Collegian 1.18.2023

Michigan’s oldest college newspaper

College to

include textbooks in tuition

By Elizabeth Troutman DC Correspondent

Hillsdale students will skip the semesterly search for the lowest textbook prices starting fall 2023 as the college will begin including class materials in the price of tuition.

“Students and their parents will no longer need to spend time and energy tracking down every book for their classes,” said Doug Banbury, Hillsdale’s vice president for admissions and business development.

“No more navigating discount sites and Amazon — simply register for classes and your books will be ready for you prior to the start of class.”

Funding for the new plan will come from a series of tuition increases of less than 1% per year. The program plans to implement a $900 rise in tuition in the fall after four to seven years of increases of no more than $300 each, said Matt Hazelton, director of staff & operations for business development.

“If you were to buy every single book for all of your classes, at full retail price, from the bookstore, it would cost something like $1,400 on average a year,” Hazelton said. “If you do that through this program, it's something like $800-900, so there are definitely discounts in that sense per student.”

Including textbooks in tuition creates more payment options for students, according to Hazelton.

“Having it embedded in the tuition makes it eligible for scholarships and loans in a way that you currently couldn't do with your textbooks,” he said.

To implement the program, the college will partner with textbook provider Slingshot, which has served more than 40 colleges for the last 12

See Books A2

Admissions accepts fewer transfer students

Hart

Micah

Circulation Manager

Twelve students joined Hillsdale College for the spring semester, a number slightly lower than previous years, Admissions Counselor Ben Strickland said.

“We're restricted by the number of beds that we have and the space that we have,” Strickland said.

While the number of transfer students usually is in the high teens, the acceptance rate remained at around 15%, consistent with previous years.

“As the fall term applicant pool has gotten more competitive, so has the spring term applicant pool,” Senior Director of Admissions Zachary Miller said. Miller said he has seen some increase in the number

of applicants who previously applied to Hillsdale and were either accepted and decided not to attend or denied. While the number of students accepted is lower than one may expect, Strickland said spring admissions are different than general fall acceptance.

“We're basically admitting people who were almost definitely going to come rather than someone who might come if they get enough scholarship,” Strickland said.

The students represent 10 different states from across the country: Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin.

“Our new students are really completely spread across the entire United States,” Strickland said.

Transfer student and sophomore Luca Vitale said he decided to attend Hillsdale because of the classical curriculum and various opportunities on campus. While the acceptance rates continue to remain low, interest in Hillsdale continues to increase. Miller said over the last two to three years, interest in both the fall and spring semesters have grown.

“It's a lot of factors, but probably the thing that's driving it the most is the fact that Hillsdale remains true to what it is in providing students with a great classical liberal arts education,” Miller said. “I think that's something that's becoming more and more of a rarity today across the country.”

Strickland agreed that Hillsdale presents consistent education for students,

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Radio Free Hillsdale triples yearly downloads

By Lauren Scott Assistant Editor

“The Radio Free Hillsdale Hour,” Hillsdale College’s national radio show, surpassed 1 million downloads in 2022.

The weekly show features interviews with Hillsdale faculty and staff, friends of the college, and sometimes alumni and students, said Scot Bertram, host of the show and general manager of Radio Free Hillsdale.

The 1.2 million downloads in 2022 nearly tripled its 430,000 downloads in 2020, Bertram said.

“The numbers keep rising because we have an engaged audience that enjoys the show and frequently shares the audio with others,” Bertram said.

The audience can better understand the education at Hillsdale College from listening to the conversations and debates on “The Radio Free Hillsdale hour,” according to Bertram.

which, according to him, other schools struggled with during the pandemic. Strickland said schools have changed since students committed to a college.

“A lot of people found out that the place that they applied to and were at changed over their four years,” Strickland said.

Whatever the case may be, Strickland said Hillsdale remained true to its purpose and mission during the pandemic.

“I think we just have a greater, deeper, and stronger foundation that we are really proud of and that we hold to; whereas, other places are sort of letting the current thoughts and times kind of judge their decisions,” Strickland said.

“The show was created to advance the efforts of Hillsdale College in radiating its knowledge and teaching to the world outside of campus,” Bertram said.

The show is captivating because of the seemingly endless topics, said Brad Birzer, professor of history.

“It would be a crime if the show weren’t popular, especially given Scot’s dedication and tenacity,” Birzer said.

Birzer said he has discussed many different topics on the show ranging from his vacation in Yellowstone to the deeper meanings of the War of 1812.

“Scot is an excellent reviewer and interviewer,” Birzer said.

“He knows exactly what to ask, in part because he’s done his homework and is incredibly well read and in part because he has a natural

See Radio A2

No. 5 Charger men's basketball team off to historic start

Christian Peck-Dimit Associate Editor

After a historic start to its season, the Hillsdale men’s basketball team tied for No.5 in the latest DII Sports Information Directors of America national poll and No.7 in the nation in the National Association of Basketball Coaches poll.

The Chargers started the season with 12 straight wins, the second best start in program history, and have been ranked top eleven in the nation in the NABC poll for eight straight

weeks.

After an Elite Eight appearance last year, the team graduated three seniors, including the team’s starting frontcourt of first-team All-American forward Patrick Cartier and first-team All-Conference forward Austen Yarian.

In the wake of these losses, Chargers up and down the roster have stepped into larger roles to lead Hillsdale to a 16-1 overall record, and a G-MAC-best 9-1 in conference play. All five starters for the Chargers are averaging career-highs in points and rebounds.

The team has beat opponents with the 15th-best scoring margin in the nation, averaging 14 points more than they allow. The Chargers have only played in five games decided by single-digits.

“We have faith in our guys, we believe in our guys, and we have the so-called starting five, but the bench is important to us,” head coach John Tharp. “We need all those guys to continue to give us really good minutes.

Fifth-year senior forward Peter Kalthoff has emerged as the team’s leading scorer, one of four Chargers who average

double-figures in scoring. Kalthoff played in just 12 games last year, spending the majority of the season sidelined with injuries. He has stepped into the starting lineup this year and has excelled. In the team’s 17 games Kalthoff has scored more than five times as many points as his last three years combined. He earned the first G-MAC Player of the Week award of his career this past week, becoming the first Charger to earn the award this year.

See Basketball A5

New Student Federation officers look to promote involvement

Olivia Hajicek

Assistant Editor

Newly elected officers of the Hillsdale College Student Federation hope to direct their attention to other student needs beyond club funding this spring.

Junior Liam Giles will serve as president, sophomore Charlie Birt as vice president, junior Emma De Nooy as treasurer, and sophomore Garry Danzer as secretary. Giles, a history major and mathematics minor from Illinois, said he hopes to promote awareness of student access to the federation and their funds.”

“One thing which I would like to try to get started is to do a meet and greet with all the Student Fed representatives, because a lot of people don’t really know about the federation,” Giles said.

He said he also hopes to promote self-governance around campus so that clubs can be more self-sufficient while knowing that they can come to Student Fed for assistance.

Besides serving on Student Fed, Giles is the treasurer for Phi Mu Alpha and a member of the Catholic Society outreach board.

Birt is a politics and financial management major

from Kansas. As vice president, he said he would like to see Student Fed expand its role in helping coordinate events by serving as a liaison between students and the administration. He said he would also like Student Fed to determine the status of club sports.

“I honestly see student club sports as being underfunded a good bit of the time,” Birt said. “I think that’s an area that we can hopefully work with the administration to clarify and see where we might be able to help.”

Besides his work on Student Fed, Birt is a Winston Churchill fellow, the trea -

surer of Alpha Tau Omega, and the president of College Republicans.

Danzer is a history major from Kentucky and the brotherhood chair and vice recruitment chair of Delta Tau Delta.

Danzer said he would like to see Student Fed direct more funding toward campus improvement, especially since it typically gets fewer funding proposals in the spring.

“I would love to see more initiatives as far as campus improvements go that focus on student health,” Danzer said. De Nooy is a rhetoric and

public address major from Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Besides serving in the Student Federation, De Nooy is involved in Tower Dancers and serves as the treasurer of the C.S. Lewis Reading Club.

As treasurer, De Nooy said she hopes to keep everything efficient and streamlined. She said she is also looking forward to helping clubs with their funding requests.

“I help clubs review their requests before they go to the meeting,” De Nooy said.

“I’m looking forward to that and being able to help them as best as I can and give

them the best chance at getting the events and requests that they want funded.”

Beyond allocating funds and granting club status, De Nooy said she hopes the students on the federation represent the student body well.

Hillsdale’s honor code says that a student “rises to self-government” through education.

“I think the Student Federation is a really good example of that,” De Nooy said.

Peter Kalthoff won the first G-MAC Player of the Week of his career. Courtesy | Charles Miller

Seniors Meg Scheske, Hannah Cote, Maureen Martin, Regina Gravrok, Ciara Carr, and friend Danielle Nehring traveled to Israel over break with Passages, a program that encourages young Christians to experience the roots of their faith in the Holy Land. Hannah Cote | Collegian

years, including other small, Christian colleges in the Midwest. Slingshot’s size and relationship with book vendors allows it to get discounts on books, which will benefit Hillsdale students, Banbury said.

Banbury said the company is a good fit for the college.

