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Keep up with all the stories and opinions of students. Opinions published are not necessarily those of MVNU, the Church of the Nazarene or Viewer advertisers. The Viewer does not necessarily uphold or advocate opinions published.
Lions and Tigers and Nostalgia for All to Enjoy!
By Chloe, Staff Writer
In just over a week, MVNU’s theater department will grace the stage with the familiar narrative of “The Wizard of Oz.” This stage adaptation of the 1939 film captures the magic and whimsy of the original movie, while telling its story in a new way. From ruby red slippers to yellow brick roads, this colorfully classic tale has something for everyone to enjoy.
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Zane Menzie, an MVNU senior who has acted in several of the university’s past productions, stepped into the role of head director for “The Wizard of Oz” this fall. “Directing… this show means a lot to me because I’ve done theater since I was in the second grade,” he reflected. “It’s been really cool to see myself grow into someone who’s able to take on a directing role.”
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Sophomore worship arts major Kate Carter plays the iconic and beloved role of Dorothy Gale in the fall play. In describing what it has been like to portray this role, she said, “It kind of brings me back to being a kid again, and it’s just been really fun playing a young character in that way.” Carter has enjoyed the challenge of bringing depth to Dorothy’s character and playing off the other actors in the cast.
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Both Carter and Menzie emphasized the timeless charm of the upcoming production. “There is such a magic to the simplicity and lightheartedness of the show, and I think that it is for any age to enjoy,” Carter said. Menzie hopes the play reminds adult viewers of watching the movie in their youth.
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So, consider following the yellow brick road to MVNU’s performance hall on Nov. 7-9 to join the cast on their adventure through the nostalgia-tinged land of Oz. You might just leave the theater feeling like a kid again.
MVNU Survivor: Alliances Form, Community Strengthens
by Evan Tritt, Staff Writer
Who wouldn’t want to live on an island with little more to eat than a bag of rice, with no access to showers or toilets, all while around 20 other people try to backstab you for $1 million? Over 49 seasons, hundreds of contestants have signed up for this exact scenario on the reality TV show, “Survivor.” This past weekend, 18 MVNU students competed for the winning title of “sole survivor” in the on-campus event MVNU Survivor.
As a fan of the show, Trent Smith, the Resident Director of Oakwood, coordinated MVNU Survivor to encourage students to engage in MVNU’s community. “I was just looking for something to have on the weekends, so students were encouraged to stay and be part of the community here,” he said.
The event got off to a fast start on Friday evening, as the three tribes built shelters, competed in challenges and voted off fellow contestants. After making it to the tribe merge and winning an individual immunity challenge, Abby Almodovar was voted out, placing sixth in MVNU Survivor. For Almodovar, preexisting friendships further entangled a game already full of distrust and suspicion. She explained, “It definitely complicated the game and made it all the harder for people to vote each other out. I remember seeing several teary eyes after tribal councils, just because we’re not complete strangers.”
At the end of the grueling competition, Jordon Reesman rose to the top as the winner of MVNU Survivor. Describing his mindset, Reesman said, “I would have been fine with being voted out at any point. Yet once the game got down to the top 10, it got more real for me. I was still there to have fun, but I wanted to win at that point—which is where the exhaustion started to set in.” Despite his dwindling energy, Reesman’s performance earned him the title of “sole survivor” and the winning prize of various gift cards and goodies.
Over the course of the exciting weekend, MVNU Survivor challenged students to dig deep while forging new friendships among a wide range of MVNU’s community.
A Barbie Dream on Route 13
by Naomi Painter, Staff Writer
In a Barbie World, you can grow up to be anything you want; and, if you go to MVNU, that could very well be the owner of a Barbie museum. MVNU alumni, Melanie Mowery (class of 1983), had no idea that when she left she would be back in Mount Vernon 40 years later with a pink house and a dream. Now, she owns a Barbie museum just minutes from the school, displaying more than 2,000 dolls.
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Mowery started collecting Barbies from a young age, and now her collection spans themes such as Hollywood, Coca-Cola, Hot Wheels, disability, controversial, vintage, holiday and many, many more. While some of the Barbies are meant for play, many of them are collectors items. “The collectible ones are more for adults to collect, and they’re not usually played with. . . I got that one from the Derby when we went to the Derby,” said Mowery. When I worked at McDonalds, my general manager would take the managers on a trip.”
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Of the top 10 rarest Barbies, Mowery owns six, as well as one of the original dolls in the box signed by Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie. Despite her extensive collection, she’s never been to a Barbie convention. “I’ve actually never been to a convention because I worked at McDonald’s for years, and I never really had time,” said Mowery. “But I want to.”
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There’s no need to attend a convention, however, as Mowery’s home also serves as a party venue, and she plans for a Barbie-themed interaction room in the future.
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Her interest in fashion and love of Barbies since girlhood spurs her passion. Her original Barbies are also on display. Mowery laughingly recalled, “These were my Barbies that I played with—this was my first one, back here, the Living Barbie—she was really played with; I don’t think her legs bend anymore . . . When we were kids, my sister and I would play Barbies; and when she got mad at me, she’d say, ‘I’m taking my Barbies to another church.’”
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From childhood play to a real life Barbieland, Mowery’s museum is truly a dream come true.
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For hours and admission prices to Melanie’s Barbie Collectibles and More Museum, visit her Facebook page.
Eenie Meenie Miney… MVNU!
by Brookabella, Staff Writer
Class is back in session at MVNU, but this time around, with loads more freshman students who chose MVNU as their home away from home and who are excited for the gleaming opportunities college provides. While starting a new life in a different community with an unfamiliar set of people can be intimidating, many freshmen are finding MVNU’s campus a welcoming environment that gives Christ-centered experiences that affirm their choice to go to MVNU.
Freshman Max Walker spent the last part of his summer on campus— practicing for this year’s soccer season and getting to know some of the other players on his team. “…we're praying before practice and praying after practices, which I really appreciate,” said Walker of his time so far. “We also just got a new coach this year, and he's really big on likening faith and soccer together in unity…That's one of the reasons why I wanted to come to MVNU.”
Being able to connect with other students is an important part of growing campus community, and freshmen Maddie Copley and Bailey Thayer had a positive experience during the first two weeks of school. “Originally, I was going to go to BG, but the atmosphere is a lot different there. I wanted more of a Christian campus full of people with the same mindset as me,” said Copley.
Having a staff that adequately supports their students is another important factor when choosing the right college, and especially for Wesley Heintzelman, a freshman at MVNU. Heintzelman said, “I always wanted to go to a Christian college. I liked all the professors because I did a year online already, and they were all really lovely… some professors have been super helpful with everything, and it’s pretty cool to have that.”
While the semester is now well underway and students are settling into their new rhythms of life, freshman Asher Garman wanted to encourage people looking for a college to consider MVNU as their next step— “MVNU isn't right for everyone. If it was, then everyone would be here. However, I think that if you want to truly dive in, if you want to deeply grow in your faith and if you really want a good college experience, MVNU is the place for you.”