Last week, I wrote 
an informative article 
about the biblical input 
and Adventist beliefs on 
how competitive sports 
should be handled. I 
was hoping to bring 
awareness to the topic, 
and I hope I succeeded. This week, I am 
focusing on the opinions of the students, 
faculty, and staff to see how they feel about 
the topic. 
To quickly re-summarize what the 
Adventist stance is on competitive sports, 
they mention that, in today’s high paced 
society, it is hard to find a time to for physical 
activity, so we need to find a carefully 
balanced approach. However, exposure 
to commercialized highly competitive 
activities is not encouraged. For this article, 
I talked to Kelsey Downey, Makenzy 
Jean, Kyle Ilio, Brianna Schenkelberg, 
Steven Shafer, and Linda Becker. I asked 
a few questions of each, such as, “Do 
you currently have an ethical issue with 
competitive sports?” “After being read the 
Adventist statement on competitive sports, 
has your opinion changed at all?” “Do you 
feel Union College adheres to the Adventist 
Clocktower
The
 INSIDE THIS ISSUE ►
viewpoints regarding competitive sports?”
The first person that I talked to was 
Downey, who saw all the positives of 
competitive sports. “If used right, it can 
be a great outreach for Union College,” 
she said. She also felt that Union uses 
competitive sports in the right way 
because she felt that the emphasis was 
not on competition but love of the sport. 
Schenkelberg agreed with Downey that if 
we focus not on the competition but on the 
camaraderie, then sports are not a problem 
but instead a tool that we can use to reach 
out to others. Ilio took this to the next level, 
saying that Union doesn’t have enough 
POWER OF 
POSITIVITY
GUEST FEATURE, PAGE 2
NEW NOSHES
IN TOWN
SPECIAL INTEREST, PAGE 6
STUDY SMARTER,
NOT HARDER
SPECIAL INTEREST, PAGE 5
CONSIDER 
THESE CLASSES
ON CAMPUS, PAGE 3
ISSUE 88.9
UNION COLLEGE
 NOVEMBER 6, 2013 
(continued on page 4)
TYLER
ELLIS
COMPETITIVE
CONTROVERSY
OPINIONS OF PEOPLE AT UNION COLLEGE
Can competition foster camaraderie? 
It’s the concept of 
building blocks: Just as 
beaches are made up of 
grains of sand, our lives 
are made up of moments. 
Nobel Peace Prize winner 
Daniel Kahneman asserts 
that each of us experiences 
approximately 20,000 individual moments 
in a waking day, with each moment lasting 
a couple of seconds. 
Twenty thousand moments translate 
into 20,000 opportunities, opportunities for 
change or staying the same, affirmation or 
criticism, positivity or cynicism. Each day 
is pregnant with possibility, and you decide 
what your life will produce.
In the New York Times bestselling book 
“How Full is Your Bucket?,” Tom Rath and 
Donald Clifton explore 50 years of research 
dedicated to positive psychology, revealing 
the power of positive reinforcement. They 
coin a simple metaphor that uses the 
imagery of a bucket and dipper, suggesting 
that each person has a bucket that is filled 
THE POWER OF
POSITIVITY
by other people’s encouragement, support, 
and appreciation and emptied by criticism, 
gossip, and neglect.
The book focuses on the impact 
of a leadership style that readily gives 
praise, encourages creativity, and fosters 
friendship. It presents solid proof that 
employees who are intentionally encou-
raged and praised are more productive, 
more efficient, and more likely to stay 
with an organization.
On the flip side, “How Full is 
Your Bucket?” reports that the majority 
of workers in America receive zero 
recognition. In fact, the number one 
reason employees leave their jobs is that 
they don’t feel appreciated, and those who 
stay with their jobs but are disengaged 
because of poor leadership collectively 
cost our country an extra $250-300 billion 
per year.
Now, this information may seem 
irrelevant to you if you do not consider 
yourself a leader. However, leadership is 
not limited to those who hold management 
positions, and I would argue that everyone 
leads at some point in their lives. Perhaps 
you are the leader of a club, a Sabbath 
school class, or maybe even temporarily in 
a study group or team project. Leadership 
is an integral part of college, graduate 
school, part-time jobs, life-long careers, 
and 
everyday 
relationships. 
