Geneva Magazine - Winter 2013 by Geneva College

G WINTER 2013

GENEVA

MAG A Z I N E

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Joseph Lamont Jr.

1926-2012

As a geotechnical engineer, Joe specialized in laying the groundwork for structures like Seattle’s Space Needle. With that unique perspective, he thoroughly understood the importance of establishing a stable base to create a higher purpose. And Joe firmly believed that a Geneva education, with its essential integration of faith and knowledge, provides students that same solid foundation. Although Joe didn’t attend Geneva, he maintained a longstanding relationship with the college as a 26-year-member of the Board of Trustees, acting as Chairman for over a decade. “Many people thought he had gone to Geneva because he was on the Board for so many years and was always showing up back there,” says his wife of 61 years, Beth (Robb ’50). For his service, Geneva bestowed Joe with an Honorary Doctor of Laws. Beth had introduced Joe to Geneva when he traveled all the way from Seattle by train to visit her during Christmas break. Joe immediately appreciated the firm principles on which the institution was founded. A church elder for over 51 years, Joe once delivered a sermon outlining the important elements of a sound foundation. “Our God has all these characteristics in abundance,” he said. “He is strong. He is completely stable. He is consistent, and He will not be moved.” Because Geneva’s mission is built on the Rock that is our Lord, the Lamonts were pleased to see both of their children, and all three grandchildren, attend here. Joe and Beth also desired to provide this foundation for others. That is why they included Geneva in their estate plans. To find out how you can help students build their futures on the foundation of a Christ-centered Geneva education, visit geneva.edu/ give or contact the Office of Planned Giving at 724.847.6514.

WINTER 2013

CONTENTS

10 I N EV E RY ISSUE 2

From the President

In Brief

20 I N TH IS ISSU E 14 Our Family’s Journey:Washing Beautiful Feet

Geneva to Germany

Equipping Business Leaders

Healing Hearts, Planting Care

Hope to the Hopeless

Growing in Wisdom and Stature

16 Face to Face with History 10

In Motion 18 Common Ground

In Service 20 Go North, Young Man

Class Notes

In Conclusion

Geneva Magazine is published two times per year for Geneva College alumni, donors, students and parents. It showcases the college and its constituencies as they strive to fulfill the college’s mission. Opinions expressed in Geneva Magazine are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editorial review board or the official position of the college.

Your feedback is greatly EDITOR Greg Wise ’95 appreciated. Please send DESIGNER Kristen Lang your correspondence to EDITORIAL REVIEW BOARD editor@geneva.edu or Ann Burkhead ’91 Geneva Magazine, Geneva College, Dr. Ken Carson ’79 3200 College Ave., Dr. Byron Curtis ’76 Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Larry Griffith ’85 Cheryl Johnston Jeff Jones Dave Layton ’88 Missy Nyeholt Rebecca (Carson ’85) Phillips Dr. Gordon Richards Tom Stein ’86 Van Zanic ’93

G from the president

Jesus’ final instruction to the Apostles—

in numerous ways and through

The Great Commission—was to travel

various vocations. We are pleased

throughout the world and spread His

to share accounts of alumni

message of redemption: “Therefore

coordinating mission trips in places such

go and make disciples of all nations,

as Peru and Zimbabwe, current students

baptizing them in the name of the Father

pursuing internships in Germany

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

and studying in Scotland, professors

and teaching them to obey everything

counseling in Ethiopia and preparing to

I have commanded you. And surely I

take students on a journey to Malaysia,

am with you always, to the very end

and much more.

of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). Seeing God work through our small The Great Commission is the heart

campus in Beaver Falls to reach so

of putting faith into action—and a

many is inspiring. He is using Geneva to

foundational concept of a Geneva

share the gospel, provide healing, and

College education. Although each

transform workplaces, communities, and

student has different gifts and abilities,

societies across the globe. I am sure that

we believe that they share the same

you will find these stories as moving as

evangelical calling. Just as the Apostles

I do, and I pray that they will encourage

went out from Jerusalem to share the

you as you undertake your own journey

teachings of Jesus with all humankind,

“Into All Nations.”

our prayer is for our alumni, students, and faculty to do the work of building Christ’s kingdom throughout the world.

In His Service,

The articles in this issue of Geneva Magazine, “Into All Nations: The

Kenneth A. Smith ’80

Geneva Community Impacts the World,”

President

demonstrate members of the Geneva community accomplishing this charge

Stay in touch with President Smith by friending him at facebook.com/genevaprez.

Geneva holds area economic forum. Geneva College hosted “Building the New Beaver County Economy: Higher Education—Partners in Economic Development Forum” this fall, in partnership with the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) and Penn State Beaver. The goal of the event was to identify ways that local colleges can effectively collaborate with area industries to assist in economic development in an environmentally responsible manner. As an institution that promotes faithful Christian stewardship, Geneva is uniquely positioned to speak to these concerns.

in brief

CAMPUS NEWS

The ADCP begins fully online degree programs.

In addition, Geneva’s philosophy of developing the full, God-given potential of students provides an important component in workforce development. “We do more than just provide training for a particular job,” explained Geneva President Dr. Kenneth A. Smith. “We prepare students for a lifetime of productive service.” The afternoon began with a panel discussion moderated by Bill Flanagan, Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations for the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. One group of panelists was comprised of leaders in higher education in Beaver County: Dr. Smith, along with President of CCBC Dr. Joe D. Forrester and Chancellor of Penn State Beaver Dr. Gary B. Keefer. Other panelists were business leaders: Eaton Corporation Plant Manager Robert Griffin, Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse President and CEO John Manzetti ’69, and Heritage Valley Health System CEO Norm Mitry. Following the discussion, Pennsylvania’s Secretary for the Department of Community and Economic Development C. Alan Walker provided the keynote address. He emphasized the widespread significance of current development in the region and the importance of remaining involved in these efforts: “The best is yet to come, and you can help determine what our energy future will be like.”

Geneva College’s Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCP) is accepting applications for completely online bachelor’s degree completion programs that will begin in March of 2013. The first two majors to be offered online will be Christian Ministry Leadership and Human Resources. The ADCP is an accelerated undergraduate program for adults who have some college and/or work experience, enabling students to finish a bachelor’s degree in as little as 17 months. Although the ADCP has included online education as part of its curriculum for years through hybrid classes, the program’s leadership perceived a need to provide completely online programs. “This enables us to expand our mission to provide quality Christian education to busy adults who don’t have the time or means to go to a classroom,” explained Dr. Ralph Phillips, Director of the ADCP. Nora Sheller was one of the first students to enroll in an online program. “My work schedule can become demanding at different times of the year due to different circumstances,” she said. “The online program allows me to get started when I have the time, instead of waiting for my work schedule to change.” For those Interested in the ADCP’s online programs, more information is available at geneva.edu/adcp.

Kudos DR. RODNEY AUSTIN, Associate Professor of Chemistry, presented the paper “Impact of POGIL instruction on a two-semester biochemistry course at Geneva College,” which examined how small group exercises improve student learning, at the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education. PROFESSOR BONNIE BUDZOWSKI, Adjunct Professor of Leadership Studies, was one of four recipients of the 2012 Women of Integrity Award presented by Pittsburgh Professional Women. DR. BYRON CURTIS, Professor of Biblical Studies, presented “Messiah and Messiahs in Zechariah 6: Crowns, Thrones, and the Zemah” as an invited guest lecturer at the Caspari Center for Biblical and Judaic Studies in Jerusalem. PROFESSOR RICHARD DIGIA, Adjunct Professor of Visual Communication, participated in a cultural art exchange trip to Israel as one of only 10 people chosen for a program sponsored by the Jewish Federation in Western Galilee. DR. JIM DITTMAR, Chair of the Department of Leadership Studies, presented “Implementing Servant Education in a Graduate Leadership Program at Geneva College” at the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership Conference. DR. ROBERT FRAZIER, Professor of Philosophy, published “Ressentiment in Kierkegaard” in the Midwestern Journal of Theology. PROFESSOR MATTHEW FUSS, Assistant Professor of Business, presented “Buber: An Ethic Born Out of Responsibility” at the 2012 International Communication Ethics Conference. DR. DIANE GALBRAITH, Adjunct Professor of Leadership Studies, received the 2012 Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP) Teaching Excellence Award. She also presented “Teams that Work: Preparing Student Teams for the Workplace” at the 2013 Hawaii International Conference on Education. DR. ERIC MILLER, Professor of History, published Glimpses of Another Land: Political Hopes, Spiritual Longing (Cascade Books, 2012). REV. DR. RICHARD NOBLE, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Communication, was one of four people selected to speak at a conference in Ulyanovsk, Russia, for pastors and church leaders of the Association of Missionary Churches of Evangelical Christians (AMCEC). PROFESSOR ROB ROSTONI, Director of Career Development and Adjunct Professor, was appointed Career Services Group Chair of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU). Additionally, he co-published an e-monograph addressing how career services can support sustainability challenges in higher education and presented national benchmarking data and initiatives at the Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD) National Conference. DR. ANTHONY SADAR, Adjunct Associate Professor of Science, published In Global Warming We Trust: A Heretic’s Guide to Climate Science (Telescope Books, 2012). DR. SHANNAN SHIDERLY, Associate Professor of Graduate Counseling, presented the workshop “Bullying Prevention in High Schools: Student Buy-in” at the Pennsylvania School Counseling Association Conference. DR. JOHN STAHL, Chair of the Department of Chemistry, Math and Physics, presented “Diffusion Behavior of Inert Gases in Activated Carbon Column” at the national meeting of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). The work was co-authored with DR. MARIO OYANADER, Associate Professor of Engineering, along with Geneva students Nathaniel Godfrey and Samuel Shouse as part of their senior engineering design projects. Continuation of this work is expected with eventual publication. DR. SHA WANG, Associate Professor of Music, released the CD Piano Music of Franz Schubert & Robert Schumann.

DR. JONATHAN WATT, Professor of Biblical Studies, made his third presentation on Greek diminutive affixation at the Biblical Greek Languages and Linguistics section of the Society of Biblical Literature.

Alumni and friends are invited on the 2013-14 Trip to Israel. Geneva College alumni and friends are invited to join current students for a study tour of Israel during the 2013– 14 Christmas break. Led by Bible Department professors Dr. Byron Curtis, Dr. Scott Shidemantle and Dr. Jonathan Watt, participants will travel to the Holy Land, see many of the places where Jesus walked and taught, and explore important geographic and archeological sites. According to Dr. Shidemantle, the trip provides travelers with many unique experiences: “Some are impressed by the ancient churches such as the Church of the Nativity, commemorating where Jesus was born, or the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus. Others appreciate the cultural interchange—interacting with Jews, Muslims and Middle Eastern Christians. Still others enjoy putting the biblical locations visually in their minds, as we take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee or stand where David slew Goliath in the Elah Valley.” The archeological sites of Tel Hazor, Belvoir Castle and Tel Dan are among the places that the group will visit. Participants will travel to the ruins of the ancient port of Caesarea Maritima and view a Roman aqueduct, swim in the Dead Sea, and spend time in Jerusalem. They will also journey to Bethlehem, walk into Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane, see the Western Wall and much more. The trip to Israel will take place December 27, 2013 through January 6, 2014. An optional three-day extension to Jordan is also available. The cost is $2,969 for Israel only, and an additional $919.00 for the Jordan extension. Deposits are due by September 13, 2013 with the final balance due October 25, 2013. For more information and to make reservations, please contact Dr. Shidemantle at sshidema@geneva.edu.

in brief

Incoming students prepare for success through The Academy. In August of 2012, Geneva College began offering The Academy: Campus and Community Leadership Training. This is a new program for incoming students designed to help them succeed academically through the development of practical college success tools and leadership skills. Aimed primarily at students who come from urban high schools, The Academy was developed through a joint effort with the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO) as part of the college’s initiative to continue to build a culturally diverse learning community. Rev. Dr. Rodger Woodworth, the CCO’s Director of Cross-Cultural Ministries, first proposed the idea for The Academy last year. “The benefit for the student is successful graduation and developed leadership skills to take back to their community. The college benefits from the increased diversity of successful student leaders on campus,” Woodworth explained. Lamont Downs, Director of The Academy, immediately embarked on his first order of business—finding students for the program’s initial group. “We looked to recruit 10 students, and we were looking for a multiethnic cohort that could be put into student leadership positions,” said Downs. “We were blessed to have an abundance of applicants, and ended up with a mixture of whites, African-Americans, a Hispanic and a Native American.” Shayla Richards, a member of the first cohort, said, “I was referred to Lamont and his wife, Kathy KinzerDowns, Geneva’s Director of Multicultural Student Services, by my admissions counselor. They were super friendly, and even before I signed up they said, ‘Welcome to the family.’”

