Category: Fall 2024

The State of Teaching at Bushnell University

In the Fall 2024 term, a call went out for nominations of Bushnell students who had demonstrated by their observable behaviors that they were committed to approaching their classes as opportunities to learn, not simply to manipulate the class environment for high grades or other indirect rewards. Those nominees were named Bergquist Laureates. The award is named for Dr. Tim Bergquist, the founder of ACE Day, who loved to encourage students to be scholars. At noon, the Bergquist Laureates will participate in a panel whose topic is the elements of Bushnell classes that help them learn, things that do not help them learn, and things they wish they would see that would help them learn. Bushnell faculty are invited to attend to listen.

The panelists:

  • Nate Bill
  • Anne Faris
  • Logan Gant
  • Jackson Gielish
  • Rachel Grant
  • Trevor Hammond
  • Trison Hedges
  • Caleb Premo
  • Dulce Ramirez-Ramos

L203

Noon – 1 PM

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Emilio Alfaro, Isabella Baker, Dylan Carson, Savaun Deng, Amariah Deschenes, Gabe Evans, Nathan Farris, Santi Galindo, Jah’lin Green, Gregory Joe, Talon Larson, Turner Livingston, Maria Velarde Manzanilla, Jace Meyer, Corben Simon, Mikiah Southmayd, Lauren Sprengeler, Savannah Tomlinson, Lilli Williams, Austin Wolfe

Main Street Sweets Digital Marketing Plan Competition

Each group has created a complete digital marketing plan and pitch for a local Springfield client, Main Street Sweets. The client will pick her favorite group. Visitors will also vote on their favorite digital marketing plans.

MKTG 235, Digital Marketing

Christy Silverthorne

Bucher Room

10 – 11:30 AM

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Ester Ambrocio

The importance of Ministry Through “Storying”

The stories we share and listen to hold value as they mend purpose and connections to our surroundings. As humans, we often are caught up in our narratives that we neglect the people around us. According to biblical teachings, God has called us to care for these individuals who have been ignored. When we listen to the stories of the people who are entrusted to our care, it allows individuals to feel seen and heard, and gives them a sense of belonging.

CM 499, Senior Capstone

David Reed

L203

11 – 11:30 AM

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Trevor Angove & Bobby Byrd

2024 Bushnell debate championship

Topic: All non-Christian religious faiths are false.

Affirmative: Trevor Angove

Negative: Bobby Byrd

The winner will be decided by audience vote, and will be crowned the 2024 Bushnell debate champion.

COMM 225, Argumentation and Debate

Doyle Srader

L203

1 – 1:50 PM

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Peyton Arland, Eli Ezpeleta, Jordan Lauinger & Jacob Richardson

A place for the past? Establishing a permanent museum at Bushnell

Currently Bushnell does not have permanent museum to honor the school’s rich heritage and inspire the current generation of students, when we know our history, it can connect us to a deeper and bigger mission. It can also motivate us to preserve what we have already inherited.

HIST 207, Exploring your community

Stephen Andes

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Shane Makoto Becker

The Perspectives of Death

When my grandparents and Nina passed away 5 and 10 years ago, I couldn’t imagine what would they be doing now. Socrates had a belief of two ways life after death could be like. After reading his story, I can see that may be they are okay and are living pain-free from the physical world and enjoying themselves in another plane of existence.

HIST 161, World History I

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 3:30 PM

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Madeline Brainerd

WWI Nursing in Literature vs. Real Life Experiences

Real WWI nurses experienced much more in comparison to the character Catherine Barkley and other nurses portrayed in A Farewell To Arms by William Faulkner. Real WWI nurses experienced strenuous and poor working conditions, mental health problems, gender discrimination, love, and loss.

