Tag: Fort Wayne

Faith on Campus: How Religious Students Navigate Identity and Inclusion at PFW

By Cincade Drudge

At a time when overall religious affiliation among young adults is declining, students at Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) who practice faith face unique challenges and opportunities. As national surveys show a drop in religious identity among college students, faith-based organizations on the PFW campus work to foster inclusion and community amid a shifting culture.

According to the 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study from the Pew Research Center, religious disaffiliation among young adults may have leveled off since 2019.

However, the levels of disaffiliation remain significantly higher than in past decades, with only 69% describing themselves as belonging to an organized religion compared to 83.7% in 2007.

Additional research from the CIRP Freshman Survey 2019 indicates that the number of college freshmen who identify as nonreligious has risen from about 10% in 1986 to 33.6% in 2019.

Despite a decline in participation in organized religion, faith-based campus organizations continue to serve as spaces for spiritual growth and community.

PFW is home to several religious organizations, including Campus Ministry, Mastodon Catholic, and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. These groups allow students to connect with others who share similar beliefs while also fostering a welcoming environment that promotes belonging and outreach.

These campus organizations are not limited to solely the Christian faith, with PFW also featuring organizations of other faiths, such as the Muslim Student Association, which is dedicated to creating a positive environment for students to learn about Islam.

Zach Gaerte, a student leader and treasurer of Campus Ministry, emphasized the group’s mission.

“Our focus is on building a welcoming community where students can grow in their faith,” he said. “We are open to anyone, regardless of faith or background, and we work hard to create an environment where people feel supported.”

Campus Ministry, a student-led, recognized religious organization on the PFW campus, holds service events, social events, and weekly meetings on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m.

“We’ve done events like worship nights, winter retreats, and even a winter formal,” Gaerte added. “All are welcome to join the community and hear us out.”

For religious students, balancing their beliefs with their studies can be troublesome, and finding time for their faith can be difficult.

Kate Landrigan, a Catholic student at PFW, related to this struggle.

“Between exams, projects, and work, it’s hard to set aside time for my faith,” she said. “When you are up till 12:30 doing homework, it’s hard not to feel exhausted.”

Landrigan also noted that some misconceptions about religious students do exist, though not to a large degree.

“Some people assume that all Christians are judgmental, which isn’t true,” she explained. “I’ve also found it difficult to express my beliefs because many of my classmates aren’t religious, which is okay, but it doesn’t stop it from feeling hard sometimes.”

Gaerte, the student leader, also spoke of misconceptions about religious students.

“Some may have the idea that if you are religious, you are judgmental and aren’t accepting of others,” he said. “Everyone is their own individual with their own beliefs, and while there are obviously bad apples in every group, that is not our mindset, and I guarantee you, if you spoke to any of us, we would be willing to hear you out.”

In terms of administrative support for religious organizations and individuals, PFW is generally seen as supportive of religious freedoms and expression. Organizations like the Campus Ministry are treated the same as any other club or recognized group on campus.

“We go through all the same administrative red tape as other organizations and pay for the event space we use just like everyone else,” Gaerte said. “The school has been great about letting us operate, and we are extremely grateful.”

PFW provides space for religious organizations, but faculty members acknowledge gaps in institutional support.

Sherrie Steiner, an anthropology and sociology professor at PFW who teaches religious courses, pointed out that the university lacks a designated interfaith space.

“Some universities provide multi-faith centers where students of all religions can pray or reflect,” she said. “PFW has student organizations, but to my knowledge, there’s no dedicated space for prayer.”

Despite this limitation, Steiner noted that PFW has historically supported students’ religious expression. She recalled a past controversy involving a student play that depicted a Christ-like figure as gay.

“The administration defended students’ rights to stage production, despite some community backlash,” Steiner said.

According to a 2001 ABC News article, officials at the university, then named IPFW, protected students’ rights to put on the play while simultaneously allowing for demonstrators against the play, providing they didn’t carry weapons or signs.

