The Waltonian

Over the week of Nov. 13-17, one of Eastern’s largest campus ministries, Youth Against Complacency and Homelessness Today (YACHT) hosted their annual Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (H.A.H.A). They began this week by gathering in HHC to show the documentary “Lost Angels – Skid Row Is My Home.” Of this event that started out the week, one of the YACHT leaders (or YACHT mamas, as they are better known) Emily Landis states, “It provided us a better insight into the root causes of homelessness, failures and downfalls of the system, and how laws and policies are currently failing people experiencing homelessness — all while allowing us to get to know a few people who call Skid Row home. We had a great discussion after the documentary about how it opened our eyes to certain sides of homelessness, what we can do here and now, and what needs to be done in the future to combat this injustice.”

On Tuesday, the group hosted an event in Walton where they got together to teach students on campus how to make “plarn” (plastic yarn) by using plastic bags they had collected on campus, with a goal to make a mat for one of their friends in Philadelphia. While teaching the craft of plarn-making, they discussed facts about homelessness, and also had a prayer station for students to go to throughout the evening as well. Landis comments, “It was nice to learn to use something that can something so harmful to the environment, like a plastic bag, to help someone experiencing homelessness.”

Wednesday of H.A.H.A. week was when the separate Grow Groups within each of the Residence Halls gathered to pray for the name of a friend in the city that the student chaplain had been given by YACHT Each chaplain was given a diff erent name, with the intention that the campus would be gathering to pray for many diff erent friends from the city whom YACHT attenders and leaders have met throughout this semester.

Thursday was a full day in the awareness week, being the day of fasting, one of their weekly outings, and the annual Sleep-Out on Walton patio. Members of YACHT, as well as the campus at large, were invited to join together for a time of fasting and prayer, the practice of denying the self something that is itself good, such as food, with the intention of seeking and expressing one’s desire for that which is greater, namely God. While members fasted, they prepared sandwiches for their outing to Philadelphia, and upon return from the city, spent the night outside of Walton, with the ultimate goal being to remember that the hunger and cold they felt by choice, some have no choice but to face daily.

YACHT’s awareness week was closed out by Margie and Nicole from Project H.O.M.E. (Housing, Opportunities for employment, Medical care, Education) speaking at Windows on the World, and later fellowshipping and continuing their discussion at a luncheon in Baird Library. Margie shared how Project H.O.M.E. began in the middle of a homeless epidemic, and has helped over 15,000 people access shelter, while also making available incredible opportunities for those they reach. Nicole shared a bit of her own life story, how she moved out at the age of 13, and lived just above the poverty level as her addictions worsened. She went through a recovery house and transitional housing, before eventually applying for housing with Project H.O.M.E., which ended up quite literally saving her life. The two women shared both inspiring information and testimonies about their experiences working with and experiencing homelessness, and it was a powerful way to conclude a week where Eastern’s focus narrowed to focusing on one very particular issue in our society today: homelessness, while urging students to consider, ‘what will I do to fight back against complacency?’

Eastern’s campus ministries host awareness weeks throughout the entire academic year. It is important that students are aware, even if just for a week, (though hopefully much longer) that injustices are woven tightly into our world, and it is our job to cut the strands free.

Source: Emily Landis, a Leader of YACHT

On Friday, David Crowder payed Eastern University and the St. Davids area a visit for his American Prodigal tour. It was an evening of worship — one that brought the community together for one greater purpose: to give Christ our all. The evening was kicked off with opening performances by The Young Escape and Jimi Cravity, and Crowder took the stage as the headliner, to beautifully conclude the evening.

After the well-known David Crowder Band disbanded in 2012, lead singer David Crowder began his solo career under the name Crowder. “American Prodigal” is his second solo album, following “Neon Steeple” which was fully released in 2014. Of the journey of this current album “American Prodigal,” Crowder states,“I think that we are all a lot more the same than we are different. We’re all just dirt and water and the breath of God.” He expounded on this idea at the show on Friday, after allowing a member of the audience to join him and his band on stage to perform alongside them. Crowder stated that we are all here on earth together, and then we’re in heaven, so while we’re on earth we should worship as much as we’re able, in every way possible, together creating one church. Every piece of our dirt and water and breath of God should make our fleeting time on earth glorifying to God.

