May 2017 -

Posted on May 17, 2017September 26, 2017 by Emily Lyon — Leave a comment

Professor Role Models

During my time at Grove City College, I feel some of the most beneficial things I have received is inspiration from various faculty members on campus. I felt as though I connected with these individuals and their teaching styles on a personal level. Another factor that inspired me was their passion for the subject they were teaching. Grove City College has so many amazing professors and faculty members, so I highly recommend during your time at Grove City, you get to look up to people who inspire you to be passionate and excited about your future. Without further ado, here is a list of those who have deeply inspired me.

Dr. Scott Powell

Dr. Scott Powell is a Professor of Business at Grove City College. He specializes in marketing. The classes I had him for are Principles of Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Retail Management, and Advertising. I would highly recommend any of these classes and I feel they will continually affect my thought processes and my future career. I am an international business major with a focus in marketing, and I am so happy that I chose marketing as my focus, because it allowed me to have Dr. Powell for four different courses. Dr. Powell is a very inspiring professor. He is passionate about the subjects he teaches, and he always presents an ethical and Christian worldview. He has been a great role model during my time here and always gives great advice.

Dr. Andrew Markley

Dr. Andrew Markley is the Director of the Business Department and because my major is international business, I was lucky enough to have him for many international classes. These classes included International Trade, Global Business Issues, and Business Law. Dr. Markley is very passionate and knowledgeable about business on an international level. I was so happy to hear a little bit from his perspective. He loves what he teaches and puts it into simple terms that anyone could understand. Dr. Markley is definitely responsible for making my international business education all that it could be and I am very thankful for that.

Dr. Andrew Mitchell

Dr. Andrew Mitchell is a professor of History. I had Dr. Mitchell for Modern Civilization which was one of the HUMA classes required for all students. I had this class as a night during the fall semester of my junior year, and then I went to France for a 10 day intersession as part of a study abroad option for this class. Dr. Mitchell is brilliant. His lectures are high energy and he shows thorough knowledge of every lecture he gives. While this course was challenging, I was so inspired by every lecture that I did not mind the challenge. While in France, Dr. Mitchell gave great insight into every historical site we visited. He was better than any tour guide I could have ever gotten had I of made this trip by myself! I highly recommend taking a class taught by him.

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Angela Kim — Leave a comment

An Insider’s Perspective on Life Advocates

Life Advocates, a campus organization, is a pro-life representative at Grove City College.

Even though Life Advocates is a relatively small organization, they do a lot on campus so sometimes it can be a little confusing trying to understand what their mission is. Essentially, you can break down the mission of Life Advocates into three categories:

Prayer
Education
Support of Alpha Omega

Prayer: Life Advocates incorporates prayer into every event, including weekly meetings. They gather together every Monday at 9pm and, after the usual meeting, they break into small groups and pray. They also offer rides to Pittsburgh twice a semester in order to pray in front of a Planned Parenthood facility. As a Christian group, they put a huge emphasis on prayer.

Education: Since they are the only pro-life organization on campus, Life Advocates takes their role in education very seriously. They bring speakers on campus, show educational documentaries, and provide educational print material. Every other year, they bring a pro-life speaker to chapel in the spring.

Support of Alpha Omega: Alpha Omega is a pregnancy center in Slippery Rock, and each semester, Life Advocates throws an event in order to raise funds for the center. Some of their usual events include the 5K in the fall and the Jane Austen Ball in the spring. They also volunteer at Alpha Omega every few weeks.

As a member, I can say that Life Advocates is truly a beautiful organization. I have served on Life Advocates for three years in a row, and each year I learned and grew so much. Sometimes on campus it can be difficult to feel as though you are involved with furthering the kingdom of God outside of Grove City College, but Life Advocates is one of the groups that helps bring purpose to campus.

Each member is so focused on promoting life, and the group overall is full of passion. If you are looking for a way to serve the Lord with a small group of active, compassionate people–Life Advocates is the group to join.

