Makensie Toole: Golf Champion and Driven Student
Makensie Toole is a prominent figure on the George Fox University (GFU) campus. As a senior, star golfer, and student pursuing a double degree in both communications and marketing, she is an impressive athlete and student. As an Australian international student, Toole has had many different experiences during her time here in the United States: a few of these include studying at GFU, winning a National Championship trophy in golf, and becoming a part of a community that made her feel at home.
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God Gave Rock and Roll to You
“God Gave Rock and Roll to You: A History of Contemporary Christian Music,” written by Leah Payne, associate professor of American Religious History at Portland Seminary, explores how music and the American marketplace have affected Christianity in America. With the rise of rock and roll music in the 1950s and 1960s, many Christians were against this form of music. However, in the 1960s and 1970s, Christians began to take a stand in the music world. Throughout her book, Payne explains how the “Jesus Movement” was a short-lived revival, but it allowed Contemporary Christian music (CCM) to create a vibrant subculture that continues to affect the Christian religion to this day.
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Body Image at Fox: Do Christian Communities Promote Healthy Self-Esteem?
The American Psychological Association defines body image as “the mental picture one forms of one’s body as a whole, including its physical characteristics…and one’s attitudes toward these characteristics.” Body image is what we think we look like, and it is oftentimes wrapped up in every unpleasant stereotype, judgemental comment, and unrealistic standard we’ve encountered. Even in religious communities, we often hear mixed messages. At times, our bodies are derided as corrupt and sinful, and at other times, they are uplifted as being made in the image of God (the imago dei). With so many conflicting messages, young people often struggle to develop a grounded sense of self-worth.
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The World in Words: GFU’s Language Enrichment Program
Susana Barnreuther grew up speaking three languages. Her household language was German, but her family lived in Spain next to a United States Army base. As a result, along with speaking German with her family, she also learned Spanish from her surroundings, and English because of her proximity to the American base.
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Subdivisions, Developments, and Absentee Vacation Rentals: The Future of Newberg Housing?
According to Newberg City Council Member Robyn Wheatley, there are “32 new cottage clusters currently being built off Crater Lane and Myrtlewood Road” in northwest Newberg. The company Polisch Homes is presently building another large housing development in the Mountainview area on the southeast side of town, and JT Smith Construction has been working with the Willcutts Realty Company to build another development at Crestview Crossing off Highway 99. In the past four years, Willcutts Realty Company has facilitated the creation of three new housing developments in Newberg: Crestview Crossing, River Run, and King’s Landing.
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Aging Political Leadership: Should There be an Age Limit to Run for Office?
With an upcoming presidential election, news about incumbent President Joe Biden’s old age has been circulating on media outlets. At 80, Biden is beyond the average retirement age in the United States of 64. However, his most likely opponent for November, former President Donald Trump, is not doing much better at 77 years old. Voters question their candidates' mental and physical capacity to serve another four years in the nation’s most high-profile, stressful political office. And, more importantly, the current political consciousness is wondering if an age limit to run for office should become the law of the land.
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GFU’s Black Student Union
George Fox University (GFU) is home to many different cultural clubs, and these clubs are a part of the Intercultural Resource Center (IRC). Black Student Union (BSU), specifically, has been hosting events and drawing in students throughout the past year. BSU President Marake Wondwossen first joined the club during her freshman year. Now a senior, she has led and helped contribute to the growth of BSU since her time here.
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Annie Lennox and Artists4Ceasefire: An Overview of Celebrities and Political Statements
After her Grammy performance honoring the late Sinead O’Connor, singer-songwriter Annie Lennox raised her fist and declared “Artists for cease-fire! Peace in the world!” Lennox joined a collection of hundreds of artists, Artists4Ceasefire, to formally petition President Biden and call for a cease-fire in Gaza and Israel.
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The Benefits of Movement: Hadlock’s Personal Training Program
Throughout college, many students will encounter the struggle of trying to stay active, keep grades up, and still maintain a semblance of a social life. Recognizing there was a need, the Hadlock Student Center has provided a solution to students that not only allows them to add fitness into their routine but also allows them to connect with students in new and exciting ways.