David Crowder has existed in my mind for quite some time as the most down-to-earth Christian artist I’ve encountered. Every time he would speak between songs, his southern, Texan drawl would remind us in the audience that we weren’t at a concert, but at a worship service, being led by a group of musicians who have grasped onto the gifts God gave them, and are using them to the best of their ability. Crowder draws much of his inspiration from nature, from roots and culture and his raw, rugged surroundings, wherever he may be. The first time I saw him perform live, someone in the crowd held up a sign asking Crowder for his shoes. He stopped in the middle of his set and asked the guy if he actually wanted his shoes, and when the man said yes, Crowder took his shoes off of his feet and tossed them to the man with the sign; he performed the rest of his songs in his socks. He presents himself as your typical funny, generous, down-to-earth pal, but he also speaks like he is just a guy with a guitar, on a mission to share good news. And in my opinion, he accomplishes just that, time and time again. What a blessing it is, that we live in a country where artists are free to share what is in their hearts, and even greater, that Christians can do the same.

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Near the end of Crowder’s set, the colorful lights stopped flashing, the fog machine was turned off, and the room grew peaceful as the band gathered in the middle of the stage with just acoustic

instruments, and led the crowd in some hymns, such as my personal favorite, “Because He Lives.” By including both this peaceful interlude of century-old hymns, and exciting, anticipated songs from the most recent album, it became clear that styles may change, settings may change, people may change, and churches may change, but Christ will remain forever the same. And any evening that celebrates that truth is an evening that shows a glimpse of what an eternity of worship will look like alongside all our brothers and sisters.

Eastern extends many thanks to David Crowder and the rest of the musicians who shared their gifts with us on Friday, and to everybody on campus who worked to make this evening of worship not only possible, but a beautiful success. It is my prayer that the good news of the gospel will continue to be proclaimed as powerfully and as authentically as it was at this event last Friday.

Source: crowdermusic.com

There is in life that for which we all live: love. Of course there are different types of love, different definitions of love, and different understandings of love. But one of the most sought-after, and often the most treasured, is the love that grows friendship: “philia,” brotherly love.

A love that is organically chosen, not required, and a love that, when nurtured, cared for, and tended to through Christ, can grow into something rather extraordinary.

College is a unique opportunity in life to detach from the home one has been given, and to create a home of one’s own. As I walk the paths that twine through Eastern’s campus, and pass the same faces every day, I see homes formed through the finding and befriending of other souls.

Mary Oliver once wrote, “As a child, what captivated me was reading the poems myself and realizing that there was a world without material substance which was nevertheless as alive as any other,” and I believe I had a similar experience, not with poems, (that came later) but with the friendship that I discovered blossoms out of living with a soul friend. I found that there is a subtle, yet paramount difference between friendship and roommate-ship; living with a friend is like discovering the world that bursts forth in full bloom when poetry is grasped in understanding. Living with a friend reveals to you every beautiful speck of your friend, every dissonant chord, every heartbroken truth he or she holds within him or herself, and in each revelation, the roots of this chosen love venture deeper.

When blessed with a roommate who is also one’s dear friend, one understands that, similar to words and ideas and poetry of the ages, friendship too is “alive without material substance,” and can thrive simply by two souls existing in the same shared space. One can return to this newfound home after an overwhelming day, and find solace in the soul who is is a listener, an empathizer, a holder of all things broken; because it is the overwhelming days that break us, and the soul friends who put us back together again.

The culmination of small moments shared with a roommate build the dorm room into a home: brushing your teeth together every night, sitting silently for hours doing homework together, gathering books for your morning class quietly, so as to not wake the other, putting your own worries to the side when your roommate needs you. Moments such as these build the pure foundation of the love of friendship, and when you’re not looking for it, this foundation becomes a fortress. Knowingly momentous and seemingly insignificant experiences alike are the bricks and the mortar which make the fortress the mighty structure that it is; every shared experience is one more brick upon the unspoken alliance that will suffer and rejoice together.

Another great poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson, wrote, “Our chief want in life, is, / someone who shall make us do what we can. / This is the service of a friend. / With him we are easily great.” One does not enter into new phases of life, such as college, hoping to find perfection. For by this point in life, one has usually discovered life’s best-kept secret, that perfection breeds boredom, staticity, apathy. Instead, one walks boldly into new territory hoping for a sliver of familiarity; one hopes for home, whether or not he or she has previously known the comfort of a home. In the kinship of two souls together creating a home, roommates gift familiarity to one another, time and time again.

