Every Monday from 4- 5:30 pm in room SDH224, the creative writing club CreativiTEA meets. Every student is welcome to join and share something that they have written with the club.
By: Sarah Williams
Every Monday from 4- 5:30 pm in room SDH224, the creative writing club CreativiTEA meets. Every student is welcome to join and share something that they have written with the club.
Members are not required to bring something, however. They can come just to listen, but are encouraged to share something eventually. The club accepts short stories, poems, film scripts, nonfiction pieces, and more. The only requirement is that it is limited to 4-7 pages. After reading a copy of the story, members provide feedback on the story’s highlights and potential areas to grow.
Wallis Metts
Communication professor Wallis Metts created the club recently. He was asked to teach fiction and nonfiction writing classes this semester. Students that were interested in writing but weren’t in any writing classes had no place to share their work.
“There was a need…I decided we will meet and see how it goes.”
Metts
The club’s name, CreativiTEA, comes from Metts’ love of tea. At meetings, he will have a kettle of hot tea, sugar cubes, and cups for the members.
The goal of CreativiTEA is to encourage students to write more and improve their writing skills. Metts said one of the ways the club does so is by giving the members a deadline. Once there is an expectation, it is easier to write.
Professor Gwen Hersha is also a member. She said the club is beneficial to students because it provides a place to share ideas with others. It also gives members different perspectives on their pieces.
Another goal of the club is to eventually share their works with the public. Metts said that he is thinking about publishing some of the pieces online or having a public reading in the future.
According to Metts, a key to a good story is knowing the beginning, middle, and end, with the ending being the most important. The story is a contract to the audience and the writer must conclude something or wrap up the loose ends. Having an ending in mind also keeps the story focused. The ending must complete the experience, or it breaks that contract.
Anyone who wishes to join CreativiTEA can show up at 4pm in SDH224 on Mondays. If they wish to share a piece, they should email Professor Metts beforehand so that he can make copies for everyone.
The senior art exhibition is April 9th from 4-6pm in the Ganton Art Gallery.
By: Sarah Williams
The senior art exhibition is April 9th from 4-6pm in the Ganton Art Gallery. Attending opening night to showcase their works will be Melayna Stuckey, Emma Hale (previously known as Emma Devries), and Marnie Lillo.
Marnie Lillo’s Welcome To My Mind
Photo of Marnie Lillo with her favorite piece
Lillo is an art major with a concentration in digital art. She plans on becoming an Elementary Art Teacher after graduation. Her exhibition will include pieces she has been working on since Freshman year.
The message she wants the audience to take away is “there is beauty in oddities”. Her theme is imagination. Her art is inspired by stories she has read and cool phases she has heard.
A few weeks before the show, she knew it was time to sit down and create the poster. The sun art ended up being her favorite piece. Sketching the piece took 5 to 6 hours and finalizing took 7 to 8 hours.
Not all her work took roughly 14 hours, however. She is also presenting 3 pieces of skulls that she created in just black ink so the sketching took 2 hours and finalizing took 3 to 4 hours.
Lillo said she is emotionally attached to the original artwork and plans on storing them afterward. However, she will have a binder full of prints of her art to sell at the art exhibition.
Emma Hale’s Our Nature
Photo of Emily Hale provided by herself.
Hale is majoring in art with a double concentration in illustration and graphic design. She plans on going into a career as a graphic designer and/or an illustrator. She has used her skills from her concentrations in making her poster and artwork. She wants her art to show what her time at SAU has produced.
Hale’s theme is nature. She includes nature in the physical environment and human nature. Nature is also her biggest inspiration, along with God’s creations.
“I hope my art spreads a positive message of beauty, joy, and comfort. I hope it is uplifting and inspirational.”
Hale
Hale’s Lake Superior
Hale’s favorite piece is her oil painting of Lake Superior. She started out brainstorming and going through several messy sketches. After catching a good idea, she made a refined sketch and began painting. She added layers and slowly built up the art till she was satisfied. Depending on the size and medium of her artwork, most of her art can take 10 to 50 hours to make.
The Lake Superior painting and other art may be available to buy in prints on opening night.
Melayna Stuckey’s Finding a Home
Photo of herself provided by Melayna Stuckey
Stuckey is majoring in art with a double concentration in painting and drawing. Her goal is to use the exhibition to show what she has been working on for the past 4 years. She doesn’t have a specific theme or message for her exhibition, but she noted there was a tone.
“I came to realize this year that the majority of my art has a very familiar, personal, “home-y” tone.”
Stuckey
She drew her inspiration from significant people in her life and she made a lot of her art for these people. Depending on the size, her art can take 15 to 30 hours to make.
