October 18, 2013 Baker University Student Media/Baldwin City, Kansas vol. 121 [issue 3]

A S E A S O N O F C H A N G EOctober yielded an historic win in a rivalry game, the retirement of a cherished nurse and the addition of an educational resource center.

Top - The BU football team ended its 13-year losing streak against MidAmerica Nazarene University on homecoming weekend ... Pg 9

Bottom Left - Ruth Sarna, director of health services, announced her upcoming retirement. Sarna is an avid BU sports fan and pumps up the football team before every home game ... Pg 4

Bottom Right - A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the campus speech center celebrated an opportunity for students to improve their oral communication skills ... Pg 2

PAGE 2 NEWSwww.thebakerorange.com

Elegant and tasteful. These are just a few words friends and family would use to describe late Baker University fi rst lady Carolyn Lambert.

On Sept. 29, a sugar maple tree was planted by parMentors in her honor near the Clarice L. Osborne Memorial Chapel.

“It was important to me that it be planted close (to) the chapel,” University Minister Ira DeSpain said. “I can’t walk through without thinking of her.”

Lambert, wife of former University President Dan Lambert, was instrumental in the decorating of the chapel and reception area of the Collins House. She also founded the parMentors program 25 years ago.

“She passed away on July 17,” Amy Piersol, co-adviser for the parMentor program, said. “This is one of the main reasons we thought it was an appropriate time for the tree to be planted.”

More than 70 people attended the ceremony, including Dan Lambert and his family .

DeSpain also spoke at the ceremony, refl ecting on the many memories he’s had with Lambert in the past and off ering a prayer of dedication.

“She was a lovely person,” DeSpain said. “The university is richer and better because she was here.”

Lambert was made an honorary Baker alumna in 1990, and her funeral contributions were donated to the Dan and Carolyn Lambert Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Director of Health Services Ruth Sarna attended the tree planting ceremony and noticed the tree’s leaves are already beginning to change.

“(Lambert) loved Maple Leaf,” Sarna said. “I think it’s her speaking to us, saying she’s excited for this time of year.”

ParMentors honor former BU first lady Taylor Schley

STAFF WRITER

Speech center serves as learning tool

Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the grand opening of the campus speech center, which is located in Parmenter room 12.

The speech center serves as a resource and “a place where faculty, students and staff at Baker University can go to work on having eff ective communication,” Kimberly Schaefer, assistant professor of communication, said.

The center opened Sept. 16 and is available for students, faculty and staff . It will remain open until Nov. 22. Anyone can sign up outside the speech center for an appointment any time from 2-7 p.m. The speech consultants ask everyone to sign up at least 48 hours in advance. Special appointments can also be arranged.

Students, faculty and staff can go to the center to work on communication skills for presentations, interviews or conferences. One of fi ve students who have been trained to be speech consultants and are paid to do so will assist and provide feedback.

Sophomore Dani Carlson became a speech consultant after Schaefer approached her. Carlson took an oral communication class last year and had previous experience with communication through speech choir and forensics.

“I think that the art of doing speeches is important for everyone to learn to master,” Carlson said.

Schaefer said the speech center can be benefi cial to many students, especially with the new Quest requirements.

“With the new Quest program, all Quest students have to have communication competency,” she said. “And this will really be a great supplement to the Quest program.”

A typical session in the speech center will consist of the student, faculty or staff member giving the background of the class and expectations of the presentation or the assignment. The student will then give his or her presentation in front of the consultant while being taped. After the presentation, they will watch the presentation together and the consultant will give tips on how to improve.

“It’s really great to see yourself on tape,” Schaefer said. “It’s one of the best learning tools that you can have and it’s really great that the speech center provides that.”

Junior Shelby Schiraldi became a speech consultant after taking oral communication with Schaefer last semester as well. She said she was “really nervous and apprehensive” about giving speeches in the class, but after expressing her concern to Schaefer, she improved on her speeches and her confi dence. Schiraldi recently added communication as a second major in addition to sociology.

”I think giving speeches is something that’s really important once you go out into the real world and try to get real jobs and start a career for yourself,” Schiraldi said.

Jenna StanbroughNEWS EDITOR

Jordan Ratterman/The Baker OrangeKimberly Schaefer, assistant professor of communication, and University President Pat long participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday. Parmenter room 12 will now serve as a speech center for students, faculty and sta� to work on having e� ective communication skills.

News page 3www.thebakerorange.com

Recent grads launch careers at BakerJenna Stanbrough

news editor

Instead of venturing off into the outside world after finishing school, some Baker University graduates have decided to stick around campus and start their professional lives in the comfort of their alma mater. While making the transition from a student to a staff member may pose some difficulties, alumni enjoy seeing the university in a different light and feel that they belong at BU. Here are three recent examples:

The admissions office refers to “the Baker experience.” Not just because admissions counselor and BU alumna Savannah Smith is using the phrase in recruiting prospective students, but because she enjoyed the Baker experience so much that she wanted to extend hers.

“I had a feeling that I wasn’t done here. Something was just missing, like I needed to come back and do something. I didn’t know what it was or anything like that, I just felt like I wasn’t done with my Baker experience,” Smith said. “I love to speak about Baker and talk to prospective students about how great Baker is and how it’s a great fit for them.”

After obtaining her business degree with an emphasis in marketing and management in December 2012, Smith served as an athletic intern last spring.

This fall, she found herself in a new role at Baker as an admissions counselor. She said she initially did not plan on using her degree to do this type of work, and she still does not know how she might use her degree in a future career. However, for now, she is happy being on the other side at Baker.

“I just saw admissions as an opportunity to share my Baker experience and kind of share the word of Baker, and obviously I love Baker, so it kind of fit for me,” she said.

As an admissions counselor, Smith recruits prospective students from southeast Kansas as well as from the whole state of Colorado. She travels to high schools to give students basic information about Baker, tells them about academics and organizations and serves

as an advocate once students make the decision to come to Baker.

“I like to say that I recruit for the kids who don’t have a coach to recruit them,” she said.

As a student, she said she got to experience teachers and administrators going out of their way to accommodate her and other students. She now knows this is even truer than she was led to believe.

“I always knew that people at Baker were hard workers and they would do almost anything for you, but now I kind of see the full extent of that in just how far people are willing to go,” Smith said. “It’s really just kind of going the extra mile in trying to get students here and we do anything for students that we can possibly do for them.”

Clarence Scott, admissions counselor and BU alumnus, walks a fine line.

As a student, he had no problem making people laugh. He still has no problem doing just that, but he is more aware of the way he carries himself, as he is now a staff member at BU rather than just another funny student.

“You’re so new being a (recent) graduate, at the same time you’re still surrounded by those friends you had while you were in school, but it’s a fine line that you have to walk,” Scott said. “I try to still be as friendly and spontaneous and fun as I’ve always been, but at the same time keeping that professional face on here at Baker, but I’m still enjoying myself here. I’m still having fun and I still love it.”

