May 3, 2017 - Brevard College. Brandhuber is graduating with a Bachelor of. Arts in Business and Organizational Leadersh
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Clarion
Volume 82, Issue 29 Web Edition
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SERVING BREVARD COLLEGE SINCE 1935
Photos from the 2017 Athletic Banquet on Page 4! May 3, 2017
Meet your Class of 2017 Graduation speakers
Kate Brandhuber & Tiela Smith
By Jordon Morgan Arts & Life Editor
+ Asa Gray Staff writer
This Saturday, May 6, Kate Brandhuber and Tiela Smith are the two guest speakers from the student body set to bring their own unique voices to the end of the 2017 class’ academic career at Brevard College. Brandhuber is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Organizational Leadership along with a minor in Environmental Studies. Along with her challenging work in academics, Kate has also been an avid member of BC Greens, IWIL, and SGA. She is proud of all the environmental progress that she has helped contribute to, saying, “I’ve had the privilege to work towards sustainable initiatives on campus.” “Being a graduation speaker puts you into the shoes of all your peers, faculty and staff. You’re also thinking of the proud families and friends in the audience, and you want to send everyone off with something they can use for the rest of their lives. I’m so excited to speak,” Brandhuber explains. She gives credit to one professor at Brevard College whom she says has “really helped to fine tune” her writing skills. Her credit goes to Dr. Ralph Hamlett who she says has helped her to learn a lot of the necessary skills it takes to grow as a writer. She feels that the skills she has mastered have prepared her for the upcoming ceremony, which is now only days away. Kate is very grateful for the entire Brevard community for how far she has come as she prepares to soon start the next chapter of her life. She says, “At the end of the day, I simply feel like the luckiest woman alive to be chosen
to speak at my own graduation. I never thought I could go this far, but I wouldn’t be here without the love and support of my community.” The second graduation speaker, Tiela Smith, is herself graduating with a degree in criminal justice. Smith says that when it came to her becoming a guest speaker, the position was “open to anyone to run,” explaining that it was a quasi-election process that was based on student votes as well as recommendations from faculty. Smith didn’t elaborate on what she would be saying at the ceremony, only that the title of her speech is “The Butterflies Fly Away.” The speech itself was difficult to write at first, and
those who are hearing the speech should expect a lot of metaphorical talk. As expected. Smith is “definitely nervous.” Not necessarily about the speech, but just about making sure everyone who needs to be included in her speech actually is. Set to speak likely after Kate Brandhuber gives her speech, Smith says she has “more broad coverage” and the addition of the graduation being streamed live certainly is an interesting wrinkle to the situation. The Clarion gives it’s sincerest congratulations to the two guest speakers as well as the entire graduating class of 2017.
Cole claims D1 Title
Photo courtesy of Brevard College Cycling Facebook Page
Sophomore Janelle Cole has claimed the colleges first individual national title. Find an article on the achievement inside this issue.
Campus News
Graduation Weekend for the Class of 2017
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By Zach Dickerson Staff Writer
After years of hard work, sleepless nights, and determination the time fast approaches for the Class of 2017 to receive their diplomas and graduate from Brevard College. The festivities begin this Friday, May 5 with the Baccalaureate and Hooding Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Porter Center. The ceremony will consist of the Candidates for Graduation being hooded by their chosen faculty member and a sermon titled “More Than We Ask or Imagine” which will be given by Olu Brown, Lead Pastor of Impact Church in East Point, Georgia. The First United Methodist Church will also be rewarding Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Timothy Powers with the Exemplary Teacher Award. The events continue on Saturday, May 6 starting with the graduating Class of 2017 meeting at the front steps of Jones Library for the class
photo. Candidates for Graduation will then meet in front of Dunham Music Center to prepare for the walk to the Commencement Ceremony at the Betty Neale Academic Quadrangle located in front of the Beam Administration Building. There will be a Pre-Graduation Concert that will take place at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Beam Administration Building. The Candidates for Graduation will then make their way to the Administration Building and at 10 a.m. the Commencement Ceremony will begin. Speakers at the ceremony will consist of President David Joyce, Student Government Association (SGA) President Lauren Fowler, and the two Senior Commencement Speakers, Katherine Brandhuber and Tiela Smith. “I am delighted that the two speakers realize that they are not speaking for themselves, but for the whole graduating class,” Ralph Hamlett, who is working with the Senior Commencement Speakers, said. “Both women have worked
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May 3, 2017
diligently in selecting their words that they feel reflects the Class of 2017.” After the ceremony, there will be a reception for everyone present that take place in front of the Moore Science Building. If there is rain on the day of the Commencement Ceremony then it will be relocated to the Brevard Music Center. Also, if you have family and friends who aren’t able to make it to the college for the ceremony, the Brevard College Facebook page will be live-streaming the event starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 6. A more detailed schedule including the dress requirements for people participating in the ceremonies is available on the my.brevard.edu website under the “Graduation Information” section.
