THE
29 FINANCIAL REPORT Review Messiah’s assets, charitable gifts, scholarships and more
18
Walking the walk Reconciliation in a time of change
PRESIDENT’S REPORT ISSUE
MESSIAH UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE
INSIDE LOOK
As Messiah College became Messiah University July 1, 2020, staff mobilized to reflect some historical changes on campus, including the switch to new signage at the entrance.
P R E S I D E N T ’ S R E P O R T, VO L . 1 1 2 , N O . 1
THE
PRESIDENT’S REPORT ISSUE MESSIAH UNIVERSIT Y A LU M N I M AG A Z I N E
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Office of Marketing and Communications One University Avenue, Suite 3020 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717.691.6027 | www.messiah.edu PRESIDENT
Kim S. Phipps V I C E P R E S I D E N T F O R A DVA N C E M E N T
Barry Goodling ’79 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF M A R K E T I N G & C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
Carla E. Gross EDITOR
Anna Seip C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R
Nancy Soulliard GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Deb Hartranft Matt Logan M.A. ’17 DIRECTOR OF A L U M N I & PA R E N T R E L AT I O N S
Jay McClymont ’92 CONTRIBUTORS
Jake Miaczynski ’20, Molly McKim ’23
35
The Bridge (ISSN-0279-3938) is published three times a year by the Messiah University Office of Marketing and Communications for alumni and friends of the University, free of charge. Please contact us at aseip@messiah.edu or 717-691-6027. Items for the alumni news section should be identified by class year and sent to the Messiah University Office of Alumni and Parent Relations, One University Avenue Suite 3023, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. You may email them to alumni@messiah.edu or fax them to 717-796-5371. As its name suggests, The Bridge connects alumni, parents and donors with Messiah University. It also serves to build the University’s image with these audiences. It does this by publishing accurate news about the University and about alumni and by offering interesting feature articles that are issue- or University-related for readers’ continued education. Messiah University accepts news submissions from alumni and the broader community but reserves the right to edit or decline to print materials at its discretion. Messiah University is a Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences. The University is committed to an embracing evangelical spirit rooted in the Anabaptist, Pietist and Wesleyan traditions of the Christian Church. Our mission is to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership, and reconciliation in church and society. Messiah University does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, disability and national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other Universityadministered programs.
F E AT U R E S
18
WALKING THE WALK Reconciliation in a time of change
© 2020 Messiah University
29 36 PRESIDENT’S REPORT Take a look at our financials, donor profiles and a Q-and-A with President Kim Phipps.
COVE R:
The Bridge is printed on recyclable paper: 50/25 PCW EFC
In partnership with Digital Harrisburg, the Commonwealth Monument Project culminated in the installation “A Gathering at the Crossroads.” JOHN WHITEHEAD IMAGES
2 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS What’s it like to be the first one in your family to go to college?
F R O M T H E E D I TO R I WRITE THIS EDITOR’S NOTE FROM MY HOME, WHERE I’VE BEEN WORKING SINCE MARCH 17. AS THE PANDEMIC HIT SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, WE AT THE BRIDGE HAD TO SHELVE THE SPRING ISSUE. AND THE SUMMER ISSUE. SO, NOW THAT WE’RE BACK, WE WANTED TO DO SOMETHING EXTRA SPECIAL FOR OUR READERS.
All these months later, we’re happy to bring you a jam-packed President’s Report issue of the magazine. Instead of the usual 32 pages, we needed 48 to catch you up on everything that has happened since spring. In light of these daunting past several months, we wanted to show you how Messiah University rises to the occasion during a global pandemic and remains steadfast during a season of firsts. We’ve added the extra 16 pages to this issue to include our financial report, a feature about first-generation students, a Q-and-A with President Phipps and a timely feature about racial reconciliation.
42
43
D E PAR TM E NT S
ONLINE EXTRAS
4 FROM THE PRESIDENT
MESSIAH.EDU/THE_BRIDGE
5 OUR CAMPUS 5
Brain Waves
7
Faces: the Class of 2020
42
Campus News
45
OUR ALUMNI
45
Alumni Profiles
47
Obituaries
Learn more about Messiah University at messiah.edu/university
We also highlight the Class of 2020, including all the names of the undergraduates and graduates who experienced a senior year unlike any other. Several of them are out there navigating what it’s like to start that first job while telecommuting, something they never could’ve planned as freshmen. We hope you enjoy this very special issue of The Bridge. We’re glad to be printing again, so we can keep you updated on your alma mater.
Check out the new University branding at messiah.edu/visualidentity Watch Messiah’s esports teams on their Twitch account at twitch.tv/messiahesports Learn more about Messiah’s counseling program at messiah.edu/counseling Visit the MSCAN site to learn about an alum’s medical volunteer initiatives at mscanvolunteer.org
A N N A S E I P, E D I T O R
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y • T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 3
FROM THE PRESIDENT
2020: A fall semester unlike any other context. During the 16 years of my presidency, I have witnessed that every Messiah employee, indeed every individual, is inherently creative. Our expressions of creativity will differ, and at Messiah there is space and the need for each of us to utilize our creative and rational abilities in support of our mission. Creativity and rationality are complementary and critical to the flourishing of an educational institution. “Additionally, we must nurture the inspired imaginations and intellectual capacities of our students so they become thoughtful and creative problem solvers who are able to competently adapt to the complexities and crises of life. “No doubt, our current context seems daunting, but today we take heart as people empowered by God to simultaneously hold loss and hope, rationality and creativity, uncertainty and confidence as we labor together to make this academic year less about merely enduring and more about embracing this Kairos moment to educationally transform the lives of our students.
“ We must nurture the inspired imaginations and intellectual capacities of our students so they become thoughtful and creative problem solvers who are able to competently adapt to the complexities and crises of life.” —P resident Kim Phipps
“Hebrews 10:23-24 exhorts, ‘Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.’ May unswerving faith and hope be our earnest prayer and may Messiah University be known for its unwavering commitment to deep learning, generous love and the practice of good deeds. May our common efforts bring honor and glory to the One who remains faithful—even in the hardest of times.”
K I M S . PH I PPS, PRESIDENT
4 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
PHOTO: RYAN SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY
When the employee community gathered together in August 2019 to launch a new academic year, we never could have imagined that just seven months later, we would be confronted with the risks, uncertainties and complications of a global pandemic. What was once inconceivable has become today’s reality, and we are navigating a 2020 fall semester unlike any other! Yet, we continue to believe in the promise and pursue the possibilities for Messiah University, our students and our extended community during these challenging times. In my inaugural State of the University address, presented remotely on Aug. 27, I encouraged our employees to remember our blessings, demonstrate exceptional care for one another and our students, remain hopeful in the midst of uncertainty, persist in fulfilling our important mission and embrace the value and practice of adaptability and creativity. Allow me to share some brief excerpts of my remarks: “During these distressing times of a global pandemic, civil discord, economic turbulence and political polarization, we have the responsibility of tending to the holistic education of all of our students as we prepare them for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation. To fulfill that privilege in our current context, Messiah’s institutional culture must be characterized by adaptability and creativity. “A culture of adaptability depends on each person’s willingness to learn and mature in his or her field of specialty. We each need to increase our own learning and skills so that we can more competently and confidently adapt to changing circumstances and the needs of different student populations. We must pursue knowledge and allow credible information to broaden—and even change—our thinking and practices as we adapt to complicated situations with wisdom and agility. “In addition to adaptability, we must demonstrate creativity as we navigate our increasingly complicated
RISING TO THE OCCASION
OUR
As the pandemic grew in early March, schools and businesses closed. Some employees telecommuted while others — medical staff, postal workers and so many others — continued on to work. Families sheltered in place, keeping their faith while wondering about the unknown. Grocery store shelves emptied. While the world panicked, Messiah University’s students, faculty and staff mobilized, demonstrating leadership and service to their communities. Here are just a few of their stories of rising to the occasion in a COVID-19 world.
B R A I N WAV E S
In the midst of a pandemic, Messiah students helped kids with math REMOTE LEARNING BECAME A PANDEMIC ASSIGNMENT When Messiah classes moved to online after spring break, Carol Buckley, an associate math professor at Messiah, says she was overwhelmed by the amount of negativity posted on social media by parents at home trying to teach their children math. Recognizing the need to help the greater community, she put her students to work.
“I switched the final in my Math: Climate, Curriculum and Instruction II class,” said Buckley. “Instead of a paper/pencil assessment, they were charged with finding somebody who needed help in math and providing sustained virtual support.” TEACHING REMOTELY
One of the students, Kellie Drobenak ’21, an early childhood education major, worked with Sonya, a second-grader and granddaughter of Melinda Burchard, associate professor of special education at Messiah. Before getting started with lessons, however, Drobenak first consulted Sonya’s mom. “This really helped me improve my skills of communicating with parents,” said Drobenak. “In the school environment and online
learning environment, that connection with the students’ parents are crucial for their success.” Since Sonya was learning how to tell time, Drobenak created a mini-lesson using a clock via video.
“Then, to follow it up, I wrote and recorded a personalized activity for her: Help me figure out how to put my daily schedule onto an analog clock,” said Drobenak. “I even made sure to work in a brain break in the
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y • T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 5
OUR
B R A I N WAV E S
When the pandemic hit, Kellie Drobenak ’21, an early childhood education major, created videos on how to tell time to help a second-grader learn remotely.
out to her 8-year-old cousin, Eliana, in Illinois. McIlrath says Eliana is a good student but felt the pressures of being a second-grader learning remotely. “Sometimes, the best way to offer online support is just being a listening ear and being present,” said McIlrath. “She was able to talk about her emotions, show me the crafts she's been making and read to me. My initial instinct was to try to get her back to the task at hand, but I quickly realized that this was the type of therapeutic interaction she needed, and I found it to help me, too.” ADAPTING AS STUDENTS AND FUTURE EDUCATORS
video, where we have a mini dance party!” For elementary education major Sarah Haverstick ’21, she simply called a neighbor whose son she has babysat. The fourth-grader got to see his sitter in full teacher mode as she created worksheets for him. “There were problems about his family, dog, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, baking and building,” she said. “To supplement these worksheets, I also sent his mom an answer key and a private personalized YouTube video for her son to watch.” After zipping through the worksheets, the boy asked to learn algebra.
“Whoa. How was I going to teach a fourth-grader algebra?” she wondered. “I immediately thought back to a presentation I had given … about algebraic thinking and was flooded with ideas to help this student build these skills.” She created three new worksheets and a YouTube video. “I wanted him to see that algebra is all about being a detective to find missing numbers and kind of like a puzzle where you have to find the right piece.” PLAYING REMOTELY, TOO
From her home in New York, Karissa McIlrath ’21 reached
6 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
Majoring in education with dual certification with preK-4 and special education, McIlrath says that, while the pandemic turned her junior year upside-down, she found herself fully prepared to learn and to teach remotely. “Dr. Buckley has been equipping us for an assignment like this all school year,” she said. “Through every class I have had with her, she provides us with tools both
physical and online that we can provide students to aid them with their math understanding.” These Messiah students say they were grateful for the learning opportunity of this unique final exam and the glimpse into what teachers have been faced with during this pandemic. MESSIAH PROFS GOING THE EXTRA MILE
While the semester unfolded differently than anyone expected, students witnessed their professors quickly shift to online teaching, all the while showing their classes how much they cared. “It’s definitely not easy nor something that any of us were prepared for,” said Drobenak, “but seeing them adapt, make mistakes but grow from them and make sure their students know how loved they are by going the extra mile has been so inspiring to see as a future educator. Seeing how the Messiah community has come together during this time has made me even more proud to be a Falcon." — Anna Seip
“ IT’S DEFINITELY NOT EASY NOR SOMETHING THAT ANY OF US WERE PREPARED FOR, BUT SEEING THEM ADAPT, MAKE MISTAKES BUT GROW FROM THEM AND MAKE SURE THEIR STUDENTS KNOW HOW LOVED THEY ARE BY GOING THE EXTRA MILE HAS BEEN SO INSPIRING TO SEE AS A FUTURE EDUCATOR.” — Kellie Drobenak ’21, early childhood education major
THE CLASS OF 2020
E
very year, The Bridge highlights 8-10 seniors in its Commencement coverage. However, because 2020 is a year like no other, we decided all members of the Class of 2020 deserved a shout out. We asked Jake Miaczynski ’20, a writer for The Bridge during his entire college career, to sum up the senior pandemic experience:
Bryton James Baum Biology
Justin Mark Blest Engineering
Hannah Marie Beairsto English
Bryson Lee Boettger Engineering
Grace Louise Beattie History
Erika Lynne Boice Economic Development
Scott Michael Beaver Philosophy
Megan Elizabeth Bomba Communication
“ Instead of attending Commencement from Starry Field, we watched a live-streamed Baccalaureate ceremony from our living rooms. Despite the uncertainty and loss of our last semester on campus, we came together — virtually, of course — and finished the race marked out for us. With perseverance and humility, we press on, stand with confidence and say, ‘God is faithful, and we’re still here.’ ”
Shakara Monic Alcorn-Beckem Dance
Kyra Adrianna Bond Communication
Sarah Grace Becker Spanish English
Grace Mary Boscolo Music Education with K-12 Teaching Certification
Hannah Faith Beecher Theatre
Hayley Erin Bowser Music Education with K-12 Teaching Certification
Class of 2020, you are indeed still here and still in our hearts. We shine the spotlight on all of you for this issue of The Bridge. UNDERGRADUATE CLASS OF 2020
Hunter Bellows Applied Health Science Jacob Michael Bender Chemistry ACS Certified Theodore Michael Bender Biopsychology Christopher Evan Benner Engineering
Melissa Mackenzie Boyer Art History English Samuel Connor Brady Molecular Biology Lillian Lenir Braga-Flores Education Certification Grades PreK-4
Priscilla Abel Paul Nutrition and Dietetics
Christine Ault Athletic Training
Jamie Lynn Bergolios Public Relations
Carlie Jade Adair Engineering
Brooke Elaine Aulthouse Social Work
Colin Haywood Bernd Finance
Isaac James Albrite Engineering
Breanna Michele Austin Social Work
Ian Patrick Berry Politics and International Relations
Daniel Reagan Allen Broadcasting and Media Production
Jessica Maria Avallone Education Certification Grades 4-8
Ryan Christopher Bert Music (Business)
Laura Silva de Almeida Sociology and Anthropology Economics
Yana Avdeenko English
Collin Tyrone Binford Engineering
Benjamin Baddorf History
Taylor Leigh Bird Christian Ministries
Jireh Bagyendera Business Administration
Adam David Black Business Administration
Hunter Luke Brindle Economics Marketing
Justin Lloyd Barber Engineering
Amanda Catherine Black Nursing
Hannah Marie Britcher Music and Worship
Janelle Qian Bargerstock Sociology and Anthropology
Lindsey A. Blank Dance
Emily Morgan Brocht Applied Health Science
Amanda Lynn Barnhill Psychology
Jacqueline Renee Blasko English
Matthew Thomas Bromley Digital Media
Mia Vivian Barnshaw Education Certification Grades PreK-4
Heather Marie Blauch Nursing
Rebekah Evelyn Brossman Psychology
Matthew David Blaylock Music Education with K-12 Teaching Certification
Ethan Eric Brown Biblical and Religious Studies Business Administration BA
Sarah Ann Blessing Marketing
Samuel John Brown Music
Patrick J. Amadon Nursing Garrett T. Amsbaugh Marketing Brenda Kucha Anak Ganeng Biology Shaun Sukum Anak Nahar Sport Management Arik Bryan Anderson Philosophy Clarisse Aretha Accounting Alysha Joy Argot Christian Ministries Annalise Kiersten Armstrong Biology
Hannah Leigh Barron Education Certification Grades PreK-4 Caroline Mansour Barsom Christian Ministries
Joseph Michael Brennan Applied Health Science Erin Mackenzie Brenneman Engineering Emma Kay Brestensky Music Education with K-12 Teaching Certification Seth Brewster Engineering Austin Scott Bright Business Administration
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y • T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 7
OUR
THE CLASS OF 2020
Cory Daniel Brubaker Engineering
Jacalyn Michelle Comly Nursing
Katelyn Elizabeth Noelle Dahl English
Emily J. Brubaker Psychology
Ellen Claire Compton Chinese Studies
Nathan Ives Daniel Applied Health Science
Isaac Alan Brunk Music and Worship
Erica Ann Wenrick Conard Human Development and Family Science Spanish
Paige Elizabeth Daniels Nursing
