COVID-19 Catch Up
COVID-19 Catch Up
NEWS
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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.
Commuters find Connection at MVNU’s Monthly “Pit Stop”
By Allessia Dugan, Staff Writer
For commuter students, college life looks just a little different. Instead of dorm rooms and late-night hall activities, many balance classes with jobs, family and long drives to campus. With so many responsibilities pulling them in different directions, it’s easy for commuters to feel disconnected from campus life.
To help bridge that gap, MVNU’s SGA has been hosting a monthly commuter pit stop, a small event with a big goal: helping commuters feel more connected to campus life. Each month offers something different, like free treats, coffee and fun activities in the commuter lounge. From decorating pumpkins and sipping coffee, these gatherings create space for conversation and community.
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Senior commuter Hannah McCoy said, “I love the monthly pit stops; they give me a chance to relax with my friends while doing a fun activity… it makes me feel very welcomed.” For many, these gatherings are a rare moment of community in otherwise hectic schedules.
Still, some students wonder whether one monthly event is enough. The pit stop is a positive step, but it raises a larger question: What does true inclusion for commuter students look like? With commuters making up a significant portion of MVNU’s student body, feeling connected shouldn’t rely on occasional snacks or seasonal crafts. While the commuter lounge provides a much-needed home base with space to study and socialize, more could be done to integrate commuters into the pulse of campus life. Could clubs and organizations schedule more events at commuter-friendly times? Could hybrid student activities, evening gatherings, or virtual engagement options help commuters stay involved without extending their days?
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Senior Ashley Mast reflected, “These monthly events help me to slow down and check in with myself and my friends,” but even she acknowledged that between long commutes and tight schedules, finding time for campus involvement is tough.
As MVNU continues to build community, the commuter experience deserves ongoing attention—not just pit stops, but pathways for belonging. The commuter pit stop stands out as a small but meaningful tradition that helps turn the drive to campus into a drive toward community.
Checking In on Transfers: How MVNU Students Find Belonging After the Move
By Isaiah Clark, Staff Writer
Transferring to a new university can bring both excitement and uncertainty. At MVNU, transfer students come for a variety of reasons—from school closures to personal goals and major changes—but all share a common desire to find community and belonging.
Peyton Lewallen, associate resident director of upperclassmen and graduate assistant for campus life, said that MVNU focuses on helping transfer students settle in and succeed. “We want transfer students to know they belong here,” Lewallen said. “Our goal is to walk with them through that transition, connect them to campus life, and help them find community that fits who they are.”
For junior Emerson Ramos, who came to MVNU after Eastern Nazarene College closed, those connections began immediately. “I instantly got connected with men’s volleyball and the chapel team,” he said, “Even after stepping away from the team, those friendships have stayed strong, and being part of chapel has deepened my faith.”
For Destini Turcotte, also a junior and ENC transfer, adjusting to a new campus culture took more time. “It’s definitely been an adjustment coming into a place where people have known each other for years,” she said, “Even when you feel like you’re part of a group, there are still inside jokes and things you don’t understand at first.”
Turcotte said she’s learned that involvement makes a difference. “I’m in theater, and that’s helped me adjust and stay busy,” she said. “MVNU is beautiful and a very accepting community. You just must make yourself known.”
Faith, she added, has been her foundation through it all.
“There are times when the only person around is God, and that’s a blessing in itself,” she said. “Everyone has a story to share, and I just want to show others Christ’s love.”
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.
Saying Goodbye: Thorne Library Director Seeks New Opportunities
by Zoey Hover, Assistant Editor
Professor Tim Radcliffe has been at MVNU for a long time—working 12 years in many different roles, including resident director, professor of theology and his current role as director of the library, a position he held for six of those 12 years. And shortly before beginning his diverse, long-time campus career, Radcliffe was a student here, graduating in the 2010 class. Now, after all these years and many roles, he has decided that it is time to say his bittersweet goodbye.
Radcliffe joked that he would miss Happy Bean the most; but really, he said he was going to miss the people, especially his library staff. The staff, too, will miss the bike-riding, Lord of the Rings-loving library director as he moves to his new position as a librarian at Ohio Dominican University.
“I’m gonna miss his little inside jokes with us, and I’m definitely going to miss his willingness to teach us and show us new things, whether it be about the library or just insight about life,” said student library assistant, Ellie Wolfe. Both Bethany McClain and Lilly Croft, also student library assistants, remarked on Radcliffe’s sense of humor as well, and Croft recalled a time he even got involved in a prank to wrap his former assistant library director’s office in wrapping paper. Not only is Radcliffe funny, they said, but he is also very caring—something else they’ll deeply miss about him.