I intend to argue my thesis by using examples from the novel A Farewell To Arms and comparing the characters’ experiences to real accounts from WWI nurses. I will be using articles written about WWI nurses, first hand accounts, and letters. I will also be using peer reviewed articles analyzing the novel I am using, which will help explain examples from the story. Topics that I will discuss are mental health, gender roles, and the overall experience of life as a war nurse. WWI nurses experienced many challenges, they witnessed horrific injuries and death, which the novel barely brushes the surface of. They also experienced adversities due to being a woman and how soldiers viewed them. The novel and some of the articles I am using, paint an interesting picture of how relationships between soldiers and nurses were at the time.

ENG 499, Senior Capstone

Connie Diffenderfer

Pomajevich 103

11:30 AM – Noon

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Braxton Brooks, Roy Bunn, Connor Cameron, Francisco Cayolla, Nathan Farris, Alanah Garcia, Reyn Gaspar, Jackson Gielish, Jah’lin Green, Ellie Gresham, Dylan Ha, Jacob Horn, Squeeky Johnson, Sidney Lane, Micheal Liyengo, Maria Velarde Manzanilla, Hayleigh Michael, Chase Nye, Raigan Obie, Omar Rodriguez, Morgan Schlesinger, Jasmine Seago, Amyah Semau, Cole Sindt, Garrett Vohs, Kaleo Wellman, Isaac Wells, Lilli Williams, Jazmyn Wilcox

SportHill Expo Competition

Each group has created a new product idea and marketing campaign for SportHill athletic wear. The client will pick his favorite group. Visitors will also vote on their favorite products. 

MKTG 230, Intro to Marketing

Christy Silverthorne

Bucher Room

1 – 3 PM

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Caleb Burke

Biblical Prescriptions to Combat Adverse Mental-Health Effects from Social Media

One thing has defined Generation Z and Generation Alpha like no other, and this is social media. 95% of teens have access to a smartphone, and most of them are on social media. APA reports that 41% of teens with the highest social media use report having poor or very poor mental health, and 10% of them have suicidal intent or self harm within the past 12 months. The decline in mental health is indicated by a sharp rise in rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm beginning in the early 2010s. There is clearly a connection. How should youth ministers react?

Internet companies like Youtube, Google, etc are the richest companies in the history of humanity because they are taking advantage of human psychology. As followers of Jesus, we cannot stand for yjod. They are to be protected and shown a better way. A way that involves Jesus accepting them as they are and giving them purpose. First, we will outline the problem with social media, including how it is programmed and an argument for the depressive symptoms and anxiety it causes. Second, we will look at the identity Jesus offers us, and the joy God has instore for us.

BTM 499, Senior Capstone

David Reed

L203

10 – 10:30 AM

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Reece Carganilla, Liam Kerr, Isaiah Lugo, Malachi Muhic & Ayumi Sato

Home Automation using Arduino Uno 3

The “Home Automation with Arduino Cloud Mobile App” project explores the development of a smart home automation system leveraging the Arduino platform and cloud technology. This system aims to provide remote control and monitoring capabilities for various household devices through a user-friendly mobile application. Using the Arduino Cloud, the project integrates IoT-based functionalities to connect devices, enabling users to control lighting, temperature, security, and more from their smartphones. The project also addresses critical aspects such as device interoperability, user interface design, data security, and energy efficiency. This solution offers an accessible and cost-effective method for enhancing convenience, security, and energy management in modern homes.

SFTE 355, Computer Architecture

Shijo John

L204

10 AM – Noon

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Pedro Casero, Zackary Claunch, Joao Maia, Judah Olson, Corbin Robinson, Jose Vargas & Isaac Wagner

Homemade HTML Website

As a class, we are making a website using HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, and there will be a landing page with all our individual websites accessible.

SFTE 101, Web Methodologies

Shijo John

L204

10 AM – Noon

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Elizabeth Ekwere

A Retrospective and Introspective Look at Innovation in Small Business

This project is about innovation in small business. I will look at the innovative nature of a small photography business from the 1960s and how these innovations related to its external business environment. Upon observing these innovations, I will utilize them as a model to guide innovation in small businesses today.

