News

Taylor students visit Indiana Supreme Court

The Indiana Supreme Court met to hear oral arguments in the Chapel Auditorium of Indiana Wesleyan University on Thursday, April 10. The 40-minute grilling included arguments from the prosecution and defense of a civil case. The audience was made up of approximately 850 college and high school students from around Indiana.

Taylor receives seven ICPA awards

The Echo was awarded seven ICPA awards at a banquet on Saturday Apr. 12. The Echo as a staff was awarded first place for a single issue, “The Eclipse Edition.”

Jim Daly visits Taylor

“My heart is definitely with Sammy,” said Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family, as he spoke at Taylor University’s chapel on Wednesday, April 2. Daly, a self-identified prankster, said he would fit right in with the shenanigan-loving Sammy crowd, prompting uproarious applause from Samuel Morris residents in Rediger Chapel’s balconies.

New Upland town attorney

Community is central to Pierce Church fundraising craft fair

There were 43 vendors this year, said Kevin Duecker, the director of children’s ministries at Pierce Church. Vendors sold a variety of items from baked goods to wooden toys, Easter baskets to jewelry. He and Lindsay Crawford, an attendee of Pierce Church, coordinated the fair, which was held on April 5.

Dryer fire in Wengatz Hall

Police and a fire truck arrived outside Wengatz Hall after smoke from a dryer triggered the fire alarm on Sunday night, March 30. 

PPE alum interns at statehouse

Liam Callan, a recent Taylor University graduate with a degree in political science, philosophy and economics, is gaining firsthand experience in the legislative process through an internship in the Indiana Senate. Callan, who graduated in the spring of 2024, assists two veteran Republican state senators at the Indiana Statehouse. 

Foundation laid for the new PREACH lab

Prepare, resource, equip and coach for homiletic excellence is what drives and defines the new PREACH lab located in the Reade Liberal Arts Center. The training room comes with many tools to help those using it: a one-way window, speakers, microphones, cameras, streaming screens, a podium and rollable desks.

Taylor OIP curates a cookbook

Elijah Choi, Office of Intercultural Programs office manager, hopes to convey the beauty of Taylor University’s diversity through a cookbook. Choi said this cookbook will not just show how Taylor’s student body is diverse in culture, but how different in interests the students are, embracing individuality.

Armed rebel groups advance in the Congo

Increasing violence and uncertainty marks the daily lives of the Congolese as armed rebel groups including March 23 movement (M23) and The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) remain active in the country. Kizito Mayao is a Taylor MAHE (Masters in Higher Education) graduate who is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The violence has been taking place in the province he lives in. Those who are more financially stable have fled to safer areas, while others can only wait until M23 invades their cities.

Taylor University welcomes two members to the board of trustees

Lance Vanderberg receives award

The National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition awarded Lance Vanderberg, assistant director of the Academic Enrichment Center at Taylor, the Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate award. The University of South Carolina created the Center, which “serves education professionals by supporting and advancing efforts to improve student learning and transitions into and through higher education,” according to their website. 

Taylor U plans for new chapel and welcome center

Taylor University is in the process of designing a new chapel and welcome center. Andrea Masvero, executive director of 1846 Enterprises, and Keith Cocking, senior director of construction services, led a student-listening session March 3.

Hoover, Potter win tightly contested presidential race

In a tight race, Michael Hoover and Nikky Potter were elected president and vice president for the 2025-26 academic year. For the first time in four years, Taylor University had several candidates running for student body president (SBP) and vice president (SBVP). 

Chris Jones speaks for TU admin.

Taylor University is undergoing changes. In a survey the administration sent, students expressed frustration and anger about long lines for food, difficulty registering for classes and the change of Swallow Robin hall’s co-residence.

Taylor buys new cars and vans

Taylor University bought 12 new vehicles in the last two years, Grounds Superintendent Kerry Shanebrook, said. Shanebrook oversees landscaping around campus, as well as snow removal, trash and recycling and the motor pool. 

Council approves water line repair

The town of Upland is looking to purchase new equipment to help fix water leaks and pipe bursts that have plagued the town in recent years. Upland Town Manager Jonathan Perez proposed that Upland purchase equipment and train city employees to fix pipe bursts, cracks and leaks at the city council meeting on March 4.

Trojans get a new food truck

A new dining option is coming to Taylor University’s campus this March. The food truck will specialize in quick meals like burrito bowls, tacos, stir fry or burgers, Sean Wojtkowski, resident director of AVI Food Systems, said.

Bridge rebuilding leads to Main Street closure

An infrastructure project continues to reshape downtown Upland, as the Indiana Department of Transportation began working on the replacement of the bridge leading into downtown, and a series of streetscape enhancements on March 3. The improvements, aimed at increasing safety and revitalizing the town’s core, are expected to be completed by November 2025 according to an announcement on their Facebook page.

Avian flu active in Grant County

Taylor University is paying 125% more for eggs compared to last semester, Sean Wojtkowski, resident director of AVI Foodsystems, said. Egg prices have increased due to the H5 Bird Flu, or the avian influenza, which has spread throughout the U.S., impacting local businesses and consumers.