P ittsburgh P romise Scholarship Matching Grant Beginning with the 2013-14 academic year, Geneva will match all Pittsburgh Promise scholarship money for incoming Promise scholars. This initiative guarantees that qualifying students from Pittsburgh will receive at least the amount of a matching grant in addition to what is earned through the Promise, which can be up to $40,000 over the course of four years. For more information, visit geneva.edu/promise.

The program consists of one week of intensive training in effective study skills, time management and cultural intelligence. The intent is for students to keep their cohort active and continue to build a sense of fellowship throughout their college careers. “There is definitely a family environment in The Academy,” added Richards. “Everyone comes from a different experience and background, but we stick together and make it through.” Details on the program and how to apply can be found at geneva.edu/academy.

in brief in brief

Web History 1993

1995

www.

Geneva College website is launched

Geneva celebrates its 150th anniversary and a new website

1998

Traditional online dial-up systems like CompuServe and America Online begin to provide Internet access

The World Wide Web is developed at CERN, the Institute for Particle Physics in Switzerland

Google is founded

Internet Exlporer released

Geneva institutes a new management system to help organize content

2004

2005

Facebook is founded

Youtube.com is launched

Mozilla Firefox is released

Geneva lauches new website using flash and javascript

2006 Twitter is founded

2008 Google Chrome is released

Geneva encourages users to view website with Netscape 4.0

1999

2002

2001

2003

MySpace.com is launched N W SW

2012

The number of users worldwide reaches 1.4 billion

2010

Geneva lauches new website design with enhanced navigation

58.5% of people in the U.S. use the Internet, with 544.2 million users worldwide

About 9.8 billion emails are sent daily

2009

Wi-Fi is standardized

Apple releases the Safari browser

Genevaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest website goes live, featuring improved technology and event calendar

Pinterest and Instagram are launched

HOMEC G E N E V A

C O L L E G E

4 22

1 Donald â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coachâ&#x20AC;? Kephart is 5 Homecoming King and Queen: honored for his 30th season Justin Brothers and Randilynn Sayles as marching band director. 6 The Genevans begin the 75th 2 Students cheer on the GTs. anniversary season. 3 The Alumni Band 7 Musicians like Joy Ike perform 4 The GTs take the field. on the Memorial Stage.

COMING I SPY O ctober

2 0 1 2

13 18

10 8 William Sterrett ’67, Scott South ’82, Ann (O’Data ’87) Lawson, Andy McCracken ’87, David Howell ’82 and David Carver ’82 receive Distinguished Service Awards. 9 25-Year Reunion, Class of ’87 10 Volleyball Reunion

11 Graduate Assistant Cecilia 14 Professor John Gallo and his daughter Weissert on the Old Main Stage enjoy the College Hill Festival. 12 Young Life Reunion 15 The College Hill Festival 13 Geneva employees (and 16 A Lion’s Den Karate instructor learns not family) ensure Homecoming to mess with Professor Wendy Shidemantle. runs smoothly. 9

G in motion

BY GREG WISE ’95

athletic news

“...it’s always been a dream of mine— And What Better TIME “God has given me a passion for young adults,” says Brian Rice, a community ministry major in Geneva College’s Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCP). “I believe that one of the reasons that I’m on this earth is to impact the lives of young adults by sharing my life’s experiences with them and helping them to discover and reach their full potential.” The convenient class schedule of the ADCP enables Brian to spend time mentoring and coaching youth to help prepare for this calling. But although Brian is usually the one providing instruction, he’s recently been placed on the receiving end through his unique situation as the oldest member of the Golden Tornado men’s basketball team. Brian had a successful high school basketball career with the New Castle Red Hurricanes, but he never had the opportunity to play in college because he entered the Navy immediately following graduation. “I sacrificed that chance in order to serve my country,” Brian explains, “but it’s always been a dream of mine—and what better time than now? After all, I’m only 43.”

Fortunately, there’s no age limit for playing NCAA Division III basketball, allowing Brian to play alongside teammates who are the same age as his oldest daughter Brittany, a senior at Penn State Behrend. “The experience has been remarkable,” exclaims Brian. “My coaches challenge me, my teammates push me to work harder and get better each practice, and the trainers take care of me. At this age, it takes wisdom to take care of my body and sustain the highest level of performance.” Head coach Jeff Santarsiero says that Brian earned his place as one of two walk-on players through his drive. This is a quality that he certainly developed throughout a 25-year military career in the U.S. Navy, which took him and his family to over 60 countries on six continents. It’s a quality that he will need as he completes his Geneva College bachelor’s degree. In addition

Than

After all, I’m only 43.”

to school and basketball, Brian is also dedicated to his family: his wife of 22 years, Marquita, and two daughters, Brittany and Zoe. Fortunately Brian knows that he will be given strength through his relationship with Christ. He also knows that the people in the ADCP truly want to see him, and all students, succeed. “I love the community ministry degree program. Each module is enlightening and challenging,” he says. “And the ADCP professors and staff have been very helpful and supportive.” As for his future plans, Brian is considering a master’s degree after he completes the ADCP. He will also continue to work with his wife in establishing a non-profit, faith-based organization—Make the Book Talk Productions—that introduces the Holy Bible through drama, dance and musical theater.

G in motion

BY VAN ZANIC ’93

athletic news

2012 Fall

Athletic Wrap-Up

Many winning student-athletes say it’s harder to

ticket to the conference finals at Thomas More.

repeat a championship than to actually win one

Following a loss in Kentucky, Geneva again

in the first place. The 2011 Presidents’ Athletic

began a journey through the NCCAA East

Conference (PAC) champion Geneva College

region. After a victory at Mt. Vernon Nazarene,

volleyball team found that it was indeed difficult

the team put together a dramatic penalty kick

to duplicate its prior performance, but still

victory at Houghton to earn a regional title

enjoyed yet another fantastic season. Mean-

match against Roberts Wesleyan. But while

while, the men’s soccer team got back to the

the Raiders got the best of Geneva this time

peak of the mountain for the second consecutive

around, the 2012 season was something many

season as a participant in the PAC title game,

won’t soon forget. Bryan Butler, Ted Krzywiecki,

finishing one win shy of a conference title.

Jeb Nash and Jon Mathoslah were all named

Perhaps the biggest turnaround of the season

first team All-Conference selections while David

happened for the women’s soccer team, which

Gerlach, Jesse Herman and Garrett Masters

made a three-win improvement and finished

received honorable mention consideration.

9-9-1. The football season closed out with an impressive 33-14 victory over Westminster

A new face emerged on the women’s soccer

College. The tennis team finished 8-6, including

scene in 2012. Heidi Mann, a freshman from

a 5-4 mark in the PAC, which was good

Colorado Springs, joined her sister Elise on the

enough to qualify for National Christian College

team and enjoyed the most explosive offensive

Athletic Association (NCCAA) regional play

season by any freshman in school history,

later this spring. Finally, both the men’s and

posting a team best 18 goals. That production,

women’s cross country teams continued to

along with the solid play of freshman goalkeeper

set new standards of excellence.

Anna McMullen, propelled the GTs to a trip to the NCCAA regional tournament. McMullen

The volleyball team finished the season 24-13.

posted seven shut-outs in her first season, helping

Senior Maggie Bowersox highlighted a quartet

Geneva turn things around in 2012. Heidi

of players that received PAC honors. Bowersox

Mann was a first team All-Conference selection

was named a first team All-Conference selection

with Elise Mann garnering second team

while Deanna Briody, Ashley Davis and Kristland

consideration. Senior defender Risa Tillman

McCracken were second team selections. The

received honorable mention consideration. On

team saw their season come to an end at the

a much larger scale, Tillman was named the

NCCAA East Regional Tournament at Malone

Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)

University, but not before posting its third

Female Student-Athlete of the month for November

consecutive 20-win season in five years.

for her talents on the field and her abilities in the classroom and within the community.

The men’s soccer team gave fans much to enjoy, and late-season heroics kept everyone on the

edges of their seats throughout the post-season.

On the football gridiron, Geneva’s two-quarter-

In an instant classic, the Golden Tornadoes

back system of Zack Hayward and Rocco

managed a shoot-out victory over Grove City

Colavecchia was at times more than defenses

in the PAC semi-finals to once again punch a

could handle. Both players were named to

the PAC All-Conference team and both were

finishing time at the regional meet. A few

named to the All-NCCAA national team.

weeks earlier, Edinger set a new standard with

Colavecchia finished sixth in National Collegiate

the time of 24:23 at the Oberlin College Re-

Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III with

gional Rumble, breaking his own record by an

20 touchdowns, while Hayward threw for

amazing 1:23. On the women’s side, freshman

over 2000 yards and 16 touchdowns. On the

Sarah-Noel Meek quickly became Geneva’s top

defensive side of the field, junior linebacker Dillon

female runner with first place finishes in her first

Goodell garnered first team All-Conference honors

two races of the season. She became Geneva’s

in leading the PAC with 104 total tackles.

new 6K record holder with a sub-23 minute

Along with Goodell, Corey O’Patchen was also

race at Oberlin. Teammate Alayna Merkle also

named a first team All-Conference performer after

broke the 23-minute barrier in the same race.

a solid season of 54 receptions, 844 yards

At the NCAA Division III regional meet, the

and seven touchdowns. O’Patchen finished his

women posted a 15th place overall finish after

career with the fourth most receiving yards and

posting a 26th place finish at the same meet

receiving touchdowns in school history.

just one year ago.

While the regular season for tennis was

While wins are nice and breaking records is exciting, the work that Geneva student-athletes did off the field was equally impressive.

outstanding, it was the run of junior Christine Bullock in the PAC post-season that had heads turning. Bullock advanced to the PAC finals in the fifth flight singles bracket. Bullock, the third overall seed, upset her competitor from Westminster to advance to the finals. The tennis team will be competing at the NCCAA regionals in the spring based on this solid finish. Bullock led the way with a 7-2 overall record in singles, while teammate Alison Beattie posted a 7-1 overall record in singles. Most impressively, the doubles team of Brittany Kress and Courtney Light finished the 2012 season with an overall record of 9-1. 2012 was yet another record-breaking season

A record 56 student-athletes were honored

in cross country. On the men’s side, an old

by the PAC for achieving at least a 3.6 GPA

veteran continued to rewrite the record book.

during the fall semester. Geneva’s SAAC group

For the women, a new face took the PAC by

sponsored several student-athletes’ participation

storm in just her first year of competition. Nick

at the Pittsburgh Polar Plunge, the proceeds

Edinger closed out his remarkable career with

of which went directly to Special Olympics.

a trip to the NCAA Division III regional meet,

Through many service and community projects,

where he posted a 29th overall finish. He

the student-athletes of Geneva do just as much

received All-Regional recognition for his 26:14

off the field as they do on it.

by Co u r t ney (Gar m an ’0 4) S c h m i dt

Dan & Co u r t ney (Gar m an) S c h m i dt C l ass

20 0 4 Ma j o r

E ngineering A c t ivi t ies

A m erican S o cie t y o f C ivi l E ngineers ( AC S E ) Lo ca l e

K enya

Jesus demonstrated radical love for the disciples in many ways. One of the most shocking was by wrapping His outer garment around His waist and stooping low to wash their feet. “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.... A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:14-15, 34).