“Slingshot is an ideologically-aligned, missional partner who has a heart for service and innovation,” Banbury said. “They pride themselves on providing a top-notch student experience at the best cost to the institution.”

After consulting the class registration of students, Slingshot will package and deliver required textbooks to a student’s dorm room. Off-campus students will pick up their orders from a centralized location. Slingshot has overnight shipping options and will provide a small quantity of books to the college bookstore for students who drop or add a class last minute. Students on WHIP will receive their books in D.C.

“Every two years, we will price out the previous semester’s textbook cost with Slingshot compared to other textbook distributors to assure we are getting the best prices,” Patrick Flannery, vice president of finance and college treasurer said. The bookstore will continue its textbook buy-back program at the end of each semester. Students can also sell their books on the open market.

Junior Emma Widmer said she is concerned the program will leave students with unwanted books.

“I feel like this could create an unnecessary amount of

waste with people buying books instead of passing them down,” she said. “Especially if I am already paying for them, I would want to get what I am paying for, but then there is no need to get and keep books every semester if you never use them again.”

The first few years of the program will be experimental, Banbury said. “I look at this as a beta test over the next three to four years,” Banbury said. “So in a couple years, I'm going to take what we have paid in those books, and then I'm gonna go out in the market to two other vendors and compare shop. That way we can see if we’re actually realizing that much savings, and the hope is that we will.”

Banbury said he had the idea for the program after watching his wife and sophomore daughter reaping negligible savings despite spending hours searching for the lowest textbook prices online. He asked students and professors about a tuition-inclusive textbook plan and received positive feedback.

“They think it's going to eliminate a giant hassle — tracking down books and procuring the books,” Banbury said. “It’s going to be good for the bookstore because we're going to work with a vendor and partner with them to provide all the books for the students.”

The program may evolve after a few years as the college measures textbook price differences between majors, but all students regardless of major will save money during the first few years of the program, Banbury said.

“If there's a significant textbook price difference

between majors over the course of their time here at Hillsdale, then we may have some implementations down the road for some of those majors,” Banbury said. “But our first initial step is to have a successful launch next fall.” Widmer said she is skeptical that the program will save money.

“I usually get my books for a fraction of what the bookstore charges, so I don’t love the idea of tuition increasing if I can get all my textbooks for $30 online,” she said.

“As an art major, I only had to buy one book that I got for $3, and the rest was art supplies. Plus, I could use science textbooks I already had.”

Banbury said seniors will save the most money because they will pay small tuition increases for their remaining two semesters and receive all of their textbooks. Estimates show current sophomores saving more than $1,100 in book expenses during the duration of their Hillsdale education, according to Banbury. Research shows students who are prepared for class with the assigned textbooks have more success and less stress, according to Hazelton and Banbury.

“It's a frustrating point for some professors when students don't have their books,” Banbury said. Hazelton encouraged students to give the new program a chance.

“It really is a convenience and student experience focused thing,” Hazelton said. “We have a lot of feedback from people who have experienced this, and it really improves especially your freshman experience.”

Hillsdale radio recognized in nationwide competition

Michaela Estruth

Assistant Editor

Seven student shows placed as finalists in the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System competition.

Sophomores Jillian Parks and Garret Goolsby placed in Best Talk Program with their show “The Social Mediators.”

“It’s great to get the chance to represent Hillsdale amidst so many other college radio stations,” Goolsby said.

“Hillsdale consistently does really well at IBS even though we are a smaller radio station, and everyone has high hopes for how things will turn out.” This is their second nomination in two years, and they are hoping to walk away with first place, Goolsby said.

“It always feels good to have somebody recognize the work and creativity that you pour into a project,” Parks said. “We've been working on this about a year and a half now, and we plan on doing it all the years that we're here!”

Another student, Junior

Abigail Snyder, placed in Best Specialty Show with her radio show “The Virtual Voyage.” Snyder takes her listeners to the land of Israel, where she lived for three summers, she said.

“My goal is always to make people feel like they are in the actual location,” Snyder said. “Whether it be touching the Western Wall, wading through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, or seeing the ruins at ancient Jericho.”

Snyder said she never expected to participate in a radio program or have success.

“Being a finalist for the IBS awards encourages me to keep sharing Israel, a land that I love, with others through the medium of my radio show,” Snyder said.

Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM placed in Best College/ University Radio Station with under 10,000 students.

“It’s awesome for the station as a whole to be nominated for Best College Station, as it highlights the work that everyone does on and off-air to create, edit, and produce quality content,” senior and radio director Josh Barker said.

Professor Schlueter appointed to Catholic Diocesan commis sion

Maggie Hroncich Editor-in-Chief

Diocese of Lansing Bishop

Earl Boyea formally appointed Nathan Schlueter, professor of philosophy and religion, to the Diocesan Commission on Catholic Social Teaching on Nov. 22. Schlueter said he hopes to help the commission articulate and defend teachings of the Catholic Church through his 20 years of experience in political philosophy and ethical theory.

“I think I have a fairly deep knowledge of this subject,” Schlueter said. “I also bring to it an academic perspective of the range of non-Catholic social teaching questions; a robust historical and philosophical perspective through being an academic and being trained in the history of political philosophy, the great books, and the tradition which I think is richly embedded in Catholic social teaching background, but they’re not usually cited in the text in an explicit way.”

Michael Andrews, chancellor of the Diocese of Lansing, said Schlueter’s background and skills will enhance the work of the commission, which meets monthly.

General Manager of Radio Free Hillsdale Scot Bertram placed in Best Radio Faculty Advisor.

“Scot does a ton for the radio station and makes sure that everything runs smoothly,” Barker said. “He is integral to the existence of the station and has been such an amazing mentor to so many students. I’m so glad that he is being recognized for all of his hard work and amazing accomplishments, in addition to hosting several programs of his own.”

The national IBS Conference & Awards will announce final winners in New York City at the end of February, and six students are attending, Bertram said. “I'm very proud of our students for their well-deserved recognition,” Bertram said. “It is great to see so many being honored on the national level for their continued hard work and dedication.”

Students to celebrate first day of class with cereal bar

Elyse Apel

Opinions Editor

The Student Activities Board will kick off the semester with its first event Wednesday, Jan. 18: a late night cereal bar.

From 8:00 to 10:00 p.m., students can stop by the Student Activities Office in the Grewcock Student Union and grab a bowl of cereal.

Madelyn Clark, director of Student Activities, said the late night cereal bar has become a Hillsdale tradition in the last few years.

“It started in 2020, but, prior to that, it was Late Night Breakfast which originated

in 2015 or 2016,” Clark said.

SAB expects a lot of students to stop by.

“We expect between 200300 students to come,” said Katie Weis, an event leader for SAB. Students will be able to pick from a large selection of different cereal and milk options.

Weis said SAB is also providing alternative options for any students that might have allergies.

“There will be Gluten-Free cereals and non-Dairy milks provided as well,” she said. Some of the cereals will include Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Cocoa Puffs.

Phoebe VanHeyningen, creative team member for SAB, said it is a great way to begin the semester.

“It’s a great way to start the semester off with friends,” she said. “It’s such an odd event that seems sort of spontaneous, just like a lot of memorable college experiences. Ultimately, it’s a good way to celebrate the end of the first day of classes and ring in the spring semester."

“The commission is really focused on teaching the catechetical or formative aspects of Catholic social teaching,” Jayabalan said. “So we want the lay faithful of the diocese to be able to take the principles of Catholic social teaching and apply it to their professional, social, familial, personal circumstances.”

The commission’s goal is to encourage people to use their individual skills and careers to promote the principles of Catholic social teaching.

“There’s a lot of room for lay professionals – doctors, lawyers, businessmen, journalists, whoever – since they know their fields better, to be able to apply the principles of Catholic social teaching to their fields,” Jayabalan said.

The commission encourages parishes in the diocese to submit grant proposals for projects related to social teaching and has already helped fund speakers in the diocese about gender dysphoria and Proposal 3.

Jayabalan said he also hopes the commission can work towards bridging political divides within the church community.

“Dr. Schlueter brings an impressive background and an informed passion for the work of the commission,” Andrews said. “His insights on faith and society will greatly assist in our purpose to help people across the diocese to become wellformed in the rich heritage of Catholic social teaching.” According to commission chair Kishore Jayabalan, its members aim to inform and inspire Catholics to live out their faith in their everyday lives.

“We tend to break down issues by left and right. So even in church circles, sometimes you end up with the pro-life, pro-family activity being looked at as conservative or right-wing and social justice, anti-poverty, environmental, and racism issues being seen as left-wing issues,” Jayabalan said. “As a church, we should be able to address all social issues through the lens of Catholic social teaching.”

Because the Diocese of Lansing covers a wide array of areas including Ann Arbor, Flint, Lansing, Jackson, and Hillsdale, the commission has sought to reflect that diversity by bringing in

commission members from a variety of backgrounds.

Jayabalan said Schuleter’s background in social teaching will be a valuable asset.

“Dr. Schlueter, because of his academic and intellectual background, has been very involved in Catholic social teaching at the parish level and teaching it to different courses at Hillsdale College.”

Jayabalan said. “I think the biggest takeaway is that having Hillsdale represented and Dr. Schlueter’s personal background is a great benefit for the diocese.”