You— 
whoever you are—have the potential to 
be an excellent leader.
For those who would like to learn 
more about the simple yet life-changing 
strategies presented in this powerful 
book, you are invited to join the Creative 
Leadership class at Afterglow on Friday, 
November 15. Along with providing 
refreshments, we will share more about 
positive psychology, explain its relevance 
to Christianity, and provide you the 
opportunity to put what you’ve learned 
into practice.
GUEST FEATURE
PAGE 2
SARAH
VENTURA
SARAH VENTURA is a junior exercise 
science major.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SUN
MON
TUE
WEd
THU
FRI 
SAT
3
4
5
6
Registration opens 
for spring semester
Hour of Prayer with 
Pastor Ron, Heritage 
Room (below CVC 
sanctuary), 7 p.m.
(every Wednesday)
7
ITAG, Atrium lobby, 
10:30-10:45 a.m. 
(every Thursday)
Warriors basketball: 
Men’s game, 7 p.m. 
in the Thunderdome
8
UFC Vespers, 
7:30 p.m.
9
CVC services, 
9 a.m. and noon
V2, 5 p.m.
ASB Barn Party, 
8 p.m.
10)
11
Veterans Day
Campus Store Sale 
(through Nov. 15)
“Real Talk” with 
Tobias Watson, Rees 
rec room, 8 p.m.
12
Mid-America Union 
Conference
Journalism Seminar 
9 a.m. to noon, 
Shawnee-Porter Room
Chapel, 10:30 a.m.
13
14
PA White Coat/
Master’s 
Commitment 
Ceremony
15
Vespers, 7:30 p.m.
Creative Leadership 
Afterglow
16
CVC services, 
9 a.m. and noon
V2, 5 p.m.
Warriors basketball: 
games start at 6 p.m. 
in the Thunderdome
PAGE 3
ON CAMPUS
Registration is now 
open. Although you’re 
focused on lining up 
required classes to fit 
your 
schedule, 
have 
you considered taking 
elective 
courses 
to 
expand your thinking? 
As students, we often get caught up in 
taking just the required classes instead of 
exploring all of our options and interests. 
Don’t choose the path of least resistance; 
you might miss out on a valuable 
opportunity. Here are a few classes to 
consider adding to your cart.
COEM 362: Interacting with an 
Online Audience. This class is bookless; 
instead of spending hundreds on textbooks, 
you’ll be using online resources and social 
networks. The focus of the class will 
be learning how to effectively use sites 
such as Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, 
and Twitter to connect and communicate 
with diverse audiences. Scott Cushman 
says, “This class will help better prepare 
communicators for the current demands 
of their profession while equipping them 
with the analytical, critical, and research 
tools necessary to continue adapting as 
new media emerge.” 
EXPANd YOUR ABILITIES
CHRISTI
dANIELS
COEM 410: Digital Storytelling. 
If you dream of being the next Steven 
Foster, then this class might be for 
you! Ryan Teller explains the class as 
“hands-on training in video production, 
audio 
production 
and 
multi-media 
content creation designed specifically for 
online journalism, blogging, and social 
media.” While the class was designed with 
communication and marketing majors in 
mind, anyone who is interested in learning 
how to create video and multimedia for the 
web is encouraged to sign up.
A 
window 
into 
the soul of your fellow 
students and local artist 
alike, the McClelland 
Art 
Gallery 
in 
the 
Ortner Center is open 
to students, faculty, and 
staff with an appreciation 
for the arts. Step through the glass door 
and you are instantly transported to a 
world created by different artists. Each 
year, Jim McClelland, professor of art, 
opens the eponymous gallery to Union 
students and aspiring creatives alike, and 
this time to designers. 
From November 11-30, students in 
the Design I class will display three of the 
four projects they have developed in the 
semester-long course. The projects include 
a collage, which incorporated a piece of 
pink or red construction paper provided 
by their professor, a mosaic intended to 
reflect each student’s life, an asymmetrical 
hanging sculpture (mobile) created with 
wire, and a sculpture built with materials 
students had readily available. 