the Clarion
Senior Staff Editor in Chief . . . . Calum McAndrew Managing Editor . . . Copy Editor . . . . . . Opinion . . . . . . . . Florian Peyssonneaux Arts & Life . . . . . . Jordon Morgan Sports . . . . . . . . Bryant Baucom Campus News . . . . Jeni Welch Layout & Design . . . Emma Moore Faculty Advisor . . . . John B. Padgett
Alexis Henley Zach Dickerson Caro Addams
Other Staff Alex Perri Amanda Heskett Asa Gray
The Clarion is a student-run college newspaper produced by student journalists enrolled at Brevard College. Unsigned editorials represent the collective opinion of the staff of The Clarion. Other opinions expressed in this newspaper are those of respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the faculty, staff or administration of Brevard College.
All correspondence should be mailed to: The Clarion, Brevard College, One Brevard College Drive, Brevard, NC 28712, or send E-mail to
[email protected] clarion.brevard.edu
Letters Policy: The Clarion welcomes Photo courtesy of Tiela Smith
Photo courtesy of Kate Brandhuber
Seniors Tiela Smith (left) and Kate Brandhuber (right) will be this years Graduation speakers. Brandhuber is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Organizational Leadership along with a
minor in Environmental Studies. Smith is graduating with a degree in criminal justice.
letters to the editor. We reserve the right to edit letters for length or content. We do not publish anonymous letters or those whose authorship cannot be verified.
Campus News
Car of BC student hit by a tree outside of library May 3, 2017 | The Clarion
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With less than a week to go before she delivers her graduation speech, BC senior Kate Brandhuber was involved in a narrow escape
By Florian Peyssonneaux Opinion Editor
Some describe the start of finals week with the metaphor of a car crash. Last Monday, one BC student experienced just that. Driving on campus and on her way to take her final exam, Kate Brandhuber had a frightening moment when an enormous branch fell on her car on Monday, May. 1. Because of the heavy rain, and strong winds a branch fell off a tree hitting Brandhuber’s car and blocking the road. “It is just an act of nature,” a Campus Security officer declared. “This young lady was just at the wrong place at the wrong moment” he added. The road leading to Green Residence Hall, by the side of the commuter parking lot was blocked until the car, and the tree were removed. Campus Security, Brevard police, and the insurance company were on site to report the damages. “I was listening to music, I just looked up and saw the branch breaking from the tree. I slammed on the breaks, but it was too late the branch went through my windshield” said Brandhuber. Still under the emotional shock of the accident, and really late for her final Brandhuber showed a picture of her car to the teachers who immediately understood the importance of the wreck. The insurance company should cover the damages of the car, and provide a rental car until the garage fixes it. But most importantly “nobody was injured during the accident” said Campus Security.” “I still can’t realize what just happened, but I’m just happy to be alive” said Brandhuber. Concerning the road, it was cleared before midday, and the branch was removed. Upon inspection, it became clear that the tree had rotted in the middle. This combined with the inclement weather on Monday are perhaps the reasons why the tree branch fell at that precise moment.
Photo by Florian Peyssonneaux
Photo by Florian Peyssonneaux
During stormy weather on Monday, May 1, a tree between the Library and Green Residence Hall collapsed on top of the car of BC student Kate Brandhuber. as she made her way to a final exam.
Campus News
BC hosts Athletics Banquet
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May 3, 2017
Photos courtesy of Brevard College
Members of the mens soccer team, who famously defeated #1 ranked team in the nation Wingate, en route to an SAC Semi-Final. Pictured are, Alec Goettl, Winston Haddock, Ryan McPhillips, Heath Turner, Rhem Stubbs (seniors) and Brock Tuttle (Sophomore)
Photos courtesy of Brevard College
Female Athlete of the Year, Madison Lenox alongside Dee Dasburg. Lenox also earned All-SAC First Team, All-Region First Team, All-State First Team and All-American Third Team honors.