To be known is to have a home. Roommates are friends who know each other to their very center, who know the best and the worst of the other. Living with a comrade makes one easily great, for one has created the home where he or she belongs and is known deeply.

Taken by Matthew Wolek

Philadelphia is working to renew the respect art deserves, and to glean the benefits that art provides. From offering discounted, pay-what-you-can, and even free admission to art museums and exhibitions, to offering grants, fellowships, and internships at colleges and high schools, Philadelphia is changing the mindset of its people by taking small, yet monumental steps in the direction towards revering art. One of the most notable steps is the increase in murals throughout the city, making this place reflective of this of brotherly love it so claims.

When I was in high school, our school was under construction. The entire front of the building was being torn down and rebuilt, so the construction workers put up temporary drywall the length of the front while they built. The wall was a dingy gray color, a chalky, depressing first sight of the school, until the art students came up with an idea to cover the wall in murals, knowing full-well that their art would last only the duration of the construction. Soon enough, instead of walking by gray walls, students were passing bright, bold colors — ideas of their fellow classmates having come to fruition right there in front of the school, making even a temporary span of time more enjoyable, and uniting the students in a shared experience, and now a shared memory.

Similarly, programs such as City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program are working to change the day-to-day experience of walking through the city. A wall can be a wall, or it can be beautified to reflect that which the city aims to be. Murals connect communities by portraying a shared experience, emotion, or significant moment in history, while also pushing back against graffiti and gang- or crime-driven marks.

Mural Arts Philadelphia is a program that aims to unite communities through art. At first glance on their website, it can be found, “We believe that art ignites change,” which is exactly why they are committed to giving the city 50-100 public art projects every year. Director of Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program, Jane Golden, says “When I think about the murals of this city, I really think it’s like the autobiography of Philadelphia.” Murals tell a story, and serve a purpose greater than simply making a wall of a building look better. They remind Philadelphia of the history and heroes of a certain neighborhood, through murals such as the Grumblethorpe home found in the new mural in Germantown painted by Jared Bader. They connect communities through familiar, lighthearted images such as the new mural of a raccoon holding a Philadelphia soft pretzel, brainchild of Natalie Shaak and V.U.R.T. (Visual Urban Renewal & Transformation) in the neighborhood of Port-Richmond.

Murals accomplish a vast array of positive results.

Whether local murals are portraying individuals and highlighting the influences of their life, capturing the fleeting beauty of a neighborhood garden, or staying a moment in history worth remembering, these murals, along with the other 3,000+ murals in Philadelphia, matter. These murals are showing the city what to pay attention to. They are showing the city what is important, what is beautiful, and what is right, in a time when there are so many reasons to look at what is wrong.

Sources: Muralarts.org, Philly.com, Philly.curbed.com.

The life of 16th century German monk, Martin Luther, impacted the way we think about life, justice, freedom, and religion. This rich history from centuries past lives on today, specifically through the gifted actors, singers, musicians, and directors of the pop oratorio commissioned by the German government in recognition of the 500 year anniversary of the reformation, “LUTHER.”

Students and faculty at Eastern have the unique privilege of being located just minutes away from one of the two locations of the American premiere of this production. It is set to premier at Church of the Savior, located in Wayne. More notably, however, many Eastern students and alumni will be a part of the production, including Ronald Matthews, the executive director of Eastern’s music and fine arts division. Alumni Andy Lenko (‘17), Morgan Hess (‘16), and Kyle Herman (‘07) continue to represent Eastern University by being actively involved in the show’s orchestra. Additionally, Eastern’s choir is one of the three choirs that will be joining together to form a group of 150 singers, in addition to the soloists, rock orchestra, and multimedia effects that ensure a high quality experience for all in attendance as well as those participating.

The second performance in the United States is Oct. 29. Producer-Director Drew Pulver, a new adjunct faculty member of Eastern University and a professional singer is currently on contract at Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, and was given the performance rights for the United States. He translated the work from German into English. Eastern welcomes Pulver and the rich experience and wisdom he has to offer our music department as well as our university at large.