Their teacher, Julia Noyes, adjunct 
professor of Design I, is a talented artist 
in her own right and owns the Noyes 
Art Gallery on the corner of “O” and 9th 
streets in downtown Lincoln. She shares 
her expertise with her students, pushing 
them to do better and imagine the 
possibilities. 
Aldwyn 
Montaque, 
freshman graphic design and history 
double-major, reveres Noyes for her 
ability to embolden students. 
“She encourages people and 
gives them new, creative ideas,” he 
said. Even though Cid Coto, senior 
computing major with emphases in 
computer science and web design, 
joined the class as a requirement for 
his major, he has found a renewed 
passion for design. When asked how 
he felt about having his artwork 
displayed in the Ortner Center 
gallery, Coto responded, “I think it’s 
pretty cool. I’ve put a lot of work and 
time into my projects, so it’s nice to 
show them off.” 
Brittney 
Lippincott, 
senior 
graphic design and communi-cation 
double-major, enjoyed the process of 
making her ideas reality. “I’m drawn 
to complicated ideas,” she explained. 
“I usually decide on my designs last 
minute, so it is always an adrenaline rush 
[to get projects completed].” 
Lippincott agreed with Coto that having 
their collections displayed in the gallery is 
nice. “It’s a good opportunity to get my 
artwork out there,” she said. Lippincott 
doesn’t plan on quitting the design process 
when her course is over. “It depends on the 
time,” she said. “But when inspiration hits 
and I have time, I will continue to design.” 
INSPIREd dESIGN
CHELSEA
ZUMWALT
Raschelle Casebier, Jacob Trana, and Cid 
Coto sneak us a peek of what will soon be 
on display.
CHELSEA ZUMWALT is a senior studying 
nursing and pre-allied health.
(continued on page 5)
How do you come 
up with a name like 
Portugal. The Man? The 
period after Portugal is 
no typo. After forming 
in Wasilla, Alaska, in 
2005, Portugal. The Man 
packed up and headed to 
Portland, Oregon, and has been pumping 
out their ever-eccentric albums since.
No doubt inspired by the creative 
culture in Portland, Portugal. The Man 
has always borrowed their sound from 
alternative rock, indie, punk, pop, and 
even folk. Somehow the band manages 
to keep their identity while completely 
mixing up their sound and blending it 
CULTURE
PAGE 4
PORTUGAL. THE MAN
STEVEN
FOSTER
(continued from page 1)
sports. He wants to see as many sports as a 
public school would bring to the table. 
Jean on the other hand, believes that 
we may actually be going against what 
Adventists believe about sports, stating that 
“nothing good comes out of competition.” 
He also said that if Union eliminated our 
sports programs, our enrollment might 
struggle. He feels that, although our sports 
programs may not be a positive thing, they 
do keep our enrollment up, and, as a whole, 
Union does more good for our community 
than sports do bad for our college. 
Becker brought up the fact that sports 
are everywhere and, in this day and age, 
there is no way of getting around it. She said, 
“Competition is a part of life. How violent 
the sports are and how we present ourselves 
is what makes the difference. Christ-
centered priorities are the most important 
part.” Becker’s quote is the true theme that 
I sensed from everyone that I talked to about 
this. I spoke to more people than are quoted 
in this article, but at the end of the day, 
everyone feels that it is crucial that we have 
Christ in the middle of our competition. 
STEVEN FOSTER is a junior studying 
communication.
together well enough to call it music. 
That’s what makes Portugal. The Man 
so great—you never know what you’re 
going to listen to next.
Portugal. The Man is a well-oiled 
machine, having produced nine impressive 
full-length albums over the past eight 
years. June saw the release of Evil 
Friends (2013), and, keeping in line with 
their predecessors, the album is a perfect 
mix of unpredictable instrumentals and 
lyricism. “Evil Friends” fuses indie rock 
with punk. “Purple Yellow Red and Blue” 
is peculiar and punchy, and is nostalgic 
of Passion Pit and MGMT. The album 
is apathetic in nature and its lyricism 
heavy-hitting on issues concerning our 
generation, but I’ll let you listen to find 
that out.