Amelia Lynne Budd Nursing Logan B. Buffington Biochemistry Theo Camara Christian Ministries Yessenia Cristina Campos Psychology Rachel Card Nursing Jonathan Jay Carter Engineering Courtney A. Catlin Accounting Katharine Ruth Chamberlain Digital Media Nathan Chan Zhung Hern Computer and Information Science Gail Chang Film and Media Arts Abigail Grace Charney Psychology Manna Chawalitsuphaserani Psychology Alexandra Nefertari Chea Music Business Administration Kaitlyn Marie Chemidlin Family and Consumer Sciences Education Steven Alexander Chen Business Administration Saraswati Chimariya Business Administration Linus Chin Psychology Alyssa Marie Christi Education Certification Grades PreK-4 Joseph Cameron Cianciotta Finance Connor Reed Cigrang Communication Joshua David Coldsmith Computer and Information Science
Madeline Laura Conley Journalism Sarah Bridget Connolly Art Education with K-12 Teaching Certification Mitchell Raymond Cook Criminal Justice Juliana Riley Coover Marketing Noah Cordrey Peace and Conflict Studies
Justus Caeden Danielsen Engineering Joshua T. Darville Business Administration Emily R. Davis Applied Health Science Hannah Elise Dawson Biopsychology Emily C. Deardorff Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education
Sean Michael Donaldson Physics with Secondary Teaching Certification Marissa Christine Donlevie Spanish with K-12 Teaching Certification Brian S. Doron, Jr. International Business Trevor Michael Doyle Sport Management Lauren Alexis Dukehart Christian Ministries Kayce Rae Durand Psychology Brooklyn Duttweiler Theatre Unique L. Eaton Social Work
Alicia Decker Engineering
Nathaniel Tanis Eberle Biology
Hannah Leigh Cotton Psychology
Megan Susan DeFluri Human Development and Family Science
Kurt Anthony Enck Accounting
Heston Lyn Cowoski Nursing
Brianna Joy Deklavon Biopsychology
Shannon Marie-Rose Cox Accounting
Matt DeKonty Journalism
Micah David Crandall Musical Theatre
Leah G. DePra Dance
Jordan Philip Criddle Engineering
Jemma Mae Detwiler Digital Media
Grace Danielle Cryan Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education
Emily Rose Deyo Social Work
Christian Andras Cornelius Engineering
Mary Rose Culler History Kimberly Grace Cunningham Engineering Colette Stella Curry Social Work Shane David Curry Engineering Catelynne Ryan Cutting Communication Emily Sara D’Amico Engineering Nathan Bariki Menino Dmello Athletic Training Anne W. Dabroski Digital Media
8 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
Chloe Grace Dickson History Samantha Jayne Dickson Studio Art Kevin Robert Diehl Criminal Justice Daniel Thomas Diethrich Mathematics Music Roque Dietrich Engineering Miriam Malaika Dixon Engineering Lakelin Violet Dolan Psychology Devlin Andrew Donaldson Music Education with K-12 Teaching Certification
Samantha Brook Esper Human Development and Family Science Olivia Grace Essig Mathematics with Secondary Teaching Certification Caroline Lee Everett Mathematics Emily Alyssa Falkenstein Economics Haley Elizabeth Faragalli Education Certification Grades PreK-4 Brooke Mackenzie Faught Education Certification Grades PreK-4 William Luke Feczko Engineering Nathen Chandler Feldgus Engineering Drew Feldman Computer and Information Science Holly Fennimore Nursing Holly Lynne Fertsch English Brooke Logan Firestone Mathematics with Secondary Teaching Certification
Micah David Fitz Psychology Nathan Timothy Flanders Athletic Training Kayla Marie Flemmens Education Certification Grades 4-8 Jared Fonda Engineering Mia-Megan Foo Hui Kai Psychology Taylor Elizabeth Forbes Human Development and Family Science Alissa Marie Ford Human Development and Family Science Elisha Henry Ford Studio Art Rebekah Lee Forshey Engineering Abigail Foster Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education Barbara Ann Foster Christian Ministries Samantha Brielle Fouracre Economics Robert Hamilton Fox Nursing Jack Edward Franceschina Finance Maggie Jo Frey Human Development and Family Science Mariah Gabrielle Frey Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education William Robert Friedell English Film and Media Arts
Ashley Cheyenne Griffith German with K-12 Teaching Certification
Kendall Rianne Geib Applied Health Science
Bailey Danielle Groff Marketing
Sunny Gelnovatch Sport Management
Megan C. Groff Applied Health Science
Maura Grace Giannone Applied Health Science
Jonathan Daniel Groothoff Biopsychology
Jessica Grace Hatch Mathematics with Secondary Teaching Certification
Brittany K. Grove Musical Theatre
Jenna Nicole Hawthorne Applied Health Science
Rachel Ann Grundusky Education Certification Grades PreK-4
Grayce Elizabeth Heckman Social Work
Danielle Kathryn Gilfert Nursing MyKayla Dawn Gladfelter Business Administration Alexa Marie Glatfelter Applied Health Science Michael Sumner Glazier Christian Ministries Samuel Thomas Gobeille Engineering Nicholas Brooks Godwin Accounting Allyson Rae Goganzer Human Development and Family Science Poh Ann Goh Studio Art Grant Matthew Gombert Philosophy Jennifer Gonzalez Arredondo Business Administration Isabel Gonzalez Biblical and Religious Studies English Sarina Teya Gonzalez Nursing Lila M. Goodhile Sport Management Alyssa Jo Goodling Marketing Nathaniel John Goodyear Nursing
Lukas Sayer Fuhrmaneck Digital Media
Katherine Elizabeth Grahl Studio Art
Austin Travis Funkhouser Music Education with K-12 Teaching Certification
Carolyn Grace Greene Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education
Ryan David Gandy Digital Media Anita Gabrielle Garber Social Work
Nathaniel James Harnish Engineering
Rachel May Gaugler Chinese Studies Spanish
Levi Mitchell Greenly Finance Soriya Joy Greenplate Social Work
Lydia Joy Harris Accounting Briton Marc Haseltine Engineering
FAITHFUL Landon Robert Hacker Engineering Joshua Joseph Hagwell Sport Management Andrew Kyle Hahn Digital Media Kimberly T. Hall Education Certification Grades PreK-4 Rachael Thomas Hammond Spanish Brittany Elizabeth Hampton Business Administration Courtney Noel Hampton Marketing Scott Tyler Hansen Biology Eve Anise Harbison-Ricciutti Communication Sociology and Anthropology Jaelynn Mackenzie Harbold Education Certification Grades 4-8 Jacob Runyan Harding Biblical and Religious Studies
Megan Anne Heiges Nursing Brittany Hendrickson Nutrition and Dietetics Nathan Aaron Henry Engineering Eric Scott Herbein Marketing Courtney Elaine Herr Biochemistry Spanish Joanne Ruth Herr Psychology Erin Elizabeth Herzog Social Work Hannah Rose Hess Nursing Laura Emily Hevenor Molecular Biology Ellen Monique Hill Business Administration Jacob Patrick Hilliard Studio Art
Madison A. Harlow Studio Art
Katelyn Michaline Hipple Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education
Josiah D. Harmes Human Development and Family Science
Famatta Rose Hne English with Secondary Teaching Certification
Kayla Elise Harner Adventure Education
Melvin Frederick Hoerl IV Human Development and Family Science
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y • T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 9
OUR
THE CLASS OF 2020
Jantson Hoh Biology Jacob William Holderman Engineering Veronica Kelsey Holmes Music Chinese Studies Matthew Sergei Hoppe Engineering Nicole Oksana Hoppe Accounting Lindsey Shae Horner English Communication Erica Leigh Horst Biopsychology Shelby Jean Horst Nursing Tomas Jesse House Christian Ministries Allyson Noelle Hufford Journalism Lanae Hunsberger Education Certification Grades PreK-4 Cory Robert Hurst Engineering Madison Marie Ice Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education Ambreen Bano Imran Nutrition and Dietetics Victoria Kathryn Isley Biochemistry ACS Certified Amanda Hanna Issis Engineering Dana Ashton Jeschke Nursing Zhixiang Jin Music Trent Walker Johnson Nursing Austin M. Jones Digital Media Melodie Lynn Jones Sustainability Studies Rachel Rose Jones Human Development and Family Science
Olivia Michael Joseph Music Education with K-12 Teaching Certification Julianna Rose Kabakjian Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education Helen Close Kahler Education Certification Grades PreK-4 Zoe Skye Kamin Nursing Charis Arthur Kamon Dance Psychology Cody M. Kauffman Nursing Cole David Kellison Sociology Kathleen Rose Kelly Psychology Patrick Michael Kelly Christian Ministries Elizabeth Grace Kelpen Nursing Dakota Leigh Kelso Social Work Aeowyn Elizabeth Kendall Physics Jasmine Ruth Kendall Music Performance Kelsie Kennedy Human Development and Family Science Andre Alexander Kerlin Computer and Information Science
Melissa Danielle Kilroy Nutrition and Dietetics
Brooke McKenzie LaNasa Music and Worship
Junha Kim Marketing
Maddison Paige Landis Nursing
Amy Virginia Kimmel Sustainability Studies
Sarah Louisa Landis Studio Art
Jessica Michelle King English
Rebekah Elizabeth Lando Christian Ministries
Joanna Elizabeth King Broadcasting and Media Production
Abigail Ann Lapp Nursing
Nathan Daniel King Engineering
Christopher R. LaRose Athletic Training
Amanda Maye Kirk Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education
Brittany June Larsen Nursing
Ryan Christopher Kirk Athletic Training Leann Lucille Klingensmith Music Noah David Klinger Athletic Training Keara Illyana Kobzowicz Film and Media Arts Emily Renae Koontz Public Relations Kaitlin Noel Kramer Public Relations Nicole Christine Kreimer Athletic Training Alexis Victoria Krick Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education Joshua Kripas Engineering
COMPASSIONATE Erika Lynn Kester Social Work Hope Melanie Khamis Human Development and Family Science John Mitchell Khamis Engineering Darya S. Kharlamova Nursing Catherine E. Kifer Psychology
1 0 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
Mitchell Drew Lauer Engineering Rebecca Ann Lauver Biology Mark Randall Leach Communication Kara Marie Leaman Applied Health Science Andrew David Leeper Applied Health Science Kaci Elizabeth Lehman Music (Business) Zoe Adeline Lehmann Communication Spanish Kaylee Marie Leib International Business Hannah Jennifer Lelah Business Administration Elizabeth Kristine Lengacher Sociology and Anthropology Kai Yuen Leong Film and Media Arts Computer and Information Science Sandra Nicole Leubecker Studio Art
Kyle Andrew Krout Biology with Secondary Teaching Certification
Nakia Nanette Levi Human Development and Family Science
Nuttapat Kueakomoldej Engineering
Aidan J. Lewis Theatre
Andrew Fabian Kurian Engineering
Liam Peter Lilienthal Engineering
Jason Nathaniel Kusmadi Psychology
Charmaine Lim En Journalism
Madalyn Irene Kyle Nursing
James Lim Musical Theatre International Business Joo Yee Lim Nutrition and Dietetics Adriana Edith Lima Sociology and Anthropology Ethnic and Area Studies Joshua Andrew Lindquist Film and Media Arts Hannah Ling Biology Spencer James Linton Business Administration Victoria Madison Little Studio Art Kayla Reahann Lockwood Applied Health Science Sarah Jane Lucia Biology Jemi Jane Lui Education Certification Grades 4-8 Jeffrey D. Luse Politics and International Relations Matthew Ly Computer and Information Science Kevin Scott Lyle International Business Reagan Anderson Lyle Computer and Information Science Lindsey Brooke Macariola Marketing Erin Patricia Mackenzie English Kelly Sierra Mackin Education Certification Grades 4-8 Richard MacPartland Communication Stephen Thomas Maloney Computer and Information Science Megan Elizabeth Mansfield Applied Health Science Alexander D. Mantsevich Engineering Claire Adrienne Marino Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education Kyle James Markel Digital Media
Amelia E. Markey Studio Art
John Patrick McGarry Engineering
Cassidy Regina Moyer Applied Health Science
Mya Joy Markley Adventure Education
Daniel Scott McGarvey Finance
Christopher Muchimba Digital Media
Eric Christopher Marra Engineering
Isabella Marie Lisboa McHenry Business Administration
Jean Paul Marrero-Rivera Applied Health Science
Charles George McKean Marketing
Jordan Taylor Muñoz Art Education with K-12 Teaching Certification
Christiana H. Martin English
Page Lee McKenzie Social Work
Christopher Andrew Martin Engineering
Caleb Brant McLanahan Schluep Adventure Education
Conrad Donald Martin Accounting
Kaitlin Marie McMillen Psychology
Hannah Rebecca Martin Biochemistry Biology
Brant Lee Meier Engineering
Keller Martin Computer and Information Science Physics Rachel Brooke Martin Music Education with K-12 Teaching Certification Tasha Marie Martin Nursing
Emily Marie Mellott Nursing Edras D. Méndez-Hernández Biology Jacob Robert Miaczynski Communication Jacob Maxwell Miller Environmental Science Megan Nicole Miller Applied Health Science Spanish
Elissa Kay Matthews Education Certification Grades PreK-4
Trust Milyango Communication
Kyle James Mayer Human Development and Family Science
EmmaLee Anne Mischlich Christian Ministries Mok Zhuang Lin Applied Health Science Hannah Nicole Monette Environmental Science
Anna Catherine Mayo Applied Health Science
Veronica Morales Music
Elijah David McCabe Social Work
Marina Vergara Moreira English
Rebekah Lynn McClelland Computer and Information Science
Sarah Rachel Morgan Nursing
Spencer Craig McCrory Athletic Training
Devin Matthew Morrill Studio Art
Mason Wade McCullough Psychology
Allison Marie Morris Music Education with K-12 Teaching Certification
Stacie Michelle McDowell Film and Media Arts Mason Thomas McFerran Economics
Kristen Nicole Musser Accounting Reid Jakob Steinbrecher Myers History Jacob Michael Nagengast Business Administration Joseph J. Naguski IV Digital Media
Lauren Alicia Mast Social Work
Lynsey Allison Mayberry Education Certification Grades PreK-4
Corinne Emeline Musser Nursing
Gillian Leigh Morris Biblical and Religious Studies Joanna Lynne Moxley Music Performance
Grace Noelle Nale Chinese Business Amelia Victoria Ndaro Environmental Science Spanish Peter Mabula Ndaro Biology Taylor Leanne Nelson Sustainability Studies Jared John Newcomb Sport Management Jonathan Nieto International Business Matthew James O’Donnell Accounting Sarah N. O’Donnell Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education Kennedy Drew O’Shea Economics Janelle Helen Oakley Nutrition and Dietetics Caroline Meredith Olson Sustainability Studies Alexia Mae Ometz Accounting Chloe Ann Oustrich Peace and Conflict Studies Lilly Nicole Owens English Priscilla Elisabeth Paino Music and Worship
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y • T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 1 1
OUR
THE CLASS OF 2020
Hannah Christine Pallotta Music and Worship
Caleb Philip Puleo Criminal Justice
Andrew George Resh Biology
Justine Ann Sanphillipo Studio Art
Naomi Ann Paluch Social Work
Gabrielle Morgan Quandel Music Education with K-12 Teaching Certification
Bethany J. Reyle Nursing
Brianny Santos Music and Worship
Noah Robert Rhinehart Athletic Training
Colin Neil Sareyka Criminal Justice
Bailey Eileen Rhodes Chemistry ACS Certified
Joanna Kathleen Saufley Nursing
Jared Robert Rider Engineering
Abigail Elizabeth Sawicki Biology
Titus Jeffrey Ridgway Social Work
Alex Charles Scheib Mathematics with Secondary Teaching Certification
Samuel Greenlee Parker Accounting Paul Parrish Applied Health Science Sara Kristel Parrish Dance Erin Mackenzie Parry Applied Health Science Julia Faustina Pearl Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education Julia Joy Pearson Social Work
Lynsey Noel Quinn Nursing Timothy John Quintilian Engineering Shay Christopher Quintin English with Secondary Teaching Certification Seth Radabaugh Business Administration
THOUGHTFUL
Katelyn Michelle Pearson Social Work
Coleman Nathaniel Rafferty Biblical and Religious Studies
Megan Frances Pendergast Nursing
Monica Ramirez-Hsu Biology
Abigail Lynn Pepitone Communication
Moriah Assadi Ramsey Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education
Christina A. Perez Molecular Biology Katrin Joelle Peterson Biochemistry ACS Certified Logan Peterson Marketing Carolyn Marie Pijanowski International Business Alexandra Delaney Poe Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education Abigail Poh Psychology Public Relations Kaitlin Jo Ponchione Human Development and Family Science Thomas Carl Pond, Jr. Engineering Travis Kirk Porterfield Digital Media Nicholas Francis Ports Engineering Andrew Daniel Post Business Administration
Rachel Nicole Rinehimer Psychology
Macy Bailey Randall Nursing Emily Elisabeth Ransil Nursing Degree conferred posthumously Abigail Anne Elisa Rashford Nursing Nicholas David Rastovac Criminal Justice Hannah Magdalena Rauhut English Communication Sean Patrick Redington Human Development and Family Science Cole Stanley Reed Business Administration Hannah Lins Reed Public Relations Andrew Scott Reedy Engineering Gavin Shawn Reich Mathematics Sawyer Orion Rensel Business Administration
1 2 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
Stephen Wayne Ritchie English Bethany Davina Rivera Spanish Cooper Alan Robbins Biology Alexis Joy Robinson Education Certification Grades PreK-4 Brooks Robinson Business Administration Jonathan Russell Robinson Engineering Natalie Eva Robinson International Business Samantha Jade Rockhill Politics and International Relations Luke Christian Rosina Communication Business Administration BA Matthew Elliott Royer Education Certification Grades PreK-4 Lydia Corinne Louise Rudy Nursing Jaryn William Ruth Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education Allison Lauren Sabatino Nutrition and Dietetics Mitchell Koehn Salanty Christian Ministries
Kamryn Janae Schettig Nutrition and Dietetics Allison N. Schillinger Human Development and Family Science Spanish Jenicka Schmidt Nursing Zachary David Schmidt Engineering Carleigh Nicole Schneider Nursing Madison Marie Scialanca Biology Matthew Eugene Sechrist Economics Isabella Noelle Segui Biology with Secondary Teaching Certification Jenna Rose Senkeleski Applied Health Science Rebecca Lynne Shallenberger Nursing Payton Celeste Shekalus Psychology Leah Elizabeth Shellenhamer Computer and Information Science Heather Elizabeth Adams Accounting Kelly Joelle Shenk Nutrition and Dietetics Brittany Marie Shields Nursing Magdalene Ruthann Shive English Noah Timothy Shreiner Engineering
Alexis R. Shughart Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education Ericka Lindsay Shuman Nutrition and Dietetics Melanie A. Siegle Human Development and Family Science Derek Kabelo Siewert Adventure Education Ella Rose Silvera Nursing Matthew Simme Film and Media Arts Nathan Daniel Simms Film and Media Arts Spanish Allie LaDean Sipes Accounting
Jordan Tyler Sponsler Biochemistry
Tetsuo Takahara Psychology
Leah Springer Economics
Raechel Jordan Talaber Psychology Spanish
Joshua Thomas Stanley Digital Media Emily Rose Stark Spanish with K-12 Teaching Certification
Cameron Elizabeth Walker Social Work
Hannah Elizabeth Taylor Biology
Emily Alyssa Walter Applied Health Science
Morris K. Taylor Engineering
Andrew Peter Walters History with Secondary Social Studies Teaching Certification
Caroline Elaine Steadman Adventure Education
Shannon Joy Taylor Nursing
Rachel Joy Steckbeck Molecular Biology
McKenzie Ann Tebbs Psychology
Hope Elizabeth Xi Steinitz Business Administration
Lindsay Nichole Terry Social Work
Victoria Faith Stevenson Nutrition and Dietetics
Elizabeth Anna McDougal Thompson Nursing
Dominique Felyce Stewart Molecular Biology
Katherine Leigh Wagoner Human Development and Family Science