Photos courtesy of Brevard College
David Nelson (Right) stands with the golf team. Receiving an honorary award from Athletic Director Juan Mascaro to cap off the evening, Nelson will retire at the end of this season, after over 30 years dedicated to the profession of coaching.
Photos courtesy of Brevard College
Male Athlete of the Year, Carson Beckett standing with Athletic Director Juan Mascaro. Freshman, Beckett played a major part in the Cycling Team’s route to two DI National Championships.
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Arts & Life
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BC presents Earthsong: the Spring Choral Concert By Alexis Henley Staff Writer
On Friday, April 28 the Brevard College Spring Choral Concert took place at The Porter Center for Performing Arts starting at 7:30. David Gresham, the conductor, put together a program titled “Earth Song” containing several pieces all related to nature and renewal. The first piece performed by the choirs was a short Mozart pastoral mass and the choirs collaborated with the Environmental Faculty, specifically Dr. Bob Cabin, who provided photographs for the visual narrative that played while the Mozart pieces were sung. The photographs ranged from beautiful landscapes to animals and land hurt by litter and oil spills. The images were displayed on two television screens to the right and the left of the choir. The Mozart mass featured solos from Lily Bartleson, Katelyn DiDio, Catherine Goss, Natalee Highman, Riley Sullivan, Hunter Rogers, Christopher Center, and Stephen Healy. The choirs sung a multitude of Shakespeare songs such as melodious “Tell Me Where is Fancy Bred” and the vibrant “When Daffodils Begin to Peer”. Between each piece, Gresham explained to story behind each song. The aforementioned “When Daffodils Begin to Peer” was about a man who was a lovable but mischievous pickpocket who loved spring due to his three favorite things, women, thieving, and good ale, all available to him at this time. Natalee Highman and Hunter Rogers sung solos for “When Daffodils Begin to Peer”. “Tell Me Where is Fancy Bred” was about a man who loved a woman but to have her hand in marriage had to pick the correct casket with her picture in it. If he picked the wrong one he would be put to death. The song itself guided the man to make the correct decision and so he was able to marry his love. The two pieces “I Will Be Earth” and “Earthsong” were calming and serene. The choir focused on a beautiful harmony throughout these two slower paced songs which showed the diverse skill of the choirs. The skill of the choir didn’t extend just to the elegant voices but also to the musical skill which showed when Daniel Ethridge played along with Vance Reese for the piano accompaniment for the song “Liebeslieder Waltzer”.
The last four songs all had to do with the afterlife. The piece “Even such is time” was written by a man who was sentenced to death and had a lot of time to think about the afterlife. The choir song was slow paced and almost ethereal incorporating a beautiful solo sung by Lily Bartleson. Throughout the song, the students slowly turned in a circle. Hunter Rogers began the song “MLK” with a beautiful and soothing solo. The choirs harmonized quietly behind him. Once the solo was over the peaceful song continued and left a calming presence over the audience.
Before the final song, Gresham informed the audience that during the final song the choirs would use American sign language to send the audience away with peace, joy, and wellbeing. Gresham also recognized four seniors, Sami Mayo, Savannah Jones, Hunter Rogers, and Heather Kirkland who were participating in their last choral concert. Finally, Gresham acknowledged Professor of Music Laura McDowell who will be retiring at the end of the Spring 2017 semester. The choir sang “Wana Baraka” and faced the audience as they signed. The night ended with the choir receiving a welldeserved standing ovation.
BC hosts traditional end of semester ‘Pancake break’ in Myers Dining Hall
Photo courtesy of Brevard College Flickr
Brevard College President David Joyce and wife Lynne were among the staff and faculty serving pancakes to students on Monday, May 1, kicking off the final exam week.
Arts & Life
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Senior Profile
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Sebastian Strehl
By Florian Peyssonneaux
Opinion Editor Sebastian Strehl, or Basti as most people know him is a graduating senior in the BORG department. Strehl is from Stuttgart, Germany where he grew up before coming to Brevard to study business and play golf.. Strehl’s American success story started a couple years ago in Germany as he was playing golf with some of the best amateurs in Europe who were telling him about their new life in college in the U.S, encouraging him to do the same. After finding a sports agency, Strehl had only one thing in mind. Coming to the U.S to be a student athlete. So, in 2013 he received three offers for schools in America, two of them were large schools in Florida and then Brevard. Strehl first came to visit the campus for a day, and from that moment he knew that Brevard was the right school for him. For Strehl the fact that Brevard was a small college played a major role in his decision, and after fours years spent in Western North Carolina he realized that “nature and outdoors are a very important part of my life here, I enjoy it” said Strehl. In addition to his academic career, Strehl is a golf player for Brevard College’s golf team.
