As the returning staff comes together for a new school year, we want to take this opportunity to announce a few changes. In addition to a slew of new members, we will be making a very pivotal leap forward. In lieu of our old publishing format of three issues a semester, our newspaper will become a biweekly publication. And starting in October, we will have a new, updated website for you to access new stories without having to wait for the next print edition.
Aside from the re-launch of our website, we hope to build our overall online presence through social media outlets such as
Facebook and Twitter and encourage you to become involved in our pages. If something important to you is happening, if someone is doing something that shouldn’t go unnoticed, if you just want to say that you liked an article: let us know. We love to highlight goingson around campus. We love feedback, too. All these changes are coming to you with hopes of providing a better, timelier reading experience; giving you more of the information that you want and getting it to you faster. That means new features, sports stories, photos, and everything else you love about The Patriot twice as often as before. Also, as you may have noticed, we have returned to the
tabloid-size newspaper in order to give the paper more of an easy to read, modern, magazine-like feel for you, our readers.
Don’t forget, we’re always offering community services hours for students who may want to participate in the paper but don’t have the necessary time to devote to grueling biweekly deadlines.
The executive staff, as well as every other member of The Patriot, take great pride in the work we do. Our goal is to help you feel the same. We hope that you will look forward to and enjoy these new changes as much as we are. Here’s to a safe, healthy and great school year to us all.
Sincerely,
The Editors.
Christin Miller, Editor-in-Chief
Natasha Jones, Assistant Editor
Timothy
Wyatt, Assistant Editor
Tuning into the Tenth
“We are an alternative to your typical one genre radio station.”
KRISTINA SMITH
Staff Writer
The walls at the University of the Cumberlands’campus radio station, WCCR, speak for themselves, and they have a lot to say.
Decorated with newspaper clippings, photographs of various musical geniuses and random tid-bits of deejay-friendly information, the walls at WCCR speak volumes of the activities that have been taking place over the past nine years.
Now WCCR is beginning to play its way into its tenth year on the air and station manager Dr. Keith Semmel looks to add to the collection of wall memorabilia.
However, getting WCCR to look and sound the way it does now took a great deal of patience and effort from all those involved.
“When I was hired here back in the fall of 1990 the academic dean of the time was a fellow by the name of Dr. Joe Early,” Semmel explains. “Dr. Early wanted to see the Communication Department grow because at
that time it was part of the English Department. So, part of his long-range plan was to see a campus radio station.”
After branching out the Communication Department, Semmel received his chance in 2002 to bring Dr. Early’s dream to life and filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission to start a radio station.
“For a longest time we didn’t hear anything back and I thought it was just kindly dead in the water – that it had been lost in the Washington bureaucracy,” says Semmel.
But the FCC eventually sent its letter of blessings and after a year and half of construction, Semmel was able to sign onto WCCR for the first time in the summer of 2004.
Initially, empty shelves plagued the station due to the lack of CD selection.
“Our student deejays would pick the longest songs to play, like ‘Stairway to
Heaven,’over and over again because they simply didn’t have anything else to play,” Semmel says while laughing at the station’s initial misfortune.
Today, however, student deejays such as Timothy Wyatt have a far-reaching variety of CDs to pull songs from.
“I try to play everything on my radio show because I really do love every type of music. I know people throw around the word ‘eclectic’a lot, but that really is my taste of music and my kind of show,” says Wyatt.
This variety of music is what Semmel believes really makes WCCR stand out on the airwaves. Listeners can hear any type of music on any given day.
“That drives some people crazy I suppose, but we are an alternative to your typical one genre radio station,” says Dr. Semmel.
In addition to being able to hear to an assortment of music, listeners can also tune in online to listen outside of the stations ten mile
broadcasting area. Semmel considers the day that WCCR began streaming online to be a breakthrough moment for the station. Semmel reports that listeners from England, France and Norway (just to name a few) have signed online to listen to WCCR.
Needless to say, Semmel has witnessed many changes throughout WCCR’s broadcasting history and still expects more good things to come. With its tenth year now in progress, Semmel would like to see WCCR stream live seven days a week with special live coverage over various campus and community events. He also hopes to see scholarships come available for student deejays so that even more students can go on-air.
“The station will look different in the spring semester than it looks right now,” promises Semmel.
Photo by Kristina Smith
Timothy Wyatt hosts The Intermission on WCCR 94.5 FM.
