Category Archives: Student Life

Dynamic Harpist/Soprano Duo en Route to Judson!

By Sarah Green and Jordan Ross

On September 29, 2016, Dr. Sadie Goodman, soprano and assistant professor of music at Judson College, and Keryn Wouden, harpist and faculty member at Lake Forest College in Illinois, performed a recital in the Alumnae Auditorium, with a reception following afterward in Archibald Hall.

Musical repertoire included pieces in a variety of languages, i.e., English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, and Norwegian, with artists such as George Frideric Handel, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, and Jean-Philippe Rameau. The recital had many pieces specifically composed for harp accompaniment, while others were adapted from piano scores by Wouden herself.

This was the first time Judson College has presented a harpist to the Alumnae Auditorium stage. When talking about it with Dr. Goodman afterward, she explained how there were a lot of firsts and challenges to overcome working with a harp for the first time. However, in the end, she was grateful to have done it. She stated that “it was a blessing to perform for an appreciative audience, and to be able to give this unique recital. A combination of voice and harp for an entire recital is almost unheard of, and I’m pleased to say that Keryn Wouden and I plan to give this recital again in Chicago in the spring.”

The audience seemed to enjoy the recital as well, with complete undivided attention toward the duo on stage. “It was very moving. I’ve never actually seen a harp in action, but it was very different, in an almost uplifting way,” Lauren Neary, a Junior-Soph, stated afterward, “Overall, it was a very touching performance.”

Freshman Kate Wright also shared similar sentiments. “To me, the recital was something different and interesting, as well as entertaining. I count opportunities like that as one of the side benefits of being at college,” she explained.

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Community•Student Life

Faculty and Staff Spotlight: Courtney Tindale

Over the course of the summer, Judson College has welcomed many faculty and staff members on its campus, faces both old and new. Courtney Tindale, director of Student Activities and Resident Director of WMU, is a face most third and fourth years will recognize, along with a majority of Judson’s faculty and staff members.

Growing up in Bremen, Alabama, in Cullman County, Tindale graduated from Cold Springs High School and attended Wallace State Community College before transferring to Judson for her last two years of undergraduate school. While here, she received degrees in Music and Psychology. Out of all of her classes, Tindale most enjoyed Counseling Principles and Practices with Dr. Harold Arnold and her private piano lessons with Mr. John Robertson. Before she came to Judson, she could not play piano at all, but as she explained, Dr. Robertson pushed her to do her best and helped her realize what she is truly capable of doing.

During her time at Judson, Tindale was a member of the Octopus family; her Little is Xandria Keylor (a current senior at Judson), and she considers her Big to be her best friend and fellow graduate, Christina Blain. Her favorite tradition would definitely be Hockey Day because of the opportunity to get to know people from other classes. Tindale surmised, “My favorite thing about Judson is the fact that it wasn’t ever just school, and it isn’t just a job. I have so many opportunities to serve in the Judson College community and the Marion community and to serve God.”

Many of the faculty and students who knew Courtney when she still attended Judson are happy to see her again. Senior Jordan Ross reminisced on the memories she made with Tindale and explained that “Courtney’s journey back to Judson has provided several moments of self-reflection for me. It is very interesting to have someone back on campus who observed you as a Freshwoman but will now be observing you as a Senior. I can only pray that she has seen some promising changes and growth in the Freshwoman that she once knew.”

Upon graduation, Tindale served in Miami at a church plant called Christ-Centered Church. Her favorite memories were getting to spend time with the Judson missions team last Spring Break and something her host family did called House Church. Because of how large the population of Miami is, it is difficult to have a church close enough to every resident. Tindale’s family hosted church in their home instead, welcoming people from the community every Sunday night for food, fellowship, and Bible study. Tindale found her time at Miami to be very rewarding, and if given the chance she would go back and possibly even serve in New York, where Judson alumna Brittany Hall is currently doing mission work.

Tindale didn’t plan to return to Judson, but according to her, “God was definitely behind it.” She loves the fact that she can be a Christian unapologetically and truly believes this is where she belongs. During her time here, she plans to make a difference in the lives of students while following God’s plans for her life. Her word of advice to the new students this year is to never be afraid to ask questions; she explains, “There are so many people who work at Judson that would love to help you in any way they can.” So, if you’re needing your access card fixed, or you want to participate in field hockey, or you simply want to get to know our newest Student Life staff member better, don’t be afraid to go and see her for yourself!

