Category: Campus

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Campus News

Sophomore Leadership Conference Returns

By Elise Koelbl

It was gone but not forgotten. After a year of strict COVID-19 guidelines forcing its absence, February 4 marks the return of the Sophomore Leadership Conference, just in time for it’s 5th year. The Sophomore Leadership Conference is an event for sophomore students to further understand their strengths and show them their abilities as a leader. This year’s theme is titled “Activate: Leadership, Gifts, and the Kingdom of God,” which is notably different than in past years where the theme was “Oh The Places You’ll Go.” This continues to be a program designed to promote leadership in young students.

The person in charge of organizing the event is Rachel Wright. When asked about the decision to direct this event towards sophomores, she stated, “This event has focused on the Sophomore year as students near the time to officially declare their major and there were already existing opportunities like Transitions, Senior Seminar courses, etc. for students during other years. Because of the pandemic, the event was canceled in 2021, so we are opening this year up to those who would have been Sophomores last year.” The event itself goes from the evening of Friday, February 4 to all day Saturday, February 5. There will also be an exclusive dinner with Kindschi Faith and Justice Symposium guest Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah on Monday, February 7 for all of the conference attendees.

Adelaine Morgiewicz (‘24), who is currently a sophomore, plans to attend the event. Like many sophomores, she received an email from Houghton’s Office of Vocation and Calling informing her of this event. As someone who is still undecided in her major, she is excited to attend to gain a better understanding of herself as a leader. 

Highlights of what is included at the conference with the $20 registration fee include: participants completing the Clifton Strengths Finder Assessment; students completing a Positive Change Project during the event, which can feasibly be enacted during their time as students; as well as Conference swag; and Saturday meals. 

Guests this year include Dr. Greg Bish, the Keynote speaker, who is also the Chief of Staff at Houghton College; Dr. JL Miller, the Associate Dean of the Chapel at Houghton College; and the Strengths Coach, Dr. Ellen Marmon, a Professor of Christian Discipleship and the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program and Asbury Theological Seminary, who will be Zooming in to the Conference; Sharon Mulligan, the Director of Academic Support and Accessibility Services at Houghton College, who will be leading an Ideation Session; and Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, a Robert Boyd Munger Professor of Evangelism at Fuller Theological Seminary, who will be having dinner with Conference participants on Monday.

The administration is excited the Sophomore Leadership Conference was able to return after its absence last year. With a variety of guest speakers, attendees will experience a helpful and informational event. ★

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Campus News

MLK Day Changes Wrought by Snowstorm

By Anna Catherman

Across the nation on Monday, Jan. 17, Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday was celebrated with a variety of activities. Houghton College had planned to commemorate the day with a variety of special programs in lieu of classes. Unfortunately, a blinding snowstorm with a foot of snow put Houghton’s plans on pause. The chapel speaker, Rev. Dr. Carolyn Peeler from Macedonia Baptist Church, was unable to reach Houghton safely, and other planned events were canceled as many faculty members worked remotely. 

Prior to the event, the STAR interviewed President Wayne D. Lewis about what he was looking forward to about the day. He explained how growing up, he went to various services commemorating the day over the years, and expressed deep appreciation for how Houghton sets aside a day away from classes for the occasion. “The day for me is really special because it gives us the opportunity to pause what we’re doing and reflect on his life and his legacy, just as a leader who’s had an incredible impact on our country.”

Though the day did not look like it was planned, Houghton still invites students to pause and reflect. Posters were hung around campus, and they remain up for students to read. From academic departments to the dining hall, these posters inform passersby of the accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr., as well as other prominent black figures. David Stevick, Director of Library Services, explained that in lieu of the planned poetry and children’s book readings, the library has set up displays of books for students to peruse throughout the coming days. 

Some of the other festivities, including the chapel service, will be rescheduled. According to Dean of Chapel Michael Jordan, Rev. Dr. Peeler’s talk is now scheduled for Feb. 21. The Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles food truck’s visit has not been rescheduled at this time. Also in limbo is an evening concert by Priscilla Ozodo-Acevedo (‘10) and her band. 

Despite the inclement weather, Houghton was still able to honor Dr. King and reflect on his legacy. ★

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Campus News

Center for Sustainability Hosts Open House

By Megan Brown

On a bitterly cold Friday afternoon in late January, while most students were heading back to their residences or leaving campus for the weekend, I trudged up Roth hill on my way to an event occurring on the third floor of the Chamberlain building: the Center for Sustainability Open House.

