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Lions and Tigers and Nostalgia for All to Enjoy!
By Chloe, Staff Writer
In just over a week, MVNU’s theater department will grace the stage with the familiar narrative of “The Wizard of Oz.” This stage adaptation of the 1939 film captures the magic and whimsy of the original movie, while telling its story in a new way. From ruby red slippers to yellow brick roads, this colorfully classic tale has something for everyone to enjoy.
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Zane Menzie, an MVNU senior who has acted in several of the university’s past productions, stepped into the role of head director for “The Wizard of Oz” this fall. “Directing… this show means a lot to me because I’ve done theater since I was in the second grade,” he reflected. “It’s been really cool to see myself grow into someone who’s able to take on a directing role.”
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Sophomore worship arts major Kate Carter plays the iconic and beloved role of Dorothy Gale in the fall play. In describing what it has been like to portray this role, she said, “It kind of brings me back to being a kid again, and it’s just been really fun playing a young character in that way.” Carter has enjoyed the challenge of bringing depth to Dorothy’s character and playing off the other actors in the cast.
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Both Carter and Menzie emphasized the timeless charm of the upcoming production. “There is such a magic to the simplicity and lightheartedness of the show, and I think that it is for any age to enjoy,” Carter said. Menzie hopes the play reminds adult viewers of watching the movie in their youth.
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So, consider following the yellow brick road to MVNU’s performance hall on Nov. 7-9 to join the cast on their adventure through the nostalgia-tinged land of Oz. You might just leave the theater feeling like a kid again.
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Commuters find Connection at MVNU’s Monthly “Pit Stop”
By Allessia Dugan, Staff Writer
For commuter students, college life looks just a little different. Instead of dorm rooms and late-night hall activities, many balance classes with jobs, family and long drives to campus. With so many responsibilities pulling them in different directions, it’s easy for commuters to feel disconnected from campus life.
To help bridge that gap, MVNU’s SGA has been hosting a monthly commuter pit stop, a small event with a big goal: helping commuters feel more connected to campus life. Each month offers something different, like free treats, coffee and fun activities in the commuter lounge. From decorating pumpkins and sipping coffee, these gatherings create space for conversation and community.
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Senior commuter Hannah McCoy said, “I love the monthly pit stops; they give me a chance to relax with my friends while doing a fun activity… it makes me feel very welcomed.” For many, these gatherings are a rare moment of community in otherwise hectic schedules.
Still, some students wonder whether one monthly event is enough. The pit stop is a positive step, but it raises a larger question: What does true inclusion for commuter students look like? With commuters making up a significant portion of MVNU’s student body, feeling connected shouldn’t rely on occasional snacks or seasonal crafts. While the commuter lounge provides a much-needed home base with space to study and socialize, more could be done to integrate commuters into the pulse of campus life. Could clubs and organizations schedule more events at commuter-friendly times? Could hybrid student activities, evening gatherings, or virtual engagement options help commuters stay involved without extending their days?
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Senior Ashley Mast reflected, “These monthly events help me to slow down and check in with myself and my friends,” but even she acknowledged that between long commutes and tight schedules, finding time for campus involvement is tough.
As MVNU continues to build community, the commuter experience deserves ongoing attention—not just pit stops, but pathways for belonging. The commuter pit stop stands out as a small but meaningful tradition that helps turn the drive to campus into a drive toward community.
Checking In on Transfers: How MVNU Students Find Belonging After the Move
By Isaiah Clark, Staff Writer
Transferring to a new university can bring both excitement and uncertainty. At MVNU, transfer students come for a variety of reasons—from school closures to personal goals and major changes—but all share a common desire to find community and belonging.
Peyton Lewallen, associate resident director of upperclassmen and graduate assistant for campus life, said that MVNU focuses on helping transfer students settle in and succeed. “We want transfer students to know they belong here,” Lewallen said. “Our goal is to walk with them through that transition, connect them to campus life, and help them find community that fits who they are.”
For junior Emerson Ramos, who came to MVNU after Eastern Nazarene College closed, those connections began immediately. “I instantly got connected with men’s volleyball and the chapel team,” he said, “Even after stepping away from the team, those friendships have stayed strong, and being part of chapel has deepened my faith.”
For Destini Turcotte, also a junior and ENC transfer, adjusting to a new campus culture took more time. “It’s definitely been an adjustment coming into a place where people have known each other for years,” she said, “Even when you feel like you’re part of a group, there are still inside jokes and things you don’t understand at first.”
Turcotte said she’s learned that involvement makes a difference. “I’m in theater, and that’s helped me adjust and stay busy,” she said. “MVNU is beautiful and a very accepting community. You just must make yourself known.”
Faith, she added, has been her foundation through it all.
“There are times when the only person around is God, and that’s a blessing in itself,” she said. “Everyone has a story to share, and I just want to show others Christ’s love.”