BUS 120, Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship

Pete Diffenderfer

L204

2:00 – 2:30 PM

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Brec Feehan

Zarathustra’s Views on Good & Evil

My presentation looks at Zarathustra’s view on humanity’s inherent good and evil, based on the teachings of Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest monotheistic religions. I will examine the duality of good and evil and the ethical foundation Zarathustra established for humanity. The main points will include free will, moral responsibility, and the victory of good over evil. I will explore the impact of Zarathustra’s ideas on future religions and today’s view on ethics, connecting ancient wisdom to modern ethical and moral ideas.

HIST 161, World History I

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 3:30 PM

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Alanah Garcia

Helping the elderly community with yard work

My goal of helping the elderly community with yard work is to support their independence, well-being, and quality of life. As people age, physical limitations or health issues can make it difficult for them to maintain their yards, which may lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, or even decline in mental and physical health.

BUS 240, Business as Mission

Mitchell Davis

Womack 100

10 – 11 AM

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Marlee Heiken, Isaiah Lugo, Ayumi Sato & Isaac Wagner

The Linux Operating System: Collaboration and Applications

Students will demonstrate skills learned related to the Linux Operating System through hands on demonstrations. The Linux class will also provide the infrastructure for web hosting in collaboration with the other Software Engineering presentations.

SFTE 220, Linux Systems & the Command-Line Interface

Stead Halstead

L204

10 AM – Noon

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Marlee Heiken, Brandon Mitchell, Kyle Solomons & Isaac Wagner

Java I Class Project

Our class project showcases the result of our group programming project, as most software is developed as a team. We have developed a Java app that implements a self-service kiosk for the Bushnell counseling department. Each student tackled a portion of the project based on group design requirements.

SFTE 211, Java I

Bryan Olmstead

L204

10 AM – Noon

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Victor Hesser

The Biblical Use of Authority in Church Leadership

What was authority intended to look like among the followers of Christ, and how does that differ from what we see today? This thesis seeks to uncover a Scriptural understanding of authority in the church. We will look into the use of the Greek word exousia (“authority”) in the New Testament, and especially in 2 Corinthians 10:8, 13:10. These passages are part of a series of letters between Paul and a church that had been rather on and off in its submission to his guidance and authority—being swayed by other leaders to criticize his actions. Paul’s description of authority—especially within the context of the situations between him and the Corinthian church—will shed a lot of light on the broader questions I have about the use of authority in the church.

The hope is to uncover how exactly Paul used his apostolic position of authority in relation to the churches under his care, and how this sets an example for all others who find themselves in positions of church authority. This is most relevant to those in leadership positions who, like myself, want to best serve the church and avoid causing the type of damage we see all too often with mishandled authority, but it also holds importance for those under authority—that they might be able to discern healthy uses of authority from unhealthy and hold their leaders accountable.

CM 499, Senior Capstone

David Reed

L203

11:30 AM – Noon

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Creeann Jarman

A Value Built Upon Treasures; Ancient Egypt and Modern Day Qatar

My ACE Day presentation is about a document called, “Harkhuf’s Expeditions to Nubia.” This document gives an account of an Egyptian royal official from the Old Kingdom and the letter sent to him from Pharaoh Neferkare about his return. This story tells us that great treasures were found in Nubia for the people of Egypt and the return of officials from these countries brought excitement at the offerings they held. It shows the power of an object to convey the feeling of anticipation for one’s return, and in some cases this anticipation could even be associated with the feeling of missing someone. The impact of his travels on both himself and the Pharaoh of Egypt tell a story of one’s role in society. Harkhuf’s role became greater and was appreciated more because of his acts in seeking out and returning with valuable objects. The story I tell in relation to this conveys the same feeling, that one can amplify their importance through their absence and the excitement of their return. My story is related to a specific time when my father was deployed to Qatar on a United States Air Base called Al Udeid. I connect this story and the anticipation of my father’s return to the same anticipation the Pharaoh had for Harkhuf’s return. The idea is that our anticipation changes the way we may view someone, suddenly giving them emotional power or belonging in a way that they never would have been able to gain before. My story and the story of Harkhuf’s expeditions tell of the material joy of one’s return, and the potential harm in this manipulation of their image, whether this harm is done on purpose or accident.

