Mental Health | 7
Opinion | 8
Religion | 8
Lifestyle | 9
Building community while in college
Parasocial relationships: A one-sided investment
You are not alone, even when you are lonely
Tips on long-distance friendships
February 26, 2025 Collegedale, Tennessee
Southern Accent
Vol. 80 Issue 16
The student voice since 1926
Statues torn down due to structural concerns
Granite statues of Elijah and Elisha are torn down due to safety concerns. (Photo by Lilian Lelko)
Eva Resz Reporter Southern Adventist University recently removed two large granite statues that have stood on campus for 15 years. Plant Services employees began the process Feb. 15 and completed their removal on Feb. 19. According to Marty Hamilton, associate vice president for Financial Administration, Southern’s Public Art Committee made the decision to remove the statues due to structural concerns. Commissioned in 2001 by former university president Gordon Bietz, the two statues were intended to depict Elijah passing his mantle to Elisha, symbolizing the transmission
of knowledge and mentorship, a prominent theme at Southern during the time of their construction. Bietz worked with donors to fund the project, and the granite for the statues was sourced from Vermont. At the time, the 83-ton stone was the largest block of granite ever shipped out of Vermont, according to a Chattanoogan article. According to Hamilton, sculpting efforts began under the direction of Wayne Hazen, former dean of the School of Visual Art and Design. However, the project faced multiple challenges, including high costs, difficulties in sculpting the dense granite and other logistical complications related to placement and completion.
Over time, concerns arose about the structural integrity of the statues, as they were mounted on deteriorating railroad ties rather than a permanent foundation. According to Hamilton, the Elijah statue had also suffered damage, including a broken hand and fingers.
"The cost of moving and finishing them was simply too high." “The statues had been there for around 15 years, and we’ve been trying to figure out what to do with them for quite some time,” Hamilton said. “The cost of moving and finishing them was simply too high.” He said multiple options
had been explored, including relocating the statues to a more prominent spot near the Hulsey Wellness Center, but those plans proved impractical. Keeping the statues intact for relocation would require a large crane, a special trailer and a significant financial investment. “Granite is one of the hardest materials to work with, and getting the level of detail needed was nearly impossible,” Hamilton said. “Even professional sculptors we consulted confirmed that the statues were unlikely to ever be completed as originally envisioned.” According to Hamilton, after years of deliberation, the committee decided removal was the most practical solution.
While Hamilton expects some to be surprised by the removal, safety concerns and the impracticality of preservation played a role in the demolition. “The railroad ties were rotting, and we were worried about the statues falling over,” Hamilton said. “Students had climbed on them before, and with the structural integrity declining, it became a real safety concern.” Reactions to the removal have been mixed, according to Hamilton. Some members of the university community expressed relief, believing that the unfinished statues had become an eyesore, while others were saddened to see them go.
See Statues on page 2
Police banquet celebrates officers
SA to hold elections
Hayden Kobza Managing Editor
Jehiely Balabarca Reporter
The Collegedale Police Department held its fifth annual banquet at the Chattanooga Elks Lodge Thursday to celebrate and award distinguished police officers in the department. Attendees included city and county commissioners, with Hamilton County Sessions Court Judge Tori Smith serving as the guest speaker. The night started with opening remarks from Collegedale Police Chief Jack Sapp. He first addressed city officials by thanking them for their support and showing up to the banquet. He also paid tribute to the late Corporal Enoch Hurd, who passed away in an off-duty motorcycle accident last October, honoring his memory alongside his daughters, Hannah Rougeau, Kelsey Hurd and Kylee Hurd. Following the opening formalities, the ceremony shifted to a time of remembrance led by Officer Shawn Lewis. In his speech, Lewis honored the sacrifices of law enforcement officers. He drew attention to a small table placed near the head table—a symbol of dignity and honor for officers who have passed and are not able to be with their families. According to Lewis, each
The race for Southern Adventist University’s Student Association (SA) executive positions has drawn attention to the elections of the new president for next year. While the presidential race saw a record-breaking number of candidates this year, only one student applied for the social vice president (VP) role. In the primary election on Feb. 20, four candidates ran for the presidential position: John Hargy, Shengzhe Zhao, who goes by Chino, Alexis Garcia and Alejandro Robles. The results narrowed the candidates from four to two: John Hargy and Shengzhe Zhao (Chino). The executive vice
president position has two contenders, Jeaneva Bautista and Heaven Robles, while the social VP race has just one applicant, Esmeralda Paulino.
"Having four people run for president is the most I've ever seen." Last year’s election saw fewer candidates in the presidential race, with only three students running for the position. According to Dennis Negron, vice president for Student Development, this year’s increase to four candidates marks the highest level of competition in at least 11 years. “Having four people run for See Election on page 2
Attendees gather around a table at the Chattanooga Elks Lodge. Thursday, February 20, 2025.(Photo by Hayden Kobza)
element of the table carried significance: its small size represented the vulnerability of a lone officer, while the white tablecloth symbolized the purity of their intentions. A single red rose stood for the blood shed in sacrifice and a blue ribbon signified the unwavering support of the community. A slice of
lemon on the plate served as a reminder of the bitter fate of fallen officers, while scattered salt represented the tears of loved ones left behind. The inverted glass signified their absence, and the unlit candle symbolized the hope that their memory would continue to shine.
See Banquet on page 3
Jeaneva Bautista delivering a speech during convocation. Thursday, February 20, 2025 (Photo by Anna Chang)