After graduating in December 2012, Scott began part-time work in January,

splitting time in the admissions office and student affairs. When the full-time admissions counselor job opened up, he knew it was a great chance to combine his mass media degree with his marketing and sales interests.

“While I’ve been in the admissions department, I’ve also played a little role in marketing as well, in terms of making commercials and coming up with ideas that are going to help brand our university a little better,” he said.

Scott came to Baker from St. Petersburg, Fla., as a freshman to play football. Though it was a small school in the middle of Kansas, he made the trip to campus and “really, really enjoyed” his visit. He said the small community helped him focus.

Now, he hopes to send the message to prospective students that if he, being

from Florida, can enjoy Baker University, anyone can.

“What I do as an admissions counselor is recruit students and also let them know how awesome Baker was,” Scott said. “Since I’m able to recruit students and show them how great this university is, and if a Florida guy can come here, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to come here.”

While sticking around Baker after graduation felt like the right thing to do, Scott has career aspirations outside of this small-town Kansas university, hoping to return to his home state and fulfill his love of sports.

“My overall aspirations are to one day be the head marketing director of a professional team,” he said. “If I could pick one, it’d probably the Miami Dolphins.”

Keith DeMint, BU alumnus and athletics intern, isn’t treated like a typical intern. He doesn’t have to run useless errands just to pass the time.

“They’re giving me jobs that they would do on a daily basis,” he said. “So, they’re basically not treating me as an intern, they’re treating me as part of the staff, as an actual assistant athletic director almost.”

DeMint, a 2011 BU graduate, is working as the athletics intern in the Baker Athletic Department in order to fulfill graduation requirements for his master’s degree in sports management through Wichita State University.

“After I graduated from Baker, I really didn’t know what I was going

to do,” he said. “It was either a job or grad school, and I couldn’t find job, so I went back to grad school. Then the Baker internship basically fell in my plate.”

DeMint said he found out about the internship through Andrew Patch, assistant director of athletics-operations, who posted the position on the Baker athletics website, as well as the Baker athletics Facebook page. It wasn’t long before DeMint contacted Patch and secured the job.

In addition to Patch, he also works with Tyler Price, who is assistant director of athletics-communications, and Director of Athletics Theresa Yetmar. His duties include finding

sponsors for sporting events, coming up with game-day operations or game-day events such as halftime events and daily operations in the office.

Being an athlete during his time at Baker has given him the chance to see the entire picture of how an athletic department functions, something he knows will prove to be an invaluable experience for his future career.

“Since I was an athlete at Baker, I get to see the other side of the coin, of what they do to get ready for events and prepare and all the stuff that actually goes into events that athletes usually take for granted,” he said. “Now I have a whole picture of what an athletic department is.”

THE BAKER EXPERIENCE

KEEPING IT PROFESSIONAL

JUST ONE OF THEM

Savannah Smithadmissions counselor

Clarence Scottadmissions counselor

Keith DeMintathletics intern

PAGE 4 NEWSwww.thebakerorange.com

In her 25th year at Baker University, Director of Health Services Nurse Ruth Sarna has announced that she will retire at the end of the fall semester.

Sarna has received many awards during her years at Baker, including the Ollie B. Moten Award, the Community Woman of the Year award, and the Certifi cate of Fellowship from the American College Health Association, all of which she credits to the Baker community.

“I think (hard work) is something I see a lot around here at Baker,” Sarna said. “The leadership and the emphasis to use your talents, the gifts that God has given you. I’ve been really blessed to have that opportunity to do that.”

Before coming to Baker, Sarna never thought she would stay in one place for so long, but her interest in BU students has kept her around since 1989. She said she has been thrilled to be a part of students’ lives and that she will “miss them terribly.”

Her offi ce is a testament to the infl uence she’s had on the Baker community. The room is fi lled with various decorations, including awards, notes from students and a ball signed by the university’s football team.

Senior Gloria Atanmo commented on the Baker University Facebook page, lending her love and support.

“You are such a ball of joy and in my 5+ (maybe more) years of being at Baker, you were actively involved in every one of them … You always had such a genuine interest and passion for students,” Atanmo said, in her comment to Sarna. “… Baker will have a hard time replacing the ground of greatness you stood on.”

This interest and passion has been noticed by many in the community. Sarna is a familiar face at Baker functions, from theater productions to sporting events. She said she doesn’t know what the referees will do without her. She has even given pep talks to the football team, with the motto, “It doesn’t matter if you lose, only if you get back up.”

“Nurse Ruth comes to almost all of our home games,” Baker women’s basketball player Taylor Chase said. “She is always yelling at the referees and cheering us on. You can tell she loves her job and really cares about all of us.”

One student referred to Sarna as “our most passionate cheerleader and most caring nurse.”

“There are some really big shoes to fi ll,” Sherri Pahcoddy, coordinator of student health and counseling, said. “It’s not just the medical side, it’s being active in the students’ activities. It’s everything that Nurse Ruth does. It’s more than just getting kids well again, it’s becoming a part of their lives, too.”

Sarna has touched the lives of more than 15,000 students in her time at Baker, with almost 66,000 student visits. While her retirement gives her a chance to focus on her ever-expanding family, which includes 14 grandchildren, Sarna knows that students won’t have much time to miss her before they see her again.

As she goes from 797 “grandchildren” to just

14, Sarna hopes to take what she has learned in her time at Baker with her on her next adventure.

“I’ve learned to always look at the whole person, not just what you’re dealing with, the whole body, mind and spirit,” Sarna said. “I always want to know what else is impacting these students’ lives as they walk through the door, and how much what is happening in their lives impacts what is happening in their bodies.”

Many students have commented on the coincidental timing of the retirements of Sarna, University Minister Ira DeSpain and University President Pat Long, but Sarna promises it wasn’t planned. Although, she did admit that Long told her “let’s go out in a blaze of glory.”

Students and faculty alike have expressed their disappointment in losing an important fi gurehead of the university, but Chase and many others wish Sarna love and luck in the rest of her time.

“Baker is losing someone that everyone loves and respects,” Chase said. “She is just really sweet and kind-hearted. It’s going to be hard, maybe even impossible, to replace her.”

Sarna leaves lasting legacyTaylor Shuck

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

‘Most caring nurse’ announces retirement at end of fall semester

Tera Lyons/The Baker OrangeDirector of Health Services Ruth Sarna cheers on the Baker University football team in 2012 following a win against Graceland University. After 25 years at BU, Sarna announced she will retire at the end of the fall semester.

“I’ve learned to always look at the

whole person, not just what you’re

dealing with, the whole body, mind

and spirit.”

