Features - The Echo

BSU president fosters community, culture through new events

By Contessa Hussong · Thursday, March 9, 2023

“I think of strength.” These were the words of Goodness Korrie, president of the Black Student Union.

Rhona Murungi: Uganda to America

By Emma Goossen · Wednesday, March 8, 2023

From Uganda to America, Rhona Murungi's (‘10) life is marked by God's provision. "Looking back for me, I see God's hand at work,” Murungi said. “God connecting so many dots to the point where if you took one dot out the whole thing would collapse."

Charlie Brainer inspires a love of culture

By Marissa Muljat · Thursday, March 2, 2023

“When you make a friendship in another culture, you really begin to value that culture and in a much deeper and meaningful way,” Charlie Brainer said. As the dean of international programs, higher education adjunct faculty and director of Spencer Centre for Global Engagement, Brainer has had the opportunity to share his passion for global engagement with students, faculty and others.

Pun Chatnantawej: navigating transition, cultural identity

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Transitioning from three different cultures, freshman Pun Chatnantawej went on a journey of losing and regaining her identity.

J-term: teaching English in Indonesia

By Marissa Muljat · Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023

This J-term, many students had the opportunity to visit various locations across the globe. From Belize to Ireland to Greece to Kenya (and other locations), Taylor students and faculty gained unique cultural experiences filled with learning and excitement.

The little things: a look at life with the Verhagen family

By Contessa Hussong · Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023

Sometimes, it’s the little things in life that are most beautiful. It’s a simple phrase — but for the Verhagen family, it carries a huge impact, especially as a now-family of five living in the Olson Hall apartment.

Ellie Campbell shares experience studying abroad in Spain

By Marissa Muljat · Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022

For the fall semester, Campbell, a double major in Spanish and politics, philosophy and economics (PPE), has been studying abroad in Spain.

Brennan embodies pursuit of excellence, persistence

By Payne Moses · Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022

Fort Wayne, Indiana native and fifth-year senior Abbey Brennan put an exclamation mark on her career as a part of Taylor women’s cross country and track and field. The 10-time All-American quietly went about her business and now leaves a legacy full of achievement matched with unwavering humility.

Behind the scenes of the fellows program

By Kendall Beck · Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022

Servant leader. It’s not just a buzz word that tour guides try to fit into their monologues or that prospective students put into their application essays.

Hannah Marella: life in Qatar

Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022

Thirteen years in Qatar changes you. Sophomore Hannah Marella has lived most of her life in the Middle East, experiencing an intersection between Arab, Indian and Jordanian cultures.

Student Senate works to improve campus

By Contessa Hussong · Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022

“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

By Marissa Muljat · Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022

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

By Kendall Beck · Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022

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.

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Caleb Heffron describes high school theatre directing project

By Matthew Harman · Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022

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

By Contessa Hussong · Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022

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

By Kendall Beck · Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022

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

By Contessa Hussong · Monday, Oct. 31, 2022

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

By Hannah Marella · Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022

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

By Kendall Beck · Monday, Oct. 24, 2022

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

By Marissa Muljat · Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022

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.