By Sydney LeyerleMental Health in College Sports
COMING TOGETHER – Students, athletes, and faculty met at 10:30 a.m. to hear Dr. Keller begin her session on mental health in college. The session had so much turnout that there was attendees sitting on the floor. (Photo by Mya McNew)
OPINIONS MATTER – Indiana Wesleyan University track athletes sat in on Dr. Kellers “Mental Health in College Sports” session and debriefed about questions asked by Dr. Keller. They compared how they felt as an athlete in high school to an athlete in college and the big differences. (Photo by Mya McNew)
SPEAKING OUT – Merideth DeVries explained to Lydia Frecker and Maycie Porter her opinion on Vanderbilt lacrosse player, Cailin and her story. DeVries realized she related to Cailin’s story more than she thought. (Mya McNew)
REACHING OUT – Dr. Keller ended her discussion with resources and ways to reach out for athletes and students who struggle with their mental health. Keller mentioned the free therapy service IWU offers, Timely Care, that is always mobile and available. (Mya McNew)
Better than Book Bans
POWERED THROUGH MCCONN – Dr. Jones began her lecture by highlighting IWU’s coffee shop, McConn, and how she never goes without it. Jones has her special coffee order pictured with her. (Photo by Mya McNew)
SMALL DETAILS – Dr. McCracken began the session with the bible verse, Romans 12:2, which reminded listeners to begin with a faith-based mindset. Throughout the session, Jones and McCracken made connections with other bible verses like James 1:19-20. (Photo by Mya McNew)
HAVING A VOICE – Dr. McCracken read the book “Sulwe” and gave examples of race within books and how they affect elementary students. McCracken gave the book life by using his voice and reading like the attendees were elementary school students. (Photo by Mya McNew)
KEY DETAILS – Ellie Houtz took notes at the beginning of Dr. Jones and Dr. McCracken’s session to ensure she got all the details and important information. (Photo by Mya McNew)
Dr. John McCracken, speaker for the 2024 Isaiah 1:17 Day, introduces the difficult topic of banned books within schools. McCraken, professor of teacher education at Indiana Wesleyan University, said he wants to discuss how we can bring truth into the classroom in a respectful and direct way. (Photo by Kelsey Bratten)
Dr. Sarah Jones, speaker for the 2024 Isaiah 1:17 Day, addressed the removal of books. Jones, professor of teacher education at Indiana Wesleyan University, talked about why we should take action regarding the issue. Jones hopes that students will be moved into action. (Photo by Kelsey Bratten)
Dr. John McCraken, speaker for the 2024 Isaiah 1:17 Day, reads a book to students during the talk, “Better Than Book Bans.” McCraken, professor of teacher education at Indiana Wesleyan University, stated that this book had been challenged, but not banned. The book “Sulwe” follows an African American girl struggling with her dark complexion. (Photo by Kelsey Bratten)
Dr. John McCraken, speaker for the 2024 Isaiah 1:17 Day, read a second book to students at the talk, “Better Than Book Bans.” McCraken, professor of teacher education at Indiana Wesleyan University, told listeners that this book had been challenged. The book “Freedom Summer” follows best friends, John Henry, who is African American and Joe, who is white. This book stresses the topic of racial injustice. (Photo by Kelsey Bratten)
Accurate Scales and Information Integrity
MORNING MATHMATICS–IWU Students and community members heard from Mathematics Professor Mel Royer during a morning session of Tuesday’s Isaiah 1:17 Day. Royer lectured on dishonest scales, accurate scoring and how data can be manipulated for one’s personal gain. This lecture was a division-focused session for Mathematics and Engineering. (Photo by Emily Bontrager)
KICKING THINGS OFF—Professor of Mathematics, Daniel Kiteck introduces Mel Royer, the first speaker for Accurate Scales and Information Integrity. While Kiteck was not a speaker at the event, he welcomed the audience and introduced both speakers. This event was one of many division-focused sessions at Indiana Wesleyan University’s Day of Common Learning. (Photo by Emily Bontrager)
TIPPING THE SCALES—Professor of Mathematics, Mel Royer talked to students about how individual biases can lead to misinterpretation data. As part of his presentation, Royer showed many statistics from real-world social issues. “I would like to encourage more appreciation for the complexity of social problems,” said Royer. (Photo by Emily Bontrager)
Hot Tongues and Spicy Wings
COOL DRINKS FOR HOT TONGUES—IWU theater professor Dr. Steve Wood sets out bottles of Sprite and Minute Maid lemonade for Isaiah 1:17 Day’s Hot Tongues and Spicy Wings event. Wood, along with Mike Miller of IGO and The Rev. Drew Morrell discussed racial issues while eating spicy wings. “It’s a time for everyone to celebrate, because everyone comes from somewhere,” said Miller. (Photo by Emily Bontrager)