Jason R. Wanek Accounting Bryce Allen Watkins Applied Health Science Caleb John Weaver Computer and Information Science Leanne Nicole Weaver Computer and Information Science
Madison Trautman Biology
William Frank Webb III Computer and Information Science
Cora Ruth Travaglione Nursing
Benjamin R. Weber Biology
Audrey Mae Trego Human Development and Family Science
Rebekah Joy Webster Education Certification Grades PreK-4
Elena Louise Stoltzfus Applied Health Science
Abigail Alean Trott Psychology
Erin Brielle Wee Biology
Madeleine Shalom Stoltzfus Biopsychology
Spencer Danae Troutman Nutrition and Dietetics
Abigail Weinel Musical Theatre
Isaiah Joseph Stoy History
Madeline K. Troyer Sustainability Studies
David R. Welch Adventure Education
Zachary Taylor Smith Accounting
Anna Elizabeth Strange History
Jenna Dawn Trumbore Nursing
Nicole Alexandra Wellmon Sustainability Studies
Isaiah Quinten Snyder Music
Emma Morgan Stratton Communication
Brendan Rogers Turner Mathematics
Cassidy Erica Welshans Business Administration
Elizabeth Anne Sobek Engineering
Monica Grace Strickland Psychology
Erik Thomas Tyson Criminal Justice
Tyler Werthmuller Criminal Justice
Vera S. Solomin Music Performance Business Administration BA
Harlie Elizabeth Strohm Nursing
Dakota Lynn Vaughn Journalism
Kyle Fox Whatley Finance
Kalie Marie Sullivan English with Secondary Teaching Certification
Natalie E. Vermeulen English
Tiffany Susan Ann White Sport Management
Emma K. Vogan Engineering
Kyle Matthew Wickenheiser Communication
Alexander Matthew Vollert Engineering
Taylor Catherine Wiederrecht Education Certification Grades 4-8
Mikaela Jean Von Keyserling Business Administration
Helen Rhoda Wiley Engineering
Emilee Jeanette Wagner Nursing
Brittney Rachele Wilkerson Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education
Hannah Faith Elizabeth Sites Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education Emma Jayne Carlisle Slocum Education Certification Grades PreK-4 Cheylee Loraine Smith Engineering Nathan Benjamin Smith Music Education with K-12 Teaching Certification
Kendra Mikayla Sommers Politics and International Relations Joshua Seung In Song Music Education with K-12 Teaching Certification Caleb Parr Southwick Engineering Madeline Adair Spivey Sociology and Anthropology English
Evan Robert Stoker Economics Hannah Grace Stolpe Spanish with K-12 Teaching Certification French
Leah Grace Sulonen Music and Worship Ryan Sum Ze Yang International Business Sarah Grace Swarr Nursing Sarah Joy Szmaciasz Nutrition and Dietetics
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y • T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 1 3
OUR
THE CLASS OF 2020
RESILIENT Asiah Rae Williams Human Development and Family Science
Michelle Lyne Winegardner Film and Media Arts
Courtney Lauren Williams Biology
Jennifer Rose Wintermute Art Education with K-12 Teaching Certification
Meghan Elizabeth Williams Applied Health Science
Brandon Michael Witmer Business Administration
Shayuna Love Williams Education with Dual Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 and Special Education
Lydia Leigh Wittman English
Eden S. Willis Social Work Samantha Suzanne Wilson Education Certification Grades 4-8
Celine Wong Yin-Li Sociology and Anthropology Ethan Weng Mun Wong Computer and Information Science
Jennifer Shelby Woolley Communication
Ashlynn C. Young Psychology
Samuel Wesley Wootten Athletic Training
Tricia Marie Zechman Biopsychology
Madison Ruth Wright Applied Health Science
Jessica Louise Zellers Nursing
Brendan Wurtz Applied Health Science
Elizabeth Mae Zimmerman English Spanish
Sarah Mary Wylie Social Work Raey Ayana Yeneabat Biopsychology Kyra Lucille Ulery Yoder History with Secondary Social Studies Teaching Certification Ryan Cordell Yoder Engineering
Daniel Michael Wood Applied Health Science
Rebekah Miriam Yost Music Education with K-12 Teaching Certification
Andrea Marie Aldinger Master of Business Administration Strategic Leadership
Sandra E. Berry Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Christopher Edward Brittingham Master of Arts School Counseling
Caitlin Diane Ambrose Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction
Elizabeth Anna Biddle-Zabawa Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Educator
Erin Marie Anderson Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Educator
Jordana A. Blumenfield Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Renelle LaShae Brubaker Master of Arts Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Rebecca Jane Barth Master of Arts Student Affairs
Erin Grace Boersma Master of Occupational Therapy
Matthew Paul Zimmerman Marketing Abigail Faith Zoebisch Studio Art Matthew John Zubak Sustainability Studies Jenna Zubaly Psychology
GRADUATE CLASS OF 2020
Marina Bassily Master of Business Administration Strategic Leadership Randi Lee Bateman Master of Education Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: PDE ESL Ashley Marie Madison Bauers Master of Music Choral Conducting Christina Elaine Beier Master of Arts Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Laura R. Bomberger Master of Business Administration Strategic Leadership Jamie Bowman Master of Music Choral Conducting Kayla Marie Bowman Master of Arts School Counseling Yanira M. Briceno Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Angela Baker Britcher Master of Arts
1 4 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
Josceylon Rebekah Buchs Master of Business Administration Strategic Leadership Kelsey Justine Burkholder Master of Business Administration Management Andrew James Butler Master of Arts College Athletics Leadership Sarah Ann Elizabeth Campbell Master of Education Special Education PDE Crt PK-8 Jordan Ashley Carr Master of Arts Student Affairs Emma Grace Cartisano Master of Arts Strategic Leadership
Leticia Garcia Chaparro Master of Arts Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Stacy Lynn Clarke Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Gretchen Nicole Clemens Master of Occupational Therapy Danielle Coles Master of Arts Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Yesenia G. Costa Master of Arts Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Derrick Matthew Crawford Master of Music Wind Conducting Liesl Keller Crehan Master of Music Choral Conducting Erick Tristan Crow Master of Business Administration Digital Marketing
Sarah Elizabeth D’Arcy Master of Arts Student Affairs
Jeremy Michael Flores Master of Arts College Athletics Leadership
Anthony M. Devine Master of Arts Student Affairs
Laura Lynn Flores Master of Music Wind Conducting
Thomas Ross Dietrich Master of Business Administration Strategic Leadership
Jennifer Leigh Flowers Master of Music Choral Conducting
Andrea Dougherty Master of Occupational Therapy
Jodi A. Fox Master of Arts Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Ashley Kessler Doyle Master of Arts College Athletics Leadership Jesse David Dukes Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Amber Renee Dutcher Master of Occupational Therapy Mahala Eager Master of Arts Student Affairs Asha C. Early Master of Business Administration Strategic Leadership Andrea Lynn Earp Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction Janson Riley Eggerton Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Lacey M. Ehrenfeuchter Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing Nursing (MSN in DNP) Nikki Lee Elsaesser Master of Arts College Athletics Leadership Deanna Joy Eyerkuss Master of Occupational Therapy Amy Michelle Falvo Master of Arts School Counseling Victoria Grace Feder Master of Occupational Therapy Kevia Figueroa Master of Arts Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Amanda Kathryn Foxwell Master of Arts School Counseling Juliana Spencer Frederick Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Educator Carolyn Grace Freel Master of Music Choral Conducting Anna Grace Gale Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing Nursing (MSN in DNP) Johnna Marie Garbrick Master of Arts School Counseling Lisa Follett Garcia Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Amy Jo Hanshue Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction with Online Instruction Abigail Ruth Harold Master of Arts School Counseling Emily Lynn Hartman Master of Music Choral Conducting Sharon Vile Haseman Master of Education Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: PDE ESL Hannah Ashley Heintzelman Master of Education Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Alexandra Maria Hernandez Master of Education Special Education Carissa Brooke Hess Master of Occupational Therapy Christina Hiester Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Noah Thomas Hunter Master of Arts Individualized Concentration Cami Jill Hurst Master of Arts Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Ellen Elizabeth Imboden Master of Arts School Counseling Morgan Elizabeth Jones Master of Occupational Therapy Mark Allen Kahler II Master of Arts Joshua Joo Hwan Kang Master of Occupational Therapy Julie Christine Katz Master of Music Choral Conducting Myranda Katie Kemrer Master of Arts College Athletics Leadership
CREATIVE
Leyna Marie Gilleland Master of Arts Student Affairs
Amy Elizabeth Hodes Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing Nursing (MSN in DNP)
Stefanie A. Goggins Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Emily M. Holland Master of Arts School Counseling
Christy Jean Gotwols Master of Business Administration Strategic Leadership
Katlyn Holmes Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Aaron Michael Gray Master of Arts College Athletics Leadership
Jason Barry Holtgrewe Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Katelyn Hope Gularski Master of Occupational Therapy
Holli Honeycheck Master of Arts Student Affairs
Leah M. Hannah Master of Business Administration Digital Marketing
Rosemarie Owoc Hromanik Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Zachary Patrick Hoy Master of Business Administration Digital Marketing
Sierra Marie Maatta Kinslow Master of Arts Strategic Leadership Abigail Denise Kirkpatrick Master of Music Orchestral Conducting Kaycee Amber Klinedinst Master of Occupational Therapy Jaime Leigh Klomps Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing Nursing (MSN in DNP) Jordan Korge Master of Arts Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Kyle David Koser Master of Business Administration Management
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y • T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 1 5
OUR
THE CLASS OF 2020
Carly A. Langton Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction Eddad Lauscar Master of Business Administration Management Emily Jean Layman Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Christopher Jon Mack Master of Music Wind Conducting Trevor Jordan Magness Master of Arts Strategic Leadership Peter Mahtani Master of Music Choral Conducting Stephen Daniel Maldonado Master of Music Wind Conducting Lucas Eric Malmberg Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Christopher William Maloney Master of Business Administration Strategic Leadership Mumbere Malonga Mashauri Master of Education Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Sharia Octavia Mapp Master of Arts School Counseling Daniel Christopher Marquez Master of Arts Student Affairs Lauren Elizabeth Marra Master of Music Choral Conducting Kirsten Elise Mauer Master of Occupational Therapy Kevin Lee McCormick Master of Music Choral Conducting Heather Joy McDonald Master of Music Wind Conducting
Jessica Lynn McEnaney Master of Occupational Therapy Rebecca Julien McFate Master of Music Choral Conducting Melanie Ann McKnight Master of Arts
Michelle Elizabeth Nash Master of Arts Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Cheyanne Christine Natale Master of Arts School Counseling
ADAPTABLE Dakotah Lynn Miller Master of Education Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Otto D Monroy Master of Business Administration Management Nicholas David Montgomery Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing Nursing (MSN in DNP) Alexandra Renee Moore Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Keyauna Symone Moore Master of Arts Academic Support Chad Andrew Muise Master of Arts College Athletics Leadership Célestin Katembo Mukirania Master of Education Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Christopher K. Murphy Master of Business Administration Management Amanda Jane Murray Master of Arts Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Kristal Emmarie Murren Master of Arts Mumbere John Muthambuko Master of Education Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
1 6 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
Johna Marie Neal Master of Arts School Counseling Eric Bao Nguyen Master of Arts Academic Support Jennifer Irene Nolan Master of Music Choral Conducting Carlyn Jean Orpen Master of Music Choral Conducting Cheyanne Lynn Ort Master of Arts School Counseling Brittany A. Pagnotti Master of Business Administration Digital Marketing Alexandra E. Paino Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Lydia Peavy Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing Nursing (MSN in DNP) Desiree E. Peiffer Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Alexis Ann Perrone Master of Music Wind Conducting Amanda Rose Petrucci Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Joanna Rae Phillippy Master of Occupational Therapy
Rosalyn Pirela Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Kevin M. Poole Master of Music Wind Conducting Dennis Paul Reed Master of Arts Britnee Rae Reese Master of Arts School Counseling Nathan Perry Reese Master of Arts College Athletics Leadership Justine Lynne Reid Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction Sarah Evelyn Reitnour Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction Gretchen Alexis Ringenberg Master of Arts Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Paige L. Rippon Master of Occupational Therapy Debra Renee Rock Master of Arts Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Ann Sullivan Rohrbaugh Master of Education Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: PDE ESL William Fletcher Rosenfeld Master of Music Choral Conducting Esther Rosier Master of Arts Individualized Concentration Stephanie Jan Sammons Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Jennifer Ryan Sarff Master of Business Administration Strategic Leadership Gloria Ann Schaeffer Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing Nursing (MSN in DNP)
Matthew R. Schrack Master of Music Wind Conducting
Christopher Alexander Steele Master of Music Wind Conducting
Corryn Rebecca Vento Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Kaitlyn Brianne Wine Master of Education Special Education PDE Crt PK-9
Michelle Lynn Scott Master of Business Administration Strategic Leadership
Jennifer Ann Steiner Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction
Jennifer Ranck Wagner Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Educator
Daniel James Wolbach Master of Occupational Therapy
Brandie L. Searle Master of Business Administration Digital Marketing
Valerie BreAnne Steinweg Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Educator
Katherine L. Wagner Master of Arts School Counseling
Dawn Victoria Sechrist Master of Music Wind Conducting
Grant Ryan Stevens Master of Occupational Therapy
Ann Himmelberger Wald Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Matthew James Seely Master of Occupational Therapy Lisa H. Shenk Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Pamela S. Shields Master of Arts School Counseling Luke Joshua Showers Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction Jillian Rae Sisson Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Educator Joshua Stephen Smith Master of Music Choral Conducting Katie A. Snook Master of Arts School Counseling Kelly Ann Snyder Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing Nursing (MSN in DNP) Hannah Marie Srour Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction Marie Marcelin St. Louis Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Rebekkah L. Stanko Master of Science in Nursing Nursing Administration Daniel Scott Stauffer Master of Music Wind Conducting
Rebekah Anne Stombaugh Master of Music Wind Conducting Bennet Mathiasen Strauss Master of Occupational Therapy Emilie Miquel Stuart Master of Music Orchestral Conducting Paige Ann Szarowski Master of Occupational Therapy Ashana Shirene Taylor Master of Business Administration Management Hannah Christine Thomas Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Martyn Scott Thomas Master of Music Wind Conducting Ronald Erik Thorsen Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Cara Elizabeth Toniola Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Lily Grace Trayer Master of Education Special Education Caroline Canter Triscik Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Amber Lynn Turpin Master of Occupational Therapy Jessica Calene Vanorsdale Master of Occupational Therapy Emily Breen Vaughan Master of Occupational Therapy
Rebecca Ann Walker Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Madalyn Renee Waller Master of Occupational Therapy Ellie Marie Weaver Master of Education Special Education Erik Charles Welchans Master of Music Choral Conducting Matthew Douglas Wells Master of Music Wind Conducting
Lindsey Wommer Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Dwayne C. Wright Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Samantha Joy Wright Master of Occupational Therapy Cyana Rose Wulfers Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Joshua Robert Yarn Master of Occupational Therapy Elizabeth Virginia Yoder Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling Laura E. Young Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction
Robyn L. Whitaker Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Tracy Lynne Young Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing Nursing (MSN in DNP)
Orlando Quadir Williams, Jr. Master of Arts Student Affairs
Lori Ann Zimmerman Master of Business Administration Strategic Leadership
Edward Allen Wilson II Master of Music Choral Conducting
Kristen K. Zlogar Master of Music Choral Conducting
Nile Mendoza Wilson Master of Music Orchestral Conducting
Rena Shelly Zody Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing Nursing (MSN in DNP)
Tovah Elizabeth Wilson Master of Arts Student Affairs
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. — 2 THESSALONIANS 3:16 M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y • T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 1 7
DAVID JOLES/STAR TRIBUNE VIA GETTY IMAGES
F E AT U R E S T O R Y
From left: Crixell Shell and Donna Minter ’81 operate the Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 1 8 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
W
hen police killed George Floyd May 25 in Minneapolis, psychologist Donna Minter ’81 found herself at the epicenter of a national movement for change. As founder of the Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute, she has trained organizations in cultural competence and restorative justice for more than a decade.
