Eric Berg, associate professor of philosophy, published an article in the latest issue of The Journal of Camus Studies 15. The article, “The Contextual Organization of the Works of Albert Camus,” is based on a paper Dr. Berg gave in London in 2014, at an annual conference of the Albert Camus Society UK.

The paper organizes Camus’ works in three categories: nature, death and social justice. Organizing the works in this way illuminates “connections between works that cross the traditional chronological and thematic barriers,” Dr. Berg notes. Looking at the works in this way “further strengthens the sense of continuity in the works of Camus.” After receiving feedback on his talk from experts and scholars around the world, Dr. Berg revised his London presentation and submitted it for publication.

Dr. Berg earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Kansas, his master’s at Luther Seminary and his bachelor’s at Minnesota State University Moorhead. He was the 2007 recipient of the Dewey Wilkins Award for Teaching Excellence at MacMurray and was twice a research fellow at the Hong Kierkegaard Library at St. Olaf College in Minnesota. 

Lessons & Carols, the popular annual Christmas service filled with traditional Christmas songs will be performed 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6 at the Annie Merner Chapel.

The Christmas service recounts the nativity of Jesus through Gospel readings by MacMurray students and the singing of traditional Christmas carols. The MacMurray College Choir will also sing several holiday selections.

The event is free and open to the public.

Senior Nursing students will present their semester-long research work at the annual poster presentation at 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3 in the lobby of the Putnam/Springer Center.

The students will offer a visual representation of their research and are primed to explain and discuss the results of their work this semester. In previous years, the research has covered a wide variety of health care issues and often presents research and strategies for a healthy and productive life.

Faculty members and others attending will be asked to give feedback on the student nurses’ work.

MacMurray College wants Methodist youth leaders to join the Mac Family. MacMurray recognizes that Methodist youth and young adult leaders will greatly benefit the College as active and engaged members of the campus community.

To encourage Methodist youth and young adults to attend MacMurray, applicants who are accepted to the College and have served or attained any one of the leadership roles below, automatically receive a $10,000 Tartan Leadership Scholarship. Those who qualify for the Tartain Scholarship or any of the other MacMurray Academic Achievement Scholarships will have their scholarship moved up one level.

See MacMurray Achievement Scholarships.

For example, if a Methodist youth leader qualifies for a $15,000 per year Dean’s Achievement Scholarship, he or she would receive a $17,500 per year Trustee Achievement Scholarship. These awards are regardless of need; applicants may also qualify for federal and state need-based aid or private scholarships.

To qualify as a Methodist youth leader, the applicant must have served as or achieved any one of the following:

• A member of the Conference Council on Youth Ministries or the Conference Council on Young Adult Ministries

• Youth or young adult members of the Annual Conference

• Completed Lay Servant Ministries training

• Youth or young adult nominees for the Denman Award

• Summer employees of their conference camping program

There is no additional application or essay. An application to MacMurray – either through the Common Application or the MacMurray application – automatically qualify youth or young adult leaders for the Methodist scholarships. Applicants will receive a confirmation of their level of scholarship along with their acceptance letter.

MacMurray College, founded in 1846 by a group of Methodist ministers, has had a long and proud affiliation with the United Methodist Church and with the Illinois Great Rivers Council. The College has a chaplain on campus and many of its most important ceremonies in the beautiful Annie Merner Chapel (pictured) are Methodists services led by UMC ministers and are often attended or led by the bishop of the Illinois Great Rivers Council.

MacMurray College wants Eagle Scouts to join the Mac Family. MacMurray recognizes that Eagle Scouts will greatly benefit the College as active and engaged leaders of the campus community.

To encourage such leaders to attend MacMurray, those who are accepted to the College and have attained the rank of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America automatically receive a $10,000 per year Tartan Leadership Scholarship. Eagle Scouts who qualify for that scholarship or any of the other MacMurray Academic Achievement Scholarships will have their scholarship moved up one level.

See MacMurray Achievement Scholarships.

                For example, if an Eagle Scout qualifies for a $15,000 per year Dean’s Achievement Scholarship, he would receive a $17,500 per year Trustee Achievement Scholarship. These awards are regardless of need; applicants may also qualify for federal and state need-based aid or private scholarships.

There is no additional application or essay. An Eagle Scout applicant to MacMurray – either through the Common Application or the MacMurray application – automatically qualifies for the scholarship. Applicants will receive a confirmation of their level of scholarship along with their acceptance letter.

MacMurray College is located in friendly and safe Jacksonville, IL, a college town of 25,000 located 35 miles west of the state Capitol of Springfield, 90 miles north of St. Louis and within 250 miles of Chicago and Indianapolis. 

