Shield Media

by Hannah Traczynski If you’ve watched any football, basketball, baseball or hockey game recently, you’ve probably noticed something different. The commercials aren’t just about cars or food anymore; they’re about odds boosts, bonus bets and same-game parlays. Even during time-outs or halftime, analysts reference betting lines like it’s just another stat. Sports betting isn’t separate from sports anymore; it’s built into the experience.

By Cyrus Watkins Navigating life as a college student can be difficult sometimes. Between academics, sports, social life, and work, it can be tricky finding a balance. On top of that, there comes this pressure to have your life figured out—when in reality, most of us don't. As I'm finishing up my last semester here at RCU, I've started to feel a bit of that "quarter-life crisis," and I realized I can't be the only one experiencing it.

by Hannah Traczynski The Photography Club is a growing organization on campus dedicated to creativity, connection and visual storytelling. Led by President Samantha Smith and supported by student officers and Professor Zac Watson, the club welcomes anyone interested in photography, regardless of experience level. We spoke with members of the Photography Club to learn more about their mission, activities and goals for the year. Q: What is the purpose or mission of the Photography Club?

Shares her RCU story in her own words Coming to Rochester Christian University was never in my original plans, but God had me here for a reason, and it was where I was supposed to be. I am originally from Rochester Hills, so RCU was an option for me because it was close to home. However, it wasn’t my first choice. I committed to play lacrosse somewhere else. The day I was walking across the stage for high school graduation, I got the news that their program was cut.

By Isabela Placencia Unlike other universities, Rochester Christian University lacks visible student activism on campus, which surprises me, as Jesus compelled his followers to advocate for the marginalized. It seems we are only advocating for ourselves. Initially, I noticed the lack of student activism in April 2024 when students at Columbia University, an Ivy League university in New York City, formed the Gaza Solidarity Encampment.

By Seraphina Dumitrescu Dr. Jerrica Pitzen, assistant professor of clinical psychology and director of the clinical psychology master's program, discusses RCU's National Alliance on Mental Illness Club, in which she advises. What is the purpose of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Club? RCU students at a meeting of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Club.

by Isabela Placencia RCU’s Community Programming Board is an organization of student leaders whose goals are to make students feel welcomed through emotional support and fun activities.

A senior management major, Aiden Alspaugh competes for RCU men’s baseball. Here is his story in his own words. I am originally from Lansing, Michigan, but chose to play baseball and study business administration at Trine University. After one year there, I realized it wasn’t a good fit for me. I entered the transfer portal and was recruited to RCU, and I fell in love with the place on my first visit. RCU’s baseball program is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Artificial intelligence continues to reshape college classrooms, leaving faculty and students grappling with how far the technology should be used in academics. As universities explore the benefits of AI, some professors see it as a necessary tool for future careers, while others worry it undermines the very purpose of higher education.

By Isabela Placencia Rochester Christian University’s art program offers multiple studio art classes, primarily taught by Professor Kris Schaedig, designed to help students advance their art skills or pursue an art minor or concentration. Professor Kris Schaedig Photo by Isabela Placencia “I come to this thinking that anyone can learn these skills, and it’s my job to bring that out to people,” Schaedig said, when discussing her teaching philosophy regarding art.