Students might think they are sneaky when they sit with their hands in their laps, behind books or under desks, but professors know what is really happening.

Cellphones have become a universal tool, but many Baker University professors fi nd them too distracting in the classroom. To combat the disturbance, some faculty members are making policies for their courses.

Tamara Slankard, assistant professor of English, has a zero tolerance cellphone policy. Breaking this rule can result in a student being kicked out of class on the second off ense.

“It was a problem for me several years ago,” Slankard said, “which is why I started being a bit more militant about (cellphones.)”

Slankard taught at a school in New York before coming to Baker and found cellphones more diffi cult to regulate with up to 60 students in her classes. During the interview process for Baker, Slankard was asked how she would deal with cellphones, and her policy was one that the humanities faculty agreed on. Slankard found that Baker’s small class sizes have also helped her in enforcing her policy.

“That’s one of the good things about Baker,” she said. “I know all my students’ names a couple

of weeks in, but they might not like it, because I do notice a lot more easily here than I would at a larger institution.”

Some students agree that cellphones can be a distraction, but not all are against using them in class. Junior Rashida Simpson said although she follows the policies of her professors, she does not necessarily agree with them.

“As long as you get your work done and pay some kind of attention, then I think it’s fi ne,” Simpson said.

Some students do see cellphones as a distraction and agree that professors should have a policy in place preventing their use in the classroom if the faculty feel disrespected. Sophomore Brian Richardson believes that it is not only disrespectful, but also makes it diffi cult to learn.

“I think that it’s your choice if you want to put that learning impairment on yourself,” Richardson said. “I think the teacher has the right to say something if they feel off ended by it, and in their class, they should have their own rule. So if they don’t want cellphones in there because

they feel disrespected by it, then they should have the right to say so.”

Ryan Gibb, assistant professor of international studies, does not currently have a cellphone policy, but he will starting next semester.

“It’s disrespectful in that Facebook is seemingly more important and people have

checked out,” Gibb said. “It’s a lost opportunity in that you spend money on college, and if you spend time on your phone, then it is a waste.”

Gibb’s policy would involve docking participation points when students are

caught using a cellphone in one of his classes. It is a policy that he has seen professors use in the past with success. Most professors will make an exception for emergencies, but texting or checking Facebook can wait until after class.

“I don’t know if I could use the language that it makes me feel,” Slankard said. ”It’s off ensive. It makes me angry. It’s off ensive to me. It’s off ensive to everyone around. It’s rude and it’s disrespectful. I don’t ask for much. It’s three hours a week where it’s just me, you and a book.”

Many students are busy preparing for Baldwin City’s annual Maple Leaf Festival, which will take place Saturday and Sunday.

The festival will include a parade and a variety of booths featuring arts and crafts as well as food and drinks.

Members of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority will host their own booth at Maple Leaf this year. In the past, Zeta Tau Alpha has hosted booths making bracelets. This year, the members will be making bottle cap magnets and homemade lotion.

“(The festival) is a great outlet because it brings people in,” sophomore Taylor Schley, Zeta Tau Alpha philanthropy chair, said.

The Baker University basketball teams will also be involved in the parade this year.

“It’s very exciting for me as a freshman,” Sydney Buchel, a member of the women’s

basketball team, said.Buchel is originally from Texas, and this will

be the fi rst time she experiences the festival.Another participating group is the BU baseball

team. The Wildcats will be selling homemade

cherry lemonades and limeades.“I encourage everyone to show up,” Cort

Brennan, a member of the baseball team, said. “It’s fun to be around all the festivities that are going on and just hanging out with friends.”

NEWS PAGE 5www.thebakerorange.com

Professors offended by cellphone usage

Students prepare booths for Maple Leaf Festival

Tera LyonsPRINT EDITOR

Anna YanezSTAFF WRITER

“I don’t know if I could use the language that it makes me feel. It’s offensive. It makes me angry. It’s offensive to me. It’s offensive to everyone around. It’s rude, and it’s disrespectful.”

-Tamara Slankard, Assistant Professor of English

Tera Lyons/Photo Illustration/Baker Orange

VoicesOctober 18, 2013 www.thebakerorange.com Page 6

TwiTTerFollow @bakerorange and suggest ideas

“LOL what r u doin?”This is the text that made you

miss what the chemical components of gasoline hydrocarbons are.

Was it worth it?A study conducted at Wilkes

University shows that nine out of 10 students there text during class. This may be typical of many colleges, including Baker. If not being able to update your Twitter timeline or change your Facebook status in this amount of time is that necessary to your well-being, then there is a bigger problem that needs to be addressed.

Students need to put away their phones in the classroom – it’s as easy as that. Not only is this rude to the professor, it is disrespectful to everyone else in the class who is trying to pay attention.

We all know the frustration that comes when we are trying to talk to someone and he or she is on his or her phone. It’s annoying knowing the person isn’t paying attention to what we have to say. Professors experience the same feelings when they see students using phones during class. By being our teachers, they have earned our respect. They are trying to teach us things they believe are important – things we are paying good money to learn about.

As college students, especially at a private

institution, we are paying a lot of money to go to a class just to text. Your “I’m so bored in class” tweet was probably the most expensive tweet you’ve ever sent.

Besides the reasons that have to do with the classroom, learning how to live without your phone (if even just for 50 minutes at a time) is a good thing to learn. Your cellphone is not a part of your body, and you can live without it. We’re not calling for a full-on cellular revolution, but we are asking students to remember what is actually

important in their lives.Our education can be the most secure thing we

have in our lives. By going to school and getting a degree, we are setting ourselves up for long-term success. Why are we potentially wasting this opportunity?

So put the phones away. You’re hurting your own education as well as the rest of your fellow Wildcats’. Plus, isn’t there more excitement when you wait to check your phone and then see that you have four different texts?

Editorial

Texting creates classroom distractions

Thurbon finds unexpected revelations in study abroad travelsMost Americans have a mental picture of Europe that

is largely formed from watching movies and television shows. When they think of traveling to Paris, London or Rome, they see themselves drinking a glass of wine and watching a Parisian artist paint the Eiffel tower, messing with the guards of Buckingham Palace, or sitting near a magnificent fountain enjoying some gelato.

In essence, it is a lifestyle reminiscent of a simpler time -- one with fewer worries and more time for pleasures.

While I’ve found that this idealized world does exist to some extent, it’s also important to realize that these places are just like any other. Despite the royal treatment they receive from Hollywood, each place is supremely real and thus not exempt from economic, political or social crises.

Watching the turmoil on the news every night with my señora and seeing the beggars in the street every day on my way to school remind me of this.

Recently I traveled to Morocco, Paris and London, and each place revealed different struggles.