Schlueter said he grew up suspicious of Catholic social teaching in the ’70s and ’80s because it had been politicized in certain areas.

“It seemed like Catholic social teaching was really Catholic socialist teaching,” Schlueter said. “When I went back in the later ’90s it was a surprise to see that this was not just a narrow political agenda. It had been politicized but it was not that, it was something actually properly understood, very rich and deep.”

Schlueter said since he is new to the commission he sees his current role as “incremental and exploratory,” but he hopes to advocate for the principles of Catholic social teaching both on campus and within the larger Hillsdale community.

“In some ways the unfortunate thing is that it's called Catholic social teaching, because it really is addressed to all men of goodwill, not just Catholics,” Schlueter said. “The church very, very much wants to propose this as something that even non-Catholics, I think even non-Christians could in principle recognize, see the value of, and accept and embrace.”

Student Activities Board hosts semester's first bowling night, raffle

Olivia Hajicek Assistant Editor

The Student Activities Board will host its first bowling night of the semester on Jan. 25 at Hillside Lanes. Students can sign up to reserve a lane for their team using the link in the Student Activities Office newsletter. Sign-ups are first come, first serve. Teams can sign up to bowl either from 8-10 p.m. or from 10 p.m. to midnight. The event will also include a pizza raffle. Senior and Student Activities Board member Katie Weis said each team will be allowed to enter, and one team from each shift will win a free

From Radio A1

intuition about how to bring the best out of his guests.”

Junior Anna Bassols said she was on the show to talk about her summer internship with the athletic and marketing departments.

“It makes a difference that Mr. Bertram is a skilled interviewer who puts his

pizza.

Sophomore and Student Activities Board member

Josiah Jagoda said bowling nights are special because they are something that anyone at Hillsdale can enjoy.

“I think a lot of the SAB events that we normally do cater toward certain groups on campus better than they cater to others, but I think bowling night specifically is something that everyone can get behind,” Jagoda said. “No matter who you are or what you’re interested in doing, you can have a pretty good time bowling and you can just go with your group of friends and spend some quality time.”

Weis said this long-time tradition at Hillsdale brings

guests at ease and finds interesting stories about politics, history, and interesting people,” Bassols said. “The historical component that he included in the show in which I was featured also helped connect larger issues to our local communities and how we think about that relationship.”

Bertram said audio is a powerful method to bring

different groups on campus together and can also become a fun tradition for Hillsdale students and their friends.

“It’s one of those events that happen two or three times a semester, so you go once and you have a really fun time normally — you can order food from the bowling lane, you can order drinks, things like that, and it kind of becomes a tradition,” she said.

Weis said SAB will host two more bowling nights this semester, one in February and one in March.

“Make sure to be there,” Jagoda said, “because it will be very fun.”

people from across the nation closer to Hillsdale College, creating a long-lasting relationship. There are no plans to change anything about the show for 2023 but to continue with what has been successful with the listeners, Bertram said.

Opinions

Online : www.hillsdalecollegian.com

Editor-in-Chief | Maggie Hroncich

Associate Editor | Christian Peck-Dimit

Design Editor | Tracy Wilson

Digital Editor | Josh Newhook

Outreach Director | Hannah Cote

News Editor | Maddy Welsh

Opinions Editor | Elyse Apel

City News Editor | Logan Washburn

Sports Editor | Isaac Green

Culture Editor | Megan Williams

Features Editor | Meghan Schultz

Science & Tech Editor | Ally Hall

Social Media Manager | Jillian Parks

Circulation Managers | Micah Hart and Victoria Wagner

Assistant Editors | Linnea Shively | Michaela Estruth | Lauren Scott

| Olivia Hajicek | Tess Owen | Olivia Pero | Thomas McKenna | Jane

Kitchen | Michael Bachmann | Carly Moran

Faculty Advisers | John J. Miller | Maria Servold

The editors welcome Letters to the Editor but reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity, length, and style. Send submissions to the Opinions

Editor at ehawkins@hillsdale.edu before Saturday at 3 p.m.

Do not romanticize cheating in movies

By Lauren Scott

Most people agree that cheating on a significant other is wrong. Yet Hollywood often portrays infidelity as glamorous, such as in Netflix’s “The Noel Diary,” the number one movie on Netflix in November 2022. Movies like this lead many audience members to celebrate, support, and even cheer for love stories that stem from infidelity.

The problem is not necessarily the cheating itself we watch in movies, but the romanticization and encouragement of the cheating. Many movies have the audience on the edge of their seats rooting for infidelity, while neglecting the grave immoral action that it is.

If a man or woman is engaged to a person they do not truly love, they should have the decency to break off the relationship before starting a new one. That is not rocket science.

“The Notebook” is an example of the romanticization of unfaithfulness. The two characters, Allie Hamilton and Noah Calhoun, fall in love when they are young. They break up after Allie moves away and she becomes engaged to another man. Allie and Noah reconnect and spend the night together, even though Allie is engaged to be married. The movie has the audience rooting for the couple to be unfaithful and eventually that is what happens. Their love story is portrayed in a beautiful light, but it is derived from immorality.

The movie industry is perfectly capable of creating entertaining, passionate love stories without having one person be unfaithful to write a supposed fairytale.

The Collegian Weekly

The opinion of The Collegian editorial staff

Hillsdale students have enough on their plates with a normal workload. There is no need to feel pressure to take five classes every semester, especially if you don’t need the hours to graduate on time.

It is no secret that many Hillsdale students pride themselves on their busy schedules. Classes, clubs, and extracurriculars all play a role in the daily life of a Hillsdale student. Not to

It is okay to drop a class

mention keeping up with friends and getting a few minutes of sleep. There is enough to do without overworking yourself for no reason. If you are wanting to take five classes because you feel like everyone around you is, that is not a good reason. The only reason you should be enrolled for five classes is if you have to in order to graduate on time, or if there is a “fun” class you are dying

to take. Keep in mind that classes usually get harder later in the semester, so make sure it is a class you’re willing to commit to. It is okay to take fewer classes if it makes the others more worthwhile.

The beginning of the semester is a telling time. There is a new schedule to adjust to and new experiences to learn from. If you are feeling overwhelmed, do not feel shame in dropping

a course. It is normal and admirable to know your limits and to make decisions based upon that. Overworking yourself will only lead to less sleep and a stressful semester.

Use the next few weeks to evaluate your workload. If you are feeling overwhelmed and can afford to drop a few credits, go for it and don’t look back.

Stop taking advantage of the honor code

By Josh Hypes

Bags in the booths at A.J.’s, coats draped over couches in the Heritage Room, and mugs deserted in the library—these are the ways students try to mark their territory on campus. We also know it’s a perversion of the Honor Code.

These manipulative signals can be found across campus. Belongings left behind do not amount to an indefinite claim over all the study spaces on campus.

These people deliberately choose to take advantage of their fellow students, and therefore they should face some consequences for their actions, like clearing off the table if the original owner hasn’t returned after a certain amount of time. Students must work together to address this pervasive problem on campus and establish a consensus on what to do about this issue.

ensure harmony on campus unless students are willing to impose limits on themselves.

Ultimately, any solution requires student involvement by talking to people and informing them about the negative impact that these selfish acts have on campus culture.

For one, it disincentivizes studying on campus. If no spots are available, people look elsewhere. For instance, when Hell Week rolls around and all the classrooms are taken, good luck finding a spot in the union or the library. Often the only choice is just to return back to your dorm and study there, which can make you less productive since you’ll want to hang out with your friends.

Lack of study spots is especially a problem for off-campus students who have to walk or commute a greater distance than students living on campus.

by allowing students to use the dining hall nearly all day long during exam season.

Possible solutions illustrate this point further.

There’s always the subjective option just to move someone’s stuff after a reasonable amount of time. You could place the other person’s things aside and claim the spot as your own.

Yet, this solution lacks consensus and authority. Ultimately, this will result in the same distorted interpretation of the Honor Code by arguing touching another person’s belongings and allegedly “steal” his or her study spot is an act of petty theft.

Consensus and authority are the means to achieving a peaceful resolution.

ness unless A.J.’s hires a table watcher to ensure all people obey the limit. It is a temporary solution that works but is unlikely to be used.

Of course, if the college felt like using a more hightech option, it could use a QR code that, once scanned, could show whether a table is occupied or not and how much time is left until it expires. This solution eliminates the arbitrariness inherent in the other solutions because there is an objective measurement of who is in the right and who is in the wrong.

Hallmark movies, such as “The Christmas Card,” are examples of the normalization of infidelity, especially since most of them have the same plot: A woman is engaged to or seriously dating a man she does not connect with. She falls in love with another man who makes her truly happy, all while still being engaged. She flirts, sneaks around, and sometimes even kisses the new man, while her fiancé knows nothing about it. Many of the movies end in the woman starting a new relationship before she has broken off the one she’s in. Although these movies are cheesy, and it may not seem like a big deal, movies have a great impact on human emotion.

The Chicago Tribune published an article in 2011 highlighting the benefits of watching movies. Psychologist Birgit Wolz, quoted in the piece, “Because many films transmit ideas through emotion rather than intellect, they can neutralize the instinct to suppress feelings and trigger emotional release. By eliciting emotions, watching movies can open doors that otherwise might stay closed.”