MacMurray College wants Gold Award Scouts to join the Mac Family. MacMurray recognizes that Gold Award Scouts will greatly benefit the College as active and engaged leaders of the campus community.

To encourage such leaders to attend MacMurray, those who are accepted to the College and have attained the Gold Award rank from the Girl Scouts of America automatically receive a $10,000 per year Tartan Leadership Scholarship. Eagle Scouts who qualify for that scholarship or any of the other MacMurray Academic Achievement Scholarships will have their scholarship moved up one level.

See MacMurray Achievement Scholarships.

                For example, if a Gold Award Scout qualifies for a $15,000 per year Dean’s Achievement Scholarship, she would receive a $17,500 per year Trustee Achievement Scholarship. These awards are regardless of need; applicants may also qualify for federal and state need-based aid or private scholarships.

There is no additional application or essay. A Gold Award applicant to MacMurray – either through the Common Application or the MacMurray application – automatically qualifies for the scholarship. Applicants will receive a confirmation of their level of scholarship along with their acceptance letter.

MacMurray College is located in friendly and safe Jacksonville, IL, a college town of 25,000 located 35 miles west of the state Capitol of Springfield, 90 miles north of St. Louis and within 250 miles of Chicago and Indianapolis. 

The MacMurray football team held a banquet at the end of the 2015 season to recognize their notable players. The Highlanders were led this season by Coach Douglas who was named UMAC Coach of the year. The Highlanders finished with a winning record of 6-4 overall and 5-4 UMAC. Several players were named to the All-Conference team, and the Highlanders made history reaching a 72 point deficit in the last game of the season.  

Players receiving honors were:

MOST IMPROVED: 

• Offense- Deovanni Ahmed (OL)
•  Defense- Cooper Bowles (DL)

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: 

• Offense- Chazz Middlebrook (RB)
• Defense- Malik Vigille (DB)

MOST INSPIRATIONAL: 

• Offense- Joe Legendre (OL)
•  Defense- Vattel Voigt (DB)

UNSUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR: 

• Offense- Rodney Durand (OL)
• Defense- Mike Montano (DL) and Byron Barnes (DB)

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: 

• Offense- Coy Dorothy (QB) and Jorian Clemons (WR)

·         Defense- Joel Stevenson (LB)

SPECIAL TEAM PLAYER OF THE YEAR

• Cooper Grant (K)

·         Tevin Newman (DB)

After a few years in the rebuilding process, The Highlanders sought out the goal they had hoped to accomplish. With a 6-4 record these are the best results the team had produced since 2003. Coach Douglas earned UMAC Coach of the Year, and seven athletes were named with All-Conference honors. Their dedication and hard work has certainly payed off. Take a look at this season’s recap.

The Highlanders opened up the season taking on The College of St. Scholastica. Falling 10-22 the Highlanders began with a rough start, however Scholastica would go on to take the UMAC conference title.

On Sept. 26, The MacMurray football team would capture their first win of the season against conference foe, Eureka. Eureka was their first home game and the Highlanders took the win with a three point deficit finishing 13-10.

The Highlanders proved to be strongest on their home turf going 4-1 at home.

Coy Dorothy, Highlanders starting quarterback, has set the bar high this season. Dorothy was named 1st Team All-Conference, and led the UMAC in passing yards per game with 214.7 and touchdowns with 21.

Joining Dorothy on the first team list was senior wide receiver, Zach Mudd. Mudd led his team to a winning record with 48 receptions for 658 yards, and 6 touchdowns. This dynamic duo was key to the Highlander success.

On the other side of the ball, Joel Stevenson and Danny Williams contributed defensively putting the Highlanders ahead of their opponents. Danny and Joel led their team in tackles with 85 and 86 respectively. This year the defense allowed 202 total points scored, compared to last year’s season allowing 362. These two defensive lineman have greatly contributed to this year’s winning record accomplishment.

The Highlanders will say goodbye to 17 seniors this year, but with Coach Douglas and the football staff’s recruiting success this team is bound to see another victorious season. 

On Saturday, Dec. 12, MacMurray College Basketball will host a Coaches vs. Cancer event in efforts to raise cancer awareness and support local basketball coach Bill Pool with his battle with cancer.

That afternoon, the Highlanders are scheduled take on conference foe Principia College at Bill Wall Gymnasium on the MacMurray campus. The MacMurray Lady Highlanders will tip off at 1 p.m. and the men’s game is scheduled to follow at 3 p.m. Admission to the games is free, and donations will be accepted at the door. These funds will be split between Coaches vs. Cancer and Team Pool.