One of the days I was in Rabat, Morocco, there was a protest organized in response to a recent decision by the Moroccan government to raise fuel prices and the potential impact on the prices of household goods. In Paris I saw numerous people sleeping on the street because they had no bed.

While signs of unrest and poverty weren’t as obvious

in London, the occasional beggar or graffiti commentary showed that some people had more on their mind than what the royal baby would be named.

Even though these things were difficult to see, it was essential to grasping the true essence of each country.

On the other hand, it’s also important to seek out the good in each place. I wouldn’t want a visitor to the United States to think every American was incompetent just because the government was incapable of preventing a shutdown.

Similarly, many people have misconceptions of Morocco and Africa in general, yet I would truly describe it as the most pleasant place I have ever been.

Today in class we learned the phrase, “las apariencias engañan,” which is the Spanish equivalent to “appearances can be deceiving.” While we mostly used this as an icebreaker to get to know the other people in our class, I think it’s very prevalent to anyone who is traveling to other countries.

Before this past week I would have said that Paris appeared to be a really great place to travel to and Africa perhaps not so much. After being to each place I must say I was mistaken. I found Paris to be overrated and Morocco undervalued.

As such, I intend on going forward into each coming journey by first dispelling any preconceived notions I might have because I have learned firsthand that ‘las apariencias engañan.’

taylor’s doodlEs [taylor schlE y]

Submitted PhotoKatie Thurbon stands on the rooftop of DARNA, a center created to empower women and teach them useful skills. In the background is a view of Tangier, Morocco.

Voices page 7www.thebakerorange.com

Alumna humbled by HaitiHey there, my fellow Wildcats. Can I just

start by saying I miss you? And the squirrels and the grass maintenance that costs more than my tuition, the people, the professors, and those warm peanut butter cookies from the café. I miss it all.

I miss it all a lot, mostly because I’m living in a place where I have access to none of those things. No squirrels, no peanut butter cookies, and to be honest, no grass. I’ve been living in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti, since four days post-graduation. If you’re feeling particularly politically incorrect, you could call this a “third world” country, or a developing country, as I would prefer you to call it.

However, having lived here a while now, I can see how people see this as “third world,” because it is unlike anywhere you’ve ever been before. Have you ever scooped water out of a dirty sewage-filled-trash-dump ditch and used it to bathe? I haven’t either, thank goodness, but I’ve seen it happen. I’ve witnessed a man bathing in water that was neon green. So this is quite honestly a whole new world, and it’s not the Disney one that Aladdin and Jasmine talk about.

I’ve seen an abundance of nudity, men and women urinating on the street, bathing in rivers and ditches. I’ve seen a dead body, bloody on the street. I’ve had orphan children cling to my limbs desperate for a loving embrace. Maybe by now you’re wondering why I’m still here.

All of the horrible things I’ve seen are incredibly outweighed by the beautiful things I have experienced. One of my grown male students wiped tears from his eyes as he pulled me into an embrace upon hearing that I would be staying long enough to see him graduate. “Thank you for believing in me,” he said.

I saw an adult woman read her first sentence aloud to a crowd that was there to witness her graduate from our literacy program. This woman has grandchildren and just finally learned how to write her own name.

I helped organize a water filter distribution that will be supplying over 300 people in our community with clean water. I see people working harder than anyone I’ve ever seen before for a minimum wage of a whopping $5 a day when gas is an outrageous $5-8 a gallon. Can you imagine? I hope you feel a little spoiled now, or at the very least a little humbled. I sure do.

That’s why I’m still here. I believe so strongly

in the mission of community empowerment. I believe that a difference can be made by empowering individuals to become strong as a community. I believe in hope for Haiti where many people do not. I see hope, love and potential for this country, a cause that is not lost. This island, this little western third of the island Hispaniola, is a treasure and it has stolen my heart. Every day I am fascinated by the new things I am learning. Not only that, but I am actually able to apply--get this--things I learned in school. Who would have ever thought?

I regret not taking more classes, not paying attention just a tad more, not memorizing every page of those sociology textbooks. Looking back, everyone was so wrong when they said, “Yeah, well when am I ever going to use this in the real world?” I can’t say I’ve directly

applied the Pythagorean Theorem (yet), but I can say that I would have been horribly ill-prepared for this experience without the education I received at

Baker. I can’t pinpoint the title of one class that helped me, but I can pull bits and pieces from almost every single one of them that I’ve found myself reflecting back on. I’m constantly saying under my breath, “Man, Dr. (Susan) Emel and Dr. (Jake) Bucher were so right.” I wish I could go back now and just hang on to every word my professors ever said. Those Baker professors speak gold, my friends. Shame on us if we ever take that for granted.

It’s strange being in the exact place people told me I wouldn’t be, in the place people told me I couldn’t be, and to be honest, I told myself the same things. But I’m here, and I love every second of it. As much as I miss familiarity, air conditioning, warm water, food other than rice and not getting stared at because of my pasty white skin; I love it here just that much more.

There are too many things wrong with this country to name, but I wouldn’t rather be anywhere else. Haiti hasn’t given up, and I think it would be terrible of us to give up on Haiti.

I will never take electricity or running water for granted again. I have grown as a person, and I am so unbelievably humbled by this experience. I am appreciative of every second I spend here because I know that no matter how hard it is, it is helping me to become a better person. I thought I came to help Haiti, but Haiti has helped me. For that, I am forever grateful for this beautiful little island.

Madison Mater

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Word Aroundbaker

“I think they should allow students to use their cellphones because if students end up not doing well, it’s their own fault because they are distracting themselves.”

Katie Masters, sophomore

“As long as it doesn’t interrupt class, students should definitely be allowed to use their phones.”

Matt Hamm, freshman

“I think for educational purposes and for research, cellphones should be allowed. But otherwise, I don’t see why they’re necessary during class. It’s just distracting.”

Madison Wendt,freshman

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Do you think professors should allow students to use their cellphones during class?

Submitted PhotoBaker alumna Madison Mater has worked in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti, since graduating last spring.

page 8 Flexwww.thebakerorange.com

Jordan Ratterman, Callie Paquette & Laura Price/The Baker Orange(Above left) Seniors Alyssa Paul and Dominique Vieyra hold up the homecoming trophy during halftime of the football game. Zeta Tau Alpha sorority was the overall winner for the homecoming competition.

(Above right) Junior homecoming king Ben Sobek celebrates with senior homecoming queen Nancy Delgado during halftime of the Oct. 5 football game.

(Below) Freshman Matt Paxton , freshman Andrew Dare and junior Justin Fitzwater participate in the buzzer round during trivia night on Oct. 2 in Rice Auditorium.

(Right) Juniors Alli Arnold, Alyse Menghini and Amanda Seeley and sophomore Kennedy Beck perform a ‘90s-themed skit for homecoming on Oct. 3 in Rice Auditorium. The sorority was the overall winner for the skit night competition.