As I entered this cozy room in Chamberlain, decorated with recycled paper chains handcrafted by Mary Chichester (‘22), an intern at the Center for Sustainability (CFS), I was greeted by a room full of people playing an environmentally-themed game of Kahoot, eating cookies, and getting to know each other. Both the space and the people were welcoming. The large windows revealed a bright and beautiful winter scene outside, framed with a variety of plants perched on the windowsill. In the corner, a bookshelf was full of a range of items, from an impressive collection of literature about sustainability and social change to Russian nesting dolls. Music gently played in the background. The room not only serves as an office for the Center for Sustainability but also provides a delightful hangout space for students and interns alike. It additionally serves as the office for Brian Webb, who heads the CFS.

When I asked what he loves most about his job working on issues of sustainability on campus, Webb remarked “I love Houghton students, getting to work with them, and building connections with them, both in and out of the classroom.” He acknowledged the many difficult challenges that our planet is facing, but noted that “the passion our students have for sustainability and protecting God’s creation gives me hope for the future.”

The first CFS intern with whom I engaged in conversation was Clayton Hardiman (‘22), clad in his signature ball cap and sipping a steaming cup of hot chocolate. He encouraged me to help myself to the array of snacks being served, and he even offered me a bottle of local honey. On the down low, he also invited me to take one of the mugs that the coffee and other hot beverages were being served in. Hardiman serves as the Garden Coordinator for the CFS, a position that he noted mainly consists of planning during the winter months. When asked about what the CFS means to him, he shared that the CFS “brings the issue of ecological care and creation into a Christian perspective.”

After chatting with some other interns and students attending the open house, eating some delicious cookies, and drinking a hot cup of coffee, I left the CFS with a complimentary bottle of honey and a smile hiding behind my mask. Next time you’re on the third floor of the Chamberlain Center, I encourage you to also stop by to visit the fine people at the CFS. You can sit down to parooze a book about environmental issues, have a meaningful conversation about sustainability with people who are well-versed on the subject, and perhaps have a spot of tea. ★

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Campus News

President Lewis’ First Semester in Review

By Joshua Carpenter ('24)

​In the Fall semester of 2021, Houghton College welcomed Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. as its 6th President. Since then, Lewis’ first semester has ended, with his second having just begun. Meanwhile, positive feedback on his presidential performance is flowing in from all over Houghton.

​Micah Williams (’23) sat down with the STAR in an interview to discuss his first impressions of President Lewis, noting his appreciation for Lewis’  frequent presence on campus, also adding that “It’s nice to see the president of the school where they are just sitting in chapel and being there with us, or even just seeing him drive around campus and knowing that his presence is there… it’s nice to just have his presence there.”

​Looking at President Lewis from a professional angle, Dr. Gaerte, a communication professor who has been teaching public speaking for more than 35 years, observed his inaugural address with positive remarks, referring to it as “outstanding”. Gaerte also wrote that , “ He struck an effective balance between honoring Houghton’s long traditions and showing connections to past presidents like James Luckey, Stephen Paine, Dan Chamberlain, and Shirley Mullen, and yet clearly articulating how he will continue to shape Houghton going forward in his own unique way. That can be a difficult balance for a new president – how do I respect the past and those who helped create this office before me yet while establishing my own vision for my presidency.”

​In search of a personal comment, The STAR reached out to President Lewis to ask him some questions to better understand his own thoughts and feelings towards his presidency and Houghton in general. He answered, “The Houghton College community, including students, staff, faculty, and alumni, have been incredibly welcoming, kind, and gracious to me and my family. We are thankful that God brought us to such a generous and Christ-centered community.” President Lewis  also commented on what he thinks are Houghton’s greatest strengths, having said, “Houghton’s greatest strengths are its people and its faith. I have never served at an institution with a more loyal and committed community. Our people love Houghton, and it shows… As well, the Houghton community’s historic and continuing belief that God will faithfully provide resources and direction to the college is a hallmark and tremendous strength of our community. I share in that longstanding faith belief. As long as we “Trust in the Lord with all [our] heart and lean not on [our] own understanding; in all [our] ways submit[ting] to him, he will make [our] paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

With a presence welcomed by both students and faculty alike, President Lewis has shown Houghton that not only is he enjoying its people, but his presidency as well.★

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Excitement Builds for Houghton’s Sixth Presidential Inauguration

On October 1, 2021, Dr. Wayne D. Lewis Jr. will be inaugurated as the 6th president of Houghton College. Photo Courtesy of Michael Blankenship.

