Union Staff Goes
Beyond
Professorhood
by Laura Mosier 
Reporter
U
nion’s reputation as a campus 
where spirituality abounds is 
due, in part, to the efforts of 
teachers and staff who demonstrate 
their values through reaching out to 
students. Most teachers invite students 
over-to their homes at least several 
times a year, but some find more cre­
ative avenues for ministry.
Dr. Tom Shepherd, professor of reli­
gion, makes weekly visits to the men’s 
dorms to share cookies, pray with the 
students and chat about life. Each 
evening that he goes, he covers a floor 
or two of Prescott or one wing of 
Culver Hall. Because girls were feeling 
left out. he expanded his rotations to 
include Rees Hall. This project origi­
nated several years ago because he was 
worried about the spirituality of the 
guys on campus. “It's very encouraging 
to spend time with the students,” 
Shepherd said. “I come away feeling 
refreshed.”
The idea has had far-reaching influ­
ence. Brett Schlisner, a Union College 
graduate who is currently at Andrews 
University, has followed in Shepherd's 
footsteps. ‘‘I play like I’m Dr. Shepherd 
and visit the guys’ dorm,” Schlisner 
said. ”lt's fun to visit, and sometimes I 
bake them cookies. People need cook­
ies and prayers.”
Another staff member with a reputa­
tion for reaching out to students is Dr. 
Sieg Roeske, professor of religion. He 
is known, among other things, for his
Continued on page 3
A sure way to lift 
oneself up is by helping 
to lift someone else.
-Booker T. Washington
WELL S
by Kimberly Childers 
Co-editor
W
hat do you do in your spare 
time? Most people declare 
they don't have any spare 
moments in their schedule. 
This is not so at Union College.
Students have initiated more than 24 
different ministries this year alone.
Jason Donavon, a freshman religious 
education major, is impacting the com­
munity by witnessing on street corners 
in Lincoln every Friday night. He and 
roughly 10 other students serenade 
passerbys on Friday evenings with 
praise songs.
“By singing we generate people’s 
interest without getting in their face,” 
Donavon said. “It’s pretty neat. People 
come up to us and ask what we're doing 
and what we’re about.”
On cold evenings, the group passes 
out hot cocoa and apple cider.
“Meeting people’s immediate needs 
helps us to build a friendship before we 
try to tell them anything about God,” 
said Alicia Johnston a freshman theolo­
gy major. “If people are receptive to the 
hot drinks, we give them a Happiness 
Digest or an Amazing Facts Bible study 
pamphlet.”
While Sabbath afternoon naps are 
still a favorite on the Union College 
campus, there is a strong movement of 
students utilizing Sabbath hours for ser­
vice to others. A group named 
Firestarters made it their goal to pray 
with all the households in Lincoln. They 
began with Union’s zip code area and 
are working their way out to the rest of 
the community. Diana Jones, a senior 
accounting major, started the prayer pro­
ject. She was influenced to begin after 
hearing about a man who lived by the 
school for 20 years before he had any 
contact with Christians.
“People are really responsive to hav­
ing us pray with them,” Jones said. 
‘They can’t believe a group of young 
people spend their Saturday afternoons 
praying and talking with people.”
Sabbath afternoons are also filled with 
sweet melodies ringing through the 
halls of rest homes and hospital rooms. 
Singing bands depart weekly from Rees 
Hall lobby to brighten the day of the 
sick and the lonely. Loewen Recalde, a 
junior theology major, has been a part 
of this ministry for more than a year 
now.
“We don’t just sing with people,” 
Recalde said. “ We read encouraging 
Bible promises and sometimes just talk 
to keep them company.”
Although Sunday's are generally 
filled with laundry, homework, football 
and more homework, eight Unionites 
are adding a little more to their routine. 
They volunteer their time to help the 
College View Church Pathfinder club. 
This venture consumes three hours 
every Sunday plus several campouts 
throughout the year. Brad Woodruff, a 
freshman business administration major, 
enjoyed Pathfinders as a kid and loves 
the opportunity to share his knowledge 
and experience now that he is older.
“We help teach the kids honors such 
as glass painting, candle making and
archery, but it involves much more than 
that,” Woodruff said. “I feel like I have 
a real opportunity to help kids grow 
closer to Christ.”
Jonathan Mercill, a sophomore 
youth ministries major, has been help­
ing with College View’s pathfinder 
group for two years.
“The time investment isn’t a big deal 
because I enjoy it so much,” Mercill 
said. “I've gained a lot by sharing my 
time. Interacting with the kids has 
helped me to think about what kind of 
influence I am on them.”
Besides ministering to the communi­
ty, Union students look out for each 
other. Pastor Rich Carlson, head chap­
lain at Union College, spoke of an indi­
vidual who discovered sad or discour­
aged students and cheered them up with 
a nice note and a candy bar.
“It’s neat to see incredibly, unbe­
lievably busy students taking the time to 
care for others,” Carlson said. “We have 
a great group of kids.”
INSIDE
A CHRISTMAS 
STORY
HOLIDAY
TRADITIONS
WARRIOR
PROFILES
HOLIDAY 
GIFT IDEAS
LOOKING
BACK
PENT
1
_. 
