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 11^th, but Hall’s art will remain up until May 2^nd.

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 5^th.

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 22^nd. It showcased her saxophone and composition skills.

By: Sarah Williams

On April 17, SAU’s Women in Leadership Conference returned to campus after being canceled last year due to COVID-19. The event, which is open to women of all ages and backgrounds, is designed to help women fulfill their potential as leaders by allowing them to listen to speakers, attend educational workshops, and network with other women. This year’s theme was Legacy of Light.

Sheri Jones was the keynote speaker and kicked off the conference with a session titled “Lighting the Way: How you can live, love, lead, and leave a legacy.”   

Jones has been a news anchor for WLNS TV6 in Lansing for 30 years. She also volunteers with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Children’s Trust Fund of Michigan, ATHENA International, and Child & Family Services, Capital Area. She used her life experiences as examples of why women need to assume leadership roles.

Jones spoke about how women leaders bring unique and different perspectives than men because we prioritize different things. Jones believes these different perspectives and priorities make women excellent leaders who can bring about change. To her, the world needs the unique perspectives of women.

Six other speakers conducted workshops on a wide variety of topics regarding women in leadership:

• Cindy Harrison, the Vice President/Human Resources, Central Market, for the Henry Ford Health System in Southeastern Michigan, spoke about the importance of taking chances in leadership. Harrison said women can do all things if they are willing to take a chance and trust themselves and others to help them get there.

• Tonia White, the Chief Employee Experience Officer at American 1 Credit Union, spoke about being unafraid, unapologetic, and optimistic in the face of adversity and hardship. She taught that women in leadership should empower themselves to face their fears, look for the silver lining in life, and stop apologizing for things we should not.

• Angel Kono, the Discipleship Pastor at Jackson Free Methodist Church, conducted a workshop titled “Learning to Lead Through Active Listening.” Kono explored how the concept of active listening is a useful tool that women can use to learn from those we lead and those who lead us.

• Mollie Bolton is a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones and conducted a workshop on the principles of investing and the ways it can help women achieve their goals and leave a legacy.

• Speaker Tricia McGuire is the Special Projects Director at Lenawee Christian School and the Vice President of the Merillat Family Foundation. McGuire, in her session titled “The Importance of Leadership in a Family Legacy,” shared her experience and wisdom on how to apply faith and family values when focusing on the continuation of a family legacy.   

• Monica Moser, the President and CEO of the Jackson Community Foundation, conducted a workshop titled “Setting an Intention to be Intentional.” Moser shared ways for women to be intentional in seeking mentors, in creating networking opportunities, and in aligning what they do with where they want to go.

Between each session, attendees could visit the Poling lobby to browse the vendor tables, get coffee and snacks, and network with other guests.

This year’s Women in Leadership Conference was an excellent opportunity for women of all ages to learn more about what it means to be a leader, to share their experiences in leadership, and to foster community with other women leaders. Students and community members alike should keep an eye out for next year’s Women in Leadership Conference. It is an opportunity you will not want to miss.

By: Merry Castle

PorchFest 2021 is quickly approaching. This longstanding campus tradition, the comic event formerly organized by the late Ormston Hall, will be hosted by Andrews Hall on Wednesday, May 5, from 7-9 pm on the plaza.

PorchFest is a unique amalgamation of humor, emotion, and randomness that highlights the comedic abilities of our students and community. Typically, PorchFest includes comical skits, couches, and hotdogs.

This year, PorchFest will look a little different. This time around, auditions for hosts and comedy sketches have been opened to the women of Lowell and Gainey.

David Breyette, the Andrews Resident Director, opened up about this change. “PorchFest has traditionally been headlined and stacked with Andrews guys,” said Breyette, the Andrews Resident Director. “We believe the show will be improved with more students and areas represented.”

This shift allows a male-dominated event to be more inclusive. “I would love to see students from across campus represented throughout the show,” said Breyette. “This is your time to shine, or at least have a good time.” 

PorchFest is happening Wednesday, May 5, from 7-9 pm on the plaza. Since the event is outside, students will need to bring their own seating. Students should keep an eye on the SAU app for updates and signups as the event draws closer.

By: Merry Castle

Spring is officially here, which means it is time to start spring cleaning. SAU’s Spiritual Life Department is hosting a Spring Cleaning Clothing Drive and needs students to donate gently used clothing items. The drive, originally planned for March 22nd through April 7th, has been extended. Donations will now be accepted through Monday, April 12th.

The Spiritual Life Department asks students to donate gently used shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, pants, shoes, and coats. They kindly ask students not to donate undergarments — these items won’t be accepted.

Several local organizations, such as MyPlace and SOAR House, will receive the donated clothing. Donating gently used clothing is a great way to minimize waste and help out our community.

As you clean out your closets, remember that the deadline to donate items is Monday, April 12th. Donations can be dropped off in Chapel or left with C. C. Said in the Spiritual Life Office.

For more information, visit the Spiritual Life tab on the SAU app. Students can also contact C.C. Said at Cecilia.Said@arbor.edu with any questions.

By: Merry Castle

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Starting this week, Spring Arbor University is hosting three events to spark conversations and educate students about this important topic.

Event #1: Supporting Survivors of Abuse with Brad Hieftje

To kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month, SAU has invited Brad Hieftje, a trauma therapist with Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence, to host a Zoom training on supporting survivors of abuse.

Students, faculty, and staff can tune in to the event on April 14th at 10 am. Check the SAU app to sign-up and access the Zoom link.

Event #2: Personal Protection Workshop with Scott Krebill

On April 15th at 8 pm, students can attend a Personal Protection Workshop in the RCF. The workshop, led by the Campus Safety Director, Scott Krebill, aims to empower students and train them to prioritize their safety.

Students planning to attend the event can sign-up using the link provided on the SAU app.

Event #3: Denim Day

SAU’s Social Work Association is hosting a Denim Day on April 28. They are encouraging the SAU community to wear denim to support the important concept of consent.

The Denim Day campaign began in response to the Italian Supreme Court overturning a rape conviction. Since the victim was wearing tight jeans, the justices felt that she must have helped the person who raped her remove her jeans. They felt this implied consent.

Denim Day is an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to protest the misconceptions surrounding sexual violence and highlight the importance of consent by wearing jeans. For more information, students can visit the Social Work Association booth outside the DC at lunch or dinner to learn more.

By: Merry Castle