Category: 2020-21

“Trump might be ridiculous for the rest of the world, but he is sane and wise man for the Taliban” stated a senior leader of the Taliban. 

This weekend senior leaders of the Taliban told reporters from CBS, that they endorse another Trump presidency. After President Trump shockingly boasted that he will have American troops pulled out of Afghanistan by the end of the year, it was reported the Taliban celebrated. 

The Taliban is an Islamic fundamentalist group based in the middle east. President Trump’s campaign has declined the endorsement.

Nobel Prizes were handed out this week. So far, five have been Americans. One for literature, chemistry, physics, and two in the physiology or medicine categories. More awards will be given out this week in other categories. The first awards were given out in 1901 after the scientist/inventor Alfred Nobel. 

This week, Eddie Van Halen passed away after a long battle with cancer. He is known for his guitar playing in his rock band named Van Halen. He was 65.

Another legend lost this week was baseball’s hall of fame pitcher, Whitey Ford. Known as “The Chairman of the Board”, Ford pitched 16 seasons for the New York Yankees finally retiring in 1967 but still remained active in coaching and training activities with the team. He was 91.  

In Defiance College news, FASFA applications are now available to complete. The college is offering workshops to help students who still need to fill out their FASFA for next year. For more information visit the Finacial Aid website at http://www.defiance.edu/financial-aid/index.html  or email the financial aid office financialaid@defiance.edu 

Here are the times of the FASFA workshops happening this month. Visit the financial aid website and click the date to attend. 

October 16, 12 – 2 PM
October 22, 5 – 7 PM
October 30, 2 – 4 PM
November 13, 2 – 4 PM
November 16, 5 – 7 PM
December 11, 2 – 4 PM
December 14, 5 – 7 PM

Written by: AD Johnson

*** On Wednesday, September 24, during a press conference in Kentucky, the Attorney General Daniel Cameron announced one officer would be indited in the case against the murder of Breonna Taylor. The other two officers “were justified in their use of force.”, according to the Attorney General Cameron. 

The decision was met with protests around the country.  

Earlier this month, according to NPR.com, the city of Louisville announced a $12 million settlement — the largest in its history — in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Taylor’s family. 

*** A little over a week ago, Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away in her home at the age of 87. She served 27 years on the supreme court being nominated in 1993 by President Clinton. 

Her death sparked a heated debate over whether a president should nominate a potential judge during an election year. In the past, the situation has come up in the past with the most recent being during President Obama’s last year of office. In that case, the nomination was held off till after the election.  

President Trump, however, decided to nominated Amy Coney Barret to replace Justice Ginsburg. According to NPR.com, “Barrett is expected to begin meeting with senators early this week, and the Senate Judiciary Committee is slated to begin hearings on Oct. 12. 

*** Last week, the Emmy’s were held. Like most big events, the award show made changes due to COVID. The host, Jimmy Kimmel, performed to an empty room and the winners made speeches from their homes. The most notable winners were Schitt’s creek, the first show to win every award in the comedy category, Watchmen, RuPaul’s Drag race, and Succession. 

*** On Saturday, President Mankey announced in an email that DC has experienced our first COVID outbreak. Staff have been working through the weekend sorting out those that could be impacted by contact tracing and have quarantine and isolated those involved. 

“As a reminder: Defiance College REQUIRES everyone on campus to wear a mask when around other people, perform a health check through our Campus Clear app, physical distance whenever possible, clean and sanitize their space, and show respect to others.” 

Please wear a mask and follow all social distancing guidelines. 

Written by: AD Johnson 

This Wednesday, September 9, 2020, the Defiance College will be having an Academic and Organization Fair for all students. Freshman and Seniors are welcome to browse the tables located between the library and Serrick from 11:00 am –12:00 pm. Juniors and Sophomores can look around from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.

It is an opportunity for students to find out more information on different organizations offered by the college. Each Academic department will also have designated spots for students to check out if interested.  

If anyone is interested in writing for The Defender, there will be a sign-up sheet at the English Department table along with other fun and totally cool things (I can’t say there will be cake pops but there will be cake pops at our table). 