If you were to sift through Portgual’s 
album collection, you’d see that each 
album has a distinct personality that I 
believe comes with life’s sifting seasons 
that lead singer John Gourley’s creativity 
in lyricism and overall sound. I won’t 
lie—the music is “out there”—but it will 
always leave you wanting more.
Listen to all nine of Portugal. The 
Man’s albums, including Evil Friends and, 
my personal favorite, American Ghetto 
(2010) on Spotify.
 
Photo credit: pro.ultimateears.com.
STRANGE, YET SATISFYING
TYLER ELLIS is a senior business major.
Recommended Listening: “The Dead Dog,” “Head is a Flame [Cool With It]” 
PAGE 5
SPECIAL INTEREST
(continued from page 3)
LITR 485: Local Literary Wonders. 
For the second time, Chris Blake will be 
teaching this literature course that focuses 
on local authors who write books of fiction, 
non-fiction, and poetry. You’ll meet the 
authors of your “textbooks” and have the 
opportunity to ask questions. Blake says, 
“These are world-class authors in their 
fields, and the opportunity to meet them 
and discover their inspirations, processes, 
and trials in the creative realm is priceless.” 
CHRISTI dANIELS, a guest writer for The 
Clocktower, is a senior business major.
Aphelandra Messer, who took the course 
the first time it was offered, credits it with 
changing her views on literature. “I’ve 
spent my whole life in Illinois, Wisconsin, 
and Nebraska, so books about the Midwest 
held little allure for me—at first. Local 
Literary Wonders made me realize that 
Midwestern settings don’t have to be bland 
to be believable.”
BUAD 287: Business Intelligence. As 
data and its analysis continues to become 
more and more important, the business 
division has created a class designed to 
address the need of graduates with an 
understanding of statistical analysis, data 
valuation, and research. Jon Turk will 
be facilitating this class; however, guest 
speakers will be a common sight. No matter 
what your major, if puzzle solving is your 
go-to, consider taking this course. 
ASK AMBER
AMBER
ALAS
Dear Amber,
I need new study tips! I received my midterm 
grades, and I am barely passing some of my 
classes. I don’t know what else to do, but failing 
is not an option. Some people have told me to 
visit the TLC, but I never have time to go there to 
see them. My teachers say I just need to change 
the way I study. What tips can you give me?
Sincerely,
Freshman Hanging on by a Thread
Dear Freshman Hanging on by a Thread,
You are not alone. There are many students who are still trying 
to adjust to the new college load or who have to constantly change 
the way they study, depending on their classes. Going from high 
school classes to college classes is a huge difference. It took me 
a long time to finally find what way works best for me, and even 
now I have to change it at times. Here is my advice:
Keep calm, because we tend to freak out and overwhelm 
1. 
ourselves when we have so much to do and not enough time to 
do it in. Use a planner or a calendar on which to write all your 
homework and future tests and quizzes. You could also get a 
blank block-schedule and fill it in every week. Fill in your work 
schedule, your labs, and then schedule some time to just study and 
do homework. 
If you study with friends, try studying alone for a change. 
2. 
This could increase your concentration level. If you like having 
company, studying with people who are studying the same subject 
as you can also be very beneficial. They can help you understand 
the material in a different way. 
The environment you study in may be too distracting. 
3. 
Studying at the student center around 9 p.m. isn’t a good idea unless 
you have a study room or can concentrate with people walking in 
and out. Finding a quiet place makes a difference. The library is a 
good, quiet option.
Experts recommend you study two to three hours (reading, 
4. 
homework, reviewing) for each hour you are in class. You are 
going to have some classes that demand a lot of time. In order to 
maximize your memory, try to study the material right after you 
have that class. That way, the material will be fresh in your mind 
and you won’t be able to procrastinate. 
If there’s a concept in the lecture that you just didn’t 
5. 
understand, ask your teacher about it. Don’t hesitate. Wouldn’t 
you rather have someone answer your questions than take hours to 
figure them out yourself?