Even if it is subconsciously, movies play an important role in one’s emotional state. Watching movies that encourage spouses and boyfriends/ girlfriends to cheat is not healthy for anyone.

“He’s Just Not That Into You” is an example of a movie that portrays cheating as the filthy thing that it is. Characters Ben and Janine are married college sweethearts who just moved into a new apartment. Janine is discussing plans for a baby nursery room while Ben is secretly having an affair. At the end of the movie, Janine learns of the affair, initiates a divorce, and Ben is painted as a scumbag. It should be common sense that if someone cheats, it is a bad thing, and thankfully the producers did a good job of portraying the gravity of the situation.

It is understandable that engaged or dating couples may fall “out of love.” These couples should feel no obligation to stay with each other if they do not truly love each other, especially if someone in the relationship is being mistreated or disrespected. But no matter how bad a relationship is, two wrongs never make a right. Cheating is always wrong, even if it is understandable.

Our world is fixated on quick problem solving, but that mentality cannot be applied to relationships.

What many movies fail to portray is that true love takes work and grit. Despite the hardships and the differences, two people can come together as one and fight for each other until their last breath. That is the type of love story the movie industry should portray.

Lauren Scott is a junior studying history and journalism. She is an assistant editor at the Collegian.

All incoming Hillsdale students must sign the Honor Code during freshman orientation. One of the clauses students pledge to follow requires them to be “respectful of the rights of others.” Hillsdale touts the self-government of the student. Yet, these selfish actions inevitably require draconian solutions to

One solution is to open up more study spots. The college needlessly restricts students from using several spaces used sparingly, such as the dining hall, the Dow Hotel lobby, or the Searle Center. Opening these spaces for student use could alleviate some of the pinches on study spaces. Already, Metz Dining Service has begun to move in this direction

For example, the staff at A.J.’s could post notes on all the tables telling students that they can keep their study spots as long as they’re in AJs or the bathroom. The note has the authority to change the popular interpretation of how long you can leave a table unattended, and there is now a clear limit.

While a step in the right direction, this solution is not perfect because time can only be measured subjectively by the person that wants to claim the space. There is no ideal way to ensure fair-

Ultimately, The best solution is to impose limits on yourself and encourage others to follow. Move your things if you know you will be gone longer than 30 minutes. If someone else is not observing the rule, tell him or her that it is inconsiderate. Try to change culture one step at a time. We must win the battle of ideas to make any meaningful change on campus. Speak up against those that abuse the Honor Code.

Josh Hypes is a junior studying politics and journalism. He is a political correspondent at the Collegian.

The Speaker of the House chaos was worth it

By David Swegle

After a prolonged four-day speakership election, the Republican majority in the House is now positioned to govern effectively and maintain conservative campaign promises. The House Freedom Caucus, though it only constitutes a small minority of the Republican conference, staged a successful rebellion against the uniparty congressional establishment, yielding fruitful rule changes and forcing floor votes on important issues.

Going into the Jan. 3 speaker of the house election, many politicians and pundits criticized the few holdouts who refused to pledge their vote to Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-C.A., saying they were just grandstanding for attention and that it was an embarrassment for the party to appear divided. Indeed, they warned that if Freedom Caucus members didn’t fall into line, the Democrats would have the opportunity to elect one of their own to the speaker’s chair.

McCarthy was able to meet the demands of the conservative holdouts and received the speaker’s gavel after 15 votes. The process was long and tedious

at times, but it certainly was not an embarrassment to the Republican Party, as many claimed. In fact, just the opposite is true, as the slim Republican majority now stands equipped to do the work the American people elected them to do. The so-called “concessions” that McCarthy was forced to agree to in order to gain the necessary votes for speaker should have been universally demanded by all Republican congressmen. The fact that only a few were willing to make the demand is frustrating.

These concessions will now limit bills to a single subject, allow representatives a minimum of 72 hours to review bills before voting, and restore the one-person motion to vacate the chair. In addition, votes on congressional term limits and the southern border will be brought to the floor. McCarthy also agreed to the creation of a committee to investigate the weaponization of federal agencies like the FBI and the Department of Justice.

Some claimed that the Republicans should have

settled this behind closed doors before Jan. 3 in order to keep individual members’ differences from being aired out in the public. But this chaotic speaker election allowed the American people to gain a deeper insight into the congressional political process.

The McCarthy holdouts forced their colleagues to gather on the House floor and debate the issue in the open. With C-SPAN cameras zooming in on various conversations taking place across the room, the American people sitting in their living rooms were able to watch as their elected representatives argued and bargained. The transparency was refreshing.

Time will tell what the long-term outcome of the speakership election will be, but it is clear that the Freedom Caucus’ gamble to withhold support from McCarthy until its demands were met has paid off. Conservatives should be grateful for the chaos and overjoyed at the outcome.

“Many movies have the audience on the edge of their seats rooting for infidelity”

David Swegle is a senior George Washington fellow studying economics.

Kevin McCarthy was elected as Speaker. Courtesy | Fli C kr

City News

County GOP factions plan dueling conventions

By Logan Washburn City News Editor

The Hillsdale County Republican Party’s two factions are planning to hold separate county conventions on Jan. 26.

“It ultimately just hurts our Republican Party,” said Jon Smith, the HCRP’s original “America First” secretary. “People that don’t understand what’s going on, they just think, ‘Oh, it’s two Republicans fighting again.’”

County Commissioner

Brent Leininger has led a newer group since August, suing the HCRP’s “America First” officers for party control since they barred members from August’s county convention.

Neither group has backed down. According to Smith, the “America First” faction will hold its convention at Sozo Church. Penny Swan, a former officer in Leininger’s group, said the group will hold its convention at the Hillsdale Senior Center.

According to a letter from Leininger,

the upcoming county convention will nominate delegates for the Michigan Republican Party’s Feb. 18 convention, which will determine the state party’s leadership. Smith said the state party will have to decide which county delegates will attend its convention.

The Michigan GOP recently changed its stance on the issue, as the party had previously recognized the “America First” faction, but Chairman Ron Weiser recognized Leininger’s group in a Dec. 28 letter.

“The Michigan Republican Party acknowledges Brent Leininger and his executive committee as the newlyelected leadership of the Hillsdale Republican Party,” Weiser wrote.

Leininger said he is grateful the state party ruled in favor of his group. He said his leadership needed to take control, as he thinks the HCRP’s original “America First” leadership had been usurping power.

“The integrity of our elections demanded that we not be silent and passive,” Leininger said. “I am grateful the state party has come to the same conclusion.”

Statesmanship alumnus Jacob Bruns ’22, David Mosby, Danielle Mentz, Dan Rutan, and Chris Wingate.

“Trochky [sic] International Socialists.”

Leininger’s leadership consists mostly of local officials, according to Swan. After November’s elections, Leininger’s officers include County Clerk Marney Kast, Deputy County Clerk Abe Dane, Prosecutor Neal Brady, former Michigan GOP Chair Susy Avery, and former County Treasurer Gary Leininger.

After the most recent elections, Smith said, leaders of the “America First” group include Mayor Adam Stockford, Van Andel Graduate School of

State troopers arrest suspect in local drive-by shooting

By Olivia Hajicek

Assistant Editor Michigan State Police arrested a man suspected of shooting and injuring another driver in Jefferson Township on the night of

Jan. 4.

arraigned on Jan. 6.

According to an MSP news release, Jackson Post troopers responded to the incident on Osseo Road near Beecher Road at 9:40 p.m.

“The suspect, a 30-yearold from Hillsdale, was driving in a separate vehicle and shot several bullets at the victim’s vehicle,” the news release said. “One round penetrated the driver’s side door of the victim’s vehicle and struck the victim in both legs.”

The victim, a 24-year-old from Hillsdale, was taken to Hillsdale Hospital and was in “critical, but stable condition,” according to the news release.

MSP troopers arrested Mosby without incident at a residence in Bronson, Michigan, the morning of Jan. 5, according to the news release. He is currently at the Hillsdale County Jail.

is charging Mosby with attempted murder, assault with intent to murder, felony firearm, and discharge from a vehicle causing serious impairment. Wisniewski is prosecuting Mosby, and attorney George Lyons is representing him, according to the court website.

Matthew Christopher Mosby, 30, is facing four charges related to the incident, according to JailTracker. He was

An MSP sergeant confirmed the investigation was ongoing as of Jan. 17.

Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jamie J. Wisniewski said her office

Wisniewski said Mosby is currently being held without bail. He will face a probable cause conference at 10 a.m. on Jan. 18, and a preliminary examination on Jan. 25.

Smith expects the Michigan GOP will support his group after new leadership wins elections at the February state convention, he said.

“They don't realize the delegate body across the state supports us,” Smith said. “It’s about this local Hillsdale ‘Boss Hogg’ control. But this is actually a much bigger story.”

The conflict started when the HCRP’s “America First” executive committee officers barred more than 61 local delegates from the August county convention, disavowing them as

“The good people of Hillsdale County elected precinct delegates in the August primary, who were then denied access to their own county convention by the illegal actions of the former party leadership,” Leininger said. “The thenestablished party tried to deny duly elected delegates their right to represent their constituents.”