The live-action movie, Mulan, premiered this weekend on Disney+ for $29.99 in addition to the subscription fee. Fans that don’t want to pay the almost $30, the movie will be available for free December 4, 2020, for those with subscriptions. 

The movie’s release was not without controversy, however. Many Asian pro-democracy advocates called for a ban of the movie after the lead actress, Yifei Liu, made remarks in support of the Hong Kong police. Read more about the ban at https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-54024810 

This week, Taco Bell announced they will remove more items off their menu in November. The news comes as a jolt to fans everywhere as Taco bell had previously removed a dozen popular items last month including all potato items. According to Tacobell.com, the soon to be gone items include “Mexican pizza, all items with shredded chicken, and Pico de Gallo. 

Written by: AD Johnson

** This past Thursday and Friday, over 30 speakers and musical guests spoke and performed in person and virtually for the March on Washington. It marked the 57^th year since Martin Luther King Jr led the march and gave his famous “I have a dream” speech. Among the speakers where Martin Luther King III, members of George Floyd’s family, and Reverend Al Sharpton. Reverend Sharpton called on the President to act on the injustices surrounding Breona Taylor, George Floyd, and many others by asking President Trump why he does not “call their names”. 

**The 100^th anniversary of the 19^th amendment happened this week as well. The 19^th amendment gave the right to vote for white women. It was ratified on August 26, 1920. Forty-five years later, in August, the Voting Rights Act became law which outlawed discriminations against voters and allowed all citizens the right to vote. 

** “Black Panther” star, Chadwich Boseman, passed away Friday after a long battle with cancer. Along with “Black Panther”, Boseman acted in several other films including “Marshall” and “42”. He kept his diagnosis secret, and his death came as a shock to most fans. He was 43. 

** In Defiance College news, classes began last week to a new format with classes being in-person and virtual. Some students enjoyed the new ways while others thought it would take getting used to and wasn’t a fan.

“I was very stressed out and overwhelmed. I think they (the professors) could have given us a little more information earlier [as to] which group we would be in” one student said.  

Jess L states, “I am the type of learner where I prefer in-person classes because I learn better that way—from the interactions…that are offered for in-person classes” 

“I recognize the need to keep everyone safe, but I do prefer in-person classes more,” Jess said. 

Reflecting on the past spring semester, Professor Engel, Assistant Professor of English and Director of Composition, hoped to just make it through the semester in person as he felt the online format limited his strengths in teaching. “It’s harder to build community, read a classroom, and make minor adjustments to respond to students’ needs in an online course–especially when we had to make the shift so suddenly. I think this semester will be better because we all have planned with the idea that we might need to transition at some point” expressed Dr. Engel.

The new structured classes are temporary and once COVID is better controlled or over, classes will resume normally. 

Written by: A.D. Johnson

This is the year of a U.S. Presidential Election Year.  Election Day will take place on November 3, 2020.

The people running for President that will appear on the Ohio ballot will be Donald Trump (R), Joe Biden (D), Jo Jorgensen (L), and Howie Hawkins (G). 

To get ready for Election Day, students can make sure they are registered to vote and find their polling place.  All students who are eligible to vote can be registered by clicking this link to sign up https://www.vote.org/register-to-vote/ 

It is very easy to register, and it only takes a couple of minutes.  The deadline to register in the state of Ohio is October 5, 2020. 

Even though Election Day is November 3, students can still do early voting and mail-in voting. 

For Ohio, this begins October 6, 2020, and ends November 2, 2020.  The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the state of Ohio is October 31, 2020. 

For more information on absentee voting and early in-person voting for Ohio click this link https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/absentee-voting/

If you are not from Ohio or want more information on voting, click this link https://www.vote.org The site has information and provides other links that can take you to each states’ deadlines, dates, and rules.  There is also more information on registration, polling centers, and you can even sign up to get reminders to vote. 

Happy voting everyone!