HIST 161, World History I

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 3:30 PM

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Taylor Kenworthy

Horizons Business Proposal

PowerPoint presentation discussing the business plan of a youth-centered shelter in Eugene, OR, dedicated to empowering underprivileged students by providing academic support, nutritious meals, and a safe, nurturing environment to foster growth, resilience, and community connection.

BUS 240, Business as Mission

Mitchell Davis

Womack 100

10 – 11 AM

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Victoria King

Building connections through blogging: Tidbits from a TCK

In this presentation I will first define the term, “Third Culture Kid” and identify obstacles they may face when transitioning to their passport country. In the remainder “Tidbits from a TCK” to connect with other third culture kids transitioning to the US. It deals with a variety of topics such as delayed milestones, anxiety over elections, new friendships, feeling like an outsider, and accepting ourselves in all the uniqueness of our experiences. Ultimately, I argue that writing is a mechanism through which we can encourage, support, and bond with others, and that by doing so in a digital space—such as a blog—these connections can span the globe.

WR 121, English Composition

Connie Diffenderfer

Pomajevich 103

10:30 – 11 AM

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Grace Kitchens

An Introduction to Anne Bradstreet

This presentation introduces the first American published female poet, Anne Bradstreet. It gives a brief biography of her life by looking at her education, family life, and lived experiences. It also helps give context to her work by discussing the culture that it was written in. After discussing the main themes of her poetry, it dives deeper into her wrestle with Puritanism and her faith. Bradstreet struggles with her ties to the world, namely her husband and children, that according to Puritan thinking, pull her away from the heavenly (and Godly) mindedness. After inviting the audience to wrestle with these questions as well, it is concluded that poetry can aid in this wrestling by helping you slow down, process, and formulate words for your experience and beliefs.

ENG 211, Survey of American Literature

Connie Diffenderfer

Pomajevich 103

11 – 11:30 AM

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Juda Ortega

The Role of Popular Worship Music in Attracting Followers to Theologically Questionable Teachings: A Study of Hillsong, Bethel, and Elevation Worship.

This presentation focuses on the importance of worship music to an individual’s spiritual well-being, and the danger of theologically-errant worship songs. Worship music serves as a tool for attracting followers of Christ. However, due to much Christian music out there with dangerously misleading and even false lyrics, such as Hillsong, many unsuspecting believers are then introduced to problematic theological teachings. This presentation will outline the problem, cite examples, and then propose a solution for the way forward.

BTM 499, Senior Capstone

David Reed

L203

10:30 – 11 AM

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Sydney Petersen

Epic of Gilgamesh

In my presentation, I have taken the journey story of the Epic of Gilgamesh and explained the journey of this story through death, immortality, and reassurance of seeking the unattainable. How can these aspects help you visualize what Gilgamesh did and how it this correlates with my story.

HIST 161, World History I

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 3:30 PM

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Ryan Pierce

Attitudes Towards Christianity In the United States

In the 21st century United States, Christianity has been increasingly associated with negative thoughts and attitudes by secular populations. Examining the factors that have caused theses cultural shifts is essential for ministers (all Christians) to understand how these attitudes can be changed and how best to navigate an ever-changing world. I cite three primary sources as to what cultural influences have shifted in these recent decades: Church culture, Western values, and the advent of individualism. These three pieces paint a picture of what, in my mind, are the most prominent features of shifting culture that is counter to Christianity. While we may also describe ‘individualism’ as one of the values of the West, I have intentionally separated it as an independent source as it is a weighty aspect in and of itself. We will examine the history of Christianity in the United States, secular culture, the pros and cons of Christianity and churches as perceived by the public, and what the Church can do to change the negative attitudes it now faces. We must remember one thing while exploring this topic, our objective isn’t inherently to get more individuals seated in our churches, but to be shepherds who more effectively help create more followers of Christ. The poor adaptation of churches to the world around is a prominent issue in and of itself; This is not to say that we change our beliefs, but that we adjust how we address the concerns and people around us. We must also concern ourselves with the criticisms of our churches in which they are warranted and not be defensive of our own shortcomings but learn from them.