, Gifts Wrapped
With Love
by Matt Segebartt 
Religion editor
I
 
don't remember the year, and to be 
honest I don't even remember the 
Christmas. I have only been told the 
story many times by my parents. I like this 
story because it reminds me of what is impor­
tant at Christmas time and how things don’t 
have to be perfect in order for them to be spe­
cial. Mom and Dad tell the story something 
like this:
It was an exceptionally cold winter in the 
Mountains of Colorado. We had several feet 
of snow and more was on the way. Dad was 
working at a hardware store and to say the 
very least money was scarce. Since we did not 
have enough money to pay the gas bill, Mom 
would curl up under a blanket with my sister 
and I for the day and read to us. Dad would be 
gone at work all day and then come in late in 
the evening. Mom would make dinner, and we 
would play games or go out in the snow. Our 
house was pretty much in the middle of 
nowhere. We had no phone, and in the winter 
we could only get to the main road by using a 
snow mobile. We raised horses as a side 
hobby and also had two SaintBernard dogs. 
This was our life. We were simple, and things 
were relatively uncomplicated. As I previous­
ly said, money was scarce, and Dad did not 
get paid until December 24. Mom and Dad 
really wanted to get something for me and my 
sister, but they had no idea how they would be 
able to pay for them. They thought about it, * 
and when the pay check came they set aside 
money for the “most important” things and 
decided to take the rest and go shopping. The 
only place open was a drugstore. They went in 
and bought a few toys and other things we 
needed like socks and toothpaste. They 
wrapped the packages in newspaper and put 
them under the tree we cut from our woods. 
When we got up in the morning, there were 
presents under the tree wrapped in yesterdays 
news. Simple, yes. Less meaningful? I don't 
think so. Like I said, while I don’t remember 
this Christmas, it is a part of me. I think of it 
as my own, and it causes me to realize what is 
truly important at Christmas time. We were 
happy, and we had a home that was located in 
a beautiful place. I had a healthy family and 
plenty of animals to play with.
This Christmas I want you to look into your 
own past. Find something that makes you 
think about what is most important in your 
life. Your list probably includes family and 
friends. Hopefully it also includes God. 
Christmas can be so busy. The food has to be 
cooked just right, the presents have to be 
wrapped just so, and every detail becomes a 
project rather than a joy. Remember, a gift 
/wrapped in newspaper with love is far better ’ 
than a beautifully wrapped gift without love. 
Don’t let the stress overcome you. Be still and
know that He is God....and Merry
Christmas!!!!
A ChristWry
by David L. Eppele (Compiled by Tim Soper) 
Reporter
M
elley Klischma...” That's what I heard 
when I opened our back door that 
Christmas morning. A very young David 
L. Eppele was bleary-eyed from the yule lights, 
the tree and the presents. I was right in the mid­
dle of just about the best Christmas a 7-year-old 
could probably ever endure. You see, there was a 
whole box of homemade candy from 
Aunt Ellen, two boxes of apples (those 
good ones from Chihuahua), a crate of 
oranges with an official Pasadena,
California, city seal and a 50-pound 
sack of pinnon nuts to munch on while 
I played with my new ELECTRIC 
TRAIN!
Then there was the Christmas candy.
Why, I was so charged up that I discov­
ered I was working on two candy canes 
at the same time! This was the morning 
of all mornings! It was Christmas! The 
coal stove was busy emitting aromas 
that shouted “turkey and all the trim­
mings will be served within the hour!”
Genuine hand-blown glass ornaments 
from Germany glowed softly on the Christmas 
tree branches and the smell of pinnon roasting 
right along with the turkey was a complete over­
load on the senses of this young man. Why, was­
n’t it just this morning that I learned the true 
secret to eating a candy cane that had been stuck 
inside a hole carved in an orange? Wasn’t that 
just the neatest thing? And who said you can't 
make little tunnels out of slightly used but eter­
nally beautiful Christmas wrapping paper? Oh! 
Just look at the headlight of the engine coming 
up through the tunnel!
I guess it was while I was in the middle of 
teaching my Lionel train how to crack pinnon
nuts without derailing that Dad aske^d me to 
answer the back door. I was so engrossed in all 
that nut-cracking that I didn’t even hear that 
knock on our door. As I ran to the back door, I 
hurriedly tied the belt of my brand new robe, the 
one just like Dad’s. I thought it went well with 
my new slippers. I sported a new pair of genuine 
Levi cowboy pants, and I would be remiss if I 
didn’t tell you that I was wearing two new shirts 
and a pair of leather gloves. I’m not sure if my 
Eskimo snow hat was on straight or not...but I 
did wrap a big red muffler around my neck.
I flung open the back door and there, in front 
of me, was the oldest Indian I think I ever saw. 
His face was weathered and wrinkled. His hands 
nearly purple with the cold. He stood on one 
foot, then on the other, occasionally stomping his 
feet to ward off the cold. “Melley Klischma,” he
said. I couldn’t respond to something I didn’t 
understand. I had no idea what this man said or 
what he wanted. Melley Klischma,” he said 
again, this time pointing to an old, dirty cotton 
sack he was carrying. Still, I could not respond.
I turned back toward the kitchen, where Mom 
was doing those secret things that make 
Christmas dinner so great. I saw the startled look 
on her face when she saw who was at our door. 