Leininger led an alternate convention at the same time for those the party leadership had barred from the convention. The state party accepted delegates from the alternate convention on Aug. 19.

Leininger and his group met in an Aug. 25 meeting, where he and other local officials say they were voted in as the party’s new leadership. The party’s “America First” executive committee officers refused to yield control.

“The little man’s telling me, ‘Don’t give up,’” Smith said. “What am I supposed to do, just give up?”

POLICE REPORT:

5 Jan.

-The Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office arrested a 46-yearold Findlay, Ohio man for stalking, motor vehicle tracking violations, malicious use of telecommunications service, intentional dissemination of explicit visual material, and bribing/intimidating/interfering with witnesses. A $233,000 bond was not posted.

11 Jan.

- A 42-year-old homeless man was arrested for an attempted home invasion, possession of a taser, civil warrant for failure to pay child support, and contempt of court.

Weiser sent a ruling on Aug. 27 against Leininger’s group, recognizing the party’s original leadership.

Michigan GOP Co-Chair Meshawn Maddock said in an email the letter was “valid and authentic.”

Leininger’s group sued the party’s original leadership on Oct. 12 to gain control of the party, according to the plaintiffs’ attorney Jonathan Lauderbach.

Plaintiffs took issue with the HCRP’s “America First” July 28 executive committee meeting, where officers voted to disavow party members before the August convention.

Lenawee County Circuit Court Judge Michael Olsaver granted an injunction against the HCRP’s original leadership on Nov. 15, writing this “America First” faction “illegitimately” removed other committee members in their July 28 meeting.

The Collegian has compiled a selection of recent arrests from the City of Hillsdale and Hillsdale County.

9 Jan.

-Hillsdale City Police arrested a 49-year-old from Homer for breaking and entering with intent. A $40,000 bond was posted.

-The Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office arrested a 27-year-old Osseo woman for reckless discharge. A $1,000 bond was posted.

14 Jan.

- The Michigan State Police arrested a 37-year-old Jerome man for operating while intoxicated and failure to report an accident. A $5,000 bond was posted for the first charge, and a $1,000 bond was posted for the second charge.

Sources: City of Hillsdale Police Department, Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office

“It ultimately just hurts our Republican Party,” Smith said. “They just think, ‘Oh, it’s two Republicans fighting again.’”

“The suspect, a 30-year-old from Hillsdale, was driving in a separate vehicle and shot several bullets at the victim’s vehicle.”

When the HCRP banned delegates from their August county convention, County Commissioner Brent Leininger held another convention in the parking lot. The groups are planning separate conventions again later this month. Courtesy | Twitter

Matthew Christopher Mosby. Courtesy | JailTracker

C harger S port S

Women's Basketball Chargers battle through break, emerge 5-4 in

By Moira Gleason Collegian Freelancer

The Hillsdale women’s basketball team dug deep over break, emerging 5-4 in the G-MAC and 12-7 overall with personal milestones along the way.

According to assistant coach Brianna Brennan, the team gained confidence and progressed defensively over the break.

“We’re finally seeing how good we can be when all five players work together on the defensive end, so that's been really fun to watch,” Brennan said. “Having each other's backs and taking more pride defensively has really stepped up our game. When we're feeling confident defensively, then it just allows us to continue to play free offensively and play aggressive. I think that's been the biggest change and step forward for us — getting defensive stops consistently.”

Senior Sydney Mills also hit a personal milestone over the break. For her performance against Ursuline and Ohio Dominican, Mills was named G-MAC women’s basketball player of the week for Jan. 9-16. In addition to becoming only the 20th player in Hillsdale women’s basketball to surpass 1000 career points, Mills has 869 rebounds for her career and averages 10.9 ppg and 10.4 rpg. With one more year of eligibility, she has a chance to become only the third Hillsdale

women’s basketball player to hit 1000 career rebounds.

“She's someone who consistently has been a player for four years in the program,” Averkamp said. “I couldn't be more proud of her and the leadership role she's taking. She just keeps improving every year on different facets of her game.”

Mills expressed gratitude for her coaches and teammates.

“I'm just very fortunate to have really great teammates around me and coaches who push me every day and support me in ways way more than basketball,” Mills said. “I wouldn't be able to get points like that if I didn't have great teammates and great coaches.”

The Chargers started December with a disappointing 89-83 loss on the road against the Cedarville University Yellow Jackets, but quickly bounced back with a 70-55 victory against the Trevecca Nazarene University Trojans at home. The following week, the Chargers fell on the road 68-63 to the Tiffin University Dragons and 74-61 in overtime to the Ohio Dominican Panthers.

The Chargers came away with a 62-57 win against G-MAC rival Findlay Dec. 13, thanks to some impressive shooting by Touchette and Splain, who hit 22 and 11 points respectively.

Dec. 15 and 16, the Chargers traveled to Puerto Rico for two exhibition games and returned undefeated. According to Averkamp, the trip was a great

Swim Men's Basketball

Charger swim returns from break in double-dual meet

By Maddy Welsh News Editor

The Charger swim team started the year with excellent performances in a double-dual meet against Ashland University and Saginaw Valley State University. They spent a week preparing during their annual training trip to Florida, an opportunity to travel, bond as a team, and practice in a long course pool which makes short course performances stronger.

“It was a good meet to get back in the swing of things after a long break,” head coach Kurt Kirner said. “Times were as expected after a hard training trip but the efforts were exceptional. Many of the women mentioned that the water temperature was cold which affected their ability to warmup adequately, but they did not make that an excuse for not giving their best efforts.”

The meet opened with a commanding win in the 400 yard medley relay; junior Caroline Holmes, sophomores Emma Dickhudt and Megan Clifford, and senior Marie Taylor grabbed a win by a nine second margin, finishing in 4:02.69.

Sophomore Joanna Burnham came out on top of both her individual events and was named G-MAC swimming and diving athlete of the week for her performance at the meet. In the 400 yard individual medley, she finished in 4:44.88, just under five seconds faster than the second place finisher. In a tight 100 yard breaststroke race, she swam a 1:09.84. The event also saw Dickhudt in second (1:10.73) and senior Hannah Douthitt in fourth (1:10.98).

“I was happy with my swims for this point in the season,” Dickhudt said.

“Coming off of break is always really tough so I was

conference

team-building experience for the girls on and off of the court.

“I thought the team got to really gel and spend time together,” Averkamp said. “Those trips are great to compete, but they’re also great for team building. I think the closer we get off the court, the better we’re going to keep getting on the court.”

Back from a week off for Christmas, the Chargers faced Division I Eastern Michigan in an exhibition game on Dec. 28, for a competitive 61-76 loss.

“We played with them tight for about three and a half quarters,” Averkamp said. “It's a different ballgame, but I think it really allowed us to gain some confidence and really trust that what we're doing can be successful at a high level.”

The Chargers then began a three-game win streak, defeating Madonna University, Roosevelt University, and Northwood University at home.

Mills said the team’s 7976 victory against G-MAC newcomer Northwood was one of the most significant for the Chargers over break.

“They just came into the conference this year,” Mills said. “Our conference is really competitive, and you have to be able to play your best basketball on any given night to win. I think it was a very important game just to kind of show them what the GMAC is all about.”

After a 72-60 loss against the Malone University Pioneers Jan. 7, the Chargers reclaimed

their court with a 63-76 win against the Ursuline Lions.

Mills sank a 3-pointer with 7:24 to play in the third quarter against Ursuline to hit her 1000 career point milestone. She also scored a total of 14 points and 12 rebounds for her seventh double-double of the season.

Hillsdale stepped up defensively in its second game against Ohio Dominican Jan. 14, holding the Panthers at 35.7% shooting for a 78-57 victory. According to Averkamp, this win showcased the team’s progress over the break.

“I think we've learned a lot about ourselves in that first game against ODU,” Averkamp said. “And the second time out, we really were focused and fired up to play, and we were ready to compete. I'm really proud of them for that.”

The Chargers are on the road again this week and will face G-MAC second place team Kentucky Wesleyan tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. before playing Trevecca Nazarene again Jan. 21 at 2 p.m.

“We’ve got a huge week this week back on the road,” Averkamp said. “I think it's gonna really define a lot about our team, and I'm excited to go compete with this group. And that's the big thing is that we have such a good group, and it's fun to go out there and compete when you have kids who buy into what you're doing.”

happy to feel good in my races and go one, two, three in the 100 breaststroke with Joanna and Hannah.”

Chargers went one and two in the 1000 yard freestyle, with sophomore Elise Mason in first (11:02.35) and senior Sarah Clark in second (11:23.53). Junior Sarah Pataniczek came in a close fourth with a time of 11:34.03.

Taylor topped the 50 yard freestyle event with a time of 25.10, closely followed by freshman Julianna Weir who swam a 25.43.

Clifford won the 100 yard butterfly with a time of 58.44. Pataniczek finished third with a 1:00.69.

In the 100 yard backstroke, Holmes finished second with a time of 1:01.00, just six hundredths of a second behind the Saginaw swimmer in first (1:00.94).

The Chargers saw another close finish in the meet’s closing event, the 200 yard freestyle relay. The team of sophomore Lilly Golladay, senior Leah Tunney, Weir, and Clifford finished in 1:40.76 while the first place Saginaw team swam a 1:40.70.