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Abby Cunningham — Leave a comment

I’m Starving: 10 Foods to Keep in Your Dorm Room

It’s 10 a.m. on Saturday, you’ve just woken up and you realize you missed breakfast. It’s 9 p.m. on a weeknight and your stomach starts growling as you head into your late night studying. It’s 7:50 a.m. on Monday and if you don’t leave your dorm room now you are sure to be late to class.

Whatever the scenario we’ve all found ourselves in situations where we wish we had something to eat but couldn’t make it to the dining hall. It’s during those times that you will wish you had something quick, easy, and relatively cheap to eat from the comfort of your own dorm room. Check out this list of 10 foods you should keep on hand!

Tortilla chips and shredded cheese. It’s hard to go wrong here. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on some tortilla chips, zap it in a microwave for 30 seconds and voila! Cheesy nachos. Perfect for a movie night or late night studying.
Granola bars. We’ve all overslept. If you’re running late to class you probably won’t have time to stop in the dining hall to grab something to eat. Instead, keep granola bars handy as a grab-and-go option for rushed mornings.
Popcorn. This is a given. Keep some popcorn on hand as something to munch on. Just be sure to keep an eye on it. The fire alarms are easily set off by burnt popcorn.
Fresh fruit. Sometimes you’re in the mood for a healthier snack option. On your way out of the dining hall be sure to grab a piece of hand fruit to keep in your room for when you need something to eat later in the day.
Peanut butter or Nutella. They each go well with everything. Cookies, popcorn (yes popcorn), rice cakes, bananas, apples. The options are endless.
Ramen. This classic dorm room food and for good reason. It’s quick, easy to make, and dirt cheap. Whether you missed dinner or just need a late night snack, pop a packet of Ramen in the microwave for instant noodles!
Instant Oatmeal. A bit more substantial than a granola bar, instant oatmeal can be a full meal. Heat some water and pour over the oats. It’s quick and you can find oatmeal packets in a variety of flavors.
Trail mix. If you’re looking for an option to bring to the library that doesn’t draw attention due to smell or sound (i.e. crunchy popcorn), consider some trail mix. You can buy it in bulk. Keep some plastic bags in your room so that you can portion out a serving to take on-the-go. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty.
Pop-tarts. If you need a taste of your childhood, keep a box of pop-tarts in your room. They’re a good “anytime” option.
Cereal. Dry or with milk, cereal is a good option for a meal or a snack. You can dig in for a handful on the run or curl up with a bowl on your while watching TV.

These essentials should get you off to a great start! Don’t be caught with a growling stomach and no food to eat. Be sure to keep a food stash well stocked during the semester.

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Krista Heckman — Leave a comment

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

“You and I were created by God to be so much more than normal. Following the crowd is not a winning approach to life. In the end it’s a loser’s game, because we never become who God created us by trying to be like everybody else.” – Tim Tebow

As Christian athletes, Grove City College student athletes recognize they are called to a higher standard. As a follower of Christ, these athletes have much more than their ability to play a sport on display. Just as Tim Tebow challenged his audience, GCC athletes are reminded that they were created to stand out in a way that will not reflect the world or promote themselves, but rather will bring honor and glory to the Lord. Members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) echo the same challenge to their audiences on campus.

FCA members seek to connect with students across campus, as well as athletes who participate in intramural sports, or just love sports for the purpose of glorifying the Lord. Their main mission is to glorify God through sports, so everything that they do revolves around that one specific goal. The group has grown steadily through the years since it was implemented and continues to grow. No matter the size, the athletes joining the group find an environment which allows deep relationships to form.

The advisor for the organization is Zach Jew and he is accompanied by the president, Ryan Buchalter. There is a leadership team that takes responsibility for organizing the meetings that are held every Sunday evening at 8 p.m. The team is comprised of Julia Buggey, Hope Cooksey, Sydney Dunn, Lindsay Hutton, Ben Koerber, Luke Richie, and John Turnbull. Lastly, their treasurer is Jordyn White. A unique characteristic about the members is that they are all involved in different sports teams on campus, but all strive to reach the same goal.