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Community•Student Life

November/December Dorm Happenings

Barron had a Thanksgiving party in the lobby. Residents wrote what they were thankful for on leaves for a thankfulness tree bulletin board. They then shared snacks and watched “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.” This fun event was immediately followed by a fire drill.

SGA hosted another fun game night in the J, which many attended. These students were engaging in a tense game of Jenga.

Each of the dorms had a Christmas party. They were all well attended, and each dorm celebrated the joy of the holiday in their own special way.

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Student Life•The Triangle

Judson Choir Sings with the Best

The Judson Singers recently attended the 14th Annual Alabama American Choral Directors Association Collegiate Choral Festival. Held in Birmingham, the event was host to seventeen college choirs showing off their talent and hard work. The Judson Singers choir was the only all-female group in attendance, and they received praise from many in attendance for their performance. The choir, directed by Dr. Camilla Horne and accompanied on the piano by Dr. Cindy St. Clair, opened with a powerful piece entitled, “God is Our Refuge.” This was followed by an a capella performance of “Set Me as a Seal” and a tender rendition of “Come Ye Disconsolate.” The finale was the moving song “Total Praise,” which rang out in the auditorium even after the music had finished. Dr. Horne said that “This performance experience gives the Judson Singers an opportunity to perform at the collegiate level, hear an extensive variety of outstanding choral music, and meet other singers from around the state.” She continued, “I think the ACDA Collegiate Festival experience is best described by Ludwig van Beethoven, who is quoted to say, ‘Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.’” Dr. Harold Arnold, a psychology professor at Judson, was able to attend the festival, and remarked, “I was very impressed with the quality of the various choral music programs in Alabama. I’m proud of the Judson Singers [for] performing alongside the best of them!”

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Student Life•The Triangle

2016 Christmas Parties

  • Putting up Barron Christmas tree
    Putting up the Christmas tree in Barron
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Student Life

Disenchanted Enchants Judson Students

What theatre production will satisfy your Disney princess fix, yet carry a message of female strength and dignity throughout? Why, “Disenchanted,” of course, performed over three nights at the Alumnae Auditorium. This off-Broadway hit, brought to the Judson stage in a special adaptation sure to bring pleasure to any viewer, featured an ensemble of nine talented Judson students bringing everyone’s favorite princesses to life. The story revealed the reality hiding behind the magic of classic fairy tales, including Rapunzel’s German origins, the impertinence of Sleeping Beauty’s prince kissing her while she slept, and Belle having a beastlike creature for a husband. Each princess had a musical number telling her grievances during a musical theatre production-the fourth wall was all but non-existent throughout the performance. The music ranged in variety from Sleeping Beauty’s inspirational tune “Perfect,” to the Little Mermaid’s country ballad “Two Legs,” to the audience participation piece led by Rapunzel, “Not One Red Cent.” Each princess was characterized with loving care, from the mirth and whimsy of Jordan Ross’ Cinderella, the charm of Karina Griniage’s Princess Who Kissed the Frog, and the dry humor of Cheyann McDaniel’s Princess Badroulbadour. Holding the play together was the strong personality of the Disney princess matriarch Snow White, played by Sarah Green. As funny and inspiring as each princess was on her own, however, the performance was strongest when they all supported each other and sang as a group. The closing numbers in particular were powerful and left an impact on the audience. On the whole, this was a wildly entertaining performance that will live on in the memories of Judson girls for years to come.

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Student Life

Students Activities Fair

What do the Cahaba River, whalebone carvings & handbells have in common? These are all associated with student organizations on the Judson campus that any student can become involved in. Many varied groups and activities were represented at the SGA-sponsored Get Connected Event on Wednesday, September 13. These included:

The English Club holds several events each semester, including Austen-themed dances and a Dickensian dinner at Christmas. Judson also has a NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) chapter led by the English club head, (Maegan) Fariss. For more information about how to become involved, contact her at mfariss@judson.edu.

