May 1, 2009 Page 2

The Echo aims to represent the views of diverse voices on Taylor University’s

campus fairly and without bias and to be a vehicle of accurate and pertinent infor-

mation to the student body, faculty and staff. The Echo also aims to be a forum

that fosters healthy discussion about relevant issues, acting as a catalyst for

change on our campus.

Student journalists have published The Echo weekly since 1915, except for

January term, exam week and school holidays. The Echo is a member of the

Associated Collegiate Press and the Indiana Collegiate Press Association.

The Echo is printed by HNE Printers in Greenfield, Ind. Echo offices are in the

Rupp Communication Arts Building.

Please address all letters, questions or comments to:

The Echo236 W. Reade Ave.

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echo@taylor.edu© Taylor University 2009

Andrew NeelCo-Editor in ChiefRandy KizerCo-Editor in ChiefBenita LeeNews EditorHannah BeersNews EditorRachel SawyerLife & Times EditorBlake BachmanLife & Times EditorStephen GrovesWorld Editor

Steve EtheridgeOpinions EditorJosh KennedyA&E EditorCarrie BraggSports EditorDavid YurkaninArt DirectorTimmy HuynhPhoto EditorSarah NeelPhotographerKaty AndresPhotographer

Carissa ChangCopy EditorJessica FordAdvertising ManagerJonathan SchelanderDistribution ManagerChelsea Mecaskey Content ManagerCarley LeeGraphic DesignerBethany DuValAssociate EditorDonna DownsFaculty AdviserSTAFF

we read the e-mails you delete.

friday saturday tuesdayChapel 10 a.m.Heritage Weekend

Grandparent’s Day ConcertJazz Ensemble & RingersRediger Aud., 4 p.m.

Smoke on the MountainSpring productionMitchell Theatre, 8 p.m.

Indy Mini-MarathonRest and recovery tent after race8 a.m.

Taylathon11 a.m.

TaekwondoKSAC, 3:30 p.m.

Smoke on the MountainSpring productionMitchell Theatre, 8 p.m.

Jr. Voice RecitalAlana Kee and Emily HurstSopranosRecital Hall, 3 p.m.

Smoke on the MountainSpring productionMitchell Theatre, 3 p.m.

Taylor Ringers & Bell Choir ConcertRecital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Chapel 10 a.m.Dr. Jay Kesler, President Emeritus

Int’l Mosaic NightRediger Aud., 6:30 p.m.

Lighthouse Application Part 2 due todaytaylor.edu/lighthouse

TU Bookstore Clothing SaleFive days

Student PosterSessionAlspaugh East in DC

monday Chapel 10 a.m.Pastor Isaac Shaw, New Delhi, India

Symphony Orchestra ConcertRediger Aud., 7:30 p.m.

Opera ScenesRecital Hall, 8 p.m.

Lit @ NightTBA, 8:15 p.m.

sunday wednesday thursday

This week, Taylor students were challenged to step out of their dorm rooms and comfort zones.

Shane Claiborne, author of “The Ir-resistible Revolution,” started out the week discussing the need for Christ’s love to be shared in tangible ways and the importance of preaching the gospel with our lives.

“Christianity is more than just a set of doctrines on paper,” he stated. “I’ve learned more about God in the tears of a homeless mother than any theology book.”

On Tuesday, Chris Lahr discussed the history of the Rwandan genocide and his own experiences there. He chal-lenged students to open themselves up to the people of the world and to truly be moved by compassion.

“We live in a safe, plastic Christian-ity,” he said. “But have we done any-thing to truly make a difference?”

Social Justice Week Director Dan-ielle Green explained the poverty sim-ulation conducted on Wednesday. Stu-dents were given a scenario or a family situation to imitate what it is like to live on a limited income.

“It may not be an exact representa-tion, but it gives students a sense of understanding, empathy and compas-sion,” Green said.

Charities benefited from Social Jus-tice Week as well. Money collected from the cardboard community will go to a youth conference on reconciliation and social justice in Rwanda.

“We decided to ask for a $2 dona-tion from the students who wanted to be a part of the cardboard commu-nity,” said sophomore Hannah Chupp, a student board member. “This figure reflects the fact that a large portion of the world today lives on $2 a day.”

T-shirt donation boxes were set up in the dorms for The Mercy House, a community development in Anderson.

“We all know the cardboard com-munity’s not actually simulating pov-erty,” Chupp said. “But what I think is wonderful about living outside in a box this week is the intentionality of be-ing uncomfortable. To get outside our comfort zone, to get a little bit soaked by the rain, brings a new set of experi-ences that can only help us to under-stand others.”