The Wildwood Theatre grows in Williamsburg
UC graduate Rebecca Partin launches community theatre
BY BRANDY NORMAN Staff Writer
Graduating from college can be very intimidating and downright scary for students at times. Finding a job can be a struggle these days, much less finding the one you've always dreamed of. However, for Rebecca Partin, a recent UC graduate, her dreams came full circle this summer when she launched The Wildwood Theatre, a community theatre in Williamsburg, Ky.
While at UC, Partin was a busy bee when it came to the theatre department. She was involved in a variety of different productions including “The Tempest,” “AChristmas Carol,” “My Fair Lady,” “Our Town,” “Into the Woods,” and “Proof.” She was also a part of the backstage crew and ran the spotlight for “Hello, Dolly!” as well as running the light board for “The Fantasticks.” She also participated in two UC productions while still attending high school which Partin believes helped her in her theatre career.
“That’s probably what sparked my interest in theatre to begin with. So, I’m really glad the theatre department at UC allows community involvement,” said Partin.
She was also a participant in several semesters of Stagefest, a student-led drama showcase. In that, she directed “Don’t Fear the Reaper.” She was also involved with Alpha Psi Omega, which is the theatre honor society where she served as vice president and president throughout her years. I know what you’re thinking, how did she manage to do all of those things? There’s a simple answer, she made time for the thing she loved to do most and in return, has made
a career out of it.
Partin graduated in 2012 with a bachelor’s in theatre arts and a minor in communication arts. Now, at a very young age, she has recently opened up a community theatre called The Wildwood Theatre, which finished its first production in late July, “The Shaking Tree.” This original play was directed by Partin and written by another UC graduate, Lucas Waters.
“I decided to do this because I really loved being a part of the theatre department at UC, but after graduating, I realized there weren't really any opportunities to be involved in anything theatrical in this area. I've half-jokingly said before that once I got my theatre degree, there weren't any theatre jobs in the area, so I had to create my own,” Partin said while laughing.
Partin stresses how much she wanted to create something that would give a chance for people in the Williamsburg community to participate in productions and how she wants it to keep growing.
“So far, we've had a really good response. Alot of people have approached me about wanting to be involved, and since our last show, interest has only seemed to have grown. I'm really excited about seeing the theatre keep growing,” said Partin.
It’s no secret that Partin was essential to the theatre program while at UC, as her hard work ethic and talent is evident just through the drive she has shown by launching her own theatre. Dr. Kim Miller, associate professor of theatre at UC, seems to agree with that
as well.
“Rebecca was great to work with in production. When she was cast in our shows, she intelligently developed her character, whether it was a supporting or main character. And Rebecca was reliable. She took time to get to know her fellow cast members, and I could always sense that they trusted each other on stage and off,” said Miller.
Miller also mentions that the qualities Partin holds are excellent for running a theatre and that she never refused to take on a challenge no matter how difficult it might have been. This says a lot about Partin, as creative work comes with a lot of challenges. It’s no wonder that someone so driven and versatile is running a community theatre on her own.
When asking Miller what she thought about The Wildwood Theatre and their first production she was very eager to respond.
“I was there opening night! It was exciting and I thought the entire cast and crew did a great job on their opening show. It takes a lot of time, planning, coordination, and just sheer nerve and sweat, to get something like this started. It was an excellent beginning. Wildwood is creating its foundation right now, and I'm very excited to see how it grows,” said Miller.
The Wildwood Theatre currently doesn’t have a permanent home. Although they are looking for one, right now Partin is renting performance space wherever she can find it. Partin emphasizes that she has a lot of big dreams and plans for the future. For one, she
would love to have her own permanent building for performances. She is also excited to produce several other shows as soon as she has the finances and resources. She says all of this while reminding herself to take baby steps.
“I would like to think this could be something I'll do forever! However, I also hope that as it continues to grow, it will generate enough interest that someday, I can pass it on to someone else as passionate about it as I am. Part of what I want for this program is an opportunity for people to get involved with all aspects of theatre,” said Partin. “Ever since I got my first taste of theatre, though, I haven't been able to distance myself from it too much. It's absolutely my passion, and I don't think I could go very long at all without being drawn right back in.”
Partin also mentions that if someone qualified wants to direct a show, that she wouldn’t mind stepping aside and giving them the opportunity to do so. She just always wants to be involved in the theatre in some way, as passion is something you cannot control.
It’s clear that Partin’s motives for her theatre are very selfless. Although she enjoys being surrounded by what she loves, her main goal is to help performers within such a small area come together and have a collective experience. The goal of a community theatre is to bring people together and Partin is doing just that all while chasing her dreams.