While national trends show a decline in religious affiliation, faith-based groups at PFW continue to boast high engagement with students.

Gaerte, of the Campus Ministry, mentioned that their weekly ministry gatherings usually draw between 60 and 75 students. While the group doesn’t prioritize attendance figures, he noted it’s uplifting to witness strong student engagement.

As religious demographics continue to shift, the role of religious organizations in higher education will likely evolve to engage individuals from diverse faith backgrounds or even those without a specific religious affiliation.

Professor Steiner also spoke of something in a similar vein regarding what religious disaffiliation truly means.

“So as people get younger, they’ve been disaffiliating. Not necessarily spiritual but disaffiliating from formal religious organizations,” Steiner said. “Oftentimes, they have sacred beliefs, but… It’s not affiliated with any specific church,” Steiner said.

At PFW, religious students navigate the challenges of faith in an increasingly religiously disaffiliated environment. While some misconceptions persist and institutional support remains neutral, organizations like Campus Ministry provide a sense of belonging for spiritual students.

As national trends indicate a decline in religious identity, students like Landrigan and Gaerte demonstrate that faith still plays a meaningful role in college life.

“Even if fewer people identify with a specific religion, community will always be important,” Landrigan, a religious student said. “Faith is still a core part of many students’ lives.”

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Zoning Dispute Over Stellhorn Road Property Highlights Fort Wayne’s Development Priorities

By Cincade Drudge

A passionate debate over a proposed zoning amendment for 4.42 acres at 6501 Stellhorn Road has raised concerns among local residents and created a difficult decision for city officials.

The property at the heart of this issue is currently zoned for residential use (R1, R2, R3), and is being considered for rezoning to general commercial use (C3), to allow for the construction of a self-storage facility by Schmucker Building Services LLC. While proponents argue the development aligns with Fort Wayne’s drive for commercial expansion, some residents fear the loss of a residential buffer and potential property devaluation.

The rezoning proposal, designated as Z-25-02-08, was introduced unanimously by the Fort Wayne City Council on Feb. 25. Following this, the Fort Wayne Plan Commission held a public hearing on Mar. 10, where stakeholders, including developers and residents, could voice their perspectives on the project’s potential impact.

Satellite image of Stellhorn Road with proposed development highlighted in blue (Courtesy of FW City Council)

During the hearing, Susan Trent, a legal representative for Schmucker Building Services, emphasized the existing commercial nature of the surrounding area, stating, “The property is in a mixed-use zone and is near multiple businesses, including a hospital, fast-food chains, and shopping centers.”

Trent also pointed out that her team had reached out to the residents of the neighborhood next to the planned development and received no response.

“My staff has not received any inquiries back from residents, although we may hear some tonight,” Trent said. “You know, obviously, without any contact, no concerns were raised about our plans.”

Members of the commission highlighted that the area’s small parcel size limits alternative commercial or residential uses, making it less desirable for residential expansion. However, concerns over the impact on nearby homeowners remained a key issue in discussion.

Local resident Catherine Lawlinger, who lives close to the proposed development, expressed concerns about the potential consequences of the rezoning.

“The privacy fences separating our homes from commercial spaces aren’t ours,” she states. “The developer should be responsible for installing a proper fence to protect our neighborhood.”

Lawlinger also noted concerns she had for her special-needs granddaughter’s safety, referencing the lack of a clear buffer between the neighborhood and the proposed storage facility.

Another resident, Kip Site, argued that the property has served as a natural buffer between existing businesses and residential homes.

“When we moved in nearly 30 years ago, that land was a protective space between the businesses and our homes,” Site said. “Rezoning it would put a commercial structure right in our backyard.”

A primary concern among residents was the proposed development’s impact on property values and neighborhood aesthetics.

The facility referred to as the “Stellhorn Toy Shed” would feature storage units sold as condos rather than traditional rental spaces.

Residents questioned who would be responsible for maintaining the property and preventing neglect over time.