Team Pool is designated for Turner Junior High Head Basketball Coach Bill Pool. Coach Pool has been an inspiration in his battle against cancer while continuing as head basketball coach at Turner. Fundraising specifically for Team Pool will be a silent auction, sports memorabilia, and 50/50 raffle tickets to win a brand new Chevrolet Equinox. Those attending are encouraged to wear red clothing to support Coach Pool and the MacMurray Highlanders.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a national organization that coordinates with the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. This program is a unique opportunity for coaches, players, and the community to engage in for efforts to raise funds and cancer awareness.

Brittany Spicer, a junior in accounting, was named the Student of the Month for November.

Spicer, a student-athlete in volleyball, is an enthusiastic leader on and off the court. While she served as team captain this year, she was also a tutor in the Center for Learning Excellence (CLE) for math, accounting, and business. From Danville, IL, Spicer also serves as a student worker in the Athletics Department.

She was nominated by Danielle Doerfler, head volleyball coach, and Tasha Morwell, assistant director of the CLE.

The MacMurray Women’s Soccer team held a banquet at the end of the 2015 season to recognize their notable players. The Highlanders welcomed Coach Andrew Lenhardt for the first time this season and finished with a record of 5-12 overall and 2-7 in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC).

Players receiving honors were:

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Lyndi Saccaro, scoring a conference and team high of 17 goals.

FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Emily Pyles, all the way from California playing in all 17 games.

HIGLANDER AWARD: Tiffany Hazelwonder

(Student-Athlete impacting the team the most off the field as a citizen, in the classroom and as a teammate)

PLAYERS AWARD: Tiffany Hazelwonder & Emily Pyles

(Student-Athlete that best exemplifies the core values of the Highlander soccer program voted by the players.)

SENIOR AWARDS: Jessica Aguirre & Kelli Sells

(4 years participants and service of the MacMurray Women’s Soccer Program)

SLIAC SECOND-TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE: Lyndi Saccaro

SLIAC ACADEMIC ALL-CONFERENCE: Kelli Sells and Tiffany Hazelwonder

TEAM MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Cydny Saxer and Elizabeth Suhrbier

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  MacMurray College 71 Principia College 77
LOCATION: Jacksonville, IL – Bill Wall Gym
RECORDS: MacMurray College 0-7, 0-3 SLIAC Principia College 1-5, 1-2 SLIAC
HOW IT HAPPENED

Principia opened up the match with a three-pointer by Megan Selby. The Panthers paced at a high tempo proving difficult for the Highlanders. The Highlanders got on the board when Paige Zertuche connected with Andie Marvel for a three. Principia continued to pull ahead and created a 38-29 lead at the half. In the fourth quarter, MacMurray overcame a 15 point deficit and trailed 62-60 with 4:13 remaining. Although highly challenged by the Highlanders, the Panthers were able to pull out a victory winning 77-71.
 

FOR THE HIGHLANDERS 

Paige Zertuche led the team with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Melinda Wison contributed 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Liz Kruemmelbein had 11 points, 1 assist, and 4 steals.

 FOR THE FOES

Kara Johnson carried her team with 37 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Rachel Perea contributed 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Megan Selby added 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Next action for the Highlanders comes Thursday, Dec. 17 as they head to Texas to take on University of Dallas Irving.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  MacMurray College 84 Principia College 58
LOCATION: Jacksonville, IL – Bill Wall Gym
RECORDS: MacMurray College 4-3, 2-1 SLIAC Principia College 4-4, 1-2 SLIAC
 

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Highlanders began the game with high momentum scoring six points in the first two minutes. Deavis Johnson hyped up the crowd starting the game off with a clean dunk and contributing two more throughout the game. Principia challenged the Highlanders, but fell short at the half and were down 34-22. The Highlanders would continue the lead creating a 20 point deficit proving difficult for Principia to get back in the game. MacMurray would continue the lead, and the Panthers remained in a slump resulting in an 84-58 victory for the Highlanders.
 

FOR THE HIGHLANDERS 

Brent Long led the team shooting 12-for-13 scoring 29 points, 6 rebounds, and one assist.

Johnson contributed 22 points with 8 rebounds and 3 assists.

Tim Frazier added 13 points for the Highlanders with 5 rebounds and 1 block.
 

 FOR THE FOES

Justin Ball led his team with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists

Adaku Anumu contributed 13 points, 3 steals, and 3 assists.

Parker Davidson added 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists.  

Next action for the Highlanders comes Tuesday, Dec. 15 as they travel to take on Augustana.