“Joe, you’d better talk with this man,” said my 
mother. My father came to the back door. He 
placed both hands on my shoulders as I once 
again h^ard the old man say “Melley Klischma!” 
My father spoke enough Navajo to get by. I
heard a couple of words I thought I understood, 
but not nearly enough to know just what was 
going on. My father and the old Indian man 
talked for a minute or so and then Dad turned to 
me and said: “Davey, go in and get a large gro­
cery sack. I want you to fill it with apples and 
oranges and a few pounds of pinnon nuts. We’re 
going to help this old man. He’s from Gamerco. 
He walked the seven miles into town through all 
this snow to get something to eat for his family. ; 
He says the whole family is sick and we must 
help them.”
“Melley Klischma,” said the old man, again 
pointing to his old sack. I guess it was at this 
moment that I finally understood what was going 
on. The old man was asking, in the only way he 
knew, for a Merry Christmas. He was asking for • 
some food and help for his family. I raced back 
into the living room and began load­
ing oranges and apples into a grocery 
sack my mother handed me. I even 
threw in a couple of those neat candy 
canes...then a couple more. I poured : 
pinnon nuts into the sack until it 
nearly covered the fruit. Then, for 
good measure, I added a few more 
oranges to fill the sack completely.
As I returned to the back door with 
this sack, I saw my father slip the old 
Indian a five-dollar bill. I gave the 
old man the paper bag and stood and 
watched as he transferred all the 
apples, oranges and nuts to his cotton 
sack. He dropped an orange. I 
reached for the rolling orange just at 
the same time the old man did. His hand covered 
mine for just a brief instant. He looked into my • 
eyes and smiled a big toothless smile. Oh, how 
his dark eyes sparkled! I unwrapped the brand 
new bright red muffler from around my neck and 
wrapped it around the neck of the Ancient One...! 
Now, I didn’t know it at the time, but my heart . 
sure told me I had just learned something very 
important. I had just learned a most valuable les­
son...one that I carry with me forever. It’s far, far- 
better to give...than to receive.
MELLEY KLISCHMA!
by Faith Norton 
Reporter
Celebrate the Season of Selflessness
I
 
remember the Christmas when it seemed 
like I hit the jackpot. I received a new 
stereo, a high quality backpack, a fluffy, 
soft comforter, and many other really nice gifts. 
When all was opened, it was obvious that I had 
come out the winner. I felt pleased. This usually 
did not happen since I'm neither the firstborn nor 
the baby of my family. Yet, a bit of guilt gnawed 
at my insides. First of all, I had been a little 
stingy in my gift buying that year and some had 
not received as nice of gifts as they had given 
me. Secondly, my family had bought me some 
expensive gifts with money they really couldn't 
afford to spend. Thirdly, it made it seem like 
Christmas was a gift-giving party and not a cele­
bration of Jesus coming to this earth to save us
from our sins. Instead, it appeared selfishness 
was being promoted and not a spirit of selfless­
ness. Yes, it was very kind of my family to give 
me all those lovely gifts; however, instead of 
feeling like being generous in return, it caused 
me to feel like hoarding my gifts. I only wanted 
more. That's how selfishness is. It's never satis­
fied no matter how much one receives. This 
story reminds me of the verse in Mark 8:36, “For 
what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the 
whole world, and lose his own soul?” Sometimes 
I dream about one day owning a beautiful home 
with exquisite furniture, a Toyota Forerunner and 
traveling around the world. But when I really 
think about it, what good are all these things 
going to do for me? They’re only temporary and
will eventually be but a memory. It really doesn't 
matter what kinds of possessions I accumulate . 
on this earth. God doesn't care what kind of car I 
drive, so why should I? Solomon had everything 
his heart desired. He lacked nothing he wanted ( 
to possess. Yet, in the end, even he realized it 
was worthless in comparison to having the peac$ 
of God (Ecc. 2:4-11). In honesty, Jesus is the 
only thing worth having. All other things are 
really not very important. I pray each day that 
God will continue to change my selfish heart 
into a heart of service for others. May this be 
your prayer as well.
cloclitower&taM
99.2000
editors-in-chief 
kimberly childers 
cheryl huff 
news editor 
kjell mickelson 
religion editors 
matt segebartt 
tim soper 
asb editor 
ernie reynolds 
living editor 
janelle gerling 
photo editor 
romeka wilkin 
senioritis editors 
amy erickson 
loralee hagen 
sports editor 
brent page 
a & e editors 
angela barber 
april nielsen 
U said it editor 
romeka wilkin 
reporters 
brandon kennison 
Laura mosier 
faith norton 
advisor 
greg rumsey 
printer
oakcreek printing and mailing 
layout & design 
allan recalde
The Cloektower is the official student paper of Union 
College. The views expressed here are those of the authors 
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. 
Union College, ASB, or the SDA church. The editorial staff 
retains the right to determine the content of the 
Cloektower. The editorial mission of the Cloektower is to 
facilitate discussion and inform students, faculty, and 
friends of UC about events and issues that affect their 
lives. Our office is located in the student center (Atrium). 
Our phone number is 402.488.2331, x2091. Our email 
address is cltower@ucollege.edu.
