The new year is well underway, and the staff of The Witmarsum are busy cranking out new content for a new semester. Before we get too far into 2019, however, I’d like to point out eight interesting, thought-provoking stories you may have missed in 2018.
Buckell serves Bluffton as volunteer EMT — Nathan Heinze
Service is one of Bluffton’s enduring values, and it’s a lifestyle for Assistant Professor of Spanish Emily Buckell. Published in November 2018, this feature story by staff writer Nathan Heinze chronicles how Buckell serves the Bluffton community as a volunteer EMT, a role she decided to take on after EMTs were able to assist her father during a medical emergency.
Talking about race at Bluffton — Olivia Poole
This year’s Civic Engagement Theme is “When Talking is Tough: Respectful Conversations in a Divided Nation,” and I can’t think of a piece on The Wit that does a better job raising questions and engaging in respectful dialogue than recent alumna Olivia Poole’s podcast from May 2018. She incorporated interviews with fellow student, Malika Thompson, and Professor of Religion Alex Sider to localize the issue of racism to Bluffton’s campus.
Wyse-Rhodes still learning from students and colleagues — Dani Easterday
The Bluffton community had the privilege of celebrating alongside Assistant Professor of Religion Jackie Wyse-Rhodes as she finished her dissertation and became Dr. Jackie Wyse-Rhodes this past fall. Published in April 2018, this piece by former Witmarsum staff member Dani Easterday speaks to the passion for learning and teaching Wyse-Rhodes brings to the classroom.
Zapata uses past as a motivator in nursing program — Aubrey Bartel
In this feature story from September 2018, staff writer Aubrey Bartel paints a picture of the sacrifice and determination sophomore Chris Zapata brings to one of Bluffton’s newest programs, nursing. Zapata shares of how his experience watching his brother battle a brain tumor helped to point him toward the nursing profession and how he balances rigorous academics and a busy soccer schedule.
Defining ‘love’ — what is it? — Jena O’Brien
Don’t overlook this podcast by senior public relations major Jena O’Brien. Produced in March 2018, O’Brien asks now-alum Kenny Beeker and Assistant Professor of Communication Marathana Prothro about their own ideas and experiences with love. If you’ve ever wondered about the “ring by spring” mentality, give this piece a listen.
A conversation with president-elect Wood — Blake Hershberger
In July 2018, the Bluffton community welcomed its newest president, Dr. Jane Wood. Before her job officially began, recent alumnus Blake Hershberger sat down with Wood in March 2018 to chat about her philosophy as a teacher and leader—and her love for detective novels. As Bluffton enters its second semester under Wood’s leadership, it’s worth reading—or rereading—this piece to experience the vision and excitement she first brought to campus as president-elect.
Senior art students share their favorite pieces — Lexi Sponseller
Each spring semester, senior art majors have the opportunity to present their best work in their own exhibition in the Grace Albrecht Art Gallery. This past October, however, staff photographer Lexi Sponseller stopped by Sauder Visual Arts Center and captured these photographs of senior art students and their favorite pieces. The photographs uniquely highlight the artists’ talents and joys, while providing a glimpse at some of the pieces to be shown in the senior art exhibition in March.
Study and stream: Faculty recommend their favorite shows — Nathan Heinze
Winter break may be over, but Netflix binges are forever. In this piece from October, staff writer Nathan Heinze compiled a list of TV recommendations from Bluffton University faculty. If you’re procrastinating and looking for a new show, tired of watching The Office for the fifteenth time or just plain curious what Professor of English Jeff Gundy watches in his spare time, give this gem a quick read.
