Features - The Echo

Freshman Aspen Postma explores self-expression through art

By Contessa Hussong · Tuesday, May 2, 2023

The saying goes that a picture is worth a thousand words — but how many pictures does it take to communicate your true identity? For Aspen Postma, a freshman artist transitioning from a major in art education to pre-art therapy, the answer was 12. One dozen art pieces. One dozen attempts at learning the meaning of self-expression.

Austin Layton: journey to med school

By Jane' Aubry Page · Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Senior Austin Layton will wrap up his time at Taylor this May as a pre-med biology major with a minor in Spanish. Layton hopes to work in pediatrics and ideally partner with his twin brother, senior Brayden Layton. His fascination with anatomy began when his parents told him about the miraculous event of his birth.

Bekah Hynson: planting the seeds of sustainable development

By Marissa Muljat · Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Growing up in PeachTree City, Georgia, senior Bekah Hynson and her six siblings often visited their grandma’s house to help out with yard work and gardening. Through these visits, she learned a lot about the process of caring for nature. It was in these moments that her initial love for the outdoors sprouted.

Grabowski promotes love for the Earth

By Emma Goossen · Monday, April 24, 2023

Committing his life to the pursuit of sustainability, Phil Grabowski is an assistant professor of sustainable development at Taylor University. From a young age, Grabowski was drawn to the outdoors and grew to love all aspects of nature.

Allison Eckardt: acknowledging God’s gift of relationships

By Jane' Aubry Page · Monday, April 17, 2023

Everyone faces fear, worry and doubt in all walks of life. Marketing Director Allison Eckardt believes that people travel through life to aid their growth toward God and toward one another.

Jeff Cramer: reflections and renewal

By Contessa Hussong · Monday, April 17, 2023

“The older you get, the more you start to realize that your life only makes sense looking backwards,” Jeff Cramer said. Yet as the man of many hats prepares to take on a new role in life, he’s found there’s also a sense of anticipation and renewal that comes from this season of transition.

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Women in STEM: Seniors share math, science experience

By Emma Goossen · Monday, April 3, 2023

Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) is an area of learning that is known for its difficulty and rigor — making those pursuing a degree in such fields examples of true dedication. In the throes of Women's History Month, two senior women share their experiences as STEM-related majors at Taylor University.

Kizito Mayao bridges the DRC and Taylor

By Marissa Muljat · Monday, April 3, 2023

When Kizito Mayao arrived at Taylor from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), he fell in love with the unique culture the university had to offer.

Spanish Club presents opportunity for culture, conversation

By Contessa Hussong · Tuesday, March 14, 2023

There’s something life-giving about sharing cultures through conversation. The warmth of a meal. The richness of a language. The context of an idiom that is otherwise lost on a non-native speaker. There’s beauty in it all, and it has a practicality that has brought new meaning to an old hobby for junior Janie Lee Allen.

'The guy with the bluetooth speaker'

By Marissa Muljat · Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Wesley Jones — a name that speaks for itself. Many know Jones for his on-the-go music, elaborate stage presence or, perhaps, his visionary leadership.

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.