The team has one more opportunity to race before the conference championships that take place in the second week of February.

“To make sure we are prepared, we are continuing to work hard at each practice, keeping the morale high as we unite around the goal of winning a fourth consecutive conference championship,” Dickhudt said. “This year we are expecting some tough competition, but we are confident in the work we have put in and the mental toughness we have.”

This weekend, the team will travel to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, for a two day meet against University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Kalthoff averaged 21.5 points and 7.5 rebounds on 71.4% shooting from the floor during the week’s two games, including a career-high 29 points in a win over Northwood.

“I sent a text message to Pete, letting him know how proud I am of him,” Tharp said. “I thought that was a well-deserved honor, he’s done so many good things for us, finishing around the rim and blocking shot, he’s a capable 3-point shooter, so I’m proud of him.”

The team has gotten back on track after suffering its only loss of the season on New Year’s Eve to Lake Erie, winning four straight home games.

Losses by G-MAC foes Ashand and Malone, give Hillsdale a game-and-a-half lead over every other team in the conference.

“Since November and December, we kind of discovered that we’re the hunted, and every team really wants to play their best game against us, and that’s what we want too, that’s what makes meaningful games,” Kalthoff said.

Though the four-point loss in Lake Erie kept the team from tying the best start in program history, senior guard Cole Nau said the team has learned a lot from the game.

“We gave up two big threes late, one of them was because there was a ball screen between Eric and I and there was a little confusion on what our coverage was, if we were switching it or if it was a show, and they hit a three, and later in the game when they hit a three, that was more confusion, so that’s not going to happen again,” Nau said.

Unlike past years, the team has been defined offensively by balanced scoring, with four players ranking top 21 in the conference in points per game, but none in the top 10.

Kalthoff is joined by fifthyear senior guard Jack Gohlke, senior guard Kyle Goessler, and sophomore forward Joe Reuter who all average at least 11 points per game.

“I don’t think we’re a team of superstars, I think we’re just being a team that is playing for each other, and I appreciate what they’re doing, we ask them to continue to do that,” Tharp said.

The Chargers rank top 10 in the nation among Division II teams in four team statistics, including two that rank in the top three. Scoring defense and assist-to-turnover ratio are ninth and sixth respectively, and opposing 3-point percentage and fewest turnovers committed are second and third respectively.

Nau said those statistics define the team perfectly, as the Chargers are team-oriented and defensively-minded.

Hillsdale’s defense was on display against the Ohio Dominican Panthers in the team’s last game. The Chargers held ODU to just 36% from the floor, and 23% from outside. The Panthers made just three threes all game, and collected only three team assists while committing 12 turnovers.

Three of the Panthers’ five starters shot a combined 1-of13 for two points, while the team’s leading scorer, Zach Szul shot just 4-of-16 from the field. Nau led the way in the team’s defense against Szul, while finishing with eight points, five rebounds, and three steals.

“It’s just always a one-onone battle, it’s easy to say ‘oh Cole shut him down,’ but you really watch the game and there were a couple of times where he made a good move and Walt came over on one and contested him, I remember one where Pete contested him, there was a switch between Kyle and I, it’s really a team effort,” Nau said.

The team will play three of its next four games on the road before a key three-game home stand.

“We’ve got to be better defensively and rebounding the ball consistently, I’m worried about us rebounding the basketball, and offensively we have to continue to finish around the rim a little bit better than what we have,” Tharp said. “We’re just focusing on a talented Kentucky Wesleyan and a tough Trevecca team.”

Sydney Mills drives to the basket against the Roosevelt University Lakers. Courtesy | Hillsdale College Athletic Department

Joe Reuter goes up for a basket against the Tiffin University Dragons. Courtesy | Charles Miller

Basketball from A1

Culture

Principal ballerina coming to teach Tower Dancers

By Megan Williams Culture Editor

The Hillsdale College

Tower Dancers will be hosting ballet répétiteur Carla Lippert from Jan. 20-25 to stage the “Pas de Quatre” ballet.

To celebrate the program’s 20th anniversary, junior Emma De Nooy, sophomores Ashley DeMay and Laura Luke, and freshman Emma Shaw will perform the ballet at the spring recital in April.

Assistant Professor of Dance Holly Hobbs organized Lippert’s visit to Hillsdale, and said she was very excited to see how the students will learn from her expertise.

“I’m certified in American Ballet Theatre’s national training program,” Hobbs said. “I reached out to a colleague who is an instructor for the training program and asked if there was anyone who could stage the ‘Pas de Quatre’ to our students, and she gave me Carla’s name.”

A soloist for the American Ballet Theatre, principal dancer for the Boston Ballet, and an avid instructor, Lippert specializes in teaching classical ballet technique, pointe, and variations, along with staging the major works of the classical ballet repertoire, like the “Pas de Quatre.”

During her five days in Hillsdale, Lippert will stage the entire 20-minute ballet with the four student performers. Practicing everything from choreography to specific technique, the dancers will spend their afternoons with Lippert, and use the rest of the semester to perfect the production.

“Our rehearsal schedule will be more intensive than a normal residency because ‘Pas De Quatre’ has such a legacy of performance and excellence,” Luke said. “We will spend around 25 hours in the studio between Friday and Wednesday.”

This ballet was choreographed and first performed in London in 1845, and is one of the most famous ballets from that period. Hobbs said dancers moved very differently during the Romantic period. From arm movements to technique, this ballet was a very different style than what is often performed now, which is why the Tower Dancers looked for Lippert’s expertise.

“It’s a very old and historic piece, so I’m excited to perform it,” De Nooy said. “Being able to learn the ballet from a former soloist and principal with two major American ballet companies is an incredible opportunity.”

With only four women performing the ballet, Luke said this would be a great chance to build a relationship and work closely with a ballet master.

Hobbs said this ballet provides exquisite cultural insight into 19th- century Europe. Not only were ballerinas and performers well-known, they were the equivalent of star athletes like Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo. Along with fame, these dancers had the ego to match, Hobbs said, which is why their presence on the same stage was such a phenomenon.

“‘Pas de Quatre’ brought together on one stage, the four greatest rival ballerinas of the time – in order of appearance, Lucile Grahn, Carlotta Grisi, Fanny Cerrito, and Marie Taglioni,” Hobbs said. “Each ballerina has an individual variation, which are performed in succession between an opening and finale that are danced by all the ballerinas together. These variations were choreographed for the ballerina premiering in each role and were designed to display the best features of each.”

Hobbs, who is teaching a course on the history of dance this semester, said the combination of learning the context of Romantic-era pieces and

performing them on the stage will give students a holistic view of the period. Even for students not interested in dance, this performance invites the whole of campus to experience a piece of history.

“The staging of the ballet “Pas de Quatre” provides a tremendous opportunity for students to experience history in an interactive way,” Hobbs said. “It will invite students to examine Romanticism across disciplines, including but not limited to theater, literature, visual art, and music.”

The dance will be performed during the second half of the Tower Dancer’s 20th anniversary recital in April. The first half of the performance will feature a variety of different styles and choreographers.

Tower Dancers will be casting works for two guest artists that are coming later in the spring semester, along with a ballet staged by Hobbs a few years ago. Adjunct Professor Sean Hoskins will set a modern piece, and senior Alexander Himebaugh will choreograph a dance for the performers.

After Lippert’s residency, the Tower Dancers will host student auditions for the opportunity to perform in the spring recital and join the company. Auditions will be held on Jan. 28 in Markel Auditorium.

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ wows with visual effects

By Olivia Pero Assistant Editor

Fans of “Titanic” and “Terminator” will probably appreciate James Cameron’s newest masterpiece, “Avatar: The Way of the Water.”

Cameron seamlessly continues the story of the Na’vi’s battle to preserve Pandora from the Sky People, a struggle that began in the 2009 “Avatar.” The film begins by updating the audience on Jake Sully’s (Sam Worthington) new life as a Na’vi. Sully and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) have started a family, and are enjoying a peaceful life as they raise their children.

However, it does not take long for the acquisitive Sky People to return to Pandora and wreak havoc. Colonel Miles Quartich (Stephen Lang) makes a reappearance in his new form as a Na’vi, and is intent on hunting and killing Sully for betraying him. After Quaritch and the Sky People attack the Omaticaya clan, Sully decides it is in the clan and his family’s best interest if he and his family move away. Sully, Neytiri, and their children ride the flying, prehistoric-looking creatures called Ikrans to Pandora’s ocean where they request asylum from the Metkayina clan. Chief

Tonowari (Cliff Curtis) and his wife Ronal (Kate Winslet) debate whether it is wise to admit these foreigners into their village, but ultimately decide to help them.

film flaunts improved computer generated imagery. There is more texture, definition, and depth in the foliage, the Na’vi’s hair, and skin. The sound effects are clear and

reflects the tropical and aquatic atmosphere of ocean life. From a creative and artistic perspective, it is neat to see how the Metkayina’s appearance varies from

this by decreasing the amount of time that is focused exclusively on the Sky People, and including more scenes that solely feature the Na’vi.

and Neytiri’s relationship, and the ease with which they step into the roles of parenthood.

The film has elements to captivate the interests of everyone — there is artistry in the animation and music, mechanical and technological elements in the robots, aircrafts, and ships, along with the thrill of combat scenes.