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The Making of Black History Month
Like most other holidays, Black History Month (BHM) is steeped in history and purpose. However, its stories fade and evade newer generations who have never lived without the celebrations and acknowledgments.
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The Return of the Burn
The Burn is an event that many George Fox University (GFU) students look forward to each semester. Led by The Prayer Network and student leaders, The Burn not only intends to bring students closer to Christ but also allows students to meet each other and bond in ways attendees never thought possible.
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Liturgical Christianity
Many students at George Fox University (GFU) do not consider themselves Quakers, yet they still choose to attend a Quaker college. While many students and faculty at GFU align themselves with Protestant views, there are some who do not. Those who are either Catholic or Orthodox at GFU live in the dichotomy between the liturgical traditions of their personal beliefs and the Protestant beliefs of the college.
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Our Immigration Nation–Past and Present
“The United States has had a higher number of immigrants than any other nation in the history of the world,” said George Fox University (GFU) professor Ryan Dearinger. “Millions […] have come to America to seek religious freedom, political asylum, family reunification, and economic opportunity … [playing] a substantial role in enriching American culture and fueling economic growth.”
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A Brief History of Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day is a time for celebrating love. Or, depending on your relationship status, a day of mild resentment and a lot of chocolate. Either way, Valentine’s Day is a fixture in American pop culture, and every year, stores brim with pink and red Valentine's cards, decorations, and gifts. Valentine’s Day, like many popular holidays, is far removed from its early traditional roots and, not surprisingly, the modern consumerist element of the holiday runs deep.
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Have Opinions on the George Fox Community? Contact the ASC.
Although the presence of the Associated Student Community (ASC) is well known on the George Fox University (GFU) campus, the specifics of what ASC is actually responsible for are somewhat murky.
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Retired Professor Bill Jolliff: Diligence in Faithfulness
After spending a few decades as a core fixture of the George Fox University (GFU) English Department and the Newberg community, Dr. Bill Jolliff retired this past spring. A musician, published poet, beloved professor, and former department chair, Jolliff’s career achievements have been impressive and his legacy at GFU is undeniable. However, Jolliff realized he was ready to take several steps back from public life to enjoy a slower and more private one.
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The Newberg Burger King’s Inflatable Burger: The One That Got Away
In the early morning of Nov. 11, an inflatable Whopper broke free from its ties in front of Newberg’s Burger King; it blew across Portland Road, and hit some local businesses. This moment was captured on video and quickly circulated on social media amongst Newberg residents.
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A Brief History of Christmas
There are lights on the trees, it’s finally socially acceptable to play Christmas music, and finals are upon us. In other words? It’s almost Christmas! Most people understand Christmas to be a Christian holiday, a celebration of the birth of Jesus that has been adopted by the larger secular culture as a time of family, friends and giving (not to mention rampant consumerism). It is not as well known however, exactly how the Christmas traditions we know and love came to be, and how this presumed Christian holiday has been influenced by a variety of religions and cultures.
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Marlee Baker On Housing Discrimination in Oregon
On Nov. 27, Marlee Baker came to George Fox University (GFU) to present a lecture on the history of housing discrimination in Oregon. Baker, a GFU social work alum, currently works for the Fair Housing Counsel of Oregon (FHCO) and engages in state-wide civil rights work. The FHCO works under the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of any protected class. Although the Fair Housing Act may seem like a simple solution, Baker explained that the past and present of housing disparity in Oregon is anything but simple.
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The Significance of Hess Creek Canyon for GFU
Seasons at George Fox University (GFU) can be marked by the changing appearance of Hess Creek Canyon. When students arrive on campus in late August, the canyon is green, leafy, and lush. In autumn, the many Big Leaf Maple leaves in the canyon turn beautiful shades of yellow and orange, and they slowly drop until branches are bare. Winter rains and wind soon hit and the canyon becomes less inviting. However, when spring rolls around, new buds and shoots will once again bring the canyon back to life. Along with the Crisman Crossing Bridge and the Clock Tower, the Hess Creek Canyon is arguably one of the most distinctive nonacademic locations around campus.
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