The Humanities Film Series will feature Fire in the Blood, a movie that examines the struggle over the distribution of AIDS drugs between pharmaceutical companies and the countries that need the drug.

The film will be shown Thursday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the basement of the Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Avenue. The event is free and open to the public.         

This powerful new documentary examines the profits by international pharmaceutical companies, international patent law, and the failure to provide required medications to Africans with AIDS. This film reflects on basic questions of humanity, profit, and power on a massive, terrible scale.

This installment of the Humanities Film Series will be moderated by Paul Fuller, associate professor of sociology at Illinois College. The series is co-sponsored by MacMurray College, Illinois College, and the Jacksonville Public Library.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  MacMurray College 62 Augustana College 86
LOCATION: Rock Island, Ill.
RECORDS: MacMurray College 4-4, 2-1 SLIAC Augustana College 6-0
 

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Highlanders hung in strong the first half, starting the game off with a four-point lead with shots from Deavis Johnson and Brent Long. The Vikings quickly answered and the two teams were tied at the half 38-38. The Highlanders were 15-25 shooting 60% and the Vikings finished the first at 12-24 only scoring 50%. As the second half opened up, Augustana quickly took off creating a 10 point lead within the first six minutes. Highlanders struggled with shooting consistency, and were unable to get back in the game. Augustana would pull away shooting 22-for-34 while the Highlanders shot 6-for24.
 

FOR THE HIGHLANDERS 

Johnson led the team with 21 points with 5 rebounds, 1 block and 1 steal.

Mike Cameron followed him with 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals.

Long contributed 13 points 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal.
 

 FOR THE FOES

Ben Ryan led the Vikings with 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Hunter Hill added 13 points, 2 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Jacob Johnston followed with 10 points and 2 rebounds

Next action for the Highlanders comes Saturday, Dec. 15 as they travel to Tennessee for the Rhodes College Christmas Tournament. 

After finishing the winningest season of his college football career, Joel Stevenson was invited to an opportunity of a lifetime. The senior linebacker not only impressed the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC), which awarded All-Conference honors, but was recognized by Global Football as a Division III All-Star.

Stevenson is one of the 43 athletes who were chosen to embark on this extraordinary trip. This season, the senior made 85 tackles, averaging 8.5 a game, and had the second most fumble recoveries in the UMAC, with two. Stevenson was selected to the UMAC second team All-Conference and was chosen as the defensive Most Valuable Player.

Stevenson left for his trip Dec. 13 and will be playing on the Stars and Stripes team Saturday, Dec. 19 as No. 51. The U.S. squad will take on Mexico’s football all-stars, known as CONADEIP. This trip not only allows the experience of observing another culture, but allows the players to suit up and play one last football game.

Global Football is a not-for-profit organization that is the largest exporter of American football. It offers student-athletes, along with their families and coaches, the chance to travel and learn. Global Football has hosted games throughout the world involving more than 350 teams.

The Tazón de Estrellas is an annual event put on by the organization. It is held in Baja, Mexico, and is exclusively for NCAA Division III athletes. Players and coaches will spend a week in the area participating in two-a-day practices, adventuring the surrounding area, and partaking in community service projects.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  MacMurray College 60 University of Dallas Irving 68
LOCATION: Dallas, Texas
RECORDS: MacMurray College 0-8, 0-3 SLIAC University of Dallas 3-4
 

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Highlanders started off strong in the first quarter taking a seven point lead in the first three minutes. Paige Zertuche opened up the game as she received a pass from Liz Krummelbein and shot for two. The Crusaders would get into turnover trouble resulting in the Highlanders to pull ahead in the first half leading 33-32. At the start of third quarter, Lindsey Gendron led the Crusaders with a three-point shot to open up the second half. The Crusaders would continue to pull ahead and remain consistent resulting in a 68-60 loss for the Highlanders.

FOR THE HIGHLANDERS 

Brianna Markusic led the team with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal.

Melinda Wilson followed with 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Zertuche added 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists.
 

 FOR THE FOES

Gendron put up 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal.

Holly Tonry added 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Seana Stoia had 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Next action for the Highlanders comes Saturday, Dec. 15 as they travel to Tennessee for the Rhodes College Christmas Tournament. 