Stuckey’s Barn
Her favorite work is a piece that depicts the view from outside the feed room of her grandparent’s barn. First, she started off by taking pictures. Next, she decided whether to paint or draw. She then choose to work in colored-pencil.
She plans to give away some of her art to the people she made them for. Others she is willing to sell to those who express interest. The art that does not sell will be shipped home.
Come out and support these talented artists on April 9th!
SAU’s Baseball team played against Saint Francis last Thursday, March 17th.
By: Sarah Williams
SAU’s Baseball team played against Saint Francis last Thursday, March 17th. The game was the first home game this season and Spring Arbor won by a few points.
According to Saucougars.com, the first game score was 6:5. The second was 5:4. The Cougars scored 6 Runs, 10 Hits, and 3 Errors in the first game. In the second, they scored 5 Runs, 10 Hits, and 3 Errors. Saint Francis scored 5 Runs, 8 Hits, and 0 Errors, then 4 Runs, 6 Hits, and 2 Errors.
Player Highlights
Game 1
Bryce Richey scored a RBI double in the sixth inning. Along with the RBI by Peyton Harding, the Cougars were able to grab 4 runs breaking the previous score 0:2. Harding also made a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning adding an insurance run.
In the 11th inning, Landon Raczkowski delivered a two out hit to drive in Jake Spedoske.
Harding grabbed two RBI’s while Ben Redfield scored twice.
John Williams worked on the mound for 6 innings. He allowed 2 runs on 7 hits while striking out 10 batters.
Cade Kontny tossed the final five frames. He only surrendered one hit.
Game 2
Brant Mullins stopped Saint Francis from overtaking the score 4:3 and completed the doubleheader sweep in the seventh inning.
Redfield and Richey scored two hits each and Richey drove in a pair.
Hunter Nielsen was on the mound for 6 innings, allowing 3 runs on five hits while fanning 6.
Spring Arbor and Saint Francis have two more games in their four-game set. On Monday, March 21, there will be a doubleheader game. It will start at 1pm at Burbridge Field in Spring Arbor. After facing Saint Francis, the Cougars will face Rochester at home on Tuesday, March 22, startingat 2 pm. The 2022 schedule can be found here!
Alumni Jordan Kennedy spoke at Shop Talk last Friday, March 18th, in the Art Gallery Lobby.
By: Sarah Williams
The photo of Jordan Kennedy was provided by the Shop Talk poster.
Alumni Jordan Kennedy spoke at Shop Talk last Friday, March 18th, in the Art Gallery Lobby. Students and professors listened as she described her experience of graduating from college to landing her career as the Manager of Communication and Community Outreach for the Division of Victim Services at Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
In the last ten years Kennedy has:
Worked in the State of Michigan Governor’s Communication Office.
Been named Deputy Press Secretary for both Governor Rick Snyder and the First Lady.
Traveled with the Governor to handle Media Relation events throughout the state.
Served as Communication Lead for several of the administration’s key projects relating to agriculture, transportation, and rural economic development.
Kennedy’s Advice:
“It is really important when you get the internship or job to not be the person who asks the question that could be googled. Being an intern or hiring intern, be someone who is a self-initiator and problem solver.”
“Take every opportunity you have to pursue what you’re interested in.”
“Find what you are good at, leverage what you are good at, and use what you are good at to the point where people notice you are not there because they need you.”
Utilize YouTube, LinkedIn Learning, and other media sites; and teach yourself skills.
If you have the means and abilities and a job that provides health insurance, take time for yourself and visit a therapist. Kennedy says she has been visiting a therapist once a month for years and she regrets not doing it sooner.
Shadowing and internships are important because they provide experience that could change someone’s mind about their dream career.
Kennedy’s Story
Kennedy after the event. The round pin on her suit is her seal pin and it helps security separate the worker from the crowd at events.
Kennedy didn’t know what she wanted to do as an undergraduate. Her first idea was to be a wedding planner and then she wanted to be a journalist. After shadowing a journalist in the field, she decided against it. She became interested in politics.
She described herself as recluse and quiet, but that changed when she was recommended to join the Women and Leadership Conference. She helped with advertising, designing posters, and participated in sections at a conference. She noticed a woman who worked for the Governor’s office there.
“That sounds so cool. I should go and talk to her,” Kennedy told her friends. “I am going to ask for an internship.”
She introduced herself, explained her interest in politics, and asked for an internship. She was connected with one, graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Advertising and Public Relations, and “the rest was history.”
Kennedy thought she was getting an internship in the Communication Office, but she was actually going into Constituents Relations. She described Constituents Relations as a fancy way of saying customer service for the State of Michigan. She handled many complaints about what the Governor signed or vetoed and misdirected complaints meant for other departments. She took on extra responsibilities, like writing letters and “earned her stripes” at the office.