“LUTHER” utilizes art-driven, musical-based mediums to capture and communicate key aspects of the Reformation, the historical event when Martin Luther posted the “95 Theses” on Oct. 31, 1517. This writing sparked the Protestant Reformation, proposing two central beliefs. These beliefs were that the Bible is the central religious authority, and that we may reach salvation by faith alone, not by deeds. After this set of beliefs was proposed by Luther, Protestantism was thereafter shaped greatly by his ideas, and the course of religion and culture in the west was forever altered. In the musical production about Luther’s influence and the Reformation, lyrics to one of the songs reflect upon this significant event: “The Reformation is greater than any one man. The Reformation is greater than any one nation. The Reformation is greater than any one religion.” These ideas are explored and celebrated on the stage, and will be remembered on this 500 year anniversary remembrance, and well into the future as well. Join Eastern University and the surrounding community as we remember this significant event in religious history. Tickets are available for purchase at lutherustour.com.

Sources: History.com, Facebook.com, lutherustour.com

Not every leader has all of the best leadership qualities. I learned this as I, the president of a campus ministry, sat in the row directly in front of the speaker we’d been working months to bring to campus, and realized I didn’t want to introduce her. Not only that I didn’t want to introduce her, but that I was so cripplingly terrified of introducing her, I’d forgotten her name, the organization she represented, and the title of the book she’d be selling afterwards. I once again hated myself for being introverted; I loathed the fact that these tiny, everyday tasks seemed so impossible to me. I sat trembling in my seat, the silent “it’s time to start” noise that should have pushed me upwards and out of my seat instead just reminded me that this was why I should never be a leader.

Just because all leaders don’t have all of the leadership qualities, that doesn’t mean those with the less-popular leadership qualities have nothing to offer. I was a quiet leader. When I had to raise my voice in a large group setting I felt extremely uncomfortable and disrespectful. When I had to answer judgmental questions about the intention of our club, I felt attacked, and when I was in charge of leading weekly meetings I was exhausted. I had in my mind a picture of the type of leader I wanted to be: outgoing, cheerful, energetic, persuasive. And when I failed to be that leader, I labeled myself a failure. However, I’m realizing now that I had different qualities to offer when I led than my co-leaders had. We made a team, and I didn’t fully realize the power behind a team of people who all have different strengths. I saw my abilities as far less valuable than those of other leaders on campus. But sometimes a quiet leader can be a powerful leader — we’re seeing more and more people in our country in leadership positions who could benefit from taking some time to be quiet. Sometimes the background people work more efficiently, without being slowed down by the blinding spotlight and the public eye.

One of my first times holding a leadership position, I was a junior counselor for a camp my church used to attend. I was in seventh grade, and in charge of a group of girls a few years younger than me. I remember these same insecurities pelting my confidence back then, as I felt entirely too young to be in charge of anybody. But the moment that I remember most vividly was when it was time for me to lead devotionals for the girls: we went down to the stream and sat with our feet in the water, and I prayed with them, explained the story of David and Goliath to them, and related it to being courageous when they were at school. I told them about how I was feeling intimidated to be their leader that weekend, but how I did it anyway because I felt like that was where God wanted me to be. That was such a small moment, but looking back, I think I was using some of my best leadership qualities. I was being relatable, I was being quiet, and I was leading by example. Maybe I’m not the leader with the most infectious laugh, and perhaps I’m not the one who should introduce important speakers. I know I’m not outgoing, and public speaking will likely never be the thing I’m best at. But I am really good at being me. I can pray with and for those I am leading, and I have a heart full and ready to love others. When life gets chaotic, I get quiet, and in the midst of a noisy world, that is my loudest voice.

It is true that some people will make better leaders than others. Leadership is a sought-after quality, and for a good reason! It takes a lot of sacrifice and commitment to be a quality leader, and I admire those who are naturals. But just because leadership in the stereotypical sense doesn’t come easily, doesn’t mean someone can’t make a good leader. It might just mean they are looking in the wrong places to find their strengths.

There is a deep sense of pride when one is doing something that explores or carries on a family tradition. If a child’s father is a doctor, the child will feel a sense of pride if he/she too, chooses that path for him/herself. If one’s mother is a teacher, one will carry that tradition on proudly when he/she passes the boards and is certified to teach as well. Familial ties are tightly wound with emotions; not just in professions, but in everyday tasks.