(Below right) Junior Cali Proctor tries to find her way while blindfolded during the BU Showdown held on Oct. 1. The showdown was one of the various homecoming competitions teams participated in.

Homecoming week champions: Zeta Tau Alpha

Homecoming king and queen: Junior Ben Sobek and senior Nancy Delgado

SportsOctober 18, 2013 www.thebakerorange.com Page 9

GALLERYVolleyball team ‘Digs Pink’

ONLINE

The phrase “We own Baker” rang through the minds of players on the No. 10 ranked Baker University football team all week leading up to their Oct. 5 homecoming game against MidAmerica Nazarene University.

The slogan was brought to the team’s attention after MNU students posted pictures on social media of customized T-shirts with the phrase on it.

“(The pictures) were posted all over our lockers,” freshman Clarence Clark said. “All we could think was ‘wow.’ It was kind of unbelievable. All it did was get us hyped up and get us focused, and we had a great week of practice.”

This added fuel to the already blazing fi re Baker players had in their eyes toward a team the Wildcats had not defeated in this millennium.

“You know what it’s going to be every time, and they come in with an attitude that they think they’re better than us,” sophomore Sheldon Jacks said.

After 13 years of MNU football dominance, the Wildcats fi nally got over the hump, beating the Pioneers 37-20.

Then they followed up one week later with their fi rst shutout victory of the season at Culver-Stockton College.

During the 39-0 victory over Culver-Stockton, senior linebacker Darrick Smith was able to snatch four interceptions -- enough to break the school record and earn him the Heart of America Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week award.

Defensive end Adam Novak also grabbed an interception during the game, taking it 79 yards to the end zone. The freshman completed two sacks during his breakout game as well.

Novak stepped up to play after All-American junior Andre Jolly suff ered torn patella tendons in both of his knees during the homecoming game against MNU. As a result of the injuries, which called for surgery, Jolly spent three days in the hospital.

Jolly was injured after he recovered a fumble by MNU quarterback Trent Hedlund, only to be brought down by an illegal defensive maneuver. Following his fumble, Hedlund horse-collar tackled Jolly, which cost MNU a penalty and Jolly the rest of his junior season.

A horse-collar tackle occurs when a defender yanks a player to the ground by grabbing the back inside of his shoulder pads.

Jolly has received heartening words from his friends and teammates at Baker, many of whom were

displayed on social media. One teammate, sophomore Jesse Austin, tweeted,

“My prayer and thoughts go to @Oh_So_Jolly2. The best D-End in NAIA football. You will bounce back!”

In response to the love and encouragement he has received, Jolly tweeted, “Words can’t explain how blessed I am for the love of my friends, family & fans. Really thinking about it brings me to tears…”

Senior quarterback Jake Morse was drawn from both the MNU and C-SC games with an injury that head coach Mike Grossner said was to his throwing shoulder.

“It was probably just a sprain, but those are painful as a quarterback,” Grossner said. “He wanted to go back in, but we fi gured, ‘Why risk further damage to where he could be gone for the rest of the season?’”

Sophomore Sheldon Jacks said that the injuries brought the team closer together during the homecoming game.

“I think we just had to rally together. We had to stick to what we do best, which was pounding the rock,” Jacks said. “Jolly’s a great leader, and he has been eager all week. We had to get it for Jolly but for ourselves too, and that defi nitely motivated us.”

Tera Lyons/The Baker OrangeJunior Andre Jolly recovers a fumble that led to a series ending in a touchdown in the game Oct. 5 against MidAmerica Nazarene University. Jolly su� ered a season-ending injury as a result of a horse-collar tackle on this play.

OWN IT! Chad Mullen & Lauren BechardSTAFF WRITER & SPORTS EDITOR

The BU football team broke a 13-year losing streak against MidAmerica Nazarene one week before earning its fi rst shutout

After receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 poll all season, the Baker University women’s cross country team finally broke into the rankings Monday.

The jump to No. 25 came after the Wildcats finished in 10th place out of 30 teams at the NAIA pre-nationals meet on Saturday in Lawrence.

Senior Lauren Jaqua finished in the top 15 in the 5,000-meter race with a time of 19:01. For her performance, Jaqua earned her third Heart of America Athletic Conference Runner of the Week honor of the season.

Freshman Jillian Benson, who finished in 36th place, had the second fastest time for BU.

The meet took place in Lawrence at Rim Rock Farms, which will host the NAIA national meet on Nov. 23.

“I think the main purpose of this meet was for us to get a feel of the course for nationals,” Benson said. “Definitely for the out-of-state teams who don’t know Rimrock, it gives them a chance to be able and run the course.”

Benson has been training with Jaqua and senior Megan Rosa throughout the season. Running with two upperclassmen has put some pressure on the young runner.

“They’ve really taken me under their wing and hearing where they were at their freshman year and then seeing where they’re at as seniors, it really shows me what I’m capable of doing in four years,” Benson said. “It gives me a lot of hope.”

Rosa was disappointed with her time of 19:37 on Saturday, but said the experience will prepare her if she has the opportunity to race at the national meet.

“Nationals will have a lot of people and a lot of competition, so getting a taste of that I think will really help us feel prepared,” Rosa said. “And the course is pretty tough, there are quite a few hills, so having a preview of that I think will definitely help us in the future.”

The men’s team also competed against 29 other colleges and 272 runners on Saturday. Junior Vincent Tadokoro led the 22nd-place Wildcats, with a time 26:52 in the 8,000-meter race.

Freshman Andrew Dare was not happy with his performance but is concentrating on improvement.

“I didn’t race very well, but I’m just focused on getting better and putting together my race plan,” Dare said.

The Wildcats have the weekend off before they hit the road to compete in the Mid-States Classic on Oct. 26 in Winfield.

Women’s XC team breaks into top 25

Megan HenryAssistAnt sports editor

Callie Paquette/The Baker OrangeJunior Aadrian McCollum runs through a bridge at Rimrock Farms on Oct. 12. The women’s cross country team jumped into the NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 poll for the first time this season following the pre-nationals meet.

page 10 SportSwww.thebakerorange.com

Kelley thompson

After starting junior Kelley Thompson on the junior varsity squad for the Eagle Invitational, head coach Karen Exon had to reconsider her lineup.

During the Sept. 26-27 tournament, Thompson shot a 66 in the opening round, beating out Baker’s previous lowest-round score, which dates back to 2005.

“It’s just amazing. I’ve never sat on a lead in a golf tournament before,” Thompson said. “It was pretty spectacular. I had never broke par or shot in the 60s, so to do it all in one day, that low was pretty cool.”

The Heart of America Athletic Conference named Thompson the Men’s Golfer of the Week on Sept. 30 for his record-breaking performance

On the second day, he played with senior captain Andy Kelley, who kept him focused and calm while on the course.