THE
WALKING
WALK
RACIAL RECONCILIATION IN A TIME OF CHANGE
by Anna Seip and Molly McKim ’23
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y• T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 1 9
WA L K I N G T H E WA L K
“Our organization is not a religious organization,” said Minter, “but if we’re working together to heal, and we work toward reconciliation, I think Jesus is going to be pleased.” Using the Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience (STAR) training, she and her team had been providing five-day, 30-hour evidence-based, multiracial, multicultural training in person for years. In light of COVID-19 in March, they already had created an online version and were ready to help after Floyd’s death. As a result, the institute could provide training and healing worldwide without ever leaving the state of Minnesota. “We’ve been talking about racialized trauma for a long time, but now the media wants to talk about it,” she said. “We have a basic human need for justice. How easy it is to get that confused with revenge. When we meet our basic human need for justice and heal ourselves, we can be effective agents of change within our spheres of influence.”
A NATIONAL CONVERSATION
“George Floyd was a wake-up call even amongst some of my Christian friends who are white who have known me a long time,” said Todd Allen, vice president of diversity affairs. “On one hand, I’m glad that moment woke them up. On the other, I’ve been telling you my stories forever. OK, better late than never.” For Messiah students who have not lived through the civil rights movement of the 1960s, the protests that erupted around the U.S. spurred some to lend support in a new way, speaking out even when — especially when — the conversations are difficult. “Even within this campus, at times when we have these conversations,” said Nadine Mfum-Mensah ’22, a communications major of Ghanaian descent who grew up in Canada, “I’m hesitant to speak up, because I know I haven’t gone through the same deep hardships that many of the African Americans in
KAREN GARLINGER PHOTOGRAPHY
“ George Floyd was a wake-up call even amongst some of my Christian friends who are white who have known me a long time. On one hand, I’m glad that moment woke them up. On the other, I’ve been telling you my stories forever. OK, better late than never.” — Todd Allen, vice president of diversity affairs
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are
2 0 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
THE LONGVIEW OF RACISM
While many wonder how they can help during a time of crisis, before we can get to “What can I do?” we must first acknowledge “What is it that I see?” That means getting informed from a historical perspective. Christian faith has been influenced by race. From 1000 A.D. to through the 15th century, colonialism rose from Western Christendom, which gave birth to white supremacy as we know it today. “Sometimes in the church, we have the perception that, oh, these are secular things,” said Drew Hart, assistant professor of theology. “The practice of Christian supremacy in society gave birth to white supremacy. We have a responsibility for the harm that’s been done through the church, and sometimes we’re in deep denial of that.” Working toward justice involves examining the entire fabric of our society. What are the ramifications today of the church’s actions centuries ago? What role did the government play in redlining — the segregation of communities in the 1930s — that affects where people live today? Take a hard look at your neighborhood, the schools your children attend and
your friend group. “Not just, oh, I work with some people of color, but what do my friends look like?” asked Allen. “If there are no people who are different from you in your inner circle, that reality should make you say ‘ouch.’ Ask yourself, ‘Where am I in this race conversation and where am I coming up short?’” MESSIAH’S MISSION
That’s where the tough conversations — and reconciliation — come in. Reconciliation plays a key role in Messiah’s mission and institutional values. “You can’t understand reconciliation apart from service and leadership. We sometimes mistakenly talk about those as three separate things, but they’re one and the same,” explained Allen. “You cannot serve people or serve with people that you don’t see. You cannot lead alongside people you don’t love. And you can’t reconcile with people you don’t respect. Part of respecting is seeing and serving each other.” In 2 Corinthians 5, God reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. In other words, as Christians, we are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation. “To be an ambassador to reconciliation is central to one’s faith,” said Allen, “and it’s costly. It cost Jesus his life. If we want to do
KAREN GARLINGER PHOTOGRAPHY
my classes have had. In a way, as an adult, I’ve still felt powerless, but I know that showing any form of support means more than just being silent.”
“ I’m proud of the people of this generation for how bold they are in tackling issues of racism and the ones who are actually using their voice for good and trying their hardest to work toward a change.” — Judith Kyei-Poku ’23
convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. — 2 Corinthians 5:14, NIV
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y• T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 2 1
WA L K I N G T H E WA L K
Messiah receives Lilly Endowment Inc. grant NEARLY $1 MILLION WILL BE USED FOR RACIAL JUSTICE Messiah University is the recipient of a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. totaling more than $975,000 to help establish a new program, “Thriving Together: Congregations for Racial Justice.” The program is funded through Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations Initiative, and the goal is to strengthen Christian congregations and contribute to the local communities and the world. The Lilly Endowment is funding nearly $93 million in grants as part of the initiative. “In the midst of our partisan, polarized and racially divided society, we need churches committed to coming together to understand how we can thrive together across racial divides,” said Program Director Drew Hart, assistant professor of theology. Through the project, Messiah will invest in a cohort of leaders from 12 congregations seeking to understand how the legacy of race has shaped our region in ways that vandalize the witness of the Church. This will help program leaders determine ways congregations can come together in larger regional efforts to achieve a just society — one characterized by the biblical understanding of shalom. “We believe that if we would just slow down and discern God’s delivering presence at work in our neighborhoods, congregations could provide the kind of Jesusshaped justice, healing and truth-telling that our society yearns for, and which could become the answer to our sacred prayer that ‘your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven’,” said Hart. “The Thriving Together program funded by the Lilly grant is audacious enough to seek after God’s dream for us all.”
these cheap versions of reconciliation where we don’t talk about truth or apologize or lament, that’s easy, but it’s not reconciliation.” Reconciliation also connects to the Hebrew vision of shalom, God’s desire for harmony and flourishing of all creation. Then Ephesians 2 takes it a step further. “Ephesians 2 also breaks down the division and hostility between Jews and Gentiles, and, therefore, any hostility and barriers that exist in society,” said Hart. “That’s really powerful.” Breaking down barriers and hostility as it relates to racism is a critical part of loving and caring for all of God’s creation. At Messiah, students wrestle with these conversations during their academic journey and faith transformation daily throughout their college career and beyond. “If as Christians we want to live our lives more like Jesus, why is it so hard to help your Black brothers and sisters?” asked Judith Kyei-Poku ’23, a social work and sociology double major. “I’m proud of the people of this generation for how bold they are in tackling issues of racism and the ones who are actually using their voice for good and trying their hardest to work toward a change. Hopefully, one day we will have a country where your skin color will no longer be seen as a disadvantage or a threat.”
2 2 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
THE POLITICS OF LOVE
In his new book “Who Will Be a Witness?”, Hart discusses the importance of being in solidarity with and in proximity to those who are suffering and hurting in our communities. That means putting church first and politics last. “So often, we start the other way around, and the political platforms become the ethics of the church,” Hart explained. “You have the Democratic church and the Republican church, and we’ve lost sight of God’s kingdom for us.” After a divisive election year, politics still dominate the news. Keeping God at the forefront is key to working as an ambassador of reconciliation. “The history of America is embedded in racism,” said Joshua Reid ’20, a history major. “I can’t help but wonder what the future will hold for us as a minority. I have to remind myself that although we seem to be in the darkest part of this time of racial unrest across the country, I still have faith in God.” RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
Messiah transforms students into leaders who can break the ongoing cycles of harm and can help to bring justice in our world. “This has been a time where I’ve been able to see firsthand the ways in which God works and moves within communities of the
“ We have a responsibility for the harm that’s been done through the church, and sometimes we’re in deep denial of that.” — Drew Hart, assistant professor of theology
JOHN WHITEHEAD IMAGES
oppressed,” said Emoni Taylor ’21, a peace and conflict studies (PACS) major and president of the Black Student Union. “I was working on my PACS senior thesis that explored Black liberation theology, which is centered around the idea that God is the God of the oppressed and marginalized. So, having the new knowledge, I was more equipped to see how my faith intersected with justice and how this place of deep pain, anger and hurt was a space where God always wins.” STAYING VIGILANT
As an ambassador of reconciliation, there is no luxury of walking away from the journey. “In a season of racial strife, people ask what gives me hope,” said Allen. “It’s because I know how this story ends, these stories from people of faith that are the foundation of our faith. So, when I think about the frustration of reconciliation, the people who think their faith has nothing to do with it, that reminds me that that is the challenge. If it were easy, there would be no need for conversation, books and articles about this. I expect there to be challenges and yet I remain hopeful in spite of that.” B
KAREN GARLINGER PHOTOGRAPHY
Drew Hart, assistant professor of theology, recently published the reconciliation book ‘Who Will Be a Witness?’
Monument honors 15th, 19th amendments ‘A GATHERING AT THE CROSSROADS’ MAKES HISTORY At a time in the U.S. when monuments that told one racial narrative were coming down, Messiah University played an integral role in another one — featuring abolitionists and orators — going up Aug. 26. The artwork, called “A Gathering at the Crossroads,” located on the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg, is the culmination of the Commonwealth Monument Project (CMP), in which Messiah’s professors participated. The existing resources of Messiah’s Digital Harrisburg Initiative and the Center for Public Humanities Fellows Program proved integral to the CMP. “Collectively, we had a good collection of digital resources such as demographic databases, historical documents, images, online historical maps, digital exhibits, and local poetry produced through Poetry in Project workshops,” said David Pettegrew, co-chair of the Department of History and professor of history and archaeology at Messiah. “The organizers of CMP asked us to contribute and were keen on having Messiah students involved.” Pettegrew worked with students and colleagues to develop several materials, including a published collection of historical essays written by students and scholars, a digital book of 100 important individuals of Harrisburg’s historical African American
community, and interactive historical maps of the city. “It was pretty amazing to be immersed in the inspiring stories of these phenomenal change agents over the last few months as ongoing protests call us to reckon with enduring legacy of slavery,” said Jean Corey, associate professor of English. “The Messiah students and staff involved in the project all found our work on the project to be a truly transformational educational experience. As we worked alongside African American community partners and cultural agents, white faculty and students had the rare opportunity to step into a world we would likely have missed altogether.” The CMP celebrates the histories of forgotten communities and their historical struggle for justice. While the monument commemorates the passing of the 15th and 19th amendments, which gave AfricanAmerican men and, eventually, all women the right to vote, it also specifically honors Harrisburg’s Old Eighth Ward, an immigrant and African-American neighborhood demolished to create the green park around the Pennsylvania State Capitol. “It honors the important men and women in the city’s Black community who lived their lives in pursuit of equality, justice and racial reconciliation. Our community partners pursued the monument’s dedication as an act of faith,” said Pettegrew. “Local institutions invested resources in the work. And state and local officials legislated in support of the installation. That it all came to fruition was incredible—and even more so at such a pivotal moment of racial reckoning across the country.”
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y• T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 2 3
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Kim Phipps sits down for an in-depth interview about her presidency, Messiah’s move to University, learning for life and the most challenging part of her presidency. (Hint: It involves a global pandemic.)
2 4 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
Tell me about your journey to Messiah University.
I came to Messiah in 1998 to serve as the academic dean. I had been aware of Messiah College for about 10 years, though, because I was very involved in the Council of Christian College and Universities. After finishing my Ph.D. at Kent State University, I began a teaching and administrative career at Malone University, which was part of the CCCU. I had stopped at Messiah’s campus a couple of times, while driving from Ohio to New York, which is where I grew up. I was always interested in Messiah because of its location and the natural beauty of the region surrounding it. My name was given to President Rod Sawatsky and Provost Don Kraybill as someone who might serve the institution well as an academic dean. What really drew me to Messiah was President Sawatsky’s vision for Messiah to be a Christian college that was committed to academic excellence and gracious Christianity. Messiah would preserve core values that are part of the institution’s heritage while simultaneously embracing many of the important distinctives of different Christian traditions. Messiah faculty, staff and students would learn to value and respect those commonalities and differences. I was excited to become a part of that shared vision.