BY CASEY HAMM UC Alumnus
Astudent at Cumberlands once told me, “Casey, you’re different from most Americans. Most Americans don’t talk to us, or spend time with us, but you are always saying ‘hello’and taking the time to hang out with us. I’m glad you do that.”
Who is the “us” in that sentence? Who was she referring to? They are the international student population at University of the Cumberlands. They consist of roughly eight to ten percent of the total number of students living on campus. They play a large role in almost everything that happens at Cumberlands, from athletics to multimedia to even serving in the cafeteria. If these international students are so important to the campus, why do they sometimes feel rejected and forgotten?
The answer to that question is fairly simple, yet still quite complex. While the international student population is one of the most largely isolated groups on campus, they are not the only ones.
Whoever doesn’t fit into the perfect little box you have of desired friendship can immediately get written off, never to be talked to or even acknowledged again. Because… life is supposed to be easy, right? We’re just supposed to spend time with whoever is most like us and easiest to get along with so that we can be happy. Isn’t that how it’s supposed to work?
The reality is, that’s not how it’s supposed to work.
That’s how feuds and animosity build up between different people groups. That’s how we continue to fuel and recreate a culture of segregation, discrimination, prejudice, intol-
Dear Freshmen...
BY KELLY ALLEN Patriot Alumna
erance, and ultimately ignorance. The definition of ignorance is literally just “lacking in knowledge or information about a particular subject.” When we always spend time with the people we like the most and the people that it’s easiest for us to hang out with, we continue to incite and sustain that lack of knowledge or information about people different from us.
We climb into our little boxes and hide from the rest of the world, only to let our egos and self-centeredness fill our heads with hot air until we can’t even get out of the box because we’re jammed inside of it. But, in the words of Kid President, “You’re gooder’n that!” (Translation: “You’re better than that!”)
So what can we do? It’s a new day. It’s a new year. Whether you’re a brand new, freshman or a fifth year (know everybody on campus and their momma, had every single professor twice, thinking about staying one more year just because you like the people) senior, you can make a change in the way you live your life this year.
There are so many more amazing people out there than the five or ten that you hang out with every day. As I alluded to earlier, a great place to start building new relationships is among the international student population. It might be hard at first. Just give it time and you might find one of the most unexpected, long-lasting friendships of your life. You can decide whether you stay jammed down in your little box of inexperience, or let some of that hot air out so you can climb out into the world of new friends and new possibilities. I pray you choose the latter.
Dear Freshmen,
I know that college seems a long time to be in school and in reality four years is a long time, but think about how short four years is too. That is not even a decade; heck, it’s not five years. It’s four years to figure out what you are going to do with the rest of your life. The decision that you make right now will mean everything down the road. Don’t rush your decisions just because you want to get out sooner. Think about every step that you take down your road to success. They could mean the difference between loving your work and hating what you do.
Don’t be afraid to fail. Failing is a natural part of life and people do it all the time. There is this idea that failing is bad. Some of the greatest people in history failed. If you are like me, then failing has never been an option. It became a reality in college. I promise it’s not a bad thing. Don’t come to college and think that you are going to be so great and never fail a single assignment. It happens to everyone. Failing is also good for you.
I know that sounds crazy, but it can be if
you do it in the right way. Failing shows you your mistakes and then how to fix them. Don’t be defensive if a teacher doesn’t like your work. Ask them why they don’t and how to make it better. College is supposed to be a growing experience and failure is a part of growth.
Coming to college and thinking that you know everything will make your college experience miserable. Have fun. Learn. Grow. Appreciate the experience while it lasts. Remember, when else in your life are you going to live within walking distance of your best friends?
Sincerely,
Kelly
Class of 2013
BY ALEX WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Dear Freshmen,
Congratulations on deciding to come to UC. It’s a very, very large step, but the fact that you decided to take it is amazing. I’ll be blunt; the next few years will be tough. You will experience stress like you have never felt before. You will feel more tired and drowsy than you have in your entire life. You will be exhausted at times. However, these will be the best years of your life.
Use these next four or five years not only to earn your degree, but also to learn about who you are. College is completely different from high school or anything that you have experienced. The amount of freedom you are given alongside the plethora of friends you can see at nearly anytime is truly a sight to behold. However, the secret to being a successful college student is to counterbalance that freedom with responsibility.
Responsibilities aside, use this time to explore and have fun. Do stupid things with friends every once in a while. Walk to the park and swing on the swing sets. This may
Dear Freshmen...
be one of the only times in your life that you are able to do this. At this moment, you are halfway through the door between your teenage years and your responsible adult years. Use this time to your advantage and don’t let it slip through your fingers. Four years isn’t a very long time.