It seems as if all we have heard about for 
the past year is the approaching millenni­
um. In leafing through several major maga­
zines, every editorial I encountered cen­
tered on this theme. I wondered to myself 
why I should be any different. Then again,
I think I will be a little different. I want to 
focus on the positive aspects of this great 
event.
I find it amazing that one of Webster’s 
Dictionary definitions for millennium is 
“perfect peace on earth.” Peace is not what 
most of us have been led to believe will be 
the prevailing spirit come January 1, 2000. 
The media, with its stories of technologi­
cally inflicted chaos, have turned us into a 
bunch of negative, and scared individuals. 
What an attitude to have at Christmas time. 
Scrooge, anyone? My hope is that Webster 
is closer to the truth.
Since this is the perfect season in which 
to express to thanks, Kim and I feel we 
must thank several people who have made 
the production of our first two issues possi­
ble. Allan Recalde is somehow able to 
sculpt our hodgepodge of articles into the 
beautifully designed newspaper you are 
now holding. This is all accomplished 
while putting up with our shenanigans at 2 
a.m. (star headbands and Barbie screen­
savers). Thank you, Allan. God win surely 
reward you greatly.
We also have to thank our part-time help, 
Marcelo Plioplis. He somehow managed to 
survive the treacherous all-nighter for our 
first issue. It’s strange how he now avoids 
us at all cost. Marcelo, come back.
Loralee Hagen has also helped us in a 
very important way. She always manages to 
show up at our office with food when it’s 
needed most (midnight or so). While our 
waistlines might not appreciate these treats, 
our stomachs always do. Thanks, Loralee.
Finally, we have to thank all of our read­
ers. We greatly appreciate your support. It 
is so great to hear encouragement from all 
of you regarding the progression of the 
Cloektower. Please continue to share your 
opinions and suggestions with us. We are 
here to serve you.
I hope each of you has a wonderful 
Christmas season. God bless.
-■cheryl
I have a disclaimer for this issue. 
Actually, I have two disclaimers for this 
issue. First and foremost, everyone must 
understand the red and black color in this 
issue is in no way, shape or form in sup­
port of the Nebraska Comhuskers. It is 
solely for the purpose of celebrating 
Christmas and, if you like, Union Warrior 
sports teams. I’m sure my previous state­
ment will invoke great anger in some die­
hard Husker fans. What am I saying? All 
die-hard fans will be appalled. Of 
course, I am making the large assumption 
they can re...I mean that they will care to 
read my measly editorial. The whole 
Husker/religion thing is an enigma to me. 
I mean I’m a sports fan, but some things 
should only be taken so far.
Well, I think I better move on for the 
sake of all involved. My other disclaimer 
involves this beautiful two-color issue. 
Because of the conservative number of 
issues this semester we have a little extra 
in the budget. (Hands off, appropriations 
committee) We decided to branch out 
and try something new. I will assure you 
at this point probably all the issues next 
semester will be in black and white.
Sorry if that is a disappointment to you 
after seeing this one. We may be able to 
pop in a color, here and there, but we are 
hoping to produce some larger issues.
At this point in time I will take the 
opportunity to inform you we need writ­
ers. Is there a section you love and want 
to write for? Is there a section you hate 
and want to improve? Please contact the 
listed editor if you are interested in help­
ing out. If there isn’t a particular section 
you want to write for, at least let us know 
you want to write and we can assign you 
something.
On a completely different note, I wish 
you all safe travels for this holiday sea­
son. Get some rest. Forget about school. 
Drive your family crazy. Have a great 
time. Happy Holidays!
kimberly =>
Professorhood continued
boat, which shows up at most school sponsored outings to Pawnee 
Lake. He and his wife Carol, an executive secretary, also like to host 
student gatherings at their home. “Wherever we go,” says Carol, “we 
watch for games and puzzles to collect so we can have things around 
for the kids to do while they socialize.”
Also known for their kindness and hospitality toward students is 
the McClelland family. “It varies according to my wife’s energy 
level,” says James McClelland, professor of art, “but sometimes we 
find 12 to 14 people at our lable almost every Sabbath.” Since their
daughter. Laurel, has become a teacher in the ESL department, their 
home has become a popular place among the international students, 
including Antonius and Tony, who borrowed McClelland’s kitchen to 
make Indonesian food for the ASB carnival.
“We do it because we see our ministry as going beyond our job 
descriptions,” says McClelland. “We're here for more than just lo 
teach.”
entertainment for the Heart
BY Angela Barber 
Entertainment editor
Happy Holidays from the entertain­
ment section of the Clocklower! This 
section is going to feature many holi­
day ideas and traditions from a variety 
of people. I thought I would begin by 
sharing a few of my holiday memories.
For me, holiday entertainment is 
family. We do everything together over 
the holidays. Almost the whole holi­
day season is filled with tradition, 
beginning with the day after 
Thanksgiving. We start by decorating 
for Christmas. This is a large tradition 
at my Grandma's house. We go into 
the Christmas storeroom where there 
are boxes and boxes of decorations. 
Then we transform her house into a 
Christmas wonderland. One of my 
favorite assignments is decorating the 
basement. Amy and I wrap strands' of 
garland around everything we can, 
hang mistletoe in all the doorways, and 
place wreaths, candles, reindeer, and 
ornaments in choice locations. We then 
excitedly gather everyone to look at 
the masterpiece.