In the spirit of loving and serving our brothers and sisters in Christ, our family has recently been called to “wash feet” in Kenya. A few years ago, God began raising questions we couldn’t ignore. How can people believe if they have not heard? How can they hear if no one has told them? How can someone tell them unless they are sent? These questions come straight out of Paul’s letter to the Romans, and the Holy Spirit began to develop in us a desire to serve those who were called to go.

What did He mean by this? Did He literally mean to wash my brother’s feet? Some would say yes. Growing up in a church where foot washing was practiced, I saw firsthand how swallowing pride and embracing the uncomfortable can draw men and women closer toward the sacrificial love to which Christ has called. Others would say this was simply one of many culturally specific examples that Jesus used to show us how to serve and love our brothers and sisters. There were, after all, lots of dirty feet back then, and it was the job of the lowliest servant to wash them. Jesus, of course, turned this custom on its head, upsetting the cultural norm.

However, our story starts a few years before that. God led us both to Geneva College in the fall of 2000 to study engineering. He was working in us individually throughout those four years of study to cultivate a biblical worldview and to mold and shape our understanding of His divine sovereignty and love. We graduated in 2004 and were married that fall. Within two years the Lord saw fit to lead Dan out of engineering and into a career as a math teacher. I worked in the field as a construction manager just long enough to pay down our school debt and to appreciate that motherhood was to be my next full-time vocation. God had family in mind too, and within three and a half years, this

family of two grew to a bustling family of five. We were blessed to have Ethan, Nathanael and Evelyn join our team in ’07, ’09 and early ’11. As early as 2006, when Dan switched careers, the Lord started pricking at our hearts—missionaries need teachers! His message was consistent and perfectly timed as we completed a Bible study on God’s kingdom to all peoples for His glory. He continued to prepare our hearts by planting us firmly in a church that nurtured us deeply, provided godly mentors to disciple us and continued to bring our attention to this need. Consistently, we felt the weight of missionary families all over the world, called by God to reach the lost and yet so often under-supported and unappreciated. We started to see the pieces fitting together. Missionaries need teachers. Why? The Lord has called missionaries from all over the world to translate the Bible into tribal languages in South Sudan, to plant churches in Tanzania, to run an AIDS orphanage or work at a hospital in Kenya, to engineer dependable water sources in Rwanda, or to start a business in a closed country and spread Christ’s love to neighbors and colleagues. He has also called many of these missionaries to be parents. Missionary parents have the unique challenge of remaining faithful to their calling as fathers and mothers as well as to their full-time ministry. Educational choices are limited in many areas of Africa. And while homeschooling is a worthwhile option, as are in-home tutors, as the children age these students miss opportunities such as sports, theater, music and social interaction with English-speaking peers. Founded in 1906, Rift Valley Academy (RVA) is a Christian boarding school offering an American curriculum for grades K-12. As a ministry of Africa Inland Mission, RVA’s specific role is to support Christian missionaries wherever God has called them across the continent of Africa. Their mission is one that our hearts resonated with immediately—to support missionary families by caring for their children. We knocked, and God opened the doors wide open. After watching in awe as He put together a financial support team in less than a year, we moved here in July. Dan is now teaching full-time, Math 7 and Algebra 1, to 90 missionary kids from around the world. RVA is nestled on the slopes of the Great Rift Valley in Kijabe, Kenya. The scenery is almost as stunning as the passion of the

people who work here. One hundred staff members with the same passion to serve missionaries gather faithfully in prayer each week for the students, their parents and the ministries they represent. Dan’s childhood fascination with stories of missionaries in deepest, darkest Africa has come full circle. Now he gets to help children boost their confidence in math or on the soccer field. We get to visit with them over a cup of Chai, or host them in our home for an activity night or a meal. We are blessed to hear them sing the Kenyan National Anthem every Friday at chapel, and are struck by the testimonies of how Christ is working in their hearts as young men and women. We have the opportunity to talk with parents who stop by to visit on a weekend or for an open house and thank us for the part we are playing in the lives of their kids. At this point we’re still in awe of the work the Lord is doing at RVA. So many people, from so many cultures, are all here for the same purpose—to see God’s kingdom spread to the ends of the earth. As a family, we are busy settling into our roles, ironing out our schedule and learning how to do life in Africa. Even in the midst of our transition, it’s easy to see why so many people love this place and why so many alumni come back to serve as dorm parents or teachers themselves. The Lord has so blessed this school in its 100-year history. Romans 10:14-15 reads, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” God has given us the privilege of befriending, discipling and sharing the love of Christ with these kids. This is a journey and a purpose for which Geneva helped us prepare. As members of Christ’s body we are all called to fill different roles, and we are honored that He has called us to wash these “beautiful feet.” G Stay up-to-date with the Schmidt family’s African adventure at schmidtsinafrica.blogspot.com.

By B en j a m in S . B u t l er ’14

One of Geneva College’s unique study-abroad gems is the Semester in Scotland.Through this college-sponsored, semester-long program, students embrace another culture while living in the beautiful residential town of Airdrie, Scotland.Airdrie is located in the Monklands, less than 40 miles outside of Scottish hotspots Glasgow and Edinburgh.

else does.Then you go to Scotland and you’re the one with the accent, which is a funny transition.”

Biblical studies major Anna McFall heard about the Semester in Scotland within her first few weeks at Geneva during a student presentation in her Learning and Transition class.Although she thought studying abroad sounded appealing, Anna did not enroll right away. Not only had she never left the country, but Anna had never even traveled by airplane before. But the idea stuck with her and, during the fall of her junior year, she found herself in the Pittsburgh International Airport for the first time in her life.

The program features the quality, faith-integrated academics that Geneva is known for, accompanied by Scotland’s rich history and beautiful scenery. During the semester, each student completes a ministry practicum and course options include Systematic Theology, Life and Work of Paul, Reformed Evangelism, and History of Christian Church Music. All students take Anna’s favorite class, Scottish Reformation and Covenanting History, which examines the political, social and theological conditions of this dramatic period in Scottish history.“It was most interesting because the Covenanter tradition is where the Reformed Presbyterian faith comes from,” says Anna. “We spent five to six weeks studying that, and another week going to sites relevant to the Covenanter movement.”

Once Anna arrived in Scotland, she and her classmates spent some time acclimating to their new surroundings.Anna says it seemed as if nearly everything in Scotland was made from stone, like the Airdrie Reformed Presbyterian Church, which houses all of the program’s classes. She also had to get used to using pounds instead of dollars and grow accustomed to different speech patterns:“In America, you don’t think you have an accent; you think everyone

But contrary to expectations, the only people Anna saw wearing kilts were street performers and people attending weddings and other ceremonies.

These sites included battlefields, churches of famous preachers and more. She was fascinated by the way in which the historic locations in Scotland are often found in the middle of a street,

A nna McFa l l C l ass

S eni o r Ma j o r

B ib l ica l S t u d ies A c t ivi t ies

Marc h ing B an d; C en t er f o r Fai t h an d P rac t ice I n t erns h ip; Teac h ing A ssis tan t, B ib l e 112 & 113 L o ca l e

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with hardly any identification. One such spot, the Grassmarket located in the center of Edinburgh, left a lasting impression on her. At one time, the area was a setting for public executions. But now, people often shop or sit and eat lunch there without any apparent awareness of the location’s history. Like all students in the program,Anna traveled quite a bit during the semester. Every Wednesday afternoon, all the students took a class trip, visiting places like St.Andrews and Callander, and sites like the Falkirk Wheel rotating boatlift and the William Wallace monument near Stirling Castle. Anna also explored the country with her mother, who visited during fall break.“She would get prepared to pay for things and pull out a massive handful of coins and money.Then she would ask me which ones meant what,” says Anna, laughing. The ladies spent an entire day traveling to Inverness, a town located next to Loch Ness, where they decided to test their courage by riding a boat into the center of the loch. Unlike most visitors,Anna was not anticipating any confrontations with the terrifying Loch Ness monster.“I figured if there was one, that it was no big deal,” she says with a grin. Beyond those adventures, the Semester in Scotland also offers opportunities to grow in faith through Bible study, prayer meetings and community outreach projects. Anna had the unique experience of seeing the establishment of two Reformed Presbyterian churches while she was there.These experiences, she says, were undoubtedly the capstone of her trip.

Contrary to a commonly held misconception, Anna says that the Semester in Scotland is not exclusively for ministry majors or those who attend a Reformed Presbyterian church. Past participants have included students majoring in biology, communication disorders, history, linguistics and visual communications. Reflecting on her experience,Anna says the trip is ideal for all students who want to experience a semester abroad, as well as “anyone looking to get serious about their Christian walk.” G For more information about the Semester in Scotland, visit semesterinscotland.org.

by M o nica Mi l l er ’12

Students at Geneva College become involved in community service in many different ways, such as all-campus activities, volunteer opportunities and student-run events.Through these experiences, they learn the value in serving others by giving their time and energy. Often, students continue this practice beyond Geneva’s campus, striving to impact their homes and communities.

people’s lives,” he explains. At Geneva, he is being prepared to do just that.

Because Geneva students represent many different countries, that impact is felt all over the world. Sophomore Enock Sanon is one such student, and he has a passion to initiate lasting change in his native country of Haiti.

Enock is also exploring an internship at the Haitian Embassy in Washington D.C. after graduation in order to gain experience in international politics and with the Haitian government.

Enock was raised in a Christian family, and within a Christian neighborhood in Haiti. He had heard about Geneva from friends in his neighborhood, and says that being able to come to the United States to attend here has been “a dream come true.” “If it was not for the grace of God, I would not be able to attend Geneva College. I know that even though I’m far away from my family, God has put me in a Christian environment, not only to learn, but also to continue to grow spiritually, academically and to continue to glorify His name.” As a student at Geneva, Enock is studying political science and sociology.“I feel that God has called me to get involved in politics and to follow Christian principles to help change other

After earning his degrees, he plans to return home and exert this influence through Haiti’s political system:“I would like to obtain a leadership position in my country and fight major issues that we are facing, like poverty.”

While at Geneva, Enock has pursued as much leadership experience as he can find. He is an active member of the Multicultural Educators and the International Student Organization (ISO). He is also a resident assistant (RA) in Geneva Arms North apartments.“My goal is to build a community and to be there for my peers whenever they need me,” he says. Enock’s dedication to the campus community, as well as to his home country, is readily apparent to everyone he meets. “Enock is really invested in everything about his education— and anything that he approaches he does with sincerity,” says Ann Burkhead ’91, Director of International Student Services. “He wants to have a positive impact both here at Geneva and when he goes home to Haiti, where he has a heart for his hurting nation.As an RA, Enock is definitely a leader on campus and is

>>>>>>>>>> E n ock S an o n S o p h o m o re

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M u lt ic u lt u ra l E d u cato r ; I n t ernat i o na l S t u d en t Organizat i o n ( I S O); R esi d en t A ssis tan t f o r G eneva A r m s N o r t h L o ca l e

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respected by his peers and his professors. And with all that, he is pretty humble.” Even though he spends a lot of his time serving Geneva’s campus, Enock still finds the energy to be involved in the surrounding communities, too.“My parents have always told me that no matter where God places you, you need to be a good citizen, not just a consumer. Serving the community is one of their top priorities, and they have taught me that I should do the same everywhere I go.” He has been working at the City Rescue Mission, a homeless shelter for men in New Castle, PA. Enock reflects,“I have had an amazing experience at the City Rescue Mission and have seen how God can work in the lives of those who are facing difficulties.” And Enock has experienced this power of God’s gospel to impact and change lives firsthand.Although he says he has been serving God his entire life, Enock acknowledges that this doesn’t mean he hasn’t made mistakes:“The only reason that I’m alive today is because God loves me. God protects me every day and the floodgates of his blessings never stop pouring down on me.” Working at the City Rescue Mission has also helped Enock connect with a familiar pastime from home. He has been working on the dirt track racing crew of the Mission’s CEO, Kevin Green.As a child, Enock would always watch and help his father work on cars, and he was thrilled to be able to continue pursuing this passion while in the United States.