Athletes that might be on the fence about attending the next FCA meeting should consider that this group provides a rare opportunity for athletes on campus to establish and strengthen relationships with others who are experiencing similar challenges and demands, but on different courts or playing fields. “It is a fun, relaxed atmosphere and it drives home the ultimate purpose of playing for an Audience of One and what that truly looks like whether on the athletic field or in daily life,” shares treasurer White.

Each meeting provides time to interact with other athletes through activities like “plane crash” or “ninja” in an effort to keep the competitive spirit visible. Then, after opening in prayer, a member will introduce their guest speaker. Each week provides a new speaker, with some past speakers including GCC coaches, Ben Rothelisberger’s mother, alumni, athletes, Christian organization leaders, and even the college’s very own President McNulty, If there is enough time at the end of the meeting there will be some student led discussion to allow the students to share their personal thoughts. FCA is a terrific opportunity to nurture and encourage fellow athletes to live life as a Christian athlete as God intended.

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Abby Cunningham — Leave a comment

How to Deal with Stress

Everybody experiences stress. It’s not necessarily a bad thing. Stress pushes us to stay on task, to make good use of our time, and to be productive. However, stress can easily become unhealthy when it causes sleepless nights, anxiety, worry, poor diet, and number of other side effects. It’s normal to experience stress in college. At some point during your four years of college you may have several exams in one week, a class that has been challenging you, a friendship that is experiencing some tension, and a schedule of activities that is piling up. All of these factors and more can lead to stress. Know that this stress is normal and to be expected. The best thing you can do to prepare for those weeks is to know how to handle stress. Here are nine ways to conquer those weeks that are a bit stressful.

Break it down. Look at your week, your assignments, your activities, etc. and break it down into baby steps. Don’t try to tackle five different tasks at once. Take it one assignment or one task at a time. Create a list of manageable steps you can take.
Put things in perspective. While trying your best on every assignment, remember that perfection is not expected. It’s okay to make mistakes and it’s okay if you don’t receive 100% on that paper, exam, or homework assignment.
Take a break and breathe. Do this. Take a break and breathe. For three to five minutes stop what you’re doing and try not to think about the task before you. Relax for a few minutes.
Cancel your plans with friends. It’s okay. Sometimes you will need to cancel plans with friends to make more time in your schedule. It is never ideal to cancel plans that you made but it is okay to do this every once in a while. Remember: you can reschedule plans with friends, but you can’t reschedule those due dates.
Talk it out. Sometimes you just need to vent about how much you have on your plate. Find a trustworthy friend, a professor, a mentor, or a parent, to talk through your stress with. It’s a relief when you find out that others have been in your shoes before or can offer some insightful advice. Some students go to the counseling center to get tips for managing stress and developing better skills for studying and managing time.
Do something fun. Sometimes you need to clear your head for a bit. Do something fun because often you are less productive when your mind in consumed with worry and concern. Take a walk around campus. Watch an episode of your favorite show. Grab a friend and head to the GeDunk to grab a milkshake.
Get sleep! Whatever you do, get sleep! And by sleep, I don’t mean a two-hour nap. Try your best to get six to eight hours of sleep a night especially during your busiest weeks. In my experience, when I don’t get enough sleep I am tired, exhausted, distracted and unproductive, all of which cause me to be more stressed!
Pray about it. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Remember that God cares about your schoolwork, your friendships, and your busy schedule. Make sure to seek him first in the midst of your stress. Pray about your stress and seek comfort knowing that he will guide you through it and give you strength!
Look ahead and plan Stress can be avoided. At the beginning of the semester gather all of your syllabi. Get a calendar and an assignment book and write down the due dates for every assignment, exam, and paper. Throughout the semester look ahead at your due dates and work on assignments accordingly, leaving enough time to do your work well. Don’t procrastinate! Procrastination always leads to stress.

Stress is inevitable, but treatable. Follow these nine steps to keep stress at bay.