The Scrimshaw is a student-created magazine that is created each year. It features student stories, poetry, photography and artwork. With the advent of new technology in recent years, it can also incorporate audio and video creations. If you would like to make a submission or get involved in the process, contact Sara Jean Lane at slane@ judson.edu.

The Triangle is Judson’s student-run newspaper. It covers all aspects of campus life and can always use photographers, graphic designers and freelance writers. To find out more, contact thetriangleonline@gmail.com

Judson is home to three science groups at this time, and may be adding a fourth. There is an overall Science Club, Earth Team, which is ecologically focused, and the by-invitation biology honor society Beta Beta Beta, or Tri-Beta. There is the potential for a Chemistry Club in the near future as well. There are many opportunities within these groups, including partnering with the art club to work on the cabin on the Cahaba River, listening to speakers, planting trees at Perry Lakes Park, and participating in Treats on Bibb Street. Special note: Tri-Beta is exclusively for biology major/minors, and students with eligible GPA’s will receive an invitation next semester. If you are interested in any of these groups, contact Erin Brown at ebrown2@judson.edu.

There is a new group on campus: the Judson chapter of the American Collegiate Horsemen’s Association (ACHA). As this chapter is just getting started, this is a great time to become a part. The goal is to build leadership through equine-focused community service. For more information, visit collegiatehorsemen.org or email Tiffany Pugh at tpugh@judson.edu.

The Society is the name of the art club on campus, and they are producing some extremely creative pieces. They have fun events throughout the year, including several bake sales. For more info, contact Jewellyn Davis at jdavis7@judson.edu.

Delta Psi is Judson’s chapter of Delta Omicron, an international organization for music major/minors. Delta Psi members perform at community events and help act as hosts during recitals here at Judson. New members will be added in January. For more information, contact Kaitlyn Garrison at kgarrison@judson.edu.

The Business Club is reinventing itself this semester, and hopes to offer a variety of workshops on topics of interest to all students. These will include dressing professionally and filling out tax forms. They also serve great snacks at their meetings, so go check them out. Contact Shana Dupree at sdupree@judson.edu for details.

The Psychology Club is looking for new members. Two of most frequent activities include research through fun social experiments, and watching movies with psychological elements featured, such as “Inside Out.” The leadership is also open to new ideas for things to do. Send Amber Sutton at asutton@judson.edu if you are interested.

The Judson Justice League is a relatively new organization that is dedicated to sparking an interest in what goes on in the various levels of the American justice system. Activities are still being planned, so contact Leah Boyd at lboyd@judson.edu as soon as possible.

The Athletic Board helps support the athletic teams in all possible ways and encourages school spirit. They accept all students, athletes and non-athletes alike, so contact Brianna Allen at ballen@judson.edu today.

The Bowling Library is hosting a variety of book clubs this semester. If you would like to participate, email Ms. Abernathy at aabernathy@judson.edu for a complete list.

This semester Amy Butler is the Faith Based Service Learning (FBSL) coordinator and Courtney Tindale is over Student Life. Amy helps students benefit the Marion community in ways that tie in with their interests. If you would like to serve, send her an email at abutler@judson.edu. Student Life oversees all the student groups/organizations as well as more informal events like movie nights at Lowder. If you think of something fun  that you think should happen, or you want to host something and get the whole campus involved, contact Courtney at ctindale1@judson.edu.

Unless otherwise noted, any student can become involved in these groups, regardless of their major or minor.

studentactivitiesfair

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Student Life•The Triangle

Student Life- Transfer Students

Barron is home to seven students different from any other: the transfers. Judson has drawn eight transfer students to campus this semester (one is a commuter). They are experiencing Judson from a unique perspective, as they have been flung headlong into traditions, specifically Pageant, and seeking both Big and Little Sisters. These transfers mostly hail from community colleges such as Wallace State Community College and Shelton State Community College, with the exception of Taylor Tubbs, who started college at Ole Miss before transferring here for her fifth year of school.

Despite their previous college experience, their reasons for transferring to Judson are much the same as those of any freshman. Courtney Tillman cited the Christian atmosphere as an important factor, and Ebony Moore and Kaylee Roth were excited about the school’s specialization in their major area. Lauren Neary was particularly concerned about finding a small, tight-knit community, and Tubbs had heard stories about how caring the professors are. The ladies’ overall expectations for what Judson might be like were possibly a little different from their freshman sisters, however. When asked what was most surprising about the Judson atmosphere, Neary responded that she was surprised by, “How quickly I was accepted for who I was.”