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After being part of two very dissimilar societies in the U.S. and in Haiti, Enock has been pleased to see that they are alike in the most vital way.“My culture in Haiti is totally different from American culture.We don’t speak the same language; we have different social beliefs; we have different types of food; and we have a different climate. However, we do serve the same God.” G

by G R E G W I S E ’95

J os h Oes t reic h C l ass

2011 Ma j o r

S t u d en t Minis t ry A c t ivi t ies

F o ot ba l l L o ca l e

C ana da

Often in serving Christ, the simplest path is not the surest way. Just ask Joshua Oestreich ’11. He and his new wife, Kristen, have been called to share the gospel with the residents of Moose Factory, a remote community of less than 3,000 people located in northern Ontario, Canada. And the road there is definitely not a straightforward one. With a one-way trip entailing travel by plane, bus, taxi, train and boat, just getting to Moose Factory is like competing on the globe-trotting game show The Amazing Race. But what the area lacks in convenience, it makes up for in history and culture. Moose Factory, which is Ontario’s oldest English speaking settlement, is an island of just two square miles. The name comes from its location on the Moose River, as well as from the fur trade era of the Hudson’s Bay Company. The closest town on the mainland is Moosonee, considered to be “the Gateway to the Arctic,” which residents can reach only by water taxi in the summer, ice road in the winter and chartered helicopter during the periods in between. Two-thirds of the island is an Indian reserve belonging to the Moose Cree First Nation, and most of the residents are Cree. Although very few people there still live off the land, the majority practice the traditional spring and fall goose hunt, which can last as long as a month, as well as the making of moccasins, moose hide mitts, beading, tamarack geese and snowshoes. “This is a one-of-a-kind place to live, but exciting for sure,” exclaims Josh. Josh was introduced to this community through an internship he completed as a student ministry major at Geneva College.

Josh

He connected through Professor of Youth Ministries Doug Bradbury, whose parents had spent a week in Moose Factory every summer for nearly a decade through Mission to the World. Josh says, “I explain it as my Mount Sinai experience, because for 10 weeks, I was on this little island in the middle of nowhere experiencing God’s very real presence. I was reading the Bible, praying, teaching and ministering alongside the Cree Gospel Chapel. It was truly life changing and definitely confirmed my calling to the ministry.” When his internship was completed, Josh told members of the church that he would love to come back. And it’s a good thing he was serious about the offer. In the summer after Josh graduated, and only two months before he and Kristen were to be married, Cree Gospel Chapel elder Allan Jolly contacted him to let him know that the church was looking for help. He wanted to know if Josh and Kristen would serve in Moose Factory for a couple of years after the wedding. Josh says that Kristen, who was busy with wedding plans and still had a semester of college to complete, replied without hesitation, “Yes, I will go if it’s God’s will!” As they prayed about this decision, Josh says that God laid Mark 10:45 on their hearts: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Josh was also influenced by the first few chapters of 1 Thessalonians “because Paul very genuinely and lovingly spells out his methods of ministry among these people, and I was very captivated by that.” Soon, all the details fell into place and the newlyweds were off to the Great White North.

Josh uses three words to describe his new home: close, hospitable and broken. “Because this is a very small and secluded community, most of the families have been here for generations,” he says. “The majority of community members have welcomed us with open arms, and the community is, in general, very generous. But unfortunately, even in the midst of the hospitality and generosity, we see the great brokenness that the plague of sin causes.” Alcohol and drug abuse is prevalent in Moose Factory, which has contributed to a cycle of broken families, hurting children, and high rates of pregnancy and suicide among teens. In addition, Native American spiritualism continues to be practiced by a number of residents. “Bottom line,” says Josh, “Moose Factory needs to meet the very real person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” The couple works for the Cree Gospel Chapel, which was established at Moose Factory in the 1960s. Together, they lead a youth group and Josh teaches the Sunday evening adult services, as well as any other services in which he’s needed. Josh and Kristen also volunteer at the community youth center and Kristen helps with public school program “It’s a Girl Thing.” “One of the most important things we do is just live among the community and build relationships however we can with whomever we can,” explains Josh. “We are finding out that even people we haven’t met know us and why we are here. So, how we live and act on a daily basis could be very well how we make the biggest impact.” Being so isolated isn’t easy for Josh and Kristen, but the Internet makes staying in touch with family and friends manageable. “Technology is a great tool,” says Josh. Also, he credits his experiences at Geneva with preparing him for being on his own: “Leaving and cleaving wasn’t as hard as it could have been because, for four years, I was away from home the majority of the time. Also, I took a couple wilderness trips with Doug Bradbury that were unforgettable and forced me to make decisions with wisdom. And it was at Geneva that my faith became my own, for real.”

But first and foremost, Josh draws strength from the knowledge that he and Kristen are “called to do His will and shine His glory.” They point to 1 Corinthians 4:1-2: “This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” Josh adds, “God has placed us here in Moose Factory for a purpose, and we are His servants who, like Paul, desire His will and His way above our own.” G Josh and Kristen invite people to stay informed about their mission to Moose Factory at joshkristencanada.blogspot.com.

By R ic h ar d Lo u t h er ’15

While most students—around 70%—at Geneva College choose to complete an internship, few travel halfway across the world to do so. But that is exactly what junior mechanical engineering major Jake Flick did after landing a dream job with a New York-based technology firm building a state-of-the-art, energy efficient, “green” electric power generation plant in Germany. Jake has always been a hands-on type of person. While in high school, he decided he wanted to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. And, as a resident of Beaver Falls, PA, he was already aware of the excellent reputation of Geneva’s ABET-accredited engineering program. Jake arranged his engineering internship through John Gaus, Chairman and CEO of ZeroPoint Clean Tech. Gaus is a business contact of Jake’s father, Jeff, a branding and marketing communications executive who has consulted on several of Gaus’s national and international energy initiatives over the past 10 years. When Gaus heard Jake was studying mechanical engineering at Geneva, he encouraged him to apply for an internship at ZeroPoint’s newest commercial site, which is being constructed in eastern Germany. Jake’s resume earned him the job, and he soon found himself alone and on a plane traveling out of the United States for the first time in his life. Stepping off the plane after nearly 20 hours of non-stop travel— flying from Pittsburgh to Paris to Berlin—Jake was met by Jonathan Parry, an American working in ZeroPoint’s business development department. The six-week internship began immediately as they drove directly from the airport to the German ZeroPoint site to check on fabrication and construction progress. While in Germany, ZeroPoint placed Jake in a small local inn, where he ate breakfast and dinner each day. He took pleasure in being immersed in German culture. He says, “The people were fantastic and all of the German foods were delicious.” On weekends, Jake toured the country by himself in a rental car provided by the company. He found driving in Germany to be exhilarating: “Most people don’t realize that the Autobahn is the entire German highway system and not just one road. There are

no speed limits, except in towns. In addition, they try not to stop traffic, so they use a lot of yield signs.” Jake says he particularly enjoyed visiting the cities of Dresden and Berlin. “As an engineer, you appreciate the amazing attention to detail that Germans put into everything. Some of the structures I saw were older than the United States.” For his employment, Jake worked in computer aided drafting (CAD) at the Schwarze Pumpe power station. One of his primary initiatives was to make a computer model of the entire plant, adding ZeroPoint’s proposed changes. He also had the opportunity to assist in conducting maintenance on existing equipment under the direction of German plant workers. Jake’s CAD work was completed at such a high quality that ZeroPoint hired him for the balance of the summer to continue working remotely on drawings after he returned to the United States. The Schwarze Pumpe power station, located just miles from the Polish border in what was formerly communist Germany, is a testing plant where ZeroPoint conducts much of its research. The plant uses an energy technology called biomass gasification to produce synthetic gas (syngas), which can be burned to produce heat and electricity. The material can be produced without harmful emissions, making it a viable energy alternative. In general, Jake feels that one of the most positive aspects of his international internship was the opportunity to work with advanced technology. In addition, he was able to experience a six-week testing process of cutting-edge power generation, which provided him invaluable first-hand knowledge, skills and perspective. A day of work at the Schwarze Pumpe plant typically lasted from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jake frequently carpooled with some of his coworkers. He enjoyed getting to know them and was able to develop friendships despite the language barrier. “It was cool to learn about the differences in culture between Germany and the United States. The Germans are very precise about everything they do,” explains Jake.

>>>>>>>> Jake is incredibly grateful for everything that he learned through his internship, which he describes as “the experience of a lifetime.” He says, “From a technology standpoint, I learned what biomass gasification is, and how it can be efficiently used to produce electricity at a commercial level. I also learned how an electric power generation plant operates, both as an integrated whole and with its many individual components. From a societal standpoint, I learned a tremendous amount about German culture and history. I now have a greater appreciation for other cultures and also many things I took for granted living in the United States.” And he feels that his Geneva education prepared him to make the most of this experience: “The courses I’ve had at Geneva definitely enhanced my ability to think logically and solve problems. This problem-solving capability proved extremely valuable while I was on my own 4,200 miles from home—and not only when I was resolving engineering challenges.” As Geneva students who travel abroad are impacted by the people they meet, those in foreign countries are also impacted by Geneva students. The hope is that they will transform society for the kingdom of Christ in whatever vocation they are serving. G

Jake Fl ick C l ass

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A m erican S o cie t y o f m ec h anica l E ngineers ( A S M E ) Lo ca l e

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By Debbie ( Me lo ne ’78) Hanes

H o l ly (Paine ) Magn u s o n C l ass

20 0 2 Ma j o r

P syc h o lo gy A c t ivi t ies

S t u dying, s t u dying, an d m o re s t u dying; Teac h ing A ssis tan t, H u m ani t ies; Teac h ing A ssis tan t, S tat is t ics; P u b l ic R e l at i o ns I n t ern; R esi d en t A ssis tan t f o r K err H o u se L o ca l e

T h e S wee t es t P l ace o n E ar t h Hers h ey, PA

The road to Chocolate Town, USA involved more than just a few sweet turns for Holly (Paine ’02) Magnuson. And more challenges are around the corner for her as The Hershey Company expands its global presence in the marketplace. As Director of Talent Planning and Workforce Analytics, Holly is responsible for organizational and leadership solutions for The Hershey Company, the leading North American manufacturer of chocolate and other confectionery products. A pre-professional psychology major at Geneva, Holly had originally dreamed of a career in neuroscience. But while still a student, she realized that her interests were much broader. She found herself accumulating additional elective credits in a growing number of diverse subject areas. “I think I was up to six different undeclared minors at one point,” she laughs. “I didn’t know what I wanted to be. I was kind of a geek, but I was also really interested in broad-based liberal arts.” Holly’s experience as a resident assistant (RA) at Geneva’s Kerr House may have been her first foray into the world of managing personalities. “Who starts out thinking they want to be a human resources person when they grow up?” she wonders aloud.

“I never would have expected to be in the job scenario I have now.” And that early experience as an RA? “It’s definitely made for some good job interview fodder for me over the years,” she says. After earning a master’s in industrial and labor relations at Cornell University, Holly held positions with Circuit City, General Electric and General Mills, eventually joining The Hershey Company at its headquarters in Hershey, Pennsylvania. “My world is talent planning—looking at ways to develop future business leaders with a broad and purposeful array of business skills,” she says. As part of that development, Hershey recently examined its U.S. market leadership in consumer brands and looked at its future business strategies across the world. “Even though we have around 14,000 employees worldwide, we’re a relatively small consumer packaged goods company globally” says Holly. “We started asking, ‘What’s our place in the world and how do we compete?’ We decided we’re not going to try to be the biggest, but instead, the smartest and the best.” Part of that strategic workforce planning includes identifying and grooming potential business leaders from within for the

company’s succession planning. “One of the things we look at is whether folks who grow within the company are getting the breadth of experience they need to succeed,” she says.