“It makes it a lot easier when

you get to play with someone you know,” Thompson said. “You can actually talk to them and they can encourage you if you make a bad shot or stroke or have a couple bogies here and there.”

Kelley, who had been “nipping on (Thompson’s) heels” for most of the day, finished in second place and gave Thompson a congratulatory hug after he hit his final putt.

As the two celebrated, other teammates who were watching realized Thompson just hit the winning stroke and began to applaud him.

“It was really cool to have that happen and to experience it with my teammate,” Thompson said.

Thompson led the Baker junior varsity team to a second-place finish, falling only behind the BU varsity squad.

The junior ended the first

round 5-under par and the second round at par, 71, earning him a total score of 137. Compared to his performance from the week before, he was incredibly pleased with the results.

“It was shocking,” Thompson said. “I don’t think I’ve ever played that good of a round in my entire life.”

In the Wildcats’ final tournament of the season, Thompson found his way on to the varsity squad and made an immediate impact. He helped lead Baker to its second straight first-place finish at the Missouri Valley College Fall Invitational on Oct. 6.

junior golfer

1 on 1 is a section in which a Baker Orange sports writer interviews a prominent Baker athlete about his or her sport and life.

1 - on - 1 with

Tera Lyons /The Baker OrangeJunior Kelley Thompson practices at the driving range at the Alvamar Golf Course on Oct. 3.

SportS page 11www.thebakerorange.com

BU Scoreboard

Football: central methodist @ BU

Following a 39-0 shutout over Culver-Stockton, the Baker football team jumped to No. 10 in the NAIA Football Coaches’ Top 25 Poll. The Wildcats will face Central Methodist in front of their home crowd at 2 p.m. Saturday at Liston Stadium.

Women’s Soccer: Avila @ BU

On Saturday, the Baker women’s soccer team lost for the first time since Sept. 8. The 2-0 shutout by Benedictine brought its HAAC record to 1-1-2. A non-conference match against Hastings on Wednesday ended in a 1-1 tie for the Wildcats. The ‘Cats are now 5-4-6 overall, and the team will return to the field at 6 p.m. Saturday to take on Avila University at Liston Stadium.

volleyball:Evangel @ bu

Fans packed Collins Center on Tuesday for the Baker volleyball team’s Dig Pink game. Despite a loss to conference rival MidAmerica Nazarene University, the ‘Cats were able to raise money for breast cancer awareness. Baker is now 5-1 in HAAC and will return to its home court at 7 p.m. Tuesday to take on Evangel University.

Men’s soccer: Avila @ bu

As regular seasons begin to wind down for Baker University’s fall sports teams, upcoming schedules are stocked with home matches, allowing Wildcat fans plenty of opportunities to watch BU teams compete in Heart of America Athletic Conference action.

cross country: mid-states classic

Midway through their regular seasons, the Baker University soccer teams took a break from Heart of America Athletic Conference play.

The Wildcats headed to Nebraska, where they took on the Hastings Broncos on Wednesday.

A 1-1 draw against the Broncos would give the BU women’s team its sixth tie of the season.

“We are really tired of tying,” junior Alexa Fryer. “We just want to win.”

Fryer said her team came out with high energy and had plenty of opportunities at the start of the night.

The game was scoreless until Hastings scored the first goal during the 65th minute.

Just three minutes were left on the clock when Fryer took advantage of a crossed ball from teammate Taylor Baum. One touch behind the defense and the forward ripped a shot past the Hastings goalkeeper to send the game into overtime.

“We don’t quit,” Fryer said. “We always put up a good fight. We’re all willing to learn and continue and move forward together.”

Fryer and freshman Allison Haddad led the team with three shots apiece. Hastings outshot Baker 21-12, though, and junior goalkeeper Rachel Theobald recorded a season high 10 saves during the game. The Wildcats are now 5-4-6 on the season

A slow start would serve as the downfall for the No. 14 men’s soccer team in its 1-0

loss to No. 10 Hastings.“We had possession of the ball for

a majority of the game,”senior captain Cameron Zimmerman said. “We battled really hard, and other than that one moment when they happened to score, we honestly played really well.”

The lone goal came with 16 minutes left to play. As Baker defenders tried clearing the ball from in front of their goal, it fell at the feet of a Bronco forward who squared up against senior goalkeeper Matt Bickley and sent it into the back of the net.

The Wildcats are now 8-5-2 on the season. Zimmerman said the team has improved immensely since the start of the year.

“We are playing a lot better by moving the ball around and fighting harder,” Zimmerman said. “We are definitely headed in the right direction toward post-season.”

Both BU soccer teams have just three conference games left to play in their regular season schedules.

The Wildcats will take on Avila University on Saturday at Liston Stadium. The teams will honor seven players that evening for senior night.

The women’s team may have a challenge ahead of it as the Eagles have a 13-0-1 record on the season.

“We’re stoked about (the game),” Fryer said. “We’ve played some challenging teams this season and I think we’ve rised to the occasion each time. We just want to get a good win in and prove ourselves.”

The women are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. with the men to follow at 8:30.

Women’s soccer records sixth tie; No. 10 Hastings defeats men’s team

Lauren Bechardsports editor

Tera Lyons/The Baker OrangeSenior Amber Pickering kicks the ball against a Benedictine College player on Oct. 12 at Liston Stadium. The Wildcats lost the game 2-0, giving BU its first loss since Sept. 8. On Wednesday, Baker ended its game in a 1-1 draw with Hastings College in Hastings, Neb.

The No. 14 BU men’s soccer team took a break from HAAC play on Wednesday and traveled to Hastings, Neb., where it fell to the Broncos, 1-0. Baker is now 8-5-2 on the season and will take on Avila University at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Liston Stadium.

The Baker University women’s cross country team is now the 25th-ranked team in the nation after a 10th-place finish at the NAIA pre-nationals meet in Lawrence. The men’s team finished 22nd out of 30 programs. Both teams will travel to Winfield to compete in the Mid-States Classic on Oct. 26.

The Baker University volleyball team had its eyes set on one thing Tuesday -- staying perfect in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

The only problem: No. 6 MidAmerica Nazarene University had the same goal in mind.

Prior to the match, both teams had 5-0 conference records, and the winner would likely seal the regular season championship.

It appeared as though the Wildcats would be able to complete the upset in Collins Center, taking a 2-0 match lead. However, the 20-1 Pioneers stole momentum in the third set and never looked back.

In the match opener, the Wildcats jumped out to a 10-2 lead behind the performance of a combination

of players. Freshman setter Hannah Bettge, who had 43 assists on the night, utilized the team’s top hitters. During the match, sophomore Danielle French and junior Shannon McCarty had 12 kills apiece, and senior Crystal Simon followed with 11. By keeping the Pioneers guessing, BU took the fi rst set 25-22.