He has had an enormous impact on the team over the year by being consistently in the top five, and “he has been a leader since day one” said golf coach David Nelson. Strehl started strong his freshman year with a title of MVP, and finishing off his collegiate career with a first individual win in the spring at the Bruin Spring Golf Invitational in Greenville, SC. He was also awarded this year with the first SAC men’s golf 18 winner during the conference tournament. This award is given to the athlete who has the best GPA in every sport and plays in conference tournaments. Strehl has been very busy off the golf course, with a cumulative GPA of 3.94 he obtains the best GPA for the class of 2017, as well as every other athlete in the school. During his free time, Strehl likes to go out with his friends and teammates. Always ready to go to new places, Strehl is involved in the International’s Club on campus. When he looks back on his career, Strehl is thankful to all the people he met in Brevard. “Coach Nelson has been a mentor for me when I first came in America” said Strehl. He added “He guided me during my career, and answered questions I had.”
Strehl also remembers how much his teammates and friends helped him when he first came to America. “Over the past years I was proud to help the newcomers in return” said Strehl. He then added “Brevard College has changed so much over the past four years, I was glad to be part of this evolution because I really think that this college is now a better place.” When asked what he would do after graduation, Strehl paused for a second and declared “First walking on stage would be a good start!” But more seriously, the German wants to go back to his homeland to pursue a Master’s degree. “I am going to university in Germany to do a master in international business” said Strehl. After being in the U.S for so long Strehl wanted to change his routine, and this year and a half long master is the opportunity for it. Even if he doesn’t desire to turn professional in golf, Strehl still wants to play with his club team in Germany. Eventually, Strehl would have the opportunity to come back to the U.S in a few years with his future school to get a MBA degree.
Photo courtesy of Alex Perri
BC Senior Basti Strehl will walk the graduation stage this weekend, after four years as a student-athlete at Brevard College.
May 3, 2017 | The Clarion
Arts & Life
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Hunter Rogers’ Senior Recital
After being postponed for a week, this performance was worth the wait. By Amanda Heskett
Staff Writer An intriguing and captivating performance from Hunter Rogers was held in the Porter Center this past Sunday. He performed songs in other languages, such as Italian and German, and provided the audience with translations to these songs in the program, which could be used to follow along. Stepping into a different character for each song, Rogers created a story during his performance, and each character he portrayed. Even during the songs in a language one may not understand, one could still comprehend the emotions behind the song. An audience member could feel as though they’re watching an opera or musical during the simple showcase of Hunter’s singing abilities. During the second half of the performance, Rogers touched on many compositions from musicals in English, therefore giving the room a more energetic and familiar tone. The last song was an Italian piece by the name of L’ultima Cansone by F.P. Tosti. In the brief description Rogers gave in the program, he mentions that Tosti had the “ability to tap into human emo-
tions and to evoke a light-hearted feeling”. This resonated with Hunter’s performance of the piece. It moved the audience into awe, and once he finished, he instantly received a standing ovation.
Hunter’s passion and dedication shone through during his performance on Sunday. He presented himself as a professional, and unveiled an exquisite accomplishment.
Photo by Calum McAndrew
Senior Hunter Rogers delivered his senior recital to the Porter Center audience on Sunday, April. 30.