Written by: Amber Baldwin

Women’s History Month is all about celebrating and honoring women’s contributions in

American history. It started out as Women’s History Week and the first time it was celebrated

was the week of March 8 in 1980. That week was chosen because International Women’s Day is

March 8. By 1986 fourteen states had already made March Women’s History Month and by

1987 Congress had finally decided to make the entire month of March Women’s History Month.

Every year The National Women’s
 History Alliance, a nonprofit educational
 organization founded in 1980, decides on a
 theme for Women’s History Month. This year’s
 theme is “Valiant Women to the Vote.” Since
 this year is the 100 th anniversary of the 19 th
 Amendment they decided on a theme that will honor the women who fought for women’s rights
 to vote.

On being asked if they knew March was Women’s History Month Jennifer Kaffenbarger,
 a student at DC, said, “yes, but I think it needs to be talked about more.” Maricella Najar,
 another student here at DC, said she didn’t know.

The United States is not the only country that celebrates Women’s History Month.  The UK and Australia also celebrate it in March and Canada celebrates it in October.  There are many different ways all people can celebrate Women’s History Month. They can learn more about the history of women’s rights and the problems women still deal with today.  People can also write thank you notes to a woman they look to or volunteer for a nonprofit organization that supports women and girls.

Students at Defiance College are presented with a wide variety of student organizations,
 clubs, and extracurriculars whether it be chess club, Habitat for Humanity or even a sport, but
 Defiance also has its very own Community Orchestra for students to partake in. The Defiance
 College Community Orchestra is among one of the several music programs offered and is
 currently composed of twenty-one musicians who play wind, string, and percussion instruments.

What sets the DC Community Orchestra apart from other extracurriculars is the fact that

it is not limited to college students. Faculty, local high school students, as well as community

members of all ages participate in the orchestra as well. Rehearsals are held once a week on

Monday’s from 6:30-8:00 p.m in Schauffler Hall 117. At these rehearsals, the ensemble

practices a variety of popular tunes from genres ranging from classical to pop, including marches

and contemporary pieces, which they perform at a concert once every semester.

The DC Community Orchestra will be having their spring concert in the Stroede Center

located in downtown Defiance on Tuesday, April 28th at 7:00 p.m. The orchestra is under the

direction of Ms. Cassidy Nalepa who stated, “We strive to make great music, but also have a lot

of fun in rehearsal. For me, the ensemble promotes lifelong music-making no matter your age or

experience!”

Participation in the orchestra not only allows for the pursuing of music, but also for the

chance to create valuable networking between DC students and community members within the

area. Amber, a sophomore clarinet player said, “I love how it not only gives me an opportunity

to be involved with the college, but also the community. Cassidy is an awesome director and she

makes being in the orchestra so enjoyable.” The orchestra is one of the many aspects that

strengthens the tight-knit community feel at DC. There is no audition required to become a part

of the Defiance Community Orchestra and those wishing to join can be of any skill level.

Anyone interested is encouraged to contact Ms. Nalepa (cnalepa@defiance.edu) or attend a

rehearsal for more information.

The Defiance College Wrestling team concluded their 2019-2020 season this weekend by competing at the NCAA DIII Central Regional Tournament. The Regional Tournament was held at Adrian College (Adrian, MI). A total of 18 Division III schools from the Central Region competed within the tournament. The Yellow Jackets placed 15th out of 18 teams overall during the weekend.

Representing the Yellow Jackets at the NCAA Division III Central Regional Tournament was juniors, Rosendo Beltran and Alex Smith, sophomores, Cortez Bradley, Mason Morris, Rigo Villa, and Hunter McNutt. Rounding out the competitors for the Yellow Jackets are freshmen, Cameron Pollard and Seth Majewski. 

Beltran was the highest competitor for the Yellow Jackets. The junior competed in the 125lb weight class against opponents from Otterbein University (Westerville, OH)  and Alma College (Alma, MI). Beltran ended his season with a 3-3 record, placing 6th place for the 125lb weight class overall. The junior picked up a win over his opponent from Otterbein University (Westerville, OH) with a decision score of 9-3 in the consolation bracket. Beltran lost his final match of the day to his opponent from Alma College (Alma, MI) by a 2-1 decision loss.

Junior, Alex Smith competed for the Yellow Jackets in the 144lb weight class. In his opening match, Smith competed and fell to two-time, All-American, Brendan Ladd of Alma College (Alma, MI). The junior picked up one win for the Yellow Jackets for the weekend against a competitor from Wabash College (Crawfordsville, IN). 