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Rebekah Quinlan — Leave a comment

5 Fantastic Writing Concentrations

When I was deciding where to attend college, a big influence was whether or not the school offered a degree in writing. Some schools had English Writing majors, some offered various writing minors, and a handful didn’t have much to offer on the writing front. When I was looking at colleges three years ago, Grove City was one of the schools that didn’t have a writing program. I was heavily considering majoring in English due to my passion for writing, but I found out that Grove City’s English major requirements are very heavily literature-based, and its only writing classes are offered as electives.

Luckily for me, during the fall semester of my freshman year (fall 2014), a new writing program was in the works. In addition to the initiation of the new required writing class for freshmen, five new writing concentrations also became available in 2015. The concentrations are available to students of all majors, and they allow students to expand whatever degree they have and gain invaluable resume-boosting writing skills. Additionally, while a minor generally requires between 18 and 24 credits, these writing concentrations range from 15 to 17 credits. Almost any major has room for a writing concentration, and this is made especially possible due to the fact that all five classes share a common denominator.

Technical and Professional Document Design is an online summer class that is required for any writing concentration. While the additional tuition cost can be off-putting, the course allows students to leave more time in their semester schedules for other classes that they need. It also acts as a great foundation for visual design skills, which is invaluable for students interested in gaining a basic understanding of design or going on to pursue a design minor. Class assignments include textbook readings, critiquing designs and websites, giving their classmates feedback in an online forum, and creating infographics, website homepages, info cards, newsletters, flyers, and brochures. One of my favorite parts of the class was that I got to focus on learning design basics, and we weren’t required to learn any specific design software; we could use whatever we were comfortable with.

Other than the foundational class, the five writing concentrations vary. Between the Professional, Business, Creative, Science, and Technical Writing Concentrations, anyone can find something to suit their interests or to complement their major.

Professional Writing

The professional writing concentration aims to give students the written and visual communication skills they need to effectively communicate in a professional setting. In addition to Technical and Professional Document Design, it requires four courses: Technical or Business Communication, Writing for the Media or Journalism, Public Relations, and Internet Content Marketing. These classes build a foundation for students that focuses on how to communicate through professional documents, writing for print, online, and on-screen media, working in a team on a PR campaign, and creating online content.

Business Writing

The business writing concentration is similar to the professional writing concentration, but it focuses less on media writing and more specifically on business and writing. It also gives students more freedom to choose which classes they can take to fulfill the concentration’s requirements. In addition to the foundational course, it only requires two others: Business Communication and Internet Content Marketing. Other than that, students can choose two classes out of a list of six: Cost Accounting, Principles of Marketing, Business, Ethics, and Society, Business Law or Law for Entrepreneurs, Digital Marketing, and Corporate Healthcare Innovation. I began pursuing a business writing concentration in the first semester of my junior year, and it will have taken me only two semesters (and two online classes) to complete. I chose Principles of Marketing and Digital Marketing to complete my concentration; one of its greatest perks of the business writing concentration is the autonomy that the student gets in choosing his or her classes. Additionally, when I paired my business writing concentration with my communication major, I had already completed every course required for the professional writing concentration, so I was easily able to add that to my transcript without having to add a single extra class.

Creative Writing

The creative writing concentration is sure to be one of the most popular writing concentrations at Grove City College, especially among English majors and creative minds. Requiring only Technical and Professional Document Design and Creative Writing, it also gives students the opportunity to make their concentration their own. Other than that, students choose three classes out of a list of six: Creative Nonfiction, Advanced Poetry Writing, Advanced Story Writing, Playwriting, and Screenwriting. This concentration could easily be customized for students whose passions lie in theater, cinema, poetry, and novel writing.

Science Writing and Reporting

The science writing concentration is a prime example of one of those times when having writing skills can prove beneficial for students in any field. Science writing and reporting students will discover how to translate scientific data into everyday language for the readers of science journals, PR and media for research and technology companies, science and technology documentaries, and of course, science fiction novels. The science writing concentration requires students to take Technical Communication, Technical and Professional Document Design, Writing for the Media and Journalism, and two classes from a line-up of biology, chemistry, psychics, engineering, and computer science courses. This concentration is the perfect mixture of humanities, science and technology, and writing for the logical but creative mind.