BC Climbing Team celebrate a season full of success
By Asa Gray
Staff Writer The Brevard College Climbing Team has a lot to be proud of as they have recently become the 2017 USA Climbing Collegiate Appalachian Regional champions. Students and faculty alike came together to support the team’s incredible accomplishments earlier this month. The team was formerly a club and members are excited that it is now being taken more seriously. The Brevard College Cycling Team, another team who has also done extremely well this spring season, came out to support the Climbing Team’s numerous successes throughout the season. Climbing Team member Nathan Boepple has felt very grateful for the support throughout the
season saying, “It was great to see the Brevard College Cycling Team champions, as well as other students and faculty, support our victory.” The entire BC Climbing Team sent out a mass email to the college community writing, “Thank you Nado Nation for all of your support this season!” Travis Gray, head coach of the Climbing Team, said that the climbers “have truly shined as motivated individuals who are committed to pushing each other and coming together as a supportive team.” He added that he and fellow Climbing Team members enjoyed the celebration night that was held to reflect on the season as a whole. He was impressed with the turnout from other BC students, saying, “We enjoyed the celebration and were very happy to see everyone (about 30 people) who came
out to show support and get an idea of the positive challenge that climbing provides and experience the sport that we are so passionate about.” Last week, dedicated and determined Climbing Team member Lauren Fowler made the 2300 mile journey out to the west coast to compete in the USA Climbing Collegiate National Championships in San Diego, California. She wrote, “I didn’t place quite as well as I would have liked but I climbed my hardest and learned so much” and added, “I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity and I can’t wait to train hard and come back next year with the rest of my team!” Here’s to another adventurous and successful BC Climbing Team season during the 2017-2018 academic year.
Sports
Cole captures Division I individual national title Page 8
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Arensman impresses in second By Bryant Baucom Sports Editor
To bolster the already impeccable season for the Brevard College Cycling team, sophomore Janelle Cole captured the Division I Varsity Individual National Title in Grand Junction, Colo. on Friday afternoon. The individual title was Brevard’s first individual championship at the Division I level. Freshman Hannah Arensman shined in conjunction with Cole as she finished behind the sophomore to cap off her stellar freshman campaign. Her freshman season featured two trips overseas to ride for the USA national team and two national championships at Brevard. Head cycling coach, Brad Perley, had nothing
but praise the two girls after their performances on Friday. “We are extremely proud of the efforts made today by Janelle and Hannah,” said Coach Perley. “Time trials are always extremely difficult, as you are racing entirely by yourself against the clock. Today’s course was hilly, wide open, with extreme winds. They both displayed a tremendous amount of focus and their intense preparation leading up to the event shows in a huge way.” Janelle and Hannah were the lone competitors for Brevard College in the road nationals, making their performance all the more dominant and impressive.
Following her title-winning performance, Cole shared her thoughts on the afternoon both her and Hannah had. “I very much enjoyed today’s course, made especially exciting by some high winds,” said Cole. “After today, I’m excited by the positive energy Hannah and I are carrying forward into the rest of Nationals. Being teammates on the podium is extremely special, especially as this is Brevard’s first individual championship in D1.” With the success of the young sophomore and freshman, the future for the Brevard College cycling program is as bright as ever as both the men and women have displayed their dominance during the 2016-2017 academic year.
Brevard College to begin 2017-2018 year as NCAA Division III member After nine seasons in SAC, reclassification begins
By Bryant Baucom Sports Editor
As the 2016-2017 academic year at Brevard College comes to a close, the Tornados will prepare to usher in a new era. Beginning in the fall of 2017, the Brevard College athletic program will be a part of the USA South Conference at the Division III level. This move was originally announced in a press conference on May 20, 2015 by President David Joyce and Athletic Director Juan Mascaro. The transition to the USA South Conference will be a five year process with the exploratory year as the 2016-2017 academic year and the four reclassifying years beginning in 20172018. Regardless of the success of the athletic program during these four years, the Tornados will be ineligible to compete in NCAA championships.
With the 2017-2018 academic year being the first reclassifying year for Brevard College, the institution is required to certify all studentathletes under Division II legislation in August of 2017 and officially begin the reclassifying process in September. After reclassifying to Division II following an a tenure as an NAIA institution, Brevard College has spent the last nine seasons as a full active member of the South Atlantic Conference. The Tornados joined the South Atlantic Conference as a full active member during the 2008-2009 academic year and have seen various successes on the field and in the classroom. Moving to the Division II ranks will bring forth a noticeable difference for studentathletes. In Division III competition, athletic scholarships are not rewarded, in an effort to enable schools to further their emphasis on the academic side of the institution. Students are
still given the same access to financial aid and grants or loans that non student-athletes and presented with. The USA South Conference is currently a 16 member conference with members in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and Alabama. The conference has five members that participate in women’s athletics only and nine members who field a football team. Beginning in the fall 2017 semester the conference will add Brevard College, Berea College, and Pfeiffer University. This will bring the conference total to 19 members and provide the Tornados with the best fit for their athletic program. As the era of Brevard College as a Division II institution and member of the South Atlantic Conference comes to a close, we welcome the transition to Division III and look forward to being a member of the USA South Conference.