By Anna Catherman (’24)

Purple and Gold Week will come to a climax on Friday, Oct. 1 with the inauguration of Houghton College’s sixth president, Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. Dr. Lewis has been serving in the role since June, but traditionally Houghton’s presidential inaugurations have taken place the first weekend of October, usually alongside the numerous annual Homecoming activities. While Homecoming has been scaled back this year, the Inauguration is set to provide a unique experience for students currently on-campus, as well as faculty, staff, and a handful of invited guests.

The main event of Inauguration weekend will be the ceremony itself, which is set to take place in the Wesley Chapel on Friday from 10-11:30 a.m. With concerns around COVID-19 still plaguing much of the country, the crowd will be smaller than previous inaugurations, but there will be some distinguished guests. 

Inside the chapel will be President Lewis’s family and friends, along with some Houghton faculty, staff, and students. Dr. Shirley Hoogstra, president of the Coalition of Christian Colleges and Universities, will be in attendance along with delegates from a handful of colleges, including John Schneider from Harvard University. Schneider is a Houghton alumnus and a great-great-great grandson of Willard J. Houghton. Alumni, community members, and others are being invited to watch the Inauguration via a live stream.

The ceremony will have a strong worship element, as requested by President Lewis and his family, and will feature many members of the Houghton community in responsive readings, prayers, and speeches. Student Body President Malachi Yeager (‘22) will be representing the Main Campus students in the ceremony. He will be participating in a charge to the President, given alongside Patricia Davis, who will be representing Buffalo East Side, and Aaron Salomon, who will be representing Buffalo West.

Yeager told the STAR “I am honored to be a part of such a historic event. This was not something I had anticipated being a part of when I was in the running for Student Body President. It’s not often Presidential Inaugurations take place and thus I hope the Lord blesses the ceremony and President Lewis’s future service to the college.”
Many other events will take place throughout the weekend, according to Dr. Cathy Freytag, one of the Inauguration Committee members. “It’s been a long, detailed process with many, many stakeholders.”

There will be a gala on Thursday evening, an art gallery presentation and a meet-and-greet on the quad Friday afternoon, and a celebratory concert and fireworks on Friday evening. 

Thursday evening’s gala on the Quad will feature New Orleans jazz, snack stations, and dancing. Faculty, staff, and students are all invited to attend, and formal attire is encouraged.

Dr. Carrie Magin was commissioned to compose an original song, entitled Into Twilight, in honor of the Inauguration. “I’ve been commissioned by ensembles and professionals from across the U.S., but it’s been such a special honor and privilege to compose this new work for our very own Houghton College Wind Ensemble. The students are hard at work on bringing this piece to life, and we’re all hopeful that it will be impactful in celebrating and commemorating the significant event of President Lewis’s inauguration.” Into Twilight will debut at 7 p.m. at the Greatbatch School of Music’s Inauguration Concert.

Dr. Ted Murphy will be presenting on Houghton’s artwork collection at 3 o’clock p.m. in the Ortlip Art Gallery. “Strangely Warmed”, a piece made specifically for the Inauguration, will be the highlight of the event. It is a colorful, post-impressionist style oil and mixed medium painting. Dr. Murphy talked to President Lewis personally before embarking on the project, and planned it according to his taste. The piece will be shown alongside a number of other works in an exhibition entitled  “Archive: A History of Art at Houghton College.”

Campus is buzzing with excitement for the rare and historic event. “I think it is going to be a very special time, not just for the institution, but for President Lewis.” noted Phyllis Gaerte, an Inauguration committee member. She, along with Greg Bish, are the only members of the committee who have served on an Inauguration committee before; they both played roles in planning President Shirley Mullen’s inauguration.

Numerous students also were eager to share their thoughts on the events. Grace Deitrick (‘23) said she is “deeply excited.” Kathryn Groff (‘23) expressed surprise and enthusiasm at the fact that such an important event was taking place during her four short years here.