Trent assured the residents and the commission that the development would comply with city ordinances.

“The storage units will be condoized, meaning owners, rather than renters, will maintain them. An HOA will be established to oversee upkeep,” she explained.

Despite these assurances, residents remained skeptical about long-term property maintenance. Concerns about the adequacy of the existing fence were also raised.

Trent argued that the four-foot-high berm covered with vegetation would serve as an effective screen; residents countered that parts of it are in poor condition and that new fencing should be put in to reinforce the screening effect.

Following the public hearing, the Plan Commission provisionally approved the rezoning petition and returned it to the City Council with a do-pass recommendation.

In a later business meeting, commission members noted that the project’s existing natural barriers would be maintained, with the condition that if excessive vegetation is removed during construction, the developer must plant additional trees.

The Fort Wayne City Council is expected to hold a vote on the rezoning proposal in the coming weeks. If approved, construction on the Stellhorn Toy Shed could begin later this year.

The approval of this rezoning would be particularly notable given Fort Wayne’s current push for more affordable housing. As the city faces an ongoing housing shortage, some residents question whether commercial development should take priority over new residential projects.

The decision to rezone residential land for commercial use may indicate the city’s priorities in balancing economic growth with housing availability. This highlights a broader tension in Fort Wayne’s urban planning; as the city continues to grow, zoning decisions like this one will shape its future landscape, sparking discussion about where Fort Wayne’s development priorities should ultimately lie.

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Senior Leadership Experience Offers Students a Retreat

By Noah Proffitt

Seniors and graduate students from PFW will have the opportunity, tomorrow, to network and prepare for life after college. This Friday, Mar. 28, the “Senior Leadership Experience” will take place at multiple locations in downtown Fort Wayne from noon to 8 p.m.

The annual retreat provides skills and advice as students prepare for the transition from the classroom to the workforce.

Participants meet with local professionals and PFW Alumni to learn about their businesses, while also receiving advice on finances, job search, workplace culture, and housing.

This year, students will meet with local PFW alumni Edwin Chow, who founded Summit City Climbing Co, a local rock-climbing business. They will learn about how Chow runs and creates his business, while also having the chance to test their rock-climbing skills.

After visiting Summit City Climbing Co, students will head back to Parkview Field where the rest of the retreat will take place. They’ll be able to tour the stadium, meet with a fan engagement coordinator and learn about the business of Fort Wayne’s local baseball team.

Among the community speakers scheduled for this daylong event are representatives from the Apartment Association of Fort Wayne, who will give advice on how to prepare and look for apartments to rent.

The retreat will end with a keynote and a video from Deans across colleges giving advice to students.

The event is organized by Student Leadership and will be led by Abbey Wang, assistant director of Student Leadership and Student Government Association.

“I want students to come and have fun,” Wang said. “And leave the event and be like, wow! I learned a lot and also had a great time.”

Wang mentioned several reasons to attend: “Number 1, it’s free; number 2, there’s free food; and number 3, it’s fun.”

Mikayla Hagerty, a senior and previous student body president, now works as a leadership assistant and will help spearhead the event.

“I’m excited to network with other soon-to-be graduates,” Hagerty said. “Looking into the next year, I’m looking at what would help me out as a senior.”

For this retreat, all the 40 spots are filled up. However, the Senior Leadership Experience happens every year, and there are additional opportunities for freshmen, sophomores and juniors too. Be sure to check out next semester for future retreats.

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Crafting Connection: Sunday Morning Solace at Swizzle

By Kendra Roberts

Late Sunday morning at Swizzle, a cozy cafe and alcohol-free bottle shop in Jefferson Pointe, a small group gathers for a calming creative escape. From 10 a.m. to noon, the store’s Sunday Morning Solace: Quiet Crafting event provides attendees a perfect way to connect with the community and offers a great way to unwind and recharge for the week ahead.

The event, hosted by Jennifer Kent, master knitter and owner of Tactile Elements, happens every other Sunday. The next gathering is on Mar. 30.