I sit on the floor and paint with all the shades of red, until I feel what is missing. Paintbrush in hand, I am my great grandmother, a lady I never had the privilege of meeting, an artist who painted fine china with even finer brushes. I pick up a pen and slowly, neatly, write words that deserve to be felt as they are formed; every curve, line, stroke intentional. Pen in hand, ink smudges along my arm, I am my father, embellishing every birthday card with calligraphy and pressed flowers. I clumsily stitch up the loose seam on the collar of my shirt, and I am my grandmother, a well-versed seamstress, sewing beautiful, intricate clothes for my whole family. As I explore the different ways to create, I feel more deeply connected to the members of my family who created before me.

I don’t consider art a talent of mine, but I do consider art one of the most accessible, hands-on ways through which I worship, as well as connect with those I love. I explore my relationship with Christ in an intimate way when I am creating, for He is, always has been, and always will be the greatest creator. Not only did God speak everything into being, but during His time on earth, Jesus, too, was a creator through carpentry. How beautiful an opportunity, to be able to engage in creating as our heavenly father, too, created. How extraordinary to think that we, God’s creations, are able to create as an act of worship to point back to Him.

After being actively involved with art all through grade school, I didn’t know whether it was something I’d carry with me through college. I knew it was something that I loved, and I couldn’t imagine not bringing my supplies with me when I moved out. However, space was limited, and after a few weeks passed and my boxes full of paint, brushes, canvases, and pens went untouched, I decided I’d take them home. But every so often everybody, no matter who we are surrounded by, feels alone, and that hit just in time for me to realize that art, my comrade, had to stay. Art was a way for me to choose to sit down with God for a few hours and immerse myself in imitating Him, loving Him, and finding solace in His presence. It is written in Psalm 61:2 KJV, “…when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” This is my prayer as I create. For it is when I am exploring my faith through artistry that I feel that sense of pride any child feels when he or she follows in his or her father’s footsteps. Life becomes overwhelming, and I feel alone, misunderstood, or even simply confused. But when I create — when I pull out my paints from under my bed and invite inspiration to wash over me — I am looking at my life as God’s creation, and imitating His strokes. He leads me to higher ground, and there I am restored.

After six days of creating, God admired His artwork, and said that it was good. This last step has proven helpful when using art as worship. It is all too easy to look at a completed piece and, with a swift shake of your head, declare it a mistake, declare yourself a failure, and discard the creation without a second glance. Even though God’s creation was perfect, He gave it a second glance, and He took the time to say that it was good. It reflected Himself in its perfection. Likewise, when worshipping through art, we need to look at the finished product, and see the goodness in it; see the goodness in ourselves, God’s creation.

Matt Wolek/Waltonian It doesn’t take much to grow discouraged when putting yourself into a work of art, especially when it doesn’t turn out the way you had hoped. But God saw His work and said that it was good. He saw man and woman and said that they were very good. So when I feel discouraged, I look to my father’s creations to see the goodness around me. I look at what precision went into creating each member of my family, creating every color on my palette, every thought in my mind. I follow His lineage of creativity, and when my canvas is complete — wet paint, imperfect lines, and smudges where my hand slipped — I say that it is good, I say that He is good, and I remember that I am His creation, therefore I create for Him.