JOHN WHITEHEAD IMAGES
Messiah became a university July 1, 2020. How does the university distinction set Messiah up for success moving forward?
Our decision to become a university was made after a multiyear process of research and deliberation. I think of university status as the natural step for Messiah’s development. A dedicated and creative task force comprised of administrators, faculty, staff and students conducted quantitative and qualitative research, which led us to a final decision. The topic of university status came up at different times during the last decade, particularly when we launched graduate programs. (We now have close to 800 graduate students enrolled in our university.) Also, our experience taught us that the nomenclature of “college” leads some folks to think solely about the liberal arts, which is a very important part of our heritage and mission, but Messiah has had—at least for the last four decades—a deep commitment to the liberal and applied arts and sciences. We have a really strong engineering program, applied health science, M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y• T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 2 5
nursing, business, education, media and social work programs, and the label of college didn’t represent the breadth of curriculum. Another important consideration about moving to university status was our global outreach. For the past decade, we have been very intentional about the recruitment and retention of international students. As I traveled with admission colleagues to recruit international students, particularly in southeast Asia and China, I learned that the term “college” often connotes what we label as high school or secondary education. Prospective high school graduates told me they had not considered Messiah, because they had already graduated from high school. What really concerned me is when I talked to students who were looking for a Christian university in the United States. Our type of Christ-centered, liberal and applied arts and sciences-focused education is not very common in many parts of the world at large. Many countries have religious training schools. They may have liberal and applied arts schools but the fusion and the integration that we practice is nonexistent. Prospective international students were missing out on what Messiah offered because the “college” label did not point them in our direction when searched on the web. And, this fall, finally, we have moved to adult degree online programs as part of a new vision to provide learning for life opportunities. We want to offer certificates, badges, webinars for alums and find creative ways to share the expertise of our faculty with a broader audience. The label of “university” sincerely fits Messiah better than the label of “college.”
Why do students and their parents choose Messiah? What differentiates Messiah from other Christian universities and colleges?
We’re consistently told that the transformational experience and the integrated approach we have to students’ education is distinctive. We ensure that students are spiritually, intellectually and personally challenged and developed. We are strongly committed to academic excellence and quality and intentional mentoring that is embraced by faculty and staff. Personal accounts of mentoring come back to us over and over again when we engage in conversations with alumni, current students, prospective students and their parents. They observe the kind of personal care and investment of not only our faculty but also employees across
JOHN WHITEHEAD IMAGES
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
campus, including work supervisors, folks who manage offices and those who work alongside students in other projects and throughout our campus. There is an obvious and true sense of care and concern for students. We love our students and earnestly desire for them to have a transformational experience.
Could you explain the learning for life initiative? How does that play out in becoming a university?
I am being very intentional when I say “learning for life” and not “lifelong learning,” although I have great respect for programs that offer lifelong learning credit. Learning for life suggests that at Messiah we’re educating students for a lifetime. We want them to engage with the big questions of life and faith as they prepare to lead and serve their communities with competence, compassion and a commitment to reconciliation. Our student population includes high schoolers (dual enrolled), undergraduate, graduate and adult degree-seekers. We are working to present our alums and others with compelling opportunities for learning.
2 6 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
Learning for life means that Messiah University will offer a rich menu of opportunities. We want our students to engage with Messiah beyond the four-year undergrad or two-year master’s experiences. We want our students to gain tools to continue their education for the entirety of their lives. I want our alumni to view Messiah as a resource that, after they’ve graduated, I hope they will say, “This is a lecture I want to tune into” or “I want to further this credential, and I can do it at Messiah.” The idea of learning for life is baked right into the ingredients of Messiah’s mission statement. When we started adding graduate programs, some employees asked, “Don’t you have to change the mission statement?” because graduate students are already mature. My response was, “No.” Growth and development are central to the Christian journey, and the human journey. Each of us has the opportunity to mature as we gain knowledge and nurture virtues.
What is the most challenging thing you’ve faced as president?
That’s easy to answer—COVID-19. Prior to COVID-19, I would have said the economic recession after 2008. We have built a very strong community at Messiah, and two words that guide my thinking about Messiah are “community” and “hospitality.” Those two are really clear distinctives of what the ethos of a Christian college or university should be. I have been deeply moved by the tremendous efforts of our community during this crisis. Last March, when the governor shut us down, I never thought the ruling would last for weeks and weeks. The day we announced our closing, some seniors came to my office to visit and say goodbye. I responded, “What are you talking about? We’re going to be back. It’s just going to be a longer break. Drive safely. I’ll see you after Easter.” Of course, the students were right. What has been so difficult about COVID-19 is the relentless pressure to make decisions swiftly that keep the health and safety of the community as paramount; minimizes the negative impact
Messiah University’s mission: Our mission is to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.
What would you like to say about inclusive excellence, racial reconciliation and restorative justice, especially in light of what happened this past summer?
COVID-19 is one challenge we have been addressing, but with the current tenor of division in our country and then violence, particularly toward people of color, we must ask how Messiah can be a helpful participant in regional and national conversation about racial and economic justice. We are committed to educating servant leaders who understand the importance of reconciling people to God and to each other. As Christians, we are called to make a difference—to be peacemakers. Sometimes, when we talk about a term like inclusive excellence or even racial reconciliation, people attribute partisan and political motivations to those terms. As a Christian educational community, we need to live as people who embrace others and value every human being, because they are image-bearers of the God we love and serve. One of the most wonderful experiences I had during the past few months was the
privilege of attending the dedication of the new Commonwealth Monument located at the state capitol in Harrisburg. Our faculty and students who are part of the University’s Center of Public Humanities and the Digital Harrisburg project researched the stories of the Old Eighth Ward, a neighborhood of persons of color and immigrants that was torn down so that the state capitol could be built on the site. It’s a sad component of our regional history, and our students and faculty used their skills and training to research and reclaim the stories of many of the residents. At a time where we are witnessing monuments being torn down, this compelling monument is being constructed. The ceremony reminded me that Messiah has an important role to fulfill as we seek to improve the present and create a vision for the future.
“Alumni have an important role to play in our community, and we want to learn from them and need their counsel.” you’ve fulfilled your mission?” By the outcomes of our work and who they are as our alums—as people—as Christians, as successful professionals and artists and servant leaders in many contexts. Alumni are truly the “products” of all of what we do and seek to do at Messiah. In terms of advancing the mission, I do not shy away from speaking with alumni who say, “Here’s a concern I have.” Alumni have an important role to play in our community, and we want to learn from them and need their counsel. I also hope that they would see a part of their responsibility as alumni to be ambassadors, to share the good news about what is happening at Messiah and encourage others to enroll or engage in University activities. In addition, alumni fulfill a significant role by hiring Messiah grads and supervising Messiah interns. Our alumni are wonderful at mentoring current students and recent grads. I am so thankful for their involvement. One of the positive outcomes of COVID-19 is how easy it is to Zoom and share expertise and experience with current students. Be willing and available to speak in classes. Faculty have reported experiences this fall when alumni have joined classes to participate in panel discussions. Of course, we are sincerely grateful for alumni financial support, and it has been gratifying to see alumni who are very interested in helping students fund their education. Our alumni and other donors invest in the education and holistic development of current Messiah students.
What do you have to say about the alumni response to the changes to campus?
It’s not easy for people to embrace change, especially when they believe in and value what already exists. I can understand fear of change. It is important for alumni to see what remains the same for Messiah University— the mission, the identity and the core values continue and permeate all of our educational endeavors. The changes we are facilitating are exciting because they allow for us to extend our mission to more people, including remote learning for different audiences and locations.
What role do you see alumni playing in helping to advance the mission of Messiah University?
Alumni are the proof—the testimony of why Messiah University exists and the testimony of what we do. People say, “How do you know that
Is there anything you would like to tell me about that I haven’t asked about?
JOHN WHITEHEAD IMAGES
on employees and their families; prepares faculty and students for a new learning environment; and manages the University’s financial challenges. Every morning and evening, I pray for the wisdom to make good and sound decisions because these decisions have a pervasive impact on our entire community. I have felt overwhelmed and exhausted more in the last nine months than any other time in my 16-year presidency, but I am also very grateful for the ways I have witnessed the Messiah community—including students—follow protocols, wear masks and demonstrate a commitment to be together at Messiah.
For those who want to know if we are going to celebrate becoming a university, we’re using social media, we’re using billboards, but I am still holding out to have fireworks somewhere when we can. We still want to have a communal celebration where we get to say, “This is an important moment in the University’s history.”
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y• T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 2 7
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Jay McClymont, director of alumni and parent relations, interviewed President Phipps, giving readers a glimpse into her presidency and Messiah’s move from College to University. Want to learn a bit about Jay? Read on.
What brought you to Messiah as a student?
I graduated Messiah College in 1992 with a degree in communication. Growing up in New Jersey, I was familiar with Messiah from visiting the campus while two of my older brothers (Jody ’91 and Jon ’90) were students. I had the chance to hang out with their friends and experience life on campus during Little Sibs Weekend and that sealed the deal for me. I really enjoyed the community and student life, especially in the Miller Residence.
What is the best way to get in contact with you if alumni have questions, concerns or story ideas?
The best way to contact me is by email—jmcclymont@messiah.edu—but I really encourage alumni to stay connected to me and Messiah through social media.
JOHN WHITEHEAD
Meet the interviewer What would you like to say to alumni?
I am really excited that our office has moved to the new Admissions and Welcome Center, and I really want alumni and parents to know that our doors are always open to visitors! We want to extend a warm welcome to all guests visiting campus, but there is a special place in my heart for alumni who return home to their alma mater.
What is one objective of your job and how long have you worked as the director of alumni and parent relations?
JOHN WHITEHEAD IMAGES
I have worked in this role since March 2008, and my job is to keep alumni informed and engaged so that they can be informed ambassadors and enthusiastic cheerleaders for their alma mater.
2 8 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
FINANCIALS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONTENTS 30 Revenues, Expenditures 31 Net Assets 32
Lifetime Societies
34 New Heritage Society, Board of Trustees, Scholarships 35
Charitable Gift Allocation
A PRESIDENT’S REPORT FOREWARD FROM TRUSTEE EUNICE STEINBRECHER
OFFICE OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Even though we may believe that a constant in life is change, who among us would have said a virus would dramatically disrupt almost everything worldwide and, specifically, impact
DONOR PROFILE
Bernardo Michael Bernardo Michael has held many titles at Messiah University during his distinguished tenure, including his current dual roles as professor of history and co-chair of the Department of History. In addition, he served as special assistant to the president and provost for diversity affairs from 2010-2017. In that role, he worked to foster diversity and inclusive excellence in all spheres of the institution.
the way we educate and care for our students, faculty and staff at Messiah University? The president, her administration, faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to care for our students. Their safety has been entrusted to us and every endeavor to build on that trust is being mobilized. Just a few examples of building and maintaining trust came through the Messiah Cares initiative designed to serve and help with emergency grants for spring 2020 students and trustees’ grants for incoming fall 2020 students. The swift issuance of refunds or credits on room and board when spring semester was interrupted by the virus is another example. Let us recall words from Psalms 31, trusting in the Lord and saying, “Thou art my God – my times are in Thy hand.” Financial implications are impacting Christian higher education, causing continuous shifting so that each day provides an opportunity to see anew. In 1968, by request from President D. Ray Hostetter, I became a member of the Board of Trustees. Serving as a trustee over the past 34 years has enabled me to be a part of a board who closely monitors and gives input as to how Messiah meets the challenges of change. It has been rewarding to see us grow during these years. We have been successful in completing
“My vision for diversity, equity and inclusion developed during my work at the Office of Diversity Affairs and draws inspiration from Matthew 20: 1-16. The verses call for humans to acknowledge their entanglements with the exclusions and inequities of their past if they are to create a new vineyard of belonging that embraces diversity, fosters inclusion and pursues equity,” said Michael. In recognition for his meaningful enduring advocacy for diversity, inclusion and reconciliation at Messiah, the 2017-2018 SGA Leadership Cabinet established the Dr. Bernardo Michael Grant, which is now
this difficult year with positive cash reserves. In the midst of the storm, we are pleased to share that the Standard and Poors rating is A-. This is indicative of a well-managed financial plan over the decades. It is also a testament of your faithfulness as donors in continuing to support the university. President Phipps is suggesting that donors lend support to the Messiah Fund, which is used to support scholarship aid and other program priorities, and The Good Samaritan Fund to provide financial support to many students who have need due to unexpected circumstances in their personal lives. The University thrives to the extent that our alumni and friends continue to support our mission to educate students toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith. You are very highly valued as partners in this effort. The world needs Messiah grads! — Eunice Steinbrecher ’58, Trustee
a fully vested scholarship endowment. The grant will be awarded to disadvantaged and racially underrepresented students with significant financial need. These types of scholarships are valued resources to help us in our ongoing vision for promoting diversity and inclusive excellence at Messiah University. We are grateful for a legacy of faculty and educators who inspire their students to not only emulate their examples of Christian lives committed to service and justice, but also to foster furthering the mission of Messiah through financial support.
“ The verses call for humans to acknowledge their entanglements with the exclusions and inequities of their past if they are to create a new vineyard of belonging that embraces diversity, fosters inclusion and pursues equity.” — Bernardo Michael referencing Matthew 20: 1-16
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y• T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 2 9
FINANCIALS
2020 201 9 201 8
REVENUES (IN 000S)
Net tuition and fees Government grants and appropriations Gifts and grants Capital gifts Endowment return designated for operations Investment Income Other sources Auxiliary enterprises Total operating revenues
60,883 2,456 1,783 2,792 7,495 594 3,104 17,762 96,869
59,916 967 2,209 1,346 7,365 (9) 4,563 21,477 97,834
58,231 964 2,253 8,293 7,245 1,048 4,035 21,248 103,317
36,920 9,089 21,101 1,909 14,529 15,972 99,520 (2,651)
39,120 9,385 21,211 2,772 16,078 14,353 102,919 (5,085)
38,907 9,388 19,874 2,496 16,198 14,838 101,701 1,616
EXPENSES (IN 000S)
Instructional Academic support Student services Public service Auxiliary enterprises Supporting services, institutional support Total operating expenses Net operating income
TORI SIDELLA ’21
N O N O P E R AT I N G R E V E N U E S , E X P E N S E S A N D OT H E R C H A N G E S ( I N 0 0 0 S )
Endowment and life income gifts 1,278 2,040 2,116 Endowment investment returns, net of amount designated for operations (9,032) (1,708) 2,218 Change in value of beneficial interest in perpetual trusts (86) (21) 53 Other nonoperating income/(expense) - - Investment return on trusts and gift annuities 348 196 348 Change in value of split interest agreements (Trusts and CGA’s) (395) (198) (342) Gain (Loss) on disposal of fixed assets Total nonoperating revenues, expenses, and other changes 7,887 309 4,393 Total changes in net assets (10,538) (4,776) 6,009 Net assets, beginning of year 244,951 249,727 243,718 Net assets, end of year 234,413 244,951 249,727 Tuition and fees is net of financial aid of $41.9 million, $41.9 million and $41 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018 respectively.