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The company continually reviews the optimal amount of time that potential business leaders should spend observing and working in various functions within the company to gain broad-based exposure. How many rotations and in which areas? How long should they work in certain roles to gain the most knowledge of various functions? “People are moved appropriately to help broaden their experience base within the organization,” she says. “It’s a way to give people the experience they would eventually need to assume a general manager’s position.” “Taking the scenic route is important in the long run,” she says of the need for people to be exposed to multiple job functions. As a student with an extremely wide variety of interests at Geneva, she’s living proof that broadening an individual’s experience base can pay off later in a career. What Holly finds most exciting about her current job is “workforce analytics.” These analyses clearly cause the self-described “geek” to really light up. “It’s a lot of predictive analytics … how you should drive decisions and anticipate what’s happening in labor markets and in the workforce. It actually takes me back to my psychology and statistics classes at Geneva. We did a lot of scenario planning.” In addition to its U.S. presence, Hershey operates in a number of countries, including Canada, Mexico, China, India and Brazil. Holly’s business travel has also included stops in Thailand and Belgium. Her analytical work includes thinking through “what ifs” for Hershey. What if they acquire a company? What will the workforce impacts be? “You have to understand the data and keep it data-driven. It’s really taking an art and turning it into science,” she says. “How exciting is this?” But make no mistake. She doesn’t really intend her thought as an actual question. Her enthusiastic tone conveys that she knows this is an exciting endeavor for someone who obviously loves statistics and has learned to use data and facts to tell a story. Milton S. Hershey, founder of The Hershey Company, was known as a great humanitarian and philanthropist. In 1903 he had a vision to build the world’s first modern chocolate factory. Not content with the factory alone, he took an active role in the community that was growing up around the chocolate plant. Milton Hershey built a “real home town” complete with schools, shops and a park where his employees and their families could

>>>>>>>>>>>> relax. He also started an orphanage and the Milton Hershey School—later endowing it with his entire fortune. Those types of principles still drive the company today. “Hershey is a fabulous company—with a great culture and strong ethical values,” says Holly. She sees many parallels between the organizational development practices employed by thoughtful corporations like Hershey and the concept of servant leadership she encountered at Geneva. “If you look at any company with a strong leadership development program, you’ll see many of those same principles,” she observes. “Within any type of organization, you can replicate systems, marketing and business strategies,” she says. “The thing you can’t replicate is people and the connections they have. At the end of the day, what you’re left with is your connection with team and relationships.” Emphasizing the importance of people and relationships is something Holly views as an integral part of human resource success. There are two clear choices, she observes. “You can either mistreat people and harm an organization, or treat people differently and propel the organization ahead.”

by C at h y D. ( E dwar d s ’8 3) S ig m u n d, P h . D.

“Come with me.”As I sat in a Friday evening worship service in December 2010, I heard these words so loudly in my heart and spirit that it was as if I heard them audibly with my ears. Soon, the lead pastor of this small inner city church began speaking about people called to a faraway land to plant churches and to teach. A week later,Tonya Reed, a missionary social worker friend and part-time faculty member in Geneva College’s Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCP) would repeat these words, asking, “Come with me to Sri Lanka …” to train leaders of the persecuted church and minister to refugees victimized by violence and war. Apparently, God was calling me to come with Him to a foreign field to teach and to minister. But as what? A psychologist?

C at h y (E dwar ds) S ig m u n d Professor of Psychology, Counseling & Human Services C l ass

198 3 Ma j o r

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Co ncer t an d Marc h ing ban d, S t ring E nse m b l e, P syc h o lo gy C lu b, B l ack S t u d en t Organizat i o n ( B S O), G o spe l Tea m , Y earb o o k

More than 30 years ago, as a graduating psychology major at Geneva, I totally underestimated how amazing and faithful God is to prepare for His work and the desires of His heart in us. Instead of going straight to the mission field, the Lord had me complete a doctoral program in clinical psychology. He then had me do postdoctoral work in violence and trauma. Other important preparations and home ministry include: going back to Geneva as a faculty member teaching psychology, counseling and human services from a Christ-centered perspective; going to an intentionally culturally diverse and mission-oriented church; and going to train and minister to clergy right here at home in grief, loss and trauma. I learned that foreign missions does not have to be “either/or” in terms of vocation.The Lord has provided numerous vocational vehicles and callings by which His heart is extended and actualized in care and ministry. International missionary psychology and related human services are two budding areas that clearly need prepared and trained workers to harvest the field.

L o ca l e

E t h i o pia an d Ugan da

In much of the world, psychologists and other behavioral professionals are few and far between. Missionary psychology is a wonderful way to extend Christ’s heart of love and care to others, and missionary psychologists serve the kingdom in a number ways. Some serve by ministering direct care to indigenous people or missionaries and their families who remain in the field. Others serve by establishing human services to indigenous people and training those people to continue the work. Still others serve by teaching in the field, through collaborative international research, as well as through advocacy and other social service venues.

In February, 2012, I had a desire to establish church-based safe havens for victimized and traumatized communities in which I felt the Lord calling to me again to focus on His larger global family. Two days later, in a local church I had never before attended, word came forth supporting this call—“Go and do what the Lord has spoken to you to do.” So I did!

In the summer of 2012, I had the privilege of moving from more home mission initiatives to leading an International Psychology Grief/Trauma Training Mission in two East African countries— Ethiopia and Uganda. Both countries have been hard hit with trauma. Historically, Ethiopians have had to live through civil war, political unrest and military dictatorship. In particular, Ethiopian Christians endured persecution related to the Red Terror and Communism, where hundreds of thousands were displaced, thousands murdered and countless traumatized. In recent years, Ethiopian Christians have been persecuted by Muslim extremists. Just last year, an estimated five to ten thousand Christians were displaced from their homes by Muslim radicals. Nearly 70 churches were destroyed and a number of Christian leaders, evangelists, pastors and lay leaders were killed. Many are now familiar with the Ugandan Boy Soldiers/Invisible Children and the Lord’s Resistance Army’s leader, Kony, who not so long ago ravaged northern Uganda displacing 95% of the population via terrorism and guerilla warfare. Both of these countries are still in need of assistance related to grief and trauma and neither have adequate professional behavioral health resources. Clergy care training was seen as needed and imperative. The purpose of the East Africa grief/trauma training was to lay a foundation for church-based human service care and ministry to traumatized communities. Eventually, with training and collaboration, the intent is for churches to serve as ministry posts or care centers for their communities: Centers for Help, Hope & Healing (CH3 Initiative).Thus, the training emphasized a care and ministry approach called Incarnational Caring, or I*Care for short. I*Care articulates a biblical approach to providing pastoral counseling, Christian counseling or any other type of care ministry.

In all, a group of 243 church leaders, lay leaders, and Christian social service professionals from Ethiopia and Uganda received training in this East Africa mission. Results from reflective and evaluative group discussions of the training indicate that the vast majority of participants noted that the training was informative, helpful and useful in their work within the church; provided helpful insights on living a Christian life and holistic gospel; and provided integration of the Bible and their Christian faith with their work as pastors, teachers, and counselors. Many participants noted the Christ-centered focus as the most important aspect of training.

Christians serving as missionary psychologists are needed in both secular and church settings, as well as in home and foreign mission fields. Since the summer of 2012 and the mission tour to Ethiopia and Uganda, I have been invited back to both countries by national church leadership and to the countries of Haiti, Rwanda and Tanzania. The work here at home in the Greater Pittsburgh area also continues— providing church- and community-based education and training, psychological consultation and care. As I move forward in this work, I pray for continued sensitivity to God’s leading to come with Him, healing hearts and planting care. G

By A m an da ( K aska l avic h ’0 6) F l inner

On the outer walls of a children’s home in Peru, a message stands out in bold, red letters:“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in” (Matthew 25:35). This is the key passage at the heart of Matthew 25 International, a non-profit organization that sends teams to places in need of physical and spiritual aid, such as Peru, India, Mexico and Haiti. On the physical end, the teams deliver food and clothing and provide shelter by building children’s homes. On the spiritual end, they build churches, train pastors and minister to the community. The man doing the sending is Geneva graduate Mike Rebich ’06. He and his wife, Ariana, are the Matthew 25 International project coordinators who plan and execute missions from their base in Louisiana, as well as accompany teams on their initial trips abroad. When he was a student, if anybody would have told Mike that full-time missions work would become his career and that he would one day earn minister’s credentials, he probably would have laughed. He was a biology student hoping to get into medical school, which did not include trotting across the globe to who-knows-where. When he watched a group of friends go on missions trips to Jamaica each summer, he just didn’t get it. But he was curious.“I always asked,‘Why do you do that? Why do you guys keep going back? Why does that keep coming up in your life?’ And they would always say,‘It’s just something you have to experience. We can’t explain it to you.You just gotta be there to experience it,’” he remembers. But another experience had to happen to Mike first: he had to be saved before he could help save anyone else. Mike accepted Christ while at Geneva and he graduated as a new Christian who was a bit uncertain how his life would unfold. He was pretty content working in construction, but he knew he had to use his skills for something greater.

He prayed, and God answered. Mike met with Matthew 25 International’s founder John Kimball, who brought him to the jungles of Peru for two weeks to build a children’s home. After that first trip, Mike knew he wanted to do more—and was supposed to do more. He would do a lot more—and soon—quitting his job, getting married, packing his belongings in a U-Haul and moving with his new wife over a thousand miles away into the Deep South. Saying all of this change was scary is an understatement, but Mike and Ariana had faith in God’s plan. Since then, Mike has experienced a great deal, including the worst of the devastation in Haiti, a place ravaged by earthquakes and hurricanes and plagued by violence and desperation.“But these people are not savages.They are not a group of crazed people.They are a desperate people. Desperate for a government that will care about them, desperate for food and clean water for them and their children. Desperate for life…,” Mike wrote on his blog last year. It’s a fine balancing act for the teams to provide for overwhelming physical need like this while also tending to the spiritual. In a place where people try to find hope in voodoo practices,

this is a significant challenge.This point was driven home for Mike while he was helping to build a church in downtown Port-au-Prince and the next-door neighbor was preparing for a voodoo ritual by chopping off turtles’ heads and draining their blood into bowls. It was a stark contrast, to say the least. Mike is quick to point out, though, that Matthew 25 International’s intention is not to “Americanize” these areas, but equip pastors and leaders with the Gospel so that they, in turn, can transform their own communities.Through training, the organization can ensure the Word is reaching into the deepest places—like some jungles of Peru or other particularly volatile areas—that wouldn’t be safe or wise for Americans to visit. Although the arms of the organization are far-reaching, they also touch areas closer to home in southern Louisiana, where a children’s home is being built in partnership with the local Bethel Pentecostal Fellowship church. One of the few of its kind in the entire United States, the Adullam Household of Faith will provide shelter for the children of incarcerated parents from the nearby Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. Women will have the option to sign over their parental rights rather than have their babies become a ward of the state and enter the social system. Even with all the work Matthew 25 International is doing throughout the world, it’s still a struggle for some people to get on board. How can one person make a difference? Mike says there are several options for those who want to get involved but aren’t sure how. First, of course, he encourages people to actually go on a trip. Like his friends at Geneva told him years ago, this is something you just have to experience for yourself. “Put together a group. We’ll work with you. And come with us, build a church with us, come minister to the kids in our children’s home for a week,” he says.

Another option is to sponsor a project, whether it’s a small one like the addition of a church roof, or a large one, like the building of a church or training center. Not everyone is called to do fulltime missions, but everyone is called to do something. “Everybody has a part to play in the kingdom,” Mike says. And every part is important.The organization posts follow-up videos on its website and on Facebook to show people what their contributions, big or small, can accomplish.“We always try to keep that in front of people to really show them. One reason is for accountability for us as an organization. We always want to be accountable for God’s money that’s given to us, so you know this is what we’re doing with it, and here is the result of that,” he says. It’s safe to say that even though Mike took a while to grasp the meaning of missions, he certainly gets it now. G Find out more about Matthew 25 International at matthew25international.org.