Make time to go to the TLC. They try to determine strat-
6. 
egies that work specifically for you, personalizing your experience 
with them.
Sincerely,
Amber
AMBER ALAS is a senior nursing student.
Have a question or situation that you think could benefit from someone else’s perspective? Ask Amber at 
www.tinyurl.com/uc-askamber. All inquiries are anonymous, so you getthe insight without being in sight.
Study in quiet, focused areas.
SPECIAL INTEREST
PAGE 6
The vibrant atmo-
sphere at The Railyard, 
located 
in 
downtown 
Lincoln’s 
Haymarket, 
is only brightened by a 
fire pit and Cube mega-
screen overlooking the 
area. It’s been a long time 
coming, but restaurants are finally opening 
for business. Here are a few fresh spots for 
you to enjoy new flavors and experience 
innovative atmospheres:
The 
Mellow 
Mushroom. 
The 
moment you enter this pizza place, it 
truly seems like you’ve entered another 
world. Bright, vivid colors compliment 
the fun and creative architecture. Ridges 
line the ceiling, mimicking a mushroom’s 
underbelly and making it feel as though 
you’re dining under a mushroom’s canopy 
in “A Bug’s Life.” Not to mention that the 
entire interior is constructed and decorated 
to look like the inside of a beehive. 
Worth the higher prices, this Mother 
Nature-style eatery brags more than 
just good pizza. They also have salads, 
calzones, hoagies, and bruschetta, plus a 
gluten-free and vegan menu. “It was really 
similar to one of my favorite restaurants 
in Italy,” says Christi Daniels. “Even 
though the flavors were a bit different than 
authentic Italian pizza, the crust texture 
was perfect.” 
The Normandy. This classic French 
provincial cuisine is made from scratch 
daily and includes items from crepes to 
ratatouille. “It’s all done very simply 
and very well,” says Tamara Seiler. This 
traditional French shop also has delicious 
meals to choose from. Spencer Way 
comments, “I got to meet the chef, who is 
from Normandy. He and his wife brought 
their authentic French cooking with 
them. High marks for friendly service, 
atmosphere, and flavor.” You’ll find this 
simply lovely restaurant tucked in a small 
gourmet food market along with The 
Donut Hole. 
The Donut Hole. “I don’t like 
wasting calories on donuts unless they’re 
exceptional. And these were exceptional,” 
expresses Emily Syvertson, who devoured 
a vanilla-glazed pumpkin cake donut. For 
gourmet donuts in a natural environment, 
try this baked goods shop. “They had really 
inventive flavors but with that homemade 
taste,” Daniels says. “And you could tell 
it was made recently because it was so 
fresh.” The Donut Hole’s flavors change 
frequently, so pumpkin vanilla this week 
may be tiramisu brûlée the next. 
You can also choose from a variety 
of Cultiva coffees, including pour-over 
options. Just be sure you know what 
you’re paying for, as Daniels mentions, 
“The coffee was good, but I was a little 
disappointed in the size. It was smaller 
than Starbucks’.” Also, make sure you 
arrive early, because this bakery usually 
closes when the last of their donuts sell 
out. Last Friday, I barely made it before 
the gates closed at 2 p.m. 
LeadBelly. “I’ve had about 15 things 
there, and they’re all awesome,” claims 
Seiler. The American burger cuisine 
features a unique dish called the full leaded 
jacket—a cinnamon roll topped with white 
cheese, chili, sour cream, scallions, tomato, 
onion, and jalapeños. They also have plenty 
of veggie burgers made from scratch. The 
aura stays true to the name, as you feel like 
you’re dining in a parked train car. 
BRANd NEW EATS AT 
THE RAILYARd
BRIANNA
SCHENKELBERG
BRIANNA SCHENKELBERG is a senior 
studying communication.
Other restaurants 
to check out:
HIRO 88 
sushi bar
JACK & JUNE’S 
American restaurant
 MAGGIE’S 
vegetarian café
LeadBelly’s po’ boy veggie fried artichoke sandwich.
Photo credit: Mickey Seiler.