REVENUES
2019-2020 fiscal year 63% Net tuition and fees 18% Auxiliary expenses 8% Endowment return designated for operations 3% Capital gifts 3% Government grants and appropriations 3% Other 2% Gifts and grants 1% Investment income 3 0 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
EXPENSES
2019-2020 fiscal year
37% Instructional 21% Student services 16% Supporting services, institutional support 15% Auxiliary enterprises 9% Academic support 2% Public service
2020 201 9 201 8
NET ASSETS
S U M M A R Y S TAT E M E N T O F E N D OW M E N T F U N D S ( I N 0 0 0 S )
Donor endowment Board-designated endowment Total endowed funds Endowment percent change
41,824 88,106 129,930 -5.91%
43,250 41,756 94,697 96,328 137,947 138,084 -0.10% 2.91%
$ millions
250
ASSETS (IN 000S)
Cash and cash equivalents Notes and accounts receivable, net Promises to give, net Interest receivable Inventories Prepaid expenses and other assets Investments, gift annuities, and assets held in trust Loans receivable - students Deposits with trustee under debt agreements Beneficial interest in perpetual trusts Property and equipment, net Total assets
9,511 5,617 7,286 3,127 3,037 2,235 6,171 6,885 7,389 132 164 194 595 579 574 495 1,503 1,282 144,142 155,073 152,413 2,091 2,449 2,910 - 232 5,320 3,871 3,957 3,978 152,206 151,264 156,356 322,341 330,760 339,937
200
150
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS (IN 000S)
Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses Student deposits Funds held in custody for others Deferred revenue Annuities payable Funds held in trust for others Long-term debt U.S. Government grants refundable Other liabilities Total liabilities
10,275 2,668 61 1,342 3,780 389 64,330 1,879 3,204 87,928
6,360 1,345 76 1,655 3,861 304 66,577 2,535 3,096 85,809
8,742 1,482 67 1,480 3,892 304 68,744 2,504 2,995 90,210
Net assets: Without donor restrictions 178,043 185,544 192,313 With donor restrictions Restricted, time and purpose 14,860 18,766 18,753 Restricted, in perpetuity 41,510 40,641 38,661 Total net assets with donor restrictions 56,370 59,407 57,414 Total net assets 234,413 244,951 249,727 Total liabilities and net assets 322,341 330,760 339,937 Total change in net assets (10,538) (4,776) 6,009
100 Without donor restrictions Donor restricted, time and purpose Donor restricted, in perpetuity
50
0
2012
2014
2016
2019
2020
But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands... — Psalm 31:14-15 (NIV)
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y• T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 3 1
DONOR PROFILE
Mynette (Hock) Satoris ’60 When Mynette (Hock) Satoris ’60 was thinking about ways to honor her parents, she began a conversation with our Senior Director of Charitable Services Bob Brown ’82, a fellow alum. Her father, Harry D. Hock, was a young man in the depths of despair when the Lord touched him at a camp gathering of the Brethren in Christ in Roxbury, Pennsylvania. Despite the limitations of his eighth-grade education, he accepted the challenge of Christ’s call to minister to the downtrodden. The first ministry of the Rev. Hock and his wife,
LIFETIME SOCIETIES M E S S I A H L E G AC Y
Lifetime cumulative giving totaling $10,000,000 or more Leonard Fry† Calvin G. & Janet C. High* Abe† & Gladys† Mellinger The Parmer Family Foundation George A. & Barbara Parmer* MESSIAH TRUST
Lifetime cumulative giving of $1,000,000 to $9,999,999 Vernon E. & Faye R. Anderson Ernest L.† ‘48 & Kathryn G. (Tyson) ‘46 Boyer Brethren in Christ - Cooperative Ministries Covenant Fund Conestoga Wood Specialties Norman† & Elizabeth M. Hahn* Harold H.† ’37 & Mary Elizabeth† (Hoover) ’40 Engle Charles F.† & Ann E.† Frey* Emerson C.† ‘57 & May† Frey* Larry E. & Lois A. Gladfelter* Harry R. Hitchcock† William M.† & Lucille M.† Hollinger Lawrence L. & Julia Z. Hoverter Charitable Foundation David G.† & Beatriz A.† Howe Richard† & Louise K.† Jordan*
Catherine, was on Skid Row in Detroit, Michigan, where the family spent several years ministering to the needy of that city. Later, they traveled extensively on a variety of evangelistic endeavors, towing a 16foot travel trailer as their home on wheels wherever they went. The couple eventually completed their ministry in Belleville, Pennsylvania, where they retired from a life well led in the grace of God. The Rev. Harry D. & Catherine Hock Scholarship Fund at Messiah University supports students who are biblical and religious studies or Christian ministry majors intending to enter the ministry. Those students who may be specifically planning to enter the Brethren in Christ
ministry are given special consideration. We are deeply grateful when Messiah alumni such as Satoris choose to honor their family members by helping current and future students afford Rev. Harry D. Hock a high quality university education. The impact of their generosity reverberates across the generations.
Richard E. ‘70 & Sharon N. Jordan Josiah W. & Bessie H. Kline Foundation The Kresge Foundation Ralph S.† & Dorothy Larsen* Lilly Endowment Inc. Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe James A. & Donna F. Martin* McCormick Family Foundation W. Edwin† & Miriam† Naugle Galen M. ‘48 & Boots L.† (Buckwalter) ‘49 Oakes* D.S.† & Helen† Poorman Sawyer Products Maurice† & Dorothea I.† Shaffer John E.† & Ida† Sollenberger The Stabler Foundation Donald B.† & Dorothy L.† Stabler LeRoy M.† ‘55 & Eunice (Frey) ‘58 Steinbrecher* The Whitaker Foundation John L.† & C. Jeanette† Witmer World Vision Inc. Anonymous Donors (2)
Bingaman & Son Lumber Co. Max E. & Martha Bingaman* Chris C. ‘79 & Heidi Jo (Grove) ‘80 Bingaman* Dean E. & Karen Heintzelman John A. Blessing Foundation Ernest S.† & Elsie L.† Burch Marion Barker Burr† David E.† ‘61 & Jean Byer Charlie B. ‘56 & Miriam N. (Nissly) ‘56 Byers* Clemens Family Corporation Asa W.† ‘16 & Anna E.† (Kipe) ‘16 Climenhaga Cumberland County Industrial Development Authority J. Harold ‘58 & Ruth† (Eckert) ‘58 Engle* Melvin E.† ‘48 & Vivian Eyster* Richard F. Fake ‘37† C.J.† & Harriet† Fredricksen* S. Johannah Gearhart† General Electric Foundation Norma Gotwalt † HARSCO Corporation Agnes R. Hayden Scott A. ‘89 & Gaye Y. Heintzelman* The High Foundation Evert C.† & Mildred S.† Hokanson Charles B. & Sally Hoober* George C.† & Patricia† Hoopy Clyde W. & Barbara A. Horst* D. Ray† ‘48 & Audrey (Fisher) ‘50 Hostetter* Clarence W. Hottel, Sr† Randall B. ‘66 & Judy G. Inskip Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
Lifetime cumulative giving of $250,000 to $999,999 Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of Pennsylvania M. Louise† Aughinbaugh Richard S. & Ann B. Barshinger Family Foundation Quentin Berg Trust Quentin† & Frances H.† Berg
3 2 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY AND BIC ARCHIVES
FINANCIALS
W. M. Keck Foundation W. Wayde† & Glenda Kelly Allen F. Knouse ‘68 Leon E.† & Margaret M.† Kocher Jeffrey F. ‘74 & Leslie (Lustig) ‘75 Lehman* P. Galen† ‘53 & Sara (Brubaker) ‘53 Lenhert Wayne A. & Martha G. Marcho* Aaron J. ‘48 & Jean† Martin Stephen W. ‘78 & Jana M. (Shultz) ‘77 McBeth Jacob & Ada Miller Trust Kenneth V. & Renee A. Moreland* William L.† & Geraldine M.† Murray David A. & Joni J. Nicol Paul W. & Laura† Nisly* Rocco and Nancy Ortenzio Foundation Jeannie Pascale PBS Coal Inc. Pew Memorial Charitable Trusts Preis Investment Company Harry W.† & Nancy R. Preis
Marlin & Nancy† Riegsecker Andrew S. ‘84 & Jane D. (Davis) ‘83 Samuel* Maynard & Carolyn Sauder Oscar F.† & Pauline M.† Shaffer The Joseph T. and Helen M. Simpson Foundation Jerry T.† & Hilary M. Simpson L.B. Smith Educational Foundation Inc. Robert H.† ‘42 & Marilyn L. (Byer) ‘51 Smith John B.† & Mary V.† Sollenberger Ellis R.† & Louise P.† Speakman The John Frederick Steinman Foundation Stover Family Foundation J. Matthew & Debra Stover* John Templeton Foundation Kermit Thomas† Turkey Hill Dairy Daniel Vollmer† The Franklin H. & Ruth L. Wells Foundation Paul A. ‘63 & Elaine K. (Crider) ‘57 Wengert
Willow Valley Associates Marlin H. & Doris Ann Thomas* Amelia C. Winter† Witmer Foundation Leslie K. & Marion H. Witmer* Todd M. ‘91 & Deborah J. Witmer* Kenneth E.† & Minta Wolfe Donald R.† ‘55 & Anna Ruth (Kline) ‘78 Zook* Anonymous Donors (3) † Messiah University gratefully acknowledges the generosity of donors who are deceased. * Messiah University thanks the parents of our current and former students who continue to generously support the University’s ongoing education mission.
SUPPORTERS OF MESSIAH UNIVERSITY
24.3% Friends 24.0% Trustees 19.2% Alumni 16.9% Parents 7.3% Business 6.9% Foundations 0.9% Organizations 0.4% Government 0.1% Church M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y• T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 3 3
FINANCIALS
N E W H E R I TAG E S O C I E T Y M E M B E R S
Thank you to those who became members of the Heritage Society during the 20192020 fiscal year. The Heritage Society was established to appropriately thank those who have included Messiah University in their wills, created a deferred gift arrangement, or established an endowed fund. Their dedication is greatly appreciated. Stephen J. ’88 & Jody L. (Brothers) Brandt ’89 William R. & Judith B. Higgins Thomas & Jean M. Hunsberger Heather S. Shelford ’95 Richard E. Truett Joy L. (Drost) Weaver ’93 Anonymous (1) A LU M N I C O U N C I L | 2 0 1 9 -2 0 2 0
Barbara Bingham ’03 Charles Blachford ’06 George Book ’97 Paul Broomell ’14 Doris Crider ’60 Rudy Crider ’71 John Frey ’83 Elizabeth Gallo ’16 Gina Gilliam ’83 Judith Hamilton ’63 Robert Hamilton ’62
Kerry Hamlen ’85 Moses Kavishe ’16 Jenna McClain ’17 Derek Mosley ’13 Jean Mosley ’13 Phil Naegely ’15 Jason Polansky ’19 Jacob Specht ’11 Kathleen Stuebing ’63 Gerald Wolgemuth ’58 Ruth Wolgemuth ’60
B OA R D O F T R U S T E E S | 2 0 2 0 –2 0 2 1
Mr. George A. Parmer, chair Harrisburg, Pa. Dr. Jerry L. Wenger, vice chair Bird in Hand, Pa. Dr. Craig E. Sider, chair-elect Philadelphia, Pa. Mrs. Heidi G. Bingaman, secretary Kreamer, Pa. Mr. Anthony Schiano, treasurer Duck, N.C. Mrs. Barbara Avery Safety Harbor, Fla. Hon. Sherrie Bailey Towson, Md. Mr. Larry Bashore Mechanicsburg, Pa.
Mrs. Wendy L. Cole Winfield, Pa.
Mr. James A. Martin Chambersburg, Pa.
Ms. Linda D. Eremita Pittsburgh, Pa.
Mr. David Millary Dillsburg, Pa.
Mr. Richard L. Godshall Mr. Kenneth V. Moreland Souderton, Pa. West Friendship, Md. Mr. Anthony H. Hahn Dr. Barbara G. Moses East Earl, Pa. Charlotte, N.C. Mr. Scott Heintzelman Mr. Rodney L. Musser Mechanicsburg, Pa. Doylestown, Pa. Dr. Joachim J. Huerter Mr. Edward Nevin Annville, Pa. Finksburg, Md. Mr. Richard E. Jordan II Mrs. Linda R. Pheasant Mechanicsburg, Pa. Wormleysburg, Pa. Mr. J. Gary Langmuir Dr. Alan Robinson Manheim, Pa. Dillsburg, Pa. Mr. Garret Larsen Mr. Andrew Samuel Spring, Texas Dillsburg, Pa. Dr. Emerson L. Lesher Mechanicsburg, Pa.
SCHOLARSHIPS
• David & Melva Brandt Endowed Scholarship Fund • Clifford A. & Mildred A. Broberg STEM Scholarship Endowment • David Greiner Family Scholarship • Jarvis Hartfiel Memorial International Business Scholarship Endowment • Murk-Hayes Urban Teaching Scholarship Endowment Fund
• Myers-Steinbrecher Scholarship Endowment • H. Royce ‘48 & Phyllis (Engle) ’51 Saltzman Scholarship Endowment for Choral Music • School of Humanities Undergraduate Research Endowment • Serving the Servants Scholarship • Dr. Layton Shoemaker AROMA Fund • Stewardship Advisors Award • Joy Weaver Accounting Scholarship • Dr. Robert K. Worman Endowed Scholarship
Mr. John C. Wagner Jr. Raleigh, N.C. EM ERIT U S T RU ST EES
Mr. Calvin G. High Willow Street, Pa. Mr. Galen M. Oakes Sr. Massillon, Ohio Mr. Charlie Byers Jr. Fort Myers, Fla. Mrs. Rim Hinckley, head of school from New York City, finished her final term of service at the May 2020 board meeting.
45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 2005
3 4 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
Dr. Kimberly C. Thornbury Vancouver, Wash.
GROWTH OF FINANCIAL AID GRANTS AT MESSIAH
in thousands
THE FOLLOWING SCHOLARSHIPS, ESTABLISHED DURING THE 2019-20 ACADEMIC YEAR, ARE AN INVESTMENT IN THE LIVES OF STUDENTS THAT WILL YIELD FRUITFUL AND LASTING RETURNS.
Mrs. Eunice F. Steinbrecher Lancaster, Pa.
2008
2011
2014
2017
2020
ALLOCATION OF GIFTS
COURTESY OF GLEN AND KIM SISSON
46.4% Building projects 15.2% Endowments 14.3% Restricted gifts and grants 7.9% Messiah Fund 7.0% Designated budget 6.1% Government grants 2.0% Deferred gifts 0.9% Unrestricted bequests 0.1% Budgeted restricted
From left: The Sisson family includes Luke ’12, Megan ’11, Glen, Kim, Jillian ’15 and Caleb ’18. DONOR PROFILE
Glen and Kim Sisson In 2007, Glen and Kim Sisson considered Christian colleges within eight hours of their Connecticut home for their oldest daughter,
Megan. Messiah was at the top of their list for academics, athletics, professor/student relationships and community. Campus visits and overnight stays cemented the Messiah choice. According to Kim Sisson, it then “worked out beautifully” to send all four children to Messiah. Megan Sisson ’11 has moved fluidly between ministry and corporate life with her Christian business administration degree, and siblings Luke ’12, Jillian ’15 and Caleb ’18 have excellent jobs in engineering and nursing. “They made lifelong friends and also established relationships with many of the faculty and coaches,” said their mom. “As a whole, their professors set challenging standards for success and were incredibly caring and available. All of them enjoyed and took full advantage of the beautiful campus; the varsity, club and intramural sports; and the varied student activities and clubs. The rich Messiah experience helped
them to further develop their Christian faith, leadership and passion for service in both the secular and Christian settings.” Jillian Sisson is now a double Messiah grad, recently earning her MSN from the University. “Our world needs thriving, financially strong, Christian-based, academically excellent colleges/universities,” said Kim Sisson. “We are blessed to continue to support President Kim Phipps and Messiah University in their mission to cultivate in men and women, like our own children, strong intellect, character and Christian faith. Megan, Luke, Jillian and Caleb were blessed to have the Messiah experience, and we will be forever grateful.” And we are deeply grateful for the Sisson family. In addition to sending their own four children, four families from their home church in Connecticut chose to attend Messiah based on the Sisson family endorsement!
