Features

Student Senate works to improve campus

“Not a lot of students notice it.” Siwon Heo, a Chair member of the Taylor Student Senate, wasn’t exaggerating as she sat down at her desk, a list of committee members on the computer screen in front of her. 

Alumna describes story behind nonprofit, The Boaz Project

Formerly an English education major at Taylor, April Jurgensen (‘91) had no desire or idea that she would later start a missions organization. After the university sent out a letter announcing their new writing major, an idea sparked in Jurgensen’s mind.

Rice Pilaf reflects on first two shows

The members of Rice Pilaf are grateful for what they consider a “weird energy” that surrounds the group this year. Rice Pilaf, often shortened to Pilaf, is Taylor’s improvisational comedy club.

Caleb Heffron describes high school theatre directing project

Behind every production, there is at least some chaos behind the scenes. In a school production, “some” becomes an understatement. 

JP Susantio takes a look behind the lens

Come to any major TU football game, and it’s likely you’ve seen sophomore JP Susantio.  Though he’s not a journalist or an athlete, he’s found himself on Trojan sidelines all the same. With his camera in his hand, Susantio has embraced his own form of storytelling — and he’s fully dedicated to making the most of his major in film. 

Halloween: a history of TU traditions

To take a deep dive into The Echo archive is to explore a comprehensive history of how Taylor’s beloved traditions have developed over the years.

Students build community throughout the Halloween season

You don’t know fear until you’ve walked past Wengatz Hall at midnight.  As the moon fades from view behind the clouds, shouting rises in the darkness as the men of Wengatz howl about lost video game matches and chant at the freshmen. 

Katrine Melika discusses impacts of Egyptian, Kenyan cultures

One day, 6-year-old Katrine Melika wondered why her classmates couldn’t understand the Arabic word she used. “Nobody knew what I was saying,” freshman Katrine Melika said. “I was like why does no one know what I'm talking about?”

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.