SPICY WINGS—Steve Wood and The Rev. Drew Morrell enjoy Garlic Parmesan wings provided by Wings Etc. These are the first wings the pair tasted during the Hot Tongues and Spicy Wings session of IWU’s Isaiah 1:17 Day. Wood said, “I show my dominance over nature by eating it.” (Photo by Emily Bontrager)
SHARING THE SPICE—Freshman Andrew Scalf helps himself to some spicy wings provided by Wings Etc. The wings were part of the Hot Tongues and Spicy Wings event hosted by IWU theater professor Dr. Steve Wood. During the session, Wood, along with guests Mike Miller and The Rev. Drew Morrell discussed various topics including racial justice, Christianity and interracial relationships. (Photo by Emily Bontrager)
HOT WINGS AND HOT TOPICS—Freshman Lucas Vargo ate spicy wings at the Hot Tongues and Spicy Wings event on Isaiah 1:17 Day. “I like to torture myself with spicy wings,” said Vargo. Students were encouraged to eat wings provided by Wings Etc. while listening to the panel of speakers. (Photo by Emily Bontrager)
Good Wings, Good Times – Mike Miller, a member Of Intercultural and Global offices shared spicy wings with Drew Morrell and Steve Wood. Miller discussed things like interracial relationships and how to go about them. (Photo by Lucas Vargo)
Wings and discussion – Students enjoyed a variety of spicy wings while attending Hot
Tongues and Spicy Topics Tuesday afternoon. Steve Wood hosted Drew Morrell and Mike Miller to discuss topics on race and biblical applications to one’s life. (Photo by Lucas Vargo)
Excited for Jesus – Drew Morrell preaches about living for God during Hot Tongues and Spicy Topics. Morrell said our lives now point to who we will become. (Photo by Lucas Vargo)
Latino Student Association Discussion
TAKING CHARGE – Mario Rangel, host for the 2024 Latino Student Association Panel Discussion, took charge and asked the panel members the first question. Rangel facilitated the conversation throughout LSA’s event. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)
SIGNIFICANT STORIES – Mario Rangel, host for the 2024 Latino Student Association Panel Discussion, shared a personal story with the panel members. Rangel said he remembers making piñatas for his son’s birthday, and wishes similar pieces of culture were mainstream at Indiana Wesleyan University. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)
POSITIVE OUTLOOK – Zina Teague, a panel member of the Latino Student Association Panel Discussion, discussed the topic of privilege. Teague, Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards at Indiana Wesleyan University, said she recognizes her own blessings and privileges while understanding that everyone goes through different experiences in life. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)
ADMIRABLE ADVICE – Marlem Romo, a panel member of the 2024 Latino Student Association Panel Discussion, shared advice with the audience. Romo, a student at Indiana Wesleyan University, said it is important to explore and embrace your culture as well as others. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)
PANELISTS PREP – The Latino Student Association invited six panelists to discuss their experiences as persons of color at a predominantly white nstitution. The panel took place in the Jones Banquet Hall this afternoon and included a mix of students and staff from a variety of backgrounds. (Photo by Jerah Winn)
Listening to the Lord: Replacing Social Media with Prayer
PATIENTLY WAITING – Students at Indiana Wesleyan University waited for the next session of Isaiah 1:17 day to begin. Emma Pettitt, a senior at IWU, presented the topic of replacing social media with prayer. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)
SHARING RESEARCH – Emma Pettitt, the host of Listening to the Lord, shared the results of a survey conducted on Indiana Wesleyan University students detailing prayer and social media usage. Pettitt, a senior at IWU, said the survey results showed students wanted to get better at turning to prayer and limiting social media use. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)
TYING IT TOGETHER – Erin Devers, a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, closed the session of Listening to the Lord with prayer. Emma Pettitt, host of the session and a student at IWU, said she welcomes anyone to join her in deleting social media and focusing on prayer. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)
SETTING GOALS – Lilly Zander, an audience member of Listening to the Lord, looked at a handout from the session with a friend. Zander, a junior at Indiana Wesleyan University, said she looks forward to focusing on her prayer life. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)