CM 499, Senior Capstone

David Reed

L203

2 – 3 PM

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Christian Pitcher

CP Kicks

CP Kicks is a shoe and apparel store that I have created a business plan for that will ultimately serve the community, while serving God. In my business plan I will incorporate all the financial detail, products for sale, services, competition in my market, and community outreach in my business. With these factors in mind I can plan to run an efficient business that is successful and serves God at the same time while uplifting the community.

BUS 240, Business as Mission

Mitchell Davis

Womack 100

10 – 11 AM

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Annika Poet

The Dangers of Selective Breeding in Horses: An Overview of Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis

Impressive the Quarter Horse was not just the first Champion of the AQHA World Championship Show, but the index case of an autosomal dominant genetic disorder called Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP). HYPP is caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for the sodium channels which replaces the normal amino acid leucine with phenylalanine. As a result, the channels occasionally become “stuck” open, leading to an abnormally high concentration of potassium in the extracellular space. HYPP causes attacks that are characterized by muscle weakness, paralysis, and involuntary recumbency. The muscle fibers become unable to maintain a stable membrane potential, though not all muscles throughout the body may be affected by an attack. Treatments focus on lowering the intake of potassium, maintaining normal exercise, and diuretics to increase the excretion of ions in the urine. HYPP can also be seen in humans with many of the same symptoms and triggers. In Quarter Horses, HYPP is paired with desirable muscle structure and traits which means a disease that could be breed out is found in almost 4.4% of Quarter Horses.

BIOL 311, Anatomy and Physiology 1

Tammy Bovee

Womack 100

11 – 11:30 AM

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Annika Poet

A Deadly and Particular Virus: An Overview of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) is an acute, highly contagious, and lethal virus has become an epidemic across the world, targeting domestic, livestock, and wild rabbits as well as many species of hares. RHDV was first reported in China in 1984, however, there is substantial evidence supporting the existence of a mutation from widespread non-pathogenic viruses. Currently, the strain RHDV2 is the most common in the US. Found in the genus Lagovirus and family Caliciviridae, RHDV is made of single-stranded RNA enclosed with an icosahedral capsid with two distinct sections: VP60 and VP10. The mortality rate of RHDV is 90-100% with rabbits dying on average 24-72 hours after the first signs of infection. RHDV impacts the ability of blood to clot and targets the liver specifically, prompting the liver cells to undergo apoptosis which creates lesions. As RHDV simultaneously spreads through contact to bodily fluid or fecal matter and is able to persist in the environment for about 90 days, controlling the virus involves biosecurity measures, slaughter of infected livestock rabbits, and vaccination developed through Medgene. Though studies are working to develop additional mechanisms for vaccination, there is no cure for RHDV.

BIOL 320, Cell Biology

Paul Allee

Womack 100

11:30 AM – Noon

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Daniel Quirk

The Quran: A Story of Change

My presentation looks at the Quran as a story of rebirth and how it changed how people thought about faith and life back then. Using the PechaKucha method, I’ll talk about how the Quran shows Allah as a caring and merciful guide who helps shape his followers’ values and choices. The idea is to see the Quran as more than just a religious text and how it inspired people to look at their beliefs in a new way. I’ll also connect this to my own experience of rebuilding after a big loss, showing how change can lead to transformation. This presentation won’t be about convincing anyone of anything, just giving space to think about the Quran differently.