Technical Writing

The technical writing concentration is possibly Grove City College’s most academically diverse writing concentration. Pulling classes from areas such as design, computer science, and STEM, this concentration really is what you make it. The technical writing concentration requires the student to take four classes – Technical Communication, Technical and Professional Document Design, Introduction to Visual Communication Design, and Interactive Design and User Experience – and a final class from a list of several. This list includes astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, electrical engineering, and physics classes. This is the ideal concentration for a student interested in design and finding a way to visually communicate logical and technical information.

For more information on writing concentrations and the Writing Program, contact Dr. David Hogsette at dshogsette@gcc.edu

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Angela Kim — Leave a comment

Beginner’s Guide to Studying on Campus

Wondering where you can settle down with some textbooks and get work done other than your dorm room? Here is a beginner’s guide to the best places for studying on campus! Let’s begin.

The Study-Between-Classes Student – Sometimes you have 50 minutes of spare time between classes and don’t want to walk across campus to find places to study. Well, you’re in luck because HAL, Hoyt, Rockwell, and STEM all have tables and desks just for you! You can study right outside of your next classroom if you want to.

The Social Student – If you’re interested in “studying” but also socializing late into the night, the Student Union is the place for you! Also called the STU or the SAC (Student Activities Center), it is filled with tables and chairs perfect for a student or a number of students to set up camp. There is also food just a few feet away at the GeDunk, where you can get Starbucks to keep you up during your latest study sessions. Beans on Broad, the local coffee shop, is another excellent location for the social student.

You can also visit the Technological Learning Center (TLC). There are a lot of computers and desks set up, and lots of students constantly come back and forth from the TLC printing out projects/papers last second, so it’s the perfect place to snag a conversation.

The Drop-a-Pin Quiet Student – If you can’t stand noise, there are a few places you can go to:

The Library – This is always a gamble, but the library has random desks set up around bookshelves in a place called the “stacks.” A lot of the time, these are really quiet and have lots of natural lighting from open windows. And if you need to do some last minute research, you are conveniently located in the library already.
The Writing Center – This is a little known location between the TLC and the Library. It has tables and whiteboards and very comfortable chairs.
Rathburn Hall – Another less-known location, Rathburn Hall – the campus ministries building – is probably one of the quietest places on campus with many excellent rooms for studying.

The Study in Weird Places Student – If you’re looking for unique places to study, look no further! Crawford Hall (administrative building) has tables in random corners, and PEW (fine arts building) is filled with private spaces and benches to study. On warm days, there are picnic tables on lower campus under the cover of trees, and only cold days you could venture to the PLC (Physical Learning Center) and study while you ride the stationary bike. (Trust me – I’ve seen students do this before.)

Female Students – Ladies, you’re in luck because MAP dormitory has some of the best places to study! On the freshman halls in North, you can find random little rooms with desks and chairs just for you to study. You also have a crazy number of lobbies to choose from: South Lobby, South Rec, North Lobby, the Princess Lounge on the 2nd floor, the Princess Lounge on the 3rd floor, and the bird room on ground floor.

Hope this helped. Happy studying!

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Robbie Davis — Leave a comment

Finding a Church-Home for your Four Years

One of the most overlooked issues of choosing a college is subsequently finding a church to attend. The Grove City area is home to many churches from a variety of denominations. From the point of finding a church, then comes the process of accessing how you fit in to the community. Ideally, any congregation would be welcoming and open to visiting members. Thankfully, being in a college town, the congregants are aware that the students need a place to call home and a church in which to worship.

While I could review all the churches in the area and rank them in “attendability,” that wouldn’t give you an adequate account of all that the nuances of the churches and what they have to offer. Instead, I will recount my experience at the church I have come to call home in the hope that it will serve as an example of how finding a church and plugging in can truly benefit both you and the community you join.