Mental Health in College Athletes
BREAKING IT DOWN – One session from the Isaiah 1:17 Day, Mental Health in College Athletes, raised awareness for poor mental health in both students and athletes alike. Students broke into small groups and discussed personal struggles throughout the session. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)
JOINING IN – Indiana Wesleyan University students and faculty members alike joined the discussion of mental health. The Mental Health in College Athletes session fostered open conversation and community. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)
RAISING AWARENESS – Nathan Reep, one of the hosts for the Mental Health in College Athletes session, guided the audience through a group discussion. Reep, a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, said it is important to speak up and begin taking steps toward getting better. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)
Student Before Athlete – Section leader Nathan Reep shows a Ted Talk of Cailin Bracken talking about her battle with mental health. Bracken talked about how she had to battle mental health issues to rediscover her love of lacrosse. (Photo by Lucas Vargo)
Mental Health Matters – Students and faculty gather in the Recreation and Wellness Center to discuss mental health among college students. Nathan Reep led the discussion and said mental health resources are available in different fashions on campus. (Photo by Lucas Vargo)
Nowhere to Turn
Zach Aument led the 10:30 a.m. group meeting in the Century Dining Hall. Aument discussed what he calls “vocational imaginary” which means people only have a small amount of knowledge of what is available as a career based on life factors. (Photo by Lucas Vargo)
Underqualified – Zach Aument lectures on his discovery that employers are struggling to find qualified workers. Aument said this is partially due to less students getting degrees. (Photo by Lucas Vargo)
Restricted growth – Zach Aument, a first generation college student, lists several factors that he sees as preventing people from getting out of poverty. Aument said the list is evolving as well. Aument said when he was younger, climate would not have been on the list. (Photo by Lucas Vargo)
Speaking Truth in Love: Justice for the Pre-Born
Gabe Hooper, speaker for the 2024 Isaiah 1:17 Day, mingled with students before the start of the talk, “Speaking Truth in Love: Injustice for the Pre-Born.” Hooper, Vice President of the Students for Life club, wanted to connect with the students before the talk. It took place within IWU’s Student Center in the Jones Banquet Room from 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This talk explained why many Americans believe abortions are necessary. (Photo by Kelsey Bratten)
Beth Snyder, speaker for the 2024 Isaiah 1:17 Day, encourages students to care about the topic of abortion. Snyder, President of Students for Life club at Indiana Wesleyan University, said that abortion is a human rights issue. (Photo by Kelsey Bratten)
Gabe Hooper, speaker for the 2024 Isaiah 1:17 Day, informs students why people defend abortions. Hooper, Vice President of Students for Life club at Indiana Wesleyan University, said that as a man he may never understand, but he will do everything to help. (Photo by Kelsey Bratten)
Beth Snyder and Gabe Hooper, speakers for the 2024 Isaiah 1:17 Day, offer information for pregnancy centers within Marion, Indiana. Snyder and Hooper, both leaders of the Student for Life club, invite students to participate in a donation drive for mothers. (Photo by Kelsey Bratten)
Sanfoka Journey Through Grant County’s Racialized Past- Grant County Bus Tour
HAWKINS GIVES TOUR – Dr. Rusty Hawkins talks about the history of sundown towns in Grant County. Hawkins led the Racial Injustice Sankofa Tour through Grant County as part of the Day of Common Learning. (Photo by Jerah Winn)
SANKOFA TOUR IN MARION – Participants in the Racial Injustice Sankofa Tour through Grant County walk toward the Marion courthouse. The group of IWU students, alumni, and staff on the tour Tuesday morning walked from Marion’s former jail to the courthouse where a lynching occurred in 1930. (Photo by Jerah Winn)
OUTSIDE MARION COURTHOUSE – Dr. Rusty Hawkins tells a group of IWU students and staff about the 1930 lynching of two young Black men in Marion — Abram Smith and Thomas Shipp. The Sankofa Bus Tour made a stop at the site where the lynching occurred. (Photo by Jerah Winn)
HAWKINS’ CLOSING WORDS – After the Sankofa Bus Tour, Dr. Rusty Hawkins gives closing remarks in a classroom in Goodman Hall. The tour ended with some reflection on the effects Grant County’s racialized history has had on Indiana Wesleyan. (Photo by Jerah Winn)
Mya McNew 
Emily Lamb 
Faith Vander Laan