Once we return home from school 
the traditions lie in baking cookies. 
This tradition starts off with us being 
very excited, but the excitement 
decreases as we begin to run out of 
creative frosting ideas.
Every Christmas my Mom wraps our 
presents using a different wrapping
BRANDON’S 
H 0 L I D A y
paper for each child. We then have a 
fun guessing game; we already have it 
figured out for this year.
Other traditions include reading the 
Christmas story by candlelight and 
singing songs, drinking egg nog and 
eating the cookies, reenacting the 
Christmas story and fighting over who 
gels to be Mary, listening for Santa's 
bell and sitting on his (or her) knee. 
Still others are eating kuchen on 
Christmas morning, waiting excitedly 
while our stockings are filled, watch­
ing my Uncle Gary dance around in 
his traditional Christmas boxers, eating 
a big dinner together, and watching 
Christmas movies.
I can count on these same traditions 
and activities being present every year, 
and I never get tired of them. Year 
after year, I always look forward to 
each of them because they take place 
with my favorite people, my family. In 
my mind, I have a bursting file of 
Christmas memories filled with laugh­
ter and love because God blessed me 
with a wonderful family.
When it comes to holiday entertain­
ment, family is a reoccurring theme in 
many of the stories below. I hope read­
ing about your friends' traditions 
reminds you of some of your own fun 
family memories! Celebrate the tradi­
tion of family.
TOP 
TEN
RENTALS
by Angela Barber 
Entertainment editor
CHERVLSEARLES (sophomore social 
^^xNibajoF^hicludes all her family in the 
7hoU»yua3Tfions. She even wraps up pre­
sents for her cats who also have their own 
stockings. Oh Friday night, Cheryl's family 
gathers around the tree and each one opens
a present. Then they feast on fudge and 
other Christmas treats. Also, exclaims 
Cheryl, “We watch A Christmas Story like a 
hundred times!" What Christmas would be 
complete without watching this hilarious 
show?
MRS. CARR (girls’ dean) carries out a hol­
iday tradition started by her parents. Every 
year she prepares a special care package for 
each one of her children. Each present is 
individually wrapped and everyone, includ­
ing pets, receives one. The care package 
contains everything from safety pins to
books. On Christmft naming, this sBcial 
tradition is often openectast because it’s^ 
always exciting ta^e vjfiat goodiesJpve^ 
been included fliij year. The importance of 
the care packages is evident in the family; 
Mrs. Carr still receives a package from her 
own parents.
ROCHELLE DAMES (junior education major) is 
quick to let me know that in her family Christmas is 
not about gifts but about family time. They start each 
Christmas with worship.
Everyone takes a turn at 
reading a part of the 
story. Then they each 
share something they 
are thankful for and 
what Christmas means 
to them. They play lots 
of games and laugh a 
lot. I don't know how 
they stay awake for 
everything because the 
night before Christmas everyone slays up all night 
playing games and watching TV. When this tradition 
first began everyone was really gung-ho about stay­
ing up all night, but everyone is getting older. “After 
awhile the TV starts to watch us because everybody 
falls asleep," Rochelle said.
Rochelle’s family also 
attends Junkanoo, a tradi­
tional festivity in the 
Bahamas. The party starts at 
3:00 a.m.! Up to twenty-five 
different groups of people 
dress in costumes made of 
crepe paper, cardboard 
boxes, cloth, rhinestones, 
and anything else they can 
find. Each group dresses in 
a particular theme, and they 
march down main street playing trumpets, drum- 
skins, and other musical instruments.
10. 
White Christmas -This holi­
day classic starring Bing Crosby is 
always a winner with the whole fami-
'y-
9. 
Miracle on 34th Street -The 
1930's version of this holiday tale 
about a little girl and her mom discov­
ering the reality of Santa Claus is sure 
to win your heart.
8. 
Rudolph the Red-Nosed 
Reindeer - Network TV's heart-warm­
ing tale of Rudolph is for kids of all 
ages.
7. 
Frosty the Snowman - Here 
is another great from the old magic 
box. Frosty and his friends will make 
you smile this Christmas.
6. 
National Lampoon's 
Christmas Vacation - If you've ever 
had a family Christmas that just didn’t 
go the right way, you can appreciate 
this holiday romp with Chevy Chase.
5. 
A Christmas Story - The clas­
sic dysfunctional family Christmas 
film event that taught us all about the 
dangers of bee-bee guns.
4. 
How the Crinch Stole 
Christmas - Doctor Suess' immortal 
animated short film with the “mean 
one" himself learning about sharing 
and caring during the Christmas sea­
son.
3. 
Prancer - A girl discovers a 
reindeer in the woods. Could it 
be...Santa’s Prancer?
2. 
Scrooge - The best version of 
Dickcn's classic “A Christmas Carol" 
I've ever seen. This musical will have 
you up on your feet with Christmas 
spirit.
1. 