Sophomore, Cortez Bradley represented the Yellow Jackets in the 149lb weight class. Bradley went 1-2 for the Yellow Jackets, picking up his win on the weekend with a 16-14 decision win in his consolation match.

Sophomore, Hunter McNutt, represented the Yellow Jackets in the 197lb weight class and finished his season with a 17-6 decision win over an opponent from Olivet College (Olivet, MI).

Freshmen, Seth Majewski competed for the Yellow Jackets in the 133lb weight class facing a competitor from John Carrol University (University Heights, OH). The freshmen picked up a win over this opponent for the Yellow Jackets.

Freshman, Cameron Pollard competed in the 157lb weight class. Pollard finished the weekend for the Yellow Jackets with a 1-2 record picking up a win over a competitor from Muskingum University (New Concord, OH).

Congratulations to the Yellow Jacket Wrestling Team on a great 2019-2020 season! 

Written by: Hailey Krawczyk

Defiance College is putting on The Reduced Shakespeare Company’s The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised] this semester.

With the direction of Dr. Steven Engel, Assistant Professor of English and Director of Composition, and Ryan Mays, Audio Visual & Academic Technology Coordinator, it will be the first play to be produced in several years at Defiance College.

The performance will take place at Schomburg Auditorium in Dana Hall. There is not an official date for the performance, but there is a chance it will be on April 23, Shakespeare’s birthday.

A Defiance College student said, “This sounds awesome. I would buy tickets.”

According to Engel they are in need of “actors, techies, front of house folks, etc.” Anybody is welcome to participate, even people who have not had an experience with theater before.

According to Biography Online, Shakespeare wrote 38 plays and 154 sonnets. He would also even act in some of his own plays.

Dr. Engel and Mr. Mays are very excited to be doing this event.

There has already been an informative meeting, but it’s okay if you have missed it. You can still join. Auditions for people who want to act will be Thursday, February 27 at 2 pm in Schomburg Auditorium. Engel said in an email, “you do not need to prepare anything for this audition. The good news is that we will cast anyone who is interested in the show—so there will be no cuts. At the audition, you will participate in some improv games, move around a little on stage, and read a short passage from the play out loud.”

For more information contact Steven Engel at sengel@defiance.edu or Ryan Mays at rmays@defiance.edu.

Written by: Amber Baldwin

Do you like to write? Draw? Take photos? Create exciting works of art? Progeny is the place to have it published. There is still time to submit your work!

Progeny is Defiance College’s literary and art magazine. It has been published annually or bi-annually since 1961. According to Camrin Santchi, Progeny co-editor, “Progeny is a spiritual sister to The Defender, a Defiance College publishing that focuses on the creative works rather than journalism”.

The magazine publishes poetry, prose, art, and photography. Write, create, and go here to Progeny’s website, fill out a form, and enter your work.

You may also email Dr. Steven Engel at sengel@defiance.edu. He is the new advisor this year. Or Camrin Santchi, at csantchi001@defiance.edu or Samantha Haas at shaas002@defiance.edu. The duo will be co-editing the magazine this year.

Dr. Engel states, “Submission can be made by students, faculty, staff, and alums of Defiance College.”

“Anything from short stories to poetry of any kind, even photographs and other art. When it comes to visual art, though, submitters need to keep in mind that Progeny no doubt will be printed in black and white, and thus images that rely on color may not work as well” claims Santchi.

There are plans to create a new layout and look for the magazine that is more consistent with the Defiance College brand. Dr. Engel comments that Michaela Hunt is designing a new logo for the magazine.

When asked, some students were unaware of the magazine or were not planning to submit.

“I was not planning on submitting anything, but it does sound interesting and will check it out,” said one student.

Morgan B said she “knows nothing about it.”

When talking to Jess L., she was not planning on submitting anything.

The magazine is expected sometime near the end of the semester.

According to their website, for published submissions, “Progeny takes only first rights and asks to be acknowledged in any re-publication of a work.”

Written by: AD Johnson