A certain bias enters the mind instantly when religious learning institutions are brought up in conversation, and it is important to reflect on what evidential truths those opinions are rooted in. Eastern University has planted itself on three claims: faith, reason, and justice. Prospective students are told these core values before they even decide on Eastern; enrolled students hear these words in assumingly every classroom, and alumni recite these words with deep emotions, memories, and nostalgia of lessons tethered to time invested here.
A religious university community that proclaims faith, reason, and justice as their values should certainly reflect them in the treatment of each other, specifically each other’s journeys in their faith, which in most cases is closely related to their denomination. This thought raises the question of whether or not we, as Eastern University’s community, welcome anybody, from any denomination, in any place in their walk as a Christian. Are Catholic students experiencing the same sense of justice as Protestant students? If someone is Episcopalian, can she worship on campus as she would worship anywhere else? Can someone who attends an Orthodox church and leads an Orthodox life continue enriching his faith at Eastern? Is there a line within the Christian faith, separating, but perhaps not defining, who can come to Eastern and consider their spiritual journey welcomed, encouraged, and supported? I asked around to see if I could begin to uncover an answer.
EU senior, Kathryn Notley, says, “I became a member of the Episcopal Church when I was younger, perhaps eighth or ninth grade, and was just beginning to explore my faith… Sometimes I feel like I’m in a limbo of still desiring the more traditional, liturgical framework that I grew up with, while also feeling a pull towards more contemporary services. I’m still trying to determine where in the many diverse sects of Christianity I fit… I grew up right outside of New York City, and was always exposed to very liberal ideas, most of them not having anything to do with faith. Many of my friends at home aren’t practicing Christians, some don’t identify with a specific religion at all, so spiritual matters weren’t typically part of my conversations with friends or classmates. I didn’t know what to expect regarding faith and community when coming to Eastern. Truthfully, it was a bit of culture shock at first, but I have really found the spiritual support offered by peers and professors to be such an incredible blessing during this crazy season in life… I think a lot of people think Episcopal churches have these boring, long, monotone services, but that hasn’t been my experience. Sometimes I sense judgment when I first tell people that I’m a member of the Episcopal church, but I just use that as an opportunity to clear up any misconceptions they may have, and explain to them what my experiences have been. I think Eastern is growing in spiritual diversity. I find that the differing denominations and faiths represented in its student body provide tons of opportunities to discuss our differences, but I don’t often see those conversations taking place, and would definitely love to see that happening more. I think there’s a lot to learn in our differences, and discussing them would open the doors for better understanding and greater acceptance in the Eastern community.”
Senior, Ricky Haynes, says, “I was raised Roman Catholic, but after coming to Eastern I was able to discover my faith more and determined that I enjoy non-denominational services more. I came here knowing that I would be around people who I would want to be with: people who would treat me with respect and accept who I was. I feel very welcomed here at Eastern. I feel like I could talk about any religion to most people on campus and have an enlightening conversation. I believe Eastern is a place of diverse faith. In all of my faith and philosophy classes the professors were very open to hear other students’ views and enforced that they were just speaking their opinion. I feel like even non-Christians who enrolled at Eastern are welcomed by the majority of campus.”
Sophomore, Jacob, says, “I am a Christian. I consider this not only because of my faith, but because I am Baptized and Chrismated in the Orthodox Church. I actively participate in my sect of Christianity. I participate in my daily life (we consider Orthodoxy to be very much a lifestyle, not just a sect or denomination), on campus (through the Orthodox Christian Fellowship of EU), off-campus (at local Orthodox Churches), and at my home parish. I actually came because of, and in spite of, my faith. Because of the Institute for Orthodox Thought and Culture at Eastern, I knew I would find at least some [people] that shared my beliefs. However, I knew Eastern was largely Evangelical in population and theology so I expected there to be a challenge. I welcomed both ideas as I thought this would provide the best opportunity for growth and development in my spiritual living. I certainly feel welcomed in my faith. I am grateful that Eastern has permitted such an Orthodox presence on campus (whether it be through our Orthodox Christian Fellowship, interactions with Orthodox professors, or through the Orthodox Institute). In that respect, I certainly feel welcomed. The only way I do not feel fully embraced is through the corporate worship on campus. Coming from a sect of Christianity that is very traditional and different from both low church and high church Protestantism and Catholicism, I find it hard to relate to chapel services and other activities like Wednesday Night Worship. This is mostly due to the idea that I typically do not worship Christ through contemporary worship songs. This does not anger, upset, or offend me, but I would certainly feel more embraced if more diversity in worship was included. I do, however, think Eastern is a place of diverse faith.”
What an encouragement it was to hear a generally positive response from students of differing faith experiences. It is my prayer that Eastern continues to become even more reflective of living out our call to faith, reason, and justice, in all areas of our community, and in the world at-large.

Students have noticed that some cosmetic changes have occurred on campus while they were away for the summer. The majority of the changes have been made by the Eastern marketing team.
For one, the previous “Wake up the World” banners that hung off of lamp posts are now displaying variations of “Courage.” Filling in the statement “courage to…” Eastern has branched into a new campaign to attract students.