One detail of the film that detracted from its quality was Sigourney Weaver acting as Kiri Sully, the teenage Na’vi daughter of Dr. Grace Augustine’s avatar. Weaver acted as Grace in the 2009 film, so it is understandable that she played that character’s daughter. However, her voice was too deep and mature to be taken seriously as a teenage girl’s voice.

Sully and his family learn the ways of the ocean from the Metkayina, finding tranquility in the ocean’s beauty. The peace only lasts for a while, however, as Quaritch and the Sky People track down Sully, with the reluctant assistance of Spider (Jack Champion), a young man who is a friend of Sully’s family.

Budgeted at $250 million, the sci-fi and action

realistic, most notably the sound of pattering rain and beads dully clattering from head movement in the Na’vi’s hair. Perspective shots facing the Na’vi while they ride their horses and swim in the ocean support an immersive experience for the audience. The same ethereal and whimsical theme song from the original Avatar movie is used in the film, along with new music that

the Omaticaya’s appearance. The Metkayina’s skin is the color of Bahamian water, and they have tails and forearms similar to fins, which allow them to swim with ease.

It is evident that Cameron wants to shift the audience’s perception of the Na’vi as being strange, alien creatures, to being more normal, with the humans now portrayed as alien. Cameron achieves

Cameron’s talent for adding suspense in scenes involving sinking ships, rising water, and sparking electricity is exhibited in the film, and is strongly reminiscent of his work in “Titanic.”

“Avatar: The Way of the Water” is wholesome entertainment, highlighting the beauty of marriage, family, and friendship. It is heartwarming to observe the development of Sully

The film clocks in at three hours and 12 minutes. While the movie was enjoyable at this length, it would be even better if it was under three hours. Many scenes feature the characters exploring the ocean, showcasing the different sea creatures and scenery, which extended the movie’s length.

Cameron has three more Avatar movies scheduled for release over the next five years. Avatar 3 is scheduled for 2024, Avatar 4 in 2026, and Avatar 5 in 2028.

The Grand Rapids Ballet performed at Hillsdale College in September.

Phoebe Vanheynigen | Collegian

The original playbill from the ‘Pas de Quatre’ ballet. Courtesy | Public Domain Collection

Viewers are immersed in the world of Pandora in ‘Avatar: The Way of Water.’ Courtesy | Flickr

Science & Technology

Fungi’s future, present, and past is more than a trend

By Alexandra Hall Science & Tech Editor

There’s an underground renaissance in wellness culture. Whether it’s advertisements like those of MUD/WTR offering coffee replacements or your hippie cousin swearing by a capsule to aid your memory problems, mushrooms are the stars of the alternative health world at the moment.

There are many reasons people venture into alternative medicine. Some people don’t trust public health institutions or they just want to jump on the next trend. However, some individuals are deeply invested in the study of mushrooms and how they can improve our lives.

Take Paul Stamets: an important figure in fungi discourse and advocacy for its medicinal prospects, Stamets is the people’s mycologist. His company Host Defense Mushrooms works to pro-

vide mushroom supplements alongside a blog, recipe books, and other articles that strive to educate customers. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he worked as a logger. He has an honorary doctorate from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland and in 2014, received an Invention Ambassador award from the American Association of Science.

Stamet’s book “Mycelium

Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World” poses mushrooms as the potential solution to many health and environmental concerns.

“The cascade of toxins and debris generated by humans destabilizes nutrient return cycles, causing crop failure, global warming, climate change and, in a worst-case scenario, quickening the pace towards ecocatastrophes of our own making,” Stamets writes in the book. “I believe

we can come into balance with nature using mycelium to regulate the flow of nutrients.

The age of mycological medicine is upon us. Now is the time to ensure the future of our planet and our species by partnering, or running, with mycelium.”

Market research completed by business research company IMARC reported that the global mushroom market size reached $63 billion in 2022. The research predicts the market will reach $90.4 billion by 2028.

Sophomore Emma Turner takes Stamet’s MyCommunity Capsules, a blend formulated to support the immune system.

“I heard about mushroom supplements through my naturopath,” Turner said. “She recommended them because I have a weakened immune system and I get sick often. They definitely help with supporting my immunity because

New Alzheimer’s drug promises to slow cognitive decline

By Thomas McKenna Assistant editor

The efficacy of a new Alzheimer’s drug is under scrutiny after it was granted accelerated approval by the Food and Drug Administration this month.

Leqembi, a treatment developed by Japanese biotech company Eisai and American biotech Biogen, has demonstrated more success in trial studies than any Alzheimer’s drug before. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine— co-authored by researchers from Eisai— found the drug slowed cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients by 27%.

“We have a small win, a modest win, but it’s a win still,” said Marwan Sabbagh of the Barrow Neurological Institute, a paid consultant of Biogen, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Kelli Kazmier, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Hillsdale, said she isn’t convinced the drug is the game changer companies claim.

“Preliminary evidence suggests that there are small but significant changes in disease progression,” Kazmier said. “However, these are smaller than the burden that is typically associated with what you would need to meet to call an effective drug.”

According to Kazmier, an important differentiation is “statistical significance” and “therapeutic significance.”

Statistical significance states how certain researchers are of a trend, whereas therapeutic significance states whether or not a treatment accomplished a certain goal. On a 18-point scale testing cognitive ability, researchers set a .5 point difference between the treatment group and the placebo group as the measure of success. The study found a .4 point difference, which fell short of their standard for therapeutic significance.

This explains why Biogen said the results showed a “highly statistically significant reduction of clinical decline.” The company didn’t say the drug has a significant

effect on cognitive function – they say their certainty in its effect, however small, is significant.

The same study also signaled the drug carries risk of bleeding and swelling in the brain. About 17 percent of patients receiving Leqembi experienced brain bleeding, versus only 9 percent taking a placebo. About 12 percent of Leqembi patients experienced brain bleeding, compared with about 2 percent in the placebo group.

These numbers are an improvement over side effect risks of Aduhelm, Biogen’s previous drug approved by the FDA in June 2021. Forty-one percent of patients in Aduhelm trials experienced brain bleeding or swelling.

associated with the proteins that this drug would alleviate,” Kazmier said. “But the vast majority of the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline would not be affected by breaking up these plaques because it is not addressing the root cause of the issue.”

Even if Leqembi does prove to be marginally effective, it could be doomed to unprofitability if Medicare refuses to cover its cost. Experts say the drug would be cost-prohibitive to Medicare beneficiaries if they were forced to pay out of pocket.

“Without Medicare coverage, this drug is pretty much unaffordable. Even with Medicare coverage, beneficiaries would still be responsible for 20% coinsurance, and that’s not a trivial amount,” said Tricia Neuman, executive director of the Kaiser Family Foundation, according to CNBC.

Such was the fate of Biogen’s drug that flopped last year: Aduhelm. The FDA approved the treatment, but Medicare refused to cover it. One reason: Aduhelm, priced at $72,000, would have increased the cost of Medicare by $29 billion in its first year of coverage, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation report.

Whyte said this refusal by Medicare to cover Aduhelm made it inaccessible for most American seniors.

Liz Essley Whyte, FDA reporter for the Wall Street Journal and Hillsdale alumna, told the Collegian the drug uses the same technique as many previous treatments.

“They all have the same kind of mechanism of action,” Whyte said. “Meaning they’re all trying to attack amyloid plaque in the brain to fight Alzheimer’s.”

Almost all of Alzheimer’s research and drug development over the past two decades has been focused on attacking plaques and tangles in the brain that many believe are the root cause of cognitive decline. But Kazmier said she believes these efforts may be mistaking an indicator for a cause.

“My take on these drugs is that there might be some small neurotoxic effect

I feel like when I take them, I can fight off sicknesses better.”

Although mushrooms are seeing an uptick in popularity, they are far from a new source of interest. According to Stamets’ and Heather Zwickey’s journal article “Medicinal Mushrooms: Ancient Remedies Meet Modern Science” which was published in the

there’s nothing new about the health benefits of mushrooms.

Greek physician Hippocrates classified the amadou mushroom (Fomes fomentarius) as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Ancient Chinese medicine has cited ling zhi (Ganoderma lucidum) as an immune booster and a promoter of cardiovascular health, among other body systems.

“The surge in interest is not only related to the deep cultural history of their use, but it is also due to modern methods for tissue culture of mycelium and new methods for testing the activity of individual constituents and their synergies,” the journal article states.

National Library of Medicine,

Even though fungi’s history runs deep, consumers’ knowledge may not. With the rise in companies trying to capitalize off of the mushroom market, some risks emerge in the form of actual efficacy. Much like any other supplement,

consumers should be aware of certain fillers that are put in their products and should note the actual amount of mushrooms they are actually ingesting.

“There’s a general trend of people trying to find beneficial things to put in their body,” Associate Professor of Biology Christopher Heckel said. “Being well-informed and doing our homework on the substances we are consuming is important.”

With their rise in popularity in mainstream culture, new research alongside anecdotal experience looms on the horizon. The days of thinking about mushrooms as a niche foraging interest or an acquired culinary taste are long behind us. Really, they never were just that. Mycology may be a trend in business, but it offers a historically significant and promising approach to health.