HIST 161, World History I

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 3:30 PM

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Max Richards

Addressing the Growth and Development of Mental Health Needs of Military Personnel: The Impact of Expanding Counseling Services

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed 20 empirical studies that range from 2012 to 2024 to examine the rise of counseling services inside the military for personnel and veterans. This reflects an increasing recognition of their unique mental health needs and the importance of covering the challenges they experience, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders (SUDs). Military personnel face a multitude of significant stressors in their careers that can contribute to suicide ideation as well as create issues with reintegration into civilian life. The studies also addressed the role of the Veterans Administration (VA) and other organizations in helping military personnel with these mental health issues. Researchers have found it to be difficult to make changes in treatment efficacy because of the overall stigma and stereotypes that surround the military and counseling services. I also summarized research on the alternative treatment for the challenges military personnel experiences, including wilderness therapy, group counseling sessions, and different types of medicines. Overall, this analysis highlights the cultural shift toward destigmatizing mental health services in the military, while identifying the areas that cause distress and ways to better support those who have served.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Womack 100

1 – 1:30 PM

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Kerrie Tapp

The gender roles in ancient society and today

The story that I am going to tell is a tale as old as time, the story of gender roles in society. The primary source I am choosing is “Mexica Expectations of Boys and Girls.” In the Mexica way of life, the men were warriors, priests, cultivators, artisans, and Merchants while the women were told that “It was not necessary for [them] to go anywhere”. I think that the gender roles found in this primary source can be related to societies throughout history and today’s societies. While gender roles in America become looser by the day, they remain strong in many other parts of the world so I am going to discuss that.

HIST 161, World History I

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 3:30 PM

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Blake Thornton

The Quran on Allah and his Expectations of Humankind

I will be presenting a slideshow about Allah the Muslim God. I will be talking about how Muslims view him and how other people view him and then I will be talking about Christ and how I view him and how others might view him.

HIST 161, World History I

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 3:30 PM

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Mai Tomlin

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is more than just a random act. It is actually a vital part of both Christian faith and psychological well-being. God desires to have a relationship with us and then means that we must receive the forgiveness that Jesus purchased on the cross for us. He also wants us to give forgiveness to others. Jesus taught us to pray “…forgive us our debts and we forgive those who trespass against us.” Forgiving someone is not just at church, it is done every day, in every place we go. Besides God’s grace in salvation and forgiveness, He has provided us with a way to live in peace. There are psychological benefits to forgiving others. There are many steps and phases of forgiveness to learn and keep practicing. This capstone essay will show that forgiveness is Biblical, has proven psychological benefits, and has real world applications.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

Womack 100

2:30 – 3 PM

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Garrett Vohs

Business Proposal

My company is a landscape service company that helps people within the community and high School Athletes with funding for their Sports teams. Our Mission is to grow sports teams’ faith and relationships while helping out within the community. Vision Statement: We want the teams to have a relationship with God and their local community so that the program and the community can grow.

BUS 240, Business as Mission

Mitchell Davis

Womack 100

10 – 11 AM

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Isaac Wagner

The Wealth of Constantinople

The presentation explores the immense wealth of Constantinople, highlighting its strategic location as a trade hub between Europe and Asia, the opulence of its architecture and religious institutions, the flourishing commerce fueled by luxury goods such as silks and spices, and the city’s role as a center of culture and power in the Byzantine Empire, which collectively contributed to its reputation as one of the richest cities of the medieval world.

HIST 161, World History I

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 3:30 PM

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Abigail Wammock

Psychological Influences on Juvenile Delinquency: Insights for Prevention and Intervention Strategies

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings across 19 empirical studies from 2006 to 2023 to summarize the psychological influences that contribute to juvenile delinquency, as well as the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies for at risk-youth. Across these articles, researchers examined theoretical frameworks, the complex interplay of risk factors, and refinement of crime prevention strategies. It has been widely accepted that criminal behavior and juvenile delinquency are caused by a variety of factors, such as socioeconomic status and family dynamics. I found consensus across many of the articles with regard to an emphasis on the impact of individual traits on juvenile delinquency, specifically that personality characteristics are significant determinants of delinquent behavior. Additionally, research emphasized that possessing awareness of resilience and protective factors can enhance the development of effective intervention strategies. The utilization of early intervention is critical, as it has shown to prevent the onset of delinquent behavior and supports the development of youths’ resilience and assets.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Womack 100

1:30 – 2 PM

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