President Lewis himself took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to talk to the STAR. When asked what he was most excited about, he explained he’s excited for the college to come together and mark such an important event in Houghton’s history. “We’re a college that’s been there for 140 years, almost, and only the sixth college president, that’s pretty remarkable. Thankfully, this is not something that the college does very often, due to stability in leadership, and so I think it’s a great opportunity for us to come together…and to thank God for how far he’s brought us and to prepare for the next chapter in the college’s history.” ★

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Optimism for the Future: Breaking Down Houghton’s 2021-2022 Budget

By Justice Newell (’23)

While 2021 still carries much of the baggage from its predecessor, it is time to look forward to what next year will bring. Fingers crossed, it will be better than last year. With that being said, Houghton’s 2021-2022 budget shows signs that it certainly will be! 

In terms of what the budget looks like for the upcoming academic year, Mr. Dale Wright, the Vice President for Finance at Houghton, reports that 29% of the budget goes toward financial aid to students; 35% is allocated to paying Houghton’s personnel; 15% goes toward maintaining the campus and paying utilities; and the remaining 21% is distributed amongst smaller budgets, such as those for the academic departments.  

As for where the money comes from to create the budget, together, tuition, fees, and room and board account for approximately 85%, with contributions, grants, and endowments garnering the rest of the budget.   

In planning for the upcoming school year, Houghton’s budget reflects the unique situation that COVID-19 has presented, all while holding true to the enduring goal of providing a high-quality Christian education for an affordable price. To that end, Mr. Wright attributes the college’s success during these times to three important factors affecting its financial situation. 

 Firstly, Houghton has historically been “careful planning and manag[ing] expenses,” creating what Dean Marc Smithers referred to as a “balanced budget.” Essentially, a balanced budget just means that the expenses do not outweigh the revenue, or, the money earned. Secondly, though many colleges run on a tight budget, Mr. Wright explained that through the assistance of generous alumni and friends of Houghton, much of the financial burden placed on the college is offset. Likewise, the third factor for Houghton’s continued success is the relief provided by the federal government. Especially during times in which special precautions need to be taken to slow the spread of a pandemic, any financial support to help pay for personal protective equipment, like masks or disinfectants, helps keep the budget in check. 

Though the world now knows how to combat the spread of COVID-19, this often means that institutions can expect a considerable financial burden to help with that mission. For Houghton and other colleges, this means that more funding is required in the upcoming year to help keep with current health and safety standards. In a joint statement from President Mullen and Mr. Wright, they said, “We have allocated increased funding towards technology, cleaning protocols, personnel and testing, to name a few areas. [And while it is a significant feature of the budget,] it is not a large percentage of the overall college budget. Further, a portion of these expenses have been partially offset by federal assistance.”  

Aside from being records of Houghton’s financial history, the budget’s purpose is to provide students the best overall experience during their college years. From resetting the tuition to a 20-year low, to creating 90 new scholarships, to funding Division III athletics, and paying for residential life programming and student engagement opportunities, the budget is ultimately student-centered.  

According to Dean Smithers, in his experience heading the Residential Life Office, Houghton would allot approximately “$10 per resident for residence life programming.” Moreover, part of the Residential Life funding comes from the clubs and organizations fee that students pay at the beginning of each semester, combined with additional money from the budget. So, it can be assumed that the same can be said for the 2021-2022 school year.

 Though the configuration of Houghton’s budget has been relatively similar year after year, on occasion large changes are made, and their effects are felt throughout the campus and community. The most recent example of this is the decision to cut the lacrosse program at Houghton. While this change may dishearten many students and community members, Mr. Wright suggests that the reallocation of these funds toward “track and field, cross country and intramural programs [will] benefit a wider range of students” than before.  

Though life has not yet returned to normal, the college’s financial situation indicates that things are looking up. In spite of all of these changes, students can expect a “normal-looking” semester – you know, all things considered.★

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Meet Houghton’s New Rainbow Alliance Cooperative

The RAC team. Courtesy of @hcrainbowallliance on Instagram

By Vanessa Bray (’21)

Houghton’s newly formed Rainbow Alliance Cooperative (RAC) is a student-led organization with the goal of helping to further Houghton’s invitation of community to reach everyone. RAC is not a subgroup of “We Are All Houghton.” These two groups have developed separately, with “We Are All Houghton” being made up primarily of Alumni, and RAC consisting of current students. Although these groups are unaffiliated, RAC Event Manager, Emily Warner (‘21) says they “plan to listen well to all members of the Houghton community, including alumni, so that we can heal past hurt and avoid future harm.” 