Baker trailed by a few points for most of the second set, but the team broke through when it mattered most. Tied at 23-23, the energy from the standing-room-only crowd helped BU seal a 25-23 set victory.

Baker hosted its annual breast cancer awareness promotion during the rivalry match, and head coach Kathy Allen was touched by the attendance.

“It’s rewarding and wonderful to see such a big crowd supporting Baker volleyball and supporting the fi ght against breast cancer at the same time,” Allen said.

Between the second and third set,

Allen took a moment to honor those who have been aff ected by breast cancer. Katie Jaschke, an alumna of the volleyball program who began chemotherapy Wednesday, was the guest of honor.

At 27 years old, Jaschke was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the donations collected during the game went toward the 2008 alumna’s medical bills.

“It’s so great to go to a small school because after fi ve years of being gone I still feel like I have a family here at Baker,” Jaschke said. “I can’t say enough about the volleyball team, and coach Allen and the university as a whole. It’s just wonderful.”

The teams returned to action following the ceremony, but the momentum shifted.

The Pioneers emerged from the locker room with a new energy, taking the third set 25-21.

Junior Zoraida Heredia powered

the MNU off ense with a season-high 19 kills. The Pioneers had two others turn in double-digit kills, while everyone else recorded three or fewer.

In the fourth set, MidAmerica Nazarene showed why it’s a top 10 team, defeating Baker 25-14. The Wildcats fought back in the fi nal set, going point for point with MNU. However, the Pioneers outlasted Baker and remained perfect with a 17-15 victory.

With three regular season games remaining, Baker has a chance to claim the No. 2 spot in the conference. During a six-day break, the Wildcats are going to concentrate on what they know best -- themselves.

“We are just going to keep focused, and working hard, and doing as well as we can and worrying about what we can control,” Bettge said in an interview with KNBU-FM.

On Tuesday, Baker will host the 13-11 Evangel University Crusaders at 7 p.m. Collins Center.

PAGE 12 SPORTSwww.thebakerorange.com

Sara BellEDITOR

Wildcats suffer first conference loss

Chad Phillips/The Baker OrangeThe BU volleyball team celebrates after winning a point against rival MNU on Tuesday in Collins Center. Baker fell to the Pioneers 25-22, 25-23, 21-25, 14-25 and 15-17.

Wildart

Jordan Ratterman/Baker Orange(Left) Senior Beau Bennett cheers at the ‘Dig Pink’ volleyball game against MidAmerica Nazarene University. Bennett made his own T-shirt based on the shirt design worn by some MNU students (right) that said “We Own Baker.” The MNU shirt was created because of the 13-year losing streak of the football team against MNU, which Baker broke this year.

“We Own Baker”

EntertainmentOctober 18, 2013 www.thebakerorange.com Page 13

There’s a bit of confusion when it comes to defining the sound of Baldwin City’s homegrown band, Sweet Ascent. The guitarist says they sound like polka dubstep, Sweet Ascent’s bassist says it’s “pop rock with breakdowns,” and the lead singer says “we don’t suck.”

“Music isn’t all that objective,” lead singer Jordan Rebman said, after being laughed at by his bandmates. “When it comes down to it, it’s all about taste. A lot of the artists I like, I can say they don’t suck. I’m not going to say we are awesome, I can’t say we are everyone’s cup of tea, but I can say that we don’t suck.”

The band, which takes inspiration from bands like Blink 182, will perform at 7 p.m. on Oct. 21 at the Bottleneck in Lawrence.

Guitarist Jon Eddy and Rebman were neighbors when they started Sweet Ascent. It started out with just one song, but when that turned out well, they made another. And when the second turned out better, they realized they might have a talent for making music.

After bringing in Baker senior and bassist Mike Wilson and drummer Dustin Worden, the group began producing music and has toured throughout the Midwest but hopes to keep expanding within the music industry.

“I think some of us are under the understanding that we’ll go as far as it takes us,” Eddy said. “We know we can’t make it happen, we can’t choose our destiny. But we are willing to put in our hearts

and time and whatever it takes, and we’ll have fun along the way.”

At first, getting rejection was hard for the band. But the group members realize that they have to learn from their experiences to grow.

Their producer, who has produced for bands such as Never Shout Never and The Ready Set, told the men that they have to set themselves apart from the rest. Wilson believes that their talent starts with Eddy and Rebman’s lyrics, which were described as inspiring.

“The lyrics are more uplifting. They speak about personal feelings and it’s more substantial,” Wilson said. “I hope to get the whole cake, and I want to see this go all the way. I’m staying hopeful.”

Wilson believes that the harder the men work, the more they will get out of the experience. The band practices as often as possible, which is difficult with the members’ busy schedules.

But their effort has paid off. The band will release its new album, called Hopeless Dreamers, on Oct. 22.

“The new CD is the accumulation of a lot of blood, sweat and tears,” Rebman said. “That isn’t an exaggeration. It’s been a long time coming. The excitement we have for this album and this show is huge.”

The show at the Bottleneck is a kickoff for the album, and Rebman urges people to come, saying that the concert will be a night to remember.

“That excitement will show,” Rebman said. “This has all been a warm up of what Sweet Ascent can do and this show is the time of it. It’ll be more than just music being played. It’ll be a show. No, it’ll be a party.”

Baldwin natives to play at Bottleneck

Taylor Shuckentertainment editor

The band’s poster, which will be given out to all concert goers, highlights the event at the Bottleneck in Lawrence. The Oct. 21 concert will be a “party” according to lead singer Jordan Rebman. The band says this concert is the largest and most exciting they have played yet.

Courtesy PhotoSweet Ascent drummer Dustin Worden, guitarist and Baldwin High School graduate Jon Eddy, Baker senior and bassist Mikey Wilson and lead singer Jordan Rebman, pose for a picture for their new album, Hopeless Dreamers. The album, which Rebman says is “an accumulation of a lot of blood, sweat and tears,” is set to release on Oct. 22.

Sweet Ascent to take talents to Lawrence for EP release show

Kevin Mahogany came to Baker to be a chemical engineer, but when he failed his chemistry class, he returned to his roots to study something he had been doing professionally since he was 12 -- music.

“Baker allowed me to use my talents,” Mahogany said. “At a lot of schools, you couldn’t get private lessons without being a major, and Baker gave me an opportunity to try out a number of things.”

At Baker, Mahogany formed a jazz choir and a few other music groups. He was a drum major, part of the jazz ensemble and also sang opera, all of which helped him along the path that eventually led him to be called “the standout jazz vocalist of his generation” by Newsweek.

Mahogany has toured all over the world, from Kansas City to Siberia. On Nov. 21, Mahogany will be coming back to where it all began -- Baker University.