I attended four churches growing up, all technically “nondenominational,” but all very different in their worship style. I’ve experienced everything from gospel choirs to modern worship settings, all of which very legitimate in their own right. Coming to Grove City, I thought I would end up in a fairly contemporary church, keyboard, electric guitar, and drum set included. What I ended up with was far different, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Midway through my spring semester freshman year, a friend invited me to go with them to Grace Anglican, and I’m thankful that I did. The community there has been incredibly beneficial for me. At first the liturgy was strange for me, but I quickly realized it was a thoughtful, worshipful way to engage with God’s grace in our life. The recitations serve to focus the congregations minds collectively on the God who has so mercifully brought them together.

The majority of the congregation is not Anglicans or they were not raised as Anglicans; however, the key to Grace is the gospel-rooted sermons. Both Ethan Magness, the rector, and Eric Rodes, the assistant rector, ensure that every message that comes from the pulpit is infused with our reliance on God for salvation. I have been encouraged not necessarily in my failures, but in Christ’s fulfillment of our insufficiency.

It’s hard to feel welcome in a new community, but Grace insures that the students that attend are included in the mix. They are welcome in Bible studies, church dinners, and even as ministers in the service. Students are welcome to be worship leaders and even, in my case, chalice bearers during communion. I’ve also been an actor in the annual Christmas play at the church.

I’m sure it seems as if I’m making a case for Grace, and I’ll admit I’m biased. I also want to make it clear, though, that Grove City students are able to find churches they can call home. It’s a very reassuring fact that a home can be found away from home.

If you are wondering what type of church you can call home while at Grove City College, check out this list of local churches on the GCC website.

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Robbie Davis — Leave a comment

One Acts: Low Risk, High Reward

According the laws of economics, the higher the risk involved in an investment, the greater you can potentially get out of it… or at least that’s how I understand it as a Communications major and English minor who’s spent most of his time in the theatre over his four years at Grove City College.

However, according to the economics of Grove City Theatre, something I am well versed in, the Spring One Act Festival is not only the lowest time commitment, but also one of the most fun productions on campus.

Every Spring semester, between four and five productions are put on, ranging from 10-25 minutes. These shows range from comedies to dramas, even some longer skits, but all are student directed. Even the festival and most of its logistics are coordinated by two students, who function as liaisons between the faculty, the directors, and the technicians.

I got my start in One Acts during the Spring of my Freshman year, not in directing or acting, but in tech. I helped assist the run crew move props and sets between shows. After that experience, I knew that I had to be involved more in the process. After that I acted in a play and then directed three.

For my final semester at Grove City, I decided I wanted to take a crack at acting again, and I’m excited to jump back into the fray.

The talent that comes out in One Acts is astounding. Due to the less demanding schedule in comparison to a main stage full length production, students who would normally shy away from theatre come out in droves. The fresh faces make for a fun, collaborative experience.

Not only do One Acts bring out the acting talent from across campus, but also encourage writers to present their original plays. Last spring we had two original plays go up in the same festival. It was a tremendous experience.

Perhaps you do theatre in high school, and you’re worried you won’t have time for theatre or perhaps that you won’t be able to commit to the rigors involved in theatre that you weathered before college. Fear not. One Acts allow for you to still be involved and express your passion for theatre without overwhelming you.

Perhaps you’re worried that you won’t get cast because you’re not a familiar face in the theatre department. Once again, you have nothing to worry about. In the upcoming festival, only six out of the 12 actors have acted in productions before. That’s half! One allow for anyone who comes out to have a chance at theatre.

I’ve been so thankful for the fun times I’ve had through One Acts. So when you get here, come one out. They’re worth your while.

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Krista Heckman — Leave a comment

Five Best Views on Campus to Watch the Sunset

At the end of a planner-full day at Grove City College, one of the best ways for a student to unwind and be still is going to a spot on campus, sit down and watch the sun disappear into the horizon. GCC has a high reputation of always having the best sunsets. On a spring evening around eight o’clock, the sky will begin to gradually shift from soft blues to vibrant oranges and reds that have been brushed on by a paint brush. The mesmerizing horizon can take your breath away for a while if you are willing to pick your head up, stand still, and just soak in the beautiful artwork. Below is listed the top five places on campus to watch the sun set.

Soccer Fields

Rainbow Bridge

Lincoln Patio

South Lobby Patio

Flag Pole