 Warner states, “the unifying purpose of RAC is to love people well.” RAC Student Networker Sarah Halvorson (‘22) adds that the cooperative exists to “create a space for loving, healthy, Christ-centered relationships amongst all peoples of any sexuality, gender, religious background, political or religious stance on the matter. To create a space where conversations can be had and people can connect with each other and support each other…it exists to advocate for the continued inclusion of LGBTQ+ students and to increase visibility for the community at Houghton.” 

The RAC is not an LGBTQ+ advocacy group aiming to change the college’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Neither is the group intended to subvert any beliefs or convictions that community members may have regarding LGBTQ+ matters.  “This isn’t some kind of progressive agenda…” says Halvorson, “this is how can we make a college that talks a lot about community, a real community for all people coming from all backgrounds, because at this point not everyone feels super accepted into the community. So, how do we get those people to connect and to feel loved and safe?”

Talk of developing a space dedicated to welcoming this dialogue began last semester. Inspired by the events that took place surrounding the painting and repainting of the Spirit Rock, RAC Coordinator Chelsea Wood (‘22) explains “We saw a need for something to be created on campus for support… after that people were like ‘we need to have a more official thing that’s dealing with topics like this on campus.’ So, we formed a cabinet and went through the process of trying to make it a club and realized that that wasn’t really what we were trying to make…Then [we] went a different route of being something similar to the Mosaic Center.” The Rainbow Alliance Cooperative falls under the direction of the Dean of the Chapel’s Office and has been described by Dean Jordan as a support group.

The cooperative has worked closely with Dean Jordan to ensure that RAC continues to exist in concord with the values held by the college. Both Wood and Halvorson emphasized RAC’s desire to “work with the school.” They expressed gratitude for the positive reception and opportunity granted by Houghton’s faculty and staff towards instituting RAC. Dean Jordan said he is “…So thankful for the current groups of students involved with this because they have great ideas that are consistent with our mission.”  

One main goal for the RAC is to establish longevity. “What can come from this being on campus is so big,” says Wood, “and being able to lay down the groundwork for something that can last after us is incredible.”  

The RAC does not intend for their cooperative to foster an exclusive dialogic space. Their objective is to provide opportunities for students who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those who do not respectively, to share in equal engagement. RAC’s advisor Michael Green is hopeful that the Rainbow Alliance Cooperative’s presence will help to “demystify LGBTQ+ people on campus and lead to a stronger and more inclusive Houghton community overall.”

So far, the RAC held a well-received meet-and-greet on March 4th and led LGBTQ+ sensitivity RA training. They have a variety of upcoming events planned to offer different ways for anyone on campus to be involved and engage with the topic. 

You can follow them on Instagram: @hcrainbowalliance & Facebook: Rainbow Alliance Cooperative. The RAC invites you to email them any questions you may have at hcrainbowalliance@gmail.com ★

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SGA to be Replaced With SEC

The new logo for the SEC, a variation of the familiar SGA symbol. Courtesy of AC Taylor

By Josiah Wiedenheft (’22)

On Wednesday, March 10, the Student Government Association passed a motion that confirmed the end of SGA as we currently know it, with something new to take its place: the SEC. Known fully as the “Student Experience Committee,” this organization aims to preserve the purpose of SGA, while refining its structure and clarifying its responsibilities. Director of Student Engagement AC Taylor explains this revised body as a group of students “[who] represent various student experiences and student groups and [do] so by representing student needs and concerns to the institution directly,” and in the words of the organization’s own constitution: “The Student Experience Council (SEC)… shall be charged with [representing] the student body to the college administration, faculty, and staff in order to promote student interests and ensure activities and services make the student experience at Houghton the best it can be.”

Why do away with SGA though? Why SEC instead? While AC mentioned that the changes have been considered for a few years, the final decision came from “a common feeling among many executive officers of not really knowing what they were supposed to do.” The changes focus around clearing this up. Even though “government” was in the name, SGA in recent years had not been serving any real governing role among the student body, at least not in the usual sense of the term. The name of “Student Experience Council,” on the other hand, is meant to clarify their function: to represent the experiences and needs of students to the school’s administration.

