Features

The RedBarn: Ministry serves Upland

Troy and Liz Shockey embody the word “hospitality.” Together, the Upland-based couple have embraced leadership of The RedBarn, an after-school ministry for Eastbrook students grades 6-12.

Swallow Robin: beyond the bathtubs

Tucked away on the far north side of campus sits the smallest, oldest, quirkiest and, perhaps, most mysterious of residence halls. Some know the dorm by its famous tradition, “Swalloween,” others by the moon-shaped window that glistens at the top of the building and many by its notorious bathtubs.

Freshman Brayden Gogis talks foundations, goals, puzzle games

Every puzzle piece connects. It’s not always obvious, especially as the pieces are slowly sorted out, put together almost blindly. Yet as some partial image comes together, there’s peace found in knowing everything you need is already there.

In the Silence: Art professor creates beauty out of hardship, grief

Some forms of grief never truly disappear. They leave a mark, an invisible scar, even as time moves on and the rest of the world begins to forget.

Russell, Yoder share vision for WTUR

WTUR is committed to embracing their mission as boldly in real life as it is displayed across their website: “We strive to provide a professional and positive voice for Taylor University, integrating Christian faith and culture.”

Reed Spencer balances teaching and life with newborn twins

Dr. Reed Spencer has found empowerment in what he’s declared “The Year of Delegation.” This is Spencer’s 4th year in his position as assistant professor of music and director of choral ensembles. However, he is not new to the Taylor community. 

Peterson, Twigg share Lifeline impact

As Taylor alumnus Irv Polk (‘63) lay sick on his hospital bed, the last words he spoke to his friend and coworker Darrell Peterson were, “Don’t let it die, don’t let it die.”

Cavanagh shares yearly chapel theme

Student leadership encourages faith over fear

Stepping into a college classroom

Freshman orientation is over.  Parents have gone home, you’ve survived the first night in a dorm and you’re beginning to figure out the college routine. Beyond sleep deprivation and the ongoing battle to remember new names and faces, there’s only one frontier left unconquered: the classroom.

New hall directors join dorm legacies

Stepping into the position of hall director at Taylor is no ordinary task.  The role comes with the responsibility of carrying on a legacy and set of residence life traditions that make each dorm unique.

Huseman follows an unexpected path

“I said, word for word, you will never see me as a MAHE student,” senior Noah Huseman said. “Two months later, I applied to MAHE.” These kinds of unexpected switch-ups aren’t uncommon occurrences for the fifth-year senior. His time at Taylor has been defined by doors opening and closing, even when it isn’t obvious. 

Faded tradition revisited by Taylor alumnus

Tom Shevlot (‘84) was digging through an old file when he noticed an old photograph back from his time at Taylor University in the 1980s. He’s in it, and so are his buddies. His eyes go straight to the object that one of his other friends is holding: a children’s ride-on horse.

Commencement: Before crossing the stage

For months, Pat Moore has been planning and preparing his plans for one single day.  Thousands of people, thousands of hours and thousands of chairs.

Halbrook distinguished chair retires from position

Halbrook Distinguished Chair of Government, Abby Kuzma, will be retiring at the end of the semester after an impressive, decades-spanning career advocating for the victims of human trafficking, immigrants and asylum-seekers. 

Brandon Smith balances film and football

“I want someone to look at me and be like, he knows the Lord,” senior Brandon Smith said.

Jung carries impressive legacy

A new community buzzes on campus

A community is only as strong as its buzz, and bees do this best. Since the earliest civilizations known to man, these honey producing insects have been silently showing their importance to not only the landscape, but the economy. 

Scholarships exceed $3 million for 2022 year

As of 2022, Taylor has raised $3.2 million of annual and endowed scholarships, but they have strong hopes to reach $3.55 million by the end of the fiscal year.

Getting to know the provost and his family

Provost Jewerl Maxwell may have only inhabited his new role at Taylor since November, but his road to Upland stretches much further back in time.