Use this beautiful time of your life and take advantage of it. True, there are more responsibilities and stresses, but have fun while doing it. I’ve seen way too many people who go through college, ignore friends and end up being miserable.
If you take one thing out of this letter, remember this: these are your years so take advantage of them. I hope that you have as good a time as I have.
Stay classy, Alex
BY JANNICA BRADY Staff Writer
Dear Freshmen,
The transition from high school to college is a scary time for all students and the moment that all parents dread. For the first time in our 18 years of life we are moving out and finally trying to make it on our own. We become responsible for our actions and our mommas, daddies and teachers are no longer there to tell us what we need to do. There are hundreds of things that I could tell you about college, but I have narrowed the list down to the top four things that you need to know.
Good luck!
1.Domino’s delivers:
For those nights when it’s cold and raining or once again the caf food is not looking too good, remember Domino’s delivers. Trust me, you will quickly memorize the numbers of all the local restaurants that deliver to campus.
2.Do yourown laundry:
The first few weeks your mom won’t mind that you brought all your dirty clothes home to wash, but after a while she is going to teach you how to use the washing machine and the dryer. Those handy little washing machines and dryers located in the basement of the dorms, they will not bite you, so head on down there and let them do their magic. Plus it’s free.
3.Study:
I know this seems kind of obvious, but seriously studying in high school and studying in college are two completely different things. If you are anything like myself you didn’t have to study much (or at all) in high school to get straight A’s, but sadly that does
not transfer over to college. Your professors are going to expect a lot more from you on tests and papers. In order to meet their expectations you are going to have to crack open those expensive textbooks and start reading. The first semester is always the hardest, but you will get the hang of it eventually.
4.Enjoy it, it goes by way to fast:
These next four years are going to be the best years of your life, and sadly they go by way too fast. One day you’re walking across campus heading to your first class, and then without ever really noticing, the next day you are heading into the Rollins Center wearing your graduation cap and gown. As I mentioned earlier you need to study, but you also need to spend time with your friends. You really only have four years with these people, then you each are going to go your own direction and begin your lives.
Sincerely, Jannica
Patriot Party
Photos by Whitley West
Paint Fest
Photos by Karleen Fletcher and Jillian Carpenter
Photo by Whitley West
Paris crosses Oceans
“Some are called to sow, others water, and others to reap, but we are rarely called to all three.”
BY ABBEY CHERRY
Staff Writer
The biblical story of Peter is one that has been told time and time again. This story is told to children in church from the time they are old enough to walk; but this story is founded in the idea of desperate faith. The Christian band Hillsong United, recently released, “Oceans” which paints the picture of this kind of faith.
It would be this song and that desperate act of faith that would lead University of the Cumberlands senior Julie Paris to the Acts1:8 summer mission team, which traveled to Athens, Greece.
Acts 1:8 states, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Paris says, “This experience truly lives out that verse. You are His witnesses in your Jerusalem, or Kentucky, and will be a witness to the ends of the earth, which for us was Athens, Greece.”
“Oceans” opening line reads, “You call me out upon the waters/The great unknown where feet may fail/And there I find You in
the mystery/In oceans deep/My faith will stand.” For Paris, she was confident in God calling her to Acts1:8. Through prayer and steps of obedient faith, God continually was opening doors that led her to this team.
Overseas missions were nothing new for Paris, as her family is actively involved in missions to Uganda, Africa. Despite having been overseas prior to this experience, she was still jumping into the unknown as the mission field of Uganda is completely different from that of Athens, Greece.
She explains, “In Africa, there is definitely a need. Their need stems from literally not having anything. They have a sense of needing a Savior. The places I served this summer don’t feel hopeless. They are content in their lives and with what they have. Having to teach someone that they need something is a lot harder than giving someone what they need.”
Paris admits that her biggest struggle lay simply in the language barrier, but she recognized that God called her for a specific purpose.
“Some are called to sow, others water,
and others to reap, but we are rarely called to all three. This is where my faith came in. I must trust that He will take care of the seed because He is the ultimate gardener and disciple,” she says with an emphasis. “He is always in control, never us, no matter how much we want to be.”
Despite the language barrier and the discouragement that comes along with it, Paris anchored herself to God and His promise to never fail us. This promise surfaced itself over the course of her entire Acts1:8 experience.
She spoke of the eight-hour flight from Philadelphia to Zurich, which landed her in a position to speak to a lady on the plane about what a relationship with Christ is really about. Paris says, “The Lord led it every step of the way and I praise God for that seed that was planted. I will continue to pray for God’s provision over the rest of her spiritual growth.”