It is currently unknown what MVNU will do regarding Radcliffe’s position after his departure. Until their decision is made, assistant library director Christy Taylor will take charge of Thorne Library’s functions.
Artistic Adventures
in Allegheny County
by Olivia Wood, Staff Writer
A French painter sits down with waterlilies. A craftsman mutters in Latin while sculpting his emperor. A woman paints dots on the ground of an old mattress factory. What do these people have in common? Their work made its way to the famed “City of Steel” in Allegheny County—Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. On Wednesday, Oct. 8, students from MVNU’s Art and Design Department were able to view these works and more with their own eyes.
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This was not the first time the art department went to Pittsburgh, but this time students from many majors taking art classes came along for the trip. The idea was to take students and faculty to the world-renowned Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, as well as the contemporary art museum known as the Mattress Factory, for a full day of sightseeing.
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However, the art faculty intended this trip to go beyond merely sightseeing, as they recognize that a student’s education, especially when studying and practicing artistic techniques, is incomplete without exposure to the greats. Art professor John Donnelly, who organized the trip, explained this sentiment himself: “You know, it’s one thing to look at something in a book and then the other is to experience it firsthand and see it in person.”
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While on the approximately three-hour drive to Pittsburgh, students expressed many of the same feelings as Donnelly. “I thoroughly enjoy art, and I would love to get to see some of the greatest works in person and be able to study them with my own eyes,” said sophomore graphic design major Dakota Flory, explaining her reasoning for going on the trip.
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After the students returned from Allegheny County, the general takeaway from the trip seemed to be best summarized by Nicholas Cline, a junior graphic design major, who said “It was a good way to see art, and it was a nice break from classes.”
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Exposed to the beautiful and thought-provoking works of the Carnegie Museums and the Mattress Factory, MVNU’s students left this trip with a better appreciation for art and plenty of inspiration for the long weeks of creating to come. Perhaps someday, the work of one of MVNU’s very own will make its way to those gilded halls in Allegheny County.
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.
The Heart Behind the Lecture: New MVNU Professors Speak on Classroom Values, Ideals
by Chloe Hall, Staff Writer
One aspect of MVNU that sets it apart from other liberal arts colleges is the unique values that lie at the heart of its classrooms. Professors at MVNU strive not only to prepare students for success in their chosen careers but also to equip them for life as followers of Christ in an ever-changing world. A few of the university’s 14 new professors have shared some of the primary values that shape their roles as college educators.
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Angela Stanley, who previously worked as an adjunct professor at MVNU, accepted a full-time teaching position in the psychology department this year. Among the values that impact her as a teacher, Stanley desires to show her students the merit of a deep relationship with Christ. “I am very excited to be here during this time,” she said, reflecting on the hope she has for spiritual revival in this generation of learners.
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In another corner of the academic world, Dr. Doug Matthews stepped into the role of Professor and Division Chair of Christian Ministry at MVNU. “We [he and his wife, Dr. Carol Matthews] love everything relative to working with churches and higher education, but the greatest joy is working and journeying together with students,” he shared. For Matthews, an important facet of teaching is “partnering with students who are grounded in scripture…and Wesleyan theology.”
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Reverend Gene McBride, who served as a Nazarene pastor for the last 14 years, has been hired as an assistant professor in MVNU’s math department. He aims to help his students “understand Christianity as a reasonable faith” that can hold its ground in the face of logic and questions. “I take the devotional time at the beginning of class pretty seriously,” he said. “I want to be able to help students...apply the reasoning skills that math classes can help develop toward how they read and understand scripture.”
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Whether it be through mathematics, psychology, or Christian ministry, MVNU’s professors are a testament to the way college education can instill deeply rooted values that extend far beyond preparing for future employment.
Seeking Reconciliation: Board of Trustees Creates Communication Task Group
by Zoey Hover, Assistant Editor
Tensions mounted last spring between MVNU faculty, staff and administration amid the process of academic restructuring, resulting in a faculty no-confidence vote against the current president, Dr. Carson Castleman, press releases supporting Castleman’s decisions directly from the MVNU Board of Trustees and references to MVNU’s conflict in outside media sources. In a press release in February, the board attributed much of the conflict to poor communication between the parties involved. To address this, the board established the Task Group for Improving Communications and Reconciliation, a committee composed of faculty, staff, administration and board members.
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“The task group was given two main goals,” stated Kari Taylor, on behalf of the board representatives and Board Chair Ed Phillips. These goals, she stated, were to improve “communication methods and practices within the organization among stakeholders” and “recommend methods to resolve on-campus conflict and cultivate healthy campus relationships.”