It's a Wonderful Life - 
James Stewart and Donna Reed make 
every Christmas bright in Frank 
Capra's beautiful holiday fantasy.
by Brandon Kennison
When tasked DON BUSH (senior social 
work major) what he did for holiday enter­
tainment will his family he replied, 
“Nothing profound or crazy, it’s just that 
we're together.” One activity they do 
together is unwrapping the special
CARYS CAO’S (senior education major) 
favorite Christmas entertainment seems to 
revolve around her Grandpa. She laughingly 
told me stories of how he dresses up as 
Santa at odd times. “My Grandpa and Santa 
have had this feud going on forever,” said 
Carys. One time Santa came down and 
informed the family he had Grandpa locked 
up in his room because Grandpa had been 
throwing snowballs packed with ice at his 
sleigh. He then proceeded to pass out pre­
sents, but told them not to show them to 
Grandpa.
Another time Grandpa ran out and said he 
had finally got Santa because he heard a big 
thud on the neighbor's roof. Sure enough.
Christmas ornament his Mom buys every 
year and hanging it together. They also 
have a tradition of reading “Cranberry 
Christmas” together. Togetherness is the 
true essence of holiday spirit in the Bush 
family.
they all raced out to check and there was a 
huge bag marked TOYS. They rescued the 
bag and took it inside. Then Grandpa real- i 
ized that they must have gotten someone M 
else's toys because the names didn’t match. 
Some of the names were cjpse though, so he 
passed them out anyway. It seems that he 
had spent the night before changing the 
names on all the presents.
Another year, he dressed up as ScroogdSj 
and handed out cheap gifts wrapped in 
newspaper. In more recent times,Ae has J 
passed the creative Santa task onto a differ­
ent family member every year. Everyone 
eagerly waits to find out who is chosen this 
year.
Matt Gal 
-Meshman 
19 years-old 
Deciding 
From Colorado
Branson Bradley 
Senior 
22 years-old 
Business Ad. Major 
From Nebraska
Felix Alicea
Sophomore 
20 years-old 
Physical Ed. Major 
From Colorado
Felix Alicea makes the lay-up with 
the foul.
Andrew Larson?!
Frestmm 
19 years-old
Dan Carlson
Senior
Business Ad. Major 
From Nebraska
Deeding
From Minnesota
Carlos Mott
Freshman 
18 years-old
Deciding
From Missouri
Jeremy Pittman
Freshman
20 years-old 
Business Ad. Major 
From Colorado
Rick Dodds
Freshman
Business Ad. Major 
From Nebraska
Alan Guyton
Freshman 
18 years-old 
Pre-Med Major 
From Colorado
Since we failed to include 
Lindy in the last week's 
issue with the women’s 
basketball team, she gets 
her own special box. We 
apologize for the oversight
Lindy Page
Sophomore 
20 years-old 
Exercise Phys. Major 
From Missouri
Alan Guyton shoots for an easy two points.
What Will You 
When THE MILLENNIUM
“Going to Wal-Mart to stock up for Y2K." Donene Caster 
“Something with my family. ” Charissa Jensen 
“Setting offfireworks. ” Larissa Caskey
“Sitting on a mountain over Denver, watching for it to explode. ” Kari Williams 
“Dancing to a hlues hand in Charleston, South Carolina. ” Devin Adams 
“Attending the New Year's service at CVC. ” Greg Rumsey 
“I’ll he staying home. I don 1f want to be out with the crazies. ” Karlyn Lewis 
“Swimming. ” Klaralyn Gatz
“Watching the stars and lights in the Smoky Mountains." Gwen Gerling
A ribbon of words descends 
upon the seated listeners in the 
room, painting an invisible pic­
ture of words. I sit among a cap­
tivated audience, for the first 
time realizing the power poetry 
can posses. A poet has a certain way 
of reading poetry that makes it differ­
ent from merely reading words from a 
book. I noticed when something touch­
ing was said during the reading or at 
the end of a poem, the audience made 
little noises, sort of like grunts of 
approval. There was no clapping or
You've
"Golf-stroke counter. Like I can't keep track.
“At the St. Louis Arch. ” Rachel Bradley 
, 
cheering, because it seems poetry
., - 
.. 
. 
is too quiet and the mood almost
Drinking eggnogg with family. 
Daniel Muraskas 
.. 
.. 
_
too sacred for this type of praise.
“I’d like to he in New York, watching the hall drop. ” Romeka Wilkins 
y^e poetry reading I attended 
“Trying to stay awake. ” Brent Page 
was held in the Heritage Room
*«ti/ 
r 
.l. 
i i 
, ” i—
i-j____- 
located on the 3rd floor of the
Waiting for the clock to turn. 
Jessie Anderson
Bennett Martin Public Library. The
Sleeping soundly. 
Mark Smith 
Heritage Room is a special room dedi-
“Spending time with my girlfriend. ” Josh Huenergardt 
“Sitting at the beach. ” Tara Shea 
“ Working at Super Saver. ” Jodi Juhl
“Watching fireworks at the beach in Brazil with my family. ” Cleiton Goncalves
By: Janelle Gerlinj
cated exclusively to Nebraska authors.
Marjorie Saiser, the poet I heard, has
published several books. She was 
promoting her newest book of 
poetry, Bones of a Very Fine 
Hand. Throughout the year, 
Heritage Room invites Nebraska 
authors to share their work. This 
is free to the public. I recommend 
going to a poetry reading if you 
get the chance. Even if you don't 
really like reading poetry, hearing it is a 
very different kind of experience.
