When Patricia Pegram transferred to EMU as a junior last semester, she looked around at the view, breathed in the mountain air, read the Outdoor Ministries program description, and geared up for all the extra-curricular activities that surely would be offered. As it turns out, there were none. So she laced up her hiking boots and made it happen herself, and EMU Explore was born.

Pegram describes the club as simply “hanging out on the weekends with friends, and getting to go hiking and getting good exercise, just having fun and having awesome experiences.”

On their way to chapel students may have noticed the new sidewalk that connects two of the walkways to Lehman Auditorium. This little bit of construction is not the only thing that Phys Plant has in store; the campus is taking a turn toward becoming more handicap-accessible.

According to Eldon Kurtz, manager of the Phys Plant, aside from the new sidewalk, there is now an accessible restroom in the IEP house. A ramped sidewalk for the house is in the works as well. Over the summer, Kurtz says, “[The Phys Plant plans] to modify restrooms in a number of buildings in conjunction with major renovation projects. This includes the lower level library restrooms adjacent to a new CJP suite…and also renovations of Elmwood and Maplewood dorms.”

Beyond the bugs, poison ivy, and bed-wetting seven year olds, summer camp is a great opportunity to “become the leader you were meant to be.” According to Physical Education & Recreation department chair Lester Zook during Wednesday’s chapel, these are only some of the perks, not to mention getting to go swimming every day. Three students followed, sharing small glimpses into their camp experiences.

On Friday, January 29, Eastern Mennonite University’s Mainstage Theater was taken over by “Mennos” ready to rock.

With the three high school bands Empty Set, Prevail, and Heroic Skies opening for EMU’s own Vineyard 55, an interesting group of folks were present. As each high school band took the stage, the most fervent fans huddled around the stage changed. Looking through the seats in the theater, those that remained seemed to be a mix of college students and parents, most likely of the performing bands.

For those wondering why the track always seems to be blocked off five days a week between 4:00 and 6:30, the answer is simple. Track season is here. During these two and a half hours, dedicated athletes meet at the indoor track to receive their workout assignments and practice for that Saturday’s meet.

Matt Dougherty, Eastern Mennonite University’s new track and cross country coach, has been very pleased with his team so far. “It’s a very good start for who we have. While we do have a long way to go, we have a core of talented and dedicated athletes.”

I have noticed a particular pattern that began during my young adult years and has lead me to question many things. Video games. Personal video games have been available for people of all ages for nearly three decades, and during that time many stereotypes and biases have been created. I grew up without video games although a few of my male friends had Xboxes in their living rooms. It wasn’t until after starting school at EMU that I was introduced to the world of addiction—to gaming.