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The task group met repeatedly over the course of the summer to discuss potential solutions; and in that time, Taylor said, they were able to “complete what was requested by the board of trustees and have already presented recommendations to the administration.”
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Professor Joe Rinehart, a task group faculty representative, said these recommendations included bringing back faculty-staff chapel services (services where faculty and staff can “fellowship” and grow together in faith) and “timely and transparent communication from the top down,” especially during the decision-making process. “We’re looking for clarity,” stated Rinehart, “Clarity will tell you about the health of an organization.”
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Rinehart said he believes that though not all the changes will happen right away, the task group’s recommendations will be successful and that he sees some of them going into effect already, including the reinstating of faculty-staff chapels. “Beyond a shadow of a doubt, our time was well spent,” said Rinehart.
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The task group will make its final recommendations to the board of trustees in November. After this, Taylor said, the group will “officially dissolve.”
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.”
A Global Game: MVNU Men’s Soccer Welcomes 18 Nations and New Coach
by Naomi Kinne, Staff Writer
The MVNU men’s soccer team enters the new season with many fresh faces, including a new head coach and a variety of international athletes. Of the 52 players, 25 traveled from 18 different countries outside of the U.S.
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Before MVNU, coach Kaleb Blevins started coaching at 14 and has since coached for club and college teams. He played college soccer at Ohio Christian University. At MVNU, he appreciates the Christian environment as well as the high-level soccer, saying, “It’s a very tight knit community feel here. I think that the guys definitely have a brotherhood between the players. The community aspect of all of it is really unique.” Blevins has seen the team’s diversity as a blessing and is excited to lead the Cougars this season.
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One of Blevins’ recent recruits was Elkana Maier. Just four weeks ago, Maier traveled more than 4,000 miles from Germany to MVNU. He gave up having no speed limits in Germany to study business and be a midfielder for the Cougars.
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Maier was drawn to MVNU because of the coach’s openness and kindness. “I wanted to go to college to play soccer. The coach talked to me and was really open. He saw me as a player and was really kind,” he explained. Maier has a goal of leading the Cougars to the playoffs and a national title. Off the field, Maier feels very welcomed at MVNU and loves how friendly and genuine everyone is.
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This is Maier’s first time in America, but Matias Del Solar has lived in America for the past two years. Originally from Peru, Del Solar transferred to MVNU from a community college in Texas.
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Del Solar loves his home country, especially its food. “My favorite food there is ceviche, and we are number one in the world for gastronomy,” he said. He loves Peru—but also enjoys life in America. Like Maier, Del Solar was drawn to MVNU by the team and coach. He believes that the team has skilled players and is eager to win the conference championship.
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The Cougars are off to a strong start under Blevins, with a record of 4-1-2.
Fans can catch them in action at CH4 Stadium against Goshen on Sept. 24 at 7 p.m.
What’s the Scoop?: Ice Cream, Real Talk and a Safe Space for Students
by Allessia Dugan, Staff Writer
Free ice cream and tough conversations might sound like an odd pairing, but that’s exactly the idea behind “What’s the Scoop,” a new monthly event on campus. Students who attend get the chance to grab a scoop of ice cream and sit down for conversations that are important, but often avoided.
This month’s scoop: suicide awareness. With residence life and the counseling team working side-by-side, the event gave students both sweet treats and serious resources to help support mental health.
“We want students to know that it’s OK to talk about this and it’s OK to seek out help,” said Sarah Mowry, director of Residence Life and Student Accountability. “We also want to give students the resources they need to be supported.”
The event is low-pressure and student-centered. Organizers set up the night to feel safe and welcoming, and students can leave at any time. Staff are also nearby if anyone needs a moment. “Sometimes having permission to get up and walk away can be very helpful to a student struggling with a hard topic,” Mowry explained.
And the conversations don’t melt away once the sprinkles are gone. “This doesn’t just end after the hour-long event,” Mowry said. “It’s a platform for continuing relationships and ongoing support.”
Future “Scoops” will cover different topics throughout the year, and Mowry hopes students see it as an opportunity and not an obligation. “You will get what you decide to get out of your time here. Why not step into it?” Mowry asked.
Most of all, Mowry said she wants students to know they belong. “You are not alone. Everyone does not have the same story, but the feelings and emotions you bring with you are normal. Don’t feel afraid that you are the only one, because you are not. You have all of us in residence, life, student life and the counseling department. You could be the one person to show up, and we’re going to be so happy and excited to be there for you.”