Brad Kahler
“A pink Lion King sweatshirt (I was 16!)." Myndi Timothy 
"A giant marble." Marci DiProfio 
"A typewriter." Allison Lamon 
'A Christmas tree turtleneck from my great-grandmother." Amy Torchia
"A plaid vest." Solitaire Smith 
"I get a flashlight every year from my grandma." Laura Midkiff
"A Husker T-shirt." Josh Miller 
"Clothes when I was a little kid. I wanted toys!" Christy Cowgill
"Hair dyes." Allison Rosette 
"Ugly, gray shirt I have never worn." Eric Slater 
"Tire-pressure gauge." Brandon Helm 
A bag of stuffed animals that you get out of one of those vending machines with
the big claw!" Kari Williams 
"The hook I Kissed Dating Goodbye." Breane Martinez 
"A purple wallet." Kelli Ruhn 
"A pair of black and white polka-dot, clip-on earrings." Erika Zima 
"A yellow and green purse." Kelly Dodds 
"A bag of brown rubber bands. Oh, and flourescent knee highs." Jody Lastine
"A coat hanger. One. Metal." Greg Steiner 
'A yellow sweater." Ernie Reynolds
By: Janelle Gerling
Compiled by: April Nielsen
Here’s a beautiful recipe to try at home. It’s tastefully 
decorated and easy enough for any amateur baker!
Spiced Snowflakes
11/2 cups sifted all purpose flour 
11/2 teaspoons baking powder 
11/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon 
1 teaspoon ground ginger 
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 
1/4 teaspoon salt 
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted b 
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
Powdered sugar
ture
Sift flour, baking powder, spices and salt into medium 
bowl. Using electric mixer, beat batter in large bowl 
until light. Gradually beat in 3/4 cup sugar. Beat in 
egg and vanilla extract. Gradually beat in dry ingredi­
ents. tf dough is too soft to mold, refrigerate until firm 
enough.
Spoon dough onto large sheet of plastic wrap. Roll 
into 7-inch-long, 2 1/4-inch-diameter log. Wrap tightly. 
Cover and refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 350 
F. Grease 2 large baking sheets. Unwrap dough and 
cut into 1 /4-inch-thick slices. Place on baking sheets, 
spacing slices 1 inch apart, fake until light golden 
brown, about 12 miputes. Transfer cookies to rack 
and cool. (Can be made 1 week ahead. Store in air­
tight container at room temperature.)
Use lace doilies or create your own snowflake 
stencils and place them atop cookies. Sift powdered 
sugar over. Carefully remove doilies at stencils and 
serve.
Makes 2 dozen.*
AChristmas Wish
ChriAtmaA comeA juAt once a year 
Bringing a ruAh of activitieA 
A never ending battle of finding 
JuAt the right toy 
JuAt the right trinket 
JuAt the right way to Ahow 
Love
That'A what ChriAtmaA iA all about 
It’A the perfect opportunity to Ahow 
Exactly how much you 
Love
But if a not in the preAentA 
Or how much you Apend 
Or how much you give from your wallet 
But how much you give from your heart 
BecauAe that’A how ChriAtmaA began 
One perfect heart 
Willing to give 
Love
By: Angela Barber
GiftIDEAS
We understand that shopping for those you love isn’t 
necessarily an easy process. Far too often have I heard the 
statement “I don’t know" in response to my requests for 
their Christmas desires. So, with the help of random 
friends, 1 have come up with a quick list of ideas for all 
those on your shopping list.
Mom
Dad
Brother
Sister
Boyfriend
Girlfriend
Friends
Kids
In-laws
Relatives
Manicure and/or pedicure, home spa 
kit, foot bath, pottery, candles
Items that go along with his hobbies, 
puzzles, gadgets like electronic ice 
scrapers or Global Positioning systems
Magazine subscriptions, sports 
equipment, clothes
Hair accessories, fountain for her 
room, scarf and mitten set, shoes
Tickets to a concert or sporting event, 
stocking full of goodies, camping gear, 
accessories for his favorite sport or 
hobby like a putter, lens filters for his 
camera
Name a star for her, a print from her 
favorite artist or photographer, tickets 
to a cultural event such as the ballet
Chnstmas ornaments, 
candles and soap
homemade
Kid-sized, sports equipment, dress-up 
clothes from a thrift store, tea set, 
kid-sized, personalized chair_______
Flower arrangements, games
Framed photo of you and your siblings 
or your entire family
---------------------By: Janelle Gerling
Looking
by Ernie Reynolds 
ASB editor
W
ow!” I thought to myself as I 
caught a big white thing on my 
face. All of the Union College 
students around me were looking up 
into the sky and marveling at some­
thing that has been surprisingly rare so 
far this year, snow! In a flash it hit 
me; it’s December already! Sheesh! 
Where has this semester gone? Maybe 
it’s because of the fact the sun has been 
shining warm all year or maybe it’s 
because I still see brave men in shorts 
wandering around campus.
Whatever the reason, September is 
all of the sudden December. Papers are 
due, finals are looming, and varsity 
basketball has supplanted volleyball 
and soccer as the in-season sports. This 
semesterhas been a good one, and 
being the leader of the student body 
has been an adventure I will never for­
get.