Most of the changes that have been made have the purpose of making more clear the “how?” and “why?” of the organization. While the number of roles in the executive council (renamed from executive cabinet as a part of the “de-govermentalizing” of these changes) has increased, adding specific representatives for athletics, residence life, student organizations and academics, the purpose and responsibilities of each of these positions has been made more clear. The focus, as suggested by the names, is very clearly on representation: the various positions each represent an aspect of student life and activity here on the campus, so that the concerns specific to that area can be heard and made known. AC states that the hope is that these more clearly defined roles “will increase their effectiveness in supporting the student body.”

One question that might be on student’s minds amidst all this is what will become of the class cabinets? Formerly, the class of each year had their own mini-executive cabinet, who generally represented that class in the SGA’s public meetings and who would also plan events for the other students of their year. Within the structure of the SEC, class cabinets have been done away with in name, though their purpose has been morphed to a different form. The role of representing the needs and concerns of a given academic year will now be taken on by four class representatives who will be a part of the executive council. These four positions have acquired additional responsibilities beyond merely representing their class, however: the senior class representative takes on a role similar to that formerly fulfilled by the SGA vice president, acting in the place of the president in their absence; the junior class representative fulfills a scribe roll, taking the minutes for SGA meetings; and the sophomore representative helps to organize the election of the first-year representative each year. The representatives of the first-year and senior classes also take part in coordinating traditions and events for first-years and graduation respectively.

The “class cabinets” will also continue to exist, though they too will be shaped slightly differently. Going forward they’ll take the form of dedicated clubs, which AC says will be able to “work to increase connections and comradery amongst classes while also still having a connection to the concerns/advocacy part [of the SEC’s function].”

While the decision was formalized last week by the current Executive and Class cabinets, SGA is still open to hearing student thoughts and feedback. You can make your voice heard by talking with your class cabinet representative or members of the Executive Cabinet, or by attending one of the weekly public SGA meetings. All students are also invited to get involved by running for a SEC position for next academic year! You can find out more information about that process in the all-campus email sent out last week. ★

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Impending Revisions to College Constitution

By Hannah Fraser (’23)


In a changing world, clarity and trust are vital for functioning organizations. The Houghton College Constitution outlines the roles of decision-making parties at the college and is currently being revised by a committee which the president organizes every ten years. The constitution is a document that summarizes the “shared governance” of the college, which “is the language that higher education uses to indicate the desire that all stakeholder voices are properly consulted and heard in the process of decision making,” said President Mullen. 

The committee is organized by the president and typically involves two members of the Board of Trustees, two members of the Administration, and two members of the Faculty. As the president is preparing to step away, there is an urgency in ensuring that all is clarified, and nothing is left ambiguous. 

The Board, Faculty, and Administration are the groups who are most directly involved in decision making. They each play a different role, and according to Professor Brandon Bate, “the Board of Trustees is charged with managing the financial aspects of the college, the Faculty with the academic aspects, and the Administration with seeing that these, and other constituencies within the college, work together in cooperative ways.” A revised, up to date constitution allows for a governance system that is “nimble enough to make decisions swiftly,” said Professor Benjamin Lipscomb. He added that trust is fundamental to this process so that all three groups are able to communicate and speak into the areas where they have expertise, but decisions can still be made in a timely manner. 

The document should aim at a spirit of collaboration and give clarity of authority, which the committee works to achieve. Professor Bate said, “The committee that is meeting right now is charged with recommending changes to the constitution that we hope will improve the functioning of the college and ensuring compatibility with other foundational, legally binding documents.” The recommendations will go to SGA, faculty, and staff for comments, and then to the Board of Trustees for final approval.  

The document clarifies the importance of students’ voices, and President Mullen said, “The college believes that it is important that students have a voice in the governance of the college both because the college exists to serve students well, and because it is an educational opportunity for students to know how shared governance works.” While these revisions have little impact on current students, they determine how decisions are made and who makes what decision, and students are invited to have a voice in this process through representatives in SGA. 