With a focus on bringing people together through creativity, the event allows participants to bring their current projects, whether knitting, drawing, or other handmade crafts, to work in a relaxed, low-pressure environment.

A Fort Wayne resident for eight years, Kent recognized a gap in the local crafting community and saw an opportunity to create the gathering she felt was missing. She launched this recurring event last November.

“The space is just very welcoming, and the idea of community is the goal,” Kent said. For Kent, a passionate advocate for creativity and community, Swizzle provided the perfect venue to make that vision a reality.

The event’s simple yet powerful concept resonated with attendees. Not only does it offer a calm, creative space, but it also fosters connections among like-minded individuals. Kent’s goal is to build a community that can come together regularly through shared interest.

Kent observed that attendance to this event has been steady, with five to six participants regularly joining. However, she noted that last month, icy conditions lead to a smaller turnout. 

“Unfortunately, the weather hasn’t cooperated too much,” she said smiling. She suggests that the snow and ice has prevented people from getting out, resulting in a small group number.

Living so close, the weather doesn’t discourage Kent from hosting, and she still encourages people to join if they can make it safely.

“You can either come or you can’t, but I’ll be here,” she said.

While the weather hasn’t stopped her from showing up, Kent also expressed her hopes that when the weather turns, there might be an increase in attendance.

“We’ve already had a few people stop in the store saying, ‘Oh we’ve been looking for a group!’” said Kent and better weather will hopefully increase this occurrence.

One of the key advantages of hosting the crafting event at Swizzle is its ability to welcome passersby into the group. The shop’s open atmosphere allows newcomers to feel comfortable, making it easy for them to join a session even if they haven’t attended.

Swizzle, which opened its doors in May 2024, has already become a beloved spot for local creatives and anyone looking for community-building activities.

This quiet crafting event is just one of many offerings at Swizzle, which also hosts book clubs, trivia nights, watercolor classes, and more. The store’s broader mission is to provide low-cost activities for people to gather, unwind, and connect.

Heather Grady, Swizzle’s store manager, shared, “Swizzle aims to be a welcoming spot for everyone to enjoy an alcohol-free cocktail, coffee, or tea and feel at home.”

The Sunday Morning Solace event aligns with the store’s mission to serve as a hub for both creativity and connection.

If you’re seeking a meaningful way to connect with crafters or simply find a way to calmly craft before a new week, Sunday Morning Solace at Swizzle offers a perfect place to begin.

For more information on the next Sunday Morning Solace: Quiet Crafting event or any other community events at Swizzle, check out their events page on their website or follow them on social media @swizzleafmarket. 

You can also call the store at (260) 207-4587 or stop into the store located in Jefferson Pointe.

Hope to see you there!

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Historic Old Fort Hosts Training Event for Reenactors

By Andrew Danielson

The Old Fort in downtown Fort Wayne was the scene of bustling activity as reenactors from the Midwest came for training and mentoring in the art and skill of historical reenacting.

On Saturday, Feb. 15, men and women of the War of 1812 reenactment community gathered at the Old Fort on 1201 Spy Run Ave. for the 1812 Officer & NCO Garrison event. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., these reenactors learned how to lead a military unit from the War of 1812, as well as how to guide other historical interpreters in military drills and practices from the period.

“This is an annual opportunity for the reenacting community here to knock off the rust of the off season,” Cory Balkenbusch explained. “There’s not a whole lot of reenacting over winter time.”

Balkenbusch is a reenactor currently living in Ohio. He’s no stranger to the historical recreation community. As a child, Balkenbusch and his mother, Jennifer Balkenbusch, attended many events at the Old Fort. A board member of the Old Fort noticed their interest and eventually asked Balkenbusch if he’d like to join them and do reenacting himself, an opportunity Balkenbusch snapped up immediately at the young age of 12.

“I’ve always loved history,” Balkenbusch said with a laugh. “My mother always brought me out to reenactments here as a kid.”

