen when artists refuse to be limited by expectation. With every note, they prove that jazz and brass are still living, growing art forms, open to anyone confident enough to make them their own. As the final chords echoed through the auditorium, the message was simple: the spirit of New Orleans is alive wherever people gather to make and share music. The Brass Queens are keeping that tradition moving forward, one song, and one audience, at a time.

Fall Festival Brings Art and Togetherness

Painting, Mugs and Treats Create a Cozy Celebration

BY: ELI DUNN STAFF WRITER

On Oct. 7 at 7 p.m., the Campus Activities Board hosted the Fall Festival at the Mid-BCC. This year’s event took a creative twist, focusing on painting, mugs and food. The Mid was packed with students showing up to enjoy the evening. Despite the threat of bad weather, the festival went on as planned and saw a strong turnout.

Painting was the highlight of the night.

Students lined up to choose wooden shapes to decorate, then settled at tables spread across the Mid to bring their design to life, “I just really love the community aspect of it all,” said sophomore Chandler Wilson. “Being able to paint while having friends close is something pretty cool.” Simultaneously, CAB handed out free mugs to attendees and served seasonal treats, including candy, apple cider and caramel apples. A photo booth also returned, giving students a chance to capture memories from the event.

Emily Couch, director of Student Activities, said she was pleasantly surprised by the turnout. “I assumed the weather might’ve caused a smaller turnout than this,” Couch said. She also added that she would like this to become an annual event, typically held outdoors as in previous years, like it has in the years prior, and have more activities like hayrides, cornhole, pumpkin painting and possibly even a petting zoo.

Lisa Bartram, executive director of Student activities, agreed. “I honestly can’t believe this many people showed up for this.” The number of students inside was so large that it almost became a workout, having to move through the crowd. Considering the limited time to move the event indoors, organizers did a good job making it a success.

This year’s event was also held earlier than usual. In past years, the festival typically took place in late October, but the timing gave students a chance to dive into the fall spirit early, proving that fall fun does not need a calendar. By moving the festival, the organizers jumpstarted the season with festive food and painting, setting

Sudoku

the tone for more exciting events to come. Overall, students appeared to enjoy the evening. The event is one that students across campus can look forward to and count on for some guaranteed fun. From painting to good food, CAB’s Fall Festival once again provided a welcome break from the semester’s stresses. It reflected CAB’s ongoing commitment to creating spaces where students can unwind, connect and celebrate campus life. Whether big or small, CAB’s events keep bringing students together and filling campus with energy, laughter and fun.

Entertainment

Moonbow Magic at Cumberland Falls

A Rare Night Rainbow Visible Under Perfect Moonlight

BY: KATRINA CAMPBELL STAFF WRITER

Cumberland Falls is home to one of the few Moonbows in the world, which makes for a unique late-night experience for Cumberland’s students. A moonbow, otherwise known as a Lunar Rainbow, occurs only under specific conditions. Opposed to a rainbow, moonbows emerge at night, when the moon is full and low in the sky. Moonbows require significant light, so while they are most prominent under a full moon, they can also be visible 2 days before or after a full moon, generally in 2-3 hour increments when moonlight is brightest.

Like a regular rainbow, water must also

be present. The light from the moon enters the raindrop or waterfall and bends. The light then reflects off the back of the drop of water and bends again as it exits and splits into colors. However, since the light from the moon is not as bright as the sun, moonbows are far dimmer than regular rainbows. In fact, the colors in a moonbow are so dim that the naked eye cannot perceive them; instead, the moonbow looks like a white or silver bow of light through the air. However, with the magic of long exposure, photography enables spectators to admire the beautiful colors of a rainbow, even the nighttime setting on iPhone cameras can photograph the scene.

Moonbows require a strict setting to shine, this phenomenon only occurs in a few places worldwide, and Cumberland students are lucky enough to be so close to this sight. Other places where a moonbow might occur are Waimea Canyon and Mount Waialeale in Hawaii, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia and Yosemite National Park in California. However, the moonbow is most predictably and frequently formed at Cumberland Falls, in Corbin, Kentucky. The occurrence takes place almost monthly, during each complete moon cycle. However, as previously mentioned, conditions must be just right for the moonbow to shine.

Some factors that easily impede the view of a moonbow include clouds, haze, fog, light pollution or strong wind. Therefore, it is

essential to monitor the weather if one hopes to visit the moonbow.

Plenty of Cumberland students have admired this unique attraction, including junior Georgia Smith, who has seen the Moonbow multiple times. Smith said, “Going to see the moonbow is an awesome experience that I recommend all students try at least once.” The attraction is a mere thirty minutes from campus, and many students carpool or visit as a group. While the park is a little busier on moonbow nights, the crowds come and go throughout the 2–3-hour visibility periods.

When asked if she had any tips for someone who has never seen the moonbow before, Smith replied, “Check the peak times for the moonbow, make sure the sky is clear before you go and adventure with friends - it is a great time and safer than going alone.” The Cumberland Falls State Park Facebook page has a calendar of the best times to see the moonbow, with the next visibility period being from November 3-7. To close, Smith encouraged students who went to the falls but did not see the moonbow to “Not give up.” She claims she has made many trips where the moonbow was not visible due to improper conditions, but “When you finally catch it on a good night, it makes all the other trips worth it.” After all, not all college students get to be so near to one of the world’s few moonbows.

Stress and Caffeine Boosts

The First Round of Finals Is Over, Here’s What to Remember

BY: EMILY ZECCCHINI STAFF WRITER

“I’m ready to get it over with,” said Caleb Musgrove, a sophomore at University of the Cumberlands, when asked how he feels about finals week. Students balance heavy workloads, limited sleep and pressure to finish strong as the term comes to an end.

Musgrove’s biggest stress is an eight-week course. “It’s mostly anxiety-induced study sessions,” Musgrove said. Maggie Kitzmiller, a senior, focuses on balancing final projects and exams. She relies on flashcards and sets goals to pace herself. “I like to make sure that I have set times for homework and studying and goals that I must reach during that delegated time,” Kitzmiller said.

Hannah Schadler, a junior, faces her own challenges. She strives to stay

motivated after what she said has been “relatively an easy term.” Schadler breaks tasks into manageable goals and studies in timely intervals. “Tasks feel a lot more achievable when you break them up into smaller goals,” Schadler said.

Among many students, sleep and mental health are important. However, during finals week, sleep schedules and mental health vary. Musgrove views finals as “just another week.” Kitzmiller said she sacrifices sleep and sees her mental health dip under the workload. Schadler said she tries to keep a normal schedule and planning with structure keeps stress manageable.

Campus resources and professors also play a factor in finals week. Kitzmiller praised her professors’ availability to help with problems, while

Schadler said constant feedback on projects and exams aided her in preparation.

When asked if they had any advice for finals week, Musgrove said, “Don’t wait until Sunday night.” Kitzmiller stressed the importance of sleep and preparation. Schadler recommended setting realistic, achievable goals.

As the first bi term ended last week, finals week is mixed with emotions like relief and exhaustion. Even though every student has a different outlook and approach on how to handle the end-of-term week, the challenges ultimately reinforce the students’ learning and persistence.