“You wouldn’t believe how many people wanted letters from the Governor for their grandmother’s 80th birthday,” Kennedy said.
After two semesters, she was hired full-time as a Legislative Tribute Editor and Writer. She took every tribute every lawmaker drafted. She would read and edit them and decide whether the Governor should sign them or not.
“I knew my strengths,” Kennedy said. “I knew I was good at writing. I knew I was good at copyediting. I knew I could find a way to leverage my skills to be really useful to them in the small little square of the Executive Office.”
After a couple of years, the Governor had to run again for office and Kennedy volunteered for his re-election campaign. She made many connections and was recommended to work in the Communication Office as well.
She learned how to be assertive when saying “no more questions” at press conferences. She worked with reporters and was interviewed by news stations and radio broadcasters.
She was also asked to work with the First Lady. She hosted large statewide events and created content for Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Survivor, and Campus Sexual Assault Awareness. She found her passion for being a Public Servant and she wanted to make policies that benefited people.
She took a job at the Department of Health and Human Services where she is now. She serves as the Manager of Communication and Community Outreach for the Division of Victim Services.
The next Shop Talk and last one for this semester will be held on April 1st and feature current Seniors and their works. It will be held in the Ganton Art Gallery Lobby from 10am to 11. Drinks, food, and games/prizes will be provided.
Comment your thoughts on internships and plans for after graduation!
The Kahoot event will be held in the Cougar Den on Thursday, March 17th from 8 to 10pm.
By: Sarah Williams
If you were listening to Monday’s Chapel announcements, then you may have heard something about the Kahoot event that has spontaneously popped up. Here is some more information about the event.
The Kahoot event will be held in the Cougar Den on Thursday, March 17th from 8 to 10pm. The theme will be St. Patrick’s day. So, study up! The event is being set up by the Director of Events Caleb Kriesch, plus Bret Bentley and Riley Champion.
Kriesch said that spring break caused a problem with promotion. They didn’t have a lot of time to advertise the event beforehand. Despite the road bump, the event is well on its way. There will be pretzels, other snacks, and drinks provided.
Kriesch and the others wanted to create a fun and relaxing event, while celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
This image was provided by Wikipedia.
Here are some trivia about St. Patrick’s Day from Britannica:
St Patrick’s day is a feast day.
It reached the United States with Irish Immigrants.
It was originally celebrated with religious feast and services.
It celebrated St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
St. Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.
Shamrocks were used to explain the Trinity.
This photo was provided by Wikipedia. Did you know that if you find a 4 leaf clover, it is likely there are more 4 leaf clovers in the same bush?
Share your St. Patrick traditions or favorite fact!
November 30th was the ninth anniversary of GivingTuesday, a movement where the world unites to share kindness through radical generosity.
Radical generosity: “The concept that the suffering of others should be as intolerable to us as our own suffering.”
According to givingtuesday.org, GivingTuesday raised $2.7 billion in the United States. This is a 9% increase compared to 2020 and a 37% compared to 2019. It is estimated that 35 million adults participated in the U.S. That is not the only increase as there was an 11% increase in volunteering and an 8% increase in donations of goods (clothes, food, supplies) compared to 2020. The results were described as “record-breaking”.
The movement is not just about donating. It can be as simple as making someone smile, helping a neighbor, or showing up for an issue they care about.
“Our global network collaborates year-round to inspire generosity around the world, with a common mission to build a world where generosity is part of everyday life”, states the website.
Individual acts of generosity for 2022 can be:
Creating a donation station: “Leave extra supplies (nonperishable food, OTC medicines, cleaning products) for your neighbors in a common area (near mailboxes, building lobby) or create a Little Free Pantry in your community.”
Reach Out to the Elderly: “Call or video chat with an older person in your life. Have a talent? Schedule a virtual performance. Contact a local nursing home to find out what they need. Write a letter to a senior through Love For Our Elders.”
Post a Message of Hope: “Display an encouraging message or inspiring doodle in your window. For those with kids at home, make signs together, then go on a walk to find others around your area. Create your own design or use our template.”
For more ideas for individuals, groups, families, churches, and more visit here.
Participants have shared their act of generosity on social media using hashtag #givingtuesday. The most used hashtag last Tuesday was #givingtuesday2021, which was used around 24,000 times.
GivingTuesday was created in 2012 at 92nd Street Y and its Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact in New York City. Today, the GivingTuesday mission is now an independent nonprofit, global movement. The idea was to encourage people to do good.