Paris later went on to talk about a 4-yearold girl from Nepal who would come to the sports camps and simply play with chalk. Paris reminisced about the girl knowing little
English but being able to see the girl’s face light up with something as simple as drawing in chalk or swinging. It wasn’t the chalk or the swing that impacted Paris the most, but rather planting the seed of Christ by singing, “Jesus Loves Me” to a sleepy little girl. With joy she states, “That was the work of God and I will forever by grateful and prayerful for that little girl.”
The chorus of Hillsong United’s “Oceans” echoes, “Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders/Let me walk upon the waters/Wherever You would call me/ Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander/And my faith will be made stronger/In the presence of my Savior.”
These words became more than a song for Paris over the course of her time with Acts1:8; they became her prayer. It was her desire to have a faith that was desperately dependant on God, and a faith that would allow her go to the deepest depths with Him in confidence that He would take care of His child.
Photo Submitted.
Answering the Call : Missions in Admissions
This summer, employees of our very own admissions office at the University of the Cumberlands got the opportunity to do God’s work in Kenya.
Amanda Walton, an admissions counselor, and Jordyne Gunthert, the admissions social media coordinator, went on what Walton described as a “Vision Trip” to serve and experience the community in the sovereign state of East Africa.
The pair went to witness how 127 Worldwide was working with other local organizations. 127 Worldwide is an organization whose mission is to connect people to the needs of orphans and widows around the globe through education, advocacy and sponsorship. Their first week was spent working with the Tuimaini: Miles of Smiles Children’s Home in western rural Kenya, where 127 Worldwide is a large contributor.
This was actually not Walton’s first mission trip to the sovereign state; this was her sixth time, and Walton actually lived near the Children’s home for half of 2010 and half of 2011. Working near a place she had called home before left Walton feeling very humbled.
Walton said, “It was like going back home. Arriving on site, seeing the finished library, that we had been collecting books for over the past few years, and then knowing it was our responsibility to fill it was very fulfilling.”
While there they helped contribute to sponsorships by creating profiles of some of the children, cataloging the library, helping with local church services and, just in general, loving the community and those around them. The two were very moved by the vibe of those around them during their time there.
Gunthert said, “They treat things and people differently. The sense of community is constant. Culturally they have another
“Every eye closed and every hand raised; it was like they were just exposing their souls to God.”
view of time. They think nothing of sitting and spending an hour and pouring into people.”
The second week they worked in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, an atmosphere much different than the rural area they spent the week before, with Kibera being much more crowded. They worked with the Swahiba Youth Network, a Christian youth organization whose main objective is to reach out to young people with the message of Gospel using evangelism, discipleship, mentorship and empowerment. The organization is an umbrella network that oversees three different groups: First Priority Kenya, the Jitambue Club and The Mentor and Empowerment program, also known as MEP organization.
MEPworks with young widows and young women; they teach them trades and connect them to successful women in those industries to help get jobs outside of the slums. They got to see those workshops and also go out into the high schools and witness the Jitambue Club, a purity project, speak to young women.
Walton said, “Working in the slums aside empowering women, who are learning the importance of purity and how God sees them no matter what they've been through and how he can redeem their story, and spending that time with the ladies there was really awesome.”
When asked what her favorite part of the trip was, Gunthert said, “There was one particular worship service that was incredibly moving. First of all, these kids are aged 5-14, and they participate in worship in a way that I've never seen before. Every eye closed and every hand raised; it was like they were just exposing their souls to God, 'all-in' for Him. Despite the distraction of the crashing thunder and rain on the tin roof of the children's home that night, they were focused
BY NATASHA JONES Assistant Editor
in their praise and dedicated in their thankfulness. It was beautiful.”
You can visit the website 127 Worldwide to learn more about the organization and learn how to donate. Gunthert also wrote a blog post on for the site about her calling for the mission trip before embarking on the journey, titled “The importance of willingness” which can be read at http://127worldwide.org/category/blog/.
Walton and Gunthert agreed that they strongly encourage anyone and everybody to go to a third world country to be reminded that being a Christian is something outside of our race or culture. The counselors got to see parts of Christianity shine through and surpass culture by worshiping with an established Christian organization that was run by Kenyans.
To hear more about their journey, mark your calendars for Monday, October 7th at 7 p.m. because the duo will be in the Gatliff Chapel sharing about their time spent in Kenya as part of an academic and cultural convocation opportunity that you definitely don’t want to miss.
