Author name: The Bulldog Beat

By Emarie Bailey; contributions from Hayden Dixon; edited by David Tayau On April 24, 2026, Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) launched this year’s Springs of Helicon student-led literary magazine. Students, professors, family, and contributors gathered downstairs of the Merner-Pfeiffer library to participate in the launch of the literary magazine. The event kicked off with the Creative Writing professor, Dr. Tryphena Yeboah, thanking everyone for coming to celebrate the work both students and staff have devoted to the magazine. This was followed soon after with a student, and editor, named Keljan Thomas, presenting his reflection on writing and listening. One of TWU’s English professors, Dr. James Schiavoni, introduced our award winners for each category of creativity our magazine presents which led to the unraveling of the rest of the event. Our contributors include: “It was so exciting to see the community of Tennessee Wesleyan gathering for all of our contributors and staff,” says Anna Greene, a main editor for the magazine. “Whether it was the first time someone shared [their] work or the first time someone attended a reading, the launch brought together a lot of diverse stories and people.” After each contributor finished their readings, appreciation was shown to each of the student editors that participated in making the magazine. The 2026 Springs of Helicon Magazine Launch was a huge success and about 100 copies were given out to those who came to observe the event. All photos provided by E&H Photography.

By Ash Johnson On April 21 at 11 a.m., students, faculty, and staff gathered in Townsend Auditorium to recognize academic and character excellence. This annual event highlights student achievements in every department as well as show appreciation to the faculty and staff members’ hard work. Reverend Skip White started the ceremony with an invocation through prayer. After the invocation, Tyler Forrest welcomed everyone present with his address to the university. Then, a faculty member representing each department announced the winners of each award. The following list shows every department and what awards were given to whom. I. Department of Fine Arts II. Communication Studies III. Religion & Philosophy IV. History & Political Science V. Education VI. Natural Sciences VII. Business Adminstration VIII. Criminal Justice IX. Social Sciences X. Mathematics XI. Health and Human Performance XII. English & Modern Languages a) Poetry: Cassandra Love b) Prose: William McCormick c) Art: Olivia Rush XIII. Student Government Association a) Faculty: William Murray b) Staff: Scott “Dean” Mashburn XIV. Center for Servant Leadership XV. Faculty Awards XVI. Presentation of Staff Awards XVII. Presentation of SGA Awards a) President: Brooklyn Ingram-Nelson b) Vice President: Yenifer Martinez c) Secretary/Treasurer: Brittney Bowman After the outgoing SGA officers received their awards, Forrest welcomed the following incoming SGA officers: · President: Kyleigh Hickerson · Vice President: Kennya Carrillo · Secretary/Treasurer: Ingrid Jaimes-Trejo Once the incoming SGA officers formed a line to face the audience, Forrest swore them in by having them recite this oath: “I, hereby formally pledge my loyal and faithful service to the Student Body in accordance to the Constitution of the Student Government Association of Tennessee Wesleyan University, taking upon myself the obligations of this organization.” Just as Honors Day began with prayer, the event also concluded with prayer by Reverend White. Although the applause eventually faded, and the crowd dispersed, the memories and the honor received will forever stay. Edited by Lexie LeePhotos by Roni Bailey

By DJ Humphreys; editorial contributions by Emarie Bailey and Roni Bailey For the first time, Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) turned its campus into a full-scale academic conference presented entirely by its students. Instead of attending classes, students filled hallways, classrooms, and presentation spaces with research, creative work, and ideas they have been developing throughout the semester. The first-ever Undergraduate Student Showcase (USS) transformed campus into a space where students were not just learning. They were leading. The event, themed “Many Disciplines, One Community,” brought together students from a wide range of majors to present original research, creative projects, and experiential work in a conference-style setting. From science and psychology to art and creative writing, the showcase highlighted the depth and diversity of student work across campus. Students and faculty moved from room to room throughout the day, attending presentations and engaging with projects that reflected months, and in some cases years, of work. One of those students was Katen Wall, a creative writing major, who presented a piece titled “Exploration of Faith and Hope through Poetry.” “I’m most excited about getting to hear from my classmates,” Wall said. “There are some people presenting who I know pretty well, but I don’t know much of anything about what they’re studying and putting their time into.” While her presentation was part of a capstone requirement, her connection to the work went deeper. “Even if it weren’t a requirement, I would choose poetry because it’s one of the things I am most comfortable with in the world,” Wall said. “I’m happy with my poems, and I’m excited to share some of them.” Across campus, that same sense of passion showed up in a wide range of topics. Some students explored social issues, including the effects of discrimination on young women, breaking down complex ideas into engaging and accessible presentations. Others examined modern topics such as the impact of online games on students, combining research with real-world relevance. There were also projects focused on psychology and human development, including research on adverse childhood experiences and therapeutic interventions, showing how classroom learning connects directly to real-life challenges. Beyond the individual projects, what stood out most was the atmosphere. Students were explaining their work, answering questions, and engaging in real conversations. The Showcase created an environment where learning felt active and shared, giving students the opportunity to step into the role of presenter, researcher, and expert. As the day continued, top projects were recognized during the showcase’s awards segment, highlighting outstanding work across multiple disciplines. Organizers, including members of the USS Committee and faculty such as Dr. Mali Hubert, played a key role in bringing the event to life and creating an opportunity for students to showcase their work in a meaningful way.