Students’ perspectives on the name change
During last week’s Board of Trustees meeting, the decision was made to change Union College’s name to Union Adventist University (UAU). The student’s reactions are generally positive, though there have been some concerns. With the new name taking effect in May 2024, here is what the students have to say.
Steven Snyder, a sophomore in Theology, stated, “I think it’s great.” Matthew Toews also commented, “Very good. Needed to happen. Why would we not? For marketing purposes it’s amazing.” Michael Blood said, “I like it. I do think that UC is better than UAU (ü-ä-ü) but, you know.” “If we’re actually a university we need to tell people cause it’s better publicity.” said Alex King, a computer science major. An anonymous student said, “Most jobs are looking for universities, not colleges.” Ethan Needles said, “I think the name change is great and look forward to going to school at UAU next year.”
Some people had very mixed feelings about the school’s name change. Payton Arnett, an avid hater of change, said, “I don’t particularly hate that change.” Jackson Teller said, “School will stay the same. The name doesn’t affect how my schooling will be.” Ethan Ross stated, “I don’t think a whole lot is going to change.” An anonymous student said, “I don’t hate it, but it feels weird because it’s not what I’m used to.” Another said, “It’s whatever I guess.” Corey Domeier stated, “I think it’s a waste of time and money to change the name, but it’s still kind of cool that it’s a uni and not college anymore.”
Most of the students who had more “negative” outlooks chose to remain anonymous. One student said, “Why change the name? We have a wonderful name already and people already know what it is.” Another stated, “We’ve had this name for 132 years, it’s kind of silly to change it now.” Yet another said, “Does this mean we have to get new emails and go through that whole process again?”
Regardless of how it has been received, the name change marches forward and Union College with it.
By James Smartt