Ken Schenk, who represents the Administration on the committee, said, “Students will be glad to know that the new Compact clearly states that you are the reason we exist. All the details of structure, all the clarifications of roles are to provide you with an academically excellent, Christ-centered education that equips you to lead and serve in a changing world.” As the higher education world changes rapidly due to demographic downturns and COVID-19, a flexible constitution will benefit the college as it makes decisions and prepares for a change of presidency. ★

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Dr. Clem Appointed Dean of School of Music

By Collin Zehr (’22)


Dr. David Clem, assistant professor of Music History and previous Houghton graduate, was announced as the new Dean of the Greatbatch School of Music at Houghton College beginning in June of 2021. 

Over the past academic year, the search for a new Dean for the Greatbatch School of Music has been underway since Dr. Armenio Suzano stepped away from the position at the end of the 2020 Academic year. Since Dr. Suzano’s departure, Dr. Timothy McGarvey, Professor of Conducting and Director of Instrumental Music Activities, has served as the interim Dean of the School of Music. 

The Dean of the Greatbatch School of Music runs the school, including tasks concerning, “budget, overseeing a faculty/staff of 30 people, curriculum, policy, liaison with all other Houghton entities and our outside constituents, and the day to day administrative work.” as described by Dr. McGarvey. 

While serving in this position, Dr. McGarvey has worked alongside Dr. Sara Massey, assistant professor of Music Education. Dr. Massey described the search for a new Dean along-side a revisioning process for the Greatbatch School of Music. As liberal arts colleges all across the country deal with financial struggles, Houghton is alongside them in recognizing the need to adapt in order to remain viable as an institution of higher education. In order to confront this challenge head on, Dr. Clem became the apparent choice to serve as Dean due to his creativity, intelligence, integrity, and forward thinking. “No one else could do it,” described Dr. Massey.

Since his first experience with Houghton College as a Music Composition undergraduate student about 20 years ago, Dr. Clem could tell that God had a hand in bringing the right people to Houghton and the School of Music. Dr. Clem described how the “great communities” fostered at Houghton were something that he wanted to contribute to.  “The faculty are invested in students on a somewhat personal level” describes Dr. Clem, “[they] are preparing students for whatever is down the road” and “how to live and practice a Christian lifestyle in the world of music.” Dr. Clem was among one of the first groups of Graduate students to earn his Master’s Degree from the Greatbatch School of Music as well. 

Though Dr. Clem never necessarily sought an administrative role, he notes that he has “ended up in leadership positions throughout his life” and this is a role he is equipped to fill. Before accepting this position, Dr. Clem described his thought process as determining three things. As someone who often says “yes” to things asked of him, he has “had to learn to stop and think before saying yes. This means stopping and talking to God about things. Is this an obligation? Is this something I want? is this what God wants?” After considering this, he said yes willingly. Since Dr. Clem is a current faculty member at the school of music and is already serving on the committee to re-envision the school of music, he has been working closely with Dr. McGarvey, resulting in a more gradual transition. So, Dr. Clem has already begun learning about the administrative role that the Dean will fulfill. 

The general consensus among other students in the Greatbatch School of Music is one of excitement for Dr. Clem to assume the role of Dean. Current Junior Education Major, Caleb Durant, described his excitement “because [Dr. Clem]  knows the students really well and has a great rapport with the rest of the faculty. He is a great choice to represent the interests of the school and students.” 

The Greatbatch School of Music’s mission statement expresses the goal to develop “musical excellence” in order to be “effective musical practitioners” and advocate “in the Christian community and in the broader world.” When asked about his goals during his tenure as Dean, Dr. Clem described how “faith is a journey, not a destination. Excellence is the same. The bar is constantly moving” and we must treat it as such. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Houghton College and the Greatbatch School of Music have had to embrace the importance of maximizing the resources available in order to maintain the high standards we seek to achieve. 

Dr. Clem hopes to implement an array of summer programs within the Greatbatch School of Music including a summer music camp for highschool students. The graduate program will also expand to an online Music Education Masters Degree that will contain a summer intensive in-person component. The School of Music will be adding a new Worship Arts degree program that will hopefully benefit from summer songwriting classes with a workshop. Dr. Clem hopes that this summer program will allow students to learn and work with named CCM artists. Beyond the addition of summer programming, Dr. Clem wants to embrace the expertise within the School of Music to partner with local schools and churches to provide opportunities for those not directly involved with Houghton College. ★