Mike R ebic h C l ass

20 0 6 Ma j o r

B i o lo gy A c t ivi t ies

Learning & Transi t i o n S t u d en t Men to r L o ca l e

P er u, I n d ia , Hai t i, U S A , I srae l

by G reg W ise ’ 95

As Chief Operating Officer for Christian World Outreach (CWO), an international evangelistic humanitarian aid organization, (Paul) Greg Yoder ’79 does his best to follow the example that the 12-yearold Christ set when preparing for His ministry:“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). This favorite verse of Greg’s also serves as a guiding principle for CWO as a whole. Established in 1979 to conduct camps for young people in Haiti, the organization broadened its influence in 2000 by expanding into Africa.Today, CWO operates in four countries— Burkina Faso, Haiti, Zambia and Zimbabwe—providing medical clinics, vocational training, Christian leadership development, children’s feeding programs, HIV/AIDS prevention education, AIDS orphan assistance, educational libraries, evangelistic outreach and discipleship, emergency relief, and more. Greg says,“I can help others grow, not just spiritually, but in all areas of life—socially, by making a difference in their community; physically, by feeding kids and helping them be healthier and live a little longer—all the while creating opportunities to share the gospel.” Throughout 2012, the organization also underwent tremendous physical expansion, according to Greg.“We constructed two buildings in Burkina Faso—a dorm and a dining hall for our vocational school. The vocational school is a boarding school, and many women are currently staying in classrooms that have been converted to dorms.With these new buildings, we’ll be able to house a lot more women and open up a number of classrooms.” The vocational school in Burkina Faso and another like it in Haiti teach women sewing, cooking, cosmetology, business, French, English and other work skills.This education enables them to enter the workforce and earn an income, provide for their families, and develop a greater sense of self worth. Additionally, in Zimbabwe where CWO works with AIDS orphans by hosting camps to provide the children individual and group counseling, construction of a multipurpose building will soon begin now that the plans are drawn and the property has been prepared.This building will serve as housing for the orphans and also for conducting leadership conferences.And in Haiti, the organization will soon open a brand new health center which should be completed this year. “I’m excited about CWO’s growth and the growth of our ministry,” exclaims Greg. His enthusiasm is to be expected, especially considering the close, personal connection he holds with CWO through his parents, who helped found the organization after witnessing Haiti’s tremendous poverty during a trip in the late ’70s.

As a matter of fact, Greg’s father, the President of CWO, is known by many Haitians as “Papa Dean.” Greg has a similarly deep and profound relationship with the country of Haiti, which he first visited as a student at Geneva during summer mission trips.“I actually moved to Haiti six months after graduating from Geneva,” he says.“I earned an elementary education degree and taught three-and-a-half years at a Christian school for missionary kids. I lived there for eight years; met my wife, who also taught at the school; and our two sons were born in Haiti.” But of course, Greg is also very involved with the other countries in which CWO is active. In addition to handling operations for the organization—dealing with government agencies, budgeting, reporting— he works directly with short-term teams and intermediate missionaries going into the field, drawing on his extensive firsthand knowledge of this type of ministry.“I really enjoy sharing that experience with people, especially high school and college students,” he says.“I like being a part of their first experience and also seeing what it’s doing in their lives.” Furthermore, Greg wrote a training manual for the short-term teams and conducts pre-trip meetings on different cultures, advising them, “Keep your eyes open, observe and learn, and accept the differences.” He also teaches on the mission-trip experience and last-minute preparations.“Some of the students I’ve worked with have gone on to be full-time missionaries,” he adds. Although Greg is no longer directly engaged in elementary education, his college experiences remain relevant to his current situation. “Geneva helped me through the diversity of people I met and got to know there. I also prepared for all this travelling through singing and touring with Reflection.”

That touring experience certainly comes in handy as Greg amasses his huge collection of frequent flyer miles:“I’ve been to Burkina Faso and recently took a trip to Haiti. I also traveled to Zimbabwe in December to work with our staff there, and then to West Africa in January.” With so many projects being undertaken in troubled areas around the globe, Greg says the big picture can sometimes seem overwhelming. Making these seemingly impossible tasks manageable is why CWO focuses on “making a difference one life at a time” by partnering with and employing nationals whenever possible. The organization relies on the people of the local communities to let them know the best ways to help. A prime example of the success of this approach is CWO’s partnership with the nationals who speak to vulnerable and orphaned boys living on the streets, referred to by Greg as the “nephews.” These young men also demonstrate that CWO’s vision of following Jesus’ example of growing a ministry seems to be working. Greg says,“There are joyous times when we see the fruit of our labors. The nephews told us,‘You’ve shared Jesus with us. Now, can you teach us to share Him with others?’They’ve seen the gift of salvation and are eager to share that gift with others.” And as that gift continues to be passed on through the work of Greg and CWO,“one life at a time,” countless others around the world will also be given the opportunity to become followers of Christ, growing spiritually. G To learn more about Christian World Outreach, visit cwomissions.org.

G reg Yo d er C l ass

1979 Ma j o r

E l e m en tary E d u cat i o n A c t ivi t ies

R e f l ec t i o n — a s t u d en t- l e d singing gr o u p L o ca l e

B u rkina Fas o, Hai t i, Z a m bia an d Z i m babwe

in service

Greg Mead, President of The Genevans, also praised Dr. Smith’s energy for the job. “He asks much of us as a choir and pushes us to reach a high standard of excellence,” he says of Dr. Smith.

by a da m r owe ’14

David Smith

“His passion and care are contagious.” Ever the shaker and mover, Dr. Smith first stirred up Genevans rehearsals and now plans to move the ensemble’s international trip. The first Dr. Smith-directed international tour will be a spring 2014 trip to the Philippines and Malaysia. The two nations are a unique destination because the continent is fresh. The European setting of every international tour since their start in 1986 has been exchanged for the tropical climes of Southeast Asia. “Our concerts have always been to European countries,” says Dr. Robert Copeland, the previous director, who organized the group’s international ministries. “The countries of Europe are almost entirely pagan today, and we always tried to spread the gospel by presenting music with a biblical message, performed with excellence.” Dr. Smith, a missionary kid, grew up in and around the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam, and he draws on these contacts to plan the next tour. With a new continent comes a new hope: in addition to ministering to others, Dr. Smith trusts the trip will minister to The Genevans themselves. They’ll first visit schools, universities and churches in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. In between performances and meeting missionary children, the choir members on the tour will also visit a public dump. An entire community lives and scavenges among

“Creativity on the Run”

the discarded junk of the city, and Dr. Smith wants his choir to face the abject poverty. “I’m taking the choir there not to perform, although they might,

As of this fall, Geneva College’s student choir, The Genevans,

but to let the choir see the desperate nature of many peoples’

has been under the leadership of a new director—the first in over

lives,” Dr. Smith says of the destination. “I’d really like to break

three decades.The man himself, Dr. David Smith, ensures that the

the hearts of my students for the means of the world.”

change will not go unnoticed. From his first rehearsal with the group, Dr. Smith has added his unique vision: the choir practiced with the lights off. Dr. Smith’s only communication for the first 30 minutes of the rehearsal was through hand signals and a little writing.

“My dream right now is to go as far as the Banaue Rice Terraces,” he states, referencing the 2000-year-old terraces carved into

He was even dressed in black, to heighten the darkness.

the mountains of Ifugao, a northern province. “We’ll see if that’s

“I wanted a memorable experience,” he says about the occasion,

Pinatubo, a volcano that erupted in 1991, and Davao, a southern

“so that even the old members wouldn’t know what was going to

resort town known for its pearl fishing. It holds a church aided by

happen next. It created a really special time for the choir.” The choir is fast-paced under Dr. Smith, too. An all-Saturday event typically held in February turned into a fall choir retreat, giving the group

possible.” Baguio City is also on the itinerary, along with Mount

Reformed Presbyterian pastor Barry York, whose congregation is looking forward to the visit. Throughout their travels, of course, The Genevans will be performing at numerous institutions.

of vocalists a head start to the semester. And the choir’s metabolism stays

Dr. Smith hopes to end in Borneo, the location of East Malaysia.

up as they always stand when singing during rehearsals. “I keep them

His parents worked in the town of Kota Kinabalu for many years,

hopping,” Dr. Smith states. “We don’t take breaks during rehearsals.

and he knows a Chinese church there. Also, since it’s a Muslim

We do have devotions in the middle, but we’re using our time.”

country, he plans to take The Genevans to a mosque. Dr. Smith

“Doc Smith has brought a new intensity and energy to The Genevans,” says choir member Elise Lundy, citing his dynamic personality, unique vision and unwillingness to compromise on his standard for the choir.

10 32

After visiting the major city, the choir will head up to the north.

would love to end the tour on two-day hike up a 13,455-foot-tall mountain in the northeast, giving the choir a scenic ending to their two-week expedition. At the moment, however, his plans are between the “dream stage and the implementation stage.”

While attending Dr. Copeland’s final concert last year, Dr. Smith remembers noticing that the bulletin cited that concert as The Genevans’ 74th season. “I did the math” he says dryly, “and realized that the next year was the 75th.” Since his first year coincided with the anniversary occasion, Dr. Smith was eager to present a concert

“All my creativity has to run in the same direction. And now

forward to where the choir is now.

I wake up early in the morning

This special concert took place during Homecoming weekend,

before my alarm, thinking of

that both looked back on where the choir has been and

when The Genevans sang a nostalgia-themed gig consisting of the alma mater; the student-written Geneva hit from the ’40s, “Moon on the Campus;” and other fight songs from that era. The 1930s

things I’m going to do with

enjoys drawing on this history.

The Genevans—places to

“I get this image—it’s probably completely wrong—of Geneva

go, music to do.”

and ’40s were a musical renaissance at Geneva, and Dr. Smith

students just bursting into song at random moments,” he says, adding that many pieces written within and after that time are all “romantic, schmaltz, and very fun.” They also sang a few movements from a ’98 cantata written by Dr. Robert Copeland. “Not only are we looking back at old commission, but we’re having one made ourselves,” Dr. Smith states, explaining that they are in discussions with Diane Whitacre, a Christian composer working out of Fort Wayne, Indiana, to set a psalm to music for their spring concert and spring tour through the southeast United States. He hopes her anthem will become a Genevans classic. Before directing The Genevans, Dr. Smith led Geneva’s Wednesday morning chapel for six years. He loved it and was inspired by it, but decided to move on when Dr. Copeland announced his

retirement. In addition, he teaches voice lessons, several voicerelated classes and a conducting class. And he has a vision for The Genevans that extends into the next couple of decades. “I wouldn’t have been able to do both chapel and Genevans,” he says. “All my creativity has to run in the same direction. And now I wake up early in the morning before my alarm, thinking of things I’m going to do with The Genevans— places to go, music to do.” With Dr. Smith’s creativity on the run, no distance is impossible, from inventive rehearsals to new continents. To support The Genevans’ musical mission, visit geneva.edu/genevans.

By Julia Schadem an ’13

enevans gAnniversary

class notes

Class Notes are now available on geneva. edu. Visit the site to learn about fellow classmates. Submit an update so they can stay connected with you.

PA, where both Ted and Dom’s wife graduated. Dom still resides in Clairton, while Ted resides in Southfield, MI.

1974

1954

Harvey Robinson, recently honored as a Fifty Year Member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, is now retired and living in Lady Lake, FL.

1958

Keith and Leu Anne (Grove ’61) Copeland reside in Kissimmee, FL.

1961

Leu Anne (Grove) Copeland –See Copeland 1958

1962

Howard and Sally (Brown ’64) Peters have had an award created in their honor by the ACS Division of Chemistry and the Law. This annual award recognizes outstanding contributions to non-traditional careers in chemistry. The Peters reside in Menlo Park, CA.

1963

Margaret (Wallace) Franke was named a Commissioned Ruling Elder for Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church (PCUSA). She is a retired adjunct faculty member at Northern New Mexico College in Espanola, NM, and still teaches courses online. Margaret and her husband William reside in Truchas, NM.

1964

Sally (Brown) Peters –See Peters 1962

1970

Bob and Jane (Kidd ’72) Rak celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on June 17, 2012.

George and Kathy (Walck ’72) Thompson celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on August 19, 2012. George is retiring after 41 years with Travelers Insurance Company. The Thompsons reside in Glastonbury, CT. Richard and Mary Ellen (Gianneschi ’72) Vrable celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on June 3, 2012. Richard is Director of Special Education in the Mogadore Local School District in OH, with 42 years of experience as a public school administrator. Mary Ellen recently retired after 30 years as a foreign language teacher in Brunswick, OH. The Vrables reside in Strongsville, OH.