“I’ve proudly traveled around the world, and I try to spread the word of Kansas City and Baker,” Mahogany said. “Graduating from Baker is something that I will always be proud of, and ‘the Baker experience’ as they say, where we get to do so many things.”

After graduation, Mahogany went to Kansas City, where he formed two groups, “The Apollos” and “Mahogany.” In 1993, Mahogany released his debut album, Double Rainbow. The “encouraging” experience that Mahogany had while creating this album is something that he hopes to pass on to aspiring musicians.

Sophomore Collin Studer, a classical pianist in the Baker University jazz band, hopes to learn from Mahogany’s visit to BU.

“One thing that I would like to know is what it is like to be a professional musician,” Studer said.

“More than anything I hope my aspirations with music take me to a place that allows me to create an experience which gives the audience a sense of togetherness and a moment to relax and forget about worry and trouble for awhile.”

Mahogany’s “swing-based blues” style is a reflection of the Kansas City style of jazz, which differs from the common perception of jazz music. Mahogany says that when you come from Kansas City like he does, “you better be able to sway some jazz.”

Music, something he had been doing half his life before coming to Baker, is a large part of Mahogany’s life. He professes his love for jazz performance to his listeners.

“Honestly, it’s not about me, it’s about my audience,” Mahogany said. “The perception of the song, of the music, and the emotional content as well as just the words alone -- just making them try to feel what the words are.”

Many students and faculty are excited for Mahogany’s visit in November.

“He is at the top of the game and to get him to come here is a real gift and a real pleasure,” Director of Jazz Ensemble J.D. Parr said. “It just gives us some national recognition and credibility as a strong musical department that trains students in an excellent way.”

The visit will include a concert at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 21 in Rice Auditorium in which Mahogany will perform with the jazz band. He also hopes to host a few clinics in which he will teach about things that “can’t really be learned without doing it.”

He also enjoys coming back to the campus to see the changes and talk to faculty and students.

“I hope (students) realize what they can do, not only on campus, but later on in life,” Mahogany said. “The education you get from Baker is a great place to start from. The hands-on experience consistently and trying new things gives so many ways to find talents and expand.”

Jazz musician shares ‘Baker experience’

Taylor Shuckentertainment editor

Courtesy PhotoBaker alumnus Kevin Mahogany has toured all over the world as a jazz “swing-based blues” musician. Mahogany, who has been described by The LA Times as “one of the first truly gifted male vocalists to emerge in years,” will be performing with the Baker Jazz Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 21 in Rice Auditorium.

page 14 entertainmentwww.thebakerorange.com

Dream inspires science-fiction novel, trilogy

For a freshman writer, a night spent dreaming has actually inspired her lifelong dream.

MyKaela Cross, a music education major and English minor, is in the process of publishing her first 376-page novel of a science-fiction trilogy.

“It started about a dream about a necklace, and it grew,” Cross said, reflecting on the early stages of her writing. “A lot of the short stories I get are driven from dreams or random daydreams.”

The book, titled “Bellator,” is about a fantastical creature that goes to high school to learn about humankind. In high school, he meets someone who influences him and his kind more than he knows.

“I like there to be a big adventure purpose, a lot of action, and I love messing with different kinds of creatures,” Cross said.

Along with a plot readers “haven’t ever seen before,” Cross said she uses Latin as the language the characters speak. The Latin translations are given below the quotes.

“The main characters in my book speak Latin primarily,” Cross said. “And bellator means ‘warrior’ in Latin, so that’s actually what the creatures are called -- bellators.”

Cross chose Latin because of its history as a worldwide language, both in literature and music.

“I love Latin, simply because it’s a language that a lot of languages are based off of,” Cross said. “As a singer, I do a lot of singing in Latin. That’s kind of what started it. Plus, it’s supposed to be one of the oldest universal languages, and since my creatures live extremely long, its kind of from their origin.”

Cross is currently editing the first book of the trilogy and hopes to have it published soon.

“I’ve talked to (author) Richie Tankersley Cusick,” Cross said. “She does a lot of young adult fantasy. She did the ‘Unseen’ books. I talked to her and she read an excerpt of it and she loved it, so I’m supposed to get into contact with her when I’m ready to start (publishing).”

Because Cross spends a lot of her time at local libraries, they have also offered to help launch her writing career.

“The Johnson County public library told me that if I were to ever get it published, they would hold a book signing for me,” Cross said.

After graduating from Baker, Cross hopes to teach music, while writing part-time.

“It’d be great to make a living (writing books),” Cross said. “But at the same time, I’ve always thought about at least putting a portion (of the revenue) toward libraries, because I know that now that technology has gone e-book, they don’t get as much credit as they should. And I used to live at the library. So if I were to do anything with (the revenue), it would definitely be donate to libraries.”

Chad Phillipsstaff writer

Chad Phillips/Baker OrangeFreshman MyKaela Cross works on her first novel, “Bellator,” which is about a creature that goes to high school to learn about humankind. The 376-page book is the first of her science-fiction trilogy.

EntErtainmEnt pagE 15www.thebakerorange.com

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‘God’s favorite’ retells biblical story of Job

Submitted PhotoSophomore Dante Simmons, sophomore Jesse Miller and freshman Emi Kniffin rehearse a scene from ‘God’s Favorite.’ The play, which is a modern-day portrayal of the story of Job, opens at 7 p.m. on Oct. 24 in Rice Auditorium.

CAST & CREW

Production Staff:Director/Set Design/Light Design: Tom HeimanStage Manager/Costume Design: Patti HeimanSound Design: Patrick KingAssistant Stage Manager/Props Mistress: Cheyenne QueenPoster Design/Hair & Make-Up Design: Jillian Miller

Character ActorJoe Jesse MillerRose Kayla BurnsBen Dante SimmonsSarah Emi KniffinDavid Joey MajchrzakMady MacKenzie SammonsMorris Kyle RichardsonLipton Steven Collins

Crew:Light Board Operator: Maggie Thyr

Sound Board Operator: Taylor Winkler

Backstage Crew: Cheyenne Queen, Jillian Miller, Abby Jones, Dustin Keen, Chelsie Pyatt, Katie Masters

House Manager- Ryan Bearrick

The Baker University theater department’s latest production, “God’s Favorite” by Neil Simon, is a contemporary portrayal of the biblical story of Job. The main character lives in New York with his wife and children and is chosen by God to prove his faithfulness.

Associate Professor of Theater Tom Heiman is directing the performances, which will be at 7:30 p.m. Oct 24-26 and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 27. Admission is free for all performances.

page 16 Flexwww.thebakerorange.com

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Parting Shot

Jordan Ratterman/Baker OrangeJunior Jacob Mogle plays a mellophone in the pep band during the homecoming football against MidAmerica Nazarene University on Oct. 5 at Liston Stadium.

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