Being allowed the privilege of being 
the ASB President has provided me 
with so many opportunities to learn 
about piyself, about how to deal with 
people, about how to become orga­
nized, about how to be very busy, and 
mostly about how to realize I can’t do 
everything myself. I need people, and I 
need someone else. I do know one 
thing for sure: this school has been 
very blessed by the dedicated ASB 
staff they have. A lot of people don’t. 
even know who their officers are, so 
I've decided to introduce each one of 
them and brag a little about them: 
Executive Vice-President: Rebekah 
Altrogge -1 can't even begin to tell 
you how much Rebekah has meant to 
our staff this year. She is one of the 
most organized people I have ever met 
and has this way of always getting 
things done when we need them done 
the most, and she* always does them in 
a pleasant manner. Just call her the 
glue that holds us together.
Financial Vice-President: Kris 
Wetmore - Kris is a bulldog who has 
been on the ball all year long. He has 
been a close friend and has been there 
for a lot of us when we’ve needed him 
the most. He is one of the best finan­
cial vice presidents Union has had.
Social Vice-President: Devin Adams- 
I can’t figure out how Devin does it. I 
think she must be Wonder-woman. She 
goes to school full-time, works, has a 
very active social life, and still has the 
energy to get up in front of the whole 
school and entertain us at events she 
has spent so many hours planning and 
decorating for. Where is your cape, 
Devin?
Union for Christ Director: Matt 
Segebartt - Malt is one of the most sin­
cere and genuine people I have ever 
met. He is always ready to give us a 
hand or even a smile in everything we 
do as a group. Of course, he does an 
awesome job organizing vespers once a 
month and providing a variety of spiri­
tual opportunities on campus. His laid 
back style has been a blessing to us all.
Peanut Gallery Editor: Marcelo 
Plioplis - Marcelo definitely made his 
mark and impacted the big UC this 
year with his backward and colorful 
PG. Just in case you didn’t know, the 
PG has won a few state awards for stu­
dent-led publications.
Yearlook Editor: Jeremy Jacob - Yes, 
it’s Jeremy and his gang you see 
putting the video camera in your face 
everywhere. Wait until you see the 
result at the end of the year! Jeremy is 
also always ready to humor us with 
some hilarious one-liners when we are 
stressed to the bone.
Golden Cords Editor: Larissa 
Caskey- A hard-driven and highly- 
motivated person, Larissa is always 
ready to flash her smile and let every­
one know everything is going to be 
alright. Her hard work on the yearbook 
is going to result in a masterpiece you 
will be proud to take home to mom. 
Oh, yeah, having Shane around is real­
ly cool, too!
Secretary: Joycelyn Araya - Joycelyn 
has been ready and willing to take on 
any opportunity to make a difference 
this year. Her highly effective note-tak­
ing and organizational skills have kept 
our communication lines open and run­
ning all year.
Ciocktower Editors: Cheryl and 
Kimberly - These wonderful women 
rescued us in a time of dire need, and I 
will never forget them for it. 
Willingness to take on another huge 
job is unthinkable at this time of year, 
but these women accepted it and have 
turned it into the very print you arc
INCREASING THE NUMBER OF SENATORS 
REQUIRED BY THE CONSTITUTION.
reading right now. They will be 
remembered in my will.
Sponsor: Joe Parmele - Simply put, 
there is no way I would still be doing 
my job if it wasn’t for Joe. He never 
ceases to amaze me. He is always, and 
I mean ALWAYS, willing to listen or 
just tell me what I need to do. Many 
times I have been totally clueless, and 
Joe is always there to rescue me. Dean 
of Students, Dean of Men, Volleyball 
Coach, and ASB Superman.
Now that you know the officers, 
please feel free to approach any one of 
us when you need anything. I need to 
hear from the students on how I can do 
my job better or how we can make 
ASB better for you. We work for you, 
and everything we do is for you. Please 
e-mail me with your suggestions, com­
plaints, or complimepts. I need you. 
Thank you for letting me have this 
awesome privilege. Merry Christmas!
After discussion, the Senate is recommending a 
constitutional ammendation to the general student 
body. Due to an increase in enrollment, it was nec­
essary to redistribute the districts to better represent 
equal numbers of students. While the current consti­
tution provides for 12 senators, it is recommended 
that we increase this number to 15. There will be 
further explanation and a vote at the next general 
' assembly. If you have any questions, please feel free 
to contact Rebekah Altrogge via email.
Q: What 
is your greatest Christmas wish?
Danielle Gerst 
“To spend time with family 
and friends that I haven’t 
seen in awhile.”
Jonathan Bilima 
“That Santa will bring home 
good grades.”
Jodi Wall 
“I always dreamed of going 
to Europe, and my wish has 
come true.”
Joe Perry
‘To be closer to family and 
that my dogs Would 
remember me when 
I go home.”
Lacy Owens
‘That it snows so I can go 
horseback riding in 
the snow.”
Loralee Hagen 
‘‘For someone to take me on 
an unlimited shopping spree 
to Super Saver and Target.”
Devin Adams 
“To have all my family on 
one big bed with kajillions of 
Christmas lights and food all 
around, while Christmas 
music is playing.”
Tim Soper
“I would love to have a guar­
anteed white Christmas 
every year.”