Photo submitted
Jordyne Gunthert.
Photo submitted
Amanda Walton.
Faith & Ministry
Summer Help
By Kristina Smith Staff Writer
He greets me with a smile that matches the warmth of the summer heat outside.
“Hello! Come in and have a seat,” his voice bellows with such a level of excitement that I’m almost certain even the windows slightly rattled in response.
Sitting in front of me is Marc Hensley, the director of the University of the Cumberlands’Mountain Outreach program. However, we’re not alone.
“This is Dirk and Jeremy Bertha and assistant director Jonathan Bowman,” says Hensley while pointing to his left. After a round of handshakes, Hensley quickly chimes in, “How can we help you?”
Help. Help appears to be continuously flowing from the Mountain Outreach team even during the summer months when most students have left campus. With the assistance of approximately 600 volunteers this summer’s team was able to provide help to many who were in need. They completed 34 projects which varied from splashing a new
coat of exterior paint onto weather-beaten homes to raising walls in order to construct two nearly 1,200 square-foot homes.
“Dirk and Jeremy were actually recipients of one of the homes we built,” Hensley says. “They got to build their own house.”
To this the brothers only let out the slightest chuckle and their demeanor expresses more gratitude than pride.
“This home has definitely changed our future. It has helped our family a lot, and hopefully I’ll have a summer job again next year if Marc will have me back,” Dirk, a junior majoring in education at UC, quickly explains.
But for Jeremy, a UC senior studying business and health, this summer with Mountain Outreach is about more than just receiving a home – it’s about developing new friendships.
“I was working with strangers but I gained comfort from learning that people around me held the same beliefs. I was able
to grow more spiritually,” says Jeremy.
Both brothers acknowledged that Mountain Outreach provided them with an opportunity to spend bonding time with people of the same faith even when they weren’t working on a project.
“That’s one of the great things about what we get to do,” interjected Hensley. “This summer we were having a good time and helping people without doing anything that could be considered wrong.”
Of course Hensley is enthusiastic about people of any skill level joining in on the fun.
“Applications for our summer team are available in the spring. At the beginning of the summer we hold our summer orientation where we make sure we equip our volunteers with the skills and experience necessary to complete projects,” Hensley says.
Still yet, despite all of their pre-summer preparation, Hensley and the rest of the Mountain Outreach team were forced to reevaluate the plans they had drawn more
than once. Dealing with what Hensley labeled as “one of the wettest summers in recent years” oftentimes threw a wrench into project logistics.
“Rain sometimes forced us to be late in getting a foundation laid and a frame up,” says Hensley. “Our volunteers were told to be prepared to do any type of work because we often had to change our plans for the day.” But Mountain Outreach doesn’t just lock up the tools and throw away the key at the first sign of difficulty.
“Blessed are the flexible for they cannot break,” Hensley recites with strong determination and an index finger pointing towards the heavens.
With frequent phone calls and walk-ins requesting for Mountain Outreach’s help the work is never done. Summer’s door is closing but Hensley is already drawing up blueprints for the fall semester.
The help is ever-flowing.
Photo by Kristina Smith
Marc Hensley, Dirk & Jeremy Bertha, and Johnathan Bowman of Mountain Outreach.
BY EMILY HEMPHILL Staff Writer
Fiction: “Perelandra” by C. S. Lewis
The Best Books I Read This Summer
Everyone knows about C. S. Lewis’ “Chronicles of Narnia,” but not many people are aware that he wrote a sci-fi series for adults as well. Although “The Space Trilogy” has a very different tone than the “Narnia” books, Lewis’common themes of redemption and the inclusion of other biblical ideas are present. “Perelandra” is the middle book of this trilogy, and at its heart it is a retelling of the Fall of Adam and Eve. The catch is, this story takes place on the planet Venus, and a man from Earth has been sent to verbally spar with the Devil as he tries to persuade Eve to bite into the proverbial apple. This added dynamic and Lewis’imaginative description
of Venus as an ocean world full of floating islands keep this story from becoming a strict retelling. This book is for anyone who is a fan of C. S. Lewis’writing, enjoys fiction that makes them think, or likes to read science fiction that has a deeper purpose.
Nonfiction: “The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert” by Rosaria Champagne
Butterfield
If you are looking for a challenging read, here it is. “Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert“ is the amazing story of Rosaria Butterfield and how God saved her through a “train wreck” of a conversion. Once upon a time, Rosaria was a tenured English professor at Syracuse University, and a committed les-
bian. The faculty advisor for every LGBTand liberal feminist group on campus, Rosaria began to study the Bible from an academic standpoint as a literary work. Around the same time, she began meeting with a pastor who managed not to scare away this woman who hosted LGBTgatherings in her home where she and her friends made fun of Christians.