The week was wrapped up with Mark Struck of ALARM ministries. In his address he stressed the importance of compassion, justice, and peace in be-ing a witness for Christ. “We are sup-posed to be a peculiar people,” he said. “Otherwise, what makes us different from the rest of the world? We need to demonstrate a hope that is different, so that we can give a reason for the hope that lies in us.”

A look back at Social Justice WeekBy Sam StevensStaff Writer

“I went down to the Upland bank ... and I told him my sad story,” Kesler explained. “He, in a sense, became my financial aid officer, and we became good friends over that.”

Thirty years later, they were reunited in Upland, and by then Hodson’s in-vestment had been proven a good one; Kesler had returned to Taylor as uni-versity president.

While the Hodsons never had chil-dren of their own, they invested deeply in the lives of Taylor students. He and

Mary Hodson ate lunch on campus with the student body every Sunday. Through the relationships fostered be-tween the local business man and gen-erations of Taylor students, Hodson maintained the close bond with the university that culminated in his final contribution.

“Those students didn’t know it at the time, (but) they were part of a much bigger story,” said Vice President for University Advancement Ben Sells. “You never know who you may be sit-ting next to in the Dining Commons.”

Of the $13.8 million estate gift, ap-

proximately $6 million was designated for specific purposes: scholarships, a faculty chair in the School of Business, the operation of the Dining Commons, and the William Taylor Foundation. The remaining $7.8 million will go predominantly toward the construc-tion of the Science Learning Center.

“The university is going to be sig-nificantly advanced through this ... in every way: scholarships, programs, facilities, and then the life lesson of stewardship,” Bedi said. “It’s more than you could ever ask or imagine.”

Tomasik had applied to various de-partments within a few top schools around the country, and did not expect to get into both Harvard and Rice Uni-versity. Although Harvard requires its students to obtain work experience for two years prior to admission, Tomasik is already excited to learn more and develop connections, and recognizes that “God opened the door with the Harvard admission.”

During his time at Taylor, Tomasik was involved in various extracurricular activities, which was what helped him stand out. He states other factors like internship experiences, a high GPA and having good relationships with professors as beneficial too.

Tomasik worked at Taylor’s Cen-ter for Research and Innovation, the chemistry department, Taylor’s En-trepreneurship Club (TEC), and also founded his own company on campus. He describes Tiergan Technologies LLC as a “chemical research company developing a new process to making carbon nanotubes,” and says it was a

“very significant learning experience.”Tomasik is grateful for an unforget-

table four years at Taylor, and is look-ing forward to tackling more signifi-cant problems and using his skills to make a difference in the world.

“Taylor’s helped me get a broad based education, with a strong Chris-tian worldview attached to it, which is beneficial,” he said. “(It) helped me get ready to face the challenges that I would expect to face when I gradu-ate.”

Regarding the process of applying for graduate school, Tomasik advises stu-dents to “treat your applications like a job, and put a lot of time into them ... and just take it one step at a time.”

Another student heading to graduate school is senior Nate Antiel, an English literature and history major, who will be attending Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, to study Irish Literature.

Antiel had this to say for students looking to pursue graduate studies after Taylor: Allocate your time well. Plan in advance what schools you want to apply to, find out when the appli-cation deadlines are and how much

it costs. Building rapport and strong relationships with professors is also essential, as they will be your support and guide.

“You have to start early ... if you want to go to graduate school,” he said. “Un-dergraduate is just a preparation for graduate school, so you need to be careful in the classes that you choose, and invest in your studies.”

As for senior Jeremy Erickson, a mathematics and computer science major who is going to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for graduate school, he advises students to prioritize their activities, apply far in advance and target numerous schools.

For those who have yet to go through the experience, the task may seem daunting, but take heed to the advice given by those who have gone before us.

Preparation is key. Spend your time at college wisely, know what you want, and go all out for it. Then you no longer have to cringe when asked the critical question: “What are you going to do after you graduate?”

Grads from Page 1

CACREP Accreditation The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body, recognized by the Council for Higher Education (CHEA), has granted accreditation for the M.A. in Counseling Degree in Mental Health Counseling at Grace College.

M.A. in Counseling M.A. in Interpersonal Relations Scripturally based Focused on each student’s personal & spiritual growth

"I chose to pursue my masters at Grace because of the Prayer in Counseling class.

I was very impressed with a school that put special emphasis on prayer. I have

learned much about counseling, but I feel that I have learned much about myself.

Even more important, by example, my teachers have shown how well Jesus has

enabled them to love others. I thank God for directing me to this program.”

Becky Stetson, Student Graduate Department of Counseling and Interpersonal Relations

Web site: www. grace.eduE-mail: macslg@grace.eduTelephone: 866.974.7223

200 Seminary Drive, Winona Lake, Indiana 46590

Hodson from Page 1

Students construct their cardboard houses Monday afternoon at the start of Social Justice Week.Timmy Huynh