“GivingTuesday inspires people all around the world to embrace their power to make an impact on the causes and issues they care about, not just on one day but throughout the year,” said Asha Curran who is GivingTuesday’s CEO and co-founder. “With country and community leaders, millions of organizations, and countless givers of all kinds, GivingTuesday provides an opportunity to come together to create a more generous world.”
Are you planning on participating in GivingTuesday 2022?
The SAU women’s basketball team won their first conference game against Huntington college on Wednesday, December 1. The score was 71 points to 45 points.
According to saucougars.com, the cougars stayed ahead of Huntington through the whole game. The game was their first victory at a Crossroads League matchup of the season.
1
2
3
4
F
Huntington
6
13
14
12
45
Spring Arbor
19
20
18
14
71
Game highlights:
In the first half of the game, Alex Long (#32) scored 16 points. She finished with 18. Daelynn Jackson (#23) scored 10 points throughout the game. Grace Shoobridge (#22) scored 10 points and rebounded 14. Taylor Folkema (#21) scored 13 points and rebounded 12. Folkema also assisted the cougars by providing a defensive effort.
The Cougar Den will close on December 17th at 3pm and any remaining Cougar Cash in student’s accounts will be gone.
If your account hasn’t already been depleted, you should spend it soon. If you don’t, you may find yourself forgetting about your Cougar Cash till after the semester is over. All that cash will be a missed opportunity.
Last year, I became overworked with my exams and essays, and I didn’t think about my cougar cash. I had stocked up on pop and ice cream in previous years, but I missed my chance that year. I had let about 20 dollars vanish with no treats. This year I am determined to not let that happen again.
If you don’t know what to do with Cougar Cash, here are some ideas:
Christmas Presents: I have brought candy for my family as an extra Christmas present. You can turn treats and drinks into nice gifts.
Give it to a Friend: If you don’t want anything, maybe your friends will. Making someone else happy can be rewarding.
Buy and Save: You may not want anything now, but later in the month, you may crave some ice cream, candy, or nuts. You would be thankful that you had some saved.
Bake: You can buy certain types of candy and bake them into other foods like cakes and shakes.
Here is what’s in stock as of December 12.
There is a lot you can do with your Cougar Cash so don’t let the opportunity go. Also, make sure to purchase the food soon. As the end of the semester approaches, many items will go out of stock.
What do you do with your Cougar Cash at the end of the semester?
SAU men’s basketball team defeated Grace Christian University on Wednesday, November 3rd at Aldrich Athletic Center in Grand Rapids, MI. The score was 73 to 63.
According to SAUcourgars.com, SAU’s team statistics were 41 percent successful field goal shots during the first half. In the second, they scored 50 percent. Grace Christian University had a field goal percentage 36 percent.
Photo of Joshua Laman provided by SAUcougars.com
The game leaders are said to be Joshua Laman (#24), Trey Cottingham (#2), Tyler Kaminski (#40), and Eli White (#11). Lamen scored 19 points, a “career high” record. Cottingham scored 12 points, Kaminski followed with 11 points, and White got 10 points.
Photo of Trey Cottingham provided by SAUcougars.com
Austin Braun (#12) , Kevyn Robertson (#23) and Tyler Kaminski (#40) made the Game Highlight. Braun managed 8 assists, which boosted offense. Robertson and Kaminski both grabbed 8 rebounds allowing the Cougars a 14 second chance for points.
Photo of Tyler Kaminski provided by SAUcougars.com
The SAU’s men basketball team will travel to Lima, Ohio to face Northwestern Ohio next Saturday, November 6th. For their 2021-2022 schedule, click here.
As the semester comes to a close, SAU showcases certain student works from the music and art departments and puts on concerts. Make sure to keep an eye out for these ongoing and upcoming events.
As the semester comes to a close, SAU showcases certain student works from the music and art departments and puts on concerts. Make sure to keep an eye out for these ongoing and upcoming events.
Ally Hall’s art show is available in Ganton Art Gallery for his Senior Art Exhibition. The reception for all the senior recitals was April 11th, but Hall’s art will remain up until May 2nd.
Hanna Chapel’s art is also in the Ganton Art Gallery. Her Senior Art Exhibition features photography from the past two years. Her art will remain up until May 5th.
Daira Hacker’s senior recital will be on April 26th. She will show off her voice in the White Auditorium at 7pm. The Music Lab is also on April 26th. It will be in the White Auditorium at 3:50pm.
The music department will present their Department Concert ꟾ. It will include a Jazz ensemble and chamber choir. The concert will be in the White Auditorium on April 29th at 7pm.
An event that already passed was Cayla Ross’s senior recital. There’s Something in the Water was on April 22nd. It showcased her saxophone and composition skills.