Through the incredible witnessing of this pastor and his wife, Rosaria broke up with her girlfriend and became a Christian, delivering a speech at Syracuse that alienated everyone she knew there. She went on to teach at Geneva College, where she met the man who became her pastor and husband.
PhD Comics
Together they have had 10 years of incredible ministry, adopted children, and provided foster care for many more. Rosaria uses her education to give her children the best education she can through homeschooling. Story after story in this book will wrench at your heart –I laughed and cried more than once through this 150 pages.
I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone. If you like conversion stories, if you love to see how God works, if you want your faith to be challenged and your apathy dissolved, this is the book to read.
BY MATTHEW WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Top Five Performances of Bonnaroo 2013
The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival is one of the most anticipated and successful summer festivals of this day and age. In fact, only California’s Coachella and the legendary 1969 Woodstock Festival can compare to the size, to the attendance rate, and to the extreme devotion that its fans have.
Bonnaroo continues to amaze year after year with its perfect tanning weather, the friendliest hippies on this side of the Mississippi, and an extremely varied selection of music that never stops going from the time the gates open on Wednesday evening, until they close when the last note echoes throughout the 700-acre farm on Sunday night.
Hundreds of legendary bands have played the farm throughout its eleven-year existence, playing even more legendary shows, such as the Police’s 2007 show that accompanied their short-lived reunion tour, Phish’s infamous four-hour 2012 set, or, of course, the Beastie Boys’2009 show, which was the last time the late Adam “MCA” Yauch performed on stage before his death. Every year, a legend takes the stage, and 2013 was no different. Here are my top five performances of Bonnaroo 2013.
5.
Of Monsters & Men
It seemed like this Icelandic indie folk band’s set was a long-time coming. Despite only having one incredibly catchy album, the fans erupted into dance throughout the entire
set, yelling “HEY!” along with “Little Talks” and harmonizing each “ooh” and “ah” perfectly.
With several singles on the pop stations, no one can deny the impact Of Monsters & Men have had on the music world within the last couple of years, and the fact that they were able to play the second-biggest stage during their first visit to Bonnaroo is impressive, but no one seems to be questioning it. They’re too busy singing along.
4. The National
The National has always been a pretty unique band, with Radiohead-like backing music accompanied by deep vocals that could remind a listener of Crash Test Dummies before the other indie and alternative bands that the National is always billed next to. Their pre-headlining show warmed the crowd up to Tom Petty later in the evening, but nobody was there as a chore. New singles “Don’t Swallow the Cap” and “Sea of Love” enveloped the crowds, wrapping them up in the depressingly relatable lyrics of simple life and love, but the high point of the set was definitely when St. Vincent’s Annie Clark joined them on stage to sing “This is the Last Time.”
3. Weird Al Yankovic
Before this set started, chatter filled the crowd, most of the conversations covering the same topic: “I can’t believe we’re about to see Weird Al.” When the man himself took
the stage, he immediately flew into his popmedley “Polka Face,” never slowing down from that point. Hands waved back and forth through “Amish Paradise” and the Star Wars inspired “Yoda” ended the incredibly fun and energetic show with extreme crowd participation.
But, it was Weird Al’s soft and strikingly genuine words that he spoke mid-set that really touched the crowd: “This is without a doubt the best crowd I’ve ever played for.”
2. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Maybe choosing one of the headliners as the number two spot is a cop-out, but this is Tom Petty we’re talking about. Breaking the Bonnaroo tradition of ending the festival with a jam band, Tom Petty & the Heartbeakers took control of the entire farm Sunday night, with the entire populace of Manchester, Tennessee singing along to anthems like “Free Fallin’,” “I Won’t Back Down,” and “Learning to Fly,” to name a few. With a couple of covers scattered into the setlist (like their fabulous version of the Grateful Dead’s “Friend of the Devil”) Tom Petty & the Heartbeakers ended this festival the best way they knew how.
As Tom Petty finished bathing in the applause of the band’s encore, he whispered into the mic, “Now we’re going to end the night where it all started,” and they erupted into a cheer-induced rendition of “American Girl.”
1. Paul McCartney
Perhaps a bigger cop-out than choosing Tom Petty as the number two spot is choosing Sir Paul McCartney as the number one spot, but it’s most incredibly deserving. Opening with “Eight Days a Week,” the crowd broke down into cheers, tears, and stares of absolute awe, believing themselves to have been taken back to the ‘60s and smacked down into the center of a Beatles concert.