There are also new areas to study or to gather with friends by Sparrowk and by the waterwheel. In addition, Eastern released a commercial over the summer as well as many videos under the series “Chalk and Table.” Possibly of more note, football players from the Philadelphia Eagles, Carson Wentz and Trey Burton, are coming to speak on Eastern’s campus. One change has certainly affected these alterations. This change is the position of Chief Marketing Officer recently being filled by Michael Thomas. Thomas works closely with Lisa Woods, Eastern’s Video Production Specialist. Thomas believes that the changes being made to Eastern will further enhance our relationship with the school’s motto:“Faith., Reason. Justice.”

Thomas points out, “Eastern is Faith, Reason, and Justice. That’s what makes Eastern unique. ‘Wake up the World’ was presented, initially, as a brand-shift, instead of something time-limited. So the way I view the ‘Courage’ campaign is as a way to highlight different areas within Faith, Reason, and Justice. ‘Courage’ is a campaign that works back to our brand. So you’ll see on the banners courage to pray, courage to worship, courage to believe, courage to advocate, to stand up, discover, wonder. We wanted to find words that connected with Faith, Reason, and Justice while at the same time being something that, when people come around here, they can connect with some more. Maybe someone will see a banner while they’re walking around campus and feel like they connect to it; that that’s how they’re fitting the faith, reason, and justice pieces in their own world. Marketing is just connecting with other people. We want to connect with souls and hearts in a way that makes them feel something. Rather than just throw around an idea that is cognitive, this becomes connected at a gut-level. Courage is a real-life word. And in our world right now everything is, in some ways, kind of messed up, and courage to stand up is one [word] that’s important now. Courage is developmental in a person; it is between knowledge, wisdom, self-awareness, and action.”

Woods states that Thomas has brought forth ideas to add a lot of video to Eastern’s marketing as well, which has lended itself to reaching deeper into understanding people. The commercial that was released recently is one among many that were created with the underlying message of courage, all used to tell a specific Eastern student’s story.
Thomas believes that deciding to work with the future of Eastern in mind, the school will continue to grow and become better each year.

“My thought is this: If we devote a small amount of what we can to do something like this every year, imagine where we’ll be in five years. We’ll have 10 new iconic additions to our campus. The concept for the stone area by the waterwheel started four weeks ago. I got approval within an hour. The reason it was able to be executed so fast was the grounds team here. They’re hard workers, even in one of their busiest times of the year,” Thomas added.

In addition to cosmetic changes on Eastern’s physical campus, the marketing department has been working to put up ads throughout the area, including the nearby city of Philadelphia.

“Our ‘Courage’ page, eastern.edu/courage, is devoted to showcasing the different stories of courage we’ve used so far. They’re on the ELC building, but we also have billboards out, so if you’re driving around the Philadelphia area, or taking the Septa silverliner trains, you will see Eastern students there, representing courage. There are so many stories to tell here. That’s what’s neat about ‘Courage’ is that you could take anyone’s story, and there will be courage in it somewhere” said Woods.
Eastern is off to an exciting start this year, and the marketing team is to thank for a lot of the changes. Suggestions and ideas are encouraged to be sent to Michael Thomas for further additions to our campus.

I truly believe that those that one works alongside greatly impact not only the work that is produced, but the person he or she becomes as a result. This year, I have had the privilege of deepening my understanding of that belief as I worked with 10 beautiful souls on the Waltonian staff, seven of whom are seniors, and six of whom will be graduating next week. Spending every Monday morning and every other weekend in the office with them, and sharing life here at Eastern both in and out of the classroom with them, has been an absolute joy. As these seven move on from their time at Eastern, they pass their roles along. With these roles come great responsibilities, as well as high expectations, set in place by these who have formed The Waltonian into what it is.

To our seniors on the Waltonian staff, thank you. Thank you for each being the type of person I strive to be, in character, in excellence, in wisdom and in your pursuit of truth, both in The Waltonian and in your lives as servants of Christ. I have learned far more from you than I could have anticipated. A special sort of friendship forms when a group bands together to use mere words, photographs and design to give a voice to something larger than themselves, and I feel our team has succeeded in providing Eastern’s community with the truth. So thank you.

To those who will step up into the roles left behind, you have an exciting opportunity to take what has been built and to continue to add to make it greater. To point you in the right direction, the current seniors have some words of wisdom to pass along. Treasure everything they’ve offered; they are exceptional people.