Research Spotlight

By Alexandra Hall and Carly Moran Editor , Assistant editor

Senior Jaiden Frantz received the award for best student presentation from the Michigan Entomological Society Research Conference last fall for her research on mayflies. But this fall, she’s heading off to law school.

“I think over time, she realized that pre-med was not for her and she was really interested in pre-law to be a lawyer,” Chair and Professor of Biology David C. Houghton said. “She wanted to be an environmental lawyer.

As her academic adviser, I thought that was an excellent idea because most lawyers, politicians, and anyone from that aspect of humanity knows nothing about science and it shows. It would be really nice to have somebody who actually understands empirical science.”

Alongside serving as Frantz’s mentor and adviser, Houghton also directs the G. H. Gordon Biological Station at Rockwell Lake. It is here where students are able to conduct some of their research and learn in a field setting.

Here’s what Frantz had to say about her research:

What was your research about?

“It was a really rare and pretty shocking move when they decided not to cover Aduhelm routinely,” Whyte said. “That just made it really an impossible equation for most families that would try to get drugs.”

But the new drug’s promising results suggest its fate may be different. Trials studying Aduhelm didn’t show a slowing of cognitive decline, and Eisai said it would price Leqembi at a much lower $26,500.

Medicare is expected to make its decision in the coming months, according to Forbes, as the FDA considers full approval of Leqembi.

My research is about the critical thermal maximum of two different size classes of Stenonema femoratum, more colloquially known as flat-headed mayflies. I collected them by hand from a stream and put them in a stream-like simulator that was able to slowly increase the temperature by a specific interval to see at what point the water became too hot

for them and they needed to release from their substrate (which in this case is a rock).

Why did you specifically choose the mayfly?

I knew I wanted to do field work and I wanted to do it at the biological station, where I had the opportunity to work this summer, which was great. The mayfly is very abundant in that area. I think it was probably more of a necessity than it was a love for this specific method.

stream systems– what raising water temperatures does and how that affects species in the stream.

Do you think your project will be used for something to preserve wildlife in Michigan?

I don’t think my specific study is going to be “used by the state.” Climate change is a buzzword that a lot of people are looking at. However, I don’t think what I found is something that is groundbreaking. I think it’s a smaller study that’s confirming what’s already been found in other studies - basically that insects do have a cap on what they’re able to tolerate. If waters continue to warm, that’s a reality we will face.

What was it like presenting your work to the Michigan Entomological Society?

How do mayflies affect Michigan climate?

They’re mainly good food sources for other insects and even some fish. They’re also very good thermal indicators. If scientists are seeing less of them in a habitat, that’s a very good indicator that there is something wrong with the ecosystems, temperature or otherwise.

What does this contribute to on a larger scale?

Thermal maximum is a commonly used scientific term. It’s basically a very small drop in a large bucket that looks at the effects of climate change on larger

I really enjoyed myself. It was me and two other students who worked at the biology station. It was kind of a collaborative effort to work on our own presentation but also help each other. My adviser and mentor, Dr. Houghton, was super helpful. We ran through my presentation a bunch of times, so I felt very prepared. It was a lot of fun to share something that you’ve worked so hard on.

What do you plan on doing after college? Is it related to your research?

I’m actually going to law school. I think I am very fortunate to have a biology background because I think it offers a different way of thinking than maybe traditional majors going to law school. If I’m ever interested in doing something like environmental law, I’ll definitely be set up for success.

“The global mushroom market size reached $63 billion in 2022.”

Photo Courtesy | Jaiden Frantz

“Even if Leqembi does prove to be marginally effective, it could be doomed to unprofitability.”

Leqembi’s potential success may be limited.

Richard Gamble

By Michael Bachmann

Assistant Editor

In this quick hits interview, Professor of History Richard Gamble talks famous students, unpopular opinions, and the 1964 World’s Fair.

What is one trend from your teenage years that you

wish you could bring back?

You must remember that my teenage years were the 1970s. Would anybody bring anything back from the 1970s? I wouldn’t bring the fashion back. I wouldn’t bring American-made cars back. How about a classic New Jersey diner?

What’s your most unpopular opinion?

I love this question. I have so many. I think Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” is overrated. I was so underwhelmed by it.

What is the most common question students ask you? When students come into the office, they’ll say, “Have

you read all of those books?” It’s always freshman Western Heritage students.

What’s your favorite Bible verse?

I am not a fan of the Bible chopped into verses. But I always go back to Ephesians Chapter 2.

Who is one historical figure who you would like to see give a lecture at Hillsdale?

I would like to hear from George Kennan, the diplomat.

What is your favorite item in your office?

My all time favorite gift I got from students is this figurine of Julia Ward Howe. There’s a long story behind it, but I laughed so hard when I got it, and I was really touched.

What is one thing on your bucket list?

Travel. I’d love to see Vienna, Prague — I’d like to visit that area.

What is one thing a lot of people don’t know about you?

I had a “Saturday Night Live” cast member as a student — Victoria Jackson back from the ’90s. She had already left the cast. She was in her 40s at the time. Her daughter was enrolled, and she came up from Miami. She became a very conservative, evangelical Christian. I taught her for two semesters. I’m still Facebook friends with her.

What is one movie you think everyone should watch?

“The Lives of Others.”

Do you have any unique hobbies or talents?

I started life out as an art major. I don’t keep up with it, but I was pretty good. All I did as a kid was draw.

Do you have any standout memories from childhood?

One of my earliest memories is the 1964 World’s Fair. That’s why they built the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge. I remember going to the Bronx Zoo for my 5th birthday, and the bridge was brand new.

What is one way you hope to impact your students?

Help them to love reading of all kinds – fiction and nonfiction.

Newest fellows set their sights on DC

Meet four of the 2025 George Washington Fellows: students aspiring to build careers in the public square

dent team.

Compiled by Josh Hypes Collegian Reporter

From a young age, sophomore Sarah Gregory said her parents encouraged political discussion at the dinner table and encouraged her to explore her political opinions.

small family restaurant in high school, the way her co-workers and boss handled the COVID-19 policies sparked her interest in the intersection between small businesses and politics.

While working at a

Growing up in a military family, sophomore Vivian Turnbull lived all over the country but eventually settled in Los Angeles. She discovered her interest in politics during the 2016 presidential election.

Growing up, Turn-

After learning about the George Washington Fellowship from upperclassmen, Gregory decided to apply because of the opportunity to study on WHIP and research with faculty.

together firsthand,” Gregory said. “I will also be able to see how different policies are made and directly affect their constituents.”

Gregory participates in the Chi Omega sorority, Reading Buddies GOAL program, and the CCA stu-

bull thought she would go into medicine, but meeting two of the last surviving veterans from World War II changed her life. One of the veterans told her about his experience on a battleship bombed by the Japanese.

During afternoons spent driving home from high school, sophomore Jacob Fox’s car speakers blared the fast-paced commentary of Ben Shapiro. Fox said the Daily Wire pundit played an instrumental role in developing his political views.

“It’s a great introduction because of how simply Ben

The first election sophomore Micah Hart followed was the 2012 Presidential election between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. However, his political views consolidated in high school through his involvement with his school’s pro-life club and closely watching the 2016 election of Donald

“It will give me the opportunity to see how economics and politics go

“I think we lose that sense of appreciation a lot of times because everything feels so politicized,” Turnbull said. “The fact that there are still people willing to die for this country while being so humble is something we all can learn from.”

presents the news and how many different topics you start to learn more about,” Fox said. “In college, I realized I wanted to deepen my knowledge by reading books about certain subjects.”

Fox also sought outside work opportunities by applying for a summer in-

Trump. Hart is an active member of the 1844 Society, circulation manager of The Collegian, and assistant news director for WRFH radio. Hart is also involved in several theater productions on campus.

Over the summer, Hart interned with Newsmax

During WHIP, Gregory hopes to intern in the Senate for a Nebreskan senator or a budget committee.

team.

Since then, Turnbull said she started researching veteran affairs policies. This past summer, Turnbull interned in Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu’s district office.

Turnbull is a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and the debate

ternship in London working for a member of Parliament. Fox said the scholarships offered by the program make opportunities to take an unpaid internship possible.

While reading “Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity” by Charles Marohn Jr., Fox discovered

under the organization’s chief political correspondent John Gizzi. Hart said the experience was influential in cultivating his abilities as a writer and a communicator.

“My editor John Gizzi would give me ideas and say, ‘Go, work.’ So I would take what I knew and start researching and get people to

Vivian

Turnbull said she was excited to explore the program’s curriculum while learning and growing with the other fellows. While studying on WHIP, she hopes to intern in the Senate.

his love for economics and city planning.

“I ended up liking my econ classes a lot more than I expected,” Fox said.

While on WHIP, Fox plans to intern at a public policy think tank specializing in mapping the economic health of cities.

talk to me,” Hart said.

Hart said he plans to explore American statesmanship through the program’s extensive curriculum while balancing it with practical experience. He hopes to intern with the Republican National Committee’s communications department.

Turnbull: Rhetoric and Public Address

Sarah Gregory: Economics Jacob Fox: Economics and Politics Micah Hart: Politics and Journalism

Richard Gamble (center) once taught a former SNL cast member. He poses here with his siblings.

Courtesy | Richard Gamble