Perhaps the true personification of rock and roll, Sir Paul astounded a hundred thousand people continuously, playing the spiritually enduring “Blackbird,” the George Harrison-devoted “Something,” a truly eyewatering “Let It Be” that literally brought people around me to tears. The crowd sang “Na Na Na Nah” for what seemed like hours as Paul continued to play the main piano riff of “Hey Jude” over and over, fireworks lit up the black sky into a collection of colorful lights during “Live and Let Die,” and the acoustic version of “Eleanor Rigby” was delightfully chilling to the bone.
Appropriately, Sir Paul finished the night with “The End” and he bid farewell to the crowd with a wave and a “thank you.” But, it was the crowd wanting to say “thank you” after that night.
BY TIMOTHY WYATT
Assistant Editor
Building a champion
Q&A with UC Football Coach John Bland
It all starts with the “Brass Lantern.” In case that term is unfamiliar to you, it is the traveling trophy that is passed back and forth between University of the Cumberlands’and Union College’s football programs. The premise is simple: win and the trophy is yours for an entire year. The Patriots hold a 19-9 all-time record over the rival Bulldogs. Currently, the Brass Lantern is nestled safely within the hilly confines of UC’s campus in Williamsburg. Last season, the Patriots defeated Union 48-14, the largest margin of victory in the series' history. On Aug. 31 though, the rivalry is rekindled and the trophy is once again on the line. But before even the first whistle sounds, there is a lot of work to be done. And after a spectacular 2012-13 season, Patriots head football coach John Bland has his work cut out for him.
Entering his eighth season as head coach, Bland is focusing on building off last year’s success. I sat down with him before the start of the semester to discuss how he plans to do that, what he still needs to work on, and even what he thinks about UC adding bowling to its long list of sports teams.
Timothy Wyatt: You just came off one of UC’s best-ever seasons, how do you plan to follow that up this year?
Coach John Bland: This program has been building each year. We think back to when football started here in ’88, they went 10 and 0 but they lost in the first round of the playoffs. You know, that was a great team and that’s the one people talk about. Now, when you get to the playoffs and you get that record to be at home, you can make some noise and maybe push for the national title and that’s what we’re shooting for. We want to grow on last year.
And, obviously, everyone’s goal is to win the whole thing. What do you think you’re doing to put yourself in that position? Well, first off, our coaches did a great job of recruiting. It starts with the players and the recruiting and the senior class. All these guys who have been here who have experience: they know what it takes; they’ve been around the success of the program; they have a hunger and a passion to take it to the next level and not only to win again, but knowing what it takes to get there.
TW: What do you most look forward to at
this point before the season?
Coach Bland: The games. Preparing for the games is important. I look forward to seeing them execute on Saturdays.
TW: If the season were to start tomorrow, what’s your biggest concern?
Coach Bland: We’re not ready just yet. We’ve got a lot of kids who are returning already and probably ready to play. We’ve got a lot of kids that are new that we feel will be ready, but we still need to prepare a little bit.
TW: I mean, out of just the small sample-size you’ve seen, what do you predict being your biggest hurdle to jump in the first few weeks?
Coach Bland: My first big hurdle, I believe, will be going to Belhaven, which is predicted to be number one in the west. We’ve got to make a long trip—about nine hours on two buses. It’ll be a big challenge.
TW: There are a handful of All-Americans on the team, but let’s just say I was to put you on the spot, who is your standout this year?
Coach Bland: Terrance Cobb.
TW: So, you think that’s who Patriots fans are going to see the most of this year?
Coach Bland: Well, they’re going to see
them all, but Terrance Cobb is probably the best player in the country. Period. Not only on our team, but the best in the country. I mean, we’ve had three NFLteams at our practices. That’s never happened here before. TW: If I was to give you a loudspeaker and have you be that guy for a minute that makes big predictions, at the end of the season, what’s your record?
Coach Bland: Our goal is to be 14 and 0. And I think we’re good enough to do that. We are good enough as far as talent-wise. We’ve got the players to beat everybody we play, but the breaks also have to go our way.
TW: I’m throwing you a curveball. What are your thoughts on UC adding a bowling team this year?
Coach Bland: You know what? It’s very unique. I feel like University of the Cumberlands is the best school around, at this level, for all sports. I’ve already had some guys ask, “Hey, can I go tryout for the bowling team?” and I say, “Are you any good? What’s your score?” [laughs]
The official student publication of the University of the Cumberlands