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y• T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 3 5
ILLUSTRATIONS BY SAMMY NEWMAN
F E AT U R E S T O R Y
3 6 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
A TIME OF FIRSTS
FIRST GENERATION What’s it like to be the first one in your family to go to college? BY ANNA SEIP
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y • T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 3 7
F I R S T G E N E R AT I O N
Eric Joloka ’20, born in Liberia, spent the first six years of his life in a refugee camp in Ghana. When he and several members of his family immigrated to the U.S., the goal of becoming a first-generation college student wasn’t even a thought. “There were 19 people living in my aunt’s house, a three-bedroom,” he said. “No one complained. We just all knew we were surviving. That’s how it was in the refugee camp.” As he grew up with his extended family in west Philadelphia, however, his aunt impressed upon him the importance of getting a college education. With a heart for military chaplaincy, he attended Valley Forge Military Academy for two years and then transferred to Messiah University as a biblical and religious studies major. In May, he received his degree, a milestone for him and his family— but only the beginning. “I want to make my family proud,” he said, “but there’s more to this journey.” According to the National Center for Education Statistics report from 2018, onethird of college students can be classified as first-generation, meaning their parents did not earn a four-year degree. Because these students may enter college not knowing how higher education works, many bring with them a grit and determination to succeed. Here’s how some of Messiah’s first-generation students are making their way. FINDING THE MONEY
Before ever taking a class, Joloka found that wading through the process of applying to college, especially the financial part, required the help of his aunt. “I was under the impression I could just go to college,” he said, “but my family didn’t have the money to pay for college. She was the one who filled me in that you have to apply for financial aid,” he said. “You can’t just go to college.” However, Haley Keener ’21, a humanities fellow from Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, says she was keenly aware that paying for tuition would be a key part of the college 3 8 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
experience. In any given semester, she’s working two part-time jobs and taking 18 credit hours, all while maintaining her scholarship. She says although her parents aren’t in a position to help her financially, they step up in other practical ways, such as filling out her financial aid forms. “My mom said, ‘This is something I can do for my child. I can plug in information.’ They’re supporting me in their own way. It just looks different than a lot of other college kids’ parents,” said Keener. Messiah professors hold a special place in their hearts for these students who succeed not only at schoolwork but also at navigating college expenses. “I feel very sympathetic to first-generation students, having been one myself. I love their bravery to pioneer through the academics, but maybe even more so the logistics to know how to pay for college, how to work through paperwork logistics. I’m proud of their tenacity,” said Michelle Lockwood, professor of engineering at Messiah. TIME TO HIT THE BOOKS AND MAKE YOUR MARK
Getting into college and financing it is just part of the battle for first-generation students. They then have to figure out college life and as well their classes. Joloka says discipline is the key to making good grades, a lesson he learned after allowing himself too much latitude and freedom during his first semester at Messiah. “The second semester, I balanced it out and tried harder in my classes, interacted with the professors,” he explained. “There were times I just had to stay in the library. I’d try to not be on my phone. Let me knock this paper out. Let me do this work. God was humbling me in that area.”
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y • T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 3 9
F I R S T G E N E R AT I O N
While first-generation students are working hard to get an education, they’re also imparting their unique perspectives to those around them. “I love the voices, perspectives and experiences my first-generation students bring into the classroom. They help me see my discipline and my teaching in new ways and bring both joy and rigor into our shared work,” said Kerry Hasler-Brooks, assistant professor of English at Messiah. LEARNING THE COLLEGE LANGUAGE
Growing up, Keener says her parents always stressed the importance of going to college to her and her sister. “On snow days, our parents wouldn’t let us go outside until we picked three colleges we wanted to go to,” she said. “Their motto was always, ‘You’re not going to turn out like us.’ They wanted us to get better jobs than they had.” Like any other college student, she has found that her views, opinions and faith have become transformed. “Being in this diverse climate and in a community that engages in these tough issues like social justice and racial equality, I’ve grown so much in how I look at the world politically and spiritually,” said Keener. Passionate about urban education, she plans to become a middle school English teacher. She has already worked in the city of Harrisburg for her field experience of pre-student teaching. In her senior year, she strives to find a balance. Her family gathers for pizza every Sunday after church. Sometimes, she can’t make it because she has to study or has deadlines for assignments. “It’s almost like a language barrier,” said Keener. “I speak the college language—midterms, finals—and they don’t. I want to come home. I want to be involved, but I need to focus on school, too.” It takes more than a few missed pizza dinners, however, to keep your parents mad. “It’s embarrassing but cool to see how proud my parents are. When they introduce me to someone, one of the first things they say is, ‘This is Haley, She goes to Messiah.’ ” LIVING YOUR OWN DREAMS
Many first-generation students grew up hearing “when” not “if” they were going to
college—a sentiment repeated throughout childhood by their parents. Azianna Yang ’23, a business administration major from Ephrata, Pennsylvania, said with a laugh, “I had a choice, but I also didn’t have a choice at all. They said, ‘We came here for a better life,’ and they’ve always said I’m going to college.” Her father is from Laos, and her mother grew up in California. Yang says her parents have strongly urged her to become a doctor. Even the elders in her church, over the course of many dinners while she was in high school, counseled her to go to law school or medical school. Yang, however, prefers to work with numbers, enjoying her business and math courses. “When I talk about accounting, [my parents] really do encourage me to share with them. I like the idea that I can reach people in this major. I really love math,” she said. She says there’s a saying that first-generation college students end up living the lives their parents wanted. “There comes a point where you have to stop living your parents’ lives and their
4 0 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
“ It’s embarrassing but cool to see how proud my parents are. When they introduce me to someone, one of the first things they say is, ‘This is Haley. She goes to Messiah.’” — Haley Keener ’21, first-generation college student
dreams and achieve what you want to do,” said Yang. “I will continue to pursue business because I really just like it. My parents are figuring it out with me.” A SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE
First-generation students can be found in every decade of Messiah’s alumni database.
To begin her studies, Lois Stern ’70 showed up to Messiah never having visited Grantham before. She says many of her role models when she was growing up attended Tabor College in her hometown in Kansas, but Messiah was her college of choice. “Arriving on campus and getting settled in my room in the fall of 1966 was the beginning of my independence,” said Stern. After receiving a degree in behavioral science, she went on to get her master’s in elementary education from Shippensburg University. Her teaching career spanned 33 years and three states—Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. That leap of faith is echoed in today’s Gen Z students. “There will always be someone there to lead you,” said Yang, “whether you look to God or a professor or a friend. Pursue your dreams. Do not let your circumstances hold you back from pursuing your bigger dreams and accomplishments.”
A PRIVILEGE
As Joloka looks back on his time in a refugee camp where there was little food and nowhere to sleep, he says he sometimes feels isolated from some of the students around him who don’t seem to appreciate their immense privilege. But, giving grace, he realized, “You can’t compare your suffering to other people’s suffering.” He says he plans to work in military chaplaincy and is already moving audiences with his testimony. “It’s an indelible mark on my heart, the struggle,” said Joloka. “My uncles said, ‘This is where we’re from. And you must remember.’” That familial sense of moving forward, achieving—the hope of each parent that one’s children will have a better life than the generation before—remains a common thread for Messiah students and alumni. B
‘I’M FIRST’ BUTTONS CREATE CONVERSATION
At Community Day 2019, the Admissions Office provided “I’m First” buttons to any faculty and staff members—including President Phipps!— who were the first in their family to graduate from college. By wearing these buttons, Messiah staff and faculty are encouraged to share their stories with prospective first-generation students and their families who visit and tour campus. Any student, faculty or staff member who would like to receive a button can stop by the Admissions Office to pick one from the front desk.
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y • T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 4 1
OUR
updated color palette including gradients CAMPUS NEWS
MESSIAH SWITCHED FROM COLLEGE TO UNIVERSITY IN JULY
intellect, deepening our faith and inspiring action as followers of Christ continues to be the core values that bring everyone NEW BRANDING, SAME together. With the proven ability to leverGREAT ACADEMICS age academic strengths across our undergraduate and graduate Messiah College became programming for the benefit of Messiah University July 1, 2020. our students –our new university Education is a transformationname simply reflects more al journey. The institution has accurately who we already are. been transforming students and Along with the name change, helping them see anew since the institution underwent a brand 1909. However, the core values refresh, as well. For the enhancehave not changed. Sharpening ment of the logo, which was a collaboration of the Messiah design team, students and alumni, the flame still represents the light of spiritual and academic knowledge that sharpens intellect, deepens faith and inspires action as followers of Christ. The three pillars still signify the Christian Trinity and the tripart foundation of the University’s mission: intellect, character and Christian faith along with service, leadership and reconciliation. The THE MESSIAH METAPHOR new logo At Messiah, each student brings a valuable perspective balances that is celebrated, appreciated and allowed to remain the symbol distinct. In the grace of our shared love of Christ — and of the in our worship, study and service — we combine our everlasting individual contributions into a community that is mission with more beautiful together– like a strong and the momentum vibrant stained glass window. of a promising future. And the insight that is born in everyone is the light that shines In addition to
through. Together we see anew.
created new stained glass element 4 2 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
the new logo, we’ve updated the look of the stained glass metaphor — each student bringing a distinct perspective but combined with individual contributions into a community that is more beautiful together, like a stained glass window — with circular graphics to complement better the shape of the stained glass elements. Another part of our transformation to University is extending our mission to educate undergraduate, graduate and adult degree students, cultivate learning for
outstanding, affordable and flexible educational programs. Messiah students enjoy a wide range of scholarship, research and engagement opportunities such as prestigious national and international scholarship competitions; the Collaboratory for Strategic Partnership and Applied Research; national and international service learning, community service and engagement, a rich network of off-campus and international programs and undergraduate research.
“ Messiah College becoming Messiah University is an important and natural next step in the growth and maturation of our institution” — President Kim Phipps life, grow our global outreach opportunities and inspire scholarship, research and engagement. An important part of our journey to university has been the extension of our mission to emerging new populations of students—particularly through our use of technology and online learning. In addition to international student recruitment, adopting university status opens new doors for Messiah University for other global partnerships including internships, study abroad, scholarship and research connections, as well as ministry, outreach and service opportunities. Messiah University continues to serve our residential undergraduate students with distinction, while providing innovative “learning for life” opportunities for emerging nontraditional student populations through
“Messiah College becoming Messiah University is an important and natural next step in the growth and maturation of our institution. In many ways, university status is a much more accurate reflection of how Messiah has functioned for several years now. With our comprehensive offering of undergraduate and graduate programs in both the liberal arts and applied sciences — including our expansion to master’s and doctoral programs — Messiah’s educational profile is already well-positioned with the academic distinction of a nationally recognized, private Christian university,” said President Phipps. — Molly McKim ’23 LEARN ABOUT MESSIAH UNIVERSITY: MESSIAH.EDU/UNIVERSITY CHECK OUT MESSIAH’S NEW BRANDING: MESSIAH.EDU/ VISUALIDENTITY
ERIC FORBERGER PHOTOGRAPHY
Esports thrives in pandemic AS CONTACT SPORTS ARE CANCELED, REMOTE GAMES CONTINUE With intercollegiate sports canceled for fall, esports is still going strong — a way to socially distance while still competing. Messiah University launched an esports league in response to student interest and the evolving national varsity landscape. Esports, a term used to describe competitive video game environments where players follow rules and regulations and play in front of a live audience. This donor-funded, five-year pilot initiative includes a team of students who compete against other colleges across the U.S. “Esports is an outlet for amateurs and pros to have a competitive video game scene in the sports world. It is relatable to the NCAA but has its own twist on it that makes it very appealing to many people,” said Ryan Bonus ’21, esports player. The growth of interest in the sport has grown into higher education students. Esports programs are known to attract students who may have not
Esports at Messiah are part of a donor-funded, five-year pilot initiative.
considered a particular school, making it another opportunity to recruit and retain students while providing them something they enjoy. “When comparing competitive gaming and casual gaming (with friends), the main differences lie in how you want to play. Competitively, it’s a whole other story. Competitive gaming requires a much higher degree of commitment and understanding,” said Hunter Griffin ’21, esports player. During non-COVID times, students on the esports team used the newly renovated basement of Mellinger Apartments. The space is equipped with three big-screen televisions and 15 new gaming machines, as well as gaming desks and chairs, providing space for team meetings, practices, scrimmages, competitions and coaching sessions. Now they simply play from their dorms.
COUNSELING PROGRAM ACCREDITATION APPROVED MASTER’S PROGRAM GETS THE OK FOR THE NEXT 8 YEARS In July, Messiah University’s M.A. in counseling was granted accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) for eight years.
Heather Barto, director of the counseling program said assistant graduate professor, Leah Clarke led the counseling staff team and worked hard to gain the accreditation.
“There’s a great deal of excitement around the new coach, team and esports facility, and we have no doubt that this program will contribute to student learning, elevating our reputation of high student engagement and success,” said Kevin Villegas, dean of students. Students involved in esports practice critical and analytical thinking skills, strategic decisionmaking, communication skills and team building to be successful. “Esports games have a whole different atmosphere around it. The players are focused and communicating effectively and working together with lightning-fast synergy to play at their very best. In casual gaming with friends, there is a lot more goofing off,” said esports player Andrew Winner ’23. Theresa Gaffney, head coach
“We compiled a selfstudy document that was hundreds of pages, if not more. We then had a three-person team visit campus for three days to review our program and provide feedback,” said Barto, explaining the process. Messiah’s counseling program has three tracks: clinical mental health counseling; marriage, couple and family counseling;
and coordinator of Messiah’s esports program, has worked in collegiate esports for over eight years at institutions including Harrisburg University and Collegiate Starleague. Gaffney is also one of the few female head coaches in the country for collegiate esports teams. “The initiative that I’ve seen in our new players and the community in general is incredibly inspiring, and it’ll be a reason for us all to cheer them on well into the future. I fully expect the program to bring some positive competitive energy, and new opportunities for creativity and friendships to form as well,” said Gaffney. — Molly McKim ’23 WATCH MESSIAH’S ESPORTS ON THEIR TWITCH ACCOUNT HERE: TWITCH.TV/MESSIAHESPORTS.
and school counseling. A cornerstone of the School of Graduate Studies, the counseling program has grown since it began in 2009, with more than 100 new students enrolled annually. — Molly McKim ’23
LEARN MORE ABOUT MESSIAH’S COUNSELING PROGRAM HERE: MESSIAH.EDU/COUNSELING
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y • T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 4 3
OUR
CAMPUS NEWS
TWO HISTORY PROFS WIN NEH GRANTS grants the NEH recently announced for 238 humanities projects across the country, funding humanities research, education and public programs. “The sabbatical gives me an incredible opportunity to learn and write about major topics in Mediterranean archaeology. My study of the Corinthia will translate directly into richer experiences for a study abroad course in Greece with Messiah students. The book on the archaeology of Christianity will provide a primer to students, the church and broader publics about how to think historically about archaeological evidence for understanding early Christianity,” said Pettegrew. — Staff report
COURTESY OF DAVID PETTEGREW
David Pettegrew, co-chair of the Department of History and professor of history and archaeology at Messiah University, recently received a pair of grants to support research projects during a sabbatical in 2020-2021. A fellowship of $35,000 from the Loeb Classical Library Foundation (LCLF) of Harvard University Press will support the publication of an archaeological survey of the region of Corinth, a major city of ancient Greece. A Public Scholars Grant of $60,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) will support a book project titled “The Archaeology of the Early Christian World: History, Methods, Evidence.” That grant is part of the $30 million in
David Pettegrew, professor of history and archaeology, and students do field work in ancient Corinth, Greece.
“ My study of the Corinthia will translate directly into richer experiences for a study abroad course in Greek with Messiah students.” — D avid Pettegrew, co-chair of the Department of History and professor of history and archaeology 4 4 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
COURTESY OF SARAH MYERS
LOEB, NEH GRANTS SUPPORT ARCHAEOLOGY
From left: Assistant Professor of History Sarah Myers is pictured with Norma Imler, whose husband served in World War II. Myers received an NEH grant for her work with female veterans.
