Over the years, the term "diversity" has become so simplified that it feels like it has lost its meaning and become empty. It has reached the point where people seem to have lost sight of why it is so important to have it in our society. Not just our society, but right here on our campus. It’s more than just a phrase. Diversity expands farther than just the color of our skin or our origins; it includes people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and lived experiences, to name a few. Diversity is complex—it encompasses all marginalized or minority groups, not just those defined by race or ethnicity.

You might be thinking, Timmy, what does diversity truly mean? To me, diversity is about fostering a community where people can be genuine and feel safe expressing their individuality. I believe those who haven’t experienced marginalization (microaggression, harmful stereotypes, etc.) shouldn’t reduce it to a simple concept based on their own perspective. The reality is that it is multifaceted and extends beyond just race and ethnicity.

As a Christian campus, and as Christians, we are called to live like Christ. Christian quite literally means to be “Christ-like”, “A follower of Christ”. Jesus showed love and acceptance to all, including those marginalized, labeled as outcasts (such as tax collectors), even showing compassion to “sinners”. He chose to connect with people whom others shunned (Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:13-17, and Luke 5:27-32), despite receiving criticism for it. If he could do that, why shouldn’t we? To show love is to allow and support diverse communities, which means allowing everyone to thrive, even when we disagree with one another. Our role is not to judge. That should be left up to God, who judges fairly and right. We should love as Jesus did and share our faith with compassion, not fear or hatred.

When Professor Quinlan started working at Roberts in 1994, the campus looked quite a bit different than it does today. There was no Rinker, no CLC. Hastings was the library, and the Humanities department staff worked out of offices in old houses on Orchard Street. “Across from Carpenter there was an ugly ‘quonset hut’ that I think was put up during World War II. It was kind of run down, and no one really liked to teach in there”, she said. She remembers teaching classes in the labs of Smith Hall, using a sink as a desk. Once, her class was interrupted by someone with a watering can who came to take care of the plants in the lab. As for the atmosphere of the school, it felt a little more sheltered, as almost all the students came from a close regional area. Professor Quinlan remarked on the significant change in diversity, specifically religious diversity, in recent years.

One thing that hasn’t changed: her students. “I’ve always had wonderful, bright students who are excited to learn”, said Professor Quinlan. “Students come to college to examine their beliefs and learn new things. A lot of people are trying to understand themselves and figure out their identities, and that hasn’t changed.” She has loved the opportunity to interact with different generations over the years because it keeps her on her toes and helps her realize what’s important. “I learn so much from my students - I’ve always thought that.”

After 31 years of teaching at Roberts, Professor Quinlan’s passion for education has certainly not faded. She said, “I love my students so much and I never get tired of them. I’m really happy to be in front of my classroom, and I want my students to know that.” It’s going to be another busy year for Professor Quinlan, but she is excited to continue witnessing the growth of her students.

With Reggie’s 10th birthday celebration coming up, I wanted to schedule an interview with the big bird himself to get the inside scoop. But when I reached out, I got sent down a wild goose chase that died out with no info. So, with the deadline for this article fast approaching, I had to resort to actively researching everyone's favorite Redhawk.

But in the process, I uncovered something… a conspiracy afoot that ran deeper than I could have ever imagined.

Reggie was revealed 13 years ago. He came to Roberts Wesleyan [College] in September 2012. He did a series of “Day in the Life” videos 12 years ago, and he was celebrated in the 2013 Chesbronian Yearbook. Reggie the Redhawk has been here well over ten years. BUT THAT’S NOT ALL!

I found a contact, an alumnus whistleblower who was here in 2021, who claims that Reggie’s birthday was ALREADY celebrated! Unfortunately, they were unable to find a photo they remembered depicting Reggie with his celebration cupcakes. But this brings forward another question… as it was hosted when Reggie was NINE. Why was there no celebration in 2022? Was Reggie born prior to coming to Roberts? In the videos from 2013, he does mention a family…

What is the reasoning behind this cover-up? If Reggie turned ten in 2021, why are we celebrating again, 4 years later? If we have records on three separate websites, what has led us to miss what seems to be a clear-cut date? Is Reggie the one behind this? Or is there someone else controlling him? And also…

What’s the deal with his egg? Where did he get that?