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  MacMurray College 43 Greenville College 65
LOCATION: Jacksonville, IL – Bill Wall Gym
RECORDS: MacMurray College 0-12, 0-5 SLIAC Greenville College 8-4, 4-1 SLIAC
 

HOW IT HAPPENED

Kelly Lenz put the Panthers on the board with a jump shot early in the first quarter. The Highlanders would answer and tie the game when Jamie Hopper connected with Liz Krummelbein for a layup. Missy Deal lead for the Panthers in the first half with eight points resulting in a 28-21 lead over the Highlanders. MacMurray remained unable to gain a lead in the second half and the Panthers soared ahead finishing 65-43

FOR THE HIGHLANDERS 

Brianna Markusic led her team with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Liz Kruemmelbein added 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist.

FOR THE FOES

Missy Deal contributed 12 points and added 5 rebounds for the Panthers.

Coley Baker also added 12 points, had 3 rebounds, and 3 steals.

Taylor Paulin scored 10 with 3 rebounds and 1 assist.

Next action for the Highlanders comes Saturday, Jan. 9 as they travel to take on conference foe, Webster University.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  MacMurray College 118 Greenville College 113
LOCATION: Jacksonville, IL – Bill Wall Gym
RECORDS: MacMurray College 6-6, 3-2 SLIAC Greenville College 2-10, 1-4 SLIAC
 

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Highlanders took off with the lead in the first half when Deavis Johnson went for a layup. The Panthers quickly answered and the duel was on. Playing at a high pace the Highlanders managed to pull ahead at the half with a 65-58 lead. In the second half, MacMurray got caught into turnover trouble with a game total of 31. The Panthers quickly pulled back and the game was tied with only 2:20 remaining on the clock. The Highlanders would then force a turnover and take back the lead when Mike Cameron made a layup. MacMurray pulled ahead with just seconds left in the game resulting in a 118-113 victory for the Highlanders.

FOR THE HIGHLANDERS 

Deavis Johnson had a double double with 34 points and 21 rebounds, and added 3 blocks

Brent Long scored 21 points, captured 8 rebounds, and had 2 assists.

Derek Bourke added 13 points and 2 rebounds.

FOR THE FOES

Tim Daniel led his team with 28 points shooting 62% behind the arc. 

Kenny Greene added 20 points and 5 rebounds.

DeAndre Brown contributed 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

Next action for the Highlanders comes Saturday, Jan. 9 as they travel to take on conference foe, Webster University.

MacMurray College will launch men’s and women’s wrestling programs during the winter season of 2016-17, resuming a men’s program that was one of the most successful sports in MacMurray history and launching women’s wrestling, a prep sport that has become increasingly popular.

“I am happy to announce that MacMurray is reinstating the wrestling program,” said Athletic Director Justin Fuhler. “I am so pleased that our administration and Board of Trustees agreed to bring this sport back to MacMurray.”

The first step will be hiring a coach. In seeking a coach, MacMurray will get the help of the National Wrestling Coaches Association, which promotes the sport, runs a training academy for wrestling coaches and provides support to wrestling programs in hiring a coach. The announcement seeking a wrestling head coach will go out immediately, with the expectation that he or she will begin by February.

“Now the hard work starts, as we work to find a terrific coach to lead the program and work to build a top-notch wrestling facility that our wrestlers can be proud of,” said Fuhler. A wrestling practice room will be constructed in the Jenkins Education Complex, which houses the Highlander athletics teams. The new MacMurray wrestling squads will hold their meets in Wall Gymnasium, also located in Jenkins.

The resumption of the men’s squad is a return to one of the legendary sports at MacMurray. “We have a tremendous history that goes back to the 1960s,” said Fuhler. “Our wrestling program has produced All-Americans, national champions and helped to mold hundreds of young men into successful leaders.”

Heavyweight Bob Kellogg (pictured right, without headgear), a member of the MacMurray Athletics Hall of Fame, was the NCAA national champion in the 1966-67 season. He also took second place in the 1964-65 season, as did Hall of Famer Ron Otto in 1967-68 and Fred Wideman in 1975-76. The program also boasts two fourth- and sixth-place NCAA national wrestlers and scores of national tournament qualifiers and regional and district winners. The program ended at MacMurray 2007, as interest and support fell off.

Women’s wrestling, which became an Olympic sport in 2004, is among the fastest growing prep sports in the nation, growing from less than 1,000 wrestlers 12 years ago to more than 11,000 on 1,800 high school and college teams, according to the Coaches Association.

In some ways, launching women’s wrestling is a 21st century update of MacMurray’s past, said Fuhler. “When you look at MacMurray’s history as a women's college,” he said. “I am glad that we are being proactive in adding this emerging sport that has so much room for growth.”

Alumni and friends who are interested in supporting the MacMurray Wrestling Program can click here.

For more information on MacMurray Wrestling, contact Athletic Director Justin Fuhler at justin.fuhler@mac.edu, or 217-479-7142.