Balkenbusch’s enthusiasm for reenacting and his commitment to helping others get into the hobby was shared amongst the attendees of the event.

John Davis, who lives just outside of Marion, Indiana, is a veteran with many years’ experience in historical depictions. He leads a reenacting unit called Davis’ Company, Indiana Territorial Rangers.

Back in the early 1800s, Indiana Territorial Rangers assisted the fledgling United States military throughout the military campaigns of the War of 1812 in what has become the state of Indiana.

“The War of 1812 finished the Revolutionary War,” Davis mentions, as he leans back against his bunk in his quarters at the Old Fort.

Davis explained that the Indiana Territorial Rangers were considered the special forces of the US military at the time. Members of the unit fought guerilla style, shooting from behind trees and bushes, patrolling paths and roads, and acting as scouts for the military. Their uniforms were the color of earth or snow, providing them with camouflage throughout the year.

Davis’ Company member William “Bill” Blevins was a perfect example of the Indiana Territorial Rangers, with his white overcoat and white boots blending perfectly with the Indiana snow lying on the grounds of the Fort.

Blevins, a surgeon with the Davis’ Company, originally came into contact with reenacting as a Boy Scout leader, where his troop had frequent camping events in connection with historical reenactment camps. When the troop closed down, Blevins, an ardent lover of the outdoors, decided to continue his enjoyment of camping and the outdoors by joining the Davis’ Company.  

Standing near his friend Bill Blevens, David Taylor, another member of Davis’ Company, munched some authentic early 1800s chow – peas, bread and some cheese. Taylor came to reenacting via the influence of his father.

Taylor’s drab brown coat and boots provided a unique contrast to the white coat of Blevins, but their coats represent the many kinds of camouflage these early special forces soldiers had in the early 1800s, as the Indiana Territorial Rangers did not wear official US military uniforms.

With nearly 60 people registering for the event, there was a wide variety of historic uniforms and costumes on display throughout the day. Soldiers in green coats and trousers were chatting by the Fort’s flagpole, while other participants in dark blue coats marched through the front gates.

Balkenbusch, from Ohio, said that this particular event, organized cooperatively by various reenactment organizations including those at the Old Fort, had participants from across the Midwest region, including folks from Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky.

Some attendees had come to the event to “brush up” on their skills in reenacting. However, some event goers had come for something specific – military training, such as that given to soldiers stationed in Fort Wayne during the 1812 War.

“The US Army is using three different drill manuals during the War of 1812, even up to four at one point,” Balkenbusch explained.

That military training was on full display, with soldiers practicing marching and military drill outside the Fort. Others soldiers stood guard at the front gate. One could hear orders being shouted, a drum beating out a military call to assembly, and officers passing along orders to their command.

Participants came to this event to do what they love – bringing history to life through reenactment. The event at the Old Fort is just one way volunteers can help showcase that history.

“There are so many different options to get involved here,” Balkenbusch said of getting involved with reenacting at the Old Fort. “We always like to say we have something for everybody.”

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PFW Softball Team Sweeps Doubleheader in Detroit

On Apr. 20 the Mastodons beat Detroit Mercy in a doubleheader. The final score for game one was 3-2 which finished in the sixth inning.

Detroit took a the lead with a score on a wild pitch in the first inning.

At the bottom of the sixth inning Brooke Wintlend hit a three run home run for a go-ahead run. Bailey Manos and Gwen McMenemy scored making the score 3-1.

In the bottom of the seventh, Detroit had the game tying run on second and the winning run on plate, but they struck out.

Game two of the double header final score was 13-5.

Grace Hollopeter led the game off with a home run, which was her third of the weekend. Detroit came back with two runs giving them the lead.

In the second inning the Mastodons had six runs. Brooke Lickey and Wintlend both homered in the second.

The fourth inning is when Detroit started to make a comeback with a three-run homer. The Mastodons answered with two runs in the fifth.