GRANT HIGHLIGHTS FEMALE VETERANS’ STORIES The National Endowment for the Humanities recently announced Sarah Myers, assistant professor of history at Messiah University, as one of the recipients of the National Endowment for the Humanities Dialogues on the Experience of War Grant for her outstanding work with female veterans. Just 17 percent of proposals received funding this year. Myers’ program, “We are Veterans Too: Women’s Experiences in the U.S. Military,” will organize and hold discussion groups that generate conversations with female veterans and service members over cultural issues within the military. By creating a network of NEH-trained discussion leaders who can lead university and community learning, based on the humanities disciplines, the program will illuminate the diversity of human experiences and historical trends in the female veteran experience.
Sessions will be conducted at five institutions in Texas, California, Florida, Virginia and Georgia, which have the highest concentration of female veterans according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. “I was interested in applying for this grant because of my participation in a 2016 NEH Summer Seminar on “Veterans in Society,” Myers said. “The seminar sparked my interest in finding new ways to carve out spaces for veterans’ voices as I learned the impact of military service on veterans, female perceptions of themselves as veterans, and veteran reintegration into society.” As the director of this project, Myers will also lead discussion workshops with female veterans at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial (WIMSA) in Arlington, Virginia, during the course of the 2020-2021 year. — Staff report
OUR
ALUMNI PROFILES J O R DA N M U N OZ ’ 2 0
FIRST TEACHING JOB LOOKS UNIQUE FOR 2020 GRAD
When Jordan Munoz ’20 isn’t cleaning art supplies or bouncing between buildings, she teaches art to students at Northern Elementary and Dillsburg Elementary, both in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. After leaving so abruptly because of COVID-19 during her last semester of college, Munoz says she struggled to find closure with professors and friends at Messiah. She says she felt further discomfort when starting her first official teaching job during a global pandemic. “I’ve never experienced how to teach from a cart, how to balance two buildings and how much extra preparation it would take teaching during COVID,” she said. She has adapted to accommodate the new normal of teaching. Out of her 40 different art classes, she teaches 34 classes in person and six virtually. “I have to prepare everything for each student out of the roughly 600 kids I teach,” she explained. “On top of that, we are encouraged not to provide materials that are shared amongst students. If I pass out materials like paints, I need to collect them and sanitize each one and let it rest for 42 hours before I can use it again.” Her students learn in a six-day cycle of in-person and virtual classrooms. Through a program called Loom, she records her lessons, shares the link and inserts a face cam for her students.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JORDAN MUNOZ ’20
ART TEACHER WORKS REMOTELY AND IN PERSON
Jordan Munoz ’20, pictured with children from her study abroad trip to Mexico, now works as an art teacher in Dillsburg, Pa. During COVID-19, she teaches a combination of remote and in-person art classes. In addition to her full-time teaching job, Munoz attends graduate school at Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia. Her thesis highlights teaching English language learners (ELL) using the visual arts, a passion she found as a Messiah student after spending two summers teaching art in Chiquilá, Mexico. “I am planning to do action-based research through Northern, which has the majority of our district’s ELL students,” said Munoz, who will receive her master’s in the summer. “My end goal with my research is to provide practical applications for art educators to implement in their classrooms.” — Molly McKim ’23
“I’ve never experienced how to teach from a cart, how to balance two buildings and how much extra preparation it would take teaching during COVID.” — Jordan Munoz ’20 M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y • T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 4 5
ALUMNI PROFILES
N AT H A N S I M M S ’ 2 0
Retracing his mom’s footsteps
Before leaving to study abroad in Spain, Nathan Simms ’20 flipped through an extensive photo album of his late mother’s time abroad. These pictures would be his guide. “There are more than 120 photos in the album, and I tried to recreate them all,” said Simms. He chose Spain for a number of reasons, but chief among them was to follow in his mother’s footsteps. Simms grew up in a bilingual home. When his mother passed away during his freshman year of high school, he says his love of the language continued to grow, as well as his desire to carry on her legacy. “My mom’s time studying in Spain was a turning point in her life,” he said. “Now that I cannot ask her about her time there, I thought that seeing it for myself would help me connect with her memory and experiences.” Simms says he felt deep personal connections at places like La Alhambra, a Muslim fortress dating back to the late ninth century. “Standing there, in the exact spot where she once stood, helped me confront the uncertainty I feel as a new graduate,” he said. When his mother studied in Spain, she was a college student then just as her son is now. “I’m sure she felt uncertainty when she was there, too,” said Simms. “She didn’t know that she would go on to have three sons and a stepdaughter, that she would homeschool those three boys,
COURTESY OF NATHAN SIMMS ’20
STUDENT RECREATES STUDY ABROAD PHOTOGRAPHS
Nathan Simms ’20 traveled to Spain to recreate the photos his late mother took when she was in college studying abroad.
that she would become a Christ follower or that Jesus would call her home 22 years later.” Simms says he realized that his mother managed to thrive while living with uncertainty, and that he can do the same. As a double-major in film and media arts and Spanish, Simms loves to connect his two interests any time he can. In Sevilla, he knew he wanted to track down the places where scenes from
the “Star Wars” prequels were filmed—another common love that he shared with his mom. During his relentless pursuit to recreate the 120 photos, realized he needed to give himself permission to make his own memories, too. He said, “It’s one thing to literally place myself in my mother’s footsteps and try to connect with what she did, but if I don’t stop and let myself live a little, then I’m just retracing
a past without focusing on my present—you cannot truly live while chasing ghosts.” Since his journey, Simms has written and self-published a photo book, “No Ghost There,” to go with his mom’s photo album. “I’m hopeful that someday I’ll be able to show both books to my own children,” he said. “And just maybe, they’ll add onto that legacy.” — Jake Miaczynski ’20
“Standing there, in the exact spot where she once stood, helped me confront the uncertainty I feel as a new graduate.” — Nathan Simms ’20
4 6 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
OBITUARIES
MED STUDENT CREATES NETWORK TO HELP DURING COVID-19
On March 13, the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine moved to online learning in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of its students, Vinh Le ’19 says he felt moved to act even if he wasn’t yet a doctor. “I wanted to elevate the incredible work being done by health professions students, and after chatting with fellow student Cyrus Thomas-Walker and software developer Jam Risser, one potential solution emerged: develop an online database of COVID-19 service activities organized by medical schools nationwide.” With some quick grassroots organizing, the trio quickly gathered a team of 22 people and created the Medical Student COVID-19 Action Network (MSCAN). “We reached out to every medical school in the United States. A week later, the website went live with activities, such as providing childcare for healthcare workers on the front lines, gathering PPE for hospitals and clinics, assisting with screening calls and tutoring children struggling with online school,” said Le, who majored in biomedical biology at Messiah. Today, MSCAN offers more than 550 unique service opportunities from 112+ medical schools in 42 states (plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico). The core team has 66 members and has partnered with Harvard Medical School, the LCOMCares Service Corps and other like-minded institutions. MSCAN is also
COURTESY OF VINH LE ’19
ALUM GATHERS STUDENT DOCTORS TO SERVE FRONT LINES
A med student, Vinh Le ’19 created a network for fellow student doctors to offer services throughout the U.S. during the pandemic. producing videos to combat misinformation and explain the science behind the pandemic in a concise and understandable way. “We’ve heard back from grateful students across the country who can now start serving locally. Our hearts have been warmed to witness healthcare workers benefiting from the project. And day by day, we’re privileged to witness the formation of valuable relationships and the exchange of creative ideas,” said Le. “Indeed, for all of us, this project has been a powerful and uplifting example of what it means to serve.” The MSCAN project now falls under the purview of the Public Health Coalition, which was created to assemble health professions students for future health crises. In times when crises are absent, Le says he would like to use this platform to connect student projects and share relevant medical information with the public. He credits his Messiah experience with training him to be a servant leader. “If there’s one thing my education at Messiah taught me, it’s that my Christian
faith is compatible—even intertwined—with my training as a scientist. My faith calls me to serve others, and the specific nature of that calling has become so clear amidst the pandemic. The MSCAN endeavor is not about me, nor is it about the members of my team. Rather, it’s about how we can use our collective voices to bring hope in dark times,” he said. MSCAN is partnering with other organizations and trying to help people beyond the United States find more service opportunities. “After the pandemic is over,” he said, “the work will go on.” — Anna Seip FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19-RELATED MEDICAL STUDENT VOLUNTEER INITIATIVES AROUND THE U.S., VISIT MSCAN AT MSCANVOLUNTEER.ORG
MSCAN BY THE NUMBERS:
The Medical Student COVID-19 Action Network (MSCAN) is made of
66 members
112+ medical schools
42 states
550 unique service opportunities
IN MEMORIAM
ROBERT WORMAN 1924-2020 The Messiah community is mourning the loss of noted alum and former Trustee, Dr. Robert Worman. After graduating from Messiah Junior College in 1945, he completed a bachelor’s degree at Wheaton College in Illinois. With a sense of calling to serve in medical missions, he then enrolled in Jefferson Medical College from which he graduated in 1950. Years of internship and residency training followed, and he completed requirements for board certification in general surgery. Worman spent three years as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Navy in Japan and Korea. He completed more than 10 years serving in mission hospitals in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Thailand. Upon his return to the U.S., the position of chief of surgery at the Columbus Medical Center in Columbus, Georgia, afforded him the opportunity to participate in the training and education of young doctors and medical students, some of whom also became missionaries. From 1975-1990, he was a member of the Messiah University Board of Trustees. He appreciated the opportunity to participate in decisions regarding major growth in financial and scholastic aspects of the University. Recently, his family established the Dr. Robert K. Worman Scholarship Endowment at Messiah University to support students with financial need.
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y• T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 4 7
OUR
OBITUARIES
IN MEMORIAM
DON MINTER 1928-2020 Messiah University is saddened to report the death in February of long-standing and esteemed Board of Trustees member, Dr. Donald L. Minter ’47. After graduating from Messiah Junior College, he completed his bachelor’s degree at Goshen College and was accepted at Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. His medical practice took him to the Navajo Reservation
Earn your
in Arizona and New Mexico. He then served in family medical practice for more than 40 years in Wisconsin and Indiana. Minter was an active volunteer, serving on numerous boards in addition to that of his alma mater. He was a faithful member of the Messiah Board of Trustees from 1990 to 1998. As part of his service on the Board, he headed up a joint campus-board identity committee, which eventually developed and wrote our current mission and identity statements. Jake Jacobsen served as a co-chair of the committee with Minter and has deep admiration for him. According to Jacobsen, as part of the process to build
trust among committee members, Minter visited each selected member individually (including board members, alumni, administrators, faculty members and staff) to help lay the groundwork for the process of building trust ahead of the committee’s important task. The work of the committee, with his quiet, yet winsome leadership at the helm, created the mission and identity statements that remain foundational to the ethos of Messiah University some 30 years later. “From my perspective, Don is one of the hidden heroes of Messiah University history,” said Jacobsen. “He really was a special person, and Messiah is a better place because
he cared so deeply and genuinely about this community.” President Kim Phipps affirmed Minter’s special place in the long legacy of meritorious service to Messiah. “He was a true encourager,” she said. Minter was the kind of person who led by example and by a genuine spirit to promote the message of the Gospel in deed as well as in word. We are deeply grateful for his love for and his longstanding impact on Messiah University. “Dad taught my siblings and me how to live love large,” said daughter Donna Minter ‘81. “He did this with his simple words, and always in his daily actions. This is our calling to fulfill.”
as a
Designed for students who hold a BSN, Messiah’s DNP-FNP will help you advance your career and prepare you to be a family nurse practitioner equipped to provide quality, holistic nursing care to patients across their lifespan. Our program offers: • A unique, predominately online BSN to DNP-FNP program. • Flexible program start dates. • No GRE requirement.
• T he proven success of our nursing program—Messiah’s nursing graduates are in demand by regional employers.
Messiah University alumni receive a tuition discount. discount
• N ursing faculty who will take time to mentor you in your education, faith and career.
he Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at Messiah T University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
APPLY TODAY 717-796-5061 messiah.edu/dnp Online | Flexible | Affordable
4 8 | FA L L 2 0 2 0 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
IN MEMORIAM
PAUL MORGAN 1953-2020 Paul Morgan died in July after a long struggle with Multiple System Atrophy, a rare Parkinsonism. He bore this disease with extraordinary dignity, grace and patience. For nearly 35 years, Morgan was a devoted Messiah employee, serving as admissions director and shepherding high school students along their academic careers. He was co-founder of the National Association of Christian College Admissions Personnel and took great delight in the personal connections he was able to cultivate with students and their families. Morgan loved choral music, offering his lyrical tenor voice
IN MEMORIAM
GENE CHASE 1943-2020 Gene Chase, professor of mathematics and computer science emeritus, died in September. A 35-year educator at Messiah, he was a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and completed his doctoral studies in math education at Cornell University. He was one of the founders of the International Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences. He also coached Messiah’s computer programming
to a number of choirs, including the West Shore Evangelical Free Church choir, Harrisburg Singers and Susquehanna Chorale. However, he was perhaps best known for his passion for soccer. An accomplished athlete, he played and coached the sport in college and in various amateur leagues. He helped start the women’s soccer program at Messiah and was an avid fan of both the women’s and men’s teams. Throughout his career at Messiah, he attended as many games as his fall travel schedule would allow. He spent his career advocating for students who showed great promise and especially those on the margins who faced personal, academic or financial obstacles to continuing their education. His family and friends have established an endowed scholarship in his memory that will continue his legacy of steady support and advocacy.
team and went with the team to Hawaii for IBM’s international computer programming competition. Even in retirement, he continued to teach part-time at Dickinson College and volunteered his time regularly to help fellow residents at Messiah Lifeways resolve problems with their computers. He was highly regarded among his students, peers and friends. He was a wonderful husband and loving father and a man of deep Christian faith. In honor and affirmation of his own volunteer service with Wycliffe Bible Translators (serving in both Texas and Peru), the family is working to establish a scholarship in his memory that will support mathematics or computer science students with an interest in entering the mission field.
IN MEMORIAM
DAN SMITH 1951-2020 Dan Smith served Messiah University for 32 years, retiring from full-time work in April. He started his career at Messiah as an HVAC technician and worked his way up to facility maintenance manager. His high level of HVAC knowledge served the University well. As technology changed, he continued to learn and grow. At the time of his retirement, Smith was providing leadership and oversight to the overall maintenance of campus buildings, fleet program, key services and central receiving. His in-depth knowledge and fun-loving personality created an environment
IN MEMORIAM
ALDEN LONG 1926-2020 Longtime educator Alden (Al) Long died in October. He studied for two years at Messiah Bible College (1946-1948), then transferred to Houghton College at the suggestion of then-President C. N. Hostetter Jr., who wanted Long to return to Grantham to teach Bible and Greek. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Houghton, he joined the faculty in 1951 as professor and dean of men. He would later
in which his staff learned, grew, laughed and enjoyed their work. Over the years, he provided essential services for multiple campus emergencies, ranging from building floods, major sewer backups, heating and air conditioning failures, power outages and blizzards. He could always be counted on to be there when needed. Because he loved Messiah so much, when he retired from full-time work, he returned to the grounds department as a part-time mower. His professional contributions were deeply appreciated and the willingness to serve that he modeled was an inspiration to everyone who came in contact with him.
serve as dean of students and as the college chaplain. In addition to his many years of teaching and ministering, he was part of the team that constructed the steeple on Hostetter Chapel. He served Messiah consistently for 46 years, retiring from full-time teaching at the end of the 19961997 academic year, although he continued to teach classes after that for some time. In 1997, he was named professor emeritus of biblical literature and Greek. He and his wife, Mary, who died in 2019, lived on campus from 1951 until his death. He could often be seen in Murray Library reading newspapers and chatting with students. We will miss his presence on campus.
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y • T H E B R I D G E • FA L L 2 0 2 0 | 4 9
Office of Marketing and Communications One University Ave. Suite 3020 Mechanicsburg PA 17055 Address Service Requested
The Old Eighth Ward, the heart of Harrisburg’s African-American, Jewish and immigrant neighborhoods in the late 19th century, was demolished by state order in the 1910s to create Harrisburg’s Capitol Park. “The Gathering at the Crossroads” monument (front cover) honors the Old Eighth Ward and its residents. Please see the story on p. 18.