Roth echoed this sentiment, noting “How quickly people were wanting to get to know you.” Tubbs pointed out that “It’s definitely not that way at a large university.”

Perhaps most powerful was Moore’s viewpoint that “The staff and the students […] make you feel as if you are already at home.”

All of the transfers are adjusting admirably and beginning to love the school with all its unique attributes. Roth said she was enjoying the traditions, “But especially the food. My mom can’t cook,” she said, laughing.

Nearly everyone said that their favorite part of Judson was the community. The community certainly seems to be enjoying the transfers. Senior Sarah Green said of her new Little, Lauren Neary, “She has had a positive effect on my life and family tree […] She lit up the atmosphere of the campus just by being here.”

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Student Life•The Triangle

Student Government Elections

 By : Macey Carter

studentgovernmentelections1studentgovernmentelections2

Each year, the student body chooses from amongst its incredible leaders to represent a variety of clubs, classes, and organizations. With nearly every event being student-led, it is crucial that an outstanding bunch of students is chosen for such difficult tasks.

The election of these students in each position takes place at the beginning of the fall term and each candidate must have certain academic qualifications as well as leadership capabilities meeting the position’s responsibilities.

Here are Judson College’s 2016-2017 representatives:

SGA

President- Destany Sherman

Vice President of Government- Katie Owens

Vice President of Activities- Erin Brown

Secretary- Katie Daniel

Treasurer- Quenteeria Mooney

Community Service Coordinator- Leah Boyd

Publicity Coordinator- Blair Carrier

4th Year Rep- Becky Tucker

3rd Year Rep- Peyton Walker

2nd Year Rep-Ashtin Morris

1st Year Rep- Kelly Fuller

WMU Rep- Liz Alsobrook

Barron Rep- Cassidy Harrison

Honor Council

President- Lillie Hobson

WMU Rep- Katie Daniel

Barron Rep- Quenteeria Mooney

Kirtley Rep- Audriania Thicklin

4th Year Rep- Becky Tucker

3rd Year Rep- Shana Dupree

1st Year Rep- Kelly Fuller

Social Committee

Chair- Anna Catherine Borden

WMU Rep- Liz Alsobrook

Barron Rep-Kate Wright

Kirtley Rep- Katherine Hunter

4th Year Rep- Becky Tucker

3rd Year Rep- Sarah Stringfellow

2nd Year Rep- Mattye Crowder

1st Year Rep- Heather Carlson

Senior Class Officers

President- Kristina Gentry

Vice President- Miranda Brown

Secretary- Ariel Billingsley

Treasurer- Anna Catherine Borden

Song Leader- Sara Jean Lane

Chaplain- Alexis Whetstone

Jr/Soph Class Officers

President- Megan Matthews

Vice President- Shelby Lauzon

Secretary- Katie Daniel

Treasurer- McKenzie Wilton

Song Leader- Lorna Wikle

Chaplain- Kayla Oliver

Freshman Class Officers

President- Hannah Woods

Vice President- Heather Carlson

Treasurer- Stephanie Craig

Song Leader- Macey Carter

Chaplain- Sherry “Bri” Alvarado

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Student Life•The Triangle

International Friends Retreat

Twelve Judson students made the trip to Cook Springs, Ala. to attend the 2016 International Friends Retreat on September 30 & October 1. Among these were six international students (five from Myanmar, one from Bolivia). The event began with an example of an American birthday party that all were invited to celebrate. Following this, the American students joined the international students in learning how to square dance and showed them how to make s’mores over a campfire. Afterward, the Judson girls regaled the dorm with choir and step sing songs.

The next morning, all the students embarked on an adventure. This included canoeing, hiking, playing knockerball, and ziplining. After these exhilarating events, the Judson students were the Red, White & Blue team for the Alabama Amazing Race, which was a scavenger hunt based on Alabama culture and landmarks. The attendees came away with a lot of memories made and closer bonds formed between the international and American students.

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Student Life•The Triangle