1972

Judith (Plants) Beale retired from 39 years of teaching elementary music in Georgia. She is a certified Orff-Schulwerk instructor and clinician and resides in Kennesaw, GA. Chris Hilleary completed his fifth summer conducting workshops at college campuses around the country, teaching materials science and engineering concepts to high school and middle school science teachers. His goal is to expose students to materials science as a possible career path. Chris is retired from teaching chemistry and working in industry. He and his wife Melissa spend time traveling and working on home remodeling and community service projects. Carol (Chudik) Mawhinney received her Master of Education with Principal Certification from Cabrini College. Carol is currently employed as Dean of Students of Wickersham Elementary School for the School District of Lancaster in Lancaster, PA. Jane (Kidd) Rak –See Rak 1970 Kathy (Walck) Thompson –See Thompson 1971

1971

Ted Kay and Domenic (Dom) DiMattia ’66 reunited at the 45th reunion of the Class of 1967 at Clairton High School in Clairton,

2012 after 25 years of teaching kindergarten in Lisbon, OH. She and her husband John will be busy with their first grandchild, Nolan Matthew, born May 23, 2012. Their daughter, Ann (Ramsey ’00) Metzler, welcomed twin boys at the end of summer.

Mary Ellen (Gianneschi) Vrable –See Vrable 1971

1973

Jane (Helman) Ramsey retired May 31,

Sandra Pittenturf serves as Composition Supervisor at RRD Donnelly & Sons. Her oldest son, Joshua, is currently serving his seventh year in the United States Army. He has deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan.Her youngest son, David, is completing his college degree. Sandra resides in Mount Joy, PA.

1976

Chuck Lawrence received his Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration from Eastern University in St. David’s, PA. He and his wife Diane reside in Barto, PA.

1977

Marcia (Bennett) Cornell is retired and living in Decatur, AL with her husband James. Bill McFarland published Keep the Flag to the Front: The Story of the Eighth Kansas Volunteer Infantry, a book about soldiers who served during the Civil War. Daniel Williams serves as Transitional Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk of Central Florida Presbytery (PCUSA). He was also elected at the 220th PCUSA General Assembly to a six-year term on the Advisory Committee on the Constitution. Daniel and his wife Sharon reside in Orlando, FL.

1979

David Lash is a contract pilot and flight instructor. David and his wife Rhonda reside in Newville, PA. Pamela (Mock) Vohar and her husband Donald reside in Waddell, AZ.

1980

Sue Ellen (Snedeker) Dunlap published Love and Miss You, a book about her late son Michael’s four-year battle with brain cancer. Barry Horst recently returned from serving with Brethren in Christ World Missions in Honduras. He is planning to deploy to Ireland with Operation Mobilization in June 2013, where he will serve as Program Manager. Barry and his wife Kimberly reside in Mechanicsburg, PA. Mark Tomcik received a Master of Science in Marketing and Communication from Franklin University in Columbus, OH. Mark has also been inducted into Sigma Beta Delta: International Society for Business, Management and Administration. Mark

and his wife Kristi (Otto ’81) reside in Westerville, OH.

1981 Kristi (Otto) Tomcik –See Tomcik 1980

1982

Cindy (Lazar) Neiswinger –See Neiswinger 1983

1983

Jeffrey Hall, playing the part of Walter, wrapped up filming the movie The Underdogs with actor D.B. Sweeney and singer Natalie Imbruglia in September 2012. Also in the movie is Beaver Falls native and National Football League Hall of Famer Joe Namath. The film is due for release in 2013. Allison McFarland qualified for the National Senior Olympics to be held in the summer of 2013 in Columbus, OH. At the Kansas Senior Olympics in September 2012, she finished first in the discus, first in the shot put and second in the javelin. Alison’s uncle, former Geneva President Joe McFarland, earned Senior Olympic medals into his 80s.

1989

Bryan Bemis is a corporate pilot for BNY Mellon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Bryan and his wife Suzanne have three children: Joshua, Kayloah and Tristan. They reside in Sewickley, PA. Doug Dragan is Founding Pastor of Living Water Fellowship in Center Township, PA. The church was planted in 2006, moved from Moon Township to Center Township in 2011 and is doing well. Doug and his wife Nathalie have two daughters, Kylie and McCall, who have been attending Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney, Australia, for over two years. Christopher Fox recently relocated from Alabama to Maryland to lead the training of a new business/government hybrid for Verizon Wireless. He is training Verizon employees to handle federal, state and local government customers while maintaining legal compliance. Kathy (Rigby ’89) Stadler –See Stadler 1988

1990

Paul Hamm is a physician for Brooks Medical Arts. Paul and his wife Beth Ann, along with children Emma and Olivia, reside in Knox, PA.

1991

Gregory Kaufinger earned his Ph.D. in Business Administration from Anderson University in June 2012. Gregory has joined the faculty at Anderson as Associate Professor of Accounting. He and his wife Jennifer reside in Anderson, IN. Michael Neiswinger is now working as a Product Manager for Amazon in Seattle, WA. Michael and his wife Cindy (Lazar ’82) reside in Puyallup, WA.

1986

Lori (Holstein) Cotton is beginning a new appointment as pastor of Hope United Methodist Church in Cape Coral, FL. Her husband Ralph will serve as pastor of Alva United Methodist Church. Lori writes, “We’re very excited to begin this new journey in Christ.” They reside in Alva, FL. Lee Elliott is Engineering Infrastructure Manager for Nuance Communications, where he is leading a team that supports the engineering of Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Lee and his wife Marybeth have three sons: Mark, Daniel and David. They reside in Fremont, NH.

1988

David Stadler is Media Infrastructure Architect at Grove City College in Grove City, PA. David and Kathy (Rigby ’89) have two children, Sarah and Matthew, and reside in Allison Park, PA.

1992

Karen Pirone-Mullaney and her husband Robert announce the birth of Grace Marie on September 22, 2012. She joins her 10-year-old brother Joseph.

dissertation, “Job the Unfinalisable,” published in notable academic publisher E.J. Brill’s Biblical Interpretation Series.

2000

Richard Wingfield married Vanessa Clifton on April 28, 2012. The wedding took place at Unity Baptist Church in Braddock, PA, where Richard serves as Senior Pastor.

2002

Justin Myers teaches third grade at Cambria Heights Elementary School in Carrolltown, PA. He and his wife Alissa reside in South Fork, PA, with children Zachary, Aislinn, Eva, Joshua and Karys. Elizabeth (Miller, MAHE) Prickett is Accessible Media Coordinator at George Mason University. She and her husband John reside in Herndon, VA.

2003

Benjamin W. Cieply received his Ph.D. in Cancer Cell Biology from West Virginia University School of Medicine on November 26, 2012. Benjamin has begun his post-doctoral studies at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

1993

Joanne (Farina) Peterson completed the dissertation process to earn her Ph.D. through Capella University. She also earned and renewed National Board for Professional Teaching Standards status. Joanne is a teacher in the Scotland County Schools in Laurel Hill, NC. She and her husband James reside in Laurinburg, NC. Gretchen Sayre-Kozen is an English teacher for New Hanover County Schools in Wilmington, NC. She and her husband Eric reside in Burgaw, NC.

1996

Seong Whan Hyun is having his doctoral

Michael Newman resides in Arlington, VA.

2004

Sarah (Hoffman) Evans received her Doctorate of Psychology from Duquesne University in the summer of 2012. Sarah and her husband Greg reside in Irwin, PA. Jack Hogue is a special education teacher in Haywood County, NC. Jack and his wife Elizabeth reside in Hendersonville, NC. Christina (Roberts) married Lawrence Howells Jr., a corrections officer in Westmoreland County, on June 19, 2010.

Geneva graduates participating in the ceremony included Christina’s mother Gail (West ’75) Roberts, along with Candice Roberts ’04, Kelli Koon ’04, Erin (Stone ’04) Zimmerman and Rev. Vince Scavo ’88. Christina is an auditor for Maher Duessel CPAs in Pittsburgh. In July 2012, she was promoted from Staff Accountant to Senior Accountant. The Howells reside in Apollo, PA.

in December 2011. Edie joins big sister Clara Elizabeth. The Work family resides in Murrysville, PA.

Sean and Melissa (Witt) Kelly welcomed the birth of Kayden Alexander Kelly on June 10, 2012. Melissa works in marketing and public relations at Sandcastle Waterpark 2005 in Pittsburgh. Mark Frailey (DCP #024) served as chaplain for the PA State Senate for one day in May 2012: “The greatest accomplishment, even more so than the Senate, is the way God is using me and the tools that I gained through my education to reform and transform the lives of believers and those coming to Jesus Christ as new believers.”

Laura (Hunter) and Joseph Erno married on May 26, 2012. The Ernos reside in Harrisburg, PA.

Erica (Wachtel) and Michael Loftus married on November 10, 2012. Erica is President of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce. The Loftuses reside in Baden, PA.

Jenny (Bower) Pichura –See Pichura 2006

Ashleigh (Verrillo) and John Meeker married in Annapolis, MD, on September 29, 2012. Geneva alumnae Beth (Enterline ’03) Campbell, Jill (Courson ’04) O’Brien, Abbi (Campbell ’04) Weaver and Lindsay (Adams ’04) Gardner were in the wedding party. Ashleigh has received her License in Clinical Social Work, and serves as a Clinical Care Manager for Value Options in Morrisville, MC. The Meekers reside in Durham, NC.

Michael Rebich Jr. is Project Coordinator for Matthew 25 International in Patterson, LA, where he and his wife Ariana reside. See “Giving Hope to the Hopeless” on page 28. Barry and Leslie (Turner) Leicher celebrated the birth of twins Barry Clark and Scott Everett on May 15, 2012. Leslie is employed by Young Life.

Stephenie (Huggins) Work –See Work 2004

2006 Lisa (Cilli, MAC ’10) and Matthew Thomas married on June 30, 2012. They reside in Warren, OH.

David and Stephenie (Huggins ’05) Work announce the birth of Edie Alexandra

36 28

Stephen Alessi and his wife Karen welcomed Braelyn Eve and Emma Marie into their family on September 13, 2012. Stephen is a sales representative for Sherwin-Williams. He earned his MBA from Wilkes University in 2010. They reside in Mountain Top, PA.

Michael and Jenny (Bower ’05) Pichura welcomed Lela Ann into their family on September 30, 2012. Lela joins her brother Seth. The Pichuras reside in Beaver Falls, PA.

John (Dan) Reed is Director of Development at Morris Animal Foundation. He and his wife Melissa reside in Denver, CO.

2007

Amber (Chess) and Daniel Brady celebrated the birth of twins Parker Daniel and Mackenzie Ruth on May 20, 2011.

Parker is already a fan of Geneva Magazine.

Kristin Butterworth received her Ph.D. in Chemistry from SUNY Buffalo in July 2012. She is Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA. Lynne (Fettis) Gallagher is a behavioral specialist consultant and mobile therapist at the Allegheny Children’s Initiative in Pittsburgh. She also is a substitute teacher in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Lynne received her M.S.Ed. in School Counseling from Duquesne University in May 2011. She and her husband Matthew reside in Munhall, PA.

Michael and Megan Lehman married on June 30, 2012. Michael is a naval aviator with the United States Navy, and deployed for the second time to Japan in December 2012. The Lehmans reside in Jacksonville, FL.

Kelly (Bramble) and Daniel Speicher married on June 23, 2012. Kelly is Performing Arts Program Assistant for Urban Impact in Pittsburgh. The Speichers reside in Oakmont, PA.

Susan (Mawhinney) Mitchell is an admissions representative for Learning Sciences International in Mount Joy, PA. She and her husband Mike reside in Lancaster, PA.

2011

Danny Sullivan is Area Director for Young Life in Hershey, PA. Danny and his wife Melody (Bennett) have two children, Bennett and Anna Joy. The Sullivans reside in Hershey.

Lauren (Zanker) Berger –See Berger 2008

Richard and Sheila Sutton married on September 29, 2012. Richard is Coronary Clinical Specialist for Abbot Vascular. The Suttons reside in Blue Bell, PA.