PAGE 7
EVERYTHING ELSE
Editor-in-Chief
Copy Editors
Layout Editor
Opinion
On Campus
Culture
Special Interest
Sports/Tech
Photographer
Online Content Manager
Sponsor
Emily Syvertson
Taylor Roberts
Joellyn Sheehy
Aphelandra Messer
Spencer Way
Anna Pongo
Chelsea Zumwalt
Steven Foster
Cassandra Johnson
Brianna Schenkelberg
Amber Alas 
Tyler Ellis
Cody Blake
Megan Prescott
Michael D. Steingas
The Clocktower encourages reader feed-
back and strives to maintain accuracy. If you 
have comments, please email us at cltower@
gmail.com.
The Clocktower is published weekly dur-
ing the school year by the Associated Student 
Body of Union College, 3800 S. 48th St., 
Lincoln, NE 68506.
The opinions expressed are the opi-
nions of the writers and are not to be 
construed as the opinion of the editors, 
Associated Student Body, Union College, or 
the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The Clocktower Staff
Feedback
Christi Daniels: to Thanksgiving 
food, especially apple pie!
Joe Hofmann: to my girlfriend, 
Leasha.
Olivia May: to skipping gleefully 
across campus, head and heart in the 
sky.
Ruby Ruano: to the last week of 
clinicals!
Brian Gonzalez: to Captain America: 
The Winter Soldier trailer!
Emily Syvertson: to having to do an 
entire week’s homework in one Sunday, 
but to accomplishing it.
THUMBS UP/
THUMBS dOWN
FROM UNION COLLEGE STUDENTS
INSTA-UNION
Instagrammers: L to R, top: @sherinphilip, @rudybootytooty, @zakluke; bottom: @ktmo4, 
@sherinphilip, @emilyjane106.
Instagram your favorite ASB moments with #unionunited, 
and your photos could appear in The Clocktower!
Sudoku credit: www.sudokucollection.com.
Do you consider yourself friendly, con-
servative, and Christian? If so, Nebraska may 
be the cause. A new study by the American 
Psychological Association shows that different 
regions of the United States exhibit distinct 
personalities, and we Midwesterners have 
been deemed, “conventional.”
Those on the East and West coasts tend 
to be creative and more ethically diverse with fewer religious 
inclinations. New Englanders (think New York City) tend to be 
wealthy, liberal, and temperamental. 
It’s a classic chicken-and-egg scenario: Which came first? 
Do we move to areas that support our mindsets, surrounding 
ourselves with like-minded individuals? Or are our mindsets 
determined by our environment? The study offers interesting 
insight—the Midwesterners who are considered conventional are 
most likely to have stayed in their home state since childhood. 
Perhaps our personalities are first engrained by the habitat we 
grow up in, and then we stay where we are comfortable for the 
years to come.
So just how far does this influence extend? If our personalities 
are determined in part by location, how does it affect our choices 
in other areas of life? Career decisions, social interactions, and 
even fashion choices are determined in part by our personalities. 
Kyle Ilio, sophomore, moved to the Midwest after growing up 
in California. About the fashion change, he says, “Californians 
just naturally know how to dress. It is definitely not as ‘country’ 
as Nebraska.”
Culture Spotlight
ExPERIENCE THE SPIRIT 
UNION UNITED
WE THE BORING
THE CLOTHES-CHARACTER CONNECTION
Simply look to the beachy, bohemian trends of California or the 
black-and-white, no-nonsense approach of New York style. When 
we turn our focus back to Nebraska, we appear, dare I say, boring. 
Blue jeans, sweaters, and simple attire dominate at times. But is that 
such a bad thing? 
We may be the boring, the conventional, but we are also the 
friendly. So sue us if we’re not the most fashion-forward. Perhaps 
we focus on people and relationships instead. I’ll take a smile over 
the tight-lipped demeanor of any New York City resident, regardless 
of the Louboutins on her feet.
CASSIE
JOHNSON
CASSIE JOHNSON is a senior pursuing a business pre-med degree.
Infographic credit: www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2013/10/regions-personalities.aspx