Anastasia Carroll is our Copy Editor, and she is the sunshine, if the sun found its fervor in commas, sentence structures and AP style. Anastasia explains, “My hope for future Copy Editors of The Waltonian is that the passion for good grammar and punctuation remains unwavering.” She further explains, “Know that this place is for you, but don’t forget that there are so many people working to make this a place for you. Be involved; take into consideration the roles of those around you; use your resources wisely; and above all, love and take care of this place so that people for generations to come can continue to call it home.”

Our photographer is Matt Wolek. More than taking pictures for the newspaper, he is consistently teaching those around him to see the world more like a photographer would. He sees beauty in the broken; he understands that light.

Russell Risden is the News Editor. If I ever happen upon someone who doesn’t know Russell, I tell them that Russell is Eastern’s hidden treasure, the epitome of an old soul and someone they need to have a conversation with as soon as possible. Russell has brought back to The Waltonian the quest to keep history alive, as well as the influence of the written word, and reminds future editors, “Years from now, if Eastern chooses to publish the 100th anniversary history of the school, The Waltonian will be an instrumental source for researchers.” Russell adds, “Never stop searching for the truth. Don’t be led astray by biases, prejudices or personal passions. Rather, be passionate about the truth. Society tells us that truth is relative, but this is not so: Christ calls us to overcome the world and be a part of His kingdom seeking truth in love.”

The Features Editor is Madeleine Harris. Features is a unique section because it can take a variety of article types. The editor for Features needs to be attentive and involved in Eastern’s community but equally needs to have a knack for fun. When I found out Madeleine was going to be the Features Editor, it just made sense; she redefines what it means to be an intellectual. Madeleine offers these words to remember and has lived these words in such an admirable way: “Be kind. Listening is often more important than speaking. Pay attention to people, and be willing to make sacrifices for one another.” Madeleine has done truly wonderful things in Features, forming it into a section that doesn’t shy away from big stories and does so while still having spunk.

Our Sports Editor is Shelly Lister, and if you can imagine taking the care, talent and captivating honesty she is known for in her writing and translating that into an entire newspaper section, that is exactly what she does, week after week. One wouldn’t imagine the sports section of a college newspaper to have so much heart, yet, thanks to Shelly, ours does, and her advice to those who come after her is simple yet profound, and isn’t realized enough: “Don’t forget to do the things you love.” When asked about her hopes for the future of Sports, Shelly replies, “I would love to see editors and writers continue to explore the faith of EU athletes and the integral role that faith plays in athletics at large.” Athletes make up a significant portion of Eastern’s community, and Shelly has transformed the sports section by highlighting the faith of those behind the jersey numbers.

Jordan Kolb gracefully took over the position of Managing Editor this past year, and as strange as “graceful” may sound for that statement, it is the most apropos word I could provide. You know that phone call home you make every so often, when you honest-to-God believe your life is falling apart, then whoever it is you called just puts everything into perspective, and suddenly, magically, life’s not so bad? That’s Jordan on the other side of the phone call. Jordan is peaceful; she is organized; and she has the absolute kindest heart, which translates well when working on the Waltonian staff. Jordan suggests, “I think the question to keep consistently at the back of your mind is, ‘Is this worth reading?’ Not everything will be worth reading for everyone, but everything should be worth reading for someone.… Eastern is a very special place, and the Waltonian staff needs to remember that…when you challenge things, do so with the goal of building up the beauty and goodness of this place.”

And what would The Waltonian be without the heart of the newspaper, our Editor-in-Chief, Lauren Murphy? The most down-to-earth person to work under, Lauren has truly made our staff into the quirky, loving group that we have become. Lauren is undoubtedly a truth-chaser, but more than that, she is kind in everything she does, which is a dynamic pairing. Murphy believes in The Waltonian and says, “We strive to…include as many voices in the conversation as we can.”

Murphy’s words matter, as she states, to conclude, “Choose something that you think matters, and do it.”

Farewell From the Editor-in-Chief:

I am running out of words now, so I will offer just a few more.

What an incredible journey this has been. I will cherish the four years I have spent with The Waltonian. My heart is full.

Thank you to the Waltonian team: our student writers and editors, especially our Managing Editor, Jordan Kolb; our adviser, Kat Hayes; our publisher, Bettie Ann Brigham. And thanks to you, our wonderful readers.

Always remember that the truth will set you free.

Peace,

Lauren