First at bat in the sixth Hollopeter homered again giving the Mastodons double-digits on the scoreboard.

Kayla Roberts struck out two in the game and got her second win of the season with a 4.2 IP.

PFW improves to 12-29 and Detroit Mercy falls to 3-33. The Mastodons resume play on Friday, Apr. 26 at noon in Green Bay.

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PFW Softball Team Wins Against Detroit

On Apr. 19 the Mastodons beat the Detroit Mercy in the sixth inning. The final score was 9-0.

Grace Hollopeter started the game off with a home run in the first inning. In the fourth inning the Mastodons added three more runs. Two were from wild pitches.

In the fifth Brooke Wintlend gave the Mastodons their second home run of the night bringing the score to six to zero.

Alanah Jones had an amazing performance with 14 K’s. 12 of them were consecutive. Jones was also 2-for-2 from the batters box.

The two teams meet again for a Saturday doubleheader on Apr. 20.

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PFW Hosts Flo Rida!

For the 2024 Spring Beats, Grammy-nominated artist Flo Rida is coming to PFW. The concert is on Friday, Apr. 26 at the Gates Sports Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.

The pre show party begins at 4 p.m. in Walb Union, International Ballroom with DJ Key Low. There will be food, nonalcoholic beverages, a photo booth, games, and a dance floor.

Concerts tickets went on sale Wednesday, Apr. 24 at 1:30 p.m. online, in person at the Schatzlein Box Office in the Music Center, and by phone at 260-481-6555. To purchase a ticket you must have a valid Mastodon Card or IUFW student ID number.

Tickets are available to purchase at https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new/team.asp?SponsorID=17325&_ga=2.220002329.1070668715.1713758703-1630992252.1701996085

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PFW Baseball Team Went 1-1 in Doubleheader at Oakland

The Mastodons faced Oakland on Apr. 13 for a doubleheader. The final score for game one was 11-6.

The Mastodons got on the board with a two-run home run at the top of the second inning from Ben Higgins.

At the top of the third inning the Mastodons took a seven zero lead over Oakland. Jacob Walker led off with scoring from second base. Grant Thoroman stole home and scored. After a reach on error, Nick Sutherlin scored on Cade Fitzpatrick triple, which Higgins also scored on.

Oakland scored at the bottom of the fourth, but Jackson Micheels hit a home run in the top of the fifth keeping the Mastodons in a big lead. PFW ends up scoring twice in the seventh and once more in the top of the ninth.

In game two the Mastodons fall short to Oakland. The final score was eight to three.

The Mastodons took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first after Walker score off of Thoroman’s single. Oakland scored three times at the bottom of the first.

Oakland had a four point lead, but at the top of seventh Higgins homered cutting the lead to two. Oakland expanded the lead with three more runs in the eighth.

After the doubleheader PFW is now 13-21. Oakland improves to 17-17.

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PFW Baseball Team Sweeps Northern Kentucky in Doubleheader

The Mastodons faced Northern Kentucky on Apr. 6 for a doubleheader. The final score for game one was 4-3 (10 innings).

The game started off slow for both teams. The Mastodons scored once in the second inning. Northern Kentucky started making a comeback scoring three times. PFW ended up scoring twice in the bottom half of the eighth inning. PFW’s Justin Osterhouse knot the game up with a two-out RBI double at the ending of the eighth.

Nick Sutherlin’s walk-off home run gave the Mastodons the victory in the 10th inning.

For game two of the day Carter Sabol leads the Mastodons in a 4-3 win over NKU. Sabol allowed one hit with nine strikeouts.

The Mastodons scorers for game two were Sutherlin in the fourth giving PFW a 1-0 lead. Jacob Walker and Grant Sawa scored in the fifth. The lead was 3-0 at the end of the fifth. Ben Higgins scored at the bottom of the eighth. PFW held NKU scoreless until the top of ninth.

The Mastodons improve to 12-18 and Northern Kentucky falls to 19-11.

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