Rachel Riddell is now serving as Administrative Assistant for the Dean of Student Life Office at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD.

2009

Kati Steinmetz recently graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling. She is serving as a counselor for Gateway Rehabilitation in Pittsburgh.

Andrew and Sarah (Brooks) Colbert are the proud parents of Margaret Louise Colbert, born on November 13, 2012. Sarah is employed as a science teacher at Bayshore Christian School in Fairhope, AL. The Colberts reside in Daphne, AL.

Rebecca (Romero) and Timothy Minter welcomed Grace Elizabeth Minter into their home during 2012. The Minters reside at Shaw Air Force Base in SC.

Ryan and Amy (Hagen) Curley married on June 17, 2011. They reside in Aliquippa, PA.

2012

Jonathon and Becky (Parkinson) Cosgrove married on September 29, 2012. The Cosgroves reside in Columbia, MD. Briana Gamret is a neurophysiology technician in UPMC’s Department of Clinical Neurophysiology. She is training to work in the operating room, where she will place electrodes on patients to monitor brain and nerve function during surgery. Briana writes, “I was very blessed to gain such a good job so quickly after graduation.” Briana resides in Dravosburg, PA. Hannah (Winkle) married Chase Lund on June 1, 2012. The Lunds reside in Manassas, VA, and she is teaching piano.

Shayna (Morrison) Metz is an energy advisor for On Demand Energy in Moon, PA. She and her husband Jake have one child, Ayree Saphya Metz, born September 19, 2011. They reside in Industry, PA. Rebecca (Michalik) Williams –See Williams 2009

2008

Nathan and Lauren (Zanker ’11) Berger married on October 20, 2012. The Bergers reside in Coraopolis, PA.

Jared and Rebecca (Michalik ’07) Williams announce the birth of son Jackson Grey on August 12, 2012. Jackson joins big sister Alena, who “absolutely adores him.” The Williams reside in Hookstown, PA. Jake and Brianna (Mixter) McCracken reside in Monaca, PA. Scott and Brenna (Unrath) Moreland married on August 4, 2012.

2010

Andy Kerstetter is a news reporter for The Sublette Examiner, a small weekly newspaper in Pinedale, WY, where he resides.

Kyle Potter is a campus minister for Coalition for Christian Outreach. He resides in Elmira, NY.

Photos appear within or after the corresponding class note. 37

class notes

In Memoriam

LAURA (JANNUZI ’32) WILSON (1906-2012)

Laura, who passed away on August 15, 2012, was one of eight members of the Jannuzi family to attend Geneva. She played basketball and volleyball, participated in the French Club and the Women’s Student Association, and graduated with a degree in education. In her later years, Laura still prominently displayed her Geneva athletics letter and spoke of her love for her hometown of Beaver Falls and her alma mater, Geneva College.

30s

Dr. Victor I. Markson ’34 on August 15, 2012 Paul G. Angle ’35 on May 18, 2012 Donald K. Hamer ’37 on June 6, 2012 Paul D. Liscomb ’37 on May 7, 2012 Ida E. (Beatty ’38) Martsolf on July 4, 2012 Ruth M. (Hamilton ’38) Mulcahy on September 5, 2012

40s

Edith (Charlton ’40) Munn on September 28, 2012

Elizabeth E. (Stollmayer ’40) Niklewicz on November 15, 2012

Alma Lillian (Griffith ’50) Wargetz on October 2, 2012

Claire B. Kelbaugh ’41 on August 4, 2012

John C. Grossglass ’51 on October 21, 2012

Ruth V. (Looloian ’42) Stasko on August 8, 2012

Robert D. Klink ’51 on June 27, 2012

Bernice N. (Blews ’42) Wallace on May 6, 2012

Barbara C. (Cleland ’51) Lavash on November 4, 2012

Dr. Ralph A. Gaudio ’46 on August 16, 2012

Shirley M. (Cooper ’52) Bruce on November 20, 2012

Barton M. Rumbaugh ’46 on October 17, 2012

Nancy Ellen (Hole ’52) Hacko on August 2, 2012

Lois J. (Mooney ’46) Shafer on September 14, 2012

Albert J. Miller ’52 on June 29, 2012

Mahlon R. Evans ’47 on July 14, 2012

Nick S. Panico ’52 on July 30, 2012

Frank N. Fusco ’47 on December 7, 2012

Earl J. Scheel ’52 on October 22, 2012.

Dr. Raymond O.F. Heckerman ’47 on August 5, 2012

Alice R. (Thayer ’53) Bowes on April 26, 2012

James N. Kennedy ’47 on December 1, 2012

James O. Nelson ’53 on June 24, 2012

G. Jean (Atchison ’48) Haney on September 8, 2012

Rev. John D. Patterson ’53 on September 22, 2012

Paul M. Pugh Jr. ’48 on July 14, 2012

Siola I. (Velazquez ’55) McFarland on November 15, 2012

Guy J. Bennett ’49 on July 14, 2012 Jewel L. (Rippy ’49) Watson on June 19, 2012

50s

J. Glenn Bissett ’50 on April 8, 2012 Gust M. Capatides ’50 on November 1, 2012

Robert P. Zapsic ’55 on December 7, 2012

John J. Kochalka Jr. ’50 on September 14, 2012

Johnna L. (Schramm ’56) Kelbaugh on December 6, 2012

Felix L. Mangiarelli ’50 on August 25, 2012

Mary Vale (White ’56) Torrence on July 23, 2012

Joseph B. Nemecek ’50 on August 15, 2012

Henry S. Barrett II ’57 on July 6, 2012

Robert T. Steinecke ’50 on June 28, 2012

Donald H. Mullinnix ’57 on November 3, 2012

Ruth A. Cain ’58 on November 11, 2012

Daniel R. Mackintosh ’74 on June 22, 2012

James P. Weidman ’58 on September 16, 2012

Robert M. Staats ’77 on August 1, 2012

John T. Atkinson ’59 on July 8, 2012

Thomas A. Sabo ’79 on October 23, 2012

Michael F. Gache ’59 on July 2, 2012 Mary Allyn (Spickerman ’59) Newman on August 25, 2012

60s

John B. “Jack” Moore ’60 on August 1, 2012 Kevork George Kevorkian ’61 on May 2, 2012 Sandra J. (Forbes ’62) Lucas on October 29, 2012 Carol B. (Bestwick ’62) Miller on November 13, 2012 Eugene D. Kokoski ’64 on November 28, 2012

80s

Randy A. Champlin ’82 on July 27, 2012 Eva M. (Obendorf ’86) Trombulak on November 8, 2012

00s

Robert B. Wilson (MSOL ’00) on November 11, 2012

Dr. Joseph Lamont on October 23, 2012. Dr. Lamont served on the Geneva College Board of Trustees from 1976 to 2008, and also served on the college’s Board of Corporators. Anna Mae (Dunham) Martin on November 18, 2012

Dennis P. Cook ’66 on November 26, 2012

Muriel J. (Phillips) McCarl on August 3, 2012

Joseph A. Pilla Jr. ’68 on November 3, 2012 Adele R. Primerano ’68 on June 5, 2012

William H. Miller on December 7, 2012. Mr. Miller was instrumental in the construction of Northwood Hall.

70s

Samuel L. Pelaia on September 30, 2012

Larry R. Wilcox ’70 on November 9, 2012 Samuel J. Bologna ’71 on September 27, 2012 Janet Kay (Frishkorn ’71) Madak on July 9, 2012 Betsy (Mickelsen ’73) Miller on October 24, 2012 John M. Arthur ’74 on October 21, 2012

To share your news, visit www.geneva.edu/ class_notes and click on “Update Form.” High-resolution pictures of at least three megapixels in size may be submitted in JPEG format. You may also mail your news and photos to: GENEVA COLLEGE Office of Alumni Relations 3200 College Avenue Beaver Falls, PA 15010 Inclusion of all items in Class Notes is at the discretion of Geneva College, in accordance with the community standards of the institution.

Friends

Larry E. Yard ’64 on November 28, 2012

Marian R. (Pittenger ’70) Hales on November 8, 2012

Class Notes Information

CARL O. HUGHES ’43 (1921–2012) Carl passed away on December 29, 2012. An economics major, he participated in football, track and field, theater, marching and concert band, and The Genevans. Following graduation, he worked as a sportswriter for The Pittsburgh Press and served in the Army before becoming President and CEO of Kennywood Amusement Park. Well known for a desire to honor others and for his love of Geneva College, Carl and his wife, Anny, made many contributions. These include the A.C. Edgecombe Press Box, John Nave Infirmary, Chuck Rosemeyer Student Ministries Office Suite, and many others. In 1974, Carl received the Life G Award.

Louise E. (May) Zahn on September 12, 2012 Louis Zeiden on October 5, 2012

– Denotes members of the

Heritage Society, which recognizes the valuable contributions of alumni and friends who include Geneva in their estate and/or financial plans by gifts made through annuities, charitable trusts, gifts of life estates, undivided partial interests in real estate, or life insurance, and gifts made through their will.

in conclusion

Dr. Terry Thomas Through Geneva’s student ministry program, Dr. Thomas— commonly called Terry by his students—works with people who are specifically preparing for missions-oriented careers. But as an instructor of core Bible courses, he also touches the life of every student at Geneva regardless of major, helping them prepare for kingdom building through many different vocations around the world.

How did you get into the field of Christian higher education? I was working for the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO) doing campus ministry at a variety of places for 20 years before I came to Geneva, so I had spent all my previous time working with college students. While finishing my dissertation, I filled in occasionally for a friend of mine at Washington & Jefferson teaching religion courses. That was the first time I was immersed in teaching, and I thought, “If you’re interested in influencing people, which is what I was interested in, it doesn’t get any better than this. You can make them read books. You get to talk about stuff you think is important. You can make them write papers. Wow, this is fantastic!”

What is your philosophy of teaching? I try to build an environment around which learning is going to take place. It’s not so much about teaching as it is about learning, because who cares if you can teach if nobody learns anything. I think a big part of this doesn’t take place in the classroom, so in the Bible Department, we’ve tried to build in a lot of time outside of class with students. Research shows that student satisfaction, which is correlated to academic success, is positively influenced by the amount of time that students spend with faculty outside the classroom. Then, they’re not fearful in a class setting, and professors seem approachable. They recognize that you care, and they think, “This must be important because he’s telling us this.”

You’re well known for having a great sense of humor. How does that fit your approach? Dumbing Us Down, a book by 30-year teacher John Gatto, proposes that many people have been dulled to some degree by their schooling experience. So they don’t anticipate college being an engaging energetic lively type experience. I like the serendipitous nature of humor, the surprise, the “I-didn’t-see-that-coming” approach, because it keeps students interested. Students are a lot more likely to remain engaged because they’re afraid they’ll miss something funny, and I’m trying to overcome people’s lack of engagement in their own learning. Plus, I like to teach that way (laughs).

I like the serendipitous nature of humor, the surprise, the

“I-didn’t-see-that-coming” approach… As every Geneva student takes Foundations of a Christian Worldview and Culture, what do you intend for them to take away from the experience? We encourage the ongoing development of a Christian worldview, and then flow from there into cultural engagement, which is something that Christians may be accused of not doing at times. We say, “Look, you should be culturally engaged.” And we use popular culture as one of the areas of study because it’s, you know, popular (laughs). Because popular culture vies as one of the things that shape a worldview in students, they have to be able to figure out how to be discerning. We talk about human relationships as well—friendships or marriage or the church or dating or whatever—trying to enhance the relationships we have. Students also have to figure out how work relates to their faith in some way, recognizing that that all vocations are kingdom vocations.

Don’t leave us flat! May-July 2013

Help us “pump up” our endowed scholarships by supporting Geneva Across America— a 10-week transcontinental bicycle trip. Make a donation, be a sponsor or join the ride! Find out how you can be a part of the effort at geneva.edu/gaa.

Imagine the power of learning …about the early church while exploring the catacombs. …about the Renaissance while climbing into Michelangelo’s dome. …about the tragedy of Pompeii while wandering its empty villas.

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